High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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09 / 01 / 26

Best High-End Audio Gear: Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2026 Blue Note Awards
Honoring the finest audiophile components reviewed during the past year while celebrating breakthroughs in high-fidelity audio innovation.
High-End Audio Awards By Enjoy the Music.com
Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2026 Blue Note Awards once again honors the standout achievements of audiophile manufacturers who continue to push the boundaries of high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio immersive audio innovation. Now in our third decade, the annual Blue Note Awards represent the culmination of thousands of hours spent evaluating reference-level components and recognizing only those products that genuinely rise above the rest. Our Best Of 2026 Blue Note Award highlights the finest equipment we've reviewed over the past 12 months — the pieces that delivered exceptional performance, craftsmanship, and musical engagement. Each recipient is selected only after extensive discussion and careful consideration by our team of seasoned reviewers. Year after year, we witness remarkable advancements across the industry — from analog and amplification circuit refinement and vinyl playback innovation to cutting-edge DACs, loudspeaker engineering, and beyond!
---> Best High-End Audio Gear: Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2026 Blue Note Awards.

New Reviews

World Premiere Review!
Genesis Simplicity Phono Preamplifier Review — A Glorious Battery-Driven MC Phono Stage With Reference-Grade Sound
Inside the minimalist, ultra-quiet MC phono preamp engineered to rival the very best, yet at one-third the price.
Review By Tom Lyle
When I was asked to review the Genesis Advanced Technologies Simplicity, a battery-powered moving-coil (MC) phono preamplifier, I immediately agreed. This was because I was very impressed with Genesis's Premium Platinum phono preamp, which I reviewed in September of 2025. I was looking forward to hearing what the Genesis designers were capable of with a lower-priced phono preamplifier. When I spoke to Genesis's Chief Designer and CEO, Gary Koh, he told me that the Simplicity came about after he challenged himself to design and build a phono preamp that could sound as close as possible to Genesis's $23,000 Premium Platinum phono preamp, but at a much lower price. The Genesis Simplicity phono stage, as reviewed here, was the result. At $7500, the Simplicity is not an "entry-level" phono preamp. But still, at about a third the price of the Platinum Premium, it puts a Genesis phono preamplifier within reach of many more vinyl-loving audiophiles.
---> Genesis Simplicity Phono Preamplifier Review — A Glorious Battery-Driven MC Phono Stage With Reference-Grade Sound.

Gershman Symphonia Loudspeaker Review — Reference-Grade Dynamic Loudspeakers With Advanced Isolation & Back-Wave Control
Find out how SASS isolation, resistive bass loading, and tuned venting deliver transparency, depth, and lifelike musical realism.
Review By Brett Rudolph
First, spending time with the Gershman Symphonia reference floorstanding loudspeakers at the Florida International Audio Expo (FAIE) was mind-blowing. I remember thinking that these things were extraordinary, and that it would be a dream to get them in-house and do a full-scale review of them myself. So, towards the end of the show, when my editor and longtime friend, Steven R. Rochlin, helped to set up the opportunity before the event was over, it felt like winning the lottery! Of course, nothing comes without a bit of work, and this was no different. The FAIE occurs every February, and it took until April for us to finally work out the details and logistics. So, when Ofra and Eli Gershman came to drop off the speakers in April, I was more than ready. It was one evening, just after Passover, and they came with two very large crates in tow. These things are not small. We had a very enjoyable evening, and I learned a great deal. Eli, the engineer and husband of Ofra Gershman, set up the speakers for me, which was a great service.
---> Gershman Symphonia Loudspeaker Review — Reference-Grade Dynamic Loudspeakers With Advanced Isolation & Back-Wave Control.

