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03 / 29 / 25
Part 1: SWAF 2025 Highlights From The Upper Floors Delightfully dynamic stereo sound systems at
the SWAF 2025 audiophile show.
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report By Michael Harkins Even
before the successful Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) of March 2024, show organizers Lou
Hinkley and Gary Gill vowed to keep it going in SWAF 2025 high-end audio event. Lou honchos the Pacific
Audio Fest, while Gary does the same in D.C. for the Capital Audio Fest. The two
of them team up for this event which may well become one of the nation's
largest and most successful... but give it time. This is only year two. The SWAF
2025 audiophile show started this year with a medium-sized,
but lively and well-attended event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. One of the
hotel's spacious atrium areas surrounded by many floors of guest rooms proved
to be an excellent venue for the event. Adjoining the atrium on the first two
levels are several large rooms that allow high-end audio manufacturers, stereo
system dealers, and
distributors to show off their audiophile ware. --->
Part 1: SWAF 2025 Highlights From The Upper Floors.
03 / 27 / 25
This Weekend! Montreal Audiofest 2025
Audiophile Show Info & Report
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest
2025 takes place from March 28th through 30th with more than 5000 visitors
expected who desired listening, seeing, and touching over 300 brands of high-end
audiophile products
all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, attendees will experienced
the very best high-end audio and video/videophile industry distributors, manufacturers, and retailers in Canada.
Within each listening room, exhibitors are overjoyed to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from
$5000 to $500,000.
Montréal Audiofest is celebrating its 36th edition
in 2025 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles, high-end audio gear
enthusiasts, and music lovers. This long-standing
event has become a tradition in showcasing the very latest advances in high-technology,
high-fidelity audio equipment in Canada. More than 300 brands will present their latest
innovations from music streamers and high-quality headphones to cables, tweaks,
loudspeakers, turntables, and much more! Immerse yourself in the exclusive "Prohibition Night" at the Montréal Audiofest.
Montreal Audiofest invites you to experience the unique "Musical Wine
Tour"! Embark on an exclusive private tour of six prestigious exhibitors, where each group of eight to ten participants will be guided by a
sommelier. ---> Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show
Info & Report.
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.
World Premiere Review! Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A
Monoblock Review The Eros 500 is a neutral, realistic, and natural-sounding amplifier. true standard of excellence.
Review By Robert H. Levi The more I immerse myself in this
hobby since I retired from the entertainment industry in 2008, the more certain
I have become that the amplifier is the most important and telling piece of
equipment in your system. It was in the late 1970s that J. Gordon Holt stated in Stereophile that
one should buy a very good speaker that fits your needs and then bust your
budget on an excellent amplifier. I have more or less followed that advice over
the last half century of reproducing music in my home. Lately, however, with the
maturation of really great tube and hybrid source devices, phono preamp sources
and superb LP pressings, extraordinary phono cartridges, SACDs, much improved
digital streaming with high resolution, and the maturing science of neutral and
high-definition interconnectivity, I have confirmed that JGH was 100% right. --->
Zesto Audio Eros 500 Select Class A Monoblock Review.
03 / 26 / 25
RIAA 2024 USA Recorded Music Revenue Report
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), an organization that advocates for recorded music business, "Last year, for the first time ever, paid streaming subscriptions hit 100 million in the US." The report is quite an eye-opener as "The digital milestone represents the largest source of revenue – coupled with
vinyl's nearly two-decade resurgence and emerging partnerships – and shows the variety of ways fans are interacting with music. The full RIAA 2024 Year-End Revenue Report reflects sustained and continued growth in recorded music, now valued at
$17.7 billion retail and $11.3 billion wholesale." With an estimated $17.7 billion in revenue, the continued growth in 2024 adding half a billion dollars since 2023. As expected, the streaming music sector is financially the largest driver at $14.9 billion via ad-supported services, paid subscriptions, custom/digital online radio, social media platforms, etc. While we'll get to vinyl LP sales shortly, note that digital music revenue accounts for 84% of total revenues for the third year in a row.
"Vinyl's eighteenth straight ascent scored nearly three-quarters of physical format revenue at
$1.4 billion – the highest since 1984," says the RIAA. "For a third consecutive year, vinyl also outperformed with 44M records shipped compared to 33M CDs." With the compact disc (CD) now selling less than vinyl LP records, this is quite a change within the music
business! RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass said, "Historic paid streaming revenues and subscriptions fueled sustained growth for a ninth consecutive year with total revenues of $17.7 billion in 2024. Fans continue to embrace artist discovery, explore new and unique sounds from familiar voices, and value a host of platforms and formats, including the special love affair superfans have always had with vinyl, taking our industry to new and remarkable heights. As innovative platforms emerge and additional sources responsibly license music, there will be even more creative opportunities for fans to support and connect with their favorite
artists' music."
