Topping B100 Review
January 22, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.headfonia.com/topping-b100-review/
I do want to talk about the elephant in the room, though. The external power brick is quite large, nearly as big as the amplifier itself. This is clearly the trade-off Topping has made to keep the main chassis compact while maintaining these ridiculous noise-floor numbers. In my setup, this was not an issue. I simply hid both power supplies under my TV unit, so they were completely out of sight. What I did appreciate is how solid and well-built everything feels, including the external PSUs. Topping didn’t cut any corners with these.


GoldenEar T44 Floor-standing Loudspeakers $4,900 Review
January 21, 2026 § Leave a comment
The GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers are solid products that are proficient technically and refined sonically. Their hybrid design, which combines advanced drivers with an integrated powered bass, produces a clear midrange with outstanding vocal reproduction, detailed and smooth treble, and bass that is both deep and articulate—remarkable for loudspeakers of their size. Their modern, elegant design and premium finishes reflect meticulous craftsmanship, giving the loudspeakers a solid, high-quality feel. GoldenEar’s emphasis on sophisticated design and high performance in a relatively compact floor-standing form factor is a highly compelling option for applications in limited space without compromising sound quality. While positioned as a premium offering, the T44 is priced well below the ultra-premium tier, presenting a strong value proposition for listeners seeking high-level audio performance without the cost associated with flagship designs.

Eufonika H22S Review
January 21, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.headfonia.com/eufonika-h22s-review/
The H22S uses a 6080 power tube and a 6N8S input tube. The big advantage here is that these tubes are easily available everywhere, and they won’t break the bank if you stick to the “normal” tubes.
The 6080 is a tube that is very common in OTL headphone amp designs, and it can be replaced by a multitude of tube equivalents such as 6N5P, 6N13P and 6AS7 (+ all equivalents). Some of the more exotic and famous tubes here are the 5998 (Tung-Sol), 2399 (Chatham) or the Bendix 6080WB graphite plates which come in a whole lot of variations.
The H22S came delivered with a winged Svetlana 6N13P tube, which certainly isn’t a bad tube, though it also depends on the amplifier. It’s a perfectly fine tube to start a tube rolling journey with. An easy and affordable first switch can be a 6AS7G black plate from RCA, just to name one.

Vitus Audio SIA-025 Mk.II Amp The Definitive $33,600 Review
January 20, 2026 § Leave a comment
I can say that Vitus Audio’s Signature Series SIA-025 Mk.II integrated stereo amplifier, as reviewed here at Enjoy the Music.com, always utterly satisfied, frequently mesmerized, and constantly made me forget I was supposed to be reviewing! I have heard most of the over $25,000 options in the Integrated sector and can say with certainty that it would be on my personal short list to consider the Vitus Audio SIA-025 Mk.II integrated for permanent residence; and the other integrated amplifiers on my list cost quite a bit more. If you are in the market, put the SIA-025 Mk.II at the top of your list; it’s just so good.


64 Audio Aspire Series $649 Review
January 20, 2026 § Leave a comment
https://www.headfonia.com/64-audio-aspire-series-review/
I am also happy, that 64 Audio included a small lip on the nozzle of the Aspire series IEMs. This is another step forward from their previous universal IEMs, which did not feature it. The lip makes sure, that ear-tips stay on the nozzle when you take the IEMs out of your ears. There have been multiple accounts of that happening to me in the past. And a stuck ear-tip in the canal is no fun.
Overall, the Aspire’s build quality leaves me little to nothing to complain about. The ABS shells might not be the most premium choice, but they still look and feel good. Plus, they are a way to cut down costs, which eventually also land at the consumer’s end. And I think all of us agree that paying less is always nice.

dCS Bartók APEX with Headphone Amplifier Review
January 19, 2026 § Leave a comment
On the other hand, the Bartók APEX works wonderfully as a Music Streamer; not only does it support Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, and Spotify, there is a host of Podcasts and Internet Radio Stations at your fingertips. Given that at this point in time, though I do have a 4TB database of DSD, the bulk of my listening is done via Streaming, this seems like an optimal compromise. While I do prefer the Qobuz interface, I like the Mosaic Control interface over Tidal, Roon, or most of the proprietary Music Server interfaces I have worked with. For one, I am able to access my Qobuz Playlists, which I have not been able to do at shows using any other interface, including Roon. So, as such, I will be using the Streamer for most of this review, except to test DSD and MQA.


World Premiere Review Esoteric K-01XD SE SACD / CD Player & DAC
January 19, 2026 § Leave a comment
The Esoteric K-01XD SE SACD / CD player and Hi-Res Audio DAC is their latest integrated design offering audio playback accessibility at the highest levels. A synthesis of exemplary versatility, build, and functionality, all elevating the musical presentation to a transformative experience. Beyond the stereotypical artifacts associated with many examples of digital playback, Esoteric K-01XD SE brings forward a presentation at once like butter and crystal – a sheer analog-like fluidity laid forth with visceral realism on a canvas of authentic scale.
In my opinion, and many here at Enjoy the Music.com would agree, the Esoteric K-01XD SE serves as a destination digital front end, particularly for those seeking the finest in SACD / DAC presentation within a compact, single-chassis design. Yes, there are certainly other fine examples of single-box sources at far higher price points (and to acknowledge, $28,500 is not exactly small change!). Few, however, match the integrity and pedigree of Esoteric and their longstanding respect within the audiophile community. We’ve all learned to never say never in this passionate art, yet investing in the Esoteric K-01XD SE would most certainly prove money well-appropriated, providing a lifetime of the most rewarding digital playback experience available within a home hi-fi audio reference system.


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