High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

04 / 30 / 20

Black Cat Cable Coppertone Flatwave RCA And Speaker Cable
Black Cat Cable is pleased to present the latest iteration of the Coppertone Flatwave series. The new conductor is a small, pure copper ribbon that the company flattens in-house with a precision rolling machine. The flattened conductor is then rolled through their Airwave tooling, shaping it into a sinusoidal form so that it will remain substantially suspended in air once hand-placed within Coppertone's thin-walled PTFE tube (thereby helping to keep capacitance low and velocity high). Black Cat Cable's Lovecraft Mini RCAs terminate to the interconnect, and their XOX direct-plated are copper bananas terminate to the speaker cable. Interconnects (RCA only) is $249 for a one-meter pair (+$50 per additional 0.5-meter pair). Speaker cables are $399 per 2.5-meter pair (+/-$50 per 0.5-meter pair). All Black Cat Cable products are made within their own machines, and with special tooling within their small workshop in Alpharetta, GA by Chris Sommovigo.

AXPONA 2020 Has Been Officially Cancelled
April 30, 2020
Dear AXPONA Exhibitors and Sponsors;

We at AXPONA wish you all the very best during these COVID-19 disrupted times. We care most about the health and safety of you and your loved ones. So many businesses are hurting, the future is unpredictable, opinions are mixed and emotions on all sides are strong. Ultimately we must err on the side of caution and the concern for human safety so it is with a heavy heart for us to announce that AXPONA 2020 has been cancelled.
---> Read more about AXPONA 2020 being cancelled at this link.

SVS SB-2000 Active Subwoofer
A reasonably-priced high quality 12" powered subwoofer system.
Review By Tom Lyle
At times I must come off as some sort of audio-curmudgeon, such as when I became upset when I noted some audiophiles calling a component a preamplifier rather than a line stage. There have been other times, too, that I've gotten upset over someone using what I consider the incorrect nomenclature for an audio component or part. Thankfully, I've gotten over that preamplifier versus line stage episode. But I'm still working on the fact that some sell speakers that they call "subwoofers" yet don't go below 20 Hz.
---> Read our review of the SVS SB-2000 Active Subwoofer.

Lindemann Audio Musicbook Upgrade SOURCE 2020
There's very good news for the owners of older Lindemann Audio Musicbook digital sources, as they've now made these units future-proof. You can now have a full hardware and firmware upgrade to achieve the latest version of the company's Musicbook SOURCE. This is available as of now for all Musicbooks of the first and second generation (10, 15, 20, 25 with or without DSD). What will be done you ask. Of the previous 'old unit' only the housing, the display and the remote control will continue to be used. The entire electronics is replaced! Units with a CD drive (Musicbook 15 and 25) are equipped with a new CD-ROM drive, yet not with devices without a CD drive (Musicbook 10 and 20). On models which haven’t supported streaming so far (Musicbook 10 and 15), this function will now be added. That way every upgraded device will correspond both technically & sound-wise 100% to the new Musicbook SOURCE. This new upgrade includes a two-year warranty too! Pricing is as follows: Musicbook without CD drive is €1490 (Musicbook:10 and Musicbook:20) and Musicbook with CD drive is €1690 (Musicbook:15 and Musicbook:25).

What benefits does the upgrade 2020 bring? New, considerably more powerful streaming platform with all audiophile streaming services (TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, Hi-Res Audio) plus Roon-ready support. Hi-Res Music streaming, also in studio master quality, up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD256. Perfect wireless streaming with dual antenna and AC standard – also of high-resolution tracks (Ethernet cable is no longer required). New convenient Lindemann app for Android and iOS with tablet support in landscape mode. Easy to use, very stable operation. Newly developed digital/analog converter, with a new master clock that has ultra-low jitter values and next generation converter elements (two AK4493) in mono mode. This is Lindemann Audio's biggest step towards perfect digital playback so far according to the company. A completely revised analog preamplifier now features a top-level MM phono input. They've improved the headphone amplifier with higher output current so it may drive impedances down to 16 Ohms. For Musicbooks with a CD-ROM drive, you can enjoy faster access time and lower noise emission.

04 / 29 / 20

Many More Industry Voices Join In Against AXPONA 2020
Open Letter To Joel Davis Of JD Events
While an April 21 (2020) letter to Joel Davis of JD Events has still gone largely unanswered, many more voices from AXPONA exhibitors have joined in. Part of the high-end audio exhibitor letter says, "...Under the circumstances we feel that it is no longer reasonable or responsible for JD Events to try to use the promise of a postponed AXPONA show to withhold exhibitors' (in many cases desperately needed) funds, and we urge you to follow the lead of other events and announce the cancellation of the show immediately."

"Even if you do not cancel, the fact that you simply cannot deliver the show as originally sold (in terms of attendance or coverage) means that all exhibitors should be offered the option of withdrawal and an immediate refund...." (There are now many additional exhibitors who signed the letter; see below.)

Yours Sincerely,

Jim White, Aesthetix
Daniele Coen and Paola Arduini, Alsyvox Audio
Peter Wellikoff, Andover Audio
Cristian Anelli, Aqua Hi Fi
Ralph Karsten, Atmasphere
Mark Cohen, Audeze
Frank Van Alstine, Audio by Van Alstine
Dave Gordon, Audio Research
William E. Low, The Quest Group (dba AudioQuest and Golden Ear)
Ron Hoering, Auranas
John-Paul Lizars, Aurender USA
Conrad Mas, Avid
Jolanta Conti, Basis Audio
Zoltan Bay, Bays Audio
Bob Visintainer, Rhapsody Audio
Elliot Goldman, Bending Wave USA
Kurt Denke, Blue Jeans Cable
Jay Rein, BlueBird Music
Florian Cossy, CH Precision
Rob Robinson, Channel D
Irv Gross, Constellation Audio
Lou Hinkley, Daedalus
Andy Regan, Dan Clark Audio
Vinh Vu, Ginko Audio
David Kasab, David Michael Audio
Greg Hovsepian, DH Labs
Don Better, Don Better Audio
Scot Markwell, Elite AV Distribution
Amadeus Meitner, EMM Labs Inc.
Jean-Pascal Panchard, Stenheim
Sandy Gross, Golden Ear
Sebastian Schmidt, Goya Acoustics
Alvin Lloyd, Grand Prix Audio
Paul Manos, High Fidelity Services
Amelia Santos, Nuno Vitorino, Innuos
Jeff Rowland, Jeff Rowland Design Group
George Vatchnadze, Kyomi Audio
Brian Tucker, Lateral Audio Stands
Adam Johnson, Brian Kane, Madisound
Peter Mackay, Magico
EveAnna Manley, Manley Labs
Jeremy Bryan, MBL North America
Mike McGary, McGary Audio
Merrill Wettasinghe, Merrill Audio
Dan Wright, Modwright
Drew Baird, Moon Audio
Leland Leard, Music Hall
Carl and Marilyn Marchisotto, Nola
Dave Cope, Old Forge Marketing
Philip O'Hanlon, On A Higher Note
Ulrik Madsen, Organic Audio
Andreas Koch, Playback Designs
Steven Norber, PranaFidelity
Paul McGowan, PS Audio
Ze’ev Schlik, Pure Audio Project
John Stratton, Pure Fidelity
Dave Thomson, Raven Audio
Roger Gibboni, Rogers High Fidelity
Chris Seymour, Seymor Screen Excellence
Caelin Gabriel, Grant Samuelsen, Shunyata Research
Donna Bodinet, Christan Griego, Sota Turntables
Mark Gurvey, Source Systems
Clayton Shaw, Spacial Audio Lab
Charlie Schnyder, Stereo Haven
Paul Wakeen, Stillpoints
Tony Crocker, Swan Song Audio
Dan Eakins, SweetVinyl
Stephen Daniels, The Sound Organization
Francisco Jileta, Eliseo Vega, Troy Audio
Kevin Deal, Upscale Audio
Richard Vandersteen, Vandersteen Audio
Njoo Hoo Kong, Venture BVBA
Todd Sutherland, Vivid Audio
Inès Adler, VOXATIV
Mat Weisfeld, VPI Industries
Luke Manley, Bea Lam, VTL
Daniel Weiss, Weiss Engineering Ltd
Jeff Wells, Wells Audio
Lily Luo, XLO International
David Komatz, Dick Diamond, Kerry St James, YG Acoustics

IFA 2020 Set For A New And Innovative Concept
While the German government is limiting shows to less than 5000 people due to the Coronavirus, IFA's Berlin show is still a go for September. There is little to the actual details of their "innovative concept", yet many of us within the industry are curious as to what they have planned. Within their recent press release, they say "IFA Berlin is set to go ahead in 2020, but with an innovative new concept, following the decision by the Berlin government to ban all events with more than 5000 participants until 24 October 2020. As a result, IFA Berlin, the world's most significant trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, will not be able to go ahead as usual.

The organizers of IFA, gfu and Messe Berlin, anticipated this development and for several weeks now have been discussing a range of alternative concepts. Planning is well advanced for a concept that will allow IFA to deliver on its core functions for our industry – as a global showcase for technology innovation and an important meeting place for brands, manufacturers, retailers and media. gfu and Messe Berlin will present the details of its updated concept for IFA 2020 in the near future.

Hans-Joachim Kamp, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu Consumer und Home Electronics, explains: "We expected this development given the constantly evolving pandemic and appreciate that we have now a clear regulatory framework that enables us, our partner Messe Berlin, and our exhibitors to make detailed plans for IFA 2020." Enjoy the Music.com looks forward to experiencing IFA's show concept, as this could demonstrate to high-end audio event promoters how to successfully implement a creative solution.

04 / 28 / 20

HIGH END Society Video Features Enjoy the Music.com
"HIGH END 2020 was canceled, and they handled it with the grace and dignity that our industry deserves," says Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "I look forward to the truly incredible HIGH END 2021 event in Munich." See HIGH END's video with Steven R. Rochlin at this link.

2020 Melbourne Home Entertainment Expo Rescheduled
According to Stereonet: Due to the uncertainty surrounding shows and events as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned 2020 StereoNET Melbourne Home Entertainment Expo has been postponed until 2021. On track to be the largest show of its type ever held in Australia, it is with great sadness that we must make this decision, but as a country and an industry, the priority must be to #stopthespread.

Shows and expos of this nature require a significant commitment and support by its exhibitors, along with substantial logistics and international guests and visitors. As organisers, we felt that this strain on the Australian and New Zealand industries would be too much, even for a show scheduled late into this year. As such, we have decided to postpone the show and are working with other international show organisers, along with local distributors and manufacturers to coordinate the best timing for all involved. All exhibitors and ticket holders who had shown their early support have been 100% refunded. The StereoNET organised shows and expos have become vital resources to the Australia and New Zealand markets, and we look forward to continuing to evolve the Expo and deliver a world-class event in 2021. The greatest show, that still is....

Qobuz Loses Mind, Gives Away Free Hi-Res Music
Qobuz is running a program now through May 15th called "Qobuz music gifts," where they're offering a wide array of Hi-Res albums for free download. It's a great opportunity for those looking for new music to discover new tunes while stuck at home. Free albums include Debussy / Szymanowski / Hahn / Ravel, Carl Nielsen Concertos (Live), Seasons: Orchestral Music of Michael Fine, Trapeze, Beethoven: Symphonies 4 & 7, Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C, "The Great", Best of Papa Wemba plus a few others.

04 / 27 / 20

T.H.E. Show 2020 Has Been Delayed
This just in from T.H.E. Show
Hello Everyone,
We hope you are all staying safe and healthy during these very unprecedented times. At this juncture, we wish to make an updated statement as follows:

T.H.E. Show 2020's original dates of June 12-14 will not be taking place. As we said in our previous statement, we do have a contingency plan that we are in the process of rolling out.

As such, we are inviting all confirmed exhibitors and members of the press to take place in a series of group video conference calls with our Executive Team to discuss the next phase of the rollout. T.H.E. Team believes that a face to face dialogue (from a safe distance!) is more personal and more productive than an email. Therefore, if you are a confirmed exhibitor or member of the press, please be on the lookout for an email from us to schedule your participation - or if you'd like to get a jump on it, please feel free to email our Director of Marketing, Emiko Carlin to confirm your participation.

T.H.E. Show stands with our exhibitors, our attendees, our press, our whole community and we welcome the chance to connect directly with you to discuss the next phase of this new plan to ensure that T.H.E. Show will go on... albeit in a different way!

We look forward to connecting with all of you soon.

Kindly,
T.H.E. Show Team

HIGH END 2020 Press Release Number 3
Show Cancelled Due To Spread Of Coronavirus
This press release just in: The HIGH END 2020 trade show, planned for May 14 to 17, 2020 at Munich's MOC exhibition grounds, has been cancelled due to the current worsening trend with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus. This decision was reached by the HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH upon consideration of all criteria in close cooperation with the Board of the HIGH END SOCIETY e.V.

Given that in addition to the countries affected in Asia, infections in Italy have rapidly increased within a few days, it is unclear how the virus will continue to spread in Europe. "That is why as organisers of an international trade show, we consider it our responsibility to act in a timely manner", explains Stefan Dreischärf, Managing Director of HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH. On the one hand, this move seeks to safeguard the health of all stakeholders and, on the other hand, to work towards averting possible economic losses of the exhibitors.
---> Read more from HIGH END's Press Release Number 3 at this link.

04 / 26 / 20

Click here for larger picture.

Media Consumption During The CV19 Quarantine Era
With more people staying at home due to Coronavirus / Staycation 2020, we here at Enjoy the Music.com felt the desire to highlight a very recent report from Visual Capitalist's Katie Jones. There is no doubt there has been a recent increase in the consumption of media. This includes music, television, playing games, reading, webinars, etc. Of note is the differences in said consumption based on their generation. This may help provide a guide to the 'evolution' of media consumption and its' possible future direction. The full report, which breaks down the raw data these graphics represent, is available via PDF at this link.

Click here for larger picture.

04 / 25 / 20

JD Event's / AXPONA's Joel Davis Replies
April 23, 2020
Hi Steve. It appears you sent the original email to an info@ address vs to me directly which is why I never received. I have been planning all along to get a communication out to all exhibitors in late April to address all the questions we are receiving. I don't think it is necessary for me to be immediately reactive to a petition letter. Nor does it make sense to provide answers to a few select questions to be published without the opportunity to elaborate on the full context of the current situation...which is complicated and changes daily.
---> Read Joel Davis' full reply, plus info about more interesting facts at this link. 

T.H.E. Show Interviews Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin
T.H.E. Show (The Home Entertainment Show) recently launched their news series called T.H.E. Talk, which is available on Facebook and other online platforms. This week they interviewed / Q&A'ed with Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. Emiko Carlin asks many great question including budget and cost-no-object audio gear, to streaming music and more! You can watch this very special video interview on Facebook at this link.

04 / 24 / 20

Free Friday Pink Floyd Concert Live At Pompeii
Every Friday during the Coronavirus crisis Pink Floyd is offering free concert videos! This week it is their 1972 release of Pink Floyd Live At Pompeii, a film of the band performing without an audience in the historic Roman amphitheatre of Pompeii, directed by Adrian Maben. The concert film is the 2016 re-edited version as featured in The Early Years 1965-1972 box set and will appear as part of the @YouTube Film Festival for a period of 24 hours only. Next Friday (May 1st) will feature Pink Floyd's KQED Concert filmed live in San Francisco in 1970.

