EN 
FR Product Reviews
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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 $5199/pair Gold 100 6G standmounts impressed Robert Schryer with their weight, luxurious finish, and superb clarity. With deep bass, rich detail, and effortless musical flow, they felt complete—no sub needed.
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Simon Wilce takes McIntosh’s new McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier for a spin, and shares his impressions.
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HF&MS’s “Best Products of 2024” continues with the best in cabling, amplifiers, and more, including Outstanding Product of the Year!
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It’s that time of year again—the season of giving! In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of Holiday audio gift ideas that even Scrooge might approve of.
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How good is Galion Audio’s class-A / class-A/B TS34 integrated amplifier? Find out in our in-depth review.
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It’s Awards Season! HF&MS celebrates the year’s finest in HiFi, from groundbreaking speakers to game-changing amplifiers and DACs.
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Tom Gibbs didn’t just like the performance of the US$ 1000/pair XSA Labs Vanguard monitors—he was gobsmacked!
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The Mojo Audio Mystique Y DAC appears to have most if not all the sound quality of the established Mystique X model; Howard Milstein gives it an in-depth review.
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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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Music Reviews
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The Vinyl Beat, AXPONA Edition: Audiophiles Just Want to Have Fun
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The Vinyl Beat Special Edition: Cataloging Your Collection Using Discogs
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 4: Black Sabbath, The Guess Who, Deep Purple
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The Vinyl Beat: Max Abrams, The Jazz Crusaders, Cal Tjader Quintet, Donald Byrd,
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Gabriel Fauré: 100 Years After His Death, Celebrate His Music With These 5 Essential Recordings
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The Vinyl Beat: Donald Harrison, Lonnie Smith, Ronnie Foster, Isao Tomita
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 3: Led Zeppelin, King Crimson
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Why These Classical Recordings Unlock Your System’s True Power
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GFN Productions & Forté Art And Music Presents: Dragon, A Concerto for Pipa
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The Vinyl Beat: Holiday Happiness
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Budget Hi-Fi
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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
“What Dalibor was asking me to do was remove nearly $8000 in equipment from my system, and replace it with a DAC only slightly larger than a deck of cards that retails for $150.”
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Review: Tanchjim 4U DMT-4 In-Ear Monitors
An inexpensive, great-sounding in-ear monitor worthy to be added your collection.
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Chi-Fi: The Harbinger of Doom, or Bringing High-End Sound to the Masses?
“I’ve grown to appreciate not only how they function as a company, but also how they manage to produce such remarkably beautiful and functional products that are all essentially hand-built.”
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Magnat Signature Edelstein Loudspeakers Reviewed
“Wonderful loudspeakers that deserve to be front and centre of a two-channel system. These are mini speakers with a massive sound and which represent something unusual in audio – genuine value for money.”
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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
“Why You Could Hate the Budget Component I Love; Warranty Time for a DAC; and the New Vera-Fi Scout Loudspeaker”
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Denon Perl Review: The Earbuds That Adapt To How YOU Hear
“The Denon Perl wireless earbuds offer a unique combination of features, including personalized listening with Masimo Adaptive Acoustic Technology (AAT), active noise cancellation, and long battery life.”
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Sabaj, Semibreve
“When I discover a component priced well under four figures that performs well, that excites me. Those are the kinds of products that raise the bar for everyone.”
Product Reviews
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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 $5199/pair Gold 100 6G standmounts impressed Robert Schryer with their weight, luxurious finish, and superb clarity. With deep bass, rich detail, and effortless musical flow, they felt complete—no sub needed.
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Review: McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier
Simon Wilce takes McIntosh’s new McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier for a spin, and shares his impressions.
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HiFi and Music Source’s Best Products of 2024, Part 2
HF&MS’s “Best Products of 2024” continues with the best in cabling, amplifiers, and more, including Outstanding Product of the Year!
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Ho-Ho-Ho! Holiday Audio Gift Ideas for the Naughty and Nice (Unlike Santa, We Don’t Discriminate)
It’s that time of year again—the season of giving! In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of Holiday audio gift ideas that even Scrooge might approve of.
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Review: Galion Audio TS34 Tube Integrated Amplifier
How good is Galion Audio’s class-A / class-A/B TS34 integrated amplifier? Find out in our in-depth review.
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HiFi and Music Source’s Best Products of 2024, Part 1
It’s Awards Season! HF&MS celebrates the year’s finest in HiFi, from groundbreaking speakers to game-changing amplifiers and DACs.
-
XSA Labs Vanguard Monitor Loudspeakers
Tom Gibbs didn’t just like the performance of the US$ 1000/pair XSA Labs Vanguard monitors—he was gobsmacked!
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Review: Mojo Audio Mystique ‘Y NC’ DAC
The Mojo Audio Mystique Y DAC appears to have most if not all the sound quality of the established Mystique X model; Howard Milstein gives it an in-depth review.
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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 $1,000?
Budget Hi-Fi
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Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Fosi, iFi, FX Audio
Steven Stone rounds up three ultra-budget audio components—the Fosi ZD3 DAC, iFi Zen Phono 3, and FX Audio R07Plus—that rival gear costing far more. After blind tests and strategic upgrades, Stone finds the ZD3 indistinguishable from elite DACs, the Zen Phono nearly noise-free, and the R07Plus a neutral powerhouse across headphones.
-
Review: Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC
Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a “giant killer,” rivaling pricier models with its smooth mids, deep bass, and spacious soundstage. In NOS mode, it delivers an organic, natural presentation, making it a standout choice. Milstein hails it as a must-hear for audiophiles seeking top-tier musicality.
-
Ho-Ho-Ho! Holiday Audio Gift Ideas for the Naughty and Nice (Unlike Santa, We Don’t Discriminate)
It’s that time of year again—the season of giving! In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of Holiday audio gift ideas that even Scrooge might approve of.
-
XSA Labs Vanguard Monitor Loudspeakers
Tom Gibbs didn’t just like the performance of the US$ 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
“What Dalibor was asking me to do was remove nearly $8000 in equipment from my system, and replace it with a DAC only slightly larger than a deck of cards that retails for $150.”
-
Review: Tanchjim 4U DMT-4 In-Ear Monitors
An inexpensive, great-sounding in-ear monitor worthy to be added your collection.
-
Chi-Fi: The Harbinger of Doom, or Bringing High-End Sound to the Masses?
“I’ve grown to appreciate not only how they function as a company, but also how they manage to produce such remarkably beautiful and functional products that are all essentially hand-built.”
-
Magnat Signature Edelstein Loudspeakers Reviewed
“Wonderful loudspeakers that deserve to be front and centre of a two-channel system. These are mini speakers with a massive sound and which represent something unusual in audio – genuine value for money.”
-
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.
Music Reviews
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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.
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A History of Hard and Heavy, Ep 2: Iron Butterfly, Jeff Beck, The Beatles
In this episode, writer and self-taught musicologist Claude Lemaire chooses Iron Butterfly, Jeff Beck, and even the Beatles as pioneering heavy rock influencers.
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The Vinyl Beat: The Doobies, Rhinos, Secret Identities, Salsa, and Tutus
Welcome to the November Vinyl Beat! This month at Casa Rudy we’re enjoying a couple of Doobies, being overrun by Rhinos, wearing a Tutu, adding some salsa to life’s recipe, and operating under an assumed identity.