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04 / 04 / 24

A Primer: Attending An Audio Show
Plus a few tasty bits of insider info you need to know.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
Hi guys and gals in AudioLand. With all these show reports contained within the Enjoy the Music.com pages, i felt you would be interested in what it takes to cover shows as a humble writer looking to get scoops on all the groovy gear. First comes making all the arrangements. The airline tickets, the hotel reservation, the rental car... Nothing hard with that except being a bit strenuous on your wallet. Have you seen what these hotel rooms cost? Almost 300 sheckles for the 'phile City show... each night! Hmmm, being short on cashola i guess it will be fun staying at the YMCA for me again this year....
--->A Primer: Attending An Audio Show.

10 Examples Of How RCA Was The Apple Of Its Day
Article By Bobby Owsinski
A while back I read a great post on the Daily Beast about how the old RCA company (Radio Corporation of America) was actually Apple way before Apple came into existence. Of course, that means that there were numerous similarities between the company that were pretty impressive. For instance: RCA founder David Sarnoff was the original Steve Jobs. He willed his company to be the most innovative and technology driven company of its time. When Sarnoff retired in 1970, the company lost its way and diversified into food and real estate, eventually being acquired by GE. Obviously that hasn't happened with Apple after Jobs passing, but you can't deny that Jobs influence definitely made a difference in its products.
---> 10 Examples Of How RCA Was The Apple Of Its Day.

04 / 03 / 24

RIAA 2023 Year-End Music Industry Revenue Report
According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) that works for the music business and companies that create it in the United States of America, "Recorded music revenues in the U.S.A. in 2023 continued strong growth for the eighth consecutive year. Total revenues grew 8% to a record high $17.1 billion at estimated retail value. Streaming continued to be the biggest driver of growth with record levels of engagement in paid subscriptions, continued growth in ad-supported revenues, and growing contributions from new platforms and services. At wholesale value revenues grew 7% to a record high of $11 billion. Streaming continued to account for the great majority of recorded music revenues in 2023. Paid subscriptions, ad-supported services, digital and customized radio, social media platforms, digital fitness apps and others grew 8% to a record high $14.4 billion in revenue. These services collectively accounted for 84% of total revenues for the second year in a row.

Thanks to Taylor Swift and other popular music titles available on vinyl LP, and to as lesser extent Compact Disc and Cassette Tape, according to the RIAA "Revenues from physical music formats continued to grow after their remarkable resurgence in 2021. Total physical revenues of $1.9 billion were up 11% versus the prior year. Revenues from vinyl records grew 10% to $1.4 billion – the seventeenth consecutive year of growth – and accounted for 71% of physical format revenues. For the second time since 1987, vinyl albums outsold CDs in units (43 million vs 37 million), even as revenues from CDs also show growth, up 11% to $537 million in 2023."

04 / 02 / 24

Part 3: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024
Investigating the 2300 Hallway at the Montreal audiophile show.
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
After admiring the ducks floating motionlessly as they listened to Terry Riley's Music For Urban Wilderness, I retraced my steps and headed up the stairs to the 2300 hallway. After climbing the stairs there is one room in the hallway to the right which is traditionally a 'must-see / hear' room. The names on the floor plan vary somewhat from year to year but many of the players here carry over year after year. Frank Fazzalari of Coherent Speakers frequently parks himself in the hall outside the door to attract folks who might not know there is this one room in that hallway. After premiering the five-unit tall version of his new speaker in a much larger room at the Toronto show last October where it received a Best Rooms award, Frank chopped it down to just three units for this smaller room. The stack includes a full-range unit with a horn-loaded beryllium tweeter coincidently mounted with a 10" driver on top of two units featuring a 15" woofer.
---> Part 3: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024.

This Weekend: Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney 2024
Set to take place from April 5th through 7th at the Sydney Central Hotel, this year's even builds on the success of the Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney in 2023. Brought to you by Australian Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi? and Sound+Image magazines, the Australian Hi-Fi Show 2024 will celebrate the latest and greatest in the hi-fi and AV industry, giving visitors the opportunity to see and hear a range of products from all around the world. Tickets are now on sale for Sydney's premier hi-fi and video show in April.