04 / 22 / 20

T.H.E. Talk Feat. Enjoy the Music.com's Steven R. Rochlin
In this time of social distancing and focusing on health, T.H.E. Show has launched their news series, called T.H.E. Talk available on Facebook and other platforms. This is an interview-style Q&A with various designers, manufacturers, dealers, and distributors and YOU will get to ask them your most burning questions about audio and music from the safety and comfort of your own home. T.H.E. Show (The Home Entertainment Show) is hosting these events on their various social media platforms – be it on Facebook, on Instagram Live and even on Twitter/Periscope so make sure to watch for which platform we will be on. We hope that no matter where in the world you are, you're all staying healthy, safe, and inside.

Be sure to watch Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin this Thursday, April 23rd at 12pm PST (3pm EDT / 19:00 GMT) for key information concerning music, high-end audio, and other important happenings within the high-fidelity audio and music industry. We here at Enjoy the Music.com and T.H.E. Talk looks forward to answering your important questions. It will be a great conversation, so be sure to tune in!

04 / 21 / 20

Open Letter To Joel Davis Of JD Events
Dear Joel,

Hi-Fi Shows have long been an important and familiar part of the audio landscape, as important to manufacturers and magazines as they are to consumers. But the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic has clearly altered that landscape out of all recognition.

Large segments of the US (and World) population are enduring limitations on travel and social interaction. Governments and city administrations are banning audiences from sports and cultural events, with many major festivals and conferences that were scheduled between now and the end of the year already choosing to cancel. Public willingness to travel or attend live events is dramatically reduced, and the health risks of doing so are well documented.

Unfortunately the conclusion is as inescapable as it is serious. With no widespread testing or vaccine in sight, there will be no quick return to normal. According to economics experts the economy is nowhere near re-opening, and we are all looking down the gun barrel of a recession.

The postponement of AXPONA from April to August this year partially recognizes this reality, but we do not believe it truly reflects the gravity of the situation faced by your exhibitors. Any suggestion that the industry want and broadly support the idea of a show in August is also wide of the mark.

Far from supporting your exhibitors, clinging to the prospect of holding Axpona in August is actually making their situation worse. Facing the almost total loss of at least three-months' revenue, the resultant drain on available cash and the additional costs of re-starting supply and production, many companies are facing a critical cash-flow crisis. 

Even once business re-starts, consumer confidence is likely to be cripplingly low, directly impacting revenue for the rest of the year. The risks of social interaction and communication, as well as the substantial additional costs, make attending any show in an effort to stimulate sales a very real threat to both exhibitor and business health.

Visitors (and please remember that many audiophiles are in the most vulnerable demographic groups) will have similar health concerns, especially as regards the risks of travelling to and attending such an event, with the small rooms and crowded nature. Press will be similarly inhibited, and the prospects of a positive visitor experience, decent levels of attendance, or coverage are clearly minimal.

The whole world is facing a health and economic crisis – and the audio industry is no different. Supporting the industry that AXPONA serves means helping hard-pressed companies by cancelling the show and releasing the money they paid in advance for an event that will not now happen.

Under the circumstances we feel that it is no longer reasonable or responsible for JD Events to try to use the promise of a postponed AXPONA show to withhold exhibitors' (in many cases desperately needed) funds, and we urge you to follow the lead of other events and announce the cancellation of the show immediately.

Even if you do not cancel, the fact that you simply cannot deliver the show as originally sold (in terms of attendance or coverage) means that all exhibitors should be offered the option of withdrawal and an immediate refund.

We are confident that this would be as widely welcomed as it would be appreciated, a genuinely positive step towards preserving your exhibitors and the possibility of next year's event.

Yours Sincerely,

Jolanta Conti, Basis Audio
Elliot Goldman, Bending Wave USA
Florian Cossy, CH Precision
Irv Gross, Constellation Audio
Don Better, Don Better Audio
Scot Markwell, Elite AV Distribution
Sandy Gross, GoldenEar
Alvin Lloyd, Grand Prix Audio 
Jeff Rowland, Jeff Rowland Group
Peter Mackay, Magico
EveAnna Manley, Manley Labs
Leland Leard, Music Hall
Paul McGowan, PS Audio
Jean-Pascal Panchard, Stenheim
Charlie Schnyder, Stereo Haven
Bill Low, The Quest Group (dba AudioQuest and GoldenEar)
Todd Sutherland, Vivid Audio
Luke Manley and Bea Lam, VTL
Lily Luo, XLO International
David Komatz, Dick Diamond and Kerry St James, YG Acoustics

Ticketmaster Finally Refunds Money To Ticket Holders
According to the financial site ZeroHedge, "Last week, New York lawmakers opened an investigation into Ticketmaster after the company revamped its refund policy to exclude postponed events. The policy change meant refunds would only be guaranteed for events that are cancelled. Ticketmaster also received criticism from members of Congress.

"People across the country are having to make adjustments in their lives to keep everyone safe. Ticketmaster can do its part by giving people their money back," Congress member Katie Porter said. "Let's be clear: they can do this without government action, and they can do it today. Ticketmaster should do the right thing and stop trying to profit off a pandemic." Apparently the pressure was enough to cause the entertainment industry to cave. Ticketmaster and events promoter Live Nation will now refund customers who purchased tickets to events that have been postponed." If there are other events that refuse to refund money, you need to let your government representative know. If you're part of a group where a show was delayed or cancelled yet no refund offered, again contact the event's city government officials and let them know. Read more on ZeroHedge.

Apple Music Expands To 52 More Countries
Apple Music announced that starting today, even more customers around the world can enjoy many of Apple's most popular Services. Starting today Apple Music is now available in 52 additional countries. Apple Music is now available in the following countries and regions: Africa: Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Libya, Morocco, Rwanda, and Zambia. Asia-Pacific: Maldives and Myanmar. Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. Middle East: Afghanistan (excluding Apple Music) and Iraq. Oceania: Nauru (excluding Apple Music), Tonga, and Vanuatu. Apple Music is also expanding to the following countries and regions: Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Chad, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Tunisia. Asia-Pacific: Bhutan. Europe: Croatia, Iceland, and North Macedonia. Latin America and the Caribbean: the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Turks and Caicos, and Uruguay. Middle East: Kuwait, Qatar, and Yemen. Oceania: Solomon Islands.

Apple Music is claiming to be the most complete music experience, now available in 167 countries and regions and offering over 60 million songs. With world-class music experts and tastemakers curating thousands of playlists and daily selections, and the renowned global radio station Beats 1, Apple Music is available on many devices. New Apple Music subscribers in the 52 additional countries can enjoy a six-month free trial of the service, with locally curated playlists including Africa Now, Afrobeats Hits, Ghana Bounce, and more.

Qobuz's Gimme Shelter Has Been Extended To May 15th
Hi-Res streaming music service Qobuz is running a promotion where 100% of the profit goes back to the rights holder and musicians. Their Gimme Shelter efforts gives back to the community and is offered from now until May 15th. Qobuz, the music service with the world's largest Hi-Res Music catalog, has expanded their Gimme Shelter artist relief program by returning 100% of commissions made on new customers' first paid month of streaming back to rightsholders, for all new subscribers who join from April 10th through May 15th. This expansion is phase two of the Gimme Shelter relief program, which was running through April 26th, yet has been extended until May 15th. 100% of the commissions made by Qobuz from all download sales in the USA are being passed through to the rightsholders.

Qobuz Studio Premier, which includes unlimited Hi-Res Music and lossless CD quality music streaming, is available as a one month free trial, after which customers are charged $14.99 per month. During Gimme Shelter, for all new subscribers, Qobuz will waive its usual commission on that fee during the first month that they pay for. These commissions will be donated by Qobuz to rightsholders for redistribution or charitable gift to their artists and writers.

04 / 20 / 20

AudioXpress Opens Up During Lockdown. Read It Free!
This news just in from our friends at AudioXpress:
As everyone adjusts to the pandemic challenges and a stay-at-home routine, here at KCK Media we've been looking at how we can contribute by helping everyone to learn, stay connected, and be entertained. We've already offered free digital access to all our print subscribers, and we are offering 12 free issues with any one-year digital subscription purchase, but we thought we should take it one step further. So, we've decided to offer our publications — Circuit Cellar and audioXpress — to everyone for free for the next three issues, and we are making available the May, June and July issues in a dedicated digital subscription viewing platform. Read. Learn. Build. And perhaps discover a new passion. Get access to your free issues at this link.

Enjoy Reading Your Fave Hi-Fi Magazines Online
Everyone here at Enjoy the Music.com sympathizes with those affected by the recent health issue. Our hobby is one that can be enjoyed within the privacy, and security, of your home. We'd like to take a moment to remind our readers that many of our partner magazines offer online subscriptions. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music.

04 / 17 / 20

Now Live! AXPONA 2020 High-End Audio Press Center
High-end audio industry's official Press Center for AXPONA 2020.
Enjoy the Music.com is once again high-end audio's official press center for AXPONA. As we did during AXPONA 2016 and AXPONA 2018, plus CES 2016 and CES 2017, during AXPONA 2020 we provide show promoters, exhibitors, members of the industry and our worldwide readership important information they crave. We're offering press releases from high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio manufacturers taking part at AXPONA 2020
---> See High-End Audio's official AXPONA 2020 Press Center.

04 / 16 / 20

Interview With Art Dudley
Listener Magazine Head Honcho And All Around Great Guy!
Interview By Steven R. Rochlin
Listener magazine began life in 1994 as an inspiration from a deep love of music. As a musician, Art Dudley (with the assistance of his wife Janet) threw caution to the wind and began venturing into the wonderful world of print publication. Listener magazine had a virtually cult-like following reaching readers that desired an alternative to super mega-buck products and perceived advertorials as found in other media. In December of 1999 Belvoir Publications bought Listener from Art Dudley, keeping him as editor and allowing the magazine's writers and its direction to remain intact.
---> Read our interview with Listener magazine's Art Dudley at this link.

04 / 15 / 20

High-End Audio Editor And Reviewer Art Dudley Passes
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of the amazing Art Dudley. From his wonderful work with Backpacker magazine to The Absolute Sound, Listener and finally Stereophile, Art always brought his joyous glow and sense of humor to everyone he met. Listener magazine was one of Enjoy the Music.com's partner magazines before it closed shop. To quote our 2002 interview with Art, "Listener magazine began life in 1994 as an inspiration from a deep love of music. As a musician, Art Dudley (with the assistance of his wife Janet) threw caution to the wind and began venturing into the wonderful world of print publication. Listener magazine had a virtually cult-like following reaching readers that desired an alternative to super mega-buck products and perceived advertorials as found in other media. In December of 1999 Belvoir Publications bought Listener from Art Dudley, keeping him as editor and allowing the magazine's writers and its direction to remain intact." Steven R. Rochlin, Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director, says "It deeply saddens me to hear of Art Dudley's passing. Art was one of the great guys within our industry. Having just re-read my interview with him, there's no better way to learn about Art's humble beginnings. There are so many marvelous memories filling my soul with joy, and sadness for our industry's loss." You can read Enjoy the Music.com's 2002 interview with Art Dudley at this link.

After Changing Date, Montréal Audiofest Has Been Cancelled
The Montréal Audiofest 2020 was set to celebrating music and hi-fi from March 27th to 29th at the refreshing face-lifted Bonaventure Hotel. Plan were to have the Enjoy the Music.com cover this event, as have done with a variety of Montreal shows since 1999. The Montréal Audiofest as expecting more than 5000 visitors who want to hear, see and touch over 300 brands of audio products under one roof. Over 100 exhibitors were 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.

Alas, according to the Montréal Audiofest, "Following last week government's announcement that the borders will remain closed until June (2020), we can now confirm that the Montreal Audiofest will not be postponed in May and it is officially cancelled. We had announced on March 17th that in the event of cancellation we would begin to refund our exhibitors on April 20th, but we suspect that some of them may need cash sooner rather than later, so we have began the refund process on April 6th. As soon as life gets back to normal we plan to hold a mini Audiofest with few exhibitors hoping to stimulate our industry a bit."

04 / 14 / 20

Rush Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Album
On May 29th, UMe/Mercury/Anthem label group continues its extensive Rush 40th anniversary album series with a new, imagination-capturing expanded edition of all the magic music that comprises the band's remarkable 1980 release, Permanent Waves. Permanent Waves, Rush's seventh studio album, was originally released in January 1980, and its forward-thinking music signaled a new direction for the Canadian band as it entered a new decade. Permanent Waves signified Rush's first of many recording sessions at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, which was at one point nicknamed the trio's own personal Abbey Road recording studio. Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary will be available to fans in four distinct configurations, including a Super Deluxe Edition, a two-CD Deluxe Edition, a three-LP Deluxe Edition, and/or a Deluxe Digital Edition. The Super Deluxe Edition includes two CDs and three high-quality 180-gram black vinyl LPs. The Super Deluxe Edition of Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary will also include several exclusive items, including a 40-page hardcover book with unreleased photos, reimagined artwork by original album designer Hugh Syme, and an extensive & exclusive 12,000-word essay, plus much more.

The second configuration of Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary will be released in a two-CD Deluxe Edition digipak that includes the remastered original album and the live bonus tracks, plus a 20-page booklet with unreleased photos and reimagined artwork by Syme. The third Permanent Waves configuration will be offered as an audiophile black vinyl 180-gram three-LP Deluxe Edition featuring the original album on LP1 and all 12 bonus live tracks on LPs 2 & 3, all housed in a slipcase, along with a 20-page booklet with unreleased photos and Syme's new artwork. Jacket 1 features Syme's original 1980 album artwork in a single-pocket jacket, while Jacket 2 contains the Permanent Waves 1980 Tour bonus content in gatefold form. The fourth configuration, the Deluxe Digital Edition featuring the original album and all 12 bonus live performances.

04 / 13 / 20

AXPONA 2020 Press Center: Send Us Your Press Releases
Enjoy the Music.com reminder as we're preparing our AXPONA 2020 Press Center, which will go live this week per AXPONA's original April 17th through 19th schedule. We're giving your company a 100% free opportunity to promote your latest hi-fi gear that was planned to appear at AXPONA 2020 in Chicago. For those who have not prepared their press releases, or perhaps need a bit of help, there's a wonderful article on Quill & Pad titled "Watch Brand Marketing And Communication Teams". This is a great article that parallels the needs of high-end audio manufacturers to effectively reach the audiophile press.

E-Mail Us Your Press Release
Send us your company's ~800 word press release with three hi-res product photos plus your company's logo to appear within our AXPONA 2020 Press Center via e-mail at this link.

04 / 10 / 20

Qobuz's Gimme Shelter Gives 100% Back
Hi-Res streaming music service Qobuz is running a promotion where 100% of the profit goes back to the rights holder and musicians. Their Gimme Shelter efforts gives back to the community and is offered from now until April 26th. Qobuz has ~50 million tracks in total to choose from at upwards of 24-bit/192kHz resolution. This is your chance to enjoy studio-quality music while also helping musical artists succeed.

Save 15% Off Super HiRez Music At Acoustic Sounds
Chad Kassem's Acoustic Sounds Super HiRez site is offering 15% off their lossless music downloads. This includes the recent Blues Masters At The Crossroads concert we streamed live last week, which is now available for on-demand viewing on Enjoy the Music.com's Facebook page. Acoustic Sounds offers true lossless Hi-Res Music in DSD, FLAC, and ALAC. Simply order music from Acoustic Sounds' Super HiRez site enter the code Super 15 to save 15% on music.

04 / 09 / 20

This Just In From RMAF
Dear Friends in Audio -
As we move into our third week of isolation, we are by turns horrified by the hardships our friends and neighbors are enduring, and hopeful as we watch others transcend their own trying circumstances. Whether it's an illness in your family, or a downturn in business that looms large in your world, we want you to know that you are not alone. We'd be lying if we didn't tell you that we sometimes get overtaken by nerves too. It's a scary time in the world today, but we are determined to lead with our hearts, and not let fear consume us. In our business, we are connected by more than a shared interest in audio.
--->Read More on our RMAF 2020 show report page.

Enjoy the Music.com Celebrates Throwback Thursday
Enjoy the Music.com is celebrating Throwback Thursday by harking back to our homepage from two decades ago! Our main page during 2000 truly showcases the immense growth we blissfully have provided to music lovers globally since 1995. We are humbled by the support of our worldwide readers, as we have grown a bit while also celebrating our site's 25th Anniversary during 2020. "During Staycation 2020, I wanted our readers to find some retro amusement and bring a smile to their faces," said Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "As many of us stay home and find joy in reading show reports, articles, and reviews on the internet, Enjoy the Music.com's tremendously impressive staff are working hard to deliver the best content possible. Rest assured we are here working long hours to bring you as much great content as possible. Let us all celebrate the past 25 years of Enjoy the Music.com successfully delivering more industry news, more show reports, and so much more for you to enjoy! As always, enjoy the music!" Please note that our retro homepage is online only for today's Throwback Thursday.

Who knows, maybe next week we will have special 'Easter Eggs' on our homepage for you to find 'secret' retro content. It could also be a special contest for audio gear, NOS vacuum tubes, brand new Wolf watch winders and / or Wolf watch storage... pay attention to our website's home page next week :)

Keep Updated Via Enjoy the Music.com's eNewsletter
We're keeping both our readers and manufacturers/distributors up-to-date with our longstanding newsletter. Join our e-mail newsletter to enter our contests plus receive site updates, new equipment reviews, show reports and more! For manufacturers and distributors, you'll be alerted to special benefits we offer to the industry... free of cost to you! About once a month everyone will get an e-mail from Enjoy the Music.com concerning updates about our site, with occasional mid-month notices during important show coverage, etc. After ~25 years online we have never, and will never sell, rent, or loan our list.

Our eNewsletter for our loyal fans is at this link.

NOTE: If you are a manufacturer, distributor and/or product representative, please join our list at this link. 

Clark Johnson Of Positive Feedback Passes
This just in from our partner magazine Positive Feedback (photo from CES 1999 with EveAnna Manley):

I have just received the terrible news that my long-time audio friend and a senior contributor to Positive Feedback, Clark Johnson, passed away of cancer this afternoon at 5:30 PM Eastern time. I knew that Clark was very sick, and likely dying, but still this very sad news causes me real grief.

I will be writing a memoriam for Clark to be published at Positive Feedback as soon as possible.

All of his friends in the high-end audio community who knew him will be mourning his passing.

Dr. David W. Robinson, Editor-in-Chief
Positive Feedback

Digital Amplifier Company MEGAschino Stereo Amplifier
Tommy O'Brien's newest achievement in Class D amplification is a total success.
Review By Jeremy R. Kipnis At Kipnis Studios (KSS)
You're sitting there, quietly listening to a favorite album, when... BAM, something catches your attention by popping out of the recording and sounding absolutely amazing! In this case... I'm listening to the soundtrack to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, the first of three soundtracks by composer Ennio Morricone that offers very unusual orchestration featuring voices, guitar, Latin percussion instruments, and full orchestra w/ piano, strings, brass, winds, etc. And what's amazing is that, even though I know the sound of this album very well, being a recording producer and engineer, there are little familiar bits like the opening main title which leap out, suddenly, like never before.
---> Read our review of Digital Amplifier Company's MEGAschino stereo amplifier. 

04 / 08 / 20

Trafomatic Audio NOA Monoblock Vacuum Tube Amplifier
Trafomatic Audio's NOA monoblock vacuum tube amplifier represents the company's latest design and direction. Curved lines gives NOA an contemporary appeal that looks refreshed, stylish, and blends very nicely within the surroundings. Their NOA monoblocks is a matured product, as it shows true Trafomatic DNA embossed with the new company logo. Their new logo radiates with Zen like simplicity says the company, reflecting the best attributes of Trafomatic Audio. Trafomatic Audio's NOA monoblocks are the company's most powerful amplifier in the Trafomatic Audio productions.

Output power is 200 Watts per unit, NOA can drive virtually any speaker produced today. A push-pull structure using KT150 Tungsol output tubes (four per monoblock) is mated with double triode ECC99 and 5687. Cathode feedback was used as they feel it is the most musical approach. Bass is said to be amazing and well-controlled, plus dynamic response is excellent too. A well-designed power supply features a 800VA toroidal transformer and an 'oversized' C-L-C filter. Output transformers are based on a Double-C core configuration and Solen fast capacitors are used throughout. Trafomatic Audio NOA monoblock amplifier have both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.

04 / 07 / 20

Terabit Data Transfer May be Coming To Your Home
An article on American Institute of Physics (AIP) titled 'A wire waveguide channel for terabit-per-second links' gives hope to the future of upwards of 10 Terabits per second data transfer. While today there is no need for any lossy compressed audio scheme due to an abundance of bandwidth, will the next step be 32-bit/768kHz sound quality? According to the scientific paper, "The rise in consumer data usage has increased the demand for higher data rates in telecommunication in both wireless and wired systems. In order to meet the demands for increased data rates for wired services, one possibility is to switch to higher frequencies, beyond the MHz-range frequencies typically used in digital subscriber line (DSL) services."

"In this work, we investigate the channel properties of a 200 GHz signal transmitted through a waveguide structure that is designed to approximately emulate the type of paired phone cable typically used for DSL transmissions. We report the attenuation characteristics of such a channel and explore the achievable data rates of a realistic vectored scenario that exploits the modal diversity of this multi-mode channel. We find that aggregate data rates on the order of terabits per second are feasible over short distances." Read the scientific paper at this link.

04 / 06 / 20

AXPONA 2020 Press Center: Send Us Your Press Releases
Enjoy the Music.com is preparing our AXPONA 2020 Press Center, which will go live next week per AXPONA's original April 17th through 19th schedule. We're giving your company a 100% free opportunity to promote your latest hi-fi gear that was planned to appear at AXPONA 2020 in Chicago. For those who have not prepared their press releases, or perhaps need a bit of help, there's a wonderful article on Quill & Pad titled "Watch Brand Marketing And Communication Teams". This is a great article that parallels the needs of high-end audio manufacturers to effectively reach the audiophile press.

E-Mail Us Your Press Release
Send us your company's ~800 word press release with three hi-res product photos plus your company's logo to appear within our AXPONA 2020 Press Center via e-mail at this link.

Ella 100: Live At The Apollo! On Concord Jazz
Concord Jazz celebrates the music and life of the "First Lady of Song" Ella Fitzgerald with their upcoming release Ella 100: Live at the Apollo!. Set for release on April 24th (2020) via Concord Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald has been hailed as perhaps the greatest singer in the history of jazz. Recorded live at the storied Harlem N.Y. venue in front of an ecstatic audience, the concert and recording, produced by the eight-time Grammy and Emmy Award recipient and former Fitzgerald musician Gregg Field, features dynamic and loving tributes from a parade of contemporary vocal and musical giants and co-hosted by Grammy award winner Patti Austin and the multi-Tony award nominated actor/singer David Alan Grier.

In addition to Austin and Grier, the concert features performances by Andra Day, Ledisi, Lizz Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Monica Mancini and the award-winning a cappella vocal group from Howard University, Afro Blue. Accompanying these world-class vocalists is none other than the Count Basie Orchestra and strings, so effectively presenting the music of Ella and the renowned orchestra with whom Ella so often collaborated. Also featured, and to celebrate Ella's famous quartet, is the deeply swinging Ella 100 All-Star Quartet with Shelly Berg, Nathan East, Brian Nova and Field, who channel the spontaneous spirit direct from Ella. 

04 / 03 / 20

CE WEEK New York 2020 Has Been Cancelled
This news just in:
Dear friends and partners,

We know how much all of you value the great exhibition and networking opportunities offered by CE WEEK. However, we are writing to let you know that Messe Berlin; IFA and CTLab have decided to cancel this year's CE WEEK which was scheduled to take place from June 10-11, 2020 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The New York State Office of General Services, in conjunction with the Governor's Office, the New York State Department of Health and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, requested the use of available space at the Javits Center in order to help combat the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. As this is challenging for all of us it is self-evident to back the decision of the Javits Center to support New Yorkers in their time of need.

However, as you will appreciate, your health and safety is paramount for us.

Please stay safe – and make sure to take precautionary measures to protect you and your families.

We will continue to communicate operational updates as soon as possible.

Best regards,
Jens Heithecker
IFA Executive Director,
Producer of CE Week,
EVP Messe Berlin

Editor's Note: Called a CE Week representative and they said perhaps full refund for exhibitors, or at the very least roll-over of funds without penalty for their 2021 event.

04 / 02 / 20

Hi-Fi+'s April 2020 High-End Audio Magazine
Hi-Fi+ magazine's April 2020 issue features 2020 Florida Audio Expo, the best show of the season in the USA! All the latest from the fast-growing Florida Audio Expo, now in just its second year. Also featured within this issue if Hi-Fi+'s very special 2020 Editor's Choice Awards as they celebrate their 21 years of outstanding audio and personal audio. Hi-Fi+ speaks to Kelly Finnigan from the San Francisco-based psychedelic soul band, Monophonics. There's a competition where you could win Meze's excellent RAI Penta universal-fit in-ear monitors worth £949!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says, "It seems like only a year ago that we were celebrating Hi-Fi+'s 20th Anniversary, and now... we're celebrating our 21st year. Who would have guessed it? Normally, we take these times to reflect on what has happened and what will happen over the next 12 months, but the COVID-19-shaped elephant in the room can't be avoided. With AXPONA, CanJam Singapore, the Montreal Audio Show and even Munich High-End either cancelled or postponed, the impact of the pandemic has rocked our little world." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

Xavian Terza Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker
Xavian just announced their upcoming Terza (or 'third note') three-way stand-mounted loudspeaker. The sealed 'infinity baffle' enclosure will be available in six luxury finishes to choose from, with the cover grille being held on with magnets for a seamless fit. Other features include a sandwich woofer voice coil with winding outside and inside the former, a dampened labyrinth chamber for the tweeter, and each drive pair is carefully hand-matched. Internally inside the cabinet is a complex bracing system to avoid unwanted cabinet resonances. An advanced crossovers has variable slopes compensating for the reactivity of the woofer around the resonant frequency. Crossover parts include 1% tolerance of Mundorf resistors, 3% tolerance of Jantzen and Mundorf coils. Capacitors are carefully paired with a tolerance of +/-0.5dB. Xavian's Terza stand-mounted loudspeaker can be bi-amp'ed or bi-wired. Tailor-made stands are also available to underline the aesthetic clarity of the speakers for optimum listening height with fine and quick tuning of the ideal horizontal position using the built-in feet. 

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems
Momentum Phono Stage Preamplifier
A championship phono stage from living legend Dan D'Agostino.
Review By Tom Lyle
When I heard that I would be reviewing the $28,000 Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Momentum phono preamplifier for this issue of Enjoy The Music, I was a very happy audiophile — on account of the time I spent with the $50,000 D'Agostino Momentum Lifestyle integrated amplifier that I reviewed earlier this year. If this phono preamplifier had any of the sonic characteristics of the MLife, I suspected I was going to hear my records through a state-of-the-art phono preamp, or at the very least one that was very close to state-of-the-art. When writing about their MLife integrated amp I declared that not only have I never heard an integrated sound so marvelous in my system, I never have I heard one sound as marvelous anywhere.
---> Read our Dan D'Agostino MAS Momentum Phono Stage Preamplifier review.

04 / 01 / 20

Enjoy the Music.com's April 2020 Review Magazine
Staycation 2020 Special Edition!
Over 50 Reviews And Articles

High-End Audio / Audiophile Equipment Reviews And Think Pieces
Enjoy the Music.com just posted our massive April Review Magazine online. This month is jam-packed with over 10 hours of Chad Kassem's Blues Masters At The Crossroads concert streaming video, a wide variety of high-end audio gear reviews, quite a few 10 Questions special features from manufacturers.... This being April, we also have some fun spoof reviews too!

Live Streams Now Available For On-Demand Viewing
Enjoy the Music.com To Rebroadcast Our Live Stream Of Blues Masters At The Crossroads 2014
The 2014 Blues Masters at the Crossroads event at Blue Heaven Studios, celebrating the 17th year as the preeminent authentic Blues concert in the world, featured performances by Rip Lee Pryor, Moreland & Arbuckle, Marquise Knox, Big George Brock, Kim Wilson, Joe Beard, Lazy Lester, Mighty Sam McClain, Sonny Green, Kim Wilson with Billy Flynn, and Bernard Allison. Taking place in Salina, Kansas, October 17th and 18th (2014) at a converted 1925 church sanctuary, the musical gospel continues to resonate within the walls of this historic building.
---> Read more and watch our Blues Masters live stream.

Our Largest Review Magazine In History!
Plus I shoulda bought a high-end music system.
Stuck at home during Staycation 2020? Well then, it's time to buy a great hi-fi system!
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
My coding fingers are raw to the bone! The April 2020 issue of Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine is the largest we've ever done in our 25 years history! The many new writers we've hired are finally chiming in! Blame me for not announcing every new hire, as we've been on a spree as of late and want to take a moment to point out our youngest reviewer, plus a 'new guy' who I've known for decades!
---> Read more about Enjoy the Music.com's largest issue in history.

Coronavirus And High-End Audio
The last few weeks have turned our world a bit topsy-turvy.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
Well, that happened. The past month has been extremely eventful for everyone around the world. As this article will be online for decades, please allow me a moment to put this article into some context. The Coronavirus (Covid-19) has affected many people throughout the world. It has also caused the cancellation, or delay, of a variety of shows from high-end audio and mechanical timepieces to cars, etc. Summertime music concert tours have also been canceled, or at the very least delayed.
---> Read more about the Coronavirus and high-end audio.

Plenty Of Time To Enjoy The Music
Roger Skoff tells how to turn a lemon into lemonade.
Article By Roger Skoff
Seems like everyone I know is staying home lately. Either they're sick; afraid of getting sick; afraid they might unknowingly contract or carry the Coronavirus to someone else just by getting too close; or just staying home because the government (at every level, from the most local to all-the-way up) is telling them to. Besides, with just about every kind of social or recreational business, event, or activity shut down and just about every restaurant, bar, or bowling alley closed or restricted, there's really no place to go – especially if one of those businesses or events happens to be how they make their living.
---> Read more about making plenty of time for music.

Immersive: The New Gold Standard Of Sound
The sonic search is an exciting journey!
Article By Dennis Baxter
The evolution of audio in broadcasting and film has paralleled the increase in the number of audio record and transmit channels available in the ecosystem. Analog satellite technology provided two channels of audio and often one channel was for a full program and one channel for the program without commentary – hence mono audio except for special events. Through the early 1980s, stereo was often electronically processed from mono and original surround sound was processing from two channels to create five channels of sound.
---> Read more about immersive sound as the Gold standard.

Industry POV: A New Understanding Of Diffusion
It's a far more complex concept than absorption is, and here's why.
Article By Jim DeGrandis Of Acoustics First Corporation
In decades past, traditional barrel and pyramidal sound diffusers had their acoustical specifications presented with absorption coefficients as the only available acoustical data. This was handy for low-frequency control applications or targeting particular "bumps" in a room without adding too much absorption, which could make a room too dry. Toward the end of the 20th century, more than one acoustical company began to use graphed polar plots of various diffusion devices to illustrate where sound was being redirected when it reflected off a device's surface. It could be "visualized" from that information.
---> Read more about measuring diffusers.

What It Takes To Make Our Review Magazine
A special sneak peek look into the inner workings...
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
Getting out a new issue of the Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine takes much effort and concentration. First comes the many hours of deep meditation. As is customary, a minimum of four hours are spent each and every day seeking the divine wisdom to the Audio G-ds. We search only for His knowledge and wisdom as handed down to us though the ages.

Understanding Digital Room Correction
Article By Mitch Barnett Of Accurate Sound
Modern Digital Room Correction (DRC) is an often misunderstood subject area. I have seen many articles written on the subject that don't answer basic questions such as what problem is DRC trying to solve? How does DRC work? And why, as an audiophile, should I care? This article endeavors to answer these questions. Let's start off with what problem DRC is trying to solve. One can identify the problem fairly quickly by listening to the bass response of your loudspeakers in your room. Try it along with me.
---> Read more about understanding room correction.

Rogier van Bakel
Truly breathing life into great music means identifying, using, and appreciating exceptional high-fidelity equipment.
Three tableaux come to mind when I think of how I wandered into the world of high-end audio.
1. When I was in my mid-twenties, an older editor at the Dutch current-affairs magazine I worked for announced he wanted to write a piece about audiophiles (he had himself been bitten by the audio bug). Because I often wrote about rock and pop music, he asked if I had a quality hi-fi system. If so, he added, would I be willing to be interviewed? I should've demurred, but I owned some mid-fi components (a Nakamichi cassette deck, a Technics turntable, BNS 482 speakers) that I thought sounded fantastic together.
---> Learn more about reviewer Rogier van Bakel.

Frank Garofalo
The beginning of a journey begins with the first step....
As much as I would like to boast about which band was seen in concert in 1972, or where I was working in 1987, I simply cannot. Born near the turn of the millennium, am still in the early stages of life. Therefore my bio will be relatively short compared to other writers that have lived much longer lives. I am currently a student finishing up my undergraduate studies at a local college and will begin to study cybersecurity at the University of Central Florida in the fall of 2020.
---> Learn more about Frank Garofalo.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Benjamin Zwickel, Owner of Mojo Audio
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Benjamin Zwickel, Owner of Mojo Audio Inc. The company's products are engineered to sound natural, musical, and coherent. We never use voicing or attractive distortions to impress or enhance. Rather, we seek to create the most musically transparent products possible. They strive to have the simplest signal path, the highest performance power supplies, the lowest resonance, the best shielding, and best grounding possible.
---> Read more about Benjamin Zwickel, Owner of Mojo Audio.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Florian Cossy, CEO Of CH Precision
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Florian Cossy, CEO Of CH Precision. Each and every CH Precision circuit is designed with a single goal – to touch the signal as little as possible. It sounds simple and in some ways it is, at least on a conceptual level. But it also means accepting that conventional approaches and accepted practice fall well short of that ideal.
---> Read more about Florian Cossy, CEO of CH Precision.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO Of Audio Research
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO Of Audio Research. Audio Research is one of the oldest continually operating manufacturers in American audio. The company was founded in 1970 in Minneapolis with one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Today, Audio Research remains a performance-oriented company by philosophy and design.
---> Read more about Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO of Audio Research.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Nelson Pass Of Pass Labs And First Watt
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Nelson Pass of Pass Labs. Pass Laboratories was founded in 1991 by Nelson Pass. Operating out of his shop at home, Pass developed prototypes of a single-ended Class A amplifier design. At the same time, he and Mike Burley were constructing an in-house machine shop with three home-built CNC milling machines with which to produce the amplifiers when the design was finished. The first product, the Aleph 0, shipped in 1992.
---> Read more about Nelson Pass of Pass Labs and First Watt.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Norbert Lindemann Of Lindemann Audio
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Norbert Lindemann of Lindemann Audio. The development of their products fall back on a wealth of experience gathered in 25 years of building loudspeakers, amplifiers and digital sources. At Lindemann Audio, new products are created by means of the most advanced design tools and measuring methods.
---> Read more about Norbert Lindemann of Lindemann Audio.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Yoav Geva, Chief Engineer At YG Acoustics
Enjoy the Music.com's 25th Anniversary special feature!
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Yoav Geva, Chief Engineer at YG Acoustics. Founded in 2002, YG Acoustics is recognized as one of the most prominent companies in the high-end audio industry, a pioneer whose technical advancements remain unmatched. They strive to provide the best performance, cutting-edge technology, value, reliability and exceptional customer service.
---> Read more about Yoav Geva, Chief Engineer at YG Acoustics.

Bauhutte DAW, Audiophile / HT And Gaming Bed
Nearfield audio mastering / gaming bed for those on Staycation 2020.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
Wake up and move from bed to desk in a matter of seconds as your bed 'transforms' into a digital audio workstation (DAW nearfield monitors. It can also be used as a gaming bed as well. In addition, those who add more speakers may enjoy a truly immersive experience! Stuck in Staycation 2020 due to the Coronavirus? This problem is solved by The Gamebed from Japan. It features a lifting headboard that adds functional storage to the bedside and a bed desk that can be set at the foot of a single bed.
---> Read more Bauhutte DAW, Audiophile / HT and Gaming Bed.

McDonald's Limited Edition Scented Candles
Celebrate Staycation by enjoying the scent of delicious fast-food.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
If you're missing that glorious fast-food feeling while on Staycation 2020 due to the Coronavirus, McDonald's is here to help. For a limited time, McDonald's is offering a special six-pack of scented candles. This limited edition set of six custom scented candles in glass containers is inspired by Quarter Pounder ingredients: Bun, Ketchup, Pickle, Cheese, Onion, and 100% Fresh Beef.
---> Read more about McDonald's limited edition scented candles.

Toilet Paper DIY Separator 8467
DIY project doubles your money with this ingenious TP separator!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
Introducing the cost-savings Toilet Paper Splitter for those on Staycation 2020. As many know, finding a roll of TP is a challenge during these tough times due to the Coronavirus. The incredible TP Separator 8467 quickly separates your two-ply toilet paper into two individual rolls!
---> Read More about the Toilet Paper DIY Separator 8467.

World Premiere Review!
Chesapeake Crab Chips
High-end potato chips for the discerning audiophile.
Article And Review By Rick Becker
During this time of the Coronavirus pandemic when audio shows around the world have been cancelled and product review samples are hard to come by, I'd like to take this opportunity to share a review of my epicurean road food. Those familiar with my audio show reports are well aware of my disdain for public transport, preferring to travel in my humble Hotel Tracker SUV or simply hoof it for shorter distances such as mountain ascents.
---> Read more our Chesapeake Crab Chip article here.

World Premiere Review!
Endow Audio T35 Point-Array Loudspeakers
Exceptionally well made with impressive on- and off-axis sound.
Review By Brett Rudolph
Last month I had the fortune of being asked to review new speakers from Endow, which made their debut at the Florida Audio Expo 2020. Endow Audio's T35s loudspeakers, according to the company, represents the same quality at a substantially reduced price without cutting corners. Indeed, they are certainly visually a sight to behold.... The engineering itself was fascinating; Endow utilized multiple drivers in various phases and closed baffle in a very non-trivial design to allow for a very expansive off-axis listening field.
---> Read our review of the Endow Audio T35 loudspeakers.

Kronos Sparta Super Capacitor Power Supply
Making the already exceptional truly exemplary!
Review By Greg Weaver
Typically, I open my reviews with technical information and engineering background on the product under examination before I address its sonic attributes. However, my experience with the new Kronos Sparta Super Capacitor Power Supply (SSCPS) was so remarkable and brought such starkly positive change, to such an already overachieving turntable, that I had trouble believing it. After its installation, within the first ten seconds of my original needle drop, I was so floored by what I was hearing that I was almost speechless. If you knew me, you'd realize just how significant that is; I'm rarely at a loss for words!
---> Read our review of Kronos' Sparta Super Capacitor Power Supply.

Sonus Faber Il Cremonese Floorstanders
Sonus Faber's Il Cremonese speakers tell a story, and the more you listen, the more you not only get lost in the music, you appreciate and admire both in the story and the telling of it.
Review By Jules Coleman
If there is anything obvious about obvious truths, it is their truth. Nothing else about them need be, and often nothing else is. Moreover, some obvious truths are obvious only in retrospect. Obvious truths – truisms – can be revealing, insightful and even important. Take what is certainly one of audio's most obvious truisms: an audio system is, after all, a system! Patently obvious? Yes. Uninteresting or unimportant? Hardly!
---> Read our review of the Sonus Faber Il Cremonese speakers.

Triangle Art Anubis Turntable & Osiris Mk. 2 Arm
Enjoy music presented with harmonic density, dynamics, and more.
Review By Robert May
The venerable turntable, uniquely among the components of an audio system, presents a fundamentally mechanical design problem. Since a turntable is nothing other than a mass in a spinning motion, the problem is how stability is to be maintained to very close tolerances. If the stylus is to make a complete and accurate read of the record, then in principle nothing extraneous should interfere with its reading the message from the grooves. Approaching this "perfect" interface is the art and science of successful engineering of a turntable design.
---> Read our review of Triangle Art's Anubis turntable/tonearm.

KEF LS50 Active Wireless Speaker System
KEF's bookshelf speakers still tower over much of the competition.
Review By Rogier van Bakel
I've long had a predilection for prix-fixe meals. And why not? Hacking your own path through the culinary scene is fine, but it might be unwise to turn up your nose at three or four courses pre-selected by a talented chef. I don't presume to know his cooking better than he does, so if he tells me that the suggested dishes are his way of combining quality ingredients, his special skill in preparing them, and a reasonable bill at the end, I'm in.
---> Read our review of KEF's LS50 active wireless speakers.

Audience Forte V8 Power And forte f3 Power Chord
Clean power at an affordable price.
Review By Dr. Jules Coleman
There is no doubt that the quality of electrical power is a limiting factor in the performance of an audio system. I learned this lesson the hard way. In the mid to late 1970s, while living in Milwaukee, I had put together what at the time was a high-end system featuring an early version of the Magnepan Tympani loudspeakers, a Connoisseur Turntable with a Formula 4 arm and a Decca Plum cartridge. Between the TT and speakers, I employed as many different high powered amplifiers as I could get my hands on.
---> Read our review of Audience's Forte V8 & forte f3 Power Chord.

World Premiere Review!
LIRPA DDRX - 401 Reference Converter
Eating one's cake and having it too. A quantum leap in progress.
Review By Claude LeMero
If you follow the near endless digital evolution, you are well-aware that the days of the Red Book 16-bit/44kHz limits are long gone and we are now starting to take for granted the Internet's pluralism of HD audio files in 24-bit/96kHz and 24-bit/192kHz resolution. Yet as we progress in numerical terms, many audiophiles are still clinging to their trusted vinyl. They are not satisfied with the numerous digital alternatives out there.
---> Read more about LIRPA's DDRX - 401 Reference Converter.  

World Premiere Review!
Audio Analogue aaDAC Hi-Res Audio DAC
The converter to beat within this price range.
Review By Tom Lyle
Audio Analogue's aaDAC digital-to-analog converter is the latest high-end audio component from their PureAA line, which also includes their AAcento integrated amplifier and AAphono phono preamplifier. Audio Analogue says on their website "the aaDAC is a product that perfectly fits in the Audio Analogue philosophy: its simple design, its remarkable sound performances and its great care for the finish and the materials and parts selection, make it a perfect partner for your digital sources".
---> Read our review of the Audio Analogue aaDAC Hi-Res DAC.

Digital Amplifier Company 2-CHerry Power Amplifier
The light amp that packs a heavy punch!
Review By Frank Garofalo
My time as an audiophile to date, I've always had the impression that Class D amplification is just simply inferior to Class A or Class A/B amplification. That impression was influenced by educating myself in the various topics of audio, and through lurking on many online forums including topics about Class D amplification.... While this may be true for common off-the-shelf Class D modules that may be found in A/V receivers and the like, this is certainly not the case for the 2-CHerry Power Amplifier.
---> Read our review of Digital Amplifier Company's 2-CHerry amp.

World Premiere Review!
Sozy Wulkmun High-Rez Audio Turntable
Freeing your music has never been easier!
Review By Nilhcor R. Nevets
Look, I'll make this preview brief as spy photos and an advanced copy of their upcoming advertisement just hit my desk. While I'm bound to this desktop torture getting this story out fast, your music LPs soon will have a newfound freedom away from their homeward bondage. With vinyl LP sales experiencing double-digit growth, it appears that the LP is once again becoming a major force within the music industry.
---> Learn more about Sozy's Wulkmun High-Rez audio turntable.

World Premiere Review!
Lindemann Musicbook SOURCE And POWER 500
Beautify, simplify, electrify... may the SOURCE be with you.
Review By Clive Meakins
The old days are gone... well, almost. How many of us still have piles of audio equipment connected via cable spaghetti? Is it crazy to dream of simplifying Hi-Fi systems into a very few items of equipment? Doesn't such simplicity come at the expense of quality? There are of course economies in reducing the Hi-Fi box count; chassis costs are high so fewer of these should result in a major saving. Reducing the number of power supplies is beneficial too as is directly connecting circuits internally which can cut the costs associated with providing external connectivity.
---> Read our Lindemann Musicbook SOURCE & POWER 500 review.

World Premiere Review!
Monoprice Monolith Liquid Gold X Headamp
Return Of The King: Monoprice and Alex Cavalli resurrect the legendary Liquid Gold.
Review By Dave Hanson
The Cavalli Liquid Gold holds legendary status within the personal audio community. I remember when I first entered into the hobby the Liquid Gold felt like the very definition of ultra-high-end unobtanium. Among many within the hobby, it was considered the king of headphone amplifiers. My first encounter with the Liquid Gold was at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in 2015. I remember vividly how it gave headphones a tremendous sense of body, a level of holographic imaging and transparency I had never heard before.
---> Read our review of Monoprice's Monolith Liquid Gold X.

Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC & Ragnarok 2 Nexus Int. Amp.
A true multi-bit Hi-Res Audio DAC meets Nexus-level amplification.
Review By Ron Nagle
Yes, it's pronounced, SHIT! There is no person with that name associated in any way with this relatively new company. Would you think of this as a name for a startup? As it happened this Schiit company started in 2010 when two audio industry veterans decided it was time to produce their Shiit audio products. The two audiophiles are Jason Stoddard, formerly of Sumo Audio, and Mike Moffat, formerly of Theta Audio. They began with a nascent idea to build highly innovative Audiophile quality components at a reasonable price. So how do you tell people how they sound?
---> Read our Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC & Ragnarok 2 Nexus int. amp review.

Tweaking Without Limits
For your special April 1 celebration.
Article By Jeff Poth
Sometimes, dear reader, we hear of tweaks that leave us scratching our heads- how could anyone be so foolish? The HST, or Head Scratch Threshold varies by person — some would lump cables in here (not me!) and some would say that the quantum effects touted by some are totally legit. Many times, perhaps even most of the time, these tweaks are as phoney as a stuffed mermaid. But in some cases, it is simply a lack of understanding that leads to dismissive attitudes.
---> Read more about tweaking without limits.

Read All Articles, Reviews, And Show Reports
We have many more reviews, think pieces, etc than shown above, so be sure to read this month's edition of Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine at this link.

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