The Absolute Sound Podcast

KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf Speaker Review | Thomas Tan

New to the The Absolute Sound team, Thomas&Stereo, reviews the highly anticipated KEF R3 Meta. Does it live up to the hype? Does the Meta technology actually makes a difference? Listen in to find out...Who 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.Subscribe to Thomas' channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasAndStereoNewsletter: 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

The Magico A5 Loudspeaker Review

Tom Martin reviews the Magico A5, it's sleek design, extreme low level resolution, and more... Listen in! 00:00-3:32 The Basics3:32-11:57 Sound Quality11:57- ImagingInterview w/ Magico CEO Alon Wolf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdG8uOZP1PU&t=33s&ab_channel=THEABSOLUTESOUNDNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: 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

The Wilson Benesch Omnium Loudspeaker | Robert Harley PREVIEWS

During the install of the Wilson Benesch Omnium Loudspeaker, Robert Harley spoke with Luke Milnes to learn more about Wilson Benesch's history, the development of their isobaric drivers, and more...00:00-03:28 History of Wilson Benesch & Development03:28-09:16 Isobaric Drivers09:16-12:12 Enclosure12:12-16:22 Mechanical Construction & Footer16:22- Price & Infrasonic GeneratorWhat 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.For more show reports, expert reviews, features, and commentary subscribe to our newsletter at: https://www.theabsolutesound.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://theabsolutesound.substack.com/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

J Sikora Initial Max Turntable Review | The Real Entrance into High-End Turntables?

Tom reviews the J Sikora Initial Max Turntable. He discusses its strengths, accessories, and more. Tune in to learn more!00:00-03:54 Background & Specs03:54-09:05 Design, Construction Quality, Tonearms09:05-11:28 A Note on Cartridges11:28-17:01 Sound Quality Thought #1 17:01-24:10 Sound Quality Thought #2 24:10-26:07 Sound Quality Thoughts #3 & #426:07- Final ThoughtsNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: 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

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