[What's new on TNT-Audio - Internet HiFi magazine]

What's new @ TNT-Audio

Weekly website updates with new articles, reviews, tests, tweaks and DIY designs. Brand new articles are available every weekend.

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October 1, 2022
- DIY/Listening test: Roger tests a bunch of SPH parts for DIY Idler Drive turntables: spindle assembly, idler wheel tweaks, idler arm damper and headshell damper (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: big fan of vintage VU meters anyone? Here's the Reservoir Sonomaster, a sophisticated wristwatch bi-retrograde chronograph that uses two VU meters! (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Out now the new album of the Pixies, US-based alternative-rock cult band. Titled Doggerel, the album contains this “Vault of Heaven”, a proof the Pixies are still alive and kicking!
September 24, 2022
- DIY/Theory: you might have heard that crossover recapping (i.e. installing new caps) is the shortest and safest path to upgrade the sound of any loudspeaker. Well, things are not that straightforward since, even using audiophile-grade caps, things might get worse! Part I (L. Cadeddu)
- Vintage Corner: David reviews a very old recording, the 1951 first piano concerto of (Soviet) Georgian composer Otar Taktakishvili, the first in a prospective series about special old records (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Out now the third album of the indie-rock band The Beths, from New Zealand. Titled Expert in a dying field it contains several gems, like the title track. A vast collection of pro and audiophile components appears in the musician' rooms.
September 18, 2022
- Listening test: the procedure of burning-in audio components is highly controversial and while it's easy to burn-in amplifiers via their line inputs with specific CDs, nothing much can be done to burn-in phono stages. That's why the guys at Granite Audio have just released their own Phono Burn-In CD 101.1 (P. Canova)
- Funds raising campaign: after a long period of brainstorming, we've decided to start a support campaign for making TNT-Audio fresher and better. It will be exactly like the voluntary supporting campaign for Wikipedia. Here you will find all the details and motivations (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Ozzy Osbourne has just released a new all-stars album (Patient Number 9), with the help of some of the best rock musicians out there. This “One of those days” track features the immortal Eric Capton at the guitar. Other unbelievable featurings are: Jeff Beck, Tony Iommi, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), the late Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and, obviously, his friend Zakk Wylde.
September 10, 2022
- Listening test: the Arylic S50 Pro+ is a DAC/Preamp and digital streaming hub. You send to it all your digital streaming sources such as Tidal, Prime Music, Spotify, Internet radio sources and a long list of others via Wifi, or Bluetooth, or Ethernet cable. You can also play music from a USB pen drive, stream from a PC or NAS, use your CD player as a transport, and there is also has an analog input! All for just a bit over $200. (R. McCuaig)
- Viewpoint Any idea of perfection in audio reproduction is fantasy that if pursued, like any perfectionism, may lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviours intended to avert the catastrophe of imperfection. For many of us, Audiophilia fulfils a role similar to religion. For many of us, Audiophilia takes over almost in the manner of a mental illness. Is Audiophilia faith or fantasy? (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! A new, genuine rock'n'roll album by Marcus King, titled Young Blood, from which we have selected this enthralling “Hard working man”. The album has been co-produced with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys.
July 16, 2022
- Listening test/DIY: passive preamplifiers again on TNT-Audio...here's a comparative test of three different passive shunt preamps (DIY): Kiwame carbon film vs TKD metal film vs Vishay bulk foil (P. Hunting)
- Breaking news! The quest for lossless CD quality Bluetooth audio is finally over! Qualcomm has released new chipsets for high quality audio via BT, the S3 and the S5 (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Elisabeth Fraser (ex Cocteau Twins), together with Damon Reece (Massive Attack, Spiritualized, Echo & the Bunnymen) releases a new EP titled “Sun's Signature” from which we have selected this evocative “Underwater”.
- Summer break That time has come for a little break, our ritual weekly updates will be back online on Sept., 10. Follow us on our Facebook page. Enjoy your Summer in music! (Staff)
July 9, 2022
- Listening test: a rather expensive and pretty unusual tonearm, here's the Sperling TA1, which can be ordered with armwands in ebony, snakewood, panzerholz or other woods on request and in 9, 10.5, 12 and 13.5 inch lengths (J. Maxson)
- Editorial: Greta goes analog! Pressing vinyl isn't an eco-friendly procedure, here's how the guys at Green Vinyl are ready to solve the problem! (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Nick Cave is such an eclectic and prolific genius! He has just released Seven Psalms, a collection of...psalms, written during lockdown, in a week (one each day). It's a short album of spoken words accompanied by Warren Ellis's incidental music. This EP also contains a long, obscure instrumental piece. Woofers alert, once again, deep and powerful bass frequencies here!
