Articles and Reviews – page 4

The vast majority of audio systems, both Hi-Fi and High End, use digital streaming of the music signal. Yes, the magic of vinyl is fascinating, but in many cases in the evening it is much easier to choose a playlist from a streaming service and enjoy Hi-Res sound. However, almost all audio paths oriented to the reproduction of digital, sound can be improved - and the costs of such manipulations will not be too high, and the increase in sound quality can be enormous. In this guide, we will consider the main techniques and steps for improving the sound of a digital audio system.

The development of the music industry in terms of formats was cyclical - the era of analog tapes and vinyl was followed by the era of the compact disc, then file formats, Hi-Res sound and, finally, streaming. However, today we can confidently say that in the highest echelon of quality the pendulum has swung back - and vinyl has become more alive than all the living again. Not to mention the revival of interest in magnetic tapes, compact cassettes - analog sound demonstrates such a luxurious sound that music lovers and audiophiles are ready to put up with the inevitable ergonomic limitations.

Choosing a top network player is now complicated by high competition in this market – the digital audio industry is developing at a very fast pace and new models of equipment are released very often. We have compiled a compact rating of the best and proven High-End network streamers for you – which will offer you stunning sound quality and impeccable technical characteristics.

When it comes to a modern Hi-Fi audio system based on a digital sound source, you can’t do without a network player or audio streamer, usually with a built-in digital-to-analog converter. These devices offer amazing flexibility of connection (both streaming clients of well-known services and wireless signal transmission options are “on board”), and their sound quality has advanced greatly in recent years. So much so that even relatively budget devices paired with an integrated Hi-Fi amplifier and acoustics can provide excellent sound quality. Our new rating or hit parade contains just such modern audio streamers.

The first and only turntable in the model range of the famous British company Cyrus, the Cyrus TTP Turntable fits perfectly with the rest of the company's models range (from the Classic PHONO to the Cyrus Classic or XR preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers) and offers extraordinary playback quality in its price category. We tested the turntable and studied it in all details - let's understand both the design of the player and its musical capabilities.

While a standard stereo system typically uses a pair of full-range loudspeakers, triphonic solutions, focused on acoustics with limited bass extension, supplemented by an active subwoofer, are gaining popularity. In this expert analytical material, you will find seven subwoofers specially selected by the editors - suitable specifically for music installations. The rating starts with relatively inexpensive devices and ends with genuine High-End.

A component system is the alpha and omega of a High-End system, and a stereo power amplifier is its heart. It is the power amp that is responsible for revealing the talents of the acoustic systems, controls the speakers and forms the foundation of the system's sound signature. Our new selection contains eight of the latest exceptionally powerful extra-class amplifiers - from High-End devices to the stunning Ultra High-End echelon. So, how to choose an amplifier that can handle any speakers is a solved problem.

TWS headphones have become an integral part of our lives – but, as usual, we are interested in Hi-Fi and High-End models that can satisfy the needs of audiophiles. It is not always possible to sit in front of a home system – or take large-sized overhead headphones on the road. TWS models have made a quantum leap in terms of music reproduction quality – and the ten models presented below can satisfy even the most demanding music lovers.

Beryllium tweeters, first introduced into speakers in the 70s of the XX century, are back in fashion - and have become much more technologically advanced. What can I say about beryllium, now diamond diaphragms are also in use - even on midrange drivers. That's not even mentioning carbon fiber cones, iron-free magnet systems, or zirconium baskets. What does the future hold? In this article, we'll look at modern acoustics design ideas, analyze new technology trends, talk about innovative loudspeakers designs, and more. We'll also consider how acoustics can evolve their designs in the next decade and beyond.

Modern horn speakers are the choice of those audiophiles and music lovers who want to get ultra-high sound dynamics, easy selection of tube amplification and a vinyl-friendly experience. Indeed, analog sound formats are best revealed on horn acoustics with a tube amp in a pair – so our new rating is dedicated to such loudspeakers. It's 2025 and in almost any price segment – ​​from Hi-Fi to High-End you can find impressive speakers – our expert article will help with this.

In an effort to provide the highest possible sound quality, developers of High-End equipment and acoustics go to incredible tricks and release truly monumental and innovative developments. Our new rating is made up of just such pearls of the firmament of good sound – loudspeakers that can amaze you with their appearance, offer a whole book of innovations and, of course, boast incredible sound quality. So, the ten most daring innovative High-End acoustics of 2025.

The segment of relatively affordable bookshelf loudspeakers is currently developing the fastest - with new acoustics hitting the market almost every week. We have carefully studied the state of affairs and selected for you ten of the most impressive loudspeakers that fall into the Hi-Fi and Top Hi-Fi segments. This means that you can assemble a system with impressive sound without the expense of the "audio equipment for the price of a car" series - this is exactly what a buyer's guide in this market sector looks like at the beginning of 2025.

Many music lovers and audiophiles are wondering what the future holds for the high-quality audio market? Will the trend for analog formats continue, what transformation will streaming undergo, what will happen to loudspeakers, amplifiers and sources? Well, our editorial forecast for the development of the Hi-Fi and High-End industry for the coming year is as follows - the ten points outlined below can significantly influence the market and change the balance of power in it.

The manufacturer itself calls the universal disc player Kalista Dreamplay XC a combination of all the best digital capabilities. In addition to playing CDs and SACDs, the device can work with a network stream (full functionality of a streamer), has a luxurious digital-to-analog converter and even provides preamplifier functions (although, also in digital form). The French company tried to make Kalista Dreamplay XC impressive in every sense - both in terms of characteristics, and in terms of ultimate sound quality, and in appearance. So, we are testing Kalista Dreamplay XC.

Modern High-End offers a lot of more compact and flexible solutions - among which, of course, it is worth noting traditional wired over-ear headphones. We have studied the market of this class of equipment in detail as of the beginning of 2025 and selected in this buyer's guide ten of the most impressive and striking models of extra-cash headphones that meet the most demanding views on sound quality and offer a genuine synthesis of modern technologies.

Often, it is the tonearm that becomes the weak link in a high-end vinyl analog audio system – so it will never be superfluous to pay attention to this class of components. Our new expert editorial rating contains five of the most impressive High End tonearms for vinyl turntables.

Analog technology has successfully secured its place at the top of the sound quality sky – but choosing a cartridge for the High End analog equipment is fraught with many nuances. The new editorial rating has collected six of the most impressive vinyl cartridges that you can choose in 2025.

It is digital audio technology that is developing at the fastest pace, so even a savvy audiophile can easily get lost in the sea of ​​offers. Want to understand which newest digital-to-analog converter deserves attention if you are really sensitive to sound quality? Our buyer's guide to DACs of the beginning of 2025 will help.

Roon Labs recently introduced the Roon Ready Relay technology, which is strikingly different from previously known (such as the RAAT protocol, for example). Roon Ready Relay is designed to connect all external audio sources, from CD and SACD players to FM tuners, cassette decks and vinyl players. Sounds tempting? Let's figure out what this technology is and how it can be useful for an audiophile.

The compact disc has retained its place in the sun - sales of disc media are quite stable, new CD players are released with enviable regularity. In general, we can state that even high-resolution music streaming has not “killed” the compact disc - the sound quality of discs on good equipment turns out to be extraordinary, and the accumulated collections allow us to look to the future with confidence. The editors have compiled a rating of the most impressive new High End players that are worth paying attention to in early 2025.