Apple Acquires Classical Music Streaming Service Primephonic
This just in from Apple: Apple today announced it has acquired Primephonic, the renowned classical music streaming service that offers an outstanding listening experience with search and browse functionality optimized for classical, premium-quality audio, handpicked expert recommendations, and extensive contextual details on repertoire and recordings. With the addition of Primephonic, Apple Music subscribers will get a significantly improved classical music experience beginning with Primephonic playlists and exclusive audio content. In the coming months, Apple Music Classical fans will get a dedicated experience with the best features of Primephonic, including better browsing and search capabilities by composer and by repertoire, detailed displays of classical music metadata, plus new features and benefits.
Primephonic is no longer available for new subscribers and will be taken offline beginning September 7. Apple Music plans to launch a dedicated classical music app next year combining
Primephonic's classical user interface that fans have grown to love with more added features. In the meantime, current Primephonic subscribers will receive six months of Apple Music for free, providing access to hundreds of thousands of classical albums, all in Lossless and high-resolution audio, as well as hundreds of classical albums in Apple
Music's Spatial Audio, with new albums added regularly.
08 / 30 / 21
Hi-Fi+ September 2021 High-End
Audio Magazine Hi-Fi+'s September 2021 issue
features the following:
Editorial: Is High-End Audio 'Green'?
Your views on all things audio
Meet Your Dealer Hifonix
English Acoustics Stereo 21c Tube Amp
German Physiks Emperor Int. Amp.
Dali Rubicon 6C Wireless Speakers
Audio Research Reference 80S Tube Amp
Taiko Audio SGM Extreme Music Server
ATC SIA2-100 Integrated Amplifier
Dynaudio Emit 30 Loudspeaker
Nordost Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cable
AGD Productions Andante / The Audion Preamp & Streamer
AGD Productions Mono Power Amplifiers
Adot MC01 KIT 2 Fibre Network System
Lateral Audio Stands LAS-9 Cadenza Equipment Supports
Zanden ODC-1 Disc Cleaning System
Building A Jazz Collection
Bernard Butler Solo Album
Contemporary, Classical, And Audiophile Music
Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says
"Is audio 'green'? After recent dire proclamations about the ongoing impact of climate change by the United Nations,
it's something that should be of concern to all, and it's hard not to question the green credentials of audio in a wider context when what passes for a heatwave in the UK coincides with trying to review two hot-running tube/valve power amplifiers. The traditional stance toward ecological concerns and high-end audio has often been little more than
'get off my lawn!' but even that is changing, and not simply as the result of enforced legislation."
See
what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+
magazine at this
link.
08 / 27 / 21
Show Updates For RMAF, CAF, UK Audio Show, And
CEDIA 2021
RMAF 2021 is a go as COVID and its variants will be with us for a while. While
they don't "want to minimize anyone's concerns, we've decided that we have to learn to live around it instead of under
it!" says RMAF. "Apparently, we are not the only ones thinking that, because we are still booking space at our show and receiving lots of inquiries! And as for attendees, we did have one guy cancel, but we are selling tickets every day, so we are feeling positive about our decision." RMAF is from October 8th through 10th at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center within Aurora, Colorado.
The Capital Audiofest is still on for 2021! With all of the moving parts in our industry, CAF is still moving forward and will continue to keep you up to date,
the State of Maryland is fully open but requires that all participants wear masks for indoor events at this
time. CAF hopes to opened up the 2nd and 4th floors during 2021 with over 120 exhibitors and over 220 brands! There may also be over 40 Atrium Marketplace vendors including at least two dozen vinyl/LP sellers, making the show a veritable Record Fair. Qobuz may once again set up a Listening Lounge in the Plaza II Ballroom, for show-goers to sample streaming and turntable set-ups with headphones, and just hang out and chill, with free
Wi-Fi. Capital Audiofest is from November 5th through 7th at the Hilton Hotel within Rockville, MD.
UK Audio Show is also a go as "in our view definitely something worthy of being added to your list of things to
attend" says show promoter Chester Group. "There are very few consumer shows around the world that support and continue to support one specific consumer product but uniquely that is the case when it comes to High End Sound reproduction, and at the last count with over 5000 brands out there perhaps
it's understandable that Audio Shows ( or Hi-fi as it used to be referred to ) continue to be
organized around the world." The UK Audio show is scheduled for October 9th through 10 at the De Vere Staverton Estate within
Northants.
