High-Performance Audio Reviews
Music News, Show Reports, And More!
Celebrating 29 Years Of Service To Music Lovers
High-End Audio / Audiophile
& Music Industry News
06 / 30 / 20
Hi-Fi World's August Issue Features Reviews & Think Pieces Hi-Fi
World's August 2020 issue features your chance to win an English Electric 8switch worth ฃ450.
Gear reviews within this issue include the Wharfedale Evo 4.3 loudspeakers, Martin Logan Motion 40i speakers, FiiO K5 Pro Headphone DAC, Chord Electronics 2go and Hugo 2 DAC, SOtM SMS200 Mini Neo Special Edition streamer, Burson Conductor 3 Reference headphone amp, Black Rhodium Operetta 2 interconnects, and a throwback with Technics' old SL-P550 CD
player.
Within his editorial, Noel Keywood says, "Great to be producing another issue of Hi-Fi World, before readers around the world get too perplexed, angry or infuriated about our idleness! Sorry we had to drop two issues. Not nice being idle and very nice to be producing the magazine again. For no bug related reason, it is a slightly unusual issue. In it you will read about review products that may make you wonder what's going on. To wit, our Martin Logan Motion 40i loudspeakers connected out of phase see p11. Was it a one-off internal wiring fault? Or something more awkward like a crossover circuit board error?"
See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World
at this link.
Gryphon Audio Designs Vanta Cable Series Gryphon Audio Designs
has announced their new Vanta Cable Series (from 2900 to 23,800). As the top-of-the-line from Gryphon, it is said to be a new evolutionary step in the
company's cable production. The Vanta Series consists of speaker cables, power cables, analog interconnects, and digital cables. Utilizing some of the most exclusive materials in terms of the highly unique silver-gold alloy for each individual conductor, they are tightly sealed within a tube of PTFE insulation, which is then surrounded by a braided screen of silver plated copper wires to secure the best possible insulation and transmission of the delicate signal. All cables are wrapped in a beautiful glossy black jacket of polyurethane.
All Gryphon Vanta cables are terminated with carefully selected audio grade connectors from some of the leading manufactures in the world, such as Oyaide and Neutrik. The connectors are soldered to the silver-gold conductors under microscope to make sure that all connections are soldered to perfection. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is thought through to the very last detail. Also note that 2020 not only marks the 35th Anniversary of Gryphon Audio Designs, but also 35 years of cable manufacturing at Gryphon Audio Designs.
06 / 29 / 20
The HiFi Summit Q2 2020 By Joe N
Tell
Finally, the audio community now has an excellent high-quality online streaming show
resource for 2020 and beyond! The HiFi
Summit, produced by
Joe N Tell (Joe Mariano), brings modern features that are expected when showcasing the best in high-fidelity audio and home theater gear. Excellent seminars and group chat are joined by questions from viewers within their Lobby Discussion and YouTube live
stream. ---> Learn more and watch videos
from The HiFi Summit Q2 2020.
06 / 27 / 20
Joe (Joe N Tell) Mariano's HiFi Summit Online
Show
If you want to see a more professional online video streaming featuring hi-fi and audiophile manufacturers, then click on over to the
HiFi Summit. Want to watch great seminars to learn about the many great offerings available today to music lovers worldwide? If so, then tune in to to the HiFi Summit. Have you always wanted to attend a HiFi show but couldn't? Well, thanks to Joe N Tell now you can. Their YouTube stream started yesterday and will continue through June 30th featuring many brands of hi-fi, music labels, etc. Their stream is for audio enthusiasts of all ages. There's also live Q&A with your favorite brands, dealers, engineers, and experts. There's also great gear giveaways too!
"This is the first online trade show and worldwide conference the HiFi industry has ever seen,"
says Joe
(Joe N Tell) Mariano. "Although we created this in response to COVID-19, we believe this is the future of HiFi trade shows. If
there's doubt, consider how crazy online shopping seemed 20 years ago. We've created a trade show that companies deserve and an expo that consumers will love. Get ready for an entertaining, engaging, and educational time. Although we
can't be together in person, we're glad you're here with us." Looks like these younger streamers are indeed changing the
game. Enjoy the Music.com says bravo to Joe N Tell, and all participants,
who are making this an excellent online trade show and resource for audiophiles
and music lovers globally.
06 / 26 / 20
audioXpress Is Now
Featured On
Enjoy the Music.com Combining great articles, projects, and techniques for producing the best in quality audio,
audioXpress connects manufacturers and distributors with audio engineers and enthusiasts eager for innovative solutions in sound, acoustic and
electronics. Every month, audioXpress combines excellent educational articles on topics
including audio electronics, speaker and headphone design, amplifiers (from
vacuum tube to Class D), acoustics, practical test and measurement, audio engineering praxis, and
standards. --->
Read Enjoy the Music.com's special audioXpress press release.
