Siltech Launches Master Crown Cables
Jul 03, 2024
Siltech recently launched a new, flagship series of audio cables called Master Crown. As with everything they do, the launch would be a first-class event. With the help of US Siltech distributor, Monarch Systems, based in Englewood, CO, a press event was held Friday, June 20th to introduce and demonstrate the advantages of this new product to the audio press. Monarch Systems was founded by two audio industry veterans, Jon Baker and Rich Maez, and with the assistance of their Marketing Manager, Jaclyn Schnirring, they played host to seven members of the press in a spacious, beautiful home in the gated community of Las Campanas, to the west of the heart of old Santa Fe, at a location they call La Casita....
Professional Musician And Recording Studio Expert Rick Beato Speaks
Jul 01, 2024
As a classically-trained musician since the early 1970s (at the age of 8), over the decades questions about why I walked away from the music scene decades ago occasionally pop up. During high school there was a touch of studio time, and here is where my eyes were open to the reality of recording music. As a percussionist and drummer, yes my set was a bit more expansive than the average, yet within my head were tones, textures, and sounds... upon seeing my percussion/drum set was immediately bumping up against recording studio effort and time (and their desire to properly mic up such a kit). Sadly, the apparent lack of concern, with one studio then saying I should just use their kit within a small boxed room and dead / lifeless drum heads. Am recalling this story not for any ego or other overly-inflated.... Yet to let musicians nowadays know, am talking about true musical artists who have a vision... you intrinsically know who you are.
Throwback: Bella Sound Hanalei Monoblock Amplifier Review
Jul 01, 2024
Bella Sound's offices and factory are in Northern California, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. They design and manufacture amplifiers, power conditioners, and AC power cables. The subject of this review is their Hanalei monoblocks, which have an output rating of a substantial 700 Watts into 4 Ohms. Bella Sound offers one other amplifier, their Kahili stereo amplifier, rated at 400 Wpc, not as powerful as the Hanalei monoblocks, but still a considerable amount of power. Both amplifiers that Bella Sound manufactures have enough solid-state power that one might not be faulted for assuming that both their amplifiers, especially the subject of this review, are made with a Class D circuit.....
The Spirit Of Music
Jun 30, 2024
The ancient Greeks had a story about Pan, the horned and goat-legged God of the Shepherds, who fell in love with a beautiful wood nymph named Syrinx, who, sadly for both of them, couldn't return his interest and, instead, ran into the woods to be away from him. He gave chase and, as they ran, Syrinx found herself cut off by a river and, rather than be caught by him, she called out to her sister's spirits, begging them to find a way to hide her. They responded by transforming her into a bunch of river reeds – hollow stemmed cattails, lilac reeds, or something similar – which, when he got to them, Pan embraced, and when he breathed across them, he found to make a sweet and haunting sound.
Cirrus Logic CS4308P, CS4304P, CS4302P DACs Plus CS4282P CODEC
Jun 26, 2024
Cirrus Logic has just released their new additions of Hi-Res Audio Professional CS4308P, CS4304P, and CS4302P Digital-To-Analog converters (DAC) and CS4282P CODEC. Their latest ultra-high performance audio CODEC is said to set a new standard for audiophiles, prosumers, and professional audio markets. Bring extreme accuracy of recording and playback at high-resolution bit depth and sampling rates, plus DSD, studio engineers, musicians, and music lovers benefit from transparent audio converters, which ensure high-performance recording and playback without any compromise / lossy sound quality.
Acora Acoustics QRC 2 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
Jun 22, 2024
With the Backert preamp in the system, I then returned to using the AGD GaNFET amps. While the difference between the tube amps and the AGD amp was relatively small in my original reference system. before the addition of the Acora speakers, Synergistic Pink fuses, PowerCell8 SX, Auva footer, and the Backert preamp, each of these additional components increased the resolution of the system. Together, with the fast speed and high resolution of the AGD amp, the music crossed the line, becoming too analytical and almost piercing in the treble. This is not to fault the amp. I simply have to back off the resolution by removing some footers, changing a fuse, or even rolling tubes in the Backert preamp. That will be my personal adventure in the coming weeks. I'm sure it is doable and there is no need to take you down that trail in this review. That's the fun of fine-tuning that comes when you're this close to perfection.
The Intro By Art Dudley
Jun 18, 2024
Is Tony Rice the "best" guitarist in bluegrass music? Before you scold me for looking at the world that way — stuffing artists into neat little pigeonholes and ranking musicians the way most people rank baseball players — bear in mind that I don't do it half as much as I used to. And since kids can be forgiven for thinking like that, I have let myself off the hook for all those nights I drove around town with my pals, arguing over whose guitar heroes were the "best," like some adolescent McLaughlin Group in plaid flannel shirts. (John McLaughlin: "Who's heavier, Jeff Beck or Jimmy Page?" Jack Germond: "I think it's Jimmy Page." John McLaughlin: "Wrong again. Pat Buchanan, who's heavier...?"). But the title of this month's music feature is a deliberate, and hopefully thought-provoking, reference to the fact that a great many fans, fellow musicians, and critics all consider Tony Rice to be the best in his field. Fans, like teenagers, can be forgiven. In fact it's nice to think that there are any people at all left in this age of music-as-product who can be moved to such praise by a contemporary performer.
Pacific Audio Fest 2024 Show In September 2024
Jun 17, 2024
The Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) returns to Seattle for their third great year! From September 6th through 8th, you can experience the very best in high-performance high-end audiophile gear at the biggest and best audio show on the Northwest coast of the USA! With over 200 exhibitors showcasing great audio gear, there will be millions of Dollars is audio gear, from very reasonably priced to cost-no-object, to hear and enjoy. Taking place at the Doubletree-Hilton Sea-Tac / Seattle, PAF is the USA's very best Northwestern premium audio event. Scheduled for the Pacific Audio Fest 2024 is live music on Friday and Saturday nights, with NW regional wine and beer tastings, and ~100 rooms of quality audio, Marketplace, Record Fair, HeadZone and much more!
HIGH END 2024 At Munich M.O.C. Show Report By Robert May
Jun 15, 2024
Munich's HIGH END 2024 high-performance audio / hi-fi event has come and gone. As usual, the show was packed, both with audio gear and with audiophiles. Even in four days, two for trade, and two for the public, it was only possible to skim the surface of the exhibits, both active demos and static displays, that covered the expanse of the Munich MOC exhibition space. The overall impression after those four immersive days is of an extremely active industry, creating products of exceptional fit and finish, all in the service of seeking the best in audio. In the active demos, there was much commonality in the aural presentation of state-of-the-art audio systems – great transparency, details, and presence, with the best showing more than a modicum of soundstage depth and dimensionality....
Review: Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review
Jun 15, 2024
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory" of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much....
Loudspeaker Industry Sourcebook (LIS) 2024 Edition
Jun 10, 2024
Thanks to our friends at audioXpress, the very special 2024 edition of the Loudspeaker Industry Sourcebook (LIS) is now available. Within this year's edition they include updated listings of suppliers, service providers, and vendors. There's also a highly valuable overview of the loudspeaker industry, plus op-ed articles from Audio & Loudspeaker Technologies International (ALTI) encouraging industry innovation, and the perspectives of the Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) too. This publication is a valuable resource for everyone working in research and development, driver manufacturing, marketing, sourcing, and sales of loudspeakers / high-end audio industry products and services.
T.H.E. Show SoCal 2024: 180 Brands On 5 Floors
Jun 03, 2024
North America's longest running hi-fi audio trade show, T.H.E. Show, is set to take place this weekend (from June 7th through 9th) at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa. With an impressive 180 brands exhibiting on five floors, there's also a substantial seminar lineup and live music entertainment schedule too! For gearheads, there will be world premiere releases, North American premieres, raffles, and more! T.H.E. Show 2024 is truly elated to create for you a three day music, audio, and entertainment experience.
Words? Music? Both? Neither? What Do You Listen For?
Jun 03, 2024
I recently saw something on Facebook that caused me to do some serious thinking – not on the subject of music, but that, as I hope you'll agree, is still perfectly applicable to our music listening. It's just one simple sentence: "I never said she stole my money" – but, as the person who posted it pointed out, it can have seven entirely different meanings, depending on which one of the seven words making it up you choose to put the emphasis on:
For example, "I never said she stole my money" means something different from "I never said she stole my money", which means something different from "I never said she stole my money", which means something different from "I never said she stole my money", and so on, through the entire sentence, with each new emphasis creating a whole new meaning.
Neven Kos HIGH END 2024 Show Report And PhotoFest
May 31, 2024
We are grateful to the Croatian owner of HiFiMedia, who kindly sent us a glorious selection of photos and HIGH END 2024 show coverage by Neven Kos. Since 1996, HiFiMedia magazine has been professionally reviewing, testing, and presenting audio and video products to objectively inform and help Croatian / European readers in their decision to purchase new products. In addition to gear reviews and show reports, they publish expert assessments on music, film, and DVD / Blu-ray releases with a broad overview of urban, jazz, and classical music. In addition, HiFiMedia also reviews the latest film productions plus articles in the field of film art.
Capital Audiofest (CAF) 2024 In November
May 28, 2024
As Washington DC's premier high-performance audio event, the Capital Audiofest (CAF) is set to take place at the Hilton Rockville (Maryland) from November 8th through 10th. Capital Audiofest started out in 2010 as a very casual show and has evolved into a well-organized and well-attended event, while also being recognized as a fun, friendly, and family-oriented high-end audiophile show. Families can casually stroll from room to room listening to music, auditioning gear, and browsing many bins of vinyl LP records, CDs, and hi-fi accessories. During the evenings, CAF 2024 will have live music in the bar area.
FiiO M17 Portable Desktop-Class Music Player Review
May 27, 2024
Regardless of genre, source, or a file's resolution, what I heard from my headphones was the epitome of "audiophile sound quality." Yes, that description has become a bit of a cliché ever since "audiophile sound quality" has been appropriated by the mass-market audio industry. But I'd be wasting the reader's time going through each recording and attempting to elaborate on what I heard, such as its slamming, deep bass, transparent midrange, and sparkling treble. This is because the recording determined the FiiO M17's sound quality and which headphones I was using much more than the sound quality provided by the M17. In other words, FiiO's M17 sounds exceptionally transparent. I can think of no greater praise for an audio component.
Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS Review
May 25, 2024
The Nagra Classic DAC II sorted out all the instruments and vocals on this album, so it was much easier to tell why this album was honored with this award. Despite a healthy amount of compression applied to each voice and instrument and the entire recording, their knotty compositions came to life in my listening room, surrounding me with its vast soundstage. The bass on this album reached as low as my system would allow, shaking my body, listening room, and ear-brain. Cymbal crashes were separated from the other voices and instruments, appearing at the top of the soundstage nearest my room's ceiling. I could imagine drawing a line around Matt Pike's vocals that appeared in space between the two speakers.
USA Department Of Justice Sues Live Nation / Ticketmaster
May 24, 2024
According to the Department Of Justice within the United States of America, "Live Nation-Ticketmaster's Exclusionary Conduct and Dominance Across the Live Concert Ecosystem Harms Fans, Innovation, Artists, and Venues: The Justice Department, along with 30 state and district attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC (Live Nation-Ticketmaster) for monopolization and other unlawful conduct that thwarts competition in markets across the live entertainment industry. The lawsuit, which includes a request for structural relief, seeks to restore competition in the live concert industry, provide better choices at lower prices for fans, and open venue doors for working musicians and other performance artists...."
TBT: Rotel Michi X3 Integrated Amplifier Review
May 23, 2024
This has been one of the hardest reviews I have ever done because the MichiX3 integrated amplifier really surprised me. Out of the box and into my system it performed so well that I was at a loss for words. Not so much as in spectacular audiophile terms, but because it just went straight to work and played music, all kinds of music, and from all kinds of sources in such a relaxed but inviting manner, critique just kind of went out the window. But unless you have been living under an audiophile rock for the last few years, you probably have seen, even in passing, a review of the latest Rotel amplifiers. In fact, I have recently written about their neat A14MK.2. A solid performer, the sound signature of that unit being quite different from its big brother, the Michi X3.
TBT: Wells Audio Commander Level II Vacuum Tube Line Stage Review
May 23, 2024
A little while ago I reviewed the Wells Audio Cipher. I asked Jeff Wells, the owner of Wells Audio, to tell me more about the Cipher, and he more or less described it as his preamp circuit, with a single fixed input coming from the DAC. I was so impressed with the smooth analog nature of his DAC that I asked him if I could review his preamp. A few months later, a Commander Level II arrived at my door. The Commander Level II is Jeff Wells' mid-range preamp. The standard level I, sells for $3999, the level II (my unit) sells for $9000, and the Level III sells for $18,000. Each version has the same base design and circuit, and each upgrade introduces higher end and more expensive discrete parts into the build process. According to Wells Audio these improvements lower the noise floor, increase the dynamic range, and dramatically improve the experience.
Great Memories Of AXPONA 2024 Show Report By Music Professor Michael Bump
May 21, 2024
Considering the ever-expanding international stage of high-end audio shows such as HIGH END 2024 in Munich, Tokyo, Bangkok, the UK, Poland, etc., as well as those in the States such as the inaugural Southwest Audio Fest in Dallas, the annual Florida International Audio Expo in Tampa, Pacific Audio Fest in Seattle, and Capital Audio Fest in Washington D.C., I sense we are welcoming a 'renaissance' (no pun intended) in high-end audio. I sense it's also fair to recognize that this global, post-pandemic interest represents a not-so-elite multitude of demographics. This year's Audio Expo of North America (AXPONA 2024), held once again at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, from April 12th through April 14th, served as an excellent melting pot to this experience.
Munich HIGH END 2024 Show Was Grueling... And Fun!
May 17, 2024
Munich's HIGH END 2024 high-performance audio / hi-fi event has come and gone. As usual, the show was packed, both with audio gear and with audiophiles. Even in four days, two for trade, and two for the public, it was only possible to skim the surface of the exhibits, both active demos and static displays, that covered the expanse of the Munich MOC exhibition space. The overall impression after those four immersive days is of an extremely active industry, creating products of exceptional fit and finish, all in the service of seeking the best in audio. In the active demos, there was much commonality in the aural presentation of state-of-the-art audio systems – great transparency, details, and presence, with the best showing more than a modicum of soundstage depth and dimensionality.
Oligarch-Grade Products Will Continue
May 13, 2024
Anniversary issues are always a time to look back, but it's also a good time to look forward and try to predict what the next few years will look like. Such predictions are prone to a lot of guesswork, and there are no spoilers, no giving away secrets, and no Tarot cards were harmed in the making of these dimly lit gazes into the near future. In the high-end, the trend for oligarch-grade products looks set to continue. Whenever we think audio has reached its price ceiling, someone builds a longer ladder! Most super-high-end systems top out at somewhere around £1m-£1.2m at present. I think in the next few years, we will see several systems that reach £2m, and possibly even more. Moving out of the stratosphere, there does appear to be some divergence in design between the three main markets of the US, Europe, and Asia. While that sounds like the most sweeping of generalizations (what holds in one Asian or European country doesn't hold for them all), the broad trends remain.
Review: Nagra Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, And VFS
May 08, 2024
In January 2021, I was fortunate to review Nagra's Tube DAC and Classic PSU power supply. In my review, I said that the owners of this vacuum tube Hi-Res Audio DAC will be able to appreciate the "sonic glory" of this "high-performance component." So, I was not surprised that the Nagra Tube DAC and its PSU power supply were awarded Enjoy The Music.com's Best Of 2021 Award. After I finished the review, I was not psyched to return the $40,900 package consisting of the Nagra Tube DAC, Classic PSU power supply, and VFS Classic base to the distributor. I was captivated by the sound quality this digital front end contributed to my system. My reference DAC, an EMM Labs DA2, is no slouch, but this Nagra Tube DAC package costs twice as much.
What Kind Of Music Do You Like?
May 04, 2024
Many a long year ago a friend of mine asked me what kind of speakers he ought to buy. Complimented by his confidence in my judgment and wanting to be helpful, I asked him some questions to help me figure out what might be best for him. One of the first was "How much do you want to spend?" To which I got "It doesn't matter; whatever it costs." I should have known better – he was the local Maserati dealer, quite well off, and really could afford just about anything I might suggest. Next, I tried "What kind of music do you listen to? " and was told "Everything; I like it all, as long as it's good." Other questions about all the usual hi-fi criteria – imaging, soundstaging, timbre, transient attack and decay, harmonic richness, the whole thing – got equally vague answers until I finally asked him "Is there anything at all that you particularly like or want in the music you listen to?", That's when I hit the "jackpot": "Loud." He said, "I like it really loud!"
TBT: Charisma Audio Musiko Turntable Review
May 02, 2024
The Charisma Audio Musiko tonearm had already become part of my reference system back in May 2021. when it was incorporated into my Linn Project — a complete re-make of the fabled Linn LP12 using off-the-shelf, re-engineered parts from several after-market companies. These parts were sourced from Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Colorado. By the time I finished, the only original OEM parts were the suspension springs and grommets, the belt, the sub-chassis nuts and bolts, and the wood plinth....
May High-Performance Audio Review Magazine By Enjoy the Music.com
May 01, 2024
This month we've finalized our Southwest Audio Fest, Montreal Audiofest, and AXPONA show reports. Later this month we'll be posting show coverage from HIGH END 2024 in Munich (our 24th time, we were there in Frankfurt too!). Roger Skoff's editorial 'What Kind Of Music Do You Like?' may answer the question of matching your loudspeakers to your music preferences. Or it could be a trap, you decide!
With so much effort going towards shows, we still found time to review the incredible Linkwitz LX521 loudspeakers. Longtime audio reviewer Rick Becker truly hopes you have the opportunity to hear them. Rick says they were one of the very best rooms at shows! Our much-anticipated review of Nagra's Classic DAC II, PSU Power Supply, and VFS by Senior Editor Tom Lyle is a must-read for those seeing the top echelon of Hi-Res Audio digital audio / music. Fact is, while listening to music the Nagra system, literally, brought tears to Tom's eyes.---> Enjoy the Music.com's May 2024 Review Magazine.
HIGH END 2024 At Munich's M.O.C. Show Report
Apr 29, 2024
From May 9th to 12th, 2024, the 41st HIGH END trade show in Munich will once again shine a spotlight on luxurious premium music reproduction systems, inspiring listening enjoyment and exquisite audio technology. HIGH END continues to be one of the most important marketplaces and trading rendezvous for the audio industry, with many international trade visitors from around the world. Music lovers from over 90 countries visit Munich to discover high-performance audio industry trends, exchange views, learn the latest news, plus network and do business. For industry experts, audiophile enthusiasts, and music enthusiasts, the HIGH END four-day event in Munich will once again be a spectacular event.
Review: Borresen X2 Loudspeakers
Apr 24, 2024
The first track on this album is "The Robots." There are dueling bass lines early in the song, an excellent test of the speakers' low-frequency response and resolving power in this range. Every track on the album has plenty of deep bass, sizzling high-frequency sounds, rather complex arrangements, and a host of other sonic traits. And it is also an excellent album to listen to when I'm not reviewing speakers. I think it's an outstanding album, from start to finish. My first sonic impressions of the Børresen X2s were very, very good. I was impressed with the vast soundstage that surrounded the speakers, and their very good center-fill. On most material, including the Kraftwerk album, the X2's center-fill was superb, it created sharply outlined images in their surprisingly vast soundstage, reminding me of speakers that cost much, much more.
