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…
Following HiFiReport’s introduction of NuPrime’s representative work, the IDA-16 integrated amplifier/DAC, another small product arrived at the same time: the NuPrime uDSD. Roughly the size of a cigarette box, it can be held comfortably in the hand. This is a portable USB DAC with high-resolution decoding capabilities. It doesn’t require an external power supply; it…
For audiophiles looking to transition from listening to music files to streaming, choosing the right source component can often be a dilemma. In the past era of file-based listening, computers were commonly used as digital transports, paired with USB DACs for playback. However, in the current streaming age, computers are no longer as convenient. A…
NuPrime’s legacy of flagship power amplifiers, inherited from the NuForce era, has long been defined by a mono-mono configuration. This purist approach champions complete separation of left and right channels, each boasting its own dedicated chassis, power supply, and amplification circuitry. The theoretical benefits are clear: maximized channel separation and enhanced sonic layering. As a…
Are you into digital streaming? How do you stream your music? Perhaps using a computer? If you are tech-savvy, building a Computer as Source (CAS) might be a breeze and even enjoyable. However, building a gaming PC or a programming workstation is different from building a dedicated CAS. Without dedicated research, the joy of…
HiFiReport’s Zhang, a young entrepreneur in the audio industry, possesses both expertise and passion for audio pairings and speaker placement. Recently, he assembled a system featuring the British Monitor Audio PL 300 II and the Japanese Soulnote A-2, deeming it an exceptional value combination. He invited me to audition it, and after the Lunar New…
Starting with the 360-degree Radialstrahler omnidirectional loudspeakers, mbl’s audio dream encompasses everything from source to preamplifier to power amplifier. The top-tier Reference Line complete system has been installed and is now playing at Volvo Hi-Fi in Southern Taiwan. If you want to witness the unique and beautiful sound of a full mbl system, especially the…
A few months ago, I visited HiFiReport’s Golden Dragon Hall, where I had the pleasure of listening to the OSA-88P-1BV MK3 power amplifier paired with JMR Orfeo Jubile loudspeakers. Just a month later, this same system was the centerpiece of a music seminar held on Christmas Day. HiFiReport’s friends gathered to savor Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet….