The Absolute Sound Podcast

Best Headphones Series: ZMF Caldera Open Back Review

Newcomer (to The Absolute Sound, not to high-end audio) Grover Neville shares his breakdown and thoughts on the ZMF Calderas. Are they a return to form? A new development? Or all of the above? Listen in to learn more.00:00 ZMF Calderas00:51 Specs & Design02:47 Sound Quality07:10 Value?11:01 Summary Grover's Reference Gear: Ampsandsound Custom 300B SETAmpsandsound Yosemite Preamp/PhonoAmpsandsound Custom Kraken Horn SpeakersANK kits DACSchiit Sol Turntable with Mo-Fi SilverATC SCM20PSLSPL Amplifier2X Rythmik 12SE SubsHeadphones:DCA ExpanseZMF calderaAudeze LCD-4, XCSennheiser HD800Ferrum Hypsos + OOR Who is Grover Neville?Grover Neville is an LA-based musician and audio engineer with a love for all things triode. After graduating from Oberlin College and Conservatory, Grover went on to work on everything from movie scores to grammy-nominated pop to avantgarde-jazz. When not in the studio tinkering with vintage tube mics or playing piano, you can spot them at your nearest Hi-Fi show, probably wherever the tube amps are.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 DACs Series: Mola Mola Tambaqui

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is a DAC unlike any other. The question is whether that distinction is apparent in sound quality or is just a distinction without a difference. Let’s see. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/espritThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Mola Mola Tambaqui01:19 6 Major Issues w/ Audio Reproduction03:13 Specs & Design05:02 Sound Quality13:23 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 Icon 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 energizerPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersPerlisten S7t 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

Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer Review

Robert Taylor goes 3-for-1 in this review of the Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer, SR Network Switch, and SR Router. Is there something more than magic going on in the sleek, stylish, Synergistic boxes, listen in to hear Robert's thoughts.This video's Sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter00:00 Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer00:42 About Robert01:54 Specs & Design03:55 Network Design6:34 Set Up6:56 Sound Quality9:09 Streaming Vs. VinylConclusionThe 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

Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 Wireless Hi-Fi Earphones Review

There are some technologies, let's face it, that just don't meet our standards yet, but we'd like to really see them work. And so engineers keep plugging away at meeting the challenges. As is the case with true wireless stereo and ear monitors such as the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 Wireless Hi-Fi Earphones.This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/advance-parisThe 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.com00:00 Noble Audio FoKus Rex501:36 Specs & Design05:08 Sound Quality10:44 Battery Life11:25 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.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speakers Review

There are situations that, due to space considerations or the variety of music sources you're dealing with, or just out of a desire for convenience where you want to use something like a pair of powered bookshelf speakers. Techniques has decided to fulfill that need for budding audio files by coming out with the wireless speaker system, the SC-CX700's.This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/advance-parisThe 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.com00:00 Technics SC-CX700 01:30 Specs & Design06:39 Sound Quality12:15 Notes on Set Up15:27 SummaryAdrian's Reference Equipment: -Macintosh Mc 462 Quad Balanced Power Amp-Macintosh 2600 Pre-Amp-PS Audio Power Plant 15-VPI Avenger Turntable dual 12inch Fat boy arms -Ortofon MC Cadenza Mono cartridge -Ortofon MC Cadenza black cartridge-Ps Audio Stellar Phono Pre -Amp-Audio Quest William Tell Speaker Wire-Audio Quest Blizzard Power Cords-HiFi 130 Transport Streamer-B Audio Dac B.Dac one EX-Audio Physic Classic 15 Loud SpeakersWhat 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 Streamer/DACs Under $1000: Bluesound Node Icon Review

The Blusound Node Icon is a four-part product: streamer, D/A converter, headphone amp and room correction system. You could use it as the hub of a system simply by adding powered speakers or a stereo amp and speakers. Rather than try to do many things, but somewhat badly, in this review I want to look at the Node Icon simply as a streamer/DAC, which I think is its foundational functionality. To whet your appetite, I will compare it to my reference $35,000 streamer/DAC through the lens of the absolute sound. This video's sponsor: https://www.nordost.com/The 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

McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Review

A long time fan of McIntosh, Adrian reviews the versatile, curious McIntosh C2800 and explores why it has 4 vacuum tubes on offer as opposed to the expected 6 or 8. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/pages/about-espritThe 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.com00:00 McIntosh C2800 02:29 Specs & Design05:45 Sound Quality08:43 Why 4 Tubes?11:42 SummaryAdrian's Reference Equipment: -Macintosh Mc 462 Quad Balanced Power Amp-Macintosh 2600 Pre-Amp-PS Audio Power Plant 15-VPI Avenger Turntable dual 12inch Fat boy arms -Ortofon MC Cadenza Mono cartridge -Ortofon MC Cadenza black cartridge-Ps Audio Stellar Phono Pre -Amp-Audio Quest William Tell Speaker Wire-Audio Quest Blizzard Power Cords-HiFi 130 Transport Streamer-B Audio Dac B.Dac one EX-Audio Physic Classic 15 Loud SpeakersWhat 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

Future Hi-Fi: dCS Debuts Varése DAC

Best Speakers Under 2k Series: DALI Oberon 3 Review

Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, which goes by the acronym DALI, builds the Oberon three as a stand mount speaker with floor standard sound. That's a big claim, and all the more so because the Oberon three costs $800 a pair, which isn't much in the world of high end audio. So does this relatively inexpensive speaker deliver on that promise, and more important, how does it sound?This video's sponsor: https://www.advanceparis.com/fr/The 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.com00:00 DALI Oberon 301:24 Overview03:04 Sound Quality06:33 ConclusionWhat 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

Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas.This video's sponsor: https://www.advanceparis.com/fr/The 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