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Greetings friends, I hope you are well. I've always been impressed with Mr. Ken Ishiguro's approach to audio. Ken-san builds insightful audio products with innovative applications of technology that always make a positive contribution to the sound quality and musicality of my audio systems. I've been writing about Ken-san's audio creations for almost twenty years... Read More »

Do you own a vintage turntable with a drive motor on the decline? Or do you have a contemporary turntable that could use a performance upgrade without breaking the bank? As the owner of a vintage Micro Seiki BL-91 turntable, I decided to find out what the impact of enlisting a cutting edge external motor... Read More »

This is the second installment of what was to be my three-part review of the upgrades I made last year to my system. There is no denying that the Carnegie by Odeon is a world-class speaker, and it sure better be for the price. No denying the exceptional build quality, including fit and finish of... Read More »

When we think of what the Greeks have given to the world, what comes to mind? Socrates? Hipparchus? Aerodynamics? Algebra? The Equinox and Solstice? Thales' theorem? The list goes on and on. But how about high-end audio equipment? Well, yes! In this case I'm referring to the TSI-300 Integrated Amplifier from TLA ("True Life Audio") from... Read More »

Ever the creative genius and music lover, award winning Holger Stein continues to develop new effective ways to improve listening in the home. SteinMusic has released four new devices of which I have received and evaluated three. They lower the noise floor and enhance the music overall. They are as follows: The Ground Cube Signature... Read More »

Back in 2023 I reviewed (HERE) the innovative Gravity One record weight from turntable/tonearm manufacturer Origin Live (along with their "Upgrade" platter mat and Cartridge Enabler head-shell isolator). All available to any vinyl fiend for use with any brand turntable, arm, or cartridge. Sure, they were prototyped and developed on Origin Live's own gear, but... Read More »

I did some serious catching up with Public relations maven Sue Toscano¹ during the 2025 Florida International Audio Expo; talking with her is an absolute joy, and her zeal for the projects and brands she represents is nearly irrepressible. Shortly after FLAX, Sue reached out to inform me about a webinar scheduled for mid-March, where... Read More »

When I reviewed the Marantz NA6006 network audio player back in 2021 (HERE), I was fairly new to streaming. I still am. It's an occasional source at best, and vinyl LPs occupy the vast majority of my home listening time. That Marantz had replaced my departed Rega Apollo CD player after I realized I was... Read More »

When Dr. David Robinson reached out to me mid-year 2025 with a review opportunity available for a pair of SVS Ultra Evolution Tower loudspeakers, my curiosity was truly piqued. Yes, SVS Sound are beyond doubt the high-performance subwoofer gurus, but their forays into full-range loudspeakers for me were an unknown. However, a quick online peek... Read More »

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 »