- Bricasti Design M1SE MDX D/A processor21 June 2021, 6:00 pm
I have owned the SE version of the Bricasti M1 D/A converter for several years. It's my reference DAC. When, recently, I became aware of the availability of the factory-installed MDx Processor Board upgrade, I packed up the M1SE and sent it off to the Bricasti factory, which is in Shirley, Massachusetts, northwest of Boston. The factory-installed MDx upgrade costs $1000—a lot less than the $10,000 it costs today to buy a new M1SE with the MDx board.Thu, 07/01/2021...
- Magico A5 loudspeaker18 June 2021, 6:21 pm
It's rare for a Stereophile reviewer to review two loudspeakers in a row from the same manufacturer, but then these are unusual times. Because of the pandemic, Magico's M2s got stuck here for a year (I know: poor me). By the time they were packed up and shipped out, it was time for a long-scheduled review of the less-expensive, more-massive Magico A5 ($24,800/pair). Fri, 06/18/2021... - Line Magnetic LM-845IA integrated amplifier18 June 2021, 4:58 pm
If you've ever paused in front of a painting by Peter Paul Rubens, you may have noticed that the canvas seems to glow. Everything in Rubens's paintings celebrates abundance. A golden light bathes his landscapes, and his figures are epitomes of radiant health—the women ample and voluptuous (a body type sometimes called "Rubenesque"), the men vigorous and athletic. Invariably, these expanses of rosy European flesh appear to be in motion, an effect Rubens mastered more thoroughly than arguably... - Book Review: <I>Chairman at the Board</I>17 June 2021, 4:59 pm
Chairman at the Board: Recording the Soundtrack of a Generation, by Bill Schnee. Backbeat Books, 2021. 219pp. $24.49, hard cover; $21.49, Kindle e-book. It was September 2012, and Sasha Matson and I were in Los Angeles to record the singers for his jazz opera, Cooperstown. We had already recorded the instrumental backing with engineer Mike Marciano at Brooklyn's Systems Two studio, and the venue for the vocal tracking sessions was Bill Schnee's studio in North Hollywood. Thu, 06/17/2021... - Recording of July 2021: <I>The Who Sell Out</I>17 June 2021, 1:56 am
The Who: The Who Sell Out Universal 7711420 (5 CDs, 2 7" singles). 1967/2021. Kit Lambert, Pete Townshend, prods.; Damon Lyon-Shaw, Jon Astley, Andy MacPherson, other engs. Performance ***** Sonics **** This 5-CD box-set version of The Who Sell Out is the latest iteration of a 54-year-old work-in-progress. It contains an unrivaled wealth of recorded information covering the period between the Who's second album, A Quick One (Happy Jack in the US), and the monumental rock opera Tommy.Wed, 06/16...
- WBT Nominated For The German Innovation Award 202121 June 2021, 5:05 pm
The following is a press release issued by WBT-Industrie. June […] The post WBT Nominated For The German Innovation Award 2021 appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Sonus faber Maxima Amator Loudspeaker21 June 2021, 12:41 pm
Let’s get it out of the way right at the […] The post Sonus faber Maxima Amator Loudspeaker appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music21 June 2021, 12:00 pm
The following is a press release issued by Naim Audio. […] The post Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Focal Naim America Announces “Mixed on Focal”19 June 2021, 1:36 am
The following is a press release issued by Focal Naim […] The post Focal Naim America Announces “Mixed on Focal” appeared first on The Absolute Sound.... - Paul Ben-Haim17 June 2021, 6:39 pm
Paul Ben-Haim is one of those composers whose recordings I’ll […] The post Paul Ben-Haim appeared first on The Absolute Sound....
- T.H.E Show 2021 Exhibition Room Report22 June 2021, 5:57 am
I find myself deleting the opening sentence of my piece, "It's 7am and I'm drinking coffee in a veritable ghost town." No sooner had I settled into my choice table and chair, in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, Ralph Sorrentino of CH Precision popped up out of thin air. I swear that man is a wizard! My second sentence was lined up. "A blazer? Can a blazer style with yoga pants? This is the first time I'm faced with wearing 'real clothes' in over 14 months." You see, I am the Director of Marketing ... - CrystalConnect Monet Network Ethernet Cable Review21 June 2021, 4:16 pm
"CrystalConnect's Monet network cable uses dual-layer high purity Kapton and PTFE shielding with impedance-matched and fully shielded RJ-45 connectors.... So, does it justify the expense? Was it transformative?... The stage exploded in every direction, dynamics logarithmically amplified and micro resolution changed from a high-powered compound light microscope to a scanning beam electron microscope. The Monet was, however, exceptional in its ability to improve upon what I own, and what I have pr... - CEDIA Expo 2021 Registration Is Now Open21 June 2021, 1:01 pm
EmeraldX's CEDIA Expo 2021 is to be held from September 1st through 3rd at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. The event will feature networking, training, brand exposure, and product launches. This is an opportunity to reunite with 15,000 connected technology pros to share valuable insights and seek solutions. You can discover the smart home's hottest connected products and explore new streams of revenue. Gain valuable education through both CEDIA and exhibitor led product traini... - Auction: You Can Buy The Entire Internet18 June 2021, 12:44 pm
For EnjoyTheMusic.com's Fun Friday News, Sotherby's is offering you the chance to buy the entire Internet! While some uninformed Americans might mistakenly think Al Gore created the Internet, it was in fact during 1989 that British computer scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in a moment that changed the world forever. From June 23 through 30, Sotheby's will auction the first historical artifact relating to this landmark moment ever to be sold, giving people the opportunity... - TBT World Premiere! Chisto Easy Groove Solutions Concentrate, Virgin Concentrate, Extreme, Enzycaster, Concentrate, Spray & Wipe, Disk Analoguer, and Hi-End Show-Gloss Review.17 June 2021, 1:36 pm
For the last few years, I've been cleaning my records by using a VPI 16.5 wet/vacuum record cleaner. My record cleaning liquid of choice has been for quite some time a simple solution of distilled water and a surfactant (the surfactant reduces the solution's surface tension, making it spread more easily on the surface of the record). Before the VPI, I used a Nitty Gritty record cleaner, and before that, an Audio Advisor record cleaner. With those machines I've tried countless solutions sold by m...
- REVIEW: Shelter HARMONY ⸜ MC cartridge | JAPAN1 June 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA / Translation: Marek Dyba Images: Shelter | Wojciech Pacuła No 205 June 1, 2021 ⌈ The founder and designer of the Shelter company is YASUO OZAWA-san. The history of this brand is related to the MC cartridges, that it started its activity with. Its first product was the 701E model, presented in January 1986. We are testing its current top model - HARMONY. ⌋ F WE LOOK AT THE SO-CALLED "TIMELINE" of the products of the Japanese co... - MUSIC | REISSUE: FRANK SINATRA Sinatra’s Sinatra, SIGNATURE SERIES, Stereo Sound SSVS-017 ⸜ SACD/CD | JAPAN1 June 2021, 12:00 am
MUSIC | REISSUE Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA / Translation: Marek Dyba Images: Wojciech Pacuła No 205 June 1, 2021 ⌈ SINATRA’S SINATRA was the 39th album in FRANK SINATRA’S career, one of “the best of…” kind. It featured 12 tracks recorded anew, out of which10 were selected from among what he had recorded for Capitol Records and Columbia Records. It is also Sinatra’s last album recorded for Reprise before the record label was sold to the ... - REVIEW: Aurorasound PREDA-III ⸜ line preamplifier | JAPAN1 June 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA / Translation: Marek Dyba Images: Bartosz Łuczak/Piksel Studio | Wojciech Pacuła No 205 June 1, 2021 WORLD PREMIERE ⌈ AURORASOUND is a Japanese company established in 2010, founded by Mr. SHINOBU KARAKI. Its lineup includes line and phono preamplifiers as well as amplifiers, including headphone ones. We are the first magazine in the world to test the company's newest linear preamplifier, the PREDA-III. ⌋ RUPERT NEVE, WHO ... - REVIEW: Murasakino SUMILE MC + NOBALA ⸜ MC cartridge and step up transformer | JAPAN1 June 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: MAREK DYBA Images: Piksel Studio/Bartosz Łuczak | Marek Dyba No 205 June 1, 2021 ⌈ Murasaki Co., Ltd. was established in July 2014 by Mr. Daisuke Asai. From the start it was involved in the import and distribution of three audio brands - Amazon Audio, Solid Core Audio and Durant Tonearms. In 2018 however, they also started to offer products under its own brand - two phono cartridges (mono and stereo) and a step up transformer. For this review we received a set... - REVIEW: Acoustic Revive RWL-III ABSOLUTE ⸜ acoustic panel | JAPAN1 June 2021, 12:00 am
Review Text: WOJCIECH PACUŁA / Translation: Marek Dyba Images: Wojciech Pacuła No 205 June 1, 2021 ⌈ ACOUSTIC REVIVE is a Japanese company founded in 1997 and run by Mr. KEN ISHIGURO-san. It specializes in audio cables and anti-vibration accessories, but it also offers innovative products, the ideas of which are most often inspired by the University of Tokyo. We are testing one of the products used to correct room acoustics, the RWL-III ABSOLUTE panels. ⌋ ...
- Octave Records Releases The Nature of Things by Foxfeather, Recorded in Pure DSD Hi-Res Audio21 June 2021, 6:49 pm
– New album featuring female vocal rock band Foxfeather is available on SACD and via download, recorded using exclusive DSDDirect Mastering – Boulder, Colorado, June 21, 2021 – PS Audio’s Octave Records label has released its latest album, The Nature of Things by the band Foxfeather. It’s a compelling blend of rock, pop, acoustic-electric roots... Read More » The post Octave Records Releases The Nature of Things by Foxfeather, Recorded in Pure DSD Hi-Res Audio... - Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music21 June 2021, 6:30 pm
Naim Audio launches first-ever turntable plus next-generation Aro tonearm as part of complete Solstice Special Edition package – limited to 500 units Salisbury, England (June 21, 2021) - Vinyl-lovers can now finally enjoy the full Naim Audio experience with the launch of Solstice, the first turntable in the British brand’s almost 50-year history. It comes... Read More » The post Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - RSX Beyond Phono Cable with DIN Review: Part Two18 June 2021, 8:14 pm
I rarely revisit my complete reviews, but the RSX top-of-the-line Beyond phono cable with DIN connector has revealed state-of-the-art attributes that are stunning to this reviewer. In its RCA-terminated form, the cable from the legendary Roger Skoff was musically natural and neutral with a bullet. I was never able to truly discover what it did... Read More » The post RSX Beyond Phono Cable with DIN Review: Part Two appeared first on Positive Feedback.... - The Brand Debuts the Blue Point No. 3 High/ Low Output, Celebration 40 And RS78 RPM Stylus17 June 2021, 8:30 pm
MAPLE GROVE, MN (June 17, 2021) – Sumiko is excited to announce the launch of three new phono cartridges and one new stylus, extending the company’s high-end audio collection with audiophile-grade enhancements for any new or existing turntable system. The Blue Point No. 3 High and Blue Point No. 3 Low phono cartridges replace the... Read More » The post The Brand Debuts the Blue Point No. 3 High/ Low Output, Celebration 40 And RS78 RPM Stylus appeared first on Positive Feedback... - Densen sold - New owners!16 June 2021, 11:25 pm
After it’s been a public secret for a while that the founder of the Densen brand, Thomas Sillesen, has been on the look-out for a buyer of his HiFi company, it’s been announced two new partners have taken over the brand, which was founded in 1993 in Esbjerg, Denmark. Casper Reinhold and Ditlev Leth... Read More » The post Densen sold - New owners! appeared first on Positive Feedback....
- The Audio GE Teddy Speakers20 June 2021, 10:14 pm
There are some fun speakers in the $1,000 – $2,000 range, and there are a lot more mistakes. But there are a few true classics, transcending time, offering sonic value that is out of what you think would be possible for this price. The Audio GE Teddy, at $1,888 a pair delivered, certainly has the [...]... - The McIntosh XRT2.1 K Speakers16 June 2021, 10:57 pm
Note: this review started right before we were all stuck in the middle of the travel restrictions imposed by COVID. Cleaning up the desktop, I realized the copy hadn’t had its final round of editing! Yet, my impressions are as vivid as the day I was sitting on the couch. These are impressive speakers. If you [...]... - The McIntosh MC1502 Power Amplifier14 June 2021, 8:36 pm
Much as I like to dismiss measurements when it comes to the subject of hifi, there’s one that I find intriguing – sound pressure level, which relates closely to dynamics. Much as I like small Class A solid-state amplifiers, SET tube amplifiers, and small tube amplifiers like the hallowed MC30 amplifiers from McIntosh – there’s [...]... - The Gershman Acoustics Studio Two Speakers11 June 2021, 3:58 am
Listening to the deep bass line in Jean-Michel Jarre’s Zoolook instantly reveals the sheer weight that these modest-sized monitor speakers deliver. In a 13 x 18-foot room, driven by the Boulder 866 (200 wpc, class-A), taking advantage of a tiny bit of room gain, you won’t find yourself itching for a subwoofer. And the fun doesn’t [...]... - Core Power Ground Zero8 June 2021, 2:35 pm
Got hum in your system that you just can’t get rid of? Is it driving you nuts? Have you tried power conditioners, cheater plugs, etc.? Still there? Still mad? Chances are, there’s some residual DC in your power. It happens. For those of you that think “well, I’ve got clean power where I live,” you [...]...
- Bryston B135 Cubed Integrated Amplifier15 June 2021, 4:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link. Several months ago, I was working one evening and paused to check my e-mail. I was saddened to read an article, sent to me by fellow SoundStage! Network writer Roger Kanno, announcing that Brian Russell, Bryston’s president, had suddenly died. I’d met Russell only once, but that encounter had had a profound impact on my interest in high-end audio. ... - Recommended Reference Component: iFi Audio iPhono3 Black Label Phono Stage1 June 2021, 4:00 am
iFi Audio’s iPhono3 Black Label phono stage doesn’t look like an audiophile hi-fi component—it measures only 2.3ʺW × 1.1ʺH × 6.2ʺD, with a set of inputs on one end and a set of outputs on the other (all single-ended RCA), and weighs just over half a pound (265g, to be precise). At $999 (all prices in USD), it’s also relatively inexpensive. But despite its smallness and unusual shape, light weight, and reasonable price, the iPhono3’s featur... - Ken Kessler's New Stereo System: Part 11 June 2021, 4:00 am
Over the decades, readers have never ceased to remind me that hi-fi reviewers—like automotive journalists, theatre/film/restaurant critics, and others of that ilk—are spoiled thanks to the perks of the job. Become a respected car magazine contributor, and you’ll probably never need to buy a vehicle because you’ll always be testing one or another. Restaurant critic? Your main worry will be your waistline. ... - Rotel RA-1572MKII Integrated Amplifier-DAC1 June 2021, 4:00 am
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link. Rotel was founded in 1957 as an original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) of audio components, but has been making high-value audio gear under its own brand since 1961. Other than NAD and Cambridge Audio, I can’t think of another company with a similarly long history or reputation, or as wide a range of entry-level and mid-priced models. So this longtime admirer of Rotel’s excellent bud... - Throwing My Hat into the YouTube Ring with "SoundStage! Real Hi-Fi"1 June 2021, 4:00 am
YouTube videos aren’t new to the SoundStage! Network. We first started publishing videos on our YouTube channel over ten years ago, and our SoundStage! InSight series, a YouTube playlist that profiles companies through their products, began seven years ago. We followed it with other series with industry-leading video production values, such as SoundStage! Shorts, SoundStage! Encore, and SoundStage! Expert, and we now have more than 180 videos on YouTube. If you haven't already done so, sub...
- Sumiko announces Celebration 40 and Blue Point cartridges17 June 2021, 8:27 pm
The following is a press release from Sumiko. The Brand Debuts the Blue Point No. 3 High/ Low Output, Celebration 40 And RS78 RPM Stylus MAPLE GROVE, MN (June 17, 2021) – Sumiko is excited to announce the launch of three new phono cartridges and one new stylus, extending the company’s high-end audio collection [...] The post Sumiko announces Celebration 40 and Blue Point cartridges appeared first on Dagogo.... - Improving your work environment5 June 2021, 4:16 pm
I honestly feel that your productivity can improve with a more positive work environment. Studies have shown certain classical music creates the “Mozart Effect” that can improve memory, awareness, and the integration of learning styles, which can help creativity. This all sounds good, but let’s be honest, I kept a turntable in my office because [...] The post Improving your work environment appeared first on Dagogo.... - Stage III Concepts A.S.P. Reference Poseidon power cable Review1 June 2021, 4:00 pm
Introduction Within the last year, I have auditioned three of the top Stage III power cords: the Kraken, the Proteus and the Poseidon. While they share many of the same sonic characteristics — precise imaging, good to excellent depth, wide soundstage, very low noise and distortion, ability to retrieve even very low-level detail — each [...] The post Stage III Concepts A.S.P. Reference Poseidon power cable Review appeared first on Dagogo.... - Kanto Audio Introduces YU Passive Speakers25 May 2021, 6:51 pm
The following is a press release from Kanto Audio. COQUITLAM, BC, CANADA, May 25, 2021 – Kanto today announced the introduction of its YU Passive 5.25” and YU Passive 4” speakers, two compact models that offer high-performance sound and outstanding value. The YU Passive 5.25″ (MAP: $199 per pair) features a 5.25-inch Kevlar® woofer and [...] The post Kanto Audio Introduces YU Passive Speakers appeared first on Dagogo.... - Rotel announces RC-1590MKII and RC-1572MKII preamplifiers25 May 2021, 5:42 pm
The following is a press release from Rotel of the McIntosh Group. ROTEL’S AWARD WINNING STEREO PREAMPLIFIERS ANNOUNCED AS MKII MODELS Upgraded MKII Audio Circuits and Components Deliver A Higher Level of Acoustic Performance Tokyo, Japan (May 25, 2021) – Rotel is thrilled to announce new upgraded MKII versions of two of the companies [...] The post Rotel announces RC-1590MKII and RC-1572MKII preamplifiers appeared first on Dagogo....
- Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 24 | Volumio Interview21 June 2021, 11:09 am
Episode 24 is up and being delivered to all the podcast platforms right now. In this episode I interview Michelangelo from Volumio about his background, the beginnings of the software and hardware products, and the current Volumio offerings. I’ve used Volumio off and on over the years and really admire the progress this team has made with respect to both geeks and those with a passion for music without the geekine... - Realism vs. Accuracy for Audiophiles: Doctor, Can I Please Get a Prescription for Better Recordings?16 June 2021, 5:07 pm
REALISM VS ACCURACY FOR AUDIOPHILES: “DOCTOR, CAN I PLEASE GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR BETTER RECORDINGS?” In the first article in this series, we discussed realism, accuracy, and reasonable expectations of each for audiophiles. The second part examined the real sounds of musical instruments, along with their variance, susceptibilities to alteration and distortion, and how these factors can affect the accuracy and realism of recorded perfo... - Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 23 | Audirvana Interview14 June 2021, 1:01 pm
Episode 23 is up and being delivered to all the podcast platforms right now. In this episode I interview Damien and Manuel of Audirvana about their backgrounds, the beginnings of the application, and the ins and outs of the newest Audirvana Studio release. Audirvana Studio has a few features unavailable in any other app on the planet, and it was nice to talk about the implementation of these directly with the team. The ... - Apple Music's Lossless and Hi-Res Mess8 June 2021, 4:16 pm
This morning I've been testing Apple Music's new lossless and Hi-Res offerings on both my iPhone 12 Pro running iOS 14.6 and my Mac Mini (M1) running macOS 11.4. In my tests, I'm only concerned with playing the music bit perfectly, in other words without making any changes to the audio. If Apple Music says it's streaming lossless audio, then I want to stream that audio losslessly, rather than accidentally converting it to lossy AAC or MP3 etc... Whether or not people can hear the... - Audiophile Style Podcast: Episode 22 | Mitch Barnett of Accurate Sound Interview7 June 2021, 2:17 pm
Episode 22 is up and being delivered to all the podcast platforms right now. In this episode I interview Accurate Sound's Mitch Barnett. Mitch has been involved in digital signal processing for many years, including writing a book, contributing several articles to Audiophile Style (@mitchco) on the topic, and recently starting his own company called Accurate Sound. I talked to Mitch about digital signal processing, some of t...
- NAIM Back In The Turntable Tonearm Game21 June 2021, 1:02 pm
Naim Audio launches first-ever turntable plus next-generation Aro tonearm as part of complete Solstice Special Edition package – limited to 500 units.... - Rhino Delivers a Worthy Reissue of Pantera’s <i>Vulgar Display of Power</i>13 June 2021, 6:58 pm
You don’t hear much about the band Pantera in either the audiophile or even in the vinyl community. Its music and lyrics come across as brash, and thrash metal definitely isn’t the first genre that comes to mind when thinking of records to show off the sonic capabilities of one's stereo equipment. Nonetheless, when I'm in the mood to spin something heavier on my turntable, I find myself gravitating to Rhino’s 2020 reissue of Pantera’s Primary Category: Album Review... - Newvelle Records Breaks Open Boxes For Record Store Day11 June 2021, 6:04 pm
Subscription-based Newvelle Records announced it was breaking open the boxes for Record Store Day. In other words, tomorrow, Record Store Day, you can go to the Newvelle website and buy individual records of the "complete remaining discography". That means if they have it in stock you can buy it one record at a time tomorrow only!. ... - George Harrison's <i>All Things Must Pass</i> Gets the 50th Anniversary Reissue Treatment August 6th10 June 2021, 9:02 pm
How would you like your All Things Must Pass?. Of course there's the original 3 LP set produced by George Harrison (who died in 2001 at age 58) and Phil Spector, which if you have on an original British Apple pressing sounds very good. The American pressing? Meh.... - "Feel Flow" - The <i>Sunflower</i> & <i>Surf's Up</i> Sessions 1969-1971," Box Due July 3010 June 2021, 7:36 pm
Los Angeles – June 3, 2021 - Capitol/UMe will release an expansive 5CD and digital box set titled "Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971" on July 30. Assembled by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions, the expansive collection features newly remastered versions of Sunflower and Surf’s Up and boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternat...
- Audiophiles with 'problem' rooms + a movie review + a viewer system!19 June 2021, 12:45 pm
... - Thomas Edison, analog, digital, horns, tubes, solid-state, viewer system and....17 June 2021, 11:00 am
... - Black Ice F11 integrated amp: INTELLIGENT AUDIO15 June 2021, 11:00 am
... - ADAM T8V: Pro sound comes home!13 June 2021, 11:00 am
... - The TOP 5 reasons NOT TO BUY new speakers!11 June 2021, 11:00 am
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- PranaFidelity, Helidus Designs, E.A.R., Townshend, Koetsu, Silversmith, Furutech | T.H.E. SHOW 202122 June 2021, 10:36 am
PranaFidelity (website) was running a lovely demo system, and Steven Norber’s show systems and demos are always a treat. The man himself is much like his speakers, understated yet effortlessly classy. I was quietly greeted by [...]... - Naim Solstice Turntable, Aro Tonearm, Equinox Cartridge, Solstice Phonostage and Power Supply21 June 2021, 11:06 am
NAIM launches their first ever turntable, along with a next generation Aro tonearm, an Equinox MC phono cartridge, and Solstice Series phono-stage and phono-power-supply. These items are available as a bundle named the Solstice Special [...]... - Wilson Benesch, Ypsilon, Aurender, Vibrance, Stage III Concepts, Isoclean, HB Design, Stacore | T.H.E. SHOW 202120 June 2021, 1:00 pm
I’ve long been a fan of Wilson Benesch (website) speakers, but they’re a rare sight here in the United States. I was intrigued to see local distributor Aaudio Imports playing a pair of Wilson Benesch [...]... - Alsyvox, Vitus Audio, Kuzma, Computer Audio Design, Dynavector, Purist Audio Design | T.H.E. SHOW 202120 June 2021, 10:00 am
Cake Audio, another local Southern California dealer, was showing the perennially popular Alsyvox (website) Botticceli speakers in a room I’m convinced was designed to double as a sensory deprivation chamber. Besides bringing a very literally meaning [...]... - Audiovector, Thrax, Frank Schröder, Tom Evans, Antipodes, Weiss Engineering, Hemingway Audio | T.H.E. SHOW 202119 June 2021, 12:00 pm
After hearing Dave McNair rave about the Audiovector (website) loudspeakers (Dave’s review here), I knew a stop by their room was mandatory. Another dark room and a difficult photo-taking environment greeted me. A glorious sound [...]...
- Naim readies its first-ever turntable: the Solstice Special Edition21 June 2021, 11:48 am
June 21st — for anyone living in the northern hemisphere it’s the summer solstice. For a handful of Brits, it means a date with Stonehenge. And a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous stone circle sits Naim Audio who on the 2021 summer solstice has announced its first-ever turntable: […] The post Naim readies its first-ever turntable: the Solstice Special Edition first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, re... - Designing for Future-Fi17 June 2021, 3:40 pm
“I don’t care what it looks like, it’s all about how it sounds!” How often have we heard that? The implication is that companies who don’t commit the majority of a product’s R&D funds to its internals – “where it matters most” – have wrongheaded priorities. Those who do invest […] The post Designing for Future-Fi first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-pur... - IKEA’s SYMFONISK picture frame puts Sonos on the wall17 June 2021, 12:25 pm
Sonos’ collaboration with IKEA clicks up a notch with the announcement of the SYMFONISK picture frame wi-fi loudspeaker (US$199/£179 each). Bound by a black (or white) frame that’s roughly the size of an A2 piece of paper, this new IKEA device allows us to put a Sonos speaker on the […] The post IKEA’s SYMFONISK picture frame puts Sonos on the wall first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reproduced, recycled or re-purpose... - One more thought on the Denafrips Ares II16 June 2021, 8:50 am
We’ve been catching quite a few streaming-related gotchas of late. Bluetooth can’t do hi-res (no matter what the promo blurb says), Google’s Chromecast doesn’t stream gaplessly, Android OS resamples all streams to 48kHz and all Sonos hardware caps ‘hi-res’ support at 48kHz to pull up alongside Apple TV OS and […] The post One more thought on the Denafrips Ares II first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- No part of this RSS feed to be reprodu... - A short film about the Denafrips Ares II15 June 2021, 3:27 pm
Further information: Denafrips ---------------------- 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 The post A short film about the Denafrips Ares II first appeared on Darko.Audio.---------------------- 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 R...
- Amphion Argon1 Bookshelf Loudspeaker18 June 2021, 1:00 pm
I’ve never been to Finland, the land that gave us Jean Sibelius. Never experienced the ice, the soil, the landscape, the people. Perhaps, one day. But growing up in the 50s, my brother and I befriended a lad who, with his family, had migrated from Finland to Canada. Our Finnish friend had an aunt who had arrived earlier in Canada and built a sauna in the basement of her home. Up to this point in my life, I had never heard the word ‘sauna’. I was 15 or 16, my brother modestly yo... - Streaming the Classics: Sir John Barbirolli18 June 2021, 12:30 pm
Do you ever type a streaming query in Roon for a classical work or artist and are overwhelmed by the choices? Rather than clicking on any old recording or the first one you see, Audiophilia will make things a little easier for you and do the heavy listening.These choices are for streaming only. Is the best in streaming also the best vinyl recording and performance? That’s for another article.A few criteria:Recording must be on Apple Music, Qobuz or Tidal HiFi.It does not have to be HiRes o... - The Schumann Collection, Vol. 1—Nicolas van Poucke, piano/TRPTK vinyl18 June 2021, 12:00 pm
This is The Schumann Collection, Vol. 1 (Robert Schumann, 1810-1856), the first album in a series and features Carnaval, Op. 9 (1834–1835), Fantasiestücke, Op. 12 (1837) and Arabeske, Op. 18 (1839), three of Schumann’s masterpieces for solo piano. The Schumann is the first vinyl pressing I’ve received from TRPTK, the Utrecht-based company led by Canadian/Dutch sound engineer Brendon Heinst and his Russian-born, cellist wife Maya Fridman. Up ‘till now, I’ve been... - Bergmann Audio Magne Turntable 10th Anniversary Edition4 June 2021, 10:03 am
If love at first sight is a thing in high end audio, then my first look at Bergmann Audio’s Bauhaus beauty, the Magne Turntable was it. I don’t like curves. Straight lines all the way. And Minimalism is something I live by, not food and wine, of course, but definitely furniture, architecture and lifestyle. Thus, the straight, minimalist lines of the Magne Turntable System (includes the equally superb Magne air bearing tonearm) really was vinyl love at first sight. Quickly, I began a ... - iFi ZEN Signature Set4 June 2021, 10:02 am
Fresh ZEN series components keep coming from iFi Audio at an impressive pace. iFi’s cleverly spec’d entry level line continues to demonstrate the company has a keen eye on the voracious desktop HiFi market. A bit of a theme developed in the first round of ZEN products: excellent build, big league specs, audiophile sound, and extremely accessible pricing. The new ZEN Signature line marks the first variation on that theme. The Signature designation brings upgraded internal parts, a han...
- Naim Audio Solstice Special Edition turntable system21 June 2021, 10:54 am
Editor's note: We have one of the only samples of the Naim Solstice to have left the factory thus far in for review. The review will be published in our Issue 197, available soon. Suffice it to say, it was worth the wait... Salisbury, England – 21st June 2021 Vinyl-lovers can now finally enjoy the full Naim Audio experience with the launch of Solstice, the first turntable in the British brand’s almost 50-year history. It comes partnered with a next-generation version of the iconic Na... - Goldmund Telos 300 power amplifier18 June 2021, 7:40 pm
From the Goldmund press release: Goldmund has released its latest Stereo Power Amplifier, a new product that can trace its lineage all the way back to the classic and compact Mimesis 3 amp from 1985. The new model brings together all of Goldmund’s latest evolutionary advances to its proprietary Telos amplification technology in a compact and stylish package. Delivering 225 watts of Class AB power per channel, the stereo amplifier follows in the Goldmund tradition of delivering its output o... - Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 To Be Released August 202118 June 2021, 10:42 am
From the Primare press release The development of the new model was necessitated primarily by the AKM chip factory fire, causing long-term disruption of the supply of the critical re-clocking chip at the heart of the NP5 Prisma design that allowed for the selection of output sampling frequencies. In order to continue to make available one of our most popular models with the minimum of interruption, Primare has sourced a readily available chip and redesigned the circuit to maintain the performanc... - Westone ES80 custom-fit in-ear monitors16 June 2021, 1:38 pm
Westone Laboratories, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, is one of the world’s oldest and most experienced manufacturers of universal-fit earphones and custom-fit in-ear monitors. Moreover, the firm has established an enviable reputation for expertise in all things in-ear related, which explains the company’s well-deserved slogan: “Westone: The In-Ear Experts”. Over the years, Hi-Fi+ has favourably reviewed a number of Westone models including the ES5 and the then-... - PrimaLuna EVO 100 digital converter16 June 2021, 1:27 pm
PrimaLuna has been leveraging the best of the past for years, utilising the power of pre and power valve amplifiers from the classic era of audio. It has also made valve integrated amplifiers and valve CD players and now a valve DAC. OK, so it’s a digital converter with valves, because an all-valve DAC would take up a space the size of a small house and would require its own fire-fighting team to keep it from overheating in spectacular fashion, but you get my drift. There’s a common ...
- Soundsmith SG/SG-230 Cartridge21 June 2021, 7:56 pm
Singular driving force behind the revival of the strain gauge generator system first seen in phono pick-ups from the '60-70s, Soundsmith's latest offering is nothing if not flexible Hardly scientific, I know, but I am predisposed toward components that cause binge-listening. Not knowing what to expect of the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridge and the accompanying SG-230 preamp/energiser at a pound shy of £16,000, I will declare my surprise upon discovering that it was so engaging, I list... - Neil Young: <I>After The Gold Rush</I>18 June 2021, 4:55 pm
Clutching his personally signed sleeve of this 1970 album, Steve Sutherland nonetheless welcomes the 180g vinyl reissue – it's a work of real genius, he says 'I don't wanna talk about that. I just don't know what to say. I respect the fact he's a guy who did what he did and, y'know, he did what he had to do and I don't wanna get any… I prefer to not be involved at all. I certainly don't wanna take advantage of talking about something like that for the interest of somebody else I've... - Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier17 June 2021, 5:20 pm
Seven years after Yamaha moved into high-end price points with a flagship, all-analogue integrated we look at its latest offering and discover 'retro' with 21st century sound Big, bold and unashamedly old-school with its silver finish – black is available as an option – polished piano black side panels and large illuminated meters, the £4999 Yamaha A-S3200 is the flagship of the brand's integrated amplifier range, which kicks off with the modest £200 A-S201.... - JS Bach: St John Passion16 June 2021, 5:21 pm
A Passiontide masterpiece every generation of performers and audiences reinvents for itself... Peter Quantrill casts an ear back over more than half a century of recordings In telling the life of Christ, the four Gospels of the New Testament all build towards his betrayal, his trial, his death on the cross and resurrection. The first three events are known together as Christ's Passion, from the Latin passio: I suffer. Church composers had treated the text with varying degrees of freedom and co... - Under the covers... Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon15 June 2021, 6:25 pm
Johnny Black on the creation of the iconic artwork for Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon Apiece of art that can today be found in 45m homes around the world was kick-started by a simple, none-too-detailed instruction to 'do something clean, elegant and graphic'. The instruction came from Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright, and was given to Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell, the founders of Hipgnosis, a London-based art and design group whose first sleeve design had been for the Floyd's 1968 a...
- The 6 best Prime Day headphone deals – save up to £140 on five-star pairs22 June 2021, 10:10 am
Our educated pick of the top Prime Day headphone deals, including AirPods Pro rivals from just £56.... - When does Prime Day 2021 end? Amazon Prime Day deals finish today22 June 2021, 9:54 am
The Prime Day sales are officially running for 48 hours, but when does Prime Day actually end?... - Best Amazon Prime Day TV deals 2021: 4K, Smart, OLED, LG, Samsung22 June 2021, 9:51 am
Today's the last day of Amazon Prime Day TV deals and there are still huge savings to be had on big-screen 4K smart TVs.... - Best Amazon Prime Day headphones deals 2021: save big on Bose, Sony, AirPods22 June 2021, 9:11 am
The Prime Day headphones deals are throwing up big savings on Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, AirPods, Echo Buds and more... - The best 2021 Amazon Prime Day projector deals live today22 June 2021, 9:03 am
Save money on a home cinema projector with the pick of the best Amazon Prime Day deals....
- Sonus faber Sonetto III Speakers with Gravis II Subwoofer Review21 June 2021, 12:00 pm
Just like other Sonus faber products, the Sonetto speaker collection and the Gravis subwoofer series have the appearance of high-quality... The post Sonus faber Sonetto III Speakers with Gravis II Subwoofer Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - NAD Masters M33 BluOS® Streaming DAC Amplifier Review16 June 2021, 12:00 pm
It’s fair to say that integrated amps have evolved quite a bit in recent years. In that context, the NAD M33 may very well be the equivalent of a generational leap! The post NAD Masters M33 BluOS® Streaming DAC Amplifier Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Pass Labs XP-27 Phono Preamplifier Product Review14 June 2021, 12:00 pm
Pass Labs is a pre-eminent USA manufacturer of solid-state preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Many of the power amplifiers are Pure Class A biased, and of course, all their preamplifiers are Pure Class A. The post Pass Labs XP-27 Phono Preamplifier Product Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Fluance XL8 Home Theater System Review9 June 2021, 12:00 pm
Today, I’ll be checking out Fluance’s new XL8 Reference Series speakers. They sit between the flagship Signature and entry-level Elite lines and represent Fluance’s commitment to delivering high performance for the money. The post Fluance XL8 Home Theater System Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com.... - Topping DX7PRO Headphone Amplifier/DAC Review7 June 2021, 1:00 pm
The Topping DX7PRO is a small, yet high-quality DAC/headphone amp, with Bluetooth, USB input, and balanced headphone connections... The post Topping DX7PRO Headphone Amplifier/DAC Review appeared first on HomeTheaterHifi.com....
- EVS modified VTV Purifi Stereo Power Amplifier20 June 2021, 10:00 pm
“Surprise” is an understatement of my reaction to Electronic Visionary System’s request that I review their modification to a Purifi-based Class D amplifier after the less-than laudatory review of the NAD C298 power amplifier here on 10 Audio. The C298 also features the Purifi amplifier modules which, in that implementation, received a poor “6 LP” rating on these pages due to an obvious lack of low-level resolution. Could EVS’s mod address that serious problem... - 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...
- First Look (And Listen) – The New Bluesound NODE!18 June 2021, 8:26 pm
When summer finally comes around up here in the North, all thoughts turn to leisure, social events, and escaping the city by whatever means. It’s not the ideal time to launch a new audio product. But in these upside down times, launches are often delayed by several months. And that happened here, with Bluesound’s new line of gear. So around comes June, and we have a new Node and Powernode. The third revision to Bluesound’s ever popular streaming DAC is named, simply, NODE. On y... - Mad for NAD – A Look Back At The NAD 3020A Integrated Amp28 May 2021, 7:43 pm
A C.H.E. (Classic, Heritage, Exotic) look back at the NAD 3020A By Steve Graham History Well, right off it’s not exotic. Far from it, but that’s the point. The NAD 3020, introduced in the late 1970s, was surely a reaction to the receiver power wars that began in the same decade. The big Japanese manufacturers were trying to outdo one another with monster receivers sporting power outputs of 250, or more, watts per channel. The NAD 3020’s 20 watts p... - REVIEW: Six Acoustics ‘York’ Phono Preamp19 May 2021, 3:55 pm
Six Acoustics’ ‘York’ Phono Pre-amp – A Smooth Operator ‘In the House’ Review by David Neice MSRP: $499 (CAD) Verdict: A small Canadian audiophile company called ‘Six Acoustics’ offers a new and lovely little phono pre-amp (the York) at a decent suggested price. After my review period, I would characterize the sound field it throws as ‘velvet smooth’ and certainly worthy of serious consideration by the audiophile community. This phono p... - 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...
- Burson Funk Review20 June 2021, 11:01 am
The Burson Funk is a compact integrated 3W Class-A headphone amplifier and a 45W Class-AB speaker amplifier. It is priced from $544. Disclaimer: The Burson Funk sent to us is a sample unit in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Burson for giving us this opportunity. You can find out more about Burson products reviewed on Headfonics here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read up on here. The Burson Funk is […... - Astral Acoustics Stage 1 Review19 June 2021, 11:04 am
The Astral Acoustics Stage 1 is a 6-wire, 25.5awg multi-sized stranding copper Litz, aftermarket IEM cable made in Hong Kong. It is priced at $250. Disclaimer: The Astral Acoustics Stage 1 was sent to us as a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank Astral Acoustics for this opportunity. To learn more about Astral Acoustics reviews on Headfonics you can click here. Note, this 2-page review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can […] A... - SMSL SH-8s Review18 June 2021, 11:02 am
The SMSL SH-8s is a new dual-gain balanced desktop headphone amplifier capable of up to 3W into a 32Ω load. It is priced at $229.99 Disclaimer: The SMSL SH-8s sent to us for this review is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank Shenzhen Audio and SMSL for giving us this opportunity. To read more about SMSL products we have reviewed on Headfonics click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can […] SMSL SH-8s Review... - HiBy FC3 Review16 June 2021, 11:25 am
The HiBy FC3 is a compact USB DAC/amplifier dongle capable of DSD128 and MQA decoding, as well as up to 70mW of output power. It is priced at $69. Disclaimer: The HiBy FC3 was sent to us as a sample in exchange for our honest opinion in this review. We thank HiBy Music for this opportunity. To learn more about HiBy reviews on Headfonics you can click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read […] HiBy FC3 Review... - Earsonics CORSA Review13 June 2021, 11:02 am
The Earsonics CORSA is the company’s latest triple balanced armature driver universal IEM featuring a 3D full acrylic structure. It is priced at €399. Disclaimer: The Earsonics CORSA sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Earsonics for giving us this opportunity. To read more about Earsonics products reviewed on Headfonics click here. Note, this review follows our new scoring guidelines for 2021 which you can read up on here. Ear...
- Naim Launches Its First Turntable, The Aro Tonearm & Equinox Cart In the Solstice SE Package21 June 2021, 4:04 pm
Naim announced the release of its first turntable in the history of the company this week. The 50 year-old British The post Naim Launches Its First Turntable, The Aro Tonearm & Equinox Cart In the Solstice SE Package appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sumiko Announces Three New Cartridges & One Stylus17 June 2021, 3:12 pm
This week Sumiko announced the launch of 3 new carts and one new stylus. The Blue Point No. 3 High The post Sumiko Announces Three New Cartridges & One Stylus appeared first on AudioHead.... - Sonus Faber Adds To The Lumina Line With The II & V15 June 2021, 2:00 pm
Italian speaker maker Sonus Faber recently launched a more affordable collection called Lumina, which allowed for the same stunning good The post Sonus Faber Adds To The Lumina Line With The II & V appeared first on AudioHead.... - Product Of The Season Awards, The Occasional Podcast Visits Van Halen’s 5150 Studios8 June 2021, 2:28 pm
This week’s episode of The Occasional Podcast features a bit of a double header. The first half features awards for The post Product Of The Season Awards, The Occasional Podcast Visits Van Halen’s 5150 Studios appeared first on AudioHead.... - Review: Mobile Fidelity UltraPhono Phonostage26 May 2021, 3:29 pm
MoFi UltraPhono Review. The journey into analog as a primary digital source user is such a fascinating path. The act The post Review: Mobile Fidelity UltraPhono Phonostage appeared first on AudioHead....
- Audio-gd R2R-1 FPGA PCM/DSD DAC – Done Right21 June 2021, 6:00 am
It is hard to properly express my excitement at receiving the Audio-gd R2R-1 FPGA PCM/DSD DAC for review. It is The post Audio-gd R2R-1 FPGA PCM/DSD DAC – Done Right appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music21 June 2021, 5:00 am
Naim Audio launches first-ever turntable plus next-generation Aro tonearm as part of complete Solstice Special Edition package – limited to The post Introducing Solstice Special Edition: A New Dawn for Music appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Lindemann Limetree Phono II – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM17 June 2021, 6:00 am
June 2021 North America Premiere Review! Lindemann Limetree Phono II Review Small package – Big impression! Review By Clive Meakins The post Lindemann Limetree Phono II – REVIEW BY ENJOY THE MUSIC.COM appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Aldo Filippelli joins Krell Industries, LLC as Sales Representative – The Americas16 June 2021, 5:27 pm
Orange, CT, June 15, 2021 — Krell Industries, LLC, an award-winning manufacturer of high-fidelity audio equipment including amplifiers, preamplifiers, surround The post Aldo Filippelli joins Krell Industries, LLC as Sales Representative – The Americas appeared first on Headphone Guru.... - Focal Naim America Announces “Mixed on Focal”15 June 2021, 10:25 pm
HD Audio streaming playlists of songs mixed on Focal speakers show off what the music was meant to sound like The post Focal Naim America Announces “Mixed on Focal” appeared first on Headphone Guru....
- July issue now on sale17 June 2021, 1:22 pm
Six premium turntables in our Group Teat, RSD second drop releases, Sonus faber Lumina I, T+A Solitaire P-SE planar magnetic headphone and much more... - What was the first music format you owned?17 June 2021, 1:15 pm
Tel us about how your passion for music started What was the first music format you owned? Choices Compact cassette Compact disc MiniDisc Reel-to-reel tape Vinyl Leave this field blank Show Promo ImageHi-Fi ChoicePrimary Category: TechnologyCategory: Technology... - B&O unveils Beoplay HX7 June 2021, 9:54 am
New luxury headphones from Bang & Olufsen... - Cambridge Audio launches Evo all-in-one music player25 May 2021, 8:15 am
Evo 75 and 150 available now... - June issue now on sale20 May 2021, 8:31 am
Auralic Vega G2.1, Thorens TD 148A, Philips Fidelio L3, high-end standmount Group Test and much, much more......
- Linear Tube Audio Z40 Integrated Amplifier Review | Sonic Purity30 May 2021, 7:59 pm
Undoubtedly, your amplifier could be a major decider of the sound of your entire system. Being placed only before your speakers and cables, it has the power to dramatically alter what you hear. I’ve heard amplifiers that would completely “override” the benefits of having better source equipment. Resulting in the stereo sounding the same no […] The post Linear Tube Audio Z40 Integrated Amplifier Review | Sonic Purity appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 202124 May 2021, 7:28 pm
In my opinion, these are the world’s best-sounding loudspeakers so far. I’ll mention the specific models of loudspeakers that have been the most memorable throughout my years in HiFi. And I’ll be buying one of them. The post Video: World’s Best High-End Speakers 2021 appeared first on Audio Bacon.... - NEW! McIntosh MB20 Transceiver – Quality Bluetooth For All Audio Systems20 May 2021, 6:23 pm
New MB20 transceiver adds McIntosh-quality wireless Bluetooth to all home audio systems, even legacy onesThe MB20 sends and receives Bluetooth, modernising systems with wireless audio in fabulous McIntosh quality 20th May, 2021, Binghamton, NY, USA: McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 70 years, is proud to introduce the MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver (£649). […] The post NEW! McIntosh MB20 Transceiver &nda... - 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....
- Streaming for audiophiles… better sound on a modest budget21 June 2021, 2:27 am
FEATURE: Let's get more ambitious with a streaming set-up for better sound... while still in budget territory.... - Melco’s new N100-H50 has all the space you’ll need17 June 2021, 2:24 am
NEWS: If it's space you want, Melco offers a lot of it on its new N100-H50 digital music player.... - EVO… Etymotic’s first multi-driver IEM14 June 2021, 2:41 am
NEWS: A first from Etymotic Research... will the EVO IEM set the headfi realm on fire?... - Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds on pre-order now10 June 2021, 1:52 am
NEWS: The latest edition of these excellent Sony earbuds is coming soon, get your orders in now for a freebie.... - BAT VK3500SE – a modern sonic masterpiece9 June 2021, 1:46 am
REVIEW: Here it is, the very first review of Balanced Audio Technology's super integrated amp, the VK3500....
- Collaro Audio Precision Cloth Turntable Mat Reviewed16 June 2021, 9:44 am
a genuinely clever bit of engineering turned out as a fine product, that in a good system is well worth the money. The post Collaro Audio Precision Cloth Turntable Mat Reviewed appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - IPT RigB 95 – Metal Body Upgrade For Audio-Technica VM95 Cartridges5 June 2021, 12:58 pm
A thoroughly enjoyable listen and a worthwhile upgrade for Audio-Technica VM95 cartridges. The post IPT RigB 95 – Metal Body Upgrade For Audio-Technica VM95 Cartridges appeared first on Audio Appraisal.... - 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....
- Trinnov Audio Altitude16 16 Channel AV Processor Review16 June 2021, 12:30 am
Tony O'Brien is completely surrounded by this high-end home cinema box…... - Mark Levinson № 5101 Streaming SACD Player/DAC Review11 June 2021, 6:31 am
This new premium-priced digital front end beguiles Mark Gusew…... - Epson EH-LS300B Short Throw Laser Projector Review11 June 2021, 3:59 am
Tony O'Brien gives you the big picture on this impressive new Ultra Short Throw Projector…... - Musical Fidelity M6x ViNYL Phono Stage Review4 June 2021, 3:54 am
David Price takes this versatile new audiophile phono stage for a spin…... - McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier Review4 June 2021, 12:15 am
Rafael Todes is moved by the seismic sound of this mammoth integrated amplifier…...
- Amazon Prime Day 2021 Is Here!-The Best Home Audio and Headphone Deals (Updated)21 June 2021, 2:59 pm
Amazon Prime Day (or Prime Days? June 21 & 22) is here! This annual sale for Amazon Prime members (get a free trial membership here) usually has a lot of junk for sale, but there are some gems too. Finding them is the hard part! If you’re looking for hi-fi and audio deals, speakers, headphones, or electronics continue reading... - EarMen Eagle Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amp Review: This Dac Amp Combo Gives You Champagne Sound For Beer Money!21 June 2021, 1:25 am
The Low Down For folks who want to improve the sound coming from their smartphones (and laptops) while on the go, a high-quality compact USB DAC can be a godsend. A good one will give you clean, noise-free output along with additional detail and depth, all without weighing you down. To that end, the $129 continue reading... - #NewMusicFriday 18th Of June: 17 New Music Releases You Need To Hear!18 June 2021, 8:20 pm
Check Out This Week’s Best Sounding New Music Releases! Every #NewMusicFriday, I pick a bunch of the best-sounding new albums so you can get your audiophile music fix!… As usual, it’s a very eclectic mix (Albums are arranged with more traditional audiophile genres like Jazz and Blues at the top, and the non-traditional audiophile stuff towards continue reading... - The Best Home Audio & Hi-Fi Deals You Can Grab Right Now: Speakers, Headphones, And Electronics! 6-17-2118 June 2021, 2:32 am
Looking for the best in discounted audio equipment? We’ve got you covered! From speakers to headphones, hi-fi electronics to hi-fi accessories, we’ll find you the lowest prices available online. We have used our experience evaluating Hi-fi gear to round up some of Home Audio’s best values and deals! This week, you’ll find some great prices continue reading... - Lightning DACs and Camera Adapters: How To Get The Best Sound From Apple Music Lossless16 June 2021, 1:07 am
Last week Apple rolled out thousands of Lossless Audio and Hi-Res Lossless audio tracks on their Apple Music platform, bringing with them the promise of Audiophile-Quality playback. Here’s how Apple explains it: Apple has developed its own lossless audio compression technology called Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). In addition to AAC, the entire Apple Music continue reading...
