High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

03 / 31 / 22

Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest 2022 Show Report
Montreal Audiofest 2022 Show Report Part 1.
Montreal Audio Fest 2022 Coverage By Rick Becker
Those who have followed my Montreal show reports over the past 2.3 decades know that they typically involve a trying adventure, sometimes even life-threatening. No such event occurred this year, thanks to my dear wife who prepared all my Covid vaccination and last-minute Covid test documentation and filed it into my ArriveCAN account. For that, she deserves a Blue Note Award, as I breezed across the border after camping out in my Shooting Brake on Friday night. As the saying goes, behind every incompetent man, stands a woman who knows how to get things done. Thank you, dear.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2022 Show Report Part 1.

YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
The middleweight contender....
Review By Phil Gold
Cards on the table. I've owned the YG Carmel and the YG Carmel 2, each of which I've reviewed in these pages in January 2012 and July 2015 respectively. You can read them here and weep. I'm addicted to the ultra-high resolution, low distortion, lightning reflexes, dynamic range and the holographic imaging of the Carmel speakers.  They are not for everyone. Due to the particular way they are constructed from billets of aircraft grade aluminum, they cost a lot of money, and due to their relatively small size, they don't reach down all that deep. The sealed box design does provide a superbly fast accurate bass, but while the quality is high, the quantity is limited.
---> YG Acoustics Hailey 2.2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

DIY Tube Tweaker Thursday
New York Noise 2002 Audio Design Exhibition
Show Report By Steve R. Rochlin Of Enjoy the Music.com
Welcome to the official virtually live coverage of the nyNOISE Audio Design Exhibition festival and show held in New York City at Arlene Grocery (a NYC rock club). The 2002 show was held on Saturday, June 1 in New York City at Arlene Grocery (a rock club). Hosted by JC Morrison and Blackie Pagano, 2002 marks the fourth consecutive year they have both sponsored this event so others may bask in the glory of DIY audio.
---> New York Noise 2002 Audio Design Exhibition.

03 / 30 / 22

UK Audio Show In October At The Staverton Park Hotel
The Chester Group's UK Audio Show 2022 will be held at the Staverton Park Hotel from October 9th through 10th. With under seven months to go to this UK audio event, the majority of the exhibition space has already been booked for the event. More than 125 brands are set to appear in many demonstration rooms, under one roof, in October at Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club. Due to the show's popularity and high demand, for 2022 they increased the amount of individual demonstration rooms to 55 and increased trade stands to 20.

"We've had a phenomenal response to requests for visitor passes, and we are seeing lots of new names signing up for the show", says organizer Roy Bird. "In fact, our 2021 show had the highest ever percentage of new attendees, and we're looking forward to welcoming lots of new faces again this year at the Staverton Park Hotel because our focus has always been on doing business to support the industry. The demand for show passes for last year's event was completely unprecedented", adds Mr Bird. "We have therefore decided to offer complimentary two-day passes to everyone who registers for the 2022 show before 31st July 2022".

03 / 29 / 22

StereoNET Melbourne 2022 Hi-Fi Show
The StereoNET Hi-Fi Show, from June 3rd through 5th at the Pullman Convention and Events Centre (Albert Park), is the largest show of its type held in Australasia showcasing a broad range of consumer electronics. From the largest screens to the smallest accessories, smart and connected products, hi-fi, home cinema, and smart home and entertainment products - the 2022 show will be no exception promising something for all. This year's Show will also incorporate Australia's only three-day record fair which attracts vendors and attendees from all across Australia for the latest in rare, collectible, and new vinyl records. Come along and experience both the excitement and an immersive treat for the senses, from leading brands from across the world running across all three days. Members of the trade, along with Press are welcomed on the Friday morning between 9am to 12pm for a dedicated preview of the latest products and trends in the industry.

03 / 28 / 22

Book Your Room Now For The Pacific Audio Fest 2022
It's time to book your room for the Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) as they are filling quickly! PAF will take place from July 29tht though 31st at the Doubletree Hilton Sea-Tac, so be sure to book your rooms now. All of their large vendor rooms are reserved and are now booking table spaces and standard rooms, which happen to be the largest in the industry. There will be new and used record vendors, a special headphone vendors section, plus the North American Luthier showcase too! Want to enjoy music up high, there's a private Penthouse Nightclub with great live music and a 360 degree view of Seattle! Happy Hour specials give you the opportunity to taste specialty Northwestern wines and beers.

The premiere Pacific Audio Fest 2022 is the first major audio show promoted by exhibitors and music lovers for music lovers and exhibitors. 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. As with all industry-operated shows within the USA and Canada, Enjoy the Music.com is sponsoring the Thursday night exhibitor and press party, so free drinks on us! We look forward to seeing you here! You can learn more about the Pacific Audio Fest 2022 on our show report page.

03 / 27 / 22

Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest 2022 Show Report
Rick's photofest featuring exquisite luxury audio products.
Montreal Audio Fest 2022 Coverage By Rick Becker
While our very own Rick Becker is busy at the Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest 2022 show, he sent us some photos in advance for your viewing pleasure. Rick's full show coverage will be online in the coming days. Enjoy the wonderful pics!
Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest 2022 Show Report Photofest.

03 / 24 / 22

This Weekend: Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest Show
The Salon Audio Montréal / Audio Fest 2022 celebrates its impressive 33rd edition of its popular annual meeting from March 25th through 27th at the Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal. Located in the heart of the City of Montreal, the recently renovated hotel will once again be transformed into a multitude of listening rooms to accommodate some 6000 music lovers and nearly 100 exhibitors, representing more than 300 brands of products from the world of high-fidelity audio. Visitors will hear, see, and touch over 300 brands of audio products all under one roof.
---> Salon Audio Montreal / Audio Fest Show 2022.

Audio Research DAC9 Digital-To-Analog Converter Review
An organic sound that draws you into the music.
Review By Tom Lyle
This past summer I was in a showroom auditioning a new line of speakers that included a system that was made up of mostly Audio Research components. Even though I heard four other products from that same line of speakers that day, it was their smallest model that impressed me the most. As it just so happens, this system included the Audio Research DAC9 digital-to-analog converter that is the focus of this review. I heard Audio Research's DAC9 within other systems that day, too, and I was so impressed that the next day I sent a request to obtain a review sample. Those who know me are aware that I'm mostly an analog kind of guy, and to have a music epiphany that included a digital component surprised me.
---> Audio Research DAC9 Digital-To-Analog Converter Review.

Audience aR6-T4 Power Conditioner Review
With upgraded frontRow powerChords and standard powerChord SE-i.
Review By Dr. Matthew Clott
The opportunity to review new models of familiar equipment is similar to catching up with an old friend. I have enjoyed, owned and respected Audience cables and conditioners since the original Adept Response was released and the "Original" powerChord first hit the proverbial scene. The Au24 power cables were the epitome of neutrality and their speaker wire and interconnects magically conveyed the full auditory picture in an inconceivably thin cable that defied logic and belied current trends of bigger must be better cable etiologies.
---> Audience aR6-T4 Power Conditioner Review.

03 / 23 / 22

IFPI Recorded Music Revenues Up 18.5% In 2021
According to the IFPI and its National Group network who represents the interests of ~8000 members across the globe, the music market grew by 18.5% in 2021. The industry was driven by growth in paid subscription streaming, with total income reaching $25.9 billion. Paid subscription streaming revenues increased by 21.9% ($12.3 billion) and there were 523 million users of paid subscription accounts at the end of 2021. Physical formats increased by 16.1% and performance rights gained 4.0%. Asia grew by 16.1% and accounted for a significant share of the global physical revenues (49.6%). Australia experienced growth of 4.1% while Europe grew by 15.4%. Latin America saw growth of 31.2% while the Middle East and North Africa experienced growth of 35.0%. The USA and Canada region grew by 22.0% in 2021, outpacing the global growth rate. The USA market alone grew by 22.6% and Canadian recorded music revenues grew by 12.6%.

03 / 22 / 22

HIFICRITIC's Latest Issue Is Now Available
HIFICRITIC's January / February / March 2022 issue features:
Editorial: Remembering Max Townshend
Linn Klimax DSM Flagship Streamer
Chord Mojo 2 Pocket DAC/Headphone Amp
Dan D'Agostino Progression Integrated Amplifier
Rega System One All-In-One Vinyl Replay
Audio-GD Master-19 Headphone Amplifier
Meze Audio Liric Headphones
Arcam ST60 Network Player
Audio Note CD5.1X CD Player
Neat Acoustics Majistra Speakers
...and much more!

