- Gramophone Dreams #49: KEF KC62 subwoofer18 May 2021, 3:51 pm
We have inherited an infinitely vast library of recorded musical art, the majority of which is well-recorded but has yet to be fully and completely reproduced. Countless times, I've played an album and thought, am I the first person ever to hear this recording sound this clear and microscopically detailed? Audiophiles understand that in order to be fully enjoyed, great recordings need the finest possible audio reproduction. Reciprocally, the finest audio systems are best enjoyed when playing gre...
- Technics Presents a Discussion of Their Reference Class SU-R1000 Digital Integrated Amplifier!14 May 2021, 6:25 pm
LIVE: Friday, May 21, 2021 - 12:00PM ET Join Bill Voss, Technics Business Development Manager in the US and Frank Balzuweit, Business Development Manager for Technics in Europe in celebration of Technics 55th anniversary introduction of the new Reference Class SU-R1000 Digital Integrated Amplifier as they present a live webinar discussion with demos of the key features and technology in this incredible new model. Fri, 05/14/2021... - Focal Aria K2 936 loudspeaker14 May 2021, 5:13 pm
The first image that pops into my mind when I think of Focal is of the iconic Grande Utopias and how at one Montreal audio show I couldn't believe that the gentlest, sweetest music I'd heard all day was coming out of those massive speakers. I saw it as a paradox of sorts. Founded in the City of Lights, Focal has been around since 1979, the year Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now received the Palme d'Or at Cannes and when the average annual income in America was $17,500. Focal started as a tw... - Servers, deconstructed13 May 2021, 4:28 pm
Jukeboxes were probably the first music servers to take a form we would recognize: a music-playing device that allows you to choose from several, or many, songs. The first commercial jukebox, Wikipedia says, was introduced in 1927 by the Automatic Musical Instrument Company, which came to be known as AMI. Thu, 05/13/2021... - ELAC Alchemy Series DPA-2 power amplifier12 May 2021, 6:07 pm
Once upon a time, in the early days of class-D amplification, the very notion that the ELAC (ELectroACoustic) Alchemy DPA-2 Stereo/Mono Power Amplifier ($1495 each) uses a class-D output stage would cause some readers to turn the page (footnote 1). But as class-D amplifiers established their pedigree as bona fide hi-fi components, audiophiles have begun to embrace the notion of a lightweight, cool-running amplifier that will not dramatically increase the electric bill and that, when properly exe...
- Focal Chora 82618 May 2021, 11:52 am
I’m buoyed when I learn of an audio manufacturer bringing […] The post Focal Chora 826 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - 2021 Editors’ Choice Awards: Integrated Amplifiers Under $1,00017 May 2021, 9:36 pm
NAD C 316 V2 $449 The entry-level C 316 is […] The post 2021 Editors’ Choice Awards: Integrated Amplifiers Under $1,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Luxman Celebrates 95 years With the L595A Special Edition Integrated Amplifier17 May 2021, 4:46 pm
The following is a press release issued by Luxman. BALLSTON […] The post Luxman Celebrates 95 years With the L595A Special Edition Integrated Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - 2021 Editors’ Choice Awards: Turntables $1,000 – $2,00014 May 2021, 2:31 pm
Technics SL-1500C-K $1199 The Technics SL-1500C is a direct-drive turntable […] The post 2021 Editors’ Choice Awards: Turntables $1,000 – $2,000 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Roon’s Big Makeover13 May 2021, 8:29 pm
Putting sound quality issues aside for a moment, when you […] The post Roon’s Big Makeover appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- The New York Audio Show 2021 In December18 May 2021, 4:58 am
This just in from the Chester Group as they are very pleased to confirm the New York Audio Show date for this year's show. It is set for December 3rd and 4th at their wonderful new venue at the AMA Conference Center within New York City. Exhibitors and visitors alike are welcome for this event's NYC and international significance. There are also a plethora of dealers usually there as well to buy from. The Chester Group hopes the quality of attendance and the business that is always generated wil... - Free* Apple and Amazon Lossless / HD Streaming Music17 May 2021, 8:45 pm
It has just been announced by Apple, and not to be left behind Amazon's announcement afterward, that Apple One customers will be able to enjoy lossless music without any extra cost (*free). Not to be outdone, Amazon announced that they will be extending their Music HD for all ($7.99/month for Prime members, $9.99/month for non-members). To quote Apple's press release, "Apple Music announces Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos; will bring Lossless Audio to entire catalog. The next generation of sound ... - RMAF Show 2021 Update May 17th, 202117 May 2021, 11:49 am
This just in from RMAF: Well, we feel so much better now! Last week we met with the staff of the Gaylord and learned more about their plans for opening conferences this summer. Perhaps the most important thing we learned is that beginning this month, the standard 6' social distancing requirement will be reduced to 3'. Following a 90-day evaluation period monitored by the Tri-County Health Department, the Gaylord staff expects the distancing requirement will be lifted completely. People will be a... - Opinion: Matter Of Trust -- High-End Audio16 May 2021, 12:07 pm
The hi-fi and home cinema industry has not traditionally partaken in paid-for reviews – where manufacturers give money to 'journalists' to 'review' their products. That's partly down to the liberal publishing ethos that prevails in the English-speaking world and because hi-fi tends not to be sold on platforms such as Amazon, where this practice is commonplace. Until now, that is. StereoNET makes no secret that we are funded by the industry – including retailers, manufacturers, and im... - audioXpress' June 2021 Issue Is Now Available14 May 2021, 10:57 am
audioXpress' June 2021 issue features: Using Line Arrays to Control Directivity KEF LS50 Meta Loudspeaker Measuring Vibration with Piezoelectric Sensors (Part 3) Noise Is Everywhere — Even In MC Input Transformers (Part 2) The Science and Physics of High-End Mic-Preamp Design (Part 5) Class-D Amplifier Output Filters For Next-Generation Audio Devices Automotive Audio Solutions Tech For The Automotive Framework The Changing Automotive Environment in 2021 Vehicle Electrification And Active N...
- REVIEW: Thunder Melody VACUUM INFINITUM BLACK ⸜ AC Power supply filter | POLAND1 May 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Wojciech Pacuła Translation: Marek Dyba No 204 May 1, 2021 WORLD PREMIERE ⌈ THUNDER MELODY is one of the newest Polish audio brands, founded just last year. It was founded by Mr. KONRAD RAŚ and Mr. RAFAŁ HŁADZIAK and specializes in products developed for vibration damping, noise reduction and conditioning of the power supply. For this test we received the VACUUM INFINITUM BLACK AC power supply filter. ⌋ ... - REVIEW: Mozzaik Audio MOZZAIK1 ⸜ power amplifier & sound processor | CROATIA1 May 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Wojciech Pacuła | Mozaik Audio Translation: Marek Dyba No 204 May 1, 2021 WORLD PREMIERE ⌈ The MOZZAIK AUDIO was founded in 2019 by MARKO DVEČKO - engineer and designer - and MIHAEL MUNT - marketing director. Its first and so far the only product is a power amplifier with an integrated signal processor, the MOZZAIK1. ⌋ DON'T KNOW IF YOU NOTICED, but in every interview I conduct with an audio editor in the "The E... - REVIEW: Soyaton BENCHMARK ⸜ analogue interconnect / RCA | POLAND1 May 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Soyaton | Wojciech Pacuła Translation: Marek Dyba No 204 May 1, 2021 ⌈ SOYATON was established in September 2019. Its founder and designer is JULIAN SOJA, a member of the Krakow Sonic Society. The company specializes in the production of high-class connection cables. ⌋ VERY NOW AND THEN I was asked by MY FRIENDS about something that - as it turned out - JULEK SOJA was also asked about, namely why there no tests of any ... - REVIEW: Pear Audio Blue KID THOMAS & CORNET 2 ⸜ turntable & tonearm | SLOVENIA1 May 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Wojciech Pacuła Translation: Marek Dyba No 204 May 1, 2021 ⌈ PEAR AUDIO BLUE is a Slovenian company, founded by PETER MEZEK, specializing in the production of turntables and tonearms. Its offer currently includes six turntable models, with the tested KID THOMAS being the second one from the top, and the CORNET 2 tonearm sits at the top of the price list. ⌋ HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT SLOVENIA, ISN’T THERE? At ... - REVIEW: Musician MONOCEROS ⸜ line preamplifier | CHINA CROATIA1 May 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA Images: Wojciech Pacuła Translation: Marek Dyba No 204 May 1, 2021 PREMIERE ⌈ The Chinese company MUSICIAN Audio Technology was founded in 2020 by Mr. ZHAI. The R&D team is made up of a group of enthusiasts with over 20 years of audio experience. We are testing the second product in company’s history: the MONOCEROS line preamplifier. ⌋ S I WROTE IN THE PEGASUS DIGITAL-TO_ANALOGUE CONVERTER’S TEST, in 2020 we ...
