Advertise on podcast: The Absolute Sound Podcast

In this video, Aaron Jenkins reviews the $1,199 Audiolab 6000A Mk II integrated amplifier, exploring its features and performance in the high-end audio market. Aaron discusses its improved power supply, upgraded ESS Saber DAC, and enhanced connectivity options like HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD. Join him as he evaluates the amplifier's sound quality, highlighting its coherence, rhythm, and detail, while also addressing some limitations in soundstage depth. Is the 6000A Mk II a worthy investment for audio enthusiasts? Let’s find out! Video Sponsor: SVS Sound - https://www.svsound.com/collections/17-ultra-revolution-series 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

In this video, Tom Martin reviews the Avantgarde OPUS 1 active loudspeakers, focusing on their innovative design and outstanding sound quality. Tom explores how the OPUS 1s, featuring a horn driver, challenge traditional audiophile norms by enhancing sound staging and minimizing distortion. Join him as he highlights the technical benefits of the OPUS 1 and encourages you to rethink your audio gear assumptions. With performance that competes with much pricier options, these speakers are a must-consider for serious audiophiles. 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

In this video, John Quain reviews the Cambridge Audio L/R S active desktop speakers, which are priced competitively at $549 for a pair. John dives into their impressive sound quality, featuring a two-component system with an aluminum dome tweeter and a three-inch woofer powered by Class D amplifiers. These compact speakers are versatile for various placements, and he discusses their connectivity options, including analog, USB-C, and optical inputs. With preset EQ modes for different listening scenarios, John evaluates their effectiveness and ultimately praises the L/R S speakers for their solid soundstage and adaptability. 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

In this video, Tom Martin reviews the Innuos Nazaré Server & Streamer System, a stack of premium audio components that elevates your music playback experience. Tom delves into the intricacies of server streamers, their essential role in contemporary stereo setups, and how they stand apart from basic audio solutions. Join him as he discusses the critical need for minimizing noise in digital signals and the evolution of audio equipment, highlighting the importance of the source in achieving superior sound quality. 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

In this video, Matt Coykendall reviews the Eversolo T10 streaming transport, showcasing its enhancements over the T8 model. Matt dives into its larger, brighter screen, upgraded internal components, and improved clocking hardware. Join him as he explores the T10's design, connectivity options, and unique features like dual M.2 slots for local storage and CD ripping capabilities. He also discusses its performance, app experience, and the critical role of firmware support, ultimately questioning if the upgrades are worth the price difference from the T8. 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

In this video, Muse Kastanovich reviews the Octave V 70 SE tube integrated amplifier, exploring its features, specifications, and performance. Priced at $8,250, Muse compares it to the Audio Research I70, discussing its design, tube configuration, and sound quality. He also highlights the Super Black Box power supply's role in enhancing bass and soundstage, along with the significance of power conditioning and cable choices for achieving optimal performance. 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

In this video, Tom Martin reviews the NAD M23 V2 Power Amplifier, a key component in his $15,000 audio system build. Tom dives into its Class D design, impressive power output, and how it pairs with the Eminent Technologies LFT-8c speakers and Wattson Madison streaming DAC. Join him as he evaluates its sound quality, focusing on clarity and low distortion across frequencies, to help you determine if the M23 V2 is the right fit for your audio setup. 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

In this video, Matt Coykendall dives into the Saros Audio Europa tube amplifier. With its fully differential design, this amp promises to elevate your listening experience by minimizing noise and maximizing dynamic range. Priced at $8,995, the Europa serves as both a headphone amp and a preamp, featuring user-replaceable tubes and top-notch components like Lundahl transformers and VPG Z foil resistors. Matt explores how it delivers a clear, dynamic sound across various genres, challenging the notion that tube amps are only warm and soft. Plus, he points out how easy it is to switch between headphone and speaker use without any hassle. This video is sponsored by: https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he6-remastered.html 00:00 Sarrus Audio Europa 01:15 Overview 02:45 Design & Features 05:30 Sound Quality 12:00 Headphone vs. Speaker Use 15:30 Is it for you? 16:45 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

