Audiophile Event: Pacific Audio Fest In January 2027
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High-End Audio / Audiophile & Music Industry News
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As always, in the end what really matters is that you…
enjoy the music!
10 / 19 / 26
Pacific Audio Fest 2027: Music-Focused Premium Audio Experience
Pacific Audio Fest (PAF) will return January 15th through 17th, staging a music-first premium audio weekend at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in
Seattle’s Southport. The three-day event promises live performances, immersive listening sessions, and a broad marketplace of premium audio brands, designers, and dealers. Organizers say the move to a new waterfront venue and a renewed emphasis on music aim to reconnect listeners with the emotional power of great recordings. The festival is being shaped as a music-focused audio experience for listeners at every level, from curious beginners to seasoned audiophiles. Attendees can expect demonstrations spanning vinyl playback, loudspeakers, headphones, streaming systems, amplifiers, and complete listening rooms. Exhibits will showcase both budget-friendly starter setups and high-end systems, giving visitors hands-on opportunities to hear how different gear changes the way songs and records come to life. PAF organizers highlight the convenience of moving from listening rooms to evening entertainment and social spaces without leaving the property, making the festival both immersive and easy to navigate.
“Pacific Audio Fest is all about music
first,” said Jonny Wilson, co-owner of PAF. “The gear definitely matters because it helps people connect more deeply with the songs, artists, and recordings they already love. We want this show to feel welcoming to anyone who loves music, whether they are just beginning to explore better sound or have been chasing great listening experiences for
years.” The weekend will also feature live music, opportunities to meet designers, makers, and curated listening experiences intended to educate and inspire both new listeners and longtime enthusiasts. Exhibitor information, ticket details, hotel reservations, and event announcements will be posted
on their website as the show develops. Pacific Audio Fest is described as a community-driven event that brings together music lovers, premium audio brands, record collectors, and industry makers for a weekend of demonstrations, live performances, and shared
listening.
10 / 16 / 26
audioXpress‘ November 2026 Issue
Editorial: The Audio DSP Universe Expanded
Upmixing: From Stereo To Adaptive Spatial Listening
Improving Speed And Simplicity Of Multichannel In-Room Calibration Techniques
Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Headphones
High-End Active Acceleration Controlled Loudspeaker Part 2
Mark Gander And The Engineering Of JBL’s Professional Era Part 2
Deep Neural Network Apps
Designing The Dynaco ST-70 Series 3
Loctal Tubes
And Much More!
Within his editorial, J. Martins says “For a magazine with roots in do-it-yourself audio and inspiration from self-made entrepreneurs and inventors, looking at how modern audio product development teams actually work can change our perspective on products—and on what constitutes good design. And now that perspective is changing again. No matter how tightly engineering and design teams are integrated, audio product development involves multiple disciplines, each with its own priorities and its own definition of
“high quality.” Those definitions work well enough within each domain—until the pieces are brought together. Then every design decision has to be considered in terms of its effect on the complete
system. Most audio products today are developed by cross-functional program teams, not by a single
“audio engineering” group. A complex system such as a modern soundbar requires a systems lead or technical program manager to coordinate acoustics, electronics, RF, embedded software, mechanical engineering, industrial design, test, quality, sourcing, and manufacturing. And none of those teams defines the relevant
“quality” parameters on their own.”
—> audioXpress
November 2026 Issue.
10 / 15 / 26
Do You Really Need To Buy A Bugatti?
How expensive our hobby doesn’t need to be.
Article
By Roger Skoff
As understand it,
Bugatti’s latest-model car costs something like $4,500,000, goes well over 200 miles (320kM) per hour, and costs – at least the earlier Veyron model did – about $23,000 just for one of its regularly scheduled oil
changes. I might be wrong, though; I haven’t done any serious Bugatti shopping lately, and I
don’t ever intend to. I did, once have a super exotic car, though – a 1953 Siata factory team race car that had been built for that
year’s Targa Florio road race. I was just a kid, then, no more than about nineteen years old, and, frankly, although something more practical would certainly have been a far better choice, I
didn’t know any better. The car was extremely beautiful, very fast, and VERY prestigious: Everywhere I drove it, it was the center of attention, and I could enjoy the hope that, as its driver, I must be something special, too.
—>
Do You Really Need To Buy A Bugatti?
Vivid Audio Kaya 25 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review
A very special two-way, two-driver paradise for those on a ‘budget’.
Review By Dr. Matthew Clott
Vivid
Audio is a loudspeaker line I’ve known for some time, yet never taken serious
interest in. Not because I was unimpressed, but because other than shows I never
really had the opportunity to absorb what they can do in a proper room. I do
know that many of my fellow reviewers hold Vivid in high regard and my interest
has always been there. Recently, Bill Parish of GTT Audio took over import
responsibilities and invited me over to experience the entire line at his place.
Fortunately for me, Bill is 33 minutes away (about 14 miles) and an easy
highway-free saunter west into rolling hills and gentle farmland (not sure what
made it gentle, but it was gentle dammit!). Bill received me, along with Ewald Verkerk (Vivid Audio
representative from South Africa) and I was treated to four rooms properly set
up and beautifully representing the K25, K45, K90, G3 series 2, G2 series 2, and
the spectacular G1 Spirit in Bill’s reference room. It was a blast and I walked
away with a solid appreciation for what Vivid can do and an open offer to review
anything I just heard.
—>
Vivid Audio Kaya 25 Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review.
10 / 13 / 26
Hear360 Joins Audio Foundry Automotive Collaborative To Advance Next Gen Studio-Grade Spatial Audio
With lossless high-resolution immersive home audio starting to gain traction, The Audio Foundry has announced that Hear360 has joined its Automotive Collaborative, adding studio-grade spatial audio engineering, personalized rendering technologies, and professional tuning expertise to the organization’s growing automotive ecosystem.
The collaboration is designed to strengthen the development of immersive in-car audio experiences as automakers continue seeking higher levels of sound quality and
personalization, which in home audio is also starting to gain market share. Hear360’s addition brings significant audio engineering capabilities to the initiative. The company is recognized for its focus on spatial audio solutions, with technologies aimed at creating more realistic and engaging listening environments. By contributing studio-grade audio expertise to the Automotive Collaborative, Hear360 is expected to help support the integration of advanced
hi-res lossless immersive audio formats and personalized sound rendering within future vehicle platforms.
The growing importance of premium home and in-vehicle entertainment systems has elevated audio quality from a convenience feature to a key differentiator for
both luxury home-based and automotive brands. As consumers increasingly demand home-quality
immersivephileTM listening experiences while traveling, manufacturers are exploring new ways to deliver richer, more accurate, and highly personalized audio reproduction. Hear360’s expertise aligns with these objectives, helping bridge the gap between professional studio environments and real-world automotive applications. Audio Foundry’s Automotive Collaborative continues to bring together specialists from across the audio industry to encourage innovation in automotive sound system design and deployment. The addition of Hear360 expands the collective knowledge base available to participating organizations, particularly in areas involving spatial audio implementation, individualized listening experiences, and professional system tuning. This collaborative approach reflects the industry’s broader movement toward more immersive and adaptive audio technologies.
With Hear360 now part of the Automotive Collaborative, the initiative gains additional expertise that could help shape the next generation of in-car entertainment experiences. As automakers continue investing in premium sound solutions, the partnership highlights the increasing convergence of professional audio engineering and automotive technology, with spatial audio and personalized rendering poised to play an increasingly important role in the future of connected
mobility and immersivephileTM home audio entertainment.
10 / 12 / 26
This Weekend: Toronto Audiofest 2026 To Deliver
Canada’s Best Fall Season Immersive High-Fidelity Audio Experience
The Toronto Audiofest 2026 returns October 16th through
18th at The Westin Toronto Airport, promising one of Canada’s most immersive
high-fidelity events of the year. With more than 100 exhibitors and thousands of
attendees expected, the show continues its mission of elevating high-quality
sound and strengthening the community of music lovers and audiophiles across
Ontario. Over three days, visitors can explore hundreds of brands, audition
cutting-edge loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital sources, and personal
audio gear in professionally tuned rooms. The festival spans 8,000 sq. ft. of
curated listening spaces designed to showcase the latest innovations in
immersive high-end audio. The venue’s reconfigured demonstration rooms offer an
elegant, acoustically optimized environment ideal for serious listening.
A major highlight is EARVANA, Canada’s only
dedicated headphone event, featuring top global brands and new product launches.
Attendees can test flagship headphones, portable DACs, and personal audio
systems in a focused, hands-on environment. The show also includes artist
meet-and-greets, industry-only gatherings, and special listening sessions that
bring enthusiasts and manufacturers together. Toronto Audiofest 2026 also
expands its popular Pitcher Perfect Pairings experience, created in partnership
with Rorschach Brewery. This unique sensory journey pairs six craft beers with
six curated soundscapes and audio systems, blending flavor and fidelity in a
guided tasting adventure. Each ticket includes a three-day show pass, six
tastings, and six take-home cans—making it one of the event’s most anticipated
attractions. Be sure to see Enjoy
the Music.com‘s exclusive Toronto Audiofest 2026 luxury high-end audio show
coverage.
10 / 08 / 26
World Premiere Review!
Margules Audio U-280SC 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Vacuum Tube
Amplifier Review
Realistic sound with extended frequency extension… plus tube rollers can rejoice too!
Review By Tom Lyle
Margules Audio is a high-end
audio company that produces a full line of components. It is headquartered in
Mexico City, Mexico, and although the Margules Audio U-280SC 30th Anniversary
Limited Edition vacuum tube stereo amplifier review you’re about to read is
brand new, the company has been in business since the early 1980s. The Margules
family – now including third and fourth-generation members – has been
involved in audio in one way or another since the early part of the twentieth
century, when Mr. Jacob Margules, a European engineer. He also contributed to
the building of radio stations and electrification in Mexico as they
manufactured wind-up gramophones, followed by tube radios, plus they distributed
industrial parts too.
—>
Margules Audio U-280SC 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Vacuum Tube Amplifier
Review.
Aavik Acoustics System Review
High-end audio equipment is made by those who love music.
Review By Tom Lyle
Aavik S-280 Streamer, U-280 Unity Integrated Amp with built-in DAC, Ansuz Acoustics Mainz8 A2 AC Power Distribution Bar, Mainz8 A2 AC Ansuz Power Cords, Speakz Speaker Cables, Digitalz Ethernet Cable, PowerSwitch A2 Ethernet Switch, Darkz C2t
Resonance Control Devices, and Titanium Balls for Ansuz Acoustics Darkz C2t.
The
subjects of this review feature components and accessories from two of the three
brands designed and manufactured by The Audio Group Denmark, which acts as an
umbrella company for Aavik Acoustics, Ansuz Acoustics, and Brresen Acoustics.
The company was started by two Danes, Lars Kristensen, and Michael Brresen,
who first met more than 20 years ago. Aavik Acoustics designs and manufactures many types of
high-end audio components, such as amplifiers, DACs, phono stages, and
streamers. Ansuz Acoustics products consist of what most audiophiles would call
high-end audio accessories, cables, power distribution, streaming accessories,
and resonance control devices.
—> Aavik Acoustics System
Review.
10 / 06 / 26
hi-fi+ September 2026 High-End
Audio Magazine
Editorial: The Audiophile Divide: Why Great Sound Inspires….
Trilogy 975 Phono Stage
dCS Rossini APEX v3.0 Digital Player
J. Sikora Aspire Turntable And Tonearm
Peak Consult Sinfonia Floorstanding Loudspeaker
Eversolo T10 Streaming Transport
Kuzma CAR 70 Moving-Coil Cartridge
Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X/Pro X PSU Network Switch
Acoustic Energy AE Active Active Stand-Mount Loudspeakers
Atlas Cables Hyper RCA R1/Hyper RCA Duo R1 Interconnect Cables
…And Much More!
Within this month’s editorial, Alan Sircom says
“Listening to a really good audio system for the first time can be a transformational experience. Almost everyone reading this will have, at some formative point in their lives, heard what a really good stereo system can do and was instantly hooked. Sure, for some that becomes a lifelong obsession, and for others it’s a ‘dip in/dip out’ punctuated equilibrium. But equally, there are some for whom that listening experience leaves them non-plussed. Why? I don’t think either the ‘they weren’t discerning enough’, ‘they don’t like music enough’ or ‘they weren’t rich enough to afford these sorts of system’ arguments hold water. I’ve met people of great discernment in other fields, who are left cold by good audio. Similarly, I know people who buy album after album and are always gig-hopping, but have a distinctly ho-hum system. And as for the ‘not rich enough’ argument… many of us developed an interest in this hobby in our teens, and we pawed the magazines and pressed our noses against shop windows with no possible way of affording what we dreamed of.”
—> hi-fi+
October 2026 High-End Audio Magazine.
10 / 01 / 26
High-End Audio Reviews, Audiophile News & Luxury Hi-Fi Equipment:
Enjoy the Music.com‘s October 2026 Review Magazine
Discover the latest high-fidelity audio equipment reviews, expert commentary, show coverage, and luxury audiophile gear.
The October issue of Enjoy the Music.com‘s Review Magazine delivers another exceptional collection of high-end audio reviews, in-depth analysis, and industry-leading editorial content designed for passionate music lovers and discerning audiophiles. As one of the most respected online destinations for premium audio since 1995, we continue our 30+ year tradition of bringing readers authoritative coverage of the finest products, technologies, and trends shaping the world of high-fidelity sound. Inside this month’s issue, you will discover comprehensive world premiere evaluations of cutting-edge audio components, innovative technologies, and carefully curated articles that help bring recorded music closer to the emotional impact of a live performance. From analog front ends and reference-quality electronics to loudspeakers, and modern digital playback solutions, the October edition provides valuable insights for enthusiasts seeking the highest levels of musical realism.
Beyond the many world premiere and exclusive high-fidelity audio equipment reviews,
Enjoy the Music.com‘s popular monthly magazine and timely industry news explores the industry’s latest developments, offering readers timely coverage of emerging technologies, premium audio innovations, and noteworthy announcements. These features help you stay informed about the products before others find out. You are privy to audio engineering breakthroughs and trends influencing both today’s marketplace and the future of immersive music reproduction. Our October issue also reflects
Enjoy the Music.com being of service to both dedicated hobbyists and newcomers alike, this issue serves as an essential resource for making informed purchasing decisions and discovering new opportunities to elevate a listening system. Whether your passion lies in vinyl playback, digital audio, streaming, headphones, two-channel stereo, or ultra-high-end reference systems, the October issue offers something of value for every music enthusiast. As always, in the end what really matters is that you… enjoy the
music.
—> High-End Audio Reviews, Audiophile News & Luxury Hi-Fi Equipment:
Enjoy the Music.com‘s October 2026 Review Magazine.
An Audiophile’s Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery
From olden times monophonic sound systems to modern immersive
high-end audio, one listener’s path through classical, folk, world music, and
today’s Hi-Res Music lossless streaming hi-fi culture.
Editorial By Roger Skoff
When I was a kid, I
was different from most other kids. For one thing, I was a kid audiophile.
Having been exposed to hi-fi when I was just twelve and immediately falling in
love with it, I had my own (mono, at first, because that’s all there was until I
was a wizened old man of fifteen) System, which I listened to in my bedroom
while the rest of the family was in the living room watching TV. Even for
monophonic (mono), what I had wasn’t much: Starting with a
cast-off Silvertone radio / phonograph player, I had—as I could afford (used, mostly), find,
or scrounge them—added more, better, or just different parts (first a speaker,
then a Heathkit FM tuner, then an Eico tube amplifier, and then… well, you know
how it goes) until I had something as good as I could get with the resources
available to me. (First, just my allowance and the occasional present, later, an
after-school job.) When I turned sixteen, learned to drive, and got my first car….
—>
An Audiophile’s Journey: How Hi-Fi Shaped A Lifetime Of Music Discovery.
World Premiere Review!
AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier
Redefining High-End Audio Performance Learn how
AGD’s latest GaN-based
dual-mono design delivers stunning detail, effortless power, and true audiophile reference-grade
musicality.
Review By Brett Rudolph
AGD Productions is a company that
focuses on bringing out the best possible sound using whatever technology is
available. Alberto Guerra founded the company with this goal and a commitment to
creating the most innovative products possible, without compromise. His work
with GaN tube technology has brought him accolades and made him a leader in the
audiophile world. Recently, I had the opportunity to do the world premiere
review of AGD’s Allegro. The newest addition to their product offerings
represented their first integrated amplifier. It built on their already
world-class amplifiers and added an R-2R DAC, streamer, and phono stage. Towards
the end of the review, Alberto approached me and asked if I would be interested
in reviewing their stand-alone AGD Forte. My usual response would be to humbly decline, as it is hard to
review products from the same company. The similarities between these two
products make it even more difficult to keep them straight and to write about
them.
—>
AGD Forte Review: Inside the Dual-Mono GaN Amplifier.
World Premiere Review!
Cinnamon Galle DAC Model II Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth
& Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital
Inside the dual-mono, 27-bit resistor ladder DAC engineered to challenge analog supremacy and elevate hi-res streaming to deliver unprecedented tonal color, spatial density, and musical engagement for serious audiophiles and music lovers
alike.
Review By Craig Clark
“For me, it’s
really been about bringing the kind of sound to my clients that allows them to,
even if just for a moment, suspend disbelief. To double-check their reality. Do
you know what I mean?” — Colin King, Gestalt Audio, Importer of Cinnamon
products in the USA. Oh, yes, Colin. We audiophiles know exactly what you
mean. Many of us have spent decades (I, personally, have logged five) pursuing
the magical moments to which you allude. And we also know just how elusive this
exalted experience can be, with occasional glimpses the rule and sustained looks
far too rare. We set out on a musical journey, typically from a very young
age, full of hope, aspirations, and a dream of hearing our favorite music
reproduced in our homes with the kind of realism that moves us emotionally, and
in those beautiful moments, connects us at a deeper level with the artists
intent, perhaps even with a greater understanding of our collective selves.
But then, reality….
—>
Cinnamon Galle DAC Model II Review: A Reference-Level Digital Converter That Redefines Musical Truth
& Seeks To Slay The Giants Of Analog With Next-Gen Digital.
World Premiere Review!
WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound
System’s Performance
How WattGate’s gold- and rhodium-plated high-fidelity audio outlets deliver lower noise floor, stronger physical grip, and remarkable musical bliss.
Review By Paul Schumann
Ah,
yes, the lowly AC outlet. It’s the least glamorous gadget in our daily lives.
If we need to charge a phone or vacuum the room, their location becomes
critically important. Otherwise, once we plug a lamp or TV into one, we forget
they are there. I’d never thought much about the outlet I use for my system,
so when Brett of WattGate reached out for a review, I was intrigued. We
audiophiles spend large sums on AC cables and power conditioners, so why
wouldn’t we care what we plug them into? WattGate, a sister company of Kimber Kable, makes two
audio-grade AC receptacles: the 381 AU evo and 381 RH evo. Brett sent me both to
review. These two outlets are identical in their basic construction. They have
heavy-duty clamps with teeth terminals, heavy-duty triple wipe contacts, and
accept 8 to 12 AWG wire. The housing of each is constructed of polycarbonate,
and all the metals used are non-magnetic. The terminal clamps, mounting strap,
rivets, and grounding strip are made of plated solid brass.
—>
WattGate 381 AU evo & 381 RH evo Review — Transformative Audio-Grade AC Receptacles That Elevate Your High-End Audio Sound System’s
Performance.
Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A
Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi Equipment
Affordable vibration control and isolation that may transform your high-fidelity audio sound
system.
Review By Rick Becker
Breaking
into the high end for manufacturers has a fairly straightforward path, although
there are variations on this theme. First, you come up with a product, and then
you present it at a show. There you will meet reviewers and hopefully convince
them to work their magic on your product to get the word out and generate
consumer interest, either by direct sales or a distribution channel. Each of
these steps has its own challenges and pitfalls, but it’s a lot easier than,
say, mining for rare earth metals or building commercial or military aircraft
(drones excepted). Witness the large number of manufacturers in high end audio
today, and their global reach. In my audio show coverage, I pay particular
attention to new presenters, not just new products. This review explores a
product from one such company with a growing reputation that I’ve been
watching closely for several years.
—> Exclusive Review: Tough Nut Audio Footers Are A Game-Changer Upgrade For Audiophile Hi-Fi
Equipment.
The Intro
Editorial By Art Dudley
Passions run high among music lovers. We vilify
“bad” musicians
(the ones we dislike), and we elevate marginally functional savants with a couple of
two-minute singles and some album
filler under their belts. When it comes to more unique and productive figures like Phil
Spector, Jimi Hendrix, Wilhelm Furtwngler, John Cage, or [insert your own heroes and
villains here], music fans either revere them as gods or dismiss them as meaningless.
Sometimes there are shades in between, but perspective is at a premium. This tendency to paint things black or white spills over to the equipment we use
to play back our favorite recordings. i’ve seen the cognoscenti dismiss people on the
basis of no more information than their choice of power amp, though I suspect few
of us are quite so one-dimensional in truth. Anyone with an internet connection can
publish broadsides proclaiming their love for equipment and music and aim verbal
barrages at their musical “enemies.”
—> The intro by Art Dudley.
Voices From The Fringe?
Editorial By Joe Roberts
Audio today consists of a much wider range of practice than
you’ll find reported in the glossy mags. Some of the most interesting activity in the
hobby takes place outside the borders that commercial producers of contemporary equipment accept as their playing field. There are vintage
gear enthusiasts, modifiers of old and new gear, and people who build things that the manufacturers are wise to avoid – products with limited popular
appeal or which are not economically viable to manufacture. Except for Audio
Amateur / Glass
Audio, there’s no dedicated forum for do-it-yourself audio, one of the most rewarding facets of our hobby. Only a
few decades ago DIY was an important part of the hobby for people as committed to it as we are. What
happened? Since most magazines focus on the latest gear and currently fashionable technologies, any sense of the development of audio over the decades is lost.
—> Voices from the
fringe?
Many more reviews & articles are within our Review Magazine.
09 / 29 / 26
Florida International Audio Expo 2027 Returns To Tampa: A Bigger, Bolder
Hi-Fi Experience Awaits
The premier Southeast audio showcase brings
world-class listening rooms, top brands, seminars, and a renewed commitment to exhibitors and attendees.
The Florida International Audio Expo will return to Tampa from February 19th through 21st, transforming the Embassy Suites – Tampa Airport Westshore into a
multi-floor celebration of high-end audio. As one of the growing high-fidelity events within the United States, the 2027 edition promises expanded listening experiences, exceptional industry partnerships, and a more polished show environment shaped by the
Expo’s renewed organizational direction. The Expo remains centered on its core mission: the experience of listening. Attendees can move room to room, sit in
real-world environments, and hear loudspeakers, amplifiers, turntables, digital sources, cables, and full reference systems exactly as exhibitors intend. This
hands-on, immersive format continues to attract both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers eager to explore
high-performance sound.
For 2027, organizers highlight an even broader lineup of leading audio brands, including manufacturers, designers, dealers, distributors, and product specialists from across the global
high-fidelity landscape. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to demonstrate new releases, build relationships, and engage directly with a highly motivated audience in one of the
country’s most welcoming audio markets. Education and community remain central pillars of the event.
Expert-led seminars, demonstrations, and conversations will offer insights for every level of listener, while live‑music moments and social gatherings foster the
Expo’s signature friendly atmosphere. The show also continues its partnership with IASCA Worldwide, bringing back the outdoor Car Audio Sound Quality Showcase at Westshore Mall—an enthusiast favorite that expands the event beyond traditional
hi-fi audiophile rooms. We look forward to seeing you there! Until then, be sure
to see our previous
Florida International Audio Expo 2026,
2025,
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021,
2020, and 2019show reports.
