High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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02 / 28 / 23

Synergizing With Synergistic Research At FLAX 2023
With gear from Superhero sidekick Scott Walker Audio.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
If there's one constant we can all count on during a luxurious premium audio show, it is Synergistic Research's Ted Denny giving an excellent demonstration of their extensive line of high-end audio gear. From thick cables and terrific tweaks to fantastic fuses and power filtering devices, Synergistic Research is your one-stop shop for many beautifully-engineered bits of audio nirvana. Ted is an excellent showman as he'll showcase a specific tweak by putting it within the system, and then allowing us all to give the system a listen. Then Ted will insert whatever device he's showcasing and give us all another listen to hear the differences.
---> Synergizing With Synergistic Research At FLAX 2023.

02 / 27 / 23

Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Celebration At FLAX 2023
Superb special floorstanding speakers are a feast for my ears.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
With a great following on social media, Ofra Gershman and her husband Eli are the celebrated couples at whatever event they exhibit. Of course we're here at the Florida International Audio Expo to hear their loudspeakers. This year at FLAX 2023 Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Grande Avant Garde speakers. While photos can be deceptive, these speakers stand a mere 39" high yet deliver sound that far exceeds their relatively compact size. My listening note come right out and say that the sound is far 'larger' than expected. While that may sound a bit vague, what I really mean to say is that for floorstanding speakers that are a mere 39" high, they produce a sound that usually takes a far larger design.
---> Gershman Acoustics 30th Anniversary Celebration At FLAX 2023.

AGD Productions And Ocean Way At FLAX 2023
Another excellent showing by AGD of their Award-earning products.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
Alberto Guerra of AGD Productions is always a joy to see during shows. His warm welcome and innovative amplification and hi-res digital audio gear always delivers excellent sound. Enjoy the Music.com has reviewed quite a few prices of AGD gear for good reason, they are always exceptional sounding. It seemed he brought everything (and the kitchen sink) of gear, so the below listing feature a few highlights. Of note is their AGD Andante Pre-DAC Streamer Phono that easily plays a great role at the center of your home audio system. There are four analog inputs (phono included, three analog outputs for bi-amplification/etc., plus of course an excellent 32-bit/384kHz R2R DAC. Without a doubt the Andante Pre-DAC Streamer Phono stands as an exceptional control center for all your source gear.
---> AGD Productions And Ocean Way At FLAX 2023.

Pacific Audio Fest 2023 Is Just A Few Months Away
The Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) 2023, taking place at the Doubletree-Hilton Sea-Tac/Seattle from June 23rd through 25th, is now open for exhibitor registration. "Most vendors are returning so get on board ASAP," say show promoter Lou Hinkley. There will be live music Friday and Saturday nights, with NW regional wine and beer tastings, and ~80 rooms of quality audio, Marketplace, Record Fair, HeadZone and much more! The Pacific Audio Fest show is located at a top tech hub and one of the fastest growing communities in the USA, plus 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. PAF is guaranteed to be bigger and better for 2023 so book your vendor space and sleeping rooms now! In addition, most vendors are returning so if you desire an exhibition room the time to reserve a room is now. See our Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) 2023 to learn more

02 / 24 / 23

AV Luxury Group: Margules, Raidho, Scansonic HD, RSX....
Enjoying great tunes and having a ball @ FLAX 2023 with Bruce Ball.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
The AV Luxury Group International is an excellent distribution company co-founded by all around great guy Bruce Ball. Bruce is a longtime regular at shows, as he has represented such famous brands as Benz Micro, XLO Electric, Halcro, TAG McLaren Audio USA, and Questyle North America to name a few. Bruce also enjoys a fine cigar from time to time, yet we're here for the music and audio gear so let's get right to it.

Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
A special 4k video from Elton's Dodger Stadium show in 2022.
As the very last show within the USA by the legendary musician and singer Elton John, we're featuring his incredible recently uploaded 4k concert video! Taking place at Dodger Stadium on night three, this is his very last ever USA show with Brandie Carlile, Kiki Dee, and Dua Lipa. Other appearances include Bernie Taupin and Elton's family David, Zachary, and Elijah. As always... enjoy the music!
---> Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour!

02 / 23 / 23

Direct Audio And Wham Engineering / Wally Tools
Vinyl LP enthusiasts rejoice at FLAX 2023.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
Vinyl lovers rejoiced as Direct Audio was at the Florida International Audio Expo 2023 with bins after bin of vinyl LP releases. While the company also sells hardware and accessories, their room was filled with bins of analog LPs. Business looks great as the rooms was pretty well packed during the entire show. In the room next to Direct Audio was Wham Engineering / Wally Tools, who are famous for their analog setup tools to ensure your turntable is properly configured. Precisely mounting and aligning the phono cartridge on your turntable's tonearm is paramount to achieving the very best sound. The WallyZenith is to ensure the correct stylus/cantilever zenith error.
---> Direct Audio And Wham Engineering / Wally Tools.

Convergent Audio Technology (CAT) At FLAX 2023
Ken Stevens once again showcases why CAT gear is truly exceptional.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
One of the exciting rooms here at the Florida International Audio Expo 2023 was Convergent Audio Technology (CAT) and seeing Ken Stevens. This legendary company has been producing enchanting-sounding luxury audio for many years, with many rave reviews accordingly. According to their website, "CAT's philosophy is to design our products to neither add to, nor detract from, the music." Ken is a longtime designer of vacuum tube premium audio equipment for well over over 30 year, and with time comes knowledge and wisdom. Without a doubt his experience brought many benefits for attendees at FLAX 2023.
---> Convergent Audio Technology (CAT) At FLAX 2023.

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.

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?

02 / 22 / 23

MC Audiotech Showcases Their New TL-12 Speaker
Fascinating MC Audiotech floorstanding speakers at the Florida International Audio Expo 2023.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
The new MC Audiotech TL-12 floorstanding speakers is a classic cabinet design and joins the company's well-received and highly stylish TL-10 model. MC Audiotech, a company we gave the world premiere review of their outstanding Forty 10 floorstanding loudspeaker back in July 2021 ($37,000), was showcasing their new TL-12 ($24,900 on up depending on finish) here at FLAX 2023. Their speakers are said to be a whole new world in the joy of listening. Using Wide Band Line Source (WBLS) drivers, this MC Audiotech transducer is a wideband line source dynamic device that is the result of 40 years of research and development.
---> MC Audiotech Showcases Their New TL-12 Speaker.

Heavenly Headphones And Head-Fi At FLAX 2023
Personal audio gear at the Florida International Audio Expo.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
There were a few rooms on the upper floor featuring various headphones, head amps, etc., and heavenly head-fi gear. The immense growth of this part of our premium audio industry has been awe-inspiring! Reaching full maturity today, we're seeing many incredible-sounding personal audio systems at various price points. From entry-level to ultra-fi, there's a set of cans, streaming DACs, plus high-end balanced amplification for your lifestyle and budget. Recording and mastering studios have also been paying close attention to personal audio, as there are various record labels offering headphone-based music or recording mixes that are specifically engineered for personal audio listening.
---> Heavenly Headphones And Head-Fi At FLAX 2023.

AXPONA 2023 Show Features Anne Bisson
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) 2023 takes place from April 14th through 16th at the The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The three-day experience features multiple hotel floors packed with over 190 listening rooms according to the show promoter. The Expo Hall featuring The Record Fair, The Ear Gear Experience, and seminars. Whether you're a serious audiophile, a newcomer to high-end audio or simply a music lover, you'll find everything you need to immerse yourself in your favorite sounds.

AXPONA is thrilled to announce that Canadian Jazz singer/songwriter Anne Bisson will be taking stage to close the first day of their show on April 14th. The charismatic pianist and television star from Montreal, Quebec is leading her world class jazz trio with new songs and covers. Fresh from the success of her single "Killing Me Softly" from her previous album Keys to My Heart, Anne Bisson has decided to perform and record more standards from the American jazz songbook, as well as new arrangements of classic songs that were so much a part of her teen-age years. Be My Lover, Anne's seventh album that's set to debut in March 2023, is a savory feast of original compositions and classic songs in her own bold new arrangements for her acoustic trio. The concert is open to all AXPONA visitors, so don't miss the chance to attend this highly anticipated performance in Chicago. Learn more at our AXPONA 2023 show report page.

02 / 21 / 23

The Big Rooms At FLAX 2023
Florida International Audio Expo's large rooms.
Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin
Wow! Yes, these are the main floor's large exhibit rooms, so they have the decisive advantage of having an abundance of physical space to properly integrate loudspeakers within a room. Every seasoned premium audio enthusiast knows that the loudspeakers, and their placement within the room, can make or break the quality of sound we hear. I'm happy to give a full gear listing... when the manufacturer provides it. As always, I ask each exhibit room to send me a gear listing via email and some do, others don't as a show is very busy. Allow me to reserve the right to add gear listing within my reports over time, as trying to remember each piece of gear over many rooms... my brain aint what it once was. With that said, here are the Big Rooms and my impressions of the sound heard.
---> The Big Rooms At FLAX 2023.

Documentary: Legendary Loudspeaker Designer Andrew Jones
Rose City Media Group is announcing production has begun on a new documentary film, directed by Emiko, about the auspicious beginnings and meteoric rise of legendary loudspeaker designer Andrew Jones. Wherein the hi-fi audio industry usually focuses on the "how" aspect of things produced, this film is geared to focus on why Jones is who he is and why that allows him to create hit after hit in the loudspeaker arena. Additionally, and perhaps moreover, the film aims to share with audiences a holistic picture of who Andrew Jones is, what drives him, what inspires him to create, and to answer a series of questions that face not only the hi-fi audio industry but offers an extension to audiences outside of that as it takes a look into the music and creative world, and indeed, presents a unique and engaging point of view to anyone who is looking to pave a path forward in making their dreams come alive.

The subject of this film, Andrew Jones, is known for his work as an award-winning loudspeaker designer. Having gotten his start at KEF, then growing to be at the helm of the design process at Pioneer, TAD, and Elac, most recently in 2022, Jones was invited to join MoFi Electronics to spearhead an innovative new line of loudspeakers. The inaugural model, the SourcePoint 10, launched November 2022 to great excitement and acclaim. Jones's near-lifelong passion for audio began in his early teens and loudspeaker design and development quickly became the focus of that. In total, his schooling, professional career, and commitment to audio and speakers now extends into his 6th decade, with no signs of slowing down. Of the production, Jones says, "I am honored that Emiko finds my life and achievements of such interest, beyond just the world of audio that I work within, that she is inspired to make this documentary. I'm fascinated to observe the process of how she tells this story and hope that this gives others some insight into how they can, just like me, follow their passion and fulfill their dreams."

02 / 20 / 23

Fantastic Fun At The Florida International Audio Expo 2023
Great growth within the premium audio experience.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
Decades ago many of you reading this would have had to wait months to find out what was happening at luxury audio shows. We'd be champing at the bit waiting for the next issue of whatever print magazine(s) we were subscribed to hoping to learn about the latest and greatest gear. It brings me immense joy knowing many of you reading this might not remember those days decades ago. It's also proof of the amazing progress we've all been enjoying thanks to the internet. Back then there were only two main shows within the USA, plus a small handful of others around the world. Today there are so many shows that it is (literally) impossible to have one person report on them all! If there was proof that our industry is 'fire', as the kids say, it doesn't take a genius to know that high-end audio continues to evolve and grow.
---> Fantastic Fun At The Florida International Audio Expo 2023.

Salon Audio Montreal / Audiofest 2023 Show
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2023, scheduled from March 24th through 26th, brings in more than 5000 visitors who want to hear, see and touch over 300 brands of audio products under one roof. It's the biggest get-together of audio/video industry manufacturers, distributors and retailers in Canada. Exhibitors are eager to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $1000 to $1,000,000. Montréal Audiofest presents their 34th edition of its popular annual meeting at the Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal.

Located in the heart of downtown Quebec, the recently renovated hotel will once again be transformed into a multitude of listening rooms to accommodate thousands of music lovers and nearly 100 exhibitors, representing more than 300 brands of products from the world of high-fidelity audio. As part of the show's acoustic performances, which is part of their educating program, includes an immersive sound experience thanks to Focal loudspeakers. The Audiofilles are back for a fourth year, this group of women share the same passion for music and have discovered a new passion for the audio equipments that they want to share with you. Learn more at Enjoy the Music.com's Salon Audio Montreal / Audiofest 2023 show report page.

