I set out to pinpoint which signal cables offer the biggest sonic gains, but instead ran into resistance from AudioQuest’s Bill Low and Audience’s John McDonald, who questioned the premise itself and steered the discussion into deeper philosophical territory.
Reviewer Doug Moore finds the Atoll IN300โs warmth, clarity, and punch impressiveโand predicts it will make a serious dent in the audiophile world thanks to its smart design and power.
Shanlingโs Onix Zenith XST20 defies digital dominance, making disc playback a tactile ritual with SACD support, top-loading elegance, and unmatched I2S connectivity.
Rotelโs new DX-5 delivers 33W of Class AB muscle with HDMI ARC, Sabre DAC, and Roon-tested finesseโcompact, versatile, and tuned for sonic purity.
Steven Stone rounds up three ultra-budget audio componentsโthe Fosi ZD3 DAC, iFi Zen Phono 3, and FX Audio R07Plusโthat 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.
While the world argues over streaming platforms and sound quality, one billionaire vanished into orbit to hear music unburdened by gravity. No tech shared, no guests allowed.
Robert Schryer puts DR Acousticsโ Polynice power distributor and its cables to the test, uncovering how their innovative designs tackle noise and improve clarity, detail, and soundstaging.
A new study reveals that low-frequency sounds, notably 63 Hz bass, can cause widespread hearing loss. Bass waves forcefully penetrate the cochlea and bypass earplugs via bone conduction, severely undermining traditional hearing protection.
There are myriad products that claim to clean audio power, but which matter most? Industry experts rank dedicated lines, power conditioners, and wall outlets as top upgrades, while opinions diverge on fuses and power cables.
Howard Milstein calls the Musician Pegasus II R2R DAC a โgiant killer,โ 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.
NYC reinvents Japanโs jazz kissa tradition, transforming vinyl listening into a high-fidelity, immersive experience for true audiophiles.
Electrical noise sabotaging your sound? A new virtual ground system wipes hum and EMI from even the cleanest rigs, revealing musicโs full dynamic depth.
Tom Gibbs discusses why any self-respecting audiophile should dispense with copper wires for streaming and opt instead for the glorious sound that can be achieved with a fiber optic connection.
Zidooโs UHD8000 blends 8K muscle with audiophile finesseโdual ES9038PRO DACs, Dolby Vision, and Atmos make this streamer a sensory force, not just a player.
Simon Wilce takes McIntosh’s new McIntosh C2800 Preamplifier for a spin, and shares his impressions.