Audio Skies Michael Vamos - YG Acoustics, JMF Audio, Ideon at Capital Audiofest 2025

The Listening Room and Fidelity Imports - Diptyque DP-160 Mk.2 at Capital Audiofest 2025

Fidelity Imports Audia Flight and Perlisten System

Fidelity Imports Wilson Benesch and Audia Flight System at Capital Audiofest 2025

J Sikora Aspire, Innuos Stream 3, Aurender N50, Gryphon Antileon Revelation, Command Performance AV

Bella Sound Kalalau Preamplifier: Interview with Mike Vice

BorderPatrol Zola DAC – Gary Dews at Capital Audiofest 2025

Audio Note UK TT3 Reference Turntable Debut at Capital Audiofest 2025

Kevin Hayes of VAC at Capital Audiofest 2025

2WA Group debuts Aequo Ensium at Capital Audiofest 2025

Capital Audiofest 2025 lobby marketplace walk through day one

Lucca Chesky Introduces the LC2 Loudspeaker at Capital Audiofest 2025

Capital Audiofest 2025 Gary Gill interview

LATEST ADDITIONS

As We See It

Hidden Music, Fake Musicians

Jim Austin Dec 17, 2025

Lately in this space I've focused on all things (rather, some things) analog. This month I return to digital, specifically to streaming. I love listening to records, but I also listen to a lot of streamed music. I'm a Qobuz devotee, since Qobuz is the most approachable streaming service and the friendliest to audiophiles.

Music and Recording Reviews

December 2025 Classical Record Reviews

Jason Victor Serinus, Stephen Francis Vasta Dec 16, 2025

G.F. Handel: Handel Arias, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson; Dvořák: Slavonic Dances; John Dowland/Henry Purcell: Songs of Passion; Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 In G Major, Sciarrino: Il Sogno Di Stradella; Mozart: Sonata in C, Andante with Variations, Schubert: Duo in A minor; Fantasy in F minor.

Music and Recording Reviews

December 2025 Jazz Record Reviews

Thomas Conrad Dec 16, 2025

Nicole Glover: Memories, Dreams, Reflections; Randy Ingram: Aries Dance; Eric McPherson: Double Bass Quartet.

Music and Recording Reviews

December 2025 Rock/Pop Record Reviews

Robert Baird, Ray Chelstowski Dec 16, 2025

Jeff Tweedy: Twilight Override; Big Thief: Double Infinity; Blood Orange: Essex Honey; Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited, Live at Lockn'.

Budget Component Reviews Phono Cartridge Reviews

Excel Sound/LP Gear The Vessel Moving Magnet Cartridge System

Tom Fine Dec 15, 2025

When it comes to phonography, I'm not terribly picky, but I do have preferences. I maintain my records well because I prefer to play clean records, with minimal pops, clicks, and crackle to distract me. I like a phono cartridge that tracks average platters perfectly and difficult sides at least very well.

Features

Phono Cartridge Variations and the Modern Industry

Tom Fine Dec 15, 2025

In the context of a modern hi-fi system, phono cartridges are most akin to loudspeakers in that both are electromechanical transducers. Cartridges convert the mechanical movements of a stylus tracing a record groove to an electrical current.

Sweepstakes

Analog Fans: Enter to Win a $750 RTM Reel-to-Reel Tape Bundle!

Stereophile Marketing Dec 14, 2025

Get ready, analog lovers—RTM, the leader in premium reel-to-reel tapes, blank cassettes, and pro-grade recording accessories, is giving you the chance to win big. We’re excited to announce a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will receive $750 worth of Recording the Masters reels—winner’s choice! Whether you’re a studio engineer, musician, or dedicated audiophile, RTM’s advanced magnetic tape technology delivers the high-fidelity, durable sound you rely on for recording, mastering, and archiving. Now’s your chance to stock up on the best in modern analog.

Integrated Amp Reviews

Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600.2 integrated amplifier

Martin Colloms Dec 12, 2025

The very first Nu-Vista product was a preamplifier dubbed the Nu-Vista PRE. Launched in 1997, it was the second audio product to utilize nuvistors, small, metal-clad vacuum tubes introduced in 1959 to compete with bipolar-junction transistors. The first power amplifier to utilize nuvistors was the ovoid Nu-Vista 300.

Floor Loudspeaker Reviews

Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 loudspeaker

Thomas J. Norton Dec 11, 2025

Geez, they're big! The Arendal 1528 Tower 8, the premier model in Arendal's new 1528 loudspeaker line, reached higher than my chin and weighed roughly 200lb unpacked; you can add another 100lb or so for the shipping boxes and pallets.

Budget Component Reviews Digital Processor Reviews

LAiV Harmony µDAC D/A processor

Herb Reichert Dec 10, 2025

Today I'll be describing an "acorn" DAC, the least-expensive yet. LAiV Audio's new µDAC is small, costs just $994 ($1049 as of January 1 2026), and is dancing at the same party as the high-intensity, high-priced DACs. It offers listeners a unique perspective on what quality digital can sound like.