Gramophone Dreams #107: LAiV GaNM monoblock, Record Doctor VI (20th Anniversary Edition)

Gramophone Dreams #107: LAiV GaNM monoblock, Record Doctor VI (20th Anniversary Edition)

The first thing I noticed about the LAiV Audio GaNM monoblock amplifier is its unusual shape and size; it occupies space differently than the other, more basic amplifiers on my rack. The GaNMs sat there giving off a megalithic vibe.

The Lemay Audio Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026

The Lemay Audio Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Robert Schryer speaks with Lemay Audio founder François Lemay about the equipment shown in this room, including Lemay Audio Dayton Wright Hommage 7.3 speakers, a Tenor Audio 175 HP amplifier, and a Grimm Audio MU2 server/DAC/preamplifier.

The Sound Choice Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Matrix Audio, Fezz Audio, Fyne Audio, Synergistic Research, Western Electric

The Sound Choice Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Matrix Audio, Fezz Audio, Fyne Audio, Synergistic Research, Western Electric

In our latest update from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Robert Schryer gives us the lowdown on what he saw and heard in The Sound Choice Room, which included gear from Matrix Audio, Fezz Audio, and Fyne Audio.

Chess Records Celebrates 75 Years

Chess Records Celebrates 75 Years

Blues giant Howlin' Wolf was recently celebrated with the launch of the Chess 75 Acoustic Sound Series, along with three other deserving blues artists. A collaboration between UME and Analogue Productions, these $40, 180gm LPs were, according to official paperwork, remastered from original analog tapes.

Bliss Acoustics Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026

Bliss Acoustics Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Robert Schryer speaks with Bliss Acoustics proprietor Dragan Reljic about the equipment shown in this room, including the J.Sikora Reference turntable, Gryphon Antileon Revelation amplifier, and Kroma Atelier Jovita loudspeakers.

SPL at Montreal Audiofest 2026

SPL at Montreal Audiofest 2026

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with SPL cofounder Hermann Gier about the equipment shown in this room, including the SPL Crossover Mk2 active analog 2-way crossover, SPL Performer s900 amplifier (look for the forthcoming Stereophile review), and SPL Performer s1200 amplifier.

Montreal Audiofest 2026 Room Visit: ArtistCloner, Saturn Audio, Baetis Audio, Tough Nut Audio

Montreal Audiofest 2026 Room Visit: ArtistCloner, Saturn Audio, Baetis Audio, Tough Nut Audio

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Robert Schryer gets the scoop on all the ArtistCloner, Saturn Audio, Baetis Audio, and Tough Nut Audio gear shown in this room.

The Filtronique Son-or Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Moonriver, Harbeth, Transrotor, Sorane, Dynavector, Ton Trager, AudioQuest, Canopée Audio, dCS, Tellurium Q

The Filtronique Son-or Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Moonriver, Harbeth, Transrotor, Sorane, Dynavector, Ton Trager, AudioQuest, Canopée Audio, dCS, Tellurium Q

We loved this analog-based setup in one of retailer Filtronique Son-or's rooms at Montreal Audiofest 2026—not too complicated setup-wise but packing a powerful sonic punch that defied analysis because it was so well-blended, coherent, and right-sounding.

Codell Audio Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Quad, Brinkman, Supatrac, Zesto Audio, REL, Saturn Audio, Audience

Codell Audio Room at Montreal Audiofest 2026: Quad, Brinkman, Supatrac, Zesto Audio, REL, Saturn Audio, Audience

How did an almost all-Quad system, featuring the brand’s 33 preamplifier w/ phono stage ($2299) and a pair of 303 power amps ($2299/each) in monoblock configuration driving flagship ESL 2912X speakers ($26,495/pair), sound in the Codell Audio room at Montreal Audiofest 2026? Read on to find out. . .

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