The Absolute Sound Podcast

AVM30 AS 30.3 Integrated Amplifier Review

There are a couple of sentences on the website of German high end audio company AVM that caught my eye. They read, we believe that any kind of music, whether it be classical, jazz or pop, has been composed to bring joy and emotion to the listener. Technical equipment such as amplifiers and loudspeakers must try to transport this joy and emotion into the living room. The reason I was on EVMs website in the first place was because I had just received its AVM30 streaming integrated amplifier with built in CD player and phono stage for review. So does the AVM30 deliver that promised joy and emotion? Let's find out!00:00 AVM30 AS 30.301:35 Overview04:54 Sound Quality08:22 Is this for you?11:33 ConclusionThis video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/opera-loudspeakersThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Bowers & Wilkins review: https://youtu.be/W7Rd_BZo2I8?si=CvuHAi6Gig4BVGLNNaim review: https://youtu.be/kcXOUBwXWx0?si=HbI2KCNF_262EveIRogue Cronus review: https://youtu.be/l_gs1oZ-92w?si=v51OolFgZcsyXLGCNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

J. Porter Studios Waterloo Micro Review

I find it refreshing when design form and function meld into an inspired synergy. Many of you may not have heard of J. Porter Studios, and after hearing the standmount creation from Engineer/Designer, Jeremy Porter, I've got a sneaking suspicion that's about to change. Today, we’re looking at a product that genuinely surprised me. The J. Porter Studios Waterloo Micro packs a whole lot of speaker into a small package. This sealed 3-way standmount loudspeaker packs a punch and is worth a listen for anyone considering options around the $6,000 mark as the Waterloo Micro sneaks in at $5,995/pair US. So, stay tuned while I share what I heard when listening to the J. Porter Studios Waterloo Micro.This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe 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.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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Piega Premium 701 Gen 2 Loudspeaker Review

Everything about these feels like a luxury product. The aluminum isn't just functional - it's beautifully finished with that sandblasted surface. The magnetic grilles attach with serious force but complete invisibility. Those speaker terminals have a mechanical precision you don't find on mass-market gear. This is Swiss watchmaker-level attention to detail applied to speakers.This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/r210s/The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Piega Premium 701 Gen 201:28 Overview02:40 The Absolute Sound03:00 Specs & Design04:41 Sound Quality11:55 Is it for you?13:22 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.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

HifiMan Susvara Unveiled Review

Hifiman has unveiled their update to the originial Susvara. What's new? What's the same? How do these two models size up? Tune in to hear Grover's thoughts on the Hifiman Susvara UnveiledThis video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Susvara Unveiled00:53 Overview03:07 Susvara vs Susvara Unveiled05:14 Sound Quality14:44 Is it for you?19:12 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.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

zzzzHifiMan Susvara Unveiled Review

Hifiman has unveiled their update to the originial Susvara. What's new? What's the same? How do these two models size up? Tune in to hear Grover's thoughts on the Hifiman Susvara UnveiledThis video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Susvara Unveiled00:53 Overview03:07 Susvara vs Susvara Unveiled05:14 Sound Quality14:44 Is it for you?19:12 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.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Focal Bathys MG Wireless Closed Back Headphones Review

The Bathys MG is an update to the original focal Bathys. So what is it that the Bathys MG offer above the original? Tune in to find out.This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Focal Bathys MG00:53 Overview02:35 Accessories03:50 Sound Quality05:25 Set Up08:38 Is it for you?12:28 SummaryNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Linn Klimax 360 Exact System Review

Over 30 years ago, Linn began an aggressive march into the future, expanding their line to include networked electronics and making a heavy investment in software engineering. This came on the heels of a long line of speakers and amplification products, which complemented their famous turntables, toned arms, and cartridges that date back to the 1970s. The Klimax System with 360 integrated exact speakers, is Lynn's flagship offering right now for two channel music and again aimed at exploring a better future. How does it stack up?This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/introducing-perlisten00:00 Linn Klimax 360 Exact System01:16 Overview07:29 Sound Quality 14:25 SummaryNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comTom's reference system:Aurender N20 Streamer/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 moduleMSB Premier DACJ 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 ampAudio Research 160S power ampMagico A5 speakersPerlisten S7t speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAudioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioningRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsPSI Audio AVAA active 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 Under $10k Series: PS Audio Aspen FR 5

Robert Taylor reviews the affordable, powerful PS Audio Aspen FR 5 loudspeakers. Relatively small but effortlessly powerful across the entire frequency range, Robert tests the Aspens in two different room sizes to uncover their sonic signature. What is that signature? Tune in to find out...This video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comhttps://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/detailed-frequency-ranges-of-instruments-and-vocals/00:00 PS Audio Aspen FR 501:03 Specs & Design02:51 Set Up3:47 Sound Quality05:42 In a Small Room...11:23 SummaryNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Factory Tours: AVM Electronics and ViaBlue Cables (Bonus AMG visit)

Grover Neville stops by the AVM Factory to see their manufacturing HQ first-hand, while taking the opportunity to stop by AMG as well for a second helping of German-engineering.This video is sponsored by: www.theabsolutesound.substack.comNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Naim CI-Uniti 102 Power Streaming Amplifier Review

The world of high-end audio is full of fantastic-looking gear, but not everyone wants their sound system to be the visual center of attention—or, in the case of the CI-Uniti 102 from British hi-fi company Naim Audio, may not even want it be to visible at all. So while the CI-Uniti's appearance might not attract your attention, will its sound? Let's find out.This video is sponsored by: www.theabsolutesound.substack.com00:00 Naim CI-Uniti 10201:02 Who's it for?03:17 Inputs04:21 Focal + Naim06:23 Sound Quality 10:14 SummaryNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved