High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

12 / 27 / 24

Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Information
Now in their second year, the Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) high-end audio show by the dynamic duo Gary Gill (Capital Audiofest) and Lou Hinkley (Pacific AudioFest / Daedalus Audio) brings magical music to Dallas. SWAF 2025 follows their sensational success with the popular Pacific Audio Fest event. Attendees may listen to many of the world's top manufacturers who create a wide variety of exciting home and portable audio products. Within this expansive Resort environment, bask in luxurious sounds that caress your ears and bring newfound meaning to many of the songs you've heard many times in the past. All this and more within a curated experience filled with fine art and acres of event space.

This just in from the show promoter: "Our listening rooms are filling quickly and will have tons of quality audiophile gear, vinyl vendors, seminars, live music, after hours parties and beverage sampling!" Remember to purchase your hotel Sleeping Rooms and SWAF Tickets early before they are sold out!

SWAF 2025 Includes:
• 20+ Large Listening Rooms booked with big name brands! 
• 60 Standard Listening Rooms booking now
• Vibrant Marketplace in the Atrium
• Thousands of records to dig through!

12 / 26 / 24

Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects Review
Let's go skinny dipping... with an impressive leap in cabling technology!
Review By Paul L. Schumann
Ok, we've all done it. We've swum in the water in our birthday suits. It may have been in a swimming pool, maybe in a lake or stream, maybe even in the ocean. I don't want to know your details, and I'm sure you don't want to know mine. But one way or another, we got naked outside and took the plunge.  And no matter the outcome, it was a memorable experience. Such as with the Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects. My familiarity with Kimber Kable goes back further than I like to admit. Back then I was still a novice to the world of high-end interconnects. It was 1997 and I just upgraded my CD player. When I got it home and plugged it into my system, my wife and I noticed that it didn't sound right. The tonal quality was pinched and it sounded nothing like it did in the showroom of the audio salon where I bought it.
---> Kimber Kable Naked Interconnects Review.

Pass Laboratories INT-25 Solid-State Integrated Amplifier Review
A fantastic sounding Class A stereo amplifier!
Review By Tom Lyle
Lest one think that this review is simply not only more evidence that I have somehow formed an untoward relationship with Pass Laboratories, I'd build my defense around the fact that every time I reviewed one of their high-end audio components, I was "assigned" the task. Sure, the fact that I use not only the power and preamplifier but also the headphone amplifier I use as references, must not help my case. The next thing I know I'm asked to review their INT-25 integrated amplifier. It's tough work, but someone has to do it. Yes, I'm grateful for my problems. In addition to the fact that it is designed and manufactured by Pass Laboratories, there are quite a few other reasons why the INT-25 is not an average integrated amplifier. Most notably, the INT-25 amplifier circuit is Class A.
---> Pass Laboratories INT-25 Stereo Integrated Amplifier Review.

12 / 24 / 24

Happy Holidays From Enjoy the Music.com!
Everyone at Enjoy the Music.com wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season. As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music!

12 / 20 / 24

Part 7: Rooms 301 To 325 On The Third Floor
Thrilling stereo systems on the third floor.
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Dropping down from the 6th Floor to the 3rd, there was a hallway of sleeping rooms filled with some key players directly across from the lobby and registration. To access it you had to walk around the perimeter of the Atrium without descending into it. The first of these rooms, if you had walked around the left side of the Atrium, was the Audio Note UK room. This British company supports a strong presence at North American shows and I always see them in Montreal and Toronto, as well as Capital and AXPONA. I don't cover Western shows anymore, so I can't vouch for them. Their sound is as consistent as pumpkin pie with a slightly warm, musical presentation with just the right amount of bloom for many people.
---> Part 7: Rooms 301 To 325 On The Third Floor.

12 / 19 / 24

Naim Audio Solstice Turntable System Review
A great turntable package!
Review By Alan Sircom
It's a little strange that for all its importance in vinyl replay over its first 48 years as a manufacturer, Naim Audio has never made a turntable. Sure, there have been power supplies, phono stages, and even the Aro tonearm, and yes... a heavily modified turntable or two were bounced around the Salisbury-based company's 'skunkworks'. But a company that was one of the two defining vinyl brands for more than a generation of music lovers never made a turntable; until the Summer of 2021. Solstice is that first complete turntable from Naim Audio, a 500 turntable run special edition turn-key package launched – as befits the name – on the Summer Solstice (Naim's Salisbury HQ is precisely 2.5 metric Druids from Stonehenge, and sometimes that rubs off in moments of uncontrollable tie-dye).
---> Naim Audio Solstice Turntable System Review.

Raidho TD 3.8 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
Wonderfully cohesive and engaging.
Review By Dr. Matthew Clott
The art of weaving pros allows us to convey description, imagery, opinion, impression, and emotion. Yet Raidho's TD 3.8 floorstanding loudspeaker, as reviewed here, lends itself to the elegance of the solitary word; my notes are awash with them.... "Behold, Shimmer, Brilliant, Wow, Delicious, Holographic, Cohesive, Decompressive." I think I made up the last one, but I'll explain later.... Raidho, as a company, has gone through some changes. The Raidho of old has matured, retaining much of the DNA of its' previous incarnation while looking to the future with a redefined path. This metamorphosis has resulted in some voicing changes and a slightly different design philosophy yet retained the passion for physical beauty and all-out audiophile performance without restrictions.
---> Raidho TD 3.8 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

12 / 18 / 24

Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show In Tampa
In about two months, the Florida International Audio Expo 2025 takes place from February 21st through 23rd at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon, the event's new, and larger, venue. The Florida International Audio Expo will showcase many floors filled with exhibit spaces featuring the latest in home and portable audio gear. You may enjoy an abundance of great sound from mono to stereo and immersive, plus various exhibit room will feature never before seen new products! Show attendees are the world's first to experience many of the best new high-performance, hi-resolution modern audio products. With many floors and large conference rooms of demonstrations to explore, attendees can experience luxurious immersive premium audio electronics, loudspeakers, turntables, and high-end audio headphones produced by manufacturers from all around the world.

The 2025 Florida International Audio Expo is within easy driving distance to local attractions including Disneyworld, Tampa Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium. Don't forget about Universal Studios, and of course NASA to see a SpaceX rocket launch or two! Yes, you and your family may see a SpaceX rocket launch live and in person. Let's not forget that America's #1 beach is close by too, and February is excellent weather in Florida (we promise you no cold snow)! The Sheraton Tampa Brandon provides an elevated experience, plus you can use their complimentary shuttle to any destination within three miles of the hotel. This includes the popular Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Westfield Brandon, and the Florida State Fairgrounds. Learn more at our Florida International Audio Expo 2025 (FIAE 2025) show report page.

12 / 17 / 24

United Record Pressing Celebrates Their 75th Anniversary
Nashville's United Record Pressing (URP), founded in 1949 and is said to be the USA's largest plant with 60 presses and the capacity to produce over 100,000 records per day, is celebrating their 75th anniversary! The company is embracing cellular manufacturing and world-class techniques to enable URP is seeking to produce higher quality vinyl LPs while also ensuing reliability and product quality. According to the company, "URP's transition to cellular manufacturing marks a significant leap forward in efficiency and quality control. This advanced approach, based on principles pioneered in modern electronics manufacturing, is led by a dynamic team of new and veteran operations leaders. They organized the company's 24 new pressing machines and 40 restored vintage presses into dedicated cells. This alignment allows URP to handle projects of any size – from large, major label releases to community-oriented indie albums – while reducing lead times, honoring visual creativity, and ensuring consistent quality. Such innovation not only provides a faster and more reliable alternative to non-U.S. production but offers a more attractive option to foreign-owned pressing plants."

"Complementing this," their press release continues, "URP has invested in programmable, digital, and high-precision technologies to prevent plating issues before they impact production. Collaborations with Sibert Instruments apply optical disc manufacturing precision to the stamper fabrication process and finishing processes, resulting in much faster and better-quality turnaround of test pressings. As a Sony Green Partner, URP prioritizes sustainability. Our commitment includes partnering with industry leaders to advance sustainable practices. We are proud to offer bio-vinyl, an ISCC+ certified, 100% recyclable material that allows artists to produce their records in an environmentally friendly way without compromising quality or record life. By combining state-of-the-art technology with a steadfast dedication to craftsmanship, URP ensures every record is a sonically pure, visually distinctive, sustainable representation of the artist's vision."

12 / 16 / 24

Part 6: Rooms 637 To 661 At Capital Audiofest 2024
More wonderful music on the 6th floor at CAF 2024.
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Continuing on the 6th Floor, I always look forward to seeing and hearing what Jeff Wells is up to. He is an established boutique manufacturer of very high-quality sounding components. The poster by his door gave an inkling of what was inside, but still relied on one of those chessboard codes to get to the price list (QR Code). Jeff has typically mixed it up by showing with a different speaker at each show, which helps show off what his components can do under differing circumstances. This applies to folks who attend shows year after year but is less relevant to those who only go once a decade. The Wells Audio room sounded the best I've ever heard this year with the top-of-the-Peaks series Summit speaker from YG Acoustics.
---> Part 6: Rooms 637 To 661 At Capital Audiofest 2024.

12 / 15 / 24

World Premiere Review!
FiiO S15 Music Streamer, Hi-Res DAC, And Bluetooth Receiver Review
The FiiO S15's ease of use and impressive features is matched by its' excellent sound quality.
Review By Tom Lyle
I am a proponent of FiiO's portable digital audio players (DAPs). Since I'm an audiophile practically obsessed with music but cannot sit in front of my main audio system to listen to music 24/7, using a DAP is not an option but a must. I've auditioned many DAPs in the past, and since the spring of 2024, I've been using FiiO's top-of-the-line M17 "Portable Desktop-Class Music Player" daily. It has the best sound quality of any sub-$2000 DAP I've ever heard. When I was offered the opportunity to review FiiO's new S15 Music Streamer / Hi-Res DAC /  Bluetooth Receiver, I immediately said "yes." After FiiO began marketing their all-in-one desktop system, the approximately 6" square R7, in early 2023, they decided to continue developing this type of product and now offer audiophiles and music lovers the subject of this review: their component-sized S15, a streamer that can also be used as a preamp, a DAC, and a Bluetooth receiver.
---> FiiO S15 Music Streamer, Hi-Res DAC, And Bluetooth Receiver Review.

12 / 13 / 24

audioXpress' January 2025 Issue
Editorial: New Speaker Priorities
Modern Op-Amp Distortion Tests Part 1
APL Virtuoso v2 Binaural Renderer
Perturbation Methods In Audio Engineering
Purifi 1ET9040BA Balanced Class-D Amplifier Module
Market Update: Performance Gains and Speaker Innovations
The Rise Of Hybrid True Wireless Stereo Earbuds
Enhancing In-Vehicle Communication
The Path To Standardized Phonograph Equalization
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "Many brilliant speaker engineers I know, particularly those more actively involved in the industry, have in common a shared understanding of the limitations and strong compromises needed to create products that actually reach consumers. They are fully aware that the speaker is the weakest link in the sound chain and that its efficiency is lower than anything they dare to discuss. Paradoxically, they all share a profound belief in their mission to achieve performance gains according to the intended application of their work – with listening performance being the ultimate goal, albeit with the inevitable compromises. But performance can be an elusive metric, depending on the intended application goals of the finished product. A speaker driver is just a component in a loudspeaker system design, as Vance Dickason reminded us in his recently (re)published text about the purpose of his Test Bench characterizations. "Whether a particular driver ends up sounding good or bad to a large extent depends on the application and the skill set of the systems engineer designing the product."
---> audioXpress January 2025 Issue.

12 / 12 / 24

Enjoy the Music.com Exclusive!
Métronome Technologie's World-Class Kalista Mantax DAC
Musical revelations in Vienna!
Coverage By Greg Weaver
Thursday morning, November 16th (2023) found myself on an airplane bound for Vienna, Austria. I had been invited to the private launch event for the new flagship Kalista Mantax DAC, to be held at the Adagio Vienna City Hotel on Saturday, November 18th. The Adagio Vienna City sits just south of the Donaukanal, an arm of the nearby Danube River, and just immediately west of where the Wiental Kanal flows into it, bordering Vienna's city center. This places it just inside what is known as "The Ring," the popular name given to a series of wide tree-lined boulevards that encircle nearly the entire center of the city. "The Ring" is about six and a half kilometers long (~ four miles) and arguably offers more historical sights lining its edges than any other road in the world.
---> Métronome Technologie's World-Class Kalista Mantax DAC.

World Premiere Review!
LCH Audio B1610 Subwoofers
Stack Audio Auvo Isolators
Synergistic Research Vibratron
An audiophile special ménage à trois.
Review By Rick Becker
Actually, neuroscience has come a long way since Schrodinger's day, and audiophiles might be able to offer some suggestions, too. Let me tell you about three innovative items that helped those old songs move me even further. In typical audiophile fashion, I'm always on the lookout to improve the sound quality of my system in search of more musical delight. A pattern that has emerged over the past two decades is that my speakers always seem to get better when I improve the components and add ancillary tweaks to the rig. Funny how that happens. Many people would sooner go out and buy a new speaker. But I've developed somewhat of a reputation for adding tweaks rather than spending huge sums on major components. The opportunity to explore Axpona earlier this year turned up two products in particular that I wanted to review and a third opportunity subsequently came my way from Great Britain.
---> LCH Audio B1610 Subwoofers, Stack Audio Auvo Isolators, And Synergistic Research Vibratron Review.

12 / 11 / 24

CES 2025 January 7th Through 10th
CES 2025, the world's premier tech event, will be held from January 7th through 10th, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding venues. This highly anticipated annual event, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), brings together the brightest minds and most innovative companies from around the globe to showcase their latest advancements in technology. With a focus on fostering growth and exploring future trends, CES 2025 promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations, ranging from smart cities and digital health to automotive technology, home audio networking, immersive experiences, and beyond. CES serves as a launchpad for groundbreaking products and services, providing a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and unveil their latest innovations. Live demonstrations and keynote presentations from industry titans offer attendees an immersive experience that transcends traditional trade shows.

While there are an abundance of premium audio shows within the USA and throughout the  world, there is still a segment at CES 2025 that showcases high-end audio gear, which is set to accommodate audiophiles and casual listeners alike with state-of-the-art sound technologies. This year's high-end audio section will feature cutting-edge innovations in audiophile-grade headphones, speakers, sound systems, and consumer-friendly wireless audio technologies, promising to revolutionize how we experience sound. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the advancements in spatial audio, immersive sound experiences, and high-resolution audio, with major companies unveiling products designed to deliver unparalleled audio quality. CES exhibitors will highlight the latest trends in noise-canceling technology, soundbars, and home theater systems, as well as emerging technologies that aim to bring studio-quality sound into the home. With an emphasis on both performance and design, the home and personal audio segment at CES 2025 is poised to set new standards in the audio industry, offering something for everyone passionate about high-fidelity sound.

12 / 10 / 24

Cirrus Logic CS2500, CS2501, And CS2600 Timing Devices
Cirrus Logic, a leader in audio engineering and semiconductor innovation, has released their new series of timing products, which are created to deliver a superior aural experiences within both automotive and professional audio applications. The new CS2500, CS2501, and CS2600 offer a seamless upgrade path for all existing customers (plug-n-play) while introducing advanced features ensuring very stable low-jitter clocks. This, in turn, provides an ideal clocking solution for the most prevalent audio networks, enabling downstream audio-data converters and digital-audio systems the ability to to maximize their performance while keeping the systems completely synchronized. Clean clock generation for exceptional audio quality providing lower than 50ps baseband jitter.

Furthermore, the new new CS2500, CS2501, and CS2600 are plug-and-play drop-in replacement with previous Cirrus Logic product lines, CS2000, CS2100, CS2200 and CS2300. Glitchless clock transitioning always provides a clock; independent of the reference without causing a glitch. Phase sync loop ensures that multiple audio signals or devices stay precisely aligned. The CS2600 is a system-clocking device incorporating a programmable phase-locked loop (PLL). The hybrid analog/ digital PLL architecture comprises a delta-sigma fractional-N analog PLL and a digital frequency-locked loop (FLL). For example, the CS2600 enables frequency synthesis and clock generation from a stable timing reference clock. The device can generate low-jitter clocks from a noisy clock reference at frequencies as low as 50 Hz. An internal oscillator can provide the timing reference clock, enabling a reduction in external component requirements.

12 / 09 / 24

Spotify Wrapped 2024 Showcases Pop Music Habits
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is the latest edition of the beloved annual recap that provides users with a personalized summary of their listening habits over the past year. While we all know that Taylor Swift earned 26.6 billion streams globally, the 2024 version includes exciting new features like "Your Music Evolution," a detailed look at how users' musical tastes have evolved month-by-month. This feature is accompanied by "Your Music Evolution Playlist," highlighting significant tracks that marked your musical journey. This year The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, Drake, and Billie Eilish are amongst the most streamed artists during 2024. One standout feature is the integration of Google's NotebookLM, which powers an AI-generated podcast that narrates users' Wrapped data, adding a dynamic and engaging element to the experience. Wrapped 2024 also includes "Artist Clips," where top artists share short, personalized messages with fans, creating a more intimate connection.

Spotify Wrapped 2024 features a diverse range of music, highlighting the top artists, songs, albums, and podcasts of the year. Globally, Taylor Swift tops the list as the most streamed artist, with her album The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology being the most streamed album. The Wrapped experience also includes personalized playlists, artist clips, and podcast clips, offering a comprehensive look at users' listening habits throughout the year1. It's a great way to relive the music that made 2024 special! Additionally, Spotify Wrapped 2024 has expanded social media integration, enabling users to share their Wrapped highlights on platforms like TikTok and Instagram more seamlessly. The Wrapped experience this year goes beyond just music, including data about podcasts and audiobooks, making it a comprehensive reflection of users' auditory experiences. In essence, Spotify Wrapped 2024 encapsulates a year's worth of listening into a nostalgic, fun, and shareable journey, solidifying its place as a much-anticipated yearly event for music lovers worldwide.

12 / 08 / 24

Part 5: Rooms 601 To 633 At CAF 2024
More rooms, and more magical music!
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Getting started on the 6th Floor, I encountered the first of four rooms with Geshelli Labs, a young company that has been making great strides in the few short years I've seen them at Capital Audiofest. Their rig here was straightforward and in keeping with their entry-level (but not bargain basement) product. Michell turntables have been showing up in greater frequency, though not in overwhelming numbers, in the past year or two. It is a design that has evolved slowly over decades. The company dates back to 1973, the same year Linn was founded. The Guiseppe is Geshelli's preamp. Note the fine woodwork cabinetry and – believe it or not, tone controls for bass and treble! This would be their power amp in matching wood casework – something that sets them apart from most.
---> Part 5: Rooms 601 To 633 At CAF 2024.

12 / 06 / 24

Hi-Fi+ December 2024 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Welcome To The Hi-Fi+ 2025 Awards
Accustic Arts TUBE PREAMP V/AMP IV Preamplifier / Power Amplifier
PMC Active twenty5.22i Stand-Mount Loudspeaker 
Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
DS Audio DS-E3 Optical Cartridge And Equaliser
Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 Mains Distribution Board
Merason Reuss Digital To Analogue Converter (DAC)
DALI Rubikore 2 Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Win! Meze Audio Liric II Worth £1,850!
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "As this Awards issue went to press, we heard news that audio giant Bose will purchase the McIntosh Group, the company behind McIntosh audio electronics and Sonus faber loudspeakers. The inevitable stream of online comments ensued, with everything from expecting McIntosh and Sonus faber to disappear by the end of the week, through general hatred toward late-stage capitalism, to a few positive voices. Although such buyouts are often uneasy actions, there's three things to consider here. First, this is not the McIntosh Group's first time it's been bought and sold. The group has been through several venture capitalist and managed buyouts in recent years. Bose might just be its forever home. Secondly, Bose brings a lot of corporate firepower (and a well-stocked war chest) to the party... who knows, maybe we'll see the return of Wadia, as the brand name is a vestigial part of the McIntosh Group."
---> Hi-Fi+'s December 2024 Awards Issue.

12 / 05 / 24

Verdant Audio Blackthorn 1 Monitor Speakers
An over-achieving monitor with a musical performance well beyond its' modest size.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
I first had the pleasure of meeting Scott Bierfeldt, President and Chief Designer at Verdant Audio, at AXPONA 2019 in a by-chance meeting. I was planning on heading out earlier than expected on Sunday, as the snow was starting to come down (attendees may recall), and I was a bit nervous about the six-hour mark. drive home to the cornfields of Missouri. Nevertheless, the rooms beckoned me back for one more quick tour that morning, where I happened to walk by a familiar blue glow within the Verdant Audio room. At the center of a very attractive system were a pair of stunning Art Audio Quartet 845 push-pull monoblocks. I was familiar with Art Audio from an introduction years prior to their 50-Watt SET Adagios, and was aware that Verdant Audio had re-introduced the UK company to the U.S. earlier that year as the sole domestic distributor. Needless to say, my curiosity was piqued stepping into the room noting several examples of Art Audio pieces, as well as the premiere of two monitor designs created by Scott, under the Verdant Audio name.
---> Verdant Audio Blackthorn 1 Monitor Speaker Review.

Aavik Acoustics I-180 Integrated Amplifier, D-180 DAC, And S-180 Streamer / Network Player Review
A symbiotic sonic relationship... for your listening pleasures.
Review By Tom Lyle
The Danish high-end audio manufacturer Aavik was nice enough to send me three components from their entry level-line. I call this gear "entry-level" not because it is a system priced for those new to the exciting world of high-end audio but because they are the least expensive components in Aavik Acoustics' 180 / 280 / 580 line. I did not know the price of these three components when they arrived at my home for review. On looks alone, I assumed that they would cost much more. About halfway through the review period, I peeked inside the cabinet of this integrated amplifier. Its innards looked as if they were constructed by an engineer but also by a visual artist. Its complex yet very neatly arranged interior was impressive. During my audition of all three components, I determined that their display and intelligent functionality belied their relatively low price.
---> Aavik Acoustics I-180 Int Amp, D-180 DAC, And S-180 Streamer / Network Music Player Review.

12 / 04 / 24

This Weekend: IHEAC Audio Video Show 2024
From December 5th through 8th the IHEAC Audio Video Show 2024 is once again holding their audio / video consumer electronics event located at Fairmont Jakarta. For their 2024 show, they are preparing a larger, more interactive event for attendees. IHEAC (Indonesia High End Audio Club) Audio Video Show exhibitors will officially open on Thursday, December 5 and end on December 8, with this year's exhibition taking up three floors: Function Room, 6th floor, and 7th floor. This longer exhibition period has its own plus for them, because home stereo and immersive audio exhibitors will have more time to prepare their systems to perform optimally. This decision was also taken after seeing the 2023 exhibition struggle as some participants complained, feeling a lack of preparation when they started their setup at a later time in hopes to have enough ability beforehand for their systems to be set to the maximum.

Until now, preparations have continued to be made, including in inviting new participants / exhibitors who did not participate in 2023. Furthermore, other things such as marketing and exhibition coverage plans had more time for fruition. The IHEAC Audio Video Show 2024 now offer the latest updates, which is better reflected with the latest news of the exhibition on their website. IHEAC is again collaborating with Megapro Communication, BliBli, and Indibro. And there is a plan for this time to make an admission ticket for a certain price, where visitors will get 1 free audiophile CD too!

12 / 03 / 24

Revox Has Acquired Horch House Music Company
With reel-to-reel making a strong comeback, manufacturers of new hardware need to ensure their clients have music to enjoy on them. "In the last 15 years, Horch House has developed into the world's leading company within the analog master tape industry," says their press release. "The brand Horch House, headed by Volker Lange, stands for an uncompromising approach towards quality. Recently, Revox announced the return of the B77, the icon of tape machines, which will be produced as the newly developed B77 MK III. Step by step, Revox plans to offer new analog products. Volker Lange is going to take over the management of the developing analog division within the Revox Group. Furthermore, he is going to become a member of the executive board at Revox."

CEO of Revox Group, Christoph Frey, said "We are delighted to further strengthen our analog branch by taking over Horch House. The many Horch House licenses with record labels will allow us to expand our range of analog products, like master tapes. We have already started to produce the Revox Master Tapes in our plant in Villingen and our plan is to step by step transfer Horch House's entire production there. Even more I'm happy to have Volker Lange on board as he's known to be a very knowledgeable person within the analog music world. Volker Lange has already helped to decide on many of the new features on the B77 MK III. We are going to follow the strategy intensively of not only offering products but also the necessary sound carriers. Many new products are in the planning. In the coming years, we would like to follow our 'dual strategy' by further developing our Multiuser System and continuously expanding the analog division."

12 / 01 / 24

December High-End Audio Review Magazine & Show Reports
Our December issue celebrates music and both bargain and cost-no-object high-end audio gear. Ric Mancuso is proud to present his first installment of The Bargain Audiophile! Proof that high-end does not always mean high-priced. Our complete Toronto Audiofest show coverage is now online, with virtually all exhibit rooms featured. Our Capital AudioFest 2024 show coverage is ongoing, so check back daily as we add more to our very extensive report. We wish everyone a very happy holiday season and as always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> December High-End Audio Review Magazine & Show Reports.

AGD Productions SOLO Limited Edition GaN-Power Monoblock Amplifiers And Andante Mk II Preamplifier / DAC / Phonostage / Music Streamer Review
The apex of musical reproduction in ways no other Class D design has yet achieved.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
As a classically trained percussionist / composer whose forte gravitates towards modern chamber music, I naturally seek out and explore the most current of musical ideas – Those that delve into sonic territory yet undiscovered. Contemporary percussion recognizes the fundamental responsibility of the percussionist-as-inventor. Indeed, we percussionists are creatures donning many hats, an amalgam of scientists, naturalists, engineers, archeologists, et al, compelled to follow the sonic siren of our artistic goals, unconventional or otherwise, that ultimately shapes our art. We are musicians in search of a sound, whose obsession it is to seek the source and its means of actuation (Yes, in the right hands, everything is a potential musical instrument!).
---> AGD Productions SOLO Limited Edition GaN-Power Monoblock Amplifiers And Andante Mk II Preamplifier / DAC / Phonostage / Music Streamer Review.

World Premiere Review!
Wells Audio Innamorata III Stereo Power Amplifier Review
Incredible voicing, seductive soundscape, and high-performance musical pleasures.
Review By Ron Nagle
As an audio manufacturer and owner of Audible Arts, Jeff Wells is at the very foundation of what drives high-end, high-performance luxury audio. Need proof? Then read the below review of the Wells Audio Innamorata III power amplifier to truly grasp the outstanding nature of this product's design and engineering. Jeff Wells is an old-school entrepreneur who founded a family business in 2014 with only $2600 of spare parts and a great idea. There would be no high-quality audio today without small startups and visionaries who are willing to take great risks. And I say thanks to that group of audio entrepreneurs whose innovations are the lifeblood of our hobby! Let's take a look at the new Wells Audio Innamorata power amplifier.
---> Wells Audio Innamorata III Stereo Power Amplifier Review.

Hegel Music Systems H400 Streamliner Review
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Review By Paul Schumann
One of the rites of passage into adulthood for my generation was the purchasing of an audio system. You saved up enough scratch at some point, went down to the local fi-fi store, and picked out a system. The heart of this system would be the receiver. It had everything you needed: a phono preamp, tuner, tape loop, and power amp. All you needed was a turntable with a pre-mounted cartridge and a pair of speakers, and you were set. If you had some extra cash, you could pick up a cassette deck to record the "King Biscuit Flour Hour" on the radio. That sustained many of us until we were compelled to buy a multi-channel home entertainment system or go into high-end equipment and demote our receiver to the garage. Eventually, dust, humidity, and father time would take their toll and our stalwart would give up the ghost.
---> Hegel Music Systems H400 Streamliner Review.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

Previous High-End Audio News
For previous high-end audio and music industry news click here.