Announcements
iFi ZEN One Signature
Just last week I was exclaiming to the PTA team that most DACs should include Bluetooth, at least as an added convenience. For when the teenageers want to take over the hi-fi system and give […]
bluetooth
Analog
Andover Audio SpinBase and SpinSystem | REVIEW
When I first heard about Andover Audio’s SpinBase in the PTA War Room, I obviously wondered, “What’s a SpinBase?” After a quick internet search and a read through PTA’s review of the Andover Model One […]
Components
Rotel Michi X5 Integrated Amplifier | REVIEW
The Rotel Michi X5 integrated amplifier had a little trouble in getting to my front door in a timely manner—evidently FedEx and UPS and USPS have all become highly vulnerable to a variety of mishaps […]
Announcements
McIntosh MB20 Bluetooth Transceiver
Bluetooth isn’t just for the kids anymore. Today McIntosh Labs introduces a simple streaming solution that will compliment any era of McIntosh gear. Gear like the new McIntosh MHA200 headphone amplifier. While it’s true that […]
Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition Headphones | REVIEW
The story of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Carbon Edition (website) is one of many welcomed surprises. Not often in life are we gifted with genuine surprises, and the ones most commonly thrust upon us […]
Components
Rotel A14 Integrated Amplifier | REVIEW
Why in the world would I want to review the Rotel A14 (website), an integrated amplifier with DAC and phono stage and headphone amplifier all sorts of features for just $1500? What is this, […]
Headphones
DALI IO 6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | REVIEW
Look down, think of a Danish speaker brand that starts with D, look up, think of a Danish speaker brand that isn’t Dynaudio. I’ve had a number of run-ins with Dali speakers over the years, […]
Nan Pincus
Homebody’s Hi-Fi Halloween: Posing My Dog as Nipper
When it became clear that I wasn’t going to be hitting the Halloween parties this year, I was still eager to participate somehow in the ritual. I decided to let a season of quiet isolation […]
Digital
Naim Audio Mu-so 2nd Generation Wireless Music System | REVIEW
The Naim Audio Mu-so changed the way I listen to music. That’s not hyperbole, a ready-made pull quote that Naim can use in their print ads. A few years ago, I was lucky enough […]
Digital
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC | REVIEW
Before I jump into the Mola Mola Tambaqui, I have to share a delightful tidbit of deadpan humor from my roommate. While amusing on its own, it ended up more prescient to the little DAC […]
Announcements
Audioengine A1 Home Music System with AptX Bluetooth
LOS ANGELES (PTA) — Audioengine launched their A1 Home Music System with aptX Bluetooth this week, and I feel compelled to alert you of its existence. The all new A1 powered speaker system at just […]
Loudspeakers
MartinLogan Motion 35XTi Loudspeakers | REVIEW
Would I like to come visit the room at the 2019 RMAF to see the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi? Sure, I thought when I read the email from Devin Zell, MartinLogan, Paradigm and Anthem Marketing Manager. There […]
CEDIA 2018
CEDIA 2018: T+A Series 8 brings Roon and MQA
Sometimes big things come in small packages, and in the case of the T+A Series 8, these little boxes deliver. At CEDIA 2018, T+A was displaying updates to their Series 8 line, specifically their new MP […]
RMAF 2017
RMAF 2017: Audioengine offers high-end performance, budget pricing
More than a few audio companies have set sail with the simple mission of delivering budget gear, only to get lured into sometimes-rocky shores by the siren call of the higher-end market. Such temptations make […]
RMAF 2017
RMAF 2017: ListenUp gets budget audiophiles’ hearts fluttering with PSB, NAD, Bluesound
Like Bogie and Bacall, Batman and Robin or gin and tonic, PSB and NAD have been together for a long time. Both companies are now owned by the Canada-based Lenbrook Group, and many dealers carry […]
RMAF 2017
RMAF 2017: Getting audiophile sound on a budget
In a hobby where dropping a hundred grand for a system is common, what can you get these days for, say, $1,500 USD? An interconnect, maybe? A cartridge? Tax? Well, how about an entire rig? […]
Analog
Review: Living in the future with KEF LS50 Wireless + Roon + Shinola Runwell
KEF LS50 Wireless loudspeakers, Shinola Runwell turntable, Roon Labs, TIDAL and Spotify — all in one system. […]
Announcements
New Toys: KEF LS50 Wireless
As you’ve probably noticed, we don’t really do new product announcements terribly often, and to be frank, I think rewriting press releases to be rather silly. That said, I thought this was particularly news-worthy, so […]
CanJam SoCal 2016
CanJam SoCal 2016: Riva Rockin’
Paradoxically, one of the most popular demo/displays at CanJam this year wasn’t for anything headphone related. It was for a small Bluetooth speaker from Riva Audio. I went into this room four times, and each […]
CanJam SoCal 2016
CanJam SoCal 2016: Puro is pure joy
You don’t always run across something actually relevant at an audio show, but this year’s CanJam almost saw me as a +2 — I was “this close” to bringing my 9-year-old twins along as my beasts-of-burden. It’s kind […]
