The Absolute Sound Podcast

NAD M23 V2 Stereo Power Amplifier Review

In this video, Tom Martin reviews the NAD M23 V2 Power Amplifier, a key component in his $15,000 audio system build. Tom dives into its Class D design, impressive power output, and how it pairs with the Eminent Technologies LFT-8c speakers and Wattson Madison streaming DAC. Join him as he evaluates its sound quality, focusing on clarity and low distortion across frequencies, to help you determine if the M23 V2 is the right fit for your audio setup. What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Saros Audio Europa Headphone Amp & Preamp Review

In this video, Matt Coykendall dives into the Saros Audio Europa tube amplifier. With its fully differential design, this amp promises to elevate your listening experience by minimizing noise and maximizing dynamic range. Priced at $8,995, the Europa serves as both a headphone amp and a preamp, featuring user-replaceable tubes and top-notch components like Lundahl transformers and VPG Z foil resistors. Matt explores how it delivers a clear, dynamic sound across various genres, challenging the notion that tube amps are only warm and soft. Plus, he points out how easy it is to switch between headphone and speaker use without any hassle. This video is sponsored by: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he6-remastered.html 00:00 Sarrus Audio Europa 01:15 Overview 02:45 Design & Features 05:30 Sound Quality 12:00 Headphone vs. Speaker Use 15:30 Is it for you? 16:45 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Ø Audio ICON 12 High Efficiency Horn Speakers Reviews

Norway’s Ø Audio cast off into the hi-fi world a decade ago with the Icon two-way horn speaker. Since then, they’ve debuted a number of different models, but the two-way Icon remained at the heart of their brand. Well, that is until the company launched the redesigned Icon 12 last year, alongside a push into the American market. Priced at $25,000, this is not a speaker that’s going to be in everyone’s budget, but perhaps this speaker has something unique to say. I put these floorstanders into my system almost two months ago now and I’ll say that what on the surface might look like well-trodden ground, could just surprise you. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/ 00:00 Ø Audio ICON 12 01:4 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:52 Set Up 06:47 Sound Quality 15:19 Amplifier Pairings 16:20 Is it for you? 17:19 Summary

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Recordings of the Month: July Discoveries

We’re changing up Recordings of the Month a bit. From time to time we’ll have some of our music-loving audio reviewers highlight one or a few recordings they’ve recently discovered. They’ll explain what the discovery is. But part of the idea is that, in the age of streaming, the problem is knowing what music exists that might be worth a try. The cost of trying is zero dollars, though of course a small investment of time is needed. But as with love, food, travel and movies, there really are no guarantees. Alright, let’s get experimental! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/ What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved.

J. Sikora Aspire Turntable Review

In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the J. Sikora Aspire turntable, an "entry-level" model from a Polish company renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Priced at $11,000, this turntable boasts a sturdy aluminum-and-cast-iron body, a custom DC motor, and adjustable feet for precise leveling. Robert discusses its impressive sound quality, including speed stability and low noise floor, as well as my experiences with setup and performance across various albums. Join me as we explore whether this turntable can deliver the rich audio experience you’re looking for. 00:00 J. Sikora Aspire Turntable 01:30 Overview 02:15 Product Description 06:45 Sound Quality 15:00 Setup Challenges 18:30 Performance Insights 22:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved.

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YG Sonja 3.2 Speaker Review

YG Acoustics is a long-established manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers. They are based in Denver, Colorado, but have their research hub in Cambridge, England. Dr. Matthew Webster, their CEO and head of research, has a PhD in Astrophysics and specializes in computational modeling of mechanical and electrical systems. I was curious to see the results of this approach, which for this review is embodied in the Sonja 3.2 floorstanding speakers. Let’s take a closer look. This video is sponsored by: https://advanceparisusa.com/ 00:00 YG Sonja 3.2 01:27 Overview 02:14 Product Description 07:08 Sound Quality 20:23 Character 24:37 Summary

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PSB iQ2 Streaming Powered Speaker Review

