In my previous impressions, Elac’s sound has always been characterized by its power and energy, much like an American football running back – possessing a lean, muscular physique and abundant power, with agile responsiveness that leaves opponents in the dust. However, in recent years, Elac has evolved. Beyond its inherent masculinity, it has gained a…
Saturday, April 9th, sunny day. I drove along the national highway, and surprisingly, the traffic was exceptionally smooth. Google Maps showed no congestion at all along the way. Counting it, this was my thirteenth lecture at HiFiReport. I have never had such a smooth journey in all these trips. Turning into Taike Road, I found…
What exactly are these? Are they adapter terminals? Not quite. The InLine from German audio innovators Stein Music are tuning accessories infused with their patented demagnetizing technology. Available in both XLR and RCA configurations, these devices are designed for use with virtually any analog input. Personal Experience Stein Music, originating as a purveyor of audio…
For most audiophiles, Neumann is a name that sounds vaguely familiar, something you’ve heard of but don’t really know, yet it’s incredibly important. For all professional recording engineers, Neumann is a household name, an indispensable tool in their work. German brand Neumann is a global leader in professional microphones, the benchmark setter in the industry….
First announced last spring, the Esoteric N-05 XD streamer finally arrived just before the Lunar New Year this year. Mr. Su from HiFiReport invited me to their place for a listening session. However, after studying the machine, I felt that spending just an afternoon with it wouldn’t be enough to truly understand the N-05 XD’s…
Integra’s AV receivers are positioned in the mid-to-high-end market, primarily targeting enthusiasts and professional users. They are known for supporting a wide range of automation control systems, catering to custom installation needs. Consequently, while the DRX 2.4 is considered Integra’s entry-level model, its price point might be seen as mid-to-high range compared to some Japanese…
Have you heard of EAhibrid? Are you familiar with their PureDC-B1? If you’re looking to elevate the performance of your streaming audio system at home, you should definitely get to know EAhibrid and their PureDC-B1. Life’s rhythm was disrupted in 2021, and the TAA Audio Show, originally scheduled for August, was postponed to November at…
BestVox loudspeakers are known for having a story to tell with each pair, and each story originates from a legend. Previously, we reviewed the BestVox LS 3/5a and BestVox LS 5/9 at our editorial office, both of which are based on BBC monitor speakers from the 1970s. Among them, the LS 3/5a is particularly famous….
Audiomica is a Polish cable brand founded in 2007 by Lukasz Mika. Despite its relatively short history, Audiomica has demonstrated strong research and development capabilities and rapid growth. The company currently boasts six distinct series of products, offering a comprehensive range of cables to meet diverse consumer needs. A characteristic feature of many Audiomica cables…
Have you heard of Luna Cables? The name itself immediately tells you they specialize in cables. Luna Cables hails from Quebec, Canada, the French-speaking province. This Francophone heritage is reflected in their product names, which are also in French. Luna Cables offers five series, ranging from entry-level upwards: Gris (Grey), Orange, Mauve, Rouge (Red), and…
Back in the 70s and 80s, the most popular type of amplifier was the Receiver. Radio was the most common way to listen to music then. Receivers combined a radio tuner and an amplifier into one unit, typically including a phono stage and a few high-level analog inputs. Paired with speakers, a Receiver was all…
Upon receiving the NuPrime Omnia A200 and opening the box, my initial reaction was one of slight bewilderment. It looked virtually identical to the Omnia A300 reviewed by our esteemed editor, Tiankai Dai. The dimensions appeared the same, both boasted wireless streaming capabilities, with the primary difference being the A200’s lower power output and more…
During an editorial meeting, I was intrigued by HiFiReport’s invitation to experience their featured value-oriented system, a combination of Elac and Marantz components. The promise of audiophile sound for under $3,100 sparked my curiosity, and I eagerly volunteered for the listening session. Elac BS 312 Revisited Upon arriving at HiFiReport’s showroom on Zhonghua Road, I…
If you are on a limited budget and looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers around $750 USD, if your musical taste is broad and diverse—encompassing pop, jazz, rock, classical, and film scores—and if you are someone who values aesthetics, even when buying a pair of entry-level speakers, appearance matters to you. If you had…
Streaming playback has become the primary listening method for audiophiles, and many Hi-Fi brands have launched dedicated audio network switches to tap into this growing market. Nordost is no exception, but with a difference – their QNET network switch is not just another product. It boasts a distinctive design and numerous unique features, delivering a…
There’s an undeniable allure to horn loudspeakers. This fascination stems from their sound reproduction principle, rooted in humanity’s ancient understanding of acoustics. When we want to speak to someone at a distance, our natural instinct is to cup our hands around our mouths, forming an arc. Experience tells us this simple action helps our voice…
I first encountered the Audio Research (ARC) I/50 integrated amplifier at the audio show in late 2021. Its youthful and innovative design was immediately striking, sparking an instant desire to bring it home for a listen. However, due to global shortages, the initial batch was completely sold out, and I was asked to wait. That…
My first encounter with AudioSolutions speakers from Lithuania proved to be remarkably harmonious. The Figaro L graced the HiFiReport editorial department for a delightful period, providing countless hours of musical enjoyment. Isn’t listening to music the essence of writing audio reviews? Does that imply listening to music with other equipment isn’t enjoyable? Actually, my point…
Have you heard of Ferrum Audio, the up-and-coming audio brand from Poland? It’s a name you should remember. HiFiReport introduced them to the market just over a year ago. At that time, Ferrum’s product line consisted only of their debut offering, the Hypsos DC power supply. Its understated and minimalist design, coupled with the rare…
In recent years, online streaming video has progressively become the primary way most people watch movies. The market for physical discs, like a river flowing east, is receding irreversibly. Yet, much like CD records, despite rapidly declining annual releases, the demand for mid-to-high-end CD players remains robust. The reason is simple: audiophiles still want to…
Ever since I embraced Computer as Source (CAS), I methodically ripped my extensive CD collection into digital music files, storing them on a NAS for network streaming playback. My home subsequently became devoid of CD players. My CDs, once cherished, were relegated to shelves, more like ornaments than functional media. They only emerged during holidays,…
Live Cable, a cable brand from the Netherlands, upholds an uncompromising philosophy in cable manufacturing. Their sole aim is to achieve Hi-End level audio reproduction, with unwavering dedication to quality. Unswayed by market trends or demands, they focus on creating cables according to their own vision. Live Cable prides itself on in-house design and manufacturing,…
For seasoned audiophiles who feel they’ve reached a plateau in their pursuit of audio excellence, the Japanese-made Gresim Hibiki-65 Active Vibration Isolation Platform warrants serious attention. This may well be the pivotal component that elevates your already meticulously tuned high-end audio system to unprecedented heights. Gresim = Great Sound Improvement I first encountered instrument-grade active…
Have you ever used vintage Western Electric cloth-covered wire? In audiophile circles, there’s a group of seasoned enthusiasts fascinated by WE vintage wire from the 1940s, 50s, and even the 20s and 30s. They indulge in vintage tube amplifiers, vintage horns, vintage tubes, and vintage cables. Is vintage equipment superior to new equipment? This judgment…