Pass Labs (hereinafter referred to as Pass), an esteemed American brand with a long-standing reputation, is known for its deliberate product refresh cycles. After all, top-tier audio equipment should be the result of meticulous refinement – not something to be easily revised. This audition of the XP-12 preamplifier deeply resonated with this philosophy, showcasing a…
Not long ago, HiFiReport Audio extended an invitation, mentioning they had set up a complete German T+A audio system in their second-floor listening room. Featuring the flagship Solitaire S 540 speakers paired with the top-tier HV series, they boasted exceptional sound performance. Naturally, I eagerly accepted the invitation. Captivated by a Single CD HiFiReport’s second-floor…
Pioneer VSX-LX805: Flagship 11.4 Channel AV Receiver Review Pioneer’s latest flagship AV receiver, the VSX-LX805, is a feature-rich powerhouse boasting ample channels, robust amplification, sophisticated room correction, and a user-friendly interface. Most importantly, its sound quality is genuinely impressive, showcasing a refined and detailed sonic character. For enthusiasts who prioritize both immersive home theater and…
If you follow Hi-Fi news, you’ll know that PMC unveiled a brand new series in 2023, positioned at the entry-level segment, making it a potential market disruptor. If you attended the audio shows last August and December and visited the Jadex room, you would have seen this newly launched PMC series. This “market disruptor” speaker…
JBL, a venerable audio brand under the Harman Group, is proving that age is just a number. By embracing retro aesthetics, JBL is injecting cutting-edge technology and specifications into products brimming with vintage charm. This approach of blending tradition with innovation has revitalized the JBL brand, making it more appealing than ever. Their latest offering,…
Esoteric’s product evolution is relentless, with a pace of innovation that is considered rapid even in the high-end audio world. New technologies are never exclusive to a single product but are progressively integrated across the entire range. In the Esoteric family, “sharing is paramount.” Looking at recent developments, their turntable technology boasts the all-new VRDS…
Following the widespread acclaim of the WiiM Pro and WiiM Pro Plus wireless streaming players, WiiM has swiftly launched the WiiM Amp. Building upon their already comprehensive streaming capabilities and user-friendly operation, the WiiM Amp adds practical amplification power. Simply connect your speakers and immerse yourself in the world of online music. Furthermore, with HDMI…
The SOtM sPQ-100 phono preamplifier was originally sent to the editorial department for auditioning. However, the sPQ-100 is not only compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, but also allows adjustment of impedance, capacitance, and RIAA equalization. This versatility led me to seek out a professional audio store for the listening session. Audio stores specializing…
With streaming playback firmly established as the audiophile’s primary mode of engagement, a constellation of network-centric devices—wireless routers, network switches, music servers, and dedicated streamers—has become indispensable within high-performance audio ecosystems. While these devices often incorporate basic external switching power supplies, the inherent variability in their quality is a known factor. Consequently, discerning audiophiles frequently…
Having experienced many Auralic products, the Aries G2.2 is the one that has impressed me the most. I even told my colleagues that this is the best-sounding Auralic streaming transport I have ever heard. Focusing solely on Auralic’s Aries series of pure digital streaming transports, I have used the Aries Mini, Aries G1, Aries G2,…
Innuos, the digital streaming specialist, launched the Phoenix series three years ago, comprising two distinct products. These are not streaming transports, nor music servers, and certainly not streaming players. They appear to be supporting actors in a digital streaming system, yet they are pivotal to sound quality. They are the Phoenix USB and Phoenix NET….
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” or in this case, “absence makes the ear appreciate anew.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates my experience with the Pass Labs X 250.8 power amplifier. Having been familiar with the .5 series, I acknowledged Pass’s impressive drive capabilities, yet found their sonic character leaning towards a somewhat stark, masculine presentation…
Do you own floor-standing speakers? What kind of feet or spikes are you using underneath them? Are you satisfied with the original spikes that came with your speakers? If you asked me these questions, I might not be able to answer immediately. Without prior experience of swapping and comparing, how would one know if the…
My introduction to the Japanese brand Phasemation began with Stereo Sound magazine’s COTY rankings. Their phono amplifiers consistently topped the annual charts, sparking a strong desire to experience them. However, they weren’t available locally until HiFiReport secured distribution in 2023. Finally, I had the chance to witness the allure of Phasemation’s vinyl sound, and it…
The digital streaming audio market is now akin to a warring states period, with products vying for dominance across all price points. High-end audio giants are heavily invested, offering either pure digital transports or DACs, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifiers with streaming capabilities. Even many speaker manufacturers are releasing active speakers with built-in digital streaming functions….
Audiolab has long been synonymous with delivering excellent sound at an accessible price point. Their reputation for high value-for-money has been deeply ingrained in the minds of many audio enthusiasts for years. However, this doesn’t mean Audiolab is content with just maintaining that image. Starting in 2022, Audiolab launched the flagship 9000 Series, stepping into…
At AIM, a renowned Japanese cable manufacturer, the pursuit of exceptional audio cables is rooted in over four decades of professional expertise. Their approach is simple yet rigorous: start with measured specifications, tirelessly prototype, listen, adjust, and repeat. This iterative process of creation and critical listening is the bedrock of AIM’s philosophy, ensuring every cable…
What comes to mind when you think of Serbia? Frankly, before this, only two people did: Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic. The former is a tennis legend, the only male player globally with 24 Grand Slam singles titles and possibly still adding to his count. The latter is the current NBA sensation, an all-around center…