What are the perks of being an audio reviewer? It’s the opportunity to experience a world of exquisite sound from various Hi-Fi equipment. But what’s the downside? Falling in love with the sound of gear, only to have to reluctantly return it. This time reviewing the German Audionet ART G5 CD player has been such…
Nordost’s cable series often draw names from Norse mythology, and each product line tells a story. The flagship Odin series is named after the leader of the Aesir gods, the king of gods, befitting its flagship status. The next-in-line Valhalla is named after Valhalla, the hall of slain warriors, where valiant fallen are honored guests…
In the realm of Hi-Fi, every audiophile aspires to surpass their own sonic boundaries. My recent experience auditioning the Argento Flow FMR EE power cable from Denmark’s esteemed Argento, left me in awe, unveiling yet another pinnacle in power cable design. Three Decades of Excellence At the 2021 TAA Audio Show, I first encountered the…
The appointment was set at HiFiReport, to meet with HiFiReport’s proprietor for an audition of a multi-channel system comprised of LALS dual 12-inch horn center channel and 12-inch horn main speakers. Arriving ahead of schedule, I found myself at the given address but no storefront was immediately visible. HiFiReport was located on the second floor,…
Some say that the most expensive component in a Hi-Fi system is space itself. This is especially true in places where land is incredibly valuable. But does limited space mean you have to give up on the dream of owning massive speakers? After my second encounter with the Gryphon Trident II, I believe it might…
After my previous review of the Harmonic Technology Para-I balanced cable, I was thoroughly impressed and captivated by its overall performance. Parting with it after the review period was genuinely difficult. Eventually, my admiration led me to acquire a pair as my reference cables, placing them between my DAC and preamplifier. My appreciation only deepened…
What are the perks of being an audio reviewer? The chance to audition a vast array of world-class audio equipment and experience sonic nirvana. But what’s the downside? Falling in love with the sound of gear, only to have to reluctantly return it. This review of the German Audionet ART G5 CD player is one…
One afternoon, over two months ago, I received a call from an unknown number. “Hello Editor Lin, this is the person who bought the MB2i from you before, I wonder if you still remember me?” When I changed my reference speakers, I had transferred my MB2i to a netizen, so there was such a person,…
If you’ve moved away from television and find yourself spending more time listening to music and streaming content in front of your computer, a high-quality desktop audio system is definitely a convenient choice for upgrading your audio-visual enjoyment. The newly launched Elac Alchemy DDP-2 DAC preamp, paired with Navis ARB-51 active speakers from Germany, is…
When it comes to crafting speakers from solid wood, Chario is undoubtedly a master. Hailing from Italy, Chario speakers have consistently featured a distinctive characteristic over the years: their solid wood cabinets. For those who appreciate natural, warm textures, the allure of Chario speakers is often irresistible. Their Academy S series best exemplifies Chario’s woodworking…
KECES has been a vibrant force in recent years, consistently participating in exhibitions, both domestically and internationally, building a global brand presence. Their distribution network spans across regions, including Hong Kong, China, Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. For an audio brand, KECES truly sets an example: good products shouldn’t stay confined at…
When it comes to selecting Hi-Fi equipment with stunning aesthetics, Jeff Rowland effortlessly secures a top spot. Their signature high-quality metalwork, coupled with a sophisticated, elegant, yet avant-garde design, commands attention and even invites a touch to appreciate the shimmering, wave-like finish. The Capri S2-SC preamplifier is a timeless classic within the Jeff Rowland lineup….
When I, as an editor, write captions, if it’s an integrated amplifier, we fully refer to it as an “integrated amplifier,” even if it has a built-in DAC. If it has streaming capabilities in addition to a DAC, we change the name to “streaming amplifier” to highlight its streaming functionality. Upon encountering the Audiolab Omnia,…
In 2016, Wilson Audio unveiled the original Alexx loudspeaker. Five years later, in 2021, they introduced the Alexx V. Although designated as the second generation, the extent of upgrades and revisions in the Alexx V is unprecedented in Wilson Audio’s history. This transformative leap began with the WAMM Master Chronosonic. Wilson Audio is not known…
The initial encounter with Vivid Audio’s Giya series loudspeakers is invariably one of surprise. Our preconceived notions of loudspeaker design, barring planar or horn configurations, typically involve a rectilinear enclosure. Perhaps some curvature, a subtle angling, or decorative flourishes might be incorporated, yet the fundamental form remains predictably box-like. However, Vivid Audio, from their inception,…
Before the audio show, I visited HiFiReport Audio to audition two setups with the Rockport Atria II. After the show, I returned to HiFiReport to audition the larger Avior II. Initially, I assumed the Avior II was simply an Atria II with an additional woofer, a slightly larger cabinet, and marginally better bass. However, I…
In the previous review of the MBL N21 power amplifier, I mentioned that MBL invested significant effort in fine-tuning the New Noble Line, aiming to achieve the optimal design. This meticulous process unfortunately led to repeated delays in the product’s launch. From a manufacturer’s perspective, a prompt release translates to quicker profits and faster recoupment…
Vibration is ubiquitous in the process of audio playback. From the subtle vibrations of transformers and cables to the more pronounced vibrations affecting speakers and audio racks, these minute disturbances permeate equipment and significantly impact the sound we hear. In essence, the audio experienced by enthusiasts, whether pleasing or not, is a complex blend of…
I often feel like an old soul resides within my body. I have a particular fondness for vintage items; I adore vintage cars and vintage audio equipment. While the lines of a Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe are undeniably beautiful, in my mind, Mercedes’ pinnacle of achievement remains the SL300 Gullwing. Those iconic gullwing doors, paired with…
The pandemic has made working from home and online meetings/classes the new normal. Perhaps you, like me, often find yourself wearing an earphone in one ear to attend online meetings, while the other ear remains alert to family members or children calling out. Or maybe, while jogging outdoors and enjoying music, you’ve been startled by…
While this marks my first encounter with Kali Audio, an American audio brand, the LP-6 active speakers have delivered an unbelievably good sound that redefines value. I am confident that within this price range, it would be impossible to assemble a superior-sounding amplifier and passive speaker combination. Furthermore, their studio monitor-level accuracy makes them the…
How much can you imagine from an integrated amplifier’s performance? I’ve experienced many impressive integrated amplifiers, and each encounter has been a delightful listening experience, pleasurable and unforgettable. But encountering the T+A PA 3100 HV has elevated my expectations for integrated amps to a whole new level. Its build quality is simply top-tier. The chassis…
Back in 2018, during my visit to In-Akustik in Germany, their flagship speaker cable series, Referenz AIR, was still spearheaded by the copper version, the LS-4004 AIR. Even then, the company hinted at a potential pure silver version, though the timeline remained uncertain. The following year, the LS-4004 AIR Pure Silver debuted, and I first…
French loudspeaker brand Triangle has historically focused on passive high-end speaker products. However, with evolving times, they have expanded their offerings to include active speakers alongside their traditional passive range. A prime example is the LN01A we are testing here. This is not only an active speaker but also incorporates a built-in Bluetooth receiver for…