April
2026
Celebrating
Our Spectacular 30th Anniversary!
Honoring Enjoy the Music.com's
exceptional articles and reviews.
During 2026, Enjoy the Music.com
will feature historic audio gear reviews and articles during our past 30
years. As always, in the end what really matters is that
you... enjoy the music!
High-Performance
Audio & Music Industry News
Essential high-end audio news you need to know.
Stay up-to-date on the latest audiophile and music industry news.
How High-End Audio Broke Into Ecosystems: A Buyer's Guide For 2026
Why purists, streamers, and convenience seekers buy different kinds of high-fidelity.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
High-end audio's
market structure in 2025 and 2026 shows concentrated growth in premium segments,
even as the mass-market hi-fi segment also expands. Am humbled to find that our
global consumer audio market was valued at about $58.9 billion in 2025, with
hi-fi sound systems and premium headphones growing faster than commodity
categories. What may look to some like fragmentation is actually a move towards
specialization: manufacturers and boutique builders optimize for listening
context rather than a single universal product. That may yield better-fitting
systems for critical listening, living-room convenience, and portable use. Like Enjoy
the Music.com, our part of the overall consumer electronics sector is doing
better than ever! For purists, the separates ecosystem—standalone
loudspeakers, amplifiers, preamps, phono stage, and DACs—remains the gold
standard.
--->
How High-End Audio Broke Into Ecosystems: A Buyer's Guide For 2026.
Pre-Loved Second-Hand Hi-Fi Is Today's Gold
Why the pre-loved audio market deserves more attention, and how trade-ins build loyal listeners and repeat sales.
Editorial By Alan Sircom
Overlooking lots of loudspeaker reviews from recent years, in order to construct our
Editor's Choice pages, something dawned on me. The second-hand market should be more vibrant that it seems. There are reasons for this lull in
'preloved' audio, but not all of them make sense. Stepping away from transducers for a moment, I can get why someone might not want to buy a digital product that might not be supported for too long. Those who still use an original Logitech Squeezebox are finding its functionality severely limited today as MySqueezebox and Squeezebox Radio are no longer supported. I can also understand the reluctance to invest in an older tube amplifier if it uses obscure valves with no stock and limited support. But these are effectively outliers. Most second-hand products
don't fall into this 'impending doom' category. Back when I used to work in an audio store, second-hand goods had a two-fold benefit. First, they were a good way of offering a reduced price for loyal customers;
it's not quite a discount, but if you know that you get a good trade-in on your existing product you tend to look after it a bit more and stay loyal to that
brand.
---> Pre-Loved Second-Hand Hi-Fi Is Today's
Gold.
Tomorrow Happening Today
Plus Fraunhofer Institute (IIS) for immersive sound upHear technology.
Editorial By J. Martins
What a start to the year this has been! 2026 is proving to be one of the most exciting times in memory for everyone involved in technology in general, and I
don't recall having so many different fronts of innovation in audio to keep us busy as
we've had recently. To begin, we had a busy time with three totally different trade shows, starting with CES in Las Vegas, NV, quickly followed by the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, and Integrated Systems Europe
(ISE) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, the largest in history, with a record number of exhibitors and attendees. While CES is focused on consumer electronics and the wider consumer technology space, NAMM offered a fascinating perspective on the practical use of technology by studios, musicians, and live production companies. And, ISE was completely focused on commercial installation systems and residential integration, showing a different side of professional audio. Yet, there was a clear thread of common technology trends and innovation across all these trade
shows. One is the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for the audio industry, with audio at the core of so many application segments, and audio helping bridge AI with the physical world through sensors, transducers, human interfaces, and interactions. And at the core, we have voice and language.
---> Tomorrow Happening
Today.
Montreal Audiofest 2026
Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show Report
The ultimate audiophile and
music lover experience.
Montreal Audiofest 2026 (Salon Audio Montreal)
returned March
20th through 22nd, bringing Canada's premier high-end audiophile event to the city. Organizers
enjoyed welcoming
thousands of music lovers and audiophiles eager to listen, see, and handle cutting-edge audio gear, with over
luxury 300 brands showcased under one roof. The three-day festival was designed for audiophiles, videophiles,
immersivephiles, and curious music lovers seeking modern immersive, hands-on
experiences. As the largest audio event in Canada, the event gathered top distributors, manufacturers, and retailers from the
high-end consumer electronics industry. Attendees joyously explore dedicated demo
listening rooms, vendor booths, and curated exhibits that highlight the latest in
luxurious loudspeakers, top-rated amplifiers, precision Hi-Res Audio DACs, turntables, immersive
headphones & portable audio, plus home A/V systems. The show's scale and industry presence
made it a
must-visit for anyone tracking trends in premium sound and home cinema.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2026 Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show
Report.
Florida International Audio Expo 2026 Show Report
The eighth annual Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE) 2026 returned to Tampa for a
three-day high-end audio showcase from Friday, February 20 through Sunday, February 22 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon. This premier audiophile show blends formal listening rooms with relaxed demo lounges, giving attendees the rare chance to compare loudspeakers,
high-fidelity amplifiers, turntables, DACs, and immersive headphone systems under
real-world conditions. Exhibitor turnout is strong again this year, with international manufacturers, boutique builders, and regional specialists filling
well-appointed listening rooms. Enjoy the Music.com, which has reported on every FIAE since its debut, proudly continues
our long-standing support as a show sponsor. Because FIAE is a
family-friendly event attracting many young adults and children, Enjoy the Music.com is
sponsoring the Passport To Sound booklet for younger audiophiles. Across the show, music lovers will find flagship components, innovative niche products, and
enjoy direct access to designers and product experts.
---> Florida International Audio Expo 2026 Show Report.
World Premiere Review!
Restoring Music To Its Reality: Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review
In-depth listening test, technical analysis, and
real-world setup tips for audiophiles and music lovers.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
Giddy. (adj) The emotional response I have developed to
the musical instruments that are Børresen loudspeakers. In my crossover life as both a professional musician and
high-end audio writer and reviewer, I have grown acquainted with a handful of
select audio designs that, from my perspective, serve as true musical
instruments – creations that express sonic art in ways that reach into
the human heart, corporeally moving both body and soul in ways that defy words.
Before we get to my Børresen T1 SSE (Silver Supreme Edition) monitor
loudspeaker review, here's some background. It was six years ago from my first
encounter with Børresen loudspeakers, when, upon first listen, they revealed
those same visceral qualities I am all too familiar with when on stage creating
live music. In the Spring of 2019, I was privileged to pen the U.S.
Premiere review of the Børresen 01 Series stand monitor, the cornerstone of
what was then the newly established Børresen Acoustics loudspeaker company of
Michael Børresen and co-founding business partner, Lars Kristensen.
--->
Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review.
World Premiere Review!
Heartsound Audio Holostage Review: Scientific Voodoo Or Genuine Upgrade?
Hands-on evaluation of sonic impact, transformative sound, and where Holostage fits in your audiophile journey.
Review By Rick Becker
It was pure chance that I stumbled upon Heartsound
Audio's Holostage to review here at Enjoy the Music.com. I'm not an avid reader of audio
blogs, but occasionally an
e-mail
with a Weekly Recap of the Audiogon Discussion Forum will slip past my email
filters. The subject was actually the Nirvana
Chronos, which I had previously
heard at AXPONA in 2025 and subsequently reviewed very
favorably. People
wanted to know if the Heartsound Holostage was similar or as good, since it was
considerably less expensive. I fired off an inquiry. Kristine Tetrault, founder of the company in 2021, replied
shortly with an offer to send me a review sample. The Holostage is sold in sets
of four blocks for $1000. It arrived via Priority Mail from Concord, NH, which
is too far inland to catch any scent of saltwater. Inside the Flat Rate USPS box
was a black cardboard box of the kind you might expect a gift from Macy's to
be wrapped.
--->
Heartsound Audio Holostage Review: Scientific Voodoo Or Genuine Upgrade?
MooVu DIY Loudspeaker Review — Big Bass, Easy Build, Great Value
Construct, listen, love — a gateway to DIY audio'phile hobbying fun.
Review By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Last
year at the Capital Audio Fest, I saw Vinh Vu, principal at Ginkgo Audio,
sitting at his booth with his MooVu speakers. I was fascinated by these $815-ish
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) speakers, which he explained to me were his latest
brainchild. So, while I had no real time to do more than look at them, we
chatted a little longer and then put a pin on it, thinking we would come back to
it later. There is one thing that you need to know about
Vinh, and it is absolutely to his credit: he is very organized. Shortly before
the end of the year, he called to ask if I was interested in reviewing the MooVu
speakers. While I have many strengths in this world, one of them is not the
ability to work with my hands, which, coupled with my current vision issues,
leaves me unable to review things such as this; however, my son Dylan was
absolutely thrilled to help with this review. So, we set up for the second
weekend in January for Vinh to come and show us both how to build speakers and
put the MooVus together.
---> MooVu DIY Loudspeaker Review — Big Bass, Easy Build, Great
Value.
Sneak Peek World Premiere Review!
Audio Research I/70 Fully Loaded Integrated Vacuum Tube
Amplifier Reviewed
In-depth review of Audio Research's
fully-loaded I/70 integrated stereo unit including the
optional Hi-Res Audio DAC and MM/MC phono stage: performance, design, and reference-level listening notes.
Review By Ron Nagle
I can trace my interest in high-end audio back to the 1970s, long before the
internet, and the 1995 launch of Enjoy the Music.com. Before we discuss
today's review of Audio Research's impressive I/70 vacuum tube integrated
amplifier, let us step back to the very beginnings. My first serious Audio
Research audio components, as back then, I recall vacuum tubes versus
transistors controversy was still raging on. That was when some audio wags
predicted the death of vacuum tube audio. I credit Audio Research and the late
Harry Pearson as the two stalwarts that fended off the Japanese avalanche of
cheaper transistor-powered audio components at the time. And that was the time when the shifting public interest was to
transistor audio. Audio Research Corporation (ARC) was founded by William Zane
Johnson in 1970 and was originally located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are
one of the longest U.S. companies of vacuum tube-powered high-end audio
equipment for audiophiles and music lovers still in operation.
--->
Audio Research I/70 Fully Loaded Integrated Vacuum Tube Amplifier Reviewed.
Radio Shack's Realistic System 200 Review
Tremendous features and an
authentic value!
Review By Mark Rochlin
Today I received the most amazing unit to evaluate, the
Realistic System 200! New for 1988, this unit represents a new peak of the Tandy
/ Radio Shack line and continues the tradition of quality and value that makes
Radio Shack famous and guarantees their continued success. Their System 200's
ingenious design revolves around both sonic excellence and ease of use. Styled
in a custom made faux walnut-looking rack with matching speakers, this unit will
enhance the style of your living room. Radio Shack has taken the unique approach
of enclosing the entire unit within one single chassis. This allows them to invest
into their system where it counts, the internal electronics. Radio Shack has eliminated many of the stumbling blocks for
the audiophile. Each portion of the unit is specifically matched, thus
eliminating the guesswork of matching individual components to see what works
well together. Their brilliant engineers have done all the work for you so that
the optimal combination of player, amplification, signal processor and speakers
has been achieved.
--->
Radio Shack's Realistic System 200 Stereo Review.
Sozy Wulkmun High-Rez Audio
Turntable Review
Freeing your music has never been easier!
Review By Nilhcor R. Nevets
Look, I'll make this preview brief as spy photos and an advanced copy of their upcoming advertisement just hit my desk. While I'm bound to this desktop torture getting this story out fast, your music LPs soon will have a newfound freedom away from their homeward bondage. With vinyl LP sales experiencing double-digit growth, it appears that the LP is once again becoming a major force within the music industry. Furthermore, Rebeat has just announced their new high definition vinyl LPs via lacquers cut with a femto-laser (see March 17th Industry News update). World-renown electronics manufacturer Sozy will soon be selling their Wulkmun battery-powered portable record player. Playing both 33.3 and 45 rpm LPs, the Wulkmun looks to have a specially-developed laser-sensing physics-loading tonearm that ensures the perfect pressure of the needle to the LP surface. Furthermore, we've learned that the Sozy Wulkmun will be the world's first audio component to include the aptX HD 24-bit Bluetooth
chipset.
---> Sozy's Wulkmun
High-Rez Audio Turntable Review.
Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue Moving Coil Phono
Cartridge Review
A super-transparent window into the sounds that have been etched into an
LP's surface.
Review By
Tom Lyle
The last time
I reviewed a phono cartridge in Enjoy The Music.com was about a year ago,
it was then when I made comments regarding my love/hate relationship with
high-end phono cartridges. Very briefly, I stated that I love phono cartridges
because of the sonic joy they bring me. The music! By translating the grooves on
a vinyl record to the wonderful sound that comes forth from my speakers is a
pleasure that is one of the greatest there is. But at the same time, I hate
them, not only because the very best cost so much, but also because they have a
relatively short life expectancy. So, until a phono cartridge manufacturer
builds and sells an inexpensive model that sounds as good as the expensive ones,
and this inexpensive phono cartridge that sounds as good as the expensive ones
also offers to users an inexpensive replacement stylus, I'm afraid my negative
feelings in regards to phono cartridges aren't going to change very much.
--->
Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue Moving Coil Phono Cartridge Review.
WAVAC Model MD-811 Integrated
Amplifier Review
The joys of life the fish-eye lens of a superb SE triode amp.
Review by Dick Olsher
WAVAC Audio Lab clearly believes that the Force is with them. If establishment brand names such as Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson, and Jadis may be viewed as the dominant but plodding
"Empire," then WAVAC strikes back with a powerful vision of what listening pleasure is all about. In particular, the Music Dandy 811 integrated amplifier combines the musical expressiveness of single-ended (SE) triodes with the real-world drive capability of radio transmitting tubes. And at a US retail price of
$4,000 it is the most affordable product in the WAVAC lineup. Feel free to accuse me of being a neo-Cartesian, as I paraphrase Rene Descartes' famous maxim: I listen, therefore I am. Folks, the only reason I purchase audio equipment is to enjoy the music. And any gear such as the MD-811 that gets me closer to the musical experience is welcome news. My ego doesn't require a
500-Wpc solid-state arc welder for self gratification.
---> WAVAC Model MD-811 Integrated Amplifier
Review.
Bottlehead Quicksand Battery Powered Amplifier
Kit Review
A great starter amp kit with plenty of room to build upon.
Review
By
Jeff Poth
I recently reviewed the Bottlehead Quickie
linestage, which is a great value and
a lot of fun. Along with the Quickie, I also built the Bottlehead Quicksand amplifier. This
amp is similarly inexpensive at $119 versus the Quickie at $99. Wooden bases are
$40, putting a "full" Quicksand at $159 if ordered separately ($169 for the
Quickie 1.1 with base and PJCCS upgrade). The Quickie and Quicksand are
currently also sold as a combo deal with a $20 discount, giving a battery
powered hi-fi system, with bases and CCS, for just over $300. Pretty good deal
for interesting, portable separates. The amp is built upon the same acrylic top
plate/wooden base construction as the Quickie, with one of the quirks being that
the top plate comes in any color you want- so long as the color they ship is
what you wanted (IOW, it's random). Mine happened to come in red, matching the
Quickie, and I quite like the look of it.
--->
Bottlehead Quicksand Battery Powered Amplifier Kit Review.
Industry POV: A New Understanding Of Diffusion
It's a far more complex concept than absorption is, and here's why.
Article By Jim DeGrandis Of Acoustics First Corporation
In decades past, traditional barrel and pyramidal sound
diffusers had their acoustical specifications presented with absorption
coefficients as the only available acoustical data. This was handy for
low-frequency control applications or targeting particular "bumps" in a room
without adding too much absorption, which could make a room too dry. Toward the end of the 20th century, more than one
acoustical company began to use graphed polar plots of various diffusion devices
to illustrate where sound was being redirected when it reflected off a device's surface. It could be
"visualized" from that information. However, the effects of diffusion could not be quantified as
easily as absorption could be. By measuring the sound absorption of a particular
device, expressed as an absorption coefficient, you can predict, with reasonable
accuracy, the change in reverberation time from its addition to a room. By
contrast, attempts at creating a useful equivalent for diffusion, in the form of
a "diffusion coefficient" or "scattering coefficient," hit a practical roadblock....
--->
Industry POV: A New Understanding Of Diffusion.
Celebrate International Women's Day With Women In
Hi-Fi Video
Honoring female leaders in audio: insights on careers, mentorship, and strategies in high-fidelity audio.
Seminar Moderated And Editorial By Steven R Rochlin
The Women In
Hi-Fi Seminar was a featured program at the Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE) 2026. It served as a focused forum to highlight, connect, and support women working across the
home-audio industry. The seminar brought together industry professionals, advocates, and attendees for a mix of panel discussions,
career path conversations, and practical advice aimed at increasing visibility and opportunity for women in engineering, manufacturing, retail, media, and events within the
hi-fi community. Organized as part of FIAE's program of expert-led seminars, with Women In Hi-Fi seminar moderated by
Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director, Steven R Rochlin, the session emphasized mentorship, networking, and concrete strategies for making the hobby and business of
high-fidelity audio more inclusive and accessible.
--->
Celebrate International Women's Day With Women In Hi-Fi Video.
Listener Magazine The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
By the time you read this my daughter
will be four years old. This morning I took Julia to preschool, but when we got there I realized
I'd forgotten to bring her lunch, so I told the teachers I would return with it later
on. I went back at noon, brown bag in hand, and walked into the classroom just as everyone was settling down on the big
story rug for a big story. When Julia saw me her face lit up and she shouted, "Daddy!" She jumped up and ran to me
and gave me the biggest hug ever, in history. While she was hugging me she continued to say, "My Daddy! My Daddy!,"
and patted me on the back the way she does lately. All you parents out there know what I'm talking about, don't
you? It's hard to stay worried about skating or ringing or jitter or other distortions with vaguely
Christmas-y names when you've got something like that going on.
---> Listener Magazine The Intro By Art Dudley.
Audio Note Ongaku
Article By Hiroyasu Kondo-san, Audio Note
The 211 creates a formidable impression because of its shape. But
the 211 may appear old-fashioned and unsophisticated to high-brow maniacs for audio equipment. Perhaps this is the reason why there
are only a few amplifiers that employ the 211 tube today. This type of amplifier is a challenge from the viewpoint of the
manufacturer. The power supply circuit cannot be normally designed, since the supply voltage required for the 211 tube must be approximately
1000V. In manufacturing the amplifier, we must pay utmost attention to moisture-proofing the chassis and proper insulation of
the wiring so as to prevent hands from getting electric shock if one reaches into the
amplifier. However, it is only large triodes like the 211 that provide the best performance that vacuum tubes can
offer.
---> Audio Note Ongaku Article By Hiroyasu Kondo-san.
Home Theater, 50% Style
Article By Dan Schmalle
Well, you guys who missed the last meeting are really gonna kick yourselves. You missed Rick and
Tina cutting a rug at our vintage disco. The meeting was obviously quite informal.
I had managed to scrounge the proper parts to repair one damaged crossover in time for the meeting so
we got to hear the A7's in stereo. Attendance was light so we pushed back the chairs and cranked 'em
up and danced. Now I don't like horn speakers as a rule, but these A7's aren't bad.
With the Stereo 70 the tweets seemed a bit harsh and throaty. I later adjusted the crossover for 6dB
attenuation and they really smoothed out. The real surprise was how nice
the triode amp I've been putting together sounded with them. I am now willing to concede that triodes
and horns can sound very good. Thanks to Mike for inspiring me to try 'em.
---> Home Theater, 50% Style.
Gryphon Audio Essence Preamplifier
And Essence Stereo Power Amplifier Review
Blown away by an amazing musical performance!
Review By Tom Lyle
The
Gryphon Essence preamplifier and Gryphon Stereo power amplifier are gorgeous
looking and beautiful sounding Danish high-end audio components. Those who can
afford either or both of these components will not only enjoy stellar sound
quality but most likely will also be able to enjoy the fact that they are the
epitome of audio equipment that has a look and "feel" of luxury goods. Gryphon
founder Flemming E. Rasmussen was responsible for the stunningly beautiful
exterior of the rather large (and heavy!) Gryphon Essence preamplifier and
Stereo Essence power amplifier. Good looks and operational refinement are
especially true of the Gryphon Essence preamplifier. Its weighty
infrared metal remote was only one indication of this Danish audio manufacturer's
recognition of many audiophile's appreciation of the intangibles that are
available on many preamps.
--->
Gryphon Audio Essence Preamplifier & Essence Amplifier Review.
Eminent Technology LFT8c Loudspeaker Review
Dipole done well.
Review By Jules Coleman
If you are not familiar with Bruce Thigpen,
it's time you were. Bruce has been among the more creative and innovative designers in the audio industry over the past forty years. He began his career by working on what was to become the Infinity turntable, which he followed with the classic and much-admired ET 2 linear tracking tonearm (parts and updates are still available for the model 1, ET-2 and ET- 2.5), before turning his attention to magnetic planar loudspeakers. Beginning with the full-range planar LFT3, he ultimately shifted focus to hybrid designs featuring planar mid and high-frequency drivers mated with traditional cone drivers to handle the lower frequencies. The shift in focus led to the development of the LFT-8 introduced in 1989 and then widely distributed beginning in 1990, the transformative version of which, LFT-8c, is the subject of this
review.
--->
Eminent Technology LFT8c Loudspeaker Review.
First Watt Model SIT-1 Monoblock Power
Amplifier Review
The power of the First Watt digs deeply into the fabric of music to communicate soul, drama, and passion.
Review By Dick
Olsher
Imagine a single-ended Class A power amplifier
comprising a single transistor, that is devoid of any feedback, and which
behaves similarly to a power triode? Does this scenario sound too good to be
true? Well, that's exactly what the First Watt SIT-1 is all about. It deploys a
unique type of device, a variant of the JFET, referred to as a static induction
transistor (SIT). It was invented in the early 1970s by Jun-ichi Nishizawa, a
true genius who is considered the "father of Japanese
microelectronics." The SIT enjoyed a brief audio career in power amplifiers
by Yamaha and Sony, but has continued to evolve since then mainly for UHF and
S-band applications in radar and communication satellite systems. It is a
voltage controlled device whereby the signal modulates the electrostatic
potential barrier produced by the gate – the grid like element of the SIT.
--->
First Watt Model SIT-1 Monoblock Power Amplifier Review.
Ayon
Audio CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music
Server Review
Two very versatile, and impressive, performers.
Review By Bob Grossman
The Ayon Audio CD-35 II as reviewed here, is the latest introduction to a long lineage of CD players that have
been well regarded going back to the various models in the 3 and 5 series, along
with ideas derived from their special edition CD35HF. But the CD-35 II is more
than a CD player – it is also a fully functioning preamplifier and DAC. It is
a single-ended triode pure Class A design using a 6H30 and a 5687 tube for each
channel, and a GZ30 tube as a rectifier for the power supply. It is also a zero-feedback
design. Ayon Audio's CD-35 II built-in DAC can be used to play music files
from your computer via the USB connection. The DAC also has a coaxial RCA input
for S/PDIF, I2S, BNC, AES/EBU, and three other BNC inputs for DSD. For this
review I also evaluated the USA Labs RS9 music server to coordinate streaming of music
from Qobuz.
--->
Ayon CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music Server Review.
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