Claude Lemaireโs sprawling DIY vinyl system may look eccentric, but its rich, soulful sound proves his unorthodox tweaks and vintage gear choices are far from frivolous.
Three SPDIF cables from AudioQuest, Kimber, and Audience face offโeach delivering distinct sonic strengthsโwhile the old-school Auric Illuminator CD treatment surprisingly proves its worth, boosting clarity, ambiance, and realism across multiple discs.
Rotelโs A12MKII integrated amp-DAC impresses with refined power, a premium DAC, and warm, balanced sound. While lacking AAC Bluetooth support, it shines with dynamic range, rich midrange, and build quality that outclasses rivals.
Jean-Franรงoisโs McIntosh-powered setup hits a personal sweet spot, where rich bass, vivid timbres, and thoughtful tweaksโfrom power lines to speaker anglesโhave ended his upgrade itch and turned listening into a lasting joy.
Lyle Mays, the introspective sonic architect of the Pat Metheny Group, gets a fitting farewell in Eberhardโa sweeping, posthumous masterwork co-produced with his niece, Aubrey Johnson, whose voice helps carry Maysโs final vision home.
Dragged along to T.H.E. Show by chance, Jonson Lee’s wife โ a professional pianist โ helped crown Heavenly Soundworks’ active speakers as the eventโs best, praising their astonishing clarity and bass, all powered by just a $500 streamer.