High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

10 / 30 / 24

Third Floor Part 2: The Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show
Enjoying great tunes on the third floor.
Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
Turning the corner, I continue with my coverage of the second half of the third Floor. The Yamaha system was provided by Star Electronics, a high-end dealer with a long track record in Toronto. The front end looked like an Apple Mac Mini feeding a Weiss DAC 204 on the floor resting on a pair of wood beams. On the table was a Yamaha C-5000 preamp ($14k) and a Yamaha Power Amplifier – M5000 ($14k), driving stand-mounted Yamaha NS-800 monitors ($6k) each weighing over 28 lbs. – quite substantial for a two-way monitor of this size. Note the substantial speaker stands, as well. The Yamaha rigs at the Montreal show, featuring their large flagship monitor, have often been a disappointment, possibly due to the difficult square room. The ethereal music played here in a much smaller room was more impressive, shedding the most favorable light on the brand in years.
---> Third Floor Part 2: The Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show.

10 / 29 / 24

Finest Audio Show Zurich 2024 In November
The High End Society's Finest Audio Show Zurich 2024 will be held at the lovely Mövenpick Hotel Zurich Regensdorf. On November 2nd and 3rd, music lovers can immerse themselves within their favorite tunes and enjoy the world of high-end audio. Audiophile equipment manufacturers, dealers, and distributors within the audio industry from Switzerland and globally will join together to showcase many of the world's leading hi-fi audio brands. Attendees can meet leading industry luminaries who insist on the very best in music playback. With the High End Society reviving this hi-fi show, which took place under a different name at the same venue for many years, they seek to satisfy the huge demand within the Swiss audio industry. The Zurich audiophile / high-end audio exhibition is a Swiss tradition that dates back many years.

According to the show promoter, "A multitude of exhibitors have signed up to attend the event, where they will present an impressive selection of technological masterpieces that visitors can not only admire but also listen to live and in person. The outstanding conditions in place at the Mövenpick Hotel makes it the ideal setting for music demonstrations, with the authentic atmosphere in both the hotel rooms and conference rooms allowing participating companies to skillfully shine the spotlight on the high sound quality of their showcased exhibits. The Finest Audio Show Zurich is more than a classic trade show. It is all about a passion for extraordinary listening enjoyment at the highest level. Held over two days, the event is a vibrant meeting place for the audio community that brings together the fascination for high-quality music reproduction and the typically high Swiss quality standards. The products exhibited at the event represent comprehensive expertise, modern technology, innovative design and top-quality workmanship with premium materials. The broad spectrum of exhibits ranges from room-filling loudspeakers to complete hi-fi systems and headphones for undisturbed musical enjoyment and right through to perfectly designed turntables."

10 / 28 / 24

Third Floor Part 1: The Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show
Thrilling music on the third floor.
Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
First, my apology for the delay in getting this part (Part 2) published. In addition to an important review that needed to make the November issue, I had my high school's 60th reunion this weekend. If you ever get the chance to go to yours, I highly encourage you to make the effort to attend. We had people fly into Rochester, NY from Vancouver, BC, California, Arizona, and Florida. Real "no excuses" kind of classmates, and all of us grateful to be alive. The Lounge on the 3rd Floor is the only large room on this level. It is about three times the size of the sleeping rooms and nicely proportioned for good sound.
---> Third Floor Part 1: Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show.

10 / 25 / 24

TASCAM FR-AV2 32-bit/192kHz Stereo Field Recorder
For music lovers and audiophiles who desire a compact, Hi-Res Audio field recorder, TASCAM has released their FR-AV2 32-bit / 192kHz stereo field recorder. As a true pro audio unit, features such as Timecode Generator with Mixer is included. The TASCAM FR-AV2 is very compact, measuring 99 x 80.4 x 40.3 mm (WxHxD), and weighs 267 grams (only 195 grams without batteries). TASCAM's FR-AV2 is an extensive audio recording solution for those who desire the purity of field recording, audiophiles, music lovers, and videographers. The company's enhanced 32-bit float point recording with built-in timecode generation improves workflow efficiency for pro audio users. For example, Ultimate Timecode allows the users to employ industry-standard videography gear, as there is no need for other external timecode device(s). Furthermore, the recording engineer can wirelessly monitor the audio signals with TASCAM's optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter.

Features Include:
Dual ADCs with enhanced 32-bit float recording
Two XLR / TRS combo inputs
Ultra HDDA Preamps: EIN -127dBu and 3.5 mm input
Recording Format: 48 / 96 / 192 kHz supported
Timecode IN/OUT and timecode generation/sync function
High accuracy TCXO
Wireless audio monitoring via optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter
Two input / two output USB-C audio interface for Mac/Windows/iOS

10 / 24 / 24

SoundStage
Are we all too busy being serious about our systems to kick back and have fun with the music? A game of 'pass the Bluetooth' at a party has Andrew Everard wondering....
Article By Andrew Everard
Yes, our hi-fi systems are there to be refined, optimized and listened to with rapt attention paid to every nuance – but are we losing some of the fun of just enjoying the music? Andrew Everard's been wondering... As a hi-fi reviewer, I get used to the incredulous reaction when I tell people what I do for a living: 'What?' they almost invariably exclaim, 'You get paid to listen to music?' That one's a bit akin to the way some bristle a bit when I says I'm a journalist, then relax considerably when I explain what I write about: 'Oh, not a real journalist, then,' was the best response to that one. But for all that, doing what I do has treated me pretty well over the years; yes, I get to listen to great music played on usually fairly excellent equipment, and there's always something to pique the interest and lead to further explanations.
---> SoundStage Article By Andrew Everard.

Aavik Acoustics RIAA R-180 Phono Preamplifier Review
Excellent transparency and musicality deliver musical bliss.
Review By Tom Lyle
In July of 2021, I reviewed the Aavik Acoustics I-180 integrated amplifier, D-180 DAC, and S-180 streamer / network player. In the review, I practically raved about the sonic quality of all three components, so it was no surprise that Aavik earned a hard-fought Enjoy the Music.com 2021 Blue Note Award within our September 2021 issue. The three Aavik components bestowed a 2021 Blue Note award are not cheap, but neither are they extravagantly priced at $7200 each. That is certainly reasonable for high-end audio components that I thought were some of the best I've ever heard within and above their price range. Not only that, but these three components took a surprisingly noticeable step up in their sonic performance when used together. I'm willing to admit that their good looks might have initially contributed to me liking them, especially when the three components were stacked on top of each other - an Aavik stack.
---> Aavik Acoustics RIAA R-180 Phono Preamplifier Review.

10 / 23 / 24

Fourth Floor Part 1: Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report
Featuring Nordost, Thorens, Chord, Audiovector, Audiolab, IsoAcoustics, Executive Stereo, Geshelli Labs, Tri-Cell Enterprises, EverSolo, and more.
Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report By Rick Becker
With the need to finish this Toronto show report before the Capital Audiofest show coming up on November 8 through 10, I'm compelled to focus on fewer rooms this year. I was able to visit all the rooms and revisit them briefly at the end of the day on Sunday, but for some rooms, I will only be showing a photo or two without deeper content. The awards for the Best Rooms at the show will be at the end of the show report. A variety of Nordost cables were stashed along the floor. That's an Audiovector floorstanding speaker. The music here was not particularly notable, but the rig was not likely warmed up.
---> Fourth Floor Part 1: Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Report.

Audio Video Show 2024 In Warsaw Poland
The Audio Video Show 2024 in Europe is a major trade show for consumer electronics, with 600 brands, 150 exhibitors, and 160 presentation rooms. This event, which takes place October 25th through 27th, will offer seminars, guest appearances, live music, listening sessions, and more. Visitors can explore personal audio (HeadFi such as headphone, IEMs, and DAPs), turntables, amplifiers, home cinema, turntables, vinyl records, various audio/video accessories, etc. Show attendees can experience audio systems from reasonably priced to nearly cost-no-object. Visitors will experience the world's latest technologies for home audio / video entertainment.

In the headphone / HeadFi zone, over 50 manufacturers and distributors of audio devices from around the world will present their devices. You will find headphones from every price range: from budget to the most expensive and most sophisticated. For vinyl LP enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity for you to find both classic and new record releases. You will meet vinyl record collectors and, at times, musical artists signing their records. Audio Video Show 2024 in Warsaw Poland allows you to personally listen to and objectively compare many great devices from almost all price ranges. No sales pressure, no obligations.

10 / 22 / 24

Paris Audio Video Show 2024 is This Weekend
The Paris Audio Video Show team are aspirational to announce that more than 30,000 visitors are expected at their exciting 2024 event! That's an increase of 76% compared to last year. As the largest French gathering for High-Fidelity, Home Cinema, Music, and Live Performances, on the agenda are loudspeakers, audio amplifiers, video, music, lighting, DJ'ing, and more! Free live music concerts, conferences, initiation workshops, world-exclusive presentations, and exclusive activities will punctuate the Paris Audio Video Show. This year, the Paris Audio Video Show is expanding with an additional floor space dedicated to musicians, musical instruments, DJ'ing, and stage / concert lighting! Attendees may meet over 130 brands and discover all the latest musical instruments, studio equipment, DJ gear, sound systems, and more. The Paris Audio Video Show 2024 will take place October 26th and 27th as a new generation show born from the Son & Image that inherits 44 years of expertise. This weekend's event takes place at Palais des Congrès de Paris at 2 Place de la Porte Maillot.

10 / 21 / 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. 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. And of course you can see Enjoy the Music.com's Capital Audiofest 2024 show report at this link.

10 / 18 / 24

Revox Announces Their New B77 MK III Reel-To-Reel
While posting new gear updates is rare within Enjoy the Music.com's Industry News page, the new Revox B77 MK III surely qualifies as an exception to the rule. Revox's B77 MK III is a stereo magnetic tape recorder / player developed to extremely high modern standards. According to Revox, "The entire electronics have been optimized with the components and simulation options available today. Proven components are still used, such as improved original Revox pickups with a considerably longer service life and the unique Revox motors. The result is this outstanding new version: the B77 MK III. All the new details, such as the audio technology for even better sound reproduction and recording quality, the precisely manufactured, high-quality Revox pickups, a digital counter, the ability to play all common tape standards, a wide range of connection and optional expansion options have been perfected by our developers, technicians and designers. The B77 MK III is manufactured in the Revox factory in Villingen."

"Like its predecessors, the new B77 MK III is manufactured to the highest quality standards as an audiophile masterpiece and visual work of art and stands for demonstrable sustainability like no other audio product. The high level of production and quality control required for the B77 MK III means that no more than 20 machines can be produced per month... The unique music experience is raised to a whole new level by the perfectly matched B77 MK III and the Revox Analog Master Tapes." Pricing is $15,950 and we expect the first few months of production to be sold out extremely quickly as reel-to-reel playback has gained quite a bit of momentum over recent years.

10 / 17 / 24

Listen To What You Like
Roger makes a shocking suggestion.
Article By Roger Skoff
Do you remember the Knights Templar? Or the story of King Arthur and the search for the Holy Grail? In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, they actually found it, and to everyone's surprise, it turned out not to be some jewel-encrusted chalice, designed and fit for the use of kings or better, but the simple clay vessel of a carpenter or a man of the people. As portrayed in the movie, the significance of the Grail lay not in what it was made of, but in the way that it was regarded by those who beheld it. Perhaps surprisingly, there's a fairly good parallel to that in High-End audio. Our Holy Grail – the thing so many of us have always sought – has always been (at least after Harry Pearson first described it as such ) "the absolute sound": a perfect reproduction of the experience of hearing live music played in person. That was my hope for years, too, and it's been the goal of most of the audiophiles I've known, ever since I first got into this hobby....
---> Listen To What You Like.

Interview With David Chesky
On Music And his new venture the Audiophile Society.
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. According to David Chesky, " The interesting thing about audiophiles is that they are cool with collecting LPs, CDs, and open reel tapes, but at the same time very open to new ideas like what we are trying to do. I work a lot in the classical world where it is so hard to get people to like something new, we call it the un-acceptance of the unfamiliar.  But audiophiles are the opposite and are eager to try out the newest technology and embrace it if it is indeed better.
---> Interview With David Chesky Concerning Music.

10 / 16 / 24

Statista's Digital Music Outlook On Digital Audio Streaming
According to a recent report from Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, it says "Digital audio streaming has taken off in a big way in the past ten years. According to Statista's Digital Music Outlook, the music streaming market size increased to $25.84 billion in 2023, reaching a total of around 900 million users. The pandemic years saw particular growth in the podcast industry, as people forced to stay home searched out entertainment, driving up listenership and advertiser investment. According to Megaphone, a podcast technology company owned by Spotify, where 2021 was a story of 'content explosion', 2022 became one of 'diversification', as the most significant jumps in podcast downloads came from markets newer to the medium, such as Spain (+298 percent), Italy (+244 percent), and France (+375 percent), while the highest growth in unique listeners in terms of age groups was the 13 to 17 year olds (+49 percent) and the 55 to 64 year olds (+45 percent)."

Furthermore, according to the Statista report, "A handful of companies are leading the way in this era of digital audio content. Survey data from Statista's Consumer Insights shows that in the United States, Spotify, originally a startup from Sweden, has gained popularity in recent years and now matches U.S. homegrown Amazon Music as the most widely used streaming service in the country. In both cases, more than four in ten respondents that had purchased music streaming services in the past 12 months said they had used the platform. In this chart, both music and podcasts are grouped together. In the United Kingdom, Spotify reigns king. Apple Music and YouTube Music are also popular options in both countries, while the lower ranking platforms start to diverge more; in the UK, Soundcloud is in fifth position at 12 percent, followed by Deezer in sixth position (10 percent) and eMusic (6 percent) in seventh, while in the U.S., these places are filled by Pandora (23 percent), iHeartRadio (18 percent) and Sirius XM (14 percent)."

10 / 15 / 24

audioXpress' November 2024 Issue
From the Editor's Desk: Other Ways Of Listening
PSI Audio AVAA C214 Digital Active Bass Absorber
Wolf von Langa Field Coil Powered Speaker Driver
Non-Linear Amplitude Modulation Of Loudspeakers
ACX-100: An Analog Four-Way Active Crossover
Audioscenic Amphi Technology High Dimensional Sound
Pushing The Boundaries Of Active Noise Cancellation
The Road To Dolby Atmos
Classic Hollow State Hi-Fi In The 1950s And 1960s
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "The great thing about the audio industry is that every day our perceptions are challenged. There are so many different ways to approach sound, so many different audio disciplines. That's what motivates me daily with audioXpress. I get to engage with a huge diversity of professionals and companies, all of which are extremely passionate and dedicated to what they do, and strongly believe in their missions. For some, it's all about pure enjoyment, for others pure survival. For some, it's about understanding sound, for others, sound reproduction. I can speak to brilliant people who generate, capture, and measure sound and audio signals. They all see things from different perspectives and all are equally engaging and exciting."
---> audioXpress' November 2024 Issue.

10 / 14 / 24

This Weekend: Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show
The Toronto Audiofest 2024 show, held from October 18th through 20th, is one of Canada's best luxurious premium high-technology home audio and video showcases. The Toronto Audiofest is made available to audio companies who believe that supporting the audio industry and its community, including the many enthusiasts who come to attend shows, is important to the industry's development and overall vitality. These shows represent the only way dealers and manufacturers can meet so many audio enthusiasts face-to-face in one place, people who have come to see, hear, and shop hundreds of brands and products in a festive, quality environment that can't be found anywhere else, and to share their findings with others.

The Toronto Audiofest 2024 event brings together hundreds of audio brands featuring top rated high-end audio and video (audiophile and videophile) equipment from around the globe. Attendees can hear, touch, and compare various sound systems within two hotel locations that feature many floors of demo rooms ranging from 240 to 2400 sq. ft. It is the perfect place to experience the ultimate in audiophile sound quality. If you're considering acquiring a complete sound system or only a new piece of equipment, the Toronto Audiofest 2024 was the place for you!
---> Toronto Audiofest 2024 Show Information And Report.

10 / 11 / 24

UK Audio Show 2024 Show Report
Discovering many glorious new companies and equipment too!
UK Audio 2024 Show Report By Clive Meakins
UK Audio Show was very enjoyable, I came across companies and equipment that were new to me. There was innovative thinking in evidence too. I also very much enjoyed the Alphason technical session where the highly experienced Mike Knowles clearly was very on top of his subject. The Bob Harris sessions were a masterstroke, they combined a love of music with highly interesting tales from the music industry. The UK Audio Show at the Staverton Park Hotel, Daventry, UK took place 5th and 6th of October 2023. The show was expertly organized by Chester Group who operate internationally and has been running the UK show since 1997, however, times are a-changin'. Not long before the show it was announced that Stereonet – a sponsor of the show – will be taking over for next year.
---> UK Audio Show 2024 Show Report At The Staverton Park Hotel.

10 / 10 / 24

Do You Really Need To Buy A Bugatti?
How expensive our hobby doesn't need to be.
Article By Roger Skoff
As I understand it, Bugatti's latest-model car costs something like $4,500,000, goes well over 200 miles (320kM) per hour, and costs – at least the earlier Veyron model did – about $23,000 just for one of its regularly scheduled oil changes. I might be wrong, though; I haven't done any serious Bugatti shopping lately, and I don't ever intend to. I did, once have a super exotic car, though – a 1953 Siata factory team race car that had been built for that year's Targa Florio road race. I was just a kid, then, no more than about nineteen years old, and, frankly, although something more practical would certainly have been a far better choice, I didn't know any better. The car was extremely beautiful, very fast, and VERY prestigious: Everywhere I drove it, it was the center of attention, and I could enjoy the hope that, as its driver, I must be something special, too.
---> Do You Really Need To Buy A Bugatti?

World Premiere Review!
Rogue Audio Stereo 100 'Dark' Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review
Musical purity and natural ease bring out the very best in your loudspeakers.
Review By Ric Mancuso
Rogue Audio's designer Mark O'Brien has been on a tear lately with updated and new models that are setting the bar higher for the competition. I recently wrote about the new Rogue Audio Pharaoh II and the Sphinx Model 3 before the Stereo 100 Dark as reviewed here. You might say, they all came first under the checkered flag. Mark is a high-performance car and motorbike enthusiast, along with being driven — no pun intended — by his passion for premium audio high-end sound. I guess you could call him a gearhead. Hey, aren't we all at some level? Funny, how speedy motorbikes are a thing with other audio designers in the industry. To name a few, EveAnna Manley of Manley Audio, Sean Casey of Zu Audio, and Mark O'Brien of Rogue Audio. I have an exercise bike.
---> Rogue Audio Stereo 100 'Dark' Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review.

10/ 09 / 24

The Catalog Of Legendary Band Pink Floyd Is Acquired By Sony
In a landmark move that has sent ripples through the music industry, Sony Music Entertainment has acquired the extensive catalog of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd for $400,000,000. Known for their groundbreaking albums and innovative soundscapes, Pink Floyd's discography, which includes classics like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, represents a significant asset for Sony. This acquisition not only solidifies Sony's position in the lucrative market of classic rock but also reflects a growing trend of major labels investing heavily in legendary music catalogs to capitalize on streaming revenue and nostalgic consumer interest.

The deal, worth hundreds of millions, underscores the enduring legacy of Pink Floyd and their continued influence on contemporary music. With a dedicated fan base and timeless hits, the band's catalog is poised to thrive in the digital age, attracting both longtime aficionados and new listeners alike. This acquisition aligns with Sony's strategy to enhance its portfolio of revered artists while also exploring opportunities for new audio / video content creation, including potential multi-channel immersive remasters, documentaries, and merchandise. As the music landscape continues to evolve, this partnership promises to breathe new life into Pink Floyd's storied catalog, ensuring that their revolutionary immersive music remains relevant for generations to come.

10 / 08 / 24

AES Show NY 2024 Starts Today
The Audio Engineering Society (AES), a non-profit volunteer-based organization that is designed to inspire, educate, and promote the technology and practice of audio, annual New York show will take place from October 8th through 10th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. According to the AES, "Step into a world of audio innovation and inspiration at AES Show 2024 NY, the flagship event of the Audio Engineering Society. This annual gathering unites over 10,000 audio professionals, enthusiasts, and exhibitors from around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned expert, a novice, or a student, the AES Show provides a platform for collaboration, discovery, and learning."

"Join us in this immersive experience where leading manufacturers showcase cutting-edge solutions, engineers demonstrate the latest products, and a diverse array of workshops, panels, demos, and training sessions cater to both researchers and practitioners," says the Audio Engineering Society. "The AES Show creates an environment where ambition is amplified, crafts are fine-tuned, and the entire spectrum of the audio lifecycle is brought to life. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to widen your perspective, connect with industry leaders, and stay at the forefront of audio technology. The AES Show 2024 NY is where passion meets possibility, and where the future of audio is crafted."

10 / 07 / 24

Hi-Fi+ October 2024 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: High-Performance Audio's Impressive Modernization
Linn Klimax Solo 800 Mono Amplifier
Avantgarde Acoustic Colibri C2 Loudspeaker
Döhmann Audio Helix Two Mk3 Turntable
T+A PSD 3100 HV DAC / Preamplifier 
Luphonic H2 Vinyl LP Turntable
HiFi Rose RA289 Integrated Amplifier
Manley Oasis Phono Stage 
Gryphon PowerZone 3 Power Conditioner 
Crystal Cable Infinity Power Cord
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "The hi-fi world is occasionally rocked. Sometimes by performance, by a revolutionary change in technology, and sometimes by the demise of a designer, a founder or a manufacturer. This time, however, what seems to have sent out the shock-waves is a price. Cambridge-based digital expert dCS is no stranger to 'upper-echelon' pricing; the company's existing four-box Vivaldi APEX comes in at an already 'spendy' £124,250 without cables. However, the company's latest project, Varèse, confidently eclipses even the Vivaldi APEX. The five-box design (Core unit, Master Clock, Mono DACs, and User Interface) cost a cool £217,500, with a CD/SACD transport to follow next year. Granted its unique ACTUS connection system lowers the cost of inter-device cabling (wiring up a full four-box Vivaldi APEX with something like Nordost Odin Gold adds substantially to the price of admission)."
---> See Hi-Fi+'s October 2024 Issue.

10 / 03 / 24

UK Audio Show 2024 Show Is This Weekend
The highly-anticipated annual UK Audio Show will once again take place at the Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club. Music enthusiasts will be delighted to see many new developments from luxurious high-end audio  / premium audio manufacturers on Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th, 2024. Attendees will enjoy an exceptional experience to see and hear many of the world's best brands all within one venue. Furthermore, special events will bring music lovers together to learn about both old and new technologies, new developments, and overall progress in both home, mobile, and personal audio.