02 / 18 / 23

We're Live @ The Florida International Audio Expo 2023
Fun cell phone pics as we're still @ FLAX 2023.
Show Coverage By Steven R. Rochlin
As I post this it is February 18th (Saturday), and so the Florida International Audio Expo is still happening. Our staff or writers felt you'd enjoy some exciting cell phone pics and teasers. With four Enjoy the Music.com reviewers attending FLAX 2023, we'll have an abundance of coverage to post daily. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> We're Live @ The Florida International Audio Expo 2023.

02 / 16 / 23

Scansonic MB5 B Floorstanding Speaker Review
Sit back and enjoy the music!
Review By Tom Lyle
A couple of months ago, Enjoy the Music.com head-honcho Steven Rochlin (his official title is Creative Director) emailed the writing staff inviting us to review the Scansonic MB5 B speakers. After viewing the photo of the MB5 Bs, but before reading anything else about them, I replied to his RSVP as quickly as I could. This was because the resemblance to the two different pairs of Raidho speakers recently reviewed in Enjoy the Music.com was uncanny. In July of that year, I reviewed the Raidho model TD4.2, and Matt Clott reviewed a pair of Raidho TD3.8s in December 2021's issue. The Scansonic MB5 B not only looks like Raidho speakers but is designed and manufactured by the same company. Scansonic is owned by the Danish high-end audio manufacturer Dantax, which owns Raidho and Gamut Audio. On their website, Scansonic claims that all Scansonic products are "built on the experiences, knowledge, and research gained from making Raidho speakers."
---> Scansonic MB5 B Floorstanding Speaker Review.

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.

Australian Hi-Fi January / February 2023
Editorial: I Attended CES 2023 In Las Vegas
Audio News And Hi-Fi Primer
JBL Interview
Cambridge Audio Alva ST Turntable
Yamaha YH-5000SE Headphones
EarMen CH-Amp Headphone Amplifier
March Audio Sointuva WG Speakers
Revival Audio Atalante 3 Speakers
Music Top Picks
Music Reissues Plus Head Bangas
And Much More!

Within her editorial, Becky Roberts says "Like every year (bar the past couple, of course), I spent the first days of January 2023 attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (of all places!) to see first-hand some of the most exciting audio products on the near horizon, as well as the biggest innovations that could materialize beyond that. The hi-fi industry is hardly the headliner of the world's biggest annual technology show, with its ever-shrinking physical presence somewhat overshadowed by Big Tech, automotive tech, biotech.... This CES, eyes goggled (and I swear I saw some drooling) over Sony's prototype Afeela electric car (created in collaboration with Honda and pegged for a 2025 release), which has an interior clad in screens and features an actual display on the front bumper that the owner can use to deliver information to passing cars and pedestrians. And if that's not futuristic enough for you, then how about Aska's A5 flying car, now on pre-order for $789,000 USD?"
---> Australian Hi-Fi January / February 2023 Issue.

02 / 15 / 23

audioXpress March 2023 Magazine
Editorial: Invitation-Only Audio History
Burkhard Vogel's Slopes And Levels
Lumped Element Modeling Of Transducers
Modern PC Board Design Practices Part 2: Tips And Techniques
Power Transformer Parameters, Selection, And Testing Part 5: Losses
Accuracy In LTspice Modeling
Echo AIO: A Cost-Effective Audio Test System
Modular Evolution In Audio Testing
Acoustical Measurement And DSP Amplification In
Automotive Audio
Transitioning Audio Tests From R&D To The Production Line
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "Since returning from CES 2023, I feel there are some experiences and impressions that are worth leaving here for posterity. After nearly three years with no major trade shows contributing much in terms of surprises and excitement, the annual Las Vegas, NV, event was clearly a great way to kick start the new year. It wasn't a big event for new products launches, nor did it signal the introduction of new technologies of which we weren't aware. Plenty of new products were already launched in 2022, simply because many companies were forced to postpone their planed introductions for nearly two years due to the global pandemic. And most of the technologies we got to see at CES 2023 were in fact things we have been reporting for some time. So, why the excitement?"
---> audioXpress March 2023 Magazine.

