The Absolute Sound Podcast

Schiit Freya+ and LISST Review | The Audio Belle

Cynthia Blankenship, the Audio Belle, reviews the Schiit Freya+ tube preamplifier, taking us through the philosophy of The Absolute Sound, the qualities of tube amplification, and how the Schiit Freya+ shapes up.Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutes...Substack: theabsolutesound.substack.comWatch more Audio Belle: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdV67WU4ATUorEdts5HPE2Q About Cynthia Blankenship:Cynthia converted to audiophilism 5 years ago when she first heard a pair of Magnepan 3.3Rs playing Die Moldau from Smetana's Ma Vlast. The ensuing journey would have her be a recurring guest on the Audiophiliac's channel, a Magnepan 1.7i ad in The Absolute Sound magazine, and shadowing Alan Sircom of hi-fi+. With what began as a hobby with a focus on human interest stories, 5 years later she will now be delving into the world of audio gear reviews for The Absolute Sound, HiFi+, and her own channel @TheAudioBelle 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.

The AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC + SACD/CD + Streamer Review

Newcomer Michael Johnson reviews Metronome's AQWO 2 Hybrid DAC + SACD/CD + Streamer. He starts with an overview of the AQWO its design and function followed by a comprehensive review of sound quality.Who is Michael Johnson?Michael Johnson, DMA, is an oboist and educator currently based in Los Angeles, with an in-demand performing career spread across the American southwest. Since 2019 Dr. Johnson has been the solo English Horn of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and also holds the position of 2nd Oboe with the Victoria Bach Festival. He frequently performs with orchestras across the region, including numerous cycles as guest principal oboe with the Phoenix Symphony. He is a contributing writer for online magazines Audiophilia.com and TrackingAngle.com, and was formerly a contributing writer for AnalogPlanet.comMichael's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCShT9rIuJ1kPdXScQCGxIqA 00:00-03:09 AQWO 2 & Metronome Overview03:09-07:19 Specs & Ports07:19-10:04 First Thoughts on SACD/CD10:04-30:39 Sound Quality (SACD/CD)30:39-35:50 Tube Buffer Add-On35:50-42:32 Sound Quality (Streaming)42:32-47:01 Philosophical Thoughts on AQWO 247:01- Final Thoughts & Criticisms Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: 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

Audio Research’s Reference 160M MkII Mono Amplifiers Review

Tom Martin reviews Audio Research's Reference 160M MkII Mono Amplifiers, their unique tonal color, clarity, and dyanmic stability. Listen in to learn more! *At 18:45 Tom meant Stratocaster not Telecaster*00:00-01:58 General Overview01:58-06:23 Specs, Modes, Power06:23-10:50 Characteristic #1 10:50-15:14 Characteristics #2 & #3 15:14-19:20 Characteristics #4 & #5 19:20-21:50 A Note about Power Output21:50-24:54 Summary & Conclusion24:54- Brief Coda on Triode VS. UltraLinear ModeNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: 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

YG Talus Speaker & Descent Subwoofer Review

Tom Martin reviews the YG Talus floor-standing speaker and Descent subwoofer.00:00-2:53 Background on YG Acoustics2:53-7:05 Specs & Introduction to YG Talus Speaker7:05-11:15 Set Up & First Impressions of the YG Talus11:15-14:37 Bass of YG Talus w/out Subwoofer14:37-20:01 Sound Quality of YG Talus20:01-24:42 Adding the Descent Subwoofer24:42- Summary & ConclusionAudio Research Reference MKII Amplfiier Review: https://youtu.be/jNde_wqraEYNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comAbout Tom Martin:Tom is a long-time audiophile. He began his reviewing career after acquiring the The Absolute Sound magazine in 1997 and then hi-fi+ magazine in 2002. He has worked closely with Harry Pearson and Robert Harley at TAS and with Roy Gregory and Alan Sircom at hi-fi+. Since Tom and his teams expanded the TAS and Plus platforms in the digital domain, he has served as Chief Content Officer.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

A GLIMPSE of Vandersteen’s Model Seven XTRM Loudspeaker | Robert Harley Previews

Ahead of his upcoming review of the Model SEven XTRM, Robert Harley speaks with Vandersteen Audio founder, Richard Vanderstreen about the origins of the Model Seven, its unique subwoofer design, and more!00:00-01:00 Introducing Richard Vandersteen01:00-3:00 General Philosophy of Model 7 XTRM3:00-4:43 First Order Crossovers 4:43-5:58 History of Model 75:58-11:36 Powered Bass, Contour, & Low Frequency11:36-13:22 Cabinet Construction13:22-15:36 Drivers: Material & Design15:36-17:43 Granite Base & ConclusionNewsletter: 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.About Robert Harley: Robert Harley is the editor in chief of the Absolute Sound and the editor of the large-format book series the Absolute Sound’s Illustrated History of High-End Audio. Harley has taught college degree programs in audio engineering in addition to having worked as a recording engineer, a CD mastering engineer, and an audio journalist. He has published more than 1,200 product reviews and articles on high-quality music reproduction, while his books have sold more than a quarter of a million copies in five languages.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Hegel Viking CD Player Review | Thomas Tan Reports...

In this video Thomas Tan reviews the Hegel Viking CD player, listen in to hear his thoughts...Subscribe to Thomas' channel here: @thomasandstereo Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutes...Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWho is Thomas&Stereo?I started this channel with the dream of making millions and a few online friends. Although I have yet to make my first million, I am proud to have created an active online audiophile community. Unlike other traditional review channels, I designed this channel to give you the feeling of having a chat with an old friend. I am fortunate to have made many audiophile friends on my audio journey and with combined decades of experience, I am able to give you a unique perspective on the gear I reviewed.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

SETO-HORI REMODEL Moving Coil Cartridge | First Look & Listen

Michael Fremer gives the SETO-HORI REMODEL MC cartridge a first listen ahead of his upcoming review. From Fremer: JICO recently released the Seto-Hori Remodel— a cartridge in a plug-in headshell that's easily the most beautifully presented cartridge you've ever seen. Here you'll get to both see and hear it in the new Technics SL-1200GR2 turntable. To fully appreciate all of this, please read the exclusive full review of the SL-1200GR2 on the Trackingangle.com website!The Seto-Hori Remodel is a 2mV output high output moving coil cartridge integrated into an aluminum/copper alloy CNC machined headshell that allows for overhang adjustment. In this video you'll see and hear it, so watch!From Fremer: At a hotel adjacent to company headquarters, Bill Voss, Technics' American Business Development Manager, introduced the new $2199 "next gen" SL1200GR turntable featuring a revolutionary new Delta Sigma drive control technique said to produce smooth, accurate rotational stability and a new power supply similar to the one used in the top of the line SL-1000R, said to produce an exceptionally low noise floor. .Based on the informal listening session featuring a complete Technics system it was clear that the new 'table is noticeably quiet and fitted with an Ortofon 2M Black, produced a smooth, pleasing, "musical" sound.The system consisted of the SU-G700M2-S Digital Integrated Amplifier+ buiilt-in MM/MC phono preamp, SBG90M2 Floorstanding Loudspeakers. Despite no room treatment in the hotel room the sound was rich, warm, and pleasingly detailed reproducing a 1980 Technics-produced record featuring the LA4.Tracking Angle Links:Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/60545...Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracking_angleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trackingangle/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

AudioQuest Power Quest 303 AC Power Conditioner Review

Newcomer to the TAS team, Aaron Jenkins reviews the AudioQuest Power Quest 303 AC Power Conditioner as a part of his mission in seeking out the best high-end equipment for smaller, more compact spaces.About Aaron Jenkins: After discovering high-end audio in the mid-2000s, Aaron got hooked when visiting the California Audio Show -- where he entered a ballroom expecting to see an opera singer he heard from the hallway and instead found a pair of YG Acoustics Anats. While he doesn't have the space (or budget!) for such mega speakers and their accompanying hardware, he's been trying ever since to re-create some of the magic of that experience in real-world rooms.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

The Reed Muse 1C Turntable & 5T Tangential-Pivot Tonearm Review

Michael Johnson returns with his review of the Reed Muse 1C Turntable & 5T Tangential-Pivot Tonearm. He talks set up, construction, design, sound quality, and more...Who is Michael Johnson?Michael Johnson, DMA, is an oboist and educator currently based in Los Angeles, with an in-demand performing career spread across the American southwest. Since 2019 Dr. Johnson has been the solo English Horn of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and also holds the position of 2nd Oboe with the Victoria Bach Festival. He is a contributing writer for TrackingAngle.com, and was formerly a contributing writer for AnalogPlanet.comMichael's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCShT9rIuJ1kPdXScQCGxIqA Hana Umami Red Cartridge Review: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/hana-umami-red-phono-cartridge/00:00-02:57 Reed Muse 1C Overview02:57-07:50 5T Overview 07:50-10:18 Working with the 5T10:18-11:40 Thoughts on Turntable Set Up11:40-16:53 Air Tight Cartridge and First Impressions16:53-19:24 Umami Red Cartridge Replacement19:24-31:29 Sound Quality31:29- Final Thoughts 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

Arcam A25 Integrated Amplifier DAC Preview | Thomas Tan Reports...

Thomas Tan (@ThomasAndStereo ) gives his initial thoughts on the Arcam A25, it's packaging, design, best use cases, and more...00:00-2:45 Unboxing & Overview2:45-4:10 Set-Up & App4:10-6:50 Design & Ports6:50-8:38 Class G Amplification8:38-11:59 Sound Quality11:59-13:37 Is the Arcam 25 for You?13:37- Final ThoughtsSubscribe to Thomas' channel here: @thomasandstereo Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutes...Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWho is Thomas&Stereo?I started this channel with the dream of making millions and a few online friends. Although I have yet to make my first million, I am proud to have created an active online audiophile community. Unlike other traditional review channels, I designed this channel to give you the feeling of having a chat with an old friend. I am fortunate to have made many audiophile friends on my audio journey and with combined decades of experience, I am able to give you a unique perspective on the gear I reviewed.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