In today’s high-fidelity landscape, a common quandary arises: how to achieve optimal audio quality from streaming content. While most users rely on their smart TVs’ built-in streaming interfaces and transmit audio via HDMI eARC, these integrated solutions, designed primarily for display, often fall short as dedicated audio sources. For enthusiasts with high-end multi-channel systems, this…
STAX’s 007 series has nearly three decades of history, a testament to the evolution of electrostatic headphone technology. Its lineage can be traced back to 1993 with the groundbreaking SR-Omega, hailed as “the closest to perfect electrostatic headphone in audio history,” marking the dawn of a new era in electrostatic technology. In 1998, the SR-007…
Apertura’s founder, Christian Yvon, established his own Prologue Research & Development studio in 1978, even before founding the Apertura brand. This company, while not producing loudspeakers itself, was dedicated to a wide range of loudspeaker-related research. During this period, he conducted numerous acoustic experiments for loudspeaker design, including his proprietary DRIM (Dual-Resonant Intermodulation Minimum) crossover…
Eversolo has been on a roll this year, especially since the release of their second-generation DMP-A6 Gen2. They unveiled a quartet of new products at the Munich High End Show: the Play series of streaming integrated amplifiers, the flagship DAC-Z10 DAC, the T8 streaming transport, and the Luxsin X9 headphone amplifier/DAC. Of these, I believe…
The MIW4210 series is available in 65-inch and 55-inch sizes, both common display sizes for Taiwanese households. But what if you have a need for a 75-inch or a screen smaller than 50 inches, while still wanting to experience Sampo’s latest AI image processing technology? Don’t worry, Sampo also offers the AI3200/3220 series. This lineup…
What makes the MC702 the discerning choice? Its defining characteristic – a full-frequency foundation imbued with an unmistakable sense of tangible presence – is undoubtedly what sets the MC702 apart. While this trait might not immediately grab your attention, extended listening will reveal how other amplifiers seem to lack a certain gravitas. Its mid to…
Back in 2015, the Bluetooth speaker market was largely dominated by affordable, mainstream options. KEF, however, took a decidedly different path with the Muo, targeting the high-end segment from its inception. Its exquisite, fashion-forward design, a price tag that broke the four-figure barrier, and the pedigree of the British Hi-End brand KEF, quickly made…
We all know Dynaudio speakers possess an elegant aesthetic and, more importantly, deliver exceptional sound. However, they have historically presented a demanding load, requiring careful matching with amplification, which might not be the most user-friendly aspect for mainstream enthusiasts. Furthermore, modern consumers increasingly prioritize interior design aesthetics and lean towards minimalist, space-saving audio systems, naturally…
Bluesound’s success is largely attributable to its place within Canada’s Lenbrook Group, fostering a corporate synergy that allows for strategic market positioning. Bluesound carves out a niche for itself with its approachable, youthful, and user-friendly aesthetic, while its sibling brand, NAD, caters to the more discerning audiophile seeking higher-end, complex components. This clear brand segmentation…
This month, I finally found it: the new Audio-Technica AT-LP8X. While it’s the successor to their AT-LP7X turntable, its design is completely different. Unlike many turntables that require purely manual operation, the AT-LP8X features a more user-friendly “semi-automatic” design. This means it’s built from the ground up for beginners. Not only is it easy to…
Since Audiolab’s acquisition by the IAG Group, its research and development has entered a period of rapid advancement, marking the dawn of its own flagship 9000 series of audio equipment. This product line includes the 9000CDT CD transport, the 9000A DAC integrated amplifier, and the currently favored 9000N flagship streaming DAC. To further round out…
The evolution of the QC Ultra II is immediately apparent from its exterior. The ear cup support, previously a matte finish on the first generation, has been upgraded to a more striking polished metal design. This creates a strong visual contrast with the matte housing, headband, and ear pads. In recent years, Bose headphones…
Bose has introduced a brand-new product to its SoundLink series this year: the Home. This Bluetooth speaker completely breaks away from the design philosophy of its predecessors. Its exterior adopts a fresh, stylish aesthetic, featuring a rectangular cabinet combined with a metal stand, creating an open space between it and the speaker. This starkly…
Beyond the numerous Taiwanese brands, Japan also boasts several notable players in the karaoke speaker arena. Among the most prominent is BIK Audio, hailing from Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture. This audio company is dedicated to the design and development of karaoke speakers, KTV sound systems, professional loudspeakers, car audio speakers, amplifiers, and microphones. All core…
Alfred Vassilkov’s fascination with sound began in his youth, disassembling radios and eagerly replacing components to achieve a superior listening experience. After graduating from university in St. Petersburg, where he specialized in electroacoustics during the Soviet era, he embarked on a career in acoustics and loudspeaker research for defense-related industries. Following the dissolution of the…
The striking, distinctive design of the Van Den Hul MC-Silver IT MK III immediately sparks curiosity about the ingenuity behind its creation. Since the introduction of the first generation MC Silver IT in 1982, when Aalt Jouk (A.J.) van den Hul invented the Matched Crystal (MC) technology, it’s unlikely even he could have foreseen how…
Panasonic’s audio division has a long-standing reputation for robust and capable product development. In recent years, they’ve not only launched a slew of critically acclaimed headphones and wireless speakers but have also seen exceptional success with their Soundbar series. For consumers looking to pair Panasonic’s audio prowess with their ever-improving OLED and MiniLED displays for…
This review introduces a second-generation monitor headphone, born from a classic. Around 2010, Superlux released the highly acclaimed semi-open monitor headphone, the HD668B. This model was lauded for its lightweight design, comfortable fit, and excellent performance from its 50mm dynamic drivers paired with a precisely engineered acoustic chamber. It delivered a detailed, rational, and natural…