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High-Performance
Audio Gear Reviews,
Music News, Show Reports, Articles & More!
30 Years Of Service To Music
Lovers.
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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.
Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source
Loudspeaker Review
Singing a magnificent song.
Review By Bob Grossman
Do you remember as a kid when you
first heard an excellent quality music system? It was exciting, right? That
first time I heard music on a good stereo, I was completely mesmerized as if
real musicians were performing in the room! It was an emotional experience
beyond the thrilling sound. That feeling came back a few months ago at the
Capital Audio Fest when I visited the Songer Audio room and heard the S1
Speakers for the first time. I had been listening to music in many different
demo rooms with my good friend Ken Sternberg. We were also saying hello to
industry friends and taking in the excitement of the festival. Something magical
happened when we went into the Songer Room that distinctly grabbed our
attention, like the first time I heard a stereo 60 years ago.
--->
Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source Loudspeaker Review.
April 2026
Review Magazine: World Premiere Gear And Show Reports
Flagship reviews, Montreal and Florida show coverage, plus an insightful buying guide.
The issue opens with high-end audio's diverse equipment offerings with A Buyer's Guide For 2026. It emphasizes how the market has evolved into specialized ecosystems that include hi-fi separates, music streamers, portable
high-res players, and explains why manufacturers may optimize products for listening context rather than
one-size-fits-all solutions. Our equipment section leads with world premiere reviews, including the impressive Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition (SSE)
stand-mounted loudspeaker with Dr. Bump's detailed listening and technical analysis, the Heartsound Audio Holostage review by Rick Becker showcases a
hands-on evaluation of an affordable sonic enhancer. The fun and fantastic MooVu DIY loudspeaker kit showcases how doing it all by yourself can be lots of fun! As always, our April issue also means a couple of humorous articles for your reading
pleasure. Beyond gear, April's coverage includes major show reports and industry commentary that map current trends. Detailed reports from Montreal Audiofest 2026 and the Florida International Audio Expo 2026 capture the scale of recent shows and the resurgence of immersive,
luxury-level demos.
---> April 2026 Review Magazine:
World Premiere Gear And Show Reports. 
Montreal Audiofest 2026
Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show Report
The ultimate audiophile and
music lover experience.
Montreal Audiofest 2026 (Salon Audio Montreal)
returned March
20th through 22nd, bringing Canada's premier high-end audiophile event to the city. Organizers
enjoyed welcoming thousands of music lovers and audiophiles eager to listen, see, and handle cutting-edge audio gear, with over
luxury 300 brands showcased under one roof. The three-day festival was designed for audiophiles, videophiles,
immersivephiles, and curious music lovers seeking modern immersive, hands-on
experiences. As the largest audio event in Canada, the event gathered top distributors, manufacturers, and retailers from the
high-end consumer electronics industry. Attendees joyously explore dedicated demo
listening rooms, vendor booths, and curated exhibits that highlight the latest in
luxurious loudspeakers, top-rated amplifiers, precision Hi-Res Audio DACs, turntables, immersive
headphones & portable audio, plus home A/V systems. The show's scale and industry presence
made it a
must-visit for anyone tracking trends in premium sound and home cinema.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2026 Luxury Hi-Fi Audio Show
Report.
AXPONA 2026 Features Audiophile Gear, Master Classes,
& Seminars
AXPONA 2026 is a three-day high-end audio event for audiophiles and industry insiders, running April 10th through 12th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center just outside Chicago. AXPONA's programming emphasizes education and community: the schedule featured seminars, master classes, live concerts, and
after-hours events designed to pair technical deep dives with musical experiences. For attendees planning a visit, organizers and reviewers offered practical tips: plan your route through the many exhibit rooms, use the AXPONA app to track
must-hear demos, and expect international brands to debut flagship systems that are best experienced live rather than via specs
alone. Over three days, the AXPONA 2026 show combines a sprawling Expo Hall with many listening rooms, a trade pavilion, live musical performances, and specialty areas such as the Ear Gear Experience, and IASCA car audio showcase.
