- Magico M2 loudspeaker24 January 2020, 5:31 pm
On a snowy day in March 2019, the first room I visited at the Montreal Audio Fest, hosted by retailer Audio by Mark Jones, featured the world premiere of the Magico M2 loudspeaker. The soundstaging produced by these elegant towers was palpable, the full-range tonal balance superbly uncolored. Both aspects reminded me of my experience of Magico's S5 Mk.II loudspeaker, which I enthusiastically reviewed in Stereophile's February 2017 issue. Accordingly, I made a note that the M2 was going on my "mu... - Pass Labs INT-25 integrated amplifier23 January 2020, 7:16 pm
In my personal life I prefer the minimalist, one-box architecture of integrated amplifiers. Always have. Before I started writing for Stereophile, my only audio system consisted of a pair of 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5a loudspeakers (with factory wall mounts) and an ancient Creek integrated amplifier, connected to my computer via a Halide DAC HD, and to an Oppo CD player. That system had pitch-perfect tone and was satisfying with all types of music.Thu, 01/23/2020... - Vivid Kaya 45 loudspeaker22 January 2020, 6:16 pm
For a decade, the sound of the Vivid Giya loudspeakers, which I had heard only at CES in private demonstration suites, beguiled me. My positive impressions were completely consistent from one show to the next—but then, so were the host and the surroundings. I had to wonder how much those factors contributed to my impressions. Wed, 01/22/2020... - Audio Research Reference 160S power amplifier21 January 2020, 7:02 pm
This, our February issue, is the first Stereophile issue to arrive during the year 2020, which marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Audio Research—in my view one of the key events in the history of high-end audio. So it makes sense for this issue to include an Audio Research review—in this case, of the $20,000 Reference 160 S stereo amplifier. Tue, 01/21/2020... - 2020 Jitter Measurements20 January 2020, 4:37 pm
Even as digital/analog processors were becoming a hot product category in the early 1990s, audiophiles were also learning that timing uncertainties in the AES/EBU and S/PDIF serial datastreams—jitter—would compromise any improvement in sound quality offered by these DACs. Some companies therefore introduced products to reduce or eliminate jitter—in the November 1994 issue of Stereophile, Robert Harley reviewed three such products: the Audio Alchemy DTI Pro, the Digital Domain VSP...
- Q&A with René Laflamme of Fidelio Music24 January 2020, 3:02 am
What ignited your interest in the high end? My electronics teacher showed me how to design tube electronics, but he also influenced me forever when one day he played an Opus 3 LP on his custom-made electronics audio system that he designed based on an OTL tube amp with high voltage power-tube coupling driving a pair of Acoustat electrostats. The sound was so natural with outstanding microdynamics. Then he also played me the Nagra IV-S with a recording he’d made of percussion music and orga... - oBravo Cupid Hybrid Planar-Magnetic/Dynamic Earphone22 January 2020, 9:56 pm
David Teng is the founder of oBravo, a Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in high-end, high-performance headphones and earphones. OBravo’s initial development efforts centered on full-size headphones, such as the hybrid AMT/dynamic driver HAMT-1 reviewed by our sister publication Hi-Fi+. Later, oBravo branched out to design ultra-high performance hybrid earphones that sounded terrific, but also were typically quite expensive. Most oBravo headphones and earphones use hybrid driver arrays, ... - High-Resolution Technologies Stage IV Speaker/Amplifier System21 January 2020, 3:16 pm
The HRT Stage IV system arrived for review almost exactly, all but to the day, sixty years after the release of the first stereo LP. This coincidence could be thought of as deeply symbolic, because the Stage IV system constitutes an unusually effective way to present stereo information as it should be presented—at least in one theory. The explanation of this is going to involve a digression into the history and theory of stereo. But it will be, as I hope, well worth your while to follow th... - Goldmund Introduces the New 590 NEXTGEN II and TELOS 7 NEXTGEN Integrated Amplifiers21 January 2020, 2:03 pm
The following is a press relase issued by Goldmund. January 21, 2020 - For decades, Goldmund’s amplification technology has been acclaimed by music lovers worldwide. Over time, the various models in the Telos line have been meticulously refined. Year after year, circuit after circuit, the characteristics that give Goldmund units more transparency, energy, linearity, openness and stability, have been successfully maintained and improved. As with the other Telos amplifiers, the 590 NextGen I... - Return to Abbey Road20 January 2020, 12:56 pm
When I attended last year’s press conference at Capitol Records for the 50th Anniversary launch of The Beatles, aka The White Album, a journalist shouted out to producer Giles Martin, “Hey, what about Abbey Road?” Martin, ever unflappable, wryly responded, “So we’ve already moved on, have we?” The question, however, was prescient. Indeed, the cherished Beatles catalog remains a living, evolving fiscal juggernaut. Sure enough, a year later I found myself return...
- KEF Is Now Shipping Their KF92 Active Subwoofer24 January 2020, 11:03 am
KEF's new KF92 subwoofer ($2000) features twin 9" drivers aligned in a 'force-cancelling' configuration. Two massive 9" drivers are powered by an immense 1000 Watts of power. Optimized with KEF's Music Integrity Engine, KEF's KF92 subwoofer delivers astonishing levels of deep and controlled bass according to the company. KEF says, "To reproduce serious bass you need a completely different kind of loudspeaker, one which can cope with huge pressure. KF92 is engineered to blast out huge chunks of l... - Silversmith Audio Celebrates 20 Years With FIDELIUM24 January 2020, 11:02 am
Silversmith Audio is celebrating their special 20th anniversary by announcing their new line of FIDELIUM loudspeaker cable. This new series is said to represent a 330% performance increase over the company's previous PALLADIUM speaker cables, yet at 1/10 the price. The skin-effect characteristics of Silversmith Audio's FIDELIUM alloy are up to 33 times superior to those of copper or silver says the company.---> Read More ... - Sonos Quickly Responds To The Error Of Their Ways24 January 2020, 11:01 am
With the recent reports of Sonos 'bricking' many millions of older units due to the company's new and more modern product offerings, public outcry was unleashed and now Sonos has responded. Their e-mail we received is as follows: We heard you. We did not get this right from the start. My apologies for that and I wanted to personally assure you of the path forward: First, rest assured that come May, when we end new software updates for our legacy products, they will continue to work just as they ... - TBT Review: Falcon LS3/5A Classic Small Two-Way Monitor Reborn23 January 2020, 7:10 am
It is no secret that Malcolm Jones did most of the design and development of the legendary KEF drive units such as the B139, B200, B110, T15, and T27. He left KEF in 1974 having just completed the famous Reference Series 104 system and thus began work on an active professional monitor plus his new company Falcon Acoustics Ltd. When Falcon announced making LS3/5A, using all-new drivers that were said to 'voice' to the original KEF 15 Ohm drivers (B110-SP1003 and T27-SP1032), a desire was set on f... - SD Association Celebrates Their 20th Anniversary23 January 2020, 7:09 am
While many mainstream music lovers now stream their music via an online service, audiophiles also enjoy true lossless Hi-Res Music downloads for the highest of sound quality. Portable audio fans rely on both internal and external memory to store their fave tunes. And with that said, the SD Association (SDA) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a mission to reinvent the memory card. This has made life easier for consumers and businesses globally. Throughout the years, SD memory cards evolved,...
