Analog
McIntosh MP1100 Phono Preamplifier | REVIEW
When the McIntosh MP1100 phono preamplifier arrived at my doorstep, I was as excited as when I saw the first McIntosh product at 12 years old. I admit, I am a McIntosh fan boy, perhaps […]
Month: July 2017
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: The Voice That Is launches a Tidal wave
You can say two things for certain about high-end audio dealer Doug White: He has terrific ears and is very discerning. White runs The Voice That Is, a Philadelphia-based shop. He is a fixture at […]
Loudspeakers
Mini-Review: Zu Audio Dirty Weekend Omen Version II
by John Richardson Sometimes just reading the news here at PTA gets me into trouble. Like last March, when I happened upon a blurb about Zu Audio’s Dirty Weekend event, where a stripped down version […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Wyred 4 Sound, KEF offer attainable sonic bliss
In the retail trade, products by Michael Kors and Kate Spade are considered “affordable luxury.” They offer a taste of opulence, but with prices significantly below Chanel or Neiman Marcus. High-end audio has its more […]
Announcements
Burwell & Sons showcase Plain Jane, unveil new active and passive loudspeakers at California Audio Show
If you’ve hit a recent audio show, chances are you’ve had an opportunity to hear Burwell & Sons loudspeakers. The bespoke, vintage Altec driver designs are beautiful to look at, and convey true tone, timbre, […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Raidho D1.1 speakers create big sound from small box
I get the impression that Raidho Acoustics is one of those high-end companies that does things in what it believes is the “right” way, no matter the cost. Raidho essentially confirms this on its website. […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: ATC brings pro sound into your home
I’ve long heard good reports about ATC speakers and electronics, but never seemed to be in the right place for a substantial demo. I finally corrected that situation at the Los Angeles Audio Show, where […]
Announcements
GoldenEar Triton References: in Dealers Now and Ready for Audition
A little bird (okay, okay, it was Sandy Gross) told me that the long-lusted-for (by yours truly) flagship GoldenEar loudspeakers, the Triton Reference ($8,498US/pair), are now “out in the wild”. Highly anticipated, GoldenEar has now […]
Announcements
Grado Labs Introduces Their Finest Cartridges: EPOCH and AEON
Received some rather interesting news out of Brooklyn, NY today. Grado Labs has some brand new phono cartridges! Grado Epoch: $12,000; August 2017 Grado Aeon: $6,000; Early 2018 From the press release: The Brooklyn Company Kicks […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Rethm, Audio Hungary, Aqua create pleasing sound at attractive price
Looking at price tags at audio shows quickly can start your head spinning. Yes, this hobby is called the high-end, but really? That’s why I always enjoy finding rooms where the rig sounds great, but […]
Audiophile Journal
A Synthesis of Art | Moogfest 2017
Words and Photos by Eric Franklin Shook Click here for MOOGFEST 2017 // Part Two. The synthesis of music, art, and technology Their mission: “Grow a community of futurists who explore emerging sound technologies and […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Nola Gold 2s play music like ringing a bell
Nola speakers don’t look like anything else. In my experience, hearing hundreds of different transducers at shows each year, they don’t sound like anything else, either. Visually, putting Nolas in your room is something like […]
Lifestyle
The Smoking Jacket: Pablo’s Boutique
By Marc Phillips As an agnostic progressive, I’ve learned to keep my own counsel when herfing with strangers or casual acquaintances. I don’t want to perpetuate any stereotypes about knuckle-dragging cigar smokers, but I also […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017 Video: The High End Zone, Perfect8 Technologies, Ypsilon Electronics
Through the Looking Glass. This is the Lewis Carroll sequel to the much more famous Alice in Wonderland. In it Alice again acquires entry to a magical world, this time by climbing through a […]
Lifestyle
Spirited Away: Basil Hayden’s, Four Roses Single Barrel, Michter’s US*1 Unblended American Whiskey
by Brian Hunter This is a tale of three whiskeys. All damn good whiskeys in their own right, mind you, but this trifecta happens to land very close to each other in price as well […]
Announcements
Lyn Stanley’s MOONLIGHT SESSIONS: VOLUME TWO Release Date 8/15
An update from Lyn Stanley on her upcoming album, Moonlight Sessions, Volume Two. Press Release Artist: Lyn Stanley Title: The Moonlight Sessions, Volume Two UPC Code: 738964322790 (SACD), 738964322806 (Special Limited Edition LP) Label: A.T. Music […]
Announcements
AudioQuest shipping Beetle Optical DAC with Asynchronous USB/Bluetooth
AudioQuest has the Beetle DAC page live on it’s website, and is taking orders, and shipping them out… which means… WELCOME TO THE FUTURE. For those not in the know the Beetle is capable of […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Nothing baffling about performance of Emerald Physics speakers
There always are a number of mini-trends going on at any one time in the high-end. Lately, some of those have includes tape decks, vibration-control devices and integrated amps. Among speaker manufacturers, the open-baffle concept […]
LAAS 2017
LA Audio Show 2017: Nordost’s new QKore devices help you stay grounded
You have to hand it to Nordost. While many audiophiles are still hotly debating the degree to which wire and various tweaks can improve a system’s sound, the Massachusetts-based company just keeps doing straightforward A/B […]
Announcements
Rega launches all-new Planar 6 with Neo PSU, Ania moving-coil cartridge
UK high fidelity manufacturer, and turntable-design legend Rega has just released an update to it’s highly-capable RP6, and following the form of the last couple years with other turntable upgrades in the line, it is […]