High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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05 / 01 / 25

May's Incredible High-End Audio Review Magazine
Plus SWAF, Montreal, AXPONA, HIGH END, And More!
This month we feature industry news, gear reviews, plus think pieces, though it is our extensive show coverage that shines brightly. May marks Enjoy the Music.com's fifth show coverage during 2025 (five separate shows). During 2025, we have posted extensive show coverage of the Florida International Audio Expo, Southwest Audio Fest, Montreal Audiofest, AXPONA, and soon HIGH END and a special surprise along the way. Reporting on high-end audio shows offers a range of benefits, whether you're a journalist, industry professional, or passionate audiophile. Enjoy the Music.com gives you access to information on cutting-edge audio technology. We feature the latest advancements in sound reproduction, providing you the benefits of our firsthand expert experience with groundbreaking reference loudspeakers, both vacuum tube and solid-state amplifiers, Hi-Res Audio DACs, turntables, cables, tweaks, and other equipment before they reach your local high-end audio store.

As a longtime trusted voice in the audio community, Enjoy the Music.com is honored to not only sponsor many shows, we also gladly share with the world our extensive and detailed reporting on audio events. Having our expert staff providing dedicated reviews allows for in-depth assessments that go beyond press releases, promotional materials, or brief show encounters. When you attend one of the many luxury home audio events, you can experience sound quality in controlled environments and try to compare products. Rest assured Enjoy the Music.com is here to let you know of upcoming audio trends, whether it's new materials, innovative designs, or shifts in listening preferences. Our staff is at your service, and we invite you to read our extensive May 2025 high-end audio Review Magazine.
---> May's Incredible High-End Audio Review Magazine Plus SWAF, Montreal, AXPONA, HIGH END, And More!

Doing What's Best For The Luxury Audio Community
A heart-to-heartfelt wish as there's much work to do!
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
Since it has been quite some time since writing an article, I'd like to first thank all our readers for your patience in product delivery over the past year. Supply constraints combined with various factory closings globally over the past year have been a challenge for many of us. While many of us stayed home, we took much joy, and a careful listen, to our luxury audio systems. With many of your wanting to upgrade your gear, there were many companies I spoke with who were simply inundated with orders. As someone who gives close attention to the luxury goods market for decades, the health of the industry also rests on the used marketplace. Am sure many of you have seen the rise in asking prices for pre-loved gear. This, imho, reinforces the value of high-end audio products.
---> Doing What's Best For The Luxury Audio Community.

The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby Part 4
Concerning the things to come… and what will make them better!
Article By Roger Skoff
In Part 1 of "The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby", more in Part 2 of The Future, plus Part 3 last month, the necessarily lengthy articles about our hobby and the industry that serves it, I told about how our hobby was once what computers and cell phones are today: the state-of-the-art, the thing that everybody knew about, loved, and had to have. I also wrote about how it has, since then, fallen from glory, and become, for most people, at best a curiosity, and at worst, a sort of utility (everybody uses water, gas, and electricity, but nobody gets excited about them), and that the problem has gone so far that – even though they are constantly surrounded by music of some sort and some quality at practically every turn, many people don't even know what the words "hi-fi" or "stereo" mean. To a very great degree, I wrote, our hobby has become one for a declining number of old men and is in current and specific danger of following the electric train....
---> The Future Of Our Audiophile Hobby Part 4.

Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report
SWAF 2025 high-end audio / audiophile event coverage.
Now in their second year, the Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) high-end audio show by the dynamic duo Gary Gill (Capital Audiofest) and Lou Hinkley (Pacific AudioFest / Daedalus Audio) brings magical music to Dallas. SWAF 2025 follows their sensational success with the popular Pacific Audio Fest event. Attendees may listen to many of the world's top manufacturers who create a wide variety of exciting home and portable audio products. Within this expansive Resort environment, bask in luxurious sounds that caress your ears and bring newfound meaning to many of the songs you've heard many times in the past. The show promoters worked very hard to secure this amazing event venue, which is extremely safe, family fun friendly, and features great weather during March too! All this and more within a curated experience filled with fine art and acres of event space.
---> Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report.

Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show Report
The Salon Audio Montreal Audiofest 2025 takes place from March 28th through 30th with more than 5000 visitors expected who desired listening, seeing, and touching over 300 brands of high-end audiophile products all under one roof. As the largest show in Canada, attendees will experienced the very best high-end audio and video/videophile industry distributors, manufacturers, and retailers in Canada. Within each listening room, exhibitors are overjoyed to share their passion for music with you by demonstrating some of the world's best sound systems from $5000 to $500,000. Montréal Audiofest is celebrating its 36th edition in 2025 and remains the must-attend event for audiophiles, high-end audio gear enthusiasts, and music lovers.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show Report.

AXPONA 2025 High-End Audiophile Show Report
AXPONA 2025 (Audio Expo North America) is set to take place from April 11th through 13th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Illinois. This annual event is for audiophiles and features a wide range of high-fidelity, high-performance audio gear. Over 200 rooms will let you listen and assess the equipment being presented. An extensive AXPONA 2025 show report for longtime Enjoy the Music.com enthusiasts will showcase the latest and greatest audio equipment from top audio brands. For personal audio, the Ear Gear Experience (akin to CanJam shows) is a dedicated area for headphones and personal audio gear, including open-back, closed-back, and in-ear monitors (IEM). There's also an Expo Hall & Record Fair that will have stereo hi-fi audio accessories, vinyl LP turntables / record players, various cable manufacturers, and more.
---> Enjoy the Music.com's Extensive AXPONA 2025 Show Report.

HIGH END 2025 Munich Audiophile Show Report
The HIGH END 2025 audiophile / immersivephile event is an internationally renowned audio exhibition that will take place from May 15 to May 18, 2025, at the M.O.C. Event Center in Munich, Germany. This event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about high-quality audio technology, as it brings together manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and in open to consumers from over 40 countries. The HIGH END 2025 exhibition will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations in consumer electronics technology, including hi-fi audio, high-end video, home theater, and bespoke entertainment solutions for millionaires and billionaires alike. Visitors can expect to experience groundbreaking trends, technological advances, and exclusive world premieres. This year's brand ambassador is the Norwegian singer Anette Askvik, who embodies the event's motto "Passion for Music".
---> HIGH END 2025 Munich Audiophile Show Report.

World Premiere Review!
Trilogy Audio Systems 914 Preamplifier And 994 Monoblock Power Amplifier Review
Conveying musicality, engagement, and emotional connection to your favorite music.
Review By Chris Beeching
Trilogy Audio Systems, that small but perfectly formed UK audio electronics company turns 35 this year. Brain-child of Nic Poulson, Trilogy has brought highly engaging and musical products to the public's ears with critical acclaim for three decades. Something new coming from this stable, where new products are something of a rarity (and whose legacy products still command decent price tags) is a rather special event. Like so many smaller entities, Trilogy has been quietly bringing beautifully styled and highly listenable products to market in a resolute but unassuming way. Never one to shout loudly about what they do, they have earned an enviable following, and consistently produce amplification which, in a very understated way, produces far more (in every respect) than the seeming sum of their parts. Just coming to market this month are the Trilogy Audio Systems 914 preamplifier and the partnering 994 monoblock power amps.
---> Trilogy Audio Systems 914 Preamplifier And 994 Monoblock Power Amplifier Review.

Charisma Audio Musiko Turntable Review
I strongly suspected when listening to the first song with the Musiko that I would buy it.
Review By Rick Becker
The Charisma Audio Musiko tonearm had already become part of my reference system back in May 2021. when it was incorporated into my Linn Project — a complete re-make of the fabled Linn LP12 using off-the-shelf, re-engineered parts from several after-market companies. These parts were sourced from Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Colorado. By the time I finished, the only original OEM parts were the suspension springs and grommets, the belt, the sub-chassis nuts and bolts, and the wood plinth. While there were lots of lovely alternatives, I kept the original wood plinth out of sentimentality. I was quite proud of the results, having greatly improved on the original vintage table — not unlike the way Carroll Shelby made over the British AC Ace into the Cobra sports car, except I did it on a kitchen countertop and never got around to racing it. I nicknamed it the Bard for reasons I'll let you figure out.
---> Charisma Audio Musiko Turntable Review.

Black Ice Audio Fusion F100 Monoblock Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier Review
Plus a great story about Jim Fosgate's Odyssey circuit.
Review By Ron Nagle
To tube or not to tube? Strange as it may seem, that age-old question is still relevant. Today new materials and innovative designs have taken vacuum tube audio components to a higher level. When I first saw the Black Ice Fusion F100 in room 504 at the Capital Audiofest, they were powered with Russian Tung-Sol KT150 beam tetrodes. This innovative tube is only one type of power tube the F100 can use, each with a different musical voice. This ability has a substantial fundamental advantage. Unlike solid-state amplifiers, you need not be stuck with one solid-state sound. Like a fine wine, the sound of vacuum tube audio components can appeal to many diverse tastes.
---> Black Ice Audio Fusion F100 Monoblock Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier Review.

Mindfulness In Music
John DeVore talks about mindfulness in this crazy world... plus a few musical suggestions.
Article By John DeVore Of DeVore Fidelity
John DeVore, Founder of DeVore Fidelity, has a wonderful two-video series about mindfulness in music. DeVore Fidelity is based in Brooklyn New York where for twenty years they've been designing and building beautiful speakers capable of communicating the power and scope as well as the intimate nuance of music in order to bring you closer to your music than ever before. Within John's two video series, he talks about mindfulness in this crazy world. He offers a few marvelous musical suggestions. Continuing his joys on the path of mindfulness, John's part 2 offers many viewer recommended records for meditation and mindfulness. Enjoy the Music.com is honored that John is sharing his kind knowledge with us and his music-loving audience.
---> See John DeVore's Mindfulness In Music Videos.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

04 / 30 / 25

Part 6: The Lower Level, Montreal, And Westmount Rooms
Robots, high-end audio exhibition rooms, plus audiophile rock 'n' roll.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
On Sunday morning, I packed up and downloaded my luggage into the shooting brake in the parking garage below the Bonaventure. As I waited in line for a table at the breakfast buffet, I looked longingly at the folks in the pool and hot tub. If only I were not so afraid of getting water stuck in my ears and spoiling the day. While still in line, a robot passed me, heading off to deliver breakfast to someone's room. It caught me by surprise and was gone before I could grab a photo. Moments later, adding insult to injury, a second one passed me by. Breakfast was great — far superior to running across the street to the McDonald's in the train station. Isabeau Corriveau was up early, too, playing for the early arrivals to the show. The escalator descends to the lower level, where the medium-sized and large rooms are located. The bright yellow McLaren Artura was parked near the bottom in an attempt to lure visitors away from the truly high end gear they lust for.
---> Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report Part 6: The Lower Level. Montreal, And Westmount Rooms.

04 / 28 / 25

Dolby Atmos Immersive In-Car Audio Entertainment
With IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) custom high-end audio competitions being featured at various audiophile shows, the consumer electronics industry recognizes Dolby Laboratories as a leader within their field. During the recent Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025), the company showcased their next-generation of in-car entertainment experience powered by Dolby Vision HDR imaging and Dolby Atmos immersive sound. "Dolby's growth in automotive continues to accelerate," says Dolby's press release. "At Auto Shanghai 2025, many auto makers announced new vehicles to support Dolby experiences, including those debuting their first model that features Dolby. With this latest progress, the number of auto makers supporting Dolby experiences has reached 25+, doubling the number from 12 months ago. With cars evolving from mere transportation tools into dynamic living spaces, consumers have unprecedented enthusiasm and expectations for high-quality in-car entertainment. At Auto Shanghai 2025, Dolby and auto partners are showcasing a variety of audio and audiovisual entertainment in Dolby...."

"In addition, auto makers are also highlighting recently launched models with demonstrations of the Dolby experiences, including NIO ET9 that features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Xiaomi SU7 and SU7 Ultra integrating Dolby Atmos, and Lynk&Co 900 supporting Dolby Atmos, and smart #5 with Dolby Atmos. Multiple brands from BYD also showcased car models that support Dolby Atmos at auto show.... According to the research study conducted by Counterpoint in April 2025 through in-depth interviews and online survey among more than 1200 car owners in China, 97% of car owners in China are aware of Dolby innovations, 4 in every 5 car owners agree that Dolby experiences considerably improve quality of entertainment, and 9 in every 10 of those who intend to purchase a new car in the next 6 months are interested in models that feature Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

04 / 25 / 25

Part 5: Saturday Night Industry Banquet And Lifetime Achievement Awards
The celebration continues here at Montreal Audiofest 2025!
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
After returning to my room to set my batteries charging, I dressed for the Industry Banquet and the Lifetime Achievement Award presentations. This time, I remembered to bring a spare battery with me. The request was for an ‘80s Disco vibe, but my wardrobe was ill-prepared for such an event. The best I could do was throw on one of my Jerry Garcia ties. They're good for the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Sarah Tremblay, Director of the Audiofest, greeted guests and handed out eyeglasses with variable flashing light sequences. I will give out an award to the first person submitting the correct number of these eyeglasses appearing in the photos in Part 5. One number per person, only. For as many years as I've covered this show, I am good friends with relatively few people. The cast of characters keeps changing on me. The guy looking straight at the camera is Stephane Hautcoeur, founder and President of Eon Art Canada, Inc., manufacturers of some of the finest amplifiers in the world.
---> Part 5: Saturday Night Industry Banquet And Lifetime Achievement Awards.

04 / 24 / 25

Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers
The origins and sound of granite.
TAS' Lee Scoggins Talks With Acora Acoustics Founder Valerio Cora
With the nearly universal consensus of praise and earning many show awards during the Florida International Audio Expo 2023, the Acora Acoustics, VAC, Oracle Audio, Aurender, LampizatOr, and Cardas Audio room was a sound to behold! As one of the best-sounding exhibition room during the recent Tampa show, it brings us joy to showcase a very recent interview by The Absolute Sound's Lee Scoggins as he sits down with Acora Acoustics founder Valerio Cora. They both discuss Acora's relatively recent emergence in the audiophile world. Within this video, you'll discover why using granite as an enclosure plays a big role in the loudspeaker's overall performance and Valerio's beginnings with high-end audio. Enjoy the Music.com's Steven R. Rochlin reported on the Florida show and said, " My wife and I loved the sound, as it was fast, clean, and immensely musical."
---> Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers.

The Audio Analyst's Conversation With Parasound's CEO David Sheriff
We welcome new leadership for a highly-respected luxury audio company.
Video By Greg Weaver (a.k.a. The Audio Analyst)
Today we hear from the new CEO of Parasound, David Sheriff. He took the time to outline his thoughts and plans for the future of one of today's most respected audio manufacturers. Give him a listen and see what the future of Parasound holds. On December 14th (2022) I received an e-mail from Parasound's PR representative, Gorden Sell. It announced that Richard Schram had retired and sold the company he had founded in 1981 to an entrepreneur active in product growth and supply-chain management, David Sheriff. Now, as David had no real history in the audio industry, I knew nothing about him, so I was inspired to do some research. I soon learned that he graduated from the US Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1988, and then served five years as an A-10 fighter pilot.
---> The Audio Analyst's Conversation With Parasound's CEO David Sheriff.

