The red griffin logo immediately identifies it as Gryphon, yet the Essence Preamplifier and Stereo power amplifier exhibit a more streamlined aesthetic. Their black enclosures are subtly sculpted with inverted triangular motifs on the front panels, introducing a fresh industrial design language. For Gryphon, the Essence series represents a return to their core principles, reaffirming…
If I were in the market for bookshelf speakers right now, and my choice was based on rational decision-making, pursuing the best performance within a limited budget, GoldenEar BRX would undoubtedly be my top pick. In the under $2000 price range, the GoldenEar BRX is, in my opinion, the number one bookshelf speaker. It possesses…
This isn’t a review, nor even a typical product trial report. I’d call this more of a “note” or “impression”. A month or so ago, I was on the phone with Mr. Hu of HiFiReport regarding another matter. After we finished our business, he mentioned a new brand he was representing, Network Acoustics, and an…
Yearning for a multi-channel system at home, but constantly facing resistance from the ‘better half’? Tired of just scrolling through equipment photos online? Sony’s new HT-A9 wireless multi-channel system might be the answer. This isn’t your typical, underperforming soundbar. Instead, it employs four digital active wireless speakers to construct a revolutionary home surround sound experience…
The last time I encountered the Marten Parker Quintet was at the TAA Hi-End Audio Show held in a hotel last September. The Parker Quintet was not only a brand-new release but also its global debut. I remember Mr. Chang from Sound Ray Audio telling me, “These Parker Quintet speakers just arrived by plane. If…
Hijiri? Is this a new cable brand? Yes, but it comes from an old friend, Mr. Kazuo Kiuchi, a Japanese master of audio tuning, who founded this brand. The Nagomi X-DCH power cable is the higher-end model of their “only two” power cable offerings. Kazuo Kiuchi has been involved in the audio industry for at…
EKCO? Is it a new brand? When I first encountered the Eva BT vacuum tube integrated amplifier, it didn’t ring a bell at all. A quick search revealed that EKCO is actually a venerable brand with a century-long history, starting from vacuum tube radios, riding the waves of black and white, and then color televisions….
Thanks to technology, digital streaming music has become the primary source of music for most people. Even audiophiles who are steadfast in their pursuit of sound quality can now find satisfaction in high-resolution digital streaming, enjoying a level of convenience unmatched by physical records. For the average Hi-Fi enthusiast, the ideal product balances convenience, sound…
Linn’s latest flagship speaker, the 360, stands as a significant milestone, representing the culmination of the brand’s 50 years of innovation and expertise. To mark this momentous occasion, Da-Dao Audio () in Taiwan had the distinct honor of hosting Linn CEO Gilad Tiefenbrun and International Sales Manager Steve Croft for a special launch event last…
When it comes to enjoying online streaming music, convenience is king, and NuPrime’s latest offerings, the Omnia Stream Mini wireless streaming transport and the Omnia Stream Mini DAC wireless streaming player, take this to a new level. Shrinking down to the size of a cigarette pack, these devices can be placed or tucked away virtually…
Have you ever experienced a switching amplifier? Generally, we refer to this type of amplification as Class D. These amplifiers utilize transistors as switches, generating square waves in an on-off manner. Through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), they transform the received analog audio signal of a sine waveform into square waves of the same amplitude but…
Jeff Rowland equipment always possesses a high degree of visual recognition. The silver-white chassis with its wave-like textured front panel and heat sinks resembles a piece of metallic sculpture art. The Model 735 monoblock power amplifier under review is no exception. This is Jeff Rowland’s winning formula that has been continued for many years. Classic…
I still remember when the GTO-D3 NCF arrived. Upon unboxing it, my initial reaction was surprise: “Why does this look so different from Furutech’s previous power distributors?” Furutech’s past power distributor designs were typically quite simple, featuring a clean yet substantial top plate that covered all the outlets. This plate, crafted with meticulous detail and…
Whenever I encounter products from Stein Music, I find myself in a bit of a quandary, primarily because their offerings are so unique. Frankly, sometimes it’s a challenge to even begin describing them. My first experience with Stein Music was with their renowned Harmonizer, used in conjunction with Magic Stones tuning blocks. This combination could…
Not long ago, I had the chance to audition Siltech’s newly launched Classic Legend 680P power cable from the Netherlands. I was so impressed that I almost impulsively bought one on the spot. However, knowing that the higher-tier 880P model in the same series existed, I held back. To my surprise, just two months later,…
True wireless earbuds offer convenience, but for true sound quality, one must return to traditional wired headphones. Is there a way to have the best of both worlds? I searched for quite some time, and finally encountered the iFi Go Blu. I immediately bought it, making it the “secret weapon” in the editor-in-chief’s pocket. Beyond…
The Focal Bathys, Focal’s first foray into Hi-Fi wireless headphones, was launched in 2022 and has been a bestseller ever since. It achieves exceptional standards in design, functionality, and sound quality. To celebrate the release of the new Deep Black color, we arranged a review and listening session. In terms of appearance, the Bathys shares…
Through years of development, LUMIN has established an unshakable position in the highly competitive digital streaming market thanks to its strong R&D capabilities. LUMIN’s first digital streaming DAC was released in 2012, more than 12 years ago, making LUMIN one of the earliest brands dedicated to digital streaming. Currently, digital streaming products are mainly divided…
What are the perks of being an audio reviewer? It’s the opportunity to experience a world of exquisite sound from various Hi-Fi equipment. But what’s the downside? Falling in love with the sound of gear, only to have to reluctantly return it. This time reviewing the German Audionet ART G5 CD player has been such…
Nordost’s cable series often draw names from Norse mythology, and each product line tells a story. The flagship Odin series is named after the leader of the Aesir gods, the king of gods, befitting its flagship status. The next-in-line Valhalla is named after Valhalla, the hall of slain warriors, where valiant fallen are honored guests…
In the realm of Hi-Fi, every audiophile aspires to surpass their own sonic boundaries. My recent experience auditioning the Argento Flow FMR EE power cable from Denmark’s esteemed Argento, left me in awe, unveiling yet another pinnacle in power cable design. Three Decades of Excellence At the 2021 TAA Audio Show, I first encountered the…
The appointment was set at HiFiReport, to meet with HiFiReport’s proprietor for an audition of a multi-channel system comprised of LALS dual 12-inch horn center channel and 12-inch horn main speakers. Arriving ahead of schedule, I found myself at the given address but no storefront was immediately visible. HiFiReport was located on the second floor,…
Some say that the most expensive component in a Hi-Fi system is space itself. This is especially true in places where land is incredibly valuable. But does limited space mean you have to give up on the dream of owning massive speakers? After my second encounter with the Gryphon Trident II, I believe it might…
After my previous review of the Harmonic Technology Para-I balanced cable, I was thoroughly impressed and captivated by its overall performance. Parting with it after the review period was genuinely difficult. Eventually, my admiration led me to acquire a pair as my reference cables, placing them between my DAC and preamplifier. My appreciation only deepened…