The Absolute Sound Podcast

Best Speakers $10k-20k Series: Kaya Audio VIVA 45 Review

Robert returns with his review of the idiosyncratic but no less impressive VIVA 45's. Does their unique enclosure produce a novel sound? Listen in to learn more...The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Robert's Reference System: -Turntable: VPI Classic Signature with the 10 inch gimbal tone arm and Nordost wiring.-Cartridge: DS Audio 003 with matching energizer.-DAC: DCS Bartok( currently out to get the Apex upgrade).-Pre-amp: McIntosh C2700 tube preamp-Power amp: McIntosh MC 462-Speakers: Magico S1 Mk 2 with ISO acoustics Gaia 2 feet.-Power conditioner: Shunyata Gemini-8 with the grounding system.-AC outlets: PS Audio.-Cables: Synergistic Research and AudioquestNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...Facebook: / theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack...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

Best Turntables Over $10-20k Series: Pear Blue Audio Aras Turntable Review

Robert has spent some time with the Pear Blue Audio ARAS Turntable, diving into its design, features, and sound quality – here’s what he discovered.00:00 Pear Blue Audio Aras Turntable00:48 Specs & Design06:36 Set Up7:17 How to Play10:26 Sound Quality13:28 ConclusionThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Robert's Reference System: -Turntable: VPI Classic Signature with the 10 inch gimbal tone arm and Nordost wiring.-Cartridge: DS Audio 003 with matching energizer.-DAC: DCS Bartok( currently out to get the Apex upgrade).-Pre-amp: McIntosh C2700 tube preamp-Power amp: McIntosh MC 462-Speakers: Magico S1 Mk 2 with ISO acoustics Gaia 2 feet.-Power conditioner: Shunyata Gemini-8 with the grounding system.-AC outlets: PS Audio.-Cables: Synergistic Research and AudioquestNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/news...Facebook: / theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack...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

Best Speakers $20k-$40k Series: Perlisten S7t SE Review

DESCRIPTIONThe Perlisten S7t is a very special speaker. Special because it does some sonic things particularly well. Special because its design is different. And special because this is a speaker that will be favored by specific kinds of listeners. 00:00 The Perlisten S7t00:34 Specs & Design04:41 Sound Quality11:25 Sound Quality: Listening Examples15:26 Voicing21:31 SummaryThe 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.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 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 moduleJ 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 energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass 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

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Open Back Studio Headphones

DESCRIPTIONMost headphones today are intended for one of two markets. They're either for listeners who want to remain at home with their stereo system and enjoy that intimate, solitary sonic experience. Or they're for listeners who are on the go and want to use music off their smartphone or their laptop while they're traveling. Yes, there are models that say they do everything for everyone, but few actually do. Of course, for every rule, there are exceptions. And the subject of today's review, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Open Back Studio Headphones.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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Best Amplifiers $5K to $10k Series: Hegel H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

DESCRIPTIONIn the final quarter of 2024, Hegel debuted
their new H4 100 integrated amplifier build to replace the very popular
H3 90, of which I am a long time owner. That AMP has traditionally been
one of the biggest sellers for the Norwegian company,
and its popularity gives the H 400 a lot to live up to.00:00 Hegel H40000:45 Overview02:10 Specs & Design07:58 Sound Quality 13:49 DAC & Streamer19:25 Preamp20:56 Is it for you?23:28 SummaryThe 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

Best Speakers $5k to $10k Series: Paradigm Founder 80F Speaker

DESCRIPTIONParadigm is a Canadian company that has been around for about 40 years. Their Founder 80 speaker is part of their premium line, made in a factory near Toronto—about seven hours from where I live now.Although I’ve owned over 100 pairs of speakers over the years, strangely enough, I had never owned a Paradigm speaker. So, you can imagine my excitement when I finally got my hands on one!00:00 Overview01:54 First Impressions03:36 Specs & Design6:41 Sound Quality 7:58 Are they for you?08:56 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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Best Wireless Earbuds Series: Denon PerL Pro Wireless

Have you ever had an experience so revelatory that it brings into question everything you know on a particular subject? Undoubtedly, you have. I have recently had an event like this occur in the realm of personal audio. Historically, I have reserved the use of personal audio for listening while exercising and this is where my review of the Denon PerL Pro Premium True Wireless earbuds begins.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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Best Speakers $5k to $10k Series: MoFi Sourcepoint 888

DESCRIPTIONFor many people shopping in this price range, the Sourcepoint 888 is probably the speaker to get, or at least it should be on the short list. It may not be the speaker you think you want but hear me out and then decide. 00:00-01:00 Overview01:00-03:35 Sound Quality03:35 We want elevated Bass03:35-5:05 Sound Quality Music Examples05:05-06:55 Voicing06:55-09:49 SummaryNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 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 moduleJ 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 energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass 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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Review | John Quain Reports...

Introducing John Quain to the TAS reviewer team, with this first report on the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. While acknowledging the oft-reported features of the Beats line, John uncovers some novel features unique to the Studio Pro Wireless.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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

A Road Trip Interview | Michael Fremer & Musical Surroundings’ Garth Leerer

From Fremer: "Beginning in the late 70s/early 80s, Musical Surroundings' Garth Leerer has been an eye witness to and participant in the growth of high performance audio. I've known Garth for more than thirty years but mostly we're like two ships passing in the day and night at hi-fi show or I'm calling him about reviewing a piece of gear he's importing or representing.On the eve of Clearaudio's 45th anniversary party in Nuremberg, Germany in May of 2023 we had time for a longer talk and some of his experiences and the people he met and whose lives he influenced were pretty mind blowing so during our drive to Munich I asked if I could conduct a rolling interview and he kindly said "yes"."