Munich 2023
The Beauty of Luxman | Munich 2023
It was at this year’s AXPONA, in the Luxman and Magico room, when I finally realized I’d had it with my spotty, inconsistent camera work and I decided to buy something that would help get […]
Month: May 2023
Munich 2023
VAC and VSA in Munich | Munich 2023
This is the second time I’ve visited my buddies Damon Von Schweikert, Leif Swanson and Kevin Hayes at High End Munich, and their VAC and VSA systems there offer an interesting contrast to the gigantic-ness […]
Munich 2023
TLA & Gershman Acoustics | Munich 2023
If you haven’t heard of True Life Audio, aka TLA, you should quickly read Panagiotis Karavitas‘ review of these ultra high-end components from Greece. Dr. K was “truly” impressed by the sound quality and build […]
Munich 2023
Naim NAIT 50 | Munich 2023
I’ve gone on and on in the past about the Naim NAIT 2 integrated amplifier I owned back in the ’90s, and how it’s probably at the top of my list of hi-fi components I […]
Munich 2023
Kondo | Munich 2023
The Audio Note Kondo room at High End 2023 in Munich was one of the strangest exhibit rooms I’ve ever visited. If you don’t know, Audio Note Kondo from Japan is one of those rare […]
Munich 2023
Kawero! | Munich 2023
Kawero! No, that’s not my punctuation mark, but part of the brand name. I first learned about this German speaker manufacturer at my first High End Munich show in 2019, where it was part of […]
Munich 2023
Silbatone | Munich 2023
A few years ago, someone had asked me if I had gone into the Silbatone room at a high-end audio show, probably Munich. “Silbatone?” I asked. “Who are they?” My friend readied his stance as […]
Munich 2023
Phasemation, Yukiseimitsu & Wolf Von Langa | Munich 2023
The Phasemation room was truly one of my favorites at High End 2023 in Munich this year, largely because it had such a classic Japanese sound that was truly unique in a crowded field. Phasemation […]
Munich 2023
ESD Acoustic | Munich 2023
If you’re still using the term “Chi-fi” as a pejorative, you should spend some seat time with this system from ESD Acoustic. This was one of the largest systems I’ve ever seen at a high-end […]
Munich 2023
Aurender AP20 and MC10 | Munich 2023
Two new offerings from Aurender were shown at Munich last week. The first is the AP20. You can file this offering under “one-box wonder” — a combined server/streamer, DAC, and amplifier. Just need cables and […]
Munich 2023
Munich Day 2 | Munich 2023
Hyperbole alert: Munich Day 2 was one of those momentous days in the life of an audiophile, a day where I heard something that changes everything. But before we get to that point, a year […]
Munich 2023
Munich Day 1 | Munich 2023
This is my third High End Munich show, but this is the first time I actually attended on the first day–Thursday. Not Friday, but Thursday. It’s my fault–I’m used to Friday/Saturday/Sunday high-end audio shows. But […]
Components
Burmester B18 Loudspeakers & 101 Integrated Amp | REVIEW
The Burmester B18 loudspeakers and 101 integrated amplifier are here in my listening room, and they’re definitely classing up the joint in a major way. It reminds me of Blind Melon’s “Galaxie” where the late […]
Munich 2023
Chord Ultima Integrated | Munich 2023
Today, Chord Electronics is announcing a new integrated amplifier, the Ultima, priced at £8,500. Ultimate is the first new Chord Electronics integrated amplifier in the past seven years and is the only full-width model in […]
Munich 2023
Enleum AMP-54R | Munich 2023
We here at PTA have been fans of Bakoon and Enleum for as long as designer and CEO Soo In Chae has been making these amazing little boxes. Yesterday’s announcement of the new flagship amp […]
Munich 2023
High End Munich 2023 | Munich 2023
It’s that time of year again, time for Schweinshaxe and Weißwurst and currywurst and unfiltered brown ales. It’s time for High End 2023 in Munich, the world’s largest high-end audio show! I’ll be at High End […]
Loudspeakers
Audio Note UK AN-J/D Hemp Loudspeakers | REVIEW
I’ve been trying to listen to a pair of Audio Note UK AN-J/D loudspeakers for decades. Why? It’s a long, rambling story but I’ll tell it to you RIGHT NOW. It starts in 1981, in […]
Components
The VAC Statement Components | REVIEW
The VAC Statement Components: Breathing Life into Recordings At the outset, I hope it is understood just how fortunate I consider myself to have the honor, trust, and privilege of being asked to bring you […]
Announcements
Metaxas & Sins Partners with Reel Sound | Announcements
With the Munich High End show starting next week, it’ll be another chance for the intrepid PTA show coverage team to see these audio works of art from Metaxas & Sins in person. Thanks to […]
Announcements
Nautilus Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary | Announcements
Last year we headed to Sound United Headquarters in Carlsbad, California–right around this time, too. That’s when Bowers & Wilkins announced their new 700 series, which Graig Neville has in for review right now. This […]