04 / 23 / 25

HIGH END 2025 Audiophile Show Report & Info
The HIGH END 2025 audiophile / immersivephile event is an internationally renowned audio exhibition that will take place from May 15 to May 18, 2025, at the M.O.C. Event Center in Munich, Germany. This event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about high-quality audio technology, as it brings together manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and in open to consumers from over 40 countries. The HIGH END 2025 exhibition will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations in consumer electronics technology, including hi-fi audio, high-end video, home theater, and bespoke entertainment solutions for millionaires and billionaires alike. Visitors can expect to experience groundbreaking trends, technological advances, and exclusive world premieres.

This year's brand ambassador is the Norwegian singer Anette Askvik, who embodies the event's motto "Passion for Music". Her hypnotic sound and deep emotion perfectly reflect the passion for promoting audio technology that the HIGH END 2025 exhibition aims to convey. Following a revamped campaign in 2024, the organizer is building on the successful series, where prominent celebrities from the music scene underscore the mission of the HIGH END show. "We made a conscious decision in 2024 to forgo a testimonial. We used the break to reflect upon our concept and to become inspired by some fresh new ideas", says Stefan Dreischärf, Managing Director of the organizer HIGH END SOCIETY Service GmbH. "We are proud to have enlisted Anette Askvik as our brand ambassador and now look forward to continuing the series with her", Dreischärf adds. "Her art, which she infuses with emotional depth and technical precision, perfectly reflects our values. She stands for the passion with which we seek to promote audio technology, and which she expresses in her music."
---> Learn More And See Enjoy the Music.com's HIGH END 2025 Show Report.

04 / 22 / 25

Part 2: AXPONA 2025 Show Report 15th Floor
A fantastic voyage filled with musical fun.
AXPONA 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Since Heaven 11 Audio is from Montreal, I've noticed their integrated amp for years, as I also cover the Montreal 2025 audiophile show. They are on the brink of producing the new Mk III version as I write. It is their only product, but it comes in Classic (with DAC, Bluetooth, phono stage, and analog inputs) and Spartan editions. You also get to customize it with a choice of ICEpower or Hypex (+$250), black or silver finish, a choice of knobs and tubes. There is a configurator on their website to sort it all out. I'm big on driving Class D power amps with tube preamps, so this should be a step above all-solid-state designs, as you can roll the tubes if you wish. They've garnered a few accolades over the years, too. Here at the AXPONA 2025 high-end audio show, they had two units to alternate between the ICEpower and Hypex units — a very cool idea, but I didn't have time to spend to check out the difference.
---> Part 2: AXPONA 2025 Show Report 15th Floor.

04 / 21 / 25

Lone Star AudioFest 2025 From May 2nd Through 4th
Touted as the "Woodstock of high-end audio shows", Lone Star AudioFest (LSAF) says come as you areas you show up and setup, or just look around. You'll hear your favorite music and be introduced to some new favorites too! The show is held during the first weekend in May, with 2025 bring from May 2nd through 4th. Exhibitor rooms are open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. This fun, manufacturer-produced equipment and DIY audio gear show aims to be a little grass-roots event that continues to grow and flourish. Seminars at LSAF are always informative and popular. You can learn quite a bit from the industry professionals and seasoned DIY enthusiasts alike. Attendees will also enjoy T.H.E. Film Festival and an IASCA car exhibition too! LSAF was created by passionate audiophiles to be a place where audio and camaraderie matter most.

This year's festival promises a reimagined experience with year-round promotions, livestream interviews, and opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their creations. Attendees can expect to see high-end audio setups, DIY projects, vintage collections, and cutting-edge designs. High-end audio setups, DIY projects, vintage collections, and cutting-edge designs will be on display at LSAF 2025. During the show, be sure to connect with fellow hi-fi enthusiasts, designers, and DIY builders.

04 / 19 / 25

Part 4: Montreal Audiofest 2400 Hallway And Bonaventure Room
A fabulous fusion of audiophile gear.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Aside from the Innuos Zen server, this all-British room delivered the classic British sound with warm, very inviting music — the kind of system for the guy (or family) that isn't interested in spending large for state-of-the-art gear, but rather wants to enjoy their music, whether it's for just an hour or all day long. Art et Son and Erikson Consumer explained the room very simply with their posted price list for all to see. (Thank you!) Hegel used one of their rooms to display a large portion of their products (if not all) and answer questions people might have, though their signage was very informative by itself. Good show, gentlemen! Their other room was both dark and packed with prospective customers. I frequently see Hegel products on the Canuck Audio Mart which suggests they are a very strong brand in Canada. The speakers might have been Andrew Jones' MoFi speakers in there, which would have also drawn a crowd regardless of amplification.
---> Part 4: Montreal Audiofest 2400 Hallway And Bonaventure Room.

