October
2026
High-Performance
Audio & Music Industry News
Essential high-end audio news you need to know.
Stay up-to-date on the latest audiophile and music industry news.
An Audiophile's Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery
From olden times monophonic sound systems to modern immersive
high-end audio, one listener's path through classical, folk, world music, and
today's Hi-Res Music lossless streaming hi-fi culture.
Editorial By Roger Skoff
When I was a kid, I
was different from most other kids. For one thing, I was a kid audiophile.
Having been exposed to hi-fi when I was just twelve and immediately falling in
love with it, I had my own (mono, at first, because that's all there was until I
was a wizened old man of fifteen) System, which I listened to in my bedroom
while the rest of the family was in the living room watching TV. Even for
monophonic (mono), what I had wasn't much: Starting with a
cast-off Silvertone radio / phonograph player, I had—as I could afford (used, mostly), find,
or scrounge them—added more, better, or just different parts (first a speaker,
then a Heathkit FM tuner, then an Eico tube amplifier, and then... well, you know
how it goes) until I had something as good as I could get with the resources
available to me. (First, just my allowance and the occasional present, later, an
after-school job.) When I turned sixteen, learned to drive, and got my first car....
--->
An Audiophile's Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery.
The Science Of Serenity: How Music Lowers Stress, Heart Rate,
& Blood Pressure
From Brian Eno to Bill Evans, discover the recordings clinically shown to calm the mind—and why audiophiles may feel it more deeply.
Editorial By Alan Sircom
Although if the choice comes down to 'music' or 'medication',
I'll go with the medication every time, there is something to be said for a spot of well-placed music to help keep our blood pressure in
check. It's a well-documented fact that listening to slow tempo music of any sort can slow heart rates and reduce blood pressure. Brian Eno might not have been consciously thinking of this when he composed his 1979 album
Ambient 1: Music for Airports [Polydor], but the result works extremely well; that slow, contemplative music playing quietly in the background does tend to calm us down. Strangely, if
it's played quiet enough to register but not loud enough to focus upon. Alongside ambient music and music made specifically for meditation,
there's a rich thread of classical music that helps calm us both inside and out.
Pachibel's Canon in D, the Andante second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No 12 in A major (K. 414),
Bach's Art of Fugue (BWV 1080). There's also a lot of jazz, most notably 'Peace
Piece' by Bill Evans [Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Riverside].
---> The Science Of Serenity: How Music Lowers Stress, Heart Rate, & Blood
Pressure.
Loudspeaker Engineering And Sound Systems
Resisting rewriting history of JBL.
Editorial By J. Martins
For this speaker-focused issue of audioXpress we
have explored several fascinating trends in modern speaker design that are
becoming far more recognized. Thomas Perazella shares his explorations and
impressions to enhance the listening experience with Edgar Choueiri's BACCH
spatial-audio technology and suite of processing tools. The BACCH algorithms,
software, SDKs, and related IP are available for licensing from BACCH Labs,
while the hardware processors and software are commercialized by Theoretica
Applied Physics, the company founded by Edgar Choueiri. What is fascinating is
that while Thomas Perazella's interest was triggered by crosstalk cancellation,
the exploration of the BACCH software quickly allowed him to understand the
broad benefits of enhancing loudspeaker-based spatial imaging. Not surprisingly,
Edgar Choueiri summarizes his approach as "spatial audio" and the aim of its
processing tools as to allow the listener "to experience spatially accurate 3D
sound from a pair of stereo loudspeakers." And from the realm of "stereophonic
sound," we progress toward the concepts of "3D sound" and "Spatial Audio" even
with two speakers as the source.
---> Loudspeaker Engineering And Sound
Systems.
Inside Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report: The Ultimate
High-Fidelity Audio Experience For Audiophiles & Music Lovers
Exclusive show report, special events, new product debuts, industry panels, and immersive listening sessions at
Toronto's largest hi-fi expo.
