Esoteric’s Grandioso series embarked on a generational shift in 2018, marked by the introduction of two revolutionary technologies: the VRDS-Atlas disc mechanism and the Master Sound Discrete DAC. These groundbreaking innovations were first incorporated into their flagship models, the Grandioso P1X SACD transport and Grandioso D1X DAC, respectively, setting the stage for a new era…
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to review the PMC twenty5 23i, witnessing firsthand how PMC incorporated technology from their flagship Fenestria speakers into the twenty5i series. This upgrade elevated the already impressive twenty5 series to new heights. Indeed, the “i” in “twenty5i” stands for “improved,” signifying advancement. With the latest technology trickling down…
It’s said that Telos’s leading figure, Mr. Lin, was an audiophile even before entering the Hi-Fi industry. His deep passion for audio led him to switch careers and immerse himself in the field. His interest only grew, leading him to establish his own brand. Starting with cables, Telos then transitioned to developing active tuning devices,…
It must have been about twenty years ago. A good friend from university wanted to choose a Hi-Fi system and asked me to be his advisor. Fresh out of college with a limited budget, I recommended a Marantz CD-17 paired with a PM-17, along with Dali Menuet speakers. This system has been with my old…
I had heard about the powerful features of NAD’s new M33, but due to tight global supply, it was almost always sold out as soon as it arrived. I didn’t have a chance to experience it until recently when I was notified that I could audition it at HiFiReport. I quickly scheduled a time to…
Do you have a soft spot for small speakers? I certainly do. There’s a certain charm to the simplicity of bookshelf speakers, especially those with the common 2-driver, 2-way configuration. While they might concede a little in deep bass extension and sheer volume, they often excel in showcasing the texture and nuance of the mid…
HiFiReport delivered the German-engineered Stromtank S-5000 High Power Battery Power Conditioner, securely encased within its original wooden crate. The efficient and strapping team from HiFiReport made quick work of the unboxing, employing a power screwdriver to liberate the S-5000 High Power from its packaging with ease. The entire process was so satisfying, it almost warranted…
Lals is a horn speaker expert. If you are looking for a pair of horn speakers built using traditional methods, Lals is the brand to seek out. If you are planning a multi-channel theater system using horn speakers, Lals is undoubtedly the company to contact. If you have NOS vintage paper cone woofers or compression…
In an age dominated by digital streaming, the allure of pure analog vinyl records persists, captivating many with a nostalgic, vintage charm. For those venturing into the world of vinyl, selecting the right turntable can be daunting. To demystify this process, we’ve chosen the Thorens 402 DD as a prime example, dissecting its features to…
While I had witnessed Burmester’s grand and expansive musical energy at audio exhibitions before, it was during this listening session at HiFiReport that I truly appreciated the BC 350’s nuance. Even as a colossal loudspeaker, its “Pure” and “Live” modes effortlessly conjure distinct musical atmospheres within a home setting, bringing your imagined live performance closer…
Sixth-Element is a dedicated audio manufacturer that has been fully immersed in audio tuning accessories for decades. With “3D Quantum Tuning” as their core technology, they have recently developed the exclusive A.I.S. Acoustic Programming. In the past two years, they have successfully entered the Japanese market, consecutively winning annual awards from Japanese magazines MJ and…
If you were to choose one amplifier to accompany you for life, would you pick a solid-state or a vacuum tube amplifier? I would choose a tube amp. It’s not that I have any prejudice against solid-state amplifiers. My frequently listened to Lavardin IS Reference, sitting right on my audio rack, is a solid-state amp,…
In early 2016, I acquired a Swiss Merging+NADAC. By March 2021, I had the opportunity to audition the Merging+Player at HiFiReport. What are the differences between it and the +NADAC? The +Player incorporates a built-in RoonCore, allowing it to connect to Tidal or other online music streaming services. Accompanying it was the dedicated +Power supply,…
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing Arendal Sound’s 1723 Tower S THX floorstanding speakers. Their warm tonality, rich texture, clear imaging, and abundant detail, coupled with impressive dynamics and a lively soundstage, left me with an excellent first impression of Arendal Sound. Having heard Arendal scale down their flagship 1723 series…
Dynaudio’s Contour 60 loudspeakers serve as the reference speakers in the HiFiReport listening room. They are neutral, precise, and expansive, delivering both dynamic impact and nuanced detail. Regardless of the musical genre, their performance is consistently satisfying. Moreover, their price is reasonable. Even with a slight increase for the new Contour 60i, considering inflation and…
British sound, you ask? Does that still conjure images of something warm, mellow, and perhaps a little too polite? That perception, while rooted in history, is a relic of the past century. Early BBC monitor speakers were designed primarily for broadcast applications, prioritizing vocal intelligibility and midrange clarity. This emphasis led to the stereotype of…
NAIT, an acronym for Naim Audio InTegrated amplifier. I deliberately write all four letters of the abbreviation in uppercase: N-A-I-T. This word is very important to Naim, and equally important for anyone wanting to understand Naim. NAIT is not just a product name, nor does it simply refer to a series. Even though it signifies…
More and more people are regarding streaming music services, such as Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, KKBox, and internet radio, as a crucial source of daily music listening. However, these music services all originate from the internet, and most traditional audiophile sound systems lack internet connectivity. It becomes necessary to employ devices like computers, music servers, or…
Why would listening to it for twenty years never get old? Because the EAR 834P has been with me for over twenty years of music listening and has never left. Listening to the new EAR Phonobox this time feels the same; an old friend in new attire, the sonic personality remains unchanged, yet it possesses…
Understated in appearance yet remarkably sophisticated, the 3D Lab Sonata Player V5 streaming player conceals a wealth of comprehensive features and delivers satisfying sonic performance, presenting an excellent option for today’s popular streaming music landscape. What advantages does the Sonata Player V5 offer? Beyond being a streaming player, it also functions as a streaming transport….
Magnus, in Latin, means “Great.” In the Roman Empire, General Pompey, who formed the “First Triumvirate” with Caesar and Crassus, bore the name Magnus (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) as his cognomen. This name was also once favored by Scandinavian kings. From the 11th to the 14th centuries, Norway had eight kings named Magnus, while neighboring Sweden…
What are the highest specifications for digital music files currently? DSD 512 and PCM 32 bit/348 kHz. However, the recording industry mostly remains at DSD 64 and 24 bit/192 kHz (or 24/96). Truly higher specification recordings are rare. HiFiReport Audio has specially curated five “native DSD256” (DXD 352.8; DSD256) music selections to experience the ultimate…
Does cable run-in, or “burn-in,” actually improve sound quality? The answer is a definite yes. After a certain period of run-in, cables sound more open, lively, and smooth, ultimately leading to a better listening experience. In fact, not only cables but also powered equipment and speakers, especially when new, benefit from run-in to reach their…
In May 2021, Dutch cable manufacturer Siltech officially launched its latest generation Classic Legend series, featuring the brand-new G9 silver-gold alloy. HiFiReport, upon receiving the first shipment, promptly contacted me to inquire which cable I’d like to audition first. I opted for a power cable to start, and they arranged for the 680P model. However,…