Featuring live demonstrations of some of the world's most renowned hi-fi and AV brands including high-end audio, TVs, projectors, headphones, home theatre systems, amplifiers, streamers, wireless and Bluetooth speakers and everything in between, the Australian Hi-Fi Show 2024 will go even bigger and better than last year's event. Bring your own music, relax, and enjoy the listening experience in our comfortable sound lounges. And find what kit is right for you.

04 / 01 / 24

April High-Performance Audio Review Magazine
This month we've finalized our Florida International Audio Expo 2024 show report, while we're still adding to our Southwest Audio Fest and Montreal Audiofest show reports. Be sure to check back often for updates! Roger Skoff's editorial How To Buy A Violin... Or Something Like That talks about supporting your local high-end audio / audiophile dealers. Gear reviews this month includes the Yin Yang Labs Graphametric Paralyzer, Subatomic String Tuning Device Review, and the not-to-be-missed Exotic Automobile Manufacturer Offers 'The Audiophile Car'! If you haven't guessed by now, it is April Fools Day and we enjoy making a bit of fun towards various things music, industry, and exotic sports cars too. Actual high-end audiophile equipment reviews this month includes the amazing Aric Audio Super 300B SET vacuum tube stereo power amplifier, FiiO's fantastic M17 portable desktop-class music player, RSX Benchmark Series cables and more! Join us for more fun and bonus content within our Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter social media pages. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> April 2024 High-Performance Audio Review Magazine!

Montréal Audiofest 2024 Show Report
Canada's Montréal Audiofest 2024 Event Coverage
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2024, scheduled from March 22nd through 24th, will bring together over 5000 visitors who desire seeing, touching, and listening to over 300 brands of high-performance audio products all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, you may experience the very best audio/video industry manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in Canada. Within each listening room, exhibitors are elated to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $5000 to $500,000. Montréal Audiofest is celebrating its 35th edition in 2024 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles and music lovers.
---> Montréal Audiofest 2024 Show Report.

Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Hi-Fi Show Report
SWAF's 2024 high-performance premium audio event coverage.
The Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) arises from the partnership of Gary Gill (Capital Audiofest) and Lou Hinkley (Pacific AudioFest / Daedalus Audio) and their success with the Pacific Audio Fest event, which is destined to be an annual event for high-end audio in the Pacific Northwest serving the entire Pacific region. We are pleased to announce a new industry-operated show for another underserved part of the country... the Southwest Audio Fest in Dallas in Texas. The show promoters worked for over two years to secure a contract with an amazing event hotel, which is very safe, family friendly, and great weather in March too! Both Gary Gill and Lou Hinkley are confident that this show will grow and the Anatole has all the room a premium audio event needs.
---> Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Hi-Fi Show Report.

Florida International Audio Expo 2024 Show Report
Florida's Fantastic International Audio Exposition In Tampa.
The funtastic Florida International Audio Expo 2024 took place from February 16th through 18th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel. Attendees enjoyed their experience on 12 floors' filled with great luxury sound gear produced by the world's leading premium high-performance audio brands. As their exciting fifth annual Florida International Audio Expo, this was the opportunity for audio and music aficionados to discover this sensational showcase of products that includes home and desktop stereo systems, record players / turntables, headphones, loudspeakers, digital audio music streamers, Hi-Res Audio DACs, cables, amplifiers and more!
---> Florida International Audio Expo 2024 Show Report.

How To Buy A Violin... Or Something Like That
Laying out money for music.
Article By Roger Skoff
It's only been about a century since, if you wanted to hear music, you either had to play or sing it yourself or get somebody else to do it for you. Sure, the first music recording was made back in 1860, by a Frenchman, Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville, and, sure, the phonograph (but not in a form we'd recognize it today) was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison, but it wasn't until 1925 that electrical recording came along and made buying a record for an evening of listening a practical reality. And it wasn't until the 1940s that even any attempt was made to record and reproduce what we now call "High Fidelity" sound. Before then, if you wanted to listen to music at home, you either had to make it yourself or invite people over to make it for or with you.
---> How To Buy A Violin... Or Something Like That.

