This year, renowned Austrian headphone manufacturer AKG launched its brand-new N5 true wireless earbuds. Beyond standard Bluetooth connectivity, the major highlight is the inclusion of a USB Type-C Dongle wireless receiver. This miniature USB-C plug connects to your phone or laptop, transmitting a wireless signal to the earbuds via the 2.4GHz frequency band. This connection…
Kali Audio, a brand less frequently covered on this site in the past, was founded in Burbank, California, USA, in 2018. Specializing in studio monitoring speakers, their location puts them right in a renowned music creation hub, surrounded by Hollywood studios and numerous professional recording facilities. This geographical advantage allows Kali Audio to quickly tap…
We initially thought the 700 series was an exception, but surprisingly, in 2024, TEAC has equipped the more affordable sub-flagship Reference 500 series with a Discrete DAC. The first model to feature this is the star of this review, the UD-507. This is a multi-functional unit, essentially combining a digital-to-analog converter, an analog preamplifier, and…
Months ago, I had the pleasure of auditioning Eam’s Classic 202i integrated amplifier. This unit boasts 200W of power, an integrated phono stage, and a DAC capable of decoding up to PCM 784kHz and DSD256. Its chassis is robust, the internal circuitry meticulously laid out, and it features a large, full-color touchscreen. The sonic performance…
For guitar enthusiasts, the classic sunburst finish is instantly recognizable. This aesthetic, characterized by a bright center that gradually deepens to a darker hue, evokes the radiant glow of sunlight, hence its name. While common on instruments, I can’t recall seeing it on audio equipment before. This is a refreshing departure, as the Phonon Musiclife…
Vivid Audio stands as one of my most cherished loudspeaker brands. Its sonic texture and precision are nothing short of captivating, and I am consistently impressed by its performance. It’s a rare feat for a speaker to possess such precise, neutral sound while simultaneously delivering delicate beauty, just as it’s uncommon for speakers brimming with…
Having had the pleasure of experiencing numerous Vienna Acoustics loudspeakers, from floorstanding to bookshelf models, we were already familiar with the distinctive sound of the HAYDN. This time, our journey took us to Yue Dian Pro Audio, a long-standing establishment in Taipei’s Daan District, to immerse ourselves in the sound of the HAYDN bookshelf speakers…
For years, MYSTJ Audio Design has carved a significant niche with its audio racks. Characterized by robust construction, an elegant aesthetic, ease of assembly, and remarkable stability, these racks have offered exceptional value, achieving strong sales both domestically and internationally. Their presence is consistently felt at audio shows and within numerous audio retail establishments. Demonstrating…
Many people, upon hearing the name Perlisten, immediately think of THX Dominus certification – the so-called “Voice of God.” To date, Perlisten is the *only* company worldwide to have achieved THX Dominus certification, and this includes the R5t floorstanding loudspeakers we’re reviewing here. With THX certification, one might assume Perlisten is exclusively designed for multi-channel…
If your primary criterion for selecting loudspeakers is sheer volume, then you absolutely must audition the Danish Vestlyd V15C coaxial loudspeakers before making any decisions. This is, without a doubt, the “loudest” floorstanding speaker under the NT$100,000 (approximately $3,200 USD) price point that this reviewer has encountered. When tackling the thunderous cannons of “1812 Overture,”…
When discussing British loudspeakers, the most prominent names in the 1980s were undoubtedly the BBC-certified monitor speakers. Rogers, Spendor, and Harbeth were the undisputed titans of that era. The Graham LS 5/9, which I had the pleasure of auditioning, stands as a true testament to that legacy, a meticulously crafted reissue of a genuinely classic…
Among the world’s most famous high-end loudspeakers, the British B&W Nautilus undoubtedly ranks in the top three. First unveiled in 1993, it immediately sparked global discussion. After more than thirty years, the Nautilus remains the Nautilus, a dream for many audiophiles. However, many have only “seen” the Nautilus and never “heard” it. Worry not, HiFiReport…
Marantz’s two-channel integrated amplifiers broadly fall into two categories: pure analog amplifiers that exclude DACs, and those that include built-in DACs and even digital streaming capabilities. The former appeals to users seeking a purer listening experience, who can then source their components separately. The latter, however, caters to consumers who value convenience and minimalism, aiming…
As a current user of Kali Audio products, having purchased a pair of IN-5 monitors after an initial audition, approaching their new LP-UNF is naturally met with a certain degree of pre-existing affection. Truth be told, if I hadn’t already committed to the IN-5s, the LP-UNF’s compact footprint would have made it a strong contender…
This is the network cable that has most impressed me among all those I have tested. It’s the network cable that, after experiencing it, has left me deeply lamenting my current budgetary constraints, otherwise, I would purchase it without hesitation. This is the network cable that, in my opinion, will banish any future concerns about…
There is a distinct romance to vintage audio. The walnut veneer cabinets, the tactile weight of analog components, and the warm, full-bodied sound of the 1970s and 80s “Golden Era” have captivated a new generation of listeners. However, time is undefeated. Even the most legendary speakers from brands like JBL, Advent, or Acoustic Research will…
In the golden age of analog audio, equipment status was often binary: a mechanical switch was either up or down, and a needle on a VU meter moved or it didn’t. Today, however, our audio equipment speaks to us in a complex language of light. From the smart speaker on your kitchen counter to the…
For any recording artist, from the bedroom guitarist to the professional podcaster, few things are as creatively stifling as latency. You strum a chord, and a fraction of a second later, you hear it in your headphones. It creates a disorienting echo effect that breaks your rhythm, destroys the “feel” of a performance, and makes…