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Analog source: Technics SL-1200MK5 turntable with KAB 3-speed mod, fluid damping and tonearm wiring; LP Gear The Vessel, Ortofon 2M Blue and 2M Red, Audio-Technica AT-VM95C phono cartridges.
Digital source: dCS Bartók APEX.
Preamplifiers: Benchmark LA-4 (line), Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 (phono).
Amplifiers: Benchmark AHB2, Aragon 8004, McIntosh MA6500 (integrated).
Loudspeakers: EgglestonWorks Andra 5, Amphion One18.
Accessories: Butcherblock Acoustics rack, SME turntable cable, cables by Belden Canare, Mogami, etc.—Tom Fine

Rhino Records, Warner Music Group's back-catalog label, has jumped into the rarified niche of prerecorded reel-to-reel tapes. Under the Rhino High Fidelity brand, the first two titles were announced in October 2025: T. Rex's Electric Warrior and The Yes Album. Both are limited editions; no more than 500 tapes will be made and sold.

Rhino joins a surprisingly long list of companies currently producing reel tapes for sale to audiophiles. Retail prices are hundreds of dollars per album, and some are closer to $…

Columbia Legacy has released Vol.18 of the Bob Dylan Bootleg Series. Through the Open Window covers the years 1956–1963. The collection is available as three physical sets: two-CD or four-LP "Highlights" versions that contain 42 tracks, and an eight-CD "Deluxe Edition Box Set" that contains 139 tracks and has a running time of 8 hours, 59 minutes. The "Highlights" package is available streaming at 24/192, but the other 97 tracks are only available in the big box. That big box also includes a 124-page hardback book containing full credits,…

Just before Christmas 2025, American music suffered two irreplaceable losses with the passings of Raul Malo (December 8) and Joe Ely (December 15). While a lot of musicians exist on the artistic and commercial fringes, Malo and Ely were foundational artists, gifted creators and performers who refused to be confined by artistic boundaries. Though not without their struggles, each eventually found widespread respect and success. Each leaves behind a significant body of wonderful recordings.

Malo's demise was expected. He was diagnosed in…

On January 12, 2026, Dan D'Agostino Master Systems (DDMAS) welcomed approximately 52 international audio dealers and distributors, along with four members of the audio press, to the unveiling of the new Momentum Z mono amplifier ($125,000/pair) at the Dan D'Agostino factory in Cave Creek, Arizona. This 15th Anniversary event included: a fabulous welcome dinner in the finest and most sophisticated "steakhouse" I've ever visited (not that I've visited many); an extended product…

Once and forever iconoclast Vernon Reid, the Britain-born guitarist for iconic American band Living Colour, is perpetually in pursuit of sonic excellence, regardless the point of entry. "A lot of different things have attracted me—everything from gentle breeze to thunder and lightning," Reid told me during a recent Zoom interview. "I've straddled two centuries where I've been on a mission to explore different emotions, different modalities, and different ways of using the guitar."

Reid's onomatopoeic approach to fulfilling such far-ranging aural pursuits…

Deluxe, premium-priced reel-to-reel tapes have shown staying power as a small niche format within the audiophile music market. The Tape Project was a pioneer in the reel-to-reel renaissance, very early in the market, shipping to customers as early as 2007. Today there are dozens of tape producers based in Europe, Asia, and North America (footnote 1).

To get the most out of what can be a substantial investment—tapes cost hundreds of dollars per album, and properly working tape machines cost thousands—some knowledge is required. In pro audio…

The Criton 1TD-X is a highly acclaimed speaker kit that has earned rave reviews from critics and customers alike. Praised for its detailed yet non-fatiguing sound, deep and impactful bass, and exceptional imaging, the 1TD-X has received hundreds of 5-star reviews and appears on multiple "best of" lists from reviewers.

This kit offers a rewarding and straightforward DIY experience, with assembly possible in just a weekend (depending on your finishing choices). We've designed it for easy assembly with precision-machined, fully rabbeted cabinets and our innovative SmartNode crossover…

Description: Two-way, standmount, bass-reflex loudspeaker with damped and braced wood-composite construction. Drive units: Ruark 5.9" treated natural-fiber–cone midwoofer with a 30mm four-layer voice coil, long-throw motor with cast chassis. Ruark 1" silk-dome tweeter with neodymium motor system and aluminum heatsink. Double-flared port tuned to 53Hz. Crossover frequency: 2.2kHz. Frequency response: 50Hz–20kHz ±3dB (free space conditions). Nominal impedance: 6 ohms (minimum impedance, 4.2 ohms). Sensitivity: 86dB/W/1m. Recommended amplifier power: 25–100W.…

Analog sources: Pear Audio Captain John Handy turntable with Cornet 1 tonearm and VPI Industries Goldy MC cartridge. Thorens TD 124 turntable with Korf TA-SF9R tonearm/HS-A02 Ceramic Headshell with Kuzma CAR-30 MC cartridge.
Digital source: Advance Paris X-CD9 CD player.
Amplification: Tavish Audio Design Adagio, Manley Chinook, Allnic HT-5500 (phono). Unison Research S6 Black Edition, Heed Elixir, AVM Evolution AS 5.3 (integrated).
Loudspeakers: Quad S2.
Cables: Interconnects: Triode Wire Labs Spirit II (RCA), "Spirit 75" S/PDIF (RCA/BNC).…