Christiaan Punter
Owner of Hifi-Advice.com
7 December 2023
JPLAY is excited to announce the latest update to its iOS app (version 1.0.14), now featuring integration with TIDAL MAX. This update represents a significant leap forward in digital music streaming, offering unparalleled audio quality for JPLAY iOS app users.
premium
4 December 2023
Here's a special combination: the Bergmann Magne Air-Bearing turntable with Air-Bearing tonearm with the DS Audio W3 cartridge and phono equalizer. As it turns out, they work together seamlessly.
premium
29 November 2023
Main System 11 – December 2023
premium
This is a quick summary of the Main System as it was in December 2023.
premium
12 November 2023
I only just recently heard the dCS Puccini CD/SACD Player and DAC and Paganini Master Clock/USB Interface in the context of my own system. Since many people are shopping in the second-hand market, I thought it would be worth sharing my Quick Impressions of these products.
premium
3 November 2023
Streaming specialists Network Acoustics introduce tempus, their flagship Ethernet Switch.
premium
2 November 2023
Wires 4 Music, a company making handcrafted high-end cables since 2018, is proud to introduce four new products, completing the OSIRIS SIGNATURE range.
premium
31 October 2023
Connected between the CH Precision C1.2 DAC and L1 preamp, the Ensemble Dynaflux FSF Interlink surprises by sounding nothing like its appearance might suggest.
premium
29 October 2023
Mad Scientist introduces two new ranges: Black Magic Ultra and Black Magic Gold. Reviewed are four cables: Black Magic Ultra speaker cables, Black Magic Gold balanced analog interlink, Black Magic Ultra Power cable, and Black Magic Gold USB cable.
premium
17 October 2023
Michael Huigen and Nick Spier of Reference Sounds kindly hosted a private session for yours truly and two colleagues. Having attended Reference Sounds demos before, I knew this was already promising to become a great day, almost no matter the audio system. But this was not just any audio system, very far from it!
premium
1 October 2023
Manunta By M2Tech is a new daughter company from M2Tech, devised to offer audiophiles and music lovers a large portion of the M2Tech product quality at a lower price. The Evo DDC 3 can be seen as the successor of the HiFace Evo that I have used for over a decade. In this review, I am putting the sleek yet versatile Evo DDC 3 to the test and I will investigate how it performs and how it compares to its older nephew.
premium
27 September 2023
Network Acoustics believe there’s always a way to improve the sound of music streaming. Their latest innovation is the muon2 USB Cable, the ultimate version of the award-winning muon digital interconnect.
premium
24 September 2023
Building on the highly refined and musical sound of its 1.1 predecessor, the updated 1.2 model's seemingly subtle tweaks (new chassis ground parts and a specific fastening torque) yield distinct advantages.
premium
24 September 2023
Aequo Audio is going to expand considerably and has started the construction of a new production facility of 1200 m2. This will be the new home base for the loudspeaker manufacturer from Eindhoven in the coming years.
premium
6 September 2023
AG Lifter Apollo Modular Rack
premium
The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. Apollo is the top-of-the line product with a modular nature which allows users to start with a single module and build out the system precisely as needed.
premium
3 September 2023
Before the introduction of the Statement series, the Reference series was Vermouth's very best. The new Statement series, using OCC silver/gold conductors, promises further elevated performance.
premium
29 August 2023
For the past five years, HRS has worked on the EXR system to get the performance and modularity on the desired level while also offering a 30% cost reduction over the model it replaced. As a result, the EXR Stand System is the brand's most cost-effective system to date.
premium
5 August 2023
Along with the Marten Parker Trio loudspeakers that I recently reviewed, I was also handed a trio of Jorma cables. As I found, these cables turned out not only to work superbly synergistically with the Parker Trios, but they also proved a smashing success overall. As such, I felt they deserved their own review.
premium
4 August 2023
Antipodes Audio is proud to announce their updated server/streamer line-up for 2023, with updates to the existing flagship OLADRA and the K Series range. Coupled with the release of the updated range is the Antipodes Audio Upgrade Program for all existing OLADRA and K Series owners, which brings their units up to the corresponding new model specification.
premium
4 August 2023
Mark your calendars for a new edition of the Dutch Audio Event on October 7 and 8 2023!
premium
1 August 2023
Marten Parker Trio
premium
Marten may be known primarily for its luxurious cost-no-object Mingus and Coltrane series, but fortunately for those with more modestly-sized wallets, the range also extends to the other side. The Oscar series is the starting point into the world of Marten. Positioned above is the Parker series which offers a considerably more lavish build with non-parallel walls, a so-called multi-diverse crossover technique, and more exotic drivers.
