High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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09 / 30 / 24

IFPI Music In The EU Report 2024
As the first Music In The European Union (EU) report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an organization that claims to be the global voice of the audio recording industry, it highlights the European market at a pivotal moment in 2024. The IFPI seeks to perhaps influence policymakers and lawmakers to bolster European music's future amidst rising global competition. Their Music in the EU: A Global Opportunity is their first-ever attempt in exploring ways in which the work with and the financial investment of record companies that produces European music and artists (domestically and abroad). They also desire providing their own insight into the opportunities and challenges to ensure further growth of the EU's status within the global music ecosystem. According to the IFPI, "With other regions across the world seeing rapid growth and development, the report sets out how EU policymakers can help secure a positive future for music at what is a pivotal time for music in Europe."

According to the IFPI, key highlights include:
The EU is a globally important place for music but there is room for further growth.

Annual recorded music revenues in 2023 were €5.2 billion – greater than Japan (€2.5bn), the UK (€1.7bn) and China (€1.3bn).

If adjusted for inflation, EU recorded music revenues in 2023 were only 61% of where they were in 2001 (the industry's revenue peak).

Record label investment has a positive ripple effect across the European music industry and provides a boost to EU GDP contributions.

Every €1 directly generated or invested by record companies leads to an additional €1.80 GDP contribution to other parts of the music sector value chain.

Domestic artists are relatively more successful in Europe however, the EU risks falling behind in what is the most competitive global market ever.

In the 22 EU markets where IFPI collects yearly chart data, on average, 60% of the Top 10 singles were tracks by domestic artists – compared to only 47% in non-EU markets.

But U.S.A. artists lead global Top 10 single exports, with Latin and Central American artists also performing well.

09 / 27 / 24

Pacific Audio Fest 2024 A Success... And PAF 2026
"We did it!," says the PAF press release from show promoters Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill. "Three years of Pacific Audio Fest, and even though we had fewer vendors everyone did great business and had a great time. We had so many people attending who just love this show and want to see it grow, that we can't wait to do the next one! And yes to put rumors to rest, we will continue producing PAF! We drew attendees from LA to Vancouver and Victoria and as far west as Hawaii! So you may call this a 'regional' show, but it is a pretty big region!

We thank each and every vendor for being an essential part of the Pacific Audio Fest 2024. Thank you to all our volunteers, particularly the Northwest Audio Society! And a special thank you to Jonny at Snake River Audio who made the live music possible with his enthusiasm and sponsorship. We are one of the few shows in the USA that has a Marketplace of interesting audio vendors, vinyl sellers and after hours top shelf live music, all in addition to great sounding rooms of amazing audio. Few shows do all of that, why? Because it is a lot of work, and costs money, but we care about you!

We at PAF have decided to hold the next show in 2026. We see this as a win-win; the vendors can expand their base with less stress and we can deliver an even better show for everyone. We will be marketing the show starting now and encourage all vendors to send us promo, videos etc., so that we can really build a great show in 2026. We hope to see all of you and many more in two years time!!! The contract is signed for September 11th through 13th, 2026 at the same great venue with a bigger better show!, so be sure to save the date!! (no conflict with CEDIA) Thanks and we will see you soon,

Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill

PS: Coming up next is Capital Audiofest 2024 November 8th through 10th. Next week we will be opening registration for SWAF 2025 in Dallas, TX."

09 / 26 / 24

Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD Player Review
The persistence of memory.
Review By Maurice Jeffries
In an act of musical and marketplace bravery, the esteemed French electronics firm Métronome Technologie has taken the bold step of offering music lovers still wed to physical media a device many long ago consigned to the dustbin of audio history: a dedicated CD player. When Toronto, Canada-based audio distributor / dealer Wynn Wong of Wynn Audio and our Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin contacted to gauge my interest in reviewing Metronome Technology Le Player 4+ CD player / DAC, I thought that they both must be crazy. What sane manufacturer would dare to offer a dedicated (and pricey) CD player in a market dominated by digital servers, streamers, music streaming services, and outboard DACs to that most fickle of consumers, the modern audiophile?
---> Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD Player Review.

Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review
Unveiling the masterworks!
Review By Paul Schumann
Back when I was starting to get serious about audio equipment, a long-time audiophile friend of mine offered me his collection of back issues of The Absolute Sound. I was a fan of TAS and eagerly accepted. For the next few months, night after night, I read, from cover to cover, all of those issues in chronological order. It was a fascinating dig into the early history of high-end audio and the culture that developed around it. One of the important discoveries made by Harry Pearson and his minions, was the sonic superiority of the old RCA "Shaded Dog" and Mercury records. The acquisition of pristine copies of these discs became an obsession for many audiophiles because, with the exception of a few reissues by MoFi, the audiophile vinyl business wasn't in full swing yet.
---> Soundsmith Zephyr MK III ES Phono Cartridge Review.

09 / 25 / 24

T.H.E. Show Acquires New York Audio Show
T.H.E. Enterprises, the owner of America's longest-running Hi-Fi show (T.H.E. Show), has acquired the New York Audio Show from the Chester Group. The renamed and reimagined event, T.H.E. New York International Audio Show, will carry on the tradition of showcasing ultra-high-end audio solutions for audiophiles within the Northeast from October 24th through 26th, 2025. T.H.E. Show previously announced a new initiative with Lone Star Audiofest, which is coming to Austin, Texas, May 2nd through 4th, 2025.

This past June, T.H.E. Show SoCal showcased over 190 of the finest audio brands in the world in Costa Mesa, California to the delight of thousands of attendees. T.H.E. Show SoCal returns to the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa from June 6th through 8th, 2025. T.H.E. Enterprises, the parent company of T.H.E. Show, is dedicated to fostering and championing supreme excellence in high-fidelity experiences through its audio shows, live events, and more. The company has been expanding this mission to larger, international audiences via growth into multiple avenues, addressing the needs and wants of audiophiles, cinephiles, and creators of music and film alike through the launch of their record label, forthcoming new network, and film festival. For more information visit TheShowNow.com.

TikToc Music Is Ceasing Operation November 28th
As a win for true lossless hi-res music services such as Qobuz, TikToc Music is shutting down in all locations globally on November 28th. According to TikToc Music: We are sorry to inform you that TikTok Music will be closing on November 28, 2024. After this date, access to TikTok Music, including login, subscriptions, and all other functionalities, will no longer be available.

What will happen to my subscription? If your subscription is active, you will continue to enjoy premium services until your subscription plan ends or until November 28, 2024, whichever comes first. All subscription renewals will be automatically canceled by November 28, 2024. Of note is that you may transfer your playlists from TikTok Music to other platforms by visiting TuneMyMusic.com. Also note that the playlist transfer service is only available until October 28, 2024.

09 / 24 / 24

WBT Founder Wolfgang B. Thörner Passes
This just in from WBT: It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our esteemed founder, owner and managing director, Wolfgang B. Thörner, who passed away on September 13, 2024 at the age of 78 after a short, serious illness. Wolfgang B. Thörner founded his company 40 years ago and laid the foundation for a success story that is characterized by vision, innovation and tireless commitment. Under his leadership, WBT developed into a leading global manufacturer of audio connectors. His exceptional dedication and technical acumen have not only established our company in the industry, but have also decisively shaped it.

Through his continuous innovative strength and his ability to think outside the box, Wolfgang B. Thörner has always set new standards in technology. He initiated numerous groundbreaking developments and technical advances that influenced and advanced not only our company, but the entire audio connector industry. His leadership style, characterized by trust and respect for his employees, created a corporate culture characterized by excellence and shared determination. His unwavering belief in the potential of his employees and his commitment to development made him a valued boss and mentor to all who had the privilege of working with him.

In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, who have suffered an irreplaceable loss. We will honor Wolfgang B. Thörner's vision, passion and tireless energy and continue to reflect his values in our actions. Wolfgang B. Thörner will have a lasting place in the history of our company and in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the innovations and achievements he has shaped. His extraordinary life's work will continue to guide and inspire us. In sincere sorrow and gratitude, the WBT team.

High End & Smart Home Show 2024 In Dubai
The High End & Smart Home Show 2024 will take place this weekend, Show September 27th and 28th, at the Radisson Red Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis. For those in the Middle-East, this may be a must-attend event for distributors, dealers, systems integrators as well as hi-fi enthusiasts and smart home technologies users from across the country and the region. A special Smart home exposition will include smart home solutions, home automation, lighting, and feature a wide range of products and services in the region.

As the premier event of its kind in Dubai, High End & Smart Home Show 2024 will focus on high-end audio/video and smart home solutions. Middle Eastern distributors, dealers, systems integrators, architects, and interior designers will showcase products to event attendees who consider high-quality audio/video and smart home solutions as the essential components of their homes. The High End & Smart Home Show 2024 is the only large event within the country you can personally listen and objectively compare numerous excellent high-end audio systems, see mesmerizing displays, home theatre setups, and learn more about smart home technologies.

09 / 23 / 24

Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2024 Show Information
With over 120 exhibition rooms, Washington DC's premier high-performance audio event, the Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2024 is set to take place at the Hilton Rockville (Maryland) from November 8th through 10th. Capital Audiofest started out in 2010 as a very casual show and has evolved into a well-organized and well-attended event, while also being recognized as a fun, friendly, and family-oriented high-end audiophile show. Families can casually stroll from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear, and browsing many bins of vinyl LP records, CDs, and hi-fi accessories. During the evenings, CAF 2024 will have live music in the bar area.

Capital Audiofest, held at the Hilton Rockville in Rockville, MD, is a beautiful venue and conveniently located next to a metro station. This provided quick access to Washington DC. With over 35,000 square feet of flexible conference space, the Hilton Rockville offers plenty of room for exhibitors and attendees to explore the latest audio products and technology. Plan ahead as discounted sleeping rooms are now available only to Capital Audiofest 2024 attendees. Things to consider: 

• Hilton Hotel sleeping rooms sold out! 
• Best Western good nearby option. 
• Parking at Hilton Hotel is tough! So....
• Consider parking for FREE at Metro on Saturday and Sunday.
• Consider parking behind Matchbox across the street in Congressional Plaza lot. 
• CAF has two nights of great live music. 
• Purchase your tickets online beforehand. 
• Great Guest Seminars on all three days!
• Many new vendors! 
• Students are FREE! 
• Check out our updated floor plans on CAF's website! 

See Enjoy the Music.com's Capital Audiofest 2023 show report. For more details on CAF 2024 and to get your tickets for this year's event, please see Capital Audiofest's website.

09 / 19 / 24

Vermouth Audio Studio Monitor Loudspeaker Review
A good-looking and great-sounding loudspeaker.
Review By Tom Lyle
Vermouth Audio is located in the Indonesian province of Bali, which is located east of Java. Most know Bali as a vacation destination. In fact, in 2017, Trip Advisor named Bali the world's top destination in its "Traveler's Choice award." Bali again won this honor in January 2021. About 80% of Bali's economy is tourism related. Vermouth Audio is part of the 20% unrelated to tourism. They are a company that designs and manufactures high-end audio connectors, cables, electronics, and, of the subject of this review, loudspeakers. When I was given the opportunity to review Vermouth Audio's Studio Monitors, which are distributed in the US by Believe Audio, located in Hutto, Texas, I enthusiastically accepted their offer.
---> Vermouth Audio Studio Monitor Loudspeaker 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.

09 / 13 / 24

audioXpress' October 2024 Issue
From the Editor's Desk: Brand Value And Brand Values
Experimental And Theoretical Investigation
Double Bass Arrays
Eliminating Speaker Doppler Distortion
Lessons In Audio
Joachim Gerhard On Low Noise Phono Stages
5th International AES Conference On Automotive Audio
Advances In Measurement Microphones
Scientific Comparisons Of Loudspeakers
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "After an inspiring Audio Engineering Society (AES) conference on Automotive Audio in Gothenburg, Sweden, I had to reflect on the things I learned about the automotive industry. One of the most interesting aspects was meeting the teams from the multiple tiers of the automotive supply chain, and most importantly meeting professionals from the manufacturers, from the brands, and from the audio brands that are now embedded into OEM vehicles. A pleasant surprise was to meet the large audio team from Ferrari. The famous Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, is one of very few original automobile "name brands." Not surprisingly, Ferrari is also one of the world's strongest brands and one of the most valued car manufacturers by capitalization–fourth after Tesla, Toyota, and BYD, and surpassing Mercedes-Benz (those things fluctuate and change quickly, of course). Ferrari is now entering a new age with advanced, fast, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles."
---> audioXpress' October 2024 Issue.

09 / 12 / 24

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.

Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review
Like a buried treasure that pays huge dividends in musical enjoyment!
Review By Rick Becker
If you're reading this review, you're either considering the installation of a dedicated line in what is likely your dedicated listening room or perhaps your home theater...  or maybe the video rig in your family room if you're seriously into watching TV. Or possibly, you've already installed a line and are wondering if this new Audience cable might be a worthwhile upgrade. In any case, I suspect you're already convinced that "everything matters" in high-end audio, especially cables. Keep reading. Audience is one of the most respected cable manufacturers and my ears perked up when I saw the ad for their new In-Wall AC cable. It's been 20 years since I reviewed Joe Skubinski's JPS Labs Power AC In-Wall cable. He's sold miles of it and "Big Red" has remained my reference dedicated line ever since. What's taken so long for the competition to arise?
---> Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review.

09 / 11 / 24

HIGH END Munich Show Moves To Vienna In 2026
The HIGH END international audio show will change to a new venue in 2026, with next year's event being at Germany's M.O.C. for the final time. This move from Munich to Vienna signals a groundbreaking step and was announced by the High End Society at today's annual general meeting of the Association for High Quality Audio and Video Reproduction. With the decision, the organizer is marking an important milestone on the future path of the world's leading trade show for enthusiasts of high-quality audio technology. The HIGH END 2025 will be held in the M.O.C. Event Center once again from May 15 to 18, 2025. But then just a year later, the internationally renowned audio show will exhibit to visitors for the first time in the Austria Center Vienna (ACV) in May. The first-class event venue in the heart of Austria's capital has undergone extensive remodeling in recent years and was equipped with the latest digital technology.

The venue offers a variety of modern rooms in different sizes for exhibitors to best showcase their products and technologies. Additional rooms and spacious halls are available for exhibitors to set up their individual stands. The ACV has a total of 26,000 square meters of exhibition space on several levels in the main building as well as the adjoining halls, enabling exhibitors to find optimal conditions for their various needs. The companies that took part in FINEST AUDIO SHOW Vienna in November 2023 received a first impression of this. The consistently positive feedback and the current registration figures for this year's FAS Vienna only underscore the fact that the ACV is an excellent choice for the new home of the HIGH END.

HIGH END Munich 2025 – May 15 to 18, 2025
HIGH END Vienna 2026 – May 28 to 31, 2026
HIGH END Vienna 2027 – May 6 to 9, 2027
HIGH END Vienna 2028 – May 25 to 28, 2028

09 / 09 / 24

United Record Pressing Celebrates Their 75 Year Anniversary
Located in Nashville, a.k.a. Music City, United Record Pressing (URP) continues to press vinyl LP for music lovers worldwide. Within the past handful of years there has been a resurgence of interest with vinyl records, with revenues growing year after year as sales of the digital compact disc have been decreasing. With global sales achieving $1.4 billion in 2023, United Record Pressing and many other vinyl LP pressing plants have been a significant contributor to this resurgence. By consistently delivering quality pressings that appeal to both new and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts, United Record Pressing produces high-end vinyl LPs. That 75 years of experience translates into modern-day, ahead-of-the-game integration like exploring how AI-powered technologies can detect plating issues before they affect production or through collaborations. For example, Sibert Instruments applies optical disc technology to vinyl. To ensure a future of continued technological advancement, United Record Pressing became the first North American plant to earn a Sony Green Partner Certification.

United Record Pressing, founded in 1949 is North America's largest historic vinyl record pressing plant , which is American-owned with a global footprint. By having a comprehensive supply chain and legendary capabilities, they have ben actively pressing records for iconic musical artists over nearly eight decades. With over 60 presses in a 160,000-square-foot facility, URP is claimed to excel in providing on-time vinyl production, quality control, custom branded options, and sustainability excellence, with the capacity to press over 100,000 records daily. Lacquer cutting and electroplating are handled in-house, ensuring reliable and timely product supply. Celebrating 75 years in 2024, URP remains committed to customer success through innovation, experience, and flexibility.

09 / 06 / 24

Hi-Fi+ September 2024 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: The Art Of Speaker Design And Engineering
Loudspeaker Hall Of Fame Award 2024
YG Acoustics Cairn Loudspeaker
DALI Rubikore 8 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Franco Serblin Accordo Goldberg Speaker
Focal Aria X No.3 Floorstanding Speaker
Fyne Audio Vintage 5 Standmount
Dynaudio Evoke 30 Floorstander
KEF LS60 Wireless Active Floorstanders
Graham Audio 10th Anniversary LS6 Speaker
Tannoy Super Gold Monitor SGM12 Speaker

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "Assembling a group of loudspeakers for review has never been too much of a problem. There's a lot of them and there are always more to be had. But more is not necessarily better. The loudspeaker maker's art is a diverse one, involving a skill set that stretches from cramming off-the-shelf drivers and a simple crossover in a wooden cabinet to extensive research by a group of PhDs into every aspect of transducer technology. Trends in audio may come and go. Formats rise, fall... and sometimes rise again. We've had hollow-state, solid-state, amps on chips, low power, high-power, wide bandwidth and all kinds of front-ends and amplifiers. And, unless you listen on headphones... you are always going to need loudspeakers."
---> See Hi-Fi+'s September 2024 Issue.

09 / 05 / 24

Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Progression S350 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
The Dan D'Agostino S350 amplifier makes each musical selection sound spectacular!
Review By Tom Lyle
Dan D'Agostino Master Audio products are not the most expensive audio components on the market, but in my opinion, their audio products are some of the best sounding high-end audio components I've ever had the pleasure of auditioning. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to review two D'Agostino Master Audio components in the past. In 2017, I reviewed the excellent-sounding Momentum Lifestyle integrated amplifier, which had an onboard DAC and could also be used as a streamer with its front-panel LCD metadata display. Also in 2017, I reviewed D'Agostino Master Audio System's Momentum phono stage, which I was highly impressed with its outstanding sound quality and very user-friendly front panel controls.
---> Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Progression S350 Stereo Power Amplifier Review.

Ayon Audio CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music Server Review
Two very versatile, and impressive, performers.
Review By Bob Grossman
The Ayon Audio CD-35 II as reviewed here, is the latest introduction to a long lineage of CD players that have been well regarded going back to the various models in the 3 and 5 series, along with ideas derived from their special edition CD35HF. But the CD-35 II is more than a CD player – it is also a fully functioning preamplifier and DAC. It is a single-ended triode pure Class A design using a 6H30 and a 5687 tube for each channel, and a GZ30 tube as a rectifier for the power supply. It is also a zero-feedback design. Ayon Audio's CD-35 II built-in DAC can be used to play music files from your computer via the USB connection. The DAC also has a coaxial RCA input for S/PDIF, I²S, BNC, AES/EBU, and three other BNC inputs for DSD. For this review I also evaluated the USA Labs RS9 music server to coordinate streaming of music from Qobuz.
---> Ayon CD-35 II CD Player And USA Labs RS9 Music Server Review.

09 / 04 / 24

RIAA Mid-2024 Recorded Streaming, Physical, Etc Music Revenue Report
According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America(, which advocates for the recorded music industry within the United States of America, revenues increased by 4% to ~$8.7 in value, with music streaming subscriptions up 3% to 99 million. Stating the obvious, music streaming continues to showcase impressive growth. The mid-2024 RIAA report posts revenue from the highest number of sources in the organization's history. Paid subscriptions accounted for ~66% of the added income during the first half of 2024. Audiophiles and analog music lovers rejoice as shipment of vinyl LPs increased by 17%, which showcases the strongest growth of any other major music format. Streaming accounted for ~84% of all revenues for the fifth year in a row. Paid subscriptions are outpacing other models within the category, with streaming services growing 4% at retail value to a record high of $7.3 billion. Limited-tier subscriptions fell 4% to $503 million and include Amazon Prime, Pandora Plus, etc.

Getting back to music on physical formats, revenues continued to outpace all other major forms of recorded music. According to the RIAA, "Total physical revenues of $994 million were up 13% versus the prior year. Vinyl grew 17% to $740 million and accounted for three-quarters of physical format revenues. For the fourth consecutive year, vinyl outsold CDs in units (24 million vs 17 million). Revenues from CDs were relatively flat at $237 million in 2024." On the other side of the equation, the RIAA says "Declining in share for a 14th straight year, digital downloads accounted for just 2% of US recorded music revenues in 2024 as revenue in other categories hit record highs. Both digital album sales and individual track sales were down to $88 million and $82 million, respectively.:

09 / 02 / 24

This Weekend: Pacific Audio Fest 2024 Show
The Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) returns to Seattle for their third great year! From September 6th through 8th, you can experience the very best in high-performance high-end audiophile gear at the biggest and best audio show on the Northwest coast of the USA! With over 200 exhibitors showcasing great audio gear, there will be millions of Dollars is audio gear, from very reasonably priced to cost-no-object, to hear and enjoy. Taking place at the Doubletree-Hilton Sea-Tac / Seattle, PAF is the USA's very best Northwestern premium audio event.

Scheduled for the Pacific Audio Fest 2024 is live music on Friday and Saturday nights, with NW regional wine and beer tastings, and ~100 rooms of quality audio, Marketplace, Record Fair, HeadZone and much more! The Pacific Audio Fest show is located at a top tech hub and one of the fastest growing communities in the USA, plus it is a vacation paradise in the summer months. The Seattle area has great demographics for the audio industry too! Reserve your place for PAF 2024 now before they sell out! Plus every ticket purchase enters you in a raffle to win high-performance audio gear! Please contact PAF if you have any problems booking a hotel room and they will assist you in taking care of it. Learn more at Enjoy the Music.com's Pacific Audio Fest 2024 high-end audiophile show report.

09 / 01 / 24

Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2024 Blue Note Awards!
The September issue features our very special Best Of 2024 Blue Note Awards! Join us as we celebrate the many significant achievements within the high-end audio / audiophile industry. Enjoy the Music.com's 2024 Blue Note Awards is a culmination of more than two decades of reviewing high-end audio equipment and carefully choosing what products have earned special recognition for our annual awards. Our Best Of 2024 Blue Note Award celebrates the finest products we have reviewed during the previous 12 months.

As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!

Best Of 2024 Blue Note Equipment Awards
Celebrating the best high fidelity / high-end audiophile gear of 2024!
High-End Audio Awards By Enjoy the Music.com
Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2024 Blue Note Awards celebrates the many great achievements by audiophile manufacturers within the high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio industry. Our 2024 Blue Note Awards is a culmination of more than two decades of reviewing high-end audio equipment and carefully choosing what products have earned special recognition for our annual awards. Our Best Of 2024 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 playback, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), loudspeaker design, personal media players, and more.
---> Best Of 2024 Blue Note Equipment Awards.

World Premiere Review!
Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference Mono Amplifier
And NVC TT Phono Stage With NPX TT PS Review
The Naim analog system sounded like listening to the master tape.
Review By Tom Lyle
In the early 1990s, I often visited one of the local high-end audio salons near my home. During one of these visits, while my friend and I were bothering the staff with silly questions, I asked a salesperson which CD player or turntable was playing the loud, awesome-sounding music in the background. Their answer? A Naim Audio FM tuner. To say that I was impressed (and embarrassed) is an understatement. This was my first experience, my first experience with Naim. After this experience, my audiophile friend and I started believing that Naim had a mystic aura surrounding them. In those pre-internet days, rumor had it that this audio company was run by nonconformists, at least compared to the other "major" audio companies we were familiar with. Eventually, I learned more about the UK-based Naim. Finally, about two months ago, I received my first Naim components for review, which included a pair of Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference monoblock power amplifiers, a Naim NVC TT phono stage, and its accompanying NPX TT power supply.
---> Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference Mono Amplifier And NVC TT Phono Stage With NPX TT PS Review.

Acora Acoustics QRC 2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
First-class sound quality in a luxurious form factor.
Review By Rick Becker
Val Cora must have spotted my press pass when I first encountered their SRB two-way stand-mounted monitor at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest show back in 2019. He encouraged me to take a closer look and listen as I didn't seem particularly interested. It was my subconscious fear of tipping over heavy stone or aluminum speakers that I later traced back to a childhood trauma incident. Fast forward to 2023 and I've become one of Acora Acoustics' biggest fans, typically including them among the Best Rooms awards in my show reports. Not so much because I like them as because they're so damn good. Val has been a master of setting up rigs in a wide variety of rooms supported by a diverse selection of amplification and front ends. That he consistently features different top-level turntables and phono cartridges has been a particular delight, though he also showcases digital front ends. I fear that since he recently acquired Audio Research, his presentations may become more restricted to their products.
---> Acora Acoustics QRC 2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4 Preamplifier Review
An outstanding preamplifier with excellent connectivity for the music lover who desires more.
Review By Rick Becker
Backert Labs has seemingly come out of nowhere. Their first review appeared in 2015 and Enjoy the Music.com reviewed the 1.3 version of the Rhumba Extreme in 2019. This micro-manufacturer specializes in tube-powered preamplifiers, with a tube phono stage being a logical extension of their focus. All of their manufacturing and assembly is done in the USA. I had heard the buzz on the brand only one other time before my audio buddy, Tom, informed me that he had ordered a Rhumba 1.2 on US Audiomart that had been upgraded to a 1.3. Listening to his familiar system, I noticed an impressive improvement. When the 1.4 series was announced I contacted Andy Tebbe, the President and frontman of the company, and was promised a premiere review when the design was finalized. I waited, and waited, until finally, I met Andy at the Capital Audiofest. He explained that Bob Backert, the designer and CEO of this company kept coming up with incremental improvements that slowed final release.
---> Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4 Preamplifier Review.

FiiO R9 Flagship Music Player, Streamer, Headphone Amplifier, And Hi-Res Lossless DAC Review
May the Cube be with you.
Review By Paul Schumann
I've been having a bit of an existential crisis the last couple of years over one basic question: Am I a Luddite? As a young man who grew up with a dad who worked for IBM, I felt I was always willing to embrace new promising technologies. During the late 1970s, we had a prototype for a home computer for a few months. If you wanted to do anything with it you had to program it yourself. In my senior year of high school, I built a Heathkit digital stopwatch to time my friends at track meets. In 1986 I bought a second-gen CD player when you could still find only a handful of CDs in the record store. At the same time, however, I stubbornly hung on to the Dynaco stuff I was using. Why? Because nothing I was listening to in the audio stores sounded nearly as good. Well, there was the Conrad Johnson and Audio Research gear, but it was out of my price range. But it seems that through most of my adult life, I've straddled the divide between "they don't make them like they used to" and "new and improved".
---> FiiO R9 Flagship Music Player, Streamer, Headphone Amplifier, And Hi-Res Lossless DAC Review.

Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review
Bringing tears of joy when listening to special songs.
Review By Tom Lyle
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory" of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much. It was not twice as good as the EMM Labs converter; it doesn't work that way, but the improvement in sound quality was significant. I jumped at the chance when I was offered the subject of this review, the relatively new Nagra Classic DAC II / PSU / VFS combo.
---> Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review.

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