---> AXPONA
2026 High-End / Luxury Audiophile Show Report. 
Record Store Day
2026: Where To Find This
Weekend's Exclusive Vinyl Drops And Why Vinyl Sales Hit $1 Billion In 2025
Record Store Day takes place this Saturday, April 18, 2026, with thousands of indie shops offering hundreds of limited-edition vinyl releases; vinyl LP sales topped $1 billion in 2025. This annual celebration of independent music retail shops returns this weekend, with participating stores opening early for exclusive pressings, live
in-store events, and collectible releases. This year's drop includes a wide range of limited runs and reissues aimed at collectors and casual buyers alike. Retail roundups and music outlets highlight more than 350 exclusive titles across genres, from reissued classics and live sets to
colored vinyl singles and deluxe box sets; many titles are pressed in small runs and sold on a
first-come, first-served basis. Artists from Robert Plant to contemporary pop acts have curated RSD exclusives, and Bruno Mars serves as the U.S. ambassador with a special collaborations compilation. Expect long lines for marquee items and quick sellouts for
low-run pressings.
---> Record Store Day 2026: Where To Find This Weekend's Exclusive Vinyl Drops And Why Vinyl Sales Hit $1 Billion In 2025. 
Southwest Audio Fest 2026: Show Dates, Tickets, And Highlights
The Southwest Audio Fest returns to Dallas this summer, running July 23rd through 25th at the Sheraton Downtown, with organizers shifting the schedule to a Thursday to Saturday format to replace the traditional Sunday session.
This new schedule brings more people in a day early, and gives everyone a chance to pack up and enjoy their Sunday. Programming for the three-day festival emphasizes extended, reference-level listening sessions and curated manufacturer suites, alongside informative seminars and moderated panels. Attendees can expect product launches, evening listening parties, and a vinyl, CD,
tweaks, reel-to-reel, etc marketplace aimed at serious audiophiles and music lovers. Exhibitors will span the full spectrum of high-fidelity gear, from floorstanding loudspeakers and boutique amplifiers to turntables, DACs, streamers, and room-treatment solutions, all demonstrated in purpose-tuned rooms to allow realistic auditions. Single-day tickets and multi-day passes are available through the festival site, with advance purchase recommended for popular demos.
---> Southwest Audio Fest 2026: Show Dates, Tickets, And Highlights. 
AXPONA 2026 Highlights Featuring Top Systems, New Gear, And Expert Sound Quality
Impressions
A detailed look at more standout demos, flagship loudspeakers, vacuum tube &
solid-state electronics, and analog showcases that defined AXPONA.
AXPONA 2026 Show Report By Chuck Bruce And Steven R. Rochlin
AXPONA 2026's weekend days, Saturday and Sunday, was filled with an energy that reminded attendees why this luxury home audio showcase brings a gathering of
high-end audio enthusiasts and music lovers. The lively crowd explored the latest innovations in loudspeakers, electronics, analog playback, and digital front ends. From intimate
reel-to-reel demonstrations to towering reference-grade systems, the weekend delivered a rich blend of technical excellence and musical immersion. Exhibitors showcased everything from compact
lifestyle-friendly designs to six-figure flagship systems, each room offering its own interpretation of what true
high-fidelity sound can be. Across the Audio Expo North America 2026 show floor, manufacturers unveiled new products, updated reference lines, and carefully curated system pairings that highlighted both engineering prowess and artistic presentation.
This weekend's demonstrations revealed a wide spectrum of sonic philosophies that defined AXPONA
2026.
---> AXPONA 2026 Highlights Featuring Top Systems, New Gear, And Expert Sound Quality Impressions.
Part 4 — Lower Level, Left (St. Laurent & Outremont
Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026 Show
A deep dive into the Montreal Audiofest 2026, featuring
early-morning impressions, high-end audio's latest innovations, audiophile solutions, and standout demonstrations.
Montreal Audiofest Show Report By Rick Becker
The weather at Montreal Audiofest is
nowhere near as bad as the early years when it was held earlier in the year at
the Delta Hotel. Still, it was not surprising to find a coating of snow on the
city on Sunday morning. The snow surrounding the pool and the fog above the heated
pool make for an enchanting early morning dip. I was hoping this would be the
year I'd risk going for a swim, but the need to stay on schedule and get my work
done prevailed. Arriving at the hotel restaurant early, finding empty tables,
and being seated immediately put me at ease. Charles Kirmuss, the Doctor of Groove, joined me for a glass
of orange juice. I had studied his website before coming to the show, and we had
an interesting conversation about his record rejuvenating technology. When I see
him at his booth, I rarely have time to engage with him, so this was a treat.
Montreal is his hometown, so he always makes this show. He's a big fan of Anne
Bisson, who is also from Montreal.
---> Part 4 — Lower Level, Left (St. Laurent & Outremont Rooms) At The Montreal Audiofest 2026
Show.
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U.S. Recorded Music Revenue Hits Record $11.5 Billion In 2025 Driven By Streaming And Vinyl LPs
The Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) reported that U.S. recorded music wholesale revenue reached a record $11.5 billion in 2025, marking continued industry growth driven largely by digital formats. Streaming remained dominant, with streaming revenues rising to $9.5 billion and accounting for 82% of total U.S. revenue for the fifth consecutive year. The RIAA highlighted that this expansion reflects
labels' investments in technology and new fan experiences. Paid subscription services continued to power the market: the U.S. is the
world's largest paid subscription market with 106.5 million paid accounts generating $6.4 billion, and premium paid subscription revenue grew 6.8% to $5.88 billion. At the same time, physical formats saw notable gains—vinyl sales surpassed $1 billion for the 19th straight year, representing nearly half of global vinyl value and outselling CDs in revenue and
units. RIAA leaders framed the results as evidence of a resilient, evolving music economy, noting that label strategies around streaming, vinyl, and responsible AI licensing are expanding creative and commercial opportunities for
artists.
---> US Recorded Music Revenue Hits Record $11.5 Billion In 2025 Driven By Streaming And Vinyl LPs.
World Premiere Review!
Restoring Music To Its Reality: Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review
In-depth listening test, technical analysis, and
real-world setup tips for audiophiles and music lovers.
Review By Dr. Michael Bump
Giddy. (adj) The emotional response I have developed to
the musical instruments that are Børresen loudspeakers. In my crossover life as both a professional musician and
high-end audio writer and reviewer, I have grown acquainted with a handful of
select audio designs that, from my perspective, serve as true musical
instruments – creations that express sonic art in ways that reach into
the human heart, corporeally moving both body and soul in ways that defy words.
Before we get to my Børresen T1 SSE (Silver Supreme Edition) monitor
loudspeaker review, here's some background. It was six years ago from my first
encounter with Børresen loudspeakers, when, upon first listen, they revealed
those same visceral qualities I am all too familiar with when on stage creating
live music. In the Spring of 2019, I was privileged to pen the U.S.
Premiere review of the Børresen 01 Series stand monitor, the cornerstone of
what was then the newly established Børresen Acoustics loudspeaker company of
Michael Børresen and co-founding business partner, Lars Kristensen.
--->
Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review.
Pre-Loved Second-Hand Hi-Fi Is Today's Gold
Why the pre-loved audio market deserves more attention, and how trade-ins build loyal listeners and repeat sales.
Editorial By Alan Sircom
Overlooking lots of loudspeaker reviews from recent years, in order to construct our
Editor's Choice pages, something dawned on me. The second-hand market should be more vibrant that it seems. There are reasons for this lull in
'preloved' audio, but not all of them make sense. Stepping away from transducers for a moment, I can get why someone might not want to buy a digital product that might not be supported for too long. Those who still use an original Logitech Squeezebox are finding its functionality severely limited today as MySqueezebox and Squeezebox Radio are no longer supported. I can also understand the reluctance to invest in an older tube amplifier if it uses obscure valves with no stock and limited support. But these are effectively outliers. Most second-hand products
don't fall into this 'impending doom' category. Back when I used to work in an audio store, second-hand goods had a two-fold benefit. First, they were a good way of offering a reduced price for loyal customers;
it's not quite a discount, but if you know that you get a good trade-in on your existing product you tend to look after it a bit more and stay loyal to that
brand.
---> Pre-Loved Second-Hand Hi-Fi Is Today's
Gold.
World Premiere Review!
Heartsound Audio Holostage Review: Scientific Voodoo Or Genuine Upgrade?
Hands-on evaluation of sonic impact, transformative sound, and where Holostage fits in your audiophile journey.
Review By Rick Becker
It was pure chance that I stumbled upon Heartsound
Audio's Holostage to review here at Enjoy the Music.com. I'm not an avid reader of audio
blogs, but occasionally an
e-mail
with a Weekly Recap of the Audiogon Discussion Forum will slip past my email
filters. The subject was actually the Nirvana
Chronos, which I had previously
heard at AXPONA in 2025 and subsequently reviewed very
favorably. People
wanted to know if the Heartsound Holostage was similar or as good, since it was
considerably less expensive. I fired off an inquiry. Kristine Tetrault, founder of the company in 2021, replied
shortly with an offer to send me a review sample. The Holostage is sold in sets
of four blocks for $1000. It arrived via Priority Mail from Concord, NH, which
is too far inland to catch any scent of saltwater. Inside the Flat Rate USPS box
was a black cardboard box of the kind you might expect a gift from Macy's to
be wrapped.
--->
Heartsound Audio Holostage Review: Scientific Voodoo Or Genuine Upgrade?
WAVAC Model MD-811 Integrated
Amplifier Review
The joys of life the fish-eye lens of a superb SE triode amp.
Review by Dick Olsher
WAVAC Audio Lab clearly believes that the Force is with them. If establishment brand names such as Audio Research, Conrad-Johnson, and Jadis may be viewed as the dominant but plodding
"Empire," then WAVAC strikes back with a powerful vision of what listening pleasure is all about. In particular, the Music Dandy 811 integrated amplifier combines the musical expressiveness of single-ended (SE) triodes with the real-world drive capability of radio transmitting tubes. And at a US retail price of
$4,000 it is the most affordable product in the WAVAC lineup. Feel free to accuse me of being a neo-Cartesian, as I paraphrase Rene Descartes' famous maxim: I listen, therefore I am. Folks, the only reason I purchase audio equipment is to enjoy the music. And any gear such as the MD-811 that gets me closer to the musical experience is welcome news. My ego doesn't require a
500-Wpc solid-state arc welder for self gratification.
---> WAVAC Model MD-811 Integrated Amplifier
Review.
Bottlehead Quicksand Battery Powered Amplifier
Kit Review
A great starter amp kit with plenty of room to build upon.
Review
By
Jeff Poth
I recently reviewed the Bottlehead Quickie
linestage, which is a great value and
a lot of fun. Along with the Quickie, I also built the Bottlehead Quicksand amplifier. This
amp is similarly inexpensive at $119 versus the Quickie at $99. Wooden bases are
$40, putting a "full" Quicksand at $159 if ordered separately ($169 for the
Quickie 1.1 with base and PJCCS upgrade). The Quickie and Quicksand are
currently also sold as a combo deal with a $20 discount, giving a battery
powered hi-fi system, with bases and CCS, for just over $300. Pretty good deal
for interesting, portable separates. The amp is built upon the same acrylic top
plate/wooden base construction as the Quickie, with one of the quirks being that
the top plate comes in any color you want- so long as the color they ship is
what you wanted (IOW, it's random). Mine happened to come in red, matching the
Quickie, and I quite like the look of it.
--->
Bottlehead Quicksand Battery Powered Amplifier Kit Review. 
Discover more hi-fi reviews and expert articles within our Review Magazine.
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