When diving into the world of vinyl, it feels like there’s no end to the possibilities. After exploring both soft and hard platter mats, the next step is to experiment with a variety of complementary accessories. From headshells and record weights to anti-static devices, the avenues for tinkering are vast. This time, we’re taking a…
For those with limited space and budget, yet aspiring for beautiful and captivating bookshelf speakers, the desire for a renowned brand that can become a conversation starter and a source of pride is understandable. The Sonus Faber Sonetto I G2, which I had the pleasure of auditioning, perfectly meets all these criteria. An Advanced Level…
There was a time when I believed dynamic driver headphones would struggle to match the airy transparency of electrostatic designs. Yet, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 has achieved precisely that, and with the inherent advantage of dynamic drivers, it effortlessly surpasses electrostatics in low-frequency prowess. It’s a case of having your cake and eating it too –…
We have all been there. You are standing in the kitchen, hands covered in flour, and you cheerfully ask, “Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes.” Silence. You try again, slightly louder. Nothing. Finally, you find yourself shouting at a puck-sized device that used to hear your whisper from the other room. It is a…
There is a specific kind of heartbreak known only to PC audio enthusiasts. You have just unboxed a sleek pair of USB speakers or a new DAC, anticipating crystal-clear sound to accompany your gaming sessions or high-fidelity music playlists. You plug them in, turn up the volume, and instead of silence, you are greeted by…
There is a moment of pure audio magic that every music lover chases: the transition from a single point of sound to a wide, immersive soundstage. You buy that second Bluetooth speaker, excited to double the output and hear your favorite albums in true stereo, with distinct left and right separation. You press the buttons,…
We have all experienced it: you are watching a movie, and the actor’s lips move a fraction of a second before you hear the voice. Or, perhaps worse, you hear the explosion before the car actually crashes. It breaks the immersion instantly, turning a dramatic scene into a badly dubbed kung-fu movie from the 1970s….
There is a specific kind of emptiness that hits a home theater when the subwoofer disconnects. One moment, you are feeling the cinematic rumble of an explosion or the deep groove of a bassline; the next, the sound becomes thin, tinny, and lifeless. You check the power, but the lights are on. The subwoofer just…
You are in the middle of a perfect playlist. The ambiance is set, the volume is dialed in, and the bass is thumping. Suddenly—silence. The LED light on your speaker starts blinking, and the music cuts out, only to reconnect ten seconds later with a disruptive “connected” chime. It is the single most frustrating experience…
Upon receiving two red Acoustic Revive paper boxes, I discovered the RHR-21. Weighing in at 875 grams, it possessed a satisfying heft. However, its purpose remained a mystery. The manufacturer described it as an “Acoustic Resolution Exciter.” While I’ve directly translated the term, its meaning was initially elusive. How Can Something So Small Offer “Acoustic…
2025 marks a significant year for Denmark’s Gryphon, a time for dual anniversaries. Founded in 1985, Gryphon celebrates its 40th year, while its iconic Antileon power amplifier, first introduced in 1995, reaches its 30th birthday. Consequently, the latest generation, the Antileon Revelation, arrives as a “dual anniversary” commemorative model, a testament to Gryphon pulling out…
Perlisten’s debut offering, the flagship S-series, immediately sent ripples through the audiophile community. This was largely due to its groundbreaking achievement as the world’s first THX Dominus certified loudspeaker. Born from years of meticulous planning and development before its official launch, this new brand quickly established itself through its profound and proprietary designs and technologies….
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Hsiung Fa Audio to experience a rather unique two-channel setup, a symphony of brands from different corners of the world: Audiovector from Denmark, Totaldac from France, Innuos from the UK, and Constellation Audio from the USA. Each brand is renowned for its specialized expertise, earning accolades in their…
There are few feelings in the audio world more satisfying than putting on a pair of premium headphones, engaging Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and feeling the chaotic world around you simply vanish. The roar of the airplane engine turns into a whisper; the clatter of the subway becomes a distant hum; the chatter of the…
It is a sinking feeling that every audiophile dreads. You are at a pool party, a beach outing, or simply caught in a sudden downpour. Your portable speaker—the one with the rugged design and the “Waterproof” sticker on the box—takes a plunge. You retrieve it confidently, expecting the music to keep playing, but instead, you…
You are forty minutes into the climactic battle scene of a blockbuster movie. The bass is thumping, the volume is up, and immersion is at its peak. Suddenly, the sound cuts out. The receiver display flashes “PROTECT,” and your home theater goes silent. Or perhaps you are hosting a summer party, and your amplifier gives…
It happens to every audio enthusiast eventually. You are at the beach, the playlist is perfect, and the vibe is set—until the dreaded red LED starts flashing hours earlier than expected. Or perhaps you are setting up for a dinner party, and the speaker you charged just last week is completely dead. There is nothing…
We have all been there. You are packing for a beach trip or setting up for a house party, and you grab your trusty Bluetooth speaker only to find it unresponsive. You plug it in, expecting the reassuring glow of the LED indicator, but… nothing. Or perhaps it stays plugged in for hours, yet the…