World Premiere Review!
Kimber Kable NEO-HB & NEO-CU Review: Next-Generation High-Fidelity Audio Cables That Transform System Performance
Inside Kimber Kable's New hybrid NEO Series: Real-world listening tests, system impact, and why these reference cables may redefine what's possible in high-end audio.
Review By Brett Rudolph
Kimber Kable is one of the few cable companies that have remained a leader through various upheavals in the audiophile world. This is a substantial achievement, considering that throughout the industry's history, one of the longest and perhaps most heated debates has been the acceptance and validity of using high-quality audiophile-grade cabling. Though it would be wonderful to resolve this debate forever, it is not entirely certain that it is even possible. However, when the opportunity to review the Kimber Kable presented itself, it was accepted without hesitation. Founded by Ray Kimber in 1979, Kimber Kable offers a formidable selection of cables across various price points and materials. These purpose-built cables are built to exacting standards and fit across various product series, making them easier to understand. Customers can select cables from a single range or mix and match, depending on their system specifications, allowing their system to reach its full potential within a budget they can afford.
---> Kimber Kable NEO-HB & NEO-CU Review: Next-Generation High-Fidelity Audio Cables That Transform System Performance.

World Premiere Review!
Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE Review: A Time-Domain Focused Streamer That Transforms Musical Expression
How ultra-low-jitter clocking, noise isolation, and S/PDIF purity unlock extraordinary clarity, stability, and emotional realism.
Review By Clive Meakins
Music streamers all deliver the same data, and we're honored to review the new Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE Hi-Res Audio music streamer. The way a streamer handles noise, grounding, clocking and analogue stability across the system determines how the music is delivered. Lindemann's Woodnote BRIDGE is built around that understanding. It aims to create a stable electrical environment in which the DAC can then do its work cleanly. If the design works as intended, it should make it easy to hear musical benefits. The Woodnote BRIDGE should give a sense of calm and coherence that's noticeable from the first track. That's actually quite a tall order as it's sometimes said it's difficult to distinguish between streamers. That's the context for this review. The focus is on what the Woodnote BRIDGE streamer does right: how it manages incoming noise, how it maintains clock stability and how those choices translate into musical expression.
---> Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE Review: A Time-Domain Focused Streamer That Transforms Musical Expression.

World Premiere Review!
Synergistic Research Holographic Fuse Review — A $249 Upgrade That Expands Soundstage, Dynamics, And Musical Flow
Transforming vacuum tube & solid-state hi-fi audio gear with greater atmosphere, emotion, and musical bliss.
Review By Rick Becker
This is a rush job. Andy Weiderspahn, President of Synergistic Research, emailed me on June 22 to inform me that they had just finalized their new Holographic fuse and asked if I would be interested in reviewing it. It was a natural decision on his part because I had reviewed their fuses going all the way back to the Black in 2016. And knowing what I do about their fuses, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. They've been a mainstay in my rig since those early days. Andy said they would be ready in about four weeks, as they still had to source the packaging. The fuses arrived on August 5th while I was in a Zoom class on Neuroscience at my local Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning. After class, I started installing them in my Sony CD transport, LampizatOr DAC, Backert Labs preamp, and the Coincident Turbo 845 SE integrated amp that I had pulled out of mothballs to try with the outstanding Tiglon White Tiger power cord that is currently reviewed in the August issue.
---> Synergistic Research Holographic Fuse Review — A $249 Upgrade That Expands Soundstage, Dynamics, And Musical Flow.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

08 / 27 / 26

Professional Musician And Recording Studio Expert Rick Beato Speaks
Music lovers, audiophiles, and the world need to realize the music business....
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin / Videos By Rick Beato
As a classically-trained musician since the early 1970s (at the age of 8), over the decades questions about why I walked away from the music scene decades ago occasionally pop up. During high school there was a touch of studio time, and here is where my eyes were open to the reality of recording music. As a percussionist and drummer, yes my set was a bit more expansive than the average, yet within my head were tones, textures, and sounds... upon seeing my percussion/drum set was immediately bumping up against recording studio effort and time (and their desire to properly mic up such a kit). Sadly, the apparent lack of concern, with one studio then saying I should just use their kit within a small boxed room and dead / lifeless drum heads. Am recalling this story not for any ego or other overly-inflated.... Yet to let musicians nowadays know, am talking about true musical artists who have a vision... you intrinsically know who you are.
---> Professional Musician And Recording Studio Expert Rick Beato Speaks.

Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 Personal Reference Monitor Review
The little engine that can.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
Audience President and CEO, John McDonald, is among those exceptional members of the professional audiophile community who serve all consumer interests with quiet equity, succinctly, non-judgmentally, and with knowledgeable authority. His years of innovative experiences designing fine audio products have nurtured a wellspring of advice on a variety of high-end audio topics. Above all and simply stated, John is an exceptional individual any of us would consider fortunate to have in our life circle. A perusal of the Audience website offers an excellently-mapped library of not only the comprehensive offerings of high-level Audience audio products, including cables, power cords, power conditioners, OEM and DIY parts, accessories, and pro audio, but also supportive pages on available upgrades, product/industry news, media coverage (incl. published reviews/awards), as well as an extensive listing of international dealers/distributors.
---> Audience ClairAudient 1+1 V5 Personal Reference Monitor Review.

08 / 26 / 26

CEDIA 2026 Set To Redefine Smart Living: A Global Showcase For Immersive Home Technology & Innovation
CEDIA 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most influential events in the global smart-home and custom installation industry, bringing together integrators, manufacturers, designers, and technology leaders for a multi-day showcase of cutting-edge innovation. Held September 1st through 4th, the show promises a sweeping look at the future of connected living—from whole-home automation platforms to immersive audio/video environments and advanced networking solutions. As the residential tech market continues its rapid expansion, CEDIA remains the anchor event where new standards, products, and partnerships take shape. This year's show is expected to highlight major advancements in AI-driven home control, energy efficient smart systems, and luxury AV performance. Exhibitors will unveil new flagship processors, high-resolution speaker systems, architectural displays, and intelligent lighting ecosystems designed to elevate both convenience and lifestyle. Industry insiders anticipate strong emphasis on interoperability, with manufacturers showcasing platforms that seamlessly integrate voice control, automation routines, and cloud-based monitoring.

Education remains a cornerstone of CEDIA, and the 2026 program expands its training curriculum with dozens of sessions covering system design, cybersecurity, networking, acoustics, and business development. Attendees can expect hands-on workshops, certification courses, and expert-led panels that address the evolving demands of modern home installations. For integrators navigating increasingly complex client expectations, these sessions offer essential tools to stay competitive. While CEDIA traditionally attracts a wide spectrum of exhibitors, early indications suggest a particularly strong presence from smart home ecosystem developers, networking specialists, and premium AV brands. The show's blend of innovation, education, and industry networking continues to make it the definitive annual gathering for professionals shaping the future of residential technology.

08 / 24 / 26

Electronica 2026: Munich Set To Showcase The Future Of The All-Electric Society
Electronica 2026 returns to Munich from November 10th through 13th, bringing together the global electronics industry for four days of innovation, strategy, and next-generation technology. This year's theme — "Empowering the All Electric Society" — underscores the event's focus on the electronic systems, semiconductors, sensors, embedded platforms, and immersive audio/video, that will drive future advancements in mobility, energy, and AI. Organizers emphasize that modern electronics form the backbone of intelligent applications across every sector, especially as AI adoption accelerates worldwide. A major storyline for 2026 is the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence across industrial and consumer-based electronic systems. From Edge AI to AIoT, consumer electronics, machine learning, exhibitors will highlight how hardware, software, and connectivity must work seamlessly to meet growing demands for computing power, energy efficiency, home electronics, and cyber resilience.

Exhibition Director Caroline Pannier notes that AI places "whole new demands on electronic systems," requiring powerful yet secure solutions capable of handling vast data flows and autonomous decision-making. The EU Cyber Resilience Act adds further pressure on manufacturers to adopt "security by design" principles early in development. Electronica 2026 will showcase components, architectures, and system-level approaches that strengthen trust and reliability in a world of constant digital threats. Energy efficiency remains a core pillar of the show. Rising electricity costs, regulatory requirements, and the proliferation of IoT and power-electronics applications are driving demand for consumer electronics components that deliver more performance with less consumption. Exhibitors will present new breakthroughs in electronic embedded systems — all essential for sustainable growth in the new all-electric society.

08 / 20 / 26

World Premiere Review!
Vintage Warmth Meets Modern Clarity: Pilot Radio Vacuum Tube Stereo Preamplifier Review
Elevating your hi-fi setup with a blast from the past.
Review By Paul Schumann
My dad passed away last August. This has brought back many fond memories of him. One of my earliest memories was of my dad's sound system in the bedroom beside mine. I only got a few peeks in there since my presence in that chamber was normally strictly verboten. Besides the fantastical sounds that I could hear, I remember the orange glow coming from the Dynaco ST 70 and a mixture of the mingled aromas of solder and fresh vinyl. My dad only had his special music room a couple of years before my brother arrived. I moved into my dad's sanctum, and his audio system, vinyl, and tapes were banished to the basement. Such are the sacrifices of a parent. Even in the basement, that great stuff was behind a locked door to keep it away from my grubby mitts. My dad spent quite a bit of time down there when I was young, but as the years passed, the basement became the domain for my brother and me.
---> Vintage Warmth Meets Modern Clarity: Pilot Radio Vacuum Tube Stereo Preamplifier Review.

600 Watts Of Musical Bliss: Rotel Michi X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier Review
A modern Swiss Army Knife stereo integrated amplifier for music lovers.
Review By Brett Rudolph
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Florida International Audio Expo 2025. It was an incredible show, and the week I got home, I got even better news. My editor had arranged for me to review the new Rotel Michi X5 Series 2 solid-state stereo integrated amplifier with phono stage and Hi-Res Audio DAC here at Enjoy the Music.com. Michi is a designation that represents a flagship series of components within Rotel's family of products. Originally introduced to the market in 1993, it showcased all the best that Rotel had to offer. However, the components as we know them today were reintroduced to the market in 2019. These latest incarcerations continue to showcase the best Rotel has to offer while keeping audiophile values alive. Of course, all the labels aside, the thought of getting an integrated amplifier excited me personally.
---> 600 Watts Of Musical Bliss: Rotel Michi X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier Review.

08 / 19 / 26

Pacific Audio Fest 2027: Music-Focused Premium Audio Experience
Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) will return January 15th through 17th, staging a music-first premium audio weekend at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Seattle's Southport. The three-day event promises live performances, immersive listening sessions, and a broad marketplace of premium audio brands, designers, and dealers. Organizers say the move to a new waterfront venue and a renewed emphasis on music aim to reconnect listeners with the emotional power of great recordings. The festival is being shaped as a music-focused audio experience for listeners at every level, from curious beginners to seasoned audiophiles. Attendees can expect demonstrations spanning vinyl playback, loudspeakers, headphones, streaming systems, amplifiers, and complete listening rooms. Exhibits will showcase both budget-friendly starter setups and high-end systems, giving visitors hands-on opportunities to hear how different gear changes the way songs and records come to life. PAF organizers highlight the convenience of moving from listening rooms to evening entertainment and social spaces without leaving the property, making the festival both immersive and easy to navigate.

"Pacific Audio Fest is all about music first," said Jonny Wilson, co-owner of PAF. "The gear definitely matters because it helps people connect more deeply with the songs, artists, and recordings they already love. We want this show to feel welcoming to anyone who loves music, whether they are just beginning to explore better sound or have been chasing great listening experiences for years." The weekend will also feature live music, opportunities to meet designers, makers, and curated listening experiences intended to educate and inspire both new listeners and longtime enthusiasts. Exhibitor information, ticket details, hotel reservations, and event announcements will be posted on their website as the show develops. Pacific Audio Fest is described as a community-driven event that brings together music lovers, premium audio brands, record collectors, and industry makers for a weekend of demonstrations, live performances, and shared listening.

08 / 18 / 26

Toronto Audiofest 2026 To Deliver Canada's Best Fall Season Immersive High-Fidelity Audio Experience
The Toronto Audiofest 2026 returns October 16th through 18th at The Westin Toronto Airport, promising one of Canada's most immersive high-fidelity events of the year. With more than 100 exhibitors and thousands of attendees expected, the show continues its mission of elevating high-quality sound and strengthening the community of music lovers and audiophiles across Ontario. Over three days, visitors can explore hundreds of brands, audition cutting-edge loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital sources, and personal audio gear in professionally tuned rooms. The festival spans 8,000 sq. ft. of curated listening spaces designed to showcase the latest innovations in immersive high-end audio. The venue's reconfigured demonstration rooms offer an elegant, acoustically optimized environment ideal for serious listening.

A major highlight is EARVANA, Canada's only dedicated headphone event, featuring top global brands and new product launches. Attendees can test flagship headphones, portable DACs, and personal audio systems in a focused, hands-on environment. The show also includes artist meet-and-greets, industry-only gatherings, and special listening sessions that bring enthusiasts and manufacturers together. Toronto Audiofest 2026 also expands its popular Pitcher Perfect Pairings experience, created in partnership with Rorschach Brewery. This unique sensory journey pairs six craft beers with six curated soundscapes and audio systems, blending flavor and fidelity in a guided tasting adventure. Each ticket includes a three-day show pass, six tastings, and six take-home cans—making it one of the event's most anticipated attractions.

08 / 17 / 26

audioXpress' September 2026 Issue
Editorial: Why The Broad View Matters
miniDSP Tide16 Multichannel Audio Processor
CRYSOUND Microphone Calibrator
LEAP Into The Future With Listening Effort Prediction
Achieving Sub-Millisecond Latency In AI-Enhanced Hearing Devices
Audioscenic Amphi: Enabling Spatial Audio On Windows Laptops
Simulation Apps
Resurrecting The G40EP Headphone Amplifier
Designing The Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Bias Setup
How Loud Is That Guitar Amp?
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "audioXpress covers a deliberately broad scope of topics in the audio world, from technology and applications to the developer and product-design side of the industry. That breadth is the reason the publication has become useful as a reference across many adjacent markets. Audio is often reported in narrow verticals, but real product development rarely fits neatly inside those boundaries. A technology may fail in one market and succeed in another simply because the use case, business model, or customer expectations are different. That is why audioXpress writes for developers, manufacturers, designers, and the wider supply chain rather than for a single segment alone. The publication's DIY roots still matter, too. The same curiosity that drives people to build, test, and sometimes break things is what keeps the editorial voice connected to innovation and experimentation. A wide editorial scope also makes it possible to track emerging ideas before they become mainstream categories. audioXpress covered voice recognition before smart speakers, wireless audio before it was widely associated with anything beyond telephony, and adaptive signal processing before hearables became a major topic."
---> audioXpress September 2026 Issue.

08 / 13 / 28

World Premiere Review!
Volti Audio Lucera Hybrid Horn / Bass-Reflex Loudspeaker Review
Taking a deep dive into the aural matrix.
Review By Paul Schumann
What do I really want out of this hobby? I'm sure all of us have asked that question. We start by listening to music we love on a system we possess. Then we hear that music on a better system and notice things we'd never heard before. That lights a fire in our belly. How can I hear that at home? We talk to other people, listen to other systems, and realize that not everyone hears the same things as we do. Then, we have that aha moment when we hear a system that touches our inner child. That happened to me when Dr. Day plopped me down in front of his homebrew SET system driving a pair of Altec A7s. From then on, I knew exactly what I wanted. The next question became, how am I going to get there? Dr. Day spent years listening and soldering to get what tickled his fancy. My sensei David is on a similar journey. The late Sakuma built different systems to listen to various kinds of music. For all three of these seekers, the cornerstone of their quest was high efficiency-speakers.
---> Volti Audio Lucera Hybrid Horn / Bass-Reflex Loudspeaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
Raven Audio Osprey MK3.1 Integrated Amplifier And Corvus Reference Monitors Review
Classic designs refined.
Review By Paul Schumann
I grew up listening to music through my dad's Dynaco ST70. My Dad was a DIY guy; it was the best kit available in 1960. I inherited it and the matching PAS preamp my sophomore year of college. I then bought a pair of ADS L620 speakers to go with them. That kept me happy for 20 years. I eventually replaced my ailing Dynaco gear with a Jolida JD202 integrated. The Dynaco and Jolida were very similar, using EL34 pentodes in an ultra-linear configuration. A little later, the ADS speakers made way for the Thiel CS1.5s. These were both two-way bass-reflex speakers. In the last few years, my interest in lower-power amps and high-efficiency speakers has led me away from the pairings I had so long, but I will always have warm memories of listening to music with them. While attending the inaugural Southwest Audio Fest, I took an interest in the Raptor horn speakers I heard in the Raven Audio room. About one week after the show, I reached out to Dave Thompson of Raven to make arrangements for a review. Dave put me in touch with James Connell.
---> Raven Audio Osprey MK3.1 Integrated Amplifier And Corvus Reference Monitors Review.

