A friend recently wrote me to help another friend who is interested in getting a mobile music setup. Quality is important, meaning "Sound Quality" or SQ… Price is important, meaning "Cost"… Mobility is important meaning "Something that travels with good sound but also sounds good in a room when you get there"… Here is what... Read More »
As I suspected on the drive down to Tampa on Friday, February 7, 2020 to cover the Florida Audio Expo 2020 show for Positive Feedback, the second running of this new show proved even more delightful than its debutante "coming out" reveal. An even larger number of enthusiastic audiophiles, exhibitors, journalists, and show organizers descended... Read More »
For its 40th anniversary, the renowned Quebec audio manufacturer, MOON, is proud to announce the launch of a new competition for emerging Canadian artists and composers: the MOON Musical Prize: Elevate the Talent. MOON has created the competition to encourage and inspire the musical creativity of young and promising artists who would like a kickstart... Read More »
Founded in 2010 by Pat Hickman, Whammerdyne Heavy Industries is an amalgamation of technical skill-sets united by a common passion for hi-end audio, based in Wilsonville, OR. With many years of combined experience in hi-end audio, electronics engineering, and CNC fabrication, the team set out to build the ultimate single-ended stereo amplifiers. The year 2020... Read More »
Phi 3i and Phi 5i speakers The Phi-i speakers delivers dynamics and soundstage way beyond its compact looks. Using a custom-made Ringradiator and a 5.25” driver from the renowned danish manufacturer, Scanspeak, the goal is set on an authentic and involving sound with excellent resolution and superb timing. The Phi-i speakers are able to reproduce... Read More »
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Red Leaf Audio as our new distributor for German Physiks loudspeakers, electronics and cables in Canada. Their president, David Jensen, has 40 plus years of experience in both the audio and music industries. During that time, he has worked for some of the largest audio... Read More »
Monday, February 10th 2020, 5:31 PM CST British Recording Artist Aaron Paul, was cited for his outstanding contribution to society through his commitment to supporting inclusivity and diversity through his music, reaching across global cultural boundaries, paving the way for individuals to rise above repression. Gregory Petan, an accomplished fine arts artist and gifted guitarist,... Read More »
Göbel Audio is proud to announce their new Divin Marquis Loudspeaker. Its unveiling will be at AXPONA 2020 in April. The technical specifications are: Principle: 3-Way, high sensitivity, symmetrical bass reflex loudspeaker Driver: 1 pcs. Göbel® High End proprietary long-throw Bass chassis (12 inch), 1 pcs. Göbel® High End proprietary midrange chassis (8 inch), significantly... Read More »
It's not news that streaming has gobbled up 75% of the USA consumer music market, as reported recently by the RIAA, simply how fast it happened. This is the most exciting development in the High-End right now. The urge to jump quickly to the new thing is very tempting. My prudent advice for anyone considering... Read More »
"Hey Danny, are you familiar with Hemiolia Records?" asked Kerry St. James, YG's formidably friendly European sales director late last year. "No," I replied. "Well, you should and I'll put you in touch with them, I know you love tape and they have some really cool stuff out that I think you'll dig." Fast forward... Read More »
Life is hard and filled with sorrow. And sometimes you don't see it coming. Two real woes for high-end audio are at hand. What their outcomes may be, or how they may affect audiophiles worldwide, are yet to be seen. Woe Number One I received a phone call and an email recently from a colleague... Read More »
Here's the last installment of my show coverage for the Florida Audio Expo. You can see Part 1 HERE, Part 2 HERE, and Part 3 HERE. An absolute semi-truckload of VAC, Esoteric, and Kronos equipment was on display in this monstrous room! The room was filled with people, who where absolutely digging the sound coming... Read More »
LIVE MUSIC Saturday, April 18, 2020 | 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Open to All Attendees! RICKIE LEE JONES was the IT girl of the 80’s, trend setter, beautiful big smile and long blonde hair, gyrating teenager in a spandex one-piece, a temptress in lacy elbow length gloves and heels--still a popular rock costume today. 40... Read More »
