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As I was preparing our annual Records to Die For feature for 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it occurred to me that at such a moment, 'Records [...]

When I was offered the opportunity to review a Burmester product--the 216 stereo power amplifier-I accepted immediately, mainly out of curiosity. Berlin-based Burmester is an important hi-fi brand, but I [...]

My adoptive mother, Lily Mae, was a retired businesswoman and former fashion model turned stay-at-home mom and artist-painter with famously good taste in everything. She raised me to have good [...]

Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. Everything on the list, regardless of rating, is genuinely recommendable. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, [...]

If you're reasonably handy, you can probably build your own digital-to-analog converter. It won't cost much, and if you're careful, and knowledgeable enough to understand and follow some rather technical [...]

Once each year, since 1991, we've asked our writers, both hi-fi and music, to name two of their favorite albums of all time--albums that are, to them, 'to die for.' [...]

What does it mean to be Stereophile's Product of the Year? It's an honor, certainly, and probably helps the winner sell more products, but is there anything more we can [...]

At Stereophile, every reviewer takes a different approach to reviewing, and so they inevitably reach varied conclusions. Our work, though, is partly based on shared principles. As in reviewing wine, [...]

In what is perhaps best interpreted as a final step of a move into a new era, Berlin-based Burmester Audiosysteme has announced a new leadership team. On January 1, 2024, [...]

Stereophile may be, as the editor of a European hi-fi magazine--an EISA ' member--announced to the audience at a recent event, 'the most important hi-fi magazine in the world,' but [...]

I remember, at High End Munich 2019, setting eyes on one of the most attractive loudspeakers I'd ever seen, in the color that, as I now know, Estelon calls Ocean [...]

There's a school of thought that maintains that among all hi-fi components, the D/A converter is easiest to perfect or come close to perfecting. Just make sure that every sample [...]

High-quality music streaming has been a boon to hi-fi listening. We who subscribe to streaming services have access to millions of tracks, most in excellent quality: Apple Music announced recently [...]

The CH Precision L1 line preamplifier, part of the CH Precision 1 series, is reviewed in Stereophile. The preamplifier is fully discrete, fully balanced, and operates in pure class-A. It has unique features such as DC offset monitoring and compensation, and is modular and configurable. The L1 has multiple inputs and outputs, adjustable gain, and input calibration. It can be controlled through an app and has a user-friendly interface. The reviewer found the L1 to be a pleasure to use and praised its ability to convey music effectively. When paired with the X1 external power supply, the preamplifier's precision, depth of soundstage, and musical flow are improved. The article includes measurements of the preamplifier's performance, which are described as superb. The author highly recommends the CH Precision L1, especially when paired with the X1. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the reintroduction of the Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amplifier, which was first released in 1985. The new version of the A1 has improvements in reliability and performance, with a cooler top plate temperature. The article praises the A1 for its impressive phono stage and compares it to other amplifiers. The A1 is noted for its ability to engage both hemispheres of the brain and is praised for its boldness, tactility, and transparency. The amplifier offers 25W of power, multiple inputs and outputs, and is manufactured in Taiwan with a 5-year warranty. The article provides a detailed analysis of the amplifier's performance, highlighting its flat frequency response, satisfactory channel separation and signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion levels, and good performance in the phono stage. [Extracted from the article]

The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature is a high-performance standmount loudspeaker that is an upgraded version of the standard Diamond 805 D4 model. It features a 1" Diamond Series tweeter and a 6.5" woofer with B&W's Continuum cone material. The Signature model has improved acoustical transparency, upgraded crossover, and enhanced construction to reduce unwanted noise and vibration. It offers accurate midrange reproduction and clean high frequencies, although it may lack in the lowest frequencies. The loudspeaker is recommended for small-to-medium-size listening rooms and has an elegant design with excellent performance. However, its high-frequency response may require careful setup and system matching. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a comprehensive list of recommended components for the year 2024, including audio amplifiers and headphones, focusing on their features, performance, and sound quality. The article provides a review of all products, as well as classes and pricing for each. The list includes the Thorens TD 124 DD turntable, the Graham Engineering Phantom Elite tonearm, and the Haniwa HCTR-CO MARKII phono cartridge. [Extracted from the article]

The Pass Laboratories XP-27 Phono Preamplifier is a high-quality audio equipment that amplifies sound signals. It is a fully balanced, dual-input phono preamplifier with adjustable settings on the front panel. The XP-27 features a separate power supply chassis to reduce noise and improve signal quality. It offers excellent technical and musical performance, with accurate RIAA equalization, low noise, low distortion, and the ability to handle low impedances well. The article includes visual representations of the XP-27's performance at different frequencies and input levels, which may be helpful for patrons researching audio equipment. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the EMT 928 II turntable, a modern turntable that combines sleek design with advanced technology. It provides a brief history of EMT, the manufacturer of the 928 II, and highlights the features and specifications of the turntable and its accompanying tonearm. The EMT 928 II is praised for its build quality, design, and ease of setup. It is made with high-quality materials and features height-adjustable feet and a built-in battery power supply. The turntable delivers exceptional dynamics, resolution, and a propulsive listening experience, making it a highly recommended choice for audiophiles. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the Dan D'Agostino Relentless preamplifier and its impact on the author's listening experience. The author initially encountered issues with the power regenerator and power supply, but testing determined that the preamp was not defective. The article describes the features and specifications of the preamp, including its power supply, input stage, volume control, and output stage. It also offers an optional digital streaming module. Insights from Dan D'Agostino and Bill McKiegan about the design and performance of the preamp are included. The article provides measurements and analysis that indicate the preamplifier has excellent performance, with low levels of noise and distortion, flat frequency response, superb channel matching, low crosstalk, and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Overall, the article suggests that the Dan D'Agostino Relentless preamplifier offers impressive performance for audio enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

The Dos Locos phono preamp, created by Ron Sutherland, is a highly regarded and minimalist piece of audio equipment that focuses on signal-path purity. It uses transimpedance to amplify the cartridge's electrical signal, resulting in a low noise floor and clear sound. However, it is important to note that it is designed for use with cartridges that have a low coil impedance. The article also discusses the improvements in Dynavector's XX-2A cartridge, which has a new annealing process that enhances sound quality. The XX-2A is praised for its clean sound and ability to handle difficult records. [Extracted from the article]

So, what's this all about? Most of you already know-after all, we've been doing it since 1991, and it's one of our most popular features. But if you're new to [...]

JAY JAY FRENCH HAS A BOOK OUT, BUT IT'S NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK, OR NOT EXACTLY. FRENCH EARNED FAME IN THE 1980S AS THE LEAD GUITARIST FOR TRANSVESTITE METAL [...]

Dear audio show exhibitors: This one's for you. As members of the press who have spent decades covering audio shows, we've developed a clear sense of what works for us [...]

Roon, the server/music-management software of choice for many audiophiles, has been sold to Harman, the parent company of Mark Levinson, Revel, and JBL as well as AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, [...]

Lenbrook, the parent company of NAD, PSB, and Bluesound, has announced the creation of a new business unit, Lenbrook Media Group. According to a press release dated January 4, 2024, [...]

I recently received a letter (not yet published) suggesting a need for a glossary of newer hi-fi terms. (1) Some audiophiles raised on physical media, it seems, are perplexed by [...]

The Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx V ($135,000-$151,000/pair) is the biggest, heaviest, most expensive loudspeaker I've had in my listening room. It replaces the original Alexx in Wilson's lineup; Michael Fremer [...]

Here's another Stereophile milestone, our second one this year. In August, we celebrated the magazine's 500th issue. This month, we celebrate a number that's smaller but almost as round: our [...]

The best sound, most advanced technology and desirable features, the ultimate expression of design and, of course, the greatest value for money. Every year, the EISA Awards applaud those products [...]

Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. Everything on the list, regardless of rating, is genuinely recommendable. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, [...]

Many loudspeaker designers are minimalists at heart. They embrace a design aesthetic that says that simpler is better. Based on the evidence of the company's R 8 Arrete, Ole Klifoth, [...]

Some well-informed readers will read that headline ('Is the end near for MQA?') and laugh out loud--especially members of the vocal minority that has rooted against MQA from the start. [...]

It's rare for a Stereophile reviewer to review two loudspeakers in a row from the same manufacturer, but then these are unusual times. Because of the pandemic, Magico's M2s got [...]

The TEAC UD-701N is a versatile two-channel D/A converter, streamer, line-level preamp, and headphone amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality and user-friendliness. With a variety of digital inputs, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, the UD-701N supports high-resolution audio formats like PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz, and MQA. The device's analog inputs and outputs exhibit low distortion, wide frequency response, and superb channel separation, making it a top choice for audiophiles seeking a high-performance audio component. The UD-701N's engineering thoroughness and elegant design make it a standout product in its category, offering a powerful and unprocessed sound that is sure to impress even the most discerning listeners. [Extracted from the article]

The Stereophile's 33rd Annual Product of the Year Awards for 2024 featured a range of audio products competing in various categories such as Amplification, Analog Source, Digital Source, Headphone, Accessory, Loudspeaker, and Budget. The winners were selected through two rounds of voting by audio-equipment reviewers, with products like the Accuphase A-300 Monoblock Power Amplifier, Well Tempered Amadeus 254 GT Record Player, and Wilson Audio Specialties Sasha V Loudspeaker receiving top honors. The awards highlighted a diverse selection of high-quality audio equipment that catered to different preferences and budgets, showcasing innovation and excellence in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Sabbagh, saxophone; Kenny Barron, piano; Joe Martin, bass; Johnathan Blake, drums Sunnyside SSC 1698 (LP). 2023. Jerome Sabbagh, prod.; Ryan Streber, Pete Rende, Bernie Grundman, engs. PERFORMANCE **** SONICS ****1/2 [...]

On this page in Stereophile's December issue, contributing editor (and mastering engineer) Tom Fine and I described a press event at which Apple Corps (the Beatles umbrella corporation) presented the [...]

In our November issue, Julie Mullins reported on two SoCal audio dealers who recently opened new showrooms. One of them--Pasadena-based Audio Element--opened a new facility in Carlsbad, just north of [...]

In a filing at Companies House, MQA, which as we previously reported is now owned by The Lenbrook Group, parent company of PSB Speakers, NAD Electronics, and Bluesound, has changed [...]

In the midst of his December Gramophone Dreams column, Herb Reichert presented the results of an experiment. He was listening to the most recent version of Zu Audio's Denon DL-103, [...]

Every product listed here has been formally reviewed in Stereophile. Everything on the list, regardless of rating, is genuinely recommendable. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each [...]

Currently, Stereophitts Recommended Components list includes 19 loudspeakers in Class A (Full Range). (1) As a group, these 19 speakers are, according to the Editor's Note we use to introduce [...]

One of the more audacious product introductions in recent years was of the Dan D'Agostino Relentless monoblock amplifiers. The imposing Relentless amps--the 'Epic' version replaced the original Relentless earlier this [...]

THIS issue: A new Beatles single, plus crappy streaming Atmos. On September 27, executives from Apple Corps and Universal Music Group held a press event at the Dolby Theater in [...]

McIntosh Laboratories has released an updated version of their successful ML1 loudspeaker, the ML1 Mk II. The new speakers feature a redesigned look and improved materials and construction methods, while still retaining some of the original features. The ML1 Mk II comes with dedicated stands and is built into a sealed-cabinet enclosure, offering a frequency range of 27Hz-45kHz. The article provides a detailed analysis of the speakers' performance and specifications, including measurements of their frequency response, impedance, and dispersion. The author recommends the ML1 Mk II for its powerful and detailed sound, suitable for various music genres, and mentions the associated equipment used in the review. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the Audiovector R 3 Arreté loudspeaker, which was first encountered by the author at a 2019 audio event. The R 3 is a 2.5-way bass-reflex speaker with unique concepts aimed at improving transient response, reducing compression, and enhancing the soundstage. The R 3 Arreté is a simpler and lighter version of the larger R 8 Arreté, but both models share some features. The speakers are praised for their low frequency response, off-axis imaging, accurate reproduction of instruments and vocals, and vast, immersive soundstage. They are considered a good value for their price. However, the speakers have a demanding load for amplifiers and a presence-region suckout that may make the treble sound polite or laid back. [Extracted from the article]