EgglestonWorks Andra 5 loudspeaker $39,998 Review
February 4, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.stereophile.com/content/egglestonworks-andra-5-loudspeaker
The Andra 5 sound tends toward detailed and revealing. Recordings that can stand up to sharp focus and honest reproduction of their tonality will shine. Poor recordings may sound worse than they do through more forgiving speakers. EgglestonWorks’ stated goal is “to re-create a musical experience so vividly and accurately that it evokes the same emotion as a live performance.” The Andra 5s succeed at that if that emotion was captured in the recording.The look of the Andra 5 is unique and may be polarizing. The limitless choice of paint color gives buyers the choice of either blending them into the room decor or having them be more visually conspicuous. Fit and finish is superb.My brief relationship with the Andra 5s involved some adjustment and accommodation. In the terminology of modern human relationships, I had to put in the work. Then they delivered the promised sound qualities, and the work was quickly forgotten. It was a fun ride.
SME Model 8/309 turntable/tonearm Review
February 4, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.hifinews.com/content/sme-model-8309-turntabletonearm
The SME Model 8 takes an already impressive entry level design in the Model 6 and significantly uplifts its performance. The plinth developments, the new AC motor drive system developed from the Model 60, and the change of tonearm to the 309 have really given SME’s baby a boost. Easy to set up, this stylish performer offers more than a tantalising taste of the brand’s higher end turntables. SME is on a roll.
EarMen CH-Amp Signature $949 Review
February 3, 2026 § Leave a comment
While I could reach levels that satiated my desired listening level, I came close to max (26 out of 30 on the volume) to attain that, even on full volume LO. At full volume, I could listen, but it was beyond my comfort level. Some may be able to reach that full-volume level, but I could not.
All of the other listening headphones were able to be powered through the 4.4mm balanced jack with ease.
I never had to move past 22/30 to attain an adequate listening volume. Combined with a source input that has plenty of juice, though, the CH-Amp Signature could readily drive anything I sent its way.
Octave Audio • HP 300 SE Preamplifier $8250 Review
February 3, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/octave_hp_300_se.htm
One final thought is about warm-up time. The review sample of the HP 300 SE was delivered with, reportedly, many hours of use, but I was not totally comfortable with the sound until the unit had been on for at least an hour. The sound when first turned on wasn’t harsh or bass-shy, but rather unnaturally fast and insistent. I can’t say these made music unlistenable, but as soon as I discovered the sound of a fully warmed up HP 300 SE, I always turned it on an hour or two before listening, and I strongly recommend you do the same.
Questyle SIGMA Portable DAC and Headphone Amp $599 Review
February 2, 2026 § Leave a comment
The SIGMA is a first-rate DAC/Amp that should make any audiophile happy. Having found the audio qualities excellent, I have a few reservations. As a portable system, there is no way to attach the device to your phone or music player, so you can carry them together. It’s awkward at best. Even worse, there is no case, and with the beautiful glass front and back pieces, I can sense an unhappy ending if the unit is dropped or the glass surfaces become scratched. I am surprised there was no case that comes with this device, and no thought given to how to carry it with a music source. I don’t think most people want to carry a music player or phone, with wires coming out to attach to the SIGMA in a loose configuration. Yes, Bluetooth will keep it wireless, but there’s still the SIGMA to carry around with a lot of exposed glass.
Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems Momentum Z Monoblock Amplifier
February 2, 2026 § Leave a comment
Introducing the Momentum Z Monoblock Amplifier — the next evolution in high-current amplification from Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems. Developed to mark our 15th anniversary, Momentum Z advances every aspect of the Momentum platform, delivering 500 watts into 8Ω, 1,000 watts into 4Ω, and 2,000 watts into 2Ω with exceptional control, speed, and musical scale. At its core is our new Kinetic Drive Regulator, ensuring unwavering stability and purity under the most demanding conditions. With a newly engineered JFET input stage, Ethernet-enabled performance monitoring, and a sculpted chassis machined from solid aluminum and copper, Momentum Z unites technical mastery with timeless design — power and beauty, in perfect balance.
BGVP Astrum Review $649
February 1, 2026 § Leave a comment
The inside of the lid has a mirror-framed window filled with floating silver grains. Tilt the lid up and down, and they drift slowly, like an hourglass turned sideways. It is strangely calming and completely unexpected.
The packaging unfolds in tiers. First is the IEM tray, lit dramatically by the spotlights. The tier underneath it contains a heavy metal carry case sitting in its own cutout bed.
The case has a vintage feel and paintwork, like old silverware. Under the carry case, we have four ear tip packs spread neatly, each in its own labelled box. And tucked underneath everything is a small card hiding a pair of batteries you insert to power the lights.
Every layer rests on plush blue suede padding, soft to the touch from top to bottom. This is not the kind of box you put away. It is the kind you sit with for a minute, appreciating how over-the-top and thoughtful it is.
Audiophilepure 
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