09 / 28 / 26
Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 Ushers In
AI-Powered Premium Audio
Qualcomm Technologies has officially introduced its new Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 platform, a major advancement designed to transform traditional wireless audio products into intelligent AI-powered companions. Positioned as the company’s first premium audio platform purpose-built for Personal AI, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 combines high-fidelity audio technologies, advanced on-device artificial intelligence, integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E, and cloud-connected intelligence in a single solution. According to Qualcomm, the platform is intended to power a new generation of earbuds, headphones, audio glasses, hearing devices, and emerging multimodal wearables. At the heart of Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 is a significant leap in AI performance. Qualcomm states that the platform delivers up to twice the AI capability of its predecessor while consuming up to 40% less power and occupying up to 30% less space. These efficiency improvements allow manufacturers to develop smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting products capable of supporting always-available AI experiences. The platform is engineered to simultaneously handle AI processing, premium audio playback, communication functions, sensing technologies, and wellness-related applications without compromising performance or battery life.
A key differentiator is the addition of integrated micro-power Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, enabling direct-to-cloud access that reduces reliance on a smartphone. This architecture supports Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound Apps & Agents ecosystem, providing audio wearables with access to AI assistants, translation services, contextual information, and evolving cloud-based experiences. Qualcomm envisions users interacting with AI naturally through voice, allowing devices to deliver real-time assistance, language translation, personalized hearing enhancements, and context-aware recommendations throughout the day. Beyond AI functionality, Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 continues Qualcomm’s focus on audio excellence. The platform supports Qualcomm aptX Lossless technology and Qualcomm XPAN connectivity, enabling up to 192kHz lossless music streaming over micro-power Wi-Fi for audiophile-grade wireless listening. New AI-enhanced audio technologies dynamically adapt sound based on the listener’s environment and activity, while advanced Active Noise Cancellation, voice processing technologies, and multi-microphone support aim to improve call quality, transparency modes, and immersive spatial audio
experiences.
09 / 24 / 26
Shared Dreams At OJAS 2022
A very special audiophile exhibit at Lisson Gallery In NYC.
Article By Danko Suvar
I’m sure many audiophiles would
like to publicly demonstrate their systems to an admiring (if the system is
exotic and expensive) and appreciative (if it sounds good) audience. Devon
Turnbull is a lucky audiophile who did it, he got an invitation to participate
in an exhibition of modern sculpture artists at the prestigious Lisson Gallery,
which has branches around the world, and three galleries in New York. Since his
audio components are a bit like modernist sculptures, and he has been designing,
assembling and selling them to a specialist demanding audience for more than 15
years (as a company OJAS). They were a natural choice for such an exhibition.
When added to the hypnotic fascination with music, eclectic musical selection
including Deutche Gramophon, Blue Note, plus his personal collection, and
finally Brian Eno who sent his turntable and records for that part.
—> Shared Dreams At OJAS
2022.
iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC Review
The iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC is late to the party and $329. Does it offer enough to warrant that kind of pricing? Learn why we think it
does.
Review By W. Jennings
It
may be hard to believe, but iFi Audio have stayed out of the Dongle
DAC frenzy over the past two years; their focus has been on the desktop
side with the high-powered Diablo ($999) and Gryphon DAC/Headphone
Amplifiers. They did introduce the iFi Go Blu DAC / Amplifier which
certainly qualifies as a portable device but it is still on the larger side,
requires recharging, and never really appealed to the USB or Lightning crowd
looking for a true Dongle DAC. The iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC aims to
change all of that. iFi Audio is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2022 and the
British brand now offers more than 50 products in the portable, desktop, and
accessories categories including a number of award-winning DACs, phono
pre-amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers. The iFi Go Bar is certainly not inexpensive at $329 and that
makes it one of the most expensive in the category filled with some excellent
options from Questyle, CEntrance, Cayin, and Apogee.
—> iFi Go Bar Dongle DAC
Review.
Previous High-End Audio News
For previous high-end audio and music industry news