02 / 14 / 23

Statista Radio Content Popularity, Yet There's More...
According to Statista, a well-established provider of market and consumer data, "Despite the rise of streaming and digital media, the good old radio is still alive and well in the United States. Studies have shown that people across the U.S. still listen to the radio regularly, particularly in the car where it remains a powerful form of entertainment. So given the rise of tapes, CDs and streaming, all of which have failed to eliminate the technology, what radio content do Americans listen to in the 21st century?"

According to Statista Consumer Insights, they found that alternative, indie, and rock music was the most popular genre heard on the radio during 2022. These were followed by country music, pop, and adult contemporary. What Statista found very interestingly is that genres such as Rap and R&B were "the most popular genre in terms of music and video streams last year, only ranks fourth among radio listeners". And just like that radio play, while very popular, is also being augmented by streaming of course. Statista's Radio Content Popularity survey is interesting, yet there's more to the story of course. Streaming music genre popularity does not necessarily follow commercial radio, and that is wonderful news for those who choose to enjoy music that best fits their lifestyle. As always, enjoy the music.

02 / 13 / 23

Florida International Audio Expo 2023 Show Is This Weekend!
The Florida International Audio Expo takes place this weekend, Friday through Sunday (February 17th – 19th), at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore. The sold-out show will be the biggest yet, with more than 77 exhibit spaces delivering plenty of action — several exhibitors will unveil new products, giving show attendees a chance to be among the very first to experience some of the best new high-performance audio gear. With over 12 floors of demonstrations to explore, attendees will experience electronics, loudspeakers, turntables, and headphones from all over the world. Don't miss your opportunity to experience the world's leading luxury premium audio / hi-fi / stereo brands. The fourth annual Florida International Audio Expo is a chance for audio and music aficionados to explore an exciting showcase of products such as stereos, headphones, loudspeakers, cables, amplifiers and more! Join us for this exciting family favorite event in sunny Florida! Enjoy the Music.com's Florida International Audio Expo 2023 show report will be online shortly after the event.

02 / 10 / 23

All Things Must Pass: The Rise And Fall Of Tower Records Documentary
Thanks to Gravitas Movies you can now enjoy this special documentary about Tower Records.
For this week's Film Friday Enjoy the Music.com is featuring All Things Must Pass: The Rise And Fall Of Tower Records. Established in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with 200 stores, in 30 countries, on five continents. This documentary, directed by Colin Hanks, is about the rise and fall of this once great retailer. Many music lovers within the world are familiar with Tower Records, the company that advertised its East 4th Street and Broadway New York City location as "The Largest Record-Tape Store in the Known World". This documentary also offers insights into the critical upheavals in the 21st-century recording industry and music business.
---> All Things Must Pass: The Rise And Fall Of Tower Records Documentary.

02 / 09 / 23

Taiko SGM Extreme Hi-Res Music Streamer Review
The best music server I've ever heard.
Review By Dr. Matthew Clott
Oh Snap! Did he just say that in the title? Did he use the "best" word as a reviewer? I didn't think they were supposed to do that.... A'yup. I did. But I qualified it! SGM has been evolving for over six years, changing development, changing production sources, and changing core processes of implementation. When Taiko, with Emile Bok at its' helm, fully took over SGM development and production, they raised the bar with an attitude of going stratospheric or going home. Emile made it clear to me during our conversations that he wanted to do it right, from layout to implementation, without concern for cost or limitations in manufacturing techniques or pretty much any obstacles that stood in their way. One look at the exterior and you're seriously impressed.
---> Taiko SGM Extreme Hi-Res Music Streamer Review.

Rotel A12MKII Integrated Amplifier Review
The night the lights went out in Long Branch,
Is the Rotel A12MKII the ideal amplifier to build a $3000 stereo system around with 2 great sources? I would say you're foolish not to try it.
Review By Ian White
Have you ever been listening to your system and the lights go out? It's not a good feeling because there is always the risk that when the power comes back on that something will be amiss. I've used power line conditioners for almost 20 years but our experience with Hurricane Sandy here on the Shore was not a good one. My wife thinks that I missed my calling as a Weather Channel talking head because I'd scare the living crap out of everyone with my forecasts, but I had a bad feeling about Sandy with our home only blocks from the ocean and so many trees surrounding our property. We didn't tell anyone that we were expecting our third child (Jewish custom is to wait three months) at the time so it was on me to get the house ready and get anything of value out the way and on really high shelving in our garage.
---> Rotel A12MKII Integrated Amplifier Review.

02 / 08 / 23

T.H.E. Show 2023 In SoCal During June
T.H.E. Show SoCal 2023 takes place June 9th through 11th at their new venue, The Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa. "We are excited to be at this new location which boasts all sorts of incredible features and amenities (as it's a bonafide conference center) as well as increased available parking, a specially dedicated wine and spirits tasting room, and so much more," says T.H.E. Show. "For those who have not yet gotten a room, please don't wait. Our Stage 1 Early Bird Pricing has concluded and we are now onto Stage 2 pricing."

For exhibitors, there is a 360-degree walk-through that has been provided to help you choose a room. If you have already confirmed your exhibit room / booth with them and would like to book your sleeping room at the exclusive price of $179 per night plus tax, please contact T.H.E. Show for more details. If you are seeking a larger-scale room, please inquire directly with your sales rep as most of the large rooms have been sold. Note that all the ballrooms and conference rooms for exhibitors are sold out (thank you to everyone who acted swiftly to confirm their rooms), but they may have some unique larger scale rooms that may work for you, depending on your respective systems. If you're interested in a marketplace booth, a booth in T.H.E. Headphonium, or a static display in a promenade walkway, please contact your rep directly or send an email with details.

02 / 07 / 23

HiFiMedia Jan. / Feb. / March 2023 A/V Magazine
Editorial: Fluidity: Music Reproduction Is Subjective
AV News / Tehno News
Denafrips Pontus II R2R DAC 
Acoustic Energy AE309 Loudspeaker
Davis Acoustics Krypton 6 Loudspeaker
Dynaudio Emit 30 Loudspeaker
Monitor Audio Bronze 500 Loudspeaker
Meitner MA3 Integrated DAC 
Primare NP5 Prisma MkII Network Player
Octavio Stream Network Player
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Headphones
And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Andrija Curkovic says "Choosing the elements and designing a magazine cover page can sometimes take days if I don't have the inspiration for a satisfactory solution, and that can frustrate me a lot. On the other hand, this process can take a fraction of a second if I 'hit' the right idea. Like for the one in this issue. I already had the editorial written, and a roughly established design concept for the cover of the magazine, with some of the equipment tested in this issue. Then I received an email inviting me to the exhibition of the internationally awarded Croatian photographer and professor at the Faculty of Graphics at the University of Zagreb - Maja Strgar Kurečić, and that changed everything. In addition to the invitation, the email also contained a poster for the exhibition showing her photograph, the same photograph that is now on the cover of this edition of the magazine." See what's within this issue of HiFiMedia magazine at this link.

02 / 06 / 23

Hi-Fi+ February 2023 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Good Audio Is About Simplicity
Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2023 Report
Robert Koda Takumi K-160 Mono Power Amplifier
Gold Note DS-10 EVO, PSU-10 EVO, PA-10, And EVO11 DAC Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Synthesis Roma 117DC/98DC Line Valve Pre / Amp
Closer Acoustics OGY Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Elipson P1F/A2700 Pre / Power Amplifier
Vertere DG-1 S Turntable And Tonearm Combination
Sendy Audio Peacock Planar-Magnetic Headphones
RSX Technologies Benchmark ER-20 Power Cord
And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "I said last month that my New Year Resolution was to re-evaluate every part of my system. And as with every New Year Resolution in the history of ever, that plan went South fairly quickly. Probably. I planned to hit the ground running, trying to find new benchmarks for my own listening and for evaluation process across all of 2023. Actually, it probably has kicked off slightly better than I expected, but perhaps not in the way I planned. From this issue alone, I've found two really good benchmarks for stand-mount loudspeaker performance and for mid-price turntable design." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

02 / 02 / 23

Watch The Vinyl Nation Documentary
Thanks to 1091 Pictures, we can all enjoy experiencing an inspiring documentary about the vinyl LP.
Thanks to 1091 Pictures, we can all enjoy seeing the recent vinyl revolution. Not that the vinyl LP was ever a dead format, far from it! With that said, "dig into the resurgence of vinyl records, the diversification of vinyl fans, and the connective power of music. The vinyl record renaissance over the past decade has brought new fans to a classic format and transformed our idea of a record collector: younger, both male and female, multicultural. This same revival has made buying music more expensive, benefited established bands over independent artists and muddled the question of whether vinyl actually sounds better than other formats.
---> Watch The Vinyl Nation Documentary.

02 / 01 / 23

Enjoy the Music.com's February Review Magazine
This month we feature two World Premiere reviews! From vacuum tube amplifiers and floorstanding loudspeakers to a turntable cartridge, desktop monitor speakers, and more! We have a wonderful issue for you this month. In a few weeks, Enjoy the Music.com will be reporting from the fantastic Florida International Audio Expo 2023 show. All that and more within our February Review Magazine. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!

Limitless Musical Pleasures
Roger Skoff writes about technology and music.
Article By Roger Skoff
When performers or recording engineers talk about "cutting a track", those words can be the literal truth. Making a phonograph record – the first kind of sound recording – has always meant using some kind of a sharp object (most recently a heated cutting stylus), to cut a groove into the surface of some suitable material, and to wiggle that groove right, left, up, down, or, for stereo, in all of those ways, diagonally at the same time, for the purpose of recording sound. The recording material has ranged from Edison's beeswax to a special lacquer, and the finished recording has been everything from a wax cylinder through, currently, a heat-stamped vinyl disc, but the process, itself, has always remained essentially the same. It's always been to cut a groove into something, to modulate that groove analogously to the changes in air pressure at the recording microphone....
---> Limitless Musical Pleasures.

DALI Kore Floorstanding Speaker Review
Danish loudspeaker giant DALI had promised a state-of-the-art loudspeaker at the press event in Munich's MOC.
Review By Michael Lang
After the presentation of the DALI Kore, in a rare moment of complete agreement, the guests left the room with a big smile on their faces. HIGH END audio show, May 2022, Munich, Germany – for someone from the press, this equates to four hectic days, a race against time to discover as many exciting new products as possible, to have them explained to you and to get hold of at least a couple of short listening sessions from a suitable sitting position. Despite these circumstances, the DALI showroom was packed with press representatives when CEO Lars Worre and his team explained the background and aspirations of the Kore. This was quite necessary, considering that DALI is known for a down-to-earth pricing of its loudspeakers.
---> DALI Kore Floorstanding Speaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
Wells Audio Looking Glass II Level II Power Conditioner Review
Feeling as if you can step into it and become part of the performance.
Review By Ron Nagle
If you are like me then you live in a multi-story apartment building, then you are contaminated with junk in the trunk-line. More than likely you are listening to your neighbor's dishwasher, air conditioner, foot bath or God knows what. As a consequence have you ever thought your expensive audio system has bad days when the sound is not so good? This is why some of us audio guys prefer to listen in the wee small hours late at night. Unfortunately, I have no choice, either fix my power source or become crepuscular like my cat. Fire up your computer and do a search, you will find Power Strips, AC line Conditioners, Surge Protectors, Re-Generators, and Noise-Canceling devices.
---> Wells Audio Looking Glass II Level II Power Conditioner Review.

Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review
Unveiling the masterworks!
Review By Paul Schumann
Back when I was starting to get serious about audio equipment, a long-time audiophile friend of mine offered me his collection of back issues of The Absolute Sound. I was a fan of TAS and eagerly accepted. For the next few months, night after night, I read, from cover to cover, all of those issues in chronological order. It was a fascinating dig into the early history of high-end audio and the culture that developed around it. One of the important discoveries made by Harry Pearson and his minions, was the sonic superiority of the old RCA "Shaded Dog" and Mercury records. The acquisition of pristine copies of these discs became an obsession for many audiophiles because, with the exception of a few reissues by MoFi, the audiophile vinyl business wasn't in full swing yet.
---> Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review.

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