CEDIA Expo is still a go and per the current CDC
guidelines and they will be implementing face mask requirements. Attendees who are not fully vaccinated must wear a face mask at all times. Attendees who are fully vaccinated are encouraged but not required to wear masks. Masks will also be provided at the registration counter if needed. The CEDIA Expo is from September 1st to 3rd and below is an interview with CEDIA
Expo's Jason McGraw with a message to both exhibitors and attendees.
Widex Moment Audiophile-Quality Hearing Aids
With older music lovers and some reviewers now in their
mid 60s to 70s and needing hearing aids, Widex has stepped up with their Widex Moment audiophile-grade hearing
aid. Widex seeks to delivers the most pure, natural sound ever. Their device gives back quality hearing to those who are suffering due to normal age
degrading and/or for those who have been exposed to loud sounds over many decades that caused hearing damage. Steve Lukather, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer has been playing rock and roll since he was nine years old. He recently upgraded to Widex Moment hearing aids with natural-sounding PureSound technology. "It's really been life-changing," he said, "Suddenly, I'm hearing sounds I haven't heard in 25 years."
Discreet and powerful, Widex's Moment BTE 13 D sits securely behind the ear, provides pure, natural sound. Widex PureSound powered by ZeroDelay offers intelligent automation when you need it, and personalized control when you want it. You can stream directly from iOS or DEX via the Widex Moment app and enjoy hours of music entertainment or conversation. Another musician ambassador for Widex is Brian Jackson, who spent more than a decade writing, recording and performing with USA jazz and soul legend Gil Scott-Heron. His compositions are at the heart and soul of several Scott-Heron albums, including critically acclaimed
Winter In America and Pieces Of A Man. Brian has also worked with Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Will Downing, and Gwen Guthrie.
08 / 24 / 21
Knowles AI-Enabled In-Ear Monitor
TWS Development Kit
The new development kit from Knowles shortens design cycle for OEMs and accelerates timeline to bring TWS products with advanced features to market. Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) AI-enabled True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Development Platform helps to accelerate the product development process. With this new solution, OEMs gain access to a fully operational TWS development kit, which includes pre-tuned and pre-configured earbuds designed by Knowles paired with a Bluetooth-enabled processing platform. The earbuds come designed with Knowles SiSonic MEMS Microphone Arrays, voice vibration sensors, and a choice of premium speaker driver assemblies with Knowles Balanced Armatures to drive the development of advanced TWS features while reducing time-to-market and lowering the high costs associated with ground-up development.
Knowles has engaged multiple partners to integrate premium features on this development kit, which enable manufacturers to quickly add Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), ambient mode, high definition (HD) audio, voice command, voice call algorithms, and AI-enabled conversation enhancement. TWS takes advantage of Knowles' IA8201 AISonic audio edge processor and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation's CXD 3781 Codec paired with a premium Bluetooth Audio System on Chip (SoC) to allow for immersive experiences and noise filtering. The Knowles IA8201 AISonic audio edge processor is optimized for advanced voice and audio processing. This robust development platform is flexible, allowing manufacturers to test their own configurations with detachable earbuds, integrate advanced features, and tune for performance and power consumption.
08 / 23 / 21
AXPONA Has Been
Rescheduled To April 2022
This just in from AXPONA:
Dear AXPONA Community,
AXPONA will be rescheduled from October 29-31, 2021 until April 22-24, 2022.
Throughout this spring and early summer, enthusiasm for AXPONA in October was sky high. Attendees were buying tickets, exhibitors were making plans and the media were requesting their press passes. But in recent weeks Covid cases in the US, due largely to the Delta variant, have been spiking again which has adversely impacted consumer travel behavior and corporate travel decisions.
Exhibitors and attendees travel to AXPONA from throughout the United States and from more than 40 other countries. Over the last few weeks, citing concerns over personal health, the unpredictability of international travel restrictions and reinstated companywide travel bans, many community members have told us they are unwilling or unable to commit to AXPONA in October. --->Read more on our
AXPONA 2021 show report page.
Enjoy the Music.com's Best
Of 2020 Blue Note Awards Enjoy the Music.com's September issue features our annual Best Of Blue Note Awards! We'll celebrate the many great achievements by audiophile manufacturers within the high-end audio. While we wait for our 2021 special issue,
don't miss seeing our 2020 Blue Note Awards featuring carefully chosen products that have earned special recognition. Our Best Of 2020 Blue Note Award celebrates the finest products we have reviewed during the previous 12 months. On September 1 (2021) we'll have our
exciting Best Of 2021 Blue Note
Awards for the world to see! As always... enjoy the music! ---> Read our
Best of 2020 Blue Note Awards.
08 / 20 / 21
Burning Amp Festival 2021
DIY Audio's Premiere International Festival!
An expanded Burning Amp Festival 2021 returns after a year of Covid
lockdown via Zoom. The organizers have reached the difficult decision that with the current Covid Delta surge in San Francisco and California, Burning Amp 2021 must be a Zoom-only event. The safety of all the participants is paramount.
The same great presentations originally scheduled for the live event remain unchanged, in an online gathering on the same dates: October 16 &
17. This will be the 13th Burning Amp, which has since 2007 provided a forum for Do-It-Yourselfers and audio hobbyists to meet, learn, and show off their projects. It is a two-day event.
Saturday will feature Bob Cordell and Demian Martin. Bob Cordell is an engineer and author of
"Designing Audio Power Amplifiers." Demian Martin is an audio product designer and holds numerous patents. Saturday will
showcase a new amplifier design by Nelson Pass featuring unique devices and a super simple
circuit. Check out Burning Amp's
site for updates.
CEDIA 2021 And CES 2022 Event Updates
CES 2022 in Las Vegas will strictly be open for those
attendees who have been vaccinated. There is no word if you also need to prove you've had a booster shot. As for
CEDIA 2021, while the show seemed like a 'go' just weeks ago, today we have
reports from many manufacturers who are choosing not to exhibit. Without many
key (and minor) exhibitors, will CEDIA be 'worth it' to continue as an event
during 2021? (UPDATE: CEDIA says they will hold the show as scheduled). Getting back to CES 2022, according to Gary Shapiro "As a CEO running a national trade association – the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) – these past 18 months put me on a roller coaster of emotion as I work to lead by example and make decisions that will have positive effects.... We know our decision to require
vaccines — and potentially positive antibody tests — may not be popular for some, but for many others it will allow them to know they can experience CES once again
— and get back to business as usual."
"For those who cannot attend CES in person," said
Gary Shapiro, "we offer the CES experience through our digital platform and hope to welcome you back to Las Vegas in 2023. Regardless of how you choose to participate in CES 2022, I hope you find inspiration, make new connections, build your business and step into the rest of the year with a renewed sense of hope for how tech continues to improve all our
lives." Instead of taking a chance on either of these shows, many
manufacturers are choosing to produce their own new product videos and post them
on various platforms. This is great news as there is no need to wait for CES or
CEDIA event to promote a company's latest offerings.
08 / 18 / 21
The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger Enjoy the Music.com is once again happy to announce that The Cable Company has launched their annual Summer Against Hunger fundraiser. This is their 26th annual audiophile fundraiser to help support CARE, an organization that save lives, helps defeat poverty, achieve social justice, and fights for women and girls rights. The Cable
Company's Summer Against Hunger donates 100% of August purchases from The Cable Company from over 70 sponsoring brands, with matching funds with equal donations to CARE. In addition,
all products from their other vendors who are not participating in the fundraiser directly,
plus this fundraiser includes their sales of used products from UsedCable.com website (50% donation to CARE).
According to The Cable Company, "This dollar for dollar donation for purchase of products from our sponsoring vendors works due to leverage: The Cable Company donates a percentage of sales, which is matched by sponsoring manufacturers. The 1:1 total donation to CARE is guaranteed by the participation of an anonymous donor, who is providing a funding match for total Cable Co. plus vendor
contributions. Additional matched funding from institutional participants further multiplies the donations we generate directly, to bring the donation to CARE up to a full 100%, dollar for dollar. The previous 25 years of August campaigns have generated over $5.5 million in contributions for CARE, which is 75 years old this
year." Learn more about The
Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger at this link.
08 / 17 / 21
Perspectives On Music Production: 3D Audio With immersive music as the successor to legacy stereo recordings, and before that monophonic, there are books to help recording engineers, mastering engineers, and
listeners to better understand how to achieve the very best from this modern technology. Justin Paterson is Professor of Music Production at London College of Music in the University of West London, where he leads the MA Advanced Music Technology course. Hyunkook Lee is Reader (i.e. Associate Professor) in Music Technology and Director of the Applied Psychoacoustics Laboratory (APL) at the University of Huddersfield, UK. They have joined together
to offer their new Perspectives On Music Production: 3D Audio book (320 pages with 117 illustrations), which offers a detailed perspective of this rapidly developing arena. Written by many of the
world's leading researchers and practitioners, it draws from science, technologies, and creative practice to provide insight into cutting-edge research in 3D audio.
Through exploring the intersection of these fields, the reader will gain insight into a number of research areas and professional practice in 3D sonic space. As such, the book acts both as a primer that enables readers to gain an understanding of various aspects of 3D audio, and can inform students and audio enthusiasts, but its deep treatment of a diverse range of topics will also inform professional practitioners and academics beyond their core specialisms. The chapters cover areas such as an Ambisonics, binaural technologies and approaches, psychoacoustics, 3D audio recording, composition for 3D space, 3D audio in live sound, broadcast, and movies – and more. Overall, this book offers insight into an emerging sound world that is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives.
08 / 16 / 21
Chesky Records 35th Anniversary Collection
Available August 20th, Chesky Records 35th Anniversary Collection contains an impressive 56 of the best tracks from the music label. A 40 page digital booklet and session photos plus label history is included. With the forward written by Steve Guttenburg, this release also features interviews with David Chesky, plus recording engineers Bob Katz, Barry Wolifson, and Nick Prout. Right from the start Chesky Records had a sound as David Chesky was set out to make "aural photographs" of each session. David desired capturing as much of the sound of being there as the technology allowed, while also continually pushing it forward. Every note of every session was recorded "live," there were no overdubs, no fixing it in the mix.
Chesky mostly recorded in great sounding acoustic spaces, namely churches and concert halls, with the earliest sessions conducted in the legendary, and sorely missed, RCA/BMG studios in midtown Manhattan. The collection features a selection of tracks from world-class musicians including John and Bucky Pizzarelli, McCoy Tyner, Paquito D'Rivera, Ron Carter, David Johansen, Amber Rubarth, Livingston Taylor, Astor Piazzolla, Babatunde Olatunji, Ana Caram, Macy Gray, Casey Abrams, Luiz Bonfa, and more!
08 / 13 / 21
audioXpress' September 2021 Issue
Is Now Available audioXpress' September 2021 issue features:
Beyond Stereo, Speakers, And Reproduced Sound Editorial
Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier
New Ways To Formulate Speakers
The Tetrahedral Test Chamber Story (Pt 1)
Parameter Estimation & Box Simulation w/ Speakerbench (Pt 2)
Roger Russell (1935—2021)
A Lifetime Of Passion For Sound
The Sound Of A Column
Dual Speaker Columns
Central-Channel Upmixer Delivers Stereo Nirvana
The Development Of Hollow-State Home Music Systems
And much more!
Within his editorial J. Martins' Making Acoustics Personal And Safe says,
"There is still a lot to learn and improve with speakers, and how electroacoustic systems translate audio sources. Loudspeakers were originally designed to translate and amplify direct sound sources, starting with speech. Since the invention of sound recording, multitrack music recording, and the transition from mono to stereo, the simplistic goal of
"sound amplification" and realistic reproduction has turned into a complex
equation. Should the ultimate goal of a loudspeaker be to faithfully reproduce sound as it was originated at the source? Or translate the recording itself? Or should it translate the result of a mix of sound sources (some of which have no acoustic origin and are purely synthesized) as it was produced in the studio? And what about the unique sound signatures of microphones or electronic circuits, which were intently used for its
"coloration" effect in the sound? And what about acoustics and electroacoustics interactions?"
See what's within this issue of audioXpress.
08 / 12 / 21
Australian Hi-Fi July / August 2021 Reviews & Think Pieces Australian Hi-Fi's July / August 2021 issue
features:
AudioSolutions O305F Speakers
Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX Mk II Integrated Amp / DAC / Streamer
Rogers LS 5/9 Loudspeakers
Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Earbuds
Weiss DAC 502 Hi-Res DAC
Audio Technica AT-LPW50B Turntable
The 50th Anniversary Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Déjà Vu
...and much more.
Within his editorial Greg Borrowman says, "There are facts and there are facts. Or, as the Kellyanne Conway would have said, 'alternative facts.' Oh no, wait, she did actually specifically state that there were such things as alternative facts. And there are words and there are words, as Lewis Carroll pointed out in his book Alice in Wonderland.
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor
less." These are all thoughts that came immediately to mind when I read a list (on the internet, of course) that purported to identify 'Ten facts about digital'. I say 'purported' because if you google the phrase and discover the particular list I ran across, you will discover that several of the ten so-called 'facts' have nothing whatsoever to do with digital at all, so the list is not, and never could be, 'Ten facts about digital'."
See what's within this issue of Australian
Hi-Fi at this link.
Nordost Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 Cable Review Plus a quick test of Nordost's Heimdall 2 Ethernet
cable. Review By Phil Gold I've had little use of high-end digital cables until quite recently. A long string of CD Players from Denon, Meridian and several from EMM Labs were all one box affairs – put a silver disc in slot A, take analog balanced output at the other end. When I ultimately moved to an outboard DAC, the EMM Labs DV2, I used the proprietary EMM OptiLink glass cable which provides galvanic isolation (electrical independence) from the source, as does its USB input. But I was so impressed with the exaSound Delta Server I reviewed recently that I bought one for myself. The DV2 does such a superb job removing jitter on all its inputs that I'm hard-pressed to hear any differences when I connect the XDS1 to the DV2 using OptiLink or AES/EBU connections. And this is a highly resolving system with Nordost Valhalla cables powering and linking the DV2, a Soulution 5100 stereo power amplifier, and YG Hailey 2.2 loudspeakers. --->
Nordost Valhalla 2 USB 2.0 cable review.
Andover PM-50 Stereo
Headphones Review A strong contender for a completely balanced $499 planar magnetic
headphones.
Review By Bowei Zhao Of Headphone.Guru Headphones typically come sounding like a true full open or closed set. One offers unparalleled soundstage whereas the other offers intimacy. It's not often you have it both ways and will have to make the hard decision of choosing one or the other. As one of Head-Fi's top contributing posters, I've encountered countless new audiophiles coming to my doorsteps for help finding a superior sounding headphone with the soundstage and clarity benefits of an open headphone but needed a bit of isolation. There are closed-back headphones with emulated surround but the term gimmick comes to mind fairly quickly. And thus, the question remains on the table, what can be recommended at a cost-effective range with comfort, soundstage, and that cherished forward mid-range. Can you have it both
ways? Well, the prelude to that came one late evening when I got a ring from my editor. --->
Andover PM-50 headphones review.
08 / 11 / 21
Florida Audio Expo 2022 February 18th Through 20th
This just in from FLAX: Tampa's finest audio extravaganza is back for 2022! The third annual Florida Audio Expo (FLAX) is happening February 18th through 20th, 2022 (Friday to Sunday), at the newly refurbished Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore hotel. The show will host the
industry's finest brands in more than 70 exhibit rooms, as well as in a new Marketplace area. Qobuz will return as the official streaming service. Also new for 2022, the Florida Audio Expo will charge admission: $15 for Friday only, or $30 for all three days; students and spouses will be admitted free of charge, while first responders and military personnel will receive 50% off the ticket price. Consumers can buy tickets directly from the
Expo's website beginning September 18, 2021.
"We are thrilled to have our third annual show at the Embassy Suites Westshore," said Bart Andeer, co-founder and operations manager of the Florida Audio Expo.
"The convenience of being just minutes from the airport and downtown is a bonus for exhibitors and attendees alike. The 2022 show will be an exciting opportunity to once again share our passion for music and sound, and for attendees to experience new audio products from all over the
world." The Florida Audio Expo is within convenient driving distance to such local attractions as Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, and just an
hour's drive from Walt Disney World. As with all industry-operated shows within
the USA (FLAX, PAF, CAF, and RMAF), Enjoy the Music.com is sponsoring
FLAX's Thursday night press/exhibitor party and all seminars. You can learn more at Florida
Audio Expo's website.
08 / 10 / 21
Celebrate Audiophile Day On October 2
Each year we celebrate Audiophile Day, a day for many music enthusiasts to celebrate the very best in sound quality and musical pleasures. This year marks the sixth annual celebration of Audiophile Day on October 2. "Once again, the ways in which people might celebrate this year are likely to be different than in the past, and we continue to encourage keeping the health and safety of yourself and others a
priority" says their press release.
"A simple moment of appreciation in our lives can be significant, whether we're extending the appreciation or receiving it. Even through global challenges, audiophiles continue to make an impact in our world in many wonderful ways and are of great value. We wish you all the best."
08 / 09 / 21
CanJam SoCal 2021 September 25th And 26th
CanJam SoCal 2021 will once again make its home at the beautiful Irvine Marriott in the heart of Orange County. CanJam is the
world's premier headphone audio show with annual events in New York City, Singapore, Los Angeles, London, and Shanghai and is produced by Head-Fi.org, the
world's largest online audio community. During September 25th and 26th and featuring over 100 leading brands in over 25,000 sq ft. of exhibition space, CanJam SoCal 2020 will showcase the latest products and innovations in headphones and personal audio electronics in all price ranges – from $50 earbuds to the
world's finest headphone audio systems at $50,000.
The venue is located within miles of some of Southern
California's most amazing spots – Enjoy a walk along the Pacific coast in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. Take in a baseball game at Angels Stadium or an evening show at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Bring the family and have some fun at Disneyland and California Adventure. Mark your calendars and book your flights. Major sponsors include
Enjoy the Music.com's partner magazine Headphone.Guru, plus the LA&OC Audio Society, with true lossless hi-res music
being provided by Qobuz. If you truly love personal audio and live within the area, then be sure not to miss attending CanJam SoCal 2021!
08 / 06 / 21
Nagra Audio HD Turntable Sneak
Peek!
To celebrate their incredible 70th anniversary, Nagra Audio are launching a very ambitious analog playback project. The new Nagra HD Turntable is designed and precision-built in Switzerland with no compromises. According to Nagra Audio, "Packed with innovation for smoother movement and isolation that puts you right in the studio with the musicians in a way never experienced before, it is built like a Swiss watch to the most exacting standards. Not only pleasing to the ears, it is also a beautiful object and a testimony to
Nagra's mechanical expertise and dedication to pure sound.
Features include aerospace Exium / acrylic platter for a very low resonance and high density providing maximum inertia. Dual motor belt-drive inspired by the legendary Nagra IV-S for low flutter. Suspended chassis with a self-resonance below 3Hz, way below the cartridge bandwidth.
Supercapacitor power supply for very low noise and speed stability. Automatic speed correction for 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm records. Pitch control for correcting LP playback speed. Chassis and sub-chassis with layered construction for low resonance and high rigidity, like the HD
Preamp and HD DAC X, to prevent any sound coloration from the mechanical parts. And lastly, dual geometry adjustment for perfect balance.
Oversized steel and bronze precision main bearing. The Nagra HD Turntable will be released Q3 2021.
08 / 05 / 21
Musicians Can Pre-Register Their .Music
Domain / URL
With the early Internet being fraught with cyber-squatters, those who register URLs to 'hold hostage' to profit from resale, the new .Music domain seeks to remedy that for the music industry. The new .Music URL is claiming to be the only exclusive web address for the global music community. The .Music initiative by DotMusic is claiming to be a truly global community-led effort and the only initiative with enhanced music tailored policies that ensure that music artists, bands, industry professionals, and organizations register a trusted, secure, and verified .Music domain . This is to be a "safe, authenticated domain identity similar to that of a domain ending in .Edu or
.Gov — and own their exclusive www.name.music web address".
"Dot Music will effectively differentiate itself by addressing the key online usage issues of safety, trust, consistency, brand recognition as well as communicate site subject-matter: music-related content. The TLD will be exclusive only to music community members and will incorporate enhanced safeguards and Use policies to protect creators, intellectual property and rights holders.... The DotMusic Foundation is a Cyprus non-profit organization, which will be focused on serving the global music community and engaging in activities aligned with its community-based purpose. Proceeds from .Music registrations will be used to support activities aligned with
DotMusic's Mission." This new domain is supported by thousands of music-related entities including the independent music community, recording labels, publishers, collection societies (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC), the Recording Academy / Grammys, major distributors and many others.
Looking Towards The Future Enjoying the past 25 years of hi-fi, and looking forward to the
future.
Article By Steven R. Rochlin As
Enjoy the Music.com celebrates our 25th Anniversary this
month, I want to focus more on the future than the past. During my 20th Anniversary message, there were highlights of progress within the high-end audio
community. Within this month's editorial, I'll be focusing on the next 25. While
many of us enjoy amazing music via our turntable and dare we add reel-to-reel
system, the future of streaming music is brighter than ever! For some of you
reading this, there was a world of music pre-Internet as we searched through
that book within the record store to order rare albums. ---> Read Looking
Towards The Future.
08 / 04 / 21
Hi-Fi+ August 2021 High-End
Audio Magazine Hi-Fi+'s August 2021 issue
features the following:
Editorial: The UK Celebrates 'Freedom Day'
Meet Your Maker: Daryl Wilson of Wilson Audio
Meet Your Dealer: Ajay Verma of Art+Sound
How To Fall In Love With Classical Music (Part 3)
Stephen Duffy: 1980s Icon / The Hawks
Contemporary, Classical, And Audiophile Music
Equipment Reviews Include:
Kuzma XL AIR Turntable Upgrade
Constellation Audio Inspiration Int. Amp.
T+A SDV 3100HV DAC/Preamplifier
Aqua Linq / La Scala MkII Optologic DAC/Streamer
Cary Audio DMS-700 Network Player
QLN Prestige Three Floorstanding Loudspeaker
VPI Prime 21+ Turntable, Arm, And Cartridge
Sonus faber Lumina II Stand-Mount Speaker
IsoAcoustics Zazen I/II Equipment Platforms
Geerfab D.Bob Digital Break-Out-Box
Titan Audio Eros Sig / FF AC Cord/RFI Control
Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says
"As I write this, the UK just celebrated 'Freedom Day', where the restrictions of COVID-19 were 'finally' lifted. While there is more than a little trepidation about this course of action both at home and in the rest of the world, it's hoped that the time of lockdowns and 'stay at home/shelter in place' orders are mostly behind us, and we have to collectively learn how to get on with life again. Audio has been one of those home items that has helped us get through the lockdowns, but now what?"
See
what's within this issue of Hi-Fi+
magazine at this
link.
08 / 03 / 21
The Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger Enjoy the Music.com is once again happy to announce that The Cable Company has launched their annual Summer Against Hunger fundraiser. This is their 26th annual audiophile fundraiser to help support CARE, an organization that save lives, helps defeat poverty, achieve social justice, and fights for women and girls rights. The Cable
Company's Summer Against Hunger donates 100% of August purchases from The Cable Company from over 70 sponsoring brands, with matching funds with equal donations to CARE. In addition,
all products from their other vendors who are not participating in the fundraiser directly,
plus this fundraiser includes their sales of used products from UsedCable.com website (50% donation to CARE).
According to The Cable Company, "This dollar for dollar donation for purchase of products from our sponsoring vendors works due to leverage: The Cable Company donates a percentage of sales, which is matched by sponsoring manufacturers. The 1:1 total donation to CARE is guaranteed by the participation of an anonymous donor, who is providing a funding match for total Cable Co. plus vendor
contributions. Additional matched funding from institutional participants further multiplies the donations we generate directly, to bring the donation to CARE up to a full 100%, dollar for dollar. The previous 25 years of August campaigns have generated over $5.5 million in contributions for CARE, which is 75 years old this
year." Learn more about The
Cable Company's Summer Against Hunger at this link.
08 / 01 / 21
Enjoy the Music.com's
August
2021 Review Magazine
This month's Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine features world premiere reviews, videos, plus we take a look back at the legendary EMT turntable!
All this and much more
within Enjoy the Music.com's
August Review Magazine available at this link.
Making Your Hi-Fi System Better Roger Skoff writes about music and your
system.
Article
By Roger Skoff Many years ago, when I was first starting XLO, I got a phone
call from a guy named Roy Harris, asking me what XLO cables sounded like. Not
realizing that the Roy Harris who had been a famous American classical music
composer was already long dead by that time, I was impressed (and, frankly, a
little prideful that someone of his imagined prominence would be considering my
cables) and tried to be as helpful as possible.... After another couple of rounds of him asking, and me trying to
explain to him that XLO cables were designed to be as neutral as possible and to
have as little sound of their own as possible in order to properly perform their
intended function of just carrying the music from one point to another without
addition, subtraction, distortion or any kind of change along the way, he
finally said: "No, no, no; you don't understand." ---> Making your
hi-fi system better.
Björn Ulvaeus Of ABBA Discusses Streaming Music's Transformation On Songwriting Björn Ulvaeus, Swedish songwriter, musician, singer, guitarist, producer and a member of the musical group ABBA gave an excellent TED Talk. Björn Ulvaeus's songs, co-written with his ABBA partner and close friend Benny
Andersson, became some of the most famous hits of all time and selling more than 400 million records all over the
world. "Money, money, money... in the music business, there seems to be little left for the songwriters that fuel it" says TED Talk. "ABBA co-founder Björn Ulvaeus calls for the industry to support its most valuable asset, breaking down how the streaming revolution impacts creator royalties, careers and craft
— and outlines what can be done to truly thank artists for the music." --->
ABB's Björn Ulvaeus discusses streaming music's transformation on songwriting.
Kostas Metaxas Lecture On Purist Recording During the Munich HIGH END Show years ago Kostas Metaxas, an award winning artist-designer as well as an electrical and recording engineer, was asked to lecture on purist analog tape recording techniques. Below is an edit including some recording excerpts. One of Kostas' biggest pleasures in life is recording music. It is an
indescribable pleasure — bliss. Particularly when all the planets are aligned —
when the musician is "in the zone", the audience is on the edge of their seats... you literally get "lost in the
music". "Sadly," says Kostas, "I wasn't able to release lots of this music, only use excerpts for Broadcast TV interviews, but the pure pleasure was worth it. From 2003 to 2008, I recorded over 300 concerts including covering
two Melbourne Jazz Festivals, two Bangalow Classical Music Festivals, over 50 Opera Australia Operas, The Asia-Pacific Chamber Music competition, and many others." ---> Kostas Metaxas
lecture on purist recording.
Accustic Arts Preamp III Review Higher Goals... but how to hit them? Review By Matthias Böde With the
new Preamp III, Accustic Arts wants to surpass their previous top
model. STEREO tested whether they were successful. Both the effort taken
as well as the financial commitment are considerable, in any way.... When the brand new top preamplifier from the
Southern German high-end manufacturer Accustic Arts finally arrived in our
office, already eagerly awaited, we had to swallow hard three times. First when
unpacking. The reason for this was that the device we took out of the box, with
its aluminum-covered housing featuring a striking cut-out logo in the lid,
looked incredibly impressive in a dignified way. It seemed as if the Preamp III
wants to replace its tried and tested predecessor Tube Preamp II MK2
simply by making it seem and look puny in comparison. --->
Accustic Arts Preamp III review.
World Premiere Review!
Vermouth Audio Reference Series Cables
Review
Reference Balance Interconnect, Reference RCA Interconnect, And Reference Power Cord A big box of cables from Bali. Review By Dwayne Carter A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a pair of
Vermouth
Audio Little Luccas MkII Limited Edition Speakers, along with their Red
Velvet, and Black Pearl Cables. They arrived in a large wooden crate, direct
from Bali. Meticulously packed and well cared for, the audio cables were
individually boxed and wrapped in cloth bags. We were impressed from the moment
we began unboxing until the moment we sent them back to Bali. The delivery of the Vermouth Audio's Reference
Series Cables prompted the same expectation. Vermouth Audio sent three of their
Reference Series Cables: The Reference Balance Interconnect, Reference RCA
Interconnect, and Reference Power Cord. Inside the thick cardboard box; each Reference Series Cable
(or cable pair) arrived in a separate, decorative cardboard box. Inside that
box, each cable (or cable pair) was tucked inside a heavy cloth bag, adorned
with the Vermouth logo. ---> Vermouth Audio Reference Series
cables review.
Alluxity Power Two Stereo Amplifier
Review Making great look, and sound, easy. Review By Rick Jensen The
Alluxity Power Two is a beautiful new stereo power amplifier from a fairly new
company. Alluxity, the brand, is manufactured by AVM-TEC. The company and brand
were formed in Denmark in 2010, and while the company is new, it has an
excellent pedigree. The head of AVM-TEC is Alexander Vitus-Mogensen, the son of
Hans-Ole Vitus of Vitus Audio. The goals for Alluxity products are to design
products that fit into the home (unlike so many current high-end products), that
sounds very good, and that is fairly priced but built with a focus on quality.
Those sound like relatively anodyne goals but, to jump ahead, they are achieved
with ease. And I might add that for me (being half-Danish by background, with
some relatives named Mogensen!) such modesty is not unexpected – hyperbole is
not part of the usual marketing of Danish products. --->
Alluxity Power Two stereo amplifier review.
Revisiting The NPS 1260 3D Enhancer Solution Too good to keep a secret! Review By Rick Becker Rick
Schultz assured me that letting the NPS 1260 settle in for at least six weeks
would reveal the optimal performance, but what I heard in the first three weeks
was so phenomenal that I felt compelled to rush it into the July issue. In a
whirlwind go-around at the last minute with Enjoy the Music.com's
Creative Director, Steven R. Rochlin, we decided to publish
in July 2021 with a follow-up to be added in the August
issue. I've held off to the last minute again to give this goop as much time as
possible to do its thing, so here we go.... The description on their website makes a big issue of the "flow"
that NPS 1260 imparts to the music. I was beginning to feel that flow by the
time I concluded the initial review but not strong enough to make a big deal of
it. Now, at eight weeks out from the first application and six weeks out from my
final application, I'm ready to talk the talk. --->
Revisiting The NPS 1260 3D Enhancer Solution.
World Premiere Review!
Zu Audio Omen MK.II Floorstanding
Loudspeaker Review A classic loudspeaker from Zu Audio that remains new. Review By Ric Mancuso I asked
this question of Sean Casey, owner and creator and founder of Zu Audio
loudspeakers. "You know, how did you come with the name for the company?" He
said, One evening having some conversation about birthing the company with his
wife, the name Zu popped into her head! It sounded cool and they came up with a
logo and from then on it was Zu Audio. Sean heard members of the industry say
never to disclose the origin of the name, fearing it would evoke a perception of
fictionalization, that would somehow undermine the brand's quality. What's in a
name? Well, Prince did pretty well with his symbol and his brand. Sean Casey's background in audio is an interesting one. He and Ray Kimber, both
Utah audio heads knew of each other and crossed paths involving PA's and sound
systems for clubs in the early days in Ogden. Ray of course started up Kimber
Kable. ---> Zu Audio Omen MK.II
floorstanding loudspeaker review.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