The Toronto Audiofest 2026
will take place October 16th through 18th at The Westin Toronto Airport, bringing together music lovers,
audio engineers, audiophile manufacturers, high-end audio distributors, and industry professionals for
Toronto's largest celebration of immersive sound. As one of North America's most influential audio gatherings, the show offers attendees the chance to explore hundreds of brands, experience expertly tuned listening rooms, and enjoy a full weekend of special events designed to showcase the very best in high-end audio innovation. From exclusive product launches to immersivephile demonstrations and community-driven activities, Toronto Audiofest 2026 continues its mission of elevating great sound and inspiring the next generation of passionate
audiophiles and music lovers. Toronto Audiofest 2026 marks a milestone moment for Canada's audiophile community, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and music lovers for a three-day celebration of sound.
---> Inside Toronto Audiofest 2026 Show Report: The Ultimate High-Fidelity Audio Experience For Audiophiles & Music Lovers.
World Premiere Review!
Cinnamon Audio Galle II DAC Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth
& Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital
Inside the dual-mono, 27-bit resistor ladder DAC engineered to challenge analog supremacy and elevate hi-res streaming to deliver unprecedented tonal color, spatial density, and musical engagement for serious audiophiles and music lovers
alike.
Review By Craig Clark
"For me, it's
really been about bringing the kind of sound to my clients that allows them to,
even if just for a moment, suspend disbelief. To double-check their reality. Do
you know what I mean?" — Colin King, Gestalt Audio, Importer of Cinnamon
products in the USA. Oh, yes, Colin. We audiophiles know exactly what you
mean. Many of us have spent decades (I, personally, have logged five) pursuing
the magical moments to which you allude. And we also know just how elusive this
exalted experience can be, with occasional glimpses the rule and sustained looks
far too rare. We set out on a musical journey, typically from a very young
age, full of hope, aspirations, and a dream of hearing our favorite music
reproduced in our homes with the kind of realism that moves us emotionally, and
in those beautiful moments, connects us at a deeper level with the artists
intent, perhaps even with a greater understanding of our collective selves.
But then, reality....
--->
Cinnamon Audio Galle II DAC Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth
& Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital.
World Premiere Review!
Genesis Simplicity Phono Preamplifier Review — A Glorious Battery-Driven MC Phono Stage With Reference-Grade Sound
Inside the minimalist, ultra-quiet MC phono preamp engineered to rival the very best, yet at
one-third the price.
Review By Tom Lyle
When
I was asked to review the Genesis Advanced Technologies Simplicity, a
battery-powered moving-coil (MC) phono preamplifier, I immediately agreed. This
was because I was very impressed with Genesis's
Premium Platinum phono preamp, which I reviewed in September of 2025. I
was looking forward to hearing what the Genesis designers were capable of with a
lower-priced phono preamplifier. When I spoke to Genesis's Chief Designer and
CEO, Gary Koh, he told me that the Simplicity came about after he challenged
himself to design and build a phono preamp that could sound as close as possible
to Genesis's $23,000 Premium Platinum phono preamp, but at a much lower price. The Genesis Simplicity phono stage, as reviewed
here, was the result. At $7500, the
Simplicity is not an "entry-level" phono preamp. But still, at about a third
the price of the Platinum Premium, it puts a Genesis phono preamplifier within
reach of many more vinyl-loving audiophiles.
--->
Genesis Simplicity Phono Preamplifier Review — A Glorious Battery-Driven MC Phono Stage With Reference-Grade
Sound.
World Premiere Review!
Kimber Kable NEO-HB & NEO-CU Review: Next-Generation
High-Fidelity Audio Cables That Transform System Performance
Inside Kimber Kable's New hybrid NEO Series: Real-world listening tests, system impact, and why these reference cables
may redefine what's possible in high-end audio.
Review By Brett Rudolph
Kimber Kable is one of the few cable companies that have
remained a leader through various upheavals in the audiophile world. This is a
substantial achievement, considering that throughout the industry's history,
one of the longest and perhaps most heated debates has been the acceptance and
validity of using high-quality audiophile-grade cabling. Though it would be
wonderful to resolve this debate forever, it is not entirely certain that it is
even possible. However, when the opportunity to review the Kimber Kable
presented itself, it was accepted without hesitation. Founded by Ray Kimber in 1979, Kimber Kable offers a
formidable selection of cables across various price points and materials. These
purpose-built cables are built to exacting standards and fit across various
product series, making them easier to understand. Customers can select cables
from a single range or mix and match, depending on their system specifications,
allowing their system to reach its full potential within a budget they can
afford.
--->
Kimber Kable NEO-HB & NEO-CU Review: Next-Generation High-Fidelity Audio Cables That Transform System
Performance.
World Premiere Review!
AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier
Redefining High-End Audio Performance Learn how
AGD's latest GaN-based
dual-mono design delivers stunning detail, effortless power, and true audiophile reference-grade
musicality.
Review By Brett Rudolph
AGD Productions is a company that
focuses on bringing out the best possible sound using whatever technology is
available. Alberto Guerra founded the company with this goal and a commitment to
creating the most innovative products possible, without compromise. His work
with GaN tube technology has brought him accolades and made him a leader in the
audiophile world. Recently, I had the opportunity to do the world premiere
review of AGD's Allegro. The newest addition to their product offerings
represented their first integrated amplifier. It built on their already
world-class amplifiers and added an R-2R DAC, streamer, and phono stage. Towards
the end of the review, Alberto approached me and asked if I would be interested
in reviewing their stand-alone AGD Forte. My usual response would be to humbly decline, as it is hard to
review products from the same company. The similarities between these two
products make it even more difficult to keep them straight and to write about
them.
--->
AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier.
Gershman Symphonia Loudspeaker Review — Reference-Grade Dynamic Loudspeakers With Advanced Isolation & Back-Wave Control
Find out how SASS isolation, resistive bass loading, and tuned venting deliver transparency, depth, and lifelike musical realism.
Review By Brett Rudolph
First,
spending time with the Gershman Symphonia reference
floorstanding loudspeakers at the Florida
International Audio Expo (FAIE) was mind-blowing. I remember thinking
that these things were extraordinary, and that it would be a dream to get
them in-house and do a full-scale review of them myself. So, towards the end of
the show, when my editor and longtime friend, Steven R. Rochlin, helped to set
up the opportunity before the event was over, it felt like winning the lottery!
Of course, nothing comes without a bit of work, and this was no different. The
FAIE occurs every February, and it took until April for us to finally work out
the details and logistics. So, when Ofra and Eli Gershman came to drop off the
speakers in April, I was more than ready. It was one evening, just after
Passover, and they came with two very large crates in tow. These things are not
small. We had a very enjoyable evening, and I learned a great deal.
Eli, the engineer and husband of Ofra Gershman, set up the speakers for me,
which was a great service.
--->
Gershman Symphonia Loudspeaker Review — Reference-Grade Dynamic Loudspeakers With Advanced Isolation & Back-Wave
Control.
World Premiere Review!
WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound
System's Performance
How WattGate's gold- and rhodium-plated high-fidelity audio outlets deliver lower noise floor, stronger physical grip, and remarkable musical bliss.
Review By Paul Schumann
Ah,
yes, the lowly AC outlet. It's the least glamorous gadget in our daily lives.
If we need to charge a phone or vacuum the room, their location becomes
critically important. Otherwise, once we plug a lamp or TV into one, we forget
they are there. I'd never thought much about the outlet I use for my system,
so when Brett of WattGate reached out for a review, I was intrigued. We
audiophiles spend large sums on AC cables and power conditioners, so why
wouldn't we care what we plug them into? WattGate, a sister company of Kimber Kable, makes two
audio-grade AC receptacles: the 381 AU evo and 381 RH evo. Brett sent me both to
review. These two outlets are identical in their basic construction. They have
heavy-duty clamps with teeth terminals, heavy-duty triple wipe contacts, and
accept 8 to 12 AWG wire. The housing of each is constructed of polycarbonate,
and all the metals used are non-magnetic. The terminal clamps, mounting strap,
rivets, and grounding strip are made of plated solid brass.
--->
WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound System's
Performance.
Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A
Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi Equipment
Affordable vibration control and isolation that may transform your high-fidelity audio sound
system.
Review By Rick Becker
Breaking
into the high end for manufacturers has a fairly straightforward path, although
there are variations on this theme. First, you come up with a product, and then
you present it at a show. There you will meet reviewers and hopefully convince
them to work their magic on your product to get the word out and generate
consumer interest, either by direct sales or a distribution channel. Each of
these steps has its own challenges and pitfalls, but it's a lot easier than,
say, mining for rare earth metals or building commercial or military aircraft
(drones excepted). Witness the large number of manufacturers in high end audio
today, and their global reach. In my audio show coverage, I pay particular
attention to new presenters, not just new products. This review explores a
product from one such company with a growing reputation that I've been
watching closely for several years.
---> Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi
Equipment.
World Premiere Review!
LessLoss Jam Gloves Review: A Surprising High-End Audio Upgrade For Resolution And Transparency
Rick discovers how LessLoss Jam Gloves enhance power cable performance, delivering greater transparency, improved resolution, and a more lifelike musical presentation in a reference-level high-fidelity audio system.
Review By Rick Becker
When I received word about the new Jam Gloves, there was very
little information about them, but I've been so impressed with LessLoss
products that I immediately requested review samples. They looked like devices
that somehow kept power cords from drooping or falling out of components or wall
outlets. What a great idea! And surely I could write a review in no time at all.
World Premiere Review!
Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE Review: A Time-Domain Focused Streamer That Transforms Musical Expression
How ultra-low-jitter clocking, noise isolation, and S/PDIF purity unlock extraordinary clarity, stability, and emotional realism.
Review By Clive Meakins
Music
streamers all deliver the same data, and we're honored to review the new Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE
Hi-Res Audio music streamer. The way a streamer
handles noise, grounding, clocking and analogue stability across the system
determines how the music is delivered. Lindemann's Woodnote BRIDGE is built around that
understanding. It aims to create a stable electrical environment in which the
DAC can then do its work cleanly. If the design works as intended, it should make it easy to
hear musical benefits. The Woodnote BRIDGE should give a sense of calm and
coherence that's noticeable from the first track. That's actually quite a
tall order as it's sometimes said it's difficult to distinguish between
streamers. That's the context for this review. The focus is on what the
Woodnote BRIDGE streamer does right: how it manages incoming noise, how it
maintains clock stability and how those choices translate into musical
expression.
--->
Lindemann Woodnote BRIDGE Review: A Time-Domain Focused Streamer That Transforms Musical
Expression.
World Premiere Review!
Synergistic Research Holographic Fuse Review — A $249 Upgrade That Expands Soundstage, Dynamics, And Musical Flow
Transforming vacuum tube & solid-state
hi-fi audio gear with greater atmosphere, emotion, and musical bliss.
Review By Rick Becker
This is a rush job. Andy Weiderspahn, President of Synergistic Research, emailed me
on June 22 to inform me that they had just finalized their new Holographic fuse
and asked if I would be interested in reviewing it. It was a natural decision on
his part because I had reviewed their fuses going all the way back to the Black
in 2016. And knowing what I do about their fuses, I immediately jumped at the
opportunity. They've been a mainstay in my rig since those early days. Andy
said they would be ready in about four weeks, as they still had to source the
packaging. The fuses arrived on August 5th while I was in a Zoom class on
Neuroscience at my local Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning. After class, I
started installing them in my Sony CD transport, LampizatOr DAC, Backert Labs
preamp, and the Coincident Turbo 845 SE integrated amp that I had pulled out of
mothballs to try with the outstanding Tiglon White Tiger power cord that is
currently reviewed in the August issue.
--->
Synergistic Research Holographic Fuse Review — A $249 Upgrade That Expands Soundstage, Dynamics, And Musical
Flow.
The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
Passions run high among music lovers. We vilify
"bad" musicians
(the ones we dislike), and we elevate marginally functional savants with a couple of
two-minute singles and some album
filler under their belts. When it comes to more unique and productive figures like Phil
Spector, Jimi Hendrix, Wilhelm Furtwängler, John Cage, or [insert your own heroes and
villains here], music fans either revere them as gods or dismiss them as meaningless.
Sometimes there are shades in between, but perspective is at a premium. This tendency to paint things black or white spills over to the equipment we use
to play back our favorite recordings. i've seen the cognoscenti dismiss people on the
basis of no more information than their choice of power amp, though I suspect few
of us are quite so one-dimensional in truth. Anyone with an internet connection can
publish broadsides proclaiming their love for equipment and music and aim verbal
barrages at their musical "enemies."
---> The intro by Art Dudley.
Voices From The Fringe?
Editorial By Joe Roberts
Audio today consists of a much wider range of practice than
you'll find reported in the glossy mags. Some of the most interesting activity in the
hobby takes place outside the borders that commercial producers of contemporary equipment accept as their playing field. There are vintage
gear enthusiasts, modifiers of old and new gear, and people who build things that the manufacturers are wise to avoid - products with limited popular
appeal or which are not economically viable to manufacture. Except for Audio
Amateur / Glass
Audio, there's no dedicated forum for do-it-yourself audio, one of the most rewarding facets of our hobby. Only a
few decades ago DIY was an important part of the hobby for people as committed to it as we are. What
happened? Since most magazines focus on the latest gear and currently fashionable
technologies, any sense of the development of audio over the decades is lost.
---> Voices from the
fringe?
Home Theater, 50% Style
Article By Dan Schmalle
Well, you guys who missed the last meeting are really gonna kick yourselves. You missed Rick and
Tina cutting a rug at our vintage disco. The meeting was obviously quite informal.
I had managed to scrounge the proper parts to repair one damaged crossover in time for the meeting so
we got to hear the A7's in stereo. Attendance was light so we pushed back the chairs and cranked 'em
up and danced. Now I don't like horn speakers as a rule, but these A7's aren't bad.
With the Stereo 70 the tweets seemed a bit harsh and throaty. I later adjusted the crossover for 6dB
attenuation and they really smoothed out. The real surprise was how nice
the triode amp I've been putting together sounded with them. I am now willing to concede that triodes
and horns can sound very good. Thanks to Mike for inspiring me to try 'em.
---> Home theater, 50% style.
Best High-End Audio Gear: Enjoy the
Music.com's Best Of 2026 Blue Note Awards
Honoring the finest audiophile components reviewed during the past year while celebrating breakthroughs in
high-fidelity audio innovation.
High-End Audio
Awards By Enjoy the Music.com
Enjoy the Music.com's
Best Of 2026 Blue Note Awards once again honors the standout achievements of audiophile manufacturers who continue to push the boundaries of
high-end audio and Hi-Res Audio immersive audio innovation. Now in our third decade, the
annual Blue Note Awards represent the culmination of thousands of hours spent evaluating
reference-level components and recognizing only those products that genuinely rise above the rest. Our Best Of
2026 Blue Note Award highlights the finest equipment we've reviewed over the past 12 months — the pieces that delivered exceptional performance, craftsmanship, and musical
engagement. Each recipient is selected only after extensive discussion and careful consideration by our team of seasoned reviewers. Year after year, we witness remarkable advancements across the industry — from analog
and amplification circuit refinement and vinyl playback innovation to cutting-edge DACs, loudspeaker
engineering, and beyond!
--->
Best High-End Audio Gear: Enjoy the Music.com's Best Of 2026 Blue Note
Awards.
Shared Dreams At OJAS 2022
A very special audiophile exhibit at Lisson Gallery In NYC.
Article By Danko Suvar
I'm sure many audiophiles would
like to publicly demonstrate their systems to an admiring (if the system is
exotic and expensive) and appreciative (if it sounds good) audience. Devon
Turnbull is a lucky audiophile who did it, he got an invitation to participate
in an exhibition of modern sculpture artists at the prestigious Lisson Gallery,
which has branches around the world, and three galleries in New York. Since his
audio components are a bit like modernist sculptures, and he has been designing,
assembling and selling them to a specialist demanding audience for more than 15
years (as a company OJAS). They were a natural choice for such an exhibition.
When added to the hypnotic fascination with music, eclectic musical selection
including Deutche Gramophon, Blue Note, plus his personal collection, and
finally Brian Eno who sent his turntable and records for that part.
---> Shared Dreams At OJAS
2022.
iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC Review
The iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC is late to the party and $329. Does it offer enough to warrant that kind of pricing? Learn why we think it
does.
Review By W. Jennings
It
may be hard to believe, but iFi Audio have stayed out of the Dongle
DAC frenzy over the past two years; their focus has been on the desktop
side with the high-powered Diablo ($999) and Gryphon DAC/Headphone
Amplifiers. They did introduce the iFi Go Blu DAC / Amplifier which
certainly qualifies as a portable device but it is still on the larger side,
requires recharging, and never really appealed to the USB or Lightning crowd
looking for a true Dongle DAC. The iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC aims to
change all of that. iFi Audio is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2022 and the
British brand now offers more than 50 products in the portable, desktop, and
accessories categories including a number of award-winning DACs, phono
pre-amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers. The iFi Go Bar is certainly not inexpensive at $329 and that
makes it one of the most expensive in the category filled with some excellent
options from Questyle, CEntrance, Cayin, and Apogee.
---> iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC
Review.
TriangleArt I-20 Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier Review
Taking the single-ended triode to a new realm.
Review By Paul Schumann
The single-ended triode is the most venerable of amplifier
designs. The Western Electric amplifier designs of the 1930s have stood the test
of time. Kondo Audio Note, Audio Note (UK), WAVAC Audio, and Wavelength Audio,
among others, pushed the envelope of SET design during the triode revival 30
years ago. Today, designers are continuing to revisit this classic
configuration. TriangleArt has thrown its hat into the ring with its new I-20
Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier. TriangleArt is already familiar to Enjoy the Music.com
readers because of its phenomenal equipment, which has garnered several Blue
Note awards. So I was stunned when the I-20 Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier
fell into my lap. The I-20 is TriangleArt's first venture into single-ended
amplification. Like many of its components, it takes a different tack on the
tried-and-true SE design.
--->
TriangleArt I-20 Single-Ended Integrated Amplifier Review.
Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference Mono Amplifier
And NVC TT Phono Stage With NPX TT PS Review
The Naim analog system sounded like listening to the master tape.
Review By Tom Lyle
In
the early 1990s, I often visited one of the local high-end audio salons near my
home. During one of these visits, while my friend and I were bothering the staff
with silly questions, I asked a salesperson which CD player or turntable was
playing the loud, awesome-sounding music in the background. Their answer? A Naim
Audio FM tuner. To say that I was impressed (and embarrassed) is an
understatement. This was my first experience, my first experience with Naim. After this experience, my audiophile friend and I started
believing that Naim had a mystic aura surrounding them. In those pre-internet
days, rumor had it that this audio company was run by nonconformists, at least
compared to the other "major" audio companies we were familiar with. Eventually, I learned more about the UK-based Naim. Finally,
about two months ago, I received my first Naim components for review, which
included a pair of Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference monoblock power amplifiers, a
Naim NVC TT phono stage, and its accompanying NPX TT power supply.
--->
Naim Audio NAP 350 Reference Mono Amplifier And NVC TT Phono Stage With NPX
TT PS Review.
Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD
Player Review
The persistence of memory.
Review By Maurice Jeffries
In
an act of musical and marketplace bravery, the esteemed French electronics firm
Métronome Technologie has taken the bold step of offering music lovers still
wed to physical media a device many long ago consigned to the dustbin of audio
history: a dedicated CD player. When Toronto, Canada-based audio distributor /
dealer Wynn Wong of Wynn Audio and our Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin
contacted to gauge my interest in reviewing Metronome Technology Le Player 4+ CD
player / DAC, I thought that they both must be crazy. What sane manufacturer
would dare to offer a dedicated (and pricey) CD player in a market dominated by
digital servers, streamers, music streaming services, and outboard DACs to that
most fickle of consumers, the modern audiophile? Several factors ultimately compelled a "yes" from
me. First, Wynn Wong has superb taste in components and music (and is a bloody
nice guy to boot).
--->
Métronome Technologie Le Player 4+ DAC / CD Player Review.
Audeze LCD-R Headphones Plus Schiit Jotunheim-A
Amplifier Review
Here's a killer 1-2 combination that will have you smiling the entire time.
Review By Peter Pialis
When
I first heard of Audeze's first foray into a headphone utilizing ribbon drivers,
my heart jumped. Traditionally a pioneer in the world of planar magnetic
headphones, the possibility of hearing what this world-class producer of
personal audio could do with ribbon drivers.... I still very much put the LCD-4
/ LCD-4z in my personal "Top 5 Headphones of All Time", but the ability to
experience a brand new technology within the ecosystem of the Audeze experience
was something that really just appealed to me. Ribbon-based drivers usually end
up with very low impedance headphones and the LCD-R are no different. Coming in
at a very low 2 Ohms, these headphones required a special dedicated headphone
amplifier that can handle extremely low impedance. So the folks at Audeze and Schiit Audio put their heads
together for this venture and came up with the Jotunheim-A amplifier.
--->
Audeze LCD-R Headphones Plus Schiit Jotunheim-A Amplifier Review.
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