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Buchardt Audio Anniversary 10 Active Loudspeaker and Platin Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 01 February 2024

Reviewers' ChoiceIn 2023, Denmark’s Buchardt Audio celebrated its tenth anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company released a new active speaker, the Anniversary 10 (A10), which is the subject of this review. In October 2020, I reviewed Buchardt’s A500 active speaker and was wowed by it. The A500 received a Reviewers’ Choice award and then won a 2020 SoundStage! Network Product of the Year award for Innovation in Design. So when Buchardt Audio announced the A10 last summer, I immediately emailed CEO and founder Mads Buchardt to request a pair for review.

Read more: Buchardt Audio Anniversary 10 Active Loudspeaker and Platin Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Active Loudspeaker

Written by: Kurt Wetzel
Created: 15 January 2024

Reviewers' ChoiceBack in January 2017, in the first review ever published on SoundStage! Simplifi, Al Griffin wrote, “What makes me think the wireless category has finally, truly arrived are new options from companies such as Dynaudio and Devialet—wireless, powered speakers that provide high-performance alternatives to traditional wired hi-fi systems.” Al was evaluating the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 2 in that review, and he wrote it with serious listeners in mind for whom the sound system—its performance and its continual refinement—is an important part of the experience.

Read more: Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance Active Loudspeaker

Kanto Audio ORA Reference Active Speaker System

Written by: Todd Whitesel
Created: 01 January 2024

Kanto Audio is a Canadian-based consumer electronics company, with headquarters near Vancouver, British Columbia. Its offerings include powered and passive desktop and bookshelf speakers, a powered subwoofer, and three types of speaker stands. For this review, Kanto sent me its latest offering, the ORA Reference desktop speaker system ($349.99, all prices in USD), along with its SUB8 powered subwoofer ($269.99) and two pairs of desktop speaker stands, the S2 and SE2 ($29.99 and $39.99).

Read more: Kanto Audio ORA Reference Active Speaker System

Elipson Prestige Facet 6B BT Powered Loudspeaker System

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 15 November 2023

When I first got into this hobby, a half-century ago, a common entry point was a starter system comprising a base-model stereo receiver, a basic turntable, and a pair of bookshelf speakers. For a system with junky house-brand speakers, you’d pay $250 to $300 (all prices in USD except where noted), or $400-plus for a system with name-brand speakers—say, a pair of Dynaco A25s or EPI 100s.

Read more: Elipson Prestige Facet 6B BT Powered Loudspeaker System

Bluesound Node X Streaming DAC-preamplifier

Written by: Roger Kanno
Created: 15 October 2023

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

Reviewers' ChoiceIt’s been a couple of years since Bluesound introduced the latest iteration of the company’s award-winning Node streaming device. After being favorably reviewed by Gordon Brockhouse in 2021, it received a SoundStage! Network Product of the Year award in the Exceptional Value category. The Node ($599, all prices USD) is widely considered one of the most fully featured music streamers available at anywhere near its price point. For the brand’s 10th anniversary, Bluesound decided to release a special edition of the Node. Priced at $749, the Node X isn’t meant to replace the current generation of the Node. It will be available for a limited but unspecified period.

Read more: Bluesound Node X Streaming DAC-preamplifier

System Audio Silverback 1 Active On-Wall Speaker System and Stereo Hub

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 01 October 2023

I bet there are loads of people who would love to have a good audio system in a room where it’s impractical to deploy a pair of freestanding loudspeakers. I also bet there are many others whose living space can accommodate freestanding speakers but whose significant other won’t.

Read more: System Audio Silverback 1 Active On-Wall Speaker System and Stereo Hub

Volumio Integro Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Todd Whitesel
Created: 15 September 2023

Based in Florence, Italy, Volumio is best known for its open-source music-management software, which has become very popular with DIYers looking to build a headless music streamer on the cheap. But Volumio also offers three domestically manufactured streaming products: the Rivo streamer, Primo streaming DAC, and Integro streaming integrated amplifier, the subject of this review. With a streamer, a DAC, and an amplifier combined in a single elegant chassis, the Integro needs just a pair of speakers, and it’s ready to play.

Read more: Volumio Integro Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Pro-Ject Audio Systems T2 W Wi-Fi Turntable with Sumiko Rainier Cartridge

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 01 September 2023

Did this heading just make you do a double take? I wouldn’t be surprised if it did because Wi-Fi and turntable are two words you don’t expect to see back-to-back. Indeed, Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ T2 W ($1199; all prices in USD unless noted otherwise) is the first product of its kind: a turntable that can stream audio over a home network to multiple devices.

Read more: Pro-Ject Audio Systems T2 W Wi-Fi Turntable with Sumiko Rainier Cartridge

Klipsch The Nines Active Loudspeaker System

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 01 August 2023

I think marketing geniuses can sometimes be too smart for the good of the companies they’re trying to promote. Consider the slogan that Klipsch Audio Technologies came up with in 2021 to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary: “Pissing off the neighbors since 1946.” The company even created a “Pissing Off the Neighbors” edition of its RB-81 MkII bookshelf loudspeaker (now discontinued).

Read more: Klipsch The Nines Active Loudspeaker System

Bluesound Powernode Edge Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Written by: Todd Whitesel
Created: 01 July 2023

Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click this link.

From the perspective of a pre-teen in the late 1970s, it seemed as if hi-fi was everywhere, and separate components ruled. In our living room, we had shag-white carpet, a Dual turntable, and a Marantz cassette deck and receiver. I remember the receiver’s gorgeous blue front lighting and joy-to-use Gyro Wheel tuner. A pair of Pioneer speakers with lustrous woodgrain cabinets rounded out the system. But I envied neighbors who had flashier systems from JVC, Sansui, and Technics. One friend had a complete silver Pioneer system at home, including the stunning CT-F1000 cassette deck, which I lusted after but couldn’t possibly afford. So, I compromised. I saved $200 from my allowance and summer jobs and bought a Panasonic all-in-one, which included a turntable, receiver, cassette deck, and matching speakers—my first stereo system.

Read more: Bluesound Powernode Edge Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Turntable

Written by: Gordon Brockhouse
Created: 15 June 2023

In early May, a curious factoid popped up in my news feed. According to a 2023 study by Los Angeles–based Luminate, a sales analysis company that specializes in entertainment and media, only half of those who bought vinyl records during the previous year actually owned a turntable. Weird!

Read more: Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Turntable

  1. NAD CS1 Network Music Player
  2. Rotel S14 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  3. Triangle Borea BR03 BT Powered Loudspeaker System
  4. iFi Audio Neo Stream Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  5. PSB Alpha iQ Streaming Active Loudspeaker System
  6. Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 Powered Loudspeaker System
  7. Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Soundbar
  8. JBL 4305P Active Loudspeaker System
  9. Dynaudio Focus 30 Active Loudspeaker System
  10. SVS Prime Wireless Pro Active Loudspeaker System
  11. Totem Acoustic Kin Play Tower Powered Loudspeaker System
  12. System Audio Legend 7.2 Silverback Active On-Wall Speaker and Stereo Hub
  13. Roksan Attessa Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  14. JBL L75ms Integrated Music System
  15. KEF LS60 Wireless Active Speaker System
  16. Zidoo Neo S 4K UHD Media Player
  17. Q Acoustics M20 HD Powered Wireless Music System
  18. Sonus Faber Omnia Wireless Music System
  19. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
  20. NAD Masters M10 V2 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  21. Mission LX Connect Wireless Active Speakers and Hub
  22. Linn Series 3 Active Loudspeakers
  23. Bang & Olufsen Beolab 28 Active Loudspeakers
  24. KEF KC62 Powered Subwoofer
  25. NAD C 700 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  26. iFi Audio Zen Stream Wi-Fi Streamer
  27. System Audio Legend 40.2 Silverback Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  28. Bluesound Node Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  29. Acoustic Energy AE1 Active Loudspeakers
  30. Q Acoustics Q Active 200 Active Loudspeakers
  31. Bluesound Powernode Multiroom Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  32. Edifier Airpulse A300Pro Active Loudspeakers
  33. KEF LS50 Wireless II Active Loudspeakers
  34. Bryston BR-20 Streaming Preamplifier-DAC
  35. HEDD Type 05 MK2 Active Speakers and Bass 08 Subwoofer
  36. SVS 3000 Micro Subwoofer
  37. Sony SA-Z1 Active Nearfield Loudspeakers
  38. Heavenly Soundworks FIVE17 Active Loudspeakers
  39. Marantz SACD 30n SACD/CD Player and Streaming DAC-Preamp
  40. DALI Oberon 1 C Active Loudspeakers and Sound Hub Wireless Transmitter
  41. PSB Alpha AM3 Powered Loudspeakers
  42. iFi Audio Neo iDSD DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amplifier
  43. Bluesound Pulse Sub+ Wireless Subwoofer
  44. PSB Alpha AM5 Powered Loudspeakers
  45. SVS Prime Wireless SoundBase Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  46. Focal Solo6 Be Active Loudspeakers
  47. Buchardt Audio A500 Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  48. Klipsch The Fives Active Loudspeakers
  49. Triangle Elara LN01A Powered Loudspeakers
  50. Volumio Primo Community Edition and Hi-Fi Edition Streaming DACs
  51. System Audio Legend 5 Silverback Active Loudspeakers and Stereo Hub WiSA Transmitter
  52. Andover Audio Model-One Turntable Music System
  53. Elac Alchemy DDP-2 Streaming DAC-Preamp
  54. Focal Shape 65 Analog Active Loudspeakers
  55. HEDD Type 07 Analog Active Loudspeakers
  56. exaSound Audio Design Delta Music Server M100
  57. Bryston BDA-3.14 Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
  58. iFi Audio Pro iDSD Streaming DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amplifier
  59. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
  60. DALI Rubicon 6 C Hybrid Active Loudspeakers
  61. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Pre Box RS2 Digital DAC-Preamp-Headphone Amp
  62. Klipsch RW-51M Wireless Powered Loudspeakers
  63. iFi Audio Aurora Wireless Music System
  64. Naim Audio Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation Wireless Music System
  65. Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  66. Hegel Music Systems H120 Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  67. DALI Katch One Soundbar
  68. NAD Classic C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC
  69. Kanto Audio Tuk Powered Loudspeakers
  70. Lumin T2 Network Music Player
  71. Naim Audio ND5 XS 2 Network Music Player
  72. Elac Navis ARF-51 Active Loudspeakers
  73. Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 Active Loudspeakers
  74. PMC result6 Active Loudspeakers
  75. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Active Loudspeakers
  76. Naim Audio Mu-so 2nd Generation Wireless Music System
  77. McIntosh Laboratory MTI100 Integrated Turntable
  78. Yamaha WXA-50 MusicCast Streaming Amplifier
  79. NAD Masters M10 BluOS Streaming Integrated Amplifier
  80. Primare SC15 Prisma Streaming DAC-Preamp
  81. Naim Uniti Core CD Ripper/Music Server
  82. Elac Navis ARB-51 Active Loudspeakers
  83. Bluesound Pulse 2i Wireless Speaker
  84. SVS Prime Wireless Active Speakers
  85. Totem Acoustic Kin Play Powered Speakers
  86. KEF LSX Active Loudspeakers
  87. Bluesound Vault 2i CD Ripper-Server-Streamer
  88. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Stream Box S2 Ultra Music Streamer
  89. Kii Audio Three DSP-Controlled Active Loudspeakers
  90. Aurender S5W Battery-Powered Wireless Active Loudspeakers
  91. Cambridge Audio Yoyo (L) Wireless Speaker
  92. DALI Callisto 2 C Active Speaker System
  93. Kanto SYD Bluetooth Speaker
  94. LG G7 ThinQ Smartphone
  95. Pro-Ject Audio Systems Juke Box E Turntable-Integrated Amplifier
  96. NAD D 3020 V2 Bluetooth Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  97. Polk Assist Wi-Fi Smart Speaker
  98. MartinLogan Unison Wireless Preamplifier
  99. Dynaudio Music 7 Wi-Fi Speaker
  100. Musical Fidelity M6 Encore 225 Music System
  101. Cocktail Audio X35 Music System
  102. Peachtree Audio decco125 Sky Integrated Amplifier-DAC
  103. Technics Ottava f SC-C70 Music System
  104. JBL Link 500 Wi-Fi Speaker
  105. Trinnov Amethyst DAC-Preamplifier-Processor
  106. Control4 Triad One Streaming Amplifier
  107. Elac Discovery Z3 Wi-Fi Speaker
  108. Klipsch Heritage Wireless Three Wi-Fi Speaker
  109. Paradigm PW 300 Wi-Fi Loudspeakers
  110. Thiel Audio Aurora Home Wi-Fi Speaker
  111. Hegel Music Systems H190 DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  112. Yamaha R-N803 Network Stereo Receiver
  113. Onkyo TX-8270 Network Stereo Receiver
  114. Dynaudio Focus 20 XD Active Loudspeakers
  115. Riva Audio Festival Wi-Fi Speaker
  116. Naim Audio Uniti Atom Wireless Streaming DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  117. NAD Masters Series M50.2 Digital Music Player
  118. Bryston BryFi BW-1 Wi-Fi Speaker
  119. Arcam rPlay Music Streamer
  120. Auralic Polaris Wireless Streaming DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  121. Simaudio Moon Neo ACE DAC-Streamer-Integrated Amplifier
  122. NAD C 368 DAC-Integrated Amplifier
  123. Lumin M1 Integrated Amplifier-Network Music Player
  124. Arcam Solo Music DAC-Integrated Amplifier-Universal Player
  125. McIntosh Laboratory RS100 Wi-Fi Loudspeakers
  126. Hegel Music Systems Röst Integrated Amplifier
  127. Naim Audio Mu-so Qb Wi-Fi Speaker
  128. Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 2 Wi-Fi Speaker

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