In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Musical Fidelity M8xi Super Integrated Amplifier
When only Kilowatts will do: Power Output (20Hz – 20kHz): 550 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (870W into 4 Ohms); Peak 1.6kW into 2 Ohms.
Year: 2026
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: February 13, 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: URGH by Mandy, Indiana
Do you know the jazz standard, “I Fall in Love Too Easily” composed by Jule Styne with Sammy Cahn’s lyrics from 1944?
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Thrax LYRA SE Loudspeakers/HADES Passive Subwoofers & Enyo MK2 Integrated Amplifier
A complete Thrax system. Just add turntable.
Art&Culture
HiFi News
Say Hello to MoFi Electronics New UltraPhono Pro Phono Preamplifier
How about a Peter Madnick-designed phono preamp for $2495?
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: February 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: Rhythm Immortal by Carrier
I dare say Carrier’s Rhythm Immortal may be another 2025 Audiophile Recording of the Year.
HiFi News
Esoteric Announces the “XE” Series Network DAC Preamplifier & Class A Stereo Power Amplifier
Streaming Pre + Stereo Power. A winning combo for the separates-but-simple approach.
HiFi News
Audio Note UK’s Oto Integrated Amp Gets Treated to a 35th Anniversary Edition
According to my rough calculations, 35 hifi years is the equivalent of 350 human years.
Classic Albums
Classic Albums: Marry Me Tonight by HTRK
Marry Me Tonight is the debut album from Australian band HTRK (pronounced ‘hate rock’) and it bears the stamp and sound of earlier Aussie bands including The Birthday Party which makes sense seeing as Roland S. Howard appears here as player and co-producer.
HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargains: Atoll MS120 Streaming DAC
I’m an admitted fan of the streaming DAC. Ethernet in, analog out.
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: January 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: Feels Like Home by Jessica Bailiff
As time passes, I’m beginning to think I lose more things than I find.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Gryphon Diablo 333 Integrated Amplifier
When there’s over 2ft. of fresh icy snow covering your large gravel driveway, the simple wisdom of having the right tool for the job becomes self evident.