- Muarah MT-1 EVO and PSC Precision Speed Controller17 May 2021, 5:16 pm
Muarah Audio made its debut during the Audio Video Show 2015 with a complete system designed for playing music from vinyl records. Associated primarily with turntables, it also offers electronics. This time, however, we are testing its flagship MT-1 EVO turntable with a PSC precise speed controller. The title of one of the articles on... Read More » The post Muarah MT-1 EVO and PSC Precision Speed Controller appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Travel with the Devil: A Review of iFi's Diablo17 May 2021, 4:47 pm
We're all thinking about travel. Where can we go? How are we going to get there? And what will we listen to on our way? The Diablo (Spanish for devil) is a battery-powered DAC/headphone amp that you'll be packing with you whether your next journey is to heaven, hell, or a more lateral journey across... Read More » The post Travel with the Devil: A Review of iFi's Diablo appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Grant Green Part II: The Holy Barbarians15 May 2021, 11:10 pm
Wayne Goins, doing his thing... This next chapter starts with Grant making major moves after his successful adventure with Jimmy Forrest. In our last issue, Grant and the Forrest-led band had completed their first album recorded on December 10 and 19 in 1959 at Delmark Records in Chicago, entitled All The Gin Is Gone (with... Read More » The post Grant Green Part II: The Holy Barbarians appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Phono Stage: World Premiere Review!15 May 2021, 10:22 pm
George Counnas of Zesto Audio with his Andros Deluxe II Phono Stage in Bob Levi's listening room Before I start: the most-asked question answered first! Yes. Those of you who own the Zesto Audio Deluxe Phono Stage may receive a factory Deluxe II upgrade through any Zesto Audio dealer for $1200, including a new faceplate... Read More » The post Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Phono Stage: World Premiere Review! appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - STENHEIM Reference Ultime Performance13 May 2021, 10:00 pm
Bringing the exceptional quality of the world-renowned Reference Ultime speakers to smaller spaces and at lower price point. Conceived and built entirely in Switzerland, the new Reference Ultime Two speaker offers the proven design approach, components and materials used so successfully in our Reference Ultime models, in a more compact product that is easier to... Read More » The post STENHEIM Reference Ultime Performance appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- The Aqua LaScala DAC: Take Two- Adding the New Aqua LinQ Network Interface to the Mix17 May 2021, 4:53 am
Streaming Paul Weller’s self-titled album at 16/44.1 kHz resolution, is enough to demonstrate how musical the Aqua LaScala DAC is. And it only gets better… Our only point of contention, when we examined this product about a year ago, was its lack of streaming capability. But at its price, a streamer can easily be added [...]... - Technics SU-G700 Integrated Amplifier12 May 2021, 12:48 am
Watching the power meters bounce in the dark, listening to the title track in Brian Eno’s The Ship, the sheer dynamic power of this compact amplifier is completely revealed. Eno’s husky voice and deep bass riffs, combined with an atmospheric, ethereal feeling creates an enormous sound field with the Sonus Faber Maxima Amators in the listening [...]... - NEW From Naim! The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition11 May 2021, 2:01 pm
Naim Audio announces this morning that their latest addition to the Uniti series is now available. The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition premiers with an MSRP of $3,290. You can read more at the Naim site here: Years ago we raved about the Uniti Qute, put it on our cover, and even gave it a product [...]... - REL’s new T/x subwoofers29 April 2021, 12:42 am
Listening to the speed, detail, and delicacy of the bass line in Sly and The Family Stone’s “It’s a Family Affair” proved the impetus for where this review is heading. A distinct trend in product design, both in and out of the high-end audio world, lets the junior designers cut their teeth on entry-level products [...]... - The Acora Acoustics SRB28 April 2021, 5:27 pm
Listening to the Acora SRB monitors in a 16 x 25-foot handle the complex dynamics in Brand X’s Unorthodox Behaviour, you could easily be fooled into thinking you were listening to a floor standing speaker, even at a fairly high listening level. The sonic landscape created is big, deep, and immersive. A number of well-known tracks [...]...
- iFi Audio iPhono3 Black Label Phono Stage15 May 2021, 4:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link. It’s rare that I begin a review by confessing a personal bias, especially one directly relevant to the component I’m about to describe. Here goes. I like big components—large, heavy ones, preferably in flashy cases with chunky faceplates and lots of heatsinks. And if the component bristles with tubes, odds are I’ll like it more. I guess part of my desire for big, ostent... - Recommended Reference Component: Karan Acoustics Master Collection LINEb Preamplifier1 May 2021, 4:00 am
Karan Acoustics’ Master Collection LINEb is priced at $28,000 (all prices in USD), but it isn’t the most expensive preamplifier the company makes—that distinction belongs to the $41,000 Master Collection LINEa. But according to Doug Schneider in his April 15 review of the LINEb, anyone who is able to afford the LINEb will have purchased “one of the very best preamplifiers now available at any price.” ... - Reel-to-Reel for Life1 May 2021, 4:00 am
If you were around as a sentient adult audiophile during any time between circa 1970 and circa 1990, and you bought into tube equipment, you were probably one nervous wreck. I know I was: I had started using and ultimately collecting tube gear around 1975, and every snap, crackle, or pop made me wonder if I could find new or even old-stock replacement tubes should any fail. ... - Double Trouble—Rotel’s RA-1572MKII Amp and Sonus Faber's Lumina III Loudspeaker Enter the Mix1 May 2021, 4:00 am
In December 2018, I wrote the first article to appear under the “System One” column name. In that article I explained: “The title means someone’s first system, or someone’s only system—or something else, depending on what’s covered that month. What won’t change is the theme around which I wrote the first two pieces: cost-effective, high-performing equipment that many people can afford.” ... - Not Your Father's Sub-Sat Stereo System—Anthem, Vivid Audio, KEF, and NAD Together1 May 2021, 4:00 am
In hi-fi, a typical subwoofer-satellite, or sub-sat, stereo system consists of a subwoofer and two small main speakers. Nowadays, this is also known as a 2.1 system—for two speakers, one subwoofer. The main speakers reproduce the highs, the midrange, and some of the upper bass frequencies, while the subwoofer delivers a bit of the upper bass and all of the deeper bass. ...
- Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra multi-channel amplifier Review18 May 2021, 4:26 pm
When my sister and I were children, we had a self-propelled spinning ride in the backyard that I recall as the “Whirlybird,” and it still exists in the form of the Twirl-go-round. It was nearly as much fun as the barrel furniture chair in our family room that my sister and I would give [...] The post Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra multi-channel amplifier Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Interview with Roger West of Sound Lab13 May 2021, 6:45 pm
I have always been a huge fan of Roger West. owner and designer of Sound Lab electrostatic panel speakers. I make no apologies for my love of his giant Ultimate I full-range electrostatic speakers. I have listened to thousands of speakers over my 52 years in audio, from the very cheapest to systems costing over [...] The post Interview with Roger West of Sound Lab appeared first on Dagogo.... - Audio Note UK K/SPe speaker Review10 May 2021, 8:29 pm
The AN-K/SPe is a two-way rectangular box that is wider than it is deep. The speaker employs a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter and an 8-inch paper woofer with foam surrounds in a sealed cabinet design. If this speaker description reads as exciting as a puffed rice cake then I don’t blame you. When I first [...] The post Audio Note UK K/SPe speaker Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Salk Sound SS9.5 speaker Review22 April 2021, 6:45 pm
Just over seven years ago I reviewed the Salk Sound Soundscape Speakers for Dagogo. I recall that they were built with what were generally considered to be some of the most accurate drivers available, chiefly the RAAL ribbon tweeter and Accuton ceramic midrange. A couple of months ago I sold the Vapor Audio Joule White [...] The post Salk Sound SS9.5 speaker Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Gryphon Antileon EVO solid-state dual-mono amplifier Review8 April 2021, 4:04 pm
Too bad I wasn’t born into a rich family or became wealthy by age 35 like a young software entrepreneur. If that had been the case, I would probably have assembled a true high-end audio system before turning 60. Even then it took a few additional years to really get there. First came some pretty [...] The post Gryphon Antileon EVO solid-state dual-mono amplifier Review appeared first on Dagogo....
- Apple Music Lossless, High Resolution, and Dolby Atmos Announced17 May 2021, 2:12 pm
Hi Guys, Apple has finally announced its lossless CD quality, high resolution, and Dolby Audio tier to its streaming music service Apple Music. It looks like lossless (44.1/48 kHz) audio and Dolby Atmos will be included for the same price as the lossy tier, but high resolution audio will be an additional cost. The Apple Music app also has offline downloads for those who don't want to use up an expensive data plan streaming high resolution audio over LTE or 5G. ... - Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 19 | Part 1 Rockport Technologies Interview17 May 2021, 1:50 pm
Episode 18 is up and being delivered to all the podcast platforms right now. We are happy to announce the Audiophile Style podcast is one of very few podcast now available via the Samsung Free app on many Samsung devices. In this episode I interview the team from Rockport Technologies. Rockport has crafted boutique high end audio products for 3 decades, starting with the Sirius turntable and transitioning into loudspeakers such as... - Introducing Hang Loose Convolver From Accurate Sound13 May 2021, 2:58 pm
Many people in the Audiophile Style community are familiar with Mitch Barnett's fantastic articles about digital signal processing, room correction, loudspeakers and their measurements, and many other topics. Mitch is a multi-talented guy who started his company Accurate Sound to offer a calibration service. I used his services extensively when setting up my Wilson Audio Alexia Series 2 speakers in my new listening room (link). Now, Mitch has put his software development... - Charles Lloyd's Home Video Free Until June 11, 202112 May 2021, 9:15 pm
Hey Guys, just a quick note about a new video I'll unofficially call Charles Lloyd's video diaries. The official title is Love Longing Loss, At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague and it's being portrayed as a documentary. However, after watching it I think it's more of a video diary than anything, but it's full of great music and great thoughts from Charles. The videos were filmed on iOS devices and Lumix cameras, with a production va... - Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 18 | Part 2 Acoustic Sounds CEO Chad Kassem Interview10 May 2021, 1:56 pm
Episode 18 is up and being delivered to all the podcast platforms right now. We are happy to announce the Audiophile Style podcast is one of very few podcast now available via the Samsung Free app on many Samsung devices. In this episode I conclude my interview the founder and CEO of Acoustic Sounds, Chad Kassem. Acoustic Sounds owns its own record pressing plant, vinyl reissue label, original production label, print shop, re...
- The Best <i>Ever</i> <i>Kind of Blue</i>?18 May 2021, 1:09 am
Is it possible to now write anything that hasn’t already been written or said about this record? I haven’t any fresh insights to offer that might advance what you probably already know. A good Kind of Blue pressing puts you in the 30th Street studio to hear the performance. Ashley Kahn’s “Kind of Blue” book sets the pre-recording stage, offering both musical and technical details and puts you as much in the control room as in front of the band.Primary Category:&nbs... - Craft Recordings Puts A Shine On Travis’s <i>Good Feeling</i>17 May 2021, 4:48 pm
September 26th, 1997 marks the release date of Travis’s debut effort Good Feeling. It’s also the day the group didn’t take the world by storm. Primary Category: Album ReviewsCategory: Album ReviewsArtist: TravisAlbum: Good FeelingCred Label: Craft/Concord Records CR00304 LPCred Prod: Steve LillywhiteCred Eng: John Siket, Paul Marconi (assistant), Tim Pettit (assistant), Gustavo Moratorio (assistant) Cred Mix: Steve Lillywhite, Mark Walli... - The Right <i>Rite</i>?16 May 2021, 9:42 pm
In May of 1913, just one year before the start of the first World War, Igor Stravinsky premiered his third ballet with the Ballets Russes in Paris: Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring). The premiere would go down in history for a number of reasons, primarily due to the unruly Parisian audience that descended into what could be referred to as a riot. What was so scandalous about the Rite? Stravinsky, along with choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky, wanted to evoke a picture of Russia from the d... - "Live From Van Gelder Studio" Second Show Featuring Joey DeFrancesco & All-Star Band May 15-16!9 May 2021, 8:08 pm
Legendary Englewood Cliffs, NJ Van Gelder Studio, the famed recording venue in which hundreds of the greatest jazz records ever were produced is the site for this recently announced second "Live from Van Gelder Studios" virtual music concert, happening on May 15th at 9PM EDT, with live re-streams on May 16th at 8PM JST for Asian markets and 8PM CEST for European markets.... - London Maroon Cartridge and StylusTimer Sweepstakes7 May 2021, 7:52 pm
Register to win a London Maroon Cartridge (Value $950.00 ea) and a StylusTimer (value $19.95) we are giving away. According to the company: "The legendary London (Decca) cartridge is known for its extraordinary and unmatched musicality, delivered by its unique transducer design. With a StylusTimer (2021 Stereophile Recommended Component) you can track cartridge break in-time, total stylus time, and the time you spend enjoying music, while preserving your system’s sound quality and prote...
- Meet Ben, he's an architect from Brooklyn running horn speakers with tube electronics17 May 2021, 11:00 am
... - The MOLA MOLA KULA is expensive, but absolutely worth it15 May 2021, 11:00 am
... - Audiophiles want excellent build and sound quality, customer service, at the lowest possible price13 May 2021, 11:00 am
... - Topping D30 Pro DAC and A30 Pro headphone amp, PRETTY GOOD!11 May 2021, 11:00 am
... - Vintage talk continues PART TWO9 May 2021, 11:15 am
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- Ricardo Silveira, Solo | The Vinyl Anachronist18 May 2021, 4:00 pm
The cold weather seems to be finished for the year, and the days are warm and the sun is starting to shine a little more in the Pacific Northwest. Our patio is stocked with flowering plants and herbs and hummingbird feeders and the colors and the movement are far more entertaining than television. Mornings are filled with birdsong, so I open the windows and blinds and look for an ideal piece of music to accompany my second cup of coffee of the day. Since it’s still only eight in the mornin... - The Best Audio Accessories | Buyers Guide Summer 202116 May 2021, 7:00 pm
[Editor’s note: Welcome to the Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide for Summer 2021! These are the best audio accessories and assorted “tweaks” that we, the PTA team, have used.] The Best Vinyl Accessories AnalogMagik All In One Cartridge Set Up Software and Test LPs ($750 USD) This software package from our own Richard H. Mak is all you need for accurate analog set-up for every parameter—speed, azimuth, VTA, stylus raking angle, anti-skating, phono stage loading, phono stag... - The Best Tonearms and Phono Cartridges | Buyers Guide Summer 202116 May 2021, 5:00 pm
The Best Tonearms [Editor’s note: Welcome to the Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide for Summer 2021! These are the best tonearms that we, the PTA team, have heard.] Tonearms Sorane TA-1L ($1,875 USD) From the Japanese company formerly known as Abis, this elegant and simple 12.7″ tonearm was well-made, easy to set up and a pleasure to pair with the Gem Dandy PolyTable Signature. Add the ZYX Ultimate Airy cartridge and you have a modestly-priced analog rig that makes a compelling argume... - The Best Cables, Power, Grounding and Racks | Buyers Guide Summer 202116 May 2021, 3:00 pm
The Best Cables, Power, Grounding and Equipment Racks [Editor’s note: Welcome to the Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide for 2021! These are the best cables, power products, grounding products and racks that we, the PTA team, have used.] Cable Looms [We’re pushing forward the idea of a cable “loom”–an entire complement of one brand of high-end audio cables, enough to wire an audio system–as the easiest way to determine differences between cables. These are the c... - The Best Turntables | Buyers Guide Summer 202116 May 2021, 1:00 pm
The Best Turntables [Editor’s note: Welcome to the Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide for Summer 2021! These are the best turntables that we, the PTA team, have heard.] Fluance Reference FT-85 (from $499 USD) This Canadian turntable made us reconsider the old $500 Rule, a figure derived from the cheapest–but still listenable–turntables 20 to 30 years ago. How does the rule hold up in 2021? The Fluance FT-85 is the answer, and that $500 even includes an Ortofon 2M Blue, almost ha...
