The Absolute Sound Podcast

VPE Dipole Bass

Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Highlights

ERRATA: Popori Hypersail does NOT include subs. Demo had REL subs in place. Apologies for the mistake. MBL 101 X-Treme price is $433k/pr (4 pcs)Tom Martin and Jason Methfessel return from this years Southwest Audio Fest with a list of some of the most compelling products and rooms they experienced at the show. Listen in to see what's new! theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat 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

Best Speakers Under $2000 Series: KEF Q7 Meta Review

Does high-performance audio necessarily mean high-fidelity audio? In my default reactionary state, I might pointedly blurt out, “Of course it does!” I might even go so far as to say, “How could one even ask such a question?” That was, until I heard the KEF Q7 Meta. theabsolutesound.com/newsletter00:00 KEF Q7 Meta01:17 Specs & Design03:12 Sound Quality8:33 SummaryThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comJason’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node server/DACTopping D70 Pro DACdCS Lina DAC/Master clockBerkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input moduleJ Sikora Initial Max turntableTechnics SL-1210G turntableKuzma 4Point 9” armJ Sikora KV12 tone armDS Audio 003 cartridgeBenz Gullwing SLR cartridgeHana Umami Blue cartridgeHegel V10 phono preampMusical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preampDS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsSalamander racksSolidsteel Turntable rackWhat 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

Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos Could Be A Game Changer (but…)

"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about two weeks ago, my colleague Jason Methfessel put up a video on this very subject about his initial and unenthusiastic experience with Atmos. Very different from my own over the past year or so. Things are happening in the Atmos music sphere at an ever accelerating pace, and the delay in posting the video will allow me to be a bit more current. And to address Jason's concerns regarding Atmos sound quality, as well as his skepticism regarding the potential audio file market for the format..." -AQTom's review of the BACCHSP: https://youtu.be/TxI6wf5TYTUJason's Atmos/Focal Review: https://youtu.be/LL5Api6ewG4This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substackWhat 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

Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos May Be A Game Changer

"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about two weeks ago, my colleague Jason Methfessel put up a video on this very subject about his initial and unenthusiastic experience with Atmos. Very different from my own over the past year or so. Things are happening in the Atmos music sphere at an ever accelerating pace, and the delay in posting the video will allow me to be a bit more current. And to address Jason's concerns regarding Atmos sound quality, as well as his skepticism regarding the potential audio file market for the format..." -AQTom's review of the BACCHSP: https://youtu.be/TxI6wf5TYTUJason's Atmos/Focal Review: https://youtu.be/LL5Api6ewG4This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substackWhat 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

Preview: 6 New Audio Research Products Revealed (TAS Factory Visit)

We recently got a sneak preview of six new products that the revitalized Audio Research is launching in March of 2025, all entering production in Q2. That’s a lot of products for any company, especially one with the market position and pedigree of Audio Research. Maybe even more important, these are “core market” products, not “state-of-someone-else’s-wallet” offerings. Let’s take a look at some of the details.00:00 Audio Research Corporation1:07 6 New Core Amplifiers04:12 Historical Significance of ARC06:21 ARC Today09:12 The New ARC Strategy12:54 SummaryThis video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substackTom's Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node server/DACTopping D70 Pro DACdCS Lina DAC/Master clockBerkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input moduleJ Sikora Initial Max turntableTechnics SL-1210G turntableKuzma 4Point 9” armJ Sikora KV12 tone armDS Audio 003 cartridgeBenz Gullwing SLR cartridgeHana Umami Blue cartridgeHegel V10 phono preampMusical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preampDS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersPerlisent S7t speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsSalamander racksSolidsteel Turntable rackWhat 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

March Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas.The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node server/DACTopping D70 Pro DACdCS Lina DAC/Master clockBerkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input moduleJ Sikora Initial Max turntableTechnics SL-1210G turntableKuzma 4Point 9” armJ Sikora KV12 tone armDS Audio 003 cartridgeBenz Gullwing SLR cartridgeHana Umami Blue cartridgeHegel V10 phono preampMusical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preampDS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsSalamander racksSolidsteel Turntable rackWhat 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

March Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas.The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node server/DACTopping D70 Pro DACdCS Lina DAC/Master clockBerkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input moduleJ Sikora Initial Max turntableTechnics SL-1210G turntableKuzma 4Point 9” armJ Sikora KV12 tone armDS Audio 003 cartridgeBenz Gullwing SLR cartridgeHana Umami Blue cartridgeHegel V10 phono preampMusical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preampDS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsSalamander racksSolidsteel Turntable rackWhat 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

Best Speakers $20-$40k Series: Wilson WATT/Puppy Review

Robert Taylor reviews the Wilson Audio WATT Puppy, gives a brief comparison to the Sasha V, and describes his overall impressions with the classic yet new Puppies. This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substack 00:00 Wilson Audio WATT PUPPY00:44 Specs & Design3:00 First Impressions06:25 Sound Quality13:55 Sound Quality Part 2: Quick Music TakesRobert's Reference System: -Turntable: VPI Classic Signature with the 10 inch gimbal tone arm and Nordost wiring.-Cartridge: DS Audio 003 with matching energizer.-DAC: DCS Bartok( currently out to get the Apex upgrade).-Pre-amp: McIntosh C2700 tube preamp-Power amp: McIntosh MC 462-Speakers: Magico S1 Mk 2 with ISO acoustics Gaia 2 feet.-Power conditioner: Shunyata Gemini-8 with the grounding system.-AC outlets: PS Audio.-Cables: Synergistic Research and AudioquestWhat 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

Accuphase E-800S integrated amplifier review [DRAFT]

This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletterThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substack 00:00 Accuphase E-800S integrated amplifier00:51 Overview02:04 Specs & Design09:58 Sound Quality16:15 Versus Hegel H3017:39 Sound Quality Con'd21:26 Summary