The Absolute Sound Podcast

Bricasti M21 Platinum Series DAC/Streamer

Robert Taylor reviews the versatile yet simple Bricasti M21 Platinum Series DAC, with its sleek, timeless platinum faceplate. This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/r210s/00:00 Bricasti M21 Platinum Series DAC00:38 Specs & Design02:23 Reference Equipment2:49 Sound Quality08:48 SummaryNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comRobert's Reference Equipment: VPI Classic signature turntableTechnics SL1300G turntableDS audio 003 Optical cartridge Ortofon MC Quintet Mono cartridge Synergistic Research Voodoo server Synergistic Research routerSynergistic Research network switchDCS Bartok Apex edition DACMacintosh C2700 PreampPS audio Stellar gain cell Preamp/DACDS Audio 003 phono energizerParasound JCM 250 Power AmpsPS Audio M700 Power AmpsWilson audio Watt Puppy SpeakersMagnepan LRS SpeakersSynergistic Research SRX interconnects,speaker cables and power cablesSynergistic Research Foundation XL Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cablesSynergistic Research Power Cell 14 Power conditionerWhat 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Best Speakers Under $50k Series: Sound Lab G7-7C Review

This one is different. The Sound Lab G7-7C speaker is just under 7 feet tall, 3 feet wide and 4 inches thick. There are no conventional speaker drivers inside. From the right perspective, it contends for the best speaker in the world. And while $49,500 per pair isn’t inexpensive, in a world where the top speakers are often priced at $400,000 or $800,000 per pair, the Sound Lab might be considered a bargain. Let’s check out the details. Because details matter. This video is sponsored by: https://www.javahifi.com00:00 Sound Lab G7-7C01:46 Overview07:24 Sound Quality16:09 Voicing21:53 SummaryTom'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 rackNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

EverSolo DMP-A10 Music Streamer and DAC Review

Today we're diving deep into what might be one of the most tech-focused streaming decks to date: the Eversolo DMP-A10. This isn't just another incremental upgrade, as we often see, this is Eversolo's flagship statement piece, turning heads with its features and hardware, priced at around $3,999.00:00 EverSolo DMP-A10 01:00 Specs & Design03:13 Connectivity & Features05:32 What's Inside?07:07 Room Correction09:02 Sound Quality13:24 Is it for you?14:17 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Soulnote E-3 PHONO EQUALIZER Review

Robert Taylor reviews the impressive, hefty Soulnote E-3 phono equalizer.00:00 Soulnote E-300:39 Specs & Design2:29 Sound Quality08:36 ConclusionThe 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Best Headphone Amplifiers Series: Ray Samuels Audio B-21 Raider Electrostatic and Dynamic Amplifier

Ray Samuels Audio is a long-standing builder of both portable and desktop headphone amplifiers. Ray sent us his B-21 Raider amp to try with a bevy of high-end electrostatic and dynamic headphones that arrived in the lab. As you might intuit, the B-21 can drive both types of headphones. Let’s see what we heard. 00:00 Ray Samuels Audio B-2100:59 Overview Ray Samuels Audio B-2102:44 Sound Quality07:13 Summary 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Loudspeaker Review

This speaker really surprised me; I don’t know if it was all the rhetoric of being a disrupter to the industry on their website – I often approach disrupters with a hint of skepticism, but SVS means business and the Ultra Evolution Pinnacle brings it! 00:00 Ultra Evolution Pinnacle00:47 Overview03:13 Sound Quality08:59 Wrap UpNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Loudspeaker Review

This speaker really surprised me; I don’t know if it was all the rhetoric of being a disrupter to the industry on their website – I often approach disrupters with a hint of skepticism, but SVS means business and the Ultra Evolution Pinnacle brings it! 00:00 Ultra Evolution Pinnacle00:47 Overview03:13 Sound Quality08:59 Wrap UpNewsletter: 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

June 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.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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

T+A elektroakustik Factory Tour | Tom Martin reports...

Tom recently visited T+A in Herford, Germany to get an overview of their approach to audio design. Of course, he knew something from the name, which means “Theory plus Application”, but he really didn’t know what to expect. Frankly, he was surprised, pleasantly surprised, by what he found. The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 T+A elektroakustik factory tour02:46 Origin3:50 T+A's Strategy07:48 T+A's R&D09:21 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Rhumba Extreme 1.4 linestage tube preamp review

Founded in 2012, Backert Labs are an American company that only produce tube preamps. Despite a crowded marketplace this family operation has stood out with its unique approach to linestage design. I got to spend the last two months with the new Rhumba Extreme 1.4, an $8500 dollar analog linestage from the company that promises a lot in a small chassis. I’m Michael Johnson with the Absolute Sound and join me today as we find out if this Rhumba can really dance.The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Rhumba Extreme 1.4 01:25 Overview15:30 Sound Quality28:13 Is this for you?30:05 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 Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved