The Absolute Sound Podcast

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

NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier

One of the challenges today in audio is how to get Gen-Z. That generation is grown up with everything in the palm of their hand on their smartphone, to appreciate the subtle joys of high fidelity sound. Well, NAD may have met that challenge with its C 00 V2 blue OS streaming amplifier....This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/espritThe 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.com00:00 NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier02:23 Specs & Design9:09 Sound Quality13:37 The App15:41 Summary

Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 Speaker Review

The Bowers and Wilkins 804 D4 speakers have a rather different sonic profile to most of the high end speakers on the market. As a result, the 804 may satisfy a need that other speakers can't, at least in this price range. Let's examine this idea.This video's sponsor: https://shunyata.com/00:00 Bowers & Wilkins 804 D401:13 Overview02:19 Specs & Design03:50 Sound Quality06:36 Voicing10:53 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.comTom'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 $10k-$20k Series: PSI Audio A25-M

PSI Audio is primarily a pro audio company focused on monitors for use in recording studios. Given our interest in reproducing recordings well, I thought it would be interesting to review a few studio monitors to see if hearing what the engineers hear, or something more like it, had any benefits. There are all sorts of urban myths about what happens in the studio and try as I might, I can’t escape these. So, I was truly surprised by what I heard from the PSI Audio A25-M. 00:00 PSI Audio A25-M01:44 Overview6:05 Sound Quality12:34 Voicing14:38 Imaging15:56 Value17:14 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.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

February 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 Power Amps Under $5000 Series: NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review

The NAD C 298 strikes me as the amplifier a lot of audiophiles would want. But it is somewhat unusual, which may mean it flies under your radar. It shouldn’t, but let me tell you why so you can decide.This video's sponsor: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair00:00 NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier02:07 Overview03:13 Sound Quality05:38 Voicing09:06 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.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node Icon 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 energizerPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersPerlisten 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

Best Power Amps Under $5000 Series: NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review

The NAD C 298 strikes me as the amplifier a lot of audiophiles would want. But it is somewhat unusual, which may mean it flies under your radar. It shouldn’t, but let me tell you why so you can decide.This video's sponsor: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair00:00 NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier02:07 Overview03:13 Sound Quality05:38 Voicing09:06 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.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node Icon 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 energizerPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersPerlisten 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

Best Headphones Series: ZMF Caldera Open Back Review

Newcomer (to The Absolute Sound, not to high-end audio) Grover Neville shares his breakdown and thoughts on the ZMF Calderas. Are they a return to form? A new development? Or all of the above? Listen in to learn more.00:00 ZMF Calderas00:51 Specs & Design02:47 Sound Quality07:10 Value?11:01 Summary Grover's Reference Gear: Ampsandsound Custom 300B SETAmpsandsound Yosemite Preamp/PhonoAmpsandsound Custom Kraken Horn SpeakersANK kits DACSchiit Sol Turntable with Mo-Fi SilverATC SCM20PSLSPL Amplifier2X Rythmik 12SE SubsHeadphones:DCA ExpanseZMF calderaAudeze LCD-4, XCSennheiser HD800Ferrum Hypsos + OOR Who is Grover Neville?Grover Neville is an LA-based musician and audio engineer with a love for all things triode. After graduating from Oberlin College and Conservatory, Grover went on to work on everything from movie scores to grammy-nominated pop to avantgarde-jazz. When not in the studio tinkering with vintage tube mics or playing piano, you can spot them at your nearest Hi-Fi show, probably wherever the tube amps are.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

Best DACs Series: Mola Mola Tambaqui

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is a DAC unlike any other. The question is whether that distinction is apparent in sound quality or is just a distinction without a difference. Let’s see. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/espritThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Mola Mola Tambaqui01:19 6 Major Issues w/ Audio Reproduction03:13 Specs & Design05:02 Sound Quality13:23 SummaryNewsletter: 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 Icon 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 energizerPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersPerlisten 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

Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer Review

Robert Taylor goes 3-for-1 in this review of the Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer, SR Network Switch, and SR Router. Is there something more than magic going on in the sleek, stylish, Synergistic boxes, listen in to hear Robert's thoughts.This video's Sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter00:00 Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer00:42 About Robert01:54 Specs & Design03:55 Network Design6:34 Set Up6:56 Sound Quality9:09 Streaming Vs. VinylConclusionThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Robert'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 AudioquestNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...Facebook: / theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack...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