The grade of the display device is the most critical factor determining a projector’s picture quality, encompassing both the number of pixels and the number of display devices utilized. Currently, the majority of 4K projectors employ display elements that possess only one-quarter of the pixels required for true 4K resolution. While employing “4-way pixel shifting”…
But here’s the problem: most power strips on the market incorporate “filtering” functions. This design is inherently well-intentioned, as AC mains circuits contain significant EMI and RFI electromagnetic noise, and filtering circuits can purify the power quality. Given this, why do audiophiles often criticize filtering? The primary reason is that passive components in filter circuits…
MSB used to produce CD transports, but these have all been discontinued. Their previous Reference DAC and Select DAC models have also been retired, not to mention earlier DACs. In terms of amplification, their ‘can-style’ monoblocks are also out of production. Currently, their amplifier lineup consists of the S202 and S500 stereo power amplifiers, and…
As previously mentioned, the most significant design difference between the W5800 and the W5700 lies in the light source. The W5700 utilized a lamp with a lifespan ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 hours, whereas the W5800 features a laser array light source with a lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours in Normal mode and around 25,000…
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a point to visit HiFiReport roughly once a year. My visits to HiFiReport weren’t for buying audio equipment myself, but rather to scope things out for friends who were planning to buy. What was I scouting for? On this latest visit, it was specifically to audition the…
Audio-Technica has recently been championing a system configuration featuring a turntable paired with active speakers. This approach helps demystify the traditional perception of complex vinyl systems, making it easy for younger enthusiasts to enjoy pure analog sound with just two components. The affordable AT-LP70X turntable, the subject of this review, is perfect for newcomers. It…
The Advance Paris PlayStream A7 Integrated Streaming Amplifier: Refined, Spacious Sound – An All-in-One Masterpiece I Wish I’d Found Sooner! Advance Paris doesn’t just excel in sound quality; a signature feature of their audio equipment is the pair of striking blue VU meters adorning the front panel. These allow users to monitor the left and…
The most pressing question for audiophiles is surely: what’s the difference between the Signature version and the original 702 S3? The most apparent upgrade is the more premium aesthetic. The standard 702 S3 comes in Gloss Black, Satin White, and Mocha wood veneer finishes. The Signature version offers two exclusive options: Midnight Blue Metallic and…
The Tour Pro 3 carries forward the smart touch screen charging case design from its predecessor, the Tour Pro 2. The most significant upgrade is a 30% larger screen compared to the previous generation. Although the charging case has slightly increased in size, its weight remains largely unchanged. The larger screen naturally offers a more…
Looking at its appearance, the P1 mini is quite different from the higher-end P1. I’ve always appreciated Lumin’s industrial design, which typically follows a minimalist approach across all tiers, featuring no physical buttons on the chassis, only the signature blue cold-light display, and requiring operation solely via a mobile app. This time, however, the manufacturer…
Moon is a high-end audio manufacturer based in Quebec, Canada. I had the pleasure of visiting their factory twice, in 2010 and 2013. Spanning over 41,000 square feet, Moon’s facility is genuinely large for a high-end audio company. And it’s not just big; they boast an impressive level of vertical integration. They handle almost everything…
This year, renowned Austrian headphone manufacturer AKG launched its brand-new N5 true wireless earbuds. Beyond standard Bluetooth connectivity, the major highlight is the inclusion of a USB Type-C Dongle wireless receiver. This miniature USB-C plug connects to your phone or laptop, transmitting a wireless signal to the earbuds via the 2.4GHz frequency band. This connection…
Kali Audio, a brand less frequently covered on this site in the past, was founded in Burbank, California, USA, in 2018. Specializing in studio monitoring speakers, their location puts them right in a renowned music creation hub, surrounded by Hollywood studios and numerous professional recording facilities. This geographical advantage allows Kali Audio to quickly tap…
We initially thought the 700 series was an exception, but surprisingly, in 2024, TEAC has equipped the more affordable sub-flagship Reference 500 series with a Discrete DAC. The first model to feature this is the star of this review, the UD-507. This is a multi-functional unit, essentially combining a digital-to-analog converter, an analog preamplifier, and…
Months ago, I had the pleasure of auditioning Eam’s Classic 202i integrated amplifier. This unit boasts 200W of power, an integrated phono stage, and a DAC capable of decoding up to PCM 784kHz and DSD256. Its chassis is robust, the internal circuitry meticulously laid out, and it features a large, full-color touchscreen. The sonic performance…
For guitar enthusiasts, the classic sunburst finish is instantly recognizable. This aesthetic, characterized by a bright center that gradually deepens to a darker hue, evokes the radiant glow of sunlight, hence its name. While common on instruments, I can’t recall seeing it on audio equipment before. This is a refreshing departure, as the Phonon Musiclife…
Vivid Audio stands as one of my most cherished loudspeaker brands. Its sonic texture and precision are nothing short of captivating, and I am consistently impressed by its performance. It’s a rare feat for a speaker to possess such precise, neutral sound while simultaneously delivering delicate beauty, just as it’s uncommon for speakers brimming with…
Having had the pleasure of experiencing numerous Vienna Acoustics loudspeakers, from floorstanding to bookshelf models, we were already familiar with the distinctive sound of the HAYDN. This time, our journey took us to Yue Dian Pro Audio, a long-standing establishment in Taipei’s Daan District, to immerse ourselves in the sound of the HAYDN bookshelf speakers…