Norway’s Ø Audio cast off into the hi-fi world a decade ago with the Icon two-way horn speaker. Since then, they’ve debuted a number of different models, but the two-way Icon remained at the heart of their brand. Well, that is until the company launched the redesigned Icon 12 last year, alongside a push into the American market. Priced at $25,000, this is not a speaker that’s going to be in everyone’s budget, but perhaps this speaker has something unique to say. I put these floorstanders into my system almost two months ago now and I’ll say that what on the surface might look like well-trodden ground, could just surprise you. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/ 00:00 Ø Audio ICON 12 01:4 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:52 Set Up 06:47 Sound Quality 15:19 Amplifier Pairings 16:20 Is it for you? 17:19 Summary

We’re changing up Recordings of the Month a bit. From time to time we’ll have some of our music-loving audio reviewers highlight one or a few recordings they’ve recently discovered. They’ll explain what the discovery is. But part of the idea is that, in the age of streaming, the problem is knowing what music exists that might be worth a try. The cost of trying is zero dollars, though of course a small investment of time is needed. But as with love, food, travel and movies, there really are no guarantees. Alright, let’s get experimental! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/ 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.

In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the J. Sikora Aspire turntable, an "entry-level" model from a Polish company renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Priced at $11,000, this turntable boasts a sturdy aluminum-and-cast-iron body, a custom DC motor, and adjustable feet for precise leveling. Robert discusses its impressive sound quality, including speed stability and low noise floor, as well as my experiences with setup and performance across various albums. Join me as we explore whether this turntable can deliver the rich audio experience you’re looking for. 00:00 J. Sikora Aspire Turntable 01:30 Overview 02:15 Product Description 06:45 Sound Quality 15:00 Setup Challenges 18:30 Performance Insights 22:00 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.

YG Acoustics is a long-established manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers. They are based in Denver, Colorado, but have their research hub in Cambridge, England. Dr. Matthew Webster, their CEO and head of research, has a PhD in Astrophysics and specializes in computational modeling of mechanical and electrical systems. I was curious to see the results of this approach, which for this review is embodied in the Sonja 3.2 floorstanding speakers. Let’s take a closer look. This video is sponsored by: https://advanceparisusa.com/ 00:00 YG Sonja 3.2 01:27 Overview 02:14 Product Description 07:08 Sound Quality 20:23 Character 24:37 Summary

In this video, John Quain reviews the PSB iQ2 streaming-powered speakers, showcasing their remarkable sound quality and innovative design. With the ability to deliver deep bass through DSP, wireless connectivity, and built-in amplification, these speakers are engineered for an exceptional audio experience. Featuring a four-inch woofer and a three-quarter-inch tweeter, they provide a wide soundstage and dynamic range, making them perfect for a wide range of music genres, from classical to prog rock. Join him as he explores their performance and versatility. 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

Unison research had made a bit of a name for themselves in recent years, launching attainable and high value tube hybrid integrated amplifiers under the Unico moniker, all manufactured at their factory in Treviso, Italy. Earlier this year, Unison Research launched all new flagship products in their Unico line with the Unico Pre V2 and Unico DM v2 separates. Priced at $7,500 and $11,000 respectively. Do these expensive separate successfully scale Unico value proposition to the high end market? Let's find out. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/perlisten-audio 00:00 New Unison Research Amp & Preamp 01:46 Overview 02:42 Unico Pre V2 07:14 Unico V2 Power Amp 10:06 Sound Quality 17:32 Phono Preamp & DAC 19:22 Is it for you? 20:51 Summary

When a non-audiophile tells a member of the tribe that they "really ought to get out more," they usually don't mean the subject for this video: Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System. A loudspeaker designed for use out-of-doors. This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/ 00:00 Coastal Source EB2650 01:49 Overview 04:16 Specs & Design 10:19 Sound Quality 13:36 Summary