First impressions are paramount. They often dictate our long-term perception of a person, an object, or a brand. Unburdened by preconceived notions, first impressions are typically the most objective and accurate. Previously, our editors and editor-in-chief have reviewed WestminsterLab’s Speaker Cable and Power Cable respectively. For them, it was their first encounter with WestminsterLab cables,…
HiFiReport has sent us an audio system that is breaking away from traditional sales models, embracing the trendy “subscription” approach. This setup, worth hundreds of thousands in value, is now available for a monthly subscription of $250 USD, delivered and installed directly in your home. Even those on a budget can easily enjoy high-quality sound….
What are your expectations for a streaming player? The more features the better? The stronger the specifications the better? Abundant connectivity options? User-friendly interface? Intuitive and smooth app operation? Beautiful appearance? High-quality sound? Good components? And ideally, a cheap price? Hey, aren’t you being too greedy? Does such a fantastic device even exist? Honestly, yes,…
Among the vast landscape of audio brands, some command such immense brand recognition and prestige that any further praise from me would be superfluous. Then there are brands less familiar to the wider audience, yet brimming with unique character. Delving into their offerings reveals their distinctiveness and inherent excellence. While encountering renowned brands, especially high-end…
When Windsor Earl from Castle was delivered to the editorial department by the distributor, I knew this was Castle’s new series marking their return to “Made in Britain” manufacturing. Upon inquiring about the price, I learned that these bookshelf speakers, along with their dedicated stands, might retail for over NT$200,000. It was mentioned that this…
This was a genuinely delightful first encounter. For those on a tighter budget seeking a pair of compact speakers to anchor a small audio system, the Neumi Silk 4 presents a compelling option. These speakers are remarkably petite, easily held in a single hand. While the aesthetic is minimalist, the design leans towards modern sensibilities,…
Fyne Audio burst onto the audio scene in 2017, immediately sparking fervent discussions with their coaxial speaker designs. A sense of déjà vu was palpable, instantly drawing comparisons to Tannoy, another esteemed name hailing from Scotland. Indeed, the connection to Tannoy is far from coincidental. Fyne Audio’s founding members are, in fact, veterans of Tannoy….
It’s often said, “Where there is vibration, there is IsoAcoustics,” and this is no exaggeration. Founded in 2012, IsoAcoustics possesses a unique understanding of vibration control. Over the years, they have developed numerous isolation products for both professional recording studios and home audio enthusiasts. Their offerings include isolation stands for bookshelf speakers, isolation pucks…
German brand In-Akustik proudly proclaims “Physics Not Voodoo,” championing a scientific approach to cable design. Their exclusive AIR air insulation technology culminates in the flagship Referenz series, albeit at a premium price. The Reference NF-204 Micro AIR XLR (hereafter referred to as NF-204 XLR) shares the same technological principles as the Referenz line, but utilizes…
Klipsch’s much-loved The One and The Three Bluetooth speakers have recently undergone a significant revamp, skipping the “II” generation and directly evolving into the “Plus” generation. This iteration showcases a substantial redesign of the exterior. While retaining a vintage charm, it now exudes a more minimalist and elegant appeal. The impeccable craftsmanship and premium feel…
While audio equipment is rooted in electronics, many products exude a high degree of craftsmanship. This is true for turntables, speakers, and some tube amplifiers, but perhaps nowhere is the artisan touch more evident than in audio cables. Beyond the most basic entry-level offerings, which can be machine-molded with pre-set terminals, the majority of audio…
To call the Ray Audio EL34 “the best sounding value under USD 1,500” isn’t just flattery for Walker; it’s a statement backed by action – I bought one for my own home use. Turku Preamp and EL34 Purchase Actually, this isn’t my first foray into Walker Ray Audio products. Years ago, after reviewing the “Zhutian…
I honestly never expected Cary to produce a streaming integrated amplifier like this. Frankly, I suspect you might share my disbelief. Cary: Not Just Tube Amps? Why this surprise? Let me ask you, what comes to mind when you think of Cary Audio? For me, Cary Audio has always been synonymous with tube amplifiers. They…
In early October last year, Sennheiser hosted a launch event for their AMBEO Soundbar Mini, a single-unit speaker. The event showcased their latest product and incorporated an audio healing experience, personally demonstrated by Hong Kong singer-songwriter and sound therapist Jocelyn Chan (Jocelyn). During the event, the organizers set up an AMBEO Soundbar Mini + AMBEO…
What sonic characteristics come to mind when you think of silver cables? For many audiophiles, the descriptions often revolve around speed, energy, heightened resolution, exceptional high-frequency extension, a brilliant sheen, tight and controlled bass, precise imaging, and a vast soundstage. These are all hallmarks of high-performance audio, and for a long time, I shared this…
HiFiReport describes the Oriole OSA-S310 preamplifier as a meticulously crafted masterpiece of sound, a preamplifier with a distinct “point of view.” What is this “point of view”? It’s the pursuit of creating a preamplifier that can last a lifetime. This ambition led to a global quest for military-grade components, many of which have been out…
HiFiReport friends in the south, if you’re eager to experience the Wilson Audio Sasha V, now is the perfect time to visit Rich Will Audio! For those seeking a lifelike musical stage and the most realistic and precise music reproduction, Rich Will Audio is the place to be. Time Phase Accuracy: The Crucial Element As…
Elac introduced the Vela series in 2019, completely revamping their 400 series lineup. Compared to the Concentro series, the Vela series speakers are much more accessible in price, and offer a comprehensive product line. This includes two bookshelf models — BS403 and BS404, three floorstanding models — FS407, FS408, and FS409, and a center channel…