The power of music & audio

  • Why Audio Shows Matter

    Robert Schryer defends audio shows as irreplaceable gatherings for audiophiles, pushing back against claims that video content could ever truly replace the magic of in-person events.

  • The Burn-In Chronicles: 1,000 Hours to Sonic Salvation

    A journal pulses with ink and intent as a listener records the thousand-hour unraveling of sound.

  • Review: Hana SL Mk 2 Moving Coil Cartridge

    Calling it “even better” than past models, Ian Ringstead hails the Hana SL Mk2 MC cartridge for its lush sound, low noise, and flawless tracking—especially impressive paired with his Technics SL1300G and valve phono stage.

  • Review: Melco S1 Network Switch

    Chris Baillie finds the Melco S1 network switch so transformative, it pushed his already high-end system into territory he hadn’t thought possible—revealing stunning realism, expanded dynamics, and a truly immersive soundstage.

The Music Column, presented by

  • Vinyl Essentials, Part 1

    In his new series, music and vinyl expert Claude Lemaire highlights essential recordings—and the best pressings to seek out—for your LP collection, indexed by year of release.

  • The Vinyl Beat: Out Through the In Door?

    Amid downsizing frustrations, Rudy Radelic purges vinyl, CDs, and old gear—while still finding joy in standout reissues from Cal Tjader, Horace Silver, Donald Byrd, and Quincy Jones, plus long-awaited news on Buckingham Nicks.

  • The Most Iconic Summer Songs of All Time, Part 2

    In this sun-soaked mini-series, Claude Lemaire highlights summer-defining hits from 1967–68, from The Young Rascals’ Latin-tinged Groovin’ to Otis Redding’s poignant Dock of the Bay and The 5th Dimension’s sky-high debut.

  • The Vinyl Beat In a 12-inch Singles World

    Rudy Radelic dives into the roots of 12-inch singles, spotlighting Tom Moulton’s remix innovations, promo-only rarities from Earth, Wind & Fire, and Bryan Adams’ chipmunk-voiced debut that he’s tried to forget.

  • The Burn-In Chronicles: 1,000 Hours to Sonic Salvation

    A journal pulses with ink and intent as a listener records the thousand-hour unraveling of sound.

  • Review: Hana SL Mk 2 Moving Coil Cartridge

    Calling it “even better” than past models, Ian Ringstead hails the Hana SL Mk2 MC cartridge for its lush sound, low noise, and flawless tracking—especially impressive paired with his Technics SL1300G and valve phono stage.

  • Review: Melco S1 Network Switch

    Chris Baillie finds the Melco S1 network switch so transformative, it pushed his already high-end system into territory he hadn’t thought possible—revealing stunning realism, expanded dynamics, and a truly immersive soundstage.

  • The Music Column,
    by

    • Vinyl Essentials, Part 1

      Vinyl Essentials, Part 1

      In his new series, music and vinyl expert Claude Lemaire highlights essential recordings—and the best pressings to seek out—for your LP collection, indexed by year of release.

    • The Vinyl Beat: Out Through the In Door?

      The Vinyl Beat: Out Through the In Door?

      Amid downsizing frustrations, Rudy Radelic purges vinyl, CDs, and old gear—while still finding joy in standout reissues from Cal Tjader, Horace Silver, Donald Byrd, and Quincy Jones, plus long-awaited news on Buckingham Nicks.

    • The Most Iconic Summer Songs of All Time, Part 2

      The Most Iconic Summer Songs of All Time, Part 2

      In this sun-soaked mini-series, Claude Lemaire highlights summer-defining hits from 1967–68, from The Young Rascals’ Latin-tinged Groovin’ to Otis Redding’s poignant Dock of the Bay and The 5th Dimension’s sky-high debut.


Understanding Noise in Audio Systems: How Computer Audio Design (CAD) is Addressing the Hidden Problem

Understanding Noise in Audio Systems: How Computer Audio Design (CAD) is Addressing the Hidden Problem

Scott Berry’s Computer Audio Design shifts focus from amps and DACs to the hidden culprit in system performance—high-frequency noise—offering Ground Control and USB Filter devices that reviewers credit with sharper imaging and more natural tonality.


Over the MOON – Simaudio’s 371 Network Player/Amplifier is Launched! – UPDATED

Over the MOON – Simaudio’s 371 Network Player/Amplifier is Launched! – UPDATED

MOON by Simaudio’s 371 network player/amplifier—the debut of the new Compass Collection—has landed, packing serious tech and features into one sleek box.


A Decade of HEOS: From Hi-Fi Vision to Wireless Standard

A Decade of HEOS: From Hi-Fi Vision to Wireless Standard

Now branded “Powered by HEOS™,” Denon’s wireless platform marks its 10th year with a major firmware update, evolving from three speakers to a cross-brand audio ecosystem spanning over 50 products.


Eversolo Officially Launches the T8 Professional-Grade Streaming Transport

Eversolo Officially Launches the T8 Professional-Grade Streaming Transport

Eversolo has unveiled its long-awaited T8 streamer, a $1380 transport boasting femtosecond clocking, isolated outputs, evotune room correction, and dual SSD slots—aimed at delivering pure, uncompromised digital audio.


SoulFi Audio & Forté Distribution Introduce Fosi Audio i5 Planar Magnetic Headphones to the U.S. Market

SoulFi Audio & Forté Distribution Introduce Fosi Audio i5 Planar Magnetic Headphones to the U.S. Market

Fosi Audio’s i5 headphones land in the U.S. after a runaway Kickstarter success, also offered in a $1,499 USD bundle with the Luxsin X9 DAC/amp for a complete high-end desktop system.


Matrix Audio: Enter the Music

Matrix Audio: Enter the Music

From a Xi’an high school garage to a global force, Matrix Audio blends obsessive engineering and minimalist design, with in-house software and hardware that now challenge legacy brands on performance, integration, and value.


Luxsin X9: The Desktop DAC-Amp That’s Shamelessly Overqualified

Luxsin X9: The Desktop DAC-Amp That’s Shamelessly Overqualified

Luxsin’s X9 arrives with unapologetic swagger, pairing flagship AKM chips with clever features like auto headphone gain and a 2,500-profile EQ library—marking a rare DAC-amp that might truly replace multiple high-end boxes.


Hybrid Tube/Solid State Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player Emphasizes Outstanding Sonics and User-Friendly Industrial Design

Hybrid Tube/Solid State Shanling EC Zero T Portable CD Player Emphasizes Outstanding Sonics and User-Friendly Industrial Design

Shanling’s EC Zero T lands in the U.S. with a proprietary R2R DAC, dual tube output, and CD ripping—blending hi-fi nostalgia with cutting-edge portable design.

Understanding Noise in Audio Systems: How Computer Audio Design (CAD) is Addressing the Hidden Problem

Scott Berry’s Computer Audio Design shifts focus from amps and DACs to the hidden culprit in system performance—high-frequency noise—offering Ground Control and USB Filter devices that reviewers credit with sharper imaging and more natural tonality…

Over the MOON – Simaudio’s 371 Network Player/Amplifier is Launched! – UPDATED

MOON by Simaudio’s 371 network player/amplifier—the debut of the new Compass Collection—has landed, packing serious tech and features into one sleek box…

A Decade of HEOS: From Hi-Fi Vision to Wireless Standard

Now branded “Powered by HEOS™,” Denon’s wireless platform marks its 10th year with a major firmware update, evolving from three speakers to a cross-brand audio ecosystem spanning over 50 products…

What’s Better Than One Raspberry Pi Streamer? Two Of Them!

Steven Stone details his DIY journey building a dual-Raspberry Pi streamer, ultimately finding its subtle sonic and ergonomic benefits—especially long-term listening ease—surpass even pricier, dropout-prone built-in Ethernet solutions.

Dutch & Dutch: Wrapping Up My Interview—Plus, Listening Impressions of the 8c Speaker

Robert Schryer wraps his interview with Dutch & Dutch’s Jannis Dossis and Martijn Mensink, uncovering bold plans for a smaller speaker—and finds the 8c system so good, it might just end his gear-chasing days.

How to Play in a Rock Band, 14: Show Me the Money!

Frank Doris lays bare the gritty reality of gig pay—from $25 farmers’ markets to $250K arena tours—exploring tips, contracts, tribute bands, and the financial tightrope musicians walk to keep the music playing.

If music is therapy, why doesn’t insurance pay for my sound system?

If music is therapy, then sound systems are psychiatrists. And we believe it’s well overdue for insurance to start covering the gear that lets us sob in Dolby Atmos.

We’re Audiophiles, and Deserve Some Respect!

Audiophiles are not freaks, or losers, or whatever negative stereotypes the naysayers want to characterize us by. We’re lucky.

Review: Allnic Audio A-2000 Mk3 Tube Power Amplifier

Howard Milstein takes the Allnic Audio A-2000 Mk3 tube power amplifier out for a test drive and discovers how powerful it is.

“Postcards from London”: Guy Bélanger’s New Album Adds to The Legacy of Abbey Road Studios

To mark his 50th year in music, Guy Bélanger recorded Postcards from London at Abbey Road’s iconic Studio 2—an audacious dream brought to life by producer Jean Ouimet and a tight-knit Quebecois team.

Has the Sun Finally Set on The Audiophile Hobby?

Veteran audiophile Robert Schryer reflects on whether the sun has truly set on the hobby, acknowledging generational shifts and rising costs while highlighting a quieter, evolving passion for sound that still runs deep.

What’s Better Than One Raspberry Pi Streamer? Two Of Them!

Steven Stone details his DIY journey building a dual-Raspberry Pi streamer, ultimately finding its subtle sonic and ergonomic benefits—especially long-term listening ease—surpass even pricier, dropout-prone built-in Ethernet solutions.

Dutch & Dutch: Wrapping Up My Interview—Plus, Listening Impressions of the 8c Speaker

Robert Schryer wraps his interview with Dutch & Dutch’s Jannis Dossis and Martijn Mensink, uncovering bold plans for a smaller speaker—and finds the 8c system so good, it might just end his gear-chasing days.

How to Play in a Rock Band, 14: Show Me the Money!

Frank Doris lays bare the gritty reality of gig pay—from $25 farmers’ markets to $250K arena tours—exploring tips, contracts, tribute bands, and the financial tightrope musicians walk to keep the music playing.

If music is therapy, why doesn’t insurance pay for my sound system?

If music is therapy, then sound systems are psychiatrists. And we believe it’s well overdue for insurance to start covering the gear that lets us sob in Dolby Atmos.

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