EN 
FR Product Reviews
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Robert Schryer spends a week with Rega’s new Mercury preamp and Solis amplifier stack before they’re shipped off for their North American launch in Victoria, British Columbia—and misses them dearly once they’re gone.
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Steven Stone is back with a hi-res portable player he dubs a “super value” and a pair of under-$100 in-ear monitors he calls “an excellent addition to an out-of-office travel kit.”
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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.
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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.
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Howard Milstein takes the Allnic Audio A-2000 Mk3 tube power amplifier out for a test drive and discovers how powerful it is.
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Tom Gibbs discovers fabulous new power conditioning gear from Vera-Fi Audio and a 300B amp for under $1K he can’t stop listening to.
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Doug Moore puts the Schiit Magni Unity headphone amplifier and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth headphones through their paces and comes out with some interesting observations.
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The ultimate Shanling ET3 guide—every feature, flaw, and forum opinion dissected. From CD playback to I²S and upsampling, this is the most complete ET3 breakdown you’ll find anywhere.
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Reviewer Doug Moore finds the Atoll IN300’s warmth, clarity, and punch impressive—and predicts it will make a serious dent in the audiophile world thanks to its smart design and power.
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Steven Stone rounds up three ultra-budget audio components—the Fosi ZD3 DAC, iFi Zen Phono 3, and FX Audio R07Plus—that rival gear costing far more. After blind tests and strategic upgrades, Stone finds the ZD3 indistinguishable from elite DACs, the Zen Phono nearly noise-free, and the R07Plus a neutral powerhouse across headphones.
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Robert Schryer puts DR Acoustics’ Polynice power distributor and its cables to the test, uncovering how their innovative designs tackle noise and improve clarity, detail, and soundstaging.
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Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a “giant killer,” rivaling pricier models with its smooth mids, deep bass, and spacious soundstage. In NOS mode, it delivers an organic, natural presentation, making it a standout choice. Milstein hails it as a must-hear for audiophiles seeking top-tier musicality.
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Monitor Audio’s $5199/pair Gold 100 6G standmounts impressed Robert Schryer with their weight, luxurious finish, and superb clarity. With deep bass, rich detail, and effortless musical flow, they felt complete—no sub needed.
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Music Reviews
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Recent Arrivals and 12-inch Royalty
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Vinyl Essentials, Part 2
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Vinyl Essentials, Part 1
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The Vinyl Beat: Out Through the In Door?
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The Vinyl Beat In a 12-inch Singles World
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Bruce Springsteen’s “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” Box Set Review
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The Vinyl Beat: The Cat’s in the Bag?
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The Vinyl Beat Pays a Visit to AXPONA 2025
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 5: Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin
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The Vinyl Beat, AXPONA Edition: Audiophiles Just Want to Have Fun
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Budget Hi-Fi
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: HIDIZS, Apos Audio
Steven Stone is back with a hi-res portable player he dubs a “super value” and a pair of under-$100 in-ear monitors he calls “an excellent addition to an out-of-office travel kit.”
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More Chi-Fi Goodness from Vera-Fi Audio and BoyuuRange!
Tom Gibbs discovers fabulous new power conditioning gear from Vera-Fi Audio and a 300B amp for under $1K he can’t stop listening to.
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Fosi, iFi, FX Audio
Steven Stone rounds up three ultra-budget audio components—the Fosi ZD3 DAC, iFi Zen Phono 3, and FX Audio R07Plus—that rival gear costing far more. After blind tests and strategic upgrades, Stone finds the ZD3 indistinguishable from elite DACs, the Zen Phono nearly noise-free, and the R07Plus a neutral powerhouse across headphones.
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Review: Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC
Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a “giant killer,” rivaling pricier models with its smooth mids, deep bass, and spacious soundstage. In NOS mode, it delivers an organic, natural presentation, making it a standout choice. Milstein hails it as a must-hear for audiophiles seeking top-tier musicality.
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Ho-Ho-Ho! Holiday Audio Gift Ideas for the Naughty and Nice (Unlike Santa, We Don’t Discriminate)
It’s that time of year again—the season of giving! In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of Holiday audio gift ideas that even Scrooge might approve of.
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XSA Labs Vanguard Monitor Loudspeakers
Tom Gibbs didn’t just like the performance of the US$ 1000/pair XSA Labs Vanguard monitors—he was gobsmacked!
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Wharfedale EVO4.2 Review: The Best Bookshelf Speaker For $1000!
Paul Cash reviews the Wharfedale EVO4.2, praising its rich tone, clear separation, and ELYSIAN-inspired features—asking, is this the best audiophile speaker for $1,000?
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Audiomis, NuPrime
Steven Stone seeks out more super budget components and emerges with a two-way that does it all, a nifty no-brainer bluetooth adapter, and a small but mighty amp.
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Review: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Wireless Headphones
Cambridge Audio’s Melomania M100 IEMs deliver impressive sound quality and comfort, making them a top pick for wireless listening, despite some minor quirks.
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Stepping Backwards to Move Forward in My Digital Streaming System
Tom Gibbs dismantled $8,000 worth of high-end gear—only to find a $150 Topping E30 II DAC paired with Euphony’s Mozzaik upsampler delivered better, more analog-like sound than ever before. Mind blown, wallet intact.
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Review: Tanchjim 4U DMT-4 In-Ear Monitors
The Tanchjim 4U IEM impresses with its customizable bass tuning, refined sound, and sleek build at just CA$99.99—though its subtle low-end may leave hardcore bass fans wanting more.
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Chi-Fi: The Harbinger of Doom, or Bringing High-End Sound to the Masses?
Tom Gibbs defends the value of Chi-Fi in high-end audio, spotlighting PrimaLuna’s EVO 300 tube amp and budget marvels from Vera-Fi, Gustard, and Topping—while calling out the fearmongering and hypocrisy in anti-Chinese gear rhetoric.
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Magnat Signature Edelstein Loudspeakers Reviewed
Magnat’s Signature Edelstein bookshelf speakers may be small, but their robust construction, clever engineering, and surprisingly weighty, detailed sound prove they’re no gimmick—just serious value and musicality in a compact package.
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SIVGA P2 PRO Review: High-End Sound Without the High-End Price Tag?
The SIVGA P2 PRO boasts several features that set it apart from the competition. Its most notable feature is SIVGA’s new sapphire vibration circuit, a so-called first in the industry designed to enhance audio performance.
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Vera-Fi Speakers
A DAC fails, a speaker hums, and a $299 bookshelf impresses—this column dives into the fickle alchemy of system synergy, budget excellence, and why great specs don’t always mean great sound.
Product Reviews
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Prelaunch Review: Rega Mercury Preamplifier and Solis Amplifier
Robert Schryer spends a week with Rega’s new Mercury preamp and Solis amplifier stack before they’re shipped off for their North American launch in Victoria, British Columbia—and misses them dearly once they’re gone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Review: Schiit Magni Unity and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth. High-End Sound For Less.
Doug Moore puts the Schiit Magni Unity headphone amplifier and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth headphones through their paces and comes out with some interesting observations.
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No Stone Unturned: The Ultimate Breakdown of the Shanling ET3
The ultimate Shanling ET3 guide—every feature, flaw, and forum opinion dissected. From CD playback to I²S and upsampling, this is the most complete ET3 breakdown you’ll find anywhere.
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Review: Atoll IN300 Evolution Integrated Amplifier
Reviewer Doug Moore finds the Atoll IN300’s warmth, clarity, and punch impressive—and predicts it will make a serious dent in the audiophile world thanks to its smart design and power.
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DR Acoustics Review: Polynice, Red Fire Ultra & Supreme Cables
Robert Schryer puts DR Acoustics’ Polynice power distributor and its cables to the test, uncovering how their innovative designs tackle noise and improve clarity, detail, and soundstaging.
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Review: Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC
Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a “giant killer,” rivaling pricier models with its smooth mids, deep bass, and spacious soundstage. In NOS mode, it delivers an organic, natural presentation, making it a standout choice. Milstein hails it as a must-hear for audiophiles seeking top-tier musicality.
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Review: Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G
Monitor Audio’s $5199/pair Gold 100 6G standmounts impressed Robert Schryer with their weight, luxurious finish, and superb clarity. With deep bass, rich detail, and effortless musical flow, they felt complete—no sub needed.
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Review: McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier
Simon Wilce takes McIntosh’s new McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier for a spin, and shares his impressions.
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HiFi and Music Source’s Best Products of 2024, Part 2
HF&MS’s “Best Products of 2024” continues with the best in cabling, amplifiers, and more, including Outstanding Product of the Year!
Budget Hi-Fi
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: HIDIZS, Apos Audio
Steven Stone is back with a hi-res portable player he dubs a “super value” and a pair of under-$100 in-ear monitors he calls “an excellent addition to an out-of-office travel kit.”
-
More Chi-Fi Goodness from Vera-Fi Audio and BoyuuRange!
Tom Gibbs discovers fabulous new power conditioning gear from Vera-Fi Audio and a 300B amp for under $1K he can’t stop listening to.
-
Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Fosi, iFi, FX Audio
Steven Stone rounds up three ultra-budget audio components—the Fosi ZD3 DAC, iFi Zen Phono 3, and FX Audio R07Plus—that rival gear costing far more. After blind tests and strategic upgrades, Stone finds the ZD3 indistinguishable from elite DACs, the Zen Phono nearly noise-free, and the R07Plus a neutral powerhouse across headphones.
-
Review: Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC
Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a “giant killer,” rivaling pricier models with its smooth mids, deep bass, and spacious soundstage. In NOS mode, it delivers an organic, natural presentation, making it a standout choice. Milstein hails it as a must-hear for audiophiles seeking top-tier musicality.
-
Ho-Ho-Ho! Holiday Audio Gift Ideas for the Naughty and Nice (Unlike Santa, We Don’t Discriminate)
It’s that time of year again—the season of giving! In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of Holiday audio gift ideas that even Scrooge might approve of.
-
XSA Labs Vanguard Monitor Loudspeakers
Tom Gibbs didn’t just like the performance of the US$ 1000/pair XSA Labs Vanguard monitors—he was gobsmacked!
-
Wharfedale EVO4.2 Review: The Best Bookshelf Speaker For $1000!
Paul Cash reviews the Wharfedale EVO4.2, praising its rich tone, clear separation, and ELYSIAN-inspired features—asking, is this the best audiophile speaker for $1,000?
-
Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Audiomis, NuPrime
Steven Stone seeks out more super budget components and emerges with a two-way that does it all, a nifty no-brainer bluetooth adapter, and a small but mighty amp.
-
Review: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 Wireless Headphones
Cambridge Audio’s Melomania M100 IEMs deliver impressive sound quality and comfort, making them a top pick for wireless listening, despite some minor quirks.
-
Stepping Backwards to Move Forward in My Digital Streaming System
Tom Gibbs dismantled $8,000 worth of high-end gear—only to find a $150 Topping E30 II DAC paired with Euphony’s Mozzaik upsampler delivered better, more analog-like sound than ever before. Mind blown, wallet intact.
-
Review: Tanchjim 4U DMT-4 In-Ear Monitors
The Tanchjim 4U IEM impresses with its customizable bass tuning, refined sound, and sleek build at just CA$99.99—though its subtle low-end may leave hardcore bass fans wanting more.
-
Chi-Fi: The Harbinger of Doom, or Bringing High-End Sound to the Masses?
Tom Gibbs defends the value of Chi-Fi in high-end audio, spotlighting PrimaLuna’s EVO 300 tube amp and budget marvels from Vera-Fi, Gustard, and Topping—while calling out the fearmongering and hypocrisy in anti-Chinese gear rhetoric.
Music Reviews
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Bruce Springsteen’s “Tracks II: The Lost Albums” Box Set Review
Writer Mark Lepage takes a deep dive into Bruce Springsteen’s new box set and wonders: “Jesu, does this man ever sleep?”
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 5: Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin
Claude Lemaire spotlights three pivotal 1970 albums—by Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin—that fused prog, blues, and folk into the roaring blueprint for what would become heavy metal.
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The Vinyl Beat, AXPONA Edition: Audiophiles Just Want to Have Fun
Writer Rudy Radelic recommends a dozen great-sounding albums to play at audio show exhibits. Exhibitors, are you paying attention?
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 4: Black Sabbath, The Guess Who, Deep Purple
Save your souls!… Black Sabbath leads the way in this latest history lesson in the roots of hard rock and heavy metal.
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The Vinyl Beat: Max Abrams, The Jazz Crusaders, Cal Tjader Quintet, Donald Byrd,
The Vinyl Beat digs into some more reissues that fly under the radar.
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Gabriel Fauré: 100 Years After His Death, Celebrate His Music With These 5 Essential Recordings
Classical music critic Pierre Dallaire offers a selection of recent recordings that offer a fitting tribute to Gabriel Fauré on the centenary of his death.
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The Vinyl Beat: Donald Harrison, Lonnie Smith, Ronnie Foster, Isao Tomita
Happy New Year everyone! On deck are some recent releases, peppered with a couple of disappointments. After all, not all of our music purchases (vinyl or otherwise) are perfect!
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 3: Led Zeppelin, King Crimson
Claude Lemaire thinks Led Zeppelin is so seminal to hard rock, he chooses them twice for Episode 3. King Crimson also makes the cut.
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Why These Classical Recordings Unlock Your System’s True Power
Can pop music compete with classical’s sonic precision? Jonson Lee delves into recording techniques that make classical music a benchmark for audiophiles seeking pure sound.
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GFN Productions & Forté Art And Music Presents: Dragon, A Concerto for Pipa
We are thrilled to announce the release of the CD “Dragon – Concerto for Pipa,” produced by GFN Productions and Forté Art & Music. This remarkable work by Quebec composer Christian Thomas is performed by the internationally renowned virtuoso Liu Fang. Described as “the empress of the pipa” (L’actualité) and “an ambassador of musical soul…
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The Vinyl Beat: Holiday Happiness
Among my music recommendations is a handful of favorite holiday records in my collection – some new, some classic. ’Tis the season!
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McIntosh SESSIONS, Volume 1: The Peter Erskine Quartet, Reviewed
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, McIntosh Labs is collaborating with mastering facility Sterling Sound on a series of AAA analog tape-recorded vinyl releases. John Seetoo and Frank Doris take a look at the first release in the series.