- Amazon Music HD now available at no additional cost17 May 2021, 3:12 pm
Good grief! Lossless streaming provision is really hotting up today. Presumably responding to Apple Music’s ‘lossless’ announcement, Amazon Music is seeking to follow suit by offering its HD service at no additional cost to all Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers. That means: 70 million songs in CD-quality (something Amazon calls ‘HD’); […] The post Amazon Music HD now available at no additional cost first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part... - Apple Music confirms lossless streaming for $9.99/month17 May 2021, 2:32 pm
And there it is: Apple Music has today announced that its rumoured lossless service will roll out from June 2021, not as part of a separate tier but as an in-app switchable option for all existing Apple Music subscribers. At last count, there were around 70 million of ’em, dwarfing […] The post Apple Music confirms lossless streaming for $9.99/month first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purposed without permiss... - Have your cake & eat it with Line Magnetic’s 845iA17 May 2021, 1:22 pm
The Line Magnetic 845iA (£3999/US$4895/€3999) is an integrated amplifier with three line-level RCA inputs and a low-ish power output. Even to seasoned audiophiles, 22wpc into 8 Ohms won’t sound like much. That’s because this Chinese-designed (and made) amplifier is a valve-based design where glowing glass bottles are deployed in its […] The post Have your cake & eat it with Line Magnetic’s 845iA first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part ... - Letters to the editor – Weeks #18 & #19, 202117 May 2021, 11:53 am
Jagan writes… Hi John, Love your web content. Admire your approach very very much. If you don’t already know about it, you may wish to check out https://syngspace.com It is a loudspeaker system that takes a ‘sound field’ approach with direct and reflected sound. Bose 901 meets Sonos? Something along […] The post Letters to the editor – Weeks #18 & #19, 2021 first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, re... - Apple Music to add hi-res to rumoured hi-fi tier?15 May 2021, 11:01 am
UPDATE: This rumour is now confirmed. Earlier this month, we reported on rumours that Apple Music might soon announce a CD-quality/lossless ‘hi-fi’ tier. Elevating these rumours to reportable status was pseudo-confirmation by Apple’s own (beta) iOS code that featured numerous mentions of ‘hifi’ and ‘lossless’. Yesterday, Apple Music’s rumoured ‘hi-fi’ […] The post Apple Music to add hi-res to rumoured hi-fi tier? first appeared o...
- Nucleus Plus Music Server by Roon Labs7 May 2021, 8:59 am
What an interesting audio component Roon Labs has produced. Ostensibly, its reason for being is to support Roon’s wildly popular music library organization software, now in its 1.8 version and reviewed right next to this one by Audiophilia’s Assistant Editor and Roon Whisperer, Karl Sigman. The Nucleus Plus (NP) ($2559) is an Intel-based computer. But, it’s so much more. The NP uses an Intel i7 processor/NUC board with 8GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD solid-state drive. It has a singl... - Roon Labs Version 1.87 May 2021, 8:53 am
Five years ago in 2016 I wrote a review of Roon Labs music player software (version 1.2) when the company was only a year old. It was a revelation, and I ended my review by stating, ‘I could be wrong, but I am guessing that within another year the majority of audiophiles will be using Roon as their reference. Roon is in a league of its own.’ I turned out to be right. I myself have continued using Roon ever since. But so muc... - Allnic Audio L-8500 OTL/OCL Preamplifier23 April 2021, 11:21 am
The HiFi reviewing challenges continue to arrive from the pearly shores of South Korea. The Allnic Audio L-8500 OTL/OCL Preamplifier ($13,500) is the third Allnic preamp we’ve had in for review. All three are beautifully designed and manufactured. The varied designs/topology made serious impressions on the rest of my components. All in different but musically fabulous ways. Other than these gems eventually leaving my system, the primary challenge comes from trying to describe the su... - Tri-Art Audio B-Series 60W Stereo Integrated Amplifier23 April 2021, 11:18 am
This is my second review of audio equipment from our Canadian producers, Tri-Art Audio (TAA). Please see my earlier review of the Tri-Art Audio open baffle speakers, the B series 4 Open, should you wish to learn more about this Canadian gem of a company. Note: this review includes the added functionality of the Tri-Art B-Series DC Linear (Tube Buffered) 12 Volt Power Supply, which ships with the integrated amplifier. Price for the integrated amplifier and its outboard power supply is $379... - Franco Serblin Accordo Loudspeakers9 April 2021, 1:00 pm
The Accordo Loudspeakers were the last Franco Serblin voiced before he died in 2013. Serblin was founder of Italy’s Sonus faber (1983), maker of exquisite speakers with a reputation for the finest cabinetry in high end audio. Sonus faber practically invented artisanal cabinet making. Serblin left Sonus faber in 2006 and continued the high standard of art and design with his eponymous company. I can report to you that the build quality of the Serblin Accordo is as good or even better...
- Naim Audio Uniti Atom Headphone Edition11 May 2021, 3:22 pm
From the Naim Audio press release: Salisbury, England – May 11th 2021 British hi-fi specialist, Naim Audio has launched Uniti Atom Headphone Edition – a headphone-optimised version of its multiple-award-winning Uniti Atom music streaming system, designed to be the ultimate solo listening source. Unlike traditional headphone amplifiers and DACs, which require a separate computer or streaming device, Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a fully formed music-streaming system: just add headph... - REL Carbon Special subwoofer11 May 2021, 3:14 pm
REL has come a long way since a Welshman started it in search of more realistic organ pipe sounds in his sitting room. Richard Lord sold the company to Sumiko over a decade ago, the now REL staff were involved with Sumiko, who eventually built the biggest Hi End distribution company in the world before said key staff left to purchase and concentrate on further developing REL. As a result, REL subwoofers or, sub‑bass systems as Richard used to call them, are now sold worldwide. Any visitor ... - Silversmith Audio Fidelium Speaker Cables11 May 2021, 2:46 pm
The objectivist/subjectivist audiophile debate on the veracity of cables and interconnects is one I have watched from afar for decades. Many of my binary (1’s and 0’s don’t change because of a cable) friends insist I could attach lamp cord to my gear and there would be no noticeable sonic difference. My time with many different pieces of audio kit and many brands of cable begs to differ. Cables can and do make a discernible difference to a system that delivers microdetail. In m... - Simaudio MOON 860A v2 Power Amplifier11 May 2021, 2:27 pm
Some products and some companies are just noisy – literally, metaphorically or euphemistically. Others are calmer, quieter and altogether more understated. For the last couple of decades, Simaudio has been consistently responsible for some of the best value, best performing and most reliable (semi-)affordable amplification on the market. From super-musical integrateds to the pocket-battleship 400M mono-blocs, these have been go-to products for review and recommendation, demonstration and d... - T+A Solitaire P-SE Open Back Headphones11 May 2021, 2:15 pm
My head’s metaphorical size is open to question, but I am confident there’s nothing unusual about its literal size. I’m an average height and average weight, and I reckon my head is of pretty average dimensions. So, when the most immediately notable thing about the Solitaire P-SE headphones by T+A is just how swamped they make my unremarkably sized head feel, I can’t help but worry for those people blessed with smaller heads than mine. Presumably T+A hasn’t set out ...
- Suede: <I>The London Suede</I>18 May 2021, 4:42 pm
Steve Sutherland looks back to the '90s and a group heralded before they'd even released a record. Some thirty years on, their debut LP is reissued on 180g vinyl It's April 1992 and Suede are the cover stars of the (now defunct) weekly music paper Melody Maker which is running a headline that heralds them as 'The Best New Band In Britain'. This is about to cause quite a hullabaloo, not only because most people have never heard of Suede but also because the band hasn't even released a record so ... - Octave Audio V70 Class A Integrated Amplifier17 May 2021, 6:42 pm
Stalwart of Germany's single-ended tube scene, Octave Audio also produces hybrid and push-pull amplifiers, including the 'Class A' V70 integrated featured here Which are you? The minimalist who wants an integrated valve amp bearing only clearly-labelled inputs, source selector, volume control and speaker terminals? Or do you prefer a 'fully loaded' device with total flexibility? The former is intuitive, and any experienced hi-fi user thinks of such units as virtually 'plug 'n' play'. Germany's ... - Real World Studios14 May 2021, 9:29 pm
Talk about a room with a view... This radical recording studio is unusual with its control and live areas occupying the same space. Steve Sutherland tells the story of its genesis What's the worst album ever made by a great band? I used to think it was Thank You, the cover versions LP released in 1995 by Duran Duran which, somewhat hilariously, found them stumbling through cack-handed versions of Melle Mel's 'White Lines (Don't Do It)' and Public Enemy's '911 Is A Joke' among its many abominat... - AVID Boron Cartridge13 May 2021, 5:38 pm
AVID's trio of MCs are distinguished, principally, by choice of cantilever. The mid-range model uses boron in place of ruby, saving a whopping £2000. Is this the sweet-spot? Here we go again: a moving-coil cartridge that costs more than I paid for a near-mint, limited-edition Series 2 Mazda MX-5. With the rare hardtop. That said, I am sure AVID priced the Boron at £4000 for good reason, but let's skip over the entirely moot concept of 'value for money' and deal, instead, with sound... - The Doors: <I>The Soft Parade</I>11 May 2021, 5:53 pm
In 1969 the band were riding on the success of a hit single and would play a concert at Madison Square Garden, but the year also saw the singer's arrest, cancelled shows and The Soft Parade, one of the group's most adventurous yet most critically divisive albums Like many groups that enjoyed a high profile at the end of the '60s, The Doors felt the need to progress. But in which direction? Their self-titled debut album released in January 1967 had peaked at No 2 in the Billboard charts and the ...
- Chelsea vs Leicester City live stream: how to watch the Premier League in 4K on TV or for free, team news18 May 2021, 6:25 pm
How to watch a Chelsea vs Leicester City live stream wherever you are in the world; team news, kick-off time.... - Yamaha unveils new flagship 8K AV receivers with HDMI 2.118 May 2021, 4:34 pm
Flagship specs, but will the HDMI 2.1 functionality work correctly?... - Best Beats headphones 2021: budget and premium18 May 2021, 3:07 pm
Wired, wireless, over-ear, in-ear – you name it, we've got the best Beats headphones for all budgets.... - Outdoor cinema: how to set up an outdoor projector in your garden18 May 2021, 2:28 pm
Everything you need to know about how to set up a cinema in your garden.... - Best iPhone headphones 2021: budget, premium, wireless18 May 2021, 2:28 pm
Make the most of that excellent sound quality with our pick of the best iPhone headphones on the market right now....
- Arendal Sound 1723 THX 5.2 Channel Surround Sound System Review17 May 2021, 1:00 pm
With their 1723 THX Series, Norway’s Arendal Sound channel the might of Thor! Welcome friends, to home theater Valhalla. The post Arendal Sound 1723 THX 5.2 Channel Surround Sound System Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - VPE Electrodynamics Little Dipole Woofer Model 1 with Magna Riser Airborne Stand Review12 May 2021, 1:00 pm
If you own or are interested in a pair of Magnepan LRS loudspeakers, the VPE Electrodynamics Little Dipole Woofer Model 1 and Magna Riser... The post VPE Electrodynamics Little Dipole Woofer Model 1 with Magna Riser Airborne Stand Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - JBL 4349 Studio Monitor Loudspeaker Review10 May 2021, 1:00 pm
The JBL 4349 Studio Monitors are one of the very best speakers I’ve heard for the money. I’d like to call the JBL 4349 the absolute best... The post JBL 4349 Studio Monitor Loudspeaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Six Acoustic York Phono Preamp Review5 May 2021, 1:00 pm
Six Acoustic’s York Phono Preamp looks to be a simple, yet well-appointed, and flexible phono preamplifier that sounds great and won’t... The post Six Acoustic York Phono Preamp Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - MayFly 201A Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review3 May 2021, 12:00 pm
This may be the most interesting speaker construction I've seen in a while! Those familiar with skyline diffusers, and what they... The post MayFly 201A Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- Origin Live Agile Tonearm25 April 2021, 3:22 pm
Origin Live has been making tonearms, turntables and accessories for over 25 years. Based in Southampton, UK, their products have earned nearly every possible award from a variety of print and online publications, including our ‘10 LP’ award for the Origin Live Conqueror tonearm. Mark Baker and crew have developed another superb product in the new Agile tonearm. The 9.5-inch Agile tonearm includes as standard equipment the top-of-the-line Silver Hybrid 2-S cable, which is a £1,... - NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier25 March 2021, 4:03 pm
The NAD C298 stereo power amplifier features the new Class D ‘Eigentakt’ amplifier technology. Eigentakt is the latest thinking from Bruno Putzey who developed the popular and widely used NCore and UcD amplifier modules for Hypex. Mr. Putzey is joined by Lars Risbo and Peter Lyngdorf in the Danish company Purifi. The Eigentakt amplifier module is rated at 425 Watts @ 1% THD into 4 Ohms, with a dynamic range of 131 dB(A) and THD of 0.00017% (-116dB) @ 100 Watts. It can be challenging... - Esoteric E-02 Phono Preamplifier24 January 2021, 4:10 pm
The Esoteric E-02 Balanced Phonostage Preamplifier continues Esoteric’s leadership in audio component design and performance. The $9,000 E-02 replaced the E-03 model about 3 years ago, continuing Esoteric’s tradition of exemplary build quality and top-tier performance. The E-02 has some significant features. The two machined front panel knobs have the feel of a luxury component, requiring just the right amount of force to smoothly rotate. The left knob selects the input: RCA 1, RCA 2... - Marantz SA-10 CD/SACD Player & DAC21 November 2020, 9:39 pm
Just like Rodney Dangerfield, the Marantz SA-10 CD/SACD Player and DAC gets no respect. This is a shame as the SA-10 could well be the best sounding, best built player/DAC anywhere close to its $6990 list price. At the top of the Marantz line of digital products, the SA-10 could easily maintain that preeminent position for years to come. There have been a ‘boatload’ of mergers and acquisitions of audio companies over the last few years. Marantz is owned by Sound United, LLC, a Califo... - Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform12 October 2020, 10:41 pm
The Minus K Technology CT-2 Bench Top Vibration Isolation Platform was originally developed for scientific and research applications such as spacecraft design, nanotechnology, and medical research. The patented technology is called “Negative-stiffness”, where the isolating platform seems to float with no resistance. From the manufacturer’s Web site (link below): “Dr. David L. Platus is President and Founder and is the principal inventor of the technology. He earned a B.S....
