High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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05 / 01 / 26

Enjoy the Music.com's May 2026 Luxury High-End Audio Review Magazine: Show Reports, World Premiere Reviews, & More
AXPONA and Montreal Audiofest coverage, in-depth editorials, and retro-gear reviews too.
The May 2026 issue of Enjoy the Music.com's luxurious high-fidelity audio Review Magazine celebrates our love for music in all its forms. This issue delivers a broad mix of show coverage, editorials, technical features, and equipment reviews. The issue frames its content around both audiophile heritage and the current youthful momentum within our high-end audio world, as we position historic perspective alongside world premiere product coverage. Our comprehensive show reporting includes dedicated coverage of AXPONA and Montreal Audiofest 2026 that highlights major debuts, listening room impressions, and the music programming that defined each event. The show reports emphasize how live demos and meet-ups remain essential for evaluating flagship systems, spotting emerging trends, and our industry's ongoing growth trajectory.

May's editorial pages include thoughtful pieces such as "Why High-End Audio Transforms Listening Into A Deeply Emotional Experience" and essays that separate audiophile fact from fantasy, plus partner editorials like audioXpress' "Hear No Evil" on the future of vacuum tubes. These features combine personal listening insight with industry context to help readers understand why design choices matter to musical impact. A must-read is hi-fi+'s editorial "Streaming Versus Local: When A Music Server Still Wins" as we discuss how high-end servers improve streamed and local playback for superior sound. This month's equipment section showcases a world premiere review and high-profile evaluations. Proving that high-end audio gear does not mean high prices, the budget-friendly Geshelli Labs TORC DAC explores how the bargain-priced TORC DAC delivers performance that easily exceeds expectations. Is this the new price-versus-performance leader? This month's balanced mix of reviews, show reportage, and practical guidance makes it a useful reference for audiophiles and music lovers at every level. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> May 2026 Luxury High-End Audio Review Magazine: Show Reports, World Premiere Reviews, & More.

Why High-End Audio Transforms Listening Into A Deeply Emotional Experience
How high-fidelity audio reveals new layers of music, deepen presence, and turns everyday listening into a restorative ritual.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
There is a quiet kind of astonishment the first time a familiar song arrives to your ears, and into your soul, thanks to truly excellent high-fidelity audio gear. The melody you thought you knew opens like a book you have read a hundred times and suddenly notice a sentence you had never seen before. That discovery is not novelty for novelty's sake. It is the music, your favorite tune, finally being allowed to speak with clarity and space… as recorded using million$ in recording studio and mastering equipment. High-end audio is not about being louder in volume or just add 'sparkle'. It 'restores' the intention behind every musical note. When a recording is reproduced with exceptional fidelity in mind, not the cheapest route to sound, the small human aural gestures that make music feel alive becomes audible. A breath before a phrase, the scrape of a bow, the microdynamics (or the briefest of pauses) of a finger on a string all become emotional signposts. It is part of being human, not AI.
---> Why High-End Audio Transforms Listening Into A Deeply Emotional Experience.

That's Not How It Always Works
While a possibly futile task, let's try to discuss audiophile fact and fantasy.
Article By Roger Skoff
When I was just an ordinary Hi-fi Crazy, not yet having gotten into our industry either as a writer or a manufacturer, I and my buds used to spend hours doing what seems to be standard audiophile practice: When we weren't actually working on our systems, we'd sit around talking about hi-fi gear: About what we owned or had heard someplace; about what we wanted or didn't want to buy; about what we had read a review of or heard about from a friend.  We always talked as if we were the world's greatest hi-fi experts, and when we passed judgment on something, it was always absolute and always extreme: The item in question was either "the world's greatest" or  "dog meat", with never anything in the middle. When I actually became a reviewer for one of the magazines (Sounds Like…) and editor for a monthly Audio Industry newsletter (Sounds Like…News), all of that changed radically. Instead of issuing high-handed pronunciamentos, as I had done before, when it didn't matter....
---> That's Not How It Always Works.

Montreal Audiofest 2026 Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show Report
The ultimate audiophile and music lover experience.
Montreal Audiofest 2026 (Salon Audio Montreal) returned March 20th through 22nd, bringing Canada's premier high-end audiophile event to the city. Organizers enjoyed welcoming thousands of music lovers and audiophiles eager to listen, see, and handle cutting-edge audio gear, with over luxury 300 brands showcased under one roof. The three-day festival was designed for audiophiles, videophiles, immersivephiles, and curious music lovers seeking modern immersive, hands-on experiences. As the largest audio event in Canada, the event gathered top distributors, manufacturers, and retailers from the high-end consumer electronics industry. Attendees joyously explore dedicated demo listening rooms, vendor booths, and curated exhibits that highlight the latest in luxurious loudspeakers, top-rated amplifiers, precision Hi-Res Audio DACs, turntables, immersive headphones & portable audio, plus home A/V systems. The show's scale and industry presence made it a must-visit for anyone tracking trends in premium sound and home cinema.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2026 Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show Report.

