Aurender AP20 reference all-in-one music server class D integrated amplifier Review
October 23, 2025 Comments Off on Aurender AP20 reference all-in-one music server class D integrated amplifier Review
Aurender upgraded my digital audio source in early 2024 from the discontinued N100SC to the N200, a slightly higher performing cache network transport, which is now reusing the same 4TB SSD previously feeding the N100SC. I know people whose music library consists of 8TB of audio files and more, but even the 4TB is going to last me a very long time, partially because I routinely chuck those music that I never accessed. If I haven’t listened to a recording for over a year, chances are it is not important to me and it’s just taking up space and I won’t miss it. Despite my ongoing hording of a considerable CD collection, I access the Aurender more and more. For the review, I installed a separate SSD with 2TB of files into one of the two rear docking compartments of the AP20. There is no discernible difference in sound quality between sourcing the music files from the N200 via an Audience frontRow USB cable or from the SSD in the AP20 itself. Note that there is no digital output on the AP20, meaning its cache player feeds only the internal preamplifier and cannot be used as a reference cache player to pair with an external DAC.


Quad and Wharfedale System: 33, 303 and Super Denton REVIEW
October 23, 2025 Comments Off on Quad and Wharfedale System: 33, 303 and Super Denton REVIEW
https://pt.audio/2025/09/26/quad-and-wharfedale-system-33-303-and-super-denton-review/
Of late, I have found myself enjoying Egberto Gismonti’s ECM album Solo (16/44 flac, streamed via Qobuz), which features the composer soloing on guitar and piano, punctuating the performances with some soft vocals and bells. This is a natural and ethereal recording, which accurately captures the acoustic space around the performer. I really enjoy recordings like this one, and the Quad and Wharfedale system pulls out all the stops in reproducing it. I hear recorded space and dimensionality, coupled with a delightfully warm and opulent presentation of voice, piano, and acoustic guitar. I also don’t want to imply that the system is slow, as in lacking the pace, rhythm, and timing the Brits are so well known for enjoying. I never felt that the music lagged, except perhaps slightly in the lower bass region. Outside of this one shortcoming, the tunes bounced along just as they should, with reasonably fast attack of leading edges of notes.

Technics SL-1300G Review
October 22, 2025 Comments Off on Technics SL-1300G Review
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/technics-sl-1300g
Sonically, the SL-1300G benefits from the more defined sense of identity that is common to all Technics turntables and that stems from the potent drive system. This imbues it with truly sensational low-end – superior to the SL-1200GR2 and something which needs defining as a little more than simply ‘good bass.’ The brooding Blowback by Marconi Union has relatively little percussive low end to it, but there are tones that extend down from the midrange and mingle with deep electronic notes. The texture and articulation that the SL-1300G brings to them is truly impressive. Without sounding bloated or over blown, there is a level of weight and presence here that even significantly more expensive rivals can struggle to match.
Like the SL-1200GR2, the most surprising aspect of the Delta Sigma drive is that there is a delicacy to how the SL-1300G performs that is not part of the makeup of previous older Technics turntables. Listening to The Wrong Band by Tori Amos on the SL-1300G is instructive because it is a track that thrives on the articulation of the piano against Amos’ vocals and not an excess of scale or weight (although, it’s only fair to note that the lower piano notes sound truly exceptional) and the Technics does a sensational job of delivering them.

Volti Audio Lucera loudspeaker $12,900 Review
October 22, 2025 Comments Off on Volti Audio Lucera loudspeaker $12,900 Review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/volti-audio-lucera-loudspeaker
The Luceras responded well to precise placement. They preferred being situated away from the front wall, but placing them farther apart (hence closer to the sidewalls) expanded the soundstage, with no apparent downside. They liked to be toed in to point almost at the listening seat. Reducing the toe-in slightly also expanded the soundstage; moving past that point sacrificed focus.At first, I dismissed Roberts’s insistence on biwiring via the Lucera’s robust binding posts. When I eventually gave in, running Danacable to the bottom and AudioQuest William Tell to the top, the speakers shed any constraints. The soundstage bloomed, and all the most important sonic elements improved: treble clarity, definition, visceral impact. Biwiring the speakers released a level of fidelity that surpassed my original, single-run configuration.Roberts offers a one-year warranty on his speakers, when many manufacturers offer two or even more. His explanation is an affirmation of his commitment to his brand and his customers. “One year is the warranty in writing,” he explained over text. “However, at my discretion, I will replace or repair any components or crossovers on any of my speakers regardless of who owns them, with no time limit. Easy to do, because in the 15 years I’ve been in business, I’ve never had to replace anything. Volti Audio speakers are not poofy high-end box speakers where if you just look at them the wrong way you blow a tweeter. They are extremely durable and will last for many decades.”

World Premiere Voxativ Hagen2 Tower Loudspeaker €8,900 Review
October 21, 2025 Comments Off on World Premiere Voxativ Hagen2 Tower Loudspeaker €8,900 Review
https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1025/Voxativ_Hagen2_Tower_Loudspeaker_Review.htm
Then why aren’t there more single-driver speakers out there? Because they are hard to make. One can create a speaker that produces a flat frequency response, but how will it sound? Inès Marie Adler is not only a talented engineer, but she can also hear the changes in tone as she perfects her creations. Every choice she makes is to serve the music. That’s where the engineering stops and alchemy begins. When I listen to music with the Hagen2 Towers, I hear the passion and care she put into them.
The Hagen2 Towers are special. The big sound they produce belies their small stature. That first watt is their best friend. They are mind-meltingly fast and responsive. While they are incredibly resolving, they never sound harsh or bright. To sum it up, they are magical, wonderfully musical speakers. I congratulate Inès on her amazing accomplishment. If you ever have the opportunity to listen to the Hagen2 Towers or any of her other creations, please do so. You will be amazed.

Amazing Million Dollar Speakers – Acapella Sphaeron – Interview with the Owner
October 21, 2025 Comments Off on Amazing Million Dollar Speakers – Acapella Sphaeron – Interview with the Owner
Astell&Kern SP4000 $4,290 Review
October 20, 2025 Comments Off on Astell&Kern SP4000 $4,290 Review
https://www.headfonia.com/astell-kern-sp4000-review/
If streaming isn’t your thing, you can always use the 256 GB of internal NAND memory for storing digital audio libraries. In addition to this built-in storage, the SP4000 also supports external microSD cards with a capacity of up to 1.5 TB
Honestly though, it’s really easy and intuitive to work with the software and the menu structure and hidden menus are logic and what we’re used to from Android devices.
Of course the SP4000 sports many different features that make your audio listening life easier, or let you tune the sound and performance. Think Dac Filters (6), EQ, High Driving Mode, DAR, Gapless, Replay Gain, RTI LED, Crossfeed, Speaker effects, Roon Ready, External DAC use, DAC use, BT (aptX™ Adaptive and LDAC™), BT Sink, XLR Settings, AK File Drop, Airplay, Qobuz Connect, S/PDIF Conversion, and so much more.

ABYSS JOAL $1895 Review
October 18, 2025 Comments Off on ABYSS JOAL $1895 Review
Ranged against some of the competition, the JOAL is pleasingly open-sounding with a fairly spacious soundstage, especially along the X-axis.
I have spoken a few times about how much further the vocal imaging is than previous ABYSS iterations. Whilst this does create a somewhat more intimate quality, it’s nowhere near as narrow-sounding or as in your face as the POET and, to some extent, the NOIRE XO.
I do think it has less height than the NOIRE XO, but it does allow for that smooth midrange performance to come through strongly.
The NOIRE XO has stronger treble levels, but it introduces a brighter, more attack-minded upper midrange that, whilst more dynamic, can be more fatiguing than the comparatively relaxed imaging of the JOAL.
ABYSS DIANA series headphones fourté has always been about speed and space, so I would say the JOAL has retained some excellent space, but it has dropped the pace a little.


Denon DP-3000NE Turntable Review
October 18, 2025 Comments Off on Denon DP-3000NE Turntable Review
https://www.analogplanet.com/content/denon-dp-3000ne-turntable-0
The MoFi Miles Filles disc now had girth, presence, and a visceral solidity. The formerly truncated, anemic images were now pumped up and bristling with surreal sounds. Miles’ trumpet keened through a larger, deeper image, its tonality richer and the soundstage vastly expanded. The Denon/Kuzma duo unlocked the fiery goodness and sweet ’60s sonority of Miles’ music, delivering a sound that was both powerful and pure.

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