Love at First Listen Yes, this pair of Kali Audio IN-5 active speakers wasn’t just borrowed by HiFiReport for a review; our editorial team actually purchased them to serve as nearfield listening reference monitors. During a visit to the HiFiReport recording studio, recording engineer Xu Yusheng gave me a listen to his newly acquired IN-5s….
Once again, I find myself in the company of Amphion, but this time, it’s with their most diminutive bookshelf speaker, the Argon 0. And small it truly is, fitting comfortably within the span of an adult hand. Don’t let the size fool you, though; attempting a one-handed lift reveals a surprising heft – the Argon…
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Gold Brick In 2016, Sony launched the first-generation “Gold Brick,” the NW-WM1Z. Five years later, the second-generation NW-WM1ZM2 arrives. While the 4-inch touch screen has been enlarged to 5 inches and the industrial design appears similar at first glance, every detail has been re-examined. The NW-WM1ZM2 is not just a second-generation Gold Brick;…
In my experience, Elac has always been synonymous with robust sound and potent energy, akin to a powerful running back in American football – possessing a sculpted physique, relentless drive, and lightning-fast reflexes that leave the competition trailing behind. However, Elac has evolved in recent years. While retaining its inherent strength, it has embraced a…
What exactly are these? Are they adapters? Not quite. The InLine series from German brand Stein Music are audio tuning devices incorporating their patented demagnetization technology. Available in both XLR and RCA versions, they cater to virtually all analog input terminals. A User Myself Stein Music, originating as a tuning accessory manufacturer in Germany, has…
For most audiophiles, Neumann is a name that sounds vaguely familiar, something they’ve perhaps heard of but don’t quite know, yet it’s incredibly important. For professional recording engineers, however, Neumann is a household name, an indispensable tool in their daily work. German manufacturer Neumann is a global leader in professional microphones, a standard-setter since its…
The Esoteric N-05 XD, announced last spring, finally arrived before this year’s Lunar New Year. Mr. Su from HiFiReport invited me to audition it at their place, but after studying the device, I felt that spending just an afternoon with it wouldn’t be enough to truly understand the N-05 XD’s qualities from all angles. Therefore,…
Integra surround receivers occupy a market position in the upper mid-range and beyond, primarily targeting discerning audiophiles and professional installers. These receivers are engineered to integrate seamlessly with a variety of home automation systems, catering to custom installation requirements. Therefore, while the DRX 2.4 is positioned as Integra’s entry-level offering, its price point places it…
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, you absolutely need to know about EAhibrid and their PureDC-B1 DC power supply. Back in 2021, life was disrupted by the pandemic. Audio events were thrown into disarray, and the TAA Hi-End…
Audiomica is a cable brand from Poland, founded in 2007 by Lukasz Mika. Although not established for long, Audiomica possesses strong research and development capabilities and has grown rapidly. Currently, it boasts six different series of products across various price points, offering a comprehensive range of cables to meet any consumer’s needs. A characteristic feature…
Have you heard of Luna Cables? Just by the name, you know they are a cable manufacturer. Luna Cables hails from Quebec, Canada, the French-speaking province. Hence, their product names are also in French. Luna Cables offers five series, starting from the entry-level: Gris (Gray), Orange, Mauve (Purple), Rouge (Red), and Noir (Black). Let’s skip…
In the 1970s and 80s, the most popular type of amplifier was the Receiver. Back then, the most common way to listen to music was through the radio. A Receiver combined a radio tuner and an amplifier into one unit. It also included a phono stage and a few high-level analog inputs. With just a…
When the NuPrime Omnia A200 arrived for review, my initial reaction upon opening the box was one of surprise. It looked strikingly similar to the Omnia A300, which had already been reviewed by our editor, Dai Tiankai. The dimensions appeared identical, both offered wireless streaming, and the only immediately noticeable difference was the Omnia A200’s…
During an editorial meeting, HiFiReport’s invitation to audition their featured value-for-money system—a combination of Elac and Marantz, surprisingly priced under 100,000 NTD—piqued my curiosity. I volunteered to undertake the listening test. Revisiting the Elac BS 312 Upon arriving at HiFiReport in Zhonghua Road, Mr. and Mrs. Luo warmly greeted me, exclaiming, “This Elac and Marantz…
True wireless earbuds offer convenience, but for the discerning audiophile, traditional wired headphones remain the gold standard for sound quality. Is there a way to enjoy the best of both worlds? After searching for quite some time, I finally encountered the iFi Go Blu, and immediately purchased it, making it my “secret weapon” as an…
Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing Siltech’s newly released Classic Legend 680P power cable from the Netherlands. It almost had me reaching for my wallet immediately, such was its impact. However, knowing the even higher-tier 880P model was part of the same series, I decided to exercise restraint and wait. Fortuitously, it wasn’t long…
Some say the most expensive component in a Hi-Fi system is space itself, especially in densely populated areas where every inch is precious. But does limited space preclude the dream of owning massive loudspeakers? After my second encounter with the Gryphon Trident II, I believe it might be the most space-adaptable reference-grade behemoth currently available….
After writing the review of the Harmonic Technology Para-I balanced cable last time, I was extremely impressed and fond of its overall performance. It was truly reluctant to send it back. Later, I couldn’t resist and bought a pair as my reference cables, connecting them between my DAC and preamplifier. Not long after, the more…
Every time I encounter products from Stein Music, I find myself scratching my head. Their creations are so unique that it’s sometimes hard to know where to even begin describing them. My first experience with Stein Music was their renowned Harmonizer, used in conjunction with Magic Stones tuning blocks. This combination could make music flow…
What are the perks of being an audio reviewer? It’s the privilege of experiencing a world of exquisite sound through diverse Hi-Fi equipment. But what’s the downside? Falling in love with the sound of gear, only to have to reluctantly return it. My time reviewing the German Audionet ART G5 CD player was exactly this…
Nordost’s cable series often draws inspiration from Norse mythology, with each product line telling a story. The flagship Odin series is named after the leader of the Aesir gods, the king of gods himself, befitting its top-tier status. The Valhalla series, just below Odin, is named after Valhalla, the hall of slain warriors, honored guests…
It’s quite amusing, after being Facebook friends for so many years, my encounters with Mr. Ong had been limited to public events. We’d even bump into each other at the Munich High End Show, yet I had never actually visited HiFiReport Audio. This time, finally, that changed. The connection was made by Mola Mola, or…
In the realm of audiophilia, each enthusiast harbors a personal summit to conquer. My recent experience auditioning the Argento Flow FMR EE, a flagship power cable from Denmark, left me in awe, unveiling yet another pinnacle in power cable design. Three Decades Building a Boutique Audio Cable Legacy My first encounter with the Argento FMR…
On a certain day, I arranged to meet HiFiReport’s editor-in-chief at HiFiReport Audio to audition a multi-channel system featuring LALS dual 12-inch horn center channel and 12-inch horn main speakers. I arrived early, but following the address, I couldn’t find a storefront. HiFiReport Audio was on the second floor, and looking up, there was no…