The Absolute Sound Podcast

New 2026 Magico S7 speaker review: State of the Art Series

We got an early review sample of the new S7 (2026). Both interested and well-heeled audiophiles sometimes ask the question “what do I get when I spend $100k on product X, rather than, say $10k?”. Many people who ask this sort of question aren’t actually shopping in these elevated price ranges; and for personal reasons it seems some of them seem to want the answer to be “spending 10x doesn’t get you much.” Other audiophiles, of course, are simply interested in what our latest technology can do, and still others are interested in actually deciding whether to buy these products. This video is for those latter groups.This video is sponsored by: https://www.passlabs.com/00:00 Magico S701:57 The Context05:37 Product Description08:02 Sound Quality18:52 Comparisons21:44 SummaryMagico S5 First Listen & Factory Tour: https://youtu.be/_GLO88IUAoc?si=POkSeKV_R_4mJKjtTom's Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpFUMNI?si=zrdtupzG04obZZgcAXPONA 2026: https://youtu.be/_7imVySQqCo?si=5vWwXF0A8q7tq2SfSound Lab G7-7C: https://youtu.be/LfcstIpA6nQ?si=u9YbE3bGdzZw-YOxWhat 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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

DALI KUPID Bookshelf Speaker Review

In this video, John Quain takes a closer look at the DALI KUPID entry-level bookshelf speakers. Priced at $600 for a pair, these compact speakers feature a two-way design with a rear port. We’ll explore their design, specifications, and sound quality, highlighting their balanced and natural sound, especially at lower volumes. Are they the right choice for your audio setup? Let’s find out.00:00 Dali Cupid Bookshelf Speakers 00:45 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:15 Sound Quality 08:00 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.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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf Speakers Review

When introducing its second generation classic, a line of speakers, opera described them as embodying the classicism of both music and Italian craftsmanship. That's an intriguing description, but how does it apply to the Prima V2 bookshelf speaker? And is that speaker worth $3,600 a pair? This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/Let's find out.00:00 Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf 00:49 Overview02:45 Specs & Design04:22 Sound Quality08:56 SummaryWhat 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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Pass Labs INT-250 Integrated Amplifier Review

Most amplifiers compete on features DACs, streaming room correction, app control. You guys know the 2026 menu that we just see so often lately. The Pass labs in 250 does the opposite here. No DAC, no streaming, no phono stage, no app. Just an amplifier and a preamp in one chassis. So the real question is, what does it mean to do one thing and do it well?This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair00:00 Pass Labs INT-25001:31 Overview03:14 Specs & Design06:13 Sound Quality09:37 Is it for you?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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Vimberg AMEA Bookshelf Loudspeaker Review

In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the Vimberg AMEA speaker, an affordable yet high-quality option from a company owned by Tidal Audio. He delves into its specifications, sound profile, and unique design, showcasing why this speaker is a great addition to any audio setup.00:00 Vimberg AMEA Overview 01:30 Design & Materials 05:00 Sound Quality 10:15 Comparisons 12:45 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.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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Simco Audio Simco ONE Loudspeaker Review

In this video, Michael Johnson reviews the Simco One, a two-way horn loudspeaker from Simco Audio. This speaker combines a unique design with high efficiency at a sensitivity of 95 dB. Michael explores the speaker's performance with various amplifiers and touches on its aesthetic appeal.00:00 Simco One Overview 01:45 Design & Craftsmanship 05:30 Sound Quality 11:00 Amplifier Matching 14:15 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.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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

ES Labs ES-2α Headphone Review

In this video, Matt reviews the ES Lab ES-2α electrostatic headphones, which promise a sound experience that feels both realistic and immersive. These headphones are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and impressive sound quality, especially in the bass and mid-range. With a design lineage tracing back to the iconic Stax SR-Ω, the ES-2α employs advanced materials to enhance acoustic transparency. Matt also explores their compatibility with various energizers and their standout treble performance, making them a noteworthy option in the electrostatic headphone landscape.00:00 ES Lab ES-2α Overview 01:30 Design & Craftsmanship 05:00 Sound Quality 12:15 Comparisons 15:00 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.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 Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Eminent Technology LFT-8c: Building a Great $15k System

Eminent Technology has built planar magnetic speakers for several decades. Their designer, Bruce Thigpen, is an original thinker and this is reflected in the design of the speakers. Having heard prior versions I guessed that the latest version LFT-8c might be interesting. And, as it happens, the $5600 per pair price tag falls nicely into my assignment to put together an attractive $15,000 system. I chose the NAD M23 v2 power amp, with new Purifi modules, and the Wattson Madison streaming DAC preamp to go with the LFT-8c. The Wattson and the NAD are each priced at $5000, so my total system fits within the +-10% rule we’ve set for this project. Total price is therefore $15,600. Let’s see what the Eminent Technology speakers contribute. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/Linkwitz Review: https://youtu.be/7vF2r9PQ28o?si=wyN1izwHTTyvijmQA3T Review: https://youtu.be/xgOsME15Atk?si=w8uI4Da1ORvhhgcH00:00 Eminent Technology LFT-8c02:00 Overview06:36 Sound Quality19:34 Comparisons20:58 SummaryWhat 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Master Artist Fresco Loudspeaker Review

In this video, Adrian reviews loudspeakers from Master Artist, a company founded by two friends from Memphis, Tennessee. Join him as he explores their unique sound quality and craftsmanship.00:00 Master Artist Speakers01:15 Overview03:45 Craftsmanship & Design08:20 Sound Quality12:00 Founders' Journey15:30 SummaryWhat 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

T+A Elektroakustik DAC 200 Review

In an era where digital-to-analog converters are increasingly defined by computational arms races and hyper-analytical micro-detail, the German engineers at T+A elektroakustik have built something that fundamentally challenges modern digital dogma. They have engineered the DAC 200 to allows the listener to dictate exactly how much mathematical intervention is applied to their music. It can act as a highly sophisticated digital reconstruction engine for compromised signals, or it can step out of the way entirely and act as a perfectly open window. So, settle in while I share my observations on the T+A DAC 200. This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/00:00 T+A Elektroakustik DAC/Preamp 20001:53 Overview07:25 Double Differential Quadruple Converter10:39 Bézier Polynomial Filtering14:16 Sound Quality19:00 SummaryWhat 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved