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When Dr. David Robinson reached out to me mid-year 2025 with a review opportunity available for a pair of SVS Ultra Evolution Tower loudspeakers, my curiosity was truly piqued. Yes, SVS Sound are beyond doubt the high-performance subwoofer gurus, but their forays into full-range loudspeakers for me were an unknown. However, a quick online peek... Read More »

I've noted before that the offerings available in the HDTT catalog are a treasure house of the great recordings from the golden age of stereo. Yet again, Bob Witrak brings to us six new releases that further expand that marvelous library of great performances in some of the best sound quality in which these recordings... Read More »

For over 30 years, I've enjoyed reviewing audio accessories—or "tweaks"—including power line conditioners, record cleaning machines and fluids, vinyl storage solutions, vibration isolation devices and cable burn-in devices. Even developing an inexpensive "tweak" for air bearing tonearms that significantly improved their sound. One thing, however, that differentiates today's from yesteryear's "tweaks" is cost. "Tweaks" were... Read More »

Wadax is a Spanish audio company founded in 2006 by Javier Guadalajara based on his father Angel Guadalajara's many years of research into music reproduction, which led to the development of unique technologies such as the musIC chip for correcting errors in digital systems. We are testing its basic, yet high-end, SACD/file player, the Tudio... Read More »

We audiophiles are living the good life. Never before have we had so many outstanding reissue opportunities. These reissues continue to amaze as they have consistently provided what most audiophiles clearly yearn for. This includes excellent packaging, pressing, and sound quality along with some very interesting if not wonderful title selections. In the past, we... Read More »

Golden Age, Arias by Bizet, Delibes, Donizetti, Rossini, and Verdi. Erin Morley, soprano; Lawrence Brownlee, tenor; Munich Radio Orchestra/Ivan Repušić. Pentatone Music PTC 5187 400.  TT: 62.53 Donizetti, La fille du r馮iment: Quoi! Vous m'aimez?...De cet aveu si tendre. Rossini: Le comte Ory, Ah, quel respect...Ce t駑駻aire qui croit nous plaire. Bizet Les p鹹heurs de perles: ﾀ cette... Read More »

Ancient history, I know, but I grew up in a small rural town where I was indoctrinated by the music of Johnny Cash daily on AM radio. And even though my ten-year-old self soon had enough cash (pun intended) stuffed in my pocket to procure Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison—which would be my first LP... Read More »

Zesto Audio is a relatively new company located in Los Angeles where it manufacturers a full array of excellent tube audiophile equipment to bring music to life in the home. Though not priced atmospherically like many of its all tube competitors, it strives to surpass the finest gear available using smart technology, extraordinary transformers and parts,... Read More »

When I finalized my plans to attend last August's Audio Advice Live manufacturer showcase in Raleigh, North Carolina, publicist Jaclyn Inglis contacted me in advance to gauge my interest in a show demonstration of IsoAcoustics' new GAIA Neo loudspeaker isolators. Her excitement for the product line sold me, and I quickly agreed to stop by... Read More »

I have been waiting for the chance to hear a recording made in Bert van der Wolf's new High Street Studio in Heerewaarden, Netherlands—a performance hall and recording studio inside a converted church. Bert has described this building as an incredible find with wonderful acoustics. In the conversion process, those inherently excellent acoustics have been... Read More »

Stand Up! Jerome Sabbagh, Ben Monder, Joe Martin, Nasheet Waits. Analog Tone Factory 2025 2026 (Pure DSD256, Stereo) HERE When tenor saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh released Stand Up! on vinyl and open reel last year, I remember thinking, I hope he gives us a Pure DSD256 transfer from that half-inch 30ips master tape. Now he has!... Read More »

For those readers new to this column, please read the introductory comments in Part one HERE. One thing you probably will notice as this series progresses is the preponderance of used records listed. Of course some of those are used copies to replace records I've previously owned that were stolen, but quite honestly, the bulk... Read More »

HDTT continues to release recordings of historical significance that are treasures to hear once again, and all in excellent sound quality. We have five classical recordings that deserve a place in every classical music collection. And three jazz recordings of interest, with the Sonny Stitt and Paul Gonsalves album, Salt and Pepper, beyond outstanding. Enjoy.... Read More »

Over the years I've freely admitted to being something of a sound nut. I revel in recordings that feel transparent, timbrally truthful, and utterly convincing in their portrayal of natural acoustic space. For me, the deepest listening pleasure comes from acoustic instruments captured in real environments, without artifice. With that in mind, I'm delighted to... Read More »

Intervention Records has just announced their Intervention Sun Records Hi-Fi Series, which will offer deluxe 180 gram, 45 rpm mono LP editions of classic Sun Records albums. The series has kicked off with Dance Album of Carl Perkins, the iconic guitarist's 1957 compilation album that not only commemorates the 70th anniversary of his classic hit... Read More »

Impex Records has just released incomparable guitarist and jazz fusion legend John McLaughlin's latest recording, Music For Abandoned Heights. It's an album that hearkens back to not only his classic early recordings, but continues to build on a legacy of remarkable fretwork that spans a half-century of thrilling and often groundbreaking performances. Music for Abandoned... Read More »

Every now and then I discover an album that changes the course of my musical journey. Don't Fence Me In: Western Music's Early Golden Era (Ronder CD 1102), a CD that I found in the late-nineties, is one such title.  My favorite music is sixties rock, followed closely by classical music, but in 2008 I... Read More »

I admit to getting utmost pleasure from the outstanding releases Bob Witrak continues providing to us via his High Definition Tape Transfers catalog. As I've said before, his extensive offerings are like wandering into a treasure room filled with some of the greatest classical and jazz albums ever released. I'm delighted to have these opportunities... Read More »

Engstrom is a small family-run company from Stockholm Sweden. The EE emblem represents the two founding partners, Lars & Timo Engstrom, who are a unique uncle and nephew duo. They embody a balanced and "less is more" approach to design and engineering that is central to the company's identity. Lars Engstrom was born in the... Read More »