Today's Home Audio Headlines

April 17, 2014 - At Highend 2014 in Munich we will launch the new soulution 560 D/A-Converter. Top class digital-to-analog converters followed by preamplifier grade output stages transform every detail of the digital source material in to the analog…
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 9:04am -

Back in the mid-Nineties, I was still in the throes of home-theater madness and wrote: “Very soon, stereo will be only an output setting on your multichannel system.” Obviously, I was wrong. But many audiophiles do require a system that can serve…
- 3 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 9:26am -

The Fine Sounds Group, parent company to Sonus faber and iconic high-end audio brands McIntosh, Audio Research Corporation, and Wadia, rolled out the red carpet to its global distributors and a handful of audio journalists for a two-day event at Sonu…
- 3 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 6:44am -

Join Robert Harley in his listening room for a personal tour inside The Absolute Sound's Illustrated History of High-End Audio, Volume One: Loudspeakers. This informative and entertaining video provides an inside look at this landmark 320-page large-…
- 4 days ago, 15 Apr 14, 7:53am -

California-based Aesthetix has carved out an enviable niche producing very-high-performance products that, while not budget-priced, nonetheless offer extraordinary value. The company’s Calypso linestage, Rhea phonostage, Janus full-function preampl…
- 5 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 8:10am -

A month ago, flying to South By Southwest 2014, the numbers on paper were grim. According to the March 15, 2014 issue of Billboard the overall unit sales of music were down 12.2 percent year–to–date. Looking at weekly unit sales figures, t…
- 14 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 12:47pm -

Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parkerby Stanley Crouch (New York: Harper, 2013), 365 pp.
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 10:49am -

On the mantel sat a stuffed Culo snake from Nuevo Laredo, with a red rubber tongue in freeze-frame flick. Above the bookcase hung the mounted head of a wild poi dog, killed in self-defense in Sri Lanka with only a Phillips-head screwdriver.
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 10:44am -

It's been getting closer and closer the past few days. But this morning, Stereophile's Facebook page got its 20,000th "Like."Woo hoo!!!!
- 2 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 4:47pm -

The May 2014 issue of Stereophile is now on newsstands. With High-Resolution Audio poised to go mainstream, the issue features Sony's $2000 HAP-Z1ES file player on its cover. Kalman Rubinson takes the Sony through its paces summing up that the "audio…
- 3 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 6:05am -

It's so....organic. So bossa nova. So sultry. Five female vocalists including LouLou Ghelichkhani, Elin Melgarejo, Karina Zeviani, Natalia Clavier, and Shana Halligan join Thievery Corporation's Eric Hilton and Rob Garza and more than a dozen guest m…
- 21 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 5:09am -

I have a love/hate relationship with streaming services. OK, to come clean I mostly don't enjoy them. I find streaming services restrictive and narrow in the music they present to me according to their notion of my taste. I grow impatient with the "l…
- 1 day ago, 17 Apr 14, 2:47pm -

Another Micro DACI don't know about you, but I think choice is good. The micro DAC market has seen a rabbit-like infestation of products including the AudioQuest Dragonfly, Meridian Explorer, HRT MicroStreamer, Audioengine D3, Arcam rPAC, LH Labs Ge…
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 5:03am -

Let's let Lefse Records explain:The audio tracks that form the raw material for Space Project were recorded by the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes that NASA launched in 1977 and still uses to study the outer solar system. The satellites carry…
- 3 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 5:19am -

How do we gauge success? The Kickstarter goal for the Pono campaign was set at $800,000 which was the minimum amount required for the project to get funded. Exceeding that goal by more then 7 times must qualify as an unqualified success. Perhaps the…
- 4 days ago, 15 Apr 14, 11:16am -

Good morning everyone, This is my 1st post after extensive reading of this amazing forum. A lot of valuable info! I am French living in Cambodia...
- 3 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:41pm -

I had the chance to sit down and listen today to the new Aerial Acoustics 6T speakers at Audio Advice in Raleigh, NC. What an amazing set of...
- 7 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 7:38pm -

For Sale, A DAC that needs no introduction on this forum: EMM Labs DAC2x in perfect condition. Owned a little over a year and has performed...
- 11 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 3:36pm -

