Today's Home Audio Headlines

“Name some of the iconic, landmark albums in jazz history,” said my friend, an acclaimed improvising musician. We ran through John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, Charles Mingus’ Mingus Ah Um, Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue and Bitches Brew, and othe…
- 8 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 8:22am -

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you acquire a component or accessory that is so good the thought of replacing it never comes to mind. You install it, have a listen, and say to yourself: “Well, that’s that.” For me, this happened when I replaced w…
- 1 day ago, 29 Jan 15, 10:17am -

I get more reader letters complaining about the prices of some of the products we review than on any other topic. Six-figure amplifiers are bound to offend many sensibilities. But I’m about to demonstrate how the development of those cost-no-object…
- 2 days ago, 28 Jan 15, 10:35am -

John McDonald, the president of Audience cables, has been in business for several decades, but he isn’t someone who makes a big fuss about the properties of his cables. They’re slim and unpretentious, even—dare I say it?— unprepossessing, at…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 7:48am -

In Issue 219 I wrote an overview of contemporary female jazz singers that bypassed the most well-known vocalists. Since that issue I’ve kept listening, and gradually a new list was created. Like last time, I searched for jazz singers whose work imp…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 8:06am -

Readers of Stereophile need no introduction to Bryston, a venerable Canadian electronics manufacturer known for the quality and reliability of its amplifiers and preamplifiers, and for its unique 20-year warranty. In the past few years, Bryston has v…
- 2 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 2:22pm -

There’s a recent recording project that I have to say exemplifies that hard as it is to believe, there are still human hearts beating in the biz.Fri, 01/30/2015
- 4 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 1:02pm -

If you want to complain that young rock bands have no sense of the past; no melodies; no hooks; no hope then what do you call a young band with the sense and taste to take a freaky masterpiece like Zep III as a model for their debut? Weak? Lazy? Unwo…
- 4 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 12:52pm -

For famously civilized and jaded New York City, the crowd at the resplendent Beacon Theatre is uncommonly involved. Loud requests, many in tangled liquor dialects, boom from the balcony:"'REDNECK FRIEND'!"Onstage, Jackson Browne smiles and shakes…
- 1 day ago, 29 Jan 15, 10:03am -

Do you travel? Commute, perhaps? Just like to listen to music privately around the house? No matter—the Astell&Kern AK240 is the luxury choice in high-resolution portable music players (footnote 1). It even comes with a lovely leather case that…
- 1 day ago, 29 Jan 15, 9:59am -

According to Endgaget, "'Project Panther,' a company indirectly owned by Jay Z's S. Carter Enterprises, has made a bid for Aspiro, a company that runs Tidal" for 464 million Swedish crowns ($56 million) in cash. From The Verge, "Norwegian media compa…
- 9 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 8:03am -

With Bjork, it's never a matter of not liking, it's a matter of liking more or less. The more the focus remains firmly on Bjork's voice, the happier I am. I don't know about you, but I get the distinct impression that she loves to wrap herself around…
- 10 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 6:16am -

French download site and lossless streaming service Qobuz recently published "A letter from the Qobuz team to its subscribers and users". Fist off, I am very happy to see Qobuz working their way through some difficult financial times (see report) as…
- 2 days ago, 28 Jan 15, 7:52am -

Reading some of the responses to Pono, and to Neil Young, you have to wonder if some of the stronger negative takes on what is a plea for better sound quality are rooted in an emotional response as opposed to a technical one. I had a conversation wit…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 11:19am -

Here's the gist of James Covert's "report" for the NY Post:Product engineers for the shaggy rock icon’s newly released Pono digital music player have privately admitted they aren’t convinced that the high-resolution audio files it plays have an…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 7:34am -

What's the opinion on these type of disc? They claim to be able to demagnetize the speakers/headphones through audio playback. Do they really...
- 2 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 2:48pm -

Hi, I use my laptop as a 2nd source for multipurpose (web, work, video etc...). PC with i7, SSD, Win 8.1. I use the USB output to send PC sound to...
- 2 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 2:39pm -

Hopefully Chris and/or Ted can help get this feature through to Synology. The lack of exFAT drive format really sucks. The only choices do not...
- 2 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 2:28pm -

or is this truly audiophile verboten? Just wondering. In some sense it degrades source's "truth", but in another sense it could be a conceivably down...
- 4 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 12:49pm -

I have been using an Octave II for some time and find it a superbly natural DAC, especially when fed upsampled PCM. I currently use Audirvana+ to do...
- 6 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 10:35am -

Within a day or two, prototype boards for demo are in. They don't have gold immersion but the kits and PCB will.
- 10 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:31pm -

Bump, still for sale.
- 12 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:29pm -

I have an Akers 15,000 mAh external battery with 1 and 2 amp outlets. 2 amp is for tablets, 1 amp for phones.When I use the 1 amp outlet to charge my phone it is an order of magnitude faster than any wall socket charger I own. I can go from deeply em…
- 14 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:27pm -

Miles Davis ‎– Big FunColumbia
- 19 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:22pm -

It is interesting to note that your setup did not need the negative leg.  Gives me something to try.I am glad all versions are working out.
- 23 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:18pm -

 "Howdy,   Some stuff up for grabs. Pictures upon request. CONUS preferred, 4% Paypal..."
- 25 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:16pm -

 "Hey fellas,   I have been looking to buy a premium sounding bluetooth speaker.  The..."
- 43 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:58pm -

 "I currently own a pair of Monster DNA 2.0 Over-Ear Headphones & Monster DNA In-Ear..."
- 59 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:42pm -

 "Looking for a Icon Audio HP-8 MKII Headphone Amp, in good shape, with at least the..."
- 1 hour ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:23pm -

 "I'm looking for a set of Ultimate Ears UE900s kept in good condition with all or at..."
- 1 hour ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:23pm -

New Zealand’s Plinius Audio has a track record of delivering products that offer great sound for the dollar—and its Inspire 980 certainly offers a lot, especially for $4,450. In addition the power and preamp capabilities of a standard integrated,…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 9:31pm -

The first thing you notice about the new Benchmark AHB2 is its diminutive size. Even with feet and binding posts, it’s only about 11 inches wide, 4 inches tall and 9 inches deep. And the heat-sink fins account for about a third of that width, makin…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 9:20pm -

Loneliness—and the fears that accompany the threadbare emotion—has long served as the inspiration for innumerable pop songs. The subject also provided the jumping-off point for many classics in the traditional country canon, with singers such as…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 6:11pm -

The OPPO amp and phones get our overall award this year because they offer unbeatable performance for the dollar, but the Woo Audio headphone amplifier gets the nod because it’s so over the top.  It’s the most amazing headphone amplifier period,…
- 11 days ago, 19 Jan 15, 12:37pm -

Steve Deckert has been building some of the world’s finest tube amplifiers forever, and he’s still one of the best-kept secrets in high end audio.  Until you talk to someone who owns one of his amplifiers, that is.  Just try and pry it from the…
- 11 days ago, 19 Jan 15, 12:34pm -

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 -

Recently, my friend and Audiophilia colleague, Karl Sigman reviewed the Mojo Audio Mac Mini server as well as the Joule V power supply. I joined him in the Mojo Audio room during our trip to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. It was my first meeting with…
- 2 days ago, 29 Jan 15, 3:00am -

The American guitarist Bill Frisell has been a favorite guitarist (and musician and composer) of mine for many years, but something very recent in his repertoire from his newest album ‘Guitar in the Space Age’ (2014) tweaked my imagination and le…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 6:57am -

We received a SONOS system for review just before Christmas. The review of the three-piece set (Playbar, Sub, and Play 5) continues. Happily, there is a lot of free repertoire and my own library that is helping to evaluate the system, but I’ve been…
- 11 days ago, 19 Jan 15, 10:20am -

I felt compelled to write a brief addition to this mini review that we posted in 2013. My 23 year old nephew has been bitten hard by the audiophile bug. His budget was set and Christmas money was saved, and he asked for a suggestion to jump into the…
- 17 days ago, 13 Jan 15, 5:00am -

Schumann – The Symphonies [2 SACDs – 133 mins]Scottish Chamber Orchestra / TicciatiLinn CKD450 (2014)As previewed in this column last month, Linn’s recording of the four Schumann symphonies by wunderkind British conductor Robin Ticciati has…
- 22 days ago, 8 Jan 15, 2:17pm -

I was going to CES for the first time since 1996 with a camping backpack (high school graduation gift from my mother – a Vaude pack that got me cross-country back then), and a second smaller backpack full of my headphone gear. It was, truly road-tr…
- 8 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 8:14am -

Does a workaholic audiophile ever truly go on vacation? Ok, that's obviously a rhetorical question. Admit it, you've been on holiday and went to visit a few high-end stores or the odd record shop (or two, or three). So would one expect any less from…
- 1 day ago, 29 Jan 15, 12:54pm -

With all due apologies if this sounds like bragging, yet there is no doubt Enjoy the Music.com is the industry's leading tech-savvy high-end audio online magazine. We are always pushing the technological limits to deliver to you, our loyal readers, t…
- 2 days ago, 28 Jan 15, 5:43pm -

Astell&Kern will soon be offering a stainless steel version, of their critically acclaimed AK240. Called the AK240SS ($2999), this new stainless steel version employs a completely new stainless steel body that has the hardness and tensile strength gr…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 2:41pm -

Sonos software update 5.3 for Apple iOS brings simpler room control and faster access to all your music in the Sonos app for smartphones and tablets, with Android users having the ability to try it in beta. As Sonos has updated their software, improv…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 2:40pm -

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…
- 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 -

  This is where I listen to Thelonious Sphere Monk (and occasionally to some other tunes). The room is about 4x8m. The equal-sided stereo triangle has a side length of about 3.4m. I am happy with the sound of the system in my room.  So, what…
- 4 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:37pm -

Item: Otari MX-55 deck, Custom stand/trolley, 2 x metal 10.5" spools branded Scotch, about a dozen pre recorded reel tapes at 15 IPS and 7.5 IPS, Splicing Kit and accessories, downloaded manual.Location: Brisbane Price: EOI at this stage, if int…
- 19 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 4:22pm -

If you have any of these product and are willing to let go, please PM me!
- 57 mins ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:44pm -

Item: PS Audio UPC-200HB Power ConditionerLocation: Melbourne CBD or Endeavour HillsPrice : $275 + shippingItem condition: Used item in Good condition (some light marks, please see picture attached)Reason for selling: SidegradePayment Method: P…
- 1 hour ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:38pm -

Item: Mission 770 SpeakersLocation: Geelong, VicPrice: $495 firmItem Condition: Very goodReason for selling: Drastically downsizing Payment Method: Cash on pick-upExtra Info: Now, these are extremely uncommon and incredibly good performers for the…
- 2 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 3:09pm -

Sony is now accepting pre-orders for its upcoming Walkman NW-ZX2 (http://store.sony.com/128-gb-walkman-hi-res-digital-music-player-zid27-NWZX2BLK/cat-27-catid-All-MP3-Players;pgid=Xbta.f_FDFhSRqxfoMuM4r6B0000bdqtwNVp?_t=pfm%3Dsearch%26SearchTerm%3DNW…
- 8 hours ago, 30 Jan 15, 8:37am -

As part of the online retailer's ongoing electronics sales and promotions, Amazon is offering a limited time discount on its Fire TV (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B00CX5P8FC/panandscathed-20).
- 1 day ago, 29 Jan 15, 9:36am -

Marantz (http://us.marantz.com/us/Pages/Home.aspx) is on one heck of a roll. Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to evaluate a slew of their products, from reference-level hifi to entry-level home theater. Some products I liked more t…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:18pm -

Joining Google (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B00DR0PDNE/panandscathed-20), Roku (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B00INNP5VU/panandscathed-20), and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B00GDQ0RMG/panandscathed-20), Walmart i…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 9:34am -

Microsoft has revealed the latest device in its Surface family of products. The Surface Hub is a large-screen touch panel powered by Windows 10.Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/lcd-hdtv-news/microsoft-announces-surface-hub-84-i…
- 8 days ago, 22 Jan 15, 9:42am -

I've really had a lot of fun listening to vintage McIntosh vacuum tube audio electronics in my hi-fi system over the last year. The McIntosh MX110Z tuner/preamplifier, the MC30 monaural amplifiers, and the MC225 and MC240 stereo amplifiers were avail…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:02pm -

I've only tried two DSD-compatible DACs, the Mytek and the Ayre, and in both cases found the DSD files to sound a little "glossy" or too smoothed-over in comparison to the high-resolution PCM files that I have. I wondered if what I was hearing was ac…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:02pm -

What, if any, are the downsides to the Silencer? First, the unit now has a much larger footprint and takes up more acreage than the stock unit. Second, sometimes there's slightly more "buffeting" of the LP during the drying process but certainly noth…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:02pm -

I stopped writing about equipment quite some time ago. I blamed it on a number of things that were absolutely true … old man, heavy boxes; crazy distributors, the clamor of other things in my life. While this was the truth, it wasn't the whole trut…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:02pm -

The No32 was an exceptional piece of audio equipment (machine). A two-chassis preamplifier, it literally changed the rules of the game. Previous Levinson preamplifier, the No28, followed the division that had been commonly known and widely used in th…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 12:02pm -

Intro. Chasing rumours of fresh Baby Bird material, I stopped by Stephen Jones’ Bandcamp page and snagged a 1996 live album. A ‘thank u’ email from the man himself arrived the following morning to which my reply – a mixture of journalistic…
- 19 hours ago, 29 Jan 15, 9:52pm -

Fake it till you make it. And I’m not talking about success, I’m talking about arrival, turning up, being there. The Internet makes it easy to obfuscate the methodology behind a story. With the help of Google images, it must be a cinch to fake a…
- 3 days ago, 28 Jan 15, 1:10am -

I thought I was done writing about Pono (for the time being) but no, now that the post-CES haze has cleared, a few mainstream publications have begun to take potshots at Neil Young’s dreams of a better audio world. James Covert of The NY Post claim…
- 3 days ago, 27 Jan 15, 5:56pm -

Contradictions. It’s funny how I’m totally fine with the heat that emanates from Class A stereo amplifier sitting on the floor or in a hifi rack but I’m less than down with a similarly hot-running Class A portable headphone amplifier – in thi…
- 4 days ago, 26 Jan 15, 8:11pm -

Getting a great sound between your ears is as much about dialling down external noise disturbances as it is to the type of transducer chosen or the way those drivers are implemented. Active noise cancelling headphones deploy a microphone and a feedba…
- 6 days ago, 24 Jan 15, 10:19pm -