premium
1 August 2023
Ansuz Darkz Resonance Control
premium
As I wrote review after review of Audio Group Denmark products, Darkz Resonance Control footers were always involved in one way or another. As I quickly found, Darkz have a profound impact, leading to my using several sets in my two systems as well as in many other reviews since then. But so far, the info was scattered across various articles. To make the info more easily attainable, I decided to create a separate article.
premium
31 July 2023
Goldmund Tethys
premium
The beautifully understated and elegant Tethys is the latest addition to Goldmund's portfolio and it marks the brand's very first passive loudspeaker. Given that all other Goldmund loudspeakers are active designs, that is a pretty big deal.
premium
25 July 2023
The AG Lifter design philosophy is to build a rack for music lovers. The Crescendo Power Amp Stand is a relatively affordable standalone product that offers a very large chunk of what a full AG Lifter rack solution can do for an audio system.
premium
22 July 2023
Main System 10 – July 2023
premium
This is a quick summary of the Main System as it was on July 22nd, 2023.
premium
19 July 2023
Originally, I had intended to limit this review just to a listening impression of the new 801 D4 Signature. However, during my visit to Bowers & Wilkins in Eindhoven, I was provided with such a wealth of information that I felt I could not just keep it all to myself and only focus on the review. As a result, what you can read below is a bit of Company History, a Factory Tour, and of course, a Listening Impression of the 801 D4 Signature.
premium
13 July 2023
The Squeezelite Module for Aqua LinQ is now ready! Its performance and sound quality are at the same high level which characterizes the other LinQ modules. The Squeezelite module allows users to stream to the Aqua LinQ Network Interface directly from any Squeeze Server.
premium
5 June 2023
After years of development and thoroughly testing various techniques, AVIDHIFI has now released two Tonearms: the entry-level ALTUS and the range-topping NEXUS. In this in-depth review, I will assess both arms using an AVIDHIFI Sequel SP turnbtable.
premium
3 June 2023
This is not an in-depth review but a Quick Impression of these two streamers with the aim of providing a high-level (overall) comparison of their features and performance.
premium
27 May 2023
The Amber 4 DAC is the most recent incarnation of Lampizator's most affordable offering. This is not a full in-depth review but a Quick Impression.
premium
27 May 2023
Copper Variants Explained
premium
Red copper, yellow copper, White copper, T1 copper... all just copper?
premium
25 May 2023
Antipodes Oladra
premium
The Oladra offers the familiar Antipodes qualities such as deep tonal saturation, lushness, liquidity, and organic flow but is more articulate, crisper, more expressive, airier, and more highly resolving than ever before. Amazingly, it does all this without sounding even the tiniest bit cooler or more analytical.
premium
24 May 2023
Introducing the Exoteryc Rack Pro - An enhanced version of Exoteryc with Master Kyo features.
premium
23 May 2023
After my 2022 report of the show based on photos, comments, and other content from friends in the industry who are attending, I felt it was time to visit the show in person once again.
premium
15 May 2023
AVIDHIFI BORON MC Cartridge
premium
AVIDHIFI offers three MC phono cartridges, of which the BORON is the mid-range model. Distinguished from the REFERENCE RUBY top model only by its BORON cantilever, the BORON may well represent the sweet spot of the range.
premium
13 May 2023
Regular readers will know of my unwavering enthusiasm for Driade Flow Link Reference 808 interlinks ever since reviewing them in the summer of 2021. As time went by, I found myself using them more and more, and they are now my favorite cables!
premium
12 May 2023
Following the introduction of the L10 and M10 amplifiers, CH Precision is proud to announce the release of the partnering phono-stage, the new P10.
premium
4 May 2023
Since its inception in 1983 by CEO Bo San, a practicing Korean Buddhist monk, Seawave Acoustic has sought the ultimate expression of horn loudspeaker technology. They aspire to reintroduce true horn loudspeakers based on original principles yet dramatically re-engineered for the modern era.
premium
30 April 2023
Main System 09 – May 2023
premium
This is a quick summary of the Main System as it was in May 2023.
premium
25 April 2023
Just days ago, I received both of AVIDHIFI's brand-spanking-new tonearm models. Say hello to the entry-level ALTUS and the range-topping NEXUS.
premium
21 April 2023
Secondary System 06 – April 2023
premium
This is a quick summary of the Secondary System as it was on April 21st, 2023.
premium
10 April 2023
Due to a busy schedule and the DAC III only being with me for 1 week, here's a "Quick Impression" article, as an appetizer, or teaser review, if you will. The DAC will return and an in-depth review will follow later.
premium
8 April 2023
Recently, PUUR hifidelity moved from Oostzaan into a cozier and much more accessible shop on a main street in Zeist. In this article, you will find a showcase of the new showroom as well as a report of the Clarisys Audio show with a full listening impression of the entry-level Minuet model.