Hi all, Brand new member here but I have been a "budget audiophile" for 20+ years. Starting in 2004 I began ripping my CD's to FLAC and since 2005...
- 12 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 2:34pm -

Hey all, Ok, I'm ready for an upgrade. My current system consists of Peachtree220/NovaPre, Oppo BDP103 and Salk SongTowers and a Rythmik F12. It...
- 13 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 1:19pm -

QuoteThe sound is extraordinary.... I mean really, really superb at this point! If Vinnie says this, it must be REALLY good.Ted-As you own several high end DACs and good servers, it will be really enlightening to hear how you think the Lev...
- 2 hours ago, 19 Apr 14, 12:22am -

This is great news...I enjoyed the first one, but also felt it was dragging a bit at times. Previews for this one look amazing, so glad to hear is worth the price of admission. Also glad to see that Wushuliu actually found a film he LIKED 
- 2 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:58pm -

Illinois Jacquet : God Bless My Solo
- 3 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:48pm -

Game of Thrones on HBO.
- 3 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:42pm -

Idrees Sulieman : Now Is The Time
- 3 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:35pm -

 "Fisrt sory for my bad english... Im commin from EU Slovenia   Im looking for a new..."
- 31 mins ago, 19 Apr 14, 1:53am -

 "G'day, gentlemen... been a little while since I've been on here. 2010, in fact, when I..."
- 1 hour ago, 19 Apr 14, 1:05am -

 "Not from a performance point of view, I mean from a purely..."
- 1 hour ago, 19 Apr 14, 1:03am -

 "An interesting article... http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/absolutephase.html"
- 1 hour ago, 19 Apr 14, 12:57am -

 "Hello   Selling a ALO International bought from a head-fier less than 1 month ago...."
- 1 hour ago, 19 Apr 14, 12:55am -

For a company to be a market leader or maintain its position as one, it has to be bold and willing to take some risks, challenge its R&D team to go beyond its comfort zone and build a product for a market that didn’t previously exist. That’s ex…
- 4 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 6:16pm -

Rogue Audio, out of Brodheadsville, Pa., has been building rugged tube components since the 1990s, and as a result, the company enjoys a fiercely loyal customer base. Under the direction of owner and lead designer Mark O’Brien, Rogue makes great-so…
- 4 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 5:47pm -

Mobile Fidelity continues their excellent job of remastering the Elvis Costello catalog with his tenth album.  Never charting higher than #39 in the US, this record received more than its share of critical acclaim. Though it was not terribly success…
- 12 days ago, 7 Apr 14, 11:18am -

Recorded at the Cellar Door in Washington DC over a three-day period from November 30 to December 2, 1970, the latest in Neil Young’s “archives” series hits the record store shelves in vinyl format, lagging the CD by a few weeks. If you were pa…
- 12 days ago, 7 Apr 14, 11:13am -

Seriously, the only thing I don’t like about PrimaLuna gear is lifting it. Recent hours at the gym notwithstanding, PrimaLuna amps keep getting heavier. Continuously improving the breed, the Dutch company keeps improving the quality of it parts, wh…
- 12 days ago, 7 Apr 14, 10:51am -

For Audio Research, this 75-watt stereo amplifier represents a return to sonic form and to the basic circuitry design pioneered by the late Wm. Z. Johnson, one of the true artists of the high end...
- 5 Dec 13, 5:29am -

When I listen to these speakers I hear the music, and only the music, and there is really nothing more to say than that.
- 2 Dec 13, 1:12am -

The Wyetech Ruby STD is a hidden treasure for the analog music lover. We say hidden because if people heard this preamp, it would be the talk of the town...
- 25 Nov 13, 5:23am -

These amplifiers could never be considered an ordinary, run-of-the-mill, fly-by-night product. This is no impulse purchase to be sold on AudiogoN months later. If you buy these amps, you will keep them because you will love them...
- 21 Nov 13, 5:12am -

  In the professional audio industry the name Nagra is synonymous with precision. For over 50 years, Nagra has been an industry leader in developing analogue and digital...
- 23 Oct 13, 7:10am -

It was my good fortune to accompany my wife to New Orleans, one of the most food crazy cities in the world, where she attended a three day business conference. This gave me some free time to explore the French Quarter, not only for food, but for reco…
- 5 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 6:35am -

For some time now I have not had a preamplifier for my audio system. I rid myself of it when I acquired a DAC that has a built-in digital volume control (within its DAC chip). At the time of that decision, it was a no-brainer: I only had my DAC as a…
- 11 days ago, 8 Apr 14, 7:29am -

Vivaldi – Concertos for Two Violins [53:41]D Sinkovsky & R Minasi - Violin / Il Pomo D’OroNaive OP30550 (2013)Concertos for Orchestra [51:14]Concerto Italiano / AlessandriniNaive OP30554 (2013)It has been my great pleasure to sample frequen…
- 15 days ago, 4 Apr 14, 6:00am -

In my recent review of the DEQX HDP-4, I mentioned that a USB card was going to be made available for connection directly from a computer to the DEQX unit. Audiophilia colleague, Karl Sigman, suggested the time had arrived to get into computer based…
- 31 days ago, 19 Mar 14, 10:20am -

Winterreise (Winter Journey) is a song cycle for voice and piano by Franz Schubert published in 1828. Along with his earlier Die Schöne Müllerin, the two song cycles are the benchmarks for the genre. In Winterreise, Schubert uses the poems of Wilh…
- 40 days ago, 10 Mar 14, 9:47am -

Enjoy the Music.com is pleased to announce sister site Enjoy the Music.TV will be streaming live at AXPONA 2014 from April 24th through 27th!
- 21 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 5:25am -

Enjoy the Music.com just posted part 2 of Rick Becker's extensive Salon Son and Image 2014 show report.
- 21 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 5:20am -

While everyday should be music day no matter what format you so choose, tomorrow is officially Record Store Day.
- 22 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 4:20am -

Enjoy the Music.com can save you 15% off AXPONA tickets!
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 4:20am -

Channel D has released a major update to its Pure Vinyl software.
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 4:20am -

This website and domain are for sale. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to maintain the site with new content as family priorities require that I devote my time elsewhere. 30-Day Google Analytics: Visits – 3,631 Unique Visitors – 3,228 Pageviews…
- 44 days ago, 6 Mar 14, 8:21am -

The AudioQuest DragonFly and the CEntrance DACPort have gained some rave reviews due to their portability and sound quality.  But if you’re like me and been holding off on one of those little USB DAC “dongles” because of their 96kHz sample…
- 11 Feb 13, 2:34pm -

I try to focus our reviews and articles on more affordable high quality audio – and for that reason don’t often get to talk about McIntosh Labs.  They make some amazing equipment that sounds great and lasts for decades and makes for a strong sec…
- 20 Jan 13, 4:10pm -

If you’ve ever purchased high-resolution albums from David and Normal Chesky’s ever expanding HDtracks, but were put off by their strange and quirky Java download manager, rejoice!  Released today, their new download manager is an installed app…
- 2 Jan 13, 5:08pm -

Some of you may be aware of the Sicphones project on Kickstarter that ran successfully this fall.  It was able to gain enough funding to produce somewhere around 100 headphone amplifier kits.  My box of parts arrived last week and I was finally abl…
- 31 Dec 12, 10:31am -

Hi All I have a Grace G840F mounted on my Kenwood KD-500.  The way it has been mounted, the arm does not sit horizontal on the vinyl.  It actually has a slightly upward projection.  I suspect this is because the KD-500 has a very deep recess wh…
- 2 hours ago, 19 Apr 14, 12:33am -

Purchased this from pop market recently and only just got around to giving it a spin.Four concerts in London, four nights in a row at four different venues on four disks.Absolutely sensational! The shows, the picture quality and the sound is to di…
- 2 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 11:55pm -

- 4 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 10:05pm -

I have been playing with 'The Mad Scientist Audio' line filters and the other devices called "Black Discus" units and quite surprised at how effective they are in improving the sound of both the signal lines but to a greater extent, the addition of…
- 5 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 9:45pm -

Item: Rega RP6/Golden Age Audio Delrin platterLocation: Frankston (Melbourne)Price: $1400Item Condition: excellentReason for selling: no longer requiredPayment Method: Pickup - Cash/transferExtra Info:About a year old, comes with original glas…
- 6 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 8:49pm -

LG has announced the release of its Connect SDK (software development kit). The open source software is designed for Google Android and iOS developers, giving them more options to connect mobile devices and apps to large screen TVs.
- 18 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 8:40am -

After making their debut at CES back in January (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Streaming/Ultra_HD/4K/Sony/Sony_Spotlights_2014_4K_Displays_and_Content/13525), Sony's new collection of Ultra HD TVs are now available for pre-sale. The lineup i…
- 2 days ago, 17 Apr 14, 7:23am -

Hulu and Criterion have announced the extension of their 2011 streaming deal. As part of the renewed agreement, Criterion will continue to offer a growing library of exclusive titles on Hulu Plus.
- 3 days ago, 16 Apr 14, 9:27am -

Rumors about the LG G3 (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Quad_HD/Galaxy/Smartphones/LG/Samsung/_Samsung_and_LG_Smartphone_Rumors_Heat_Up_/13637) have been swirling for several months, and now it looks like the company has finally confirmed one…
- 4 days ago, 15 Apr 14, 9:52am -

Taiwanese display manufacturer AUO has unveiled a new 5.7-inch AMOLED panel. With a 1440p screen and 513ppi, the screen is now the world's highest resolution panel of its type.Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/industry-trade-news/…
- 5 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 9:54am -

It is fair to say that reviews of the HAP-Z1ES have been very positive and sales have been strong. Not surprisingly, this has led to requests for sonic upgrades for the unit from audiophiles and music fans alike. Responding to this interest, two comp…
- 20 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 6:21am -

The HB Cable Design PowerSlave Marble Power Distributor affects an immediate Rx by putting in place the most solid foundation I've encountered. It begins by firming up the loose bass—actually, everything from 20–20kHz benefits from firming.
- 20 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 6:21am -

For years, I've ripped CD's, or downloaded music from the Internet (legally, of course) and have always found it difficult that most people simply don't understand how to properly tag the metadata!
- 20 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 6:21am -

Any concerns we might have about the Air Force One, or AFO for short, are dispelled as soon as we look behind the curtain to see who is behind all this, tinkering, soldering and putting it together. The man perched over the table is Mr. Hideaki Nishi…
- 20 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 6:21am -

Hendri’s company, Vermöuth Audio, was founded quite recently, in 2010, and is headquartered in Bali, Indonesia. As we read in the company literature, it started as a small audio store selling high-end loudspeakers, cables and acoustic panels.
- 20 hours ago, 18 Apr 14, 6:21am -

It’s no secret that the sound quality of Apple’s white-wired earbuds leaves a whole lot to be desired but if not those, then what? Think different. Pay a casual visit to your local store and you’ll likely see earbuds outnumbered and outgunned…
- 1 day ago, 17 Apr 14, 8:58pm -

I’ve been sounding the ‘different music’ horn for a while now: audiophile societies and store demonstrators need to move with musical times if they are to swell their numbers and attract younger listeners. Playing music with which newcomers ar…
- 5 days ago, 14 Apr 14, 1:40am -

(That headline sounds kinda sci-fi-regal doesn’t it?). IKEA caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth among the audiophile community earlier this year when it announced plans to discontinue its EXPEDIT range. In various configurations, EXPEDIT shel…
- 5 days ago, 13 Apr 14, 5:57pm -

I wouldn’t normally report on rumours because rumours aren’t news…but this one’s a biggie: MacRumors has today reported that 24bit downloads might be just round the corner for the Apple iTunes store. Never mind a simple jump to plain old loss…
- 8 days ago, 10 Apr 14, 11:02pm -

CIA. Call it active. One of the more obvious subjects in need of a shake down to keep it honest is the active speaker. It’s terribly unpopular but most unfairly so. Shy of cheap units meant as convenient computer speakers with USB inputs and on-chi…
- 9 days ago, 9 Apr 14, 11:13pm -