With its very spacious corridors and two easily accessed levels, the Staverton Park Hotel is said to be near perfect for such a busy show. Due to the show's popularity, the Chester Group has increased the number of individual demonstration rooms to 55 and increased trade stands to 20. Be sure to look for very special announcements as the UK Audio Show celebrates its 27th year in the business! Driving Sounds will once again be showcasing incredible cars and car audio systems at The UK Audio Show 2024. Following a highly successful and much-appreciated appearance during the 2023 event, Driving Sounds, in association with Four Masters Car Audio, will return with three cars on show. They will demonstrate a wide range of car hi-fi products that fit many budgets.
---> UK Audio Show 2024 Details And Show Report.

10 / 01 / 24

October Audiophile / High-End Audio Review Magazine
Our October issue celebrates music, vacuum tubes, vinyl LPs, and more! Roger Skoff asks the age-old question about high-end sound or audiophile music. We have World Premiere reviews of the MACO MACARIA open baffle loudspeaker, KBL Sound cable system, and PS Audio's new Aspen FR5 stand-mounted monitor loudspeaker. Vacuum tube enthusiasts will love reading Jules Coleman's review of Jadis' DA88S MkII integrated amplifier, while vinyl LP lovers can learn more about the impressive iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!
---> October High-Performance Audiophile / High-End Audio Review Magazine.

Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
The ultimate music machine.
Review By Dr. Jules Coleman
Too often, I have been guilty of 'burying the lead.' Not this time: the Jadis DA88S MkII integrated amplifier is the most musically convincing and enjoyable vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier I have ever experienced – in my home or elsewhere. From the moment it was installed in my system until the moment shippers were summoned to remove it, this handsome piece of kit brought joy and fulfillment to my listening experience that had eluded me since my decade-long love affair with various Shindo-centered reference systems fell victim to life's often unforeseeable and unwelcome interventions. At different times my Shindo systems were anchored by the (no longer in production) Sinhonia push / pull monoblocks featuring the F2 output tube as well as the ne plus ultra 300B Ltd monoblocks. The former offered a dynamic realism that the 300B Ltd could not match, while the latter offered a texture, color, and density that was in equal measure beguiling and bewitching.
---> Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review.

World Premiere Review!
MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review
A soundsational experience that puts you close to the soundstage.
Review By Rick Becker
Coming around a corner at Capital Audiofest in 2023 I was stopped in my tracks by an incredible-looking open baffle speaker in grey granite. The large 15" full-range driver on top looked vaguely familiar but the speaker itself was a completely fresh design. Before I could figure out who the manufacturer was, a lovely familiar woman appeared at my side. It was Deborah Ann whom I had met at the Toronto Audiofest in 2022. There, she had been showing magnificent sounding open baffle speakers from Lii Song (China) driven by a Galion tube amplifier, made in China but voiced by Thomas Tan in Canada. I was eager to review the Lii speaker but she was hesitant about the possibility both in Toronto and again when we met at AXPONA the next year, as she is technically only the Canadian distributor for Lii Song.
---> MACO MACARIA Open Baffle Loudspeaker Review.

iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic Vinyl LP Cleaner Review
Ultrasonic deep cleaning and spin drying 10 LP records in 30 minutes.
Review By Bob Grossman
The iSonic Pro 6.2-PRO is the latest variation and upgraded record cleaner design from a company that specializes in commercial ultrasonic cleaning machines. They have styles and sizes for various products with personal and industrial applications. The iSonic company has dozens of cleaner models for medical applications, jewelry, and personal items used in the home. Jerry Fan of iSonic said, "Over the past six years, we have made a lot of progress with cleaners for audio systems." Jerry modestly told me he "doesn't know too much about anything else, but we do know about ultrasonic cleaners!" They started with processing 5 to 10 records for cleaning only, then added the PRO accessory kit for spin drying with an in-water filter two years ago. Those developments were with the model P4875II+MVR10-PRO which was an upgrade to the early model P4875II+MVR5 or MVR10....
---> iSonic Cleaner 6.2-PRO Ultrasonic Vinyl LP Cleaner Review.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

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