LATEST ADDITIONS

Gramophone Dreams #103: Ortofon MC X40 phono cartridge, Robyatt & Lundahl step-up transformers

Herb Reichert Nov 26, 2025

The new MC X-series moving coil cartridges appear to have jumped the fence and broken free of what I long perceived as Ortofon's traditional Scandinavian style. This month, I'm auditioning the top of the X series, the MC X40, which costs $1150 and sounds almost Japanese.

Re-Tales

Re-Tales #60: Matt Alterman's Crescendo Audio Returns to Boulder

Julie Mullins Nov 25, 2025

A hi-fi dealer's son, Matt Alterman has been in or near the business almost all his life. His dealership, Crescendo Audio, is coming full circle as he opens a new location in Boulder, Colorado, the town where he launched his first store 13 years ago.

Capital AudioFest 2025

Audio Note (UK) TT Three Reference & Izvor DAC debut

Ken Micallef Nov 25, 2025

Following a video interview for Stereophile's video channel (watch it below and subscribe here), Audio Note UK's Adrian Ford-Crush played tunes from a Level 4/5 system that included the brand's TT Three Reference turntable ($63,000), which debuted at T.H.E. New York International Audio Show.

Sweepstakes

Bring Home Eversolo Play – Your All-in-One Music Hub

Stereophile Marketing Nov 24, 2025

Good news!

You now have the chance to win the Eversolo Play—an all-in-one HiFi hub that seamlessly integrates a streamer, DAC, and amplifier, and is the proud winner of the EISA Best Value Streaming Amplifier 2025–2026 award.

With its minimalist design, smart interactive experience, and exceptional high-fidelity sound, Play redefines the way you connect with your music.

This is more than just a giveaway—it's your ticket into the world of Hi-Fi audio.

Join now for a chance to win your very own Eversolo Play!

Capital AudioFest 2025

J.Sikora, Aidas, Berkeley, and Gryphon star in Command Performance AV's Democracy Room

Ken Micallef Nov 24, 2025

Anthony Chiarella, director of sales and marketing for Gryphon NA, was joined by Command Performance AV CEO Jeff Fox and sales manager Jessie Bentley to present two debuts.

Capital AudioFest 2025

Blink High End & Matterhorn Audio Group bring Børresen, Thuono, FinkTeam, Linn, HiDiamond, and Audience

Ken Micallef Nov 22, 2025

The three heavy hitters noted above brought Italian heavy hitter Thuono to Capital Audiofest (CAF), showing the Thuono TH400 turntable ($59,500) for the first time in the US. I've noted these handsome machines at High End Munich; it's great to finally see the brand stateside.

Capital AudioFest 2025

Audio-Technica’s NARUKAMI HPA-KG NARU and ATH-AWKG anchor a statement headphone system

Ken Micallef Nov 22, 2025

I was pleased to finally meet John Tarulli, Hi-Fi Sales Manager at Audio-Technica US. A mainstay in hi-fi, consumer, and pro electronics since 1962, Audio-Technica doesn't necessarily need audiophiles, but we sure do need Audio-Technica.

Capital AudioFest 2025

Gershman Symphoria Debuts with LampizatOr Aphrodite, VAC Master, and Cardas

Ken Micallef Nov 22, 2025

Ofra Gershman debuted her new Symphoria loudspeakers ($70,000/pair) at CAF. Joining the loudspeakers were a LampizatOr Aphrodite DAC ($105,000) and a Gulfstream music server ($8500).

Capital AudioFest 2025

High End by Oz and United Home Audio showcase Thrax, Viva, and Stenheim

Ken Micallef Nov 22, 2025

High End by Oz's Oz Turan pops up at shows when least expected, often showing new gear or teaming up with new brands. This year at CAF, Oz systems (and Oz himself) appeared in two rooms.

Capital AudioFest 2025

Gestalt Fine Audio showcases the SW1X DAC V Classic and Cinnamon Cassia loudspeakers

Ken Micallef Nov 22, 2025

From Maryland to Munich, I've been consistently impressed by the audio systems of Nashville, Tennessee's Gestalt Fine Audio. This year's CAF continued the streak.