Podcast
The Absolute Sound Podcast
Hosted by Nextscreen, LLC · EN
The Absolute Sound is the world’s preeminent source of expert reviews, features, and commentary on high-performance audio and music. Since 1973, TAS has set the standard for quality audio and music journalism, helping to shape the industry and guiding audio enthusiasts and music lovers to components and recordings that faithfully reproduce the sounds one might hear in a good concert hall.
The Absolute Sound is a monthly print and digital magazine, an online destination for those interested in better sound, and a community of audiophiles and music lovers.
For a Brief History of The Absolute Sound:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fifty-years-of-the-absolute-sound/
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45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
DALI KUPID Bookshelf Speaker Review
6d ago00:08:24Tap to summarizeIn this video, John Quain takes a closer look at the DALI KUPID entry-level bookshelf speakers. Priced at $600 for a pair, these compact speakers feature a two-way design with a rear port. We’ll explore their design, specifications, and sound quality, highlighting their balanced and natural sound, especially at lower volumes. Are they the right choice for your audio setup? Let’s find out. 00:00 Dali Cupid Bookshelf Speakers 00:45 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:15 Sound Quality 08:00 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
Transcribe →Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf Speakers Review
1w ago00:10:12Tap to summarizeWhen introducing its second generation classic, a line of speakers, opera described them as embodying the classicism of both music and Italian craftsmanship. That's an intriguing description, but how does it apply to the Prima V2 bookshelf speaker? And is that speaker worth $3,600 a pair? This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/ Let's find out. 00:00 Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf 00:49 Overview 02:45 Specs & Design 04:22 Sound Quality 08:56 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
Transcribe →Pass Labs INT-250 Integrated Amplifier Review
2w ago00:11:30Tap to summarizeMost amplifiers compete on features DACs, streaming room correction, app control. You guys know the 2026 menu that we just see so often lately. The Pass labs in 250 does the opposite here. No DAC, no streaming, no phono stage, no app. Just an amplifier and a preamp in one chassis. So the real question is, what does it mean to do one thing and do it well? This video is sponsored by: https://www.mofielectronics.com/products/mofi-electronics-sourcepoint-888-floorstanding-speakers-pair 00:00 Pass Labs INT-250 01:31 Overview 03:14 Specs & Design 06:13 Sound Quality 09:37 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
Transcribe →Vimberg AMEA Bookshelf Loudspeaker Review
2w ago00:10:20Tap to summarizeIn this video, Robert Taylor reviews the Vimberg AMEA speaker, an affordable yet high-quality option from a company owned by Tidal Audio. He delves into its specifications, sound profile, and unique design, showcasing why this speaker is a great addition to any audio setup. 00:00 Vimberg AMEA Overview 01:30 Design & Materials 05:00 Sound Quality 10:15 Comparisons 12:45 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
Transcribe →Simco Audio Simco ONE Loudspeaker Review
3w ago00:18:29Tap to summarizeIn this video, Michael Johnson reviews the Simco One, a two-way horn loudspeaker from Simco Audio. This speaker combines a unique design with high efficiency at a sensitivity of 95 dB. Michael explores the speaker's performance with various amplifiers and touches on its aesthetic appeal. 00:00 Simco One Overview 01:45 Design & Craftsmanship 05:30 Sound Quality 11:00 Amplifier Matching 14:15 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
Transcribe →ES Labs ES-2α Headphone Review
3w ago00:12:51Tap to summarizeIn this video, Matt reviews the ES Lab ES-2α electrostatic headphones, which promise a sound experience that feels both realistic and immersive. These headphones are celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and impressive sound quality, especially in the bass and mid-range. With a design lineage tracing back to the iconic Stax SR-Ω, the ES-2α employs advanced materials to enhance acoustic transparency. Matt also explores their compatibility with various energizers and their standout treble performance, making them a noteworthy option in the electrostatic headphone landscape. 00:00 ES Lab ES-2α Overview 01:30 Design & Craftsmanship 05:00 Sound Quality 12:15 Comparisons 15:00 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
Transcribe →Eminent Technology LFT-8c: Building a Great $15k System
4w ago00:21:51Tap to summarizeEminent Technology has built planar magnetic speakers for several decades. Their designer, Bruce Thigpen, is an original thinker and this is reflected in the design of the speakers. Having heard prior versions I guessed that the latest version LFT-8c might be interesting. And, as it happens, the $5600 per pair price tag falls nicely into my assignment to put together an attractive $15,000 system. I chose the NAD M23 v2 power amp, with new Purifi modules, and the Wattson Madison streaming DAC preamp to go with the LFT-8c. The Wattson and the NAD are each priced at $5000, so my total system fits within the +-10% rule we’ve set for this project. Total price is therefore $15,600. Let’s see what the Eminent Technology speakers contribute. This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/ Linkwitz Review: https://youtu.be/7vF2r9PQ28o?si=wyN1izwHTTyvijmQ A3T Review: https://youtu.be/xgOsME15Atk?si=w8uI4Da1ORvhhgcH 00:00 Eminent Technology LFT-8c 02:00 Overview 06:36 Sound Quality 19:34 Comparisons 20:58 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 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Transcribe →Master Artist Fresco Loudspeaker Review
May 300:18:37Tap to summarizeIn this video, Adrian reviews loudspeakers from Master Artist, a company founded by two friends from Memphis, Tennessee. Join him as he explores their unique sound quality and craftsmanship. 00:00 Master Artist Speakers 01:15 Overview 03:45 Craftsmanship & Design 08:20 Sound Quality 12:00 Founders' Journey 15:30 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 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Transcribe →T+A Elektroakustik DAC 200 Review
Apr 2900:20:23Tap to summarizeIn an era where digital-to-analog converters are increasingly defined by computational arms races and hyper-analytical micro-detail, the German engineers at T+A elektroakustik have built something that fundamentally challenges modern digital dogma. They have engineered the DAC 200 to allows the listener to dictate exactly how much mathematical intervention is applied to their music. It can act as a highly sophisticated digital reconstruction engine for compromised signals, or it can step out of the way entirely and act as a perfectly open window. So, settle in while I share my observations on the T+A DAC 200. This video is sponsored by: https://estelon.com/ 00:00 T+A Elektroakustik DAC/Preamp 200 01:53 Overview 07:25 Double Differential Quadruple Converter 10:39 Bézier Polynomial Filtering 14:16 Sound Quality 19:00 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 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
Transcribe →Esoteric’s Grandioso Full System Review
Apr 2400:18:15Tap to summarizeThis review will be quite a bit different. Here I’m reviewing a system of components from Esoteric. I’m covering the entire electronics chain from source to power amplification, all from Esoteric’s top Grandioso line. The idea is that there may be system synergies from this approach and the only way to get a feel for that is to listen to the system rather than individual components. Let’s take a look at this idea and at the Grandioso system. This video is sponsored by: https://www.hifiman.com/products/detail/295 00:00 Esoteric's Grandioso System 01:19 Components vs System 04:48 Specs & Features 08:16 Sound Quality 12:04 Insights from SACD 15:46 Comparisons 17:12 Summary
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