HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargains: Q Acoustics Concept 50 Floorstanding Speakers
The Q Acoustics Concept 50 floorstanders floored me with their shockingly good-to-great performance. And they cost just….
HiFi
HiFi News
Schiit Raises the Low Priced Bar With Two New Sub-$300 Amps
That’s right, not one but two, each less than three. Schiit Audio has recently released the new Rekkr and Gjallarhorn Class A/B “Speaker Amps” coming in at $149 and $299 respectively.
HiFi Reviews
Review: ModWright Analog Bridge
Imagine a chef shows up at your place and makes the offer—I have a special sauce that, when added to your favorite dish, will make it taste better. Would you thank or curse her?
Amplifier Reviews
Review: A Sonnet Stack: Hermes Streamer, Pasithea DAC, Kratos Mono Amplifiers
If we want to understand the sound a hifi designer is after, what better way than to sample a stack of their gear. Here we’re going to be digging into the Kratos Mono Power Amplifiers, Pasithea DAC, and Hermes Streamer from Cees Ruijtenberg of Sonnet […]
HiFi Thoughts
The TM Phono Stage Survey: Rules & Regulations
Before I dig into the reviews of the 8 phono stages that have been living in Barn, I thought I’d share my approach in tackling a gaggle of phono preamps. Let’s begin with what to call ’em.
HiFi News
The Florida Audio Expo 2023 Is Just Days Away
Unfortunately my private jet doesn’t exist so I won’t be attending this year’s Florida Audio Expo in sunny Tampa this weekend.
HiFi Reviews
Review: Sonner Audio Legato Duo Floorstanding Loudspeakers
Reviewing a piece of hifi gear, especially a loudspeaker, is more complicated than deciding whether or not we like it. But at the end of the day, it sure makes the reviewing more enjoyable when we do—like it. Such was the case with the Sonner […]
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Dynaudio Contour 60i Floorstanding Loudspeakers
Woof! I wanted a speaker in Barn for review that enjoys some power from the accompanying amplifier and one that might fill the Barn, from top to bottom, with some powerful music. Enter the Dynaudio Contour 60i.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Cocktail Audio X45Pro Streamer/DAC/CD Player/Ripper/Server/Tuner/Preamp
Korea’s Cocktail Audio has loaded up their X45Pro with just about all of the digital functionality you could ask for, added a MM phono stage, DAB+/FM Tuner, color LCD screen and volume control for good measure.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Audia Flight FLS 10 Integrated Amplifier
The Audia Flight FLS 10 is among the most engaging integrated amplifiers to have graced the Barn. Its performance is in some ways remarkable while being wholly engaging in every way. Why not begin at the end for a change?
HiFi Thoughts
Diminishing Returns: HiFi’s Happy Secret
If a new piece of hifi gear brings more enjoyment, is it worth it? Some people think the answer depends on a number.
HiFi News
SME Announces 5 New MK2 Series Turntables
That’s right, a quintet.
Digital Reviews
Review: Auralic ARIES G1.1 Wireless Streaming Transporter
Streamer Check List: Easy setup, intuitive interface, free and user-friendly control app, native streaming support, Roon-Ready, multiple digital outputs including AES, DSP, solid build quality, color screen a plus, and most important of all—do no harm.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: totaldac d1-unity DAC
You’d be forgiven for thinking this is another photo of the totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer that’s been living in the Barn since 2020. But it’s not.
HiFi News
Peacocks, Peonies, and the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC: Beauty Comes In Many Guises
I am thrilled to welcome the Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC into the Twittering Machines reference system.