Within his editorial, Martin Colloms says "Apologies to all who suffered from both late- and non-delivery of Vol 15 No 4, October to December 2021. Enduring the tail end of Covid, now thankfully with restrictions lifting in Spring 2022, we endured a perfect storm of distribution difficulties. Europe's imposition of multiple country rates of VAT on printed paper has been a nightmare – applying it, charging for it, accounting for it and not least finding that some continental posties do not understand, leading them to block delivery and surcharge a second time, kindly adding administration charges which had already been paid." See what's within this issue of HIFICRITIC.

03 / 21 / 22

HIGH END 2022 Show 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.

The organizer of the event, the HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH, is pleased to announce that the HIGH END 2022 is now fully booked, even before the registration deadline at the end of March! After more than a year without events, this is sure to be music to the ears of exhibitors, trade visitors, consumers, media representatives and, of course, everyone involved in the success of the trade show during both the planning and implementation stages. The constant high demand for the sought-after exhibitor areas in the halls and atriums of the MOC Event Center in Munich clearly shows how keen the industry is to finally showcase its high-quality products to a live audience.
---> Learn more about HIGH END 2022 in Munich Germany.

03 / 18 / 21

Enjoy the Music.com Sponsors Salon Audio Montréal Audiofest 2022 Exhibitor / Press Party
Enjoy the Music.com, high-end audio's celebrated online site for over 26 years and a leader in providing industry news, hardware reviews, and show reports, is pleased to announce that we're sponsoring Salon Audio Montréal Audiofest 2022 Exhibitor / Press Party. Show exhibitors and members of the press are invited to join us for good friends, delicious drinks, and magical music! The Salon Audio Montréal / Audio Fest 2022 celebrates the impressive 33rd edition of its popular annual meeting from March 25th through 27th at the Bonaventure Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, the recently renovated hotel will once again be transformed into a multitude of listening rooms to accommodate thousands of music lovers.
---> Enjoy the Music.com Sponsors Salon Audio Montréal Audiofest 2022 Exhibitor / Press Party.

03 / 17 / 22

Fear and Loathing in America:
How The iBasso DC03 DAC / Headphone Amplifier
Helped Me Process The Capitol Assault
A portable USB DAC that plugs into your smartphone to improve the sound quality of headphone listening on-the-go.
Review By Ian White
Anyone who thought 2021 was going to be so much better than 2020 was not in Washington D.C. on January 6th (2021). Having travelled from New Jersey the day before to spend time with the folks at Linear Tube Audio (you can check out our coverage on Instagram) in Takoma Park, I decided to also pay a visit to my best friend from college who resides in the city. I lived in Washington D.C. for almost 10 years and commuted through Union Station for work for almost two years. For those who don't know the city well – it sits less than two blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
---> iBasso DC03 DAC / headphone amplifier review.

Noble Falcon Pro True Wireless IEM Review
One of the best IEMs I have heard under $400.
Review By Gary Alan Barker
In the short four years that I have been writing for Headphone.Guru, I have had opportunity to listen to a host of Bluetooth IEMs, several of which I use on a daily basis for telephone communication, but none that I would deign to use for regular music listening despite the significant improvements that have been made to Bluetooth over the last few years, preferring a wired option generally opting for my Noble Katanas or Zephyrs. This all changed when Jim Moulton offered to send me a pair of the new Noble Falcon Pro True Wireless IEMs, flagship model of the FALCON series, utilizing a hybrid driver configuration featuring a 6mm titanium coated driver for impactful sub-bass and bass, and two Knowles BA drivers for mid and high frequencies.
---> Noble Falcon Pro True Wireless IEM review.

03 / 16 / 22

T.H.E. Show Launches T.H.E. Headphonium, Presented By eCoustics
This just in: T.H.E. Show (The Home Entertainment Show) has announced the launch of their brand new initiative, T.H.E. Headphonium, a dedicated space within T.H.E. Show featuring headphones and personal/portable audio. The inaugural Headphonium, presented by audio and home theater publication, eCoustics, will be held at T.H.E. Show Long Beach, CA, this coming June 10th through 12th, at the Hilton Long Beach.

The brand new T.H.E. Headphonium will offer show attendees a more engaging and unique experience including the opportunity to listen to a wide cross section of the world's best headphones and portable audio equipment. Attendees will have access to a lifestyle lounge, bespoke professional photo shoots, live social media events, and more. For more information on T.H.E. Headphonium presented by eCoustics, and for details on T.H.E. Show in Long Beach (June 10th through 12th), and to book your exhibit space, please contact Emiko Carlin via email.

audioXpress' April 2022 Issue Is Now Available
audioXpress' April 2022 issue features:
Editorial: Directions For Hearables
GaN Technology In Audio Power Amplification
The Evolution of Production Line Rub & Buzz Measurements
An Introduction To Testing Vacuum Tubes (Part 1)
Building a Guitar-Controlled Synthesizer
Frequency Response Of A Listening Room
Amplifier Comparisons Revisited
Market Update — True Wireless Stereo Earbuds
The Acoustical Challenges Of Designing True Wireless Earphones
And much more!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "There are many exciting areas of evolution currently in the audio industry, but no product category shows such levels of innovation, cutting-edge integration, and technology convergence as the true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds category. For this issue, I tried to address that product class from a fundamental angle, which is voice integration. As I wrote this month, voice recognition and voice enhancement are defining features for hearables — currently the direction that is exciting everyone in the technology sector, particularly in the consumer electronics, mobile, and audiology markets."
---> audioXpress' April 2022 issue.

03 / 15 / 21

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Reports

The Third Time's A Charm: Part II
FLAX 2022 Show Coverage By Maurice Jeffries
Picking up where I left off in Part I of my FLAX 2022 show report, I headed up to Room 1109, the Blink High End encampment. There I was treated to a superb system built around the stellar compact/stand-mount Fink Team KIM speakers ($12K the pair with stands), a Creek CD player (the Voyage $3,495), Linn Klimax DSM server (with onboard Organik DAC – $39K), Aavik Acoustics i-580 integrated amplifier (a cool $25,200), and Ansuz cable loom.
---> FLAX 2022 Show Part II Coverage By Maurice Jeffries.

03 / 14 / 21

RIAA 2021 Music Revenue Statistics
According to the RIAA, with several hundred members including major USA-based music groups, in 2021, recorded music revenues in the United States grew 23% to $15.0 billion at estimated retail value. While there's a decrease in music digital downloads, paid subscriptions is without a doubt the biggest growth driver for the sixth consecutive year. At wholesale value, 2021 revenues were up 22% to $9.8 billion. Revenues from paid subscriptions is the largest share of revenues and accounted for nearly two-thirds of total revenues. For the first time since 1996, both physical CDs and vinyl records experienced revenue growth in the same year. The resurgence in vinyl records continued for the 15th consecutive year, as revenues grew 61% to $1 billion in 2021. Vinyl accounted for 63% of revenues from physical formats, and 7% of total music revenues. Revenues from CDs grew 21% to $584 million, the first year-over-year increase in CD revenues since 2004. You can read the entire report in PDF here.

Amazon Music Is Now #1 Over Pandora Within The USA
According to Insider Intelligence, "Pandora, once the dominant player in terms of digital music streaming, will be eclipsed by Amazon Music this year in the US. Established in 2000, Pandora was No. 1 by far for many years. But according to the latest digital audio forecast from Insider Intelligence, Pandora saw its share — and eventually its user base — decline over time as competitors entered the market. By the end of 2022, Amazon Music will have 52.6 million users in the US, up 5.3% over last year. On the other hand, Pandora's user base will decline by 6.7% to 49.1 million. Pandora has been steadily losing users since 2017, but its steepest decline occurred last year when it lost 11.0% of its US user base."

"Spotify surpassed Pandora in 2019 to become the No. 1 music streaming service in the US. By the end of 2022, Spotify will have 89.2 million users, up 7.0%. This is the service's first year of single-digit growth since Insider Intelligence began tracking growth in 2013. At the bottom of the list is Apple Music, which does not offer an ad-supported free service. As a result, it has a lower ceiling than its competitors and will not gain significant share in the future. Its US user base will grow 3.1% in 2022 to reach 38.2 million."

03 / 11 / 22

The Absolute Sound Joins Luxury Audio Site Enjoy the Music.com
Enjoy the Music.com, luxury audio's celebrated online site for over 26 years and a leader in providing daily news, thousands of gear reviews, plus hundreds of show reports, are pleased to announce The Absolute Sound as new partners. With nearly 50 years of expertise, The Absolute Sound is the seventh print magazine to join our website as strategic partners. Furthermore, two vintage and four internet-based high-fidelity audio publications are partners too. In total, an outstanding thirteen publications are now partners as part of Enjoy the Music.com's strategy to promote luxury audio that greatly benefits music lovers globally.
---> The Absolute Sound Joins Luxury Audio Site Enjoy the Music.com.

The Absolute Sound's April 2022 Issue
The Absolute Sound's April 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: Bits Is Bits?
Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Monitor
Sonus faber Lumina III Floorstander
Rogers LS 5/9 Two-Way Speaker
Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo Turntable/Tonearm
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid Int. Amp.
Aurender N20 Music Server
CrystalConnect by Crystal Cable
Wadax Reference Server Music Server
...and much more!

Within his editorial, Robert Harley says "The Wadax Reference Server I review in this issue raises some fascinating questions about the fundamental nature of digital audio. Unique for a server, the Wadax has three front-panel controls that allow the user to adjust the amplitude and shape of the digital waveform that represents the music. These controls don't change the digital ones and zeros, but rather introduce an analog-like variability to the digital bitstream — a radical concept. Digital audio was supposed to work perfectly or not at all; removing analog-like variability was its raison d'être. Yet early on it became apparent that identical bitstreams could sound different if the digital samples were put back together with even the most miniscule timing errors — jitter." See what's within this issue of The Absolute Sound at this link.

03 / 10 / 22

Gryphon Audio Essence Preamplifier
And Essence Stereo Power Amplifier Review
Blown away by an amazing musical performance!
Review By Tom Lyle
The Gryphon Essence preamplifier and Gryphon Stereo power amplifier are gorgeous looking and beautiful sounding Danish high-end audio components. Those who can afford either or both of these components will not only enjoy stellar sound quality but most likely will also be able to enjoy the fact that they are the epitome of audio equipment that has a look and "feel" of luxury goods. Gryphon founder Flemming E. Rasmussen was responsible for the stunningly beautiful exterior of the rather large (and heavy!) Gryphon Essence preamplifier and Stereo Essence power amplifier. Good looks and operational refinement are especially true of the Gryphon Essence preamplifier. Its weighty infrared metal remote was only one indication of this Danish audio manufacturer's recognition of many audiophile's appreciation of the intangibles that are available on many preamps.
---> Gryphon Audio Essence preamplifier & Essence amplifier review.

CH Precision — A Postscript Review
Three months after the dust settled on last issue's marathon project covering CH Precision's all analogue A1.5, P1, L1, X1 amplifier system, some more aspects came to mind.
Review By Martin Colloms
While I was in the thick of considering the CH Precision A1.5, P1, L1 and X1 late last year, such was the complexity and range of settings and modes and connections, and not least power supply options, that a considered overview was somehow just out of reach. Moreover, those continued and complex evaluations were inevitably constrained by particular circumstances in that more extended trial and error methods to establish quality limits could have added value, for example exchanging multiple cables in all positions, signal, and loudspeaker, and also mains connection methods, whether central or extended line. Then there is the matter of optimising the choices and subsequent alignment of anti-vibration frames and optional intermediary supports.
---> CH Precision — A Postscript.

03 / 09 / 22

OneOf Unveils Exclusive Grammy Awards NFT Collection
Free NFT available today on OneOf.com includes one golden ticket for an all-inclusive travel stipend for two fans to the 2022 Grammys April 3 in Las Vegas; drops throughout March showcase artwork by three superstar young artists. OneOf, the green Web3 company built for music and sports, has unveiled the details of their exclusive NFT collection with The Recording Academy in celebration of the Grammy Awards. The collection officially launches today with a free NFT available to all fans and features a single "golden ticket" NFT for an all-inclusive travel stipend for two to the 64th Annual Grammy Awards April 3 in Las Vegas. 

Over the next three weeks the collections will feature exciting digital works created by three superstar NFT artists from diverse backgrounds that highlight OneOf's mission to support women and POC in the Web3 space. The artists are: ThankYouX, the internationally celebrated artist who started on the streets of LA and has exhibited paintings and sculptures in museums around the world. Each artist will have a week devoted to their drop and will include multiple tiers of rarity. OneOf has recently announced major partnerships with Warner Music Group. The press release says, "We're Probably On An Irreversible Course Into The Metaverse. What Role Will Music Play In It?"

03 / 08 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Reports

The Third Time's A Charm: Part I
FLAX 2022 Show Coverage By Maurice Jeffries
After a two-year COVID-disrupting hiatus, show driven high-end audio returned to Central Florida via the Florida Audio Expo 2022 event with the proverbial bang. Packed rooms, slow elevators, very friendly crowds (many attendees clearly thrilled by the opportunity to enjoy some good old-fashioned person to person contact), and generally good show sound all signaled a long-overdue return to almost normal, or to the new normal.
---> FLAX 2022 Show Coverage By Maurice Jeffries.

03 / 07 / 22

Hi-Fi World's April 2022 Reviews & Think Pieces
Hi-Fi World's April 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: Bass Loading And Comments About Our Reviews
Competition: Win Chord Company Screen X Speaker Cables
Reviews: Neat Majistra Loudspeakers
JBL L52 Classic Loudspeakers
Triangle AIO Active Twin Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Earmen Tradutto DAC
Ibasso DX240 Hi-Res Digital Audio Player
Qed xt25 Bi-Wire Loudspeaker Cable
Rega System One And Carbon Cartridge
PSB M4U8 MKII Headphones
...and much more!

Within his editorial, Noel Keywood says "Last month I could not help but talk about Tannoy Westminster loudspeakers, large horns you could live in they were so big. This month we have another unusual design, an isobaric – used by NEAT in their Majistra stand mounter. It's not as big as a Westminster for sure, only room for mice inside, but it is different and – perhaps – better as a result. Not many manufacturers use this bass loading principle. It's costly and you can't see it, so no visual kudos in the showroom. Internally the cabinet is complex and not suited to automated build techniques. Going some way to explain price, since this is no budget box. NEAT also include a ribbon tweeter, known for excellent treble sound quality. You can read about this unusual loudspeaker on p10." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World at this link.

03 / 04 / 22

Hi-Fi+ March 2022 High-End Audio Magazine
Hi-Fi+'s March 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: The Problems Of Hi-Fi Supply And Demand
Meet Your Maker : Wolfgang B. Thörner of WBT Industrie GmbH
Traformatic Audio Elysium Valve Amplifier
Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 Floorstander
Triangle Comete 40th Anniversary Speaker
Chord Electronics Mojo 2 Portable DAC/Headamp
Aavik Acoustics I-580 Int. Amplifier
Egglestonworks Nico Evo Speaker
Cyrus Audio i9-XR Int. Amplifier
Nuprime Evolution DAC/Pre
...And More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "As we slowly clamber out of two years of varying degrees of isolation and privation, it's time to take stock. The pandemic has taken its toll on society at large, although in fairness many parts of the audio world fared better than expected. Like any hobby or pasttime that kept yourself within the your own four walls, audio became one of those things people bought with the money they didn't spend on holiday travel. As we peered into the homes of people on Zoom calls, we often saw hi-fi peering back at us. The problems audio faced were not ones of demand; they were ones of supply. And they still hold to some extent. The world of products moves at the speed of a container ship; even a product made and sold in the same Western country often relies on parts made half a world away, and during the depths of the pandemic, those container ships often didn't sail, or didn't sail with the desperately needed parts because a factory was on lockdown or the region was in quarantine." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

03 / 03 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Reports

  My humble view of a remarkable and fun show in the sunny Southland, a most appreciated re-appearance to the show circuit. Hats off to all who made it happen.
---> FLAX 2022 show report by Chuck Bruce.

Audio Aesthetics
Articulating the many aspects of beauty in hi-fi audio.
Article By Dr. Jules L. Coleman
We audiophiles are a diverse and peculiar lot. So much so that some might think that self-identification is the only thing we share. If there is something distinctive about being an audiophile, what is it? Sometime last year, I found myself contemplating this question when reflecting on the untimely death of Art Dudley. I did not know Art particularly well, but I had a kinship with him dating back to his days at the helm of Listener magazine. No one could read anything Art had a hand in without coming away impressed not just by his love of music but also by the fact that he had given a great deal of thought to what he wanted from an audio system and why. Others on the Listener staff were similarly inclined. For me, this ongoing iterative reflection about the nature and value of audio made Listener the most interesting read in audio when they were in business.
---> Articulating the many aspects of beauty in hi-fi audio.

