High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

09 / 29 / 22

Van den Hul The Frog MC Phono Cartridge Review
Smooth and soothing sounds for vinyl lovers.
Review By Steven R. Rochlin
Over the past five years i have been fortunate enough to avoid the digital wars. Let the other guys deal with DVD-Audio, SACD, HD DVD and Blu-ray as i sit back and enjoy my 8000+ and growing vinyl collection. Almost a year ago my review of the Oracle Delphi MK V turntable with Oracle-SME 345 tonearm proved that vinyl indeed has much to offer music lovers worldwide. While attending the recent Munich High End show (2007), i was chatting with Aalt Jouk van den Hul (A.J.) at some press event for another manufacturer. Have known A.J. for well over a decade, as he attends many shows, and we have sat down and enjoyed some nice conversations about music, audio equipment... whatever.
---> Van den Hul The Frog MC Phono Cartridge Review.

Analogue Artisan A1 Series Turntable Review
Remote VTA / SRA Mongoose Tonearm & Pod
Truly reference sound quality with astonishingly low distortion.
Review By Tom Lyle
Brian Calaio, the owner and chief engineer of Analogue Artisan and I have two things in common. The first is our love of music; the second is that we both believe that once a high-end audio system gets to a certain level of refinement, everything contributes to the sound of the system. The problem is that if the manufacturer of a component believes that everything makes a difference, and designs equipment with that maxim in mind with no regards for price, things can get a bit hairy, that is, very expensive.
---> Analogue Artisan A1 Series Turntable Review.

09 / 28 / 22

Capital Audiofest 2022 Will Be HUGE!
Capital Audiofest (CAF) is going to be bigger and better than ever! For those attending, be prepared to enjoy the USA's largest industry-operated luxury audio show. This year's CAF show will feature more retailers, manufacturers, headphones, vinyl vendors, live music, seminars and media personalities. Scheduled from November 11th through 13th at the Hilton Hotel in Rockville, MD, Capital Audiofest 2022 is the Northern East Coast's favorite audio show. With the show hotel sold out and nearby hotels also about to sell out, we highly recommend you reserve your room ASAP! CAF is widely recognized as a fun, friendly, and family-oriented show with great weather in a safe environment.

While at CAF you'll see both audiophile buddies and families strolling from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear, and browsing the multiple bins of vinyl records, CDs, and accessories within the Atrium Marketplace. During the evenings CAF 2022 will have live music in the bar area. Enjoy the Music.com is once again sponsoring the show's Thursday night media / exhibitor party, so come enjoy drinks and live music on us! Attendees should get their show tickets ASAP (and we can not stress this enough to book your hotel if you have not already done so). Learn more about CAF 2022 at their website.

09 / 27 / 22

Australian Hi-Fi September / October 2022 Issue
This issue of Australian Hi-Fi features:
Editorial: CE Industry Moves Towards Environmental Sustainability
Audio News: The Big News For This Month
SoulNote A-2 Integrated Amplifier
GoldenEar BRX Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Ferrum Audio Hypsos Hybrid Power Supply 
Mark Levinson No.5909 Wireless Headphones
Len Wallis Audio Hi-Fi Headlines
Hi-Fi Primer
EISA Awards
Music Top Picks
And much more!

Within her editorial, Becky Roberts says "I very much doubt you need reminding of the cost-of-living crisis, considering that the rocketing cost of food, energy and fuel is causing many of us to tighten our pursestrings at the moment. And I apologies for getting this ed's letter off to a miserable start. But perhaps a poorer state of financial affairs is putting you off buying your next system upgrade (especially if it’s valve-based) or music purchase (especially if it’s a new release on vinyl), to which I say, 'Fine, understandable, me too... but how about buying second-hand?' This month's Hi-Fi Primer story is an offering to those who are willing to potter down the preowned path: tips on how to look and what to look for when it comes to sourcing second-hand speakers, electronics and vinyl."
---> Australian Hi-Fi's September / October 2022 issue.

09 / 26 / 22

RIAA Mid-Year 2022 Music Business Revenue Statistics
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), advocates for recorded music business and the companies within the USA: Recorded music revenues in the first half of 2022 rose 9% to $7.7 billion at estimated retail value, building on the strong growth experienced the prior year. The number of paid subscriptions grew to a record high of 90 million, with revenues up 10% to $5.0 billion and comprising almost two-thirds of the first half total. At wholesale value, revenues grew 8% to $4.9 billion. Revenues from streaming music, a broad category including formats such as paid subscription services, ad-supported services, digital and customized radio, and licenses for music on social media and digital fitness apps, grew 10% to $6.5 billion in the first half of 2022. The share of revenues that came from streaming was virtually flat at 84%.

After remarkable growth in 2021 compared with a C-19 shutdown impacted previous year, vinyl records continued to rise in the first half of 2022. Revenues from vinyl albums grew 22% to $570 million, and vinyl’s share of the physical market increased from 68% to 73%. Revenues from CDs fell just 2% to $200 million, and accounted for 26% of physical revenues.

Paid subscriptions continued to be the largest driver of music revenues, growing 10% to $5.0 billion, and by value accounting for 78% of streaming in 1H 2022. This total includes $525 million in revenues from "Limited Tier" paid subscriptions (for services limited by factors such as mobile access, catalog availability, on-demand limitations, or device restrictions). Those types of services accounted for 10% of subscription revenues, a small increase versus 1H 2021. Services like Amazon Prime, Pandora Plus, music licenses for digital fitness apps, and other subscriptions are included in this category. The number of paid subscriptions to on-demand music streaming services built on the record high levels from last year. For 1H 2022, the average number of subscriptions reached a record 90 million, up 10% compared with 82 million for 1H 2021. These figures count multi-user plans as a single subscription, and exclude limited-tier services. Learn all the details within the RIAA's music business PDF.

09 / 23 / 22

CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report
Aural adventures and dynamic innovations!
CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report By Emiko
I'm chuckling as I write this. I honestly thought two days of headphones would be plenty. Ha! CanJam SoCal proved me otherwise. I arrived bright and early at the Marriott in Irvine, CA on Saturday, September 17th (day one of two) to a vibe! CanJam SoCal 2022 was bubbling with energy, smiles, laughter, and yes, audible music. Previous CanJams I had attended were somewhat more mellow and quiet but for whatever reason, this one was sprinkled with some serious magic. Now, full disclosure, I know what it is to put on an audio show. I'm Senior VP of T.H.E. Show. So my kudos and congratulations to the CanJam SoCal crew are heartfelt.
---> CanJam SoCal 2022 Show Report By Emiko.

09 / 22 / 22

Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MKII Int. Streaming Amp Review
A Norwegian thoroughbred with power and lossless hi-res streaming music finesse.
Review By Phil Gold
You may have heard of Dr. Matti Otala of the Tampere University in Finland. Even if you haven't, the fine sound that the best transistor amplifiers are capable of today is a direct result of his pioneering work in the seventies on Transient Intermodulation (TIM). This is a type of distortion, previously unidentified, produced by early transistor amplifiers which made them so tiresome to listen to. Per Abrahamsen and Svein Erik Børja read Dr. Otala's paper and set out to design a transistor amplifier that would minimize TIM. Their 25 Watt amplifier, introduced in 1976 really did change the world and won their new Norwegian company, Electrocompaniet, many fans and customers including Bruce Swedian (Michael Jackson's producer). He used Electrocompaniet amps to master Michael Jackson's albums HIStory and Invincible. Electrocompaniet amplifiers found their way into many recording studios around the world including Abbey Road.
---> Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MKII int. streaming amp review.

HEDD HEDDphone Headphone Review
Meet the New Boss?
Definitely Not the Same as the Old Boss
Review By Trav Wilson
Can a pair of headphones be priced at almost $2,000 and still be considered a bargain or even a good buy? I've been wondering about that a lot of late. It depends on your perspective, I suppose. And your pocketbook. The HEDD HEDDphone might make you reach for your wallet. What if those headphones compare favourably with the absolute top-tier performers; including some that are priced significantly higher and some more than twice as much. What if they are a real contender in materials, craftsmanship, and (most importantly) sound reproduction? Make no mistake about it – the Heinz Electrodynamic Designs HEDDPhone belong in the top tier of headphones available. Several of the best headphones come from long-established German headphone companies; including Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and Ultrasone
---> HEDD HEDDphone stereo headphone review.

09 / 21 / 22

DC Record Fair 2022 With Special CAF Preview
The Washington DC Record Fair brings a very special preview of the 2022 Capital Audiofest too! Back in its 13th year is DC's twice yearly record dig, The DC Record Fair comes to Washington's vinyl and community-centric Eaton Hotel on Sunday, October 16, 2022. As with each event, They'll have 35+ vinyl vendors from up and down the East Coast, the special DJ line up — and hey, keep your wallet in your pocket for this one as the event is free of charge for the entire day. In addition, the DC Record Fair is pleased to welcome an advance on-site preview of November's Capital Audiofest, Washington DC's premier high-end audio festival. As such, expect thousands of records and hi-fi options for your enjoyment of them. Learn more about the DC Record Fair on their Facebook page, and the Capital Audiofest on their website.

09 / 20 / 22

audioXpress' October 2022 Issue Is Now Available
audioXpress' October 2022 issue features:
Editorial: More Room For Audio
Sumiko Phono Cartridges And RS78 78 rpm Stylus
The Story Of aptX: An Epic Journey
Replacing IEC 60268-5 (Part 2)
Triode Common Cathode Stages, The Oracle Equation....
Making a DC Power Supply With Audible Benefits (Part 1)
All American Tower Speakers
The Home Audio Perspective
Considerations Concerning RT Measurement
Old Timer, Williamson, and Ultralinear Amplifiers
And much more!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "This audioXpress issue was sent to print a few weeks away from CEDIA Expo 2022, which takes place in Dallas, TX. It was already pretty clear to me that this year's return of the most important residential integration show will be different, but I'm curious about the new trends. Unlike certain buzzwords that seem to appear and fade fairly quickly, 'Smart Home' has been an enduring but also somewhat elusive concept that involves a multitude of different disciplines and technologies, and is not always consensual — just ask the kitchen appliance manufacturers what they consider 'intelligent.'"
---> audioXpress' October 2022 issue.

09 / 19 / 22

Interview With David Chesky
On Music And his new venture the Audiophile Society.
Plus a very special half-off code for Enjoy the Music.com friends.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
The Audiophile Society is the brainchild of composer, pianist, and audio pioneer David Chesky. The new label will focus on bringing even more realistic three-dimensional recordings to market with their Mega-Dimensional Sound, The Audiophile Society's name for their unique two-channel 3D audio that can play on all existing two-channel stereo, while showcasing emerging artists working in a multitude of genres. The ultimate goal of The Audiophile Society is to change the way you hear music.
---> Interview With David Chesky Concerning Music.

09 / 16 / 22

Christopher Robey Shares His Music System
Our Facebook friend Christopher Robey shared with us his wonderful home music system. Christopher says, "We play albums every night as a family on the LaScalas. They are something special!" See his full system pics including Klipsch, Marantz, McIntosh, and more! Let's all give Christopher hi-fi love and a thumbs up on our Facebook page.

Each week on Fun Friday Enjoy the Music.com plans to feature another music lover and his glorious sound system. If you'd like to be showcased, e-mail us from the link at the bottom of this web page. As always... enjoy the music!

See more pics and chat with Christopher on Enjoy the Music.com's Facebook page.

The Absolute Sound October 2022
Guest Editor: The MoFi Mess
PS Audio Aspen FR30 Loudspeaker
Magnepan LRS+ Loudspeaker
Vivid Audio Kaya 12 Loudspeaker
Rogers LS3/5A 15-Ohm Small Monitor
Raidho TD2.2 Speaker
Wilson Audio Wilson LōKē Subwoofer
YG Acoustics Vantage Live
Heavenly Soundworks Five17 DSP Speaker
Graham Audio LS5/5 Standmounter
...and much more!

Within his guest editorial, Jonathan Valin says "A scandal has cropped up in the tiny world of high-end audio — and it's cropped up in a place you'd never expect. Turns out that Mobile Fidelity, the world-famous company that has long claimed to source its celebrated LP reissues from verified "original masters," has actually been using digital rather than analog copies of those original mastertapes, recorded at DSD4x (11.28MHz), to master its One-Step LPs. Where record lovers thought they were buying all-analog vinyl ("AAA," to use the old SPARS code), they were actually being sold digitally duplicated and mastered recordings ("ADA") — and at premium prices. To make matters worse, it appears that the digital wool wasn't just pulled over the eyes of One-Step buyers; MoFi apparently has been doing this very same thing (or something like it) on many of its other "original master" releases since at least 2008!" See what's within this issue of The Absolute Sound.

A Heartfelt Farewell To Hi-Fi World Magazine
Published since 1991, I regret to tell you that after 32 years Hi-Fi World magazine must now cease publication, since the company producing it - Audio Web Publishing Ltd - has became financially unviable due to loss of bookstand sales in the High Street, at railway stations and airports around the world during the Covid Pandemic. Until 2019 Audio Web Publishing Ltd was trading profitably, but has currently ceased to do so.

As director I am obliged to liquidate the company and have appointed KSA Group Ltd (licensed insolvency practitioners) to assist and place the company into a creditors voluntary liquidation in order to protect creditors interests.

All creditors of the company will receive, by post, from KSA Group Ltd, details of a forthcoming creditors meeting and how to make a claim in the liquidation for any financial loss you may have, or are likely to incur.

I offer heartfelt thanks to all the readers who have supported us for so long. It was the work of my lifetime and very enjoyable too. Thank you all so much.

Noel Keywood
Publisher

09/ 15/ 22

World Premiere Review!
Oracle Audio PH200 Mk III Phono Preamplifier Review
A quiet background, and extended response, making instruments sound real.
Review By Tom Lyle
I'll start this review of Oracle Audio Technologies' PH200 Mk III with a disclaimer, of sorts: My first truly "high-end" turntable was manufactured by Oracle. It was a used, heavily modified Oracle Delphi, a version of one of their first turntable models, which replaced my trusty AR. On the AR was a Grace G-707 tonearm, which I then used on the Oracle. I was in audiophile heaven. This Oracle Delphi was my "reference" turntable rig for quite some time, although I didn't use the term "reference" back then. In many ways, I miss that turntable. It certainly turned heads when "citizens" saw it perched upon the top of my equipment rack. Fast-forward to the 21st Century; the Delphi was long gone, but I was lucky enough to review the first version of Oracle's Paris turntable, which came with a modified and re-branded Pro-Ject 9cc tonearm.
---> Oracle Audio PH200 Mk III Phono Pre Review.

Audeze LCD-R Headphones Plus Schiit Jotunheim-A Amplifier Review
Here's a killer 1-2 combination that will have you smiling the entire time.
Review By Peter Pialis
When I first heard of Audeze's first foray into a headphone utilizing ribbon drivers, my heart jumped. Traditionally a pioneer in the world of planar magnetic headphones, the possibility of hearing what this world-class producer of personal audio could do with ribbon drivers.... I still very much put the LCD-4 / LCD-4z in my personal "Top 5 Headphones of All Time", but the ability to experience a brand new technology within the ecosystem of the Audeze experience was something that really just appealed to me. Ribbon-based drivers usually end up with very low impedance headphones and the LCD-R are no different. Coming in at a very low 2 Ohms, these headphones required a special dedicated headphone amplifier that can handle extremely low impedance. So the folks at Audeze and Schiit Audio put their heads together for this venture and came up with the Jotunheim-A amplifier.
---> Audeze LCD-R Headphones Plus Schiit Jotunheim-A Amplifier Review.

09 / 08 / 22

Best Of 2021 Blue Note Equipment Awards
Enjoy the Music.com celebrates the best high fidelity audio gear of 2021!
Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2021 Blue Note Awards celebrates the many great achievements by audiophile manufacturers within the high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio industry. Our 2021 Blue Note Awards is a culmination of more than two decades of reviewing and carefully choosing what products have earned special recognition for our annual awards. Our Best Of 2021 Blue Note Award celebrates the finest products we have reviewed during the previous 12 months. Recipients have been carefully chosen after much debate and consideration by our staff of reviewers. With each passing year our industry has experienced great advancements in technology including analog circuitry, vinyl LP and analog tape playback, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphones, loudspeaker design, plus of course portable media players, computer software and streaming media.
---> Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2021 Blue Note Awards.

09 / 07 / 22

Hi-Fi+ September 2022 High-End Audio Magazine
Hi-Fi+'s September 2022 issue features the following:
Editorial: It Has Been Hard Within The UK Audio World
CANJAM London Personal Audio Show
dCS APEX Digital Converter Upgrade
Kuzma SAFIR 9 Tonearm
Music First Audio Reference V2 Preamplifier
Linn Selekt LP12 Turntable
JBL 4305P Active Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
ProAc Tablette 10 Signature Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Dynaudio Emit 10 Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
...And More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "The opening page to any magazine should start on a positive note, but this month has been hard on the UK audio world, with the loss of three members of the audio business. Many readers might not have heard of Eric Tuncliffe or Cecil 'Ces' Tibbetts, because they worked as reps for Audio Technica and Alphason, and Marantz respectively. Except at audio shows, they probably weren't the people you associate with the brands, but their work was pivotal in making these brands as important as they are in the UK. While my memories of Eric are more distant, I have distinct yet surprisingly vague memories of propping up a bar with Ces and others into the wee small hours, righting wrongs and waking guests!" See what's within the September 2022 issue of Hi-Fi+ magazine.

09 / 06 / 22

New York Audio Show 2022 Is This Weekend
If you love great music and want to hear it from some of the finest equipment around the world, the New York Audio Show 2022 takes place September 9th and 10th, 2022 at the Martinique Hotel in New York City. Operated by the Chester Group, shows like theirs are absolutely unique for discovering some of the very best in audio gear. Not only can you see, hear, and touch the very latest technology, you will be able to do so in a whole range of one to one rooms in complete comfort just like being at home. No pressures; just surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts be they visitors, exhibitors, press or industry who are all there for the same reason... to enjoy the music. Now heading towards its 10th year, Chester Group's New York Audio Show continues to represent the cream of the industry.

Passes for the New York Audio Show 2022 are now on sale! Come see this spectacular high-end audio show, as tickets are now available to buy online in advance at just $25 for one day or $35 for both days. By purchasing your tickets in advance, you will enjoy savings on the on-the-door price of $35 for one day and $45 for two days. Purchase your pass ahead of time to guarantee your place at our exceptional show and a fantastic line-up of exhibitors! NYAS 2022 wants as many people as possible to see and hear everything the show has to offer. You really won't want to miss this city center audio extravaganza.

09 / 01 / 22

Enjoy the Music.com's Blue Note Awards
September Reviews And PAF 2022 Report
This month's issue features our exciting Best Of 2022 Blue Note Equipment Awards and an in-depth Pacific Audio Fest report by Greg Weaver. Be sure to see which systems earned Greg's Fab 5! We also have an incredible Aavik Acoustics / Ansuz major system review by Senior Editor Tom Lyle! Plus we listen to Rogue Audio's incredible integrated, SVS' baby subwoofer, an Usher amp, iFi DAC... and more! As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music.
---> See this month's Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine.

Best Of 2022 Blue Note Equipment Awards
Enjoy the Music.com celebrates the best high fidelity audio gear of 2022!
Presented by Enjoy the Music.com's staff
Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2022 Blue Note Awards celebrates the many great achievements by audiophile manufacturers within the high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio industry. Our 2022 Blue Note Awards is a culmination of more than two decades of reviewing and carefully choosing what products have earned special recognition for our annual awards. Our Best Of 2022 Blue Note Award celebrates the finest products we have reviewed during the previous 12 months. Recipients have been carefully chosen after much debate and consideration by our staff of reviewers. With each passing year our industry has experienced great advancements in technology including analog circuitry, vinyl LP and analog tape playback, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), headphones, loudspeaker design, plus of course portable media players, computer software and streaming media.
---> Best Of 2022 Blue Note Equipment Awards.

Great Reviews, Blue Note Awards, Shows And More!
Incredible growth and happenings within premium audio.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
The first annual Pacific Audio Fest (2022) was a resounding success! There are so many wonderful stories I've been hearing from PAF that Show Director Lou Hinkley and Show Manager Gary Gill have already announced their 2023 event! That's what I call a great success story for 2022. When we add in longtime good friends like Marjorie Baumert of RMAF fame at PAF, it strengthens our industry's mission of delivering the best-sound music to our global fans. Next up is Capital Audiofest from November 11th through 13th at the Twinbrook Hilton in Rockville Maryland. Enjoy the Music.com's September issue celebrates our special Best Of 2022 Blue Note Awards! We're truly impressed by the many achievements of audiophile manufacturers within the high-end / premium luxury audio industry.
---> Great Reviews, Blue Note Awards, Shows And More!

Pacific Audio Fest 2022 Show Report
A great weekend of fine audio in the magnificent Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) was held from July 29th through 31st, 2022 at the Doubletree Hilton Sea-Tac in Washington state. There were both new and used record vendors, a special headphone vendors section, plus the North American Luthier showcase too! Want to enjoy music up high, there was a private Penthouse Nightclub with great live music and a 360 degree view of Seattle! Happy Hour specials give you the opportunity to taste specialty Northwestern wines and beers. The premiere Pacific Audio Fest 2022 is the first major audio show promoted by exhibitors and music lovers for music lovers and exhibitors.
---> Pacific Audio Fest 2022 Show Report.

Aavik Acoustics System Review
High-end audio equipment is made by those who love music.
Review By Tom Lyle
Aavik S-280 Streamer, U-280 Unity Integrated Amp with built-in DAC, Ansuz Acoustics Mainz8 A2 AC Power Distribution Bar, Mainz8 A2 AC Ansuz Power Cords, Speakz Speaker Cables, Digitalz Ethernet Cable, PowerSwitch A2 Ethernet Switch, Darkz C2t Resonance Control Devices, and Titanium Balls for Ansuz Acoustics Darkz C2t.
The subjects of this review feature components and accessories from two of the three brands designed and manufactured by The Audio Group Denmark, which acts as an umbrella company for Aavik Acoustics, Ansuz Acoustics, and Børresen Acoustics. The company was started by two Danes, Lars Kristensen, and Michael Børresen, who first met more than 20 years ago. Aavik Acoustics designs and manufactures many types of high-end audio components, such as amplifiers, DACs, phono stages, and streamers. Ansuz Acoustics products consist of what most audiophiles would call high-end audio accessories, cables, power distribution, streaming accessories, and resonance control devices.
---> Aavik Acoustics System Review.

Rogue Audio Pharaoh II Integrated Amplifier Review
A new King is crowned!
Review By Ric Mancuso
Rogue Audio has once again upped the ante with their Pharaoh II hybrid integrated amp. I'm always a bit wary of the 'New & Improved' versions of any products that come to market. I seem to gravitate to original models (brands) of most premium products. Why do you ask? Well, because Herculean engineering efforts usually go into the development and production of a groundbreaking design. The Pharaoh I was launched in 2013, nearly ten years ago! It has been my reference amp for years. I have seen the evolution of many Rogue Audio products over time and had asked Mark O'Brien, designer and owner of Rogue Audio, periodically if there was going to be a revamp of the now classic Pharaoh. His answer was always, not at this time.
---> Rogue Audio Pharaoh II Integrated Amplifier Review.

Read All Articles, Hi-Fi Gear Reviews, Etc.
We have more wonderful high-end audio equipment reviews within this month's Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine.

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