High End Munich: Audio Reference "Most Exclusive System Ever" with Wilson and D'Agostino

CH Precision and Audiovector with TechDAS at High End Munich 2025

LATEST ADDITIONS

Capital AudioFest 2024

Supreme Acoustic Systems: YG Acoustics, Bergmann Audio, AirTight, Cardas

Ken Micallef Nov 16, 2024

Supreme Acoustic Systems and Axiss Audio brought the kind of equipment that gooses my reviewer’s jones for new review gear. From the Brutalist looking Bergmann Audio turntable to the fantastical YG speakers to the fetish worthy AirTight amps, I tried to maintain dry palms while taking notes.

New Products

DALI Debuts EPIKORE Series Speakers in New York

Kal Rubinson Nov 16, 2024

Following the release of their statement product KORE loudspeaker in 2022 and the impressive EPIKORE 11 4½ way floorstander ($60,000) in 2023, DALI has introduced three new EPIKORE models, two more compact floorstanders and a stand-mount loudspeaker, to expand the series into a full line. All were on display and in action for the press in multiple listening rooms at Park Avenue Audio in NYC.

Warsaw Audio Show 2024

Cube Audio + Lampizator + Tekton = Fine Sound

Jason Victor Serinus Nov 16, 2024

It felt like a homecoming, albeit a strange one—in that just as I began to sink into or groove on what was playing, the track abruptly shifted to another. Such demos, alas, always strike me as more about sound than music. Even with that reservation, the sound on Camo & Krooked's "Witch Doctor" and Hugo Barriol's "Hold My Hand" was sufficiently engaging to make me wish I could have heard far more.

Capital AudioFest 2024

Command Performance AV: J.Sikora, Doshi, Audiovector, REL, Gryphon, Marten, SOTA, Transparent, Solid Tech

Ken Micallef Nov 15, 2024

The high-end audio world, with its shiny boxes and astronomical price tags, often gets a bad rap. People dismiss it as a playground for the wealthy, a place where form trumps function. But Jeff Fox, the mastermind behind Command Performance AV, isn’t buying it. He’s here to prove that high-end audio isn’t just about showing off; it’s about experiencing the blood, guts, and beauty of music. If the prices start to rise, at least you were warned.

Capital AudioFest 2024

Bending Wave and Tone Imports: Göbel, Wadax, Riviera Audio Labs, Shunyata

Ken Micallef Nov 15, 2024

Bending Wave’s Elliot Goldman and Tone Imports’ Jonathan Halpern brought a change of pace to the Jackson Suite, with not one or two but eight US debuts for the rowdy Capital Audiofest (CAF) crowd.

Recording of the Month

Recording of December 2024: Faces at the BBC

Robert Baird Nov 14, 2024

Faces at the BBC, Complete BBC Concert & Session Recordings 19701973
Rhino R2726026 603497827824 (8 CDs/1 Blu-ray). 2024. Rob Caiger, prod.; Nick Robbins, Dave Corbett, engs.
Performance *****
Sonics ***½

The record business was awash in money and power. Vinyl LPs were still five bucks, and while the pressings could be suspect, the music-buying public still snapped them up en masse. Even in that world of gatefolds, inserts, and textured covers, Faces' Ooh La La remains an impressive sleight of hand. Made up of remnants from two other bandsThe Small Faces and The Jeff Beck Groupthe band's five colorful louts could have been musical world-beaters, but in the end were more interested in having a good time.

Capital AudioFest 2024

Matterhorn Audio Group – Plaza 1: Kroma Atelier, Aavik, Technics, Linn, Creek, Ansuz, HiDiamond, PSI

Mark Henninger Nov 13, 2024

One of the showpiece rooms at Capital Audiofest 2024 was the Matterhorn Audio Group demo in Plaza 1, which is essentially a small ballroom. The rarefied systems shown were up to the task of filling the spacious room with beautiful music.

Capital AudioFest 2024

True Source Audio Distribution / Sierra Sound Debut G.I.P Laboratory 4165

Ken Micallef Nov 12, 2024

True Source Audio Distributors debuted the massive G.I.P. Laboratory 4165 field coil horn-loaded loudspeakers at CAF, featuring the Japanese company’s replicas of the original Western Electric 4165 driver. The 70lb G.I.P. 4165 Radiata pine cabinets filled nearly half of the small Hilton room. G.I.P.’s TW 38 tweeter sat atop the large cabinets.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2024 Classical Record Reviews

Jason Victor Serinus, Stephen Francis Vasta Nov 11, 2024

Bruckner: Symphony No.4 "Romantic", Anima Eterna Brugge/Pablo Heras-Casado; Brahms: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra Nos.1 & 2; Works for Solo Piano Opp.116119, Igor Levit, piano; Wiener Philharmoniker, Christian Thielemann, cond.; Dvorák: Symphonies Nos.79; Nature, Life, And Love, Czech Philharmonic/Semyon Bychkov; The Kurt Weill Album: Symphonies Nos.1&2; The Seven Deadly Sins, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Joana Mallwitz, cond.; Katharine Mehrling, vocals.

Music and Recording Reviews

November 2024 Rock/Pop Record Reviews

Robert Baird, Phil Brett, Ray Chelstowski Nov 11, 2024

Will Kimbrough: For the Life of Me; Goat Girl: Below the Waste; Deep Purple: =1; Wand: Vertigo.