AXPONA 2026 Features Audiophile Gear, Master Classes, & Seminars
AXPONA 2026 is a three-day high-end audio event for audiophiles and industry insiders, running April 10th through 12th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center just outside Chicago. AXPONA's programming emphasizes education and community: the schedule featured seminars, master classes, live concerts, and after-hours events designed to pair technical deep dives with musical experiences. For attendees planning a visit, organizers and reviewers offered practical tips: plan your route through the many exhibit rooms, use the AXPONA app to track must-hear demos, and expect international brands to debut flagship systems that are best experienced live rather than via specs alone. Over three days, the AXPONA 2026 show combines a sprawling Expo Hall with many listening rooms, a trade pavilion, live musical performances, and specialty areas such as the Ear Gear Experience, and IASCA car audio showcase.
---> AXPONA 2026 High-End / Luxury Audiophile Show Report.

World Premiere Review!
Geshelli Labs TORC DAC Review: Does This Value-Priced Compact DAC Deliver Big-League Sound?
We explore how the bargain-priced TORC DAC delivers performance that easily exceeds expectations.
Review By Tom Lyle
Over the years, I have encountered many audiophiles who are unwilling to go into debt or spend all their money on high-end audio components or systems. While some of these individuals are new to high-end audio, others are more experienced, yet both groups consistently assemble impressive audio systems. What these audiophiles share is their love of music and the pursuit of sound quality, which is far superior to that of mass-market audio gear found at Big Box Stores. For music lovers and audiophiles who are not wealthy, or simply prefer not to splurge on expensive gear, they, instead, piece together their setups using pre-owned equipment, budget-friendly components, or both. If one of these types of audiophiles asked me for a recommendation for an affordable, excellent-sounding DAC... read on. Geshelli Labs designs and manufactures DACs and headphone amplifiers, and is a family business founded by husband-and-wife team Geno and Sherri Biscegliana.
---> Geshelli Labs TORC DAC Review: Does This Value-Priced Compact DAC Deliver Big-League Sound?

How To Do A Proper Listening Test: Part 1
Article By Ethan Winer
There are two ways to assess the quality of audio devices: measuring and listening. Measuring is usually the better choice because the results are absolute, and repeatable because they avoid the vagaries of human hearing perception. But when measuring isn't practical or possible, a listening test using a music source is perfectly fine. For example, listening is needed to compare CD quality at a 44.1 kHz sample rate to "high definition" audio at 96 kHz. Both will measure the same if the frequency response is limited to the audible range, but some people believe they sound different. Another example is when comparing MP3 bit-rates, especially higher values such as 256 versus 320 kbps. It's pretty much impossible to "measure" the effect of lossy compression using traditional means because the frequency response changes from moment to moment. Listening tests are also useful for comparing loudspeakers because there are so many variables such as off-axis response, dB per octave low frequency roll-off slope, distortion that varies continuously with volume level, and separate distortion amounts for the woofer and tweeter.
---> How To Do A Proper Listening Test: Part 1.

Quad PA-One+ Triode Vacuum Tube DAC / Headamp Review
The quintessential audiophile tube amp for headphones.
Review By Gary Alan Barker Of Headphone.Guru
When I reviewed the Quad ERA-1 Planar Magnetic Headphone I knew that Quad had made the occasional tube amp over the years, but considered them to be a speaker manufacturer, what I didn't know (until I had researched for the ERA-1 review) was that they had started as an amplifier company, such are the pitfalls of redefining loudspeaker technology and producing one of the best sounding and highest respected speakers of all time, the ESL (Electrostatic Loudspeaker). As fate would have it Quad is, in fact, an audiophile amplifier company who also designs and builds speakers, hence when I discovered the Quad PA-One+ at RMAF 2018, I agreed to hold onto the ERA-1 until a review sample could be sent. Then I was informed that there would be a slight delay as a whole new amplifier was being released the Quad PA-One+.
---> Quad PA-One+ Triode Vacuum Tube DAC / Headamp Review.

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III Int. Amp. / Phono Stage Review
Excellent build quality combined with the sonic performance of vacuum tubes.
Review By Ron Nagle
The name Cronus is past down to us from an ancient Greek myth. Krónos was the leader and youngest of the first generation of Titans. I did my usual on line peeking and sleuthing and found images of the Cronus, a very retro looking open frame amplifier. But while all of those pictures looked like the subject of this evaluation they were actually photos of an earlier version of the Magnum II amplifier. So these photos were taken before I ever got my hands on this review sample. This story is about the new extensively upgraded Cronus Magnum III. When I opened the box and peeled back the packing I lifted (grunt) an impressive 55 pound amplifier from its cardboard container. Rogue Audio's Cronus is a very serious and convincingly constructed component; I didn't see any signs of money saving cost cutting construction anywhere. The Amplifier is shipped with five small triodes in place. That is three 12AU7 and two 12AX7 tubes.
---> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III Int. Amp. / Phono Stage Review.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

04 / 30 / 26

Catalog Kings Unite — BMG & Concord Merge To Create Independent Music Powerhouse
BMG and Concord have agreed to merge into a single, independent music company operating under the BMG name, creating a combined business controlled roughly 67% by Bertelsmann and 33% by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners, with Concord CEO Bob Valentine named CEO and BMG's Thomas Coesfeld to serve as chairman. BMG and Concord announced a definitive agreement on April 28, 2026 to combine their publishing, recorded-music, theatrical-rights, and digital-distribution operations into a unified company that will operate under the BMG brand while keeping a recorded-music arm called Concord Records. The new company will be headquartered globally in Nashville with a European base in Berlin, reflecting the two firms' existing footprints. The transaction is structured so that Bertelsmann will own about 67% of the combined business and affiliates of Great Mountain Partners will hold about 33%, with the latter receiving a one-time cash payment of $1.16 billion as part of the deal. 

Leadership and branding were central to the announcement: Bob Valentine, Concord's CEO, will lead the combined company as CEO, while Thomas Coesfeld, currently CEO of BMG, will become chairman; Coesfeld is also slated to assume the role of CEO of Bertelsmann in January 2027. The companies said the publishing division will be called BMG Publishing and the recorded-music division Concord Records, signaling a strategy to preserve both brands' strengths while consolidating back-office and strategic functions. The deal remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Financially, the combined business projects a pro forma EBITDA of more than $730 million in 2026 and has set a mid-term ambition to reach $1.2 billion in EBITDA through organic growth, acquisitions, and synergies. Market observers and industry analysts have estimated the combined enterprise value in the ~$14 billion range, a figure that would place the new BMG among the largest global music companies and effectively create a "fourth major" in the industry by scale, though the company emphasizes an independent, artist-first model rather than replicating major-label tactics. The companies highlighted plans to reinvest significant cash flow into rights acquisitions, artist development, and technology including AI tools. Critics warn that greater concentration could squeeze competition for services and licensing. 

04 / 29 / 26

AXPONA 2026 Show Recap And Acquisition By Sound & Fury LLC
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) closed its 2026 edition, drawing over 10,000 attendees to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and showcasing hundreds of brands from many countries. The three-day event featured dedicated Listening Rooms, an expanded Ear Gear Experience, as Expo Hall and nightly live concerts that helped fuel a 15% attendance increase over 2025 and a notable jump in Gen Z passes. It is great to see the audiophile audience getting younger, breaking what felt like decades of age increase. Organizers and exhibitors described the atmosphere as energetic and generationally broader than in past years. Liz Smith, AXPONA's VP and Event Director, said the show "exceeded all expectations" and highlighted the surge in younger attendees as evidence that high-fidelity audio is reaching new audiences.

Days after the show, owners announced a change in stewardship: with little known about Sound & Fury LLC, a company that has acquired AXPONA, with owner Henry Wu saying he is "honored to serve as the next steward." The acquisition statement found online confirmed that the existing AXPONA event team will remain in place and that the 2027 show will proceed as planned while new programming and features are developed under the new ownership. The new owners noted that continuity of the event staff should smooth the transition. Looking ahead, AXPONA under Sound & Fury ownership is an unknown, and is being closely watched by the industry.

04 / 28 / 26

Part 6 — Best Of Montreal Audiofest 2026 Blue Note Awards And Honorable Mentions
Celebrating the best high-end audio exhibit rooms, plus an overview of the show and industry.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker
This year's show report is dedicated to the memory of Ernie Fisher, Editor of The Inner Ear, who was one of the first friends I made at the Montreal show when I was getting started. He passed away in the spring of last year, and I wanted to make this dedication in the Montreal report, where our roots are deepest. In 2005, back in the days it was held at the Delta Hotel, and known as Le Festival Son et Image de Montréal, Ernie sponsored a room which earned Best Rooms recognition.... That's the kind of guy Ernie was—seeking out the best, no matter how unknown or unusual a company might be. He was, and still is, an inspiration for me. I hope the music in heaven meets his expectations. Looking back after more than four weeks from the show, it's time to sit down and commemorate the Best Rooms and salute a bunch more as Honorable Mentions. But first, a few comments on the show.
---> Part 6 — Best Of Montreal Audiofest 2026 Blue Note Awards And Honorable Mentions.

04 / 27 / 26

"Woodstock Of High-End Audio" Lone Star Audiofest 2026
The Lone Star Audiofest 2026 is set to return Memorial Day weekend, running May 22nd through 24th at the Embassy Suites in Round Rock, Texas. The three-day event promises a mix of exhibitor rooms, seminars, and live demonstrations aimed at audiophiles, hobbyists, and industry professionals. The festival highlights a long tradition of hands-on listening rooms, DIY, and a marketplace atmosphere where both established brands and up-and-coming builders present loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, and DIY projects. Demonstrations and seminars will run alongside the exhibit rooms, covering topics that matters to audiophiles and music lovers alike. The festival's venue, the Embassy Suites Round Rock, places the show minutes north of Austin and provides exhibitor rooms open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees can expect a casual, community-oriented atmosphere—described by organizers as "the Woodstock of high-end audio shows"—with opportunities for one-on-one conversations with designers and hands-on listening. Prospective visitors and exhibitors are advised to reserve rooms and marketplace space now, as the show operates on a first-come, first-served basis and blocks fill quickly. For tickets, exhibitor information, and the seminar schedule, visit the Lone Star Audiofest website.

04 / 24 / 26

audioXpress' May 2026 Issue
Editorial: Hear No Evil
Designing the Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Vacuum Tube Audio Power Amplifier
The Yin & Yang Circuit
Stabilizing Tube Feedback Amplifiers Without Much Math Part 1—Diagnostic Principles
Rediscovering The EF184: A Surprising MM RIAA Preamplifier
Building a KT170 Class-A Amplifier
Thoughts On Igor Popovich's Audiophile Vacuum Tube Amplifiers Books
Revisiting An Elegant Idea The Augmented Follower
New Expressions For First-Order Filter Phase Response And Group Delay Part 2
Hermon Hosmer Scott
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "I was asked recently about the AXPONA and High End Vienna shows by someone who sees the audio industry purely from a business and investment perspective and never attended a "high-fidelity" show in his life. I described the profile of companies exhibiting, the number of manufacturers and brands, and the range of prices involved currently in "high-end audio" products. When I mentioned that the majority were manufacturers from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, he reacted with the greatest of surprise and his immediate question was "and are they doing alright?". This is a common reaction I get even from technology professionals that are not at all familiar with the world of home audio, even though many admit to being aware of some luxury audio brands when I mention them. In this specific conversation, when I described the business environment in that market segment—generously including a broader spectrum of brand examples with varying prices—the next question I got was something on the lines of "...and will they still be around much longer?" I understand it. The idea that there are companies in Oregon, Texas, France, Germany, Poland, or Switzerland building handcrafted wood cabinets and circuit boards, employing between 10 and 100 people....."
---> audioXpress May 2026 Issue.

04 / 23 / 26

How To Buy A Violin... Or Something Like That
Laying out money for music.
Article By Roger Skoff
It's only been about a century since, if you wanted to hear music, you either had to play or sing it yourself or get somebody else to do it for you. Sure, the first music recording was made back in 1860, by a Frenchman, Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville, and, sure, the phonograph (but not in a form we'd recognize it today) was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison, but it wasn't until 1925 that electrical recording came along and made buying a record for an evening of listening a practical reality. And it wasn't until the 1940s that even any attempt was made to record and reproduce what we now call "High Fidelity" sound. Before then, if you wanted to listen to music at home, you either had to make it yourself or invite people over to make it for or with you.
---> How To Buy A Violin... Or Something Like That.

World Premiere Review!
LessLoss BlackGround For Speakers Review
A breakthrough loudspeaker signal conditioner.
Review By Rick Becker
The original LessLoss BlackGround 10X Power Base was such a spectacular product it was an easy choice for an annual Blue Note Award in 2023. Then I received advance word of the new BlackGround for Speakers. Would that be as impressive as the original Power Base? Would it be simply an alternate choice? Or would there be diminishing returns with both of them in the system? Then I discovered there would be both a stereo version and a larger, more potent monoblock version of the new Speaker Base. How would these two compare? And while I'm at it, Louis Motek had two power cords above the base Prime cord that would improve the performance of the BlackGrounds. Should I try those, too?
---> LessLoss BlackGround For Speakers Review.

04 / 22 / 25

Part 5 — Lower Level, And Left (Outremont / St. Laurent Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show
Major demos, new high-end audio tech, and very interesting audiophile innovation.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker
In Part 5 we tackle the other main hallway on the lower level. which is to the right as you come down the escalator. I'll first go down the Outremont rooms. which are large, but not as large as the St. Laurent rooms. Straight ahead and off to the right as you come down the escalator was the long counter full of Audio-Technica Canada headphones Sorry about the soft focus. I was in a hurry to get a shot off before someone else walked in front of me on this busy thoroughfare between the two main corridors. A l arge poster listed all of the products on display at the show with Show Special pricing that would save you from $10 to $700. depending on the item. The AT-LPA2 acrylic turntable with dust cover and separate power supply, for example, was marked down to $2000. a saving of $700. making this a very attractive package for the price, even at full markup. As eye-catching as this McLaren sports car was the coffee and snack counter just to the right drew a much bigger crowd.
---> Part 5 — Lower Level, And Left (Outremont / St. Laurent Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show.

04 / 20 / 26

Jury Rules Live Nation And Ticketmaster Illegally Monopolized U.S. Ticketing Market
A Manhattan federal jury found that Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary illegally monopolized the U.S. ticketing market, delivering a landmark verdict on Wednesday, April 15 (2026). A nine-member jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York returned the verdict after a five-week trial that featured testimony from dozens of witnesses and four days of deliberations. The case was brought by a coalition of state attorneys general that continued the litigation after the U.S. Department of Justice reached a separate settlement with Live Nation in March. Jurors found that Ticketmaster "willfully acquired or maintained monopoly power" in primary ticketing for major concert venues and that Live Nation monopolized the market for large amphitheaters through exclusionary conduct, including restrictive venue agreements and tying practices that disadvantaged rivals. The verdict form indicated consumers in 22 states and the District of Columbia were overcharged by an average of $1.72 per ticket from May 2020 through 2024.

State attorneys general hailed the decision as a major victory for fans, artists and venues, saying the ruling validates longstanding complaints that the company's vertical control raised prices and stifled competition. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a bipartisan coalition of 33 states and the District of Columbia in the trial, said the verdict confirmed that Live Nation and Ticketmaster had unlawfully eliminated competition and harmed consumers. Live Nation responded that the jury's decision "is not the last word," announcing plans to renew motions for judgment as a matter of law and to appeal any adverse rulings. The company also argued that the damages finding applies to a limited set of tickets and estimated aggregate single damages below $150 million, a figure that could be trebled under antitrust law. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will now preside over a separate remedies phase to determine penalties, possible structural relief and whether divestitures or behavioral limits are required.

What happens next: the court will hold additional proceedings to set remedies and damages, and both sides are expected to press appeals that could prolong the dispute. The ruling marks a potential turning point for the live events industry and could prompt significant changes to how concerts are booked, promoted and sold in the United States.

04 / 17 / 26

Record Store Day 2026: Where To Find This Weekend's Exclusive Vinyl Drops And Why Vinyl Sales Hit $1 Billion In 2025
Record Store Day takes place this Saturday, April 18, 2026, with thousands of indie shops offering hundreds of limited-edition vinyl releases; vinyl LP sales topped $1 billion in 2025. This annual celebration of independent music retail shops returns this weekend, with participating stores opening early for exclusive pressings, live in-store events, and collectible releases. This year's drop includes a wide range of limited runs and reissues aimed at collectors and casual buyers alike. Retail roundups and music outlets highlight more than 350 exclusive titles across genres, from reissued classics and live sets to colored vinyl singles and deluxe box sets; many titles are pressed in small runs and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Artists from Robert Plant to contemporary pop acts have curated RSD exclusives, and Bruno Mars serves as the U.S. ambassador with a special collaborations compilation. Expect long lines for marquee items and quick sellouts for low-run pressings.

The broader market context helps explain the buzz: vinyl LP sales surpassed $1 billion in 2025, a milestone reported by industry trackers and cited by music press as evidence that physical formats remain commercially significant even in the streaming era. That growth has fueled renewed investment in pressing plants, specialty packaging, and indie retail partnerships that make Record Store Day possible. For collectors, that means more high-quality reissues and special editions; for store owners, it means a crucial annual revenue spike and community engagement opportunity. If you plan to shop this weekend, prioritize a short list and check your local store's RSD policy before you go: many shops publish release lists and queue rules online, and some limit purchases to give more customers a chance at hot items. Bring cash (some vendors still prefer it), arrive early for headline releases, and be prepared to leave with a consolation pick—Record Store Day is as much about discovery and community as it is about scoring a rare pressing. For full release details and participating retailers, consult the official Record Store Day site and local store pages before heading out. As always... enjoy the music!

04 / 16 / 26

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Progression S350 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
The Dan D'Agostino S350 amplifier makes each musical selection sound spectacular!
Review By Tom Lyle
Dan D'Agostino Master Audio products are not the most expensive audio components on the market, but in my opinion, their audio products are some of the best sounding high-end audio components I've ever had the pleasure of auditioning. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review two D'Agostino Master Audio components in the past. In 2017, I reviewed the excellent-sounding Momentum Lifestyle integrated amplifier, which had an onboard DAC and could also be used as a streamer with its front-panel LCD metadata display. Also in 2017, I reviewed D'Agostino Master Audio System's Momentum phono stage, which I was highly impressed with its outstanding sound quality and very user-friendly front panel controls.
---> Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Progression S350 Stereo Power Amplifier Review.

Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source Loudspeaker Review
Singing a magnificent song.
Review By Bob Grossman
Do you remember as a kid when you first heard an excellent quality music system? It was exciting, right? That first time I heard music on a good stereo, I was completely mesmerized as if real musicians were performing in the room! It was an emotional experience beyond the thrilling sound. That feeling came back a few months ago at the Capital Audio Fest when I visited the Songer Audio room and heard the S1 Speakers for the first time. I had been listening to music in many different demo rooms with my good friend Ken Sternberg. We were also saying hello to industry friends and taking in the excitement of the festival. Something magical happened when we went into the Songer Room that distinctly grabbed our attention, like the first time I heard a stereo 60 years ago.
---> Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source Loudspeaker Review.

04 / 14 / 26

Southwest Audio Fest 2026: Show Dates, Tickets, And Highlights
The Southwest Audio Fest returns to Dallas this summer, running July 23rd through 25th at the Sheraton Downtown, with organizers shifting the schedule to a Thursday to Saturday format to replace the traditional Sunday session. This new schedule brings more people in a day early, and gives everyone a chance to pack up and enjoy their Sunday. Programming for the three-day festival emphasizes extended, reference-level listening sessions and curated manufacturer suites, alongside informative seminars and moderated panels. Attendees can expect product launches, evening listening parties, and a vinyl, CD, tweaks, reel-to-reel, etc marketplace aimed at serious audiophiles and music lovers. Exhibitors will span the full spectrum of high-fidelity gear, from floorstanding loudspeakers and boutique amplifiers to turntables, DACs, streamers, and room-treatment solutions, all demonstrated in purpose-tuned rooms to allow realistic auditions. Single-day tickets and multi-day passes are available through the festival site, with advance purchase recommended for popular demos.

Organizers say the move to downtown Dallas and the Sheraton's larger demo rooms aims to create a livelier, more efficient experience for both visitors and exhibitors, leveraging the city's dining and cultural districts and convenient airport access to grow the show's footprint. Exhibitor space is selling quickly, and attendees are encouraged to reserve passes early to secure access to scheduled demos and special sessions. The show's home is the Sheraton Convention Center in downtown Dallas, chosen for its large demo rooms and proximity to the Arts and Historic districts, giving attendees easy access to dining and cultural attractions. Exhibitors will include major manufacturers, boutique builders, dealers, and independent designers presenting home high-fidelity audio gear of many shapes and sizes, powerful amplifiers, analog turntables, Hi-Res Audio digital front ends, and acoustic room treatment solutions in real listening environments. Enjoy the Music.com looks forward to seeing you there, and be sure to see our Southwest Audio fest 2026 show coverage.

04 / 13 / 26

AXPONA 2026 Highlights Featuring Top Systems, New Gear, And Expert Sound Quality Impressions
A detailed look at more standout demos, flagship loudspeakers, vacuum tube & solid-state electronics, and analog showcases that defined AXPONA.
AXPONA 2026 Show Report By Chuck Bruce And Steven R. Rochlin
AXPONA 2026's weekend days, Saturday and Sunday, was filled with an energy that reminded attendees why this luxury home audio showcase brings a gathering of high-end audio enthusiasts and music lovers. The lively crowd explored the latest innovations in loudspeakers, electronics, analog playback, and digital front ends. From intimate reel-to-reel demonstrations to towering reference-grade systems, the weekend delivered a rich blend of technical excellence and musical immersion. Exhibitors showcased everything from compact lifestyle-friendly designs to six-figure flagship systems, each room offering its own interpretation of what true high-fidelity sound can be. Across the Audio Expo North America 2026 show floor, manufacturers unveiled new products, updated reference lines, and carefully curated system pairings that highlighted both engineering prowess and artistic presentation. This weekend's demonstrations revealed a wide spectrum of sonic philosophies that defined AXPONA 2026.
---> AXPONA 2026 Highlights Featuring Top Systems, New Gear, And Expert Sound Quality Impressions.

04 / 11 / 26

AXPONA 2026 Friday Coverage Feat. Value Rooms To $500,000 Sound Systems
In-depth coverage of luxury home audio demos, gear details, and expert sound impressions.
AXPONA 2026 Show Report By Chuck Bruce And Steven R. Rochlin
Welcome social — live music, food, drinks. Great fun and networking at the welcome social Thursday evening at AXPONA 2026 (Audio Expo North America); the live music created a relaxed, convivial atmosphere that made it easy to catch up with friends and hear gear in a musical setting. Warm, immediate, and engaging in a social room. Marten Parker Quintet presentation — $49,000/pair; Luxman integrated amp; Jorma cabling; AudioQuest Niagara line filter. The Quintet speakers were presented as a high-end, multi-driver floorstanding design paired with a refined Luxman integrated and premium cabling and power conditioning. Product notes say high-quality cabinet construction, time-coherent driver alignment, and a voicing that emphasizes midrange clarity. Sound quality is engaging and well balanced — natural, forward mids, clean and extended treble, and controlled bass that supports vocals and acoustic instruments without sounding heavy or slow.
---> AXPONA 2026 Friday Coverage Feat. Value Rooms To $500,000 Sound Systems.

