Meze Audio Poet Rinaro Isodynamic® Hybrid Array Headphone $2,000 Review
May 2, 2026 § Leave a comment
If you are looking for a luxury headphone in this range that offers fine design, solid build, exceptional comfort, and sustainability, the Poet should be on the list for audition. Texture and tone are fantastic, across the spectrum. In comparison to similar designs, its center of gravity is lower, and somewhat contained by its smaller driver, earcup, and pad design. Resolution is on a par with others in this category, and dynamic expression is agile, refined, and consistently delivers the feel of our favorite performances, regardless of the fare. Meze has a sophisticated voice in the Poet.

Marantz MODEL 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier Review
May 2, 2026 § Leave a comment
I know the Marantz MODEL 10 is based on modern technology with some nods to history. This fact alone may make some of my audiophile friends a little skeptical about this integrated amplifier. To that, I say, “Do not fear this Class D amplifier.” I say this because Marantz’s team has been working overtime to make this amp sing with the best that are out there. And the team at Marantz has a little bit of experience getting the most out of these things.
The Marantz MODEL 10 is packed with innovative and thoughtful technologies, such as PURIFI-designed amp modules that have been tuned and manufactured by Marantz, and takes no prisoners when it comes to the engineering and execution behind the amplifier’s industrial design. This is the highest expression of Marantz’s modern amplifier design, technology, and manufacturing skills.
The Marantz MODEL 10 isn’t inexpensive, and it will be up to each individual to assess its value in their system. For me, it would be well worth the investment to get a product that is above reproach on almost all counts.

The Man with a Million Records | Inside America’s Largest Record Collection
May 2, 2026 § Leave a comment
HIFIMAN HE-1000 Review
May 1, 2026 § Leave a comment
Let’s talk about dynamics and tactility. While HE-1000SE unveiled is great, the Solitaire P still win in ultimate tactility and dynamics. Let’s take guitar plucks or strings in general, they offer a stronger attack and body on Solitaire P. They just sound more visceral, have more detail and offer a more tactile, physical experience. The HE-1000SE is still great here and offers incredible precision in the leading edges. I would say that with Solitaire P the strings and guitar plucks move more air, have more impact in the attack and are more visceral, while the HE-1000SE unveiled is still very tactile and offer a bit more “zzzing” energy in the upper midrange.
Both the Solitaire P and the HE-1000SE Unveiled are superb headphones. The HE-1000SE Unveiled is notably more linear, while the Solitaire P has a warmer and more colored tonal balance. Despite the technical differences, the Solitaire P’s bass performance, PRAT, visceral impact and mesmerizing vocals remain compelling. Personally, the Solitaire P still sounds slightly more natural and realistic to my ears, though this impression is inherently subjective. For example, in the Solitaire P interview I mentioned I was startled by the sounds because they sounded so natural, I felt like the sound was originating from my room. And while to some degree, this happened with other headphones, the sensation was short enough for the brain to quickly understand is coming from the headphones. With the solitaire p, the sensation is longer and I actually need to look around.

FURUTECH PROJECT V1-S SPEAKER CABLE REVIEW
May 1, 2026 § Leave a comment
Furutech is a top-level product, not a kaleidoscopic travelogue that leaves the listener speculating or lost in imagination. Project V1-S possesses a rare emotional magnetism, allowing music to be explored as a vast, uncharted universe, always wrapped in an enduring experience. It delivers significantly more musical drama than I expected, always ready to reveal musical stories, lyrically, never subdued.
For any high-end audio speaker cable, it is a genuine challenge to render the repertoire with endless musical textures. Exemplary, at every turn, Project V1-S seamlessly and effortlessly reinforces a sense of authoritative control.
Many high-end audio cables, regardless of price, offer merely an acoustic simulation. Furutech speaker cable stands apart, demonstrating that when things are envisioned and executed properly, the sum can be greater than the parts, with expertly rendered spatial and textural qualities.

World Premiere Review Børresen T1 Silver Supreme Edition Stand-Mounted Loudspeaker $40,000 Review
April 30, 2026 § Leave a comment
Fundamental to the reduction of unwanted sonic artifacts with all Audio Group Denmark designs are the Ansuz Darkz resonance control discs, designed to manage and eliminate mechanical vibrations and natural resonances in audio components, thereby improving sound clarity, staging, and dynamics. Darkz come in a variety of material grades (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or zirconium) and consist of three stacked discs, the upper two floating on three ball bearings to ensure excellent handling and absorption of vibrations. To maximize decoupling of the M1 from its dedicated stand, top-of-the-line Darkz Zirconium Z2S (“material grade 2 / supreme topcoat treatment”) are provided standard for use between the cabinet and titanium top plate. The option to use Darkz in decoupling the stand from the floor is also possible. The stand column and feet are made of a natural-based composite material that reduces distorting mechanical influences, especially hysteresis. Combined, the Ansuz Darkz and stand column work together in draining vibrations down and away from the speaker cabinet structure.


NAD C 3030 Review
April 30, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/nad-c-3030
This new NAD amplifier is an interesting purchasing proposition. It is not – out and out – the finest-sounding design at its price point, yet it’s probably the best all-round package. Obviously many audiophiles will love the retro styling, but this isn’t a gimmick because the user interface is excellent. With no messing around with touchscreens and menus, you can get whatever you want done with it instantly.
There are enough inputs for modern audiophiles, although a coaxial input would have been nice. Its phono stage and Bluetooth features are well implemented and its audio engineering delivers a smooth and engaging sound that’s hard to fault at the price. All this means the C 3030 makes a great case for itself to budget-conscious buyers. Rather than being just a gimmick, its retro styling really adds to the overall experience.

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