- REVIEW: Sophia Electric 91-03 300B | Integrated amplifier | USA31 December 2019, 11:00 pm
⌈ SOPHIA ELECTRIC is a small family company with a seat in Vienna – but the American Vienna, Virginia. Run by Mr Richard Wugang, it is mostly known for excellent vacuum tubes, including the 300B. However, it also offers amplifiers that are based on these tubes, as well as loudspeakers. We are testing the company’s integrated amplifier based on the 300B tubes in the SET configuration. ⌋ here are names that we automatically associate with some type of a product. For... - KRAKOW SONIC SOCIETY | Meeting № 123: DIRK RAEKE in Cracow | Transrotor Alto TMD, i.e. vinyl discs in digital times | POLAND/Krakow31 December 2019, 11:00 pm
| VINYL – THE KIND OF WEIRD THING ape | It is a bit pushy and a little forceful, but I cannot help it, as I want to be honest – both with you and myself. The thing is that, for many years, I have been trying to present the world of vinyl to you from a different perspective than is normally assumed. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I wrote that the word “analog” is not synonymous with “vinyl” already several years ago. I went even further and said somethi... - REVIEW: FOS Audio FOS-70SXL | Anti-vibration platform | POLAND31 December 2019, 11:00 pm
⌈ FOS AUDIO is unusual an unusual company by the audio industry standards. Its parent company is Magic Decors, whose business includes luxury furniture, mainly for bathrooms. As we read in the About tab on the company website, it has existed for "over twenty years". Using its experience in woodworking, based on audiophile experience, the company also offers well-made anti-vibration products - racks and platforms. We are testing the FOS-70SXL anti-vibration platform. ⌋ he case ... - REVIEW: Moonriver Audio MODEL 404 | Integrated amplifier | SWEDEN31 December 2019, 11:00 pm
⌈ MOONRIVER AUDIO is a Swedish company based in Malmö. Its name was inspired by the famous song by Andy Williams, performed, among others, by Frank Sinatra. The company has been developing the Model 505 phono preamplifier, but at the moment there is only one product in its offer, the Model 404 integrated amplifier. ⌋ t happens only very rarely that I come across an audio company that offers only one product. It was the case with the Sonus faber Snail speaker system, so it... - REVIEW: FRAM MAXI 150 | Active loudspeakers | POLAND31 December 2019, 11:00 pm
⌈ FRAM is a company that was set up with a market different than the audiophile market in mind. It offers active loudspeakers looking like lifestyle ones, but built like top-class audiophile loudspeakers. We are testing the company’s largest model: the MAXI 150. ⌋ could see this coming – the active, DSP-corrected FRAM Maxi 150 loudspeakers are now in my room. Well, we have tested a lot of different products, but these are loudspeakers different from 99% of products...
- Silversmith Audio Announces a Revolutionary New Line of Speaker Cable: FIDELIUM™24 January 2020, 10:02 pm
Silversmith Audio: A New Generation of Cable Design Celebrating 20 Years, Silversmith Audio Announces a Revolutionary New Line of Speaker Cable: FIDELIUM™ New Cable Line Represents a 330% Performance Increase Over Previous Top-of-the-Line PALLADIUM at 1/10 the Price Springfield, VA — January 23, 2020: Silversmith Audio today announced the launch of a new line... Read More » The post Silversmith Audio Announces a Revolutionary New Line of Speaker Cable: FIDELIUM&tr... - Two Boneheads Launch New Import and Distribution Company.23 January 2020, 7:32 pm
January 23, 2020, Englewood, CO - Monarch Systems Ltd., a distributor of high performance consumer electronics, has officially launched their brand and services. Monarch Systems Ltd. will be focused not only in offering premium brands through “b to b” channels but also top-level dealer support and end-user care. Additionally, Monarch Systems Ltd is supremely active... Read More » The post Two Boneheads Launch New Import and Distribution Company. appeared first on Positive Feedb... - Snake Oil and the Velocity of Propagation23 January 2020, 12:43 am
Chip Stern and Roger Skoff at the LAOC Audio Society Gala Banquet, December, 2019 (photograph and image processing by David W. Robinson) Roger Skoff finally proves that cables work and tells at least part of the reason why. For at least the last thirty years (that I know of), audiophiles have been divided into four—if... Read More » The post Snake Oil and the Velocity of Propagation appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Karen Gomyo and Ismo Eskelinen: Carnival (music for violin and guitar) (SACD)22 January 2020, 8:49 pm
Here's the latest from our good audio friend and brother who writes and edits at The Tannhauser Gate, John Marks. He draws our attention to a very promising stereo/multichannel SACD from BIS. I have found John's recommendations to be trustworthy always, and have thus already ordered mine from Amazon. You can do the same! David... Read More » The post Karen Gomyo and Ismo Eskelinen: Carnival (music for violin and guitar) (SACD) appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Integrity HIFI's Tru-Kleen22 January 2020, 8:07 pm
Any analog lover will be the first to tell you, vinyl is a commitment. From record cleaning, to storage, to outer and inner sleeves, to dust removal methods and tools, the simple act of spinning records isn't so simple, but rather a very deliberate set of steps designed to optimize playback and extend the life... Read More » The post Integrity HIFI's Tru-Kleen appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- The Merrill Audio PURE Tape Head Preamp11 January 2020, 11:47 pm
If you grew up in the hifi era of the 60s and 70s, magazines featured the latest stereo equipment in their ads and editorial pages, and the reel to reel tape deck was the pinnacle. You may have owned one, yourself. Most were bought to record radio broadcasts or to record music to have continuous [...]... - The REL no.25 Six-Pack10 January 2020, 6:39 am
It only takes about eight seconds listening to a double stack of six REL no.25 subwoofers to realize that this is something completely otherworldly. It’s not about sheer bass extension, though there’s plenty of that. The No.25 goes down to about 14 Hz (11 Hz in a well-dimensioned room) and will shake the room sufficiently [...]... - Issue 10026 December 2019, 5:31 am
Features AWARDS! Product of the Year, Exceptional Value, Publishers Choice… AND-PRODUCTS OF THE DECADE! Old School: Juan Calvillo looks back at the Marantz 2252 Headphone Art: Auditioning the Focal Utopia Phones The Audiophile Apartment: Jeff Dorgay spends time with the Pathos Logos Mk.II Integrated Shanon Says: Our Canadian correspondent tells us about power Mine: It [...]... - The PrimaLuna EVO 400 Preamplifier18 December 2019, 3:15 am
Thirty years ago, I spent $4,500 on an Audio Research SP-11. Think about that for a second. Granted, it had a really good, built-in phonostage, but that was crazy money for a preamp in 1989. Fortunately, I keep track of nearly everyone that buys my vintage gear as it passes through, and much like vintage [...]... - The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB17 December 2019, 8:24 pm
With vinyl showing no indication of slowing down whatsoever, more and more people are looking for a place to dip their toe in the pool. While many seasoned vinylistas might stick their noses in the air at a four-hundred dollar turntable with a built-in phono stage, it’s a damn good deal. Let’s be honest, there’s [...]...
- Totem Acoustic Tribe Tower Loudspeakers15 January 2020, 5:00 am
Note: Measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link. In November 2018, I concluded my review of Totem Acoustic’s Sky Tower loudspeaker with this: “It’s taken me 15 years to properly experience a pair of Totem Acoustic speakers. Having spent the last few weeks with the Sky Towers, I hope I won’t have to wait nearly that long to hear the next pair.” ... - Recommended Reference Component: Paradigm Defiance V12 Subwoofer1 January 2020, 5:00 am
SoundStage! writer Diego Estan strongly believes that the proper integration of one of more subwoofers into a two-channel stereo system can elevate the sound quality of that system above what can be expected from an unassisted pair of stand-mounted or floorstanding speakers. In a July 2019 article, “Integrating a Single Subwoofer into a Two-Channel System for Beginners,” he cited two main reasons for this: ... - Q Acoustics Concept 300 Loudspeakers1 January 2020, 5:00 am
Note: Measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link. Q Acoustics was founded in 2006, and in competing with the UK’s old guard -- Bowers & Wilkins, KEF, Tannoy, Wharfedale, etc. -- Q likes to present itself as younger and fresher, focusing its speaker designs on high value, high sound quality, and great appearance. From their website: “Q Acoustics is a young brand. No heritage. No tradition. No old black... - The Best of the Tokyo International Audio Show 20191 January 2020, 5:00 am
The annual Tokyo International Audio Show (TIAS) is small enough that, in the show’s three days, one person can cover it all. But while it’s much smaller than, say, Munich’s High End or Warsaw’s Audio Video Show, each of which requires a team of three or more reporters to get everywhere, TIAS is a significant show -- hi-fi is still big in Japan, and brands from around the world exhibit there, mostly through their distributors. (TIAS began as a distributor-run show, to sho... - Hegel Music Systems H390 Integrated Amplifier-DAC15 December 2019, 5:00 am
Here’s how upgrading your hi-fi used to work: In the early 1980s, when I got into the hobby, a separate preamp and power amp were what you bought if you were serious about sound. But if, like me, you couldn’t afford separates, you bought an integrated amplifier as an interim measure. That’s why, back then, you rarely if ever saw a truly “high end” integrated amp -- the “high end” was all about separates. I first had an NAD integrated, then a Denon, befor...
- New Album Releases Project 2020-1-2525 January 2020, 10:01 pm
NARP, the New Album Releases Project, got its start at NAR, New Album Releases, and back then – January 17, 2018, I had no idea that it would evolve into a project and be still going strong just about two years later. A proper backgrounder can be read here: https://www.dagogo.com/what-is-nar/ In light of NARP’s longevity [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-1-25 appeared first on Dagogo....
- The Appropriate Pre-master24 January 2020, 4:55 pm
[Publisher’s note: This article is presented by Dagogo Senior Reviewer David Blumenstein.] Always Learning Having been a self-taught mastering engineer for the last 22 years (among other things), I’ve had the chance to learn some simple things independently which are not necessarily the same as what you would receive with formal training. Much of this [...] The post The Appropriate Pre-master appeared first on Dagogo.... - Hana EH phono cartridge retipped by Vinyl Audio Science20 January 2020, 6:42 pm
For the past three years, my favorite phono cartridge has been the Hana EH, which I have listened to almost every day for hours. The Hana is a high-output moving coil cartridge, so, unlike moving magnet cartridges, the stylus is not user replaceable after it wears out. Since I don’t have a high powered microscope [...] The post Hana EH phono cartridge retipped by Vinyl Audio Science appeared first on Dagogo.... - Some plain English on setting up an audio system20 January 2020, 5:57 pm
You’ve just bought a new sound system or maybe you’re just moving the one you have. You’ve brought it home and now you can’t wait to get it set up and ready to play. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your stereo system. Where you put your components [...] The post Some plain English on setting up an audio system appeared first on Dagogo.... - New Album Releases Project 2020-1-1818 January 2020, 5:20 pm
NARP, the New Album Releases Project, got its start at NAR, New Album Releases, and back then – January 17, 2018, I had no idea that it would evolve into a project and be still going strong just about two years later. A proper backgrounder can be read here: https://www.dagogo.com/what-is-nar/ In light of NARP’s longevity [...] The post New Album Releases Project 2020-1-18 appeared first on Dagogo....
- EMM Labs DV2 DAC Review23 January 2020, 4:30 pm
The EMM Labs DV2 is the best sounding product the company has ever made and may be as good or better than any DAC on the market today. There, I said it. That's my unequivocal opinion after listening to the DV2 in my system for several months. I used the qualifier "may" because I haven't listened to every product on the market, but I can throw that qualifier out when discussing DACs I've had in my system at home. The EMM Labs DV2 is as good or better than anything I've ever heard in my refere... - The Value Proposition In Computer Audio: Nuts, Bolts, and Building Blocks - Building a Home for Your Player Software21 January 2020, 4:30 pm
PART 1: OPERATING SYSTEMS FOR x86 BOXES [SBCs, ARM etc will follow in part 2] INTRODUCTION Hopefully, the last installment in our VPCA series got you thinking about what you want in and from the software you use to play your music files. The next link in the chain is the device that turns a digital audio file into a dynamic bit stream (for subsequent conversion to audio frequency signal output by other devices that are further downstream). We’re following th... - Review | Wharfedale Linton Heritage 85th & Audiolab 6000A / 6000CDT16 January 2020, 10:00 pm
This summer I could no longer resist the impression that the return of vinyl as a signal source - be it as a recollection of childhood & youth memories or be it as an exciting new sensory experience - has started to claim its place in the computer-audiophile ecosystem. Not quite central, more in a sense of a lightweight counterbalance that allows us somehow to better adjust our digital pleasures. That's why I decided last July finally to hand over my Rega Planar 3 turntabl... - The Next Track: Episode 167 | Tuning the Perfect Music Listening Room15 January 2020, 3:18 pm
Hey Guys - I was a guest on @kirkmc and @DougAdams The Next Track podcast this week. The episode is now available everywhere podcasts are consumed. It was a fin discussion about my new listening room, how I got from point A to point B and what matters most when shooting for great sound. Here is the show for listening right now. More information and show notes can be found at The Next Track website -&nbs... - Turnstiles13 January 2020, 6:35 pm
I am sure that anyone who has perused my music articles here can readily discern that I am a jazz guy. My father was a musician and the earliest music I can remember hearing at home was jazz, from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Mel Torme, Julie London, Keely Smith and Steve and Edie. Yes, Steve and Edie. I still have those LPs somewhere. Ninety percent of my listening is still jazz and I no longer see rock concerts live. However, that doesn’t mean that I have not enjoyed rock and pop con...
- Michael Fremer’s Top 50 Albums of the 2010’s (+Honorable Mentions & Playlists)24 January 2020, 10:24 pm
Frankly speaking, I don’t like lists. It’s bad enough to pick 5 best albums over a year, never mind 50 over a decade. It’s worse to have to almost arbitrarily list them in descending order, but that’s the self-assignment so that’s what I’ve done. While I was already Social Security eligible a decade ago, many people found my behavior to be that of a 4 year old, so perhaps that’s why my pal Malachi, the site’s other “regular writer” and ... - Malachi Lui's Top 50 Albums of the 2010's (+ Honorable Mentions & Playlists)23 January 2020, 4:59 pm
For this list, there is no introductory statement that won’t come across as overly self-absorbed and politically bitter, so I’ll just indulge: despite barely being 4 years old at its beginning, I acknowledge that the 2010’s were a complete mess. Disastrous elections, racism, religious and regional intolerance, war, and climate change all contributed to our current feeling of impending doom, yet music remained brilliant. As it’s now “best albums of the decade” ... - Alexis Zoumbas's Nearly 100 Year Old Fiddling Draws New Fans23 January 2020, 3:56 am
R. Crumb’s cover illustration first drew me to this record, which recently arrived with others sent by Third Man Records. It opened to a triple gatefold that provided a fairly complete backgrounder on the folk violinist Alexis Zoumbas who was born in Ioannina, the capital of Epirus the Northern Greece region adjacent to Albania between the Pindus Mountains and the Ionian Sea. The notes by producer Christopher King suggest listening to the opening track “Epirotiko Mirologi” with... - SkyFi Audio Claims to Have the "Largest Collection of Vintage Audio Equipment on the East Coast"!22 January 2020, 9:04 pm
SkyFi Audio, located in Glen Rock, New Jersey invites you to the grand opening of their new showroom Thursday February 27th from 5PM-8PM. The address is 479 South Broad Street. So if you are in Northern, New Jersey, it's close by! Please be sure to RSVP. I'll surely be there. Hope to see you.... - With "Brass In Pocket" Chrissie Hynde Delivers a Jazz Album21 January 2020, 1:05 am
It takes a rocker with "brass in pocket" to deliver a jazz album. It takes more than that to produce a great one, which is what Hynde does on Valve Bone Woe, the title of which was her trombonist brother's "beatnik haiku" response to hearing about the passing of Bob Brookmeyer. Hynde here is no jazz pretender.Primary Category: Album ReviewsCategory: Album ReviewsArtist: Chrisse Hynde With the Valve Bone Woe EnsembleAlbum: Valve Bone WoeCred Label: V.B.W.Cred Prod: M...
- Michael is a cable skeptic running big Klipschorns, tube amps, Schiit and more25 January 2020, 1:00 pm
... - Speaker Review: Amphion Argon 3LS24 January 2020, 1:00 pm
... - Ray Kimber's passion for cables might turn around naysayers23 January 2020, 1:00 pm
... - Sonus Faber's Paolo Tezzon on crafting the sound this iconic brand21 January 2020, 1:00 pm
... - Stereophile's John Atkinson on why measurements matter20 January 2020, 1:00 pm
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- Sonus Faber And CES 2020 Highlights | The Occasional Podcast25 January 2020, 1:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Sonus Faber as an audiophile brand has been around a long time. In this episode of The Occasional Podcast we sit down with CEO and President Jeff Poggi and Brand Manager William Kline to discuss not only what it’s like steering the ship for the Italian loudspeaker manufacturer, but the McIntosh Group at large. Also included in the show are some highlights from CES 2020, even if turnout for demo rooms in the Venetian aren’t what they have been in previous years. T... - Albare Plays Jobim | The Vinyl Anachronist24 January 2020, 4:35 pm
Part-Time Audiophile I started off 2020 expecting a break from the multitude of Latin jazz releases–specifically tango and Brazilian jazz–that dominated the music scene in 2019. I love this music, but after a while it all starts to blend together, especially when it’s merely some jazz performer who wants to take a crack at one of these genres without doing the homework. (That means living a lifetime marinating in this music.) If I do listen to new Latin jazz releases, and if I ... - Frank Kohl, The Crossing | The Vinyl Anachronist20 January 2020, 3:45 pm
Part-Time Audiophile For a long time I’ve admired the sound of jazz duos that consist of just an acoustic and a electric guitar player. The overall sound is smooth and relaxing, but there’s always a manner in which the two instruments blend together that’s hypnotic. I have quite a few of these recordings, and it never occurred to me until now that a bass–either electric or not–would add yet another dimension. I mean, it makes perfect sense, but it wasn’t until... - Calabria Foti, Prelude to a Kiss | The Vinyl Anachronist17 January 2020, 6:00 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Contemporary jazz is mostly made of throwbacks, so Calabria Foti and her new album Prelude to a Kiss shouldn’t be at all surprising. Here’s the basic recipe: one sultry chanteuse, one Great American Songbook and a lush orchestra that’s been guided by such noted arrangers as Johnny Mandel, Roger Kellaway and a few more. You’ve heard this music before–singers like Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra built their careers on it. There’s still an... - Guillaume Muller, Sketches of Sound | The Vinyl Anachronist16 January 2020, 4:10 pm
Part-Time Audiophile Was the foreshadowing too obvious when I discussed the possibility of a “purist jazz” trend in 2020 when I reviewed the Fabrizio Sciacca Quartet yesterday? ‘Cuz right on cue we have another fascinating yet straightforward jazz release from guitarist Guillaume Muller, Sketches of Sound. Both recordings focus on small ensembles–trios, quartets and quintets. The difference between this album and the one from FSQ is mainly one of tone and mood–Sketc...
- Buchardt teases A500 active/streaming loudspeakers22 January 2020, 3:53 pm
Buchardt Audio has started taking pre-orders on their new active loudspeaker: the A500 is built around the Danish company’s passive S400 model and adds a Quad-Core DSP chip, dual Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC chips and a trio of Class D amplifiers to each loudspeaker, the latter suggesting that the S400’s […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio... - Schiit’s Jotunheim R to drive RAAL-Requisite ribbons21 January 2020, 5:11 pm
R-rated: RAAL/Requisite’s SR1a ribbon headphone (€3500) forgoes traditional earcups to hang open-baffled planar-like drivers right next to our ears. Quoting Transmission Audio, via Srajan Ebaen’s KIH take on the RAAL, “a ribbon is a membrane of very thin corrugated aluminium suspended between continuous rows of magnets at its narrow ends […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private ... - Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless vs. Campfire Audio Comet21 January 2020, 9:55 am
The key dividing line between smartphones was once as simple as Apple vs. Android. With the operating system selected, the decision tree would move us onto display size, processing power, internal storage and price. And while that may still be the case for the average user, audio folk now have […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio · All Righ... - Letters to the editor: Nubert, Nuarl, Grimm, Merging, Bellari & more19 January 2020, 10:25 am
[Header image: as seen in the gents toilets at Das Gift, Berlin] Christoph K. writes… Hi John, First I would like to say that I‘m a big fan of your reviews and also of your music taste (Billy Bragg BBC 😉 such a direct and raw sound. I can also […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Reserved... - Got the upgrade itch? Try the Noah’s Ark approach17 January 2020, 1:45 pm
The upgrade itch: could it be that our thirst for something better is, in reality, just a desire for something different? One pre-emptive band-aid is not to go all-in in one amplifier, one DAC or one pair of loudspeakers but to split one’s budget between two less costly options. Two […] More---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permission. For private use only. Copyright 2010-2020 · Darko.Audio · All Rights Re...
- MBL N31 CD/DAC24 January 2020, 4:35 pm
The MBL N31 CD/DAC was the second of two pieces from MBL’s midrange Noble Line that was sent from Germany to the island for review. You can read about my musical adventures with the striking and powerful MBL Noble Line N51 Integrated Amplifier here. Much like that glorious looking component, the N31 CD/DAC is cut from the same cloth—a machined beauty of metal and gloss black reflectivity. Like all MBL components and speakers (MBL calls its loudspeakers ‘Radialstrahlers&r... - WAudio 3900 Hi-End Audio Grade Noise Filter17 January 2020, 4:57 pm
This Chinese-made, $200 Amazon stop-gap device had audiophile mediocrity written all over it. First, a story. My power conditioner (PC) blew an onion, and the short to ground left it humming badly and tripping the breakers for the music room and kitchen! The only casualty was a $100 electrician visit plus the conditioner fault blew a $100 Sylvania NOS 4U5AG rectifier tube in the $16,500 phono stage’s power supply. I’m waiting for a few stellar, expensive PCs from three very c... - Focal Stellia Headphones7 January 2020, 5:18 pm
The Stellia is French audio manufacturer Focal’s latest headphone offering, and only their second to offer a closed-back design. At $3,000 they are also entering into territory not often broached by “portable” headphones. So, are such costly cans worth their weight? I spent quite a bit of time trying to find out. Presentation The Focal Stellia receive the most luxe packaging and presentation out of Focal’s entire headphone line. The box is wrapped in a cognac... - Yes—Fragile/Mobile Fidelity 45 RPM Limited Edition4 January 2020, 4:03 pm
I was 20 or 21, an undergrad at the Manhattan School of Music, when I first discovered Yes. I remember distinctly being fascinated by the fantastical cover art from Roger Dean. Yes was the next logical step in my journey through 70s prog rock after King Crimson and Rush. I was helped along the way by my passionate humanities teacher Dr. Pagano who is the only person I have ever met who seamlessly melded the worlds of Homer and Dante with the music of Genesis, The Polic... - MBL N51 Integrated Amplifier20 December 2019, 3:09 pm
It’s been a bumper few years at Audiophilia on the integrated amplifier front. There have always been outstanding examples mating a preamplifier and power amplifier in one chassis and playing nicely together, but more and more high end companies are designing and manufacturing expensive integrated boxes with varying topologies. In fact, my reference power/pre is the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Integrated Amplifier ($10,000) which has served me spectacularly well—it’s a Capr...
- Virtualizing Roon ROCK5 December 2019, 7:00 am
John Reekie continues his virtualization experiments with Roon, this time virtualizing the ROCK software appliance. Performance seems to be about the same as the virtualized Roon Server. He writes "I’m ambivalent about whether I prefer ROCK or Roon Server in a virtualized setting... instructions are here for anyone who would like to try it."... - Virtualizing Roon Server – Part 22 December 2019, 10:51 am
John Reekie continues his article on virtualizing Roon Server with more load measurements. He discovers that the virtualized Roon Server is difficult to break. "I'm impressed by how well it handled the loads I threw at it. I declare the experiment a success!"... - Virtualizing Roon Server1 December 2019, 8:54 am
"In my last article on running Roon Server on the ODroid H2, I initially spent some time worrying about whether this little computer would be powerful enough for Roon," writes John Reekie in the introduction to this article on running Roon Server in a virtualized environment. He walks through the installation procedure and runs a set of experiments on it.... - Roon Server on ODroid H210 July 2019, 10:22 am
John Reekie tests out the ODroid H2 SBC (single board computer) as a Roon Server. "Ever since I discovered how easy it is to set up a DLNA music server on a Raspberry Pi or an ODroid HC1, I’ve been reluctant to dedicate a 'proper' computer as a music server," he writes, to explain the appeal of this inexpensive x86 computer. After walking through the install, he runs some UI tests.... - How to stream Qobuz to almost anything4 July 2019, 2:55 pm
John Reekie decides it's time to branch out from the Raspberry Pi and start streaming to a greater variety of devices. He summarizes the architecture that enables Qobuz to stream to "almost anything" and how to set it up. As a bonus, he provides installation instructions to turn any Linux SBC into a compatible audio player....
- Naim Supernait 3 integrated amplifier21 January 2020, 3:28 pm
You can chart the rise and fall of source popularity by looking at the variations in the three iterations of the Naim Supernait. The original version of Naim’s largest integrated amplifier launched in 2007 with an onboard DAC. The inclusion of a DAC reflected the demand for enthusiasts at the time wanting to upgrade their CD players in what was effectively the second wave of DAC mania. The next iteration, 2013’s Supernait 2, was a line-only affair, reflecting a more purist analogue a... - The Funk Firm Rage 1 modifications to Rega turntables21 January 2020, 3:25 pm
The Funk Firm makes turntables, tonearms, and Achromat pure vinyl replacements for the often-ghastly fuzzy slip-mats on turntables. But what it is also produces is a range of upgrades for popular turntables. The Rage upgrades tested here, for example, are designed to upgrade turntables from the ever-popular Rega stable. Theoretically, anything from a 30-year-old Rega Planar 3 up to the latest models in the line are ripe for Rage. The Rage modifications require a bit of a run-up in explanation, a... - Tellurium Q Ultra Black II RCA cable and loudspeaker cable21 January 2020, 3:18 pm
There is nothing like telling the uninitiated that cable makes a big difference to sound quality if you want to elicit a “Shut up! Are you mad?” response. Even for those within the fold, the notion of cable differences being significant has taken a long time to become established and incredulity remains strong. Yet, as practically anyone who has been given an A/B demonstration will tell you, cables do make a clear difference; quite often a bigger one than electronics, at least on a f... - Stax SR-009S electrostatic earspeakers21 January 2020, 3:08 pm
For many years Stax’s iconic SR-009 electrostatic headphone stood as an industry performance benchmark. The reasons for this included, among other factors, the SR-009’s accurate and absolutely neutral voicing, exceptional resolution, and extremely fast transient speeds. Even so, the past few years have seen the arrival of serious competition from manufacturers of competing electrostatic and planar magnetic designs. In light of these challenges, Stax has launched a new flagship headph... - Empire Ears Phantom custom‑fit in-ear monitors21 January 2020, 3:02 pm
At a certain point in nearly every headphone enthusiast’s lifetime they begin to contemplate purchasing a pair of custom-fit in-ear monitors (CIEMs) rather than universal-fit earphones. The primary reason for making the switch is fit. Compared to even the best universal-fit earphones, CIEMs will feel more comfortable, will always achieve an occluded seal, and will eliminate the need for eartips. There is a reason that CIEMs are the top-of-the-line offerings for most manufacturers. Several ...
- BenQ CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector Review3 June 2019, 2:00 pm
BenQ isn’t just about compact value-oriented DLPs; witness the CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector. It offers premium clarity from a single-chip light engine, 1800 ANSI lumens, HDR, DCI-P3 color, and generous lens shift at the very reasonable price of $2499. I’m checking it out today. The post BenQ CinePrime HT5550 Ultra HD DLP Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Audio Research LS28 Triode Stereo Preamplifier Review29 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Audio Research as a company is half a century old, founded in 1970 by William Johnson. They are one of the pioneers in hi-fi equipment design. The post Audio Research LS28 Triode Stereo Preamplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Powered Speaker Review28 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Vanatoo engineers Gary Gesellchen and Rick Kernen have recently updated their award-winning desktop speakers with a new powered model, the Transparent One Encore. It aims to be an affordable, high quality audiophile system that meets the needs of music enthusiasts with portability, a small footprint, big sound, and deep bass; combined with the ability to stream music from a computer or phone. Six years after the original Transparent Ones, the powered Vanatoo Transparent One Encore improves upon ... - VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Review22 May 2019, 2:00 pm
Today, I’ll be checking out VAVA’s 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector. It projects an image up to 150 inches diagonal while sitting only 16.7 inches from the wall. It sports Ultra HD resolution courtesy of a pixel-shifted DLP chip with support for HDR. The post VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Starke Sound Halo Elite 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System Review20 May 2019, 3:00 pm
Looking for a home theater speaker system that makes a statement in both the visual and aural sense? Then the fine folks at Starke Sound have an impressive looking system to tempt both your eyes and ears! The post Starke Sound Halo Elite 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Adcom GFA-555se Stereo Power Amplifier11 January 2020, 10:55 pm
The Adcom GFA-555 stereo power amplifier has a long history. The original version was introduced in March, 1985. Designed by Nelson Pass, the amplifier weighed 30 pounds and cost about $680. The newer SE version is a redesigned amplifier that weighs 36 pounds and carries a list price of $1299. Adcom retained the styling of the original model, so look closely and you will see “model GFA-555se” above the power switch on the front panel. The distortion figures are markedly improved ove... - Conrad-Johnson Classic Sixty-Two SE Stereo Power Amplifier11 November 2019, 7:37 pm
Dr. William Conrad and Dr. Lewis Johnson, both accountants and committed audiophiles, began selling their vacuum tube amplifiers and preamplifiers in 1977. Many of their current designs evolved from these early circuits. The Classic Sixty-Two SE can trace its lineage back to the Classic 60, various LP series models, and the older MV amps. Some of this rich history are treasured by collectors and serious cognoscenti. Many of these amplifiers share a similar layout: transformers in the rear, tubes... - Aurorasound VIDA Prima Phono Preamplifier22 September 2019, 4:06 pm
Aurorasound is a company in Yokohama, Japan. Designer Shinobu Karaki has 28 years’ experience working for Texas Instruments Japan, Inc. He is also a passionate musician, music teacher and a long-time audiophile. His love of music, combined with trained ears and extensive know-how in electronics and integrated circuits makes Mr. Karaki well suited for designing high-end audio components. Shinobu Karaki-san's designs are state of the art innovative semiconductor technology and combined with ... - ZYX UNIverse Optimum Phono Cartridge4 August 2019, 9:41 pm
Another ceiling has been shattered, another mountain conquered, and another superlative surpassed. The new ZYX UNIverse Optimum moving coil phonograph cartridge has risen above the very high pinnacle of performance set by the ZYX UNIverse Premium, reviewed here on 10 Audio. I encourage you to read the Premium review, as this review will only attempt to detail the differences between the $14,995 Premium and the $16,995 Optimum. The cartridge is labeled with the distributor’s name beca... - Valvet E2 SE Stereo Power Amplifier29 June 2019, 8:12 pm
The new Valvet E2 SE single-ended Class A solid-state amplifier is a revelation. Coming to market about a year after my review of the Valvet E2, the SE version exceeds the E2's audible performance in every parameter. Please see the older review for context. The special edition SE version takes all the E2's excellent performance and offers improvements in every area. The review system has changed since the E2 review, and provides the potential for higher resolution. The significant changes are a ...
- Welcoming David Neice to the fold23 January 2020, 3:22 pm
You read that right! It’s my pleasure to announce that David Neice, well-known to readers of the Canuck Audio forum, will be joining our merry band of scribes here at Wall Of Sound. Apart from his always-lucid writing, I consider David to be a very knowledgeable listener – he’s one of those rare people who, despite decades of experience, is always keen to learn and discover. David is especially interested in standmounted speakers of the classic (2-way) tradition. And in that ve... - DIY EL84 Amp Update!15 January 2020, 5:08 pm
Wall Of Sound DIY Special Project: Thunderbirds are Go! The Tubelab.com, Simple Push-Pull (SPP) EL84 Amplifier PART 1: Cost Breakdown and Parts Ordering Information By Steve Graham But before we get right into it, a special thanks to our patron Erik in Seattle for ‘sponsoring’ this project. Thanks to Erik trusting me with some of his hard-earned dough, the build process starts now! All WOS followers will get the benefit of detailed instructions for building the... - XAVIAN Speakers Upcoming Audition Days in Toronto and Guelph9 January 2020, 10:53 pm
Stereo Untypical of Waterford, Ontario is pleased to be presenting the award-winning, Italian-designed & Czech-made XAVIAN Perla Esclusiva and Premio standmount speakers, at the following audition events: January 30th, 4 to 9pm, in Guelph (private location) February 8th, Noon to 8pm, at Toronto Airport Westin Hotel (edit: note the Toronto date has been changed since the original announcement) Parking is complimentary. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a listen (the more the merrier), but RS... - Bluekey Acoustics: Company Launch and Product Announcement8 January 2020, 5:31 pm
Happy New Year, Wall of Sound readers. The following press release may be of interest to some of you. Bluekey Acoustics: the new kid on the block. Bluekey Acoustics, also known as BKA, is a new speaker manufacturer located in Toronto, Ontario. The company started in 2018 with the purpose of designing and commercializing loudspeakers that not only measure well, but also have exceptional musical and engaging presentation. BKA was created by Francisco Araujo, a life... - EL84 DIY Amplifier Update: An Amplifier Like This One (Only Better) Could Be Yours!16 December 2019, 8:39 pm
By Steve Graham As promised in the preview, a prototype of the EL84 amplifier based on the Tubelab.com circuit board is now built and playing music. It went together with only one hitch. An intermittent resistor was giving me fits…but once diagnosed and replaced, it was all smooth sailing. I gave it at least 100 hours of break in before some serious listening commenced. The Finalé Audio F-7189 II had been returned, so my Dynaco ST35 clone was used as a reference to qua...
- Buying a DAC: Know what You Need23 January 2020, 9:49 pm
In this day and age, the standalone DAC is less likely to be the mode of choice for a newcomer to the hobby because of another factor that has become ingrained into digital audio: convenience.... - Naim Uniti Atom and Uniti Core Review17 January 2020, 6:55 pm
Deciding to take an extended high-fidelity journey with one brand, while exciting, can also cause trepidation in some audiophiles. It’s the whole commitment thing. If there’s ever been a group of people less interested in long-term relationships I’ve yet to meet them.... - Naim Audio adds Qobuz Support16 January 2020, 8:56 pm
The audiophile focus of French high-resolution music-streaming service Qobuz continues to gain momentum as more and more partnerships with high-fidelity manufacturers are announced.... - Undercurrents No.4: Liking and Listening Aren’t the Same13 January 2020, 6:33 pm
2019 was the year that I stopped caring about new music. ... - The Qobuz – AudioStream Playlist: An Emotional Rescue10 January 2020, 9:22 pm
Sharing music has always been a big priority in my life. While the way I’ve come to share music has changed a fair amount over the decades since I started making dupes of cassettes I’d bought, or recording LPs I scored from a record store as a teenager, the underlying desire to connect with others through music hasn’t changed at all. ...
- Campfire Audio Solstice – First Contact25 January 2020, 11:21 am
The Campfire Audio Solstice is a custom-built version of their iconic Andromeda universal monitor feature a 5-BA driver configuration and T.A.E.C technology. It is priced at $1499. Disclaimer: The Campfire Audio Solstice sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Campfire Audio for giving us this opportunity. […] The post Campfire Audio Solstice – First Contact appeared first on Headfonics.... - HELM Audio True Wireless 5.0 TWS – Wireless Weekend24 January 2020, 10:23 am
The Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 is a stylishly designed TWS offering Bluetooth5.0, IPX4, aptX low latency and 6-8 hours playback time for the price of $129.99 Disclaimer: The Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank HELM for this opportunity. To learn more about […] The post HELM Audio True Wireless 5.0 TWS – Wireless Weekend appeared first on Headfonics.... - Wavaya Octa Review22 January 2020, 11:03 am
The WAVAYA Octa is a flagship porcelain custom monitor featuring a dual-electrostatic array and a triple BA driver hybrid configuration. It is priced from €1,590. Disclaimer: The WAVAYA Octa sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the WAVAYA for this opportunity. To learn more about custom monitor reviews on Headfonics […] The post Wavaya Octa Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - FiiO K5 Pro Review19 January 2020, 1:16 pm
The FiiO K5 Pro is the latest generation of a solid-state amplifier that started way back in 2012 with the E9 and directly replaces the K9 dock system from 2016. It is priced at $149.99 Disclaimer: The FiiO K5 Pro sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank FiiO for […] The post FiiO K5 Pro Review appeared first on Headfonics.... - Jade Audio EW1 TWS – Wireless Weekend18 January 2020, 12:45 pm
The Jade Audio EW1 TWS is a budget-priced true wireless system featuring Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX decoding. Jade Audio is also a sub-brand of FiiO. The EW1 is priced between $32.99 – US $62.48 at the time of writing. Disclaimer: The Jade EW1 TWS sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest […] The post Jade Audio EW1 TWS – Wireless Weekend appeared first on Headfonics....
- ZMF Verite Review Part 1: A Tale of Two Headphones – The Closed Back Contender26 January 2020, 12:06 am
The emphasis on lighter weight and more efficient materials is big for ZMF.. The Closed back Verite’s Magnesium chassis and wood selection have obviously paid off as the headphones are noticeably lighter than other ZMF headphones I’ve listened to.... - iFi ZenDAC Review19 January 2020, 1:19 am
iFi’s recently released Zen line includes two products – the ZenBlue, a Bluetooth receiver and amp, and the unit on review; the ZenDAC, which is an integrated DAC/Amp. ... - Wireless Headphones Dominate in 2019 with Apple Leading13 January 2020, 7:31 pm
Wireless headphone and earphone sales grew more than 50 per cent in 2019 – compared to 2018 – with third quarter sales reaching 96.7 million units according to figures released by a research firm. ... - AIAIAI TMA-2 HD Wireless/Wired Headphone Review11 January 2020, 7:20 pm
I remember back in 2011 when I first saw Danish company AIAIAI’s TMA-1 headphones in the window of the only high-end headphone shop I’d ever seen at the time – Headphone Bar in Vancouver – and thought to myself, “Those are very cool.”... - Meze Rai Penta Review8 January 2020, 7:20 pm
Meze's leap from the 99 Classic and Neo Classic to the Empyrean was a big surprise, and the subsequent move into audiophile-oriented IEMs was quite unexpected as well, and now Meze is trickling this flagship technology down into more attainably-priced products....
- An Interview With Sonus Faber24 January 2020, 5:56 pm
PartTimeAudiophile’s The Occasional Podcast recently sat down with Sonus Faber’s CEO and President Jeff Poggi. Accompany Jeff was also Brand The post An Interview With Sonus Faber appeared first on AudioHead.... - Parasound Drops A New Flagship Monoblock22 January 2020, 7:11 pm
Drafting on the success of the original JC1 mono block designed by John Curl, Parasound released news this week that The post Parasound Drops A New Flagship Monoblock appeared first on AudioHead.... - Magni 3+ vs Heresy – A Schiit Shootout!12 January 2020, 9:24 pm
Our blind A/B testing series at Schiit Audio’s event space in Newhall continues with a Magni 3+ vs Heresy shootout. The post Magni 3+ vs Heresy – A Schiit Shootout! appeared first on AudioHead.... - Review: The Fern And Roby Raven II Bookshelf Loudspeaker – Part 19 January 2020, 9:13 pm
Loudspeaker shipping crates come in all shapes and forms, but more often than not they are bulky and strapped to The post Review: The Fern And Roby Raven II Bookshelf Loudspeaker – Part 1 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Audio Technica Unveils 3 Wood-Based Audiophile Headphones – CES 20208 January 2020, 6:55 pm
Japan-based Audio Technica usually has the largest lineup of new audiophile-oriented products set for CES, and this year is no The post Audio Technica Unveils 3 Wood-Based Audiophile Headphones – CES 2020 appeared first on AudioHead....
- Wyred 4 Sound Announces 10th Anniversary DAC-2v2SE Limited Edition23 January 2020, 1:15 am
The post Wyred 4 Sound Announces 10th Anniversary DAC-2v2SE Limited Edition appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Moondrop KXXS REVIEW22 January 2020, 5:00 am
Visiting Shanghai CanJam was the highlight of show visits last year as it was my first ever visit in China. The post Moondrop KXXS REVIEW appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Bob Carver Corporation to Launch New Integrated Amp at Florida Audio Expo21 January 2020, 11:26 pm
The post Bob Carver Corporation to Launch New Integrated Amp at Florida Audio Expo appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Qobuz – The Music Lover’s Streaming Service21 January 2020, 5:00 am
I am rather late to the streaming bandwagon. That is to say, I have not had much interest, and haven’t The post Qobuz – The Music Lover’s Streaming Service appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - The Audeze LCD-1: Incredible Audiophile Quality and Transparency That Won’t Break the Bank!20 January 2020, 5:00 am
Approximately 11 years ago when I first joined Head-Fi.org, the top of the line flagship headphones like the Sennheiser HD650 The post The Audeze LCD-1: Incredible Audiophile Quality and Transparency That Won’t Break the Bank! appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- CES 2020 – HiFi Adventures18 January 2020, 10:29 pm
High-end audio is undoubtedly dismal at CES these days. In fact, by the time I was at the Venetian on Friday morning, some of these guys already packed up or closed their doors. Disappointing. However, there’s still much to be had with consumer HiFi! I’m a huge geek at heart so I enjoy CES for […] The post CES 2020 – HiFi Adventures appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - JBL Introduces L82 Classic Bookshelf Loudspeakers at CES 20206 January 2020, 11:25 pm
JBL Introduces L82 Classic Bookshelf Loudspeakers at CES 2020 Las Vegas, Nev. — HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, is introducing the JBL L82 Classic, a modern bookshelf version of the all-time best-selling JBL L100 loudspeaker. As with the legendary L100 […] The post JBL Introduces L82 Classic Bookshelf Loudspeakers at CES 2020 appeared first on Audio Bac... - Florida Audio Expo – With 60% More Exhibitors!5 January 2020, 4:39 am
Tampa-based show boasts 60% more exhibitors than last year, all exhibit space now sold out Music lovers rejoice! The Florida Audio Expo is happening Friday–Sunday, February 7–9, 2020, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the world’s finest high-performance audio equipment—including electronics, loudspeakers, turntables, and headphones—from […] The post Florida Audio Expo – With 60% Mo... - Best of 201931 December 2019, 9:36 pm
I’ll keep this short. 2019 was yet another full-filled year of HiFi adventures. Although I’ve experienced the most audiophile burn-out ever – it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I attended plenty of shows this year. Check out my Munich 2019 Grand Tour video which has about 200,000 views! As far as reviews, my focus was […] The post Best of 2019 appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Topping D50s DAC Review25 December 2019, 12:50 am
Just a quick a dirty review of the very popular Topping D50s DAC. Known to measure very well, some of you have asked for my subjective opinion of this much-hyped DAC. Heck, you could even see measurements in the manual. As you know, I’m all about the subjective. I believe measurements are great for repeatability […] The post Topping D50s DAC Review appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- Accuphase P-4500 – a power amp with muscle and finesse22 January 2020, 2:26 am
REVIEW: A new power amp can bring about impressive sonic enhancements... and the Accuphase P-4500 doesn't disappoint.... - Vinyl shopping in Tokyo17 January 2020, 1:00 am
FEATURE: Vinyl hunting in Japan can be daunting and exciting... here's a guide to maximising your experience.... - HiFiMAN Ananda headphones – planar-magnetic magic13 January 2020, 1:16 am
REVIEW: HiFiMAN comes out with another planar-magnetic winner in the Ananda headphones.... - Secondary need not be second best3 January 2020, 12:30 am
RANTS 'N RAVES: Some of us are quick to abandon old hi-fi gear... others make them last a lifetime and more!... - What was and will be…31 December 2019, 1:11 am
RANTS 'N RAVES: Tomorrow, the 2020s begin... we look back fondly at history while wondering what the future holds....
- Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Preamplifier Reviewed5 December 2019, 10:18 am
audibly and measurably linear from input to output, with near-perfect volume control and no superfluous features. I’m pleased to have an M8sPRE amidst my system. The post Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Preamplifier Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Service Spotlight: Custom Cables From Designacable28 November 2019, 10:19 am
a UK-based company providing a massive range of custom made audio and video cables for musicians, studio, stage, cinema and broadcast, essentially any sector of the pro audio, installation or domestic hi-fi market. The post Service Spotlight: Custom Cables From Designacable appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Hypex NC400 DIY Class D Amplifiers Build & Review26 November 2019, 10:41 am
no-nonsense amplifiers with breakthrough technical performance and stunning sonics, some of the best amplification you can buy at any price. The post Hypex NC400 DIY Class D Amplifiers Build & Review appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - The Audio Appraisal Reference Hi-Fi System8 November 2019, 12:17 pm
The Audio Appraisal reference system. This post will be updated to reflect future changes and kept as a historic reference to log the equipment used to create these reviews. The post The Audio Appraisal Reference Hi-Fi System appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Fyne Audio F303 Floorstanding Speakers Reviewed6 November 2019, 7:36 am
Plentiful dynamics and detail, huge scale and excellent imaging make this another excellent speaker in Fyne’s F300 range. The post Fyne Audio F303 Floorstanding Speakers Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- 2019 Capital Audiofest!Electronics, Live MusicEmbody Best Show In The East!31 December 2019, 8:29 pm
... - EAN Audiophile Review!iFi Pro iDSD D/A ConverterHP Amp/Line Preamplifier“Feature-Filled DAC, Impressive Sound!”21 December 2019, 5:09 am
... - 2019 Capital Audiofest!Analog, Digital GearHighlight Rockville, Md. Show!16 December 2019, 10:31 pm
... - Audio Show Report!Capital Audio Fest 2019Speakers, TT's, AmpsHighlight East Coast Show!23 November 2019, 8:35 pm
... - Audio Show Report:Capital Audiofest 2019!CAF Gets Better And Better Part One13 November 2019, 3:42 pm
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- Klipsch La Scala AL5 Floorstanding Speaker Review23 January 2020, 9:04 pm
Move beyond its anachronistic looks, and this is a loudspeaker of great ability, says David Price…... - Audiofly AF100 MK2 In-ear Monitors Review21 January 2020, 9:17 am
Can this Australian-designed in-ear monitor please both the tough pro market, and the picky audiophile one? Matthew Jens decides…... - Solidsteel Hyperspike HY-4 Equipment Rack Review18 January 2020, 2:08 am
Mark Gusew finds that not all hi-fi racks are created equal…... - Naim Audio NAIT XS3 Stereo Integrated Amplifier Review18 January 2020, 1:33 am
Naim's latest integrated amplifier sounds better than ever – and brings back the phono stage too – says Jay Garrett…... - Cary Audio DMS-600 Network Audio Player Review14 January 2020, 2:09 am
Three decades spent making serious audiophile products means that Cary Audio should be able to design a serious streamer. Mark Gusew auditions the company's flagship…...
- Now’s The Time To Save A Fortune On Our Favorite True Wireless Earbuds!24 January 2020, 8:40 pm
If you’re looking for a quality pair of True Wireless Earbuds that won’t break the bank then come take a look at the AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds, Key Series T10S. They usually sell for a very reasonable price of $89.99 but for a limited time, Amazon has a 25% off coupon on the product page continue reading... - FiiO M11 Pro Android Lossless Digital Music Player Review: Phenomenal High End Performance Without The High End Price Tag!24 January 2020, 1:44 am
FiiO is on fire! Last year was a big one for the manufacturer of portable audio equipment, as they released several great products, including several IEMs, Headphone Amps, their First Over-Ear NC Headphone, Android DAPs, and much more. As far I’m concerned, the crown jewel of these new releases was the product I’m reviewing today, continue reading... - The “Best Bookshelf Speaker Of 2019” Is Real Cheap Right Now!22 January 2020, 6:59 am
If you want a low-cost speaker with fantastic definition and air to build a system around, then you need to pick up the Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker, which is marked down to $267.99 ($32 Off!). This deal is good until 12/31 as part of Q Acoustics’ New Year’s Sale. Dubbed “The Best Bookshelf Speaker” by Wirecutter, their continue reading... - Buchardt Audio’s Extraordinary A500 Active Bookshelf Speaker Now Available For Pre-Order!21 January 2020, 2:25 am
Buchardt Audio is back! This time around, they have a pair of active bookshelf speakers, which, according to the company, is three years in the making. The new model is called the A500, and it’s based on the super-popular S400 speaker we reviewed last year. They have a similar design to that much sought-after model, continue reading... - AUKEY Key Series T10 Premium True Wireless Earbuds Review: Forget The Raycon Earbuds…These Phenomenal Earphones Are Far Superior!19 January 2020, 7:37 am
AUKEY is a company that makes a bunch of computer, power, and audio accessories like phone chargers, hubs, etc. They also make highly regarded True Wireless Earbuds that regularly get four and five-star reviews on Amazon. Recently, a representative from AUKEY reached out to me and asked me if I would check out one of continue reading...
- Schiit release new headphone amp21 January 2020, 5:09 pm
... - New Rory Gallagher on the way.17 January 2020, 2:00 am
... - More on that vinyl archive9 January 2020, 2:57 pm
... - Vinyl -- it takes up so much space!5 January 2020, 4:18 am
... - That Michael Weiss kickstarter is back....get in now17 November 2019, 8:38 pm
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- Preview: Peachtree Audio amp50026 January 2020, 12:48 am
InformationNothing makes a reviewer smile bigger than a quality manufacturer sending a message saying they’d like to send their new top-of-the-line amplifier. That’s what Jim Spainhour of Peachtree greeted me with very recently. The amp500, their new flagship power amplifier arrived within a week and after a 100hrs of burn in, is now playing nice with my main rig.Initial impressions: black backgrounds, outstanding noise floor, and and plenty of torque and juice at 500wpc into 8 Ohms,... - Chord Mojo Portable DAC10 October 2019, 8:22 pm
Link to SpecificationsRecently, I’ve been searching for a DAC that would go effortlessly with my vintage Adcom system. I desired something simple, and if possible, with a very small footprint. I had tried various USB stick DAC’s. While they were nice and the perfect size, I always felt they were a bit compromised sound-wise. When the opportunity came to review the Chord Mojo I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity.I will admit that in my mind I wrongfully expected the Mojo ... - Audioengine 512 Portable Bluetooth Speaker10 July 2019, 4:36 pm
Link to SpecificationsLet's face it, there are times when one's big audio system just doesn't work for the situation at hand. The small barbecue gathering on the deck/patio, the picnic in the park, laundry day, the list is endless. Enter the value of bluetooth speakers and their easy portability and instant sound. But, being honest, most small bluetooth speakers sound little better than the transistor radios of the 1970's.While Audioengine has been making bluetooth speakers for several... - Klipsch Forte III Speakers22 May 2019, 4:23 am
Link to Specifications My first experience with attempting to fill a large space with sound from home speakers, was my neighbor’s rec room built in the mid-seventies. The room was approximately 30 x 30 with 18ft ceiling. The first time I entered the space Elton John’s anthem “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” was on the turntable. But no matter how far we pushed the volume, the room swallowed the sound. If only the Klipsch Forte III’s had been in t... - Pathos Classic One mk. III18 April 2019, 3:15 am
SpecificationsThe Pathos Classic One mk. III was one of those pieces that I always thought it would be amazing to have. I first heard Pathos audio at a friend’s house and it was honestly the first time I thought I could live without separates! The Pathos piece I heard was the Logos, it sounded amazing but I’m not crazy about that whole giant stereo amp thing. It is a very cool looking piece, as almost all of the Pathos gear is. About a year after that encounter I w...
- Vinyl Review: John Coltrane – Coltrane’s Sound (ORG Music, 180g, 45RPM)11 June 2018, 1:25 am
Sound: 7.2 Pressing/packaging: 9.2 Value: 8.4 ORG Music reissue released in 2014. 180g vinyl, 45RPM, 2LP, limited edition, numbered. Catalog Number: ORGM-1091. Mastered by Bernie Grundman. Pressed by Pallas in Germany. UPC: 711574708413. MSRP: $49. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction This LP was originally released by Atlantic Records in 1964. It consists of tracks recorded in […]... - Vinyl Review: Chopin – Polonaises Nos. 1-7, Maurizio Pollini (Deutsche Grammophon 180g)3 June 2018, 7:08 pm
Sound: 7.6 Pressing: 7.4 Value: 5.0 Deutsche Grammophon reissue released in 2016. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: 479 6653. UPC: 028947966531. MSRP: $23. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction I’ve been on a Chopin rampage lately (if such a thing could ever exist). As far as solo piano works go, I spin Chopin more than any other composer. […]... - Vinyl Review: Sibelius – Violin Concerto, Oistrakh, Ormandy, Philadelphia Orch (Speakers Corner 180g)2 April 2018, 2:35 am
Sound: 8.8 Pressing: 8.4 Value: 9.0 Speakers Corner reissue released in 2017. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: Columbia MS 6157. UPC: 4260019715333. MSRP: $35. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction Speakers Corner is mining the Columbia vaults for early stereo gems, of which this title is one. There are some legendary titles and performances from that era, but […]... - Vinyl Review: Ornette Coleman – The Shape of Jazz to Come (ORG Music, 180g, 45RPM)15 March 2018, 2:45 am
Sound: 9.8 Pressing: 3.5 Value: 8.5 ORG Music reissue released in 2013. 180g vinyl, 45RPM, 2LP. Catalog Number: ORGM-1081. Mastered by Bernie Grundman. Pressed by Pallas in Germany. UPC: 711574707218. MSRP: $49. Buy on Amazon.com Introduction Much has been said about this, Ornette Coleman’s shot across the bow of jazz as it was known in […]... - Vinyl Review: Stravinsky – The Firebird, Dorati, LSO (Speakers Corner 180g)4 March 2018, 3:15 am
Sound: 9.2 Pressing/Packaging: 9.4 Value: 9.7 Speakers Corner reissue released in 2008. 180g vinyl. Catalog Number: Mercury SR90226. UPC: 4260019714978. MSRP: $35. Buy on Amazon.com Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete). London Symphony Orchestra. Antal Dorati, conductor. Introduction As per our review philosophy, we focus reviews here exclusively on sound quality. Lots of analysis out there […]...