300b

High End 2017: The horns of Azzolina Audio, Thomas Mayer amplification, Vinylista turntables

June 1, 2017

Aubergine? That was the closest colour match I could think of to describe the large, tasty Sphera horns that Azzoline Audio – the creation of Frenchman Chuck Michlin – was showing off with Thomas Mayer’s bespoke tube [...]

Review: Audio Note Meishu Silver Signature integrated amplifier

January 4, 2017

When an amplifier takes two men to move it, you could start to question your choice in amplifiers… but not me. I knew I was on to something truly special. The fact that Audio Note dealer, whiskey confidante, and bon vivant Don Thorne had taken [...]

RMAF 2015: Fostex drops a monster on CanJam

October 9, 2015

Fostex, the brand that brought me one of my all-time favorite headphones, the TH900, dropped a meteorite on CanJam this year. Okay, fine. But it was still huge — the new HP-V8 is something north of 30kg. And it’s a headphone amplifier. [...]

Review: Woo Audio WA5LE v2 vacuum tube headphone amplifier

September 27, 2015

Woo Audio offers a remarkably deep bench for those headphonistas interested in vacuum tube amplifiers. But when it comes to the 300b, arguably the finest audio tube the world has ever known, Woo Audio has only a couple of options. Aside from [...]

Woo Audio WA5 300B Amplifier

December 20, 2013

by Frank Iacone Woo Audio is a family business founded by Wei Wu and his two sons and the company has been making amplifiers in New York for the past 10 years. Wei has been designing tube amplifiers for over forty years; his sons Jack and Zhivong [...]

RMAF 2013: BorderPatrol and Volti Audio

October 16, 2013

My Volti Audio/BorderPatrol room experience at RMAF wasn’t exactly new as I’ve previously had most of this gear in my home. At the same time, even. Which may not entirely explain why my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the [...]

System Two: BorderPatrol Arrives

July 5, 2013

About 3 years ago at the first Capital AudioFest, I got my first chance at see and hear BorderPatrol gear. Last year, I got to spend some “quality time” with them and Living Voice loudspeakers. And over the last year, I’ve had a [...]

On The Road: A Visit To BorderPatrol

November 23, 2012

What is an audiophile? Good question, but more interestingly, how do you think your friends would answer that question? Okay — don’t answer that [shudder]. Back to you — what’s your mental picture of the stereotypical [...]

RMAF12: Groovy sound from Vaughn Loudspeakers and Wavelength Audio

November 4, 2012

I have to admit that I am a Johnny-come-lately to the whole SET thing, but that doesn’t make me any less a fan. I’m just starting on my complete loving of that scene. And what’s not to love? Gorgeous, rich tone, stunningly clear [...]

RMAF12: High Water Sound presents Cessaro, TW Acustic, Tron, Silver Circle

October 25, 2012

Jeff Catalano of High Water Sound is not a digital guy. In fact, if you’re looking for a way to rile him up, ask him if he’ll play your CD. Tell him, “Yes, I’m serious.” And then, “What do you mean, you [...]