Yin Yang Labs Graphametric Paralyzer Review
Superb mastering engineer quality, yet wish the Talent knob was more effective.
Review By Steven R. Rochlin
Audiophiles worldwide have long been looking for a way to enhance the enjoyment of their music. This has lead to inevitable upgrades in various parts of their music reproduction system. This piece will enhance the transparency of lesser recordings, or reduce them if you are tired of hyper-reality. Like your system's transparency, the imaging can be tuned to fine Zeiss-like focus, or into a blur. For those using older solid-state devices or push-pull amplifiers, the harmonics know may be the key for those looking for that zero feedback single-ended tube sound! For me, the most important adjustment the Yin Yang Labs Graphametric Parlyzer can achieve is in adding real talent to those pop music recordings.
---> Yin Yang Labs Graphametric Paralyzer Review.

Exotic Automobile Manufacturer Offers 'The Audiophile Car'
Audiophiles no longer need to hibernate at home!
Review By Steven R. Rochlin
For decades audiophiles have been stuck to the confines of their homes to reach musical bliss. In these, usually, darkened rooms they would toil away tweaking and tuning looking for the next nirvana. It brings me great joy to announce the very first auto manufacturer to satisfy the needs of audiophiles worldwide. This next generation vehicle will suit both those looking for style and substance. It is no secret that home audio is doomed from the beginning with lackluster alternating current. This problem is exacerbated with the use of dedicated power lines, power filters, regenerators, and balancers. The Audiophile Car, or TAC for short, removes this entire exercise by being 100% battery powered!
---> Exotic Automobile Manufacturer Offers The Audiophile Car.

Aric Audio Super 300B SET Stereo Power Amplifier Review
To 300B or not to 300B, that is the Question.
Review By Ric Mancuso
Aric Kimball is an audio component designer and is a self-made audiophile. It is seldom to come across an audio designer who has eluded the radar among the audiophile community. His father somewhat inspired Aric to take a journey into the audio universe. Aric told me that his dad owned a Pioneer Rack system back in the 1970s that Aric had admired. Aric wanted to own one of his own. That compass point ignited his passion for ultimately designing his gear — a big step from the glitzy look of the Pioneer Rack system. I used to sell those in my previous life as an audio salesperson. Oh, those meters! So, I asked Aric who his mentors were and what components were his envy. He admitted to me that he had no mentors or any icons of audio that he worshipped. Here are a few answers to some questions I asked about his audio formative years.
---> Aric Audio Super 300B SET Stereo Power Amplifier Review.

FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player Review
An organic-sounding high-resolution music streamer and Hi-Res Audio DAC.
Review By Tom Lyle
Being an audiophile means that convenience isn't our number one goal. If you are anything like me, I am an audiophile because I love music and want to hear recorded music with the best sound quality possible. This is true even when I'm listening to recorded music when not sitting in the sweet spot in front of my audio system. This means listening through headphones, often using a portable digital audio player (DAP). Until the technology advances so that a small Hi-Res Audio DAP sounds as good as a large one, audiophiles will be listening to devices such as the FiiO M17. Like other top-tier DAPs, the M17 is a rather large, heavy digital audio player. It sports a plethora of features, some of which I found useful and others I found no use for.
---> FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player Review.

Listener Magazine The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
By the time you read this my daughter will be four years old. This morning I took Julia to preschool, but when we got there I realized I'd forgotten to bring her lunch, so I told the teachers I would return with it later on. I went back at noon, brown bag in hand, and walked into the classroom just as everyone was settling down on the big story rug for a big story. When Julia saw me her face lit up and she shouted, "Daddy!" She jumped up and ran to me and gave me the biggest hug ever, in history. While she was hugging me she continued to say, "My Daddy! My Daddy!," and patted me on the back the way she does lately. All you parents out there know what I'm talking about, don't you? It's hard to stay worried about skating or ringing or jitter or other distortions with vaguely Christmas-y names when you've got something like that going on.
---> Listener Magazine The Intro By Art Dudley.

