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…
We’ve all been there: you’ve set up a stunning 100-inch image, the popcorn is ready, and the movie starts—only to be underwhelmingly accompanied by the tinny, distorted whisper of a 5-watt internal speaker. While modern projectors deliver cinematic visuals, their built-in audio is rarely sufficient for a true home theater experience. The solution lies in…
While Neotech offers more premium power cables, the performance of the NEMOP-3300 left me genuinely astonished. Its unconventional appearance and innovative design are striking, and the sonic improvements it brought to my system were immediately apparent. This wasn’t merely a subtle shift in character; it was a clear and undeniable advancement. The Unseen Advantage of…
It feels like an eternity since I last spun a CD. Kenning, with his usual enthusiasm, sent over the Cambridge AXA35 integrated amplifier and the AXC35 CD player, suggesting they be reviewed as a pair. Without a second thought, I readily agreed at the editorial meeting. This combination immediately brought back memories of the “student…
I know, calling something the “Number One Value All-in-One” is bound to attract some flak. After all, there are other brands out there offering almost identical features to the EverSolo Play CD Edition, with the only omission being a CD transport, and their prices are quite competitive. However, the editor-in-chief hasn’t had the chance to…
Have you truly experienced Vienna Acoustics loudspeakers? Not just heard of them, but *heard* them in action? I’m not one for hyperbolic pronouncements of sonic transcendence. However, if your heart beats for classical music, if you cherish the natural resonance of acoustic instruments, and if you spend long hours immersed in your audio sanctuary, then…
An established company can still present a fresh face and renewed vitality. Klipsch is precisely that. Founded in 1946, Klipsch is an audio stalwart with a history spanning 80 years. Their products cater not only to audiophiles who demand exceptional sound quality but also to budget-conscious consumers. Their lineup boasts the classic Klipschorn horn speakers,…
Have you ever experienced active loudspeakers? In professional circles, active speakers are quite common. For those involved in music creation or recording, having monitoring speakers, in addition to headphones, is crucial for accurately capturing the nuances of arrangement and recording. Active speakers are compact and require fewer components, making them convenient for both studio monitoring…
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…