The Absolute Sound Podcast
Episodes
May Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Best Speakers $5k-$10k Series: Tekton Design Ulfberht Speaker Review
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Okay this one is obviously different. At 77” tall and weighing 235 lb, the Tekton Ulfberht is not your typical under $10,000 speaker. One look at th...
Best Desktop Speakers Under $500 Series: Onkyo GX-30ARC Review
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Okay, full disclosure, this video is not targeted at our average viewer. Rather, this is an attempt to open the door of hi-fi for those previously unf...
Exclusive: BACCH Stratos Atmos Processing System Listening Preview
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You could view the title of this video as audiophile "click bait"—and perhaps it is. In a more charitable frame of mind, however, you could view it...
Best DACs Under $10K Series: Hegel D50 D/A Converter Review
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Hegel announces a new flagship DAC, the audio world tends to take notice. Hegel has recently released the true successor to their previously accl...
McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Review
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I often rely on analogies to help develop my thoughts. This is a great way to take a known experience that I am relatively more familiar with to draw ...
Best Speakers Under $10K Series: Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition Review
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition may look almost identical to the contour 20, but looks can be deceiving. The Danish loudspeaker company, I think...
The Via Blue Rocket cable lifter system briefing
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this briefing I cover the Via Blue Rocket cable lifter system. I’ve been using these for several months now and have found them quite useful and ...
Pass Labs 260.8 Monoblock Amplifier Review
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following up from his Pass Labs factory tour, Adrian reviews the hefty, rich Pass Labs 260.8 Monoblock Amplifier. This video's sponsored by: https:...
Chesky Audio LC1 Bookshelf Monitor Review
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A business strategy frequently employed by seasoned organizations when developing a new product is to design and produce what is known as a Minimum Vi...
Chesky Audio LC1 Bookshelf Monitor Review
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A business strategy frequently employed by seasoned organizations when developing a new product is to design and produce what is known as a Minimum Vi...
April Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Meze Audio 105 AER Open Back Headphones Review
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some listeners feel that the most intimate experience you can have with recorded music is by using headphones. Not just because of the proximity to yo...
Audia Flight FLS9 Modular Integrated Amplifier Review
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just north of Rome on the Italian coast is a high end amplifier manufacturer you've probably never heard of, but Audia Flight who've been making amps ...
AXPONA 2025 Audio Show Report
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve just attended the 2025 AXPONA audio show in Chicago. We had a team of 5 on site: Adrian Alexander, Grover Neville, Jason Methfessel, Robert Ta...
Songer Audio S2x Loudspeaker Field Listen
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Songer Audio is the kind of audio company that puts a smile on your face. Songer is a small company devoted to designing and hand-building unusual lou...
Best DACs Under $50k Series: Tidal Camira LC Review
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Regular viewers (thank you!) will know that we have defined six major issues for audio believability. These are systemic technical issues that have pr...
Best Wireless Headphones Series: Bang & Olufsen H100 Wireless Review
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Newcomer Matt Coykendall reviews the Bang & Olufsen H100 headphones with their versatile but surprisingly high-fidelity sound. How do these stand ...
Blockaudio Class A Monoblock Amplifier Review
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I tend to approach amplifier reviews with some trepidation, because I’m afraid the differences between them will be minute. This is almost never the...
Pass Labs 2025: People, Process, Plans
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Alexander stopped by Auburn California to take a peak at what Pass Labs has been up to... Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsl...
VPE Electrodynamics Dipole Bass Systems for Magnepan and Other Open-Baffle Speakers
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas gives his impressions of his first experience with two different dipole bass systems, provided by VPE Electrodynamics, one for use with smaller...
VPE Dipole Bass
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Highlights
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ERRATA: Popori Hypersail does NOT include subs. Demo had REL subs in place. Apologies for the mistake. MBL 101 X-Treme price is $433k/pr (4 pcs) ...
Best Speakers Under $2000 Series: KEF Q7 Meta Review
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does high-performance audio necessarily mean high-fidelity audio? In my default reactionary state, I might pointedly blurt out, “Of course it does!”...
Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos Could Be A Game Changer (but…)
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about ...
Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos May Be A Game Changer
22 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about ...
Preview: 6 New Audio Research Products Revealed (TAS Factory Visit)
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We recently got a sneak preview of six new products that the revitalized Audio Research is launching in March of 2025, all entering production in Q2. ...
March Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
March Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Best Speakers $20-$40k Series: Wilson WATT/Puppy Review
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Taylor reviews the Wilson Audio WATT Puppy, gives a brief comparison to the Sasha V, and describes his overall impressions with the classic yet...
Accuphase E-800S integrated amplifier review [DRAFT]
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-abso...
NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the challenges today in audio is how to get Gen-Z. That generation is grown up with everything in the palm of their hand on their smartphone, t...
Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 Speaker Review
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Bowers and Wilkins 804 D4 speakers have a rather different sonic profile to most of the high end speakers on the market. As a result, the 804 may ...
Best Speakers $10k-$20k Series: PSI Audio A25-M
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PSI Audio is primarily a pro audio company focused on monitors for use in recording studios. Given our interest in reproducing recordings well, I thou...
February Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Best Power Amps Under $5000 Series: NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The NAD C 298 strikes me as the amplifier a lot of audiophiles would want. But it is somewhat unusual, which may mean it flies under your radar. It sh...
Best Power Amps Under $5000 Series: NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The NAD C 298 strikes me as the amplifier a lot of audiophiles would want. But it is somewhat unusual, which may mean it flies under your radar. It sh...
Best Headphones Series: ZMF Caldera Open Back Review
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Newcomer (to The Absolute Sound, not to high-end audio) Grover Neville shares his breakdown and thoughts on the ZMF Calderas. Are they a return to for...
Best DACs Series: Mola Mola Tambaqui
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Mola Mola Tambaqui is a DAC unlike any other. The question is whether that distinction is apparent in sound quality or is just a distinction witho...
Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer Review
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Taylor goes 3-for-1 in this review of the Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer, SR Network Switch, and SR Router. Is there something more than ...
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 Wireless Hi-Fi Earphones Review
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are some technologies, let's face it, that just don't meet our standards yet, but we'd like to really see them work. And so engineers keep plugg...
Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speakers Review
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are situations that, due to space considerations or the variety of music sources you're dealing with, or just out of a desire for convenience wh...
Best Streamer/DACs Under $1000: Bluesound Node Icon Review
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Blusound Node Icon is a four-part product: streamer, D/A converter, headphone amp and room correction system. You could use it as the hub of a sys...
McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Review
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A long time fan of McIntosh, Adrian reviews the versatile, curious McIntosh C2800 and explores why it has 4 vacuum tubes on offer as opposed to the ex...
Future Hi-Fi: dCS Debuts Varése DAC
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Best Speakers Under 2k Series: DALI Oberon 3 Review
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, which goes by the acronym DALI, builds the Oberon three as a stand mount speaker with floor standard sound. ...
Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 re...
Marantz Stereo 70s Stereo A/V Receiver Review
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION If the novelty of your soundbar has worn off, or you’re in the market for a receiver or amplifier that provides an opportunity to tidy ...
Best Speakers Series: Magico M7 Loudspeaker Review
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Magico M7 is an extraordinary speaker, as it should be at its price point. Except price isn’t always a good indicator of sonic quality to the de...
Best Speakers Series: Wilson Sasha V Revisited
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION In our loudspeaker brand surveys, Wilson Audio is consistently rated the highest by consumers. This is not an accident in my view, as the...
Best Speakers $10k-20k Series: Kaya Audio VIVA 45 Review
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Best Turntables Over $10-20k Series: Pear Blue Audio Aras Turntable Review
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robert has spent some time with the Pear Blue Audio ARAS Turntable, diving into its design, features, and sound quality – here’s what he discovere...
