DESCRIPTIONWe recently travelled to Chicago for a preview of Dali’s newest Epikore speakers, the more affordable Epikore 9, Epikore 7 and Epikore 3. The new speakers follow last year’s release of the Epikore flagship, the Epikore 11, The technology on offer is impressive, and the prices are upper midrange, so we wanted to see if the tech of the new speakers paralleled the Epikore 11 and see if the sound of the new speakers hinted at that pedigree. Let’s check it out.To read the December 2024...

DESCRIPTION The Pass Labs HPA-1 comes with the Pass pedigree and accompanying price, so this is not the headphone amp for most people. But does it do things sonically that might make it right for some music-lovers? Let’s see.Robert's Nelson Pass interview: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nelson-pass-four-decades-of-innovation/Sponsored by: https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-elevationNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook:...

DESCRIPTION With their remarkable vocal presence and technological innovations, the Focal Aria X No. 1 Bookshelf Speakers allow for relaxed listening and render music in a way that encourages sharing with others.Sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology:...

DESCRIPTION So imagine that you're living space is a small to medium living space that could be an apartment, a condo, or just maybe a small room in your house and interest isn't in a bookshelf speaker you're looking for a tower speaker. That's pretty elegant looking, and that sounds great. Well, that's what we're going to talk about today in my review regarding a speaker from Audio Physic: the Classic 25.This video is sponsored by: https://www.metronome.audio/page-aqwo2-gb-2/?lang=enThe...

An under $1000 speaker contending for best in class, class A integrated amps, new small Magnepans, seductive single-driver speakers, marble cabinets, semi-affordable tubes and more from the 2024 Capital Audio Fest in Washington DC.This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/speaker/aura/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology:...

DESCRIPTIONMBL builds many products that re-examine the core assumptions behind most audio equipment to find different and often better engineering solutions for music reproduction. Of course, they are famous for their superb omni-directional speakers, but having the N51 integrated amp here for review has made me think their fame should apply to electronics as well...This video is sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook:...

DESCRIPTION:There are 6 major audio issues that stand between listeners and a level of believability and engagement that parallels or improves upon the live experience. The Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference addresses one of these major issues, that of a-musical digital distortions, more effectively than any DAC I have heard.This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/speaker/aura/Robert's Review:...

DESCRIPTION:Impeccably judged and well-engineered, the Q Acoustics 5020s routinely persuaded me to listen to more music. Their ability to render low-level detail sent chills down my spine and their dynamics kept me completely engaged with the music. Sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology:...

The Raidho X2t is a very big sounding speaker with a very small footprint, but its special qualities extend far beyond mere scale.... listen in to learn more from Michael Johnson's report.

The Macintosh Mk 462 is the most powerful solid state amplifier in the Macintosh lineup. The amplifier weighs a backbreaking 115 pounds, and the price is $10,000. It's the least expensive amplifier with all of their core technologies, yet it's the largest stereo amplifier in their range.This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-masterdeck-turntableThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology:...

Unison research says its sonic goal with the Unico Nuovo integrated amplifier is to give music vitality; a word I associate with vigor, liveliness and power. Does it succeed? Let's find out!This video's sponsor: https://www.jbl.com/receivers-and-loudspeakers.htmlOur interview with JBL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMFKbDCL0Wg&ab_channel=THEABSOLUTESOUNDWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early...

While the Totem Bison Twin Tower floor standing loudspeakers are not inexpensive at $4,000 US per pair, they do fall solidly into the “next step” camp when viewed on the spectrum of available loudspeakers. This video sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/More Audiophile Content:Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comMentioned...

Adrian investigates the NOVA upgrade to HumminGuru's ultrasonic record cleaner.This video is sponsored by: https://mofi.com/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comAdrian's Reference Equipment: -Macintosh Mc 462 Quad Balanced Power Amp-Macintosh 2600 Pre-Amp-PS Audio Power Plant 15-VPI Avenger Turntable dual 12inch Fat boy arms -Ortofon MC Cadenza Mono cartridge -Ortofon MC...

From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above. This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and...

From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above. This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and...

Tom Martin and Andy Quint had the opportunity to attend FOCAL's launch event in NYC for their new active, wireless Utopia Diva loudspeaker system. With a short time to critically listen, Tom shares his first impressions and thoughts in this preview.https://www.focal.com/products/diva-utopiaNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound...

Well, dang. These headphones retail for $4499. And if musical engagement and honesty are what you want, they are worth it.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine,...

For its price and competition Tom is surprised and pleased to spill his thoughts on the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 Headphones...https://youtu.be/W-Y0HqzwW08?si=_iGTHONwm6Y7zCGdNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has...

Jason applauds the Morel Högtalare for its compact, innovative, and high-fidelity sound.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, podcast and...

With a tantalizing $2,000 price tag, toting a exciting and warm presentation, Aaron Jenkins encourages your consideration of this absolute bargain.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comAaron's Reference Equipment: -Silverline Sonata-Focal 1008BE-Magnepan 0.7i-Buchardt S400 Mk2-Matrix X-Sabre 3Gustard R26-Mcintosh MAC 6700 integrated amp-Galion TS120SE tube integrated ampWhat...

A beguiling combination of delicacy and dynamic coherence, needless to say Tom is impressed.https://youtu.be/7vF2r9PQ28o?si=06DcPqAHXCQiz4_phttps://youtu.be/dAr2z-w6vkI?si=0_4C-U-QIdtkPLvuNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute...

Michael Johnson reviews the stirring, engaging, and powerful Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition. With impeccable timing, pace, and rhythm, the Power Edition leaves little to be desired in this all-in-one streamer.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early...

Michael Johnson reviews the stirring, engaging, and powerful Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition. With impeccable timing, pace, and rhythm, the Power Edition leaves little to be desired in this all-in-one streamer.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early...