In this video, John Quain reviews the PSB iQ2 streaming-powered speakers, showcasing their remarkable sound quality and innovative design. With the ability to deliver deep bass through DSP, wireless connectivity, and built-in amplification, these speakers are engineered for an exceptional audio experience. Featuring a four-inch woofer and a three-quarter-inch tweeter, they provide a wide soundstage and dynamic range, making them perfect for a wide range of music genres, from classical to prog rock. Join him as he explores their performance and versatility. What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

New Unison Research Amp & Preamp Review

Unison research had made a bit of a name for themselves in recent years, launching attainable and high value tube hybrid integrated amplifiers under the Unico moniker, all manufactured at their factory in Treviso, Italy. Earlier this year, Unison Research launched all new flagship products in their Unico line with the Unico Pre V2 and Unico DM v2 separates. Priced at $7,500 and $11,000 respectively. Do these expensive separate successfully scale Unico value proposition to the high end market? Let's find out. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/perlisten-audio 00:00 New Unison Research Amp & Preamp 01:46 Overview 02:42 Unico Pre V2 07:14 Unico V2 Power Amp 10:06 Sound Quality 17:32 Phono Preamp & DAC 19:22 Is it for you? 20:51 Summary

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Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System Review

When a non-audiophile tells a member of the tribe that they "really ought to get out more," they usually don't mean the subject for this video: Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System. A loudspeaker designed for use out-of-doors. This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/ 00:00 Coastal Source EB2650 01:49 Overview 04:16 Specs & Design 10:19 Sound Quality 13:36 Summary

Opera Quinta V2 Loudspeaker Review

In this video, we review the Opera Quinta V2 speakers, showcasing their impressive evolution from the original Quinta. With a redesigned cabinet to minimize standing waves, increased sensitivity for easier amplifier driving, and premium materials like rosewood and leather-like finishes, these speakers are built for performance. The three-way design features custom drivers and a well-engineered crossover, delivering exceptional sound quality, imaging, and bass control for a truly dynamic audio experience. What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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The Best Orchestra Recording Ever

In this video, Andrew Quint explores the immersive audio album 'The Orchestra Surrounds You,' which replicates the sonic experience of conducting a symphony orchestra. Join him as he highlights the album's realistic sound quality, achieved through advanced recording techniques and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's performance. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 1:30 - The Concept of Immersive Audio 3:15 - Recording Techniques & Sound Quality 5:00 - The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's Performance 6:45 - Spatial Audio Explained 8:00 - Final Thoughts & Recommendations What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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LAiV Crescendo CHORUS Power Amplifier Review

In this video, Adrian Alexander reviews the LAiV Crescendo CHORUS power amps, exploring their affordability, build quality, and versatility in both stereo and monoblock configurations. These amplifiers offer impressive sound quality with a focus on tonal balance and soundstage depth, making them an excellent choice for music lovers who want high-end performance without breaking the bank. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 1:45 - Design & Build Quality 3:30 - Stereo vs. Monoblock Configurations 5:15 - Sound Quality & Performance 7:00 - Upgrade Path & Future Expansion 8:45 - Final Thoughts What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Klipsch The Sevens II Active Wireless Speaker Review

Join John Quain from The Absolute Sound as he takes an in-depth look at the Klipsch The Sevens II powered wireless speakers. Priced at $1,999.99 a pair, these active bookshelf monitors bridge the gap between high-res streaming convenience and classic, hard-hitting American audio performance. Developed in partnership with Onkyo, The Sevens II feature a 1-inch titanium vented tweeter paired with a Tractrix horn, a 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, and 200 watts of internal amplification per side. From vinyl playback to home theater integration via HDMI eARC, we put these speakers through their paces to find out exactly where they shine—and where they might be a bit too much to handle. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Overview 2:23 - Design, Drivers, & Connectivity 4:26 - Dirac Live & Control Options 5:54 - Sound Quality & Volume Dynamics 7:33 - Music Tests (Rock, Jazz, & Classical) 10:35 - Final Verdict & Conclusion What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Matrix Audio MS-1 Streamer + DAC Review

Most streamers at this price are chasing the same thing flat, neutral, maybe invisible. Those are just some of the common terms you hear people say when they're describing music streamers. Matrix built this one to do something else. Refined detail and a warm musical character both at once. And that's just how it sounds. And this is the matrix Ms1 C music streamer. This video is sponsored by: https://goebel-highend.de/ 00:00 Matrix Audio MS-1 01:50 Overview 05:13 DAC 06:15 Inputs & Outputs 09:24 Sound Quality 10:09 Is it for you? What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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$15K System - Mofi Sourcepoint 888, Rega Planar, Luxman 505Z Review

For better or for worse, vinyl got me into the hobby of hi-fi and in many respects it’s still what drives my interest in equipment and fidelity. My system has evolved steadily over the years, and not always been a straight or simple path. That said, friends and fans have asked me for advice on building turntable-based systems over the years, some at the absolute entry level, and some in the high end. Well, this would be a taste of my own medicine because selecting an entire hifi system in one go is not an easy feat, but I gave it a go anyway, and you may be interested in the results... This video is sponsored by: https://rel.net 00:00 $15K System 01:52 Loudspeaker 02:50 Turntable 03:48 The System 09:28 Sound Quality 15:52 Is it for you? What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Soulution 717 Power Amp Review

Soulution Audio is a Swiss manufacturer of electronics and turntables. Swiss amplifier companies seem to pursue extreme engineering and this is often accompanied by extreme pricing. Let’s see what the 717 offers and why you might or might not want it. This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/ 00:00 Soulution 717 Power Amp 01:28 Specs & Design 04:53 Sound Quality 07:37 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Focal Mu-so Hekla All-in-one Dolby Atmos System Review

In this video, Aaron Jenkins reviews the Focal Mu-so Hekla, an all-in-one sound system that promises an immersive audio experience. At $3,600, it boasts 15 speakers, 660 watts of amplification, and support for high-res audio formats. With advanced connectivity options and five listening modes, including Dolby Atmos, Aaron explores its design, performance, and how it fits into everyday life. This video is sponsored by Fidelity Imports 00:00 Focal Mu-so Hekla 01:20 Overview 03:15 Design & Build Quality 06:45 Connectivity Options 09:30 Sound Performance 12:00 Listening Modes 14:30 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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Aurender ACS100 Music Server Streamer CD Ripper Review

Instead of forcing you to piece together a complex computer-based setup or manage a noisy network-attached storage drive, Aurender positions this unit as a quiet, central anchor for your digital ecosystem. But at four thousand dollars, does it offer the practical everyday convenience and fidelity that a high-quality audio system demands? Let’s find out. This video is sponsored by: https://silentangel.com/ 00:00 Aurender ACS100 02:00 Overview 03:20 Physical Connectivity 07:56 First Impressions 09:11 Reference Equipment 09:43 Sound Quality 13:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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HiFi Rose RS451 Streamer Review

What would you buy if you wanted one box that does everything and actually looks really dang good doing it is a common question these days, right? The HiFi Rose RS451 is $3,295, and it's trying to solve that problem, not by cutting corners, by building a streamer, a DAC, and a headphone amp into one aluminum box with a screen that makes you want to really look at this thing. The question is whether it earns that price or if it just looks the part. This video is sponsored by: https://wireworldcable.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowpiXj2LBgvcTuRYqBzA1LerFapMSwvxzOn25yhhthD5RcKODY 00:00 Rose RS451 01:17 Specs & Design 04:50 DAC 07:28 Sound Quality 09:11 One Box vs "Stack" 11:09 Is it for you? 12:19 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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ATC EL50 Anniversary speaker system review: State of the Art Series

As you may know, there are technical reasons that active speakers can be advantaged, and as a result, I’ve covered a few of these speakers in the last year or so. ATC is also noteworthy as a major pro audio speaker-maker. I have had good experiences with some pro speakers, and active setups are common in that world, so it seemed interesting to try an active speaker from a pro company. The EL50 thankfully skips the industrial cosmetics typical in the pro world, since it has a consumer-only aesthetic. Let’s take a look at the results. This video is sponsored by: https://silent-angel-audio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopnyOIgN8kBfCZ3raKqdX4cLI6GwOg6wQy1VkoF8Mc5siNLiEq0 00:00 ATC EL50 01:34 Description 05:42 Sound Quality 12:49 Comparisons 16:20 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles. Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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