Delivering A Glorious Musical Experience
A love of music and commitment drives everything we do at Impex.
Article By Abey Fonn, Founder Of Impex Records
In the 200 plus titles that Cisco Music and Impex Records released in the last twenty-five years, I can confidently say all but a dozen-plus were cut using original analog master tapes. Sometimes the recordings are not in great condition, where baking the tapes plus lots of TLC cannot make it usable for mastering. Some reels were not returned to the owner after a re-issue production. Many more were lost to high-profile warehouse fires (a tragedy). The scarcity of original sources is becoming more common in the audiophile industry.
---> Learn more about Abey Fonn / Impex Records.

03 / 02 / 22

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report
Various Videos

  During the Florida Audio Expo 2022 there were live streams those at home could enjoy. Enjoy the Music.com has just featured many videos taken during the show. Enjoy!
---> FLAX 2022 show report videos.

03 / 01 / 22

Enjoy the Music.com's March 2022 Review Magazine
As we all look forward to warmer spring weather, we're busy posting coverage from the fantastic Florida Audio Expo in Tampa. While we're preparing more show coverage, this month's Review Magazine showcases very exciting gear reviews for your reading pleasure. From World Premiere reviews to home and personal audio, a hi-res music streamer, and much more are within this month's very interesting issue we know you'll enjoy! See this month's Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine.

Florida Audio Expo 2022 Show Report
The Florida Audio Expo (FAE) 2022 took place February 18th through 20th at the newly refurbished Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore hotel. Attendee enjoyed the opportunity to experience 12 floors' worth of products from the world's leading audio brands. Live streaming feeds were available for those who could not attend in person, which featured sights and sounds during this event including interviews with industry experts throughout the weekend on the FAE's YouTube channel.
---> Florida Audio Expo 2022 show report.

Pass Laboratories XP-22 Line Pre & XP-27 Phono Pre Review
Colossal soundstage and the pinpoint imagining prowess!
Review By Tom Lyle
I began to assemble my first "real" audio system while still in high school. I made it chiefly from DIY components and other "vintage" gear I could scrounge from friends and family. At that time, I don't think I heard anyone use the term "audiophile." All I knew was that I wanted to hear music at home on a better system than the mass-market stuff sold at department stores. This was also about the same time I discovered a high-end audio showroom near my parent's suburban home. Every once in a while, I would quietly enter their store. There was no way I would have been able to sit in the comfy chair in front of one of the active displays and listen to a system. But I did walk among the array of components on display, and when no one was looking, turn the knobs up and down and flip the switches on the front panels of a component or two while it was muted or its power was off.
---> Pass Labs XP-22 Line Pre & XP-27 Phono Pre Review.

Ayon Audio CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music Server Review
Two very versatile, and impressive, performers.
Review By Bob Grossman
The Ayon Audio CD-35 II as reviewed here, is the latest introduction to a long lineage of CD players that have been well regarded going back to the various models in the 3 and 5 series, along with ideas derived from their special edition CD35HF. But the CD-35 II is more than a CD player – it is also a fully functioning preamplifier and DAC. It is a single-ended triode pure Class A design using a 6H30 and a 5687 tube for each channel, and a GZ30 tube as a rectifier for the power supply. It is also a zero-feedback design. Ayon Audio's CD-35 II built-in DAC can be used to play music files from your computer via the USB connection. The DAC also has a coaxial RCA input for S/PDIF, I²S, BNC, AES/EBU, and three other BNC inputs for DSD. For this review I also evaluated the USA Labs RS9 music server to coordinate streaming of music from Qobuz.
---> Ayon CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music Server Review.

World Premiere Review!
FiiO E10K-TC And K3 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier Review
Going back to school.
Review By Paul Schumann
If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know that I am a fan of Classical music. Sure, I listen to rock, pop, and jazz, but classical music is where I will always be grounded. I'm sure it is because I grew up listening to my father's music. While he did listen to a mixture of stuff as I was growing up, it was mostly classical, especially Bach. By the time I reached high school, I found prog-rock, which of course had a heavy classical influence. And while my Dad prefers his baroque music, as I got older, I started leaning towards the romantics. I think it is fair to say that Brahms was my favorite composer through my 20s, 30s, and 40s. But while I still love that music, there are only so many times one can listen to Brahms Violin Concerto or Beethoven's 5th Symphony before they lose their mystery. So, in my 50s, I started branching out in my musical journey with 20th- and 21st-century composers. What made this exploration possible was the internet.
---> FiiO E10K-TC And K3 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier Review.

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