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For over 30 years, I've enjoyed reviewing audio accessories—or "tweaks"—including power line conditioners, record cleaning machines and fluids, vinyl storage solutions, vibration isolation devices and cable burn-in devices. Even developing an inexpensive "tweak" for air bearing tonearms that significantly improved their sound. One thing, however, that differentiates today's from yesteryear's "tweaks" is cost. "Tweaks" were... Read More »

Wadax is a Spanish audio company founded in 2006 by Javier Guadalajara based on his father Angel Guadalajara's many years of research into music reproduction, which led to the development of unique technologies such as the musIC chip for correcting errors in digital systems. We are testing its basic, yet high-end, SACD/file player, the Tudio... Read More »

Zesto Audio is a relatively new company located in Los Angeles where it manufacturers a full array of excellent tube audiophile equipment to bring music to life in the home. Though not priced atmospherically like many of its all tube competitors, it strives to surpass the finest gear available using smart technology, extraordinary transformers and parts,... Read More »

When I finalized my plans to attend last August's Audio Advice Live manufacturer showcase in Raleigh, North Carolina, publicist Jaclyn Inglis contacted me in advance to gauge my interest in a show demonstration of IsoAcoustics' new GAIA Neo loudspeaker isolators. Her excitement for the product line sold me, and I quickly agreed to stop by... Read More »

Engstrom is a small family-run company from Stockholm Sweden. The EE emblem represents the two founding partners, Lars & Timo Engstrom, who are a unique uncle and nephew duo. They embody a balanced and "less is more" approach to design and engineering that is central to the company's identity. Lars Engstrom was born in the... Read More »

I have enjoyed Kubala•Sosna interconnects, speaker cables, digital cables, and power cords for over 20 years, and value the advice of Joe Kubala greatly. My systems are tuned with Kubala•Sosna Emotion, Elation! and more, and have used these excellent cables to compare newcomers from all parts of the world. It is heartwarming to know the... Read More »

A huge part of the audiophile addiction…er…hobby, (yeah… let's call all of this insanity a quote-unquote 'hobby'), is incessantly trying to improve the sound quality of the gear you own with better cabling. Why do this…? Why change any of your cables and risk the painful expense of time, energy, and money in the desperate... Read More »

The current phase of my audio journey found me more focused on room and AC power issues. I tackled the room first, and right now I'm very happy with the results, although this is still a work in progress. Now it's time to concentrate on AC power, starting with fuses. I've thought many times about... Read More »

I was recently discussing vinyl playback with a friend and audio equipment designer when he first suggested it.  "You should really look at the Dynavector XX-2A," he effused, claiming that it had excellent detail retrieval, treble extension, bass, dynamics, and an overall balance and presentation that compared favorably with many moving coil cartridges that sold... Read More »

After a year of hiatus from reviewing, I'm thrilled to return with a series of three reviews that will highlight significant changes to my system. My system is now anchored by the finest Cary Audio amps and preamp, including the SLP-5 preamp and the 211 Founder's Edition Power amps. (I replaced my 805C amps and... Read More »

Let's assume that, like many into hi-fi, you're extremely busy and prefer a minimalist aesthetic, reference-level sound, and low-fuss gear. In that case, the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe network music player may be the music player for you.  When I first spotted the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe, it was featured in a high-end... Read More »

When the opportunity to evaluate the singular performance of the comparatively affordable Master Fidelity digital suite, comprised of the $27,500 NADAC D DAC and its identically priced companion, the NADAC C Clock, in my own reference system, I was beside myself with anticipation. My enthusiasm for spending time with these components in my own reference... Read More »

Somewhere between the impassioned corporate overlords of large audio conglomerates and the overly passionate do-it-yourselfer lies a middle ground of small-to-medium audio companies. Many of these middle ground overachievers carve their niche by offering products that combine the value of the big brands with esoteric-like perfection in everything they build. Or in this case, you... Read More »

Call it serendipity, a strange coincidence, or just plain chance, but when the power cords arrived from Stereo Dave's Audio Alternative for me to review, I was watching a video on YouTube from none other than Audioholics. Those familiar with that organization will know they are not supporters of high-end, high-priced audio cables whatsoever. One... Read More »

"Keep your voices down a little bit" is faintly heard in the background. This phrase is incredibly difficult to decipher in many systems, as it is located deeply in the background of the recording. "Then, a band member says"Oh I will tell you everything," and while it cannot be documented it is likely Christine McVie... Read More »

When I started reviewing high-end audio in the early 1980s, I was young, naïve and easily fascinated with the fast-evolving technologies in the audiophile speaker sphere. I drooled at state-of-the-art designs and the exotic materials used in the top-of-the-line models from the leading brands. I admired the people designing these models, which were, more often... Read More »

My first encounter with the Aries Cerat was back in 2019 at the Munich High-End show. All I really remember was a truly magical experience—even under show conditions (noisy background, people coming in and out). The Aries Cerat system was very natural and analog sounding, surprisingly, I was listening to a digital set-up. Fast forward... Read More »

The KECES P14 Ultra Low Linear Noise Power Supply is a relatively new addition to the KECES Pier product line and it replaces the P8. The P14 is a four-channel power supply and the channels are labeled as zones I - IV.  Zones I – III gives you a selection of different voltages ranging from... Read More »

Bob Levi:  a moment. LAOC Gala Board Banquet, 2022 (Photograph and image processing by David W. Robinson) One of my pet peeves in listening room acoustic treatments is devices that not only enhance the sound quality, but also cause an irregularity to the musical reproduction at certain frequencies. I run across these items almost weekly... Read More »