EN 
FR -
Prices listed in CA$. This was probably the most different room from the others of the entire show. There was no stack of electronics in sight, just a small Wattson Audio Emerson Digital network streamer ($2095) connected to all-in-one speakers outfitted with every signal input you can imagine. One component made up 90% of the…
-
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.
-
Bowers & Wilkins 800 speaker series has a long history, and the D4 is the latest line in that series. According to the company’s own description, its flagship 801 D4 is the most advanced 801 it has ever produced, and its “Signature Series” version ($55,000/pr)—the one demoed at the Audiofest—is an optimized version of it. Driving…
-
Prices listed in CA$ unless otherwise note. When I first heard Audio Physic speakers (the Classic 15) at Audio Element in Pasadena, California, I was immediately impressed. They were featured in PMA Magazine’s “Best Audio Systems For $10,000” series. I couldn’t believe that speakers costing less than US$ 5000/pair could sound so accomplished or have…
-
In the debut of his “Super Budget Components” series, Steven Stone spotlights three Chinese-made audio bargains—a $130 Fosi amp, SoundArtist LS3/5A monitors, and a $250 Rod Rain DAC—that punch far above their price.
-
Cyrus Audio’s Stream-XR streamer impresses with its clean, engaging sound and smart BluOS integration—especially when paired with Neil Young Archives, offering detailed playback that rivals higher-end gear in a fiercely competitive market.
-
Reflecting on years of digital audio upgrades, Tom Gibbs details how his setup—centered on Euphony Audio servers and Gustard and Topping DACs—has surpassed early streaming efforts, challenging “bits are bits” dogma with revelations on cables, clocks, and file compression.
-
Exploring the audible quirks of vinyl, Mike Harkins examines groove echo, background noise, and tracking artifacts—while emphasizing that even audiophile pressings aren’t immune to defects, surprises, or the charm of analog imperfection.
-
For newcomers, this beginner’s guide demystifies music streaming, comparing top platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Qobuz by audio quality, features, and artist payouts—helping users find the service that best suits their listening style.
-
Mike Harkins dives deep into the tactile and sonic quirks of vinyl playback, exposing factory flaws, groove grime, and pressing imperfections that plague even “audiophile” editions—yet still finds joy in the ritual and magic of spinning LPs.
-
Prices listed are in CA$. This compact setup in one of Motet’s several rooms at the show surprised me. I didn’t expect it to sound this good. Fronting it was an Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition streamer ($2000) feeding FLAC files into a class-A, single-ended Audio Note M2 preamp ($9000) and a class-A, directly heated triode…
-
Prices listed in CA$. The Hegel room was showing off its Viking CD player ($6000), on static display when I visited, and 308Wpc, dual mono, DAC-equipped H600 integrated amplifier ($15,000). The source was FLAC files streamed from a laptop hard drive, while the speakers were Magnepan’s model 3.7i ($11,875/pair), which looked taller to me, and…
-
I can’t imagine bigger audio news this year than that of Audio Research filing for something akin to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Fearing that such an iconic company – one I always took for granted as being indestructible – might possibly go under and disappear from the audio landscape was disheartening and unsettling to me.…
-
Prices listed are in CA$. You might assume that my mood darkened when a bass beat began pounding through my hotel room wall from the adjacent room while I was trying to concentrate on my writing, but it was the opposite. My mood was lifted. Swayed by the music’s tribal pulsations and sense of immediacy,…
-
Prices listed are in CA$. You want a simple-to-use system that sounds great, doesn’t clutter your room, and won’t break the bank? If you’re nodding yes, then the system being demoed in Le Studio du Son’s room just might be up your alley, especially if you don’t like big, heavy, inefficient amplification but do want…
