Today's Home Audio Headlines

The Capital Audio Fest seems to progressing nicely. This year there were crowded rooms, palpable excitement, and, not least, good sound. Several demos caught my eye. As always United Home Audio featured excellent sound via its UHA-HQ tape deck. Reel-…
- 4 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 11:11am -

Thursday, July 31st, 1-9pm: Stereo Exchange (627 Broadway, Manhattan, NY) will host a headphone-listening party, featuring outstanding products from many of the most respected names in portable audio, including Aedle, Astell&Kern, Audeze, AudioQuest,…
- 8 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 7:20am -

Brentwood, TN – July 24, 2014 – THIEL Audio (www.thielaudio.com) has announced today that as part of a complete brand revitalization plan, the company’s headquarters has been relocated to the Nashville, TN area and new ownership has appointed J…
- 4 days ago, 24 Jul 14, 9:41am -

For some audio hobbyists, there’s only one true path to audio nirvana. That path is often exceedingly narrow—loudspeakers with first-order crossovers, or single-ended triode amplifiers, or DACs without an oversampling filter, for examples. These…
- 4 days ago, 24 Jul 14, 8:28am -

Though other folks (including some on this very magazine) seem to think that we’ve just been marking time in high-end audio lately, building and rebuilding the same old things only with better parts and calling them “breakthroughs,” color me an…
- 5 days ago, 23 Jul 14, 1:17pm -

Room 708–710: Most of the exhibitors at CAF are not big brandnames with factories employing more than 100 persons. Most are highly inspired and maximally driven "ma & pa" operations like Klaus Bunge's Odyssey Audio. What is unique about Klaus is…
- 1 day ago, 27 Jul 14, 2:51pm -

Hold an audio show in a hotel? VPI's Mat Weisfeld was snapped taking full advantage of the amenities and listening to music courtesy of VPI's new Nomad record player!At the end of a long day of standing in halls and sneaking into converted bedrooms…
- 1 day ago, 27 Jul 14, 8:43am -

Stalking the halls to experience 38 rooms at Capital AudioFest in three days feels like trying to see the whole Smithsonian in one day. When I got back to my room tonight my ears were ringing from the rock-concert volume levels played in most rooms.…
- 2 days ago, 26 Jul 14, 11:19am -

A preamplifier is the port of entry through which you gain access to the sources you've so carefully assembled. It's also the gate through which all of your music passes. So while its sonic performance is obviously critical, you'd also better assess…
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 3:23pm -

They spoiled all my fun.When I receive a product sample for review, I look forward to taking photos while I unpack the thing, as a guide to repacking for later on. This company provided an illustrated packing list—it was the first thing I sa…
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 3:06pm -

- 8 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 7:09am -

The allstars in the band's name refers to the fact that the Kasia Allstars are comprised of players from 5 different bands. They also happen to be from different ethnic groups with different musical traditions all from within the Democratic Republic…
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 5:10am -

Alpha DogThe new entry level Alpha line from Focal is meant to bring Focal quality to the discerning listener on a budget. I very favorably reviewed the more upscale Focal CMS 40 (see review) and the top of the line Solo6 Be (see review) so I was m…
- 4 days ago, 24 Jul 14, 4:24am -

IntroductionThe 3 products under review all deal with common issues encountered in USB computer audio. Most USB DACs require a 5 volt line (VBUS) in the USB cable to supply power to the USB controller in one’s DAC. Unfortunately, this power line f…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 6:35am -

Photo Credit: OmniphoneFrom the Pono Kickstarter page:Omnifone was selected to power the PonoMusic store because of its award-winning cloud music platform and its industry-leading audio expertise and commitment to audio quality. Standing at 35 mi…
- 7 days ago, 21 Jul 14, 6:50am -

I am new to computer music and would like to set up a Mac Mini as a music server. I tried to search this site for the info and I couldn't find an...
- 2 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 1:09pm -

I have an Auraliti PK90 USB that I am selling. It has been sitting a box for some time in case I decided to use it again. Since we are moving, and...
- 3 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 12:14pm -

I have just started trialing this and like the sound very much. However, I am having a problem with the sequence of tracks in an album. They appear...
- 6 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 9:48am -

Hi, Boring history starts here. Skip down to *** for the real question! For over a year now I have been enjoying great audio at home. I bought...
- 14 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 1:12am -

I run my main system as fully-balanced using the Lexicon as pre-amp (see signature). I have been thinking of adding a separate stereo front end...
- 17 hours ago, 27 Jul 14, 10:16pm -

We have a winner! Answering your PM in a few minutes.
- 26 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 3:02pm -

Me! Me!   You have a PM on the way
- 31 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:57pm -

Willie, always the mad scientist 
- 32 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:56pm -