- Soul To Keep You Alive12 May 2021, 12:18 am
We are languishing, according to a popular NY Times article someone sent me recently. I can’t argue with that term. And there ain’t no more words need to be written about that. _________________________________________________________ In the car we mostly listen to a popular Toronto rock station that bills itself as “alternative”, but which has been pretty mainstream in recent, well, decades. (I’ve been listening to them on and off since I was a teen i... - Revisiting A Classic: The Spendor BC1 Loudspeakers12 April 2021, 2:15 am
Audio History Refurbished & Revisited: The Spendor BC1 Loudspeakers ‘In the House’ by David Neice The Setting I bought a brand new pair of Spendor BC1s in and around 1975 – voila, the original sales slip. This makes my pair 46 years old, but thanks to a refurbishing I did two years ago they are still going strong. Over the decades many, many components, including speakers, have come and gone from my system, but I can never muster the courage to sell the BC1s. Th... - DALI, Tangent, And The Return Of The Mini System15 March 2021, 8:13 pm
From Denmark With Love – A Mini System for 2021 ‘In the House’ Review by David Neice List Prices (MSRP) Dali Spektor 1 speakers $399 CAD Tangent Ampster BT II $349 CAD Tangent CD II $349 CAD Tangent Tuner II $349 CAD Verdict: Are you young and just getting into hi-fi? Do you need a second system for the office, your bedroom, cottage, or wherever? Are you downsizing to a smaller house or condo? This review might be an answer to your prayers. The DALI Spektor 1... - Part 5: The Last Piece of Pi – The Allo Boss I2S DAC3 January 2021, 9:46 pm
Raspberry Pi with Allo Boss I2S DAC v1.2 (The Last Piece of Pi, I promise) By Steve Graham In the previous Raspberry Pi installment Raspberry Pi Postscript: S/PDIF Vs. USB Sound Comparison, I pitted a Pi with S/PDIF-out HAT board against another Pi employing USB out. The short version of the tale was that I came away underwhelmed by the USB connection. My plan had been to employ an underutilized, USB-connected, Meridian Explorer 2 DAC in my workshop music system. With tha... - Review: Audiolab M-DAC+ Digital-to-Analog Convertor22 December 2020, 3:30 am
Audiolab MDAC+ – Exceptional Build Quality and Sound. MSRP: $1599 Canadian. Review series ‘In the House’ by David Neice Verdict The Audiolab MDAC+ is built as solidly as any military-specification gear and offers a top notch sound field that will not disappoint potential buyers. This DAC will handle virtually all PCM and DSD files, thus making playback of hi-res file downloads an easy affair. An array of flexible inputs and outputs and onboard sound shaping filters and other me...
- Cleer NEXT Headphones Review16 May 2021, 11:01 am
The Cleer NEXT is the company’s flagship open-back circumaural headphone featuring innovative 40mm ironless magnesium driver technology. It is priced at £699. Disclaimer: The Cleer NEXT sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team from HiFiheadphones.co.uk and Cleer for giving us this opportunity. To read more about Wireless products we have reviewed on Headfonics before, click here. Note, this 2-page review follows o... - PLUSSOUND Tri-Hybrid Review15 May 2021, 11:04 am
The PLUSSOUND Tri-Hybrid is a limited edition 26AWG 6-wire IEM cable featuring a Tri-Silver, Tri-Copper, and Tri-Metal wiring mix. Pricing starts at $899.99 Disclaimer: The PLUSSOUND Tri-Hybrid cable sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at PLUSSOUND for giving us this opportunity. To read more about PLUSSOUND products reviewed on Headfonics click here. Note, this 2-page review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read up on h... - HIFIMAN HE400se Review14 May 2021, 11:03 am
The HIFIMAN HE400se is a new edition of the classic HE400 open-back circumaural planar magnetic headphone. It is priced at $149.00. Disclaimer: The HIFIMAN HE400se was sent to us as a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank the team at Hifiman for giving us this opportunity. To read more about HIFIMAN products we reviewed on Headfonics click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read up on here. HIFIMAN […] H... - FX Audio D01 Review12 May 2021, 11:02 am
The FX Audio D01 is a compact desktop integrated DAC and headphone amplifier featuring up to DSD512 decoding and LDAC wireless support. It is priced at $149. Disclaimer: The FX Audio D01 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. Thank you to FX Audio and Shenzhen Audio for giving us this opportunity. To read more on amplifier products featured on Headfonics click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you [&h... - xDuoo XA-10 Review9 May 2021, 11:04 am
The xDuoo XA-10 is a balanced desktop DAC and headphone amplifier featuring MQA decoding capability, DSD512, and up to 4W of power. It is priced at $479. Disclaimer: The xDuoo XA-10 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. Thank you to xDuoo and Shenzhen Audio for giving us this opportunity. To read more on Xduoo products featured on Headfonics click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you […] xDuoo XA-10 Review...
- Apple Music Announces Lossless Streaming, Finally17 May 2021, 5:20 pm
Apple Lossless Music Is Coming. Many might consider today’s announcement to be the last domino to fall in a long The post Apple Music Announces Lossless Streaming, Finally appeared first on AudioHead.... - High End Gets A New Pair Of Speakers With The Swiss-Made Stenheim Reference Ultime Two14 May 2021, 3:23 pm
Switzerland is more than just coco, multi-functional knives and watches… they also have their fair share (or more than their The post High End Gets A New Pair Of Speakers With The Swiss-Made Stenheim Reference Ultime Two appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sennheiser Releases A New Flagship Earphone – The IE 90013 May 2021, 4:05 pm
Sennheiser IE 900 is the new universal flagship. It has been a hot week for IEM announcements. First, we had The post Sennheiser Releases A New Flagship Earphone – The IE 900 appeared first on AudioHead.... - Schiit Updates The Magni Amp Line With In-Ear Focused IEMagni12 May 2021, 5:03 pm
Schiit Audio announces the Schiit Magni IEMagni. Anyone who has battled with a large scale headphone amplifier to tiny in-ear The post Schiit Updates The Magni Amp Line With In-Ear Focused IEMagni appeared first on AudioHead.... - Naim Announces Uniti Atom Headphone Edition11 May 2021, 3:29 pm
The Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is the newest member to the all-in-one product line from the British amp maker. The post Naim Announces Uniti Atom Headphone Edition appeared first on AudioHead....
- Audio-gd now exclusively at Underwood Hifi14 May 2021, 5:40 pm
Value Innovation in High End Audio May 11, 2021 Underwood Hifi adds to its Distribution Profile Audio-gd now exclusively at The post Audio-gd now exclusively at Underwood Hifi appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Focal Rolls Out a Network of Retailers Dedicated to 1000 Series – Its New Line of Exceptional Integration Products And Offers Them Exclusive Access to The CEDIA Designer Tool13 May 2021, 6:12 pm
For a unique, personalized experience and in a perfect response to the expectations of their customers seeking high-end Stereo and The post Focal Rolls Out a Network of Retailers Dedicated to 1000 Series – Its New Line of Exceptional Integration Products And Offers Them Exclusive Access to The CEDIA Designer Tool appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Charisma Audio Musiko Tonearm, Soundeck, And Audio Machina Accessories – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM13 May 2021, 6:00 am
May 2021 World Premiere Review! Charisma Audio Musiko Tonearm, Soundeck, And Audio Machina Accessories A killer combination forced me to The post Charisma Audio Musiko Tonearm, Soundeck, And Audio Machina Accessories – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Naim Launches Uniti Atom Headphone Edition: The Ultimate Music Source for Headphones11 May 2021, 3:00 pm
Escape into your own world of high-quality sound Salisbury, England – May 11, 2021 – British hi-fi specialist, Naim Audio The post Naim Launches Uniti Atom Headphone Edition: The Ultimate Music Source for Headphones appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Bluesound Introduces New Generation of the Popular NODE and POWERNODE10 May 2021, 5:50 pm
The original and award-winning hi-res multi-room streaming favorites get new DAC designs, next generation quad-core processors and intuitive touch panel The post Bluesound Introduces New Generation of the Popular NODE and POWERNODE appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- IsoAcoustics Delos 1815M117 May 2021, 9:11 am
Stop bad vibrations once and for all with this isolation platform... - Ecosse Cables ES2.23+13 May 2021, 11:43 am
Impressive speaker cable won't break the bank... - MS HD Power MS-2160P11 May 2021, 8:55 am
The power block that improves your setup's performance... - Blue Horizon Spike Shoes MkII10 May 2021, 10:23 am
Protect your floor and improve your performance with these 'shoes'... - Noble brings its in-ears to the UK4 May 2021, 10:43 am
The Texan range from across the pond hopes to make it big in the UK...
- Luxman celebrates 95 years with the L595A SPECIAL EDITION integrated amplifier12 May 2021, 4:15 am
Production run limited to 300 units, of which 100 allocated to North America Product Page BALLSTON SPA, New York, May 2021 – The new Luxman L-595A SPECIAL EDITION is a premium Class A integrated amplifier built to commemorate Luxman’s 95th anniversary. The unique industrial design reimagines the highly regarded L-570 series inaugurated in 1989. “Not […] The post Luxman celebrates 95 years with the L595A SPECIAL EDITION integrated amplifier appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Listening Rooms | AXPONA Lost Tapes9 May 2021, 6:00 pm
In 2019, I flew to Taiwan right after AXPONA, then flew back to LA just to leave for Munich High-End a few days later. I never had a chance to go through all the footage I shot at AXPONA. Well, here are are the listening rooms! There’s a special live performance from Seth Walker at […] The post Listening Rooms | AXPONA Lost Tapes appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Periodic Audio Rhodium DAC Review4 May 2021, 5:21 am
This is a review of the new Periodic Audio Rhodium portable DAC. It’s meant to replace the cheap USB dongle that came with your phone. As you probably know, those dongle sound absolutely terrible so the bar is set pretty low. But can the Rhodium beat the popular $100 Audioquest Dragonfly Black or $200 Dragonfly […] The post Periodic Audio Rhodium DAC Review appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Al Schmitt, GOAT Recording Engineer, Dies at 9129 April 2021, 1:29 am
What a tremendous loss for music. This GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) started from the bottom from the streets of Brooklyn, New York. One of the most prolific and gifted producers and recording engineers passed away Monday at the age of 91. With a record-breaking 20 Grammys under his belt, he had more awards than […] The post Al Schmitt, GOAT Recording Engineer, Dies at 91 appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Video: Meze Empyrean Headphone Review24 April 2021, 8:36 pm
The post Video: Meze Empyrean Headphone Review appeared first on Audio Bacon....
- Music Hall USB-1 turntable — basic vinyl fun17 May 2021, 2:34 am
REVIEW: If you merely want to test the waters, Music Hall's USB-1 turntable is an inexpensive ticket to the dangerous world of vinyl.... - Naim releases Headphone Edition of Uniti Atom streamer14 May 2021, 2:35 am
NEWS: Finally, Naim address the headfi crowd with this version of its Uniti Atom streamer.... - Rega’s new Kyte speakers fly high10 May 2021, 1:33 am
REVIEW: Rega's new Kyte speakers are nothing like the old ones... but they certainly do the job, and very well, at that...... - New cables, cords and connects from Audience6 May 2021, 1:25 am
NEWS: Yearning to move up the cable chain? Audience offers a new range of wires for your consideration.... - Streaming for audiophiles… a primer3 May 2021, 1:35 am
FEATURE: If you haven't yet bought into the streaming game, here's the first of a multi-parter on what it's all about and squeezing the best from it....
- Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl Phono Stage Reviewed9 March 2021, 10:37 am
a fun, enthralling experience in much the same vein as the M6, but with improvements in every area. The post Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl Phono Stage Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Airpulse A80 Active Speakers Reviewed9 February 2021, 2:51 pm
Designed as an entry to serious hi-fi listening, targeted toward a younger audience with a strong focus towards digital listening in lifestyle systems. The post Airpulse A80 Active Speakers Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable Reviewed3 December 2020, 10:09 am
It may have its foibles but so does every audiophile-inspired manual belt drive turntable regardless of cost. A solid turntable capable of great performance. The post Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo Turntable Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit27 November 2020, 10:19 am
Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit The post Nearly 70 Pro-Ject turntables stolen in UK transit appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - WesionTEK Khadas Tone Board DAC Reviewed17 November 2020, 10:52 am
A clean, clear, neutral DAC and a marvellous little board for all kinds of usage scenarios. The post WesionTEK Khadas Tone Board DAC Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal....
- Moonriver Model 404 Reference Integrated Amplifier Review18 May 2021, 5:52 am
James Michael Hughes enjoys this quirky high end integrated amplifier from Sweden…... - Denon DCD-A110 SACD Player and PMA-A110 Integrated Amplifier Review18 May 2021, 5:02 am
Jimmy Hughes celebrates a prestigious new Anniversary edition silver disc spinner and amplifier combination…... - Cambridge Audio SX-80 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review10 May 2021, 7:07 am
David Price auditions a surprisingly good cheap floorstanding speaker…... - Velodyne Deep Blue 15” Subwoofer Review4 May 2021, 4:42 am
Velodyne signals its return with a new and serious sealed-box subwoofer, says Michael Darroch…... - KEF LS50 Meta Loudspeakers Review23 April 2021, 1:44 am
Marc Rushton witnesses the metamorphosis of an iconic mini monitor into something newer and better…...
- Grado Upgrades Their Legendary Prestige Headphones To Fourth Generation “X” Series18 May 2021, 4:01 pm
When you think of Grado Headphones, you’re most likely thinking about their cornerstone Prestige line that begins with the venerated SR60 model and ends with their highly-rated SR325 metal headphone. It’s a series that’s been updated a few times since it first came about in the 1950s, and now Grado has released their Fourth Generation, continue reading... - Amazon Music HD Now Offers Hi Res Audio Streaming For As Low As $7.99!17 May 2021, 11:37 pm
On the same day Apple announced their $9.99 Hi-Res Audio streaming Tier for Apple Music, Amazon made their own blockbuster announcement regarding their High-Resolution Music streaming Service. Starting today, Amazon Music HD, which features millions of songs in CD-Quality (16/44.1), Better than CD-Quality (up to 24/192), as well as 3D audio (Dolby Atmos & Sony continue reading... - Apple Announces New Lossless High-Resolution And Dolby Atmos Spatial Content For Apple Music17 May 2021, 9:47 pm
Today, media and hardware giant Apple announced some big changes coming to their Apple Music streaming service. According to the company, starting in June, they will make their catalog of 75 million songs available in Lossless Audio, meaning subscribers will stream in either CD-Quality (16/44.1) or Better than CD-Quality (24/48). That tier will stream natively continue reading... - The Best Speaker, Headphone, And Electronics Sales We’ve Found This Week: Onkyo, Elac, Kanto, Polk Audio13 May 2021, 11:17 pm
Check Out Our List for the Best Buys in Audio & Hi-Fi! Looking for the best values in Audio and Hi-Fi? Then look no further. We’ve rounded up the best audio and hi-fi from around the internet! There are great buys on excellent speakers, amps, and turntables, along with some amazing specials on headphones! Don’t continue reading... - Bluesound Tweaks A Winning Formula With New NODE and POWERNODE Music Streamers12 May 2021, 3:57 am
Despite already having two of the best High-Res audiophile music streamers on the market, Bluesound has revealed new and improved versions of their best-selling NODE and POWERNODE devices. Both models now get upgraded (read: faster) processors, new “audiophile-grade” DAC sections, and new touch panel controls with music presets. As far as the POWERNODE streaming amplifier continue reading...
- MQA - just what is going on here?2 May 2021, 2:47 am
... - John McLaughlin: Liberation Time (Abstract Logix, July 16, 2021)30 April 2021, 2:29 pm
... - Covid strikes Peter Lederman of Soundsmith23 April 2021, 2:14 am
... - Gauntlet thrown....Synergistic invites Audioholics to walk the talk13 April 2021, 2:54 am
... - Vinyl sales revenue up but streaming remains king13 March 2021, 6:26 pm
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- KEF Q950 Floorstanding Speakers26 February 2021, 9:32 pm
Link to SpecificationsAs a history teacher I enjoy reading the background of audio companies and their fascinating rise. British-based KEF is no exception. In 1961 BBC electrical engineer Kenneth Cooke founded KEF speakers. From the beginning Cooke focused on science and advanced materials to improve speaker performance. This passion led KEF in the 1960’s to use Mylar film in tweeters, Neoprene for the rubber surrounds in drivers, and Bextrene for the diaphragms. In 1977, KEF came out with... - LSA-10 Signature Speakers28 November 2020, 6:15 pm
Speakers have a character. They can be precise, enveloping, dynamic, punchy, demanding, and sparkly, just to name a few. I admit, I’ve owned or reviewed seemingly every type described, and then some. Each has their charms and musical genres where they shine. For 90% of owners the key is owning the one set of speakers that best meets their overall personal taste. Thankfully, the last ten years have brought speaker performance up a full level across all price points making the reward all the... - Magna Riser Slim Line 24 October 2020, 10:00 pm
Less than a year ago I managed to find online a used pair of Magnepan .7's for $800 on the used market. A few days after the panels arrived I decided to experiment by placing blocks of wood under the back end of the angled L-bracket metal legs, thus tilting them to a true vertical position. The sonic differences I stored away in my memory until such time as I could consider potential stand replacements. Magnepan's own oval upgrade model held zero interest for a variety of reasons, so my options ... - Audioengine B-Fi Wireless Streamer22 September 2020, 3:14 pm
Link to specificationsOk, I admit it, the wife and I have been relying on Alexa to stream music in the kitchen and living room. I have my man cave in the basement, so the upstairs is her music domain and she wants it simple. But she loves the playlist I created for her on Tidal to use on her phone when she is walking or gardening. Over the months I endured many a complaint about finding a solution. Not for the first time, the gang at Audioengine have come to the rescue. This past late spri... - Totem Acoustics Signature ONE Speakers5 September 2020, 9:47 pm
Link to SpecificationsHow does one improve on a legend? That was the question facing Vince Bruzzese and the team at Totem Acoustics approximately 5 years ago. The Model 1, a diminutive stand mounted speaker had launched Totem as a major player in the industry 30+ years ago. In the decades that followed, the Model 1 would receive tweeks that owners could spot. However, that has all changed.The Signature One is all new, only the “spirit” as Totem refers to the legacy that the Model 1 p...