JBL Announces Their New HDI
Loudspeaker Series
Harman, owners of the JBL brand, is now shipping the new JBL HDI Series. The HDI Series is led by the flagship triple 8", 2.5-way HDI-3800 floorstanding loudspeaker, the range also includes the triple 6.5", 2.5-way HDI-3600 floorstanding loudspeaker, the 6.5", 2-way HDI-1600 bookshelf loudspeaker with HDI-FS floor stand accessory, the quad 5.25", 2.5-way HDI-4500 center channel loudspeaker, and the 12", 1000 Wrms HDI-1200P powered subwoofer. The four full-range models of the JBL HDI Series are based on the company's patented 2410H-2 compression driver and benefit from advanced research and applications from JBL Professional's D2 transducers. Each HDI full-range model features woofers with cast aluminum frames, cutting-edge motor structures and Advanced Aluminum Matrix cones. The HDI powered subwoofer model carries the same engineering prowess with a high-density Poly-Plas cone and a 3" voice coil.
The bookshelf and floor-standing models feature a gloss black plinth integrated into the base of the cabinet. A choice of three beautiful finishes are available on all models: painted high-gloss black, satin walnut wood veneer, and satin gray oak wood veneer. The HDI Series is currently available for purchase with retail pricing of $5000/pair for the flagship HDI-3800 floorstanding loudspeaker, $3800/pair for the HDI-3600 floorstander, $1800/pair for the HDI-1600 bookshelf speaker, $1750/each for the HDI-4500 center channel, and $3000/each for the HDI-1200P powered subwoofer. Additionally, the HDI-FS floor stands are available at $400/pair.
06 / 25 / 20
Audioengine B-Fi Stereo Music Streamer Audioengine's new B-Fi music streamer ($189) connects to any music system and internet to stream from your favorite music service or directly from your music library using your phone, tablet, or computer. As an upgrade from Audioengine's B1, the new B-Fi uses your home Wi-Fi network for multi-room music streaming and stereo pairing. Simply download the company's companion app and connect to your home Wi-Fi network using an iOS or Android phone or tablet. Then instantly stream high-quality wireless music from the included music players, or leave our app and play from any other player or streaming service via Apple Airplay. Stream from your music library or use Audioengine's in-app music services, which include Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Napster and more. Add additional B-Fi streamers to other music systems or your home theater for multi-room sound, stereo pairing, and multi-user capabilities. Outputs include analog RCA and
digital optical TosLink.
Bowers & Wilkins 702 And 705 Signature Series Speakers
Signature product launches are rare and special events in Bowers &
Wilkins' 54-year history. The company has just announced two new Signature versions of premium loudspeakers, the Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature stand-mounted monitor and 702 Signature floorstanding loudspeaker ($3,999.99 a pair and $6,499.99 a pair respectively). Representing the apex of current Bowers & Wilkins design, a huge amount of care and attention has been paid to improving acoustic performance via an upgraded crossover design, plus carefully crafting the luxurious new cabinet finish.
Both models now feature specially treated and upgraded bypass capacitors sourced from Mundorf, larger heatsinking and, in the case of the 702, an upgraded LF capacitor on the bass section of the
crossover. Keeping up with established Signature practices, the 705 and 702 Signature boast a stunning new Datuk Gloss ebony-colored veneer with a distinctive, beautiful grain. This custom-designed finish combines the beauty of exotic real-wood veneers with the environmental benefits of a
sustainable-sourced supply, in this case from specialist Italian wood company
Alpi.
Specifications
702 Signature Floorstander
Three-way vented-box Tweeter-on-Top
Three165mm Aerofoil Profile bass
One 150mm Continuum FST midrange, decoupled
One 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter in Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
705 Signature Stand-mount
Two-way vented-box
Tweeter-on-Top
One 165mm Continuum bass/midrange
One 25mm Carbon Dome tweeter in Solid Body Tweeter-on-Top
AXPONA Worldwide Audio Fest 2020
Due to the Coronavirus, this year's event was rescheduled
to AXPONA 2021. JD Events found a way to do
an excellent job with their Worldwide Audio Fest, which is a virtual (online)
show on Instagram. To quote AXPONA, "The Audio World is alive and thriving! With music lovers staying home around the globe, you can virtually experience what is new in high end audio. In two jam-packed days, over 50 of the
world's top audio brands will introduce new products, make announcements and interact. You will discover new ideas and technologies and see what your favorite audio brands are up to. This historic festival is designed to bring positivity and awareness to music enthusiasts across generations around the globe during this time when face to face is not possible."
We invite you to visit each brand's Instagram page and enjoy their video
presentation. ---> See AXPONA's Worldwide Audio Fest 2020 at
this link.
06 / 23 / 20
Qobuz Launches A Value-Priced Family Plan Qobuz, the world's first Hi-Res Music streaming and download service, is launching its family plan. Allowing up to six members per account for $24.99/month, Qobuz Family is a great way for families to all learn about, and listen to, the best quality music in recording studio quality. The release of this much-anticipated feature comes following the recent news of the financial and industrial partnership with Qu้becor, the Canadian telecom giant, allowing Qobuz to strengthen its position as an international player in the music industry.
The Qobuz Family option applies to both plans available, Studio Premier and Sublime+. Studio Premier, which allows unlimited streaming in up to 24-bit/192kHz, will be free for the first month (new customers only) then $24.99/month for up to six household members ($269.99 annually with no free trial). Sublime+, which also allows Hi-Res Music unlimited streaming and offers discounted Hi-Res Music downloads, will be $499.99/year for up to six household members with no free trial. All current Qobuz customers have the option of upgrading to a family plan.
