Music News
News: Qobuz & USA, It’s A Date!
French hi-res streaming service and download store Qobuz (pronounced “co buzz”) officially launched its US service today. For music lovers, the date could not be more appropriate.
Articles by Michael Lavorgna
HiFi
In the Desert: Toolshed Amps Darling Head Amp
Toolshed Amps Darling Head Amp ($2,595 shipped with tubes).
Classic Albums
Classic Albums: Triadic Memories by Morton Feldman
Back when I lived in NYC, I did not own a TV and the Internet, as we know it, didn’t exist. What ever did I do with all that time?
Music News
Is It Live Or Is It Memorex? Sharon Van Etten at the Beacon
One of the more popular half-baked notions in hifi is the idea that a recording can rival a live performance. The unbaked portion being there’s nothing to look at when we listen to a recording. There’s no person there.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Maurizio Pollini
It was 1991. I was living in NYC and listening almost exclusively to contemporary classical music. Pierre Boulez and the Ensemble Intercontemporain were performing at Carnegie Hall with Maurizio Pollini, a favorite pianist who performed many a challenging new work. The conductor’s own music was […]
In Barn for Review
In Barn: The Active Speaker Stable
For those of you who’ve been paying attention to the “In Barn” posts, you already know that I’ve accumulated a lovely bunch of active speakers for review. They are handsome devils, aren’t they.
In Barn for Review
In Barn: Dynaudio Focus 30 XD
Dynaudio Focus 30 XD ($9,999).
HIGH END Munich 2019
HIGH END Munich 2019
Yes!
HiFi News
News: The New totaldac D1-streamer
Vincent Brient of totaldac is not one to stay idle. Last year saw not one but two new DACs— the D1-seven (which I own) and the D1-direct (which Alex Halberstadt has in for review). Here we have the new D1-streamer (5990euros incl VAT in Europe, […]
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Julia Kent
Cellist and composer Julia Kent has been on my mind and in my ears for years. Beginning in 2013 with Character, then 2015’s Asperities. I pre-ordered her latest, Temporal, on Bandcamp and was so excited for the full release I blindly hit “Buy” when I […]
HiFi Reviews
Everything Matters: A Tale of Two (Digital) Cables
Yes, everything. Power, network, network player, DAC, cables, system, room. Everything.
HiFi News
News: The New McIntosh MTI100 Integrated Turntable
Integrated turntable? Does that mean it’s a turntable and an integrated amplifier? Yes hifi fans, that’s exactly what it means (and more).
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Robyn G Shiels
Who? Robyn G Shiels is from Belfast and he’s one hell of a singer songwriter. That’s who.
Digital Reviews
Review: Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC
Is it possible to write a review of a product from Schiit Audio without making one Schiit pun? I aim to but let me just say—people love Schiit.
HiFi News
This Is Going To Get Expensive: The New Roon Radio
In just the first few hours of playing with the new Roon, I’ve saved more than 10 albums to my Library from Tidal. How’d I learn about all of this great, new (to me) music? The new Roon Radio. That’s how.