04 / 18 / 25

Part 1: AXPONA 2025 Show Report 16th Floor
My in-depth Audio Expo North American 2025 show report begins....
AXPONA Show Report By Rick Becker
Ze'ev Schlik had a fine-sounding rig with a new two-way Duet15 Horn1 open baffle speaker with a compression horn on top, starting at $7,350. As in recent shows, the rig was wired with Silversmith Audio cables — the ribbon speaker cable and their new interconnects. Note the Silversmith 3-D printed cable risers. A Luminous Audio Technologies Axiom II Walker passive line stage caught my eye, which undoubtedly helped with the transparency of this rig. A Pass Labs First Watt SIT 4 amplifier drove the speakers. An Aurender streamer provided the source. This LAiV Harmony DAC ($2700) caught my eye with its handsome design. First time I've seen it. LAiV was founded in 2023 in Singapore, and from what I see in the fit and finish of this small DAC, you will be hearing a lot more about them in the future. It features a FEMTO clock, I²S synchronization, RCA and XLR outputs, and a remote control.
---> Part 1: AXPONA 2025 Show Report 16th Floor.

04 / 17 / 25

Shure Celebrates Their 100th Anniversary
Shure Incorporated is celebrating their special 100th anniversary! With a century of research, development, innovation, and desire to achieve the best audio possible, Shure continues to offer industry-leading products to recording engineers, musicians and music lovers alike. "S.N. Shure started the Company in downtown Chicago in 1925 selling radio parts kits. In 1932, Shure became one of only a few U.S. microphone manufacturers with the introduction of the Model 33N microphone. Since then, the Company has grown into a global technology leader, offering a diverse portfolio of game-changing wired and wireless microphones, conferencing and meeting solutions, and personal and professional listening products. Over its 100-year history, more than 50,000 different electronics products have been developed by Shure. Shure products are now sold in more than 120 countries, and through the decades, they have been trusted and used around the world by such luminaries as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, The Beatles, and other icons.

Over the past 100 years, Shure has introduced iconic products that have become staples in the audio industry.... Here is a list of some industry firsts and notable achievements from Shure:

First Phonograph Cartridge (1937) - Shure's development of our first phonograph cartridge established the company as a leader in high-fidelity audio.

Unidyne Microphone (1939) - The Unidyne Model 55 was the first single-element unidirectional microphone, providing better sound isolation and reducing feedback, making it a popular choice for broadcast and live performance.

First Handheld Wireless Microphone System (1953) - Shure introduced the Vagabond 88, revolutionizing the way performers and presenters operated on stage.

SM58 Microphone (1966) - The Shure SM58 became an industry standard for live vocal performance microphones, known for its durability and reliable sound quality. It is still an icon today.

IntelliMix Room (2020) – The innovative audio processing software revolutionized the AV industry by optimizing audio conferencing with advanced DSP algorithms."

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. Ken Songer told us he is relatively new to the show scene. He has started his business with two speaker models.
---> Songer Audio S1 Field Coil Point-Source Loudspeaker Review.

North America Premiere Review!
Alsyvox Audio Design Botticelli X Loudspeaker Review
Planar dynamics redefined.
Review By Greg Weaver
The first week of September last year brought a highly rewarding conclusion to an audio quest that was more than five years in the making. Since my very first exposure to the Alsyvox Audio Design Botticelli full-range ribbon loudspeaker — back in May of 2017 in Munich, it has been my goal to spend some serious time in front of these gorgeous and utterly remarkable sounding loudspeakers. I was first introduced to the seductive voice of these remarkable Spanish planar dynamic loudspeakers at the 2017 "apostate" HiFiDeluxe audio show held at the Marriott München. Just a ten-minute drive south, and slightly west, of the Munich Order Center, home to the annual "High-End Munich", the largest annual audio show on earth, this "overflow" audio event runs coincident with the larger, more established event every year. Now, I should make it clear that I have never been a blind devotee of planar dynamic loudspeaker designs such as those from manufacturers like Eminent Technology, Magnepan, or Wisdom.
---> Alsyvox Audio Design Botticelli X Loudspeaker Review.

04 / 16 / 25

Audio Expo North America Show 2025 Prelude
By 10 a.m. I pulled into the distant parking lot....
AXPONA 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Assorted Photos By Dr. Bump And Chuck Bruce
I had requested a Press Pass weeks ago and packed my bags on Thursday, but as the time to depart approached I had misgivings about going. It was going to be a pleasure trip without writing a show report but I was only halfway through my Montreal report from that show, two weeks earlier. There was still much writing ahead. As I sat at my computer after dinner, the phone rang while I was scanning the internet for political news at 6 p.m. and trying to decide whether to go or stay. Steve Rochlin, who was unaware I was planning to go anyway, asked if there was any way I could get to Chicago to cover the show. The main reporter couldn't make it at the last minute. At 7 p.m. I tore the receipt off the gas pump and hopped on the New York State Thruway with a full tank. After five hours of sleep in a service area on the Indiana Toll Road, I grabbed a thermos full of coffee at the 7-Eleven.
---> Audio Expo North America Show 2025 Prelude.

04 / 15 / 25

audioXpress' May 2025 Issue
Editorial: Learn About The Music You Like
78 RPM Records Returns
Anomalies V2: Leaving The Trodden Speaker Path
Coffee Can Towers
A Primer on Class-D Amplifiers Part 2
Do It Yourself With Vacuum Tubes
The Ultra-Linear Power Amplifier
Getting Less Gain From Tubes
Micro Details in Push-Pull Output Transformers
Type 3 Mu Stage Breakthrough
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "As a premise for many articles that we review, support, and approve for audioXpress, there are many that actually suggest more questions than answers and essentially make us question our acquired knowledge. That's OK, and we encourage that. We should always look at new questions in order to find solutions for problems we ignored, disregarded, or simply were not aware existed. Please feel free to send us suggestions, abstracts, drafts, or fully expanded essays on audio-related topics. In any discipline. I fundamentally believe we have a long way to go to fully understand sound propagation and how to optimize our own electroacoustical systems to fully leverage sound reproduction. We continuously review research work and published material going back multiple decades — something we are forced to do to be able to recognize how much of what is being written today is actually new and "advances the evolution of audio technology" as our magazine motto states."
---> audioXpress May 2025 Issue.

04 / 14 / 25

Sunday's Audio Excellence At AXPONA 2025
Achieving audio excellence with immersive soundscapes.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Chuck Bruce
Sunday here at AXPONA 2025 audiophile / high-end audio show delivered more excitement as the final day began for music lovers. Registration and ticket sales open at 9 AM and once again today there were various informative and enlightening seminars. Once again the Master Class Theater Sessions provided knowledgeable insights from expertise within the audio industry. For car audio enthusiasts, IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association), which is a new addition for 2025 to AXPONA, showcased high-performance mobile audio systems. Sound quality is the goal, though some car audio systems do reach very loud volume levels (high SPL). Of course, we can't forget the Ear Gear Experience for those who love their music via a wide range of headphones, in-ear monitors (IEM), and personal audio gear from top brands.
---> Sunday's Audio Excellence At AXPONA 2025.

04 / 13 / 25

Saturday's Sonic Innovations And Revelations At AXPONA 2025
Your hi-fi heavenly dreams come true.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Chuck Bruce
Saturday here at AXPONA 2025 promises to be exhilarating, especially considering the great gear I heard on Friday. Today was an exciting day for music lovers and audiophile enthusiasts. It was time for me to visit more exhibit rooms, see more magnificent high-end audio equipment, and experience cutting-edge audio setups from top brands from around the world. During the day were a variety of seminars and ‘Master Classes' to help inform and educate newbies and seasoned professionals alike. While walking the hallways it is always a joy to meet longtime friends. The many meaningful friendships created over the years are one of the many joys of this hobby of ours. Tonight's live music concert at 8 PM features headliner and renowned jazz artist Patricia Barber.
---> Saturday's Sonic Innovations And Revelations At AXPONA 2025.

Saturday's AXPONA 2025 Photofest Thx To Dr. Bump
A stunning selection of stereo gear during Saturday's high-end audio showcase.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump
AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) on Saturday was open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with a special live music concert event in the evening. Today's music lover and high-end audio event features a variety of activities, including static exhibits, listening rooms with active sound systems, and a variety of educational seminars. High-performance audio systems are often crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using advanced technology and high-quality materials to reproduce sound as accurately and naturally as possible. AT AXPONA today were a variety of specialized components such as amplifiers, reference quality loudspeakers, precision turntables, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), Hi-Res Audio music streamers, and more. With luxury in mind, the design of many pieces of audiophile gear provides both aesthetic excellence and high functionality, with sleek finishes and innovative engineering.
--->Saturday's AXPONA 2025 Photofest Thx To Dr. Bump.

04 / 12 / 25

Friday's AXPONA 2025 Photofest Thx To Music Professor Michael R. Bump
Forty fantastic photos from Friday's AXPONA 2025 audiophile show.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump
While having fun during Friday at AXPONA 2025, the vibrant beginning of the weekend was filled with high-end audio showcases during the day and live music performances at night. Enjoy the Music.com's exclusive coverage of the AXPONA audiophile show features an impressive lineup of audiophile gear, including the latest and greatest gear plus many world premieres! We know that attendees were treated to dynamic demonstrations of cutting-edge audio technology by experts in their field. Many exhibition rooms blend analog and digital sources sensationally. This evening's live music highlight was a live performance by the Kyle Asche Organ Quartet, delivering soulful jazz with classic Hammond organ grooves. The crowd was enthusiastic, and the atmosphere was electric, making it a memorable day for music, music lovers, audio enthusiasts, and gearheads alike. Enjoy the following photos, and remember to check back tomorrow for more Audio Expo North America 2025 high-end audio show coverage. As always... enjoy the music!
---> Friday's AXPONA 2025 Photofest Thx To Music Professor Michael R. Bump.

04 / 11 / 25

Inside AXPONA 2025: Friday Highlights From The USA's Premier Audio Show
Beginning my deep dive into high-end audio gear at AXPONA 2025.
Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) 2025 Show Report By Chuck Bruce
Friday morning crowd gathers for tickets at AXPONA 2025, which is expected to be big and fun this year! Overall, the sheer variety of music that I heard today at the AXPONA 2025 audiophile show was outstanding. Some of the playlists were very well-produced and assembled by the presenters. Sure there may be a glitch or two during the day, it's a show so these things happen. Thankfully, we as an industry have become far better at integrating analog and digital to ensure great demos of the world's best home audio gear. Please let me say this again, a great compiling of music playlists at this year's AXPONA 2025 high-end audio show. The crowd was generous, and the music during the day was, overall, inspiring! While I'm looking forward to tomorrow, let's first get to the outstanding audiophile gear I heard today at AXPONA 2025.
---> Inside AXPONA 2025: Friday Highlights From The USA's Premier Audio Show.

Part 3: Sensational Sound During The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show
Exploring the 2300 Hallway here at Montreal Audiofest high-end audio event.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
At this point, having covered the 1200 and 1300 hallways, I was halfway around the upper level of the Bonaventure and it was time to take a break and inventory the ducks in the rooftop wildlife preserve. I can assure you I was not alone in doing so. To continue on the upper level, you take a short flight of stairs to ascend to the 2300 hallway. In doing so, it is natural to continue straight ahead into the ArtistCloner room in 2327. If you did this, you probably missed 2326, a few steps down the hallway to the right at the top of the stairs. I get tripped up myself, so don't feel bad. The Watershed Group was new to me. I learned it was previously known as the Rep Company (which I had never heard of) and has warehouse and showroom facilities in Brantford, Ontario. In 2011 they re-branded themselves as The Watershed Group, to reflect their business as importers and distributors of high-end audio and cinema products, as well as design-install experts.
---> Part 3: Sensational Sound During The Montreal Audiofest 2025 High-End Audio Show.

Coachella 2025 Features Kraftwerk & Many Others
Coachella 2025 is set to be an unforgettable experience! The festival will take place over two weekends: April 11th through 13th and April 18th through 20th, 2025, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Featuring an incredible lineup of artists across various genres, headliners include Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott. Electronic acts include The Prodigy, Kraftwerk, Above & Beyond, Amelie Lens, Chris Stussy, and Mind Against. For lovers of modern Hip-Hop and R&B, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, and Ty Dolla $ign are planned to perform. Pop and Rock genres will be Jimmy Eat World, The Misfits, FKA Twigs, Clairo, and Benson Boone. Latin Music fans will enjoy Iván Cornejo, Junior H, and Anitta while the K-Pop will have solo performances from BLACKPINK's Lisa and Jennie, as well as Enhypen.

Passes are on sale now, with options for General Admission, General Admission + Shuttle, and VIP Passes. Camping options have been expanded for 2025, including upgraded Ready-Set and La Campana tents, as well as classic Tent and Car camping. VIP Areas have also been expanded, with new areas near the Outdoor Theater and Sahara Tent, offering premium amenities. General Admission starts at $649 for Weekend 1 and $599 for Weekend 2. VIP Passes start at $1,399 for Weekend 1 and $1,199 for Weekend. VIP passes for Coachella 2025 offer a range of exclusive benefits to enhance your festival experience including access to VIP Areas where you may enjoy access to VIP areas located at the 12 Peaks area adjacent to the Main Stage, in the Rose Garden, and new areas near the Outdoor Theater and Sahara Tent. These areas provide specialty food and drink vendors, air-conditioned restrooms, shaded seating areas, and full no-host bars. This year's lineup promises a diverse and exciting mix of performances, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. As always, enjoy the music.

04 / 10 / 25

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.

Aric Audio Super 300B SET Stereo Power Amplifier Review
To 300B or not to 300B, that is the Question.
Review By Ric Mancuso
Aric Kimball is an audio component designer and is a self-made audiophile. It is seldom to come across an audio designer who has eluded the radar among the audiophile community. His father somewhat inspired Aric to take a journey into the audio universe. Aric told me that his dad owned a Pioneer Rack system back in the 1970s that Aric had admired. Aric wanted to own one of his own. That compass point ignited his passion for ultimately designing his gear — a big step from the glitzy look of the Pioneer Rack system. I used to sell those in my previous life as an audio salesperson. Oh, those meters! So, I asked Aric who his mentors were and what components were his envy. He admitted to me that he had no mentors or any icons of audio that he worshipped. Here are a few answers to some questions I asked about his audio formative years.
---> Aric Audio Super 300B SET Stereo Power Amplifier Review.

04 / 09 / 25

Celebrating A 50% Increase At Southwest Audio Fest 2025
This just in from SWAF's show promoters Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill: "Thank You! What a great show we had for 2025! The vibe was incredible, we had more listening rooms, a full Marketplace, traffic was up 50% over the first year, and sales were made by many vendors; so we can't wait for SWAF 2026! We want to thank everyone who helped make this show a success. Only our second year and at 60 listening rooms along with a vibrant Marketplace in the amazing Anatole Hotel, SWAF has proved that it is one of the top audiophile shows in North America! Next year we expect to have close to 80 rooms and we will be asking for your help in getting the word out in order to fill the hallways and listening rooms since the Anatole is so massive."

"Remember, SWAF 2026 will be keeping the typical three-day format but are dropping Sunday show hours and adding Thursday from 2pm to 8pm instead. Friday and Saturday will be the usual hours of 10am to 6pm with many after hours events. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you next year at SWAF and at the Capital Audiofest on November 14th through 18th, 2025, and the Pacific Audio Fest on September 11th through 13th, 2026. Musically yours, Gary and Lou." See Enjoy the Music.com's Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) 2025 show coverage here.

Part 2: Hi-Fi Heaven At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show
Visiting the 1300 Hallway here at Montreal Audiofest high-end audio event.
Montreal Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
Baetis is one of the unsung great server/streamer companies in the high end, probably because they don't partner with major brands at the bigger shows. What I heard hear (sic) was pretty convincing, however. The T+A amplification has been making big waves in recent years and getting the respect it deserves. The compact size should play well with aging Boomers and anyone else whose living quarters are challenging — or even just those wishing to keep a smaller visual imprint. Compare the size of the two T+A components stacked on the middle shelf with the Saturn power conditioner in a full-size chassis on the bottom shelf, for example. Note the Tough Nut rack here with each wood shelf supported by individual footers at each corner and the entire shelf sitting on special vibration-absorbing footers. I'll get back to these in a minute, but it is nice to see this young company progressing and continuing to show up at shows for three years now.
---> Part 2: Hi-Fi Heaven At The Montreal Audiofest 2025 Audiophile Show.

04 / 08 / 25

This Weekend Celebrates Record Store Day 2025
Record Store Day 2025 is set to take place this weekend, starting on Saturday, April 12. Record Store Day (RSD) was established in 2008 to celebrate the culture of independent record stores and their role in communities. The first event took place on April 19, 2008, at Rasputin Music in Mountain View, California, with Metallica launching the celebration. It was inspired by Free Comic Book Day and aimed to support the nearly 1,400 indie record stores in the USA at the time. Since then, Record Store Day has grown into a global phenomenon, with events held in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Australia. The day features exclusive vinyl releases, live performances, artist meet-and-greets, and other festivities. This annual event celebrates independent record stores and vinyl culture worldwide and features exclusive releases and limited-edition vinyl LP pressings.

This year's lineup includes rare vinyl from artists like Black Stone Cherry, Judas Priest, Post Malone, Rage Against the Machine, Sting, The B-52s, The Killers, David Bowie, A-ha, Beck, Taylor Swift, The Cure, Blur, and many more. The titles on the RSD 2025 Official List will be released at participating record stores as part of their celebration of Record Store Day, April 12. You can choose to view the List on their website, with added detail and artwork, or you can print out a PDF that can be used as a wish list or shopping guide. Record Store Day 2024 is a great opportunity for music lovers to connect and support their local community and record shops.

SWAF 2025 Show Report Part 2 
Plus The Exciting SWAF 2025 Blue Note Awards
A musical experience that I will never forget.
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Show Report By Paul Schumann
ModWright Instruments had an impressive system at the SWAF 2025 high-end audio show. It included a Pure Fidelity model The Symphony turntable ($21,995) with a Stratos MC cartridge ($1,995). The power amplifiers were two ModWright KWA 99 Monoblocks ($9,000/pair). They drove a pair of Gauder Akustik Capella 100 loudspeakers ($26,975 per pair). The sound of this room was very warm and inviting. The preamplifiers were a ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage ($3,500) and LS 99 Balanced Preamplifier ($6,500). The digital source included a Weiss DAC204 ($3,475) with a ModWright Linear Power Supply (LPS) for the Weiss DAC 204/205 ($995) and ModWright Analog Bridge ($2,900). Supreme Acoustic Systems had a bunch of goodies in their ballroom.
---> SWAF 2025 Show Report Part 2 Plus The Exciting Blue Note Award.

04 / 07 / 25

AXPONA 2025 High-End Audiophile Show Report
AXPONA 2025 (Audio Expo North America) is set to take place from April 11th through 13th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Illinois. This annual event is for audiophiles and features a wide range of high-fidelity, high-performance audio gear. Over 200 rooms will let you listen and assess the equipment being presented. An extensive AXPONA 2025 show report for longtime Enjoy the Music.com enthusiasts will showcase the latest and greatest audio equipment from top audio brands. For personal audio, the Ear Gear Experience (akin to CanJam shows) is a dedicated area for headphones and personal audio gear, including open-back, closed-back, and in-ear monitors (IEM). There's also an Expo Hall & Record Fair that will have stereo hi-fi audio accessories, vinyl LP turntables / record players, various cable manufacturers, and more.
---> Enjoy the Music.com's Extensive AXPONA 2025 Show Report.

Previous High-End Audio News
For previous high-end audio and music industry news click here.