As of mid 2018, virtually all high resolution digital sources have USB outputs. This includes the most widely used by audiophiles, namely, network file players / streamers. There are a number of very good reasons for this. This includes the accepted technical superiority of asynchronous USB, as well as the fact the USB protocol can be used to decode all currently known file formats, including DSD. Naturally, a high end, audiophile grade USB cable market appeared several years ago, with virtually every analog signal cable manufacturer designing and selling their own USB cables. The prices of some of these cables …

As of mid 2018, it is clear that network streaming, whether from locally stored files, or via streaming services, has over taken optical disc playback for high end hobbyists. Don’t get us wrong, plenty of folks still open the well on their CD, DVD, or SACD players and insert discs, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But high resolution downloads and the ability to rip SACDs easily now has made network playback all too convenient, and some would say, superior sonically, although we take no stand on that. The Ethernet pipeline as a source has matured to the …

We all know that it is easy to get carried away with spending on a vinyl set up..chasing performance by “upgrading” cartridges, cables, sub-platters, and power supplies, etc. One area where some vinylphiles often get stumped with is choosing a nice sounding phono preamp that won’t devour a big part of your bank account. This is, of course, assuming you don’t have a built in phono stage in your preamp or integrated amp, which is always an ideal solution. Here is a list of 5 really great sounding phono preamps under $500, based on panel listening, and direct experience. These …

Handmade Quality and Silky Smooth Tube Sound Jeff Leaming I’ve come full circle in the world of phono cartridges. Back in 2005 I decided to get back into the world of vinyl and 2 channel analog audio. As a child and teenager I grew up with vinyl. From spending hours in front of my parent’s mid-century console record player to getting my first direct drive turntable at the age of 17. Then came the 1980’s. I worked for a national chain record store from 1980 to 1985. I saw our record bins turn into CD bins and I became an …

1-Sonore microRendu Network File Player: $649 (without power supply) 2-Marantz HD-DAC1 DAC & Headphone Amp/Preamp: $799 3-Magnepan MMGi Speakers: $650 4-Rega Planar 2 Turntable: $650 5-Wireworld USB Starlight 7 USB Cable: $100 for 1M 6-Schiit Freya Preamplifier: $699 7-Black Rhodium Symphony & Foxtrot Interconnect/Speaker cables: $275/$450 8-JL Audio Dominion d108 Subwoofer: $799 9-Roon Software: $500 10-Lounge Audio LCR MKIII Phono Stage: $300

There is nothing like a handmade, artisanal product that you know was not run off an assembly line, by a multi national corporation. It does not matter if is a fine piece of jewelry, clothing, kitchenware, or electronics. It feels good to have something put together piece by piece in a small shop, by a proprietor that is proud of every piece. These entrepreneurs also tend to see their customers as more than just sources of income. In some countries like Japan, high quality goods made in small quantities are celebrated. But this can also true in the USA and …

Fair Hedon’s $4000 Recommended System With Both Analog and Digital Sources. We believe this system can provide long term enjoyment without need for upgrading anytime soon.  The system covers high quality vinyl and digital playback. Sources: Sonore microRendu + iFi iPower-$700 Rega Planar 2 + Schiit Mani-$875 Integrated Amplifier/DAC: Marantz HD AMP1=$1100 Speakers: Magenpan MMGi-$700 Interconnects, Speaker Cable, Power Cords: WireWorld Solstice 7: $64 (IC), $140 (Speaker) WireWorld Stratus 7: $104 USB Cable:  WireWorld UltraViolet: $60  

Magenapan Inc. based in the great state of Minnesota, make a unique audiophile speaker that is not shaped like a box, and incorporates a unique design that allows for a seamless presentation that many feel dynamic drivers cannot match. They must be on to something, as they have been in business for five decades. They have models starting under $700, and, with the introduction of the new flagship 30.7, top out at $30,000. Magnepan speakers are very different than those with cone drivers mounted in an enclosure. They use planar-magnetic technology, which you can read all about on the company …