CD sales plummet in US as streaming rises
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on CD sales plummet in US as streaming rises
Sales from streaming — including on-demand subscription services such as Spotify’s paid tier and Internet radio networks — totaled $1.03 billion, up 23 percent from a year earlier, although about the same as the performance in 2014’s second half.
Streaming accounted for one-third of the industry’s total revenue, up from 26 percent in the first six months of 2014, the association said.
IFI IDSD
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on IFI IDSD
The treble is… gentle. It is there, and again, provides good detail, but it doesn’t have that sparkle that I often like. It obviously isn’t harsh, and it isn’t rolled off into oblivion, but those who like their treble to make a stand, probably aren’t going to be satisfied with the Micro iDSD.
Sharkwire Bull Shark Cable
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on Sharkwire Bull Shark Cable
In the final analysis I found the Sharkwire Bull Shark to be among the best cables I have heard (in my downstairs rig) at allowing the music to flow unfettered and unforced, yet at the same time, present the music with such vitality and detail. It was only through their addition that I found myself leaning more toward a softer, airier and more gentile presentation offered by G9 Audio’s compliment of push/pull KT120 tubes. However, the addition of the Sharkwire Bull Shark added more zest and zeal to my all tube setup than I would have believed possible. Again, frequency extremes reach further out with a increase in both speed and articulation I have not experienced prior from this rig.
GamuT RS5 Loudspeakers
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on GamuT RS5 Loudspeakers
GamuT’s new RS speakers build on all the strengths of the S series, and while the cabinets look the same from the outside, everything is different from the cabinet construction, to the drivers, including the internal wiring. No stone was left unturned to wring even more performance from these fine loudspeakers.
Vinnie Rossi LIO modular integrated amplifier
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on Vinnie Rossi LIO modular integrated amplifier
The unique, iconic sound of dropping the needle on a black disc with the volume turned up—that attention-getting scratch of stylus on vinyl—shifted my memory machine into Drive. Almost instantly, I could hear Dad’s voice and see his gold-toothed smile. The Rossi Tubestage plus phono stage presented my father’s favorite song as a deeply felt lullaby. The LIO was extremely good at getting out of the way and letting this music have its way with me.
KEF Egg wireless music system – first look
September 22, 2015 Comments Off on KEF Egg wireless music system – first look
Magico Q7 Mk II Loudspeakers
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on Magico Q7 Mk II Loudspeakers
Summing up the differences between the Q7 and the Q7 Mk II is pretty easy: The new version sounded less forced, more accessible — in short, more enjoyable to listen to. And it accomplished this feat with absolutely no loss of transparency; in fact, I heard more detail in the highs than I had with the Q7. The midrange was also more revealing than the Q7 could manage, while the transition from the midrange to the highs was less obtrusive. The treble was, surprisingly enough, even more airy and delicate.
LIFE Headphones Review
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on LIFE Headphones Review
Compared to the LIFE Headphones, the Rockets have slightly greater bass quantity and depth while maintaining similar bass quantity/tightness. The midrange of the Rockets is more forward, while the treble is more laid-back. The Rockets are smoother and more forgiving of harshness and sibilance, but also sound a little dull in comparison to the LIFE at times. The LIFE, on the other hand, has bright and energetic treble. The Rockets are also much less sensitive than the LIFE Headphones and will take a lot more power to hit the same volume levels.
Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on Bryston Mini T Loudspeaker
Lastly, don’t let the 86db sensitivity rating fool you. The Mini-Ts are incredibly easy to drive and will provide more than satisfying sound pressure levels in a modest room with 20 watts of tube power. I found the Retro i-50 integrated we reviewed last issue to be more than enough in my 10 x 13 foot room. Of course, more power will provide more dynamics, especially in a larger room and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the Mini-Ts delivered an equally impressive performance in y large room with the Pass Labs Xs 300 monoblocks. These are definitely speakers you can grow with!
The Rocky Revival of Vinyl Records | The New York Times
September 21, 2015 Comments Off on The Rocky Revival of Vinyl Records | The New York Times
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