High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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06 / 02 / 26

HIGHRESAUDIO Launches Native iOS App For 24-Bit Lossless Music
HIGHRESAUDIO, the German high-resolution music download and streaming service, released a native iOS app for iPhone and iPad that lets subscribers stream true lossless 24-bit Hi-Res Music and audio wirelessly to any device. The app is available free with any active subscription via Apple's App Store and brings the service's full catalogue and editorial curation to mobile devices for the first time in a native Apple experience. The app's interface emphasizes discovery and personalization: users can access New Releases, Back-Catalogue, Editorial Recommendations, Performance Charts, Multi-Genre Playlists and a Discover Mode. A Personal User Profile (Genre-Mode) lets listeners tailor the service by age, preferred artists, genres and moods; the filter can be switched on or off and edited in account settings. The app also supports digital booklets in PDF format and persistent caching for faster load times.

HIGHRESAUDIO highlights uncompromised audio fidelity and broad device compatibility. The iOS app supports AirPlay 2, DLNA / UPnP and Bluetooth, enabling wireless playback to Apple, DLNA and Bluetooth devices, and includes HRA VirtualVault access so customers can stream their purchased downloads from a private locker. HIGHRESAUDIO says streams are delivered without re-encoding, down-sampling or adaptive bitrate compression, routed globally via the Akamai Cloud to preserve full dynamics and original mastering. The company also notes integration with some well-known hi-fi audio manufacturers.

06 / 01 / 26

Inside Enjoy the Music.com's June 2026 High-End Audio Review Magazine — World Premiere Gear, Deep Listening Reviews, & Musical Impressions
World premiere equipment reviews, analog feature, and modern hi-fi tests.
Our incredible June issue is a must-read for music lovers who want high-fidelity audio reviews that blend careful listening with storytelling. This edition is packed with editorials and deep equipment tests as we celebrate music and top-rated gear. The issue's editorials explore big trends that matter to listeners today, from the retro resurgence of analog gear to essays on timing and musicality that remind readers why fidelity still fascinates. Features such as Why Retro Is Roaring Back and It's About Time: What Makes Music Music give context to the reviews and help readers connect product specs to real listening experiences. These pieces make this issue become a conversation about how we value sound. And dare we ask, value this publication.

What sets this month apart is the number of World Premiere Reviews—first looks at exceptional gear that could reshape your listening room. Standouts include the sensational AGD Allegro (a GaN-powered integrated with R2R DAC, streamer, and MM / MC phono stage), the much-anticipated by the audiophile world Nagra PREAMP II-S vacuum tube preamplifier, and the Bayz Audio Time Corrector that promises temporal coherence improvements. But wait, there's more as we also feature the all-singing, all-dancing Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 compact room-correcting, lossless music streamer, Hi-Res Audio DAC, and stereo amplifier for serious music lovers, audiophiles, and tech geeks.

Beyond headline premieres, the magazine serves listeners at every level—gearheads hunting for the next upgrade, newcomers curious about analog's comeback, and casual music lovers who enjoy readable, opinionated reviews. Our deep archives and hundreds of luxury audio show reports add depth, so a single visit can turn into an afternoon of discovery: historical context from the early days to today, hands-on impressions, and practical listening cues all in one place to help you make better buying decisions.
---> June 2026 High-End Audio Review Magazine — World Premiere Gear, Deep Listening Reviews, & Musical Impressions.

Why Retro Is Roaring Back In High-Fidelity Luxury Audio
From glowing vacuum tube amps to turntable and reel-to-reel booms, analog aesthetics and sound are driving a new era of audiophile obsession.
Editorial By Steven R. Rochlin
It's interesting, isn't it, that retro hi-fi is resurging as listeners crave tactile, (perhaps) warm sound and exceptional craftsmanship, which is driving younger buyers and renewed industry attention. The comeback of luxury home audio is not a nostalgic footnote; it is a cultural and market movement reshaping how people listen, collect, and value sound. Portable CD (SACD) players are back, and there's a new boombox too! What began as a niche fascination among older audiophiles decades ago has broadened into a multi-generational phenomenon: younger listeners drawn to reel-to-reel, vinyl LPs, and compact disc (CD) tactile interfaces, and (perhaps) the perceived warmth of analog reproduction are joining seasoned collectors, and together they are pushing demand for vintage turntables, vacuum tube amplifiers, tape decks, and classic receivers to new heights. This renewed interest is measurable—industry observers report a sharp surge in a booming vinyl record, CD, and reel-to-reel market that has become a serious economic force—evidence that the trend is more than sentiment and is altering market dynamics.
---> Why Retro Is Roaring Back In High-Fidelity Luxury Audio.

It's About Time: What Makes Music Music
An explorations in playing the notes versus playing the music.
Editorial By Roger Skoff
For a normal, healthy young person, the generally accepted frequency range of human hearing is said to be from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Before the term "Hertz" (Hz) came into use to honor Heinrich Hertz ( the man who proved Maxwell's wave theory correct), sound frequencies were expressed in "cycles" per second, with one cycle being the complete cycle of the air pressures making up a sound wave, from zero to positive peak, to zero, to negative peak, and back to zero again. What that means is that a person blessed with good hearing is capable, because one cycle includes two pressure peaks, of detecting 40,000 pressure changes per second or, to put it differently, of hearing pressure changes that take just ONE FORTY THOUSANDTH OF A SECOND to happen. Even old people like me, who may only be able to hear frequencies an octave or more below the stated human norm—can still clearly pick up sonic differences taking place in times in the range of less than one ten thousandth of a second.
---> It's About Time: What Makes Music Music.

World Premiere Review!
AGD's Allegro Unleashed: GaN-Powered Stereo Integrated Phono / Streamer That Rewrites High-End Rules
A powerful 250+250 Watts of GaN amplification, R2R DAC / music streamer, and analog MM / MC phono stage all within one precision chassis — convenience meets reference level sound.
Review By Brett Rudolph
April is a busy month for the audiophile world as it hosts various luxury home audio shows, with many companies releasing their products to enthusiastic music lovers worldwide. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend it this year as planned, but, as luck would have it, something even better came down the pike. AGD announced its first integrated amplifier, the Allegro, and we were lucky enough to get it in-house for a review. AGD Productions, Inc. is a company started a few years ago by Alberto Guerra. His goal, as he puts it, is to bring "emotion" to his customers. I met him a few times at both the CAF and FLAX shows and have always been a fan of his equipment. His designs have always been extraordinarily well thought out and incredibly beautiful. He has always been able to take his lifelong passion and utilize his skills and knowledge to create masterpieces. The AGD Allegro is a new entry for the company. It is their first attempt at an all-in-one system.
---> AGD's Allegro Unleashed: GaN-Powered Stereo Integrated Phono / Streamer That Rewrites High-End Rules.

World Premiere Review!
Nagra PREAMP II-S Review: Swiss Reference Vacuum Tube Engineering Unveiled
First expert listen to Nagra's tube preamplifier with their eye-candy Modulometer.
Review By Tom Lyle
This review features Nagra's latest preamplifier, the Preamp II-S. I previously had the opportunity to review two other Nagra products for Enjoy the Music.com. My first experience with their Swiss-made Nagra components came during my 2018 review of the Nagra Classic Preamp. Many audiophiles are aware that Nagra has spent 75 years designing and manufacturing "indestructible, Swiss-engineered, portable, and industry-standard" reel-to-reel tape recorders. Their first model was launched in 1953, and by the late 1950s, these recorders had gained considerable popularity. Nagra began designing high-end audio components in 1997. In the past, I frequently saw journalists and engineers using Nagra reel-to-reel recorders at music events. These machines were trusted and gave the appearance that they were built to last. Anyone familiar with location recording understands the importance of having reliable, high-quality portable recorders. It's no surprise that music enthusiasts appreciate Nagra's high-end audio gear for its sonic quality, dependability, and distinctive aesthetics.
---> Nagra PREAMP II-S Review: Swiss Reference Vacuum Tube Engineering Unveiled.

World Premiere Review!
Bayz Audio Time Corrector Review — Restoring Temporal Coherence
In-depth listening analysis of preserving and restoring temporal integrity for more natural, coherent sound.
Review By Rick Becker
I've met Zoltán Bay a couple of times at AXPONA and have always been highly impressed with Bayz Audio speakers. They are an extraordinary omni-directional, C-shaped point-source design with a commanding presence, both visually and acoustically. His Bayz Audio Courante 2.0 loudspeaker was highly praised by Dr. Mathew Clott back in the October 2020 issue, which is worth revisiting to appreciate the context of this review of the Bayz Time Corrector. When Steven R. Rochlin suggested I review the Time Corrector, I was taken completely by surprise. We tend to pigeonhole people, even from just a few encounters, and Zoltán was 'just' a supreme loudspeaker guy in my mind. Little did I know at the time that he was a physicist as well as an engineer. He was featured in a "We Ask 10 Questions For High-End Audio Manufacturers Featuring Zoltán Bay, CEO And Designer For BAYZ Audio" back in 2020. I learned he is also working on an amplifier and has interesting prior design experience that never made it across the Atlantic Ocean.
---> Bayz Audio Time Corrector Review — Restoring Temporal Coherence.

Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 Review — Can This One Box Replace Your Streamer, DAC, And Amp?
A compact, room-correcting, streamer, Hi-Res Audio DAC, and stereo amplifier for serious music lovers, audiophiles, and tech geeks.
Review By Dwayne Carter
Some of the best gear in my house has shown up at the worst possible moments. A Bryston amplifier I once reviewed arrived the same week my refrigerator quit. A Pass Labs piece landed on my doorstep about an hour after I'd injured my back, lifting an amplifier I should not have been lifting alone. So, when the Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 streaming amplifier turned up on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, I should have suspected the universe was about to charge me for the privilege. And it did. This afternoon, I cleared my schedule for the Lyngdorf TDAI-2210. The box glared at me from across the room. I would wait no longer. The unboxing process was relatively easy. The Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 arrived in a heavy box. Upon opening, I found the unit nicely packed and protected. Once everything was unboxed, the microphone stand's quality caught me off guard. This serious microphone stand is easily worth a couple of hundred dollars.
---> Lyngdorf TDAI-2210 Review — Can This One Box Replace Your Streamer, DAC, And Amp?

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

05 / 28 / 26

World Premiere Review!
Rogue Audio RP-9 Vacuum Tube Stereo Preamplifier Review
Exceeding the listener's expectations.
Review By Bob Grossman
Rogue Audio's RP-9 is the latest flagship preamplifier from the ingenious designs of the American manufacturing workshop of Mark O'Brien.  Having an interest in doing this review of the new RP-9 was a simple decision as a long-time user of the Rogue RP-7.  I have been using the remarkable powerhouse Rogue Apollo Dark Amps for several years as both a sonic and output upgrade to my previously owned Rogue 180 Amplifiers that were used to run Magnepan 3.6 speakers.  I replaced the Maggie 3.6 speakers with their 20.7 models several years ago and needed more powerful amps. I wondered if the increased musical experience of moving further up in the Rogue Amplifier line was going to be repeated with their new preamplifier by going from the RP-7 to the RP-9 model. However, before proceeding and hearing the RP-9, I wondered what was going on since the RP-7 has received numerous accolades, recognition, and rewards. Could designer Mark O'Brien improve upon the noteworthy RP-7 that I have been enjoying?
---> Rogue Audio RP-9 vacuum tube stereo preamplifier review.

World Premiere 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.

