Digital
AURALiC Vega G2.2 Streaming DAC | REVIEW
Sometimes you get caught up in looking for the next big thing. You buy great equipment, enjoy it for a while, and then an itch comes along and the only way to scratch it is […]
Review
Loudspeakers
Acoustic Energy AE509 Loudspeakers | REVIEW
Spring of 2023 was a busy time for PTA, with the team having hit up several shows in a row. The end of February brought a welcome trip to Tampa for FLAX 2023, and mid-April […]
accessories
Carbide Base Isolation Devices from Carbide Audio | REVIEW
When I agreed to review the Carbide Base isolation devices, Jeffrey Jenkins asked me how many sets I needed for my system–a common question when it comes to reviewing these types of products. I said […]
Analog
Mola Mola Lupe Phono Preamplifier | REVIEW
There can be no question that my first exposure to the Mola Mola Lupe phono stage in April of this year left me more than merely impressed. In fact, you can see my initial reaction […]
Digital
Audirvana Origin Playback Software | REVIEW
Audirvana Origin is one of two recent upgrades to the audiophile music playback software Audirvana. It was created by the French developer Damien Plisson, who was disappointed with the audiophile playback solutions available. Convincing himself […]
Loudspeakers
MonAcoustic SuperMon Mini Loudspeakers | REVIEW
This isn’t a prompt for PTA readers to all shout, in unison, “How small is it?” But these MonAcoustic SuperMon Minis are soooo small. They make tiny monitors such as the Trenner & Friedl Sun or […]
Digital
Antipodes Oladra Music Server | REVIEW
Here’s one of the dumbest things I’ve said about high-end audio, especially digital audio, in the last couple of years: “I’m perfectly happy with just a DAC and a laptop.” My time with the Antipodes […]
Loudspeakers
Triangle 40th Anniversary Antal Loudspeakers | REVIEW
The French are people of passion – their food, wine, art, and cars…okay, maybe not their cars. But the rest of it points to a culture of passion and artistry. So, when I had the […]
Components
Emerald Physics 600.2SE Stereo Amplifier | REVIEW
From the stables of Underwood Hi-Fi comes another thoroughbred contender: the new Emerald Physics 600.2SE stereo amplifier. And let me tell you, this one’s a real beast. Claimed to drive essentially any speaker providing any […]
Components
Naim NAIT 50 Integrated Amplifier | REVIEW
Here’s something I don’t do very often. I bought the new Naim NAIT 50 integrated amplifier without listening to it first. I’ve spent a lot of time warning audiophiles not to do this and here […]
Loudspeakers
Two GoldenEar Subwoofers | REVIEW
What am I doing reviewing two GoldenEar subwoofers, the $900 ForceField 30 and the $1,750 SuperSub X? I’ve never been known as a subwoofer audiophile, even though I may be known as a two-way monitor […]
accessories
Fern and Roby Isolation Feet | REVIEW
Why do I need the Fern & Roby Isolation Feet in my system? If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been using a gorgeous Fern and Roby equipment rack for the last few years. I love it. […]
Loudspeakers
Falcon Acoustics M10 Loudspeakers | REVIEW
One of these days, Part-Time Audiophile publisher Scot Hull is going to send me that pair of Falcon Acoustics LS3/5a Gold Badges he’s commandeered for most of 2023. That’s my speaker, I thought. I’m the […]
Loudspeakers
Gershman Acoustics Studio XdB Loudspeakers | REVIEW
This is the second year in a row that I’ve agreed to transport a pair of review speakers from the Pacific Audio Fest back to the house, and it’s the second time my Mazda CX-5 […]
Loudspeakers
Piega Coax 411 Loudspeakers | REVIEW
I now feel, after spending time with the Piega Coax 411 speakers, as if I dropped the ball when I wrote about the debut of the new EMT 928 II turntable back in the MoFi […]
Components
ampsandsound Casablanca Monoblock Amplifiers | REVIEW
Here’s lookin’ at you, kid. Casablanca is a classic that stands up to today’s films, and having the wonderful ampsandsound Casablanca monoblock tube amplifiers in my listening room certainly invoked thoughts of nostalgia. Much like […]
Components
Audio-gd Master 10 Mk.2 Integrated Amplifier | REVIEW
When I first saw the name “Audio-gd,” I might have been a little confused. It might have been a case of an initial misread–I thought the email said Audio G-D, and perhaps the manufacturers belonged […]
Analog
Luxman LMC-5 Phono Cartridge | REVIEW
There’s a saying among high-end audio reviewers: “They don’t need reviews.” This saying usually pops up when a writer is interested in a certain brand or product, considers reaching out, and is told by a […]
Components
The Complete Audio Note UK System | REVIEW
Years ago, long before I finally had some seat time with a complete Audio Note UK system, someone asked me if there were any high-end audio brands that excelled at complete systems, everything from speakers […]
Analog
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III and Linear Power Supply | REVIEW
Smooth as buttah. That’s what comes to mind while I’ve been reviewing the Musical Surroundings Phonomena phono stages. Stages? Plural? Yes. Garth Leerer of Musical Surroundings was nice enough to send me a Phonomena II+ […]