Before the return of the A1 series, Denon’s flagship AVR was the AVR-X8500H, released in October 2018. Then, in October 2020, the Denon 110th-anniversary model, the AVR-A110, emerged as a heavily modified new flagship based on the AVR-X8500H. I mention these specifically because the AVR-A10H occupies the same tier as these two flagship generations….
It’s a bit of an admission to make, but in the two decades of MY-HiEND’s existence, this marks our inaugural review of Wharfedale loudspeakers. Yet, beginnings are always welcome, especially one as promising as this. Thanks to the kind arrangement by local distributors, , we have the distinct pleasure of evaluating the Wharfedale Dovedale bookshelf…
In the burgeoning era of network and streaming music, high-end audio players have steadily evolved. Portuguese brand Innuos entered this arena in 2009, dedicating itself to network-enabled digital streaming music players. Through years of experience and adapting to industry changes, Innuos has developed several generations of products. Today, we delve into the Zenith MK3, a…
Even with their previous two highly acclaimed models, Soundcore hasn’t rested on its laurels. Today, they’re launching the super-flagship Liberty 4 Pro, an upgraded version that builds upon the Liberty 4’s design. This new model boasts significant improvements across four key areas: sound quality, noise cancellation, user interface, and charging. It truly elevates the user…
The year 2020 saw the impact of the pandemic throughout, causing many product lines in the audio-visual industry to stall. AV receivers were a particularly noticeable example; audio-visual enthusiasts likely observed this phenomenon, as manufacturers who typically released new receiver models almost every year had a relatively quiet market reaction over the past year. However,…
In today’s audio world, regardless of how advanced streaming technology becomes, network cables remain an indispensable component. The signals within the digital realm are far from simple compared to traditional audio; they are susceptible to significant EMI/RFI noise interference during transmission. This makes the shielding and isolation provided by the cable extremely crucial. Based on…
The fusion of wireless streaming and active speakers represents the ideal audio solution for today’s lifestyle. As wireless technology pervades our electronic devices, a truly wireless existence, once a mere concept, has become reality. HiFiReport has long recognized the potential of active speakers. Dynaudio, with its established pedigree in professional studio monitors, entered the home…
It’s a somewhat uncomfortable truth, but genuinely few brands originating from Taiwan have successfully penetrated the international High-End audio market. Is this due to a lack of manufacturing prowess? Not at all. For a long time, many top-tier international audio brands have relied on components sourced from Taiwan. The real challenge lies in product design…
Years ago, KEF’s R&D team recognized the evolving needs of modern high-end audio enthusiasts. Beyond demanding pristine sound quality, today’s HiFiReport readers also seek audio products with aesthetic appeal and user-friendly features. KEF was early to market with active wireless speakers embodying these qualities, and they’ve become bestsellers. We recently reviewed the LS60 floor-standing model,…
Avantgarde Acoustic embarked on its journey with horn speakers 30 years ago, achieving renown and selling in over 60 countries. Throughout continuous refinement and innovation, they have remained faithful to horn speaker technology, blending the oldest sound reproduction method with cutting-edge modern technology. This fusion of tradition, craftsmanship, and technology culminates in creations designed to…
To celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, British High End audio manufacturer Naim Audio, founded in 1973, has launched a series of celebratory products. Following the release of their first-ever Solstice turntable system, a limited edition of only 500 units worldwide, Naim has now comprehensively revamped and upgraded their most popular Classic series. The new…
Many will already be familiar with Métronome Audio. Founded in 1987, this French brand is a heavyweight in Hi-Fi design and manufacturing. They have consistently dedicated themselves to developing high-resolution audio playback equipment, gaining particular attention and achieving considerable success with their CD players and digital-to-analog converters. In the early 2000s, they established Kalista Audio,…
Bassocontinuo, hailing from Italy, is renowned for its dedication to producing top-tier audio racks. For Bassocontinuo, an audio rack is not merely about sonic performance; it must also be visually stunning. This philosophy is the driving force behind Lorenzo Belloli, the president and founder of Bassocontinuo. Lorenzo, with a background in the design industry, found…
With economic and technological advancements driving higher living standards, modern aesthetic demands are also continuously increasing. Minimalism stands out as one of the most prominent mainstream aesthetics. This viewpoint dictates that home decor should be simple, clean, and preserve interior spaciousness as much as possible, creating a fresh and elegant lifestyle. In this context, music…
Over the past few years, we’ve observed a common trend among Japanese flagship AV receivers: the number of preamp processing channels differs from the number of built-in amplifier channels. For instance, you might find an “11.2 channel AV receiver with 13.2 channel preamp outputs.” This receiver can power up to a 7.2.4 channel speaker configuration…
Modern enthusiasts are quite savvy when it comes to budgeting. Before purchasing an AV receiver, some will meticulously research and compare multiple models within their set price range. If you’ve done this, you’ll notice that mid-range and budget AV receivers, if priced similarly, often boast comparable channel counts, output power, features, and even weight. This…
While Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is no longer a groundbreaking feature, when talk turns to truly iconic noise-canceling headphones, the name Bose invariably springs to mind. Bose’s journey differs from many other audio manufacturers. Early on, they specialized in headsets for pilots and broadcasters, prioritizing noise cancellation technology to combat noisy environments and achieve clearer…
Considering the current global situation, Yamaha has wisely shifted its focus this year, temporarily pausing the rollout of high-end home theatre products to concentrate on the entry-level market. This strategic move aims to benefit more new enthusiasts by introducing a range of affordable AV receivers and soundbars. Among these new releases is the SR-B20A, Yamaha’s…