The Absolute Sound Podcast
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
Episodes

Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
Five ten inch drivers per speaker. Alarmingly, that's not a typo, and it's by no means a gimmick either. The MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition is one of those speakers that just kind of stops you mid-sentence the moment you walk into a room in CES. Or maybe I should say, the moment you hire a crane operator to get them into your basement, they're big, they're impressive. They're beautiful. But how do they sound? Tune in to find out!This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier00:00 SourcePoint V1001:35 A Story02:44 Overview04:04 888 vs V10 05:49 Specs & Design10:06 Set Up10:37 Sound Quality14:55 Is it for you?Aaron Jenkins reviews the new and improved AE1 Loudspeaker from Acoustic Energy. A 40th year anniversary edition and update, how do these compare to the original? What's new? Tune in to find out...00:00 AE1 40th Anniversary Edition01:30 Overview02:06 What's New?04:17 Set Up 05:18 Sound Quality09:31 SummaryThis video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.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.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
00:00 AE1 40th Anniversary Edition01:30 Overview02:06 What's New?04:17 Set Up 05:18 Sound Quality09:31 SummaryThis video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/

Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
When all-in-one streaming amplifiers were first introduced a few years ago, they received a pretty frosty reception from audiophiles and musicians alike — and rightly so. But in the years since, significant research and technical improvements have transformed the category. Streaming apps have evolved to offer lossless features and a wealth of capabilities, and quite frankly, you just can't beat the price. Case in point: the Eversolo Play.This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio00:00 Eversolo Play01:41 Overview 3:00 Features05:17 Use 08:03 Sound Quality12:16 Summary

Sunday Mar 22, 2026
Sunday Mar 22, 2026
Adrian Alexander went behind the gates of Kimber Kable's Ogden, Utah headquarters to see exactly what goes into making one of the most distinguished audio cable manufacturers in the world. From raw wire drawing to the signature hand-braiding process, Adrian got the inside scoop on the people and processes at Kimber Kable, including an exclusive interview with founder and owner Ray Kimble and a look at his IsoMike an experimental acoustic baffle system.This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten00:00 Inside Kimber Kable's Factory 01:54 Lonnie & Kimber's History04:10 Factory Floor08:36 Shipping09:24 Production Manager10:45 Product Manager 13:30 Heat Shrink16:05 Graphic Designer17:45 Meeting Ray Kimber 20:15 Ray Kimber Interview24:21 Snake Oil?25:55 IsoMike In Action27:48 Listening Room32:10 Counterfeits?33:53 Wrap UpNewsletter: 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.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Do you really need a preamp? Many audiophiles say no — and if a DAC with volume control is your only source, they're technically right. But in Robert's experience, DACs connected directly to power amps tend to sound dull, with muted dynamics and anemic bass. Passive preamps often have the same problem. Today, Robert reviews the PS Audio PGA Signature Preamp to see if a quality active preamp makes the difference.This video is sponsored by: https://axpona.com/why-attend/?utm_source=TAS&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=2026NADAC Review: https://youtu.be/ObKIIUHaOyo00:00 PMG Signature Preamplifier02:43 Overview06:55 Sound Quality10:54 SummaryNewsletter: 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.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
In the past year or so, I have reviewed a reasonably large swath of the DACs in the $10k to $50k range. There are many such DACs to consider however, so this has not been a complete survey. And it will likely continue – and still be incomplete. Today, I consider a streamer/DAC combination from WADAX that from some angles is the best DAC I’ve covered. Let’s take a look at what that means, because, well, details matter if you actually consider buying the equipment we review and you actually listen to the equipment you buy. 00:00 WADAX Studio DAC01:14 Overview02:10 Features04:38 Sound Quality13:00 Musical Examples16:02 Summary

Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
Wednesday Mar 11, 2026
In this video, Adrian Alexander dives into the McIntosh DS200 Streaming DAC, exploring its eye-catching design and impressive audio performance. Join him as he shares his thoughts on this high-resolution audio device and its nostalgic connection to vintage audio gear.00:00 McIntosh DS20001:15 Overview02:45 Design & Aesthetics05:30 Technical Specifications08:15 Listening Experience12:00 Final ThoughtsNewsletter: 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.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Sunday Mar 08, 2026
Sunday Mar 08, 2026
The Perlisten A3t is an unusual design. That unusual design accomplishes sonic results different from 90% or more of the speakers on the market. You may or may not want that difference, but I think you will want to know about it. Let’s check it out. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/Perlisten Profile: https://youtu.be/rkNmzkS9cNs?si=DABLAGowVdC4fjxX00:00 Perlisten A3t01:32 Overview03:29 Sound Quality15:24 Comparisons16:32 Downsides17:08 SummaryNewsletter: 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

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Recently returning from yet another consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, I was reminded of a CES of over 40 years ago, when a company called Martin Logan introduced an audacious, stunning set of towering electrostatic speakers. In the 40 plus years since then, they've become a venerable name in the audio business, making not just cutting edge tower speakers, but also in wireless speakers, wireless systems, even a soundbar or a set of bookshelf speakers such as the Motion B100s.This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier00:00 Martin Logan - B100 01:19 Overview02:58 First Impressions03:48 Specs & Design05:52 Sound Quality10:51 SummaryNewsletter: 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

Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Matt Coykendall returns with his review of the ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers comprised of the Hagen² Monitor and the Alberich² active bass module this speaker system not only packs a clean, articulate bass, but impressive dynamics, and even a high "wife acceptance factor". Is the ALBERICH² SYSTEM for you? Tune in to find out. 00:00 Voxativ ALBERICH² SYSTEM speakers01:33 Overview02:57 Specs & Design05:54 Sound Quality11:43 Technical Considerations12:33 Is it for you?14:50 Final ThoughtsNewsletter: 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








