High-End Audio / Hi-Res Audio (HRA) Audiophile Industry News

05 / 31 / 18

World Premiere Review!
VAC Renaissance Preamplifier Mk V With MM/MC Phono Stage
For serious music lovers living at the cutting edge of what is possible.
Review By Ron Nagle

Hi-Fi World's July 2018 Magazine Features Great Articles And Reviews
Hi-Fi World's July 2018 issue features your chance to win a Jamo DS4 Bluetooth wireless loudspeaker worth £200! Equipment reviews include Bowers & Wilkins 686 S2 standmount loudspeakers, Cayin N5 MK2 digital audio player, AURALiC Polaris amplifier/DAC/streamer, Mytek Liberty DAC / headphone amplifier, McIntosh MC611 monoblock amplifiers, Yamaha A-S801 amplifier, Gutwire cables, Titan Audio Styx mains cable, Systemdek turntable, Parasound JC3 JR phonostage, FiiO in-ear monitors, plus Delaney & Bonnie & Friends is this month's music pick from Paul Rigby. Within his editorial Noel Keywood says "We're running a feature this month on bad sound quality. No, as editor I haven't gone mad! It's all the rage these days – and the subject basically revolves around 78s – those shellac ‘LPs' that shatter if you drop them. Which is part of the problem: you could possibly shatter a disc that holds an historic performance – then it will be gone forever. An historic performance is often something you and I may think is worth losing ‘cos there are no electric guitars in there and no dance beat either – so what use does it have? I've been shaken out of such musings by listening to Timestep's Dave Cawley describe the U.S. conferences he attends on archiving, which include vast music collections that occupy whole buildings, left by wealthy individuals in an estate bequeathed to the nation, to be funded by their estate. So think big here; we're talking U.S. multi-millionaires from the entertainment business – films and music – pre-WWII." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World and read the complete editorial at this link.

05 / 30 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 12 featuring Arcadian Audio, iFi Audio, Virtual Reality, And Black Cat Cable.

M2Tech Nash MC/MM Phono Preamplifier With Four Analog Inputs
M2Tech's new Nash MC/MM phono preamplifier sports four unbalanced RCA analog inputs: phono MC, phono MM, line1 and line2. Each phono input is dedicated to a different kind of phono cartridge type. Phono MC input allows for setting MC step-up gain (3dB to 30dB) and input impedance (10 Ohms to 1 kOhms, continuously). Phono MM input allows for choosing input resistance (15 kOhms or 47 kOhms) and capacitance (0pF, 100pF, 220pF and 470pF, plus any combination of the basic values). Line inputs act as bypass to allow two line level sources (a CD player, a tuner, a reel tape recorder, etc) to take advantage of the same amplifier input the Nash is hooked to. Why have two different inputs for MC and MM? Because this way the first switch on the signal path (indeed a relay) is after the MC step-up, therefore on a higher level than the tiny microVolts delivered by an MC pickup. Moreover, the user can connect two cartridges to the Nash at the same time: one MC and one MM or high output MC, or two MC, one of which through an external step-up. M2Tech's The Nash is designed to deliver 2.5V when driven by a standard 5mV outputs MM pickup with great noise performance. The MM gain can be set to 55dB, 60dB or 65dB, to accommodate pickups with output voltages 1mV to 5mV or more. The MC gain can be set 3dB to 30dB, leading to a total MC gain of 58dB to 95dB! The Nash is a 21th century product, therefore it includes certain features that make using it easier. It has a display showing all current settings, plus an IR remote control too. Moreover, the Nash includes a Bluetooth BLE module that allows the user to control it thanks to the app we provide for free for both Android and iPhone/iPad. The app, not only allows for selecting the source, accessing the configuration menu or toggling standby, it also has a complete pickups database with automatic setting for each one. Even if the Nash settings are partly manual, the app shows how to set switches and knobs for the selected pickup, at the same time automatically setting the parameters in the menu. M2Tech gave this unit a FET-input, with all-discrete components circuits featuring vanishingly low noise. Passive RIAA is implemented with high precision polypropylene capacitors. The Nash noise and sound performance can be further increased by replacing the stock wall adaptor with the Van Der Graaf MkII Low Noise Power Supply.

05 / 29 / 18

Wedding: A Special Greetings From Heather Baird & Steven R. Rochlin
You're cordially invited to our wedding at the Viva Las Vegas Weddings on June 14, 2018 at 8 pm within the Main Chapel. Come celebrate with Heather and Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven as we get married with glorious specially-chosen music welcomes the next step in our life together.

Music, fun and of course an abundance of champagne will hallmark our official marriage together. If you can't join us in person, relax at home, on the beach, or anywhere there's Internet access as our wedding will be live streamed online! BYOB with your fave online device and celebrate with us virtually! Whether you're with us in Las Vegas or at home, a fun time is assured for all. Not to be missed is the special 'show' planned both before and after our wedding nuptials. Those attending in Las Vegas may participate with us during this special entertainment extravaganza too!

Where: Viva Las Vegas Weddings within the Main Chapel.
When: June 14, 2018 at 8 pm

Please RSVP / PM / e-mail if you plan on attending in Las Vegas as seating is limited. A hyperlink to the live stream will be provided within our social media / website on the wedding day. See our Facebook announcement and chime in with your well-wishes at this link.

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 11 featuring Audio Research, Sonus Faber, Fonica International, Kronos, And Göbel High End.

David Wilson, Founder Of Wilson Audio Specialties Inc., Has Passed Away
It deeply saddens us to report that longtime family man, music lover, and loudspeaker designer David A. Wilson II, 73, after a long battle with cancer has passed away peacefully at home on Saturday May 26th, in Provo, Utah. David was surrounded by his beautiful wife and family. David Wilson initially became interested in Hi-Fi on Christmas of 1959. His hunger lead him to find out more about it. The book Sound Reproduction by Gilbert Briggs is filled with great wisdom and humor according to David. Because of the wonderful communication skill of Gilbert, it brought about an even higher interest in music reproduction within David. Early on in his young life, he became interested in audio and music reproduction — specifically the science of loudspeaker design. Dave designed and built several loudspeakers, testing ideas, and experimenting with various parts and construction strategies. During his years at Brigham Young University starting in 1964, he obtained a bachelor's degree in zoology and chemistry. It was at BYU he would meet his future wife Sheryl Lee Jamison, who, at the time, needed Dave's help with a recording project. They were married in 1966 and for over 50 years they were loving partners in all things.

