The Absolute Sound Podcast

Best Speakers $10k to $20k Series: Paradigm Persona 5F Review

DESCRIPTIONWhat do you do when you come across a speaker that is both deeply engrossing on Vaughn Williams’ orchestral Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis and enthralling on Samantha Fish’s blues rocker Kill or Be Kind? My first thought was “buy it!” However, before we jump to hasty conclusions, let’s do a full review of the Paradigm Persona 5F speakers.00:00-:45 Intro 00:45-03:22 Overview03:25-10:31 Sound Quality10:31-14:00 Voicing 14:13- Summary 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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Preview: Oneiros Acoustics speaker launch | Tom Martin reports...

DESCRIPTION Oneiros Acoustics is a new British loudspeaker company. They recently launched their flagship speaker with a special listening session at the Power Station recording studios in New York. We were in attendance to put together this report for the select few at whom this speaker is targeted. 00:00-01:30 Introducing the Oneiros speaker01:30-3:53 Overview3:53-03:39 Specs & Design03:39-6:36 Live Demo6:36-09:01 Listening Demo09:01 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 Stereo Under $5k Series: Cabasse RIALTO Bookshelf Hi-Fi System

DESCRIPTION Where my time with the RIALTOs landed on the calendar got me thinking (my time with them spanned the onset of the holiday season, which included Thanksgiving).If – as an audiophile – you could identify with the Pilgrims - that is, as a puritan – you might just skip this review. These speakers are likely too much fun for you.This video is sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/Playlist of mentioned tracks: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2673312500:00-00:51 Introducing the Cabasse RIALTO00:51-3:53 Overview3:53-7:47 Specs & Design7:47-9:46 Notes on Home Theatre Listening9:46-14:44 Sound Quality14:44- Is This For You?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-$10k Series: Acoustic Energy Corinium

The Acoustic Energy Corinium does much of what excellent speakers at 2 to 3 times the price try to do. In this review, I cover what that means, what you might get if you spent more, and also discuss why you might or might not want this sonic profile. That’s a lot, so let’s get going.This video is sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/fr/The Perception and Measurement ofHeadphone Sound Quality: What Do Listeners Prefer? by Harman's Sean E Olive: https://acousticstoday.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Perception-and-Measurement-of-Headphone-Sound-Quality-What-Do-Listeners-Prefer-Sean-E.-Olive.pdfThe 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 ampsMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorRediacoustic 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

Preview: Dali’s More Affordable Epikore Line Revealed

DESCRIPTIONWe recently travelled to Chicago for a preview of Dali’s newest Epikore speakers, the more affordable Epikore 9, Epikore 7 and Epikore 3. The new speakers follow last year’s release of the Epikore flagship, the Epikore 11, The technology on offer is impressive, and the prices are upper midrange, so we wanted to see if the tech of the new speakers paralleled the Epikore 11 and see if the sound of the new speakers hinted at that pedigree. Let’s check it out.To read the December 2024 issue of The Absolute Sound magazine with Andre Jennings review of the Epikore 11: https://theabsolutesound.zinioapps.com/publications/the-absolute-sound/issues/39073Sponsored by: https://www.metronome.audio/?lang=enNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Best Headphone Amps Series: Pass Labs HPA-1 Review

DESCRIPTION The Pass Labs HPA-1 comes with the Pass pedigree and accompanying price, so this is not the headphone amp for most people. But does it do things sonically that might make it right for some music-lovers? Let’s see.Robert's Nelson Pass interview: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nelson-pass-four-decades-of-innovation/Sponsored by: https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-elevationNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Best Bookshelf Speakers Series: Focal Aria Evo X No. 1 Review

DESCRIPTION With their remarkable vocal presence and technological innovations, the Focal Aria X No. 1 Bookshelf Speakers allow for relaxed listening and render music in a way that encourages sharing with others.Sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/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, podcast and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Audio Physic Classic 25 Floorstanding Speaker Review

DESCRIPTION So imagine that you're living space is a small to medium living space that could be an apartment, a condo, or just maybe a small room in your house and interest isn't in a bookshelf speaker you're looking for a tower speaker. That's pretty elegant looking, and that sounds great. Well, that's what we're going to talk about today in my review regarding a speaker from Audio Physic: the Classic 25.This video is sponsored by: https://www.metronome.audio/page-aqwo2-gb-2/?lang=enThe 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.comAdrian'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 Speakers Who is Adrian Alexander?In my teenage years, I experienced the revolution of cassette tapes and the joy of being duplicated and shared among friends. The 1980s brought the era of compact discs, before turn of the millennium marked a significant shift as the digital age fully embraced me and MP3s became the norm, where I became more portable, fitting into pocket-sized devices that could carry thousands of me at once. I was shared across the internet, downloaded, and streamed on various platforms.In my 40s, the rise of streaming services took center stage, and I found myself being accessed from the cloud, eliminating the need for physical storage. My quality improved, and I became part of playlists, enhancing the daily routines of people around the globe.As the years rolled on, technology continued to advance. I witnessed the emergence of high-resolution audio, immersive 3D sound, and the integration of artificial intelligence in audio processing. Now, at the age of 63, I reflect on a lifetime of melodies, spoken words, and ambient sounds. From the crackling vinyl records to the seamless streaming of today, I have been a witness to the ever-changing landscape of audio technology.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

2024 Capital Audio Fest | Tom Martin Reports...

An under $1000 speaker contending for best in class, class A integrated amps, new small Magnepans, seductive single-driver speakers, marble cabinets, semi-affordable tubes and more from the 2024 Capital Audio Fest in Washington DC.This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/speaker/aura/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Tom 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 ampsMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorRediacoustic 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

Best Integrated Amp Series: MBL N51 Review

DESCRIPTIONMBL builds many products that re-examine the core assumptions behind most audio equipment to find different and often better engineering solutions for music reproduction. Of course, they are famous for their superb omni-directional speakers, but having the N51 integrated amp here for review has made me think their fame should apply to electronics as well...This video is sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Tom 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 ampsMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorRediacoustic 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