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.