Back in the early 2000s, when the home theater multichannel experience threatened to absorb two-channel audio, I attended a CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association) event. At that trade show, JL Audio unveiled its original Gotham subwoofer. I’d been warned that it was going to be a “loud” demo, and it certainly lived up…
Dynaudio didn’t reinvent the Contour 20 — and that’s exactly why the Contour 20i is so interesting. Rather than chasing dramatic design changes, the Danish brand focused on refining what already worked, quietly improving resolution, control, and musical expressiveness. The result is a stand-mount speaker that sounds more insightful, more composed, and ultimately more convincing…
In the integrated amplifier lineup of the Polish manufacturer Fezz Audio, the Titania is the most powerful model, delivering 45 watts per channel and operating in push-pull Class AB1 mode. Externally and functionally, the amplifier is deliberately concise. The design is neat and restrained, with a choice of four finishes — black, white, red, and…
Audiophiles usually have to choose: the warmth of tubes or the precision of transistors. But what happens when the most famous transformer manufacturer in Europe, Toroidy, builds a transistor amp using their legendary ‘Double Mono’ iron? The Fezz Audio Torus 5060 is disrupting the mid-range Hi-Fi market by offering flagship-level power delivery and a built-in…
For more than seven decades, JBL has shaped how the world listens. From cinema sound systems and recording studios to cars, bars, and living rooms, the three letters have become shorthand for powerful, confident sound. JBL’s legacy was built on scale and impact—but what happens when that heritage is condensed into a compact desktop monitor?…
Christmas is the time of year when sound actually matters. Between the late-night movie marathons, family gatherings around the TV, and the constant stream of holiday music, your home audio system gets pushed harder than at any other time of the year. This Christmas, our living room underwent a bit of a transformation. It became…
“Checkers or go?” — the choice between form and function isn’t limited to city streets. It’s just as relevant when selecting Hi-Fi components. Some listeners believe that great sound must come wrapped in beautiful design. Others trust their ears alone, unconcerned with appearance as long as the music satisfies. And then there are those whose…
Veni, vidi, vici. That perfectly describes the impact the Soulnote A-2 made on us. It’s rare for a solid-state amp to captivate so completely and so quickly, especially under €10,000. But here we are. Soulnote, a boutique Japanese brand that many in Europe and North America are just discovering, has delivered something genuinely special. Born…
The Cambridge Audio Yoyo (S) is a compact Bluetooth speaker designed for listeners who value clarity, comfort, and design over sheer volume and bass impact. With a wool-wrapped British aesthetic, gesture controls, and a warm, vocal-focused sound signature, it targets indoor listening, desks, and personal spaces rather than parties or outdoor use. The Bluetooth speaker…
So, Wharfedale decided to call their flagship speakers “Elysian,” which literally means heavenly. That’s a bold move for a brand I’ve always known for being solid, musical, and high-value—not necessarily for chasing absolute audio paradise. The big question for me was: Is this just a fancy name, or did they actually build something special? I…