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Welcome to “The ABCs of Audio: Hi-Fi Lexicon,” your ultimate guide to understanding the fundamental terms and concepts in high-fidelity audio. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, this article breaks down complex audio jargon into simple explanations. We use two levels of simplicity: In the following sections, we’ll cover essential…
Many of us use our listening rooms as a place to escape the world and its problems, so that we may decompress and recharge our batteries. One thing I, as an audiophile, discovered is that the better the sound quality in my room, the more I’ve been able to connect emotionally with my music. That…
The HiFi world is notorious as an industry rife with superstitions, outlandish claims, and broken promises. It’s a realm where the pursuit of pristine sound often collides with the allure of pseudoscience and the mystical. In this article, we dive into some of the most eyebrow-raising products on the market—from quantum stickers that claim to…
“There’s plenty of quality content available in surround sound for music and movies. Why not take advantage of it?”
Prices listed in CA$. Gorgeous finish! That’s what I screamed inside my head when I first saw the standmount Apertura Forté speakers ($9999/pr) in the Innuos / Asona Ltd room. The Forté’s have a high 93db sensitivity thanks in part to the neodymium magnet circuit used in its two 18 cm mid/woofer drivers. Atypically, both…
Prices listed in CA$. 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…
A room acoustics expert tells us all we need to know about the subject, starting with this first installment in the Room Acoustics Series.
“In some ways, audio is a microcosm of life. Before you get it right, you’re going to make lots of mistakes.”
Nestled amidst a lush garden, the distant chirping of cicadas providing a serene backdrop, Master Tekashi and young Daichi sit opposite each other on tatami mats, a steaming pot of tea between them. The fragrant aroma of the brew serves as a prelude to their conversation, bridging the worlds of sound and samurai. Daichi: Master,…
This article first appeared in PS Audio’s Copper Magazine. When I was a teenager, I told my girlfriend that I loved her so much that I would die for her. She replied that if I died, her life would no longer be worth living. So if I lost my life pushing her out of the way of…
Signal loss is causing your system to sound 30-40% less good than it could. That’s my estimate, and I think it’s conservative. The loss begins at the source and continues through a bog of electronic parts, EMI, connectors, and cables, a long process of loss that doesn’t end with your speakers, but your room. Everything…
“Let’s talk about common things like modal resonances, early reflections, reverberation times, ambient noise, and signal-to-noise ratio […]” “Let’s talk about common things like modal resonances, early reflections, reverberation times, ambient noise, and signal-to-noise ratio,” said Norman. “These are important issues because they greatly affect the listening experience.
“Then, five years ago, I visited a store to buy cheap speaker cables for my home cinema, and, out of curiosity, I listened to a modest hi-fi setup there—I don’t think it cost more than $5000. I was blown away. From there, I spiralled into the high-end.”
“90% of audiophiles are not experiencing 50% of their equipment’s potential.” At High End Munich 2022, I had the opportunity to interview industry veteran Norman Varney of A/V RoomService, Ltd., who debunked many of my theories on how room acoustics influence the sound in our listening rooms. He has modeled, installed, and improved hundreds of…