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The Absolute Sound Podcast

The Absolute Sound Podcast
Author: Nextscreen, LLC
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Description
The Absolute Sound is the world’s preeminent source of expert reviews, features, and commentary on high-performance audio and music. Since 1973, TAS has set the standard for quality audio and music journalism, helping to shape the industry and guiding audio enthusiasts and music lovers to components and recordings that faithfully reproduce the sounds one might hear in a good concert hall.
The Absolute Sound is a monthly print and digital magazine, an online destination for those interested in better sound, and a community of audiophiles and music lovers.
For a Brief History of The Absolute Sound:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fifty-years-of-the-absolute-sound/
Sign up for our weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iPNIR2
Subscribe to our monthly magazine: https://theabsolutesound.secure.darwin.cx/J200BNRA
The Absolute Sound is a monthly print and digital magazine, an online destination for those interested in better sound, and a community of audiophiles and music lovers.
For a Brief History of The Absolute Sound:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fifty-years-of-the-absolute-sound/
Sign up for our weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iPNIR2
Subscribe to our monthly magazine: https://theabsolutesound.secure.darwin.cx/J200BNRA
266 Episodes
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The Bathys MG is an update to the original focal Bathys. So what is it that the Bathys MG offer above the original? Tune in to find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 Focal Bathys MG
00:53 Overview
02:35 Accessories
03:50 Sound Quality
05:25 Set Up
08:38 Is it for you?
12:28 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Over 30 years ago, Linn began an aggressive march into the future, expanding their line to include networked electronics and making a heavy investment in software engineering. This came on the heels of a long line of speakers and amplification products, which complemented their famous turntables, toned arms, and cartridges that date back to the 1970s. The Klimax System with 360 integrated exact speakers, is Lynn's flagship offering right now for two channel music and again aimed at exploring a better future. How does it stack up?
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 Linn Klimax 360 Exact System
01:16 Overview
07:29 Sound Quality
14:25 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Robert Taylor reviews the affordable, powerful PS Audio Aspen FR 5 loudspeakers. Relatively small but effortlessly powerful across the entire frequency range, Robert tests the Aspens in two different room sizes to uncover their sonic signature. What is that signature? Tune in to find out...
This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/detailed-frequency-ranges-of-instruments-and-vocals/
00:00 PS Audio Aspen FR 5
01:03 Specs & Design
02:51 Set Up
3:47 Sound Quality
05:42 In a Small Room...
11:23 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Grover Neville stops by the AVM Factory to see their manufacturing HQ first-hand, while taking the opportunity to stop by AMG as well for a second helping of German-engineering.
This video is sponsored by: www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
The world of high-end audio is full of fantastic-looking gear, but not everyone wants their sound system to be the visual center of attention—or, in the case of the CI-Uniti 102 from British hi-fi company Naim Audio, may not even want it be to visible at all. So while the CI-Uniti's appearance might not attract your attention, will its sound? Let's find out.
This video is sponsored by: www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
00:00 Naim CI-Uniti 102
01:02 Who's it for?
03:17 Inputs
04:21 Focal + Naim
06:23 Sound Quality
10:14 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
The Lumina Amator series speakers are beneficiaries of the trickle-down economy at play when a brand has the breadth to produce speakers ranging from $1600 a pair to upwards of 100 times that. Stick around while I share what I heard when auditioning the elegant Sonus faber Lumina 5 Amator floorstanding loudspeaker.
This video is sponsored by: javahifi.com/home
00:00 JM_Sonus faber Lumina 5 Amato
01:32 Overview
04:17 Reference Equipment
4:58 Sound Quality
10:16 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
What happens when you take stone, precision ceramic drivers, and decades of acoustic engineering? Then you ask them to reproduce the subtlest emotional details in your favorite recordings? You get something that fundamentally changes how you think about what a speaker cabinet should be made of. This is the Acora Acoustics MRC-2 Loudspeaker...
This video is sponsored by: https://www.javahifi.com/home
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
00:00 Acora Acoustics MRC-2 Loudspeaker
01:46 Overview
02:18 Specs & Design
4:34 Voicing
09:56 The Absolute Sound
12:06 Musical Context
13:35 Is it for you?
14:51 Summary
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Over time, we are investigating several of the interesting speakers in the $20,000 to $50,000 per pair range. We’ve done the Magico A5 and the Perlisten S7t and the Wilson Watt/Puppy and the Sound Lab G7-7C to name a few. And there are more on the schedule, including today’s subject the Borresen C3, which is priced at $40,000 per pair.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 Borresen C3 Loudspeaker
00:55 Overview
02:22 Design
04:50 Sound Quality
14:01 Subjective Coda
16:07 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Last year, Technics unveiled an expansion to their acclaimed Grand Class series with the SL-1300G, the first direct-drive turntable in the lineup since its debut in 2016. While the absence of iconic DJ-associated controls, like pitch adjustment and strobe, may draw attention for its sleek, revamped aesthetic, my month-long experience with the SL-1300G revealed there’s more to this model than meets the eye. I’m Michael Johnson with The Absolute Sound. Join me as I explore this new chapter in Japanese turntable design.
00:00 Technics 1300G
01:20 Overview
03:28 What's New?
08:17 Set Up
13:14 Sound Quality
19:54 Conclusion
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Robert Taylor reviews the pricey yet formidably impressive TSI-300 Integrated Amplifier. Engaging, relaxing, and extremely natural, this integrated amplifier has Robert reminiscing on one of his favorite childhood albums. Will you feel the same? Tune in to find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 True Life Audio TSI-300
01:10 Specs & Design
03:12 Sound Quality
11:45 Conclusion
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Meze has been releasing a lot of new headphones in the last couple of years. And this is kind of a new generation of what I think of as their mid-range line of headphones. Do they strike balance between fidelity and affordability? Tune in to find out.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 Meze Audio POET
01:46 Specs & Design
06:25 Sound Quality
11:31 Reference Equipment
12:39 Is it for you?
14:35 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Denafrips is a manufacturer of audio electronics, primarily known for its series of advanced ladder DACs. In this test I cover the Terminator 15th DAC which is positioned as Denafrips flagship, but at a price of $6099 is affordable compared to some of the other flagship DACs I’ve been covering. Let’s see how it performs.
This video's sponsor: https://www.javahifi.com/home
00:00 Denafrips Terminator 15th
01:34 The Absolute Sound
02:34 Specs
03:18 Overview
4:50 What's the issue?
07:57 Sound Quality
13:34 Subjective Coda
14:41 Design
16:17 Summary
The Seven Major Problems of Audio Believability: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-six-major-problems-of-audio-believability/
Methodology First Principles: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
The Physics of Describing Music Reproduction: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-physics-of-describing-music-reproduction/
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
D'Agostino Pendulum integrated amplifier made from Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems, the company belonging to the man who was founder, CEO and chief designer of KRELL until 2009. They mostly manufacture megabucks electronics like preamps, power amps and integrated amps, which sell for up to $385,000. But the Pendulum is their new most affordable amp at $18,000 base, or $22,500 as reviewed, with both options and capable of 120W per channel. Does it deliver on its pomise?
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
00:00 D'agostino Pendulum Integrated
01:29 Overview
3:37 Reference Equipment
14:13 Sound Quality
07:42 Specs & Design
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
As you may recall, we have outlined seven major problems with audio believability. A link is in the description for details. One of these items is the problem of recording standards. Today, we look at a new electronics product from Vandersteen that is designed to address this issue. Let’s see what Richard and team have done.
With a price per pair coming in at $23.5k (USD), for me they’ll remain a memory for now, but when my hi-fi budget grows, I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on these beauties. However, if you currently find yourself looking for equipment in this price range, you’re gonna wanna stick around while I share what I heard while listening to the AGD SOLO Monoblock amps.
This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/
00:00 SOLO Monoblock Limited Edition amplifier
01:29 Overview
03:54 Sound Quality
10:11 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
After hearing the Model 1's at this year's AXPONA, in combination with their minimalist design, Adrian Alexander decided to investigate these further. Are they possibly going to be Adrian's new reference speaker? Tune in to find out!
This video is sponsored by: https://www.wattson.audio/
The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/
00:00 Pearl Acoustics Model 1
01:56 Overview
02:47 What's in the box?
04:07 Sound Quality
07:41 Is it for you?
09:08 Customer Service
10:40 Conclusion
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
The venerable firm Audio Research has recently undergone a big transition in ownership, strategy and product offerings. We covered this extensively in a visit to their Minnesota headquarters in advance of the release of 6 new products this summer. Today, I’ll be reviewing two of those products, the LS-3 solid-state preamp/DAC and the S-100 solid-state power amp. We’ve covered the new D-80 tube power amp, and will be covering the LS-2 tube preamp and the S-200 solid-state power amp soon.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 The Audio Research S-100 & LS-3
1:01 Overview
4:24 Sound Quality S-100
09:34 Sound Quality LS-3
12:45 Operational Caveats & Comments
14:15 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
What happens when you take one of the most respected professional monitor companies and ask them to build their flagship home speaker? You get something that challenges everything you think you know about how big sound should look...
This video is sponsored by: https://www.javahifi.com/home
00:00 PMC Prophecy9
01:39 Overview
4:40 Sound Quality
11:15 Is it for you?
12:46 Technology
13:36 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
The streamer is quite possibly the most misunderstood device commonly used in the high-end audio chain. Most people harbor the thought that the differences between streamers are either non-existent or very, very small. I had that thought, reinforced by the idea that “it’s just a computer, and computers can be had for $500.” Then I started testing them. The differences are pretty obvious on a good system, and I think meaningful if you have a well-developed system. The Tidal Audio Arkas certainly makes this point.
This video is sponsored by: https://www.ch-precision.com/
00:00 Tidal Audio Arkas
01:17 Overview
04:05 Sound Quality
09:24 Background
11:13 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
Tom's reference system:
Aurender N20 Streamer/Server
Roon Nucleus server
Mac Mini (M2) server
Wiim Pro server/DAC
Bluesound Node server/DAC
Topping D70 Pro DAC
dCS Lina DAC/Master clock
Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module
MSB Premier DAC
J Sikora Initial Max turntable
Technics SL-1210G turntable
Kuzma 4Point 9” arm
J Sikora KV12 tone arm
DS Audio 003 cartridge
Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge
Hana Umami Blue cartridge
Hegel V10 phono preamp
Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp
DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer
PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps
MBL N51 integrated amp
Audio Research 160S power amp
Magico A5 speakers
Perlisten S7t speakers
Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables
Shunyata Omega digital cables
Shunyata Venom power cables and director
Audioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)
Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioning
Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers
Rediacoustic bass traps
PSI Audio AVAA active traps
Salamander racks
Solidsteel Turntable rack
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
In many loudspeaker reviews, you'll hear the word 'soundstage' and 'sound dispersion' a lot, and today you're going to hear a lot more about it, in this review of The Golden Ear Triton five loudspeakers.
This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten
00:00 Golden Ear Triton 5
1:01 Overview
01:42 Specs & Design
5:35 Sound Quality
09:15 Summary
Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound
Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com
John's Reference Equipment:
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound
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Discover Mongolia’s rugged beauty with a self-driving adventure from Ulaanbaatar to the majestic Altai Mountains. This unforgettable road trip offers endless landscapes, ancient petroglyphs, and nomadic culture along the way. Ideal for explorers craving freedom and flexibility, this itinerary promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Plan your route, pack your gear, and start the adventure now at https://www.waytomongolia.com/ From the capital’s vibrant energy to the remote serenity of western Mongolia, each stop unveils something unique.