High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

  We invite you to join our social media pages and meet music lovers and audiophiles from all around the world. Like and follow our social media pages to chat with our reviewers, industry luminaries, and our loyal followers. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!

05 / 21 / 26

Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review
A sense of performance that gets out of the way of your music.
Review By Simon Lucas
Getting to 'Series 3' of the Bowers & Wilkins 705 stand-mounting loudspeaker has been a rather more convoluted process than it might seem at first glance. You might imagine that 'S3' replaces 'S2', which in turn replaced 'S1' (or perhaps just '705') – but you'd be wrong. Getting to '705 S3' initially required there to be an original '705', it's true. But after this, the entire 700 range (for reasons no one cares to remember) became the 'CM' range. 'CM' didn't remain a thing for all that long, and was replaced by the 'S2' range of 700 models. Then the 705 S2 (and the 702 S2 floorstander) were singled out for the Bowers & Wilkins 'Signature' treatment – I reviewed the 705 Signature in issue 187 of this very magazine. These 'Signature' editions ran alongside the 'vanilla' S2 models on which they were based.
---> Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
Synergistic Research Master Fuse Review
Take a leap of faith and trust your own ears.
Review By Rick Becker
Andy Weiderspahn was away at the Florida Audio Expo when news broke of their new Master fuse so Kevin Sample stepped up and obtained permission for me to receive some review samples. Having previously reviewed the Black, Blue, Orange, and Purple fuses over the years I was eager to investigate this new version — especially because of the hype that went along with the introduction. Obviously, it is not named with a color. More alarmingly, it takes a large jump in price over the Purple fuses that grace much of my system. But most importantly, it claims to be such an improvement over the Purple that they recommend using only one, primarily in your source component, two at most. This last point softens the blow of the price jump. The Master is said to work well with lesser Synergistic fuses that may already grace your system.
---> Synergistic Research Master Fuse Review.

05 / 20 / 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.

05 / 19 / 26

audioXpress' June 2026 Issue
Editorial: A Curated Listening Experience
A Year Of Significant Expansion
From Microphones To HATS Understanding In-Car
Simulation And Optimization Of Automotive Acoustics
Audio Software Development With Claude: SPLMeter
Questions To Mike Engelhardt About QSPICE
Stabilizing Tube Feedback Amplifiers Without Much Math
The Frequency Limits Of Human Hearing
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "When I visit trade shows, particularly those that are not predominantly focused on audio technology as such, I always find interesting examples of successful businesses that have managed to find a market niche, or a product segment where audio technology truly makes a difference. But to understand the reasons why, it's important to look carefully at the opportunity that generated that success, as well as the context, or the environment that surrounds those companies' products. Frequently, product designers are looking at "reversed solutions" that try to find a problem originally created by their own technology or concept. And it is always easy to find marketers amplifying that message as though all their potential customers would approach product acquisition from their own view of the "problem." Understanding the whole layered complexity of the audio supply chain offers a fresh perspective. Automotive speakers are one of the biggest volume categories in the loudspeaker industry, and are the last thing on the mind of a consumer when buying a car. But the automotive industry understood that loudspeakers—and the whole audio system in cars—play an increasing role in helping sell successfully as a category.
---> audioXpress June 2026 Issue.

05 / 18 / 26

AXPONA 2026 Listening Notes, Gear Highlights, And New Gear Show Report
Audiophile show coverage of breakthrough systems, top room demos, and must-hear gear from this high-end audio show.
Audio Expo North America 2026 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump
The audiophile faithful descended once again on Schaumburg, IL, April 10th through 12th, for North America's largest gathering of high-end designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts of all levels and backgrounds. AXPONA 2026 is now officially in the books as the largest to-date, with Event Director Liz Smith reporting 12,546 attendees – a 15% jump over 2025. Gen Z, attendance in particular was up 52% - a successfully targeted demographic that signals a tremendous show of enthusiasm and support from our ever-growing community! With 750+ international brands / designers, retailers, and exhibitors and 235 dedicated listening rooms distributed over 12 floors of the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, this year's AXPONA 2026 high-end audiophile show provided ample opportunity to experience and celebrate some of the finest home audio hi-fi designs in the world. Though the above numbers for this 15th annual audiophile event are impressive, I am continually inspired by the welcoming, tight-knit community that it represents.
---> AXPONA 2026 Listening Notes, Gear Highlights, And New Gear Show Report.

05 / 15 / 26

Shanghai International TAS 2026 To Draw Record Crowds With Global Debuts And Immersive Experiences
The 33rd Shanghai International Top Audio-Visual Show (TAS 2026) opens this weekend at the Shanghai International Convention Center and the Oriental Riverside Hotel, marking one of the largest and most influential editions in the event's three-decade history. Running from May 15th through 17th, the show continues to cement its status as a premier hub for high-end audio, home theater innovation, and luxury AV technology in Asia. This year's exhibition may reach a record-breaking scale, featuring many luxurious high-end audio professional listening rooms and a plethora of impressive function halls—an expansion designed to give brands and visitors a more modern, immersive and comprehensive, experience. Organizers emphasized that TAS 2026 has long served as a bridge between international manufacturers and China's rapidly growing audiophile community, helping shape the evolution of the country's hi-fi market. Various manufacturer's globally seek to employ Chinese developments and employ programmers for their digital apps, controllers, and music streamers, etc.

A major highlight of TAS 2026 is the wave of global product debuts, with a vast amount of heavyweight high-fidelity audio brands unveiling new flagship models and next-generation acoustic technologies. Multiple press conferences throughout the weekend showcased innovations in amplifier design, speaker engineering, and digital audio processing. The show also introduced a rare imported vinyl zone, offering enthusiasts the chance to experience warm, lacquer-cut recordings seldom available in China. To continue attracting younger audiences, organizers expanded the show's trend-focused and immersive interactive zones, including a gaming-music experience area featuring curated immersivephile soundtracks from popular titles. These spaces blend high-fidelity audio with contemporary aesthetics, giving new listeners an accessible entry point into premium sound culture. The event also welcomes several international brands making their first appearance in China, many actively seeking distributors for the Asia-Pacific region—an indicator of Shanghai's growing influence in the global AV landscape.

05 / 14 / 26

Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review
Bringing tears of joy when listening to special songs.
Review By Tom Lyle
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory" of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much. It was not twice as good as the EMM Labs converter; it doesn't work that way, but the improvement in sound quality was significant. I jumped at the chance when I was offered the subject of this review, the relatively new Nagra Classic DAC II / PSU / VFS combo.
---> Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review.

What Kind Of Music Do You Like?
Roger writes why what you like is what you ought to buy.
Article By Roger Skoff
Many a long year ago a friend of mine asked me what kind of speakers he ought to buy. Complimented by his confidence in my judgment and wanting to be helpful, I asked him some questions to help me figure out what might be best for him. One of the first was "How much do you want to spend?" To which I got "It doesn't matter; whatever it costs." I should have known better – he was the local Maserati dealer, quite well off, and really could afford just about anything I might suggest. Next, I tried "What kind of music do you listen to? " and was told "Everything; I like it all, as long as it's good." Other questions about all the usual hi-fi criteria – imaging, soundstaging, timbre, transient attack and decay, harmonic richness, the whole thing – got equally vague answers until I finally asked him "Is there anything at all that you particularly like or want in the music you listen to?", That's when I hit the "jackpot": "Loud." He said, "I like it really loud!"
---> What Kind Of Music Do You Like?

05 / 13 / 26

Experience Immersive Music, Home Theater, And Stereo At Audio Advice Live 2026
Audio Advice Live will return to the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel from August 7th through 9th, bringing together legacy stereo music lovers, modern immersivephiles, movie enthusiasts, and home technology fans for their consumer home entertainment event. Now in its fifth year, the three-day showcase will offer attendees the chance to audition the latest loudspeakers, electronics, projectors, video displays, turntables, and headphones across more than 60 experience rooms and 12 music / movie Dolby Atmos immersive sound systems. Audio Advice Live 2026 will feature a variety of demonstrations from major and specialty brands, giving guests rare side-by-side comparisons of high-end audiophile and mainstream gear. With many manufacturers under one roof, attendees can explore everything from reference loudspeakers and audiophile turntables to the latest projection and streaming technologies. 

"Audio Advice Live is designed to give consumers an opportunity to experience a massively diverse set of home audio and home theater products all in one location,” said Jonathan Stephens, Chief Revenue Officer at Audio Advice. Now in its fifth year, the event has attracted top brands from around the world and aims to deliver hands-on listening and viewing experiences that are difficult to replicate outside a dedicated demo environment. Beyond demo rooms, the weekend program includes Deep Dive Sessions led by industry experts, exclusive product showcases, and live entertainment. Friday evening features a special state-of-the-industry keynote from Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam, followed by a live concert at the nearby Lincoln Theater.

05 / 11 / 26

Southwest Audio Fest 2026: High-End Audio Showcase
The Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) 2026 is scheduled from July 23rd through 25th, and is celebrating their new location at the Sheraton Convention Center in downtown Dallas. This perfectly positions the event between the city's Arts and Historical districts to attract both local attendees and out-of-town visitors. Organizers emphasize a concentrated three-day format designed to increase foot traffic and create a more energetic, festival-style atmosphere. After years of observing many events having slow Sunday attendance, SWAF is among the first to smartly reworked its calendar by moves to a Thursday through Saturday schedule. The change aims to give attendees more flexibility—Thursday's late afternoon opening accommodates professionals and travelers who prefer to arrive the same day, while Friday and Saturday retain full-day programming including many rooms that will host evening and after hours listening events. 

Programming for SWAF 2026 expands the show's luxury and lifestyle focus with exhibit rooms featuring Home Theater and A/V, signaling a more diverse focus than the older, legacy stereo audiophiles, with a stronger emphasis on integrated audiovisual demonstrations alongside traditional two-channel high-end stereo systems. The festival will also feature the region's Vinyl Record Shows, billed as some of the best in the Southwest, plus interviews with the founders and curated exhibitor rooms that highlight turntables, analog components, streaming solutions, and immersive home theater setups. Attendees are strongly advised to book sleeping rooms only through the official SWAF website. The SWAF 2026 audiophile and immersivephile festival is an accessible, lifestyle-oriented show intended to appeal to longtime music lovers, musicians, audiophiles, and newcomers alike, promising a mix of high-end demonstrations, vinyl culture, and modern immersive audio experiences in a compact downtown setting. We look forward to seeing you there, and don't miss reading Enjoy the Music.com's extensive and informative SWAF 2026 show report coming soon after the event.

05 / 08 / 26

Hi-Fi+ May 2026 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: The Ultimate Goal Of High-Fidelity Audio
Audiovector R 5 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Accustic Arts PREAMP 1/AMP 1 Pre & Stereo Power Amp
Nagra Compact Player Network Streamer
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 Prestige Edition Loudspeaker
Linn 150 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Isol-8 Powerline Extreme Power Distributor
HIFISTAY MYTHOLOGY X-1 Equipment Support
Editor's Choice: Our Collection Of The Finest Audio Gear
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "We are getting ever closer to the goal of ultimate fidelity; where a recording and the live sound are so close to one another that they are functionally identical. However, I experienced a couple of live events recently, and that demonstrated how far we still have to go. I know of at least five members of the UK audio industry who attended the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust (you can donate here: teenagecancertrust.org) concerts staged at the Royal Albert Hall. Those who think 'RAH' and assume 'classical music'... these were gigs by bands like My Bloody Valentine and Mogwai. They were handing out ear defenders at the door (I brought my own). Regardless, even with enough ear defence that my hearing remained resolutely undamaged, the visceral experience of standing in front of one of these post-rock and shoegazy bands playing at mind-numbingly powerful levels is something that's almost impossible to replicate in the home. Good ear defence notwithstanding, Mogwai made my teeth go deaf for a few days. That is not a live, unamplified event; it's a live event with all the amplifiers. Think of that scene from Oppenheimer, but with sound instead of a nuclear bomb."
---> hi-fi+ May 2026 High-End Audio Magazine.

05 / 07 / 26

Ayon Audio CD-35 II Signature CD Player / Transport Review
My new reference!
Video By Ana[dia]log
Sound has always caught my attention and fascinated me since I was a child. I was born and raised in Italy, in the Florentine countryside. My father is Italian but my mother was from the USA. In fact, she was always playing cassettes and 45 rpm vinyl LPs of the so-called oldies from the 1950s and 1960s including The Beatles. This opened up a huge new world to my eyes and ears to various genres of music besides the classic stuff friends and I were listening in Italy while growing up during the 1980s and 1990s. The different sounds and language had a great influence on my life and musical tastes. Fast-forwarding a few years, during college I finally started to have my musical independence and my own first (crappy) stereo. I slowly started to understand that different gear, especially that of non-famous brands, could open a whole new world of sound quality and engagement....
---> Ayon Audio CD-35 II Signature CD Player / Transport Review.

Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers Review
The origins and sound of granite.
Lee Scoggins Talks With Acora Acoustics Founder Valerio Cora
With the nearly universal consensus of praise and earning many show awards during the Florida International Audio Expo 2023, the Acora Acoustics, VAC, Oracle Audio, Aurender, LampizatOr, and Cardas Audio room was a sound to behold! As one of the best-sounding exhibition room during the recent Tampa show, it brings us joy to showcase a very recent interview by Lee Scoggins as he sits down with Acora Acoustics founder Valerio Cora. They both discuss Acora's relatively recent emergence in the audiophile world. Within this video, you'll discover why using granite as an enclosure plays a big role in the loudspeaker's overall performance and Valerio's beginnings with high-end audio. Enjoy the Music.com's Steven R. Rochlin reported on the Florida show and said, "My wife heather and I came back to this room a few times, as it was right off the dining area and so was easy to hear them during the day and night sessions too. My wife and I loved the sound, as it was fast, clean, and immensely musical. The Acora Acoustics VRC-1 floorstanding loudspeakers, as seen here in GT Pearl Granite, also were able to fill the very large room with deep bass, and the uppermost registers (high) were smooth and clean."
---> Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers Review.

05 / 06 / 26

HIGH END Vienna 2026 — Premiere High-End Audio Show At Austria Center
Music lovers and audiophiles will enjoy Vienna's legendary musical heritage.
HIGH END Vienna 2026 opens a new chapter for the world's premier high-end audio exhibition, staging its debut at the Austria Center Vienna from June 4th through 7th. The relocation from Munich to Vienna was framed as both symbolic and strategic: organizers emphasized Vienna's musical heritage and the ACV's modern facilities as ideal for larger, more immersive listening experiences. The event has a sold out exhibitor floor well in advance of this audiophile event and will reach a steady stream of international visitors across four days. The Austria Center Vienna provides a spacious, acoustically flexible setting that allows manufacturers to build larger demonstration rooms and more elaborate installations than in previous years. Exhibitors range from legacy loudspeaker and tube amplifier makers to boutique turntable builders and cutting-edge streaming and room correction technology firms. Many luxury audio brands will use the Vienna high-end audio show debut to present flagship products and concept systems, some of which were prototypes slated for later commercial release. Programming at HIGH END Vienna 2026 will balance product launches with musical presentation, under the show's cultural theme "The Power of Music." Curated listening sessions and live performances will be woven into the schedule to demonstrate how high-fidelity systems translate musical nuance into emotional impact.

Dominique Fils-Aimé serves as a visible cultural touchstone for the event, participating in performances and moderated sessions that highlighted interpretive detail and dynamic expression. These musical elements were intentionally paired with technical demonstrations so attendees could compare subjective listening impressions with measured performance. The result was a program that appealed to both audiophile purists and music lovers seeking a deeper connection to recorded sound. Industry reaction emphasizes the improvements of the Vienna location. Attendees will enjoy larger rooms, clearer circulation, and a more international exhibitor mix. For visitors and exhibitors planning ahead, the show offers practical takeaways thanks to wonderful listening sessions, expect a mix of production models and prototypes, and organizers signal that Vienna will remain a focal point for future editions. Plans to refine the balance between technical showcases and musical programming are being enabled to keep the event relevant to both industry professionals and passionate music lovers alike.

05 / 04 / 26

International Jazz Day 2026: Chicago All-Star Global Concert Marks 15th Anniversary
Global celebrations, educational programs and a star-studded Chicago concert highlight the 15th anniversary of UNESCO's worldwide jazz initiative.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
International Jazz Day 2026 drew global attention on the 30th of April, as musicians, educators, and communities around the world joined a coordinated series of concerts, workshops and broadcasts to celebrate jazz's enduring cultural impact. The day's centerpiece was an All-Star Global Concert hosted in Chicago, a city long synonymous with jazz innovation, which served as a focal point for live performances and a hub for simultaneous satellite events. Thousands of local gatherings—from small club sets to large outdoor festivals—complemented the global broadcast, creating a layered program that reached audiences in dozens of time zones. Organizers emphasized accessibility, streaming key segments online and partnering with cultural institutions to ensure the music and educational content reached schools and community centers.
---> International Jazz Day 2026: Chicago All-Star Global Concert Marks 15th Anniversary.

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.

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