Our good audio brother John Marks, he who shepherds his site, The Tannhauser Gate, sends along another smoke signal about a fine recording of a nowadays-obscure composer, Louise Farrenc. I have not yet found a single recommendation of John's that wasn't very worthwhile. To borrow and adapt John's phrasing, "pause and listen." Amen! Dr. David... Read More »
Here's the current installment of my ongoing show coverage for the Florida Audio Expo. You can see Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE. Jerry Stoeckigt elaborates on the Eikon Audio Image 1 System specifics. Eikon Audio/Aurrender The $25K Eikon Image 1 System is the brainchild of Gayle Sanders of Martin Logan fame. In no... Read More »
2go streamer/server brings both Ethernet and wireless streaming, plus 4 TB of microSD card storage to the award-winning Hugo 2 DAC/pre/headphone amp; 2yu digital interface turns 2go into a standalone streamer 13th February 2020, Kent, UK: Chord Electronics has announced 2go, a high-performance streamer/server designed to transform Hugo 2 into a fully featured Wi-Fi- and Ethernet-enabled device, bringing the proven sound quality... Read More »
New Advanced Active Headphone (AAH) Features Custom Bluetooth Dongle, Adding Outstanding Wireless Audio with Full Support for Advanced HD Formats NEW YORK, NY, February 12, 2020 – HIFIMAN, the leader in high fidelity personal audio, today announced it would soon ship the new DEVA, a high-fidelity open-back planar magnetic headphone that is available with a Bluetooth/USB dongle... Read More »
The New Pangea Audio Vulcan Five Shelf Audio Rack Holds an Elaborate System’s Worth of Electronics GRAND RAPIDS, MI, February 11, 2020 – Pangea Audio, developer and manufacturer of high performance, high value audio accessories, is expanding its popular selection of Vulcan audio furniture with the new Pangea Audio Vulcan Five Shelf Audio Rack. [SKU PGVUL5RK.] The Pangea Audio... Read More »
SAN FRANCISCO (2/12/19) -- Parasound will kick off a dealer tour for the new John Curl-designed Halo JC 1+ monoblock power amplifier on February 29th at The Audio Salon of Santa Monica, CA. This will be the first of a number of dealer events nationwide to debut this remarkable new Parasound flagship amplifier. It replaces... Read More »
Newtown Square, Pennsylvania – February 2020 – The Voice That Is, LLC announces sponsorship at 2020 Berks Jazz Fest. The Voice That Is (TVTI) will host the Inaugural Berks Jazz Festival Listening Experience, highlighting audio components from TIDAL Audio – German manufacturer of some of the finest speakers and audio components enjoyed worldwide. Jazz Fest... Read More »
Toronto, Ontario February 2020 Company announces high-power Roon Server that offers heavy-duty DSP processing Toronto ON - exaSound Audio Design, manufacturer of innovative, exceptional fidelity audio products, has just released the Delta Music Server. It premiered at the Florida Audio Expo, February 7-9, 2020. Built around the Intel i9-9900 8-core CPU, the Delta Music Server offers heavy-duty... Read More »
This Friday, February 14th, Qobuz, the certified Hi-Res music streaming and download service, is celebrating the one year anniversary of its US launch. By super serving the audiophile community with in-depth exclusive editorial content, personalized customer service, and a carefully curated catalog that includes not only all mainstream music but also deep representation of jazz,... Read More »
I didn't attend the 2019 Florida Audio Expo, but was told many times over that there were nearly double the number of rooms this year over 2019. There were 65 manufacturer and dealer rooms displaying this year, along with one hallway display. And show organizer Sue Toscano corrected the overgenerous estimates I'd been given from... Read More »
The Florida Audio Expo is currently underway, February 7-9, 2020, at the Embassy Suites Hotel located near the airport in Tampa, Florida. Though the show didn't actually start until Friday morning, there was a meet and greet in the main lobby that took place on Thursday evening, February 6. My wife Beth and I arrived... Read More »
Building upon the solid foundation of the award-winning Kid Thomas, the Odar was created for the discerning analog lover who wants the very best. Featuring two armboards, capable of using two 12-inch arms, and delivered with the new Cornet 3, 12-inch tonearm, equipped with hi-quality Wire World cables, a massive motor housing, massive 14-inch diameter... Read More »
PRESS RELEASE: 6th February, 2020 Simaudio's MOON performance audio products have been designed and manufactured in Canada since 1980. The award-winning range of amplifiers, streamers, all-in-one systems, and CD players is dedicated to defying obsolescence. The MOON brand represents the forefront of audio technology, and as time progresses, the Simaudio team believes in upgrading rather... Read More »
The Thelonious Monk Quartet, Monk's Dream. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab UD1S 2-011, Columbia 19075930421, Limited Edition, SuperVinyl, Box Set (2019, Sept.), # P001 of 6000. Originally released on Columbia – CS 8765 (1963, March). Ratings Global Appreciation: 9.9 Music: A+ (10) Recording: 9.6 Remastering + Lacquer Cutting: 10 Pressing: 9.8 Packaging: Deluxe Category: jazz, mostly cool with... Read More »
Atascadero, CA (01/30/20) – EJ Sarmento, President and Founder of Wyred4Sound – and Glass Audio America, LLC. EJ Sarmento – President and Founder of Wyred 4 Sound, is pleased to announce the formation of Glass Audio America, LLC for the purposes of manufacturing a complete line of Vacuum Tube and other products under exclusive license... Read More »
So this is the time of year for returning unwanted gifts, breaking resolutions, and picking up a few Steel Band CDs in the Caribbean. It's also a time to reflect on past accomplishments and give credit where credit is due. I'm a very part-time reviewer here, and didn't offer up any PF Writers Choice awards... Read More »
NEW Ear Gear Experience, Designer Vignette, Live Musical Performances, and Educational Seminars SCHAUMBURG, IL (January 17, 2020) - - Calling all audiophiles, music lovers, vinyl collectors, audio engineers and musicians, AXPONA (Audio Expo North America) will open April 17-19 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center offering attendees three jam-packed days of incredible sounds,... Read More »
Port and a Cigar at Night on a Deck. Happy Valley, OR, 2019 And now, on to the final chapter of my Positive Feedback Brutus Awards for 2019. Clarus Concerto AC Power Conditioner and Clarus Aqua High Current Power Cable A relative latecomer for 2019 Brutus Award consideration was the combination of the Clarus Concerto and... Read More »
By now, readers of this series have realized that it's a means for me to discuss songs I really like. In previous articles, these are songs that send a shiver down my spine, and I have outlined many times what I mean by that. I've also discussed the fact that these songs aren't "favorite" songs,... Read More »
E-in-C Robinson going deep with the Sonoma Acoustics reference headphone system at AXPONA 2018 (photograph by Martin Roberts; image processing by David W. Robinson) Recordings, Labels, Sites, & Streaming Services This installment of my 2019 Brutus Award announcements will be relatively short and to the point. I've talked about many of this year's winners in... Read More »
Karen Gomyo was born in Tokyo, but grew up in Montréal. That is, up to the point when, at age 10, she moved to New York City, in order to study at the Juilliard School, at the invitation of Dorothy DeLay. Miss DeLay taught, among many others, my friends Arturo Delmoni and David Kim. Indeed, it's the... Read More »
Silversmith Audio: A New Generation of Cable Design Celebrating 20 Years, Silversmith Audio Announces a Revolutionary New Line of Speaker Cable: FIDELIUM™ New Cable Line Represents a 330% Performance Increase Over Previous Top-of-the-Line PALLADIUM at 1/10 the Price Springfield, VA — January 23, 2020: Silversmith Audio today announced the launch of a new line... Read More »
January 23, 2020, Englewood, CO - Monarch Systems Ltd., a distributor of high performance consumer electronics, has officially launched their brand and services. Monarch Systems Ltd. will be focused not only in offering premium brands through “b to b” channels but also top-level dealer support and end-user care. Additionally, Monarch Systems Ltd is supremely active... Read More »
Chip and Roger at the LAOC Audio Society Gala Banquet, December, 2019 (photograph and image processing by David W. Robinson) Roger Skoff finally proves that cables work and tells at least part of the reason why. For at least the last thirty years (that I know of), audiophiles have been divided into four—if not necessarily... Read More »
