High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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07 / 30 / 20

Hi-Fi World's September Issue's Reviews & Think Pieces
Hi-Fi World's September 2020 issue features your chance to win a superb iBasso DX160 portable player worth £349. Gear reviews within this issue include the Magneplanar lRS loudspeakers, Q Acoustics 3030i loudspeakers, Focal Chora 816 loudspeakers, Pro-Ject CD Box RS2 t and Pre Box RS2, Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra, Cambridge Audio AXR100d DAB / FM stereo receiver, and Chord Company Clearwayx loudspeaker cables.

Within his editorial, Noel Keywood says, "It's been said many times that loudspeakers are all the same – and going nowhere. Two or three Rice Kellogg drivers in a box that date in concept from 1925. Not a lot has changed in the last 95 years! Yep, it's all been refined and computers have made their contribution but multiple Rice Kellogg drivers in a box is one old idea with lots of weaknesses, most of which are little discussed. Reason being their manufacturers would rather not talk about what's wrong with multiple drivers in a box, or worse they don't even know." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi World at this link.

07 / 29 / 20

JBL 4349 Two-Way Floorstanding Studio Monitor 
The JBL 4349 Studio Monitor ($7500 per pair) is a high-performance loudspeaker built around the patented JBL D2415K dual-1.5" compression driver mated to a large format horn, paired with a 12" cast-frame pure-pulp cone woofer. Their patented High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn is precision-molded in Sonoglass, while the 12" woofer features a 3" voice coil. JBL's 4349 studio monitor is available in premium finishes including satin Walnut wood veneer with blue grille or satin Black Walnut wood veneer with black grille.

JBL's High-Definition Imaging horn geometry is the result of intense research into the nuances of horn design. In search of exceptional high-frequency detail and uniform directivity for smooth in-room response, JBL engineers pioneered a design that delivers neutral frequency response both on- and off-axis and provides a seamless transition between the high and low frequency drivers. Located on the front/center of the cabinet are High-Frequency and Ultra High-Frequency tonal adjusters. These allow the sound to be tailored to the specific environment and listener preference. They work in conjunction with an advanced crossover network design that features air-core inductors, cast wire-wound resistors and low-ESR metallized film capacitors in a multi-cap configuration to optimize the performance of 4349 drive components. Dual sets of gold-plated binding posts provide a secure connection and offer a choice of single-ended or bi-wire / bi-amplified connections.

07 / 28 / 20

CES 2021 Physical Gone, Now Goes All-Digital
This just in from CES:

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® is reimagining how to connect exhibitors, customers, thought leaders and media from around the world while prioritizing health and safety. We are excited to share that CES® 2021 will be an all-digital experience.

For more than 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation. And CES 2021 will continue to be a platform to launch products, engage with global brands and define the future of the tech industry.

With the growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it is not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person.

An all-digital CES 2021 will allow the entire tech community to safely share ideas and introduce the products that will shape our future. You'll be able to participate in all the awe-inspiring moments of CES wherever you are in the world. We are designing a unique experience for the tech industry.

CES 2021 will offer a highly personalized experience:

Keynotes and conferences. Now you'll have a front-row seat for groundbreaking announcements and insights from the world's tech leaders completely online.

Product showcase. With this digital evolution of the CES show floor, you'll be able to explore products and services, based on your interests and business, through dynamic product showcases or live demos.

Meetings and networking. You'll be able to engage with the brands, thought leaders and business connections you care about with live interactions, meetups or roundtable discussions.

Technology has helped us all work, learn and connect during the coronavirus pandemic, and it has presented real solutions to help solve complex global challenges. We recognize that, particularly in these uncertain times, it is the partnerships of some of the most creative minds that bring the best solutions to life.

We're looking forward to welcoming the global tech industry, from international brands to budding startups, to kick off the year with the world's most influential digital technology event.

Mark your calendars for the first week in January and be on the lookout for more exciting news about CES 2021. We plan to return to Las Vegas for CES 2022, combining the best elements of a physical and digital show.

Thank you for your continued support. Please stay healthy and safe.

As an Enjoy the Music.com side note, while CES is not relevant for many high-end audio manufacturers, it still does offer quite a few brands excellent exposure. When CES was more popular, we provided virtual / digital live streaming during CES 2017, 2016, and 2015. It also begs the question, if many brands can create their own professional / live streaming videos, do they need CES and any fees that may be involved?

