The Absolute Sound Podcast

In this video, Andrew Quint explores the immersive audio album 'The Orchestra Surrounds You,' which replicates the sonic experience of conducting a symphony orchestra. Join him as he highlights the album's realistic sound quality, achieved through advanced recording techniques and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's performance. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 1:30 - The Concept of Immersive Audio 3:15 - Recording Techniques & Sound Quality 5:00 - The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's Performance 6:45 - Spatial Audio Explained 8:00 - Final Thoughts & Recommendations What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Adrian Alexander reviews the LAiV Crescendo CHORUS power amps, exploring their affordability, build quality, and versatility in both stereo and monoblock configurations. These amplifiers offer impressive sound quality with a focus on tonal balance and soundstage depth, making them an excellent choice for music lovers who want high-end performance without breaking the bank. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 1:45 - Design & Build Quality 3:30 - Stereo vs. Monoblock Configurations 5:15 - Sound Quality & Performance 7:00 - Upgrade Path & Future Expansion 8:45 - Final Thoughts What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Join John Quain from The Absolute Sound as he takes an in-depth look at the Klipsch The Sevens II powered wireless speakers. Priced at $1,999.99 a pair, these active bookshelf monitors bridge the gap between high-res streaming convenience and classic, hard-hitting American audio performance. Developed in partnership with Onkyo, The Sevens II feature a 1-inch titanium vented tweeter paired with a Tractrix horn, a 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, and 200 watts of internal amplification per side. From vinyl playback to home theater integration via HDMI eARC, we put these speakers through their paces to find out exactly where they shine—and where they might be a bit too much to handle. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 2:23 - Design, Drivers, & Connectivity 4:26 - Dirac Live & Control Options 5:54 - Sound Quality & Volume Dynamics 7:33 - Music Tests (Rock, Jazz, & Classical) 10:35 - Final Verdict & Conclusion What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Most streamers at this price are chasing the same thing flat, neutral, maybe invisible. Those are just some of the common terms you hear people say when they're describing music streamers. Matrix built this one to do something else. Refined detail and a warm musical character both at once. And that's just how it sounds. And this is the matrix Ms1 C music streamer. This video is sponsored by: https://goebel-highend.de/ 00:00 Matrix Audio MS-1 01:50 Overview 05:13 DAC 06:15 Inputs & Outputs 09:24 Sound Quality 10:09 Is it for you? What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

For better or for worse, vinyl got me into the hobby of hi-fi and in many respects it’s still what drives my interest in equipment and fidelity. My system has evolved steadily over the years, and not always been a straight or simple path. That said, friends and fans have asked me for advice on building turntable-based systems over the years, some at the absolute entry level, and some in the high end. Well, this would be a taste of my own medicine because selecting an entire hifi system in one go is not an easy feat, but I gave it a go anyway, and you may be interested in the results... This video is sponsored by: https://rel.net 00:00 $15K System 01:52 Loudspeaker 02:50 Turntable 03:48 The System 09:28 Sound Quality 15:52 Is it for you? What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Soulution Audio is a Swiss manufacturer of electronics and turntables. Swiss amplifier companies seem to pursue extreme engineering and this is often accompanied by extreme pricing. Let’s see what the 717 offers and why you might or might not want it. This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/ 00:00 Soulution 717 Power Amp 01:28 Specs & Design 04:53 Sound Quality 07:37 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Aaron Jenkins reviews the Focal Mu-so Hekla, an all-in-one sound system that promises an immersive audio experience. At $3,600, it boasts 15 speakers, 660 watts of amplification, and support for high-res audio formats. With advanced connectivity options and five listening modes, including Dolby Atmos, Aaron explores its design, performance, and how it fits into everyday life. This video is sponsored by Fidelity Imports 00:00 Focal Mu-so Hekla 01:20 Overview 03:15 Design & Build Quality 06:45 Connectivity Options 09:30 Sound Performance 12:00 Listening Modes 14:30 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Instead of forcing you to piece together a complex computer-based setup or manage a noisy network-attached storage drive, Aurender positions this unit as a quiet, central anchor for your digital ecosystem. But at four thousand dollars, does it offer the practical everyday convenience and fidelity that a high-quality audio system demands? Let’s find out. This video is sponsored by: https://silentangel.com/ 00:00 Aurender ACS100 02:00 Overview 03:20 Physical Connectivity 07:56 First Impressions 09:11 Reference Equipment 09:43 Sound Quality 13:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

