HiFi Thoughts
HiFi Thoughts: The Importance of the New
“I thought how unpleasant it is to be locked out; and I thought how it is worse, perhaps, to be locked in.” Virginia Woolf
Capital Audiofest 2026
Some Interesting Gear to See & Hear at CAF 2026
Here’s some select pieces of hifi gear and systems I’m looking forward to checking out at Capital Audiofest next week.
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: November 6, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Cyano by Emily A. Sprague
I’ve waxed on about Emily A. Sprague’s other musical adventures as part of the band Florist.
TM Favorite Gear of 2026
Twittering Machines Favorite Gear of 2026
As you know, I like a short list.
Capital Audiofest 2026
Meet the Limited Edition Fyne Audio F1-10 Anniversary Loudspeakers at CAF 2026
Limited to just 30 individually numbered pairs worldwide, the new Fyne F1-10 Anniversary Loudspeakers were created to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary.
Capital Audiofest 2026
Capital Audiofest 2026: Just A Week Away!
Toothbrush? Check. 4 pair socks? Check. Spare camera battery? Check. Packing for a hifi show is glamorous.
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: October 30, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Dopamine Chamber by Fontaines D.C.
“Dopamine Chamber takes its title from the idea of a record as a room the listener steps into.”
HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargain: AudioQuest DragonFly Copper USB DAC
Here’s what I said in the review, “Considering its $250 asking price and performance, the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a genuine screamin’ HiFi bargain.” I’m making it official.
HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargains: A $300 EL34 Upgrade (that adds up to much more)
I bought my first EL34-based integrated amplifier more than 20 years ago.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Phasemation SA-1500 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
When I first saw a Phasemation amplifier at a hifi show long ago I uttered “Ooh” without thinking. It just came out.
The Short List
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: October 23, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Dja Dja by Marina Herlop
My favorite genre is no genre at all.