June
2024
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.
Words? Music? Both? Neither? What Do You Listen For?
How various people listen to music.
Article
By Roger Skoff
I recently saw something on Facebook that caused me to do some serious thinking
not on the subject of music, but that, as I hope you'll agree, is still
perfectly applicable to our music listening. It's just one simple sentence: "I
never said she stole my money" but, as the person who posted it
pointed out, it can have seven entirely different meanings, depending on which
one of the seven words making it up you choose to put the emphasis on: For example, "I never said she stole my
money" means something different from "I never said she stole my money",
which means something different from "I never said she stole my money",
which means something different from "I never said she stole my money",
and so on, through the entire sentence, with each new emphasis creating a whole
new meaning. Isn't it exactly the same with music? Even
with classical music, where every note to be played by every individual
instrument is written down and unchanging, isn't every different performance by
every orchestra or every conductor still different?
--->
Words? Music? Both? Neither? What Do You Listen For?
Different Listening Perspectives
Automotive audio today is designed for immersive experiences.
Editorial By J. Martins
I Recently attended a very successful AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) 2024 edition in Chicago, IL, where I was pleasantly surprised with the vibrant showcase of audio systems that filled the largest number of rooms in the history of this show. Hundreds of rooms with lots of innovative speakers to discover (some doing their premiere here, instead of waiting for the High End show in Munich), but also lots of new electronics, including many network audio streamers, which were clearly the most popular audio source, followed in a distant second by vinyl and CD which are both mandatory as many attendees bring their own physical media to listen to for reference. These high-end streamers are now a core hifi component because they allow an aggregation of streaming services, enabling sessions to freely pick tracks from the Tidal, Qobuz, or Apple Music, all of which now offer lossless streaming options or local NAS and storage devices for Hi-Res PCM and DSD
files. On the second day of the show, I noticed that the hotel Wi-Fi network that had worked reliably until then was suddenly absent.
---> Different Listening Perspectives.
Physical Media Music Formats
Remembering the tactile nature of records, tapes, reel-to-reel, and CDs.
Editorial By Alan Sircom
All physical audio formats are trying for the same success LP had with the
'vinyl revival'. More than just a flash in the pan, the return of vinyl has proved to have true staying power, and has long since outlived the hipster trend that sparked
LP's 21st century reboot. We have seen the return of compact cassette at one extreme, and the rebirth of the open-reel professional tape machine at the other. And
we've even seen some recent uptick in sales of CD. Physical formats, it seems,
aren't going away just yet. But why are they still popular? Someone buying a CD is spending more on a
digital file than they would spend streaming a more high-resolution online counterpart. However, the closer you investigate this trend to own physical copies, some fascinating points begin to
emerge. Most importantly, it's not an either/or thing. Those buying a disc have often streamed the album several times. This
isn't a return to streaming as 'music discovery', but there seems to be a trend among listeners that if you stream a piece of music more than four times, you buy it for that fifth listen.
---> Physical Media Music Formats.
HIGH END 2024 At Munich M.O.C. Show Report
High End Society's HIGH END 2024 Event In Munich Germany
From May 9th to 12th, 2024, the 41st HIGH END
trade show in Munich will once again shine a spotlight on luxurious
premium music reproduction systems, inspiring listening enjoyment and
exquisite audio technology. HIGH END continues to be one of the most
important marketplaces and trading rendezvous for the audio industry,
with many international trade visitors from around the world. Music
lovers from over 90 countries visit Munich to discover high-performance
audio industry trends, exchange views, learn the latest news, plus
network and do business. For industry experts, audiophile enthusiasts,
and music enthusiasts, the HIGH END four-day event in Munich will once
again be a spectacular event.
---> HIGH END 2024 At Munich M.O.C.
Show Report.
AXPONA 2024 Show Report
Audio Expo North
America (AXPONA) 2024 three-day experience featured a multitude of floors,
with a total of approximately 200 listening rooms. Special showcases include the
Expo Hall featuring The Record Fair, The Ear Gear Experience, and a variety of seminars. Whether you're a
very serious audiophile, a newcomer to high-end audio or simply a music lover, you found everything you need to immerse yourself in your favorite
sounds. The Ear Gear Experience is the place to go to find everything from open-back, closed-back, in-ear headphones and accessories, as well as cables DACs and players. You can also shop audio accessories, turntables, cables and more in the Expo Hall. Plus find new and vintage vinyl in AXPONA's own Record Fair.
---> AXPONA 2024 High-End Audio Show
Report.
World Premiere Review!
Acora Acoustics QRC 2 Floorstanding
Loudspeaker Review
First-class sound quality in a luxurious form factor.
Review By Rick Becker
Val Cora must have spotted my
press pass when I first encountered their SRB two-way stand-mounted monitor at
the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest show back in
2019. He encouraged me to take a
closer look and listen as I didn't seem particularly interested. It was my
subconscious fear of tipping over heavy stone or aluminum speakers that I later
traced back to a childhood trauma incident. Fast forward to 2023 and I've become one of Acora Acoustics' biggest
fans, typically including them among the Best Rooms awards in my show reports.
Not so much because I like them as because they're so damn good. Val has been a
master of setting up rigs in a wide variety of rooms supported by a diverse
selection of amplification and front ends. That he consistently features
different top-level turntables and phono cartridges has been a particular
delight, though he also showcases digital front ends. I fear that since he
recently acquired Audio Research, his presentations may become more restricted
to their products.
--->
Acora Acoustics QRC 2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.
Linkwitz LX521 Loudspeaker Review
I hope you have the opportunity to hear them.
Review By Rick Becker
It
is no accident the Linkwitz LX521 speaker eventually landed in my listening
room. It would have happened much sooner if I had not been so busy. The three Best
Rooms awards you may have seen in their ads have resulted from my very favorable
impressions at AXPONA (2022 and
2023) plus Capital
Audiofest. I've been a big fan of open baffle
speakers since my world premiere reviews of Tekton Designs' OB 4.5,
PureAudioProject's Trio 15 TB, and Treehaus Audiolab's Phantom of Luxury
speaker. Other major proponents of open baffle design include Nola and the
now-named Clayton Shaw Acoustic Lab. And more recently, Songer Audio on the West
Coast, plus a few I've likely missed. I don't normally read other writers' reviews of products I
review. For that matter, I pretty much focus on doing world premiere coverage,
but I wanted to get a first-hand listen to the Linkwitz in my own room.
--->
Linkwitz LX521 Loudspeaker Review.
Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS
Review
Bringing tears of joy when listening to special songs.
Review By
Tom Lyle
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's
Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the
owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory"
of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the
Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best
Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to
return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power
supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound
quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM
Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much.
It was not twice as good as the EMM Labs converter; it doesn't work that way, but
the improvement in sound quality was significant. I jumped at the chance when I
was offered the subject of this review, the relatively new Nagra Classic DAC II
/ PSU / VFS combo.
--->
Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review.
North America Premiere Review!
Simaudio MOON 641 Integrated Amplifier And 681 Network Player / DAC Review
Stereo sound system synergy plus MOONLink technology.
Review By Tom Lyle
Last year, I had the pleasure of reviewing MOON's 250i V2 integrated amplifier. Even though its output is "only" 50 Watts per channel, I praised it, concluding, "I felt a connection to the music that passed through this integrated amplifier, as it belied its price." The Simaudio MOON 250i V2 is priced five times less than the integrated amp reviewed here but with a third less output power. The MOON 641 integrated amplifier and the 681 network player/DAC are both part of MOON's NOŘTH Collection. From reading about them on the MOON website, I've learned that they are not simply new audio components but "a testament to MOON's commitment to pushing the envelope of audio technology. They are designed to deliver an unmatched listening experience in clarity and
depth." Simaudio's MOON 641 integrated amplifier features their Distortion-Cancelling Amplifier (MDCA) technology. It is used exclusively in North Collection components of MOON. This feature has an independent circuit to perform signal correction to lower noise and distortion. The MOON 641's dual-mono configuration "fills the room with rich, immersive
sound."
--->
Simaudio MOON 641 Integrated Amplifier And 681 Network Player / DAC Review.
World Premiere Review!
Orchard Audio Starkrimson Premium Mono Amplifier Review
A new personal benchmark for value.
Review By Ron Nagle
It was back
in August 2020 that I reviewed the original Orchard Audio Starkcrimson Monoblock
Amplifiers for Enjoy the Music.com. At the time I was very curious about
their use of Gallium nitride (GaN) transistors. I can recall a time when these
transistors created quite a buzz in high-end audio circles. Since then the owner
and designer of Orchard Audio Leonid (Leo) Ayzenshtat has continued to improve
upon the original TripathGaN monoblock amplifiers. Now in 2024, I see that they
have a new amplifier they call Premium Monoblocks for sale at $1,249.95 each
($2,499.90 per pair). The most obvious physical change from the original is the
amplifier's form factor. The body of the new amplifier is much larger, measuring
6" wide 9" deep, and, 3" high. The premium amplifiers are housed in
slot-vented aluminum cases anodized dark black.
--->
Orchard Audio Starkrimson Premium Mono Amplifier Review.
The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
Is Tony Rice the "best" guitarist in
bluegrass music? Before you scold me for looking at the world that way
stuffing artists into neat
little pigeonholes and ranking musicians the way most people rank baseball players
bear in mind that I don't do it half as
much as I used to. And since kids can be forgiven for thinking like that, I have let
myself off the hook for all those nights I drove around town with my pals, arguing
over whose guitar heroes were the "best," like some adolescent McLaughlin Group in
plaid flannel shirts. (John McLaughlin: "Who's heavier, Jeff Beck or Jimmy Page?"
Jack Germond: "I think it's Jimmy Page." John McLaughlin: "Wrong
again. Pat Buchanan, who's heavier...?"). But the title of this month's music feature is a deliberate, and hopefully thought-provoking, reference to the fact that a great
many fans, fellow musicians, and critics all consider Tony Rice to be the best in his
field. Fans, like teenagers, can be forgiven. In fact it's nice to think that there are any
people at all left in this age of music-as-product who can be moved to such praise
by a contemporary performer.
---> The Intro By Art Dudley.
Casual Reactions: The Need To Party = Potential Difference
Article By Herb Reichert of Eddy
Electric
About ten years ago, I decided to try to learn electronics so I could
build my own amps. I bought a book called Electronics Made Simple. A week later, I had to buy a book called Mathematics Made
Simple. It seemed I couldn't learn electronics without mastering some math concepts. Woe to a misspent youth! If I could have
bought Kenn Amdahl's book There Are No Electrons: Electronics for Earthlings,
I would have known that an amateur can understand electronics better than a pro-without doing a single
calculation. When someone suggested that I review a book where the tireless
"need to party" of imaginary beings called "little greenies'' represented voltage, I thought I was hitting a premature journalistic bottom.
To my surprise, I learned an amazing amount rethinking what I already knew, things that I had learned the hard
way. It works like this: the chicks buy the kegs of beer and turn up their
radios. The brothers hear that rock and roll, get in their little green cars, and motivate toward the music. That's current.
---> Casual Reactions: The Need To Party = Potential Difference.
My Own Triode Input MK III
Dan remakes a Dyna MKIII to 'juice his lizard'.
By Dan Schmalle From VALVE Issue 9, September 1994
A remarkably
bad graphic representation of a very pretty amp. Squint to see the Tung-Sol 6550's, new tube
arrangement,
Vitamin Q caps, new bias pot location, and cool
paint job. Some of you may remember that I was
so enamored of the Mklll's I modified
for Chris that I wangled a pair for myself.
As I recall I bought a Fisher 20A,
swapped that and some other stuff for a MkIV, and then swapped the MklV and
a pair of Ampex monoblocks for the Mklll's. Then I swapped a Philco Model
60 cathedral radio for a quad of Tung
Sol 6550 tubes. Then I made my list of parts for
the mod. I ordered polypropylene caps
and metal film and power resistors from
Mouser, and axial electrolytics from Antique
Electronic Supply. Mean time Eric
scored some 1.0 mfd @ 400V Vitamin
Q caps for me on their way to a
dumpster.
I stripped the chassis, repainted
everything in Classic Radio colors and
enlarged the filter cap mounting hole
into a proper octal socket cut out. Output tube sockets went to the outer edge of the chassis, where the rectifier and filter had been, and the rectifier and a new 6SN7GTB driver were installed where the output tubes had been.
---> My Own Triode Input MK III.
Historic Video: A Dream Of Audio Perfection
Stereo: Three dimensional sound.
The biggest
contribution to music since Barnum & Bailey.
Throughout
the years, even from the very beginning, there was audio gear... and critics
soon thereafter. Audio
gear evolved, just as audiophiles carefully adjusted our listening space to accommodate it
all. Finding the best recordings can be a challenge, too! Here's a great look
back at the beginnings of high fidelity home audio equipment, and the reviewers
in hopes of finding gear that achieved sound perfection. Call it what you will,
perfect sound forever or the absolute sound, audiophiles seek to reproduce music
within homes that is indistinguishable from what was heard during the live
event.
---> Watch A
Historic Video About Audio Perfection.
10 Questions For High-End
Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Dan D'Agostino Of Dan D'Agostino
MAS
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th
Anniversary special feature!
During
Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various
high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may
surprise you! This month we're featuring Dan D'Agostino Of Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems.
Perhaps no name is more closely associated with high-end audio amplifiers than that of Dan
D'Agostino. During his career of more than 35 years, D'Agostino pioneered countless advances in the design of amplifiers, preamplifiers, CD players, and surround-sound processors. He is known as the audio
industry's most passionate promoter of high-quality, high-powered amplification. Makers of the
world's finest loudspeakers rely on D'Agostino-designed amplifiers for their most important demonstrations.
--->
10 Questions For Dan D'Agostino Of Dan D'Agostino MAS.
This Is The Best Time To Be A Music Enthusiast
Product development, reviews, and true lossless
hi-resolution on the rise!
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
Over
25 years ago when I started Enjoy the Music.com there was very little
info about high-end audio / audiophiles online. Today, that has all changed as
we have thousands of websites from the latest and greatest gear to vintage
audio, DIY, headphones, etc. In addition, we now have more manufacturers than in
the history of our hobby! It is virtually impossible to keep up with it all, let
alone report on every new piece of high-end audio equipment. I'd be slapped
silly by not mentioning that true lossless high-resolution music, without
the 'need' for typical music BUSINESS lossy compressed scams and schemes, is now
mainstream and not limited to only a few niche' streaming music players. Without
a doubt, this is the best time to be a music enthusiast! Way back when in the 1980s and 1990s there were
only a tiny few small digest-sized print publications plus Audio and Stereo
Review (to name a few) here in the States. Europe and other parts of the
globe had their fave publications. It was like we were part of a super-secret
hobby we all love. There was a tribal feeling about it all too!
---> This Is The Best Time To Be A Music
Enthusiast.
CrystalConnect Monet Network Ethernet
Cable Review
With just a taste of their Diamond network cable as well.
Review By
Dr. Matthew Clott
Asking an
audio reviewer to review a network cable is sort of like asking a car reviewer
to review an alternator belt or a particular gasoline (although gasoline would
likely equate more correctly to power cords in this scenario). I might even
liken speaker cables or interconnects to tires if I continue the analogy; which
have a more direct connection to the signal path, or similarly connect the
engine, chassis, and suspension to the road. Under most circumstances, I humbly
and politely pass when asked to formally review cables. Not because I don't think they make a massive difference in
the system's performance (which they unquestionably do), but because in most
cases cables affect an overall sense of voicing and presentation that is
personal and subtle. And, because people seem to marry themselves to a
particular cable manufacturer who has won their devotion, and I don't feel that
reviews affect a change in the interest the way that reviews of components do.
Also, if I'm being honest, it's sorta painful reviewing cables. I have heard fantastic performances from many cable lines in
my listening room....
--->
CrystalConnect Monet Network Ethernet Cable Review.
Aavik I-180 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Review
You call this entry-level?
Review By Michael Lang
With the integrated amplifier
from the entry-level 180 series, Aavik took a radical turn: leaving behind heavy
castles of aluminum in favor of natural materials and shapes derived from
musical instruments. Aavik is the electronics side of a company-triumvirate, the
other two being B๘rresen as a loudspeaker brand and Ansuz as a supplier of
cables and accessories. Regular STEREO readers might be familiar with Aavik
thanks to the impressive U-300 integrated amplifier equipped with a phono stage
and DAC. Or maybe also due to the D-180 DAC or R-180 phono
preamp, which has already received excellent reviews recently. The device featured here has almost nothing in common with the
U-300 neither the martial exterior nor the idea of amplifiers having to have
"everything under one roof" made its way into the here and now. Beyond
that, no stone was left unturned either!
--->
Aavik I-180 Integrated Stereo Amplifier Review.
The White House Recording Library
The forgotten vinyl LP collection.
Featuring John Chuldenko, the grandson of President Jimmy Carter
Video By The 1600 Sessions
A donation from the Recording Industry Association of America to the Nixon White House, the White House Recording Library was comprised of
2000 LPs, and overseen by a committee of scholars, journalists, and musicians. The library was then stored away and forgotten. John
Chuldenko, the grandson of President Jimmy Carter, recalls hearing stories of the collection and began his search to uncover the lost music. He shares his quest and discovery with White House Historical Association President Stewart
McLaurin. This video is hosted by the White House Historical Association President Stewart
McLaurin, with guest John Chuldenko,
Grandson of President Jimmy Carter.
---> The White House Recording
Library.
Why Music?
Roger Skoff writes about the most basic question of all.
Article
By Roger Skoff
Many
years ago, when I had a different audio company, I was absolutely shocked
something that really doesn't happen very often when one of my dealers
told me that he didn't like music. At first, I thought that I must have heard
him wrong or misunderstood what he said and that it must be some particular
piece of music or some style or instrument that he didn't like. But, when I
asked him what he meant by that, and to please clarify, he told me straight-out
that he found music of any kind to be annoying and didn't like to listen to it.
