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Lossless audio formats promise sonic purity in a world shaped by compression, and this deep dive examines everything from FLAC vs. ALAC to DSD and DACs—unpacking the tools, myths, and tech behind high-fidelity digital music.
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Building on Part 1, this detailed follow-up compares three subwoofer integration strategies—evaluating bass smoothness, articulation, and timing.
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Kevin Fielding lays out three subwoofer connection methods in a two-channel setup, showing how precision in crossover settings and time alignment can dramatically enhance bass integration and system coherence.
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Jonson Lee explores how excessive dynamic compression is warping our musical experience, comparing classic and remastered waveforms to show how “bigger” sound often means less nuance—and why old CDs may offer sonic salvation.
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Angela-Gilbert Yeung dispels common myths about amp and speaker power ratings, arguing that most speaker damage stems not from mismatched specs but from misuse—especially clipping, overheating, and, yes, intoxicated listening sessions.
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Reflecting on years of digital audio upgrades, Tom Gibbs details how his setup—centered on Euphony Audio servers and Gustard and Topping DACs—has surpassed early streaming efforts, challenging “bits are bits” dogma with revelations on cables, clocks, and file compression.
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Exploring the audible quirks of vinyl, Mike Harkins examines groove echo, background noise, and tracking artifacts—while emphasizing that even audiophile pressings aren’t immune to defects, surprises, or the charm of analog imperfection.
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Sidewall reflections can make or break a soundstage, but when their delays fall under 10ms, as in this case, treatment is optional. Kevin Fielding favors angled plywood over absorption to maintain openness and spatial realism.
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First impressions can mislead with Magnepan speakers, writes Jonson Lee, who reflects on their lifelike realism, anti-forward presentation, and high-maintenance charm after more than a decade of devoted ownership.
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A fiery Facebook debate ignited over Herb Reichert’s claim that Hegel’s Viking CD player outperformed streamed files, reigniting the clash between “bits are bits” objectivists and subjectivists who trust their ears over theory.
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For newcomers, this beginner’s guide demystifies music streaming, comparing top platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Qobuz by audio quality, features, and artist payouts—helping users find the service that best suits their listening style.
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Mike Harkins dives deep into the tactile and sonic quirks of vinyl playback, exposing factory flaws, groove grime, and pressing imperfections that plague even “audiophile” editions—yet still finds joy in the ritual and magic of spinning LPs.
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In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic albums to have landed on the lit side of the Earth, Pro-Ject unveils a DSOTM turntable that doesn’t just echo the prism artwork—it is the art.
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Caught between honesty and harmony, Guild president Jim Tonne navigates tricky audio evaluations and acoustics advice with wit, a spectrum analyzer, and a firm belief in room treatment—despite the inevitable aesthetic compromises.
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With cooler months inviting longer listening sessions, this seasonal hi-fi checklist—ranging from vinyl care and NAS backups to speaker tweaks and cable swaps—offers practical tips to refresh your system and elevate your sound.