High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

02 / 28 / 22

David Chesky's Graffiti Jazz In Meta-Dimensional Sound
David Chesky pushes jazz forward to create new sounding aural collages using virtual sounds to replace traditional jazz harmony. Grammy nominated composer and pianist David Chesky is back with a new jazz album, Graffiti Jazz, and this time he's venturing into new territory: Creating a jazz record with no other musicians and no real instruments. The recording will be available March 11th, 2022 as one of the debut releases on Chesky's new label, The Audiophile Society. "After writing countless compositions for piano, orchestra, ballets, and operas (wooden instruments), I wanted to try something different," said David Chesky. "I went back to my jazz roots and wanted to create an album where I don't use harmony and use all virtual instruments. After all we live in a digital virtual world so why not try to reflect this culture with the computers we all live on. I substituted all the harmonies that would usually accompany melodies in the songs with just sounds, so the sounds are the accompanist to the melodies and the soloing. The compositions are centered with a bass line, rhythm machines, and traditional and nontraditional sounds. I used these sounds as the platform to improvise over."

Given that non-traditional sounds and sound design were integral to the composition of this album, it's no surprise that the sonic space is one of the highlights of the work. Graffiti Jazz features The Audiophile Society's signature Meta-Dimensional Sound, which is a unique type of 3D audio. With the addition of the Meta-Dimensional Sound the music has height and has a soundstage that is outside of the speakers. Since this is music was conceived to be heard in one's home, in this case your stereo system or headphones are the virtual concert hall. This creates a stunning atmosphere for this album and brings the work to life in a way that wasn't previously possible.

02 / 25 / 22

USA Calls Out Foreign Services That Steal Music
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual Notorious Markets Report highlighting illicit services that threaten the American music community and other creators. Below is a quote from Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Senior Vice President, International Policy, George York on the report: "We are tremendously grateful to Ambassador Tai and the entire USTR team as well as their interagency colleagues for this critical report that underscores how copyright piracy around the world undermines the U.S. comparative advantage in creativity to the detriment of American workers and causes significant financial losses for U.S. copyright holders and creators. The digital services identified in today's report are profoundly harmful not only to the American music community, but to the U.S. economy and the good jobs, wages, and growth our community provides."

"We welcome in particular the report's prioritization of the types of theft that target the music community and do considerable harm to creators, including pre-release piracy and stream-ripping. While the report focuses on several infringing services for music in Europe, including in Russia, this is a critical global challenge that we also confront in Asia, Latin America and Africa. For example, we have seen concerning amounts of pre-release piracy grow in Nigeria, where such sites have come to thrive in the midst of gaps in both legal protections for creators and enforcement actions against online theft. The recording industry is immensely thankful for the tireless work that USTR and the interagency team put into this report, which again sets the standard for other countries to follow. The commitment to promoting copyright protection and enforcement around the world that are exemplified by this report is greatly welcomed, and we look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Tai and her team to help secure an environment where American creativity can thrive and prosper."

02 / 24 / 22

AGD "The Audion" GaNTube Monoblocks Review
Class D reaches the upper echelon of high-end audio.
Review By Rick Becker
Back at the turn of the millennium you could put together a pretty good audio system for $10,000, and you could listen to many of those components in a local brick & mortar store if you lived in a decent size city. Sure there was some stratospherically priced gear in the $10,000 to $20,000 range you might be able to see if you went to one of the audio shows on the left or right coasts. Then along came "quantitative easing" and the internet. Gear got more expensive, the brick & mortar landscape eroded and major as well as regional audio shows proliferated.
---> AGD "The Audion" GaNTube Monoblocks Review.

Synergistic Research Foundation Cables Review
Oracles house themselves within temples of the humble.
Review By Rick Becker
Like with climate change, it's hard to believe there are still cable deniers in this world, but they show up in the forums with a loud voice. You would think the multitude of High End cable manufacturers would be a clue. After all, if high end cables were all snake oil would so many companies exist? Would so many people buy them? And importantly, would brick & mortar stores, who build their reputations and depend on repeat customers, be selling them? At audio shows nobody runs generic power cords or interconnects.
---> Synergistic Research Foundation Cables Review.

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report

  While we wait for a few more show reports to chime in from Enjoy the Music.com's writing staff, here's Part 4 filled with many pics from the Florida Audio Expo 2022. Within this update are some spectacular speakers, DACs, and a really sexy turntable too! For those who love artistic luxury audio products, we have something for you!
---> FLAX 2022 show report Part 4.

02 / 23 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report

  Today's update has a glorious variety of gear seen during the fabulous Florida Audio Expo 2022. From turntables and DACs to splendid speakers and more! We even found a small taste of headphone heaven too! Let the music play on....
---> FLAX 2022 show report Part 3.

HIGH END 2022 In Munich Germany
From May 19th to 22nd, 2022, the 39th HIGH END trade show in Munich will yet again shine the spotlight on excellent music reproduction, inspiring listening enjoyment and exquisite audio technology. For many years, the HIGH END has been providing both the big players in the industry and smaller owner-managed companies with their ideal presentation platform as the world's leading audio trade show. It is the perfect place to establish business relationships, expand networks and exchange ideas and experiences with other industry experts. After trade shows all over the world were brought to a standstill by the pandemic, the international audio show now wants to further develop its high significance for the B2B area. "The second trade visitor day has attracted a consistently positive response", reports Stefan Dreischärf, Managing Director of HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH. "We are very pleased about this situation and will do everything that we can to ensure that the HIGH END can take place in extremely safe conditions." Dreischärf does, of course, regret that he will probably be unable to accept all registrations.

Also planned is their first automotive conference of ALTI LLC in Europe. This event will take place simultaneously with IPS – International Parts + Supply 2022 and HIGH END 2022 at the MOC in Munich. Their collective goal is to bring together hi-fi, audio and acoustics experts, automotive manufacturers, suppliers, brands and stakeholders. The conference offers an ideal platform to discuss the latest industry trends, share knowledge and network with like-minded people. You can meet the entire world of hi-fi experts and professionals at Munich's MOC exhibition grounds. Two trade visitor days will give exhibitors the perfect chance to plan their B2B meetings with no stress and without being pressed for time. As a parts manufacturer and supplier you can immensely benefit from these conditions, because your customers are already there.

02 / 22 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report

  As we continue our journey through the fantastic Florida Audio Expo 2022 show, it was obvious the sound within various rooms is very, very good. Some rooms have the sound quality many wish they had within their own home music system! Friendly faces, marvelous music, and sensational sound caress my ears....
---> FLAX 2022 show report Part 2.

Coachella Music Festival Collectible NFTs
Coachella, a popular name for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival annual music festival held in Indio (California), is now offering NFTs to unlock lifetime Coachella passes, art prints, photo books, digital collectibles, and more. Coachella Collectibles are a first of its kind opportunity for unique on-site experiences, physical items, and digital collectibles. They have partnered with FTX US to build an environmentally friendly marketplace on Solana. A portion of the proceeds from each item will be donated to Give Directly, Lideres Campesinas, & Find Food Bank, and a royalty will support the creators involved.

There are 110 digital collectibles made up of iconic festival photos and never before heard soundscapes from the Polo Fields. Mint this NFT and randomly receive 1 of these 10 combinations. Each NFT can be redeemed once for a physical art print of the photograph. Each photographer and installation artist receive a sales royalty on their associated NFT. Coachella Collectibles owners are granted access to private community channels within their official Discord.

02 / 21 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report

  As the first high-end luxury audio event of 2022, it felt like a 'welcome back' party during the Florida Audio Expo 2022 show. Everyone was overjoyed to see one another in person. With some flights cancelled due to snow, Enjoy the Music.com's Greg Weaver was unable to attend this event. So this meant i had to work double-time to get photos, chat with our good friends, partner magazines, and those who kindly appreciate our efforts. As always, we wish there was more time! Some planned events did not occur, such as Greg's music night, while others, such as our very private party, was incredibly well-attended as everyone enjoyed great food, my Muse / wife Heather's very generous drink-pouring of Macallans 18 year, JWalker Blue, Siesta Key Rum... and go-karting!
---> FLAX 2022 show report Part 1.

Pacific Audio Fest 2022 Luxury Audio Show
Pacific Audio Fest 2022 will take place from July 29th through 31st at the Doubletree Hilton Sea-Tac Washington. PAF 2022 is the first major audio show promoted by exhibitors and music lovers for music lovers and exhibitors. Hosted in Seattle and serving the entire Pacific coast, from Los Angeles to Vancouver, BC, Seattle is a top tech hub and one of the fastest growing communities within the USA. In addition, it is a vacation paradise in the summer months.

PAF show Director and Founder Lou Hinkley has nearly thirty years experience as an exhibitor in music trade shows and festivals with his company Daedalus Audio. The show collaborators include Gary Gill, Founder of Capital Audiofest, and other notables in the audio industry, together we will make this a fun and extremely high quality event for attendees and vendors all the while keeping this show to a scale that works for everyone. We personally believe 80 to 100 rooms makes for a great, stress free show and will leave larger shows than that to others. You can learn more on Enjoy the Music.com's Pacific Audio Fest 2022 show report page.

AXPONA 2022 High-End Audiophile Show
AXPONA 2022 will take place from April 22nd through 24th at the The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Liz and Mark from AXPONA say, "We are mindful of the current status of the pandemic and also know things will evolve in the months to come. We also appreciate that traveling and attending a show in April will not be for everyone and we respect anyone who prefers to stay home. It is encouraging that in this current environment, many well established tradeshows are once again being held on schedule."

"We are committed to holding AXPONA in a safe environment for those who are excited to participate," says Liz and Mark. "Everyone will be required to show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event. Details on this process will be communicated in March. Per the current Cook County Department of Public Health, anyone aged two and over must wear a mask while indoors in a public space, except when eating or drinking. If local guidance changes, we will share any updates with you. A full description of AXPONA's current policies and guidelines is available and will be updated as needed on our website." You can learn more on Enjoy the Music.com's AXPONA 2022 show report page.

02 / 17 / 22

CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier Review
A new paradigm for the integrated amplifier platform.
Review By Greg Weaver
CH Precision was founded by Florian Cossy and Thierry Heeb, two alumni of the highly influential and innovative Swiss high-end audio firm Goldmund. Given the wide-reaching acclaim and the host of industry awards they have garnered since their founding, it is hard to believe this company is just rounding out its first decade! For reasons that will become clearer as you get further into this evaluation, I must preface this examination by noting that my experiences with their early offerings had left me somewhat wanting.
---> CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier Review.

The Neoteric Listener
Furutech DSS-4.1 Speaker & DPS-4.1 Power Cable Review
Review By Dean Seislove
Cables have it rough. Last in thought, least in budget, forever to be put to work quickly, and then quickly overshadowed by flashier audio gear. When gushing about an audio system, who starts with the cables? Nobody ever, that's who. Such neglect is a crying shame. Cables bear the precious audio signal like a yeoman's cart dispatched by his ladyship. They're the pack mules in the trip down the Grand Canyon; the Pontoon boat floating down the Mekon river. Without cables, your audio system deluxe is just odd-looking furniture. Cables deserve accolades, no matter how much contrary nonsense is spouted off by cynics. I deny the cable deniers!
---> Furutech DSS-4.1 Speaker & DPS-4.1 Power Cable Review.

02 / 16 / 22

This Weekend! Florida Audio Expo 2022
The Florida Audio Expo (FAE) 2022 will take place this weekend (February 18th through 20th) at the newly refurbished Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore hotel. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to experience up to 12 floors' worth of products from the world's leading audio brands. New for 2022, the show will partner with Bill Nimz and the team from Barbaric Nightmare Productions for daily live streams from the show floor. Their live feeds will feature sights and sounds during this event, including interviews with industry experts throughout the weekend on the FAE's YouTube channel. Furthermore, the Florida Audio Expo is expanding its regional marketing activity, working closely with such local music venues as Bilheimer Capitol Theatre and Ruth Eckerd Hall to reach their music-loving members. Qobuz is once again FAE's official lossless music streaming service. See Enjoy the Music.com's Florida Audio Expo 2022 show report page for more info.

02 / 15 / 22

WMG And The Sandbox Create Music-Themed Metaverse
The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming virtual world and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, announced today that it has partnered with Warner Music Group (WMG) to create the first music-themed world in The Sandbox gaming metaverse. A combination of musical theme park and concert venue, the Warner Music Group LAND in The Sandbox will feature concerts and musical experiences featuring WMG's leading roster of artists. The strategic partnership marks The Sandbox's first deal with a major music company and Warner Music Group's first entry into the NFT metaverse realm. WMG is one of the world's biggest music companies, comprising hundreds of top artists and labels including Atlantic, Warner Records, Elektra, and Parlophone. The agreement opens the doors to WMG talent appearing in The Sandbox – thus creating a new arena for musical entertainment in the metaverse.

Under the partnership, The Sandbox will work with WMG to develop innovative music experiences taking place on the WMG LAND. These immersive experiences will empower Warner Music artists to engage with their fans, as well as to reach the global community of The Sandbox and generate new revenue streams and new forms of virtual entertainment. To mark the occasion, The Sandbox will hold a LAND sale in March 2022, which will allow music fans to buy coveted LANDS adjacent to the WMG property. Part virtual real estate, part amusement park, The Sandbox fully embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space where worlds and heroes collide to make magic. Warner Music Group joins over 200 existing partnerships including The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, Adidas, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Smurfs, Care Bears, Atari, ZEPETO, and CryptoKitties, all following The Sandbox team's vision of empowering players to create their own experiences using both original and well-known characters and worlds.

02 / 14 / 22

audioXpress' March 2022 Issue Is Now Available
audioXpress' March 2022 issue features:
Editorial: The Internet Of People
KEF KC62 Subwoofer with Uni-Core Driver Technology
Sound Level Evaluation for Raspberry Pi 4
How Loud Is It?
Evolution in Testing
REST for Automated Test and Measurement
Measuring MEMS Microphone Arrays
A Critical Front-End for Innovative Applications
And much more!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "Right after CES 2022 closed its doors it became obviously clear that we are still looking at the perspectives of another difficult year as the world struggles to overcome the effects of the global pandemic. CES happened — albeit closing one day early — and just served to show how much we need to get back to business with real demonstrations, booths, and show halls. And as the industry looks at the uncertainties ahead, there are critical decisions to be made. For those companies that have been working on innovative technologies and solutions that really need to be seen and heard — and need the momentum that only a trade show can generate — this is particularly difficult."
---> audioXpress' March 2022 issue.

02 / 11 / 22

AXPONA To Feature Singer / Songwriter Lori Lieberman
AXPONA will be featuring a performance by Lori Lieberman on April 23rd (Saturday) at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center. According to AXPONA: Best known for the poem she wrote that became the classic "Killing Me Softly", Lori Lieberman is currently recording her 20th album, entitled, Lori Lieberman, Truly. This album represents a departure for her, artistically and conceptually, with a selection of songs she grew up listening to on the eight-track tape machine in her father's car, in Switzerland, where she grew up. Lori Lieberman has toured worldwide since the 1970's as a Capitol artist, and in recent years, performed twice to sold out audiences at Carnegie Hall, and the famed Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, with the noted Matangi String Quartet. See Enjoy the Music.com's AXPONA 2022 show report page for more information.

The Audiophile Society 3D Audio By David Chesky
This just in: The Audiophile Society is the brainchild of composer, pianist, and audio pioneer David Chesky. The new label will focus on bringing even more realistic three-dimensional recordings to market with their Meta-Dimensional Sound, The Audiophile Society's name for their unique two-channel 3D audio that can play on all existing two-channel stereo, while showcasing emerging artists working in a multitude of genres. The ultimate goal of The Audiophile Society is to change the way you hear music. All Audiophile Society audio downloads will include a special dedicated 3D headphone mix.

David Chesky says, "Headphones are different experience from speakers and the mixes should be treated differently. When you hear our headphone mixes you should feel the sounds coming not from inside your head like normal stereo recordings, but you should feel a sense of externalization from the sound. The listener should feel like they are in the venue that the music was performed in." All Audiophile Society downloads come in a choice of two audio packages: The Hi-Res PCM Package (which includes a 192kHz/24-bit speaker mix, a 96/24 headphone mix, & a DSD speaker mix) or The DSD & 48/24 Package (which includes a DSD speaker mix, a DSD headphone mix, a 48/24 speaker mix, and a 48/24 headphone mix), all in Meta-Dimensional Sound. In addition to recordings, The Audiophile Society website will feature audiophile merchandise, videos, interviews, and content.

02 / 10 / 22

World Premiere Review!
Mojo Mystique EVO B4B 21 DAC (2021 Version)
It sounds like music.
Review By Dr. Matt Clott
Mojo Audio, located in Albuquerque, NM, is the brainchild and passion of Benjamin Zwickel, President, CEO, and chief designer. Although not as well recognized as the big-name manufacturers, Benjamin has established his brand as a manufacturer direct digital source alternative that offers enormous value in performance and routinely hits way above its price point. Do not confuse this Mojo with the Chord Mojo portable DAC... not the same. I have previously had a positive experience with his DACs within my pre-reviewer days and I was thrilled at the opportunity to formally review the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO B4B 21 D/A Converter. Having gone through several iterations, the current model line-up nomenclatures are all Mystique EVO 21 DACs.
---> Mojo Mystique EVO B4B 21 DAC (2021 version).

Music Has A Lot To Say...
If you're willing to listen.
Review By Mike Perez
What kind of headspace are you in when you are listening to music? Are you working out?
Relaxing in your favorite chair sipping a cocktail? Driving down a lonely road deep in thought? Or getting ready to dance the night away at your favorite club or hangout? Wherever you are, music always has some type of roll to play. As I write this, I have one of my go-to playlists working in the background because the ambient sound always helps me to get words on the page. The reasoning behind this article is that I was stricken with curiosity. I want to know what some of my friends, colleagues, and HiFi Industry Professionals are listening to at the moment.
---> Music Has A Lot To Say...

02 / 09 / 22

Classic Records Founder Michael Hobson Vinyl LP Sale
Michael Hobson, founder of Classic Records, was a meticulous collector of original pressings of desirable Rock, Pop, Punk, Alternative, Country, Jazz, Blues and Classical records. For 20+ years before founding Classic Records, Hobson travelled across the country and globe shopping for LPs in nearly every record store of any significance. Additionally, during the period from 1989 through 1995 when "Hobson Ultimate Sound" was in operation in lower Manhattan, Mr. Hobson had many opportunities to pick LPs from private collections of great importance in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT) where some incredibly rare and desirable LPs came into his possession. Now 40+ years later, Hobson's 30,000 LP collection needs to be thinned with many prized possessions being offered to the world exclusively on themusic24 and Testpressings eBay accounts by special arrangement with Michael Hobson.

The Michael Hobson Private Collection copies feature many incredible titles Hobson tracked down worldwide over the past 40+ years! As a rabid collector of the best pressings, this opportunity to won some of Hobson's favorite titles should not be missed! Many of the recordings being offered are impossible to find these days and if you do find them, they are often in poor condition. All titles from Hobson's Private Collection include a sticker certifying them as a genuine MH Private Collection copy to assure authenticity and provide for collectibility and likely appreciation. Each week Hobson will make a video around some of the rarities offered that week. He will talk about the secrets he has uncovered and discovered about each original copy.

MRC Data's 2021 USA Year-End Music Report
MRC Data, said to be the most comprehensive global provider of data and analytics to the entertainment / music industry / consumers, has released their 2021 report. According to MRC Data, "MRC Data's 2021 U.S. Year-End Report, presented in collaboration with Billboard, reveals overall consumption grew 11.3% during 2021, due to continued growth in audio streaming, a milestone year for vinyl and a changing of the guard for Catalog versus Current music consumption... behaviors accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic led to several remarkable milestones. Overall consumption grew 11.3% year-over-year (YoY) in 2021, thanks to a 12.6% lift in on-demand audio streaming."

"For the first time since MRC Data began tracking streaming music in 2008, the audio streaming of Current music (music released less than 18 months ago) actually declined. This led to a significant increase in Catalog's share of the audio on-demand streaming universe, with 70% in 2021 vs 65% in 2020, as consumers reconnected with old favorites or discovered them for the first time through platforms like TikTok. Vintage music formats took on new relevance in 2021 too, as vinyl album sales outpaced CDs for the first time in MRC Data's history (since 1991). Vinyl album volume increased a whopping 50.4% YoY and finished the year with 41.7 million versus CD album volume at 40.6 million. This included the first week in MRC Data history that saw vinyl sales in excess of 2 million copies, with 2.11 million albums sold the week ending Dec. 23 as consumers stocked up for the holiday season."

02 / 08 / 22

AKM Advanced Velvet Sound 32-bit/768kHz And 22.4MHz DSD
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has redesigned the AK4490 digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and its higher-end counterpart, AK4493, as new products under the Velvet Sound brand. These new devices use advanced Velvet Sound technology to improve electrical margin and stability. They are claimed to "achieve an unprecedented level of audio integrity and dynamics while maintaining the reduced power consumption of the original AK4490 and AK4493." The AK4493S and AK4490R have been redesigned to optimize signal path impedance for much-improved noise immunity, particularly as it applies to low-frequency noise performance.

The AK4490R and AK4493S accept up to 768 kHz PCM data and 22.4 MHz DSD data (AK4493S). They aim to accurately reproduce the information-rich, unaltered audio data of high-resolution sound sources. AKM's AK4493S has a dynamic range / SNR of 123dB (2Vrms) and 128dB (Large Amplitude Mono mode) with a THD+N of -115dB. AKM's AK4490R has a dynamic range / SNR of 120dB (2Vrms), with 123dB in Mono mode and a THD+N of -112dB. These devices accept up to 768kHz PCM data and up to 22.4MHz DSD data for the AK4493S.

FLAX Documentary Filming By Barbaric Nightmare Productions
FLAX will partner with Barbaric Nightmare Productions to host their new documentary, The New Audiophiles. In addition to filming for the documentary, the Barbaric Nightmare team will live-stream daily over the Florida Audio Expo's YouTube channel, interviewing industry experts before a live audience. In addition, roving camera crews will capture and broadcast live footage of the event.

"This documentary will show not only how our love of music has grown through the pandemic, but also how audio technology has enabled the next generation to be the 'The New Audiophiles'," said producer Bill Nimz. "This film aspires to tell the story of how artists and industries are evolving, and how new waves of audiophiles, of all ages, are discovering their love for great music." The Florida Audio Expo appreciates all the support it has gotten from the industry, with special thanks to platinum sponsors Qobuz.com and Enjoy the Music.com. Learn more and see our Florida Audio Expo 2022 show report.

02 / 07 / 22

Hi-Fi World's March 2022 Reviews & Think Pieces
Hi-Fi World's March 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: This Issue Brings Many Exciting Reviews
News: Words from the world...
Competition: Win a Black Rhodium cable worth £330.
Q Acoustics Concept 50 Large Floorstanders
Mission QX2 MKII Loudspeakers
Blue Aura Blue I MIDI System
Chord Mojo 2 DAC
iFi Pro iCan Signature Headphone Amplifier
Black Rhodium Loudspeaker Cables
Furutech Lineflux NCF RCA Phono-Plugs
Luxman MC-5 Moving Coil Cartridge
...and much more!

Within his editorial, Noel Keywood says "At Hi-Fi World we've enjoyed bringing you some of the UK's biggest loudspeakers, the most extraordinary being Tannoy's Westminster Royal GRs in our November 2015 issue. Delivered by truck from Scotland, they demanded pallet trolleys and three men to manhandle each one. Thankfully our building had a goods lift. The days of such exotic loudspeakers from Tannoy are over, sad to say. We are still happy to take in and grapple with large floorstanders though and this month yet another pair grace our pages, this time from Q Acoustics. Where the Westminsters clocked in at £27,950 the Concept 50s are more wallet friendly, just £1,999. Yet they gave a great sound, big enough to keep most listeners happy. You can read about these lovely loudspeakers on p10." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World at this link.

