Robert returns with his review of the idiosyncratic but no less impressive VIVA 45's. Does their unique enclosure produce a novel sound? Listen in to learn more...

The 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 Audioquest

Newsletter: 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

Robert has spent some time with the Pear Blue Audio ARAS Turntable, diving into its design, features, and sound quality – here’s what he discovered.

00:00 Pear Blue Audio Aras Turntable

00:48 Specs & Design

06:36 Set Up

7:17 How to Play

10:26 Sound Quality

13:28 Conclusion

The 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 Audioquest

Newsletter: 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

DESCRIPTION

The Perlisten S7t is a very special speaker. Special because it does some sonic things particularly well. Special because its design is different. And special because this is a speaker that will be favored by specific kinds of listeners.

00:00 The Perlisten S7t

00:34 Specs & Design

04:41 Sound Quality

11:25 Sound Quality: Listening Examples

15:26 Voicing

21:31 Summary

The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

Tom Martin’s Reference System:

Aurender N200 Server

Roon Nucleus server

Mac Mini (M2) server

Wiim Pro server/DAC

Bluesound Node server/DAC

Topping D70 Pro DAC

dCS Lina DAC/Master clock

Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module

J Sikora Initial Max turntable

Technics SL-1210G turntable

Kuzma 4Point 9” arm

J Sikora KV12 tone arm

DS Audio 003 cartridge

Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge

Hana Umami Blue cartridge

Hegel V10 phono preamp

Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp

DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer

Audio Research Reference 6SE preamp

PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps

MBL N51 integrated amplifier

Magico A5 speakers

Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables

Shunyata Omega digital cables

Shunyata Venom power cables and director

AVN Systems acoustic design

Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers

Rediacoustic bass traps

Salamander racks

Solidsteel Turntable rack

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

DESCRIPTION

Most headphones today are intended for one of two markets. They're either for listeners who want to remain at home with their stereo system and enjoy that intimate, solitary sonic experience. Or they're for listeners who are on the go and want to use music off their smartphone or their laptop while they're traveling. Yes, there are models that say they do everything for everyone, but few actually do.

Of course, for every rule, there are exceptions. And the subject of today's review, the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Open Back Studio Headphones.

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

DESCRIPTION

In the final quarter of 2024, Hegel debuted

00:00 Hegel H400

00:45 Overview

02:10 Specs & Design

07:58 Sound Quality

13:49 DAC & Streamer

19:25 Preamp

20:56 Is it for you?

23:28 Summary

The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

DESCRIPTION

Paradigm is a Canadian company that has been around for about 40 years. Their Founder 80 speaker is part of their premium line, made in a factory near Toronto—about seven hours from where I live now.

Although I’ve owned over 100 pairs of speakers over the years, strangely enough, I had never owned a Paradigm speaker. So, you can imagine my excitement when I finally got my hands on one!

00:00 Overview

01:54 First Impressions

03:36 Specs & Design

6:41 Sound Quality

7:58 Are they for you?

08:56 Summary

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

Have you ever had an experience so revelatory that it brings into question everything you know on a particular subject? Undoubtedly, you have. I have recently had an event like this occur in the realm of personal audio. Historically, I have reserved the use of personal audio for listening while exercising and this is where my review of the Denon PerL Pro Premium True Wireless earbuds begins.

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

DESCRIPTION

For many people shopping in this price range, the Sourcepoint 888 is probably the speaker to get, or at least it should be on the short list. It may not be the speaker you think you want but hear me out and then decide.

00:00-01:00 Overview

01:00-03:35 Sound Quality

03:35 We want elevated Bass

03:35-5:05 Sound Quality Music Examples

05:05-06:55 Voicing

06:55-09:49 Summary

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

Tom Martin’s Reference System:

Aurender N200 Server

Roon Nucleus server

Mac Mini (M2) server

Wiim Pro server/DAC

Bluesound Node server/DAC

Topping D70 Pro DAC

dCS Lina DAC/Master clock

Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input module

J Sikora Initial Max turntable

Technics SL-1210G turntable

Kuzma 4Point 9” arm

J Sikora KV12 tone arm

DS Audio 003 cartridge

Benz Gullwing SLR cartridge

Hana Umami Blue cartridge

Hegel V10 phono preamp

Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamp

DS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizer

Audio Research Reference 6SE preamp

PS Audio BHK 600 mono power amps

MBL N51 integrated amplifier

Magico A5 speakers

Wireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cables

Shunyata Omega digital cables

Shunyata Venom power cables and director

AVN Systems acoustic design

Rediacoustic diffusers and absorbers

Rediacoustic bass traps

Salamander racks

Solidsteel Turntable rack

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

Introducing John Quain to the TAS reviewer team, with this first report on the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. While acknowledging the oft-reported features of the Beats line, John uncovers some novel features unique to the Studio Pro Wireless.

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

From Fremer: "Beginning in the late 70s/early 80s, Musical Surroundings' Garth Leerer has been an eye witness to and participant in the growth of high performance audio. I've known Garth for more than thirty years but mostly we're like two ships passing in the day and night at hi-fi show or I'm calling him about reviewing a piece of gear he's importing or representing.

On the eve of Clearaudio's 45th anniversary party in Nuremberg, Germany in May of 2023 we had time for a longer talk and some of his experiences and the people he met and whose lives he influenced were pretty mind blowing so during our drive to Munich I asked if I could conduct a rolling interview and he kindly said "yes"."