05 / 26 / 26

NO FAKES Act And The Music Industry: How Washington Aims To Police AI Replicas
The bipartisan Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act has been reintroduced in Congress to address the rapid spread of AI-generated "digital replicas" that can mimic a performer's voice or visual likeness without consent. The bill's sponsors frame it as a targeted response to deepfakes that threaten creators' economic and reputational interests. At its core the legislation would establish a statutory right protecting an individual's voice and visual likeness from unauthorized AI replication, defining "digital replica" and creating civil liability for those who create, distribute, or profit from such replicas without consent. The bill text lays out definitions, remedies, and exceptions intended to balance free expression and innovation. Major music-industry trade groups and labels have publicly backed the measure, arguing it fills a gap in existing intellectual property law that was not designed for synthetic media. Universal Music Group, Sony, Warner, the RIAA, the Recording Academy, and major publishers have signaled support, saying the act would help artists control commercial uses of their voices and prevent deceptive releases.

Tech platforms and some AI developers have urged revisions and cautioned about overbroad language that could chill legitimate uses of generative tools, archival preservation, parody, or news reporting. Spotify and other platforms have described the latest draft as an improvement but said "there's still work to do" to ensure clarity around exceptions and enforcement mechanics. For artists and rights holders the bill would change negotiation dynamics: recording contracts, producer agreements, and licensing deals would likely need explicit clauses addressing AI replicas, consent windows, and revenue splits for synthetic uses. Independent musicians may face new burdens to police unauthorized AI tracks, while major labels could leverage the law to assert control over catalog exploitation. These practical shifts are already prompting industry guidance and calls for model contract language. The legislative path remains uncertain but momentum is clear: bipartisan sponsors and a broad coalition of creative and safety groups have pushed the bill into renewed debate, and stakeholders expect amendments as it moves through committees. Artists should document consent for voice uses, review contracts for AI clauses, and monitor releases for unauthorized replicas; policymakers will need to refine definitions and carveouts to protect speech, research, and fair use while giving creators enforceable remedies.

05 / 25 / 26

AKM Launches AK491x Ultra-Low Noise Op Amps For High-End Audio
Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has unveiled the AK491x series, a new line of premium audio operational amplifiers aimed at high-end audio designers and audiophiles. The company plans to introduce the single channel AK4911 and two channel AK4912 at the upcoming HIGH END Vienna 2026, where the devices were showcased alongside headphone demonstration boards. The AK491x family targets a gap AKM identified between state-of-the-art DACs and conventional analog output stages, offering ultra-low noise and distortion to match modern DAC performance. Measured performance highlights include a noise density of 0.96 nV/√Hz and THD+N of −150 dB at 1 kHz, figures AKM says are unachievable with typical op amps. Beyond headline numbers, the AK491x series delivers robust drive capability with +/-100 mA output drive, enabling the op amps to maintain low distortion even under demanding loads such as multi-channel current summing in DAC applications. These electrical characteristics are intended to preserve transparency, spatial cues, and volume balance when paired with high-performance DACs.

AKM emphasizes that the AK491x design follows its Velvet Sound philosophy, extending the company's approach to sonic character from DACs into the analog output stage. Seiko Nakamoto, Lead Expert – Audio Product Development, said the series was developed with listening experience in mind, balancing measured performance with subjective qualities like perceived weight and spatial expansion. Samples of the AK491x are available now, with mass production scheduled to begin in early 2027, positioning the parts for adoption in next-generation DACs, headphone amplifiers, and other premium audio equipment. Industry observers say the combination of ultra-low noise, extreme THD+N performance, and strong output drive could make the AK491x a go-to choice for designers seeking to fully exploit modern DAC capabilities.

05 / 21 / 26

Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review
A sense of performance that gets out of the way of your music.
Review By Simon Lucas
Getting to 'Series 3' of the Bowers & Wilkins 705 stand-mounting loudspeaker has been a rather more convoluted process than it might seem at first glance. You might imagine that 'S3' replaces 'S2', which in turn replaced 'S1' (or perhaps just '705') – but you'd be wrong. Getting to '705 S3' initially required there to be an original '705', it's true. But after this, the entire 700 range (for reasons no one cares to remember) became the 'CM' range. 'CM' didn't remain a thing for all that long, and was replaced by the 'S2' range of 700 models. Then the 705 S2 (and the 702 S2 floorstander) were singled out for the Bowers & Wilkins 'Signature' treatment – I reviewed the 705 Signature in issue 187 of this very magazine. These 'Signature' editions ran alongside the 'vanilla' S2 models on which they were based.
---> Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker Review.

World Premiere Review!
Synergistic Research Master Fuse Review
Take a leap of faith and trust your own ears.
Review By Rick Becker
Andy Weiderspahn was away at the Florida Audio Expo when news broke of their new Master fuse so Kevin Sample stepped up and obtained permission for me to receive some review samples. Having previously reviewed the Black, Blue, Orange, and Purple fuses over the years I was eager to investigate this new version — especially because of the hype that went along with the introduction. Obviously, it is not named with a color. More alarmingly, it takes a large jump in price over the Purple fuses that grace much of my system. But most importantly, it claims to be such an improvement over the Purple that they recommend using only one, primarily in your source component, two at most. This last point softens the blow of the price jump. The Master is said to work well with lesser Synergistic fuses that may already grace your system.
---> Synergistic Research Master Fuse Review.

05 / 20 / 26

"Woodstock Of High-End Audio" Lone Star Audiofest 2026
The Lone Star Audiofest 2026 is set to return Memorial Day weekend, running May 22nd through 24th at the Embassy Suites in Round Rock, Texas. The three-day event promises a mix of exhibitor rooms, seminars, and live demonstrations aimed at audiophiles, hobbyists, and industry professionals. The festival highlights a long tradition of hands-on listening rooms, DIY, and a marketplace atmosphere where both established brands and up-and-coming builders present loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, and DIY projects. Demonstrations and seminars will run alongside the exhibit rooms, covering topics that matters to audiophiles and music lovers alike. The festival's venue, the Embassy Suites Round Rock, places the show minutes north of Austin and provides exhibitor rooms open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees can expect a casual, community-oriented atmosphere—described by organizers as "the Woodstock of high-end audio shows"—with opportunities for one-on-one conversations with designers and hands-on listening. Prospective visitors and exhibitors are advised to reserve rooms and marketplace space now, as the show operates on a first-come, first-served basis and blocks fill quickly. For tickets, exhibitor information, and the seminar schedule, visit the Lone Star Audiofest website.

05 / 19 / 26

audioXpress' June 2026 Issue
Editorial: A Curated Listening Experience
A Year Of Significant Expansion
From Microphones To HATS Understanding In-Car
Simulation And Optimization Of Automotive Acoustics
Audio Software Development With Claude: SPLMeter
Questions To Mike Engelhardt About QSPICE
Stabilizing Tube Feedback Amplifiers Without Much Math
The Frequency Limits Of Human Hearing
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "When I visit trade shows, particularly those that are not predominantly focused on audio technology as such, I always find interesting examples of successful businesses that have managed to find a market niche, or a product segment where audio technology truly makes a difference. But to understand the reasons why, it's important to look carefully at the opportunity that generated that success, as well as the context, or the environment that surrounds those companies' products. Frequently, product designers are looking at "reversed solutions" that try to find a problem originally created by their own technology or concept. And it is always easy to find marketers amplifying that message as though all their potential customers would approach product acquisition from their own view of the "problem." Understanding the whole layered complexity of the audio supply chain offers a fresh perspective. Automotive speakers are one of the biggest volume categories in the loudspeaker industry, and are the last thing on the mind of a consumer when buying a car. But the automotive industry understood that loudspeakers—and the whole audio system in cars—play an increasing role in helping sell successfully as a category.
---> audioXpress June 2026 Issue.

05 / 18 / 26

AXPONA 2026 Listening Notes, Gear Highlights, And New Gear Show Report
Audiophile show coverage of breakthrough systems, top room demos, and must-hear gear from this high-end audio show.
Audio Expo North America 2026 Show Report By Dr. Michael R. Bump
The audiophile faithful descended once again on Schaumburg, IL, April 10th through 12th, for North America's largest gathering of high-end designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts of all levels and backgrounds. AXPONA 2026 is now officially in the books as the largest to-date, with Event Director Liz Smith reporting 12,546 attendees – a 15% jump over 2025. Gen Z, attendance in particular was up 52% - a successfully targeted demographic that signals a tremendous show of enthusiasm and support from our ever-growing community! With 750+ international brands / designers, retailers, and exhibitors and 235 dedicated listening rooms distributed over 12 floors of the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, this year's AXPONA 2026 high-end audiophile show provided ample opportunity to experience and celebrate some of the finest home audio hi-fi designs in the world. Though the above numbers for this 15th annual audiophile event are impressive, I am continually inspired by the welcoming, tight-knit community that it represents.
---> AXPONA 2026 Listening Notes, Gear Highlights, And New Gear Show Report.

05 / 15 / 26

Shanghai International TAS 2026 To Draw Record Crowds With Global Debuts And Immersive Experiences
The 33rd Shanghai International Top Audio-Visual Show (TAS 2026) opens this weekend at the Shanghai International Convention Center and the Oriental Riverside Hotel, marking one of the largest and most influential editions in the event's three-decade history. Running from May 15th through 17th, the show continues to cement its status as a premier hub for high-end audio, home theater innovation, and luxury AV technology in Asia. This year's exhibition may reach a record-breaking scale, featuring many luxurious high-end audio professional listening rooms and a plethora of impressive function halls—an expansion designed to give brands and visitors a more modern, immersive and comprehensive, experience. Organizers emphasized that TAS 2026 has long served as a bridge between international manufacturers and China's rapidly growing audiophile community, helping shape the evolution of the country's hi-fi market. Various manufacturer's globally seek to employ Chinese developments and employ programmers for their digital apps, controllers, and music streamers, etc.

A major highlight of TAS 2026 is the wave of global product debuts, with a vast amount of heavyweight high-fidelity audio brands unveiling new flagship models and next-generation acoustic technologies. Multiple press conferences throughout the weekend showcased innovations in amplifier design, speaker engineering, and digital audio processing. The show also introduced a rare imported vinyl zone, offering enthusiasts the chance to experience warm, lacquer-cut recordings seldom available in China. To continue attracting younger audiences, organizers expanded the show's trend-focused and immersive interactive zones, including a gaming-music experience area featuring curated immersivephile soundtracks from popular titles. These spaces blend high-fidelity audio with contemporary aesthetics, giving new listeners an accessible entry point into premium sound culture. The event also welcomes several international brands making their first appearance in China, many actively seeking distributors for the Asia-Pacific region—an indicator of Shanghai's growing influence in the global AV landscape.

05 / 14 / 26

Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review
Bringing tears of joy when listening to special songs.
Review By Tom Lyle
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory" of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much. It was not twice as good as the EMM Labs converter; it doesn't work that way, but the improvement in sound quality was significant. I jumped at the chance when I was offered the subject of this review, the relatively new Nagra Classic DAC II / PSU / VFS combo.
---> Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review.

What Kind Of Music Do You Like?
Roger writes why what you like is what you ought to buy.
Article By Roger Skoff
Many a long year ago a friend of mine asked me what kind of speakers he ought to buy. Complimented by his confidence in my judgment and wanting to be helpful, I asked him some questions to help me figure out what might be best for him. One of the first was "How much do you want to spend?" To which I got "It doesn't matter; whatever it costs." I should have known better – he was the local Maserati dealer, quite well off, and really could afford just about anything I might suggest. Next, I tried "What kind of music do you listen to? " and was told "Everything; I like it all, as long as it's good." Other questions about all the usual hi-fi criteria – imaging, soundstaging, timbre, transient attack and decay, harmonic richness, the whole thing – got equally vague answers until I finally asked him "Is there anything at all that you particularly like or want in the music you listen to?", That's when I hit the "jackpot": "Loud." He said, "I like it really loud!"
---> What Kind Of Music Do You Like?

05 / 13 / 26

Experience Immersive Music, Home Theater, And Stereo At Audio Advice Live 2026
Audio Advice Live will return to the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel from August 7th through 9th, bringing together legacy stereo music lovers, modern immersivephiles, movie enthusiasts, and home technology fans for their consumer home entertainment event. Now in its fifth year, the three-day showcase will offer attendees the chance to audition the latest loudspeakers, electronics, projectors, video displays, turntables, and headphones across more than 60 experience rooms and 12 music / movie Dolby Atmos immersive sound systems. Audio Advice Live 2026 will feature a variety of demonstrations from major and specialty brands, giving guests rare side-by-side comparisons of high-end audiophile and mainstream gear. With many manufacturers under one roof, attendees can explore everything from reference loudspeakers and audiophile turntables to the latest projection and streaming technologies. 

"Audio Advice Live is designed to give consumers an opportunity to experience a massively diverse set of home audio and home theater products all in one location," said Jonathan Stephens, Chief Revenue Officer at Audio Advice. Now in its fifth year, the event has attracted top brands from around the world and aims to deliver hands-on listening and viewing experiences that are difficult to replicate outside a dedicated demo environment. Beyond demo rooms, the weekend program includes Deep Dive Sessions led by industry experts, exclusive product showcases, and live entertainment. Friday evening features a special state-of-the-industry keynote from Audio Advice CEO Scott Newnam, followed by a live concert at the nearby Lincoln Theater.

05 / 11 / 26

Southwest Audio Fest 2026: High-End Audio Showcase
The Southwest Audio Fest (SWAF) 2026 is scheduled from July 23rd through 25th, and is celebrating their new location at the Sheraton Convention Center in downtown Dallas. This perfectly positions the event between the city's Arts and Historical districts to attract both local attendees and out-of-town visitors. Organizers emphasize a concentrated three-day format designed to increase foot traffic and create a more energetic, festival-style atmosphere. After years of observing many events having slow Sunday attendance, SWAF is among the first to smartly reworked its calendar by moves to a Thursday through Saturday schedule. The change aims to give attendees more flexibility—Thursday's late afternoon opening accommodates professionals and travelers who prefer to arrive the same day, while Friday and Saturday retain full-day programming including many rooms that will host evening and after hours listening events. 

Programming for SWAF 2026 expands the show's luxury and lifestyle focus with exhibit rooms featuring Home Theater and A/V, signaling a more diverse focus than the older, legacy stereo audiophiles, with a stronger emphasis on integrated audiovisual demonstrations alongside traditional two-channel high-end stereo systems. The festival will also feature the region's Vinyl Record Shows, billed as some of the best in the Southwest, plus interviews with the founders and curated exhibitor rooms that highlight turntables, analog components, streaming solutions, and immersive home theater setups. Attendees are strongly advised to book sleeping rooms only through the official SWAF website. The SWAF 2026 audiophile and immersivephile festival is an accessible, lifestyle-oriented show intended to appeal to longtime music lovers, musicians, audiophiles, and newcomers alike, promising a mix of high-end demonstrations, vinyl culture, and modern immersive audio experiences in a compact downtown setting. We look forward to seeing you there, and don't miss reading Enjoy the Music.com's extensive and informative SWAF 2026 show report coming soon after the event.

05 / 08 / 26

Hi-Fi+ May 2026 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: The Ultimate Goal Of High-Fidelity Audio
Audiovector R 5 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Accustic Arts PREAMP 1/AMP 1 Pre & Stereo Power Amp
Nagra Compact Player Network Streamer
Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 Prestige Edition Loudspeaker
Linn 150 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Isol-8 Powerline Extreme Power Distributor
HIFISTAY MYTHOLOGY X-1 Equipment Support
Editor's Choice: Our Collection Of The Finest Audio Gear
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "We are getting ever closer to the goal of ultimate fidelity; where a recording and the live sound are so close to one another that they are functionally identical. However, I experienced a couple of live events recently, and that demonstrated how far we still have to go. I know of at least five members of the UK audio industry who attended the 2026 Teenage Cancer Trust (you can donate here: teenagecancertrust.org) concerts staged at the Royal Albert Hall. Those who think 'RAH' and assume 'classical music'... these were gigs by bands like My Bloody Valentine and Mogwai. They were handing out ear defenders at the door (I brought my own). Regardless, even with enough ear defence that my hearing remained resolutely undamaged, the visceral experience of standing in front of one of these post-rock and shoegazy bands playing at mind-numbingly powerful levels is something that's almost impossible to replicate in the home. Good ear defence notwithstanding, Mogwai made my teeth go deaf for a few days. That is not a live, unamplified event; it's a live event with all the amplifiers. Think of that scene from Oppenheimer, but with sound instead of a nuclear bomb."
---> hi-fi+ May 2026 High-End Audio Magazine.

05 / 07 / 26

Ayon Audio CD-35 II Signature CD Player / Transport Review
My new reference!
Video By Ana[dia]log
Sound has always caught my attention and fascinated me since I was a child. I was born and raised in Italy, in the Florentine countryside. My father is Italian but my mother was from the USA. In fact, she was always playing cassettes and 45 rpm vinyl LPs of the so-called oldies from the 1950s and 1960s including The Beatles. This opened up a huge new world to my eyes and ears to various genres of music besides the classic stuff friends and I were listening in Italy while growing up during the 1980s and 1990s. The different sounds and language had a great influence on my life and musical tastes. Fast-forwarding a few years, during college I finally started to have my musical independence and my own first (crappy) stereo. I slowly started to understand that different gear, especially that of non-famous brands, could open a whole new world of sound quality and engagement....
---> Ayon Audio CD-35 II Signature CD Player / Transport Review.

Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers Review
The origins and sound of granite.
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 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 heather and I came back to this room a few times, as it was right off the dining area and so was easy to hear them during the day and night sessions too. My wife and I loved the sound, as it was fast, clean, and immensely musical. The Acora Acoustics VRC-1 floorstanding loudspeakers, as seen here in GT Pearl Granite, also were able to fill the very large room with deep bass, and the uppermost registers (high) were smooth and clean."
---> Acora Acoustics' Granite Loudspeakers Review.

05 / 06 / 26

HIGH END Vienna 2026 — Premiere High-End Audio Show At Austria Center
Music lovers and audiophiles will enjoy Vienna's legendary musical heritage.
HIGH END Vienna 2026 opens a new chapter for the world's premier high-end audio exhibition, staging its debut at the Austria Center Vienna from June 4th through 7th. The relocation from Munich to Vienna was framed as both symbolic and strategic: organizers emphasized Vienna's musical heritage and the ACV's modern facilities as ideal for larger, more immersive listening experiences. The event has a sold out exhibitor floor well in advance of this audiophile event and will reach a steady stream of international visitors across four days. The Austria Center Vienna provides a spacious, acoustically flexible setting that allows manufacturers to build larger demonstration rooms and more elaborate installations than in previous years. Exhibitors range from legacy loudspeaker and tube amplifier makers to boutique turntable builders and cutting-edge streaming and room correction technology firms. Many luxury audio brands will use the Vienna high-end audio show debut to present flagship products and concept systems, some of which were prototypes slated for later commercial release. Programming at HIGH END Vienna 2026 will balance product launches with musical presentation, under the show's cultural theme "The Power of Music." Curated listening sessions and live performances will be woven into the schedule to demonstrate how high-fidelity systems translate musical nuance into emotional impact.

Dominique Fils-Aimé serves as a visible cultural touchstone for the event, participating in performances and moderated sessions that highlighted interpretive detail and dynamic expression. These musical elements were intentionally paired with technical demonstrations so attendees could compare subjective listening impressions with measured performance. The result was a program that appealed to both audiophile purists and music lovers seeking a deeper connection to recorded sound. Industry reaction emphasizes the improvements of the Vienna location. Attendees will enjoy larger rooms, clearer circulation, and a more international exhibitor mix. For visitors and exhibitors planning ahead, the show offers practical takeaways thanks to wonderful listening sessions, expect a mix of production models and prototypes, and organizers signal that Vienna will remain a focal point for future editions. Plans to refine the balance between technical showcases and musical programming are being enabled to keep the event relevant to both industry professionals and passionate music lovers alike.

Previous High-End Audio News
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