High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News

  We invite you to join our social media pages and meet music lovers and audiophiles from all around the world. Like and follow our social media pages to chat with our reviewers, industry luminaries, and our loyal followers. Stay informed about the latest high-end audio news, audiophile events, and updates related to Enjoy the Music.com. As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music!

11 / 21 / 25

UK To Make Reselling Concert Tickets For Profit Illegal
The UK government has announced plans to introduce legislation making it illegal to resell tickets for concerts, sports, theatre, comedy and other live events for more than their original face value, saying the move is designed to protect fans from inflated resale prices and "destroy the operating model of ticket touts". Under the proposed rules, secondary ticketing platforms would have a legal duty to monitor and enforce the cap on resale prices, limits would be placed on platform service fees, and individuals would be barred from selling more tickets than they were originally permitted to buy, measures aimed at curbing bot-driven bulk purchases that feed the secondary market. Government statements accompanying the announcement argued the measures would make resale tickets cheaper on average and return access to events for more fans, estimating collective annual savings for consumers and describing the policy as a fulfillment of promises to tackle extortionate touting practices. The announcement prompted immediate market and industry reaction, with shares of some resale platforms falling and major industry players and artists responding with a mix of support for fan protection and concern over impacts on legitimate secondary markets, while officials framed the push as a wider consumer-protection initiative by the current administration.

Legal experts warned the legislation could face challenges in court, particularly around enforcement against overseas platforms and the definition of "original price" for dynamically priced or package tickets. Industry groups representing venues and promoters said clarity would be needed on how exchanges can operate within the cap and whether compensation mechanisms will exist for legitimate resale when customers cannot attend. Consumer advocates welcomed the move but urged swift secondary legislation and clear guidance to avoid loopholes that could simply shift touting activity to private channels. Ministers indicated the bill will include powers for regulators to impose fines and demand data-sharing from ticketing firms, and that a phased implementation will give businesses time to adapt their systems. The government expects the measure to be tabled in the coming parliamentary session, with consultation on technical details to follow, leaving a likely implementation window of several months to a year if parliamentary time is secured. Officials said they will work with law enforcement and digital platforms to target automated buying tools and sophisticated resale networks.

11 / 20 / 25

World Premiere Review!
Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review
Like a buried treasure that pays huge dividends in musical enjoyment!
Review By Rick Becker
If you're reading this review, you're either considering the installation of a dedicated line in what is likely your dedicated listening room or perhaps your home theater...  or maybe the video rig in your family room if you're seriously into watching TV. Or possibly, you've already installed a line and are wondering if this new Audience cable might be a worthwhile upgrade. In any case, I suspect you're already convinced that "everything matters" in high-end audio, especially cables. Keep reading. Audience is one of the most respected cable manufacturers and my ears perked up when I saw the ad for their new In-Wall AC cable. It's been 20 years since I reviewed Joe Skubinski's JPS Labs Power AC In-Wall cable. He's sold miles of it and "Big Red" has remained my reference dedicated line ever since. What's taken so long for the competition to arise?
---> Audience Hidden Treasure In-Wall AC PowerCable And High Definition Wall Receptacle Review.

Silent Angel Bonn N8 Data Switch Review
The Silent Angel Bonn N8 already has an audiophile following, but Martin Colloms says adding the Forester F1 power supply further levitates its performance.
Review By Martin Colloms
Thunder Data, the primary company responsible for the Silent Angel products was founded by two Chinese research engineers – Dr. Huang Jian and Chorus Chuang – specializing in both hardware and software development and engineering, and they have several patents in this field. Features of the already highly-regarded Bonn N8 eight-port Ethernet switch, which sells for £399, include fully balanced input and output transformers for every port, though it must be said that pretty much all such network connections are done this way even on low-cost Netgear switches. Further additions include damping pads on many internal components to reduce induced jitter from audio-related vibration, and the use of a low-noise high-stability reference clock to upgrade it to an audio-quality computer network switch. The eight ports are 100/1000Base-T gigabit specification, and the design includes a customized 'Silent Angel Noise Absorber' with two EMC filters for the main internal power supply and a further two for the clock generator circuit.
---> Silent Angel Bonn N8 Data Switch Review.

11 / 19 / 25

Florida International Audio Expo In February 2026
The eighth annual Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE) returns as the Southeast's most eagerly anticipated high-end audio gatherings, bringing together music lovers, audiophiles, immersivephiles, and industry professionals for a long weekend of listening, discovery, and community. FIAE show's 2026 edition continues the event's tradition of pairing commercial exhibits with live music and educational programming to give visitors both demonstrable gear experiences and context for what they hear. From Friday through Sunday, February 20th through 22nd (2026) at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, ticketing options include single-day and multi-day passes to suit casual visitors, dedicated musicphiles, and audiophiles / immersivephiles alike. Organizer statements and press coverage emphasize that the 2026 event marks the Expo's eighth annual run, highlighting steady growth in both exhibitor participation and room counts; this expansion has translated into more than 100 exciting exhibit spaces that let music lovers compare loudspeakers, electronics, vinyl LP turntable systems, stereo / immersive headphones, cabling, and tweaks under real listening conditions.

That scale also attracts international and regional brands showing both new flagship components and specialty boutique products. The Florida International Audio Expo 2026 floor experience blends formal demo rooms with informal listening lounges. Step outside and enjoy special car-audio presence, thanks to IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association), creating a cross-section of audio culture where home hi-fi enthusiasts can meet custom installers, aftermarket specialists, and accessory makers all in one place. Many exhibitors staff their rooms with designers and product specialists so visitors can ask technical questions and hear how products perform at reference levels. Enjoy the Music.com's highly-anticipated, and extensive, Florida International Audio Expo (FIAE) 2026 show coverage will be online during the event.

11 / 17 / 25

Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report Celebrating Craft, Sound, & Art Of Audio: Photofest 5
Next-level visual storytelling of high-end audio gear and audiophile room setups.
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Within Brett and Dylan Rudolph's Photofest 5, they elevate the visual narrative you loved within Photofest 4 by expanding beyond single moments into immersive visuals and mini-features that feature the latest hi-fi equipment. This series of pics pairs Brett and Dylan Rudolf’s unmistakable photojournalism with fresh angles and narrative sequencing that show how a component lives within a home. Exhibitors have finalized their placement trials and their small adjustments that turn good sound into unforgettable listening. These photographs from the Capital Audiofest 2025 high-end audio event showcase how finishes, proportions, and placement interact with real rooms. From hand-finishing, candid frames, and the technicians / designers whose choices shape tone and presence, Enjoy the Music.com's exclusive Photofest 5 emphasizes process photography... and the human gestures behind final products. We want our extensive worldwide readers helping us celebrate our very special 30th Anniversary this year to gain an appreciation not just for the finished component, but for the craft and decisions that define its character.
---> Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report Celebrating Craft, Sound, & Art Of Audio: Photofest 5.

11 / 16 / 25

Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 3
Great gear, delightful design, and special hi-fi highlights of CAF 2025.
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Within Brett and Dylan's Photofest 3, they dig deep into the visuals: photo impressions from a variety of standout rooms and stereo system demos, where home audio gear moves with good looks and sound to deliver memorable musicality and visual excellence. These photos give you a glorious sense of how systems fit into your lifestyle in context within a listening room. These snapshots capture the visually artistic character and highlight which combinations you love. Within Enjoy the Music.com's extensive Photofest Part 3, we spotlight moments that defined the weekend here at Capital Audiofest 2025. Both designers and dealers are here at CAF 2025 showcasing newly stocked lines that reveal trends and possible future directions of high-end audio. From handcrafted home audio loudspeakers to the latest in state-of-the-art Hi-Res Audio DACS, attendees could see, feel, and hear these amazing sound systems.
---> Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 3.

Audiophile Craft And High-End Audio Equipment
Visual Stories From Capital Audiofest 2025: Photofest 4
From loudspeaker finish to turntable fanfare, our exclusive photofests feature the exciting visual pulse of CAF 2025!
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Our exclusive Photofest 4 steps into snapshots to tell richer stories — close-ups of craftsmanship, candid moments, and sequence shots that show setups of the world's finest home audio equipment. Enjoy the Music.com's impactful images, thanks to our photojournalist and reviewer Brett Rudolf and his son Dylan, which emphasize tactile details such as hand-applied finishes, room treatments, and the human scale that makes high-end audio feel approachable and welcome into your luxury home. Enjoy the Music.com's Photofest 4 highlights focus on demos and pairing visuals with standout components. Expect portraits of breakthrough products, side-by-side comparisons that reveal aesthetic and acoustic choices, and images that may give you hints which systems deliver the most emotional impact for your favorite musical styles. Photofest 4 also points forward: curated companies to watch, teasers for upcoming in-depth reviews, and visual guides for recreating specific room looks and sound.
---> Audiophile Craft And High-End Audio Equipment Visual Stories From Capital Audiofest 2025: Photofest 4.

11 / 15 / 25

Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 1
A picture-rich CAF 2025 high-end audiophile show coverage.
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Enjoy the Music.com's Capital Audiofest 2025 high-end audio show report photofest gallery, captured by photojournalist and reviewer Brett Rudolph, delivers an immersive recap of various audiophile sound systems. The piece blends photog observations with a lively visual narrative, giving readers a take on standout gear and a sprawling Photofest of scenes that convey the show's energy. Brett Rudolph's coverage guides readers through the event held at the Twinbrook Hilton, highlighting trends in high-end audio, notable product debuts, and memorable demonstrations. Part 1 of Brett's extensive report balances technical impressions with accessible images so enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike can appreciate what made Capital Audiofest 2025 noteworthy. Enjoy the Music.com's exclusive Photofest gallery is a focal point of the feature, offering many photos that document rooms and luxurious consumer electronics equipment in detail. His images serve as both a visual archive and an editorial complement.
---> Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 1.

Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 2
CAF 2025: See more of high-end audio's most memorable scenes this weekend.
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Brett And Dylan Rudolph
Enjoy the Music.com's Capital Audiofest 2025 Photofest gallery, captured by photojournalist and reviewer Brett Rudolph and his son Dylan, plunges readers into the visual heart of the Twinbrook Hilton event. Rudolph's images focus on the interplay of form and function—sleek loudspeaker lines, glowing tube amplifiers, and the intimate staging of listening rooms—while his captions and short observations point out the moments that mattered: demos that drew crowds, product debuts with surprising polish, and room setups that married acoustic sense with aesthetic flair. While our CAF 2025 Photofest Part 1 featured many great photos from the incredible audiophile and music lover event, within Part 2, we lean into atmosphere and continue letting photographs tell much of the story. The gallery sequences move from wide room shots that convey scale and energy to tight detail frames that showcase build quality, finishes, and component design.
---> Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Photofest 2.

11 / 14 / 25

audioXpress' December 2025 Issue
Editorial: We Don't Want You To Miss Out
Breaking Boundaries In Wireless Audio
Enhancing Critical Communications: AI Voice Processing
A Guide For Developers Developing And Testing Bluetooth
Distributed Mode Loudspeaker Technology And "Invisible Speakers"
Cleer ARC 3 Open Wireless Earbuds With Noise Cancelling
Total Dynamic Distortion
Danville Signal dspNexus 2/8 Part 2—Listening Experiences
Why DIY When You Can Buy?
And Much More!

Within his editorial, J. Martins says "And just like that, our last issue of 2025 was sent to the printers —yes, we are still doing print and we have decided to keep doing it until we find a better way to serve the same readers who are gladly paying to read this publication in paper. We don’t want anyone to miss out. Our increased focus on audio product development and design has been recognized as a unique, valuable resource, serving a wider audience than ever—evenly spread globally. The only thing we can do is make it easy for our readers to get access and read the way they like. Not even the largest media organizations have found the "magical" formula to make magazines available in other ways. Magazines, with their thoughtful layout, carefully reviewed content, and attractive graphical design, are still the highest form of periodical publications, offering the most consistent form of disseminating knowledge."
---> audioXpress December 2025 Issue.

This Weekend: Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report
New high-end audio trends, top hi-fi gear, plus audiophile insights and cutting-edge innovations.
Welcome to Enjoy the Music.com's comprehensive Capital Audiofest 2025 show report. Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2025 is set to take place from November 14th to 16th at the Hilton Rockville in Maryland, continuing its legacy as the East Coast's largest and most beloved high-end audio show. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, offering three full days of immersive listening experiences, gear demos, and community engagement. Founded in 2010 by Gary Gill, CAF has grown from a grassroots gathering into a cornerstone of the North American audiophile calendar, drawing enthusiasts, engineers, and manufacturers from across the globe. Our Capital Audiofest 2025 show reports will be online during the event, with very exciting  expanded coverage afterwards!
---> Inside Capital Audiofest 2025: Exclusive Show Report & Latest Gear.

11 / 13 / 25

World Premiere Review
Siltech Master Crown Cables Review
A first listen to the paragon in today's world of connectology.
Review By Greg Weaver
During the third week in June, I was invited to attend a limited press event in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The event was sponsored by Monarch Systems, based in Englewood, CO, Siltech's US Importer, to introduce and promote the launch of Siltech's new flagship line of cables, Master Crown. I reported on that event here, at Enjoy the Music.com, on June 29th, with Siltech Launches Master Crown Cables. I also provided coverage on my audio analyst YouTube channel, with E181: Siltech's Master Crown Cable, on June 30, 2024 (video is near the bottom of this review). The company was founded with the inspired efforts of two music students, Hans de Ligt and Michel de Goey. These two were exploring the fabrication of cables, not by chance, luck, or intuition, but by applying science and metallurgical knowledge.
---> Siltech Master Crown Cables Review.

Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
The ultimate music machine.
Review By Dr. Jules Coleman
Too often, I have been guilty of 'burying the lead.' Not this time: the Jadis DA88S MkII integrated amplifier is the most musically convincing and enjoyable vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier I have ever experienced – in my home or elsewhere. From the moment it was installed in my system until the moment shippers were summoned to remove it, this handsome piece of kit brought joy and fulfillment to my listening experience that had eluded me since my decade-long love affair with various Shindo-centered reference systems fell victim to life's often unforeseeable and unwelcome interventions. At different times my Shindo systems were anchored by the (no longer in production) Sinhonia push / pull monoblocks featuring the F2 output tube as well as the ne plus ultra 300B Ltd monoblocks. The former offered a dynamic realism that the 300B Ltd could not match, while the latter offered a texture, color, and density that was in equal measure beguiling and bewitching.
---> Jadis DA88S MkII Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Review.

11 / 11 / 25

International High-End Audio Shows This Weekend
A cluster of international (non-U.S.) premier hi-fi events will simultaneously open their doors on November 15th through 16th (2025), drawing audiophiles and industry professionals to four European and Asian capitals. Rome Hi-Fidelity returns to the Melià Hotel Congress Centre in Milan with a curated program promoted by importers and manufacturers showcasing the latest in high-end audio and video for listeners and sellers. In Athens, the HXOS EIKONA Show at the Wyndham Grand brings the audio/visual market back to center stage with demonstrations and vendor rooms highlighting cutting-edge systems and immersive listening experiences.

Meanwhile in Budapest the HIFI Show Budapest at the Crowne Plaza promises a dignified exhibition of the newest audio and video technology, continuing its reputation as a leading regional showcase where manufacturers present refined systems in salon-style settings. Across the Mediterranean in the Philippines, the November Hi-Fi Show Philippines celebrates 23 years at its new home in Makati Diamond Residences, offering more than 60 rooms of high-end two-channel systems, portable audio, and vendor exhibits that emphasize both tradition and innovation in sound reproduction.

Together these events create a concentrated weekend for product launches, hands-on demos, and expert discussions that signal the industry’s healthy demand for premium listening experiences. Attendees can expect head-to-head comparisons, boutique and mainstream brands rubbing shoulders, and opportunities for retailers and importers to negotiate new deals. For enthusiasts, the simultaneous timing offers a rare snapshot of global trends in high-fidelity audio, from luxurious modern immersive reference systems to evolving portable and legacy stereo formats.

11 / 10 / 25

Enjoy the Music.com Joins Capital Audiofest As Official Sponsor
Experience the latest exciting developments in high-end audio!
Enjoy the Music.com, the leading authority in premium home audio since 1995, today announced its continued sponsorship of Capital Audiofest 2025. The three-day event will be held November 14th through 16th at the Twinbrook Hilton in Rockville, Maryland, and feature both audiophile and immersivephile home audio sound systems. For more than 30 years, Enjoy the Music.com has delivered comprehensive industry news, thousands of gear reviews, and extensive show coverage to the global high-end audio community. As a long-standing voice in luxury consumer electronics, the site is proud to support Capital Audiofest's 14th annual exhibition, one of the largest fall home-entertainment shows open to the public in the United States.

Over the years, Capital Audiofest (CAF) has drawn thousands of music lovers, audiophiles, manufacturers, and media professionals, providing an important forum for product demonstrations, industry dialogue, and discovery. Enjoy the Music.com's sponsorship reaffirms its commitment to fostering industry growth, promoting innovative audio technologies, and enhancing the experience for show attendees and exhibitors alike. Enjoy the Music.com's editorial team will be onsite to produce in-depth coverage, room reviews, and feature highlights of notable demonstrations and product introductions. Exhibitors and attendees are invited to connect with the team throughout the weekend for interviews and media briefings. Be sure to read our expert choices for the exhibitors who will earn a prestigious Best Of Capital Audiofest 2025 Blue Note Award!

"Isn't that what being an audiophile is all about? At the heart of it, we simply enjoy the music," said Gary Gill of Capital Audiofest. "Gear matters, but it starts with being a music lover — from a childhood radio, a first instrument, or a hand-me-down turntable — and grows into a quest for truer, more meaningful sound. The team at Enjoy the Music.com, in concert with their Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin, has taken that passion to the next level through their over three decades of relationships with top quality audiophile brands, high-end audio manufacturers, and luxury audio shows. Now, as a sponsor of Capital Audiofest 2025 as in years past, Enjoy the Music.com brings its editorial authority and love of listening to one of the year's premier high-end events — thank you Enjoy the Music.com and the team for championing music first!"

"Enjoy the Music.com exists for one reason: a deep love of music," said Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "Being an audiophile begins with that passion and grows into a lifelong pursuit of seeking authentic sound quality. By elevating audiophile culture, we connect music lovers with top brands, manufacturers, as we have reported on hundreds of luxury home audio shows over the past three decades. Our vision includes hands-on reviews, while on-the-ground show coverage has helped countless listeners refine their tastes, choose gear that truly serves the music, and discover the emotional power of high-fidelity music both at home and on the go."

"Enjoy the Music.com is honored to once again sponsor Capital Audiofest, bringing our editorial expertise and passion for music to one of the year's premier high-end audio events," says Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin. "We thank Capital Audiofest and exhibitors for their immense love of music, while we welcome attendees who will enjoy an authentic music experience during the show. We are proud to support Capital Audiofest 2025 and to bring our extensive editorial resources to bear in highlighting innovative products, insightful demonstrations, and the people who drive this industry forward."

Learn about many exciting developments within high-end audio at our Capital Audiofest 2025 show report.

11 / 07 / 25

Hi-Fi+ November 2025 High-End Audio Magazine
Editorial: Time Travelling Via Music
Magico S2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Burmester 232 Integrated Amplifier 
Transrotor Bellini TMD, TRA 9 And Figaro Turntable, Arm, & MC Cartridge
Ensemble Massimo Fonobrio Phono Stage
Rotel DX-5 Integrated Amplifier
Revival Audio Sprint 3 Stand-Mount Loudspeaker
Ruark Audio R610 Integrated Music System
REL S/850 Subwoofer
...And Much More!

Within this month's editorial, Alan Sircom says "As we move toward our combination 250th and Awards issue, it occurs to me that audio has a function rarely spoken about. It's a time machine. And often, the better the system, the greater the time machine effect. The time machine component is an odd one. Music, perhaps more than anything, can cast you back to the time and place you first heard that recording. It can invoke memories of the place you bought the recording, who was with you when you bought it, the time, the place and the people with you when you first heard it and more. That focus on memory can work wonders; we've probably all seen the video footage of those with advanced dementia briefly coming out of their shell just by listening to the music of their youth. Taste and smell have similar 'wayback' elements, but they are less focused on a particular time, and invoke more general memories of a person or vague age rather than the specifics of a musical event. The time machine effect has a deeper component than just reminding you of things you did in the past. It can summon up past events you weren't a party to. Very few people today were alive when Louis Armstrong was cutting 'West End Blues' back in 1928, and absolutely no-one is old enough to have been at the first performance of Beethoven's Ninth or Mozart's The Magic Flute."
---> Hi-Fi+'s November 2025 High-End Audio Magazine.

11 / 06 / 25

AGD Audion Mk III Monoblock Amplifier Review
Art deco style with an emotionally engaging, tonally rich, and high-resolution sound.
Review By Rick Becker
It was love at first sight when I discovered the new AGD Audio at Rocky Mountain Audiofest back in 2019. My review came out in the February 2020 issue and it was awarded a Best of 2020 Blue Note Award. Now, four years later, it still puts a smile on my face when I turn it on. It's priced at $7850 per pair in a satin finish and $8600 in full polish, a modest price increase from the $6800 in satin and $7500 in polished when first introduced. Given how quantitative easing to deal with COVID-19, along with supply chain disruptions and opportunistic suppliers has led to inflation, this is sadly understandable. Factoring in the increase in sound quality brought first by the Mk II, and now the Mk III, well, that's what this review is all about.
--->AGD Audion Mk III Monoblock Amplifier Review.

Premium Luxury Audio Fall Foliage Tweakfest
Featuring the Bybee Clarifiers and Massif Record Weight / Cable Risers, plus Synergistic Purple Duplex Outlet, MiG 3.0 Footers, and Carbon Tuning Discs.
Review By Rick Becker
Well, audio tweaks are not exactly history-altering inventions like the printing press.... Thus, my annual Tweakfest of small, but significant products, has drifted into fall, just in time for the November issue and foreshadowing the Holiday Gift Guide. The cognoscenti of audio forums have probably christened me a fanboy of Synergistic Research, but I've been continually impressed with the creations from the mind of Ted Denney. His major products are cables and power conditioners, but once he makes a discovery it is frequently spread throughout a multitude of smaller products and occasionally gives birth to a new tweak. I'll cover three such items, plus a few more, in this Fall Foliage Tweakfest.
---> Premium Luxury Audio Fall Foliage Tweakfest.

11 / 05 / 25

Passport To Sound Welcomes Young Audiophiles At Capital Audiofest 2025
Capital Audiofest 2025 is turning up the volume on youth engagement this year with the debut of Passport to Sound, a free educational activity book crafted by Mahrukh Anwar as part of the Passport Adventures series. The Passport to Sound introduces children and teens to the immersive world of high-end audio and is designed by a science educator passionate about inclusivity. The booklet aims to make the hi-fi experience accessible and exciting for younger audiences, encouraging exploration, learning, and creativity throughout the show. For many months, Enjoy the Music.com's Creative Director Steven R. Rochlin has been encouraging Mahrukh and carefully looking at versions of this exceptional activity guide created to share our love of music and high-end audio.

The activity book guides participants through listening rooms with prompts that spark curiosity and deepen their understanding of sound. From scavenger-style challenges to imaginative questions, Passport to Sound transforms the audio show into an interactive adventure. Young attendees are invited to discover new music, observe audio setups, and reflect on what they hear—making each room a learning opportunity. As a reward for their engagement, children who complete the booklet will receive a "Certified Audiophile-in-Training" sticker badge, a playful yet meaningful token of their journey into the hi-fi universe. The program is free and available during show hours, with booklets distributed in Room 726. While designed for ages 8 through 16, the experience is open to all ages, welcoming families and curious minds alike. Be sure to read our exclusive Capital Audiofest 2025 high-end audiophile show report.

11 / 04 / 25

UMG And Udio Announce Strategic AI Collaboration
Universal Music Group (UMG) and AI music platform Udio have reached industry-first strategic agreements that settle recent copyright litigation and establish a commercial partnership to build a new music creation, consumption, and streaming experience. As part of the deal, compensatory settlements were completed and new licenses for recorded music and publishing were agreed, which UMG says will create additional revenue opportunities for its artists and songwriters. The companies plan to launch the new subscription platform in 2026, powered by generative AI trained exclusively on authorized and licensed music. Udio stated the service will offer a licensed, protected environment where users can customize, stream, and share music responsibly, and Udio's existing product will remain available during a transition that includes measures such as fingerprinting and filtering to safeguard rights holders. Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez called the collaboration a milestone that aligns AI with artist interests and expands creative possibilities.

UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge framed the agreement as part of the company's broader strategy to embrace new technologies and diversify revenue for creators, noting UMG's history of AI-related deals with major platforms and tech partners. Both companies described the partnership as a next step in fostering a commercial AI ecosystem where artists, songwriters, music companies, and technology firms can collaborate to create new fan experiences. "We couldn't be more thrilled about this collaboration and the opportunity to work alongside UMG to redefine how AI empowers artists and fans," said Andrew Sanchez, Co-Founder & CEO of Udio. "This moment brings to life everything we've been building toward – uniting AI and the music industry in a way that truly champions artists. Together, we're building the technological and business landscape that will fundamentally expand what's possible in music creation and engagement."

11 / 02 / 25

Toronto Audiofest 2025: Complete Show Coverage, Biggest Gear Reveals, And Best Demos
What happened, what to buy, special highlights, plus our best audiophile gear picks!
Toronto Audiofest 2025 Show Report By Rick Becker
The situation with President Donald Trump's tariffs may make purchasing items from Canada far more expensive for U.S. audiophiles, but the manufacturers and vendors I spoke with do not have animosity toward U.S. customers. They are keenly aware of what is going on in the US, perhaps more so than the average American. Having set a personal high-water mark with my show reports, it has become necessary to restructure my workflow for show reports and cut back on my coverage. My goal remains to pay homage to every room with at least a photo, but my writing will focus on the most salient remarks and the most impressive rooms at the show. I need more time to enjoy my music, and that's not possible if I'm writing constantly. I listened to many high-end sound systems at the Toronto Audiofest 2025 and share my impressions, highlighting the Top Tier presentations, and announcing Enjoy the Music.com's coveted annual Best of Toronto Audiofest 2025 Blue Note Awards!
---> Toronto Audiofest 2025: Complete Show Coverage, Biggest Gear Reveals, And Best Demos.

11 / 01 / 25

Just Posted! November's Audiophile Show Special Edition
We're celebrating 30 years of sound with exclusive show reports plus iconic gear reviews & great videos too!
The November issue of Enjoy the Music.com's monthly Review Magazine delivers exclusive, in-depth show reports from Toronto Audiofest and Capital Audiofest 2025. Celebrating our 30th anniversary, this issue also revisits our favorite high-end audio components from our three decades of coverage. Expect expert reviews, new insights, and detailed photos that capture the sound, design, and craftsmanship audiophiles crave. Plus, get ready for our festive December holiday issue, which will be packed with brand-new luxury hi-fi gear reviews, finalized show coverage, and thought-provoking articles concerning serious listeners.

Inside this issue you'll find hands-on evaluations, technical impressions, and listening-room impressions written by veteran reviewers who have decades of experience with high-end audio sound systems. We break down how each component performs in real-world setups, highlight standout innovations, and point readers to the most meaningful upgrades. Our editorial team curated this issue with the collector and serious listener in mind, drawing on Enjoy the Music.com's 30 years of archive knowledge to place current releases in historical perspective. If you care about the sound of your favorite tunes, musical artist performances, and desire achieving a great hi-fi system experience that lasts, join our community of audiophiles and music lovers.
---> November's Audiophile Show Special Edition Review Magazine.

Mister Stokowski! Mister Stokowski!
Let's talk about movies, classical music, and high-fidelity home audio.
Article By Roger Skoff
In the 1940 Disney film, Fantasia, Mickey Mouse, still in costume from his performance as Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice, runs up to Conductor, Leopold Stokowski, and, full of admiration, pulls on Stokowski's coat, says "Mr. Stokowski! Mr. Stokowski!", whistles to get the great man's attention, says "My congratulations, sir!" and the exchange continues.... Back in those days, Mickey Mouse was hugely successful, Stokowski became a popular figure, Fantasia became one of the all-time classic movies, played, re-played, re-dubbed, and, finally, in 2000, given a sequel. And classical music was, for at least a while, if not the, at least a kind of music enjoyed by the masses. (Just a side-note, here, when my daughter was little, she was quite smitten by Fantasia – which we had on tape and played at home – and called the Sorcerer's Apprentice sequence "The Sausage's Appendix").
---> Mister Stokowski! Mister Stokowski!

Toronto Audiofest 2025 Show Report
Canada's high-end audiophile premium audio / video equipment show.
The Toronto Audiofest 2025 unfolded over three immersive days, spotlighting high-end home audiophile gear, videophile equipment, modern immersive audio, and EARVANA—Canada's first and only dedicated headphone festival—within an expansive 8,000 sq ft showcase. Music lovers and audiophiles alike plugged in and demo'ed the newest in headphone and earphone technology, ranging from flagship over-ear designs to portable high-res in-ear monitors. With both general admission and industry badge options available, the event caters to casual enthusiasts and trade professionals seeking hands-on encounters with tomorrow's audio innovations. Enjoy the Music.com's exclusive Toronto Audiofest 2025 high-end audiophile / immersivephile show coverage will be online shortly.
---> Toronto Audiofest 2025 Luxury Home Audio Show Report.

Inside Capital Audiofest 2025: Exclusive Show Report & Latest Gear
New high-end audio trends, top hi-fi gear, plus audiophile insights and cutting-edge innovations.
Welcome to Enjoy the Music.com's comprehensive Capital Audiofest 2025 show report. Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2025 is set to take place from November 14th to 16th at the Hilton Rockville in Maryland, continuing its legacy as the East Coast's largest and most beloved high-end audio show. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, offering three full days of immersive listening experiences, gear demos, and community engagement. Founded in 2010 by Gary Gill, CAF has grown from a grassroots gathering into a cornerstone of the North American audiophile calendar, drawing enthusiasts, engineers, and manufacturers from across the globe. Our Capital Audiofest 2025 show reports will be online during the event, with very exciting  expanded coverage afterwards!
---> Inside Capital Audiofest 2025: Exclusive Show Report & Latest Gear.

McIntosh MC75 Monoblock Tube Amplifier And C22 Tube Preamplifier Review
McIntosh's latest re-introduction of their classic audio components.
Review By Anthony Nicosia
McIntosh has been making high-end audio products that music lovers have treasured for a very long time. This review of McIntosh's re-introduction of their MC75 monoblock tube amplifier and C22 tube preamplifier ($3750 each and $7500 respectively) shows the strength of this longstanding high-end audio manufacturer. Originally founded in 1949 they operated out of Silver Spring, Maryland until 1956 when they built their current facility in Binghamton, New York. What can anyone say about McIntosh Labs that has not already been said? This sixty-six year old company has produced many classics and is still making gear audiophiles crave for even in today's highly competitive world-wide market. Let it be known that my passion for McIntosh audio gear has spanned decades. In the past my home has seen the MC275, MC240, MC225 (two of them to be exact), MC2102, MC2105 and MC452 amplifiers.
---> McIntosh MC75 Monoblock Tube Amplifier And C22 Tube Preamplifier Review.

Audio Gold For Lucky Men: MY 25 Hi-Fi Malaysia Group
A prosperous two day trip to Kuala Lumpur brings an earful of delights worth millions of dollars.
A Fun-Filled Visit By Heather And Steven R. Rochlin
It all started innocently. Those who live within New England, USA, know about the months-long -17F winter combined with well over 18 feet of annual snowfall during the winter months. After many years enduring this annual situation, it was time for Heather and I to journey to Singapore for a few months. The warm 85F days followed by perfect 73F nights are a blissful welcome to the chilling alternative back home. Being on holiday, for me, is a slowdown by working only 9 hours a day instead of the normal 16. My father is the same way, so perhaps it is a genetic trait being a Rochlin. After about a week here in Singapore I received a message within Enjoy the Music.com's Facebook page suggesting that I should visit KL. For those unfamiliar, KL is short for Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and flying there is a fast hopper flight from Singapore; and good round trip airfare can be had for $200 per couple. Since I, nor my wife, have been to KL it was literally four days later and we were landing at Kuala Lumpur airport to meet the MY 25 Hi-Fi Malaysia group.
---> Audio Gold For Lucky Men: MY 25 Hi-Fi Malaysia Group.

Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
Faithful reproducing that sounds like music.
Review By Tom Lyle
I first heard speakers from Sonus faber's Olympica Nova series during my second visit to the World Of McIntosh Townhouse, located in the Soho neighborhood of downtown New York City. Before I left this wonderful audiophile playhouse, I couldn't resist requesting a review pair of their top model in the Olympica line, the Nova V. As part of their brief explanation of what I was hearing that day, I was told that this 37-year-old Italian speaker manufacturer upgraded this speaker line with new crossovers and drivers, new cabinet structures, internal volume tuning, and many other updates.  Of course, the speakers' cosmetics were also refined by Sonus faber's team of designers, giving them a new more refined appearance. One can read more about the upgrades than I could fit in the space of a review of only one of the speakers on Sonus faber's website, you can also read about some of the impressions I had when I saw and heard these speakers for the first time in the link I provided....
---> Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.

Silversmith Audio Fidelium Loudspeaker Cables Review
A new paradigm in speaker cables.
Review By Greg Weaver
I first met the engaging Jeffrey Smith, founder and design engineer of Silversmith Audio and recently retired Navy Commander, some nineteen years ago during his third CES, in January of 2002. To save space here, as there is quite a bit to cover, I'd refer you to his "About Us" link at the Silversmith Audio web page to see his remarkable story. He was showing his then flagship silver ribbon interconnects and speaker cables at the Alexis Park paired with gear from Pass Labs including their X0.2 linestage and X600 amplifiers driving the EgglestonWorks Andra II speakers. The then-new speaker crossover design and final tonal voicing were the work by my friend the late Albert Von Schweikert. Sourced by a Marantz SA1251 SACD player, with all equipment isolated using Grand Prix Audio stands, the room was a clear sonic standout.
---> Silversmith Audio Fidelium Loudspeaker Cables Review.

The Nagra SN Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorder
A video about the incredibly small Nagra SN that pretty much covers everything.
Video By Lucas Dul Of In Mechanica Antiqua
I have always been a fan of beautiful engineering. That is one of the primary things that drives me to do the things I do, from writing and typewriter repair to photography. I have dived deeply into those last two things in this blog, primarily my work with typewriter repair. For as long as I can remember, there has always been this undying curiosity to see how things work. To get an inside look, to examine all these carefully created parts and understand their purpose, and to appreciate the mind that conceived them. A rather long video about the Nagra SN, one of the smallest reel to reel tape recorders ever made, and of the highest quality. Had some issues during the making of this video, but whatever. Hope there are moments you find enjoyable! I make no claims of being any sort of audio professional, I just like tape recorders. Finally, my advice for finding an affordable unit is....
---> The Nagra SN Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorder.

Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.

10 / 30 / 25

Exclusive Interview With Roger Waters!
An Interview With Roger Waters: Beyond The Quad Wall
Interview By Mike Mettler
Yes, I can confirm it: Roger Waters smiles. And laughs. A lot. During an hour-long in-person conversation with the man in the Sony Club atop Madison Avenue in New York City in mid-September, Waters, the co-founder of Pink Floyd, was quite amused and very much engaged while discussing techie topics like the origins of the mighty Floyd's live quad inclinations. He also continues to be deeply impressed by the surround-sound mixes his longtime production colleague, James Guthrie, has done for seminal albums like 1973's The Dark Side of the Moon, 1975's Wish You Were Here, and the recent 5.1 recasting of his often overlooked 1992 solo album, Amused to Death. "Oh, I agree — James did a good job on all of them," Waters says. "The new mixes of Amused to Death sound stunning. Yeah, it's great; I love it. It's pretty amazing."
---> An Interview With Roger Waters: Beyond The Quad Wall.

Exclusive Interview With James Guthrie!
An Interview With James Guthrie: Perfect 5.1 Sense
Interview By Mike Mettler
Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters wants his music to be reproduced at the highest quality, and he turns to one man to make sure he achieves that goal: producer and engineer James Guthrie. Guthrie and Waters have worked together for decades, starting with Pink Floyd's seminal 1979 album, The Wall. Waters has since entrusted Guthrie with producing hi-res surround-sound mixes for 1973's The Dark Side of the Moon, 1975's Wish You Were Here, and the recent 5.1 recasting of Waters' oft-overlooked 1992 solo album, Amused to Death. While Patrick Leonard was Waters' co-producer on Amused to Death, Guthrie was enlisted to bring his own special brand of mixing elixir into the control room. "We did try to make a dynamic album, but, really, that's going to happen anyway, just because of the music that Roger writes," Guthrie explains. "His storytelling is so dynamic, and we follow his lead."
---> An Interview With James Guthrie: Perfect 5.1 Sense.

10 / 29 / 25

YouTube's $8 Billion Payout To The Music Industry
With millions of people turning to YouTube Music for their daily listening, YouTube announced that it paid more than $8 billion to the global music industry over a 12-month period covering July 2024 through June 2025. This is said to be a milestone as the company framed this as evidence that its combined advertising and subscription model is delivering bigger returns for creators, labels, songwriters, and publishers. The figure was revealed publicly by Lyor Cohen, YouTube's Global Head of Music, who described the total as the result of a "twin engine" of ads and subscriptions that is "firing on all cylinders," and positioned the payment as part of a multi-year trajectory of rising payouts from the platform. This payout represents a notable acceleration versus past public tallies from YouTube: the company previously reported about $6 billion in payouts for the July 2021 through June 2022 period and roughly $4 billion in an earlier 12-month span, showing a steady year-over-year climb that the company credits to both advertising improvements and subscriber growth on YouTube Music and Premium. Cohen first shared the milestone during a talk at Billboard Latin Music Week before the broader announcement, underscoring YouTube's growing role in the music economy and its efforts to court record labels and publishers with higher revenue shares and expanded product features.

Industry observers noted the scale of the payment while cautioning that headline totals obscure distributional details: the $8 billion is an aggregate that flows to a mix of creators, labels, publishers, and collection societies rather than equaling direct artist take-home pay, and comparisons with rival services require nuance around subscriber bases, catalog usage, and per-stream rates. Still, the announcement arrives at a moment of intensified competition among streaming platforms, with YouTube seeking to close gaps with rivals on perceived fairness and to demonstrate that its hybrid business model can translate into measurable financial gains for rightsholders. For rights holders and artist advocates, the pledge of rising platform payments will likely prompt renewed attention to how streaming revenues are shared and reported, and it will sharpen conversations about transparency, contract terms, and payout mechanics as the industry negotiates the next wave of licensing deals. YouTube's disclosure is likely to be leveraged in forthcoming negotiations and public debates over streaming economics, while artists and intermediaries press platforms and labels alike for clearer breakdowns of how large aggregate payouts translate into earnings at the individual creator level.

10 / 28 / 25

Florida International Audio Expo 2026 In February
The Florida International Audio Expo will return to Tampa for its eighth annual show, running February 20th through 22nd at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, and you know Enjoy the Music.com will once again be there reporting live! Enjoy a three-day celebration of high-fidelity audio that brings together manufacturers, specialty retailers, installers, and enthusiasts for in-person demonstrations of luxurious audio products. The event's program includes dedicated audition rooms, dealer-hosted demos, and a bustling exhibit floor where attendees can compare systems side-by-side. Exhibitor participation has surged in recent years, with the director of show operations noting more than 40% growth, a trend organizers attribute to renewed consumer interest in premium audio and the irreplaceable value of live listening experiences. The 2026 floor plan is expected to feature more than 100 exhibit spaces spanning loudspeakers, amplifiers, headphones, streamers, and interconnects, plus manufacturer representatives on-hand to answer technical questions and take orders. Several boutique brands and regional dealers have confirmed plans to present new product lines and limited-edition collaborations.

The Florida International Audio Expo 2026 will again host an IASCA-sanctioned car-audio sound quality competition and money-round event that invites sound-quality cars from across the United States, allowing visitors to judge systems from the driver's seat and speak directly with certified judges and installers. The car-audio component has broadened the show's appeal to an active community of installers and enthusiasts who combine mobile audio competition with home audio. Organizers emphasize a family-friendly atmosphere with admission options designed to accommodate hobbyists, serious buyers, and newcomers alike. Attendance information, exhibitor lists, and ticketing are available through the Florida International Audio Expo 2026 official website, where you can purchase tickets and order official merch ahead of the event. The Florida International Audio Expo has solidly positioned itself as the best early Spring event within the U.S., plus is Southeast's best destination for fine audio products while also being the best family-friendly destination for an American show, as Disneyworld, Bush Gardens, NASA, Universal Studios, etc are close by.

10 / 27 / 25

Live Nation Entertainment Q2 2025 Financials
Live Nation Entertainment posted strong Q2 2025 financial profit results, driven by record fan demand and ticket pricing, robust ticket sales above face value, and global expansion to ensure venues use Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Live Nation Entertainment delivered a highly profitable second quarter in 2025, reporting $5.1 billion in revenue, an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. The company's operating income surged 22% to $386 million, while adjusted operating income (AOI) climbed 11% to $590 million. CEO Michael Rapino credited the performance to "record fan demand" and a growing global footprint, with over 50 million fans attending 15,000 events in the first half of the year. There was no mention concerning the public outrage over concert ticket availability, pricing, and perceived third-party profiteering. The concert segment led the charge, generating $4.4 billion in revenue, up 12% year-over-year. Notably, international markets saw double-digit growth, with strong performances in Latin America and Asia. Ticketmaster also posted gains, with ticket sales up 3% and transacted tickets reaching 151 million year-to-date.

Rapino emphasized the company's investment in technology and global expansion, noting that Ticketmaster now operates in 35 countries, including recent launches in Thailand and the Philippines. Sponsorship, exclusivity, and advertising revenue grew 9% to $302 million, fueled by new exclusive business arrangements and increased on-site activations. Live Nation highlighted its strategic focus on enhancing the fan experience to ensure profits, including premium offerings and digital engagement. The company also reaffirmed its full-year outlook, projecting continued growth across all segments and anticipating over 145 million fans by year-end. Rapino stated, "We expect all our businesses to reach record levels in 2025". Looking ahead, Live Nation plans to deepen its global reach, profits, and locking in venues, concert-goers, and expand its (possibly exclusive) venue portfolio deals, with over 30 new venues added this year alone. The company remains bullish on long-term growth, citing strong demand, rising artist touring activity, and scalable infrastructure as the law allows. As Rapino concluded, "We are building on our flywheel of concerts, ticketing, and sponsorship to deliver sustained growth for years to come."

10 / 24 / 25

2025 Singapore Hi-End Asia International Audio Visual Show
The 2025 Singapore Hi-End Asia International Audio Visual Show, held October 23rd through 25th at Suntec Convention Centre, marks a bold leap forward for Asia's premium AV scene, expanding to 14,000 square meters and hosting over 200 global brands. Singapore's sensational Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre is transformed into a sonic sanctuary as the Hi-End Asia International Audio Visual Show returned for its third edition. Audiophiles, industry professionals, and curious newcomers continue to converged on Level 3 of the venue to experience the latest in high-fidelity sound and cutting-edge visual technology. With over 50 acoustically engineered listening rooms and a sprawling single-floor layout, the show underscored Singapore's growing role as a strategic hub for high-end audio in the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by HiEnd Asia+ Pte Ltd in collaboration with the Taipei Electrical Commercial Association, the 2025 edition tripled in size compared to previous years. Exhibitors ranged from legacy brands with decades of engineering pedigree to emerging innovators seeking partnerships and market entry. The event's mission was clear: to foster meaningful connections and elevate the standard of AV experiences across Asia. Attendees were treated to immersive demonstrations, exclusive product launches, and expert panels that explored the future of audio-visual integration. The show's emphasis on acoustic integrity and professional-grade setups ensured that every room delivered a refined listening experience. Beyond the gear, the event cultivated a lifestyle atmosphere—complete with curated lounges, networking zones, and a palpable sense of community among enthusiasts and creators alike. Soon the industry will look ahead to 2026, anticipating even greater innovation and collaboration in Singapore's vibrant hi-fi and AV ecosystem.

157th AES International Convention In SoCal
The 157th AES International Convention kicks off this weekend in Long Beach, California, marking the Audio Engineering Society's first West Coast gathering in nearly a decade. With a packed schedule of workshops, exhibits, and keynote sessions, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of audio innovation. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is buzzing with anticipation as the 157th AES International Convention opens its doors from October 23rd through 25th, 2025, with additional skill-building workshops and technical tours. This year's convention brings together over 10,000 audio professionals, engineers, students, and enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to explore the latest advancements in sound technology. The exhibit floor features leading manufacturers showcasing cutting-edge gear, from immersive audio systems to next-gen mixing consoles. A highlight of the weekend is the Richard C. Heyser Memorial Lecture, delivered by Sean Olive, renowned for his pioneering work in psychoacoustics and loudspeaker design.

The convention also features dual keynote presentations: Warren Huart, celebrated producer and educator, and Andrew Watt, Grammy-winning producer, in a session moderated by Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. These talks are expected to draw large crowds, offering insights into the creative and technical processes behind some of today's most influential music productions. Beyond the main stage, the AES Los Angeles Section has curated a rich technical program that includes panels on spatial audio, AI in music production, and sustainable studio design. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops, product demos, and networking events tailored to both seasoned professionals and emerging talent. With its return to Southern California, AES Show 2025 not only celebrates the legacy of audio engineering but also sets the stage for its immersive future, reaffirming the society's mission to foster innovation and collaboration across the global music, audiophile, immersivephile, and professional sound community.

T.H.E. New York International Audio Show 2025
New York's only home hi-fi audio industry event is being held this weekend at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights in the Meadowlands, New Jersey. This event will surely attract audiophiles and media from across the tri-state area. The event features a variety of home audio listening rooms, immersive demonstrations, and educational moments designed to showcase the latest in high-fidelity sound reproduction. Attendees can explore everything from analog turntables and vacuum tube amplifiers to lossless Hi-Res Audio digital streaming systems. Cinematic sound with New Film Festival of sorts. This year introduces a dedicated film festival that highlights the intersection of high-end audio and cinematic storytelling. An immersive audio theater within the venue will host screenings of independent films, documentaries, and sound design showcases, emphasizing how reference-grade audio systems can transform the movie-watching immersive audio experience. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between audiophile culture and the broader creative immersivephile arts, offering panels with filmmakers, sound engineers, and post-production specialists.

Around 60 high-end audio manufacturers will transform the Hilton into a multi-floor audio playground. The show's layout encourages intimate listening sessions, with hotel suites converted into acoustically treated demo rooms. Vinyl lovers can browse rare pressings, while tech-forward audiophiles explore the latest in DSP, room correction, and networked audio. T.H.E. Show's organizer emphasizes community, inviting attendees to engage with designers, engineers, and fellow enthusiasts. With its blend of high-end tech, artistic storytelling, and grassroots passion, the New York International Audio Show for audiophiles in New Jersey is this weekend's tri-state hi-fi event of the year.

10 / 23 / 25

Rogue Audio Stereo 100 'Dark' Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review
Musical purity and natural ease bring out the very best in your loudspeakers.
Review By Ric Mancuso
Rogue Audio's designer Mark O'Brien has been on a tear lately with updated and new models that are setting the bar higher for the competition. I recently wrote about the new Rogue Audio Pharaoh II and the Sphinx Model 3 before the Stereo 100 Dark as reviewed here. You might say, they all came first under the checkered flag. Mark is a high-performance car and motorbike enthusiast, along with being driven — no pun intended — by his passion for premium audio high-end sound. I guess you could call him a gearhead. Hey, aren't we all at some level? Funny, how speedy motorbikes are a thing with other audio designers in the industry. To name a few, EveAnna Manley of Manley Audio, Sean Casey of Zu Audio, and Mark O'Brien of Rogue Audio. I have an exercise bike.
---> Rogue Audio Stereo 100 'Dark' Vacuum Tube Amplifier Review.

High-End Audio Sound? Audiophile Music? Both? What?
Some basic questions about our hobby.
Article By Roger Skoff
I first wrote about how music and sound interrelate to  enhance each other years ago within my 2018 article Coming At It From Both Directions ). At that time, I looked at it – even after more than half a century as a music lover and audiophile – more from point of view of an audiophile drawn to great music and cultural expansion by a love of great sound than as a music lover carried inexorably in the other direction by a search for greater involvement in and enjoyment of one of humanity's greatest arts. Now, like Joni Mitchell, I'm seeing things from both sides. Here are my latest thoughts on the subject. They say that the difference between audiophiles and music lovers is that music lovers buy a system to listen to their music and audiophiles (I and my friends call ourselves "Hi-Fi Crazies") buy music to listen to their system.
---> High-End Audio Sound? Audiophile Music? Both? What?

10 / 22 / 25

This Weekend: Audio Video Show 2025 In Warsaw
This weekend, Warsaw becomes the epicenter of luxury audio innovation as the Audio Video Show 2025 opens its doors to audiophiles, tech enthusiasts, and industry insiders from across Europe. The 27th edition of Audio Video Show, running October 24th through 26th, transforms Warsaw's PGE Narodowy Stadium and two luxury hotels—Golden Tulip and Radisson Blu Sobieski—into immersive listening environments. With nearly 230 exhibitors and 188 presentation rooms, the event is now the second-largest of its kind in Europe. Attendees can experience cutting-edge audio and video systems ranging from reasonably-prices to over one million Euro, with no sales pressure—just pure sonic exploration. From flagship loudspeakers and reference-grade turntables to ultra-premium home cinema setups, the show offers a rare chance to compare elite gear side by side. Bother major leading brands and niche manufacturer will be showcasing their finest home audio equipment, while boutique Polish manufacturers bring handcrafted excellence to the fore. Beyond the gear, Audio Video Show 2025 delivers rich cultural programming that blends technology with artistry. Visitors can attend live music performances, meet special guests, and explore Poland's largest headphone zone and vinyl record fair. Over 50 headphone brands will showcase everything from budget marvels to exotic electrostatics, while vinyl lovers can browse rare pressings and get autographs from artists.

Special guests this year include Andrzej Smolik, Halina Frąckowiak, Marek Niedźwiecki, and other icons of Polish music and media. The show also features curated listening sessions, expert panels, and masterclasses on topics like room acoustics, streaming fidelity, and analog preservation. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a curious newcomer, the event offers a multisensory journey through the future of high-end entertainment. With its blend of luxury, technology, and cultural depth, Audio Video Show 2025 continues to elevate Warsaw's status as a global destination for high-end audio culture. The event's unique format—spread across three venues—allows attendees to experience systems in realistic home-like settings, from intimate hotel suites to expansive stadium halls. This year's show also places a spotlight on sustainable audio design, with several exhibitors debuting eco-conscious materials and energy-efficient components. As the lines between lifestyle, luxury, and listening continue to blur, Audio Video Show stands as a beacon for those who believe sound is not just heard, but felt.

Previous High-End Audio News
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