Ars Sonum Armonia Stereo Power Amplifier
The new Ars Sonum
Armonia stereo power amplifier ($5450) produces 30 Watts per channel using EL34 vacuum tubes operating in Class A. Handcrafted in Madrid Spain, features include hand wound power and output transformers made in-house by Ars Sonum. Very high quality parts in the signal path include capacitors from Mundorf and V-Cap, plus select new and NOS tubes. The amplifier maintains Class A operation up to clipping, where it transitions to Class AB. Specially design output transformers unique to the Armonia provide exceptional bandwidth and dynamics according to the company.
Their amplifiers are built to order one at a time and as result, annual production capacity is limited to tens of amplifiers in order to meet Ars Sonum's demanding quality/production methods. Each amplifier undergoes final testing by Ricardo Hernandez before shipment. Ars Sonum products are sold exclusively in the USA by
Signature Sound High-End Audio.
06 / 22 / 20
HRS Latest Generation M3X2 Isolation Base HRS' M3X2 Isolation Base is the latest generation of reference level bases from this highly respected high-end audio company. It can easily integrate directly into HRS audio stands without modification, with custom sizes available for any component in the world including the largest and amplifiers and turntables. All HRS Isolation Bases including the company's reference level M3X2 have many different footer options. These include broadband isolation, energy dissipating, and grounded designs. You can change from one to the other at any time to optimize system performance for different components.
The M3X2 load range is matched to the component weight for maximum performance and can be modified in the future preserving its value. HRS employs six different materials including two proprietary polymers, billet-machined aircraft aluminum and polished black granite. The finely polished black granite contact plate is combined with two custom resonance control stages in a billet machined aircraft aluminum frame with a craftsmanship finish and black anodize coating. This exceptional design was created to offer maximum performance, cosmetic elegance, and a durable scratch resistant inlay design that will provide years of maintenance free service. HRS' M3X2 Isolation Base also uses two different proprietary HRS elastomer formulations, with the first was developed to maximize isolation efficiency, and the second was developed to control and eliminate residual energy. Prices vary depending on size and chosen options.
06 / 19 / 20
Live Nation Changes Contract To Burden Musical Artists
During these times when show promoters are seeking ways to remove their liability and financial
responsibility, yet gladly take profits when things go their way.... Live
Nation, a business that is North America's largest live event company, is seeking to
apparently privatize profits yet socialize losses. Many on Wall Street are familiar
with this practice in the past decade or so, yet now it is expanding to other
business sectors. Live Nation is now seeking to encumber musical artists for
possible losses, yet Live Nation will gladly ensure they profit during good
times. Live Nation is seeking to privatize profits, so when profit is made the company benefits. Losses are 'socialized', so when things go awry and there are losses, these losses burden musical artists
to a higher degree than within previous contracts. Live Nation has very little
risk in this situation. The below shows the recent efforts by Live Nation to do just that, take profit when available, and
higher losses are now taken on by hired talent. The below is a memo by Live Nation to talent
agencies:
The global pandemic has changed the world in recent months and with it the dynamics of the music industry. We are in unprecedented times and must adequately account for the shift in market demand, the exponential rise of certain costs and the overall increase of uncertainty that materially affects our mission. In order for us to move forward, we must make certain changes to our agreements with the artists. The principle changes for 2021 are outlined below.
Artist Guarantees: Artist guarantees will be adjusted downward 20% from 2020 levels.
Ticket Prices: Ticket prices are set by the promoter, at the
promoter's sole discretion, and are subject to change.
Payment Terms: Artists will receive a deposit of 10% one month before the festival, contingent on an executed agreement and fulfillment of marketing responsibilities. The balance, minus standard deductions for taxes and production costs, will be paid after the performance.
Minimum Marketing Requirements: All artists will be required to assist in marketing of the festival through minimum social media posting requirements outlined in artist offer.
Streaming requirements: All artists will be required to allow their performance to be filmed by the festival for use in a live television broadcast, a live webcast, on-demand streaming, and/or live satellite radio broadcast.
Billing: All decisions regarding "festival
billing" are at the sole discretion of the promoter.
Merchandise: Purchaser will retain 30% of Artist merchandise sales and send 70% to the artist within two weeks following the Festival.
Airfare and Accommodations: These expenses will be the responsibility of the artist.
Sponsorship: The promoter controls all sponsorship at the festival without any restrictions, and artists may not promote brands onstage or in its productions.
Radius Clause. Violation of a radius clause without the
festival's prior authorization in writing will, at the festival's sole discretion, result in either a reduction of the artist fee or the removal of the artist from the event, with any pre-event deposits returned to the festival immediately.
Insurance: The artist is required to maintain its own cancellation insurance as the promoter is not responsible for the artist fee in the event of a cancellation of the festival due to weather or a force majeure.
Cancellation by Artist: If an artist cancels its performance in breach of the agreement, the artist will pay the promoter two times the
artist's fee.
Cancellation Due to Poor Sales. If a show is cancelled due to poor ticket sales, the artist will receive 25% of the guarantee.
Force Majeure: If the artist's performance is canceled due to an event of force majeure including a pandemic similar to Covid-19 the promoter will not pay the artist its fee. The artist is responsible for obtaining any cancellation insurance for its performance.
Inability to Use Full Capacity of the Venue: If the promoter either because of orders of the venue or any governmental entity is not permitted to use the full capacity of the venue, then the promoter may terminate the agreement, and artist will refund any money previously paid.
We are fully aware of the significance of these changes, and we did not make these changes without serious consideration. We appreciate you and all artists understanding the need for us to make these changes in order to allow the festival business to continue not only for the artists and the producers, but also for the fans.
06 / 18 / 20
McIntosh New Podcast Series "For The Love Of Music" McIntosh's new Podcast Series, "for the love of music..." launches TODAY! The first episode drops at 10am EST on many streaming platforms, featuring an exclusive interview with former Grateful Dead electronics outfitter, and renowned music gear creator, Janet Furman. In this special series, McIntosh teamed up with Talkhouse, a leading producer of podcasts about music and film, to explore music history through conversations with renowned musicians and audio professionals. McIntosh has been hand-building the very best audio equipment in Binghamton, NY for over 70 years -- not only did they help create the hi-fi industry, they have forever changed how we listen to music, powering some of
history's greatest moments. If you're looking for some fun content to add to your
queue, we here at Enjoy the Music.com hope you can give it a
listen. Links to listen include Apple
Podcasts, Spotify,
and Stitcher.
Core Power Technologies A/V USBe Perfect
The Core Power Technologies A/V
USBe Perfect ($499 to $799) is designed to yield the best results when using USB (Type 2 or Type 3) within your audio system. Now that USB has become the transmission medium of choice for many music lovers, the company saw a need to create the absolute best connection for the highest fidelity result. Carefully designed and meticulously Alpha and Beta tested, the results were unanimous. USBe Perfect is said to have improved every system it was placed in. The USBe Perfect is designed to minimize signal degradation effects such as crosstalk, jitter, and inter-symbol interference (ISI) that negatively affect audio
quality.
This is achieved with a comprehensive set of features that optimize the entire USB signal transmission chain and includes:
Integrated Regeneration of the USB 5V power from the source.
Input stage equalization. Each input channel re-equalizes the signal gain with transmission frequency to compensate for cable losses. (assumed to be one to three meters)
Output stage matching. The outputs stage provides tailored de-emphasis to compensate for impedance mismatches at the signal termination.
Enjoy Reading Your Fave Hi-Fi Magazines Online
Everyone here at Enjoy the Music.com sympathizes with those affected by the recent health issue. Our hobby is one that can be enjoyed within the privacy, and security, of your home. We'd like to take a moment to remind our readers that many of our partner magazines offer online subscriptions. As always, in the end what really matters is that
you... enjoy the music.
Print Partner Magazines
Vintage Magazines
Web
Partner Magazines
06 / 16 / 20
Magico's $750,000 Per Pair M9 Floorstanding Speakers
A summation of the company's no-holds-barred assault on the limits of dynamic loudspeaker design, the new
Magico M9 floorstanding speaker
establishes a new benchmarks for the company in musicality, transparency, and fidelity. This four-way, six-driver floor standing system features the world's first loudspeaker enclosure to combine inner and outer skins of carbon fiber with a 'revolutionary' aluminum honeycomb core. Included with the M9 is a state-of-the-art analog outboard active crossover, the MXO. Designed in-house, this carefully crafted unit handles bass/midbass frequency separation. In addition, the M9 benefits from our latest generation of Nano-Tec speaker cones, featuring Aluminum honeycomb cores.
Magico claims the result is a loudspeaker that can present intense crescendos with unconstrained power, yet reproduce the most delicate musical passages with transparency and stunning microdynamic
detail.
Magico's quest for the ultimate in enclosures has driven them to pursue the latest in materials science, computerized modeling and meticulous assembly. Magico has long recognized that the bending and flexing of non-pistonic motion in a soft dome tweeter leads to large-scale distortion.
That's why they chose the high strength and light weight of Beryllium. And we went even further, enhancing Beryllium with the incredible stiffness of diamond, carefully applied by chemical vapor deposition. This enabled us to go larger, building the
world's first 28 mm Beryllium dome and improving performance without the weight penalty that diamond normally incurs. Furthermore, Magico's insistence on diaphragm rigidity and pistonic motion also drove them to offer the
world's first midrange and woofer loudspeaker cones with incredibly strong Graphene nanotubes. Every cone in the M9 incorporates the company's eighth generation Nano-Tec design. The Aluminum honeycomb provides a core material so stiff that they need to apply 26,500 pounds of pressure to shape their 15" cones. This added stiffness is claimed to push resonant frequencies far beyond audibility, requiring hardly any damping at all. Their 1.10" tweeter is joined by a 6" midrange driver, two 11" midbass drivers, plus two 15" bass drivers. Dimensions are
80" x 40" x 20" (HxDxW) and it weights 1000 pounds each.
06 / 15 / 20
Blue Cat's Re-Head Mixing Room Sound Via
Headphones
Enjoy studio monitor sound in your headphones with Blue Cat
Audio's Re-Head ($49), a unique head-response plug-in for studio
software. Re-Head uses a head response model to recreate the effect of your head and skull on the audio coming in from your speakers. Together with stereo processing, impulse response treatment, EQ and more, Re-Head takes care of the most common problems associated with headphone use in professional work: unnatural sound and ear fatigue. For many audio professionals, listening on headphones is a necessary evil. Perhaps you need headphones when tracking? Perhaps you need to work away from your studio? Or perhaps your studio has that one neighbor that simply can't enjoy your creative output at 3am in the morning? Listening through headphones creates an unnatural sound that's quite different from how we hear music from speakers.
Re-Head will create a mixing room experience when using headphones, even when recording distorted guitars and other instruments that tend to sound unnaturally in-your-face in a headphone mix. At the center is a head response model that mimics the effect of your own skull on your hearing when listening through loudspeakers. Add to that stereo processing to avoid the hard-panned sound so common in headphones, a spectrum analyzer and EQ. There is even an impulse response representation of your favored mixing room to let you feel right at home, even when you're not.
06 / 12 / 20
Verve / UMe Audiophile-Grade All-Analog LP Reissue
Verve Label Group and UMe announced today the July 31 launch of a new 'audiophile grade,' all-analog reissue series supervised by
Acoustic Sounds CEO Chad Kassem, featuring iconic titles from the Verve, Impulse!, Philips, EmArcy and Decca catalogs. Plans are to have two releases a month highlighting a different storied label spanning Verve/UMe's extraordinarily rich archive. All titles are mastered from the original analog tapes. Acoustic Sounds says that these releases will have unsurpassed pressing craftsmanship by Quality Record Pressings! Stoughton Printing old style tip-on gatefold jackets bring large images to reality. Here's the schedule for the releases:
July 31 / Verve Records
● Stan Getz and Joใo Gilberto Getz/Gilberto (1964)
● Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)
August 28 / Impulse! Records
● John Coltrane Ballads (1963)
● John Coltrane A Love Supreme (1964)
September 25 / Philips Records
● Nina Simone I Put A Spell On You (1965)
● Nina Simone Pastel Blues (1965)
October 30 / EmArcy Records
● Sarah Vaughan Sarah Vaughan (with Clifford Brown) (1954)
● Clifford Brown and Max Roach Study In Brown (1955)
November 27 / Decca Records
● Peggy Lee Black Coffee (1956)
● George Russell New York, N.Y. (1959)
Marten Parker Loudspeaker Series:
Three Models Marten's new Parker series ($11,000 to
$45,000) is a collection of three loudspeakers that incorporate the company's most advanced technologies. Originally intended as a replacement for Marten's Heritage series, advances in driver technology, enclosure materials and crossover design demanded that Parker be an entirely new product range, rather than an upgrade of existing models. Starting with Parker's elegant, tapered cabinet,
Marten's proprietary M-Board a laminate of different materials which mitigate each
other's resonances produces an enclosure that is virtually vibration-free. Marten IsoPucks, designed by IsoAcoustics, further reduce resonance, enabling a room-filling soundstage while delivering more transparent, effortless sound and detailed, powerful bass. Improved hand-finishing techniques result in exquisite, lustrous cabinet aesthetics.
Chief Designer Leif Olofsson has engineered a new generation of proprietary bass/mid drivers. In concert with
Marten's new enclosures and "Multi-Slope" crossover technology, these bespoke ceramic drivers offer the company's best performance possible.
Leif's use of passive radiators extends bass control and dynamics beyond what is achievable with active drivers alone.
Marten's Parker series consists of three models. The Duo is a two-way, stand-mounted monitor outfitted with a tweeter, mid/bass driver and a rear-mounted passive radiator. The Trio is a 2.5-way tower with two mid/bass drivers and two passive radiators. Finally, the awesome Quintet deploys four mid/bass drivers and, at the rear, an equivalent number of passive radiators. Each model is also available as a
"Diamond Edition" which adds a pure diamond tweeter, higher-end crossover components, improved cable terminals and top-of-the-range Jorma Statement internal cabling.
06 / 11 / 20
TACET Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart SACD TACET's new release of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on SACD includes Sinfonia concertante KV 364
and Symphony in G minor KV 550 by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. Featuring Gordan Nikolić, on violin and Richard Wolfe on viola, TACET Real Surround Sound SACD has inspiring vacuum tube sound according to the company. Total playing time is
68:04. According to TACET, "It may seem strange at first to combine this with the blissful togetherness of the Sinfonia Concertante, but on reflection it makes sense. Whilst the slow movement of the G Minor Symphony (in the same key as the Sinfonia Concertante) brightens the mood of the other movements, the melancholic slow movement of the Sinfonia Concertante casts a shade over the lightness of the outer movements. It's not all difficult, nor is it all straightforward. Just like real life."
06 / 10 / 20
HIFICRITIC's Latest Issue Features
Reviews & More HIFICRITIC's
latest issue features an exclusive interview with Peter Thomas, as the cofounder of PMC recalls his early days at the BBC and the beginnings of the company, and gives his views on the state of speaker design and the hi-fi industry. Stan's been spending his time in isolation tinkering with some vintage amplifiers in his collection and pondering elements of their design and construction. Gear reviews within this issue of
HIFICRITIC include the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, Martin Colloms compares three compact speakers from Amphion, Aurender and ATC, Rotel Michi P5 / S5 preamplifier and
power amplifier, and iFi Audio Aurora all-in-one network audio system. Keith Howard examines the common types of digital filters as one of the hidden aspects of the handling of digital data. Other gear reviews includes the Norma Audio CD player/DAC and integrated amplifier, Klipsh Forte III speakers, Rega Aethos integrated amplifier, Audio Note UK Meishu Tonmeister classic valve amplifier, Neat Ministra compact speaker, PSB Alpha S10 compact speaker, and Chord Electronics 2GO. In addition, A trio of network-connectable amps Arcam's SA30, the Cyrus ONE Cast and Marantz's PM7000N shows there's more than one way to integrate streaming without affecting audio performance.
Within his editorial, Martin Colloms says, "As the HIFICRITIC team was planning to get under way with the preparation of this late spring issue, the Covid-19 storm broke. Momentarily, our usual upbeat enthusiasm for our favorite subject was dampened: none of us could escape the direct or the indirect effects of this crisis, or ignore the extended ramifications. The months of social distancing have greatly reduced our sharing of listening experiences and you may have seen in the national press that
HIFICRITIC contributor Rafael Todes (of the Allegri String Quartet) was asked by the police to stop performing small family fundraising concerts in his front garden for his neighbors, as it might attract a crowd." See what's within this issue of
HIFICRITIC at this
link.
Simaudio Moon 680D Streaming DAC Great build quality, great looks, great sound.
Review By Robert S. Youman Of Positive Feedback Simaudio recently introduced a new streaming digital to analog converter to their Moon product line. The 680D ($9000) streaming DAC slots in somewhere between the 780D v2
($15,000), and the 280D ($3000). As with many, if not most of the products in the Moon series, the 680D has the same width and depth (18.75 x 16.8 inches) only varying in height. Additionally, it shares other cosmetic touches in industrial design, including the heat sinks on the side panels, height adjustable aluminum feet at the four corners, and a rather massively built chassis with a shipping weight of 38 pounds. --->
Read our Simaudio Moon 680D Streaming DAC review.
HEDD Audio HEDDphone Review The new and amazing
HEDDphones. Yes, I spelled that correctly!
Review By Peter Pialis Of HiFiAudio.Guru When I first saw their
press release in 2019, I was very intrigued by HEDD / Heinz Electrodynamic
Designs' new foray into the world of personal audio the aptly named
HEDDphones. I have previously been a big fan of their studio monitors and found
them both very balanced and revealing and I was very curious to see how this
incredible transparency translated into a pair of headphones. Using their
patented and truly unique AMT (Air Motion Transformer) driver technology, these
headphones offer the potential for some of the fastest and cleanest audio
drivers around. ---> Read the HEDD Audio HEDDphone
review.
Audio Research LS28SE Vacuum
Tube Stereo Preamplifier Audio Research
is pleased to announce important performance updates to its award-winning LS28 preamplifier as a part of their 50th Anniversary product line improvements. The new LS28SE ($10,000)replaces the LS28, with improvements very similar to the wire and parts changes incorporated in the REF6SE and REF PH3SE. The LS28SE also includes upgrading to the same proprietary gold coupling caps used in the REF6SE. These numerous and costly component upgrades is said to elevate the LS28SE's performance to an entirely new level. The improved clarity, resolution, transient snap, sense of space, and a relaxed purity are instantly noticeable and will inspire extended listening sessions says the company. Customers will be able to update an existing LS28 to a LS28SE for $2000.
06 / 08 / 20
ALTI Audio & Loudspeaker
Tech. Intl. Online Event ALTI-EXPO 2020 was forced to cancel because of the global Coronavirus pandemic. Like virtually all high-technology events, they have decided to produce their Virtual AE2020 as the next best thing. On June 15th (2020) from 9am EST to ??? their virtual event will be online and is 100% free to attend.
Many excellent online presentations will be live streamed as a service to their Members and the public at large. Not only is this event free to attend, membership not required. While the organization understands that their scheduled presentations may not be convenient for everyone, rest assured all presentations will be recorded and will be available after Virtual ALTI-EXPO.
Learn more about the Virtual
ALTI-EXPO at this link.
The Audio Industry Alliance
This Just In:
Dear Colleague,
My name is Michel Plante and I fell in love with hi-fi before I was even allowed to vote. I was so smitten by it that I promised myself that for the rest of my life I'd work in the audio industry. And I have in retail, representation and distribution. I was a store manager, a director of sales and marketing for major distributors, and a business consultant. And now, in partnership with my tireless wife and with the support of an incredible team of hard workers, I'm also an audio show organizer. As you can probably guess, organizing major shows in large venues is not for the faint-hearted, but I feel compelled to do it because I'm committed to the audio industry I want to help it succeed.
I know that the audio business isn't what it was in its heyday. From people in every sector, I hear the same concerns: Clientele is aging. Sales are stagnant. Profits are thinning. Our market is shrinking as it becomes harder to convert new customers. People don't listen to music seriously anymore. Yet, my faith in our product is unshakable.
The audio hobby is fun! It's rewarding! And I think it safe to say that those who enjoy listening to music would rather do so in good sound over bad if given a choice. So why aren't we doing better? Simple: we're not doing enough to win over the hearts and minds of today's music lover.
To help combat this situation, I founded in October 2019
The Audio Industry Alliance, a non-profit audio-appreciation incubator whose mandate is to maximize the use of social media to revitalize our industry and improve the personal fortunes of every one of us, from manufacturer, to street-level store, to audio magazine and audio show. Our organization believes firmly in the adage that a rising tide lifts all boats.
The best news I can give you is this: thanks to social media, with our strategy our industry now has the opportunity to reach more millions more music listeners than it ever could. This is exciting stuff.
I look forward to unveiling the entire project with you, in my follow-up email, next week.... STAY TUNED
Please share this message.
Jadis Introduces Their New JS2 MkIV
Hi-Res Audio DAC Jadis'
new JS2 MkIV DAC ($8995) is an iteration of their popular JS2 with features and technology derived from the award-earning JS1. The JS2 MkIV has a completely redesigned digital circuitry coupled to an optimized USB digital interface, which allows input rates up to 24-bit/384kHz. It also assures compatibility with a wide range of Hi-Res Music files including DSD. Digital processing is performed by a pair of the latest-generation AKM 4497 DAC chips arranged for symmetrical processing, a technique Jadis first used within the JS1. Using a separate AKM 4497 for each channel eliminates inter-channel crosstalk, and results in superior digital noise suppression.
Jadis' JS2 MkIV DAC includes revised analog circuitry to provide absolute separation of the channels by using both sides of the ECC82/12AU7 dual triode in each channel. Going to such lengths is said to result in superior imaging and a spacious, stable soundstage. The power supply of the JS2 has also been completely updated and improved, using a massive EI transformer, Schaffner filtering, and four individual power supplies, two in the digital stage, and two in the analog. A non-magnetic stainless steel enclosure and double-sided circuit boards with heavy copper traces ensure low noise and isolation from external interference.
Hi-Fi+'s June 2020 High-End
Audio Magazine Hi-Fi+ magazine's
June 2020 issue features many wonderful articles and a contest with Amy LaVere, the Memphis singer-songwriter's new album,
plus you can win one of 10 copies! Equipment reviews include the Vertere Acoustics DG-1 turntable and arm combination, CH Precision A1.5 two-channel power amplifier, Naim Audio Nait XS 3 stereo integrated amplifier, Engstrom Arne
valve integrated amplifier, Innuos PhoeixUSB USB reclocker, Townshend Audio Allegri Reference autotransformer preamplifier, Gold Note DS-10/PA-10 DAC / preamp / headphone amp with bridgeable stereo power amplifier, Synthesis Roma 14DC CD player, PMC Fact.12 Signature floorstanding loudspeakers, and ZMF Verite dynamic closed-back headphones.
Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says,
"There are no words that can express the grief felt by those who have lost friends and loved ones to the coronavirus pandemic. Our thoughts are with you. The
Hi-Fi+ Team" See
what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+
magazine at this
link.
06 / 04 / 20
CEDIA Expo 2020 Plans for Virtual Experience
As reported on May 17th within Enjoy the Music.com's
Industry News page, "Emerald Holding Inc. (NYSE:
EEX), one of the few true professional event producers that also support the consumer electronics industry, has released their Q1 2020 results. Note that the company paid extra for a communicable disease rider insurance policy that should
provide for a payout equal to the gross revenues, less avoided costs, plus certain costs related to taking remedial action."
CEDIA has announced they are going produce an excellent virtual show experience:
With every event we produce, our goal is the same; deliver our customers the most effective opportunities to conduct business and enhance the vitality of this industry through innovation, networking, and education in a safe and healthy environment.
CEDIA Expo 2020 was positioned to be the launch pad this year to re-energize the channel for the future.
However, due to recent developments beyond our control, we made the difficult decision to officially cancel CEDIA Expo 2020, which had been scheduled for September 8-12, 2020 in Denver,
CO....
While we are deeply disappointed that we will not be coming together in person this September, we are committed to keeping you connected and are already hard at work developing a virtual experience for our connected tech community. The CEDIA Expo virtual experience will launch in September and offer everything you need to take your residential tech business to the next level. From session panels surrounding hot topics to keynotes, product discovery, networking and an interactive expo hall.
The next in-person CEDIA Expo will take place September 1-3, 2021 in Indianapolis, IN home to the CEDIA Association.
As always, we appreciate your ongoing loyalty to CEDIA Expo and thank you in advance for your understanding.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.
Brian Pagel
CEDIA Expo Executive Vice President
Emerald Expositions
Schiit Audio Modius Balanced Hi-Res Audio DAC
Here's the deal: Schiit
Audio just announced their new $200 DAC. It's called Modius, as in
"Modius Maximus." As in "a bigger, better, badder-ass Modi." It has four inputs, including Schiit's Unison USB and AES/EBU. It has XLR balanced and RCA single-ended outputs.