02 / 04 / 22

Hi-Fi+ February 2022 High-End Audio Magazine
Hi-Fi+'s February 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: We Remember Those Who Passed
Meet Your Maker: Mads Klifoth of Audiovector
Remembering Max Townshend
Wilson Audio Chronoconic XVX Loudspeaker
PMC Fact Fenestria Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Metronome Technologie DSC Streaming DAC / Preamplifier
Musical Fidelity M8xi Integrated Amplifier
Astell&Kern Ultima SP2000T Portable Music Player
The Funk Firm Akutrak MM Phono Stage
Veremeer Audio Model Two Streaming DAC/Preamplifier
Meze Audio Liric Hybrid Headphones
Finite Elemente Pagode Edition MK2 Carbon
Nordost Odin 2 Tonearm Cable +
...And More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "As we were going to press, we learned of the death of Tony Graham of Grahams Hi-Fi in London. To have to write one obituary in an issue is bad. To have to write two of people you knew well is incredibly difficult. Although Tony Graham might not be the best known person in the industry, he was influential in both building Grahams Hi-Fi up to be one of the most important audio stores of the time. He also at one time helped kick-start a new generation of members into the audio industry. Myself included. Few will know of him because he was a mild and unassuming man, who rarely ventured beyond the glass walls of his office at the centre of Grahams Hi-Fi's Islington showroom." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

02 / 03 / 22

World Premiere Review!
Clarus CODA USB DAC / HeadAmp Review
High-performance USB-DAC with headphone amplifier and MQA.
Review By Rick Becker
Fingering through pens, twistos, and a highlighters
To find the vintage die cast letter opener,
Veteran of bills and invoices opened by my father and his father before him
And me after both of them. Some things last forever.
Old tools and such.
Most businesses, like most people, music and audio gear come and go.
Today this tarnished brass blade is used to carefully open
The tucked-in end flap of the point-of-sale box
Containing the new Clarus CODA.
A first batch sample of the hi-rez USB DAC with headphone amplifier...
---> Clarus CODA USB DAC / headamp review.

Black Cat Graceline Level-2 Interconnect & Speaker Cable Review
Worth every freaking penny because your system will appreciate it.
Review By Tom Lyle
In March of 2019, I reviewed Black Cat's 3200 interconnect, speaker, and digital cable in Enjoy The Music. I was very impressed by these relatively affordable cables. The Graceline (by Black Cat Cable) Level-2 interconnects and speaker cables reviewed here are a considerable step up from those cables in sound quality. In case one might not have heard of Black Cat cables, and even if you have, I strongly suggest one read the "We Ask 10 Questions..." interview with Chris Sommovigo, which appeared in November 2020's issue as part of the celebration of Enjoy The Music's 25th Anniversary. In this interview, I learned that Mr. Sommovigo is a very knowledgeable, level-headed designer and inventor. Some of his cables were very sonically successful, such as his digital cable, of which he sold several of his designs to Kimber Kable.
---> Black Cat Graceline Level-2 interconnect & speaker cable review.

02 / 02 / 22

HiFi Media's Jan / Feb / Mar 2022 Is Now Available
Hi-Fi Media's January / February / March 2022 issue features:
Editorial: HiFi Media's 25th Jubilee
Davis Acoustics Courbet No 7 Loudspeaker
Pro-Ject Debut PRO Turntable
Audio Technica VM95SH i VM540ML Phono Cartridge
PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Integrated Amplifier
Analysis Plus Black / Power Oval Cables
Definitive Technology BP 9040 & CS 9060 Speakers
Panasonic RZ-S500W TWS EarbudsMic
And much more!

Within his editorial, Andrija Curkovic says "The last time we celebrated some of our anniversaries was on the occasion of the 100th issue of the magazine. Since then, a lot of time has passed (for some), or a little, depending on which side of the fence you are at - as a reader or as a member of our editorial board. In that period, we want to be fair and admit, we should have done more for you - more editions, more quality topics, more tests... but we didn't. Not because we didn't want to, we just didn't succeed. Sometimes you can't get your head through a wall no matter how persistent you are in your intention."
---> HiFi Media's Jan / Feb / Mar 2022 issue.

02 / 01 / 22

Enjoy the Music.com's February 2022 Review Magazine
As we prepare to report on the Florida Audio Expo in a few weeks, we've just posted our very exciting February Review Magazine! This month we feature World Premiere reviews, a special think piece, plus videos too! We look forward to seeing many new products at FLAX Tampa in just a few weeks and hope to see you there! See this month's Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine.

Making Your Hi-Fi Gear Choice
Roger Skoff tells a happy truth about hi-fi.
Article By Roger Skoff
Years ago, when people would ask me which CD player to buy, I always told them that, for CD players, there are only two purchase options that should ever be considered: Either the cheapest you can find or the very best you can possibly stretch your budget to afford. Don't bother with anything in-between, I told them. To make any kind of functioning CD player at all requires such a high level of technology that everything on the market is at least good. And, unless you want (and are willing to pay for) something truly exceptional, to pay more than the minimum for anything other than the very best you can manage may either be just to spend money needlessly or to pay extra for cosmetics; for bragging rights ("Look what, I've got!); for some final sonic nuance that you may particularly care about; or for something else, of value to you but not necessarily even performance-related.
---> Making Your Hi-Fi Gear Choice.

Video: Can Audiophiles Define Audio Nirvana?
Emiko takes a deep dive into trying to understand exactly what audiophiles are seeking in audio reproduction.
Video By Emiko
Emiko, a.k.a. ThatHiFiGirl and eCoustics (one of Enjoy the Music.com's online partners) have joined together on a new video series aiming to connect with the next generation of music lovers, audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts. Our goal is to inform, entertain and attract an entirely new audience that appreciates music, but is not quite sure how to begin its journey. If you're old enough you might remember the ad slogan, "Is it live, or is it Memorex?" The 1972 ad campaign for Memorex cassette tapes featured The First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald singing a high note that could shatter a goblet — once during a live performance and again when played back via Memorex tape.
---> Can Audiophiles Define Audio Nirvana?

The Audio Analyst Episode 63
The Promise of the New Year.
Video By Greg Weaver
Greg Weaver's The Audio Analyst first appeared during 1988 as the title of a small, high-end audio publication that he founded that same year. The promise of the revived show schedule had most of us thinking we were finally back on track for a resumption of near normalcy in 2022. But with the cancellation of the inaugural AudioConLA in mid-January, it looks like we may be stating a backward slide yet again. The show schedule interruptions notwithstanding, there is plenty of content coming to the channel over the next year. Take a look....
---> The Audio Analyst: The Promise of the New Year.

World Premiere Review!
Treehaus Audiolab Phantom Of Luxury Loudspeaker Review
A very high quality speaker with unique sound.
Review By Rick Becker
Tom and I had been thirsting for Capital AudioFest 2021 for a month. Being hyper-vigilant and feasting on the science about Covid made it an on-again-off-again decision. If we went for just Friday there would be fewer people and most of them would be old farts like us who not only had the vaccine, but also the booster. Then a distant family member died in upstate Connecticut. The funeral would be Thursday. Linda and I would have to drive through NYC at rush hour to get to Maryland that night. Tom would have to drive down from Rochester alone. It was just a plan, but it was do-able.... But who the hell is Treehaus Audiolab?
---> Treehaus Audiolab Phantom Of Luxury Loudspeaker Review.

LampizatOr Baltic 3 Hi-Res DAC Review
A new approach to Noval tube design from Poland.
Review By Greg Weaver
Founded near Warsaw Poland in 2010, while LampizatOr builds electronics and speakers, many are not aware of those offerings, as it was their exceptional tubed DACs that first put the company on the map. Owned and operated exclusively by its designer Łukasz Fikus, after hearing the disarming $17,250 Golden Gate DAC some seven years ago, then the even more engaging $27,000 Pacific DAC at a show during 2018, the reason for their success became apparent. Both these SET-based devices offered a conspicuous step closer to the undeniable naturalness, organic coherence, and space and dimensionality offered by the very best LP transcription systems. Łukasz and Lampizator North America principal Fred Ainsley have recently announced the launch of the nearly $50,000 Horizon DAC, which I will get to hear at its official launch during the third Florida Audio Expo in mid-February of this year.
---> LampizatOr Baltic 3 Hi-Res DAC Review.

Read All Articles, Hi-Fi Gear Reviews, Etc.
We have more wonderful high-end audio equipment reviews within this month's Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine.

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