During the first few years of college, David Wilson built kits like those from Dyna, Heathkit and Eico. In fact the first kit David built was a Heathkit SA12. An Eico HF-89 was built by David Wilson back in 1963 or so. The loudspeaker system he was using at that time was tri-amplified. David Wilson is best known for his principal leadership role at Wilson Audio Specialties, a high-end loudspeaker manufacturer he and Sheryl Lee co-founded in 1974. At first, Wilson Audio was an extension of David's hobby, but eventually Sheryl Lee encouraged Dave to pursue his love and passion full-time. In the early days, the business was located in their home in Novato, Marin County, California, and expanded to commercial spaces as the business grew. In the early nineties, Dave and Sheryl Lee made the choice to relocate their business and their home to the town where they first met, Provo, Utah. Despite his unique talent and his enormous achievements, Dave was a deeply humble man. He was quick to point out that the achievements of his company were the product of a great team of people and professionals. David immensely valued the concept and process of teamwork and often gave generous credit to that team for his own successes. He was quick to praise those around him and redirected his own accolades to include his friends and fellow professionals. A viewing will be held on Friday, June 8th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Berg Mortuary (185 East Center Street in Provo, Utah). The funeral service will take place Saturday, June 9th at 11:00am at the Oak Hills 5th Ward, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1960 North 1500 East, Provo Utah 84604). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The David A. Wilson & Sheryl Lee Wilson Divine Kinship Foundation. Enjoy the Music.com proudly presents a brief history of David Wilson as he received our Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with Wilson Audio Specialties Inc.

05 / 28 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018
CanJam 2018 Munich Featuring Campfire Audio, Headphone Company, MrSpeakers, Headsound Audio, Modenaudio, Carat One, 1More And Audeze.

T.H.E. Show 2018 In Southern California From June 1st Through 3rd
Taking place this weekend, from June 1st through 3rd at Marriott's Irvine Spectrum in Southern California, is T.H.E. Show. Designed to connect music, entertainment, tech aficionados, trade professionals and media from around the world in an integrated state-of-the-art exhibit showcasing, T.H.E. Show 2018 will feature the latest products and innovations from industry-leading brands. Experience a variety of sounds ranging from $500 headphones to the $500,000 stereo setup. A weekend of fun, education and entertainment for consumer electronics and music enthusiasts alike. As Southern California's largest consumer electronics show, attendees have an opportunity to see and hear the latest in loudspeakers, audio components, home theater, video, HDTV, digital music, vinyl recordings, headphones, virtual reality, and more. Show attendees ranging from dedicated gear heads to first time buyers can preview and demonstrate millions of dollars worth of components from brands from all over the world. Tickets to the event include access to exhibits, educational seminars with industry luminaries, exotic car show, wine tasting, and live music all day into the evening, and more! Orange County's premier food trucks will be on-site serving delicious eats. T.H.E. Show's second Gala will feature Concert Couture, plus a concert by Mick Adams and the Stones. You can also see 12.5 million dollars in 2019 automotive inventory includes vehicles made by Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, McLaren, Jaguar, Land Rover and more.

05 / 25 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 10 featuring Volya, Divaldi, Stromtank, And Singer / Songwriter Kari Bremnes.

Cambridge Audio Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Edge Series
Cambridge Audio is celebrating their 50th Anniversary and have announced their Edge series. Featuring the Edge A the integrated amplifier, Edge NQ preamplifier and network player, plus Edge W power amplifier ($5000, $4000, and $3000 respectively), these models will be available to select dealers in June. Cambridge Audio's Edge series from this UK's hi-fi brand represents a culmination of 50 years in audio engineering expertise and sets a new standard for design and performance for the company. Every component has been selected for its sonic merit through blind auditions – not price, specs, nor measurement. Cambridge Audio pushed engineering boundaries to keep the signal path short across the series. Only 14 components feature in the signal path of the Edge W power amplifier with capacitors removed altogether. Cambridge Audio's Edge series is a completely new design that has taken over three years for the dedicated, nine-person, in-house engineering team to complete. Unique Class XA amplification technology shifts the crossover point out of audible range, offering the sound quality of Class A but with more efficient performance. Cambridge's proprietary streaming platform, StreamMagic, has been updated to offer improved compatibility, meaning customers will be able to stream audio from a host of sources including AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in, which allows streaming from a wealth of apps, including TIDAL. Additionally, Edge supports Bluetooth aptX HD. Their Edge W solid-state amplifier produces 100W RMS into 8 Ohms (200W RMS into 4 Ohms) with a frequency response from 3Hz to 80kHz. Edge A inputs include balanced XLR, S/PDIF coax, optical TosLink, USB, RCA unbalanced, Bluetooth, and Audio Return Channel (ARC). The USB Class 2.0 input supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, or up to DSD256.

05 / 24 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 8 featuring Abyss Headphones, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, Astell&Kern, And Clearaudio

World Premiere Review!
EMM Labs Pre2 Preamplifier
A truly high-end solid-state reference preamplifier.
Review By Phil Gold

Emm Labs New Pre Stereo And DV2 Stereo DAC With Volume Control
Emm Labs' Pre Stereo and DV2 Stereo DV2 stereo DAC with volume control ($25,000 and $30,000 respectively) will be available in Q4 2018. The DV2 will incorporate new functions and features such as MQA support. Ed Meitner's latest design, the reference Pre, embodies this drive for perfection and culminates in his most significant statement in the preamplifier category to date. They say this new unit provides "Stunning transparency is achieved via fully discrete dual-balanced signal paths, sophisticated contactless switching solutions and precision software-driven analog volume control. Using custom, aerospace-grade, composite laminate circuit boards in the Pre provides several advantages over conventional boards." These advantages include microscopically smooth copper traces resulting in a reduction in skin effect issues, superior strength and vibration resistance, and lower dielectric losses and superior heat conduction ensuring uniform temperature distribution, thus increasing stability. There are six sets of stereo analog inputs and three sets of stereo analog outputs. Emm Labs' Pre allows the option of bi-amplification and tri-amplification setups. Three sets of user programmable volume pre-sets per input allows the user to easily recall their favorite volume settings for different types of music. Emm Lab's new DV2 Stereo DAC with Volume Control builds on Ed Meitner's ground breaking technology used within their flagship DA2 converter. By integrating our new proprietary hybrid volume system, the DV2 can transparently and directly connect to the power amplification stage in any high fidelity system. The DV2 will incorporate new functions and features such as MQA support. With an array of digital inputs, the company's best in class sonic performance plus meticulous craftsmanship - the DV2 could very well be the perfect reference solution for the digital enthusiast. Key features of the DV2 include MDAC2 - the world's first fully discrete DSD1024 / 16xDSD D/A converter built in-house at our manufacturing facility in Canada, MDAT2 multi-award winning DSP refined and updated to synergistically work with the new 16xDSD MDAC2, plus of course MFAST proprietary jitter removal and MCLK2 advanced clocking system. Emm Labs employs proprietary hardware galvanic isolation for the USB audio interface. Available finished include Silver or Black with Titanium or Black insert and buttons. Premium plated options available.

05 / 23 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 8 featuring Audio-Technica, Vision Ears, KirmussAudio, And Sonitus Acoustics.

Los Angeles And Orange County Audio Society All Star Gala
The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society's All Star Gala is to take place December 2 from 11 am to 3:30 pm at the Holiday Inn, Buena Park, Grand Ballroom. Awards given include 25th Annual Founder's Award for Michael Fremer, 25th Annual President's Award, and their First Annual Audiophile Recording of the Year Award (Aria). All Past Winners of the Founder's Award will be invited to the Gala, as our honored guests. Confirmed to attend includes Dave and Carol Clark, Dr. David Robinson, EveAnna Manley, Tim de Paravicini, Ray Kimber, John Grado, Chad Kassem, Bob Carver, Richard Vandersteen, Michael Fremer, John Atkinson, Paul Seydor, Jonathan Scull, Bob Attiyeh, Steven R. Rochlin, and Roger Skoff. All three of LAOCAS 25th Anniversary Society LPs will be available at the Gala. Also, their new 18 carat gold permanent Society Pin will be available at the Gala. There will be special gifts for our Lifetime Members. Formal invitations to be sent at a later date. Once Members and their guests are accommodated, visitors will be most welcome. Also attending is Yuko Mabuchi and her extraordinary Trio who will perform in 100% analog! Her exclusive audiophile LP in 45rpm produced for the Society by Yarlung Records will be autographed just for you! Eastwind Import will be there with all Society LPs and more!

HIGH END 2018 Show In Munich Exhibitor And Attendee Report
HIGH END 2018 in Munich has released their final report. There were 530 exhibitors from 41 countries (-2% as compared to 2017), with 19,889 visitors in total (-7%). Trade visitors reached 7557 from 78 countries (-6%). According to HIGH END Society, the show was rated at high satisfaction among all participants. After four successful exhibition days, the 37th HIGH END in Munich ended on May 13. While these figures represented a slight decline in visitor numbers compared to the previous
year, it is quite possibly due to almost mid-summer weather throughout all four days of the exhibition. For the trade experts, says the Society, it was one of the world's most significant events in the audio industry. See Enjoy the Music.com's HIGH END 2018 show coverage at this link.

05 / 22 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 7 featuring Acoustic Signature, Quad, Kuzma, And Meters Music.

Aequo Audio's Affordable Gladium And Diluvium Top-Line Model Speaker
There are two brand new loudspeakers from Aequo Audio, which further extend their current product family at both ends of the price range. With the Gladium ($17,000, left) as a more affordable fully passive three-way, it is joined by the Diluvium ($100,000, right) as a new Aequo Audio production of the ultimate flagship loudspeaker. The Gladium will be the first fully passive model to be offered by Aequo Audio. The bigger volume of the cabinet ensures deep frequency extension without the use of ARPEC seen in Aequo's compact hybrid speaker portfolio. Solid construction with double 30mm baffle, state-of-the-art driver-technology and advanced material choices clearly make it a full bred addition to the Aequo Audio stable. Developed as a hallmark of Aequo Audio's capabilities and pioneering new levels of what's possible in all aspects of Octagon philosophy for ultimate sound reproduction, their Diluvium follows the credo of 'form follows function'. Designers of Aequo Audio brought all data back to the drawing board and developed a new cabinet construction allowing new and larger, front-firing subwoofers of 13" and 11", as well as a single new optimum upper-bass driver of 8", all in closed enclosure and individually controlled by ARPEC systems and actively powered by the latest Ncore technology. All five drivers are said by the company to be the world's best performers in stiffness versus self-dampening. They claim this results in "cleanliness, resolution, sensitivity and dynamic properties, beyond the frequency band they are put to work in". Each motor, suspension and membrane perfected to the smallest detail, mounted in a zero-resonance cabinet that allows time alignment of all drivers to the millimeter.

05 / 21 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 5 featuring Ascendo, VAC, Von Schweikert, Chord, Raidho Acoustics, And Crystal Cable.

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 6 featuring Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, Sonus faber, And WBT.

U.K.'s Debut Album Available On Limited Edition 180 Gram Vinyl
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of U.K.'s critically acclaimed self-titled debut record released on Polydor in 1978, Eddie Jobson is making this seminal album available on vinyl for the first time since its original release. The record is pressed on 180 gram vinyl, and includes an eight page full color booklet designed exclusively for this release. The album is remastered from the original tapes located at Abbey Road Studios in London, which is the same master that was used in the now out of print Ultimate Collector's Edition box set that compiled all the works of U.K.'s three albums, along with rarities, live material and 5.1 versions across 18 discs. In October 1977 the new supergroup featuring Eddie Jobson, Bill Bruford, John Wetton and Allan Holdsworth entered the rehearsal room, each armed with a panoply of musical ideas. Each song, theme, part or riff was logged in, like a jigsaw piece, and so the organizing and arranging of the individual pieces began. External expectations were high, not just for what these four individual innovators might create together, but because Trident Studios in Soho was already booked to record the results of their highly anticipated collaboration. In 2016 Rolling Stone selected U.K. album as one of the Top 30 "best progressive-rock albums of all time." Though, in a burst of collaborative brilliance, this towering lineup recorded only one album together, the pioneering musicians known as UK have still carved their place in rock history as one of the greatest progressive-rock bands of all time, and have left this classic recording as an exemplary standard for future musicians. You can buy U.K.'s 180 gram vinyl LP at this link.

YouTube Now Adds Expanded Artist, Songwriter, And Publisher Credits
According to YouTube, "We've all been there... you're watching a video on YouTube — maybe it's a gaming video, a short film, a DJ set or artist video you've stumbled upon or were recommended — and you're struck by an amazing song. But what's it called? Who performed it? Who wrote it?... We're helping answer those questions with "Music in this video" — crediting the heroes who contributed to the music you love across more than half a billion videos. The feature will provide credits and music discovery information on both music videos and - for the first time ever on any platform - fan-uploaded content that features recorded music. For over half a billion videos that contain music, when you click “Show more”, you'll see more detail about the artists and songwriters, and the labels and publishers who represent them, including a link to the Official Artist Channel and official music video when available.... And for fans, when a song catches your ear in a video, you can now learn more and dive in deeper by following a link to the official video when available to discover even more about the creators of the song you're digging." YouTube says they are committed to providing recognition to all of the people who contribute to the creative process, and this is just the beginning. Through our industry partnerships we will expand the scope and quality of data to ensure all creators are credited as completely and accurately as possible. So, next time you hear music in a video, don't forget to hit "Show more" — you just might discover your new favorite artist or songwriter.

05 / 18 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 4 Featuring Nordost, Moon Audio, VPI, And High End Society Conference.

McIntosh Labs New MCD600 SACD/CD Player And MS500 Music Streamer
McIntosh Labs is proud to announce two new products: the MCD600 SACD/CD Player and MS500 Music Streamer ($7000 and $6000 respectively). At the heart of the MCD600 is a newly designed digital circuit highlighted by a new premium 8-channel, 32-bit PCM/DSD digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC is used in Quad Balanced mode, with 4 DAC channels allocated to each of the left and right audio channels, resulting in truly exceptional sound reproduction. All PCM signals are up-sampled up to 32-bit/384kHz. Besides commercial SACDs and CDs, the MCD600 can also play music from user generated CD or DVD Data Discs as well as USB flash drives. Numerous file formats can be played from these including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, DSD (up to DSD128), FLAC, MP3, WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz) and WMA. Flash drives can easily be connected via the front panel USB input. The MCD600 includes both fixed and variable balanced and unbalanced outputs; the variable outputs combined with its volume control allow the MCD600 to be connected directly to a power amplifier without needing a preamplifier. Coax and optical digital inputs and outputs are included as is the McIntosh High Drive headphone amplifier. McIntosh Labs' new MS500 Music Streamer seamlessly integrates both internet based streaming music and locally stored digital music into one comprehensive device. It allows a digital music library to be enjoyed with McIntosh's legendary audio standards - including uncompressed, lossless files with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. Local music and the operating system are stored on a durable 500GB solid state drive (SSD) that has no moving parts to create noise. A new fanless processor combined with improved ventilation means noisy cooling fans are not needed. The combination of these two things results in there being no noise to interfere with music listening. Besides onboard music storage, the MS500 has built in interfaces to leading streaming services such as Deezer, Murfie, Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Slacker, Spotify, TIDAL and TuneIn (services subject to change). Internet radio stations can also be added as presets. Three USB ports allow for external mass storage or flash drives to be connected. Any one of the USB ports can also be used to connect an external component with a built-in DAC; utilizing this external DAC, one additional independent audio zone can be created.

05 / 17 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Featuring Furutech, Elac, Avantgarde Acoustic, And Gryphon Audio

Australian Hi-Fi Magazine's May / June Issue Features Gear Reviews
This issue of Australian Hi-Fi features an interview with John Ong who has been an integral part of the Melbourne audio scene for more than twenty years, plus an obituary of John Sunier who wrote the Super Fidelity column for Australian Hi-Fi magazine for more than 20 years. Reviews within this issue include Music Hall mmf 1.5 turntable, Harbeth 30.2 Anniversary loudspeakers, Richter Thor 10.6 subwoofer, Dynaudio Special Forty loudspeakers, Micromega M-100 integrated amplifier, Nagra CDP CD player, and B&W 800 D3 loudspeakers. Within his editorial Greg Borrowman says "I have been rather intrigued by a motor vehicle advertisement that's currently in high rotation on television which shows a car warning its driver that a pedestrian has stepped out in front of said vehicle, allowing the driver to apply the brakes and prevent an accident. I honestly can't remember what type of car it is at the moment that I am writing this, and I am so close to deadline that I won't have the opportunity to watch enough television to see the advert again so I can make a note of the make of the car in time to include it in this editorial... but the fact that I can't remember tells you something about the effectiveness of television advertising, in that not only can't I remember the model of the car, but I can't even remember the make. (Then again, it might just be telling you something about my shot-term memory!)" See what's within this issue of Australian Hi-Fi at this link.

High-End Audio News 10 Years Ago
Hi-Fi+ Joins Enjoy the Music.com As Media Partner
Internet website Enjoy the Music.com and internationally acclaimed British print magazine hi-fi+ have officially joined forces. Sections from the presently available bi-monthly issue of hi-fi+ can be enjoyed on the Enjoy the Music.com. This will benefit both magazines in bringing higher visibility to both publications within the audiophile community. Special discounted subscription rates to hi-fi+ may be presented from time for via the Internet. Showing modern availability, consumers can either choose to receive a print version of hi-fi+ or an instant digital download to read the entire issue via subscription or single issue online purchase.

Mark Fisher, publisher of hi-fi+, says "hi-fi+ is excited to be joining in partnership with Enjoy the Music.com. We have found working with editor Steven R. Rochlin a joy, and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between our two companies."

The most recent issue of hi-fi+ can be seen at www.EnjoyTheMusic.com/hifi_plus/

05 / 16 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Showgirls: We Honor The Hard-Working Ladies At HIGH END 2018

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Part 2 featuring Lexicon, JBL, Mark Levinson, Cessaro / TW Acustic, Marantz, and McIntosh Labs.

FinkTeam Announces Their Borg Two-Way Floorstanding Loudspeaker
FinkTeam's Karl-Heinz Fink has developed a new, more affordable, loudspeaker called Borg (€24,000 a pair). Borg is two-way floor standing design featuring a 10.25" high-power mid/bass driver and an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter. To combine the two drivers to achieve a flat frequency response and, more importantly, a slow even mid/HF roll off in the power response is a significant feat of engineering. There is no off-axis hole in the middle effect. The benefits of a 10.25" mid/bass once heard are difficult to forget. According to the company, "A level of dynamics and naturalness around voices that is unusual and a richness to the sound without bloom or boom (in a well-designed system) that just sounds right. Smaller two-way systems sound anemic after hearing a '10 incher'. The Borg's mid/bass unit features similar thinking to the WM-4's bass driver: low hysteresis surround (it too looks like a pro driver), a large three-inch voice coil for better control and power handling and a light stiff paper cone. The tweeter is an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) operating according to the principles developed by its inventor Oskar Heil. Developed and manufactured in-house by Mundorf with assistance from FinkTeam. The AMT has a strong, 25μm-thick pleated Kapton diaphragm with 50μm aluminum strips. This material has extremely good internal damping, resulting in particularly low distortion. A special etching process was developed to produce it and the diaphragm configuration optimized through a large number of tests. Borg is designed as a more domestic friendly loudspeaker than the WM-4. Borg's low frequency tuning is designed to deliver weight, realism and drama to music but without making it a total diva when it comes to room positioning." Frequency response is from 41Hz to 30kHz (-6dB), presents a minimum 6.5 Ohm load, and weighs 115 lbs. Dimensions are 1050 x 300 x 400mm (HxWxD).

TACET Releases Two New Audiophile SACD Classical Music Discs
TACET's new Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart release on SACD (€21.47) features String Quartet in G major KV 387 and String Quartet in D minor KV 421 with a total playing time of 68:10. After strong recommendations for the previous Auryn/Imai Mozart string quintets recording (Audiophile Highlight in Stereo, klassik-heute recommendation, nomination for ICMA) and lots of praise for the CD version of this recording there is not a lot to say. Except maybe that once again TACET Real Surround Sound musically reaches far beyond normal stereo. Every magical detail of the interaction between Matthias Lingenfelder, Jens Oppermann, Stewart Eaton und Andreas Arndt becomes clear. An ambitious multi-channel recording is no high tech version of stereo, for many listeners it is equal to a live concert. Another new release is TACET's Edition Eigenart doing Johann Sebastian Bach BWV 1079. Setting by Sebastian Gottschick and performed by the Ensemble Vintage Köln with Ariadne Daskalakis (total playing time is 57:49). This new release is a good example of the way how centuries-old music inspires people of today to make something new. J. S. Bach took the theme he was given by the Prussian king Frederick the Great as an opportunity for a compositional logical game. One line of notes is enough to build - together with the king theme - a whole piece of 2, 3 or 4 voices. The mathematical strength of this task and the timeless beautiful solution by J. S. Bach fascinates until today. The German composer Sebastian Gottschick arranged the pieces, added pizzicati to the slow movement of the trio sonata, he created two new pieces with the material of Bach and combined the pieces to a contemporary concert. Ariadne Daskalakis and her Ensemble Vintage Cologne present the modern concert version by Sebastian Gottschick as well as the missing original versions by Bach. The musicians adapt perfectly to the particular stylistic context, they play originally and emotionally.

05 / 15 / 18

HIGH END 2018 Show Coverage

A Billionaire's Guide To HIGH END 2018 In Munich
Steven R. Rochlin reports on the best gear in the world, with value-priced offering within the mix too!
Part 1 featuring Nagra Audio, Silbatone, MoFi, And Elac's Audio Alchemy.
More 2018 HIGH END show report will be online soon. Check back daily!

SME Synergy Integrated Turntable System With MC Cartridge & Phono Stage
SME introduces their new integrated turntable, Synergy (£14,950 including 20% VAT), following months of intelligent engineering and in collaboration with three world-leading audio companies. Their goal was to create a flawless vinyl replay system that's been perfected to SME's exacting standards. Synergy, a precision-engineered integrated turntable, features a magnesium tonearm, moving coil (MC) cartridge and built-in phono stage. Based on over 70 years of precision engineering and audio experience, Synergy represents the first time that SME has offered an integrated turntable solution for its customers. Comprising of a completely new turntable design combined with the highly acclaimed SME Series IV tonearm, Ortofon's 'exclusive series' MC Windfeld Ti cartridge and a specially designed phono stage by NAGRA, all coupled with mono crystal silver wire by Crystal Cable, Synergy is a fully integrated turntable unit that is factory configured requiring minimal user set-up. Synergy's design is compact, sleek, modern and instantly recognizable as SME. Incorporating precision engineered components, high attention to detail and the craftsmanship that SME is globally renowned for, above all Synergy delivers what they feel is an extraordinary vinyl listening musical experience.

Black Cat Announces Their New Silverstar! 75 Mk. II S/PDIF Digital Cable
One of Black Cat Cable's the most popular and revered digital connectors is getting an Mk. II upgrade after almost seven years since its introduction! Black Cat's new Silverstar 75 Mk. II digital cable ($222 for 0.5 meter) is a true BNC 75 Ohm S/PDIF design from the originator of the precision-impedance digital cable, Chris Sommovigo. The Mk. II update to this long-lived design incorporates a 'lite' variant of the RF rejection materials employed in both the Digit-75 and, to a greater degree, the TRØN Super-Reference S/PDIF cable. "I've been planning this improvement for awhile and have recently gotten down to the brass tacks of it," said Mr. Chris Sommovigo. "The inclusion of the RF rejection materials, plus an additional pure-copper shield - all braided under a multifilament nylon yarn jacket - elevate the Silverstar! 75 without breaking the $300/m threshold."

TAVES High-Tech Event And Toronto Audiofest In Canada During October
Toronto's premiere high-tech event, TAVES Consumer Electronics Show, is scheduled for October 12th through 14th while the new Toronto Audiofest is October 19th through 21st, 2018. TAVES has added 12,000 sq/ft of new luxury audio space! TAVES event is so popular that they've just announce the addition of a new block of premium audio exhibit spaces to meet the growing demand for medium rooms at TAVES. These Mezzanine level rooms present a fabulous opportunity for audio companies to wow show attendees and are all priced at an affordable $5000. There are just eight of these rooms available so book today! If you show @ TAVES, your company also receives five months of advertising and promotion too TAVES 2018 national advertising campaign has launched, with a full page ad in the current issue of NOVO magazine. Distributed across the country at retail outlets and online, NOVO reaches over 45,000 consumers and industry pros per issue. NOVO High-End magazine (was CANADA HiFi), launching this spring, is a new online magazine that will explore the virtues and musical experiences that are achievable through high-end audio. Written by experienced audiophiles, NOVO High-End will offer a frequent stream of high-end product reviews and feature articles. Meanwhile the new Toronto Audiofest makes it's debut at the Luxury Westin Airport in Toronto by organizers Sarah Tremblay and Michel Plante. Their event is focused on audio with some of the best brands coming from all over the world. Manufacturers, distributors, and Canadian retailers are expected to showcase their gear. At this event, you can enjoy multiple live acoustic music events, wine pairing, a record fair, a recording studio, and educational seminars. Great news is that admission to TAVES 2018 is absolutely free!

05 / 09 / 18

Enjoy the Music.com's HIGH END 2018 Show Report From Munich
HIGH END 2018 show will open its doors and welcome exhibitors and visitors from all over the world from May 10th through 13th in Munich, Germany. With exhibitor space already fully booked months in advance, HIGH END show has entered the crucial phase of its preparations in the run-up to the event, which is held for the 37th time. As during the past 18 years, longer than any other North American magazine, Enjoy the Music.com will once again be reporting on HIGH END in Munich. Approximately 500 exhibitors are expected to showcased their products during HIGH END 2018 show in Munich. As one of high-end audio's most important European events, exhibitor space at Munich's large M.O.C. is completely sold out many months in advance. Held from May 10th through 13th, HIGH END 2018 is Europe's most prominent and largest audio show of the year. The first day of the exhibition is exclusively reserved for trade visitors and media from all over the world. You can learn more about this event, plus see Enjoy the Music.com's HIGH END 2018 show report, at this link.

05 / 08 / 18

Merrill Audio Element 118 Monoblock Is Their Most Advanced Amplifier
Merrill Audio's new Element 118 monoblock power amplifier ($36,000) took over four years of research, the use of the very latest technology, plus meticulous engineering with finest materials available. Using Merrill Audio's proprietary ZXOL design, the new Element series of power amplifiers are said to be an order of magnitude better in every sonic character than their previous amplifiers. Code name Project Oganesson, this is named after the Oganesson element – the latest Atomic element added to the periodic table, OG with atomic number 118. The Element series of Amplifiers will start with the ELEMENT 118, as with Og 118, and continue with Element 116 and Element 114, which will inherit this technology and advances in audio reproduction. Using a zero feedback, open loop proprietary design, code named ZXOL from Merrill Audio, the power amplifiers get the most details available and have the fastest response according to the company. The open loop design takes advantage of the very latest exotic transistor technology using Gallium Nitride. The pure copper heatsink the power supply and amplifier weighs a hefty 16 pounds. Only the finest 0.1% tolerance components were used. Even the wire was specially selected silver plated OFC Teflon sleeved wire. Merrill Audio's Element 118 monoblock amplifiers have a huge reserve of power for extended transients, delivering 400 Watts into 8 Ohms, 800 Watts into 4 Ohms, and 1600 Watts into 2 Ohms. Dual pure copper WBT speaker binding posts provide easy bi-wiring. 20A IEC AC inlet is used for a tight, excellent connection with heavy power cords. These monoblocks are acoustically isolated on stainless steel Outriggers with GAIA footers from Isoacoustics.

AXPONA 2018 Show Coverage

AXPONA 2018 EarGear Expo Show Report
Personal audio products that impressed at AXPONA's EarGear Expo 2018.
AXPONA 2018 Show Report By Dave Hanson

05 / 07 / 18

Hi-Fi+'s May Magazine Features Many High-End Audio Reviews
Hi-Fi+ Magazine's May 2018 issue features a CanJam NYC 2018 show report plus reviews of the Audio Research CD6, LS28, VT80SE, Sonus Faber Serafina Homage, Transparent Cable, CH Precision P1, L1, X1, M1, Wilson Benesch Resolution, Torus, Nordost Valhalla 2, Crystal Cable Integrated Amplifier, Minissimo Diamond, Scala, Submissio, Special, Ultra Diamond, iFi Audio iCAN, Chord Electronics, Hugo 2, Final D8000, Campfire Audio Andromeda, Naim Audio Uniti Nova, Focal Kanta No 2, Naim Audio Muso Q-b, AVM Evolution CS 5.2 integrated CD/streaming amplifier, Roon Labs Nucleus +, Questyle HB2 Hub for QP2R, Neat Acoustics Iota Xplorer, and Allnic Mu-700R/ZL-3000. Within Alan Sircom's editorial titled Putting Together An Audio System he says, "Audio components are rarely, if ever, heard in isolation. Rather, they are auditioned, evaluated, and enjoyed in the context of a system. While some argue that putting together a system involves nothing more complicated than buying the relevant components and putting them together in combination, and others place it among the arcane and dark arts of audiophilia, reality lies somewhere between these two extremes. Putting a system together relies on a basic understanding of the properties of each component, how they might relate to associated components, and either a lot of luck or an awful lot of listening. Most likely, both. There are supposed short-cuts, such as using the products from one company (or the components most often demonstrated in combination with the products of that company), but there are no outright guarantees, and occasional, but rarely glaring, mis-matches to be had." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ Magazine at this link.

05 / 04 / 18

Shure Statement Regarding The Discontinuation Of Phono Products
For more than 90 years, Shure has been committed to manufacturing and delivering products of the highest quality, reliability, and value. This commitment requires consistency in materials, processes, and testing, as well the capacity to react to fluctuations in demand. In recent years, the ability to maintain our exacting standards in the Phonograph Cartridge product category has been challenged, resulting in cost and delivery impacts that are inconsistent with the Shure brand promise. In light of these conditions, and after thorough evaluation, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue production of Shure Phono products effective Summer 2018. Given our decades-long history of participation in the Phono category, we recognize that this decision may come as a disappointment to our channel partners and end users.

We are grateful for the support and loyalty demonstrated for Shure Phono products through the years and we are proud of the impact that these products have made on our customers' lives and the reputation of the Shure brand. We believe that the proud legacy of Shure Phono is best served by exiting the category rather than continuing production under increasingly challenging circumstances. Shure will continue to bring reputable, high quality products to market and we look forward to meeting and exceeding customer expectations on our current and future offerings. As Shure expands into new markets and product categories for audiophiles, our enduring commitment to premium performance and technological innovation will remain at our core.

THE Show Press Release (Received After LAAS Cancellation)
Press Release; Immediate
Sub; THE SHOW June 1 -3 2018
LAAS Cancellation
Room Bookings with THE SHOW

Good afternoon and greetings to my industry friends and associates.

Undoubtedly you have received the information that the LAAS show has cancelled. It's unfortunate that the industry had to go through such a Tumultuous time. The LAAS folks have been gracious to encourage people to come back home. You will see the posted prices on line for the rooms, and they will NOT be increased.

But it will be on a first-come first-serve basis!. We cannot guarantee a sleeping room next to your exhibit THIS YEAR. Those that have already booked there rooms are guaranteed there sleeping room next to it. To ensure that we get you booked you will need to place your request ASAP by going to our website and selecting your exhibit room, and then you should book your sleeping room with our code. You will need to fill out the 1 page agreement and credit card application and make your payment to guarantee your room. Kyle and Thomas will be handling the bookings. Once you have signed up you will be given a code to book your sleeping rooms.

Also once signed up we will need social media content from you. This will include High Res Still Shots of your products as well as Video (2 minutes approx.) of what you are show casing as well as any press releases we can post, even if they are older than 3 months or recently from AXPONA. This is a new way to help pre-promote you and your company that has never been done before. We will be coming up with more ideas in the future, it is too soon to try and incorporate them now

I will reach out to The LAAS management to see how we can make this transition smooth and comfortable as much as it is possible for both the exhibitors and attendees. Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this year. 

I will be sending further updates over the next several days. 

All of you are welcome back


Thanks

Maurice Jung - Manager

Thomas : 949-463-4877
Kyle : 254-394-9354
Maurice 702-210-9716
www.TheHomeentErtainmentShow.com

High-End Audio And Music News 15 Years Ago
America Online "First Break" To Discover The "Next Big Star"
America Online's (AOL) "First Break" is hoping to discover the "next big star" by providing their members the chance to hear original songs from ten unsigned artists (five in May and five in June) and vote for their favorite each month. In addition to the Atlantic deal and Sessions @ AOL appearance, the winning artist will also receive a one year subscription to Tonos, an online musician's network which helps artists break into the industry with access to top music industry execs, and a global network of musicians, songwriters and producers. Bill Wilson, Vice President and General Manager, AOL Music, said "AOL members, who have already made AOL Music the number one music destination on the Internet, will now be able to put their expertise to the test and find the next big star. We expect First Break to be very competitive, as these acts will be performing their own songs and will have one chance to impress our members."

05 / 03 / 18

World Premiere Review!
Markaudio-SOTA Cesti MB Wide Range Single Driver Loudspeaker
A brilliantly coherent choice!
Review By Clive Meakins

UPDATED! An Open Letter to the Industry. LAAS Cancelled.

UPDATE I: As of 5/3 at 12PM local time there are conversations in progress about the possibility of it being saved by the LA/OC Audio Society.

UPDATE II: As of 5/3 at 2PM local time on The Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society Facebook page it says, "Bulletin for Members and Friends Regarding LAAS.

There are NO negotiations between the Society and LA Audio Show in progress or contemplated to save 2018. The post saying this on the LA Audio Show website is false. 
We recommend you submit for any refund you may be owed by them ASAP.

The Society"

Dear Industry Friends,

It is with sadness and regrets that I announce the cancellation of the 2018 LA Audio Show — Orange County. Refunds will start to be issued immediately to those exhibitors who have already paid deposits and/or full remittances for space and other services. These refunds will be in the form of checks and will arrive by USPS Mail to the address provided on contracts. Attendee tickets will be refunded through the system they were purchased.

Once more, I remind you that as Robert Evans stated, "There are 3 sides to every story: Your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently," but he also stated that "any man who thinks he knows the mind of a woman is a man who knows nothing," so please allow me to touch briefly on what has changed since my last note.

There have been a series of events — much like "Murphy's Law" or even "God's Plan" both on the professional and personal level — that has overtaken my ability to perform at the level I expect of myself and the industry deserves. I put in the maximum efforts I could to absorb the chaos and protect the community, but I have run out of fuel in every sense of the word. My shoulders can no longer bear this weight.

It has been an honor and privilege to carry on the legacy of my mentor, Richard Beers. I have sought to do right by him by keeping his traditions and adding innovations I believed to be vital to the future of our industry. It was always my hope that Richard's divided inheritance would be unified again in the end, and for me, it has been evident that this year presented multiple opportunities to end the separation and I could no longer ignore the dangerous reality of our circumstances. It is my sincere belief that while the lessons and blessings earned were worth everything and part of His plan, I must also admit this LAAS should never have been created, to begin with. We should have collectively worked harder to stay unified in our efforts, and I hope that is how you are able to collectively move forward at this time.

With that said, I urge all those who can, to make arrangements to support The Home Entertainment Show, June 1-3, 2018 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel. I am truly apologetic for any inconveniences this may cause the industry.

At the same time, I still fervently believe in the power of music to make lives better and I do believe that high-fidelity reproduction has merit for making that experience even better. I still believe the future success of high-fidelity audio lies in a mainstream approach that connects all generations and budgets which is why we intended on following a new direction.

I also believe that the recent Pulitzer Prize awarded to Kendrick Lamar is recognition of this universality. Hip-Hop has been around for decades, but somehow this Award "legitimizes" it and allows it to take its place as an authentic musical style rather than an aberrant offshoot of music. As Dana Canedy, the administrator of the prizes said, "The time was right... It shines a light on hip-hop in a completely different way. This is a big moment for hip-hop music..." It is evident, to me and select others, that our world is moving in a new direction and it is my sincere hope that those who continue to run audio shows in the future will understand and acknowledge what I believe to be truths and continue to expand on what we had begun.

As for me, since I am left with nothing but myself and a roof over my head by a very loving and generous Father, I will be writing a blog sharing my story of faith. I do not know what is next but I do know that I have much healing to do — mental, physical, emotional — and need to recharge my batteries so that I may apply my energy, creativity, and passion in a way that serves God and fulfills my life purpose to inspire Humanity towards peace and unconditional love.

I am truly grateful for all of you, for all the lessons and blessings, and I look forward to perhaps meeting and working with you again in a different capacity. I wish much success to T.H.E. Show Newport and its patrons and truly hope that Richard's legacy will be honored for years to come.

It has been an honor serving you. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Sincerely,
Marine de Rogez-Presson

PS: Please do not be fooled by a photographed smile and make-up (note: Enjoy the Music.com is using a different image). This has been a very arduous journey and a decision that had to made alone with my faith and one I only could've made from being completely broken down and incapable of fighting another day like this. It is never my first choice to quit, but it is always my first choice to follow my life purpose. "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 (NLT)

05 / 02 / 18

Hi-Fi World's June 2018 Magazine Features Great Articles And Reviews
Hi-Fi World's June 2018 issue features your chance to win a Quad Vena amplifier worth £599! Equipment reviews include Focal Kanta No2 loudspeakers, Audio Physic Classic 5 loudspeakers, Rotel RA-1572 amplifier / RCD-1572 CD player, Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000 headphones, Sennheiser Ambeo Smart headset, Hi-Diamond 7 cables, FiiO l28 coaxial cable FiiO RC / MMCX, Sony D22 Discman, Cambridge Audio Duo phonostage, and an audiophile book review Passion for Vinyl II. Within his editorial Noel Keywood says "Large loudspeakers – in the past dubbed "broom cupboards". And that's pretty much what some of them were; I speak from experience, having lived with Leak 2075s and 3090s. Intrusive and even ugly such loudspeakers may be – that's their only drawback. Surprisingly, the bigger a loudspeaker gets the less power it needs to go loud. Just a few Watts of power through a 'broom cupboard' of yore was enough to shake a house. Hundreds of Watts as we're given today are not needed. That makes broom cupboards environmentally friendly! Better still they gave a sound with real muscle behind it, room shaking lows being part of the picture. Big is good then – but of course it isn't to most people's eyes. It means less available floor space and an eyesore in the lounge. Hardly surprising then that stylists have come up with no end of shapes and finishes to overcome this problem. Focal have brought French flair to their new Kanta No2 loudspeaker that we review on p11 in this issue. It too needs just a few Watts to go very loud, in the tradition of "a good big 'un"." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World and read the complete editorial at this link.

05 / 01 / 18

Enjoy the Music.com's May Review Magazine Is Now Available Online
Enjoy the Music.com's May Review Magazine features CanJam SoCal and multiple AXPONA show reports that span nearly 40 web pages! Each month in 2018 we're featuring Manufacturer Articles, and so this month we have a tour of McIntosh Labs' amazing NYC showroom plus educational articles by Bob's Devices and Cary Audio. High-end audio gear reviews on offer this month include Skogrand Beethoven system cables, Audio Physic Tempo Plus loudspeakers, Sennheiser HD 660 S over-ear headphones, and SVS SB-2000 powered subwoofer. Our reviewer Dwayne Carter writes about audio throughout your abode within his article Wholehouse High-Resolution Audio. From our partner magazine NOVO we have a review of the Acoustic Solid Xtended-MPX turntable with WTB-370 tonearm.

While we have another AXPONA show report to publish for you soon, we're also preparing for the upcoming HIGH END 2018 show next week in Munich and LAAS 2018 in Los Angeles a few weeks after that.

WARNING: Due to our ongoing growth, and to keep this Industry News posting short in length, below are just a sampling of the many articles and reviews within the May issue. You can see everything within this month's edition of Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine at this link. As always, in the end what really matters is that you...

Enjoy the Music,

Steven R. Rochlin
Creative Director
Enjoy the Music.com

Great Times In High-End Audio
Plus we want to do more for you!
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin

Roll Your Own
Roger Skoff wonders about one kind of Do-It-Yourselfism.
Article By Roger Skoff

AXPONA 2018 High-End Audio Show Report
Audio Expo North America Coverage by Enjoy the Music.com

CanJam SoCal Show Report 2018
Hi-Tech Hi-Fi: CanJam SoCal offers a sneak peek into the industry's future with loads of cool technology.
Show Report By Dave Hanson

World Of McIntosh
Editor Tom Lyle takes a private tour of McIntosh Labs' incredible NYC showroom.
Article By Tom Lyle

Skogrand Beethoven System Cables
A phenomenal system of cables!
Review By Rick LaFaver

Acoustic Solid Xtended-MPX Turntable + WTB-370 Tonearm
Fulfilling your desire to hear more and more of your favorite records.
Review By NOVO (Was Canada HiFi Magazine)

Audio Physic Tempo Plus Loudspeakers
A great looking, and sounding, floorstanding speaker.
Review By Dwayne Carter

Sennheiser HD 660 S Over-Ear Headphones
If it ain't broke, fix it anyway.
Review By Dave Hanson

SVS SB-2000 Powered Subwoofer
A reasonably-priced high quality 12-inch powered subwoofer system.
Review By Tom Lyle

Wholehouse High-Resolution Audio. Myth Or Reality?
I want it all. And I want it now!
Featuring gear from ReQuest, Questyle, Noble Audio, Crestron, Wadia, AURALiC, iFi Audio, Roon, Sooloos, OPPO, Bryston, And Innuos.
Review By Dwayne Carter

More Articles Available Online!
See all our show reports, articles, and gear reviews within Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine now available online.

Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Vacuum Tube Stereo Amplifier Is Now Shipping
Dynaco, a division of Radial Engineering Ltd., is pleased to announce their much-anticipated ST-70 Series 3 vacuum Tube stereo amplifier ($2999.99) is now shipping. This latest version of Dynaco's ST-70 builds upon the proven design philosophies of the original David Hafler-designed Stereo 70, with contemporary design techniques resulting in exceptional performance improvements that meet the requirements of modern audiophiles. The ST-70 provides 35 Watts per channel and is switchable between both 4 and 8 Ohm outputs, with Class-A push-pull stereo topography that has long been characterized as a reliable design with exceptional audio quality. This latest rendition has seen a substantially overhauled power supply from the original version, employing a larger dual-primary power transformer with improved line regulation, increased filter capacitance, and a solid-state rectifier that results in a much more articulate response. The redesigned front end of the Series 3 amplifier replaces the obsolete 7199 pentode signal tubes from the original Stereo 70 with more commonly-used 12AU7 dual-triode tubes, while the output stage and EL34/6CA7 output tubes retain the same elements as the original Stereo 70. A set of front-panel recessed trimmers has been provided, allowing the bias adjustment to be fine-tuned for each output tube. Building on the legacy of David Hafler's enormously successful Stereo 70, the new Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 incorporates advancements in component quality, improvements to the electronic circuit performance, and an all new exterior design that is sure to please the most demanding audiophile.