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09 / 24 / 26

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.
09 / 23 / 26

Immersive Audio Takes Center Stage at AES Show Nashville 2026
The Audio Engineering Society (AES), the only worldwide professional organization devoted exclusively to
professional high-end audio technology, upcoming show in Nashville 2026 is set to redefine the boundaries of sound from October 30 to November 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. This
year's theme, Immersive Audio, promises to captivate professionals and enthusiasts alike with groundbreaking sessions on
multi-dimensional sound design, spatial mixing, and high-end home audio innovation. Attendees will explore how collaboration in immersive music productions is reshaping the creative process. Engineers and producers will share techniques for achieving seamless integration between live and studio environments, emphasizing the emotional depth that spatial sound brings to modern music. The AES
Show's focus on headphone audio enhancement—featuring two transducers and
three-dimensional rendering—underscores the growing demand for personal listening experiences that rival professional playback systems.
Beyond the studio, active acoustic technologies for event sites will be showcased, demonstrating how adaptive environments can transform concerts and installations into fully immersive experiences. These innovations mirror the evolution of home
high-end sound systems, where audiophiles now expect concert-level realism in their living rooms. The program also highlights live immersive audio and
dome-based productions, including a 49.1-channel mix designed for spherical venues. Such advancements reflect the AES
community's commitment to pushing the limits of sound reproduction—whether mixing on the beach for The Sphere or refining playback precision in luxury home setups. With immersive audio rapidly becoming the new benchmark for fidelity and realism, AES Show Nashville 2026 stands as a
must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of sound. AES Registration is now open
and inviting creators, engineers, and professional audiophiles to experience the
modern dimension of listening.
09 / 22 / 26

U.S. Recorded Music Revenue Hits $6 Billion
Mid-Year, Marking Growth Across Every Major Category
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released its 2026
mid-year revenue report, revealing that the U.S. recorded-music market reached $6 billion in the first half of the year — a milestone driven by broad growth across streaming, physical formats, and emerging platforms. While streaming continues to dominate, the report highlights notable gains in vinyl, CDs, and paid subscription tiers, underscoring the resilience and diversity of
today's listening habits. According to the RIAA, streaming revenue remains the engine of the industry, accounting for the majority of total earnings and showing
year-over-year growth across ad-supported and premium subscription models. Paid subscriptions once again led the category, with millions of U.S. listeners opting for
higher-quality tiers and bundled media services. The report also notes that
ad-supported streaming — including platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and
social-driven music discovery — posted healthy gains as engagement continues to rise.
Physical media continued its remarkable resurgence. Vinyl LP revenue grew for the ninth consecutive year, driven by collector editions, deluxe box sets, and strong retail performance across independent record stores. CDs also saw modest but meaningful growth, buoyed by catalog reissues and
direct-to-consumer sales from artists and labels. Together, physical formats contributed a significant share of
mid-year revenue, reinforcing their role as premium, fan-driven products in an increasingly digital marketplace. The RIAA report also highlights expanding revenue streams from synchronization licensing, social media platforms, fitness apps, and emerging digital experiences, reflecting the
industry's ongoing adaptation to new technologies. These categories, while smaller than streaming or physical media, continue to show steady growth as music becomes more deeply integrated into entertainment, gaming, wellness, and
creator-driven ecosystems.
09 / 21 / 26

HIGH END Vienna 2027 Elevate
Europe's Premier High-Fidelity Audio Showcase
The countdown has begun for HIGH END Vienna 2027, returning to the Austria Center Vienna from May
6th through 9th. As the world's leading trade fair for high-fidelity audio, the event is poised to build on the momentum of its successful Vienna
debut in 2026. With ~500 exhibitors representing 1000 brands, plus a generous 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, the
audiophile show promises a modern expansive, immersive experience for industry professionals and music lovers alike. The Austria
Center's modern architecture and digital infrastructure once again provide the ideal backdrop for innovation, product premieres, and global networking. HIGH END Vienna has long been recognized as the international meeting place for those shaping the future of audio technology. In 2027, the show continues this legacy by bringing together manufacturers, distributors, retailers, media representatives, and passionate audiophiles from around the world. Last
year's attendance of 23,000 visitors and 540 journalists underscored the event's global reach, and organizers expect even stronger international participation this year.
Vienna's cultural heritage and reputation as a music capital further amplify the
show's appeal, blending old-world artistry with cutting-edge engineering.
The four-day event will once again highlight the full spectrum of
high-quality sound reproduction—from flagship loudspeakers and reference-grade electronics to headphones, streaming solutions, and emerging technologies. Exhibitors will showcase ambitious system builds, new product launches, and breakthrough designs, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the latest advancements firsthand. The
show's versatile halls and listening rooms allow brands to create acoustically optimized environments that reveal the true potential of their systems. Beyond the exhibition floor, HIGH END Vienna 2027 will feature a robust supporting program designed to inspire and educate. Expert panels, live demonstrations, and special thematic zones will explore the intersection of music, engineering, and innovation. The
show's commitment to fostering new talent continues through dedicated areas for
start-ups and component suppliers, giving young companies a platform to connect with industry leaders and potential partners. These curated spaces reflect the
event's mission to support the next generation of audio entrepreneurs.
09 / 17 / 26

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.
09 / 15 / 26

Switzerland's Sonic Soul: Nagra Powers Montreux &
Verbier's Musical Future
Audio Technology Switzerland SA, maker of the legendary Nagra recording systems, is expanding its cultural footprint with a new technical partnership at the Verbier Festival. The move builds on
Nagra's long-standing role at the Montreux Jazz Festival, reinforcing the
company's mission to preserve and elevate Switzerland's most treasured musical institutions. For
seventy-five years, Nagra has been synonymous with precision recording and faithful sound reproduction — a legacy now deepening across two of the
country's most influential festivals. At Montreux, Nagra's presence spans both archival preservation and immersive listening. The company operates a dedicated listening room inside the Lake House Bibliothèque, where visitors experience curated recordings through the Nagra Anniversary Turntable and PREAMP
II-S. Nagra also powers Montreux Jazz Memories, an EPFL-led initiative capturing more than 1,200 oral testimonies using Nagra VII recorders. These personal accounts complement the
UNESCO-recognized Claude Nobs Collection, preserving not only the music but the human stories behind
Montreux's cultural impact.
This summer, Nagra brings its expertise to the Verbier Festival, equipping VF Studio with two
high-end listening environments featuring Nagra electronics and Stenheim loudspeakers. Visitors can explore past and live performances through the VF Studio Jukebox, while Academy students benefit from a multichannel system designed for critical listening and masterclasses. Together, these installations reflect a shared philosophy: technology must serve the music. Whether in a Montreux listening room or a Verbier
masterclass, Nagra's goal remains constant — to preserve the emotion of a performance and ensure it can be experienced with integrity for generations. As the Montreux Jazz Festival notes,
"Captured for posterity since 1967, the sound of Montreux continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Nagra brings the Swiss art of listening, ensuring this extraordinary musical heritage can be experienced as it
deserves."
09 / 14 / 26
audioXpress' October 2026 Issue
Editorial: Loudspeaker Engineering And Sound Systems
Virtualization Of Audio Systems Development
High-End Active Acceleration Controlled Loudspeaker Part 1
PR-100 Two-Way Loudspeaker With A Passive Radiator
Living With BACCH
Mark Gander And The Engineering Of JBL's Professional Era Part 1
Acoustical Design For Speech Privacy
A Look At Gert Keunen's Book Stereo Was A Nice Try....
Designing The Dynaco ST-70 Series 3
And Much More!
Within his editorial, J. Martins says "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."
---> audioXpress October 2026
Issue.
09 / 10 / 26

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.
09 / 09 / 26

ESS
SABRE ES9292PRO Sets New Benchmark For Ultra-High-End Audio Conversion
ESS Technology has introduced the SABRE ES9292PRO, a flagship SMART CODEC engineered to deliver the highest
audio conversion performance the company has ever achieved. This new device targets professional, automotive, and audiophile applications requiring uncompromising
electrical signal fidelity, advanced processing flexibility, and next-generation integration. The ES9292PRO builds on
ESS's Hyperstream IV architecture, combining premium ADC and DAC stages to achieve a True Dynamic Range of +128 dB (ADC) and +130 dB (DAC), alongside –118 dB THD+N performance. An integrated Clock Upsampler and patented Analog PLL work together to minimize jitter and preserve clock integrity, ensuring that conversion accuracy is maintained throughout the signal chain. These enhancements position the ES9292PRO as the
highest-fidelity immersive performance audio CODEC currently available from ESS.
To support modern audio workflows, the SMART CODEC incorporates ASP2 processors on both ADC and DAC paths, enabling designers to implement
multi-band PEQs, mixers, expanders, compressors, stereo widening, SABREXBASS enhancement, and
AI-optimized specialty filters. ESS's SABRE Intelligence Studio (SI Studio) further simplifies ASP2 programming, reducing or eliminating the need for external DSP resources—an important advantage for compact or
power sensitive designs. The ES9292PRO also offers broad I/O flexibility, supporting I²S, TDM, DSD, DoP, S/PDIF, and PDM, with sample rates up to 768 kHz PCM, DoP256, and DSD1024. Additional features include differential ADC/DAC paths for improved noise immunity, independent digital volume control with up to +42 dB gain, and SPI master capability for controlling external devices. ESS positions the ES9292PRO as the high‑performance companion to its ES9291 and ES9290 CODECs, giving designers a scalable family of SABRE‑based
solutions.
09 / 08 / 26

Capital Audiofest 2026 Set To Energize Audiophiles & Music Lovers With Three Days Of
High-End Audio Discovery
Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2026 will once again anchor the
Northeast's high-fidelity audio calendar as it arrives at the Hilton Rockville in Rockville, Maryland from November 13th through 15th marking its 16th year as one of the
region's most influential gatherings for premium home audio. What began as a local
meet-up has evolved into a nationally recognized showcase where enthusiasts, families, and industry insiders converge to explore the latest breakthroughs in
high-end audio sound and immersive listening experiences. This year's event reflects the
show's continued expansion, with a broader exhibitor roster and heightened interest from both veteran audiophiles and
first-time attendees. CAF's signature room-to-room listening format remains central to its appeal, offering visitors the chance to audition
cutting-edge loudspeakers, reference-grade amplifiers, DACs, turntables, and streaming systems across a wide spectrum of budgets and design philosophies. Exhibitors ranging from boutique craftspeople to global luxury manufacturers will transform multiple floors of the Hilton into a curated sonic landscape.
Expect
world-premiere product launches, expert-led demonstrations, and meticulously tuned listening environments designed to help attendees connect technical specifications with real musical performance. For many visitors, the
show's hands-on, exploratory nature is what sets it apart from traditional trade events. Capital Audiofest has long distinguished itself through its welcoming,
community-driven vibe, and 2026 continues that tradition. The lively Atrium Marketplace will return with an eclectic mix of vinyl sellers, CD merchants, accessories, and collectible audio ephemera. Evening programming adds another layer of enjoyment, featuring live music, special Theater performances, and tastings from local distilleries, creating a relaxed festival atmosphere that encourages conversation, discovery, and shared listening. Organizers are placing renewed emphasis on attendee convenience this year, ensuring smooth navigation throughout the venue and easy access to demonstrations, marketplace vendors, and entertainment. With its blend of
high-end audio showcases, family-friendly culture, and a strong sense of community, Capital Audiofest 2026 is poised to deliver one of its most engaging editions
yet.
---> Capital Audiofest 2026 Energizes Audiophiles & Music Lovers
Show Report.
09 / 04 / 26
hi-fi+ September 2026 High-End
Audio Magazine
Editorial: Science Of Serenity: How Music Lowers Stress, Heart Rate, & Blood
Pressure
Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum Z
Waversa Systems WAMP2.7
Air Tight ATM-1E Valve Integrated
Chord Electronics Suzi/Suzi Pre Power Amp
Hegel H600 Integrated Amplifier
Advance Paris A10 Apex Integrated Amp
Rega Aos MC Phono Stage
Musical Fidelity M5xiIntegrated Amp
Soulnote E-2 ver.2 Phono Stage
...And Much More!
Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "---> hi-fi+
September 2026 High-End Audio Magazine.
09 / 01 / 26

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.
New Reviews
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.
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!
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!
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.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.
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