I recently inherited a large record collection and have found (so far) eleven dbx encoded LPs. I have no dbx decoder and no plans to get one. These records have dead quiet surfaces thanks to the encoding and a huge dynamic range. They are virtually u…
- 37 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:51pm -

Are you comparing apples to apples, i.e. a paid Spotify subscription streaming at highest qualify vs. a 320 MP3 of the same song using iTunes (or whatever software you use), both from your new PC from the same connections?Assuming you are, the differ…
- 37 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:51pm -

 "For sale like brand new set of Audeze LCD 3 fazor edition in leather.  Received..."
- 26 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 3:02pm -

 "Geek Out 1000 in as new condition. The price includes paypal fees and shipping in CONUS..."
- 27 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 3:01pm -

 "He guys n girls. My name is kev. Im from Australia.. I am 31 years old, an eccentric..."
- 32 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:56pm -

 "I just received a Sennheiser HDVD 800 DAC/amp, and I am trying to make my Windows Media..."
- 38 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:50pm -

 "Purchases these two headphones from an authorized dealer while traveling in Taiwan. No..."
- 47 mins ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:41pm -

Many associate the Ortofon name with its legacy of phono cartridges, but the company’s product line includes a multiple of analog accessories, including headshells, tonearms, and high-end cables. The 6NX-TSW1010 tonearm cable, like Ortofon’s car…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 3:22pm -

What started as a one-off unit intended as a family birthday gift has blossomed into a full-fledged audio equipment manufacturer. Hong Kong’s Clones Audio now counts monoblocks and a DAC among its product roster, but its 25i amplifier ($865/€629)…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 2:58pm -

As the starship Enterprise explodes while I’m watching Star Trek: Inception, it’s clear that these miniscule satellite speakers from Dali deliver big sound. Working in concert with the tiny Fazon Sub 1, which utilizes a 6.5-inch long-throw driver…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 2:54pm -

Since I’m not much of a headphone guy, it takes something special for me to leave the comfort of my listening room and put a pair of cans on my head. Few ‘phones have ever given me big enough goosebumps to do so, and those that did have all been…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 2:41pm -

During my recent trip to the Sterling Sound mastering studio in New York City, where I visited with senior mastering engineer Greg Calbi, I had the rare privileged of listening to the new Beatles’ Yesterday and Today from Calbi’s chair. An unco…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 2:30pm -

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 -

Because of surgery, I was laid up in the house for five months. As time ticked by and I got better, I kept reading about audio shows and having real withdrawal. I’d already had a night of shakes getting off the pain killers, but this was worse. Aud…
- 11 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 4:07am -

I was visiting a friend who subscribes to several streaming services, including, Beats, Googleplay, Gruvshark, and Rdio, all of which have bit rates of 320. He played a CD he recently downloaded, titled ‘Sounds’, featuring Shelly Manne on percuss…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 5:31am -

Much like our Audiophilia Star Components, we are instituting an Audiophilia Star for recordings. Once again, no hard and fast rules, just an love affair between music, recording and reviewer. The list will grow over the years and our readers will b…
- 7 days ago, 21 Jul 14, 6:14am -

Creating a one off, great speaker is difficult. Creating a range, a family of great speakers is harder still. The basics of fine speaker design has to be there, of course, but an eye and especially an ear to tune a ‘house’ sound within boxes vari…
- 12 days ago, 16 Jul 14, 4:00am -

In recent months I’ve had the pleasure of listening to several excellent pairs of speaker jumper cables and have concluded they can significantly affect the sonic presentation. Not exactly a glamorous product that every reviewer wants to address, b…
- 14 days ago, 14 Jul 14, 5:00am -

AudioValve's new Verto serves as a specially desinged amplifier for dynamic and electrostatic headphones.
- 11 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 4:55am -

Demand Better Audio, led by 25 year audio veteran and chief Acoustician Daniel A. Burns, offers their Envy 1, 2, and 3 carbon fiber speakers.
- 11 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 4:55am -

McIntosh's MHA100 delivers immense speed and precision to enjoy music through headphones or speakers.
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 4:45am -

Enjoy the Music.com and Kimber Kable have teamed up to give away their special Select Series KS2416 USB cable!
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 4:45am -

Legacy Audio handcrafts their new Silhouette 4.5" deep on-wall and in-wall loudspeaker design.
- 4 days ago, 24 Jul 14, 4:45am -

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 -

Hey guys looking for a set in melbourne preferably.. Can be sig or standard I don't mind, if you have any that you are looking at off loading please pm me Cheers!
- 1 hour ago, 28 Jul 14, 2:24pm -

Item: PS Audio PCGH Phono stageLocation:Sydney NSWPrice:$780 ONOItem Condition: excellent 9/10 very lightly usedReason for selling: upgraded phono stagePayment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD OnlyExtra Info:comes with remote box instructions…
- 9 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 6:48am -

Just bought a new IMAC and I'm looking to re rip my cd collection for my SBT. I have a 1TB external hard drive to put all them on. When i load a disc i right click and it gives me an option "Duplicate". Can anyone tell me what format and quality t…
- 9 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 6:46am -

http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0015-2141915/audio-tv-and-home-theatre/pure-acoustics-proxima-60-floorstanding-speakers-pair-black?spr=trueits a bargain at this price. thought its worth sharing for someone interested goodluck.
- 9 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 6:22am -

Item: Transparent Audio MusicWave Plus speaker cables (w spade connectors)Location: Fitzroy North or Melbourne CBDPrice: $400 ONO + postage (these are big and heavy, so postage is likely to be expensive!)Item Condition: Very good but some wear on…
- 9 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 6:09am -

After revealing its first Reference Series soundbar earlier this week (http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Klipsch/Soundbars/Home_Audio/Speakers/klipsch-releases-reference-branded-soundbar/16673), Klipsch has now detailed several more audio produc…
- 7 hours ago, 28 Jul 14, 8:35am -

DTS has announced a new partnership between Fine Sounds Group that will allow McIntosh, Sonus Faber, and Wadia audio brands to integrate DTS Play-Fi technology into their consumer electronics products. Play-Fi is an advanced cross-platform wireless a…
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 9:45am -

Denon has now provided further details on their new X4100W and X5200W A/V receivers. Both models will offer support for Dolby's new Atmos technology.Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/av-receiver-news/denon-announces-pricing-availa…
- 4 days ago, 24 Jul 14, 8:04am -

Klipsch has detailed its latest audio device, the R-10B soundbar (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B00M0SQM2U/panandscathed-20). The speaker system is part of the company's Reference unit strategy, which aims to deliver superior audio quality t…
- 5 days ago, 23 Jul 14, 10:14am -

FX has announced plans to bring 'The Simpsons' online by launching "Simpsons World." The upcoming digital experience will offer streaming options for all 25 seasons and 552 episodes of the beloved show.Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 6:28am -

So which record cleaning machine should you buy? That's not so easy to answer. I've been loyal to one particular brand for more than 30 years, but that's not necessarily because I think they're the finest RCMs on the market…or even the finest machi…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 6:21am -

Long ago I spent considerable time with the Audience design team listening, on multiple occasions; to the development of a multi-driver speaker creation intended to take-no-prisoners and drops a proverbial wake-up bomb on the audiophile world. Those…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 6:21am -

Over many years I've endured hope and disappointment in the service of auditioning and evaluating loud speakers of virtually every sort. At a certain point one becomes braced for the worst or, at least, for the next version of "no cigar" in the proce…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 6:21am -

This is a ground breaking review in more ways than one. To start with, this is the first Magico S5 speaker review using only analog recorded material. More to the point, it's my first review using the extraordinary VPI Classic Direct turntable and 12…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 6:21am -

The Duelund Coherent Audio/Tannoy Westminster Royal Special Edition Project article I wrote for Issue 70 of Positive Feedback Online was the most fun I've had writing about audio ever!In that amazing project we took a 'no holds barred' approach to…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 6:21am -

When comparing DSD and PCM versions of Steely Dan’s Gaucho some months ago it was the Resonessence Labs Herus DAC that made it happen. Back then, the Herus fronted a two-channel loudspeaker system and it sounded great. Its sonic personality co…
- 16 hours ago, 27 Jul 14, 11:52pm -

‘Under promise, over deliver’. That’s always been REDGUM Audio’s primary motto – at least that’s the way I see it. On the wooden face of it, their key-locking entry-level RGi35 (AU$1100) is a no frills integrated amplifier, proudly made i…
- 3 days ago, 25 Jul 14, 11:00pm -

High, in your face. When Qobuz Hi-Fi streaming is handled by a smartphone with in-app offline listening cache the need to own lossless content is eroded. Money previously spent on download purchases can be re-directed into the subscription service it…
- 6 days ago, 22 Jul 14, 2:37pm -

“Hi John, Guess who is jumping into the crowd-funding pool? Giving you and a few others a little extra heads up on this. I know, I usually suck at sending out press releases. Here’s a sneak peek. Campaign goes live noon EDT Monday. ATB, Jon” Th…
- 9 days ago, 19 Jul 14, 8:30pm -

Do it yerself. For my interview, let’s. Q: How did you become a reviewer? A: I’m home-made. Having lived in the US when I started out, I had read all the usual suspects in the American hifi press. Reading a lot, one naturally gets influenced or p…
- 11 days ago, 17 Jul 14, 10:59pm -