Audio Note Ongaku
Article By Hiroyasu Kondo-san, Audio Note
The 211 creates a formidable impression because of its shape. But the 211 may appear old-fashioned and unsophisticated to high-brow maniacs for audio equipment. Perhaps this is the reason why there are only a few amplifiers that employ the 211 tube today. This type of amplifier is a challenge from the viewpoint of the manufacturer. The power supply circuit cannot be normally designed, since the supply voltage required for the 211 tube must be approximately 1000V. In manufacturing the amplifier, we must pay utmost attention to moisture-proofing the chassis and proper insulation of the wiring so as to prevent hands from getting electric shock if one reaches into the amplifier. However, it is only large triodes like the 211 that provide the best performance that vacuum tubes can offer.
---> Audio Note Ongaku Article By Hiroyasu Kondo-san.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

03 / 29 / 24

Part 2: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024
Let's explore the 1300 hallway.
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Going from the 1200 hallway to the 1300 one was more of a zig-zag than a simple left turn. The cheat sheet for Brosseau lists a large and a small rig. This was the smaller one with a Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 integrated amplifier ($2k USD) with built-in streaming and room correction. It's the smaller box in the photo above. It features digital and analog inputs and when connected to your Wi-Fi it can access a multitude of streaming services. It also connects directly to your TV vis HDMI to provide quality sound and room correction. The two-channel amplifier puts out 60W @ 8 Ohms, 120W @ 4 Ohms and 30A peak power. One of the analog inputs is for the built-in MM phono stage. At 7.3 lbs., it is not a heavy weight, but a serious unit for people who want serious two-channel sound without all the complexity and cost of a decked-out home theater.
---> Part 2: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024.

03 / 28 / 24

SWAF 2024 Show Report Part 3
Featuring Classic Audio, Technics, Kimber Kable, Terry Audio, AGD Productions, and more!
Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report By Paul Schumann
One of the rooms I was anticipating was Classic Audio. I had been following these Michiganders since they started with the rebuilding of JBL Hartsfield horns. Dominating the room was the massive T-3.4 Field Coil Powered System ($59,950) with its associated Dual Output Tungar DC Power Supplies ($8,000). Two power amps were being used, an Atma-Sphere Novacron Mk.3.3 ($26,500) and a Classic Audio Push-Pull 300B prototype. The preamp was an MP-1 Mark 3.3 Preamplifier ($23,890). The vinyl setup was an upgraded Technics SP 10 Mk III, Tri-Planar Ultimate 12 tonearm ($11,500), and a Van Den Hul Colibri Stradivarius Reference Cartridge ($13,000). A Studer 810 reel-to-reel was also a music source.
---> SWAF 2024 Show Report Part 3.

Avantgarde Acoustic Duo XD Hornspeaker Review
Blow Up! – With the Duo XD, Avantgarde Acoustic shows what horn technology and a perfectly matched active woofers... are able to do to the sound.
Review By Matthias Böde
Yes, you have read the measurement results from our lab correctly (in case you checked them): For 94 decibels of sound pressure at a distance of one meter, this speaker needs just 0.07 Watts of power. Seven Watts would be somewhat normal, 0.7 Watts already a sensation – but 0.07 Watts reads like a typo. It is completely true though! This is made possible by the large horn at the top end of the Duo XD, coming from the specialist Avantgarde Acoustic, based in a small town in the Odenwald mountain range in southwestern Germany. This horn is connected directly to the amplifier without any intermediate crossover and visually symbolizes the phenomenal efficiency with its huge opening of 67 centimeters.
---> Avantgarde Acoustic Duo XD hornspeaker Review.

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.

03 / 27 / 24

Part 1: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024
Show coverage of the 1200 hallway.
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
I think there were some Denon electronics and Polk speakers in a system here, but I was afraid to stick around to see where this photo shoot was headed. Danny Labrecque of Luna Cables in Eastern Quebec has had his cables in the rooms of other presenters for a long time. In recent years he has taken to hosting his room and they have typically been top-tier presentations. Here, the smallest model of the AudioNec speaker (EVO 1, $29.5k) was sounding pretty spectacular. A taller version of this same design was among the Best Rooms last year. This low-rider presented a low soundstage when standing in the room, but rose almost to ear level when sitting. While its physical design in black and white was eye-catching, its small size was right at home in this sleeping room.
---> Part 1: Montreal Audiofest Chronicles 2024.

Southwest Audio Fest's Inaugural Event
A successful Southwest Audio Fest 2024 event in Dallas.
SWAF 2024 Show Report By Michael G. Harkins
Southwest Audio Fest kicked off on March 15 with a medium-sized, but lively and well-attended event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The show's organizers, Gary Gill and Lou Hinkley, are experienced audio show proprietors, having hosted the Capital Audio Fest and Pacific Audio Fest respectively. They make it a family affair for themselves, the exhibitors, and attendees at the show. Many well-known and lesser-known audio brands, including several from Texas, were here to show off their latest and greatest. It was my goal to see and hear as many as possible, and to spend some quality time with them when the rooms weren't too crowded to simply enjoy the music!
---> Southwest Audio Fest's Inaugural Event.

