The Absolute Sound Podcast

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

Best DACs Search: Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 Review

DESCRIPTION:There are 6 major audio issues that stand between listeners and a level of believability and engagement that parallels or improves upon the live experience. The Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference addresses one of these major issues, that of a-musical digital distortions, more effectively than any DAC I have heard.This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/speaker/aura/Robert's Review: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/berkeley-audio-design-alpha-dac-reference-series-3-digital-to-analog-converter/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

Q Acoustics 5020 Bookshelf Speaker Review

DESCRIPTION:Impeccably judged and well-engineered, the Q Acoustics 5020s routinely persuaded me to listen to more music. Their ability to render low-level detail sent chills down my spine and their dynamics kept me completely engaged with the music. Sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/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

Raidho X2t Loudspeaker Review | Michael Johnson Reports...

The Raidho X2t is a very big sounding speaker with a very small footprint, but its special qualities extend far beyond mere scale.... listen in to learn more from Michael Johnson's report.

McIntosh 462 stereo power amplifier review

The Macintosh Mk 462 is the most powerful solid state amplifier in the Macintosh lineup. The amplifier weighs a backbreaking 115 pounds, and the price is $10,000. It's the least expensive amplifier with all of their core technologies, yet it's the largest stereo amplifier in their range.This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-masterdeck-turntableThe 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.comRobert'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 AudioquestWhat 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 Amplifiers Under $5k Series: Unison Research Unico Nuovo Review

Unison research says its sonic goal
with the Unico Nuovo integrated
amplifier is to give music vitality; a word I associate with vigor,
liveliness and power. Does it succeed? Let's find out!This video's sponsor: https://www.jbl.com/receivers-and-loudspeakers.htmlOur interview with JBL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMFKbDCL0Wg&ab_channel=THEABSOLUTESOUNDWhat 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 Under 5k: Bison Twin Tower Loudspeaker Review

While the Totem Bison Twin Tower floor standing loudspeakers are not inexpensive at $4,000 US per pair, they do fall solidly into the “next step” camp when viewed on the spectrum of available loudspeakers. This video sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/en/More Audiophile Content:Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comMentioned Links:https://youtu.be/AKC9hNqsRTY?si=iWnD4bY7rMcbT1Iuhttps://youtu.be/QQIKjJJPglI?si=wdvdkvYLE24dDaztWhat 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

HumminGuru NOVA Ultrasonic Record Cleaner Review

Adrian investigates the NOVA upgrade to HumminGuru's ultrasonic record cleaner.This video is sponsored by: https://mofi.com/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?I began my journey at the tender age of 12. Initially, it was just a small snippet of sound, perhaps a simple melody or a voice recording.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

Technics Live Demos New SL-1300G Turntable | Michael Fremer Reports...

From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above. This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and doesn't get you. The new 'table incorporates many features found on the more costly 'table including the 1200G's copper-topped triple layer 7+ pound platter, combined with the 1200GR2's iron-coreless type double rotor/single stator motor and ΔΣ Drive that the more costly 1200G lacks. While the SL-1300G's 30 pound plinth is not identical to the SL-1200G's, it is upgraded in key ways compared to the 1200GR's. The video includes illustrations explaining some of what can't be seen on the outside and an illustrated Technics historical timeline. Lots to look at and consider.Also in this video is a considered look at the new Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System, which incorporates some interesting new tech and is far more than a typical "powered loudspeaker".Following the presentation I got to hear both the SL-1300G and the SC-CX700 loudspeaker. Despite the less than optimal room conditions, the bottom end produced by both the 1300G through a pair of floor standing Technics SPG90 Mk2 loudspeakers and the 1200G directly into the powered speakers, which includes a built-in MM phono preamp.It was an impressive and useful presentation, especially when, at the conclusion I asked whether it might be possible for me to get all three turntables to compare. That's what readers have asked for and that's what I hope to get. Yes, as Voss pointed out, that would be a major undertaking, but it's one I'm willing to do!

Technics Live Demos New SL-1300G Turntable | Michael Fremer Reports...

From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development Manager Bill Voss walked me through all of the new $3299 SL-1300G turntable's features and mechanical and physical attributes, comparing it to the $2199 SL-1200GR2 below and the $4299 SL-1200G above. This video should clear up any and all confusion about what stepping up from the 1200GR2 gets you and what stepping down from the 1200G gets you and doesn't get you. The new 'table incorporates many features found on the more costly 'table including the 1200G's copper-topped triple layer 7+ pound platter, combined with the 1200GR2's iron-coreless type double rotor/single stator motor and ΔΣ Drive that the more costly 1200G lacks. While the SL-1300G's 30 pound plinth is not identical to the SL-1200G's, it is upgraded in key ways compared to the 1200GR's. The video includes illustrations explaining some of what can't be seen on the outside and an illustrated Technics historical timeline. Lots to look at and consider.Also in this video is a considered look at the new Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System, which incorporates some interesting new tech and is far more than a typical "powered loudspeaker".Following the presentation I got to hear both the SL-1300G and the SC-CX700 loudspeaker. Despite the less than optimal room conditions, the bottom end produced by both the 1300G through a pair of floor standing Technics SPG90 Mk2 loudspeakers and the 1200G directly into the powered speakers, which includes a built-in MM phono preamp.It was an impressive and useful presentation, especially when, at the conclusion I asked whether it might be possible for me to get all three turntables to compare. That's what readers have asked for and that's what I hope to get. Yes, as Voss pointed out, that would be a major undertaking, but it's one I'm willing to do!