- New Tone issue out now22 May 2021, 2:31 am
... - 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
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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 Pellar, Pulsus, Pellere, and Pulsare II Phono Stages15 June 2021, 9:34 am
AVID is widely known for producing superb turntables. What's probably less well-known is that they also produce a range of phono stages. The technology and engineering involved in the turntable motor power supplies are right at the basis of their phono stages.... - Mad Scientist Black Magic Ethernet Cable8 June 2021, 9:51 am
Theoretically, since we're talking about data packets sent unrelated to a time domain, a network cable cannot affect the sound of network transfer. It either works, or it doesn't. But apparently there is more to this. The Black Magic UTP cable certainly makes this abundantly clear.... - Thorens TD1601 vs AVID Diva II SP – Mini Review3 June 2021, 8:31 am
A quick comparison between two very different turntables, done in the Ayon/Xavian system.... - Audio Technica AT33Sa31 May 2021, 8:25 am
Ever since reviewing the Thorens TD1601 turntable, I had been thinking of fitting it with an Audio Technica AT33Sa cartridge. Now's the time to find out if it is indeed the great match that I anticipated.... - Dynavector 10X5 MkII and DV20X230 May 2021, 3:20 pm
A comparison between two cartridges by the same maker that, on the surface, seem to differ only in terms of coil windings and stylus shape....
- 8 Best Portable DAC/Amp Combo of 202120 June 2021, 11:59 am
Music is as good as the equipment playing it. And technically, electronic devices like phones,…... - Shanling M3X Review17 June 2021, 5:32 pm
The M3X is Shanling’s latest Android Hi-Res based portable digital audio player (DAP) which aims…... - How To Make Wired Speakers Wireless16 June 2021, 6:48 pm
Wireless speakers are becoming more popular owing to their ease of use and convenience. In…... - 7 Best 15-Inch Subwoofers13 June 2021, 7:12 pm
For many of us, music is a way of life and what more than to…... - Etymotic EVO IEMs Unveiled12 June 2021, 6:43 pm
Etymotic are a company which pride themselves on acoustic research and exacting standards in the…...
- Radio al Hara: Sonic Solidarity One Year In18 June 2021, 11:06 pm
Launching a Sonic Liberation Front as a means to highlight the ongoing conflict in Palestine is just one form of cultural resistance that Radio al Hara manifests in its listener-driven programming schedule. The post Radio al Hara: Sonic Solidarity One Year In appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Record Weasels: A Novel of Addiction13 June 2021, 2:46 pm
Record Weasels by Richard Blackburn is a savvy, hardboiled noir-thriller piled high with double-crossing 45 collectors, violent RICO-era mobsters, and failing relationships wrapped in greasy wax paper with a side of sexual tension, drug addiction and death all served cold to an early ‘60s Rockabilly soundtrack. The post Record Weasels: A Novel of Addiction appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Summer’s here, grab a beer, fear the conversation10 June 2021, 5:30 pm
If you’ve been grasping at the prospect of a normal summer, steel yourself for the dullest conversations imaginable about vaccines, variants, sourdough and the fucking Friends reunion as everyone figures out how this social interaction thing works again. The post Summer’s here, grab a beer, fear the conversation appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Record Store Day(s) 20213 June 2021, 4:05 pm
Record Store Day in 2021 will be spread over two months. The first drop will be June 12, and the second on July 17. The post Record Store Day(s) 2021 appeared first on Resistor Magazine |.... - Archetype: QUAD 303 Power Amplifier – The Graceful Aging of Transistors30 May 2021, 5:16 pm
With modest service requirements needing to be addressed only after decades of use, the 54-year-old QUAD 303 power amplifier and its matching 33 control preamplifier are two of the most elegant hi-fi bargains to ever play music. The post Archetype: QUAD 303 Power Amplifier – The Graceful Aging of Transistors appeared first on Resistor Magazine |....
- The Barn Reference System Gets an O/grade: the DeVore Fidelity O/9621 June 2021, 1:34 pm
It was bound to happen. Like the changing tide or sunshine. I’ve been living with speakers from Brooklyn’s DeVore Fidelity since 2005. My first pair were the gibbon Super 8, a two-way floorstander, followed by the gibbon The Nines, gibbon X, and most recently the [...]... - #NewMusicFriday: June 18, 202118 June 2021, 12:00 pm
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen. Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep by Mykki Blanco Mykki Blanco: Broken Hearts & Beauty [...]... - Album of the Week: Home Is Where – I Became Birds18 June 2021, 11:00 am
“I want to pet every puppy I see.” this album is dedicated to anyone & everyone who has struggled / is struggling with their gender identity I’ve never struggled with gender identity, but anyone who has confused a window with a mirror has likely, at [...]... - Review: GoldenEar Triton Reference Towers – Big, Bold, and Beautiful17 June 2021, 11:00 am
Full range. There are an abundance of words and phrases used to describe aspects of the reproduction of music, but few are as meaningful and without controversy as full range. In an ideal world, who wouldn’t want full range? The GoldenEar Triton Reference Towers sit [...]... - Ten Inconvenient Facts About Digital16 June 2021, 7:35 pm
Facts can act like anchors in a sea of loose words. Here are ten inconvenient facts about digital to hopefully help silence some of the endless prattle. The quality of the recording is more important than the container The quality of the DAC is more [...]...
- Podcast: Record Store Day 2021, Episode 522 June 2021, 8:53 am
The ecoustics team discusses the good, the bad, the ugly about Record Store Day 2021 with Jordan Pries, co-owner of The Electric Kitsch record store in Bay City, Michigan.... - Best Prime Day Deals for Audiophiles (2021)22 June 2021, 8:11 am
The best Prime Days Deals for audiophiles looking for noise-cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds and sound bars. Updated as we find new deals on Amazon.... - Octave Records Releases ‘The Nature of Things’ by Foxfeather in DSD Hi-Res22 June 2021, 5:56 am
PS Audio’s Octave Records label has released its latest album, The Nature of Things by the band Foxfeather.... - Sonos One SL: Simply Average or the Best Wireless Kitchen Speaker Ever?21 June 2021, 9:00 am
Audiophiles who hate the Sonos One SL speakers are completely missing the point and oblivious to the superiority of the S2 app.... - Jaybird Vista 2 Review: True Wireless Earbuds For Those Who Run and Love to Fish21 June 2021, 8:46 am
The Jaybird Vista 2 true wireless earbuds deliver better sound quality, durability, and are great in the elements....
- Grado SR80x & SR325x review22 June 2021, 2:38 am
Today we’re taking a close look at the all-new Grado Labs SR80x & SR325x headphones, which retail for $125 and $295 USD respectively. ... The post Grado SR80x & SR325x review appeared first on http://headfonia.com/... - SMSL SU-8s & SH-8s Review20 June 2021, 5:00 am
In this article, we review the SMSL SU-8s & the SMSL SH-8s. They respectively cost $359 USD and $229 USD. Disclaimer: ShenzhenAudio sent us... The post SMSL SU-8s & SH-8s Review appeared first on http://headfonia.com/... - Earsonics Corsa Review16 June 2021, 10:30 pm
Today we have a review of a new Earsonics Corsa IEM which costs €399. Disclaimer: The Earsonics Corsa was provided by Earsonics directly. The... The post Earsonics Corsa Review appeared first on http://headfonia.com/... - HiBy WH2 Review15 June 2021, 5:15 am
Today we’re looking at the upcoming $169 USD WH2 True Wireless Stereo In-Ears from HiBy. Disclaimer: HiBy sent us the WH2 for this review,... The post HiBy WH2 Review appeared first on http://headfonia.com/... - Etymotic EVO Review14 June 2021, 5:00 am
Today we take a look at the $499 USD Etymotic EVO In-Ear Monitors. Disclaimer: Etymotic sent us the EVO In-Ear Monitors for the purposes of this... The post Etymotic EVO Review appeared first on http://headfonia.com/...