High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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08 / 31 / 23

UK Audio Show At Staverton Park Hotel October 2023
This year's very special UK Audio Show will once again take place at the Staverton Park Hotel on October 7th and 8th, 2023. With four established events, plus a new one, and the return of an old favorite, let's raise a glass to the Chester Group and the enterprising UK industry. Manufacturers and distributors can now cover the whole of the UK, and local dealerships benefit from local promotion and sales.

Once again the Staverton Park Hotel will expand further, with brand new and unique attractions and the enduring support of the their team. According to the show promoter, "Sales now ahead of last year... and even more unique attractions mixed with many exclusives!" And not to forget the Chester Group's New York Audio Show in September as well, plus a new alliance in Australia too! Come celebrate premium audio consumer products that is the attraction of High-End Audio & AV music/sound reproduction and presentation. Learn more about the UK Audio Show 2023.

08 / 29 / 23

Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2023 Show In November
Capital Audiofest (CAF), taking place at the Twinbrook Hilton (Rockville Maryland) from November 10th through 12th, is the Northeast's favorite audio show! CAF started out in 2010 as a very casual show and has evolved into a well-organized and well-attended event that most everyone in the audio industry knows about. CAF is recognized as a fun, friendly and family-oriented show, where you often see families strolling from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear and browsing the multiple bins of vinyl records, CDs and accessories in the Atrium Marketplace. In the evenings we have live music in the bar and special live performers in the Theater, and local distillers offering tasting.

During the event will be wonderful live music plus Enjoy the Music.com in once again sponsoring the Thursday night vendor / press party with live music and free drinks! In 2022 CAF had 92 listening rooms and over 50 booths spanning more than four floors of amazing audio gear, which was the largest CAF to date! CAF opened up many new floors during 2022 to make room for over 150 exhibitors representing hundreds of premium luxury audio brands from around the world. There may also be over 50 Atrium Marketplace vendors including at least two dozen vinyl/LP sellers, making the show a veritable Record Fair. Qobuz may once again set up a Listening Lounge in the Plaza II Ballroom, for show-goers to sample streaming and turntable set-ups with headphones, and just hang out and chill, with free Wi-Fi. Learn more and see our Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2023 Show report when it goes live.

08 / 28 / 23

Listening To Music At Work Enhances Productivity
Sonarworks, an award-winning audio technology innovator, conducted a study asking what music people listen to at work on their headphones. The study suggests "it may now be more akin to a productivity tool, with 41% respondents saying rock music is fueling their workplace productivity." Their article concerning the study states that, "While using headphones to increase productivity is not the top reason for wearing them, a little over 19% of employees wear headphones to block out distractions and improve focus. More than three-quarters of this group state that wearing headphones improves their productivity, either slightly or significantly. Others wear headphones for entertainment purposes, reducing stress or boosting their mood while working long hours."

• 93.19% of employees wear headphones for personal reasons throughout the day at work.

• Rock music takes the top spot in audio content listened to, proven to boost productivity and relieve stress. Approximately 41% of respondents admit to tuning into music during work, with podcasts and instrumental tunes following behind.

• 57.6% of respondents wear headphones at work primarily to block out distractions and improve focus.

• It's older generations who prefer music over any other type of content, with Gen Z having preferring entertaining content the most.

• While music reported to improve productivity, podcasts and other entertaining content are admitted to reduce the workplace productivity - that does not stop Gen Zs from consuming it.

08 / 25 / 23

The Absolute Sound August 2023
Basis Bravo Turntable
The Absolute Sound 2023 Golden Ear Awards
The Munich HIGH END Show Roars Back
Burmester BC350 Loudspeaker
Esoteric T1 Turntable
Hana Umami Blue Phono Cartridge
Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement V2.1 Phono Cartridge
NAD C 3050 LE "Stereophonic" Amplifier
McIntosh MC451 Monoblock Power Amplifier
NuPrime AMG One Power Amplifier
...And Much More!

Within his editorial, Robert Harley says "When the news came out of yet another re-mastering of a Beatles album, my first thought was, "Really, another one?" It was a reflexive thing; no cogitation involved. Maybe it reminded me of the constant re-packaging of products like Star Wars movies, with better and better production values and "special features" and add-ons that lure us to shell out the bucks again. And again. And yet, I didn't complain when something like the Director's Cut of the original Blade Runner was released, and yeah, I bought it. I'm a big fan of re-mastering worthy LPs and have my special box of all-analog reissues (still have to double-check one of those MoFi albums), plus a good number of "reissued" CDs, and, no, I didn't seem to have a problem with buying five versions of Getz / Gilberto. So, why pick on the latest iteration of The Beatles?"
---> The Absolute Sound August 2023.

08 / 24 / 23

Beyerdynamic T5 Headphones (3rd Gen) Review
The 3rd generation beyerdynamic T5 headphones set a very high standard for closed-back models. Are they the best value as well?
Review By W. Jennings
I was recently sent the third generation beyerdynamic T5 headphones to review. I felt particularly comfortable reviewing the next generation T5 because I have owned both previous models and still have the previous pair of headphones in my current collection. Right now, someone new to headphones is saying "but I can't find any information on the earlier T5 models." I understand that level of frustration.  The previous models were called the T5p to denote that they were portable. The times have certainly changed. When the T5 was first introduced, it was one of a pair of flagships for beyerdynamic using their new "Tesla" technology. The T1 were an open-back model with a 600-Ohm impedance. The T1 begged for a tube amp to feed it properly and certainly was beyond the capabilities of most portable players at the time of its introduction. The T5p was a closed-back design with a 32-Ohm impedance and came with a shorter cable with a 3.5mm termination and was much more suitable for portable use as it was easier to drive well.
---> Beyerdynamic T5 headphones (3rd Gen) Review.

ampsandsound Rockwell Vacuum Tube Stereo Amplifier Review
Enjoying 1950s and 1960s American hi-fi sound.
Review By Sam Rosen
For the last five weeks, I have had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy one of the best amplifiers I have heard in a long time. It all started when I got a phone call from the owner of ampsandsound, he said he had something new and special in the works. I was intrigued, he then told me it was a direct heated triode, and that it was powerful enough to drive speakers and my SUSVARA headphones. He then said he was sending me a review unit in three weeks. The Rockwell arrived three weeks later, and I can happily say it will not be leaving. The Rockwell is a single ended amplifier with zero feedback, and it employs direct heated triodes for its power tubes. Like the ampsandsound Bigger Ben, it uses a 6SL7 input tube, and it is tube rectified. The out transformers are massive and over spec'd and provide five output impedances (8, 16, 32, 100, and 300 Ohms). This allows you to match this amp to pretty much any headphone.
---> ampsandsound Rockwell Stereo Amplifier Review.

08 / 22 / 23

Florida International Audio Expo 2024
The Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE 2024) is pleased to announce the dates for its fifth show. This popular Southeast event is scheduled to take place from Friday through Sunday, February 16th to 18th, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel. Be sure to get your room reserved and tickets now before they are sold out Attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 12 floors of audio systems from the industry's most coveted brands from all over the world — electronics, loudspeakers, turntables, headphones, and much more! FIAE 2024 will provide attendees with the incredible opportunity to meet industry influencers, icons, and product designers as they roam the halls, enjoying music together.

Tickets are on sale now: Single-day admission, $25; admission for all three days, $35; free admission for students, children, and spouses. Additional benefits for attendees and exhibitors staying at the Embassy Suites include a free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, and the always-favorite happy hour. Hotel reservations are open now but will go quickly, so don't hesitate. For more information, visit this link. Our previous show coverage includes:

Florida International Audio Expo 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.

08 / 21 / 23

The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger
Enjoy the Music.com is once again happy to announce that The Cable Company has launched their annual Summer Against Hunger fundraiser. This is their 28th annual audiophile fundraiser to help support CARE, an organization that save lives, helps defeat poverty, achieve social justice, and fights for women and girls rights. The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger donates 100% of August purchases from The Cable Company from over 70 sponsoring brands, with matching funds with equal donations to CARE.

Invest in your system and we'll invest in CARE. It's really easy, plus there's no extra cost or separate donation by you. Throughout August simply purchase new items from the brands on the Sponsors list and the entire amount of your purchase will be matched dollar for dollar as a donation to CARE. Plus all purchases of other brands not on the Sponsors list, and even used items, will be matched fifty cents for every dollar you spend. Learn more about The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger.

08 / 18 / 23

Cylinders To Surround Mixes @ Library Of Congress
A very special opportunity at the Library Of Congress on August 24th is their From Cylinders To Surround Mixes event. Daylong demonstrations will feature sound and preservation within a special sound installation. The goal is to highlight the Library Of Congress' audio collections. Showcasing a wide range of aural treasures, technologies, and history from its recorded sound collection, they are claiming to have the largest such audio collection in the world.

Throughout the day, sound engineers and recording historians will present on a unique set of topics covering some of the earliest, most important and most unusual sounds in the Library's holdings in the Whittall Pavilion and Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Displays and presentations will include early experiments on cylinders through the many eras of radio broadcasting and the ongoing quest to expand the possibilities and achievements in recording. Visitors will hear an amazing range of sounds and the stories behind them. For specific times of events, please visit the Library Of Congress' site.

08 / 17 / 23

Marantz CD60 CD Player Review
The Marantz CD60 CD Player has me very impressed out of the gate but will it seal the deal with pricier amplification and loudspeakers? Stay tuned.
Review By Ian White
Back in February, I spent some time with Marantz so I could experience the new Marantz 40n Network Integrated Amplifier. The $2500 amplifier drove multiple pairs of Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers in the hotel space with relative ease and I left after two hours of listening thinking that Marantz needed to introduce something less expensive to match it. There were other CD players on display in the room but they were priced well above what I was thinking. I was hoping to see the 40n connected to something like the brand new Marantz CD60 that was just introduced at HIGH END in Munich for $999. There are plenty of people who will shake their head at something like the Marantz CD60 in 2022 with streaming owning 85% of the market right now — but I'm not part of that group. Not even remotely.
---> Marantz CD60 CD Player Review.

Questyle M15 In-Line USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier Review
A true mini powerhouse for personal audio.
Review By Gary Alan Barker
Questyle has a long history of leading the pack in engineering and design as well as sound quality. Their revolutionary patented approach to Current Mode Amplification has become so ubiquitous with sound quality that even ESS now offers Current Mode output from their DAC chips, which every manufacturer that I've talked to says is far superior to the voltage mode output. The introduction of the Questyle M12 heralded Questyle's launch into the in-line USB DAC / amplifier market with a product that while clearly better sounding than the competition lacked the power to properly drive over-the-ear headphones. Well, Questyle listened to their fans and has answered with the Questyle M15 In-line DAC/Amp.
---> Questyle M15 In-Line USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier Review.

08 / 15 / 23

IFA 2023 Berlin Showcase Coming Soon
IFA, owned by Clarion Events Group, is a large annual home appliance and consumer electronics trade show at Messe Berlin in Germany. Home entertainment is a part of the many sectors showcased during this European event. Like CES in Las Vegas, which no longer is a showcase for high-end luxury audio, IFA caters to Bosch, Electrolux, Haier, Jura, LG, Miele, plus Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and many more. IFA hopes to bring together "the latest innovative technology, global players, and the most radical thinkers in the industry."

They expect over 180,000 visitors across 130 countries, who can discover various programs featuring thought provoking keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions, and outdoor experiences. Industry leaders include BMW, Meta, Paramount, Spotify, Sky, and more. Again, this is not a home audio show, yet IFA does feature home audio with their mix of typical mainstream home appliances, etc. IFA 2023 takes place at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds from September 1st through 5th.

08 / 14 / 23

audioXpress' September 2023 Issue
Editorial: Audio Optimizations
Knowles KN2 True Wireless Reference Design
Dinaburg C2S Concentric Coplanar Stabilizer Analysis
Building A Minimally Baffled Dipole Loudspeaker Part 1 
Bass Reflex Performance Envelope Part 3
Power Transformer Parameters, Selection, And Testing
Part 11
Evolution Of Sound Meters And Simulation
Are We Having Fun Yet?
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "During the recent 2023 High End show in Munich, I had the opportunity to attend a cutting-edge home theater demonstration. The room was set up with a full THX Certified Dominus Perlisten 11.7.6 surround sound system, with a StormAudio ISP Elite MK3 Immersive Sound Processor for continuous demonstrations of the state-of-the-art in home cinema. And I could enjoy the full immersiveness of the cinema experience in a properly treated room, seats and large screen in darkened conditions. When I attend this type of demonstration I always say to myself that I don't want to see a movie in anything less than that ever again."
---> audioXpress' September 2023 issue.

08 / 10 / 23

World Premiere Review!
Vermouth Audio Reference Series Cables Review
Reference Balance Interconnect, Reference RCA Interconnect, And Reference Power Cord
A big box of cables from Bali.
Review By Dwayne Carter
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a pair of Vermouth Audio Little Luccas MkII Limited Edition Speakers, along with their Red Velvet, and Black Pearl Cables. They arrived in a large wooden crate, direct from Bali. Meticulously packed and well cared for, the audio cables were individually boxed and wrapped in cloth bags. We were impressed from the moment we began unboxing until the moment we sent them back to Bali. The delivery of the Vermouth Audio's Reference Series Cables prompted the same expectation. Vermouth Audio sent three of their Reference Series Cables: The Reference Balance Interconnect, Reference RCA Interconnect, and Reference Power Cord. Inside the thick cardboard box; each Reference Series Cable (or cable pair) arrived in a separate, decorative cardboard box. Inside that box, each cable (or cable pair) was tucked inside a heavy cloth bag, adorned with the Vermouth logo.
---> Vermouth Audio Reference Series Cables Review.

Accustic Arts Preamp III Review
Higher Goals... but how to hit them?
Review By Matthias Böde
With the new Preamp III, Accustic Arts wants to surpass their previous top model. STEREO tested whether they were successful. Both the effort taken as well as the financial commitment are considerable, in any way.... When the brand new top preamplifier from the Southern German high-end manufacturer Accustic Arts finally arrived in our office, already eagerly awaited, we had to swallow hard three times. First when unpacking. The reason for this was that the device we took out of the box, with its aluminum-covered housing featuring a striking cut-out logo in the lid, looked incredibly impressive in a dignified way. It seemed as if the Preamp III wants to replace its tried and tested predecessor Tube Preamp II MK2 simply by making it seem and look puny in comparison.
---> Accustic Arts Preamp III Review.

08 / 09 / 23

Sphere Entertainment's Las Vegas Venue
While not 'audiophile', it is an impressive accomplishment when a new audio system makes its way into a major concert hall venue. Sphere Immersive Sound, which is designed and customized by Sphere Studios and HOLOPLOT, for the new Sphere within Las Vegas. Seeking to deliver a revolutionary immersive audio experience, next-generation audio technologies are said to deliver "crystal-clear, concert-grade sound to each seat in Sphere through 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis." Due to the structure's shape, a traditional system would have been a major challenge. Their system consists of approximately 1600 permanently installed and 300 mobile HOLOPLOT X1 Matrix Array loudspeaker modules and includes a total of 167,000 individually amplified loudspeaker drivers. The system utilizes HOLOPLOT's next-generation 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis technology to transform how audio is delivered in large-scale venues.

Traditional loudspeaker technology within many large-scale venues may result in a reduction in audio quality as distance from the loudspeakers increases. This is due to the uncontrolled nature of sound wave propagation and, perhaps, the shape of the venue. With HOLOPLOT's 3D Audio-Beamforming technology, they employ intelligent software algorithms to calculate and produce highly controlled and more efficient soundwaves than conventional speakers. In addition, and something not normally experienced within a concert venue, is that beamforming technology can also simultaneously send unique audio content to specific locations in the venue so that section hears something others do not. This, in turn, provides the possibility for different sections to hear completely different content including, but not limited to, languages, music, or sound effects. There are nearly limitless opportunities for a truly customized and immersive audio experience using this new sound system.

08 / 08 / 23

World Of Headphones 2023 Is This Weekend
The High End Society's special World Of Headphones event will have 60 listening stations featuring many of the best brands of headphones, headamps, and personal audio gear. For many, headphones are an key companion for music lovers to enjoy the music. From wireless Bluetooth technology or wired high-end luxury models, to custom-made in-ear monitors, portable audio is incredibly popular within today's society. The immediacy of the music, the sound quality, and the joys of listening to music that inspires us!

At the World Of Headphones you can see and head many brands who create the best personal audio experience. Manufacturers, distributors, and dealers will be showcasing a large selection of mobile and stationary sound equipment. Visitors can audition different headphones and compare them with each other at their leisure. World Of Headphones 2023 will take place at Octagon at the Zollverein in Essen (Germany) on August 12th and 13th. We're sure you'll have a wonderful time and enjoy the music.

08 / 07 / 23

Hi-Fi+ August 2023 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable Celebrates Its' 50th Anniversary
Russell K. RED 150Se Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Innuos PULSAR Music Streamer
Monitor Audio Hyphn Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Stratton Acoustics Elypsis 1512 Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Melco Audio N1-S38 Music Server
VAC Master / Signature 200 iQ Valve Preamplifier / Power Amplifier
Thrax Enyo Mk2 Integrated Valve Amplifier
Focal Utopia 2022 Stereo Headphones
Black Rhodium Intro Interconnect Cables, Loudspeaker Cables, And Power Cords
And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "We no longer publish news in the pages of the magazine. With news running at the speed of the Internet, by the time that news piece makes it into print in a monthly magazine, it's not 'news'... it's 'olds'. But this month, there was a news item worth commenting on; not necessarily for the news itself, but the seemingly inevitable rant that came as a result of its announcement. It's 50 years since the first Linn Sondek LP12 turntable rolled out of a factory in Glasgow. Since then, more than 100,000 of these high-performance decks have been made, and a brisk trade in updates and upgrades (from both Linn and third parties) has sprung up. And while the LP12 has its share of detractors and nay-sayers, it still represents a standard both in sound and build, that others can be judged against." See what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine at this link.

08 / 03 / 23

Timepieces, Cars, Opera, And Premium Luxury Audio
Roger Skoff writes about the future of our hobby and industry.
Article By Roger Skoff
I saw a cartoon on one of the audiophile sites on Facebook the other day that reminded me of something that I've been thinking about our industry for a long time: As a technology sector, we're a largely undiscovered wonder and glory. We've been able to accomplish fabulous things! We can, using only two or more channels of information, come very close to duplicating the experience of live music played within a venue of practically any size, by and with virtually any number of performers. We know an immense amount about an immense number of aural subjects, all related in one way or another to the correct and faithful reproduction of music. We know physics. We know acoustics. We know electronics – including things about electronics that other, less focused, technologies and disciplines have never yet even imagined.
---> Timepieces, Cars, Opera, And Premium Luxury Audio.

JPS Labs Superconductor V Interconnects, Speaker Cables And USB Cables Review
Connecting to the Soul of Music.
Review By Paul Schumann
There has been quite a bit of discussion, lately, in this publication and other forums, about the current direction of the music industry. One of the hot topics is how popular music is recorded and produced. Many argue that the use of software, like ProTools, to snap everything to a grid and correct any "flaws" is robbing the music of its soul. Many times the result is music that, while initially appealing, quickly loses the interest of the listener. It is soulless music. The question is, what is this soul and how do we recognize it? I think most of the time, this occurs at a subconscious level. Why do we want to go see an artist in concert when we've already heard all of their songs multiple times in studio perfection?
---> JPS Labs Superconductor V Interconnects, Speaker Cables And USB Cables Review.

08 / 02 / 23

The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger
Enjoy the Music.com is once again happy to announce that The Cable Company has launched their annual Summer Against Hunger fundraiser. This is their 28th annual audiophile fundraiser to help support CARE, an organization that save lives, helps defeat poverty, achieve social justice, and fights for women and girls rights. The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger donates 100% of August purchases from The Cable Company from over 70 sponsoring brands, with matching funds with equal donations to CARE.

Invest in your system and we'll invest in CARE. It's really easy, plus there's no extra cost or separate donation by you. Throughout August simply purchase new items from the brands on the Sponsors list and the entire amount of your purchase will be matched dollar for dollar as a donation to CARE. Plus all purchases of other brands not on the Sponsors list, and even used items, will be matched fifty cents for every dollar you spend. Learn more about The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger.

08 / 01 / 23

Enjoy the Music.com's August Review Magazine
This month we celebrate our 28th anniversary, and we have a hot issue for our music-loving friends within our August Review Magazine. Seasoned industry veteran Roger Skoff writes about hearing or listening, and which one is more important. This issue has many World Premiere reviews plus a World Exclusive of the Linn 360 speaker thanks to our friends at Hi-Fi+. Our World Premiere reviews this month include the LampizatOr Horizon DAC, Gold Note A6 Evo II speaker, Audio Note UK M2 line stage & Conqueror amplifier, and Crystal Cable's Micro Diamond Series 2 cables. We also have reviews of the Volti Audio Razz LE speaker and FiiO's M15S desktop / portable Hi-Res Audio music player.

This month we have four video specials! The Absolute Sound's Editor Robert Harley shares with us valuable knowledge about room acoustics while showcasing his listening room! Within another video, Enjoy the Music.com's Senior Editor Greg Weaver (a.k.a. The Audio Analyst) discusses music streaming versus vinyl LP.

Join us for more fun and bonus content within our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We truly appreciate our readers and thank you for your continued support over the decades. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> See Enjoy the Music.com's August 2023 Review Magazine.

Hearing Or Listening? Which Is More Important?
How we relate to the music.
Article By Roger Skoff
Did you know that, in general, healthy young women hear better than healthy young men? It's true; although the normal range of human hearing is usually described as being from 20 to 20,000 Hz, the threshold of perception (the lowest volume level of sound that can be heard) and the high-frequency response range (the highest-pitched sounds that can be heard) of women at any age are both generally better than they are for men. So why aren't there more female audiophiles? Wouldn't you think that, if they can hear better than us, they'd likely be more "into" the music than we are?   And, even despite the ladies' relative unconcern for things mechanical or electronic, wouldn't you think that they'd be into our Hi-Fi hobby, too?
---> Hearing Or Listening? Which Is More Important?

World Exclusive Review!
Linn 360 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
A credible and modern high-end loudspeaker system.
Review By Alan Sircom
Linn pitches the new Linn 360 floorstanding loudspeaker as 'audibly invisible; visibly remarkable', and the company has a point. This is Linn's girthy flagship – roughly the size of the outgoing Klimax 350, the former head of the clan. It's available in passive form with 'Aktiv' bass or Exakt digital active to slot in a Linn DSM system. The Linn 360 is a good blend of the conventional and the innovative. It retains several important styling cues of previous high-end Linn speakers. But look closer, and you'll notice the complexity of the cabinet. Look even closer; you'll see that new Beryllium tweeter with a Linn logo protection cover. You might even see the trim pieces with concentric arcs cut into them. These remind listeners of Linn's place in the turntable hierarchy with its eternal LP12. But clever curves and elegant grooves are not enough.
---> Linn 360 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
LampizatOr Horizon DAC Review
A new benchmark!
Review By Greg Weaver
My history, and fascination, with Łukasz Fikus and his Poland-based LampizatOr heralds back to my first exposure to the Golden Gate's introduction at AXPONA 2015. It may be significant to point out that this timing is eerily coincident with my choice to begin to more deeply explore the validity of digital audio as a source. To that point, in my system, digital file playback had shown no real ability to favorably compete with my analog reference system, sonically or with the breadth and depth of my LP collection. Keep in mind, Norway's Tidal, the first music streaming service to offer at least Redbook CD quality streaming had just launched in the US that previous October, and – I was not an early adopter.
---> LampizatOr Horizon DAC Review.

World Premiere Review!
Crystal Cable Micro Diamond Series 2 Interconnect, Loudspeaker, Power, And USB Cable Review
Beautifully well-made cables that are sonically invisible.
Review By Tom Lyle
Crystal Cable describes their Micro Diamond Series 2 as an "affordable" (my quotes) line of cables that enables them to "offer Crystal Cable's core values at a more modest price." Before reading anything about these cables, I installed all the Micro Diamond Series 2 cables I was sent for review into my system, including both XLR and RCA terminated interconnects, their power cords, speaker cable, and even their USB cable that I used to connect my computer-based music server to my system's DAC. These cables looked unlike any other high-end audio cable I've ever used. The diameter of these Crystal Cable products was very narrow, at least when compared to my references. So, for example, rather than a speaker cable with the diameter of a garden hose, the Crystal Cable Micro Diamond Series 2 speaker cable was as thin and flexible....
---> Crystal Cable Micro Diamond Series 2 Interconnect, Loudspeaker, Power, And USB Cable Review.

FiiO M15S Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Lossless Music Player Review
FiiO's M15S and FH9 have incredible synergy and represent an ideal portable listening experience.
Review By Gary Alan Barker
Until I received my FiiO R7 Music Server my go-to player to burn in headphones or to act as a digital source for DAC reviews (computers tend to be noisy over USB) has been my trusty FiiO M11 DAP (while the FiiO M11 Plus LTD offers some advantages, it also sucks up a lot of power), but FiiO is not a company to rest long, always pushing the envelope and developing new and better players, and in this vein is their new FiiO M15S Desktop/Portable Hi-Res Lossless Music Player. Slightly larger and with an almost half-inch larger display, the M15S boasts an eight-channel DAC and over twice the power output and includes a desktop dock with a built-in cooling fan. Some of the things that set the FiiO M15S Desktop/Portable Hi-Res Lossless Music Player apart from the pack beyond the FiiO DK3S dock, are the Dual Power Supply Mode, the Five Gain Levels, Six Operating Modes....
---> FiiO M15S Desktop / Portable Hi-Res Lossless Music Player Review.

Volti Audio Razz LE Loudspeaker Review
Sometimes good things come in large packages.
Review By Ron Nagle
A buzzing bell sound sends me to my front door. Outside two large boxes hide a sweaty, smallish UPS delivery man. I can see a faint smile cross his face as he tells me, "My father wanted me to be a doctor." Now I have two mini monoliths inside my front door. The boxes each weigh about 97 pounds and stand five feet tall. I can see my significant other giving me the look that means, I've been bad. I'm thinking, don't get your knickers in a twist, I can handle this. I downloaded the unpacking instructions. And using the instructions as a guide I peeled away the three cardboard boxes that held the speakers. This unpacking thing is a job for two people and four hands. Volti Audio is a brilliant creation by loudspeaker engineer Greg Roberts. He seems to be the CEO, CFO, Chief Designer, the guy who sweeps the floor and sends out for pizza.
---> Volti Audio Razz LE Loudspeaker Review.

A Guide To High-End Room Construction And Acoustic Treatment
We visit Robert Harley, Editor of The Absolute Sound, personal luxurious premium audio listening room.
Videoed and edited by TAS' Digital Managing Editor Charles Kinder
Within the below videos, Robert Harley shares his story in constructing his listening room. He kindly provides us a wonderful glimpse of the details in building a luxurious high-end audio room, while also sharing a few acoustic treatment tips too! Within the second video of this series, Robert Harley takes us on a tour of his personal premium audio reference equipment within his listening room. Robert kindly shares his expert thoughts and innovative insights into the different products he employs when reviewing. Robert Harley is the editor in chief of The Absolute Sound and the editor of the large-format book series The Absolute Sound's Illustrated History of High-End Audio. Harley has taught college degree programs in audio engineering in addition to having worked as a recording engineer, a CD mastering engineer, and an audio journalist.
---> A Guide To High-End Room Construction And Acoustic Treatment.

Music Streaming Versus Vinyl LP
Putting out the fire.
Video By Greg Weaver (a.k.a. The Audio Analyst)
Today, we're fortunate to have Greg sharing two recordings with us. The title cut Cat People (Putting Out Fire) by David Bowie and Giorgio Moroder, which is from the 1982 "Cat People" soundtrack. Within the video below we have Greg playing the digital audio stream, and again using the vinyl LP version. Greg has invested the better part of the past five decades in and around the high-performance audio and music industries with the goal to help you find ways and gear to help you get closer to our chosen passion... the music!
---> Music Streaming Versus Vinyl LP.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

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