When I first received the Onkyo TX-8270 and opened the box, I initially mistook it for a surround sound receiver. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was indeed a stereo receiver. Its resemblance to a surround sound receiver is uncanny. In fact, the TX-8270 not only looks like a surround sound receiver but also shares…
NuPrime’s flagship power amplifiers have maintained a distinctive characteristic since the NuForce era: a mono-mono configuration. This means complete separation of the left and right channels, each with its own independent chassis, power supply, and amplification circuitry. This design theoretically achieves the best possible channel separation, resulting in superior soundstage layering. I have consistently used…
Since 2020, I’ve been collaborating with HiFiReport to host music appreciation seminars, guiding attendees into the world of classical music. The first seminar of this year took place on January 8th. Upon arriving at HiFiReport, the Marten Parker Trio speakers immediately caught my eye, positioned prominently at the front. Central to the setup was an…
Imagine a typical day at home filled with music. The kids come home from school, eager to listen to their favorite tunes. They effortlessly connect their phones to the Mission LX Connect, blasting Taylor Swift’s new album while waiting for dinner. As mealtime approaches, Dad takes over, switching to Mozart’s “Serenade” played softly, providing a…
An addendum? Yes. This isn’t a full-fledged equipment review, merely a supplementary article. Two months ago, HiFiReport e-mailed me the KECES P28. I truly dislike reviewing their power supplies because every time I do, it’s a battle with myself. I have to resort to all sorts of spiritual purification methods to remain detached and desireless….
Not long ago, I wrote a review of the Audionet ART G5 CD player, considering it a “near-miss” reference-grade digital source. Recently, Enjoy Music Hi-Fi organized a Sennheiser HE1 (New Orpheus) audition event by appointment. Having never experienced this combination, I quickly scheduled a time to explore it. Reluctant to Return the Audionet ART G5…
Lelio has truly embarked on a mythical journey in recent years. First, they launched the Hestia signal cable, named after the goddess of the hearth. After a year of development, they followed up with the Artemis speaker cable, named after the goddess of the hunt. HiFiReport’s Zhiyue previously reviewed the Lelio Hestia. Now, it’s my…
If you’re in the market for a simple and user-friendly active Bluetooth speaker, the current market offers numerous options. However, when it comes to a design as exquisite as the Sonus Faber Omnia, it’s virtually unparalleled. This sheer beauty alone, evident in its appearance, is enough to trigger consumer desire. Redefining Sonic Design Aesthetics Sonus…
Strange title, right? Well, it’s because I auditioned two pieces of equipment at once, and no matter how I shortened the title, it just didn’t sound right. So, I ended up with this odd title. However, just by looking at the title, you’ll know who you could meet at the HiFiReport showroom during this audio…
Yes, this pair of Kali Audio IN-5 active speakers isn’t here on loan for a HiFiReport review. The editorial team actually purchased them as nearfield listening reference monitors. During a visit to the HiFiReport recording studio, engineer Xu Yusheng let me hear his newly acquired IN-5s. I was instantly captivated. Priced under NTD 30,000, I…
Another encounter with Amphion. This time, it’s their smallest bookshelf speaker, the Argon 0. It’s genuinely tiny, easily held in one adult hand. However, picking it up with one hand requires a bit of effort; the Argon 0 is heavier than you might expect. Its compact size makes placement easy, unobtrusive anywhere—perfect for a desk…
In 2016, Sony launched the first-generation NW-WM1Z “Gold Brick” Walkman. Five years later, the second-generation NW-WM1ZM2 emerges. While the 4-inch touchscreen has grown to 5 inches and the industrial design appears similar at first glance, every detail has been re-examined and refined. The NW-WM1ZM2 is not merely a second-generation product; it redefines the very notion…
In my previous impressions, Elac’s sound has always been characterized by its power and energy, much like an American football running back – possessing a lean, muscular physique and abundant power, with agile responsiveness that leaves opponents in the dust. However, in recent years, Elac has evolved. Beyond its inherent masculinity, it has gained a…
Saturday, April 9th, sunny day. I drove along the national highway, and surprisingly, the traffic was exceptionally smooth. Google Maps showed no congestion at all along the way. Counting it, this was my thirteenth lecture at HiFiReport. I have never had such a smooth journey in all these trips. Turning into Taike Road, I found…
What exactly are these? Are they adapter terminals? Not quite. The InLine from German audio innovators Stein Music are tuning accessories infused with their patented demagnetizing technology. Available in both XLR and RCA configurations, these devices are designed for use with virtually any analog input. Personal Experience Stein Music, originating as a purveyor of audio…
For most audiophiles, Neumann is a name that sounds vaguely familiar, something you’ve heard of but don’t really know, yet it’s incredibly important. For all professional recording engineers, Neumann is a household name, an indispensable tool in their work. German brand Neumann is a global leader in professional microphones, the benchmark setter in the industry….
First announced last spring, the Esoteric N-05 XD streamer finally arrived just before the Lunar New Year this year. Mr. Su from HiFiReport invited me to their place for a listening session. However, after studying the machine, I felt that spending just an afternoon with it wouldn’t be enough to truly understand the N-05 XD’s…
Integra’s AV receivers are positioned in the mid-to-high-end market, primarily targeting enthusiasts and professional users. They are known for supporting a wide range of automation control systems, catering to custom installation needs. Consequently, while the DRX 2.4 is considered Integra’s entry-level model, its price point might be seen as mid-to-high range compared to some Japanese…
Have you heard of EAhibrid? Are you familiar with their PureDC-B1? If you’re looking to elevate the performance of your streaming audio system at home, you should definitely get to know EAhibrid and their PureDC-B1. Life’s rhythm was disrupted in 2021, and the TAA Audio Show, originally scheduled for August, was postponed to November at…
BestVox loudspeakers are known for having a story to tell with each pair, and each story originates from a legend. Previously, we reviewed the BestVox LS 3/5a and BestVox LS 5/9 at our editorial office, both of which are based on BBC monitor speakers from the 1970s. Among them, the LS 3/5a is particularly famous….
Audiomica is a Polish cable brand founded in 2007 by Lukasz Mika. Despite its relatively short history, Audiomica has demonstrated strong research and development capabilities and rapid growth. The company currently boasts six distinct series of products, offering a comprehensive range of cables to meet diverse consumer needs. A characteristic feature of many Audiomica cables…
Have you heard of Luna Cables? The name itself immediately tells you they specialize in cables. Luna Cables hails from Quebec, Canada, the French-speaking province. This Francophone heritage is reflected in their product names, which are also in French. Luna Cables offers five series, ranging from entry-level upwards: Gris (Grey), Orange, Mauve, Rouge (Red), and…
Back in the 70s and 80s, the most popular type of amplifier was the Receiver. Radio was the most common way to listen to music then. Receivers combined a radio tuner and an amplifier into one unit, typically including a phono stage and a few high-level analog inputs. Paired with speakers, a Receiver was all…
Upon receiving the NuPrime Omnia A200 and opening the box, my initial reaction was one of slight bewilderment. It looked virtually identical to the Omnia A300 reviewed by our esteemed editor, Tiankai Dai. The dimensions appeared the same, both boasted wireless streaming capabilities, with the primary difference being the A200’s lower power output and more…