premium
Developed around the company's latest proprietary noise filtering technology, the muon Ethernet Filter is a passive system designed to filter out problematic electrical and radio frequency noise that would otherwise be delivered via the ethernet cable along with the data into the sensitive audio equipment.
premium
3 April 2023
Antipodes servers have always offered a wide range of server and player apps and this makes them unique in a world dominated by single-purpose servers and streamers. But the brand's core quality is that they are all about conveying the soul of the music.
premium
2 April 2023
I'll say it right away: this is going to be an unusual review for me but it will be very interesting. Even if you are not into headphones, I must encourage you to read on. I promise you will be intrigued!
premium
31 March 2023
Playback Designs MPD-6
premium
The Playback Designs MPD-6 is a discrete DAC with integrated analog volume control. As part of the Edelweiss series, the MPD-6 has its roots in the Dream series from which it borrows key technologies and combines these with new ones to create a more compact and cost-effective package.
premium
20 March 2023
First photoshoot of the new Aries Cerat QuintEssence amplifier, to be debuted at Munich High End 2023
premium
5 March 2023
Playback Designs MPS-X
premium
The concept behind the MPS-X Interface is to connect digital sources such as computers, servers, network-attached storage, internet streaming services, and any other digital sources to it rather than directly to the sensitive circuits of a DAC. The MPS-X is a full-fledged standalone Network Endpoint / Streamer compatible with streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, and vTuner, as well as local storage solutions on a NAS via DLNA/UPnP, and importantly, Roon.
premium
22 February 2023
Yes, AVIDHIFI Tonearms are now a reality! After years of development during which different techniques were thoroughly tested, AVIDHIFI has just released two new Tonearms.
premium
5 February 2023
This is a quick summary of the Secondary System as it was on February 5th, 2023
premium
8 January 2023
Following the May 2022 Press Release, CH Precision has recently issued the new C1.2, an update of the longer-running C1 DAC. After having my unit updated, I was so impressed with the results that I simply had to share my findings.
premium
23 December 2022
Now that the tumultuous year 2022 is coming to an end, Alex thought it would be nice to organize a musical get-together at A10Audio just after Christmas on 28 & 29 December 2022.
premium
21 December 2022
Accuphase E-280 – Mini Review
premium
This is not so much a review as a brief report of my personal experience with the E-280 after replacing the Ayon Spirit III with it in the secondary setup.
premium
20 December 2022
Børresen Acoustics Z1 and 01
premium
With the Z1 Cryo and 01 Silver Supreme Edition, Børresen has produced on the one hand a speaker that offers a truly great price/performance ratio and on the other hand, an extravagantly-priced speaker that nevertheless offers state-of-the-art performance along with an absolutely stunning aesthetic.
premium
16 December 2022
New location: Televisieweg 60 A Tube High Fidelity is very proud to announce that as of November 2022 the company has moved into a detached and considerably larger location on the Televisionweg in Almere. Here the team will have the opportunity to present even more hi-fi and to expand their range. Additionally, they are able […]
premium
15 December 2022
Main System 08 – November 2022
premium
This is a quick summary of the Main System as it was on November 20th, 2022.
premium
29 November 2022
Wires 4 Music is a young and dynamic company based in Málaga, Spain. Their goal is to make the best possible audio cables by employing today's best available materials while aiming for a reasonable price.
premium
26 November 2022
This is a quick summary of the Secondary System as it was on November 26th, 2022.
premium
13 November 2022
AVIDHIFI offers turntables, phono stages, amplifiers, supports, and speakers, and since the summer of 2022, also a range of phono cartridges.
premium
13 November 2022
A complete system change and newfound experiences warranted a revisit of the Final Touch Audio Elara power cable. Read on to find out how I like it now!
premium
30 October 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 3
premium
Of late, ongoing changes on the streaming front have led to my reassessing the CD medium. But more pertinently, I have made a very interesting discovery that led to a newfound admiration for the Aqua M2 drive.
premium
29 October 2022
For this review, I will compare all three of GigaWatt's Power Strips using a range of GigaWatt power cables.
premium
25 October 2022
For this review, I am covering four GigaWatt power cables: three models from the new PowerSync range and one from the longer-standing EVO range. Read on to find out how they compare!
premium
16 October 2022
The DAC2-Mk3 can be seen as the successor of the DAC2 Signature that I reviewed in December 2019 and the CDT3-Mk3 is Jay's Audio's new Flagship CD transport. Read on to find out how they perform individually and as a pair.
premium
2 October 2022
The purpose of Dry Cleaning methods is to introduce a safe and easy method for stylus cleaning. But with so many available solutions, how do they compare? And where does this leave the special wet-cleaning methods?
premium
30 September 2022
The Flow Reference 808 is Driade's new reference-level speaker cable, intended to inhabit the spot above the Flow 405 in the brand's topmost tier and meant for those who seek the maximum in performance.
premium