July / August 2018
In This Issue...
Welcome To NOVO!
Editorial By Suave Kajko

  Summer is here in full swing and it's been so hot that I've been avoiding walking my dogs Shelby and Josie in direct sun fearing that they might spontaneously combust. This is the first time I recall breaking a sweat writing the letter from the editor, as I'm sitting on the patio of a coffee shop in the beautiful Junction neighborhood of Toronto. It feels like it's about 40 degrees (Celsius) and I'm hiding under the shade of an umbrella. But I'm not complaining, I love the summer in Toronto and try to enjoy myself outside as much as possible - whether it's sitting on coffee shop and bar patios, taking my dogs for hikes in different parks, or shopping on Queen Street West. Summers are of course the perfect time to catch live music outdoors and I've already managed to take in a few great shows. Perhaps you're reading this copy of NOVO on a patio -- if you are, good on you!

Inside this issue, we take a look at several exciting audio and technology topics. Stephanie Greenallleads with "Where's My Oasis?" , an article that explores various ways that allow you to get 'social' in virtual reality worlds. I recently tried The Void Ghostbusters experience at the Rec Room in Toronto and it was an unforgettable experience -- you have to try it if you are curious about VR.

Thinking of building your first audiophile 2-channel music system but don't know where to start? Check out Douglas Brown's feature on page 12 where he suggests how you can build a truly musical system for about $5,000. His article takes me back to when I built my first high-end audio system.

This issue also wraps up the 3-part series of the "The Journey to Higher Quality Audio With Nordost Leif Cables" where I explore the process of upgrading cables in an audio system and explain what order to upgrade your cables in. I also take a look at the sonic benefits of each upgrade. Every great audio system has to be connected with matching quality cables, otherwise you'll never hear the full potential of your components.

If you love the idea of personal virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home but are a little concerned about your privacy, then you'll definitely want to check out Aaron Binder's "The Shifting Cultural Acceptance of Privacy Invasion" in this issue.

Over the last couple of months, I've had the pleasure of listening to a very special speaker and I'm delighted to share my experience with you in the feature "Adventures In Sound With The Totem Tribe Tower Speakers". I truly fell in love with the sound of this speaker and suspect you might too.


Hope you have an awesome summer!

– Suave Kajko
Publisher / Editor in Chief
NOVO President
TAVES Consumer Electronics Show