What would you buy if you wanted one box that does everything and actually looks really dang good doing it is a common question these days, right? The HiFi Rose RS451 is $3,295, and it's trying to solve that problem, not by cutting corners, by building a streamer, a DAC, and a headphone amp into one aluminum box with a screen that makes you want to really look at this thing. The question is whether it earns that price or if it just looks the part. This video is sponsored by: https://wireworldcable.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowpiXj2LBgvcTuRYqBzA1LerFapMSwvxzOn25yhhthD5RcKODY 00:00 Rose RS451 01:17 Specs & Design 04:50 DAC 07:28 Sound Quality 09:11 One Box vs "Stack" 11:09 Is it for you? 12:19 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

As you may know, there are technical reasons that active speakers can be advantaged, and as a result, I’ve covered a few of these speakers in the last year or so. ATC is also noteworthy as a major pro audio speaker-maker. I have had good experiences with some pro speakers, and active setups are common in that world, so it seemed interesting to try an active speaker from a pro company. The EL50 thankfully skips the industrial cosmetics typical in the pro world, since it has a consumer-only aesthetic. Let’s take a look at the results. This video is sponsored by: https://silent-angel-audio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopnyOIgN8kBfCZ3raKqdX4cLI6GwOg6wQy1VkoF8Mc5siNLiEq0 00:00 ATC EL50 01:34 Description 05:42 Sound Quality 12:49 Comparisons 16:20 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Can true wireless earbuds satisfy the critical ear of a high-end audio enthusiast? In this video, John Quain, a reviewer for The Absolute Sound, puts the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds to the test to see if they live up to their "Reference Class" branding. Priced at $299.99 USD, the EAH-AZ100s integrate advanced driver technology typically absent in consumer-grade wireless audio. John breaks down how these earbuds perform across various genres and technical categories. What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

The Advance Paris A10 APEX integrated amplifier represents an intriguing proposition in the contemporary Hi-Fi landscape. Retailing at $3,499 US, it positions itself as a feature-rich, high-value hub designed to capture the emotional core of analog playback while anchoring a modern digital system. Does it succeed? Find out! This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/ 00:00 Advance Paris A10 Apex 02:05 Overview 04:24 The DAC 06:11 Phonostage 06:42 Input/Outputs 07:24 Reference Equipment 08:13 Sound Quality 13:08 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Alan Taffel provides a sneak peek of what's to come from his full review of the 1400 Wpc Goldmund Telos 8800 Monoblock Amplifiers. You'll have to check out the complete review in an upcoming issue of The Absolute Sound magazine. What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

We've all heard of the word trifecta. So I was curious. What's the definition? There's a couple of them. One of them is any situation where three notable achievable are or outcomes occur together, especially if they're all positive. In short, it's a "triple win or powerful group of three". Does the Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack live up to the name? Let's find out! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier 00:00 Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack 01:43 Overview 03:02 Specs & Design 13:35 Sound Quality 14:47 Is it for you? 15:56 Equipment 16:26 Conclusion Adrian's Reference Equipment: -VIP Avenger Dual Arm Turn-Table – Ortofon Cadenza Moving Coil Cartridge Stereo -Mono Cadenza moving coil cartridge -Pass Labs X 22 Pre -Amp -Pass Lab 260.8 Mono Blocks -Shunyata Delta X Power Distrbutors -Mola Mola Lupe Phono Stage -YG-Acoustics Ascent Speakers -Bricasti M-21 Dac -Kimber Kable Carbon Speaker Cables -Kimber Kable XLR, RCA -Shunyata Power Cords Alpha X -Silent- Angle Extreme Trio Stack -Silent – Angle Z1-Plus Streamer -Two PS Audio Foundry 12inch Sub-woofers -Audio Quest VODKA Ethernet Cable -Dtari – Reel to Reel What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

