Francis Adamiak is a passionate audiophile and expert in high-fidelity audio equipment, with a focus on amplifiers and speakers. Drawing on years of experience and a deep love for sound quality, he shares in-depth reviews and insights on the latest audio technology.
Topping has launched the second generation of its well-received desktop DAC with headphone amplifier, the DX5 – Topping DX5 II. This latest model features a fully balanced architecture for both the DAC section and the headphone amplifier, incorporating several notable enhancements. The DAC utilizes two ES9039Q2M DAC chips from ESS Technology, enabling independent decoding of […] More
When I first reviewed the Shanling EH1—the brand’s most affordable stationary DAC/amp—it was clear that it served as an entry-level model. Basic functionality, limited power, and a focus on simplicity marked its design. At the other end of the spectrum sat the Shanling EH3: a fully loaded, flagship-grade device brimming with features and commanding a […] More
Cambridge Audio has launched a compact stereo power amplifier called the MXW70. The MXW70 joins Cambridge Audio’s half-width MX product line (215mm wide) alongside the popular MXN10 music streamer, making it the perfect partner for a compact stack. Cambridge Audio MXW70 The MXW70 is equipped by Cambridge Audio engineers with Class D amplification using Hypex […] More
Meet the Shanling M8T, the new flagship model that blends classic tube audio warmth with cutting-edge technology. I had quietly hoped this unit would arrive in time for the Munich High-End show, but fate (and some very perceptive colleagues) brought it to my doorstep ahead of schedule. And I’m glad it did. This player deserves […] More
Matrrix Audio has launched the TS-1 Music Streamer, a network player with onboard DA converter that also features analog and digital inputs. Analog music signal comes out via XLR and cinch. The front panel is equipped with two headphone outputs. Matrix Audio TS-1 Music Streamer with DA converter With the introduction of the M-Series a […] More
Electrocompaniet AW250-R is a two-channel power amplifier with an uncompromising design and is capable of confidently handling any acoustic systems. The amplifier’s power supply unit contains huge custom-made toroidal transformers made using proprietary FTT technology. The entire Electrocompaniet AW250-R circuit is made according to the dual mono principle, from discrete audiophile-grade components. The voltage filter […] More
The NAD M23 V2 HybridDigital™ Stereo Power Amplifier represents the culmination of more than 50 years of amplifier design and innovation in the high-end stereo amplifier category. It features NAD’s unique second-generation Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier modules, which deliver unrivaled linearity regardless of speaker load, and dramatically improve range, distortion and noise. The result is more […] More
Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company, better known to audiophiles as TEAC, announces a new, more affordable USB DAC. Called the Teac UD-301-X, it builds on the current, higher-end UD-501. The new basic design is similar to the larger model, including a balanced two-channel input, dual Burr-Brown PCM1795 DACs from Texas Instruments, and a high-quality toroidal transformer power […] More
The NAD C658 is a DAC, preamplifier and BluOS streamer in one. The NAD C 658 is powered by the BluOS streaming platform, which was developed for the Bluesound family of devices, then opened up to other Lenbrook parent brands such as NAD, and subsequently licensed to others including DALI. The platform and its accompanying […] More
The DP-3000NE is a premium flagship direct drive turntable from the Japanese company Denon. The robust design and S-shaped tonearm reproduce detailed music without resonance. And the natural dark ebony wood veneer makes it a beautiful addition to your interior. Combining beauty and sound quality, the DP-3000NE is designed to change the way you listen […] More
PS Audio is releasing a new line of components, Stellar, continuing a 40-year tradition of designing products with ultra-high value and superb sound quality. The PS Audio engineering team, consisting of Director Paul McGowan, Lead Engineer Bob Stadtherr, and Design Engineer Darren Myers, have taken everything they have learned from creating the most advanced products […] More
The Quad Artera Stereo power amplifier is fully balanced, although on the rear panel in addition to the XLR inputs there is also a pair of RCA and an inconspicuous push-button input type selector. The path is divided into four boards (input, two power amplifiers, a stabilizer with buffer capacities of 2 x 10,000 μF […] More