03 / 25 / 25
Total HiFi Experience
Features Three Shows In 2025
Total HiFi Experience is a premier event for music, entertainment, tech, and media enthusiasts. In 2025, it will feature several exciting events across the United States of America. T.H.E. Lone Star Audiofest is from May 2nd through 4th at Embassy Suites Round Rock in Austin, Texas. Next up is T.H.E. Show SoCal from June 6th through 8th at Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa in California. Under new show promotion leadership is T.H.E. New York International Audio Show from October 24th through 26th (venue to be announced). These events plan to showcase high-end audio demonstrations, retailers offering for sale rare vinyl and CDs, and more.
Total HiFi Experience's events also include seminars, personal audio experiences, and opportunities to connect with industry
leaders.
These events will feature a wide range of high-end audio products and brands including ultra-high-end audio solutions, plus luxury audio gear with customizable paint / wood finishes to match the finest of home decor. Attendees will experience premium loudspeakers, both audio amplifiers, modern music streamers, and vinyl LP turntables from leading brands. Headphones and portable audio devices will also be showcased for those who love personal music devices. There will also be technologies exhibited that seamlessly connect audio systems with smart home setups. The Audiophile Directory will also launch at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2025, providing a centralized resource for hi-fi shoppers. T.H.E. Show Las Vegas, where it all began decades ago when
high-end audio only had a couple of USA shows a year, is planned for January
2026.
03 / 24 / 25
ZYLIA
High-End Recording For Stereo, Binaural, And Spatial / Immersive Audio
ZYLIA, a leading innovative company that produces world-class recording technologies, offers their 6DoF Impulse Response (IR) technology that transforms spatial audio by allowing complete positional and rotational freedom in an immersive sound environment. Unlike traditional impulse responses, which capture sound from a fixed position, 6DoF IRs dynamically adapt to the listener's movement — just like in real life. Audiophiles who vist shows and record audio take note, especially those who value recording stereo, binaural, and immersive sound in one easy step. 6DoF Impulse Responses refer to spatial audio impulse responses that support six degrees of freedom – the listener can rotate (yaw, pitch, roll) and move (along X, Y, Z axes) while the sound field adjusts accordingly. This allows for a truly interactive and lifelike audio experience. With 6DoF audio, your fans get to enjoy far more than just the sound — they can fully experience it. Furthermore, using ZYLIA for recording allows you to walk toward a sound source, and its volume and direction adjust naturally. Move behind an object, and its acoustics shift accordingly, mimicking real-world interactions. This cutting-edge technology creates a realistic and fully immersive auditory environment.
To demonstrate the power of 6DoF IRs, ZYLIA has developed the ZYLIA 6DoF Navigable Audio Set, an advanced system for capturing and rendering spatially navigable soundscapes. This setup consists of multiple ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone arrays, which record spatial audio from multiple positions, allowing the reproduction of an authentic 3D sound field with seamless interpolation. The ZYLIA 6DoF HOA Renderer enhances this capability by supporting 6DoF IRs, enabling real-time processing of impulse responses based on listener movement. This innovative solution creates truly navigable audio experiences for VR, AR, gaming, research, live music, and film production. Traditional audio formats, such as stereo, surround sound, or even binaural audio, limit spatial perception by only supporting head rotation (3DoF). With 6DoF IRs, listeners can move freely in all directions, creating a truly interactive and realistic auditory scene. This is very useful for those who include video with their aural
presentation. Immersivephiles and audiophiles are always seeking the best sound
quality, and ZYLIA provides a high-quality, easy-to-use solution. YouTube video
reporters for luxury audio shows can now easily offer more to their loyal fans
with stereo,
binaural, and true immersive / head-tracking audio with one simple microphone unit.
03 / 23 / 25
Saturday @ SWAF 2025 = Sensational Sounding Stereo Systems Just when you felt you'd hear the best
sound... there's more!
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report By Greg Weaver "Day 2, Saturday at the Southwest Audio Fest 2025 was a thrilling experience for audiophiles and music enthusiasts
alike," says Steven R. Rochlin of Enjoy the Music.com.
"Saturday delivered more great time to showcase an impressive array of high-end audio equipment, from cutting-edge speakers to state-of-the-art amplifiers. For Day 2 (Saturday), attendees were once again treated to live demonstrations of some of the most innovative audio technologies from around the world, including the much-anticipated new hi-fi gear from various manufacturers.
Some of which is photo'ed below thanks to Enjoy the Music.com's longtime
Senior Editor and seasoned professional Greg Weaver (a.k.a. the
audio analyst on YouTube). The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as visitors explored floor after floor of audio showcased well, while also mingling with industry experts, and discovering great luxury audio
gear" ---> Saturday @ SWAF 2025 = Sensational Sounding Stereo Systems.
03 / 22 / 25
Friday: Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Audiophile Show
Photos Friday's the first day of fantastic music at SWAF 2025.