We got an early review sample of the new S7 (2026). Both interested and well-heeled audiophiles sometimes ask the question “what do I get when I spend $100k on product X, rather than, say $10k?”. Many people who ask this sort of question aren’t actually shopping in these elevated price ranges; and for personal reasons it seems some of them seem to want the answer to be “spending 10x doesn’t get you much.” Other audiophiles, of course, are simply interested in what our latest technology can do, and still others are interested in actually deciding whether to buy these products. This video is for those latter groups. This video is sponsored by: https://www.passlabs.com/ 00:00 Magico S7 01:57 The Context 05:37 Product Description 08:02 Sound Quality 18:52 Comparisons 21:44 Summary Magico S5 First Listen & Factory Tour: https://youtu.be/_GLO88IUAoc?si=POkSeKV_R_4mJKjt Tom's Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpFUMNI?si=zrdtupzG04obZZgc AXPONA 2026: https://youtu.be/_7imVySQqCo?si=5vWwXF0A8q7tq2Sf Sound Lab G7-7C: https://youtu.be/LfcstIpA6nQ?si=u9YbE3bGdzZw-YOx What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, John Quain takes a closer look at the DALI KUPID entry-level bookshelf speakers. Priced at $600 for a pair, these compact speakers feature a two-way design with a rear port. We’ll explore their design, specifications, and sound quality, highlighting their balanced and natural sound, especially at lower volumes. Are they the right choice for your audio setup? Let’s find out. 00:00 Dali Cupid Bookshelf Speakers 00:45 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:15 Sound Quality 08:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

When introducing its second generation classic, a line of speakers, opera described them as embodying the classicism of both music and Italian craftsmanship. That's an intriguing description, but how does it apply to the Prima V2 bookshelf speaker? And is that speaker worth $3,600 a pair? This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/ Let's find out. 00:00 Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf 00:49 Overview 02:45 Specs & Design 04:22 Sound Quality 08:56 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Most amplifiers compete on features DACs, streaming room correction, app control. You guys know the 2026 menu that we just see so often lately. The Pass labs in 250 does the opposite here. No DAC, no streaming, no phono stage, no app. Just an amplifier and a preamp in one chassis. So the real question is, what does it mean to do one thing and do it well? This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair 00:00 Pass Labs INT-250 01:31 Overview 03:14 Specs & Design 06:13 Sound Quality 09:37 Is it for you? What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the Vimberg AMEA speaker, an affordable yet high-quality option from a company owned by Tidal Audio. He delves into its specifications, sound profile, and unique design, showcasing why this speaker is a great addition to any audio setup. 00:00 Vimberg AMEA Overview 01:30 Design & Materials 05:00 Sound Quality 10:15 Comparisons 12:45 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Michael Johnson reviews the Simco One, a two-way horn loudspeaker from Simco Audio. This speaker combines a unique design with high efficiency at a sensitivity of 95 dB. Michael explores the speaker's performance with various amplifiers and touches on its aesthetic appeal. 00:00 Simco One Overview 01:45 Design & Craftsmanship 05:30 Sound Quality 11:00 Amplifier Matching 14:15 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Matt reviews the ES Lab ES-2α electrostatic headphones, which promise a sound experience that feels both realistic and immersive. These headphones are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and impressive sound quality, especially in the bass and mid-range. With a design lineage tracing back to the iconic Stax SR-Ω, the ES-2α employs advanced materials to enhance acoustic transparency. Matt also explores their compatibility with various energizers and their standout treble performance, making them a noteworthy option in the electrostatic headphone landscape. 00:00 ES Lab ES-2α Overview 01:30 Design & Craftsmanship 05:00 Sound Quality 12:15 Comparisons 15:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Eminent Technology has built planar magnetic speakers for several decades. Their designer, Bruce Thigpen, is an original thinker and this is reflected in the design of the speakers. Having heard prior versions I guessed that the latest version LFT-8c might be interesting. And, as it happens, the $5600 per pair price tag falls nicely into my assignment to put together an attractive $15,000 system. I chose the NAD M23 v2 power amp, with new Purifi modules, and the Wattson Madison streaming DAC preamp to go with the LFT-8c. The Wattson and the NAD are each priced at $5000, so my total system fits within the +-10% rule we’ve set for this project. Total price is therefore $15,600. Let’s see what the Eminent Technology speakers contribute. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/ Linkwitz Review: https://youtu.be/7vF2r9PQ28o?si=wyN1izwHTTyvijmQ A3T Review: https://youtu.be/xgOsME15Atk?si=w8uI4Da1ORvhhgcH 00:00 Eminent Technology LFT-8c 02:00 Overview 06:36 Sound Quality 19:34 Comparisons 20:58 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In this video, Adrian reviews loudspeakers from Master Artist, a company founded by two friends from Memphis, Tennessee. Join him as he explores their unique sound quality and craftsmanship. 00:00 Master Artist Speakers 01:15 Overview 03:45 Craftsmanship & Design 08:20 Sound Quality 12:00 Founders' Journey 15:30 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

In an era where digital-to-analog converters are increasingly defined by computational arms races and hyper-analytical micro-detail, the German engineers at T+A elektroakustik have built something that fundamentally challenges modern digital dogma. They have engineered the DAC 200 to allows the listener to dictate exactly how much mathematical intervention is applied to their music. It can act as a highly sophisticated digital reconstruction engine for compromised signals, or it can step out of the way entirely and act as a perfectly open window. So, settle in while I share my observations on the T+A DAC 200. This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/ 00:00 T+A Elektroakustik DAC/Preamp 200 01:53 Overview 07:25 Double Differential Quadruple Converter 10:39 Bézier Polynomial Filtering 14:16 Sound Quality 19:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

This review will be quite a bit different. Here I’m reviewing a system of components from Esoteric. I’m covering the entire electronics chain from source to power amplification, all from Esoteric’s top Grandioso line. The idea is that there may be system synergies from this approach and the only way to get a feel for that is to listen to the system rather than individual components. Let’s take a look at this idea and at the Grandioso system. This video is sponsored by: https://www.hifiman.com/products/detail/295 00:00 Esoteric's Grandioso System 01:19 Components vs System 04:48 Specs & Features 08:16 Sound Quality 12:04 Insights from SACD 15:46 Comparisons 17:12 Summary

John Quain returns with his review of the Buchardt Audio P300 which are compact but not necessarily bookshelf, with their warm sonic profile, a passive oblong radiator for bass response, and much much mre from the Danish manufacturer. What does John ultimately conclude? Tune in to find out! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio 00:00 Bucharrdt P300 01:25 Overview 01:30 Specs & Design 04:16 Sound Quality 10:31 Summary

Absolute Sound viewers should be no stranger to turntables from Technics, which have dominated the market space since their reintroduction to listeners 10 years ago. We’ve reviewed many of their offerings on this channel, including the recently introduced SL-1300G which used the company’s next generation Delta-Sigma drive technology. Well, now Technics have carried this evolution down to their more entry level designs and updated the SL-1500C to the SL-1500CS. Can this reasonably-priced direct-drive table throw down with its more lauded older siblings? Stay tuned to find out. This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/ Micheal's 1300G Review: https://youtu.be/r1-jxRebLRU?si=g0EAyTIU3To_MC9b 00:00 SL-1500CS 01:28 Overview 02:07 Specs & Design 04:53 Set Up 05:53 Sound Quality 11:41 Phono Preamp 14:28 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