Friday's AXPONA 2026 Highlights: Dr. Michael Bump's Audiophile Photos
Exclusive photos and firsthand visual impressions of luxury high-end audio demos from Audio Expo North America 2026.
AXPONA 2026 Show Photos By Dr. Michael Bump
Friday's photographs arrived with an extra layer of excitement after a quick call from our honorable music professor and reviewer, Dr. Michael Bump, who checked in from AXPONA 2026. He sounded energized and pleasantly overwhelmed by the sheer number of exhibit rooms and demonstrations he's been moving through; each room, he said, feels like a carefully curated listening salon where designers and engineers are showing off months or years of work. Between conversations with fellow musicians and music lovers, Dr. Bump has been soaking up the atmosphere—listening to focused demos, comparing tonal balances, and trading impressions about repertoire and playback techniques. His enthusiasm for meeting people who share his passion for sound came through clearly. Michael's been connecting with exhibitors, asking technical questions, and swapping stories about favorite recordings and playback setups, which has made his time at the expo both social and deeply instructive.
---> Friday's AXPONA 2026 Highlights: Dr. Michael Bump's Audiophile Photos.

04 / 10 / 26

This Weekend: AXPONA 2026 Show Coverage Begins — New Reports Publishing Now
Our extensive AXPONA 2026 coverage is now live, bringing you the latest highlights, breakthrough product debuts, and in-room listening impressions from this premier high-end audio event. From flagship audiophile sound system showcases to exclusive evening live concert features, we're rolling out fresh reports throughout the show. Dive into today's updates — and check back often as we continue adding new rooms, gear spotlights, and insider commentary.

Over three days, the AXPONA 2026 show combines a sprawling Expo Hall with many listening rooms, a trade pavilion, live musical performances, and specialty areas such as the Ear Gear Experience, and IASCA car audio showcase. Education and community programming remains central to the event's appeal as AXPONA's schedule includes many activities. With thousands expected to attend, the event continues to grow as a cornerstone of the North American audio community. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or someone curious about high-end sound, AXPONA 2026 promises an engaging, hands-on journey through the best that modern audio has to offer. See our Audio Expo North America 2026 show report updates.

Part 4 — Lower Level, Left (Montreal / Westmount Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show
A deep dive into the Montreal Audiofest 2026, featuring early-morning impressions, high-end audio's latest innovations, audiophile solutions, and standout demonstrations.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker
The weather at Montreal Audiofest is nowhere near as bad as the early years when it was held earlier in the year at the Delta Hotel. Still, it was not surprising to find a coating of snow on the city on Sunday morning. The snow surrounding the pool and the fog above the heated pool make for an enchanting early morning dip. I was hoping this would be the year I'd risk going for a swim, but the need to stay on schedule and get my work done prevailed. Arriving at the hotel restaurant early, finding empty tables, and being seated immediately put me at ease. Charles Kirmuss, the Doctor of Groove, joined me for a glass of orange juice. I had studied his website before coming to the show, and we had an interesting conversation about his record rejuvenating technology. When I see him at his booth, I rarely have time to engage with him, so this was a treat. Montreal is his hometown, so he always makes this show. He's a big fan of Anne Bisson, who is also from Montreal.
---> Part 4 — Lower Level, Left (Montreal / Westmount Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show.

04 / 09 / 26

U.S. Recorded Music Revenue Hits Record $11.5 Billion In 2025 Driven By Streaming And Vinyl LPs
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reported that U.S. recorded music wholesale revenue reached a record $11.5 billion in 2025, marking continued industry growth driven largely by digital formats. Streaming remained dominant, with streaming revenues rising to $9.5 billion and accounting for 82% of total U.S. revenue for the fifth consecutive year. The RIAA highlighted that this expansion reflects labels' investments in technology and new fan experiences. Paid subscription services continued to power the market: the U.S. is the world's largest paid subscription market with 106.5 million paid accounts generating $6.4 billion, and premium paid subscription revenue grew 6.8% to $5.88 billion. At the same time, physical formats saw notable gains—vinyl sales surpassed $1 billion for the 19th straight year, representing nearly half of global vinyl value and outselling CDs in revenue and units. 

RIAA leaders framed the results as evidence of a resilient, evolving music economy, noting that label strategies around streaming, vinyl, and responsible AI licensing are expanding creative and commercial opportunities for artists. The association also emphasized music's broader economic footprint, reporting that the recorded music sector contributes $212 billion to U.S. GDP and supports more than 2.5 million American jobs. The RIAA's 2025 Year-End Recorded Music Revenue Report presents figures on revenue categories, format performance, and evolving licensing models, and the organization has refreshed its interactive database with historical data. Industry stakeholders pointed to the report as a roadmap for balancing technological innovation with protections for creators as new tools and formats reshape how fans discover and purchase music.

04 / 08 / 26

Global Music Revenues Surge 6.4% As Streaming And Innovation Reshape The Music Business Industry
Global recorded music revenues climbed 6.4% to $31.7 billion in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, according to IFPI's Global Music Report 2026. The organization credits this rise to strong partnerships between record companies and artists, as well as expanding engagement with paid streaming platforms. With 837 million paid streaming subscribers, streaming now accounts for more than half of all global recorded music revenue. Record companies are also positioning themselves at the forefront of AI innovation. The report highlights their work in developing licensing models that ensure artists are compensated when their music is used in AI-driven tools. IFPI emphasizes that the goal is an ecosystem where human creativity and AI can coexist, with technology enhancing rather than replacing artistic expression.

Alongside growth, the industry faces mounting challenges from streaming fraud, where artificially generated plays divert revenue away from legitimate artists. IFPI calls for stronger action across the entire streaming value chain—including platforms, aggregators, and distributors—to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. The organization stresses that combating fraud is essential to protecting the integrity and sustainability of the music economy. Every global region experienced revenue growth in 2025, with Latin America leading at 17.1%, followed by strong gains in Asia and the Middle East & North Africa. Physical formats also saw renewed momentum, driven by an 8% rise in sales and vinyl's continued resurgence. As the industry adapts to rapid technological and cultural shifts, IFPI's report underscores music's enduring global influence and the sector's ability to innovate through change.

04 / 07 / 26

Part 3 — Industry Gala Banquet: Celebrating Innovation And The People In High-End Audio
A premier gathering of luxury audio professionals, brands, and creators shaping the future of sound.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker
In recent years, the industry has gathered on Saturday nights at the Canadian Audiofests for a celebration of camaraderie and to acknowledge the lifetime achievements of prominent people in the industry. On my way to the event at the hotel, I wandered past the rooftop homage to wilderness and found the ducks feasting on fresh strewn corn. The fish were not jumping this early in the season. People were encouraged to dress up in hip attire from the 1990s. Those wearing eye-catching ensembles were asked to pose for photos in front of a decorative marquee. I grabbed a glass of champagne that was offered and slid past this ritual in my suit from that same era. People were eager to sit down this year, as Saturday had been especially busy. There had been a lot of younger people at the show this year, and a noticeable number of women visitors. The same can be said of the crowd at the banquet. Some of the banquet attendees, like this whippersnapper, were considerably younger.
---> Part 3 — Industry Gala Banquet: Celebrating Innovation And The People In High-End Audio.  

04 / 06 / 26

$1B Verdict: Supreme Court Shields ISPs From Piracy Liability
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 9–0 decision in Cox Communications versus Sony Music Entertainment, reversing a lower-court ruling that had held the internet service provider liable for subscribers' music piracy and overturning a jury award that exceeded $1 billion. The Court held that an ISP cannot be treated as a copyright infringer solely for providing internet access to the public, rejecting the theory that mere knowledge of user infringement is enough to impose contributory liability. The dispute began after music companies used third-party monitoring software to trace alleged illegal uploads and downloads to IP addresses assigned to Cox subscribers and sent the ISP more than 163,000 infringement notices over the period at issue. Sony and other rights holders sued, and a jury awarded statutory damages that together topped $1 billion; the Fourth Circuit later affirmed a finding of contributory infringement, prompting Cox to seek Supreme Court review.

In an opinion explaining the unanimous 9-0 ruling, the Court emphasized established principles of secondary liability, saying contributory liability requires proof that a provider intended to foster infringement—either by affirmatively inducing it or by tailoring a service to facilitate it—not merely by failing to terminate accounts after receiving notices. The decision clarifies that ISPs' limited ability to monitor or control individual users and their contractual prohibitions on infringing activity weigh against imposing broad liability for subscribers' actions. Legal and industry observers say the ruling is a landmark win for internet providers and will reshape litigation strategies for copyright owners, who may now focus on targeting direct infringers or services that actively promote piracy rather than access providers. Rights holders have signaled they will evaluate next steps as the case returns to lower courts for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's guidance. Analysts also warn the decision could prompt policy debates over notice-and-takedown practices and the balance between copyright enforcement and universal internet access.

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