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report By Paul Schumann My Southwest Audio Fest 2025 preview photos for Enjoy the Music.com's loyal longtime fans provide an enticing window into the heart of this
year's event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. These captivating images bring to life the innovation and artistry that make the audio world so vibrant. From meticulously crafted turntables and towering, state-of-the-art speakers to sleek, minimalist designs and retro-inspired gear, the photos reflect the diverse range of technology and aesthetics on
display. Beyond the equipment, the photos also capture the passion and dedication of both exhibitors and attendees, offering a glimpse into the excitement and energy that define this premier gathering of audiophiles. ---> Friday: Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Audiophile Show Photos.
Friday Fun Preview: SWAF 2025
Show Pics Photofest Friday pics of great audio gear here
at SWAF 2025.
Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) 2025 Show Report By Greg Weaver Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director, Steven
R. Rochlin, says "Welcome to the first of our very extensive Southwest Audio Fest
2025 show coverage! Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world of sound, where innovation meets artistry. We're thrilled to bring you exclusive coverage
by multiple music lovers from our extensive staff. As we celebrate Enjoy the
Music.com's 30th Anniversary in 2025, we want to showcasing the latest audio technology, groundbreaking performances, and inspiring industry
insights. Whether you're a passionate audiophile, music lover, LP crate digger, a curious
music creator, or simply here to enjoy the vibe, there's something for everyone
here at Enjoy the Music.com." ---> Friday Fun Preview: SWAF 2025 Show Pics.
03 / 21 / 25
New Les Paul Recording Studio
In Hollywood, California
The new Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood, California, is a tribute to the legendary musician and innovator Les Paul. Les Paul, born Lester William Polsfuss on June 9, 1915, in Wisconsin, was a legendary musician, inventor, and innovator. He is best known for his groundbreaking contributions to music, including the invention of the solid-body electric guitar and pioneering recording techniques like
multi-track recording and overdubbing. The museum with his namesake is located in the historic United Recording building on Sunset Boulevard, this state-of-the-art facility combines meticulously restored original equipment used by Les Paul with modern recording technologies. The studio's centerpiece is 'The Monster,' an eight-channel mixing console built by Les Paul and Rein Narma in the 1950s. This groundbreaking console introduced features like in-line equalization and vibrato effects, and it played a pivotal role in the birth of multi-track recording. Alongside it is
'The Octopus,' the first-ever eight-track recorder, which Les Paul used to pioneer techniques like overdubbing and sound-on-sound
recording.
The studio isn't just a museum of vintage gear; it's a fully functional recording space designed to inspire today's artists, producers, and engineers. It also serves as an educational hub, allowing students to learn and create using the same tools that revolutionized popular music. It's a unique blend of history and innovation, honoring Les Paul's legacy while shaping the future of music. As a creative hub for modern artists, producers, and engineers, this gives musicians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record both analog and the latest true lossless Hi-Res Audio digital recording technologies. The studio also doubles as an educational space so it may record inspiring music created by the 'next generation' of musicians and sound engineers. "We've painstakingly restored Les Paul's original gear to working condition, allowing today's artists to record using the exact tools that revolutionized popular music," said Michael Braunstein, Les Paul
Foundation. "Combined with the newest technology and digital recording tools, the Les Paul Recording Studio will welcome musical artists, producers, engineers and students to a new and innovative studio environment that is the only one of its kind in the
world."
03 / 20 / 25
Avantgarde Acoustic Duo XD Hornspeaker
Review Blow Up! – With the Duo XD, Avantgarde Acoustic shows what horn technology and a perfectly matched active woofers... are able to do to the sound. Review By Matthias Böde Yes, you have read the measurement results
from our lab correctly (in case you checked them): For 94 decibels of sound
pressure at a distance of one meter, this speaker needs just 0.07 Watts of
power. Seven Watts would be somewhat normal, 0.7 Watts already a sensation –
but 0.07 Watts reads like a typo. It is completely true though! This is made
possible by the large horn at the top end of the Duo XD, coming from the
specialist Avantgarde Acoustic, based in a small town in the Odenwald mountain
range in southwestern Germany. This horn is connected directly to the amplifier
without any intermediate crossover and visually symbolizes the phenomenal
efficiency with its huge opening of 67 centimeters. --->
Avantgarde Acoustic Duo XD Hornspeaker Review.
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.
03 / 19 / 25
This
Weekend: Southwest Audio Fest 2025
Show Report
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. The show promoters worked very hard to secure this amazing event venue, which is extremely safe, family fun friendly, and features great weather during March too! The Anatole Hilton in Dallas will host the Southwest Audio Fest audiophile show that is slated for March 21st through 23rd, 2025.
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
• Great nightly live music free to attendees
Now
Available! Kraftwerk
Autobahn 50th Anniversary Vinyl LP And Immersive Blu-ray
Now Available is Kraftwerk, the legendary German electronic music group, celebrating their 50th anniversary of their
album Autobahn. The celebration includes new releases, a USA tour, and appearances at
Coachella (both weekends). Specially engineering new releases of
Autobahn include a new immersive Dolby Atmos mix of the album on Blu-ray and digitally. Dolby Atmos,
5.1, and stereo mixes are now available digitally. Kraftwerk's 50th Anniversary
Autobahn digital release are available on major streaming platforms. The
Kraftwerk 12" vinyl LP picture disc of the album's 2009 remaster will also be offered and marks the band's first official picture disc. There a 7" vinyl edit
includes "Autobahn," with "Kometenmelodie 2" on the B-side.
The region-free Blu-ray disc comes with a 12-page booklet in Amaray packaging, and ships with an SDE exclusive slipcase
(a special 50th anniversary sticker will sit outside the shrink-wrap). Kraftwerk founder Ralf Hütter and engineer Fritz Hilpert revisited the original 16-track master tapes to produce their special 50th Anniversary set. The Dolby Atmos mix was created in 2024 at the band's Kling Klang studio. As for touring, Kraftwerk will also celebrate the band's 50th anniversary of
Autobahn with a tour across North America and Europe, including performances during both weekends at Coachella.
Kraftwerk's
Autobahn 50th Anniversary vinyl LP picture disc is avilable here,
and the immersive Dolby Atoms 5.1 Blu-ray
is available here (Amazon).
Steven R. Rochlin's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Awards Thanks to all attendees, exhibitors, and the show promoters for... everything!
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin Before I reveal my personal choices for Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Awards, please allow me to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Florida International Audio Expo 2025. This event would not have been possible without the incredible passion, dedication, and support of each one of you. To the many exhibitors,
Enjoy the Music.com thanks you for showcasing your innovative high-end audio products and cutting-edge audiophile technology. Your efforts to share your expertise and engage with attendees have truly elevated this year's expo to new
heights. To the very hard-working show promoters, your vision, immense efforts, and seamless organization have been the backbone of this event for years. You've created an exceptional platform for the hi-fi audio community to come together and connect. ---> Steven R. Rochlin's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note
Awards.
03 / 17 / 25
HIGH END 2025 Munich Info And Audiophile Show Report
The HIGH END 2025
audiophile / immersivephile event is an internationally renowned audio exhibition that will take place from May 15 to May 18, 2025, at the
M.O.C. Event Center in Munich, Germany. This event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about high-quality audio technology, as it brings together
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and in open to consumers from over 40
countries. The HIGH END 2025 exhibition will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations in
consumer electronics technology, including hi-fi audio, high-end video, home theater, and bespoke entertainment
solutions for millionaires and billionaires alike. Visitors can expect to experience groundbreaking trends, technological advances, and exclusive world
premieres.
This year's brand ambassador is the Norwegian singer Anette
Askvik, who embodies the event's motto "Passion for Music". Her hypnotic sound and deep emotion perfectly reflect the passion for promoting audio technology that the HIGH END
2025 exhibition aims to convey. Following a revamped campaign in 2024, the organizer is building on the successful series, where prominent celebrities from the music scene underscore the mission of the HIGH END show. "We made a conscious decision in 2024 to forgo a testimonial. We used the break to reflect upon our concept and to become inspired by some fresh new ideas", says Stefan
Dreischärf, Managing Director of the organizer HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH. "We are proud to have enlisted Anette Askvik as our brand ambassador and now look forward to continuing the series with her", Dreischärf adds. "Her art, which she infuses with emotional depth and technical precision, perfectly reflects our values. She stands for the passion with which we seek to promote audio technology, and which she expresses in her
music." ---> HIGH END 2025 Munich Info And Audiophile Show
Report.
03 / 14 / 25
audioXpress' April 2025 Issue
Editorial: Are We Going Too Far, Too Fast?
Acoustical Engineering Via Various Expansion Techniques
Built-In Guitar Effects
Low-Frequency Hybrid Crossover Filter
A Primer On Class-D Amplifiers Part 1 — A Theoretical Review
AI, Sensors, And Next Steps In Personal Wireless
Innovative Wi-Fi Streaming For High-End Headphones
A Personal Journey Building Speaker Systems
Silvertone Instrument Amplifiers
And Much More!
Within his editorial, J. Martins says "As a premise for many articles that we review, support, and approve for audioXpress, there are many that actually suggest more questions than answers and essentially make us question our acquired knowledge. That's OK, and we encourage that. We should always look at new questions in order to find solutions for problems we ignored, disregarded, or simply were not aware existed. Please feel free to send us suggestions, abstracts, drafts, or fully expanded essays on audio-related topics. In any discipline. I fundamentally believe we have a long way to go to fully understand sound propagation and how to optimize our own electroacoustical systems to fully leverage sound reproduction. We continuously review research work and published material going back multiple decades — something we are forced to do to be able to recognize how much of what is being written today is actually new and "advances the evolution of audio technology" as our magazine motto states." ---> audioXpress April 2025
Issue.
Ten Misconceptions About Loudspeaker Spikes Clearing up misunderstandings regarding loudspeaker
feet.