The KEF Coda W promises audiophile-grade sound from a speaker designed to be subtle, chic, but engaging — tailored for an office, dorm room, or small living space, but does it actually deliver? John Quain reports... 00:00 KEF Coda W 01:02 Overview 02:04 Specs & Design 04:53 Sound Quality 09:45 App & Remote Control 10:23 Summary This video is sponsored by: https://www.hifiman.com/products/detail/295

In this video, Robert Taylor dives into the world of music servers, focusing on the DeJitter it NUC-X server, priced at $8,000. He breaks down its technical enhancements, including a custom power supply and the removal of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi for superior audio performance. Robert also compared it to a standard Intel NUC, showcasing the remarkable improvements in sound clarity and bass definition. Plus, he reviews the DeJitter it Switch-X and discusses how high-quality networking equipment can elevate your audio experience. This video is sponsored by: HiFiMAN Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

00:00 Audio Solutions Vantage M 01:33 Specs & Design 04:50 Sound Quality 14:00 Comparisons 15:54 Character This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio Alexx V Review: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/wilson-audio-alexx-v-loudspeaker/

When putting together a hi fi system, we tend to obsess over the active components. We spend hours agonizing over amplifier topologies or DAC chips, but we often treat the literal foundation of our systems as an afterthought. So settle in while I share some thoughts on a piece of equipment that quietly supports this entire endeavor: The Quadraspire SV3T performance Hi-Fi rack. 00:00 Quadraspire Equipment Rack 00:56 Overview 01:46 Specs & Design 03:26 Customizability 04:24 Is it for you? This video is sponsored by: https://rel.net/ Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Five ten inch drivers per speaker. Alarmingly, that's not a typo, and it's by no means a gimmick either. The MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition is one of those speakers that just kind of stops you mid-sentence the moment you walk into a room in CES. Or maybe I should say, the moment you hire a crane operator to get them into your basement, they're big, they're impressive. They're beautiful. But how do they sound? Tune in to find out! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier 00:00 SourcePoint V10 01:35 A Story 02:44 Overview 04:04 888 vs V10 05:49 Specs & Design 10:06 Set Up 10:37 Sound Quality 14:55 Is it for you? Aaron Jenkins reviews the new and improved AE1 Loudspeaker from Acoustic Energy. A 40th year anniversary edition and update, how do these compare to the original? What's new? Tune in to find out... 00:00 AE1 40th Anniversary Edition 01:30 Overview 02:06 What's New? 04:17 Set Up 05:18 Sound Quality 09:31 Summary This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/ Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

00:00 AE1 40th Anniversary Edition 01:30 Overview 02:06 What's New? 04:17 Set Up 05:18 Sound Quality 09:31 Summary This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/

When all-in-one streaming amplifiers were first introduced a few years ago, they received a pretty frosty reception from audiophiles and musicians alike — and rightly so. But in the years since, significant research and technical improvements have transformed the category. Streaming apps have evolved to offer lossless features and a wealth of capabilities, and quite frankly, you just can't beat the price. Case in point: the Eversolo Play. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio 00:00 Eversolo Play 01:41 Overview 3:00 Features 05:17 Use 08:03 Sound Quality 12:16 Summary

Adrian Alexander went behind the gates of Kimber Kable's Ogden, Utah headquarters to see exactly what goes into making one of the most distinguished audio cable manufacturers in the world. From raw wire drawing to the signature hand-braiding process, Adrian got the inside scoop on the people and processes at Kimber Kable, including an exclusive interview with founder and owner Ray Kimble and a look at his IsoMike an experimental acoustic baffle system. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten 00:00 Inside Kimber Kable's Factory 01:54 Lonnie & Kimber's History 04:10 Factory Floor 08:36 Shipping 09:24 Production Manager 10:45 Product Manager 13:30 Heat Shrink 16:05 Graphic Designer 17:45 Meeting Ray Kimber 20:15 Ray Kimber Interview 24:21 Snake Oil? 25:55 IsoMike In Action 27:48 Listening Room 32:10 Counterfeits? 33:53 Wrap Up Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Do you really need a preamp? Many audiophiles say no — and if a DAC with volume control is your only source, they're technically right. But in Robert's experience, DACs connected directly to power amps tend to sound dull, with muted dynamics and anemic bass. Passive preamps often have the same problem. Today, Robert reviews the PS Audio PGA Signature Preamp to see if a quality active preamp makes the difference. This video is sponsored by: https://axpona.com/why-attend/?utm_source=TAS&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=2026 NADAC Review: https://youtu.be/ObKIIUHaOyo 00:00 PMG Signature Preamplifier 02:43 Overview 06:55 Sound Quality 10:54 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

In the past year or so, I have reviewed a reasonably large swath of the DACs in the $10k to $50k range. There are many such DACs to consider however, so this has not been a complete survey. And it will likely continue – and still be incomplete. Today, I consider a streamer/DAC combination from WADAX that from some angles is the best DAC I’ve covered. Let’s take a look at what that means, because, well, details matter if you actually consider buying the equipment we review and you actually listen to the equipment you buy. 00:00 WADAX Studio DAC 01:14 Overview 02:10 Features 04:38 Sound Quality 13:00 Musical Examples 16:02 Summary

In this video, Adrian Alexander dives into the McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC, exploring its eye-catching design and impressive audio performance. Join him as he shares his thoughts on this high-resolution audio device and its nostalgic connection to vintage audio gear. 00:00 McIntosh DS200 01:15 Overview 02:45 Design & Aesthetics 05:30 Technical Specifications 08:15 Listening Experience 12:00 Final Thoughts Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

The Perlisten A3t is an unusual design. That unusual design accomplishes sonic results different from 90% or more of the speakers on the market. You may or may not want that difference, but I think you will want to know about it. Let’s check it out. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/ Perlisten Profile: https://youtu.be/rkNmzkS9cNs?si=DABLAGowVdC4fjxX 00:00 Perlisten A3t 01:32 Overview 03:29 Sound Quality 15:24 Comparisons 16:32 Downsides 17:08 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Recently returning from yet another consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, I was reminded of a CES of over 40 years ago, when a company called Martin Logan introduced an audacious, stunning set of towering electrostatic speakers. In the 40 plus years since then, they've become a venerable name in the audio business, making not just cutting edge tower speakers, but also in wireless speakers, wireless systems, even a soundbar or a set of bookshelf speakers such as the Motion B100s. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier 00:00 Martin Logan - B100 01:19 Overview 02:58 First Impressions 03:48 Specs & Design 05:52 Sound Quality 10:51 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Matt Coykendall returns with his review of the ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers comprised of the Hagen² Monitor and the Alberich² active bass module this speaker system not only packs a clean, articulate bass, but impressive dynamics, and even a high "wife acceptance factor". Is the ALBERICH² SYSTEM for you? Tune in to find out. 00:00 Voxativ ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers 01:33 Overview 02:57 Specs & Design 05:54 Sound Quality 11:43 Technical Considerations 12:33 Is it for you? 14:50 Final Thoughts Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Robert Taylor takes a deep dive into the Master Fidelity NADAC D and NADAC C — a groundbreaking $50,000 DAC and master clock combo built around the world's first custom one-bit ASIC chip since Philips' legendary TDA 1547 back in 1988. Does this ultra-ambitious pairing from the Vancouver-based team finally deliver on digital audio's long-promised potential? Tune in to find out! This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com 00:00 NADC D & C 01:12 Overview 04:45 Sound Quality 11:53 DADC DAC 13:12 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

