Album of the Week
Album of the Week: choke enough by Oklou
Here’s my pick for Audiophile Record of the Year.
Articles by Michael Lavorgna
HiFi Reviews
Review: Dynaudio Core 5 Professional 2-Way Reference Studio Monitor
If loving the Dynaudio Core 5 is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.
TM Favorite Gear of 2025
Twittering Machines Favorite Gear of 2025
Sometimes it’s as if these lists write themselves.
HiFi News
Wattson Audio Rolls Out the New Madison Streamer
As regular readers know, I was impressed with Wattson’s Emerson Analog Streaming DAC, Madison Streaming DAC, and Madison LE (Lounge Edition). Three for three that hit my Favorite Digital List hard.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise (IA11 edition) by jaimie branch
Jaimie Branch’s FLY or DIE II: bird dogs of paradise was originally released in the fall of 2019, a follow up to her stellar debut FLY or DIE released the year prior. Here we have a brand new reissue from International Anthem’s 11th Anniversary Editions.
HiFi News
The Compound and DeVore Fidelity Collaborate on DEF COM: A Hi-Fi Speaker Blending Art, Sound, and Culture
“This speaker is for those who appreciate the artistic and technical aspects of sound,” Set Free explains. “It’s more than a listening device—it’s an art piece that belongs in the homes of those who value creativity and craftsmanship.” Am I dreaming?
Art&Culture
Twittering Machines 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
To shop perchance, to dream.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Atoll MS120 Streaming DAC
I was mightily impressed by Atoll’s SDA300 Signature streaming DAC, so impressed I wanted to hear more. More Atoll (imagine Christopher Walken saying that last part).
Capital Audiofest 2025
CAF 2025: Final Reflections
Swimming against some tides, I’m happy about and hopeful for hifi’s future.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: The light was sharp, our eyes were open by Pablo’s Eye
I find myself in 2024, again.
Capital Audiofest 2025
CAF 2025: My Favorite Room
I tipped my hand in yesterday’s post where I made the distinction between a system and a room.
Capital Audiofest 2025
CAF 2025: Favorite Systems
A couple of caveats before we dive in—I once again have to apologize for not getting into every room, even rooms I had every intention of experiencing.
Capital Audiofest 2025
CAF 2025: Favorite Familiar Gear
There were Grimm MU2s everywhere at CAF 2025 and if you’ve read my review, or any review, you know why—”If you want to hear the best digital music reproduction I’ve heard by an obvious and distinct margin, you’ll need to find a Grimm MU2 to […]
Capital Audiofest 2025
CAF 2025: Notable New Products
Or new products of note according to my interests.
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: November 14, 2025
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.