Furthermore, the Modius is based on the excellent AK4493 D/A converter and a whole pile of precision parts according to Schiit, including a 200MHz, 32-bit Microchip microprocessor, the TI LME49724 balanced amplifier, and the OPA1662. Other parts include high quality thin-film capacitors and resistors. Furthermore, Schiit's Modius
operates from USB power. It's designed and built in California. Dimensions of this tiny
overachiever are 9" x 6" x 1.5" (WxDxH) and it weighs 2 lbs. Schiit's Modius is
available with black or silver chassis, and yes it is only $199.
Save 15% off Enjoy the
Music.com SWAG
Wear our SWAG! Save 15% off Enjoy the Music.com SWAG on products from CafePress. Simply enter coupon code JUNE-DEAL-20 at checkout. Here is a small example of those who proudly wear their
Enjoy the Music.com Steampunk t-shirts at high-end audio events. Get your cool swag at
this link.
06 / 01 / 20
Enjoy
the Music.com's June 2020 Review Magazine Enjoy the Music.com just posted our June
Review Magazine online. This month features a variety of videos, luxury
and lifestyle highlights, plus six impressive audiophile manufacturers chime
in with our 10 Questions
For Manufacturers. We also have a very wide variety of gear reviews and much more within
Enjoy the Music.com's
June Review Magazine!
Go Buy A Song Roger Skoff worries about the future of music.
Article
By Roger Skoff Before the phonograph came along, if you wanted to hear music,
you either played it yourself or with your friends or family; you went to
someplace that music was being played (a church, a salon, a party, a fair, a
tavern, a concert, or wherever); or you hired somebody to play it for you.
(Imagine King George saying to his Court Musician, George Frederic Handel, "Hey,
George, the wife and I are going for a boat ride on the 17th, can you and the
boys whip up a little something for the occasion?"). ---> Read more from Roger Skoff
about buying a song.
The Intro:
What Is Important To Men And My Readers Editorial By Herb Reichert My first wife used to have this Madison Avenue market research job, and her main assignment was to do surveys-to find out what women wanted and what men thought was
important. Not surprisingly, she discovered that women desired economic security and
status in the community way more than sex or power or even love. Shockingly, sex
was usually seventh or eighth on the woman's list. What really surprised me, though, was what men claimed was important to them. ---> Read more about what is
important to men by Herb Reichert.
Video: Ultimate Stream Live Featuring AURALiC's Richard Bates and Stereonet's David
Price. Ultimate Stream in a UK-based retailer with a portfolio of products and streaming solutions that suit most music lovers and seasoned audiophiles. This video features them chatting with Richard Bates from AURALiC and David Price from
Stereonet magazine about digital streaming and the AURALiC Altair G1 Digital
Streamer. Within their Jazz By Request Interview, we meet the multi award-winning jazz vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Ian Shaw. ---> See
Ultimate Stream Live with AURALiC and Stereonet.
Historic Video: A Dream Of Audio Perfection Stereo: Three dimensional sound.
The biggest
contribution to music since Barnum & Bailey. Throughout
the years, even from the very beginning, there was audio gear... and critics
soon thereafter. Audio
gear evolved, just as audiophiles carefully adjusted our listening space to accommodate it
all. Finding the best recordings can be a challenge, too! Here's a great look
back at the beginnings of high fidelity home audio equipment, and the reviewers
in hopes of finding gear that achieved sound perfection. Call it what you will,
perfect sound forever or the absolute sound, audiophiles seek to reproduce music
within homes that is indistinguishable from what was heard during the live
event. --->
Watch this historic video about the dream of audio perfection.
Where High-End Audio Missed
The High-End Lifestyle Bus Article By Sandy Gross, GoldenEar Technology Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Playboy
magazine promoted the "Playboy Lifestyle", which sought to define the
appropriate lifestyle accouterments for the fashionable, successful man about
town. Among these must-haves, including fancy golf clubs, fancy watches and hot
cars, was a beautiful high performance hi-fi system, featuring McIntosh
components and the like. This was all presented in beautiful full color photo
spreads showing the ultimate bachelor pad, or alternately articles focused on
the specific areas of interest. ---> Read Where High-End Audio Missed the High-End Lifestyle Bus.
Selling Audio To The "Lost Generation" Article By Gary
Yacoubian, CEO of SVS I took my teen boys to see the new Avengers movie a couple of weeks ago and it was
great for a couple reasons. Not only did it prove that I'm cool enough (barely)
to hang out with in a dark theater, it also validated my belief that our younger
generation is just as engaged and energized by immersive experiences, such as
those in a movie theater, as the rest of us are. But the best part of the
experience was when we were driving home and my oldest remarked, "Dad, I like
the system we have at home better." --->
Read Selling Audio To The "Lost Generation".
Golden Hills Coffee Roasters An update about
a coffee and espresso lovers dream bean.
Based in
sunny Groveland, Florida, you'll find Golden Hills Coffee Roasters who are a family-owned company roasting custom blends of
specially prepared and roasted coffee beans for both Americana and espresso. Their artisan handcrafted micro coffee roasting is done by hand, in the classic method, which allows them to carefully control the process using sight, sound, and smell for every part of the roasting
process. ---> Read
more about Golden Hill Coffee Roasters
High-Performance Audio Reviews