Article By Norman Varney I have been working
professionally in both the sound and vibration, and consumer electronics
industries for decades. As an acoustical engineer and manufacturer of mechanical
vibration isolation products, I feel compelled to address the misconceptions of
incorporating spikes (or any rigid materials) with loudspeakers and/or other
audio equipment. These misconceptions do not exist in the sound and vibration
industries, and are very rare in the pro audio world, however they are very
prevalent in the audiophile world. There are many physical, acoustical, and perceptual
disciplines involved here- we are only going to address the primary ones, and in
only a general way, meaning we won't discuss the secondary or additional
attributes that may come into play. There are some key concepts of physics to be
applied. ---> Ten Misconceptions About Loudspeaker
Spikes.
03 / 12 / 25
Greg Weaver's 2025 Florida International Audio Expo Show Report The sixth sensational sounding event in Tampa.
FIAE 2025 Show Coverage By Greg Weaver While
I have been trying to attend the Florida International Audio Expo annual show
for several years now, I've been repeatedly checked by bad weather conditions
canceling my flights, making it impractical to reschedule, or scheduling
conflicts with needed surgical procedures. So I was quite excited that I was
finally able to make it for the 2025 edition of this event. The previous five shows had been hosted at the Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
Hotel, but the growing pains associated with an ever-expanding contingent of
exhibitors had prompted the move to the larger Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel,
located near the Florida State Fairgrounds and Hard Rock Cafe area. Somewhat surprisingly, most of
the Floridians I spoke with over the four days I was there were apologetically
complaining about the weather. ---> Greg Weaver's 2025 Florida International Audio Expo Show
Report.
Greg Weaver's Best Of FIAE 2025
Blue Note Awards The very best stereo systems at the
FIAE 2025 high-end audiophile show.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Coverage By Greg Weaver While many of the rooms detailed above may have been considered for a top
five spot for my Enjoy the Music.com Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Award,
here are the ones that unquestionably earned their place on that list. While
they all accomplished remarkably exceptional performances deserving of their
inclusion on this list, the order in which they are presented is entirely
random. Let's have a look.... ---> Greg Weaver's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note
Awards.
03 / 11 / 25
Montreal Audiofest 2025
Audiophile Show Info & Report
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest
2025 takes place from March 28th through 30th with more than 5000 visitors
expected who desired listening, seeing, and touching over 300 brands of high-end
audiophile products
all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, attendees will experienced
the very best high-end audio and video/videophile industry distributors, manufacturers, and retailers in Canada.
Within each listening room, exhibitors are overjoyed to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from
$5000 to $500,000.
Montréal Audiofest is celebrating its 36th edition
in 2025 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles, high-end audio gear
enthusiasts, and music lovers. This long-standing
event has become a tradition in showcasing the very latest advances in high-technology,
high-fidelity audio equipment in Canada. More than 300 brands will present their latest
innovations from music streamers and high-quality headphones to cables, tweaks,
loudspeakers, turntables, and much more! Immerse yourself in the exclusive "Prohibition Night" at the Montréal Audiofest.
Montreal Audiofest invites you to experience the unique "Musical Wine
Tour"! Embark on an exclusive private tour of six prestigious exhibitors, where each group of eight to ten participants will be guided by a
sommelier. ---> Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show
Info & Report.
03
/ 09 / 25
Fantastic Photofest From FIAE
2025 A sensational selection of carefully curated
photos from FIAE 2025.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin The Florida International Audio Expo 2025 was an absolute delight for all! From music lovers and audiophiles to those who enjoy immersive music, the FIAE 2025 was a Florida paradise for audio enthusiasts. The Florida International Audio Expo featured an eye-watering wide array of luxurious high-end audio sound systems, headphones, reference-level loudspeakers, and
more. Attendees had the chance to explore many exhibition floors filled with incredible displays and listening rooms. One of the highlights was the outdoor IASCA (International Audio Sound Challenge Association) car audio showcase, which featured many different vehicles with impressive audio setups. FIAE also featured multiple seminars on various audio topics, providing valuable insights and knowledge to
attendees. --->
Fantastic Photofest From FIAE 2025.
03 / 07 / 25
Brett Rudolph's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Awards Choosing the best five sound systems at the Tampa high-end audiophile
show.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Brett Rudolph Selecting Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Award award winners is no easy feat; it's a musical dance between objectivity and subjectivity. Several exhibitors are equally deserving, choosing the top five a balance of objective and subjective.
Enjoy the Music.com takes this task at heart, and so those chosen truly deserve the recognition, which also reflects the values and standards of our very special Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Award. After much consideration and mental and emotional comparisons of aural and visual memories, choosing only five exhibitors is no easy task. With that said, here are
my choices for the FIAE 2025 audiophile exhibitors who earned extra recognition for their excellence in products and sound
quality. --->
Brett Rudolph's Best Of FIAE 2025 Blue Note Awards.
Hi-Fi+ March 2025 High-End
Audio Magazine
Editorial: Modern Recording And Replay Techniques
Ten Of The Most Innovative Brands In Audio
dCS Varèse Digital Audio System
AURALiC ALTAIR G2.2 Streaming DAC Preamplifier
Technics SL-1300G Vinyl LP Turntable
Luphonic R3 Vinyl LP Turntable
Xact S1 Evo Music Streamer And Server
Eversolo DMP-A10 Streaming DAC Preamplifier
Kanto Audio REN Active Loudspeaker
Hana SH Mk II Moving Coil Cartridge
...And Much More!
Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says
"Because recording sound (and moving images) have been with us from birth, we have a tendency to take them for granted. But, a combination of two things this month demonstrated just how much wonder we got from that first encounter with recorded sound. In researching this month's feature about sources, we went right back to the mid-19th century. That first recording that was finally transcribed into sound in 2009; to ears that are used to modern recording and replay techniques, this version of 'Au Clair de la Lune' sounds like someone shaking bees in a tin, and the earliest surviving Edison recordings fare little better. But to the ears of someone of 150 years ago, this was sheer magic! It's impossible for us to comprehend that, as the rise of technology has made us a little immune to wonder. Also, the ubiquitous nature of recorded sound today means it needs to be something really special to trigger such strong emotions. However, if you cast your mind back to that first time you heard what really good audio can do, you get a taste of that sense of wonder. Once heard, though, it's hard to experience that in repeated listening sessions." ---> Hi-Fi+'s
March 2025 High-End Audio Magazine.
03 / 06 / 25
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.
Pass Laboratories XP-22 Line Pre & XP-27 Phono
Pre Review Colossal soundstage and the pinpoint imagining prowess!
Review By
Tom Lyle I began to assemble my first "real" audio system while still in high
school. I made it chiefly from DIY components and other "vintage" gear
I could scrounge from friends and family. At that time, I don't think I heard
anyone use the term "audiophile." All I knew was that I wanted to hear
music at home on a better system than the mass-market stuff sold at department
stores. This was also about the same time I discovered a
high-end audio showroom near my parent's suburban home. Every once in a while, I
would quietly enter their store. There was no way I would have been able to sit
in the comfy chair in front of one of the active displays and listen to a
system. But I did walk among the array of components on display, and when no one
was looking, turn the knobs up and down and flip the switches on the front
panels of a component or two while it was muted or its power was off. --->
Pass Labs XP-22 Line Pre & XP-27 Phono Pre Review.
03 / 05 / 25
Day 3 Features A Dazzling Array Of High-End Audio Gear At FIAE 2025 Thoughts concerning the most expensive hi-fi stereo
audiophile sound systems in Tampa.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Brett Rudolph After
completing the fourth floor, it felt like my head would explode. Some excellent
systems were presented in some interesting spaces. They ranged from affordable
to price no object and everywhere in between. The remaining floors held the same
promise; my photographer son Dylan and I were ready to conquer them all. We both
agreed to get some rest because while we wanted to leave lots of time to go back
to rooms we loved, our ears could only take so much stimulation. Plus, some
exhibitors and the attendees like their music a bit loud. If your Apple watch
says that your hearing may be damaged by excessive noise levels, you should
listen to it at some point. A new day dawned in Florida, and it wasn't quite as cold,
which was a welcome change. ---> Day 3 Features A Dazzling Array Of High-End Audio Gear At FIAE 2025.
03 / 04 / 25
Day 2 Delivers Tantalizing Hi-Fi Gear
At FIAE 2025
More rooms, more musical bliss!
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Brett Rudolph Lunch ended up being a lot of fun. We met with Steven R. Rochlin, the Creative Director for
Enjoy the Music.com, his wife Heather, and Albert Martinez from Synergistic Research. We spent about an hour discussing the show, what we saw, and everything. When we were done, we parted ways and got back on track for the rest of the afternoon and more of what the expo had in store. It certainly had more wonders yet to
bestow. The Luxury HiFi / Suncoast Audio room was two rooms for the price of one. The first room held a system containing large floor-standing speakers, and the second smaller one was from the same company. It was a nice use of space and showed the differences in sound and capabilities. Although giving each their due diligence is hard, I will give each a little time, as they deserve
it. ---> Day 2 Delivers Tantalizing Hi-Fi Gear At FIAE
2025.
AGD Productions Provides A Perfect Musical Sanctuary At FIAE 2025
Sensational-sounding audiophile music system my wife and a music professor love.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin AGD Productions specializes in high-end audio equipment, specializing in stereo preamplifiers and power amplifiers. They are renowned for their innovative use of modern GaNTube technology, which incorporates Gallium Nitride MOSFETs into a glass tube design. This unique approach allows their amplifiers to deliver exceptional sound quality with high efficiency and low distortion. Many
Enjoy the Music.com fans know we've reviewed their excellent audio gear...
The AGD Audion Mk III Monoblock Amplifier was reviewed by Enjoy the
Music.com's Rick Becker, who firmly knows that
"One of the prominent features of the GaNFET transistors that personify AGD amplifiers is the very fast rise time that is accomplished with very little overshoot. Musical notes just happen with no ringing or irritating attack. This also leads to very high resolution." --->
AGD Productions Provides A Perfect Musical Sanctuary At FIAE 2025.
03 / 03 / 25
World Hearing
Day: Hearing Health And Loss Awareness
World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing health and the prevention of hearing loss. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), this global event emphasizes the importance of ear care and encourages timely medical intervention to address hearing issues. Human hearing is a vital sense that profoundly impacts communication, safety, and quality of life. It allows individuals to connect with the world in meaningful ways, enriching social interactions and providing access to a range of experiences. The theme for 2025 is "Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!" It focuses on inspiring individuals to take proactive steps in protecting their hearing, such as avoiding loud noises, getting regular check-ups, and using hearing devices when necessary.
Enjoy the Music.com also wants you to read our February 25th (2025) industry news
post concerning active noise-canceling headphones may cause auditory processing
disorder.
Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, with over 360 million people affected worldwide. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, aging, infections, and lack of proper ear care are some of the leading causes. This day also highlights the risks posed by modern habits. For audiophiles, immersivephiles, and music lovers alike, please be aware that excessive use of earphones, headphones, and/or in-ear monitors (IEM), especially at high volume levels, can lead to long-term hearing damage. World Hearing Day encourages communities to promote safe listening practices, advocate for better hearing healthcare policies, and support technological advancements like hearing aids and cochlear implants. It's a reminder that small changes today can lead to healthier hearing for a
lifetime.
Esoteric DAC / Streamer, VAC Tube Amplification, Gershman Acoustics Loudspeaker, And Cardas Audio Cables At FIAE 2025 High-end designs produce naturally magical music.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin The Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Black Swan loudspeakers ($95,000 per pair) are their flagship floorstander designed to celebrate over three decades of innovation in audio technology. These loudspeakers are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, and luxurious craftsmanship, and
Enjoy the Music.com agree that they deserve many awards. A separate Sub Alignment System (SSAS) is a patented design that isolates the woofer's low frequencies from the midrange and tweeter, housed in a separate upper enclosure. This separation minimizes internal interference, resulting in clearer and more precise sound
reproduction.
From the deepest 18Hz bass to 24kHz highs that 60-year-old reviewers can probably never hear, standing at 52" tall and weighing an impressive 145 pounds, the Black Swan's are constructed with high-density MDF and finished with 15 layers of Italian piano lacquer for both durability and
elegance. --->
Esoteric DAC / Streamer, VAC Tube Amplification, Gershman Acoustics Loudspeaker, And Cardas Audio Cables At FIAE 2025.
Delightful Sounds On Day 1 At FIAE 2025 We make it to FL to experience Friday's musical fun.
Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show Report By Brett Rudolph Let me set the stage for you. My son Dylan, my photographer, left Newark, New Jersey, where it was a balmy seventeen degrees, and arrived in Tampa, Florida. We hoped it would be quite a bit warmer, and it was, though not quite as warm as expected. It was somewhere in the low sixties. It was not freezing like home, but it wasn't the warm weather we expected
either. The ride to the hotel, which we thought would take only half to three-quarters of an hour, lasted an eternity as a series of unfortunate events unfolded. They say truth is stranger than fiction, so wait until you hear this story. We got into an
Uber, and the driver didn't speak English, which was ok because he knew where we were going. The trouble started when there was an accident on the interstate, and traffic was backed up. ---> Delightful Sounds On Day 1 At FIAE
2025.
03 / 01 / 25
March
Audiophile Review Magazine, FIAE, And SWAF Show Reports
As Enjoy the
Music.com continues celebrating our outstanding 30 years of devoted
dedication to music enthusiasts globally, our March 2025 Review Magazine
proposes intriguing ideas for both the high-end audio industry and music
lovers alike. Roger Skoff's editorial continues the industry's ideas for
reaching more enthusiasts. Resonating with Roger, Steven R. Rochlin asks if
the high-end audio sector is being properly represented. We welcome your
thoughts. With more fantastic Florida International Audio Expo 2025 show
coverage being posted virtually daily, we're also preparing for the Southwest
Audio Fest (SWAF) 2025 late this month in Texas. As always, in the end what really matters is that
you... enjoy the music! ---> March Audiophile Review
Magazine, FIAE, And SWAF Show
Reports.
The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby Part
2 More about things to come and how to make them better.
Article
By Roger Skoff In last
month's Part 1 of "The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby", I
wrote that Hi-Fi – our hobby, our industry, and our long-time source of both
enjoyment and cultural enrichment – seems to be following the path of the
electric train, another once great, "everybody-used-to-have-one" product, into
obscurity. I also told you why it was happening: Not many people, nowadays –
at least not a significant percentage of the people that I or my friends and
other people in the industry have talked to about it – know or can tell you
the meaning of the words "Hi-fi", "High Fidelity", or "Stereo", or even know
that we, our hobby, our industry, or the products that could potentially add so
much to their lives, exist. We have dropped out of sight to the general public,
and what is happening is its inevitable outcome. --->
The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby Part 2.
