For reviews of source equipment related to tape and vinyl.
I had no idea science fiction and hi-fi would meet when I started my review of the Michell Gyro SE turntable. Michell, pronounced Mi-shell, like the girl’s name, is another Cinderella story of an unsatisfied […]
Reviewing the Döhmann Audio Helix RC1 Mk.III record clamp brings up some audio memories, like the time I almost destroyed a $40,000 Döhmann turntable by moving it from one equipment rack to another. The Döhmann […]
Peter Madnick, longtime veteran audio engineer, has designed the new MoFi Master Phono (MSRP $5,995), a piece of gear that not only has a distinctive look, but also revives and improves upon a kind of […]
Like any self-identifying member of the audio cognoscenti, I got super excited about the new Zanden Audio Systems Model 1200 Signature phono stage ($29,500 MSRP). It is way up there in the category of high-end […]
Do I need MoFi in my hi-fi? MoFi expanded beyond their vinyl offerings and their importing and distribution division, and now they’re venturing now into the electronics game–the music giant is shaking the audiophile tree. […]
When I purchased my Naim NAIT 50 integrated amplifier last year, my only criticism was the inboard MM phono stage, which is a really fine phono stage if you’re into high-output moving magnet cartridges. While […]
The Music Hall Stealth direct-drive turntable, which includes the Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge and carries a price tag of just $1,695, won the PTA Best Value Award for 2023 just a couple of months […]
What’s better for increasing the gain in your analog set-up, a moving-coil phono stage or a step-up transformer such as the Bob’s Devices Sky 20-S? I’ve heard both sides of the debate and I still […]
Sometimes I think about the role of the chassis in high-end audio design, especially when I’m confronted with components such as The Black Swan phono preamplifier and The Black AMP headphone amplifier from Austin Audio […]
There can be no question that my first exposure to the Mola Mola Lupe phono stage in April of this year left me more than merely impressed. In fact, you can see my initial reaction […]
There’s a saying among high-end audio reviewers: “They don’t need reviews.” This saying usually pops up when a writer is interested in a certain brand or product, considers reaching out, and is told by a […]
Smooth as buttah. That’s what comes to mind while I’ve been reviewing the Musical Surroundings Phonomena phono stages. Stages? Plural? Yes. Garth Leerer of Musical Surroundings was nice enough to send me a Phonomena II+ […]
Many years ago I had a discussion with the late Warren Jarrett, a Southern California dealer and distributor who happened to represent Audio Note UK at the time. I mentioned to him that I always […]
I don’t understand the sex appeal of audio gear, but the Parasound JC 3 Jr. phono preamplifier ticks my lustful audiophile itch. Perhaps it’s the John Curl circuit design, a pedigree harkening to the Vendetta […]
Sometimes big things come in small packages. I was on the hunt for modestly priced phono stages to sing with my new Rega P3 turntable. My current entry level separate phono stage is the Schiit […]
The Zu DL-103 Mk. II phono cartridge prompts a single question: Can magic be found in the ordinary? When Brian Hunter asked if I’d like to review the Zu DL-103 Mk. II cartridge I immediately […]
I needed a workhorse turntable. It took me over two years to decide on one, but I finally settled on the Pear Audio Blue Kid Howard turntable, complete with the Pear Audio Blue Cornet 2 […]
Last year it was Phono Preamplifier Central over here, with me being spoiled with one product after another while testing out the Brinkmann Taurus turntable. While I never quite picked a favorite—there were far too […]
We just heard the sad news of the passing of Jim “Foz” Fosgate, inventor of the legendary Fozgometer. The Fozgometer remains one of the best and most convenient devices for setting optimal azimuth during turntable […]
Last year I reviewed the Van den Hul The Grail phono stage, and I gave it a firm recommendation. If you’ve read that review, you’ll know that I hoped to spend some seat time with […]
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