--->
Why Music?
Video: McIntosh Laboratory Factory Tour
Gramophone gives us a look at a
legendary premium audio company.
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory offers premium home audio systems that produce an exceptional audio experience. While the company initially
focused on stereo system, in modern times they have expanded to offer stereo and immersive audio multi-channel audio
products. McIntosh Labs is best known for their signature blue Watt output meter
and green logo. McIntosh Labs' products are designed and handcrafted at
their Binghamton, New York factory by passionate employees who love music. Furthermore, McIntosh Labs has powered moments in music history and pop culture including
the USA's then President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration speech to the first Woodstock music festival. Many also know the company for helping power the now-famous Grateful Dead 'Wall of
Sound'.
---> Video: McIntosh Laboratory Factory
Tour.
SVS SB-2000 Active
Subwoofer Review
A reasonably-priced high quality 12" powered subwoofer system.
Review By Tom Lyle
At
times I must come off as some sort of audio-curmudgeon, such as when I became
upset when I noted some audiophiles calling a component a preamplifier rather
than a line stage. There have been other times, too, that I've gotten upset over
someone using what I consider the incorrect nomenclature for an audio component
or part. Thankfully, I've gotten over that preamplifier versus line stage
episode. But I'm still working on the fact that some sell speakers that they
call "subwoofers" yet don't go below 20 Hz. "Sub" what? Thankfully, there's no
reason to have any ill will in regards to the SVS SB-2000, since SVS claims that
it reaches down to 19 Hz and might even reach lower depending on one's room size
and its placement in one's room. What makes this SVS SB-2000 subwoofer even
better is that it is rather small, measuring only about 14.5"
x 14.5" x 15.5". The sub's depth is a little greater when attaching its
curved grille, but even still, this is quite a small subwoofer when one
considers how deep it reaches into the bass region with its 12" woofer and
500-Watt internal amplifier.
--->
SVS SB-2000 Active Subwoofer Review.
Sennheiser HD 660 S Over-Ear Headphone Review
If it ain't broke, fix it anyway.
Review By Dave Hanson
Updating
a much-loved product like the Sennheiser HD 650 is a tricky task. But having
spent nearly 75 years in the audio business, Sennheiser understands the
importance of reading the tealeaves. The personal audio industry is in a period
of tremendous growth and no single segment is growing faster than the portable
devices category. So with that, Sennheiser made a bold move. While many
companies would have left well enough alone, Sennheiser took one of their most
popular products, the somewhat hard-to-drive HD 650, and updated it with and
easier to drive design. The result is the new Sennheiser HD 660 S ($499). While the original could be a bit fussy with amplification
holding back some of its potential until you plugged it into the perfect tube
amp the HD 660 S skips all the fuss and sounds good with just about
anything. And while there's a bit of a cost in terms of overall scalability, the
headphone provides an intriguing option for an increasingly mobile audience.
--->
Sennheiser HD 660 S Over-Ear Headphone Review.
Wells
Audio Commander Level II Vacuum Tube Line Stage Review
The Commander is in a club of one.
Review By Sam Rosen
A little while ago I reviewed the Wells Audio
Cipher. I asked Jeff Wells, the owner of Wells Audio, to tell me more about the
Cipher, and he more or less described it as his preamp circuit, with a single
fixed input coming from the DAC. I was so impressed with the smooth analog
nature of his DAC that I asked him if I could review his preamp. A few months
later, a Commander Level II arrived at my door. The Commander Level II is Jeff
Wells' mid-range preamp. The standard level I, sells for $3999, the level II (my
unit) sells for $9000, and the Level III sells for $18,000. Each version has the
same base design and circuit, and each upgrade introduces higher end and more
expensive discrete parts into the build process. According to Wells Audio these
improvements lower the noise floor, increase the dynamic range, and dramatically
improve the
experience.
--->
Wells Audio Commander Level II Tube Line Stage Review.
Previous Issues
2024
January
February March
April May
2023
January
February March
April May
June
July
August September
October November
Great Audiophile Gift 2023
December
2022
January
February March
April May
June
July
August September
October November
Great
Audiophile Gift 2022 December
Note: We have magazine issues dating back to 1999.
See our archives section for thousands of reviews.
Have
Your Voice Heard! 
We have thousands who've joined us on social media and you're invited too!
Come join the conversation on Facebook,
Instagram,
and X to meet like-minded music
lovers. As always...
enjoy the music.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
