Raidho X2.6 Floor-standing Speaker $22,800 Review
February 15, 2026 § Leave a comment
It’s nearly impossible to fault the Raidho X2.6 floor-standing speakers. Their designers set out to create a perfectly neutral and accurate speaker, and they achieved that goal. They’re so neutral that they make most of the speakers I’ve heard before sound colored. They take accuracy to another level. And therein lies a quandary.
I’m a fan of neutral speakers, and I’ve said so on many occasions. The X2.6’s accuracy gives rock and heavy music an addictive quality. They capture the feel of every band’s performance style and their recording aesthetic in a way I haven’t heard before. I could listen to Pantera and The Beatles, and everyone in between, all day and twice on Sunday.
But my main interest is classical. As I’ve also said on many occasions, there is a huge gap between the best and the worst orchestral recordings. The X2.6s are almost too good here. They demand the best fidelity and balance from orchestral tracks. Anything short of reference quality sounds fine until you hit the volume barrier. Then, it’s less enjoyable. This is a small thing that I don’t see as a flaw, but as something that comes with audio gear that is so meticulously precise. And I can’t say it better than that. The X2.6 floor-standing speakers are incredibly good at their job, and Raidho is to be highly commended. If you want to rock out at arena volume levels, or you want to build a library of classical reference recordings, there are none better in my experience.
Arne Mk2 Integrated Amplifier $40,000 Review
February 15, 2026 § Leave a comment
The Arne Mk2’s effect on my system’s spatial performance was impressive. Listening to Anne Sophie Mutter on Pable De Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 (Tidal MAX), maestro James Levine conducting the Weiner Philharmoniker, was moving and powerful. The Arne Mk2 captures the full sweetness, warmth, and complexity of the orchestra’s dynamic range. The soundstage was stunningly lifelike; it produced a three-dimensional and picturesque staging. It was big, wide and deep, an enormous size stretching beyond my loudspeakers which gave me a sense that my listening space was bigger than it actually is. The Arne Mk2 drove the Lorenzo Audio LM1s with power and authority without losing any of the integrity of the music and it was able to scale with realistic dynamic swings. From pianissimo to fortissimo, the system handled it all with exceptional realism. However, I noticed when I used the Canary Audio M3000 (at 120-watts per side) on symphonies, it did control the Lorenzo Audio LM1 a touch better in bass and scale the orchestra dynamic range. But the Arne Mk2 performed very impressively for a tubed integrated amplifier with 30-watts.
The Arne Mk2 performed flawlessly for the six months that I had it. It is a super quiet integrated amplifier. There is no hum or hiss or any tube noise to speak of without any hiccups. I really enjoyed my time with the Arne Mk2. It was simple to use with auto biasing and a volume remote control; it made it easier for me to enjoy the music. As I have said, the Arne Mk2 sounded as if I were listening to separates. When one box integrated amplifier sounds this good, you say to yourself “do I really need the separates?” If you’re in the market for separates, you should give a listen to the Engstrom Arne Mk2 integrated amplifier. Its’ that good.
Gryphon Antileon Revelation Amplifier Review $49,800 Review
February 13, 2026 § Leave a comment
New Beginnings was recorded at A&R Studios rather than the usual Rudy Van Gelder studio. I was listening to this jazz trio, especially Pullen’s piano on this all-analog Blue Note LP, which was remarkable. The A&R mix also avoided the hard-right and hard-left panning RVG often used. This recording gives Don Pullen the sound quality his music deserves.
Listening to this jazz trio, especially Pullen’s piano on this all-analog Blue Note LP, was remarkable. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation’s transparency created both musical and audiophile rapture, transmitting an unfiltered signal to my speakers.
As a reviewer, I sometimes listen to my system’s sound, independent of the music played. This may sound a bit clichéd, but while assessing the Antileon Revelation, I found myself distracted by the music as I took notes. The Gryphon amplifier—and Don Pullen’s music—demanded attention beyond typical product evaluation.
Don Pullen’s album includes modern jazz, avant-garde elements, and classic bop influences—he was in Charles Mingus’ band for years—but his music extends beyond these genres. Pullen also structured his compositions to highlight bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Anthony Williams. The Gryphon Antileon Revelation’s transparency and alignment with audiophile standards enhanced the listening experience.
Shanling HW600 $1099 Review
February 13, 2026 § Leave a comment
The Shanling HW600 is secret hot, a Dark Clark. Things are not what they seem, but fear not, that which was obscured is made from sunlight. Like that. That’s the HW600. Pro-like aesthetic, subdued style, and carefully shaped sound. Shanling overcome the not inconsiderable weight (480g w/o cable) with thoughtful design, rigid structure, and a snug fit. Cool. Again, take note that the pair just fit my large melon on their lowest setting. This, and those captive earpads, may limit the HW600’s potential audience. Clearly built with a certain voicing in mind, this middleweight planar sings a seductive tune. It has, at its core, an agility and control that, in this system, makes for a more physical listen. Stellar dynamics, tone, dimension, and deft tuning. Shanling has balanced the pair’s many strengths to deliver an immersive and alluring listening experience. The HW600 is well worth a listen. I look forward to Shanling’s next move in this space.
HiFi Rose RS451 streamer Review
February 12, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.hifinews.com/content/hifi-rose-rs451-streamer
An even more revealing player, including HiFi Rose’s own RS151, will bring out even more of the air in these recordings. For a reduced price, however, the RS451 is both appealing and very listenable. And when you add in all the ease of operation and the flexibility on offer – more than most of us will ever use – there’s much to commend this ‘semi-reference level’ player.
Load it up with a comprehensive library on an inserted SSD, and connect up a USB drive to rip your CDs, and it will probably cater for just about your every need. The RS451 also has that network access and ability to play, or copy, content from local and network storage, Internet radio and more – even if you never connect it over HDMI to your TV to play back YouTube content, etc. Steer clear of all those in-depth settings in the menus, unless you really wish to while away the odd wet afternoon, and you won’t go far wrong.
Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition Loudspeaker $13,000 Review
February 12, 2026 § Leave a comment
“Loveless” from Lo Moon’s self-titled album (24/96 FLAC, Columbia / Tidal) opens with a gentle bell-like tone, similar to a vase being struck with a rubber mallet. Through my Focal 1008 Be 2 speakers, that tone’s ring was a little more pronounced than through the Dynaudios; the Danish speakers delivered a slightly warmer tone, as if from a vase made of thicker glass. The ensuing deep growl of the synth was presented with a little more thickness and weight by the Dynaudios. There is a washboard-like repeating synth effect that begins after the bell tone stops. With the Focals, the sound was quite dry and hiss-like, while the Dynaudios seemed to deliver it in a smoother, less raspy manner. Percussion hits had similar impact, both speaker pairs demonstrating dynamic proficiency, but the Focals exposed the drum skins’ texture a little more. The background synth effects, as well as reverb and decay, were more apparent through the Focals, and noticeably less so through the Dynaudios; the 20 BEs maintained focus on the foreground elements and drew less attention to the atmospheric background effects, making the Dynaudios sound more relaxed and composed. Guitars had a richer tone through the Contour 20 BEs and cymbal splashes were less prominent, while always remaining silky smooth.
Conclusion
The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition is an exceptional standmount loudspeaker that elevates the Contour series to new, impressive heights. Its integration of the Esotar 3 tweeter, Confidence-inspired woofer, and upgraded crossover delivers a richly detailed, dynamically authoritative, and effortlessly natural presentation. Imaging is precise, and soundstaging is expansive. Bass performance belies the speaker’s modest size, making it fully capable as the centerpiece of a dedicated two-channel system. It’s a loudspeaker for the discerning ear, one that values honesty over hype and refinement over ostentation. If you’re seeking a standmount that combines luxury craftsmanship with high performance, this Dark Star, the Dynaudio Contour 20 BE, might just be for you.
HiBy RS8 II Review
February 11, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.headfonia.com/hiby-rs8-ii-review/#google_vignette
The RS8 II delivers a balanced, natural, and subtly musical sound signature without drifting into warmth or colouration. Compared to the original RS8, the tuning is more controlled and closer to neutral, with greater emphasis on clarity, spatial precision, and dynamic contrast.
What stands out immediately is the sense of effortlessness. The RS8 II never sounds strained, regardless of load or listening level. Whether paired with sensitive IEMs or demanding headphones, it maintains composure and authority at all times.
Audiophilepure 
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