03 / 26 / 24

SWAF 2024 Show Report Part 2
Featuring Songer Audio, Raven Audio, Avantgarde Acoustic, Ayre Acoustics, LampizatOr, Stromtank, Phasemation, and more!
Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report By Paul Schumann
Seeing that Songer Audio made the trip to the Southwest Audio Fest 20924 show, they demonstrated their wonderful loudspeakers was a real treat! In the room were the S1x field-coil speakers ($45,000) powered by a Trafomatic Rhapsody integrated amplifier ($19,000). Front-end duties were performed by Innuos Statement Music Server and Streamer ($18,900) and a LampizatOr Poseidon DAC ($25,000). Power was supplied by Stromtank S-2500 Quantum ($30,000). The SX1x speakers feature the new V4 Nova driver. It has redesigned steel geometry milled from ultra-low carbon steel, and the field coil pole piece is made from permendur, a hard-to-find high-flux alloy sourced from Germany.
---> SWAF 2024 Show Coverage Part 2.

Introduction To Rick Becker's Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report
Hundreds of photos spanning many pages coming soon!
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
As my travels to the Montreal show were wont to do, I awoke with my car covered with snow after a pleasant drive to my secret camping spot near the Canadian border. As I approached the Customs checkpoint I fell in line behind 30 cars and turned my engine off to conserve fuel. Talk about a non-porous border! After 20 minutes a man in uniform came walking down the line, talking with drivers. As it turned out, I was in line with people seeking to emigrate to Canada and he motioned for me to proceed to the far left inspection gate which is normally reserved for people with Express Passes. You don't want to get caught going through the Express Lane without an Express Pass.
---> Introduction To Rick Becker's Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report.

03 / 25 / 24

UK Inflation Rate Adds Vinyl LP Prices
The United Kingdom's Office For National Statistics has announced their adding vinyl LPs into their "Basket Of Goods And Services" that count toward inflation. According to their website, "New items are introduced to represent areas where consumer spending is significant or growing while items are removed where expenditure is low or decreasing. Some of the changes also help to rebalance the basket, adding items where we need to improve coverage or take items out where a type of product may be over-represented.... This year, vinyl records have returned to the basket after a resurgence in their popularity. This is not the first time that vinyl has been in the basket of goods; we last saw it there in 1992, only to then disappear as CDs and cassettes became more popular.... Vinyl records have experienced a resurgence in popularity, so make a return to the basket."

03 / 23 / 24

Saturday Preview! Montréal Audiofest 2024 Show Report
Enjoy an exciting selection of special sneak peek pics!
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Thanks to Rick Becker, we have a fun selection of photos taken today at the Montreal Audiofest 2024. Rick says, "Today, Saturday, I had trouble getting into a lot of rooms – had to wait for people to leave, or in some cases double back later in the day. The Industry Party tonight was a lot of fun with live music and a Disco theme. Will hit the large rooms on the lower level on Sunday and double back to some smaller rooms on the main floor that I want to see again. Lots of great gear and inviting music. I expect to visit every room though I will only comment in depth on the most interesting ones." Much more coverage coming soon. Check back daily for more!
---> Saturday Preview! Montréal Audiofest 2024 Show Report.

SWAF 2024 Show Report Part 1
Featuring Kimber Kable, YG Acoustics, Tidal, Emm Labs, Spatial Audio, Raven Audio, and more!
Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report By Paul Schumann
It's hard to believe, but I've been reviewing for Enjoy the Music.com for over six years. In that time I have been fortunate to listen to a lot of excellent equipment in the comfy confines of my living room. The one thing I haven't been able to do is go to a high-end audio show. Then, this fall, the stars aligned in my favor. Gary Gill and Lou Hinckley decided to start a new show here in Dallas. This is just a three-hour drive from Austin, so I was eager to go. Before I knew it, I was driving up to Dallas on a Friday morning and arrived in time to get my badge and start walking around just as the show started. Several of the big rooms on the Atrium and Mezzanine floors weren't quite ready for visitors, so I decided to start at the top and work my way down.
---> SWAF 2024 Show Report Part 1.

03 / 22 / 24

audioXpress' April 2024 Issue
Editorial: Doesn't Look Like It
An Afternoon With Menno van der Veen
A High-Performance 60-Watt Class A Amplifier Part 1
Comprehensive AC Power Controller
Hearing And Audio Part 2 — Auditory Resolution
Earbuds And Hearables State Of The Industry
Microphone Array Beamforming With Optical MEMS
Unveiling The Impact Of Ear Canal Geometry
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "While researching for this year's Earbuds and Hearables State of the Industry Market Update — a category that converges pure listening enjoyment and communications with hearing assistance and augmentation — I had to carefully review the results thus far from the much propelled over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid policy, which was supposed to drive down costs, increase access, and open up a market space for innovation in hearing aids. And unfortunately, it seems that companies are basically using that ruling to launch products that are more basic hearing aids that allow self-fitting but still look like hearing aids, and do less than the "medically prescribed" hearing aids. A few exceptions from innovators such as Eargo made us believe that something could change, gradually. The LINK by Eargo is promoted as "the first earbud-style OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth 5.3" that doesn't look like a hearing aid."
---> audioXpress' April 2024 Issue.

03 / 21 / 24

Ampsandsound Kenzie OG Rev 2 Headamp Review
A new spin on an old friend.
Review By Gary Alan Barker
I have made it no secret that I am a huge tube fan. I have also made no secret of my love of ampsandsound amplifiers. The reason is that Justin Weber is one of the few designers of his generation that gets what tube amps are all about and almost more importantly, knows what music is supposed to sound like. What tubes are all about is musicality, and in this context, musicality means dynamic, open, natural-sounding, clear, resolute, linear, organic sound without the added hard edge produced by solid-state amplification. (I have stressed this often, but what tubes are not about is rolled off highs, anemic bass, and supposed pleasantness of high THD as is the misconception of modern non-audiophile engineers.) So it was with no little excitement that I greeted the news that I would be given the opportunity to review the newest revision of the amp that started it all.
---> Ampsandsound Kenzie OG Rev 2 Headamp Review.

Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier Review
Is the Rotel A12 MKII the ideal amplifier to build a $3000 stereo system around with two great sources?
Review By Ian White
Have you ever been listening to your system and the lights go out? It's not a good feeling because there is always the risk that when the power comes back on that something will be amiss. I've used power line conditioners for almost 20 years but our experience with Hurricane Sandy here on the Shore was not a good one. My wife thinks that I missed my calling as a Weather Channel talking head because I'd scare the living crap out of everyone with my forecasts, but I had a bad feeling about Sandy with our home only blocks from the ocean and so many trees surrounding our property. We didn't tell anyone that we were expecting our third child (Jewish custom is to wait three months) at the time so it was on me to get the house ready and get anything of value out the way and on really high shelving in our garage.
---> Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier Review.

03 / 20 / 24

Enjoy the Music.com Sponsors Montréal Audiofest 2024 Exhibitor / Press Party
Enjoy the Music.com, high-performance audio's long-celebrated online publication for 29 years and a leader in providing industry news, high-end audio reviews, and luxury show reports, is pleased to announce for the third year in a row we're sponsoring Montréal Audiofest's Saturday evening Exhibitor / Press Party. We invite exhibitors and members of the press to join us for delectable drinks, marvelous music, and friendly fun! The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2024, scheduled from March 22nd through 24th, will bring together over 5000 visitors who desire to see, touch, and listen to over 300 brands of high-performance audio products all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, you may experience the very best audio/video industry manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in Canada. Within each listening room, exhibitors are elated to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $5000 to $500,000.
---> Enjoy the Music.com Sponsors Montréal Audiofest 2024 Exhibitor / Press Party.

03 / 19 / 24

Montréal Audiofest 2024 Is This Weekend!
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2024, scheduled from March 22nd through 24th, will bring together over 5000 visitors who desire seeing, touching, and listening to over 300 brands of high-performance audio products all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, you may experience the very best audio/video industry manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in Canada. Within each listening room, exhibitors are elated to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $5000 to $500,000. Montréal Audiofest is celebrating its 35th edition in 2024 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles and music lovers. This long-standing event has become a tradition in showcasing the very latest advances in high-technology, high-fidelity audio equipment. More than 300 brands will present their latest innovations from music streamers and high-quality headphones to cables, tweaks, loudspeakers, turntables, and much more!

This year marks the 35th edition of their popular annual meeting at the Bonaventure Hotel in Montreal. Located in the heart of downtown Quebec, the recently renovated hotel will once again be transformed into a multitude of listening rooms to accommodate thousands of music lovers and nearly 100 exhibitors, representing more than 300 brands of products from the world of high-fidelity audio. Attendees may engage with sound experts and industry insiders, immersing themselves within mindful music through some of the very finest high-performance audio systems available today.
---> See our Montréal Audiofest 2024 show report.

03 / 18 / 24

The Best-Sounding FIAE To Date!
Florida International Audio Expo 2024 high-performance audio show coverage.
SWAF 2024 Show Report By Maurice Jeffries
For me, mid-February in Central Florida usually means a two-hour road trip from Orlando to Tampa to attend the annual (and now well-established) Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE, previously FLAX – I prefer the latter as it rolls off the tongue more easily). Warm sunny days, pleasant balmy nights, great tunes, good food, and more than a few libations typically define FIAE show weekends. This year's shebang delivered most of the expected thrills, but the awful weather (wet, dreary, and cold) dampened spirits somewhat, and the venue elevators seemed even slower this year. Still, and on balance, I thought this the finest sounding FIAE yet (I've attended all but one), with a fine (if perhaps slightly smaller) cohort of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers demo'ing high-performance gear from around the globe, and at all price points.
---> The Best-Sounding FIAE To Date!

03 / 17 / 24

Preview Pics: Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report
Paul Schumann's special SWAF 2024 preview pics.
Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report By Paul Schumann
Thanks to our incredible photojournalist Paul Schumann, we have some special preview photos from the inaugural Southwest Audio Fest 2024 show in Dallas. Enjoy the Music.com's full show reports will be online shortly after the event. As always... enjoy the music!
---> Paul Schumann's SWAF 2024 Preview Photo Show Report.

03 / 13 / 24

This Weekend: Southwest Audio Fest 2024 High-Performance Audio Show
The Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) arises from the partnership of Gary Gill and Lou Hinkley with their success of the Pacific Audio Fest event. Destined to be an annual event for high-end audio, we are pleased to announce a new industry-operated show for another underserved part of the country. Both Gary and Lou worked tirelessly for over two years to secure a contract with an amazing event hotel, which is very safe, family friendly, and great weather in March too! The Hilton / Anatole in Dallas will host the inaugural SWAF show that is slated for March 15th through 17th, 2024, and initially is focusing on a small but solid regional show. Both Gary and Lou are confident that this show will grow and the Anatole has all the room a premium audio event needs. With over 17 million people and exceptional wealth in this corner of Texas, the local demographics could not be better for premium high-end audio.
---> Southwest Audio Fest 2024 Show Report.

03 / 08 / 24

Hi-Fi+ March 2024 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Let's Talk About The Body Shop
Computer Audio Design £675 USB Control Giveaway
Magico M7 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Aavik I-880 Integrated Amplifier
Technics SU-GX70 Integrated Networked Amplifier
McIntosh Audio Labs MA352 Hybrid Int. Amplifier
Fyne Audio F702SP Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Meze Empyrean II Headphones
Stillpoints Ultra ESS Equipment Support System
GIK Acoustics SlatFusor Room Acoustic Treatment
And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "Although the brand lives on and stores worldwide will continue, The Body Shop in the UK has gone into administration and its future is uncertain. This might seem an odd opening gambit in an editorial about audio, but there are lessons to be learned. The Body Shop was the brainchild of the late Dame Anita Roddick. Starting in 1976, Roddick launched the first Body Shop in Brighton, on the coast of Southern England, using locally-sourced skin care products in recyclable bottles and with minimal hype. The concept took off and quickly became a national and international success. The Body Shop's failure in the UK speaks of many things that plague audio companies. The company suffered greatly after the passing of the founder. It became part of a larger brand, was spun out to venture capitalists and lost its identity. And perhaps most importantly for the brand, it traded on past glories." See what's within the March 2024 issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine.

03 / 07 / 24

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 Preamplifier 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.

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