08 / 12 / 26

Submit Your Music For The 2027 Grammy Awards
The Recording Academy has officially opened the submission window for the 2027 Grammy Awards, marking the start of the annual race toward the music industry's most prestigious honor. Artists, producers, engineers, and labels now have a limited window to submit their recordings for consideration across dozens of categories. With the Grammys continuing to evolve — including updated rules, new categories, and expanded eligibility guidelines — this year's submission period is more important than ever for creators aiming to reach the global stage. According to the Academy's updated guidance, the submission process is designed to ensure that every eligible recording released within the qualifying period receives fair and accurate consideration. This includes verifying release dates, confirming proper credits, and ensuring that all submitted works meet the Grammys' strict technical and artistic criteria. The Academy emphasizes that early submission helps avoid last-minute issues, especially for independent artists who may be navigating the process for the first time.

This year's GRAMMY cycle also reflects the Academy's ongoing commitment to recognizing emerging genres and modern production styles. Several categories have been refined to better represent today's musical landscape, giving creators more opportunities to shine. Whether you're submitting a debut single, a full-length album, or a collaborative project, the Academy encourages artists to review the updated category descriptions to ensure their work is placed where it has the strongest chance of success. For many artists, submitting to the Grammys is more than a procedural step — it's a milestone. The submission window represents the moment when months or years of creative work officially enter the world's most respected music competition. With the 2027 ceremony expected to be one of the most globally watched GRAMMY broadcasts yet, the Recording Academy urges all eligible creators to submit their music before the deadline and take advantage of the resources available on Grammy.com to guide them through the process.

08 / 10 / 26

Warner Music Group Posts Strong Q3 Gains As Streaming Momentum Accelerates
Warner Music Group (WMG) reported a powerful fiscal third quarter for the period ending June 30 (2026), driven by surging subscription streaming revenue, disciplined cost management, and broad-based growth across Recorded Music and Music Publishing. Total revenue climbed 10% year-over-year (9% in constant currency), while net income swung sharply to $200 million, a dramatic turnaround from a $16 million loss in the prior-year quarter. CEO Robert Kyncl emphasized that this marks the company's fifth consecutive quarter meeting or exceeding targets, crediting improved streaming economics, resilient global market share, and operational leverage. Subscription streaming revenue rose at double-digit rates, supported by stronger terms with DSP partners and positive industry trends. Acting CFO Lou Dickler added that WMG remains on track to hit the high end of its 150–200 basis point full-year margin expansion guidance. 

Recorded Music revenue increased 9.9% (8.9% in constant currency), with notable gains in digital, artist services, expanded-rights, and physical formats. Adjusted for prior-year one-time items—including a copyright settlement and the termination of a BMG distribution agreement—Recorded Music revenue would have risen 12%. Streaming revenue alone grew 11.8%, or 13.1% when adjusted for the BMG impact. Top-performing artists in the quarter included Bruno Mars, Don Toliver, sombr, Alex Warren, and Madonna. Music Publishing also delivered a strong quarter, with revenue up 12.2% (10.9% in constant currency). Digital and streaming revenue rose more than 14%, supported by new deals and renewals. Synchronization and mechanical revenue posted double-digit gains, reflecting both market strength and favorable distribution timing. Operating income for the segment increased 18.3%, underscoring the division's continued momentum.

WMG closed the quarter with $618 million in cash, a $100 million increase over the prior-year period, and reported $142 million in operating cash flow, more than triple last year's figure. Free Cash Flow surged to $114 million, driven by strong operating performance and reduced capital expenditures. The company also announced a $0.20 quarterly dividend payable September 1 (2026). With sustained streaming growth, expanding margins, and strategic reinvestment, WMG enters the final quarter of FY2026 with significant momentum.

08 / 07 / 26

hi-fi+ August 2026 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Sony's Disc-Free Future & Dynaudio's Exit Signal Shifts In Audio Industry
Pear Audio Blue Aras and Cornet 3 Turntable And Tonearm
SUPATRAC Nighthawk Turntable Tonearm
Trafomatic Audio Elysian Valve Power Amplifier 
Enleum AMP-54R Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Atlantis Lab AT16 Pro Floorstanding Loudspeaker
JBL Summit Ama Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Roksan Caspian 4G Preamp / Power Amplifier
Ferrum Wandla HP DAC / Headphone Amplifier
Tellurium Q Silver III Loudspeaker Cable And Interconnect Cables
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "A couple of interesting events took place this month, which have wider implications for the audio industry than might be seen from taking a surface view. The first is that Sony announced that, as of 2028, the next generation of PlayStation will not feature any kind of disc-based system. Rumours abound that Project Helix, the replacement to Microsoft's Xbox, will also be discless. Nintendo stopped using discs when the Wii U was discontinued more than a decade ago. In addition, Sony recently called time on its recordable Blu-ray players and blank media. In more tangiably audio-related news, Dynaudio announced that it was withdrawing its domestic product line from North America, just before its 50th anniversary. The company has said that it will be focusing its efforts on Europe and Asia, and will shut down its US subsidiary later this year. Both have led to considerable amounts of hand-wringing across the board, but both are likely legitimate strategic moves, reflecting significant change in the market."
---> hi-fi+ August 2026 High-End Audio Magazine.

08 / 06 / 26

World Exclusive Review!
Linn 360 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
A credible and modern high-end loudspeaker system.
Review By Alan Sircom
Linn pitches the new Linn 360 floorstanding loudspeaker as 'audibly invisible; visibly remarkable', and the company has a point. This is Linn's girthy flagship – roughly the size of the outgoing Klimax 350, the former head of the clan. It's available in passive form with 'Aktiv' bass or Exakt digital active to slot in a Linn DSM system. The Linn 360 is a good blend of the conventional and the innovative. It retains several important styling cues of previous high-end Linn speakers. But look closer, and you'll notice the complexity of the cabinet. Look even closer; you'll see that new Beryllium tweeter with a Linn logo protection cover. You might even see the trim pieces with concentric arcs cut into them. These remind listeners of Linn's place in the turntable hierarchy with its eternal LP12. But clever curves and elegant grooves are not enough.
---> Linn 360 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
LampizatOr Horizon DAC Review
A new benchmark!
Review By Greg Weaver
My history, and fascination, with Łukasz Fikus and his Poland-based LampizatOr heralds back to my first exposure to the Golden Gate's introduction at AXPONA 2015. It may be significant to point out that this timing is eerily coincident with my choice to begin to more deeply explore the validity of digital audio as a source. To that point, in my system, digital file playback had shown no real ability to favorably compete with my analog reference system, sonically or with the breadth and depth of my LP collection. Keep in mind, Norway's Tidal, the first music streaming service to offer at least Redbook CD quality streaming had just launched in the US that previous October, and – I was not an early adopter.
---> LampizatOr Horizon DAC Review.

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