The Ascot Grandstand’s wide concourses are built to move people quickly, so you walk room‑to‑room instead of queuing for elevators. The show features audio demos, interactive workshops, a vinyl fair, and a Headphone Zone, along with free parking, and on‑site food and drink. The show has expanded the Headphone…
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The UK Hi‑Fi Show Live is back at Ascot Racecourse’s Grandstand on September 27–28, 2025. Doors open 9:30am–5:30pm Saturday and 9:30am–5:00pm Sunday. Unlike hotel‑based shows, Ascot’s Grandstand gives exhibitors larger rooms and wide concourses, with more space between demo areas.
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-chassis D/A processor. Conversion resolution: 24/2.8824MHz or 3.072MHz. Bandwidth: DC to 150kHz, –3dB. Analog outputs level: Balanced (XLR): 2V RMS low, 5V RMS mid, 10V RMS high; half those values via the single-ended outputs (RCA/BNC). S/N ratio: >121dB. THD+N: <0.003%, full scale with 22kHz measurement bandwidth. Power consumption: Standby, <0.5W; normal operation: 120W max.
Dimensions: Main unit: 17.3" (440mm) W × 5.23" (133mm) H × 17.3" (440mm) D. Weight: 44lb (20kg) (converter); 51lb (23kg) (power supply).
Finish: Silver…
Those of us who review audio equipment, and even audiophiles who don't, often talk about our reference systems. The term implies a certain level of consistency. If you are changing components every week, your system probably lacks the stability to be a true reference. In the case of reviewers, this presents an irony: Those most in need of a reference system are called on to change out components more frequently than other folks. Our reference systems are intrinsically unstable.
How do we deal with this? By maintaining as much stability as we can. When forced to change (as we are often),…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I performed a full set of measurements on the Bricasti M21 using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system. The coaxial S/PDIF, optical TosLink, and AES3 inputs all accepted data sampled at rates up to 192kHz. Apple's AudioMIDI utility revealed that the USB port accepted 32-bit integer data sampled at all rates from 44.1kHz to 768kHz. The USB Prober app identified the M21 as "MDx" from "Bricasti" and indicated that the USB port operated in the optimal isochronous asynchronous mode. When I connected the Bricasti's Ethernet port to my network, Roon recognized the processor…
BluOS, the multiroom platform from Lenbrook Media Group, announced upcoming support for Qobuz Connect. The integration will let listeners cast music directly from the Qobuz app to any compatible BluOS player.
For Stereophile readers, the advantage is simple: direct-from-app, high-resolution streaming to BluOS devices (up to 24-bit/192kHz) without workarounds. Users select and control music in the Qobuz app; speaker and volume remain in the BluOS app. The company says the feature will work across BluOS brands including Bluesound, NAD Electronics, PSB Speakers, Cyrus Audio, DALI, and…
Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, Inc. (TADL) has appointed Rutherford Audio Inc. as distributor for its hi-fi consumer products in Canada and the US.
TADL says the partnership is aimed at strengthening its presence in both countries by expanding dealer relationships and brand visibility.Shinji Tarutani, President and CEO of TADL, commented: "For decades, TAD has pursued the ideal of 'reproducing music exactly as it was created.' North America remains one of the most important regions for high-end audio, and we sought a partner who shares our passion for uncompromising quality…
Scott McGowan has left PS Audio to form Sprout HiFi, a new company built around a next-generation Sprout amplifier. The first Sprout HiFi product, a revamped version of the Sprout100, is projected for 2026, with email sign-ups open now.
Sprout is PS Audio’s compact integrated that built a following after its 2014 Kickstarter debut; McGowan says the new model will carry that idea forward for today’s listeners. The forthcoming Sprout is described as “smarter, more interactive and more versatile,” with the same small-footprint, living-room-friendly form factor. The company says the renewed…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-channel D/A processor. Digital inputs: AES3, S/PDIF (RCA), TosLink, USB, Ethernet. Analog outputs: One stereo pair balanced (XLR), one stereo pair single-ended (RCA). Sample rates supported: USB to 384kHz, DSD64, 128, 256, Native or DoP. Conversion method: For PCM, choice of sigma-delta with 8× oversampling or R2R ladder; for DSD, choice of native, pure 1-bit DSD, or conversion to PCM. Jitter: 8ps at 48k, 6ps at 96k. Frequency response at 44.1kHz: 10Hz–20kHz, +0dB, –0.2dB. Power consumption: 30W.
Dimensions: 17" W (431mm) × 4.5" (114mm) H ×…
Loudspeaker Systems:
A (FULL RANGE):
Audiovector R8 Arreté: $78,800/pair includes Freedom Grounding Cables
Optional grounding cable adds $3850. (Vol.44 No.9 WWW)
Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90: $211,800/pair ★
(Vol.40 No.1 WWW)
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature: $60,000/pair
(Vol.47 No.3 WWW)
Dutch & Dutch 8c: $14,950/pair (stands necessary) ★
(Vol.42 No.8, Vol.43 No.4 WWW)
Dynaudio Confidence 30: $24,000/pair
(Vol.44 No.8 WWW)
EgglestonWorks Viginti: $46,998/pair ★
(Vol.41 No.6 WWW)
Estelon Forza: $186,…