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  • Closing The Gap Between Analogue and Digital

    Despite loving both analogue and digital, Tom Gibbs affirms LPโ€™s supremacyโ€”yet with DSD 512 and upgraded Audio Art Cables, digital playback is now rivaling tape and vinyl in clarity, nuance, and musical realism.

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  • How to Correctly Integrate Subwoofers Into a Stereo System, Part 3

    Kevin Fielding wraps up his subwoofer integration series by tackling time alignment and five crossover strategiesโ€”ultimately finding that running speakers full range with a gentle subwoofer slope yields the most musically satisfying results.

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  • The Vinyl Frontier: A Spin Through Record Store Day

    Record Store Day 2024 spins into action with exclusive releases from Elton John, Frank Zappa, Queen, and the Pixies, as vinyl lovers worldwide celebrate analog culture, indie shops, and community-centered music discovery.

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  • Should You Get a Surround Sound System?

    Once dismissed as a passing fad, surround sound is staging a comebackโ€”with streaming giants offering immersive content and home tech better than ever, it may finally be time to rejoin the multichannel revolution.

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  • Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Sabaj, Semibreve

    This roundup highlights three budget-priced componentsโ€”the Sabaj A20a amp, A20D DAC, and Semibreve DA50โ€”that defy expectations with reference-level sound, solid build, and serious value, proving hi-fi excellence doesnโ€™t have to cost a fortune.

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  • Steven Stoneโ€™s Super Budget Components: Aiyima, Topping, xDuuo

    In this follow-up on budget headphone amps, Steven Stone evaluates three sub-$500 Chinese modelsโ€”including the Aiyima SMSL E600, Topping EH-5, and xDuuo X-20โ€”highlighting performance, upgrade potential, and the high early failure rates heโ€™s experienced.

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  • Diving Into Disco โ€“ Rediscovering the Soul of a Generation

    Claude Lemaire kicks off his seven-part series Diving into Disco by defending discoโ€™s cultural legitimacy and sonic richness, while tracing its roots in gay liberation and challenging its enduring underappreciation among audiophiles.

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  • Review: Pylon Audio Diamond 25 mkII Loudspeaker

    Pylon Audioโ€™s Diamond 25 MkII may resemble its predecessor, but its sonic upgrades are striking. This refined floorstander now offers increased dynamics, clarity, and boldnessโ€”without losing its signature warmth and balanceโ€”all at a compelling price.

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  • Steven Stone’s Super Budget Components: Fosi, Sound Artist, Rod Rain Audio

    In the debut of his โ€œSuper Budget Componentsโ€ series, Steven Stone spotlights three Chinese-made audio bargainsโ€”a $130 Fosi amp, SoundArtist LS3/5A monitors, and a $250 Rod Rain DACโ€”that punch far above their price.

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  • The Jackson 5 on “American Bandstand”: When Five Brothers from Gary, Indiana, Became America’s Favorite Siblings

    By February 21, 1970, the Jackson 5 were no strangers to the national stage. Just two months earlier, theyโ€™d dazzled millions on The Ed Sullivan Show, announcing their arrival as Motownโ€™s freshest sensation. But their appearance on American Bandstand was something else entirely. This wasnโ€™t just about proving they belonged; it was about showing the…

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  • Review: Cyrus Stream-XR Streaming DAC

    Cyrus Audioโ€™s Stream-XR streamer impresses with its clean, engaging sound and smart BluOS integrationโ€”especially when paired with Neil Young Archives, offering detailed playback that rivals higher-end gear in a fiercely competitive market.

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  • Can Cables and Ancillary Equipment Improve Digital Sound?

    Reflecting on years of digital audio upgrades, Tom Gibbs details how his setupโ€”centered on Euphony Audio servers and Gustard and Topping DACsโ€”has surpassed early streaming efforts, challenging โ€œbits are bitsโ€ dogma with revelations on cables, clocks, and file compression.

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  • How a Vinylphile Found His Groove, Part 2

    Exploring the audible quirks of vinyl, Mike Harkins examines groove echo, background noise, and tracking artifactsโ€”while emphasizing that even audiophile pressings arenโ€™t immune to defects, surprises, or the charm of analog imperfection.

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  • The Room Acoustics Series: Reflecting on Sidewall First Reflections

    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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  • How Taylor Swift is Leading the Way

    Taylor Swiftโ€™s re-recording of 1989 (Taylorโ€™s Version) isnโ€™t just a chart-topping triumphโ€”itโ€™s a defiant, billion-dollar victory over an industry that tried to control her, solidifying her as popโ€™s most powerful force.

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