Cable types in audio systems typically fall into a few main categories: power cables, interconnects, digital cables, and speaker cables. These can, of course, be further subdivided. For instance, interconnects include single-ended cables with RCA connectors and balanced cables with XLR connectors, as well as tonearm cables for turntable output. Digital cables, depending on connectors,…
Have you heard of LAiV? Hailing from Singapore, LAiV was founded just in 2023, and their very first product has already sparked intense discussion and garnered widespread acclaim upon its release. This sensational debut product, which hit the ground running, is none other than the LAiV Harmony DAC. 2023 Startup The founder, Weng Fai Hoh,…
Upon receiving the Swisscables Reference Ultra power cable, I initially wondered if they had introduced a new series. However, upon checking, their product lineup still consists of four tiers, from entry to top-tier: Evolution, Reference, Reference Ultra, and Diamond. It seems the Reference Ultra likely replaces the previous Reference Plus, perhaps ‘Ultra’ just sounds more…
NuPrime introduces the all-new limited-edition VIH DAC headphone amplifier. Building upon the highly acclaimed Alita DAC/headphone amp, the VIH features a unique, eye-catching ice-blue finish and undergoes a special high-magnetic field treatment to enhance its mechanical and electrical properties. This is a global limited release, available only in a single batch until sold out. It’s…
Given the name “Farad,” it seems the company intended to use supercapacitors for their power supplies right from the start. Farad is, after all, the unit of capacitance. Audiophiles often talk about the capacitance of an amplifier’s filter capacitors in µF – the larger the value, the more ample the power supply. Here, the “F”…
Thinking of entering the world of high-fidelity audio but hesitant to invest thousands of dollars in an amplifier only to find its power or sonic quality insufficient shortly after? If you’re aiming for a “buy once, listen forever” solution without breaking the bank, the Rega Elicit MK5 integrated amplifier from the UK might be precisely…
At the TAA Audio Show last month, HiFiReport unveiled their new M-1 speaker cables, alongside the Unis 5-pin tonearm cable and the Lelio pure silver linear power cable, positioning them as the key new products for the exhibition. A 5-pin tonearm cable isn’t a necessity for everyone; if you don’t listen to vinyl, you certainly…
Long time no see, Rega! Long time no see, Saturn MK3 CD Player! Seeing the CD cover resembling the USS Enterprise, unchanged for twenty years, you know just how classic the Saturn MK3’s industrial design is! Rega’s cautious digital entry Rega, a British company founded in 1973 with a focus on turntables, thrived during the…
Founded in 1987, American cable manufacturer Cardas has developed an incredibly comprehensive and dense product line over the years, satisfying both seasoned audiophiles and general consumers alike. Among the many product series from Cardas, the Clear Reflection series is positioned to deliver performance approximating that of the flagship products, but at a more accessible price…
Originating from the United States, Kali Audio is a professional monitor speaker brand founded only in 2018. Its headquarters are located in Burbank, California, a city often dubbed the “Media Capital of the World.” Home to major media and entertainment companies like NBC, ABC, Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Music, and Cartoon Network Studios,…
Focal is fast becoming a headphone brand. Having only entered the headphone market in the last decade, Focal gained significant traction with their Utopia model. Since then, they’ve continued to leverage the Utopia’s design language, releasing a stream of successive headphone models. Compared to other traditional headphone manufacturers, Focal’s headphones truly stand out in terms…
Historically, Japanese audio products were often perceived as being driven by technology and engineering – packed with circuits and components, boasting impressive specifications and measurements. Many assume the same is true for Esoteric. But how does Esoteric see themselves? “We focus on musicality,” I’ve heard from their last two presidents (Hiroshi Oshima and Tetsuya Kato)….
While I’ve known of the British brand Rega for decades, the Aya marks my first serious listening session with their loudspeakers. Perhaps Rega’s turntables, CD players, and amplifiers have historically garnered so much attention that their speakers have been somewhat overlooked. Rega, however, doesn’t seem concerned by this. Their primary motivation for building speakers has…
Before diving into the core content, indulge me in a little musing. During World War II, the German Tiger tank swept across the battlefield, repeatedly inflicting heavy damage on the Allied forces. Its thick, heavy armor provided formidable protection. And manufacturer Henschel took no shortcuts, eschewing the angled hull armor that would facilitate shell deflection;…
Introduction to Furutech Japan’s Furutech is a classic brand in the realm of audio cables and accessories. For decades, they have upheld the principle of “Pure Transmission,” focusing on audio cables, power connectors, signal terminals, and various accessories designed to enhance audio performance, establishing a strong position in the market. Their brand new NCF Power…
Who should consider the Gold 100 6G? If you find floorstanding speakers too imposing for your space and prefer a bookshelf format, yet refuse to compromise on “performance” – specifically, you desire a bookshelf speaker with musical energy comparable to floorstanders – then the Gold 100 6G could be one of your top choices. Having…
Is Manunta a new brand? When the unit arrived, my colleagues and I gathered around, staring at it for a long while, none of us having any particular impression of the name Manunta. Then, a keen-eyed colleague spotted a line of small text: “by M2Tech”. Ah, now it makes sense. We might not know Manunta,…
The market is awash with streamer players today, offering a plethora of options across various price points from numerous brands. In stark contrast, pure streamer transports – those lacking analog outputs and featuring only digital outputs – are far less common. This is especially true for units equipped with an I2S interface (some high-end transports…