A Plan We Can All Take Part In Another crazy idea by Yours
Truly.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin And what have we as an industry done with this
educational opportunity? We've squandered it, that's what! WTF?!?! Of course the idea below is just that, just an idea and frankly while some might like this idea, doubt it'll go anywhere as it requires effort on your part. Go ahead, prove me
wrong. Am not going to be a whiney bitch and complain about some gear
being incredibly high-priced, as like cars there are Hyundai (very respectable, wife's
daughter has one), BMW (wife and my car), and Ferrari (been there, done that, tracked the living daylights out of it until the engine needed a major rebuild). With high-end audio for 'normal people' out there, most music lovers think of whatever is $$$ (not just $$) in the big box stores as 'high-end'. They, you know, normal people, generally, have zero idea we as an industry exist in any true sense... ---> A Plan We Can All Take Part
In.
Florida International Audio Expo
2025 Show
Report
High-end audio / audiophiles and music
lovers rejoice in Tampa. 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. ---> Florida International Audio Expo 2025 Show
Report.
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report
SWAF 2025 high-end audio / audiophile event coverage. 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. The show promoters worked very hard to secure this amazing event venue, which is extremely safe, family fun friendly, and features great weather during March too! All this and
more within a curated experience filled with fine art and acres of event
space. ---> Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report.
YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding
Loudspeaker Review The middleweight contender....
Review By Phil Gold Cards on the
table. I've owned the YG Carmel and the YG Carmel
2, each of which I've reviewed in these pages in January 2012 and July 2015
respectively. You can read them here and weep. I'm addicted to
the ultra-high resolution, low distortion, lightning reflexes, dynamic range and
the holographic imaging of the Carmel speakers. They are not for everyone.
Due to the particular way they are constructed from billets of aircraft grade
aluminum, they cost a lot of money, and due to their relatively small size, they
don't reach down all that deep. The sealed box design does provide a superbly
fast accurate bass, but while the quality is high, the quantity is limited. Today I'm going to look at the latest version of
the Carmel's bigger brother, the Hailey 2.2. --->
YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker 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 Integrated Amplifier, D-180 DAC, And S-180 Streamer / Network Player
Review.
Furutech DF-2 Vinyl LP
Record Disc Flattener Review Plus the system that time forgot. Review By Ray Chowkwanyun The test record was Linda Rondstadt's Living
in the USA. Hers is a voice that comes along once in a generation.
Unfortunately, my LP copy had a warp that comes along once in a
generation.
Altogether, I had four LP copies of this album. The one with the worst warp
sounded the best, naturally. The other three sounded the same as far as I could
tell. These three I used as my reference so as not to rely on fallible aural
memory. The first test record sounded like the other two references
and weighed 128 grams. Furutech says not to treat any record weighing less than
110 grams which is 3.88 ounces. Nor any record made during the oil crisis
weighing between 100 and 115 grams.) Naturally, you should clean the record
before flattening. I use the first three stages of the excellent Walker system. ---> Furutech DF-2 Vinyl LP Record Disc Flattener.
Pro-Ject X2 Vinyl LP Turntable Review Easy to set up and very easy to use. You will not be disappointed. Review By Tom Lyle As
the technology advances, it's only natural for any decent audio manufacturer to
take advantage of this new technology. And so, when Pro-Ject was faced with
improving upon their Debut and Xpression series of turntables, which are both
very successful designs, they decided to, in their words, "improve on the
technologies that had already been established". As a result, Pro-Ject
introduced their X1 and X2 turntables. The X2, the subject of this review,
besides many other improvements, , makes the most of higher quality raw
materials to use in its production (even though they are more difficult to
source), and also increases the size of the turntable's existing components,
which resulted in the chassis, platter and tonearm having greater mass, which
made the turntable "heavier, and more robust". --->
Pro-Ject X2 Vinyl LP Turntable Review.
Sony
VFETs In Push-Pull Class A By Nelson Pass Common Source Mode, Transformer
Coupled
Article By Nelson Pass This article is the first of a series presenting fairly simple
"Do-It-Yourself" audio power amplifiers using Static Induction Transistors. SITs are a rare breed of transistor which have characteristics particularly
desired by some audiophiles. They were first developed in Japan in the
early 1970's and known then as VFETs. Brought to market by Sony and Yamaha
in the 1970's and into the 80's they largely vanished except as a lingering
legend among audio aficionados. My hands-on experience with SITs followed the publication of
my 2010 piece "The Sweet Spot" where I discussed positioning the operating points of Class A amplifiers for
load lines which allowed trade-offs involving the characteristic curves of the
devices. One of these, equivalent to the Plate Resistance in tubes, we
will call Drain Resistance and it is possible to exploit this for better (or at
least different) performance. ---> Sony VFETs In Push-Pull Class A By Nelson Pass.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