In the second half of 2025, Audio Research launched six new products in both tube and solid state areas of design. One of those, the D80 Power Amplifier is a unit that I reviewed, this past July right when the series launched. Well, this time I got to spend some quality listening time with the natural pairing to the D80, the LS2 preamplifier a line stage with intriguing features and an even more intriguing value proposition. This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/ 00:00 ARC LS2 Preamplifier 01:33 Overview 02:28 Specs & Design 05:05 Set Up 06:36 Sound Quality 13:40 Compare & Contrast 15:10 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

In the world of high end audio. $230 isn't a lot of money, especially when those $230 gets you a pair of two way active bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth, dual RCA inputs, and a subwoofer output. The big question, of course, is how do they sound? So let's dig into the Edifier 1700BTS speakers. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/ 00:00 Edifier 1700BTS 01:40 Overview 03:08 Specs & Design 05:25 Set Up 06:15 Sound Quality 11:39 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

The Eversolo DAC Z10 is a logical step-up option for audiophiles building their systems beyond, say, the $5000 level. At $5000, plus or minus a bit, you probably spend $1000 on a streamer and DAC, $1500 to $2500 on amplification and $1500 to $2500 on speakers. You might balance this differently, but you just don’t have budget for a $1400 streamer and a $2000 DAC, which is what the two Eversolo products we’re looking at cost at review time. If, however, you are working on upgrades or just straight-up buying a system around $10,000 or so, these products might fit nicely. Let’s see what they offer. This video is sponsored by: 00:00 DAC Z10 and T8 02:13 DAC Z10 Features 09:50 Sound Quality 13:34 Voicing 16:00 T8 Streamer 20:26 Additional Important Thoughts 21:01 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

In this video, John Quain dives into the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S3 wireless headphones, exploring their refined sound profile and standout features. Priced at $479, these over-ear noise-canceling headphones boast 40mm dynamic drivers and support Bluetooth 5.3 with AptX Lossless codec. I’ll discuss their impressive battery life, customizable EQ via a smartphone app, and a sound stage that delivers clarity and detail across various music genres. If you're an audiophile looking for your next pair of headphones, this review is for you! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

I am well aware that audio coverage on YouTube has something of a histrionic slant. In an algorithmic media world, I suppose that is to be expected. The problem of course is that when something truly special comes along, if treated with the standard approach, it can get mentally dumped by viewers into the “more BS hysteria” bucket. I offer this warning because the product I’m covering today is, I think, truly special, but since I try to avoid histrionics, I’m not going to attempt to express that with wild exaggerations or shouting. This amplifier will not alter audio history, transform your music or improve your sex life. This is however, a very good amplifier and a real bargain in the right system. As always, its particular sonic profile and capabilities may not fit your needs, so that must be kept in mind. Okay, let’s take a look at the Wattson Madison power amplifier. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest8000/

Senior reviewer Steven Stone returns with a brief overview of his experience at Denver's Head-Fi meet up. Not quite a Can-Jam or major show a Head-Fi Meet Up sits right in the sweet spot between casual enthusiast get together and large professional show. What did he find out? Tune in to learn more! This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/ Who is Steven Stone? https://youtu.be/JMHqM4ixlEM?si=wc6ZBl6WT293v9Sa Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

In January 2026, Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems celebrated its 15th anniversary with the launch of the Momentum Z Mono Amplifier at their Cave Creek, Arizona facility. Priced around $125,000 per pair, this flagship amplifier features new Kinetic Drive Regulator technology. Michael Fremer reports, tune in to learn more! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Michael Johnson reviews the hefty, unique Krypton3X floor standing loudspeaker. With a frequency response primed for revelation, Michael discovers some of his hi-fi test tracks aren’t what he thought they were. Is this inviting or distracting? Tune in to find out. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio Tom’s Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpFUMNI?si=e6D_49RWcZIUG5_h 00:00 Krypton3X 01:34 Specs & Design 05:21 Set Up 08:04 Sound Quality 20:22 Is it for you? 23:04 Summary Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound