High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

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10 / 05 / 26

Toronto Audiofest 2026 To Deliver Canada's Best Fall Season Immersive High-Fidelity Audio Experience
The Toronto Audiofest 2026 returns October 16th through 18th at The Westin Toronto Airport, promising one of Canada's most immersive high-fidelity events of the year. With more than 100 exhibitors and thousands of attendees expected, the show continues its mission of elevating high-quality sound and strengthening the community of music lovers and audiophiles across Ontario. Over three days, visitors can explore hundreds of brands, audition cutting-edge loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital sources, and personal audio gear in professionally tuned rooms. The festival spans 8,000 sq. ft. of curated listening spaces designed to showcase the latest innovations in immersive high-end audio. The venue's reconfigured demonstration rooms offer an elegant, acoustically optimized environment ideal for serious listening.

A major highlight is EARVANA, Canada's only dedicated headphone event, featuring top global brands and new product launches. Attendees can test flagship headphones, portable DACs, and personal audio systems in a focused, hands-on environment. The show also includes artist meet-and-greets, industry-only gatherings, and special listening sessions that bring enthusiasts and manufacturers together. Toronto Audiofest 2026 also expands its popular Pitcher Perfect Pairings experience, created in partnership with Rorschach Brewery. This unique sensory journey pairs six craft beers with six curated soundscapes and audio systems, blending flavor and fidelity in a guided tasting adventure. Each ticket includes a three-day show pass, six tastings, and six take-home cans—making it one of the event's most anticipated attractions. Be sure to see Enjoy the Music.com's exclusive Toronto Audiofest 2026 luxury high-end audio show coverage.

10 / 01 / 26

High-End Audio Reviews, Audiophile News & Luxury Hi-Fi Equipment: Enjoy the Music.com's October 2026 Review Magazine
Discover the latest high-fidelity audio equipment reviews, expert commentary, show coverage, and luxury audiophile gear.
The October issue of Enjoy the Music.com's Review Magazine delivers another exceptional collection of high-end audio reviews, in-depth analysis, and industry-leading editorial content designed for passionate music lovers and discerning audiophiles. As one of the most respected online destinations for premium audio since 1995, we continue our 30+ year tradition of bringing readers authoritative coverage of the finest products, technologies, and trends shaping the world of high-fidelity sound. Inside this month's issue, you will discover comprehensive world premiere evaluations of cutting-edge audio components, innovative technologies, and carefully curated articles that help bring recorded music closer to the emotional impact of a live performance. From analog front ends and reference-quality electronics to loudspeakers, and modern digital playback solutions, the October edition provides valuable insights for enthusiasts seeking the highest levels of musical realism.

Beyond the many world premiere and exclusive high-fidelity audio equipment reviews, Enjoy the Music.com's popular monthly magazine and timely industry news explores the industry's latest developments, offering readers timely coverage of emerging technologies, premium audio innovations, and noteworthy announcements. These features help you stay informed about the products before others find out. You are privy to audio engineering breakthroughs and trends influencing both today's marketplace and the future of immersive music reproduction. Our October issue also reflects Enjoy the Music.com being of service to both dedicated hobbyists and newcomers alike, this issue serves as an essential resource for making informed purchasing decisions and discovering new opportunities to elevate a listening system. Whether your passion lies in vinyl playback, digital audio, streaming, headphones, two-channel stereo, or ultra-high-end reference systems, the October issue offers something of value for every music enthusiast. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music.
---> High-End Audio Reviews, Audiophile News & Luxury Hi-Fi Equipment: Enjoy the Music.com's October 2026 Review Magazine.

An Audiophile's Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery
From olden times monophonic sound systems to modern immersive high-end audio, one listener's path through classical, folk, world music, and today's Hi-Res Music lossless streaming hi-fi culture.
Editorial By Roger Skoff
When I was a kid, I was different from most other kids. For one thing, I was a kid audiophile. Having been exposed to hi-fi when I was just twelve and immediately falling in love with it, I had my own (mono, at first, because that's all there was until I was a wizened old man of fifteen) System, which I listened to in my bedroom while the rest of the family was in the living room watching TV. Even for monophonic (mono), what I had wasn't much: Starting with a cast-off Silvertone radio / phonograph player, I had—as I could afford (used, mostly), find, or scrounge them—added more, better, or just different parts (first a speaker, then a Heathkit FM tuner, then an Eico tube amplifier, and then... well, you know how it goes) until I had something as good as I could get with the resources available to me. (First, just my allowance and the occasional present, later, an after-school job.) When I turned sixteen, learned to drive, and got my first car....
---> An Audiophile's Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery.

World Premiere Review!
AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier
Redefining High-End Audio Performance Learn how AGD's latest GaN-based dual-mono design delivers stunning detail, effortless power, and true audiophile reference-grade musicality. 
Review By Brett Rudolph
AGD Productions is a company that focuses on bringing out the best possible sound using whatever technology is available. Alberto Guerra founded the company with this goal and a commitment to creating the most innovative products possible, without compromise. His work with GaN tube technology has brought him accolades and made him a leader in the audiophile world. Recently, I had the opportunity to do the world premiere review of AGD's Allegro. The newest addition to their product offerings represented their first integrated amplifier. It built on their already world-class amplifiers and added an R-2R DAC, streamer, and phono stage. Towards the end of the review, Alberto approached me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing their stand-alone AGD Forte. My usual response would be to humbly decline, as it is hard to review products from the same company. The similarities between these two products make it even more difficult to keep them straight and to write about them.
---> AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier.

World Premiere Review!
Cinnamon Audio Galle II DAC Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth & Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital
Inside the dual-mono, 27-bit resistor ladder DAC engineered to challenge analog supremacy and elevate hi-res streaming to deliver unprecedented tonal color, spatial density, and musical engagement for serious audiophiles and music lovers alike.
Review By Craig Clark
"For me, it's really been about bringing the kind of sound to my clients that allows them to, even if just for a moment, suspend disbelief. To double-check their reality. Do you know what I mean?" — Colin King, Gestalt Audio, Importer of Cinnamon products in the USA. Oh, yes, Colin. We audiophiles know exactly what you mean. Many of us have spent decades (I, personally, have logged five) pursuing the magical moments to which you allude. And we also know just how elusive this exalted experience can be, with occasional glimpses the rule and sustained looks far too rare. We set out on a musical journey, typically from a very young age, full of hope, aspirations, and a dream of hearing our favorite music reproduced in our homes with the kind of realism that moves us emotionally, and in those beautiful moments, connects us at a deeper level with the artists intent, perhaps even with a greater understanding of our collective selves.  But then, reality....
---> Cinnamon Audio Galle II DAC Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth & Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital.

World Premiere Review!
WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound System's Performance
How WattGate's gold- and rhodium-plated high-fidelity audio outlets deliver lower noise floor, stronger physical grip, and remarkable musical bliss.
Review By Paul Schumann
Ah, yes, the lowly AC outlet. It's the least glamorous gadget in our daily lives. If we need to charge a phone or vacuum the room, their location becomes critically important. Otherwise, once we plug a lamp or TV into one, we forget they are there. I'd never thought much about the outlet I use for my system, so when Brett of WattGate reached out for a review, I was intrigued. We audiophiles spend large sums on AC cables and power conditioners, so why wouldn't we care what we plug them into? WattGate, a sister company of Kimber Kable, makes two audio-grade AC receptacles: the 381 AU evo and 381 RH evo. Brett sent me both to review. These two outlets are identical in their basic construction. They have heavy-duty clamps with teeth terminals, heavy-duty triple wipe contacts, and accept 8 to 12 AWG wire. The housing of each is constructed of polycarbonate, and all the metals used are non-magnetic. The terminal clamps, mounting strap, rivets, and grounding strip are made of plated solid brass.
---> WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound System's Performance.

Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi Equipment
Affordable vibration control and isolation that may transform your high-fidelity audio sound system.
Review By Rick Becker
Breaking into the high end for manufacturers has a fairly straightforward path, although there are variations on this theme. First, you come up with a product, and then you present it at a show. There you will meet reviewers and hopefully convince them to work their magic on your product to get the word out and generate consumer interest, either by direct sales or a distribution channel. Each of these steps has its own challenges and pitfalls, but it's a lot easier than, say, mining for rare earth metals or building commercial or military aircraft (drones excepted). Witness the large number of manufacturers in high end audio today, and their global reach. In my audio show coverage, I pay particular attention to new presenters, not just new products. This review explores a product from one such company with a growing reputation that I've been watching closely for several years.
---> Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi Equipment.

The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
Passions run high among music lovers. We vilify "bad" musicians (the ones we dislike), and we elevate marginally functional savants with a couple of two-minute singles and some album filler under their belts. When it comes to more unique and productive figures like Phil Spector, Jimi Hendrix, Wilhelm Furtwängler, John Cage, or [insert your own heroes and villains here], music fans either revere them as gods or dismiss them as meaningless. Sometimes there are shades in between, but perspective is at a premium. This tendency to paint things black or white spills over to the equipment we use to play back our favorite recordings. i've seen the cognoscenti dismiss people on the basis of no more information than their choice of power amp, though I suspect few of us are quite so one-dimensional in truth. Anyone with an internet connection can publish broadsides proclaiming their love for equipment and music and aim verbal barrages at their musical "enemies."
---> The intro by Art Dudley.

Voices From The Fringe?
Editorial By Joe Roberts
Audio today consists of a much wider range of practice than you'll find reported in the glossy mags. Some of the most interesting activity in the hobby takes place outside the borders that commercial producers of contemporary equipment accept as their playing field. There are vintage gear enthusiasts, modifiers of old and new gear, and people who build things that the manufacturers are wise to avoid - products with limited popular appeal or which are not economically viable to manufacture. Except for Audio Amateur / Glass Audio, there's no dedicated forum for do-it-yourself audio, one of the most rewarding facets of our hobby. Only a few decades ago DIY was an important part of the hobby for people as committed to it as we are. What happened? Since most magazines focus on the latest gear and currently fashionable technologies, any sense of the development of audio over the decades is lost.
---> Voices from the fringe?

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

09 / 29 / 26

Florida International Audio Expo 2027 Returns To Tampa: A Bigger, Bolder Hi-Fi Experience Awaits
The premier Southeast audio showcase brings world-class listening rooms, top brands, seminars, and a renewed commitment to exhibitors and attendees.
The Florida International Audio Expo will return to Tampa from February 19th through 21st, transforming the Embassy Suites – Tampa Airport Westshore into a multi-floor celebration of high-end audio. As one of the growing high-fidelity events within the United States, the 2027 edition promises expanded listening experiences, exceptional industry partnerships, and a more polished show environment shaped by the Expo's renewed organizational direction. The Expo remains centered on its core mission: the experience of listening. Attendees can move room to room, sit in real-world environments, and hear loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital sources, cables, and full reference systems exactly as exhibitors intend. This hands-on, immersive format continues to attract both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers eager to explore high-performance sound.

For 2027, organizers highlight an even broader lineup of leading audio brands, including manufacturers, designers, dealers, distributors, and product specialists from across the global high-fidelity landscape. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate new releases, build relationships, and engage directly with a highly motivated audience in one of the country's most welcoming audio markets. Education and community remain central pillars of the event. Expert-led seminars, demonstrations, and conversations will offer insights for every level of listener, while live‑music moments and social gatherings foster the Expo's signature friendly atmosphere. The show also continues its partnership with IASCA Worldwide, bringing back the outdoor Car Audio Sound Quality Showcase at Westshore Mall—an enthusiast favorite that expands the event beyond traditional hi-fi audiophile rooms. We look forward to seeing you there! Until then, be sure to see our previous Florida International Audio Expo 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 show reports.

09 / 28 / 26

Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 Ushers In AI-Powered Premium Audio
Qualcomm Technologies has officially introduced its new Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform, a major advancement designed to transform traditional wireless audio products into intelligent AI-powered companions. Positioned as the company's first premium audio platform purpose-built for Personal AI, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 combines high-fidelity audio technologies, advanced on-device artificial intelligence, integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, and cloud-connected intelligence in a single solution. According to Qualcomm, the platform is intended to power a new generation of earbuds, headphones, audio glasses, hearing devices, and emerging multimodal wearables. At the heart of Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is a significant leap in AI performance. Qualcomm states that the platform delivers up to twice the AI capability of its predecessor while consuming up to 40% less power and occupying up to 30% less space. These efficiency improvements allow manufacturers to develop smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting products capable of supporting always-available AI experiences. The platform is engineered to simultaneously handle AI processing, premium audio playback, communication functions, sensing technologies, and wellness-related applications without compromising performance or battery life.

A key differentiator is the addition of integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, enabling direct-to-cloud access that reduces reliance on a smartphone. This architecture supports Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound Apps & Agents ecosystem, providing audio wearables with access to AI assistants, translation services, contextual information, and evolving cloud-based experiences. Qualcomm envisions users interacting with AI naturally through voice, allowing devices to deliver real-time assistance, language translation, personalized hearing enhancements, and context-aware recommendations throughout the day. Beyond AI functionality, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 continues Qualcomm's focus on audio excellence. The platform supports Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm XPAN connectivity, enabling up to 192kHz lossless music streaming over micro-power Wi-Fi for audiophile-grade wireless listening. New AI-enhanced audio technologies dynamically adapt sound based on the listener's environment and activity, while advanced Active Noise Cancellation, voice processing technologies, and multi-microphone support aim to improve call quality, transparency modes, and immersive spatial audio experiences.

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.

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