The Absolute Sound Podcast

Building/Tuning Listening Rooms: Audio Set-Up Series - Tour and Learn

Last year I built a new listening room. From the ground up. In part, this is the story of that process, but much more I have tried here to organize what I learned so that it is also instructive for music lovers and audiophiles who want to get more out of their current rooms. So, you don’t have to build a new room or complete a new building like I did to get a lot of value from this. I hope. This is a long one. Acoustics is a complex subject. Per our usual practice, I’ve tried to simplify but not dumb down. Anyway, if you hate complexity, hit the eject button now. This video is sponsored by: http://theabsolutesound.com/newsletterRobert Harley's Room Tour: https://youtu.be/OtUcfiaN6CY?si=GW7B9L13ZMlHpw0PREDI Acoustics: https://rediacoustics.com/Fundamentals of Residential Wiring: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fundamentals-of-residential-ac-wiring-to-improve-high-end-audio-system-performance/00:00 Tom Martin’s Listening Room01:28 Overview03:37 Goals: What Are We Doing?06:18 Building Steps37:10 Sound Quality39:41 DIY Budget Approach43:17 More Approaches for a Tighter BudgetNewsletter: 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 3P with Alpha USB Reference 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 energizerBlock Line and Power Block SE preampBlock Mono power ampsHegel H20 power ampsMBL N51 integrated ampMagico A5 speakersPerlisten S7t speakersWireworld Platinum Electra Series 10 speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAudioquest Niagara 3000 power conditioner (for analog)Audioquest Niagra 7000 power conditioningAavik Ethernet SwitchRediacoustic 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

Devialet Dione Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review

If there's one job for soundbars, it's to deliver deep bass. That's the Achille's Heel of every single big screen TV. In that sense the Devialet Dione does its job admirably, but it does much more than that, delivering a musicality that most other manufacturers surely are envious of... tune in to learn more!00:00 Devialet Dione00:57 Overview02:11 Specs & Design04:58 Sound Quality10:59 Dolby Atmos13:21 SummaryThis video is sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterNewsletter: 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

Boulder 1162 Stereo Amplifier Review: Class A Amp Series

The Boulder 1162 is an amplifier at a price point where you would expect excellence, and indeed you get it. Also, at this price point details matter because there are other excellent amps both below and above this segment of the market. Let’s take a look. This video i sponsored by: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Boulder 116201:29 Overview04:45 Sound Quality13:07 Balance Test15:32 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

Audio Research I/70 Integrated Amplifier Review

Being one of the long established companies in specialist high-end, Audio Research has enjoyed quite a reputation for tube equipment since its founding in 1970. Only a fraction of the models they have produced over the years have been solid-state, though half of the 6 new model introductions are this year. How does the I/70 stack up compared to their other tried-and-true amplifiers? Tune in to find out...This video is sponsored by: https://wireworldcable.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorKXd8MSoC_SaZQrrpO_ZpjZZXMDsVgFZEcqjp_T3leeCyFrqvH00:00 I/70 Integrated Amplifier01:10 Overview3:03 Key Features4:19 Sound Quality10:45 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

Aavik U-288 ”Unity” Streaming Amplifier Review

Anyone that’s been to an audio show in the last five years has likely run across a system from Audio Group Denmark, the Scandinavian company founded by former Raidho designers Lars Kristensen and Michael Børresen that is a union of four hifi brands: Ansuz, Aavik, Børresen and Axxess. Audio Group Denmark have marketed themselves heavily as being at the cutting edge of technology across amplification, speaker design, and accessories such as cables and noise control devices. This forward-thinking mindset has led them to the realm of universal streaming amplifiers, of which the Aavik U-288 is one of the latest iterations of. At $30,000 it is priced in the aspirational luxury end of the segment, promising to be that destination at the end of your HiFi journey. Can Aavik deliver on that promise? Stay tuned to find out. This video is sponsored by: https://rel.net/collections/serie-ht?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21634201662&gbraid=0AAAAADNXZ2xgcsTTJZrWVKTUJNk5UBhQc&gclid=Cj0KCQiAubrJBhCbARIsAHIdxD--TQtvCmYP-5EZzP7iGeIYgRQLwIqOQuOBbhKOx1illvwsnT188AEaArDIEALw_wcB00:00 Aavik U-288 "Unity"01:34 Overview04:27 Specs & Design08:49 Set Up09:58 Sound Quality 15:13 Compare & Contrast18:40 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