- AVID Ingenium, Diva II SP, and Sequel18 May 2021, 7:14 am
In this review, I will dive very deeply into all the aspects of three Avid Turntables, how they compare to one another, how they interact with different tonearms and cartridges, and where exactly each model excels. Be prepared - this has resulted in a very long article, even by my standards, but there's a summary for those who want to jump straight to the conclusion.... - Grimm MU115 May 2021, 3:15 pm
After countless Music Servers and Streamers, not to mention various server software and playback applications that I have tried throughout the years, I figured that, by now, surely, there'd be no more large surprises for me. Well, of course, that's when a new server entered my premises and totally surprised me.... - Nagaoka MP-1505 May 2021, 2:55 pm
In this Mini-Review, I will be looking at the MP-150's performance using three tonearms and three Avid turntables.... - Mola-Mola Tambaqui2 May 2021, 6:57 pm
Originally available only as a two-board stack for use inside the Mola-Mola Makua preamp, the DAC with its special proprietary design is also available as a separate unit.... - Phono Cartridge Stylus Shapes14 April 2021, 10:45 am
Want to know all there is to know about phono cartridge stylus shapes? Look no further as this article has all the essential information all in one place. It dives into the similarities, differences and overlap, explains the aspect of Contact Area and the differences between Bonded and Nude diamonds, between a Round Shank and a Square Shank, and covers stylus longevity....
- 8 Best Turntable Receivers of 202116 May 2021, 2:35 pm
Turntables are as popular and relevant today as they were in yesteryears – with the…... - Master & Dynamic MW08 Review15 May 2021, 9:01 pm
Master & Dynamic are a New-York based premium audio company who have held a strong…... - How to Avoid Bluetooth Interference in Headphones12 May 2021, 8:34 pm
The use of Bluetooth in different devices is proven to be one of the most…... - Bitstream vs PCM: Which Is Better?8 May 2021, 2:33 pm
Over the years, videos have been watched through various forms and connections, such as the…... - 8 Best Integrated Amplifiers under $10002 May 2021, 4:46 pm
Building an affordable and yet high-performance hi-fi system will reward you for many years to…...
- Review: Pure Fidelity Horizon Turntable18 May 2021, 4:40 pm
The Pure Fidelity Horizon extracted information from the groove in a musical, accurate and resolution-oriented manner in line with its purview of spinning an LP at a sustained speed. But, much like sense, while these achievements may come off as simple, there is nothing common about the accomplishments of the Horizon. The post Review: Pure Fidelity Horizon Turntable appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Soundtrack: Arrival – Denis Villeneuve12 May 2021, 9:59 pm
Understanding how time limits and binds the human capacity for awareness is the key to breaking an interstellar code for a linguist and physicist in Canadian director Denis Villeneuve’s stark, contemporaneous and cerebral 2016 sci-fi thriller Arrival. The post Soundtrack: Arrival – Denis Villeneuve appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Heavy Rotation: Boards of Canada – Music has the Right to Children7 May 2021, 9:32 pm
Triggering an emotion may be easier with a melody than rhythm, according to brothers Mike Sandison and Marcus Eoin of Boards of Canada, but the faded patina of melancholy saturating the pair’s 1998 debut studio album Music Has The Right To Children, is as apparent in its tempo as its theme. The post Heavy Rotation: Boards of Canada – Music has the Right to Children appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - DJ Shadow: Endtroducing – 25th Anniversary Sample Mix4 May 2021, 10:01 pm
Cited as one of the best records of the nineties by most major music publications and included in Time Magazine’s list of greatest albums of all time, one of the keys to the resounding impact of DJ Shadow’s Entroducing can be found in the title of one of its less substantial cuts, a 43-second interlude entitled “Why Hip Hop Sucks in ‘96”. It kind of did. The post DJ Shadow: Endtroducing – 25th Anniversary Sample Mix appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Time Capsule: The Record label for Diggers and Musicologists30 April 2021, 3:28 pm
Despite the intervening decades since David Mancuso dropped the needle to move people in his loft, the idea of friends playing for friends, and family coming first continues on in organized parties like London’s Lucky Cloud Sound System, venues like Brilliant Corners, and record labels like Kay Suzuki’s Time Capsule. The post Time Capsule: The Record label for Diggers and Musicologists appeared first on Resistor Magazine |....
- Square, Inc. Announces Plans To Acquire Majority Ownership Stake In TIDAL18 May 2021, 11:00 am
Don’t count TIDAL out just yet. With the recent Apple and Amazon news, both companies offering lossless and hi-res streaming (up to 24-bit/192kHz) for $9.99/month, I can hear the murmurings of death knells being tolled for Tidal. After all, Tidal’s main point of differentiation had [...]... - Amazon Music HD to Deliver Lossless + Hi-Res, Now!17 May 2021, 4:48 pm
It’s a fact, Jack. Amazon has announced that Lossless Audio, up to 24-bit/192kHz, is here for Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers at no additional cost. Sound familiar? From the press release: SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 17, 2021– (NASDAQ: AMZN) ) Amazon Music today announced that going forward, its [...]... - Apple Music will bring Lossless Audio to entire catalog in June 202117 May 2021, 1:55 pm
It’s a fact, Jack. Apple has announced that Lossless Audio, up to 24-bit/192kHz, is coming to Apple Music subscribers in June 2021 at no additional cost. Bam! That’s $9.99/month for lossless streaming + hi-res. Apple Music will also make its catalog of more than 75 [...]... - ADOT (Audiophile Digital Optical Technology) Media Convertors16 May 2021, 12:00 pm
Network audiophiles have been using fiber media converters for years. Companies like TP-Link offer a number of options in the $20/each price range that do the job just fine. But, what’s the job? Simple — a fiber media converter takes an Ethernet input and converts [...]... - Macworld Selling The Big Lie: “Nobody needs HiFi Apple Music+”15 May 2021, 11:17 am
We’ve come to expect people to say stupid things. It’s a daily occurrence if you watch the news, at least here in the US. But I am continually amazed to see writers on tech, like Jason Cross, Staff Writer at Macworld, peddle in uninformed, conspiracy [...]...
- IsoAcoustics Aperta Sub Isolation for Subwoofers18 May 2021, 1:55 pm
This $150 IsoAcoustics Aperta sub isolation stand improves the sound of your subwoofer for music and movies, while keeping your neighbors happy.... - New Grado Prestige X Headphones for Your Apple Music Lossless Streaming18 May 2021, 7:04 am
The new Grado Prestige X headphones offer a new and more advanced take on their best-selling audiophile quality headphones.... - Is RMAF 2021 Going to Be a Rocky Mountain High?18 May 2021, 6:38 am
With Munich 2021 already rescheduled to 2022, we need to find a silver lining somewhere. It would appear that RMAF 2021 held in Denver is happening and we have some new details.... - Amazon Music HD Drops Upcharge17 May 2021, 5:53 pm
Amazon Music have announced that its lossless streaming tier, Amazon Music HD, will be available to all eligible Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers at no extra cost.... - Apple Music is Being Upgraded With Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos: At No Extra Charge17 May 2021, 4:09 pm
Apple One bundles up to six amazing Apple services into one easy subscription. Apple Music with lossless streaming and Dolby Atmos is part of the deal....