Fraunhofer MPEG-H Interactive / Immersive Audio System
Fraunhofer's new MPEG-H's object coding provides interactive and immersive audio for TV broadcasting and streaming. Users may adjust the sound mix to their preferences, boosting hard-to-understand dialogue or creating a "home team"-mix of sports broadcasts. This feature may also be used to efficiently add objects for dialogue in additional languages or VI descriptions to a broadcast, spending only 20 to 40 kbit/s for each language. Immersive sound offers cinema-like realism. The system may transmit immersive sound with additional front and rear height speaker channels or the Higher-Order Ambisonics sound field technology, improving today's surround sound broadcasts and streams to provide a truly realistic and immersive audio experience on par with the latest cinema sound systems.

Since the system uses the new MPEG-H Audio codec based on the evolution of the AAC family as well as new technologies, the additional channels or objects needed for 3D sound can be transmitted at bit rates similar to those used today for 5.1 surround broadcasts. The MPEG-H Audio based system offers DASH support for stutter-free streaming and audio I-frames for easy DASH bit stream switching and easy splicing for ad insertion. It includes multi-platform loudness control to provide a tailored experience for a viewer's device and listening environment.

07 / 27 / 20

SoundExchange Designated As USA Source Of ISRC Data
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today designated SoundExchange as the authoritative source of International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) data in the United States of America. RIAA is making this designation to ensure a trusted and authoritative source of ISRC data for the U.S. marketplace, particularly as the implementation of the Music Modernization Act and the transition to streaming make accurate identification of sound recordings even more critical. This designation builds on a prior agreement by SoundExchange with IFPI to provide a publicly accessible ISRC lookup service.

ISRC is the internationally recognized identification tool for sound recordings and music videos implemented by IFPI. It serves as a fundamental component of data associated with recordings. ISRC is used throughout the music industry with applications across supply chains, reporting, music discovery, archiving and rights management. It is also a key data element used to link recordings to musical compositions and their identifier, International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC). Additional information about the designation for ISRC users is available at this link.

07 / 24 / 20

Tokyo International Audio Show 2020 Cancelled
The Japan International Audio Council has decided to cancel the Tokyo International Audio Show 2020, which is scheduled to be held at the Tokyo International Forum on November 21-23, as a result of putting the health and safety of visitors as a top priority, given the fact that the status of the future infection of the new coronavirus cannot be seen.

Tokyo International Audio Show is a show where you can enjoy the music and charm of more than 200 outstanding brands both overseas and in Japan to your heart's content in the relaxed atmosphere of the Tokyo International Forum. However, we have come to the conclusion that it is very difficult for our customers to enjoy the show while adequately taking measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

We are very sorry to everyone who is looking forward to this show every year, but we will abandon the event. Thank you for your understanding.

The Japan International Audio Council has been moving toward next year's show immediately after it has decided to cancel this year's show. We look forward to seeing you at the venue next year. I wish you all the best in your health and happiness.

Hideaki Nishikawa,
Chairman, Japan International Audio Council

07 / 23 / 20

Siltech Classic Anniversary Cables
Neutrality is the hallmark of a well-designed product.
Review By Paul Schumann
One of my favorite parts of "The Grinch" is when Mr. Grinch complains about Christmas and all the "noise, noise, noise". We live in a noisy world. Even in the middle of the night I can go out and hear the sound of distant highway traffic. Have you ever tried to listen to music when someone is watching TV in the next room or a noisy dishwasher is going? Impossible! Our audio systems are noisy too. There are always the obvious demons of 60 Hz hum and high frequency hiss.
---> Read our Siltech Classic Anniversary cables review.

07 / 22 / 20

Avantone Pro Planar Open-Back Stereo Headphones
Avantone Pro's new Planar open-back headphones ($399) is the culmination of the company's experience in creating reference-grade monitoring products. Featuring 70 x 95 mm planar drivers, they are said to offer an incredible set of advantages over traditional moving coil drivers. These advantages include "amazing accuracy, high-end detail, clarity, natural bass and response time" says Avantone Pro. Planar drivers utilize a technology that mixes principles between dynamic and electrostatic drivers — they are constructed by a precise array of magnets that are evenly spaced across both sides of a thin, electrically-active diaphragm.

Avantone's Planar headphones also employ an open-back design, with a tuned chamber that results in a very flat-frequency environment, without the typical pressure build-up, acoustic resonance, and frequency curve of closed back headphones. The result is an audiophile listening experience that can even be enjoyed portably! Avantone Pro's Planars headphones also include a high-grade, removable 3.5mm cable that can be plugged into either side! Frequency response is from 30Hz to 30kHz, impedance is 32 Ohms, sensitivity is 104 dB/1mW, and they weight one pound.

07 / 21 / 20

NAD's Swiss Knife M33 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
NAD Electronics is now shipping their M33, a BluOS enabled 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC, streamer, MM/MC phono stage, preamplifier, headphone amplifier (plus Bluetooth AptX-HD), and loudspeaker amplifier ($4999). The unit can be combined with other NAD players in a BluOS ecosystem of wirelessly networked music players throughout the home. With NAD's new Purifi Eigentakt (self-clocking) Hybrid Digital amplifier technology, the M33 produces a minimum of 200 Watts per channel stereo. The 7" touchscreen color display makes it ease to use the new NAD M33. BluOS supports Hi-Res Music streaming including over 20 free and paid subscription services as well as supporting locally stored music libraries.

Dirac Room Correction adjusts for frequency response and optimizes the impulse response. By optimizing the speaker/room interface, music sounds more natural and lifelike. Dirac comes as standard on the M33 with corrections possible up to 500Hz, and an upgrade to the full bandwidth is available for an additional fee. Supplied with the M33 is a precision microphone to measure the room at and around the listening position so your system can be precisely calibrated for optimum performance. NAD's M33 comes with two MDC slots that allow for further expansion. NAD introduced the MDC platform well over a decade ago and allowed updating products with new technologies, which didn't even exist at time of introduction.

07 / 18 / 20

Hong Kong High-End A/V Show 2020 Has Been Postponed
The Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Exhibition, originally scheduled for August 7th through 9th, has been postponed. According to the show organizer Audiotechnique, "In view of the deteriorating situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong High-End Audio Visual Show will be officially rescheduled to avoid crowding in response to the epidemic prevention measures taken by the Hong Kong SAR Government. The details of the revised schedule will be available in the official website and Facebook in due course. Sorry for any inconvenience caused."

07 / 17 / 20

MIDI 2.0 Brings Modern Features To Protocol Specs
According to the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA), "Back in 1983, musical instrument companies that competed fiercely against one another nonetheless banded together to create a visionary specification — MIDI 1.0, the first universal Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Nearly four decades on, it's clear that MIDI was crafted so well that it has remained viable and relevant. Its ability to join computers, music, and the arts has become an essential part of live performance, recording, smartphones, and even stage lighting. Now, MIDI 2.0 takes the specification even further, while retaining backward compatibility with the MIDI 1.0 gear and software already in use. Here's why MIDI 2.0 is the biggest advance in music technology in decades."

"MIDI 1.0 messages went in one direction: from a transmitter to a receiver. MIDI 2.0 is bi-directional and changes MIDI from a monologue to a dialog. For example, with the new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can talk to each other, and auto-configure themselves to work together. They can also exchange information on functionality, which is key to backward compatibility — MIDI 2.0 gear can find out if a device doesn't support MIDI 2.0, and then simply communicate using MIDI 1.0." Learn more about MIDI 2.0 at this link.

07 / 16 / 20

Lindemann Audio Limetree Network DAP / Headamp
Good things do come in small packages.
Review By Rufus Smith
Do good things really come in small packages and at ridiculously low price points? I have always though diminutive audio products always had too many compromises in their design to be used in anything but a portable playback system. I have also found that when a product is designed to a low price point, the sound usually suffers. When Enjoy the Music.com was offered the opportunity to review the Limetree Digital Network player from German audio manufacturer, Lindemann Audiotechnik, I jumped at the opportunity....
---> Read our Lindemann Audio Limetree Network DAP / Headamp review.

Audience Hidden Treasure Cat7 10 Gbps Ethernet Cable
Audience announced their Hidden Treasure Cat7 Ethernet Cable (starting at $700 for a 0.5 meter), which is designed to deliver the ultimate in sound quality and performance in streaming, networked, and professional audio applications. The new Hidden Treasure Cat7 cable is engineered and built to the highest standards and is ideal for the most demanding requirements. Audience's Hidden Treasure Cat7 cable facilitates a 10 Gbps transmission rate, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted streaming with no data loss or dropped connections. The cable features four twisted pairs of 23 AWG solid copper wiring and an outer wire shield for maximum rejection of EMI (electromagnetic interference), RF (radio frequency interference), system noise and crosstalk.

The Hidden Treasure Cat7 cable utilizes a superior-quality RJ45 connector, which provides an extremely secure, heavy-duty locking connection to ensure maximum signal transfer. The cable features a braided outer jacket that is flexible and extremely durable. Audience's new Hidden Treasure SATA cable is said to provide better audio quality by lowering the noise floor, reducing jitter and using superior internal wiring and connectors. The result can be notably improved sound for streaming and networked audio when used with music servers, D/A converters, preamps, integrated amplifiers, professional audio products and other components with Ethernet connectivity.

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.

07 / 15 / 20

Aries Cerat Ianus Series Geminae And Essentia
Aries Cerat Ianus Series amplifiers is a showcase of the company's unique TriodeFet technology. After years of developing and refining their technologies, they are proud to introduce the TriodeFet technology, and a Series of amplifiers that implements this truly innovative technology. This technology is neither a hybrid topology (in the usual sense of a tube-driving solid-state stage type), nor a solid-state driving tube kind of stage. TriodeFet is a new way of using hollow and solid-state devices. The concept is to have a low voltage / high current active device, which had the linearity of a triode, and at same time would be able to source enough current to drive low impedance loads directly.

The TriodeFet, can be seen as a three terminal active element, just like a MOSFET or a triode. The company's breakthrough is that its transfer curves are identical of a true high quality triode, with the only differentiator from a true triode is that, the Y-axis (current) is in scaled in Amperes and not mA. What this means, is that you can design circuits that were never before possible either by using tubes or transistors. This new active element can be used to develop simple, very linear circuits, which are stable down to very low impedances, while the TriodeFet's inherent linearity is making the use of the problematic negative feedback redundant. New models within the Ianus Series include the Geminae (€110,000) Class A amplifier that produces 130 Watts @ 8 Ohm. Aries Cerat's Essentia (€39,000) is the little brother that produces 40 Watts @ 8 Ohms.

07 / 14 / 20

Chick Corea Plays Features Various Composers
Chick Corea's new album Plays, due out August 28 (2020) via Concord Jazz, showcases Chick's ability to engage audiences with surprising pairings of his favorite influences as well as spontaneous improvisations. This album also includes his own sterling compositions on an intimate, and captivating, live performances. "Solo piano is lonely," says Chick Corea, though the legendary pianist is in good company throughout the solo performances captured on this captivating new double album. While Corea's solo explorations are as exploratory and inventive as ever, the tone on Plays is decidedly communal. That comes from the jazz great's warm and witty dialogues with his audience, but also from the way he makes connections with the iconic composers whose work he celebrates.

The composers featured on Plays represent the wide spectrum of Corea's keyboard influences. He delves far back into the classical repertoire for pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Domenico Scarlatti, Alexander Scriabin and Frédéric Chopin that alone represent 300 years of musical history. His formative jazz influences include Bill Evans and, of course, Thelonious Monk, with the bossa nova beauty of Antônio Carlos Jobim adding the always-important Latin tinges that have long accented Corea's music. Chick Corea's Plays is available in physical format on two CDs / three vinyl LPs. Limited edition hand signed versions are available at this link.

07 / 13 / 20

audioXpress' August Issue Is Now Available
audioXpress' August 2020 issue features Taking A Listen To Sound by Gary Galo, NAD M10 Masters Series Streaming Amplifier by Stuart Yaniger, The Internal Life of Vacuum Tubes by Jan Didden, and The APR-17 Aperiodic Loudspeaker (Part 1) by George Ntanavaras. Acoustics Special Features highlights Acoustic Solutions Round-Up 2020 From Acoustic Comfort to Productivity by J. Martins, and The Elephant in the Lab by Jim DeGrandis. Special columns highlights sound control Testing Acoustical Systems by Richard Honeycutt. Hollow-State Electronics with The Early Development of Hollow-State Mixers by Richard Honeycutt.

Within his editorial,  says, "This edition of audioXpress focuses on acoustics and once again we compiled a series of suggestions of products and solutions to help improve any acoustical environment — which under the current circumstances of a global pandemic, starts with our own households. To reinforce that perspective, in our traditional Acoustic Solutions Round-Up feature, we've added a few suggestions about basic solutions for everyone to use at home or in a personal workspace." See what's within this issue of audioXpress at this link.

07 / 10 / 20

The New iFi Audio Zen DAC And Zen Blue
A killer one (and super affordable) – two punch!
Review By Peter Pialis Of HiFiAudio.Guru
iFii Audio has been in the business of creating some of the best products available in personal audio. They will not cost you your left kidney and will offer you incredible value and transparency. I previously reviewed their iFi Nano iDSD portable unit here. I absolutely loved this little wonder and considering the $199 price tag, it was an absolute steal to any potential owner!
---> Read the iFi Audio Zen DAC and Zen Blue review.

Clarus Duet Line Conditioner
A journey though high-current line conditioning.
Review By Michael Zisserson Of Positive Feedback
"If the power supply of an amplifier is designed correctly, there is no need for a power conditioner." The quote is a paraphrase, of a paraphrase, of something that has been said since the first power conditioning devices for audio equipment crawled out of the ocean and began to breathe air. While the quote may be correct in theory, in practice, it is far from the reality of my listening experiences. No less: the canard that line conditioners do not add to the enjoyment of music through a competent audio system needs to be bedded down.
---> Read the Clarus Duet Line Conditioner review.

07 / 09 / 20

McIntosh MC611 Quad Balanced Solid-State Monoblock Amplifier
McIntosh delivers 600 Watts of beauty and transparency.
Review By Tom Lyle
Yes, the McIntosh MC611 reviewed here is the same pair of power amplifiers of which Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin wrote a fun-filled review of McIntosh's MC611 in April. No, the MC611s I'm writing about here aren't the same review pair as Mr. Rochlin reviewed, because he purchased his sight unseen, and so they are in his home to stay. The purchase and subsequent review of these amplifiers was a surprise to me, and since I'd already agreed to review the same model of McIntosh amplifiers, I resisted, and did not read his review.
---> Read our McIntosh MC611 monoblock amplifier review.

RHA Technologies TrueConnect 2 IEMs
RHA Technologies has just announced their new second generation TrueConnect wireless earbuds, the TrueConnect 2 ($149.95). They've improved the battery life to 44 hours plus refined the sound signature too for higher sound quality. There's touch controls for ease of use so these dust, sweat, and splash proof (IP55) to keep your fave tunes playing in challenging environments. Being built to modern standards, RHA's TrueConnect 2 in-ear monitors are fully compatible with Apple's Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung's Bixby.

Using Bluetooth 5 tech, the TrueConnect 2 simply stays connected. Immerse yourself in your playlists, or catch up with your friends without fear of dropouts or interruptions. The TrueConnect 2 also uses noise-reducing mics on both earbuds to remove background sounds, ensuring that outgoing audio is clear. The 6mm driver is contained within these 6 gram each earbuds, which have a sensitivity of 97dB, THD of less then 1%, and they come with a three year international warranty.

07 / 08 / 20

Capital Audiofest Cancels 2020
Confirms 2021 Show Dates
To all friends of The Capital Audiofest:

We apologize for our silence but are happy to announce that the Capital Audiofest (CAF) has finalized an agreement with the Hilton Hotel that allows us to move the show from 2020 to 2021 without any issues. We feel it is better to wait a year in order to provide everyone with the same CAF qualities inclusive of protections and safeguards rather than cobble together a lesser show. We greatly appreciate everyone being patient in this difficult time and want you and your families to be safe and able to return to CAF in 2021. The official dates are now November 5th through 7th, 2021, and want all vendors to know that their rooms are there for you to return to. Please let us know your intent so we can hold your place. See you all in 2021.

Sincerely,
Gary Gill
Capital Audiofest Founder And Director

Orchard Audio Starkrimson Integrated Amplifier
Orchard Audio is proud to announce the launch of Starkrimson Integrated stereo amplifier ($2495). This integrated amplifier combines Orchard Audio's existing BOSC amplification and PecanPi DAC technologies into a single enclosure. The inputs are either USB or S/PDIF. Starkrimson is one of a few integrated amplifiers on the market which uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology. GaN transistors are said to provide the following sonic/sound benefits over their traditional silicon counterparts: less harshness; cleaner highs; better transparency; and higher detail. This is because GaN transistors have increased slew rate, reduced ringing, faster switching, and faster overload recovery. What is unique about this integrated amplifier is that it provides access to both the DAC outputs and amplifier inputs; this enables the connection of devices like digital signal processors (DSPs) and preamps between the two.

07 / 03    to    07/07

Enjoy the Music.com's audiophile and music industry news is on holiday. We look forward to seeing you back here on July 8th for our daily updates. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!

07 / 02 / 20

Hi-Fi+ July 2020 High-End Audio Magazine
Hi-Fi+ magazine's July 2020 issue features reviews of the AURALiC Altair G1 digital audio streamer, Totem Skylight stand-mount loudspeaker, ReQuest Audio The Raptor music server, Accuphase E-650 integrated amplifier, Computer Audio Design GC-R passive grounding system, and Accustic Arts Mono II MK 2 mono power amplifiers. Hi-Fi+ keeps the reviews coming with their assessment of the English Electric 8Switch audiophile network switch, Effect Audio Code 51 personal audio cables, Shunyata Research NR v2 power cord, Synergistic Research Foundation interconnects and loudspeaker cables, Arya Audio Labs Revopod equipment support system, and Finite Elemente Pagode Mk II MR equipment platform system. Subscribe to Hi-Fi+ and receive Limited Edition Custom Cardas Cable Blocks, yet hurry as this offer must end soon!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says, "It's only half-way through the year as I write this and we've already had fire tornadoes, COVID-19, Ebola, riots, lockdowns, economic meltdowns and murder hornets. I'd say 'who knows what the next six months will bring?' but frankly even if it's man-eating kittens and the zombie apocalypse, it's unlikely anyone would be that surprised by what 2020 throws at them. And yet, perhaps one calming constant in all this has been music, preferably played well on good replay equipment. Yes it sounds like the clunkiest of openers, but there's more at play here. People have been experiencing vivid lockdown dreams, those goals set in March mostly didn't happen by June, we fear watching the news because the world has gone mad, and we don't tune into social media because that has gone even madder." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

07 / 01 / 20

Enjoy the Music.com's July 2020 Review Magazine
Enjoy the Music.com just posted our July Review Magazine online. This month features a variety of fun and educational videos, six audiophile manufacturers chime in with our 10 Questions For Manufacturers, plus we have world premiere reviews too! We invite you to discover the many great articles and reviews within Enjoy the Music.com's July Review Magazine.

It Was The Best Of Times,
It Was The Worst Of Times
High-end audio sales skyrocket during COVID-19.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
We can all agree that 2020 has been an eventful year, yet one without virtually any high-end audio events! Many companies worldwide joined together with online videos, yet none of us met in person. Sales for many audiophile companies have increased dramatically during 2020, yet it was not due to physical shows some claim are a must. Unemployment for millions of workers globally is at record highs, yet there's an abundance of currency flowing thanks to government and Central Bank intervention.
---> Read It Was The Best Of Times....

Life And Music After COVID-19
Roger Skoff writes about possible lasting gains from short-term ills.
Article By Roger Skoff
Although it seems vastly longer, it's really just a very few months since we first heard of COVID-19. For now, at least – although another outbreak this fall is declared certain by one group of "experts" and roundly denied by another – it seems that the disease has largely passed and that, after months of self-quarantining, it's time for what might well be described as a new kind of "Groundhog Day."
---> Read Life And Music After COVID-19.

A Look Behind The Curtain At Abyss Headphones
We take a look behind Abyss Headphones.
Abyss makes some of the finest planar magnetic headphones within the high-end audio industry. They engineer, machine, and assemble their headphones from scratch using the finest materials. Patented planar speaker drivers deliver music to your ears with a speaker-like performance that will astound you! Quality shines though with solid aluminum frames, minimal moving parts, comfortable and soft lambskin leathers plus Italian Alcantara... built within the USA.
---> See a look behind the curtain at Abysss.

Bass Worship
Dub and Sound System culture documentary.
According to Wiki: "Dub is a genre of electronic music that grew out of reggae in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and is commonly considered a subgenre, though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae. The style consists predominantly of partly or completely instrumental remixes of existing recordings and is achieved by significantly manipulating and reshaping the recordings, usually through the removal of some or all of the vocals, emphasis of the rhythm section (the stripped-down drum-and-bass track is sometimes referred to as a riddim)....
---> See the Bass Worship video documentary.

Blues Story: A Documentary
Plus bonus Blues Masters At The Crossroads video.
The below vibrant video brings the beautiful Blues genera of music to light. Here's the story of the Blues as told through the eyes of many musical artists who lived it. This video features such legendary musicians as Charles Brown, Buddy Guy, BB King, Robert Lockwood, Pinetop Perkins, Koko Taylor, Hubert Sumlin, and many more!
---> Watch Blues Story: A Documentary.

Genelec: Immersive Audio Demystified
Plus An Introduction To Networked Audio
AES Virtual Vienna Platinum Partner Presentation
With the new generation of broadcasters producing an increasing amount of high quality content featuring immersive audio, it's an exciting but sometimes challenging time for audio engineers. In this G*Connect webinar, Eric Horstmann will walk you through the principles of immersive audio, discussing the major audio formats, their application in the real world, and what type of loudspeaker systems you'll need to handle this type of content.
---> Watch Immersive Sound Demystified and more.

Six Reasons Why Subwoofers Are Important For Music
Article By Nick Brown Of SVS
There is a lingering sentiment in the hi-fi community that subwoofers are only for home theater and the benefits to music playback are suspect or even negative. It's true that lesser subwoofers are not designed to optimally handle the speed, detail and nuance of certain music, but it's certainly not a steadfast rule. A great subwoofer elevates the listening experience in a way no other audio component can, into the tactile realm.
---> See six reasons why subwoofers are important.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Rune Skov Of Gryphon Audio
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Rune Skov, Sales Director of Gryphon Audio. Gryphon was started by Flemming E. Rasmussen, after he obtained a degree in graphics arts from the Aarhus Art Academy in Denmark and he had been involved in the local music community as well as employed as a designer for a sportswear company.
---> Read about Rune Skov of Gryphon Audio.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring James Chung, CEO Of FiiO
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring James Chung, CEO of FiiO. FiiO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FiiO-branded products through sales agents worldwide.
---> Read about James Chung, CEO of FiiO.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Ethan Winer Of RealTraps Acoustics
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Ethan Winer of RealTraps Acoustics. RealTraps was founded by Ethan Winer and Doug Ferrara, who have been friends for more than thirty years. Ethan is well known throughout the audio industry for his magazine articles in Electronic Musician, Mix, PC Magazine, EQ, Keyboard, Recording, Audio Media, Strings, The Strad, R-e/p, and others.
---> Read about Ethan Winer of RealTraps Acoustics.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Holger Mueller Of DDD / German Physiks
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Holger Mueller, DDD Manufactur GmbH (German Physiks) company founder and CEO. According to the company, "Speaking as a lover of music, there is one special moment of realization."
---> Read about Holger Mueller of DDD / German Physiks. 

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Jean Marie Clauzel Of Métronome Technologie
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Jean Marie Clauzel, Owner and Chief Designer of Métronome Technologie. Founded in 1987 and developed by a group of passionate music enthusiasts, Métronome is one of the highest audiophile brands.
---> Read about Jean Marie Clauzel of Métronome Technologie.

10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers
Featuring Walter Liederman Of Underwood HiFi
During Enjoy the Music.com's very special 25th Anniversary we're asking various high-end audio manufacturers to answer the same ten questions. Their answers may surprise you! This month we're featuring Walter Liederman of Underwood HiFi Inc. Underwood HiFi is the home of Underwoodwally, a name very familiar to AudiogoN shoppers as the e-mail alias and user name of Walter Liederman.
---> Read about Walter Liederman of Underwood HiFi.

Raidho TD4.2 Floorstanding Loudspeakers
Raidho's TD4.2 delivers the meaning of music.
Review By Tom Lyle
I admit it. The pair of TD4.2 speakers that have taken residence in my listening room are the best speakers I have ever had the pleasure of auditioning. They are also the most massive, most substantial, and at $122,000 to $142,000 a pair, the most expensive. It was a bit of a humbling experience unpacking these speakers. This is because getting them out of their crates and into the listening room required hired help - there was no way I could move these speakers into the listening room upstairs by myself.
---> Read our review of the Raidho TD4.2 speakers.

BØrresen Acoustics 01 Two-Way Monitor
An unending oasis of musical reality.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
As a professional musician and university professor of 36 years, I can appreciate the weight behind Benjamin Franklin's infamous quote. Though people may well forget what you say or present, engaging them holistically – mind, body, soul – often translates into a life-learning moment. Thus the question; Are we involved within the moment and, in turn, an extension of the moment? The power of music, in particular, is a spiritual transfer of learning energy.
---> Read our review of BØrresen Acoustics 01 monitor.

World Premiere Review!
Alta Audio Alyssa Loudspeaker
A wisp of warmth that makes the human voice seem more human.
Review By Ron Nagle
It is an age of caution. It is the time of cloistered living. I found two large boxes were left on my doorstep. Donning latex gloves I sprayed all surfaces of those UPS boxes with disinfectant, and I left them till morning. Bright and early I opened the boxes and found purposely shaped inserts cradling a pair of Alyssa speakers. It was then that I noticed the handwritten note informing me that the contents had been carefully sanitized.
---> Read our review of the Alta Audio Alyssa speaker.

KEF R5 Loudspeaker And KF92 Subwoofer
A system with wonderful synergy.
Review By Frank Garofalo
KEF is a company cherished in the audiophile world for bringing great sound to many around the world at all price ranges. KEF employs some of the industry's most innovative engineers and designers. KEF, in many ways, is one of the leaders in acoustic reproduction technology as KEF continues to push the envelope when it comes to perfecting loudspeaker design. KEF uses a combination of computer simulation, modeling, and measurement throughout its extraneous development process.
---> Read our review of the KEF R5 and KF92.

Rotel RC-1590 Stereo Preamplifier
A stereo pre that should be on your list to audition.
Review By Brett Rudolph
The world of stereo equipment started with very humble beginnings. Many types of equipment have changed from their historical roots to today's modern versions. For example, the preamplifier began as nothing more than a device to amplify low-level signals into ones that are capable of being amplified for playback. The same is true of many companies that produce the equipment for the audio industry.
---> Read our review of the Rotel RC-1590 preamp. 

RSX Prime AC Power Cord
Presents the music to best serve your audio system.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
Guilty as charged. I'm one of those audiophiles who, in the early days of my high-end audio explorations, was a non-believer in the significant effects of after-market cabling, in particular, power cords. I figured, as long as it looked like a garden hose, it qualified to bring the goods from my (modestly) high-end components. Quickly, however, I realized how naïve I was.
---> Read our review of the RSX Prime AC Power Cord.

World Premiere Review!
TriArt Audio S-Series MM Phono Amplifier
And B-Series DC Linear Power Supply
Find your bamboo groove.
Review By Paul Schumann
Yes, I am old. Old enough to remember when you could still buy mono and stereo versions of your favorite album. Old enough to have double-disc albums that were set up to play on your automatic record player. Old enough to remember when a company called Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab started producing "audiophile" versions of popular records because many of the run-of-the-mill pressings were so terrible.
---> Read our review of the TriArt Audio S-Series MM Phono.

HiFiMAN Ananda BT Bluetooth Headphones
HiFiMAN impresses with their high-end BT headphones.
Review By Dave Hanson
Bluetooth used to be a dirty word in audiophile circles, but over the last few years, the technology has grown in both quality and esteem. Even still, Bluetooth headphones have been almost exclusively in the entry-to-mid-fi range, until now. The HiFiMAN Ananda BT ($999) is the first true attempt to change all that, bringing wireless Bluetooth connectivity to a truly high-end headphone.
---> Read our review of HiFiMAN Ananda BT headphones.

Danacable Lazuli Reference Cables
Excellent build quality, durability, aesthetics, and sound.
Review By Smit Patel Of Audiosolace
While some cable companies explore the use of exotic materials or employ cryogenics to alter carrying signals, Danacable adopts a "back-to-basics" approach to enhance cable quality and transfer. Their philosophy concentrates on extremely low resistance to allow for unadulterated signal flow from amplifier to transducer. This review shall be focusing on the $1099 Lazuli Reference headphone cable that incorporates 1200 strands of oxygen-free cable (OFC) into a neat (but large) brown sheath design.
---> Read our Danacable Lazuli reference cables review.

Read All Articles, Reviews, And Show Reports
We have many reviews, think pieces, videos, etc within Enjoy the Music.com's July Review Magazine.

Previous High-End Audio News
For previous high-end audio and music industry news click here.