CH Precision's massive, versatile, technologically sophisticated, 165 lb M1.1 power amplifier ($54,000 configured for stereo) can easily crush your foot if you're not careful when installing it. But the more important consideration is this: Can this cool gray techno-square sing and dance without stepping on its own feet?

Some audio products deliver truly superb sound of a kind that really makes all the frustrations of building a high-end system worthwhile; they also require exceptional attention and care. The Counterpoint SA-4 is a case in point. With the right speakers, it competes for the title of "Most Transparent Amplifier Available at Any Price." On the other hand, this amplifier steadily loses output power as speaker impedance drops; it must be carefully matched to the right speaker. Then, and only then, can it produce one of the finest musical experiences available.

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Not everyone needs a power amplifier that can deliver 888W RMS into 8 ohms or 1776W into 4 ohms. You could say that no one needs one of these—or two, if you want to listen in stereo. Most household AC systems can't even provide enough current to deliver all that power. But Simaudio does build Moon 888 monoblocks, and people do buy them, whether or not they need an amp that weighs about 250 lb each and costs $118,888/pair.

The best tech of CES 2024, from next-level laptops to mindful mirrors, audacious audio and more innovation than you can shake a smart bot at

"As the original L2 circuitry was virtually flawless, it was the emergence of new electronic components that opened up a possibility of [even better performance] . . ."

As I mentioned in my review eight years ago of Meridian Audio's 808.2 Signature Reference CD player, I have long been impressed by the British company's components—in fact, ever since the early 1980s, when I purchased a Meridian 101 preamplifier, followed by my very positive experiences with Meridian's MCD Pro and 208 CD

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend a couple of afternoons listening to a system built around the late David Wilson's magnum opus, the Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic loudspeaker ($685,000/pair), which Jason Victor Serinus reported on in December 2016.

In 1959, in their musical revue At the Drop of a Hat, the British musical-comedy team of Flanders and Swann sang their "Song of Reproduction." It's not about sex. The song mocks audiophiles (you thought this was something recent?) for how we spend "all of that money to get the exact effect of an orchestra actually playing in their sitting room." Before launching into the song, Flanders quips, "Personally, I can't think of anything I should hate more than having an orchestra playing in my sitting room!"

The great debate that has long separated audiophiles is tubes vs solid-state. Other topics, CD for example, may temporarily steal the spotlight, but year-in and year-out no other subject is the cause of as much controversy as whether tubed or solid-state circuitry produces the more accurate sound. As is typical with long-standing feuds, the split runs deep, and tempers often flare.

Following my review of the floorstanding Magico S5 Mk.II last February, I spent some time with two-way stand-mounted speakers from Aerial Acoustics, Bowers & Wilkins, and Dynaudio.

With only two northern white rhinos left in the world - both female - extinction seems a certainty.

About the book: Thirty years in the making, Audacious is a deep dive into the message that has compelled Beth Moore to serve women around the globe. Glancing over the years of ministry behind her and strengthening her resolve to the call before her, she came to the realization that her vision for women was incomplete. It lacked something they were aching for. Something Jesus was longing for. Beth identifies that missing link by digging through Scripture, unearthing life experiences, and spotlighting a turning point with the capacity to infuse any life with holy passion and purpose. What was missing? Well, let's just say, it's audacious and it's for all of us. And it's the path to the life you were born to live. My thoughts: I have read several books by Beth Moore as well as done some of the Bible studies. To be honest, this one was hard for me to "get into" and follow (which is why it has taken me so long to complete this review). I don't know if it was the time of year in which I was trying to listen or what, but it was just really hard for me to focus on it or understand the flow. She makes some good points, but overall she seems to tell a bunch of stories about her life and relate them to the topic of each chapter. I felt like I kept waiting for it all to connect, and it just didn't for me. I will say that the last chapter was beautiful and a really sweet reminder of the awesome God we serve. This audio version was read by the author. It does take a little bit to get used to hearing her voice. She does add emotion to the reading of the words though which makes it enjoyable. I received this audio book as part of the christianaudio reviewers program. Thank you. Have a day of blessings!

Mark Levinson's hugely expensive No. 5909 wireless noise canceling headphones cost $999 – $400 more than their closest competitor. Are they worth it?

Hi Studio Ghibli fans, get ready to vibe up your space with our new audacious buddy, the Spirited Away No Face Headphone Holder! This cutie is all set to dial up the fun on your desk or gaming setup, transforming it into more than just a headphone resting spot. Designed to inject your space with a burst of character, this holder keeps your headphones ready at a moment’s notice and your area looking sharp. A must-have for those who are all about Studio Ghibli, crave cool accessories, or anyone digging a bit of magic in their day! 💡 Kaonashi No Face Stand Features ● Dimensions: 9.8" H x 6.9" L x 9.0" W ● Weight: Light weight at around 1 lb ● Occupation: Professional Display and Headphone Holder ● Made from Eco-friendly plant based plastics. ● Paintable 💗 What Kaonashi Headphone Stand Loves ● Headphones ● Music ● Cool weather ● Chihiro 😡 What Kaonashi Headphone Stand Hates ● Heat ● Direct Sunlight 💡 Special Note ● Headphones are not included ● Due to the nature of 3D printing, there will be small imperfections. ● 3d printed using Eco-friendly plastics, this durable stand will be a great accent to any room.

This is an electrostatic column speaker, 6' tall and costing $6000/pair. An integral, fan-cooled amplifier is located in the base (footnote 1). The 2SW is said to cover almost the entire frequency range and is based on a patent, number 3,668,335, issued to manufacturer/designer Harold Beveridge on June 6, 1972.

I spend my days comparing cartridges and speaker stands, arguing about imaging and microphone placement, speculating about DAC filters, and lately, sometimes, very secretly listening to headphones connected not to commercially available headphone amplifiers but directly to the outputs of basic tubed and solid-state power amplifiers. No person in his right mind would or should try this—it's too easy to destroy a pair of delicate, expensive headphones. But for me, it's been worth the risk.

Designers of hybrid amplifiers can use solid-state devices in an amp's input stage and tubes in its driver and output stages, as Music Reference's Roger Modjeski did in his RM-200 Mk.II—or they can use tubes in the input and transistors in the output, as Ypsilon Electronics' Demetris Baklavas prefers.

Stereophile covers everything high-end and audiophile audio. Turntables and music servers, to solid-state and tube amplifiers and preamps, to loudspeakers.