Best Preamplifier Podcasts (2025)

1
Accuphase C2900 preamplifier + A80 amplifier review 11:51

2d ago11:51

11:51

Robert Taylor duel reviews the Accuphase C2900 preamplifier and the Accuphase A80 amplifier, noting their individual characteristics and their combined output. Tune in to hear Robert's thoughts... 01:04 Specs & Design 03:44 Preamp door controls 05:10 Associated Equipment 05:58 Sound Quality 08:08 Sound Quality Pt. 2 10:51 Conclusion This video is s…

1
May Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers 8:10

4d ago8:10

8:10

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas. This video is sponsored by: htt…

1
Best Speakers $5k-$10k Series: Tekton Design Ulfberht Speaker Review 15:31

6d ago15:31

15:31

Okay this one is obviously different. At 77” tall and weighing 235 lb, the Tekton Ulfberht is not your typical under $10,000 speaker. One look at the front panel, and you’ll know these aren’t your standard 3-way or 4-way towers on the technical front either. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the ideas and the sound quality behind the Te…

1
Best Desktop Speakers Under $500 Series: Onkyo GX-30ARC Review 8:14

12d ago8:14

8:14

Okay, full disclosure, this video is not targeted at our average viewer. Rather, this is an attempt to open the door of hi-fi for those previously unfamiliar and at $350 US this delicate sounding desktop pair provides a worthwhile peek through that open door. 00:00 Onkyo GX-30ARC 00:56 Overview 03:50 How'd it sound? 07:11 Summary This video is spon…

1
Exclusive: BACCH Stratos Atmos Processing System Listening Preview 9:54

18d ago9:54

9:54

You could view the title of this video as audiophile "click bait"—and perhaps it is. In a more charitable frame of mind, however, you could view it as directing attention to a novel product that could prove to be highly significant and even a bit disruptive to the high-end audio marketplace. This is Andrew Quint, a Senior Writer for The Absolute So…

1
Best DACs Under $10K Series: Hegel D50 D/A Converter Review 12:03

20d ago12:03

12:03

When Hegel announces a new flagship DAC, the audio world tends to take notice. Hegel has recently released the true successor to their previously acclaimed HD30 DAC. This Hegel Reference Converter promises to elevate Hegel's reputation for pristine digital reproduction to new heights at $4,900. This is placed within the high end realm of HiFi, and …

1
McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier Review 10:03

23d ago10:03

10:03

I often rely on analogies to help develop my thoughts. This is a great way to take a known experience that I am relatively more familiar with to draw out the nuance of a less known experience – of course at some point all analogies fall apart and, therefore, they can only get us so far. I bring this up because I admit, when it comes to audio equipm…

1
Best Speakers Under $10K Series: Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition Review 23:14

25d ago23:14

23:14

The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition may look almost identical to the contour 20, but looks can be deceiving. The Danish loudspeaker company, I think, has packed quite a few changes under the hood of this long popular stand mount speaker. Let's find out what! 00:00 Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition 02:29 Specs & Design 05:45 Sound Quality 18:45 Is…

1
The Via Blue Rocket cable lifter system briefing 8:09

27d ago8:09

8:09

In this briefing I cover the Via Blue Rocket cable lifter system. I’ve been using these for several months now and have found them quite useful and enjoyable. Let’s find out why. This video is sponsored by: https://www.hegel.com/en/ The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodo…

1
Pass Labs 260.8 Monoblock Amplifier Review 8:52

1M ago8:52

8:52

Following up from his Pass Labs factory tour, Adrian reviews the hefty, rich Pass Labs 260.8 Monoblock Amplifier. This video's sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/gemini-model-8/ 00:00 Pass Labs 260.8 Monoblock Amplifier 01:56 Specs & Design 03:32 Sound Quality 06:31 Customer Service 07:33 Summary The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: htt…

1
Chesky Audio LC1 Bookshelf Monitor Review 8:39

1M ago8:39

8:39

A business strategy frequently employed by seasoned organizations when developing a new product is to design and produce what is known as a Minimum Viable Product. After hearing the Chesky Audio LC1s, it became abundantly clear Founder and CEO, Lucca Chesky, made the prudent decision to dispense with circumspect practices of seasoned organizations …

1
April Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers 5:54

1M ago5:54

5:54

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas. The Absolute Sound’s Review Met…

1
Meze Audio 105 AER Open Back Headphones Review 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Some listeners feel that the most intimate experience you can have with recorded music is by using headphones. Not just because of the proximity to your ears, but it's the way they're voicing their aural personality gets right inside your head. An excellent example of that are the Meze Audio 105 AER Headphones... 00:00 Meze Audio 105 AER 01:32 Spec…

1
Audia Flight FLS9 Modular Integrated Amplifier Review 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

Just north of Rome on the Italian coast is a high end amplifier manufacturer you've probably never heard of, but Audia Flight who've been making amps and preamps in-house since 1996, is a company that I think is past due for serious consideration from North American audiophiles. I spent this past winter with their FLS9 Modular Integrated Amplifier,…

1
AXPONA 2025 Audio Show Report 24:47

2M ago24:47

24:47

We’ve just attended the 2025 AXPONA audio show in Chicago. We had a team of 5 on site: Adrian Alexander, Grover Neville, Jason Methfessel, Robert Taylor and Tom Martin doing video coverage. The magazine also had a group of reviewers covering the show and their summary will be published in an upcoming issue. Errata: DeVore Fidelity Gibbon Super 9: $…

1
Songer Audio S2x Loudspeaker Field Listen 12:28

2M ago12:28

12:28

Songer Audio is the kind of audio company that puts a smile on your face. Songer is a small company devoted to designing and hand-building unusual loudspeakers. The concepts used by designer Ken Songer in some ways harken back to the early days of audio in the ‘30s and ‘50s. But these ideas are off the beaten path for modern designs. And a seven-ye…

1
Best DACs Under $50k Series: Tidal Camira LC Review 23:28

2M ago23:28

23:28

Regular viewers (thank you!) will know that we have defined six major issues for audio believability. These are systemic technical issues that have proven hard to address, one of these being ‘the problem of a-musical digital distortion’. We have been reviewing D/A converters in the hope of finding some that deal with the issue effectively. Is the T…

1
Best Wireless Headphones Series: Bang & Olufsen H100 Wireless Review 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

Newcomer Matt Coykendall reviews the Bang & Olufsen H100 headphones with their versatile but surprisingly high-fidelity sound. How do these stand up in the marketplace of hi-fi headphones? Listen in to find out... The video is sponsored by: https://chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo-2 Matt's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC145VfPR89fEeiwjvQvThaA The A…

1
Blockaudio Class A Monoblock Amplifier Review 11:49

2M ago11:49

11:49

I tend to approach amplifier reviews with some trepidation, because I’m afraid the differences between them will be minute. This is almost never the case in reality. With the Block Class A monoblocks, the sound quality was not only easily discerned, it was what I think many audiophiles would want, if cost were no object. https://www.theabsolutesoun…

1
Pass Labs 2025: People, Process, Plans 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

Adrian Alexander stopped by Auburn California to take a peak at what Pass Labs has been up to... Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in hig…

1
VPE Electrodynamics Dipole Bass Systems for Magnepan and Other Open-Baffle Speakers 11:21

2M ago11:21

11:21

Thomas gives his impressions of his first experience with two different dipole bass systems, provided by VPE Electrodynamics, one for use with smaller Magnepan speakers like the LRS+. and one for use with open-baffle dynamic speakers. Listen in to hear his thoughts. This video is sponsored by: https://www.advanceparis.com/ The Absolute Sound’s Revi…

1
VPE Dipole Bass 11:21

2M ago11:21

11:21

By Nextscreen, LLC

1
Southwest Audio Fest 2025 Highlights 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

ERRATA: Popori Hypersail does NOT include subs. Demo had REL subs in place. Apologies for the mistake. MBL 101 X-Treme price is $433k/pr (4 pcs) Tom Martin and Jason Methfessel return from this years Southwest Audio Fest with a list of some of the most compelling products and rooms they experienced at the show. Listen in to see what's new! theabsol…

1
Best Speakers Under $2000 Series: KEF Q7 Meta Review 9:38

2M ago9:38

9:38

Does high-performance audio necessarily mean high-fidelity audio? In my default reactionary state, I might pointedly blurt out, “Of course it does!” I might even go so far as to say, “How could one even ask such a question?” That was, until I heard the KEF Q7 Meta. theabsolutesound.com/newsletter 00:00 KEF Q7 Meta 01:17 Specs & Design 03:12 Sound Q…

1
Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos Could Be A Game Changer (but…) 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about two weeks ago, my colleague Jason Methfessel put up a video on this very subject about his initial and unenthusiastic experience with Atmos. Very different from my own over the past year or so. Things…

1
Spatial Audio Update: High-End Atmos May Be A Game Changer 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

"I started making this video a few months ago, but didn't feel ready to post it and set it aside. As it turns out, I'm glad that I did, because about two weeks ago, my colleague Jason Methfessel put up a video on this very subject about his initial and unenthusiastic experience with Atmos. Very different from my own over the past year or so. Things…

1
Preview: 6 New Audio Research Products Revealed (TAS Factory Visit) 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

We recently got a sneak preview of six new products that the revitalized Audio Research is launching in March of 2025, all entering production in Q2. That’s a lot of products for any company, especially one with the market position and pedigree of Audio Research. Maybe even more important, these are “core market” products, not “state-of-someone-els…

1
March Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers 7:41

3M ago7:41

7:41

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas. The Absolute Sound’s Review Met…

1
Best Speakers $20-$40k Series: Wilson WATT/Puppy Review 15:42

3M ago15:42

15:42

Robert Taylor reviews the Wilson Audio WATT Puppy, gives a brief comparison to the Sasha V, and describes his overall impressions with the classic yet new Puppies. This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-prin…

1
Accuphase E-800S integrated amplifier review [DRAFT] 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

This video's sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/ Magazine: https://theabsolutesound.com/subscribe Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter Substack: https://theabsolutesound.com/substack 00:…

1
NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier 16:59

3M ago16:59

16:59

One of the challenges today in audio is how to get Gen-Z. That generation is grown up with everything in the palm of their hand on their smartphone, to appreciate the subtle joys of high fidelity sound. Well, NAD may have met that challenge with its C 00 V2 blue OS streaming amplifier.... This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/colle…

1
Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 Speaker Review 11:39

3M ago11:39

11:39

The Bowers and Wilkins 804 D4 speakers have a rather different sonic profile to most of the high end speakers on the market. As a result, the 804 may satisfy a need that other speakers can't, at least in this price range. Let's examine this idea. This video's sponsor: https://shunyata.com/ 00:00 Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 01:13 Overview 02:19 Specs & …

1
Best Speakers $10k-$20k Series: PSI Audio A25-M 18:11

3M ago18:11

18:11

PSI Audio is primarily a pro audio company focused on monitors for use in recording studios. Given our interest in reproducing recordings well, I thought it would be interesting to review a few studio monitors to see if hearing what the engineers hear, or something more like it, had any benefits. There are all sorts of urban myths about what happen…

1
February Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers 6:31

3M ago6:31

6:31

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas. The Absolute Sound’s Review Met…

1
Best Power Amps Under $5000 Series: NAD C298 Stereo Power Amplifier Review 9:45

4M ago9:45

9:45

The NAD C 298 strikes me as the amplifier a lot of audiophiles would want. But it is somewhat unusual, which may mean it flies under your radar. It shouldn’t, but let me tell you why so you can decide. This video's sponsor: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair 00:00 NAD C298 Stereo Po…

1
Best Headphones Series: ZMF Caldera Open Back Review 12:38

4M ago12:38

12:38

Newcomer (to The Absolute Sound, not to high-end audio) Grover Neville shares his breakdown and thoughts on the ZMF Calderas. Are they a return to form? A new development? Or all of the above? Listen in to learn more. 00:00 ZMF Calderas 00:51 Specs & Design 02:47 Sound Quality 07:10 Value? 11:01 Summary Grover's Reference Gear: Ampsandsound Custom …

1
Best DACs Series: Mola Mola Tambaqui 14:57

4M ago14:57

14:57

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is a DAC unlike any other. The question is whether that distinction is apparent in sound quality or is just a distinction without a difference. Let’s see. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/collections/esprit The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-so…

1
Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer Review 13:02

4M ago13:02

13:02

Robert Taylor goes 3-for-1 in this review of the Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer, SR Network Switch, and SR Router. Is there something more than magic going on in the sleek, stylish, Synergistic boxes, listen in to hear Robert's thoughts. This video's Sponsor: theabsolutesound.com/newsletter 00:00 Synergistic Research Voodoo Streamer 00:42 Abo…

1
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 Wireless Hi-Fi Earphones Review 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

There are some technologies, let's face it, that just don't meet our standards yet, but we'd like to really see them work. And so engineers keep plugging away at meeting the challenges. As is the case with true wireless stereo and ear monitors such as the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 Wireless Hi-Fi Earphones. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistrib…

1
Technics SC-CX700 Wireless Speakers Review 16:39

4M ago16:39

16:39

There are situations that, due to space considerations or the variety of music sources you're dealing with, or just out of a desire for convenience where you want to use something like a pair of powered bookshelf speakers. Techniques has decided to fulfill that need for budding audio files by coming out with the wireless speaker system, the SC-CX70…

1
Best Streamer/DACs Under $1000: Bluesound Node Icon Review 11:16

4M ago11:16

11:16

The Blusound Node Icon is a four-part product: streamer, D/A converter, headphone amp and room correction system. You could use it as the hub of a system simply by adding powered speakers or a stereo amp and speakers. Rather than try to do many things, but somewhat badly, in this review I want to look at the Node Icon simply as a streamer/DAC, whic…

1
McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Review 13:13

4M ago13:13

13:13

A long time fan of McIntosh, Adrian reviews the versatile, curious McIntosh C2800 and explores why it has 4 vacuum tubes on offer as opposed to the expected 6 or 8. This video's sponsor: https://playbackdistribution.com/pages/about-esprit The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-m…

1
Future Hi-Fi: dCS Debuts Varése DAC 39:17

4M ago39:17

39:17

By Nextscreen, LLC

1
Best Speakers Under 2k Series: DALI Oberon 3 Review 7:13

4M ago7:13

7:13

Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, which goes by the acronym DALI, builds the Oberon three as a stand mount speaker with floor standard sound. That's a big claim, and all the more so because the Oberon three costs $800 a pair, which isn't much in the world of high end audio. So does this relatively inexpensive speaker deliver on that promise…

1
Recordings of the Month from The Absolute Sound Reviewers 4:33

4M ago4:33

4:33

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas. This video's sponsor: https://w…

1
Marantz Stereo 70s Stereo A/V Receiver Review 14:31

5M ago14:31

14:31

DESCRIPTION If the novelty of your soundbar has worn off, or you’re in the market for a receiver or amplifier that provides an opportunity to tidy all those cables in addition to presenting the music you love on hi-fi stereo, Marantz had you in mind when creating the Stereo 70s AV Receiver. Jason's music for this review: https://open.qobuz.com/play…

1
Best Speakers Series: Magico M7 Loudspeaker Review 20:28

5M ago20:28

20:28

The Magico M7 is an extraordinary speaker, as it should be at its price point. Except price isn’t always a good indicator of sonic quality to the degree you might expect. And even allowing for price and appropriate budget, the M7 will mainly appeal to knowledgeable music lovers. 00:00 Magico M7 00:36 Specs & Design 05:08 Sound Quality 13:04 Thought…

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