Best Speakers $20k-$40k Series: Perlisten S7t SE Review
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION The Perlisten S7t is a very special speaker. Special because it does some sonic things particularly well. Special because its design is d...
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X Open Back Studio Headphones
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 syst...
Best Amplifiers $5K to $10k Series: Hegel H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION In the final quarter of 2024, Hegel debuted their new H4 100 integrated amplifier build to replace the very popular H3 90, of which I a...
Best Speakers $5k to $10k Series: Paradigm Founder 80F Speaker
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Best Wireless Earbuds Series: Denon PerL Pro Wireless
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Best Speakers $5k to $10k Series: MoFi Sourcepoint 888
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 li...
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Review | John Quain Reports...
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing John Quain to the TAS reviewer team, with this first report on the Beats Studio Pro Wireless. While acknowledging the oft-reported feature...
A Road Trip Interview | Michael Fremer & Musical Surroundings’ Garth Leerer
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Best Speakers $10k to $20k Series: Paradigm Persona 5F Review
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION What do you do when you come across a speaker that is both deeply engrossing on Vaughn Williams’ orchestral Fantasia on a Theme by Thoma...
Preview: Oneiros Acoustics speaker launch | Tom Martin reports...
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION Oneiros Acoustics is a new British loudspeaker company. They recently launched their flagship speaker with a special listening session a...
Best Stereo Under $5k Series: Cabasse RIALTO Bookshelf Hi-Fi System
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Best Speakers $5k-$10k Series: Acoustic Energy Corinium
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Preview: Dali’s More Affordable Epikore Line Revealed
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION We recently travelled to Chicago for a preview of Dali’s newest Epikore speakers, the more affordable Epikore 9, Epikore 7 and Epikore 3...
Best Headphone Amps Series: Pass Labs HPA-1 Review
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Best Bookshelf Speakers Series: Focal Aria Evo X No. 1 Review
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION With their remarkable vocal presence and technological innovations, the Focal Aria X No. 1 Bookshelf Speakers allow for relaxed listening...
Audio Physic Classic 25 Floorstanding Speaker Review
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
2024 Capital Audio Fest | Tom Martin Reports...
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An under $1000 speaker contending for best in class, class A integrated amps, new small Magnepans, seductive single-driver speakers, marble cabinets, ...
Best Integrated Amp Series: MBL N51 Review
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION MBL builds many products that re-examine the core assumptions behind most audio equipment to find different and often better engineering ...
Best DACs Search: Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 Review
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION: There are 6 major audio issues that stand between listeners and a level of believability and engagement that parallels or improves upon t...
Q Acoustics 5020 Bookshelf Speaker Review
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTION: Impeccably judged and well-engineered, the Q Acoustics 5020s routinely persuaded me to listen to more music. Their ability to render low...
Raidho X2t Loudspeaker Review | Michael Johnson Reports...
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 lea...
McIntosh 462 stereo power amplifier review
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Best Integrated Amplifiers Under $5k Series: Unison Research Unico Nuovo Review
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unison research says its sonic goal with the Unico Nuovo integrated amplifier is to give music vitality; a word I associate with vigor, liveliness ...
Best Speakers Under 5k: Bison Twin Tower Loudspeaker Review
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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” ...
HumminGuru NOVA Ultrasonic Record Cleaner Review
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian investigates the NOVA upgrade to HumminGuru's ultrasonic record cleaner. This video is sponsored by: https://mofi.com/ Newsletter: https://ww...
Technics Live Demos New SL-1300G Turntable | Michael Fremer Reports...
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development...
Technics Live Demos New SL-1300G Turntable | Michael Fremer Reports...
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Fremer: At an event Technics hosted at parent company Panasonic's Newark, New Jersey headquarters September 17th, Technics Business Development...
Preview: New Focal Diva Utopia Integrated Speaker System Preview
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Martin and Andy Quint had the opportunity to attend FOCAL's launch event in NYC for their new active, wireless Utopia Diva loudspeaker system. Wit...
Best Headphones Series: Dan Clark Audio Corina Electrostatic Headphones
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Well, dang. These headphones retail for $4499. And if musical engagement and honesty are what you want, they are worth it. Newsletter: https://www.th...
Best Headphones Under $500 Series: Edifier Stax Spirit S3 Headphone Review
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For its price and competition Tom is surprised and pleased to spill his thoughts on the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 Headphones... https://youtu.be/W-Y0Hqz...
Best Wireless Speakers Series: Morel Biggie
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jason applauds the Morel Högtalare for its compact, innovative, and high-fidelity sound. Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Fac...
Best Speakers Under $2k: Morel Avyra 633 Loudspeaker Review
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With a tantalizing $2,000 price tag, toting a exciting and warm presentation, Aaron Jenkins encourages your consideration of this absolute bargain. N...
Best Speakers $5k-$10k: Morel Avyra 633 Loudspeaker Review [DRAFT]
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Best Speakers $5k-$10k: Sonus faber Sonetto V G2 review
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A beguiling combination of delicacy and dynamic coherence, needless to say Tom is impressed. https://youtu.be/7vF2r9PQ28o?si=06DcPqAHXCQiz4_p https:/...
Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition Review | MJ Reports...
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Johnson reviews the stirring, engaging, and powerful Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition. With impeccable timing, pace, and rhythm, the Power Editio...
Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition Review | MJ Reports...
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Johnson reviews the stirring, engaging, and powerful Naim Uniti Nova Power Edition. With impeccable timing, pace, and rhythm, the Power Editio...
Auris Bayadere 1 Turntable Review | Michael Fremer Reports...
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Fremer reviews the entry-level turntable Bayadere 1 from Serbian manufactuere Auris Audio. Listen in to hear Michael's thoughts. Newsletter: ...
Auris Bayadere 1 Turntable Review | Michael Fremer Reports...
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Fremer reviews the entry-level turntable Bayadere 1 from Serbian manufactuere Auris Audio. Listen in to hear Michael's thoughts.
B.dac one EX DAC Review | AA Reports...
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Alexander auditioned the the B.dac one EX DAC/streamer/server into his system, revealing deeper appreciation for familiar tracks and impressive...
B.dac one EX DAC Review | AA Reports... [DRAFT]
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Alexander auditioned the the B.dac one EX DAC/streamer/server into his system, revealing deeper appreciation for familiar tracks and impressive...
Best Speakers: Magico S5 2024 First Listen and Factory Tour
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom had the opportunity to visit Magico's factory in Hayward California for a first listen of the NEW Magico S5's. 00:00-01:20 Magico S5 2024 Overvie...
Best Headphones : T+A Wireless/Wired Headphones
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While not inexpensive, the T+A Solitaires manage to be competitive with pure wired headphones in its price range. So Tom thinks they qualify as a soli...
PS Audio FR10 Loudspeaker Review | AA Reports...
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Alexander investigates the sleek, stylish, and sonically captivating PS Audio FR10 Aspen loudspeakers. Are these for you? Newsletter: https://...
Gotta Hear This: Brane X Audio System – “Biggest” Portable
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Newcomer Jason Methfessel reviews the Brane X Portable Audio System. With a brief note as to 'why' The Absolute Sound is paying attention to bluetooth...
Best Headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Earbuds Review
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite being "disturbing to the critic deep in my soul" Tom hails the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Earbuds as impressive, taking into account both their ...
Get With It: Bluesound Node Nano Streamer/DAC | TM Reports...
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Announcing Bluesound's NEW Node Nano Streamer/DAC. Tom shares his thoughts on this small but mighty streamer with an impressive price tag. Are you wit...
HiFi Rose RS130 Network Transport | AA reports...
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adrian Alexander enjoyed the HiFi Rose RS130 Network Transport so much, he bought it himself. Listen in to hear his thoughts. This video's sponsor: h...
Focal Hadenys Open-Back Headphones Review
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Focal Hadenys are the first headphone Tom has heard below $1000 that sounds musically right and has relatively few distracting errors. Listen in ...