The Absolute Sound Podcast
The Absolute Sound Podcast is the audio extension of The Absolute Sound, a renowned magazine covering high-performance audio and music since 1973. It delivers expert reviews, features, and commentary on audio components and recordings, aimed at audiophiles and music enthusiasts. The podcast explores topics from the magazine, guiding listeners toward equipment and music that faithfully reproduce the concert hall experience.
Episodes
YG Sonja 3.2 Speaker Review
YG Acoustics is a long-established manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers. They are based in Denver, Colorado, but have their research hub in Cambridge, England. Dr. Matthew Webster, their CEO and head of research, has a PhD in Astrophysics and specializes in computational modeling of mechanical and electrical systems. I was curious to see the results of this approach, which for this review is embo
PSB iQ2 Streaming Powered Speaker Review
In this video, John Quain reviews the PSB iQ2 streaming-powered speakers, showcasing their remarkable sound quality and innovative design. With the ability to deliver deep bass through DSP, wireless connectivity, and built-in amplification, these speakers are engineered for an exceptional audio experience. Featuring a four-inch woofer and a three-quarter-inch tweeter, they provide a wide soundstag
New Unison Research Amp & Preamp Review
Unison research had made a bit of a name for themselves in recent years, launching attainable and high value tube hybrid integrated amplifiers under the Unico moniker, all manufactured at their factory in Treviso, Italy. Earlier this year, Unison Research launched all new flagship products in their Unico line with the Unico Pre V2 and Unico DM v2 separates. Priced at $7,500 and $11,000 respectivel
Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System Review
When a non-audiophile tells a member of the tribe that they "really ought to get out more," they usually don't mean the subject for this video: Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System. A loudspeaker designed for use out-of-doors.
This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/
00:00 Coastal Source EB2650
01:49 Overview
04:16 Specs & Design
10:19 Sound Quality
13:36 Summary
Opera Quinta V2 Loudspeaker Review
In this video, we review the Opera Quinta V2 speakers, showcasing their impressive evolution from the original Quinta. With a redesigned cabinet to minimize standing waves, increased sensitivity for easier amplifier driving, and premium materials like rosewood and leather-like finishes, these speakers are built for performance. The three-way design features custom drivers and a well-engineered cro
The Best Orchestra Recording Ever
In this video, Andrew Quint explores the immersive audio album 'The Orchestra Surrounds You,' which replicates the sonic experience of conducting a symphony orchestra. Join him as he highlights the album's realistic sound quality, achieved through advanced recording techniques and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's performance.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Overview
1:30 - The Concept of
LAiV Crescendo CHORUS Power Amplifier Review
In this video, Adrian Alexander reviews the LAiV Crescendo CHORUS power amps, exploring their affordability, build quality, and versatility in both stereo and monoblock configurations. These amplifiers offer impressive sound quality with a focus on tonal balance and soundstage depth, making them an excellent choice for music lovers who want high-end performance without breaking the bank.
Timest
Klipsch The Sevens II Active Wireless Speaker Review
Join John Quain from The Absolute Sound as he takes an in-depth look at the Klipsch The Sevens II powered wireless speakers. Priced at $1,999.99 a pair, these active bookshelf monitors bridge the gap between high-res streaming convenience and classic, hard-hitting American audio performance.
Developed in partnership with Onkyo, The Sevens II feature a 1-inch titanium vented tweeter paired with
Matrix Audio MS-1 Streamer + DAC Review
Most streamers at this price are chasing the same thing flat, neutral, maybe invisible. Those are just some of the common terms you hear people say when they're describing music streamers. Matrix built this one to do something else. Refined detail and a warm musical character both at once. And that's just how it sounds. And this is the matrix Ms1 C music streamer.
This video is sponsored by: h
$15K System - Mofi Sourcepoint 888, Rega Planar, Luxman 505Z Review
For better or for worse, vinyl got me into the hobby of hi-fi and in many respects it’s still what drives my interest in equipment and fidelity. My system has evolved steadily over the years, and not always been a straight or simple path. That said, friends and fans have asked me for advice on building turntable-based systems over the years, some at the absolute entry level, and some in the hig
Soulution 717 Power Amp Review
Soulution Audio is a Swiss manufacturer of electronics and turntables. Swiss amplifier companies seem to pursue extreme engineering and this is often accompanied by extreme pricing. Let’s see what the 717 offers and why you might or might not want it.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/
00:00 Soulution 717 Power Amp
01:28 Specs & Design
04:53 Sou
Focal Mu-so Hekla All-in-one Dolby Atmos System Review
In this video, Aaron Jenkins reviews the Focal Mu-so Hekla, an all-in-one sound system that promises an immersive audio experience. At $3,600, it boasts 15 speakers, 660 watts of amplification, and support for high-res audio formats. With advanced connectivity options and five listening modes, including Dolby Atmos, Aaron explores its design, performance, and how it fits into everyday life.
Thi
Aurender ACS100 Music Server Streamer CD Ripper Review
Instead of forcing you to piece together a complex computer-based setup or manage a noisy network-attached storage drive, Aurender positions this unit as a quiet, central anchor for your digital ecosystem. But at four thousand dollars, does it offer the practical everyday convenience and fidelity that a high-quality audio system demands? Let’s find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://sile
HiFi Rose RS451 Streamer Review
What would you buy if you wanted one box that does everything and actually looks really dang good doing it is a common question these days, right?
The HiFi Rose RS451 is $3,295, and it's trying to solve that problem, not by cutting corners, by building a streamer, a DAC, and a headphone amp into one aluminum box with a screen that makes you want to really look at this thing. The question is whe
ATC EL50 Anniversary speaker system review: State of the Art Series
As you may know, there are technical reasons that active speakers can be advantaged, and as a result, I’ve covered a few of these speakers in the last year or so. ATC is also noteworthy as a major pro audio speaker-maker. I have had good experiences with some pro speakers, and active setups are common in that world, so it seemed interesting to try an active speaker from a pro company. The EL50 tha
Technics EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbud Review
Can true wireless earbuds satisfy the critical ear of a high-end audio enthusiast? In this video, John Quain, a reviewer for The Absolute Sound, puts the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds to the test to see if they live up to their "Reference Class" branding.
Priced at $299.99 USD, the EAH-AZ100s integrate advanced driver technology typically absent in consumer-grade wireless audio. John breaks down h
Advance Paris A10 Apex Review
The Advance Paris A10 APEX integrated amplifier represents an intriguing proposition in the contemporary Hi-Fi landscape. Retailing at $3,499 US, it positions itself as a feature-rich, high-value hub designed to capture the emotional core of analog playback while anchoring a modern digital system. Does it succeed? Find out!
This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/
00:00 Advance Par
Goldmund & Marten System Preview
Alan Taffel provides a sneak peek of what's to come from his full review of the 1400 Wpc Goldmund Telos 8800 Monoblock Amplifiers. You'll have to check out the complete review in an upcoming issue of The Absolute Sound magazine.
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has ex
Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack Review
We've all heard of the word trifecta. So I was curious. What's the definition? There's a couple of them. One of them is any situation where three notable achievable are or outcomes occur together, especially if they're all positive. In short, it's a "triple win or powerful group of three". Does the Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack live up to the name? Let's find out!
This video is sponsored by:
New 2026 Magico S7 speaker review: State of the Art Series
We got an early review sample of the new S7 (2026). Both interested and well-heeled audiophiles sometimes ask the question “what do I get when I spend $100k on product X, rather than, say $10k?”. Many people who ask this sort of question aren’t actually shopping in these elevated price ranges; and for personal reasons it seems some of them seem to want the answer to be “spending 10x doesn’t get yo
DALI KUPID Bookshelf Speaker Review
In this video, John Quain takes a closer look at the DALI KUPID entry-level bookshelf speakers. Priced at $600 for a pair, these compact speakers feature a two-way design with a rear port. We’ll explore their design, specifications, and sound quality, highlighting their balanced and natural sound, especially at lower volumes. Are they the right choice for your audio setup? Let’s find out.
00:00
Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf Speakers Review
When introducing its second generation classic, a line of speakers, opera described them as embodying the classicism of both music and Italian craftsmanship. That's an intriguing description, but how does it apply to the Prima V2 bookshelf speaker? And is that speaker worth $3,600 a pair?
This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/
Let's find out.
00:00 Oper
Pass Labs INT-250 Integrated Amplifier Review
Most amplifiers compete on features DACs, streaming room correction, app control. You guys know the 2026 menu that we just see so often lately. The Pass labs in 250 does the opposite here. No DAC, no streaming, no phono stage, no app. Just an amplifier and a preamp in one chassis. So the real question is, what does it mean to do one thing and do it well?
This video is sponsored by: https://www.
Vimberg AMEA Bookshelf Loudspeaker Review
In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the Vimberg AMEA speaker, an affordable yet high-quality option from a company owned by Tidal Audio. He delves into its specifications, sound profile, and unique design, showcasing why this speaker is a great addition to any audio setup.
00:00 Vimberg AMEA Overview
01:30 Design & Materials
05:00 Sound Quality
10:15 Comparisons
12:45 Summary
Simco Audio Simco ONE Loudspeaker Review
In this video, Michael Johnson reviews the Simco One, a two-way horn loudspeaker from Simco Audio. This speaker combines a unique design with high efficiency at a sensitivity of 95 dB. Michael explores the speaker's performance with various amplifiers and touches on its aesthetic appeal.
00:00 Simco One Overview
01:45 Design & Craftsmanship
05:30 Sound Quality
11:00 Amplifier Match
ES Labs ES-2α Headphone Review
In this video, Matt reviews the ES Lab ES-2α electrostatic headphones, which promise a sound experience that feels both realistic and immersive. These headphones are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and impressive sound quality, especially in the bass and mid-range. With a design lineage tracing back to the iconic Stax SR-Ω, the ES-2α employs advanced materials to enhance a
Eminent Technology LFT-8c: Building a Great $15k System
Eminent Technology has built planar magnetic speakers for several decades. Their designer, Bruce Thigpen, is an original thinker and this is reflected in the design of the speakers. Having heard prior versions I guessed that the latest version LFT-8c might be interesting. And, as it happens, the $5600 per pair price tag falls nicely into my assignment to put together an attractive $15,000 system.
Master Artist Fresco Loudspeaker Review
In this video, Adrian reviews loudspeakers from Master Artist, a company founded by two friends from Memphis, Tennessee. Join him as he explores their unique sound quality and craftsmanship.
00:00 Master Artist Speakers
01:15 Overview
03:45 Craftsmanship & Design
08:20 Sound Quality
12:00 Founders' Journey
15:30 Summary
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has
T+A Elektroakustik DAC 200 Review
In an era where digital-to-analog converters are increasingly defined by computational arms races and hyper-analytical micro-detail, the German engineers at T+A elektroakustik have built something that fundamentally challenges modern digital dogma. They have engineered the DAC 200 to allows the listener to dictate exactly how much mathematical intervention is applied to their music. It can act as
Esoteric’s Grandioso Full System Review
This review will be quite a bit different. Here I’m reviewing a system of components from Esoteric. I’m covering the entire electronics chain from source to power amplification, all from Esoteric’s top Grandioso line. The idea is that there may be system synergies from this approach and the only way to get a feel for that is to listen to the system rather than individual components. Let’s take a l
Buchardt Audio P300 Compact Speaker Review
John Quain returns with his review of the Buchardt Audio P300 which are compact but not necessarily bookshelf, with their warm sonic profile, a passive oblong radiator for bass response, and much much mre from the Danish manufacturer. What does John ultimately conclude? Tune in to find out!
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio
00:00 Bucharrdt P300
Technics SL-1500CS turntable
Absolute Sound viewers should be no stranger to turntables from Technics, which have dominated the market space since their reintroduction to listeners 10 years ago. We’ve reviewed many of their offerings on this channel, including the recently introduced SL-1300G which used the company’s next generation Delta-Sigma drive technology.
Well, now Technics have carried this evolution down to their
KEF Coda Wireless Speakers Review
The KEF Coda W promises audiophile-grade sound from a speaker designed to be subtle, chic, but engaging — tailored for an office, dorm room, or small living space, but does it actually deliver? John Quain reports...
00:00 KEF Coda W
01:02 Overview
02:04 Specs & Design
04:53 Sound Quality
09:45 App & Remote Control
10:23 Summary
This video is sponsored by: https://www.hifiman.co
DeJitter it NUC-X Music Server Review
In this video, Robert Taylor dives into the world of music servers, focusing on the DeJitter it NUC-X server, priced at $8,000. He breaks down its technical enhancements, including a custom power supply and the removal of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for superior audio performance. Robert also compared it to a standard Intel NUC, showcasing the remarkable improvements in sound clarity and bass definition. Plus
TM_VantageM_2
00:00 Audio Solutions Vantage M
01:33 Specs & Design
04:50 Sound Quality
14:00 Comparisons
15:54 Character
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio
Alexx V Review: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/wilson-audio-alexx-v-loudspeaker/
Quadraspire SV3T Hi-Fi Equipment Rack
When putting together a hi fi system, we tend to obsess over the active components. We spend hours agonizing over amplifier topologies or DAC chips, but we often treat the literal foundation of our systems as an afterthought. So settle in while I share some thoughts on a piece of equipment that quietly supports this entire endeavor: The Quadraspire SV3T performance Hi-Fi rack.
00:00 Quadraspir
MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition Floorstanding Speakers
Five ten inch drivers per speaker. Alarmingly, that's not a typo, and it's by no means a gimmick either. The MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition is one of those speakers that just kind of stops you mid-sentence the moment you walk into a room in CES. Or maybe I should say, the moment you hire a crane operator to get them into your basement, they're big, they're impressive. They're beau
Acoustic Energy’s AE1 40th Anniversary Edition Loudspeaker Review
00:00 AE1 40th Anniversary Edition
01:30 Overview
02:06 What's New?
04:17 Set Up
05:18 Sound Quality
09:31 Summary
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/
Eversolo Play Music Streamer & Amplifier
When all-in-one streaming amplifiers were first introduced a few years ago, they received a pretty frosty reception from audiophiles and musicians alike — and rightly so. But in the years since, significant research and technical improvements have transformed the category. Streaming apps have evolved to offer lossless features and a wealth of capabilities, and quite frankly, you just can't beat th
Inside Kimber Kable | Factory Tour & CEO Interview
Adrian Alexander went behind the gates of Kimber Kable's Ogden, Utah headquarters to see exactly what goes into making one of the most distinguished audio cable manufacturers in the world. From raw wire drawing to the signature hand-braiding process, Adrian got the inside scoop on the people and processes at Kimber Kable, including an exclusive interview with founder and owner Ray Kimble and a loo
PMG Signature Preamplifier Review
Do you really need a preamp? Many audiophiles say no — and if a DAC with volume control is your only source, they're technically right. But in Robert's experience, DACs connected directly to power amps tend to sound dull, with muted dynamics and anemic bass. Passive preamps often have the same problem. Today, Robert reviews the PS Audio PGA Signature Preamp to see if a quality active preamp makes
WADAX Studio DAC Review
In the past year or so, I have reviewed a reasonably large swath of the DACs in the $10k to $50k range. There are many such DACs to consider however, so this has not been a complete survey. And it will likely continue – and still be incomplete. Today, I consider a streamer/DAC combination from WADAX that from some angles is the best DAC I’ve covered. Let’s take a look at what that means, because,
McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC Review
In this video, Adrian Alexander dives into the McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC, exploring its eye-catching design and impressive audio performance. Join him as he shares his thoughts on this high-resolution audio device and its nostalgic connection to vintage audio gear.
00:00 McIntosh DS200
01:15 Overview
02:45 Design & Aesthetics
05:30 Technical Specifications
08:15 Listening Experience
Perlisten A3t speaker review
The Perlisten A3t is an unusual design. That unusual design accomplishes sonic results different from 90% or more of the speakers on the market. You may or may not want that difference, but I think you will want to know about it. Let’s check it out.
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
Perlisten Profile: https://youtu.be/rkNmzkS9cNs?si=DABLAGowVdC4fjxX
00:0
Martin Logan B100 Bookshelf Speaker Review
Recently returning from yet another consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, I was reminded of a CES of over 40 years ago, when a company called Martin Logan introduced an audacious, stunning set of towering electrostatic speakers. In the 40 plus years since then, they've become a venerable name in the audio business, making not just cutting edge tower speakers, but also in wireless speakers, wirel
The Voxativ Alberich² Speaker System Review
Matt Coykendall returns with his review of the ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers comprised of the Hagen² Monitor and the Alberich² active bass module this speaker system not only packs a clean, articulate bass, but impressive dynamics, and even a high "wife acceptance factor". Is the ALBERICH² SYSTEM for you? Tune in to find out.
00:00 Voxativ ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers
01:33 Overview
02:57 Specs &am
Master Fidelity NADAC DAC & Master Clock Review
Robert Taylor takes a deep dive into the Master Fidelity NADAC D and NADAC C — a groundbreaking $50,000 DAC and master clock combo built around the world's first custom one-bit ASIC chip since Philips' legendary TDA 1547 back in 1988. Does this ultra-ambitious pairing from the Vancouver-based team finally deliver on digital audio's long-promised potential? Tune in to find out!
This video is spo
Audio Research LS-2 Preamplifier Review
In the second half of 2025, Audio Research launched six new products in both tube and solid state areas of design. One of those, the D80 Power Amplifier is a unit that I reviewed, this past July right when the series launched. Well, this time I got to spend some quality listening time with the natural pairing to the D80, the LS2 preamplifier a line stage with intriguing features and an even more i
Edifier 1700BTS Speakers Review
In the world of high end audio. $230 isn't a lot of money, especially when those $230 gets you a pair of two way active bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth, dual RCA inputs, and a subwoofer output. The big question, of course, is how do they sound? So let's dig into the Edifier 1700BTS speakers.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/
00:00 Edifier 1700BTS
01:40 Overview
03
Eversolo DAC Z10 and T8 Transport Streamer Review
The Eversolo DAC Z10 is a logical step-up option for audiophiles building their systems beyond, say, the $5000 level. At $5000, plus or minus a bit, you probably spend $1000 on a streamer and DAC, $1500 to $2500 on amplification and $1500 to $2500 on speakers. You might balance this differently, but you just don’t have budget for a $1400 streamer and a $2000 DAC, which is what the two Eversolo pro
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Wireless Headphones Review
In this video, John Quain dives into the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S3 wireless headphones, exploring their refined sound profile and standout features. Priced at $479, these over-ear noise-canceling headphones boast 40mm dynamic drivers and support Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX Lossless codec. I’ll discuss their impressive battery life, customizable EQ via a smartphone app, and a sound stage that delivers
Wattson Madison Stereo Amp Review
I am well aware that audio coverage on YouTube has something of a histrionic slant. In an algorithmic media world, I suppose that is to be expected. The problem of course is that when something truly special comes along, if treated with the standard approach, it can get mentally dumped by viewers into the “more BS hysteria” bucket. I offer this warning because the product I’m covering today is, I
Head-Fi Meet-Up: Brief Sampling
Senior reviewer Steven Stone returns with a brief overview of his experience at Denver's Head-Fi meet up. Not quite a Can-Jam or major show a Head-Fi Meet Up sits right in the sweet spot between casual enthusiast get together and large professional show. What did he find out? Tune in to learn more!
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
Who is Steven Stone? http
D’Agostino Launches Momentum Z Mono Amplifier | Michael Fremer Reports…
In January 2026, Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems celebrated its 15th anniversary with the launch of the Momentum Z Mono Amplifier at their Cave Creek, Arizona facility. Priced around $125,000 per pair, this flagship amplifier features new Kinetic Drive Regulator technology. Michael Fremer reports, tune in to learn more!
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/ma
Amphion Krypton3X Loudspeaker Review
Michael Johnson reviews the hefty, unique Krypton3X floor standing loudspeaker. With a frequency response primed for revelation, Michael discovers some of his hi-fi test tracks aren’t what he thought they were. Is this inviting or distracting? Tune in to find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio
Tom’s Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpF
Solving for Smoother Frequency Response: Subwoofer Solution
When it comes to bass performance in hi-fi playback using the conventional setup of two speakers, there are three major problems that are difficult to overcome without beginning to integrate separate subwoofers. Bass extension, room modes, and overall frequency balance.
In this video, I’m not going to focus too much on the first problem, as this isn’t always a problem with just two speakers. M
YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent Loudspeaker Review
YG Acoustics Ascent is the second from the top model in the company's new peak series, and it's priced at $23,800. This represents a significant departure their first speaker to use a hybrid cabinet construction rather than their signature all aluminum enclosure. What makes the ascent particularly interesting is it incorporates the same driver technology as GS Reference Series speakers, while achi
Lumin T3X streamer-DAC: Do QRONO and LEEDH Matter?
Streamers and Digital to Analog converters are the key source for modern high-end audio systems. For most people at least, if for no other reason than the availability of nearly the entire catalogue of recorded music. And ease of use. And low cost. What can be confusing is the degree of sonic difference between various streamers – devices that request music from a streaming service and convert the
Bricasti M1 Series II DAC w/ Network Player Review
The Bricasti M1 DAC has been a powerful mainstay for consumers looking for affordable yet high-fidelity precision since its debut in 2011. Bricasti is now introducing the Series II, looking to expand yet preserve what made the first edition so special. Does the Series II deliver? Tune in to find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 Br
Innovators Series: Theoretica Applied Physics
Today I’m taking an inside look at possibly the most innovative company in the consumer audio space. I say this because today’s subject, Theoretica Applied Physics, is working on some of the biggest problems of audio believability, their results are quite successful in my experience, and the architecture they use is relatively low cost. Let’s take a deeper look.
Learn more: https://www.theoret
Sennheiser HDB 630 Wireless Headphones Review
Flexibility is not something one usually associates with wired headphones. After all, you're tethered to your equipment. You can't go out, hop up and get a cup of coffee, and you can't do a lot of adjustment to the sound profile as well. Wireless headphones promise to do a lot more. Aside from the flexibility of being able to get up and move around, that will without a cable tied to your head. But
Isoacoustics GAIA Neo speaker feet
In this briefing, I give my basic observations about the performance of the Isoacoustics GAIA Neo speaker footers. These are complex passive absorbers that replace the spikes normally used at the base of speakers like my test subject, the Perlisten S7t. Normally, I think of products like this as “below threshold” items – products that may be beneficial, but whose effect may be difficult to hear in
Onkyo Atmos Receiver Giveaway Details
Erratum: Giveaway occurs on January 30, 2026
When we reviewed the new Onkyo M-80 power amp and P-80 streaming preamp, Onkyo kindly sent us a TX-RZ30 receiver to offer to our viewers as a giveaway. We didn’t want to interrupt the review video excessively, yet we thought there might be viewers interested in the giveaway who hadn’t seen the review. So, we made this brief Giveaway announcement.
Monitor Audio Studio 89 Bookshelf Speakers Review
There's a lot of nostalgia out there for the 1980s, and when British speaker maker Monitor Audio looked back at that decade, it discovered gold in the form of its studio 15 speaker. And so, inspired by the creativity and individuality of the 1980s, monitors set out to create the studio 89. So are these $2,750 per pair speakers totally awesome or just bogus? Let's find out!
This video is sponsor
Orchard Audio Pecan Pi+ Premium Streaming DAC Review
Orchard Audio is a US manufacturer of amplifiers, headphone amplifiers and now streamer/DACs in the case of the product we’re reviewing here, the Pecan Pi+ Premium. The company believes strongly in engineering and is particularly sensitive to leveraging appropriate parts. We’ve reviewed their Starkrimson GANFET amplifer previously. With the Pecan Pi, we were particularly attracted by the incorpora
Review/Giveaway: Onkyo Icon M-80 amplifier and P-80 streaming preamp review
Details of the Viewer Giveaway of an Onkyo 9.2 channel Atmos receiver are after the break.
Every once in a while, reviewers get products to evaluate that just doesn’t conform to the standard or to their expectations. That has certainly been the case with the new Onkyo M-80 amp and P-80 preamp. Let’s take a look, because the way this pairing deviates from normal might be very interesting to you.
JCAT XACT S1 Evo Server Review
That said, for those of you who have a budget that could accommodate the JCAT XACT S1 Evo Server at $18,600 US or for those of you who are genuinely curious about the state-of-the-art in audio streaming, you’re gonna wanna stick around while I share what I heard when listening to this refined bit of kit.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.devialet.com/en-us/amplifiers/?srsltid=AfmBOopMaf_
Building/Tuning Listening Rooms: Audio Set-Up Series - Tour and Learn
Last year I built a new listening room. From the ground up. In part, this is the story of that process, but much more I have tried here to organize what I learned so that it is also instructive for music lovers and audiophiles who want to get more out of their current rooms. So, you don’t have to build a new room or complete a new building like I did to get a lot of value from this. I hope.
Th
Devialet Dione Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review
If there's one job for soundbars, it's to deliver deep bass. That's the Achille's Heel of every single big screen TV. In that sense the Devialet Dione does its job admirably, but it does much more than that, delivering a musicality that most other manufacturers surely are envious of... tune in to learn more!
00:00 Devialet Dione
00:57 Overview
02:11 Specs & Design
04:58 Sound Quality
10
Boulder 1162 Stereo Amplifier Review: Class A Amp Series
The Boulder 1162 is an amplifier at a price point where you would expect excellence, and indeed you get it. Also, at this price point details matter because there are other excellent amps both below and above this segment of the market. Let’s take a look.
This video i sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 Boul
Audio Research I/70 Integrated Amplifier Review
Being one of the long established companies in specialist high-end, Audio Research has enjoyed quite a reputation for tube equipment since its founding in 1970. Only a fraction of the models they have produced over the years have been solid-state, though half of the 6 new model introductions are this year. How does the I/70 stack up compared to their other tried-and-true amplifiers? Tune in to fin
Aavik U-288 ”Unity” Streaming Amplifier Review
Anyone that’s been to an audio show in the last five years has likely run across a system from Audio Group Denmark, the Scandinavian company founded by former Raidho designers Lars Kristensen and Michael Børresen that is a union of four hifi brands: Ansuz, Aavik, Børresen and Axxess. Audio Group Denmark have marketed themselves heavily as being at the cutting edge of technology across amplificatio
GoldenEar T44 Loudspeaker Review
If you've been following high-end audio for any length of time, you know GoldenEar has carved out this interesting niche. They're not playing the same game as everyone else in regards to what the traditional 2 channel configuration looks like in a number of their designs. While some speaker companies are still arguing about whether you need a subwoofer or not, GoldenEar basically said "what if we
ARCAM SA45 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Review
So, this review has been a long time coming, ARCAM announced their new flagship streaming integrated amplifier at High End Munich in May of 2024 and released the 5th Generation Class-G amplifier in fall of the same year. This dynamic titan is certainly indicative of a company who focuses on perfecting past products, while simultaneously incorporating new technologies into cost effective packages.
Pink Faun Scion Streamer Review
From Thomas Tan: When I was asked to review the Pink Faun Scion streamer transport, I felt both excited and a little uneasy. Excited because this is a $20,000 machine. A serious piece of audio engineering. And easy because the science is purely a streamer with no DAC. And I wonder whether it could really sound different from a $200 streamer. After all, in theory, a streamer is just sending ones an
KEF XIO Soundbar High-End (Dolby Atmos 5.1.2) Review
Big screen TVs are notorious for having really minuscule or poor sound quality. That's because just the dimensions of them dictate the fact that you can't fit a huge speaker into a thin LCD or OLED big screen TV, so soundbars are supposed to be a convenient solution to that one piece of equipment that can bring expansive sound in that immersive, enveloping quality to the soundtrack of a movie or e
Best Speakers Under $5k Series: New Chesky Audio LC2
Chesky Audio is a relatively new company. Today I’ll be reviewing their second speaker model, the LC2. Like the original LC1, the LC2 features a compact 3D-printed monocoque cabinet, with a 2-way design using dual side-mounted passive radiators. It is priced at $1995per pair, including shipping in the US. That specification seems pretty ho-hum, and this price point might lead to modest expectation
Sound Lab G5-4C Electrostatic Speaker Review
A couple of months back, Tom Martin reviewed the Sound Lab G7-7C – the G5-4C’s big brother (although still not the largest speaker Sound Lab makes). In that video, Tom did such a fabulous job getting into the technical minutia of Sound Lab speakers that there’s likely nothing beneficial I could add to that. I would recommend going back to that video to get a clearer overview of Sound Lab’s design
Recordings of the Month: Recommendations from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
Welcome to this edition of Recordings of the Month. Here we recommend recordings that our audio reviewers have enjoyed. They may be new recordings or older recordings that we have recently discovered. Sometimes, they are recordings our reviewers have come to appreciate more and more as they use them in audio review work.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-
T+A Criterion S240: Best Speakers $10k-20k Series
T+A elektroakustic is a venerable German company with extensive engineering and manufacturing capabilities for speakers, amplifiers, D/A converters, turntables and headphones. The Criterion Series S240 which is our review subject, are part of the T+A Criterion range of speakers, each of which uses transmission line loading for the bass drivers. Let’s see what all this experience and technology del
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