GoldenEar T44 Loudspeaker Review

If you've been following high-end audio for any length of time, you know GoldenEar has carved out this interesting niche. They're not playing the same game as everyone else in regards to what the traditional 2 channel configuration looks like in a number of their designs. While some speaker companies are still arguing about whether you need a subwoofer or not, GoldenEar basically said "what if we just built it into the tower and call it a day" and that’s exactly what they did here. This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-masterdeck-turntable00:00 GoldenEar T44 01:46 The Hybrid Concept02:45 AMT Tweeter03:37 Bass Performance04:48 Design06:46 Sound Quality11:35 Is it for you?12:41 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

ARCAM SA45 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Review

So, this review has been a long time coming, ARCAM announced their new flagship streaming integrated amplifier at High End Munich in May of 2024 and released the 5th Generation Class-G amplifier in fall of the same year. This dynamic titan is certainly indicative of a company who focuses on perfecting past products, while simultaneously incorporating new technologies into cost effective packages. Stick around while I share my listening notes with the ARCAM SA45 Streaming Integrated Amplifier in my system. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/opera-loudspeakersNewsletter: 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

Pink Faun Scion Streamer Review

From Thomas Tan: When I was asked to review the Pink Faun Scion streamer transport, I felt both excited and a little uneasy. Excited because this is a $20,000 machine. A serious piece of audio engineering. And easy because the science is purely a streamer with no DAC. And I wonder whether it could really sound different from a $200 streamer. After all, in theory, a streamer is just sending ones and zero to the DAC, so how could it possibly change the sound? Listen in to find out!*QuoBuz connect is rolling out for Pink Faun servers at the end of the month*00:00 Pink Faun Scion01:27 Overview02:56 First Impressions03:54 Specs & Design06:14 Sound Quality10:41 Tradeoffs12:14 Is it for you?13:07 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

KEF XIO Soundbar High-End (Dolby Atmos 5.1.2) Review

Big screen TVs are notorious for having really minuscule or poor sound quality. That's because just the dimensions of them dictate the fact that you can't fit a huge speaker into a thin LCD or OLED big screen TV, so soundbars are supposed to be a convenient solution to that one piece of equipment that can bring expansive sound in that immersive, enveloping quality to the soundtrack of a movie or even a TV show. KEF, known for their high-end products and technology, look to lead the way amongst the market. Do they deliver? Listen in to find out!00:00 KEF XIO Soundbar02:33 Specs & Design04L48 Set Up05:39 Calibration06:24 Sound Quality11:58 Dolby Atmos14:50 SummaryThis video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/pages/opera-loudspeakersNewsletter: 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

Best Speakers Under $5k Series: New Chesky Audio LC2

Chesky Audio is a relatively new company. Today I’ll be reviewing their second speaker model, the LC2. Like the original LC1, the LC2 features a compact 3D-printed monocoque cabinet, with a 2-way design using dual side-mounted passive radiators. It is priced at $1995per pair, including shipping in the US. That specification seems pretty ho-hum, and this price point might lead to modest expectations. But! Those understandable expectations would be a mistake, in my view a big mistake if you’re shopping in this price range. Let’s take a look at some details to understand why and how. 00:00 Chesky Audio LC201:25 Overview02:57 Sound Quality09:36 Tradeoffs12:02 Under the Hood12:36 SummaryThis video is sponsored by: https://rel.net/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21640833068&gbraid=0AAAAADNXZ2wx_gvvKYO04_eWR9H3nWjkZ&gclid=CjwKCAiAt8bIBhBpEiwAzH1w6RR6KmeIZlRqqPIEnrLHIWUdRbEib-goYxh8oBW6wVyw1Hogx-fiBxoCNXsQAvD_BwENewsletter: 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