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…
T+A HV Series Hi-Fi Review About half a year ago, I had the opportunity to listen to the T+A PA 3100 HV integrated amplifier. Although I had witnessed the capabilities of the T+A HV series in various settings, it was my first time truly spending quality time to savor and appreciate it. The manufacturer states…
What’s your impression of NAD? Back in the day, NAD practically built its entire company on the sales of a single integrated amplifier, the 3020. This evergreen model, sold from 1978 to 1998, holds the record for being the best-selling integrated amplifier of all time. Despite its modest 20W nominal rating, the manufacturer claimed that…
Do you have a large listening space that demands a substantial subwoofer to fill it with sound? Or perhaps you possess an insatiable appetite for low frequencies, requiring truly impactful bass to satisfy your sonic cravings? If so, look no further than the newly released MS-450 active subwoofer from British loudspeaker experts, Mission. It just…
Having auditioned and used numerous audio cables, I’ve noticed a recurring theme: almost every cable brand claims their products are neutral and balanced, imparting no coloration to the sound—essentially, adding nothing to the original recording. Conversely, many audiophiles believe that cables are indeed a tool for fine-tuning, capable of subtly altering a system’s sonic character….
In recent years, the popularity of audio and video streaming services has surged. For a modest monthly fee, typically around a few hundred NTD, you can enjoy unlimited movies and TV series at home. This has significantly increased the demand for all-in-one soundbars that pair well with large-screen TVs, consequently reducing the need for traditional…
The INT-25 is Pass Laboratories’ entry-level integrated amplifier, hailing from the USA and delivering a modest 25 watts of output. For many, such a modest power specification in an integrated amplifier might be immediately off-putting. However, it’s crucial to remember that low-power solid-state designs are where Pass Labs built its formidable reputation. The legendary Aleph…
After more than a year of anticipation, the wait is finally over. In the spring of 2021, Teac unveiled the new flagship models in their Reference series: the UD-701N, a USB DAC and headphone amplifier with streaming capabilities, and the AP-701 stereo power amplifier. Following the discontinuation of the NR-7CD, the re-emergence of “7-series” products,…
iFi Audio, a company dedicated to both portable and desktop audio solutions, is no stranger to the realm of portable headphone amplifiers. However, recent trends at iFi have leaned decidedly towards miniaturization. Following the release of the Go Blu, a Bluetooth portable headphone amp smaller than a Dupont lighter, iFi has swiftly unveiled the Go…
If you are a streaming enthusiast consistently dissatisfied with the sound of your current system, feeling a persistent digital harshness; if you yearn for a warm, dimensional, smooth, and rich sound with analog-like qualities in your digital streaming setup, yet are unsure how to achieve this, then the Muon Streaming System from the British brand…
How are your living room speakers positioned? Leaning against a wall, placed on either side of the television? To accommodate living space and traffic flow, speakers are often pushed as far back as possible. However, old wisdom dictates, “Speakers too close to the wall will cause boomy bass,” so you must carefully consider the distance…
Having auditioned numerous network switches, this one is the most captivating, truly stirring my audiophile heart. This is the Waversa WSmartHub 3.0. Several months ago, during a visit to HiFiReport, Jack and I discussed several Waversa products, and the WSmartHub 3.0 switch was one that left a lasting impression. Why? Because it thoughtfully addresses nearly…
This has to be one of the most delightful user interviews I’ve ever conducted, and not because of any extravagant or rare equipment on display. Nor was it solely due to the exceptional audio performance I witnessed that day. What truly struck me was the sheer joy of the homeowner. His genuine happiness with his…