July 2, 2022
- Listening test: new Class D power amp monoblocks, the NuPrime ST-10M, in direct comparison with their ancestors, the NuForce REF9 SE and the new kids on the block, the ZeroZone IRS2092 (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! We were waiting for a new studio album of the progressive band Porcupine Tree since 2009! This new, amazing CLOSURE / CONTINUATION contains several gems, like this “Never have”. The album is available in any format you like, physical or not, including Compact Cassette and crystal clear audiophile-grade 45rpm LPs!
June 25, 2022
- Listening test: a complete, customizable try-before-you-buy set of room acoustics treatments/panels by PYT Audio (G. Budd)
- Things Mom warned you about! Myths and urban legends on tone controls. These get their bad reputation in part from failure to observe that where tonal adjustment is concerned, less is more! (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Out now a new album that celebrates the 35 years of Neneh Cherry's career. It's an album of covers by - among others - Sia, Anohni, Greentea Peng, Kelsey Lu, Robyn, Seinabo Sey, Sudan Archives, Tyson and Jamila Woods. Simply titled The Versions, it contains this strange version of “Buffalo Stance”, by the Swedish singer/songwriter Robyn. Woofers integrity alert from 1:15 on! (“Pump the bass, rock this place!”)
June 18, 2022
- Listening test: a very good sounding MM/MC phono preamp, with a very high quality/price ratio, here's the MonRio ADN-N (P. Canova)
- Editorial: discover what Queen songs, prime numbers and digital delays have in common. A weird story which is hardly known (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! The legendary 4AD label has just released the second album of Bartees Strange, an emerging american artist who covers anything from indie-rock, hip-hop and R'n'B. The album is titled Farm to Table and is a caleidoscope of different emotions. Let's listen to Heavy Heart, a track with distant echoes of 4AD atmospheres.
June 11, 2022
- Listening test: here's the second part of our thrilling comparative test of four low-cost line preamps: Tisbury Audio Mini Pre, BRZHIFI PAP-FV3-2, BRZHIFI VOL-02, Akliam/Domelec. Two passive preamps, a solid state one and a full-tubed one, all priced between 50 and 200€...and the winner is? (L. Cadeddu)
- Reportage: our detailed visit of the Munich High End Show, many pics and entertaining news from the largest HiFi Show in Europe! (C. Iaccarino)
- Sounds, Old and New! Just released, a new album by Roger Eno, Brian's brother, titled “The Turning Year”, from which we listen the overwhelmingly sweet title-track.
June 4, 2022
- DIY: a new, easy DIY speaker design here at TNT-Audio! It's the TNT Hotch, with no filter on the woofers, inspired by the good ol' Dynaco A25 loudspeakers (P. Hunting)
- Breaking news! Tired of sterile sounding CDs and fragile LPs? Now you can have the best of both worlds, with the Ionic Originals discs, a new audio format that seems like a CD, but you can play it on your turntable. Well, maybe. You see, we're not convinced at all. (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Just released, a new album by Liam Gallagher (ex-Oasis), titled “C'mon You Know”, with excellent featurings like Dave Grohl and Ezra Koenig. Let's listen to this “Better days”.
May 28, 2022
- Listening test: according to Roger McCuaig, the best MM/MC phono preamp around 400€, here's the Six Acoustic York (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: after 76 years, Onkyo Japan filed for bankruptcy! Luckily, it seems the Onkyo and Integra brands will live on (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Unfortunately Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode passes away at 60. Let us remind him playing live in this 1998 concert at the Koln Arena.
May 21, 2022
- Listening test: here's the first part of a thrilling comparative test of four low-cost line preamps: Tisbury Audio Mini Pre, BRZHIFI PAP-FV3-2, BRZHIFI VOL-02, Akliam/Domelec. Two passive preamps, a solid state one and a full-tubed one, all priced between 50 and 200€ (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Even Vangelis sadly passes away, at 79. The Greek composer, well known for the soundtracks of Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire, was a prolific (54 albums!) and eclectic artist. This is just one beautiful example of his talent: “Ask the mountains”, taken from his album titled Voices.
May 14, 2022
- Listening test: one year after our discovery of the outstanding ZeroZone monoblocks, Piero tests the balanced version of these amplifiers. They use the same chipsets and hexfets, but the geometry and the layout are different. Still, their stellar quality/price ratio remains the same, here are the Zer
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
  oZone IRS2092 balanced! (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! After 20 years, Marc Almond and David Ball (aka Soft Cell) release a new album, titled *Happiness not included. Their brilliant synth-pop is back as their lyrics, like in this “Heart like Chernobyl”.
May 7, 2022
- Listening test: a comparison test of several different passive preamps: Ladder Vs Shunt, Thin film Vs bulk foil resistor (P. Hunting)
- Editorial: does music affect driving style (and fuel consumption/battery power)? A recent KIA UK research investigates and proves the obvious. Read our fuel wasting advices, instead (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! After six long years of absence, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with a new album, titled “Unlimited love”. Back in full effect John Frusciante, their former guitarist, and Rick Rubin, the producer. Let's listen to this “White Braids & Pillow Chair”, a proof that the Peppers' vein isn't over yet!
April 30, 2022
- Listening test: a revived classic, the Shure M44 cartridge, now made by Jico, here's the J44A-7 IMP (J. Maxson)
- Editorial: since vinyl sales are on the rise, it seems logical new pressing plants become necessary! For this reason Vinyl me, please! is building a new, revolutionary audiophile-grade pressing plant in Denver (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Sadly, Klaus Schulze passes away at 74. A pioneer in electronic music, he started his eclectic musical journey with the Tangerine Dream, and finally started an impressive soloist career. We'd like to remind him with this outstanding live exhibition with Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance).
April 9, 2022
- Listening test: another TPA3116-equipped Class D integrated amp, here's the cool Loxjie A10, tested and compared to the Nobsound F900S, equipped with the same chipset. And the winner is... (L. Cadeddu)
- Authors' bio: our new reviewer form the US, Jeff Maxson, introduces him and his HiFi set-ups to our readers (J. Maxson)
- Sounds, Old and New! a tribute to the city of Kiev, written after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, by the band Barclay James Harvest, simply titled “Kiev”, here in a intense live version
- Easter holidays: as usual, we take two weeks off around Easter, our usual weekly updates will be back on April, 30.
April 2, 2022
- Jurassik (S)Park!: another legend in the history of high-end audio, the huge and hard to drive Stax ELS F81 planar loudspeakers. This is the first article by our new reviewer from the US, Jeff Maxson.
- Things Mom warned you about!: myths and urban legends on volume controls, how do they work, the mostly feared 12 o'clock position and much more! (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! The duo Muddy Magnolias released just one album (“Broken People” - 2016), but it contained some very nice songs, like this intense It ain't hard
March 26, 2022
- Listening test: Graeme listens to a pair of pretty expensive stand-mount loudspeakers, the unusual Audio Note AN-J SPe (G. Budd)
- Editorial: the war in Ukraine and the consequent export sanctions applied to Russian products are going to have a severe impact both on prices and availability of vacuum tubes worldwide (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! let's discover an incredible choral ensemble from Slovenia. This version of Toto's Africa is simply unbelievable. The way they use their voices and bodies is really breathtaking!
March 19, 2022
- Jurassik (S)Park!: which is the smallest high quality loudspeaker ever made? And one of the best selling loudspeakers of all time? The answer is easy, here are the Visonik David, astonishingly good sounding tiny boxes after almost 50 years! (L. Cadeddu)
- Audiophile recordings: another audiophile recording from the Soundkeeper catalogue, here's The Twain Shall Meet by the Cosmic American Derelicts (N. Whetstone & M. Wheeler)
- Sounds, Old and New! The winds of war here in Europe remind us of this sad Broken heroes by Saxon, a song written in 1985 to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the battlefields around the world.
```
They came to fight for glory in their thousands
Young men with their dreams
They died before the guns for their country
A book of faded pictures, broken dreams
```
March 12, 2022
- Vintage Corner: an exclusive comparison of the major families of horn phonographs in action! Edison Triumph Model B vs Pathephone Concert Model 20 vs Victor V. A video comparison included! (D. Hoehl)
- Viewpoint: RIAA mid-year report sheds some light on recent music market trends. Believe it or not, but CD sales are on the rise for the first time in 17 years! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Just released a new album by Wolfgang Flür (ex-Kraftwerk), titled Magazine 1. “Das Beat” is a song which features Midge Ure (Ultravox): synthetic sounds and beats, like you'd expect, enriched by a fresh modern pop influence.
March 5, 2022
- DIY: now you have no excuses! Here's a complete step by step tutorial, with lots of pictures, on how to build the TNT Aircoil mkII inteconnect cables (P. Canova)
- Viewpoint: the CD and other digital formats have an advantage on portability and ease of use, whereas vinyl is attractive for its nostalgia and the pleasure of the physical media and the enjoyment of the album covers. Hence, which one is better? (R. McCuaig)
- Sounds, Old and New! After 17 years of inactivity the Tears for Fears are back with a new album, titled The Tipping point. Unusual atmospheres for the Orzabal & Smith duo, and this “No small thing” is just an example.
February 26, 2022
- DIY: our new outboard power supply unit design for synchronous AC motor-driven turntables, such as the Michell Gyrodec with Papst motor (R. Sanna & L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: once again, artists against streaming services! After Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, even Kanye “Ye” West lauches his attack, with his proprietary STEM player. His new album will be available only on this platform (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! At 57 Mark Lanegan (ex-Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age) sadly passes away. His last album, titled Straight songs of sorrow, seems to anticipate his early departure. This obscure and sad “Skeleton Key” is a dark masterpiece.
February 19, 2022
- Theory/DIY/toolbox: if you're not sufficiently skilled it is not easy to detect faults and wiring mistakes in your mains. This magical device, for just 15$/€, checks everything in a snap: line voltage, wiring mistakes, stray voltages and RCD efficiency. Master in electrical engineering not required. Just insert the Habotest HT107D into the socket and you're done! (L. Cadeddu)
- Books: is this just another book about Dylan by a dedicated fan? This book is more than another book about his Bobness, KG Miles again engages the reader in a journey, the author invites readers to follow in the author's, and hence the subject's, footsteps. Mark reviews the book Bob Dylan in The Big Apple (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Ten years after his second solo album, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) does it again! Together with Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr and the ubiquitous Elton John, Earthling is a very nice album, as is the song that opens it: “Invincible”.
February 12, 2022
- Theory/DIY: this article looks at a novel way to match Sound Pressure Level (SPL) between tweeters and woofers. Resistors are used in the crossover network to lower the tweeters' SPL so that the tweeter does not sound overly loud compared to the woofer. However, there is a debate as to the crossover resistors' impact on sound reproduction (P. Hunting)
- Editorial: do you have 3700$ to spend in a digital portable device? Then the brand new Sony Walkman^® is waiting for you (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Out now the new album by the Spoon, a Texan indie-rock band. The album is titled “Lucifer on the sofa”, from which we've chosen this The hardest cut. Pure, simple and genuine rock'n'roll.
February 5, 2022
- Listening test: a pair of bookshelf/monitor loudspeakers with a modified Airborne FR151 full-range coaxial driver, with wood cone! Here are the Unity Audio Whitewater V2 (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: we're not alone! Is Pope Francis a vinylphile? Yes, it seems The Holy Father spins some vinyl at the Holy See... (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! Just released the third album of the Imarhan, titled Aboogi. The Imarhan are an Algeria-based desert blues band and they express the power and the tradition of the Tuareg culture and music. Imagine black blues music and Tuareg atmospheres mixed together! “Achinkad” is just one brilliant example of their art!
January 29, 2022
- Listening test: a magnetic levitation platform for components isolation, here's the eSseCi Design Relaxa 750, a quite sophisticated evolution of the old SAP Relaxa we reviewed, oh well, 21 years ago!!! (P. Canova)
- Viewpoint/Music: we use to think that artists going back and re-recording songs was some sort of sacrilege. Maybe, if it is done with a love for the music in mind, and in some cases, an almost reverence, then maybe it can be done not only successfully, but as a perfect compliment to the original album. Discover three Re-recordings by Alanis Morissette, the Verve and Paul Weller that are worth listening to! (B. Court)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! an artist we have loved since his debut album (a magnificent audiophile recording, by the way): Keb' Mo'! Out now his latest album titled “Good To Be”, from which we have chosen - among many other lovely songs - the title-track...
January 22, 2022
- Listening test: Roger tests a pair of unconventional omnidirectional floorstanding loudspeakers, the Ohm Acoustics Walsh Tall 3000 (WT3000). Ohm Acoustics omnidirectional loudspeakers are hand made in Brooklyn, NY since 1971! (R. McCuaig)
- Reviewers' bio: new year, new reviewer! Paul Hunting introduces himself to you with a brief biography and his opinions on HiFi, DIY and measurements (P. Hunting)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! new year, new music: just released, a new album by Trees Speak a.k.a Daniel Martin Diaz & Damian Diaz from Tucson, Arizona. The title should be self-explanatory: “Vertigo of Flaws: Emancipation of the Dissonance and Temperaments in Irrational Waveforms”. It is an electronic journey through many different musical influences: echoes of old kraut-rock, Stockhausen, John Cage, Pere Ubu, Vangelis and more. Certainly not for everyone, but deeply fascinating, as this “Cybernetic Dream”, with a certain Blade Runner atmosphere.
January 15, 2022
- Listening test: Mark tests a Chinese clone of a famous Nelson Pass's design, here's the Breeze Audio Pass Clone amplifier (M. Wheeler)
- Theory/listening test: new year, new reviewer! We warmly welcome Paul Hunting and his first article on the relation between tweeters measurements and sound. Under test: Peerless DA25BG08, Seas 19TNF and Visaton DT-94 (P. Hunting)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Sounds, Old and New! new year, new music! Just released the 42nd Neil Young's studio album! Played with the help of his Crazy Horse band, this “Barn” is exactly what you'd expect from the good 'ol Young. Among the tracks, we've chosen “Canerican”, a tribute to his double citizenship. Rock on Neil! The album is also available on vinyl...
December 18, 2021
- DIY: some homework for the upcoming holidays! Here's our latest, no-compromise silver wired mkII edition of our TNT AirCoil interconnects (P. Canova)
- RIP: another great artist has passed away. Mark devotes an obituary to Robbie Shakespeare, of Sly & Robbie, the famous Bard of the Bass (M. Wheeler)
- Sounds, Old and New! While we take some week off around Christmas and New Year's Eve, let us wish you and your families a very happy Holiday season and a wonderful New Year, with another Olivia Dean's sweeeet song: The Christmas Song. Our usual weekly updates will be back on Jan 15, 2022. In the meanwhile, stay tuned for HiFi news and musical suggestions on our Facebook Page! (Staff)
December 11, 2021
- Listening test: Arvind tests a pair of active subwoofers intended for home audio, the SVS Sound SB2000 and SB3000, equipped with an app from whence you can control: level, low pass filter, phase, polarity, 3 parametric eqs and room gain. In-room measurements included! (A. Kohli)
- RIP: a very sad month for the music community, as many artists have passed away. Mark devotes an obituary to John Miles, passed away at 72 (M. Wheeler)
- Sounds, Old and New! We love strange covers! This seems a piano piece by Ludovico Einaudi while it's just “Where is my mind”, a Pixies famous song, re-intepreted by Maxence Cyrin, a French composer and pianist who made a similar job with Depeche Mode and Massive Attack songs.
December 4, 2021
- Review: do you want a free test CD/files compilation? Look no further than this free Focal/JM Lab CD Tools and put your system on a severe test! Technical tracks and music/sound tracks will unveil all the virtues and faults of your system/listening room (L. Cadeddu)
- DIY: a step by step tutorial for making your own record sleeves. Happy cutting to all during the upcoming holidays! (D. Hoehl)
- Sounds, Old and New! Olivia Dean is a young talent (born in 1999!) who has just won the “Amazon Music's 2021 breakthrough artist of the year” award. To know why, just listen to these 35 minutes of pure talent. Hard to believe.
November 27, 2021
- Review: ready for Christmas audiophile gifts? If you're a vinylphile, you can't miss this pair of products for stylus cleaning & preserving. After 40 years the LAST Stylus Cleaner & Stylast preservative rule! (L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: hearing impaired unite, part III! Released just few days ago, a new audiophile hearing aid, by Knowles and Lucid Audio. If your ears are starting to leave you in the dust, now there's hope! (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Rock legends still alive and kicking: Robert Plant, ex-Led Zeppelin, together with Alison Krauss, has just released a new album (Raise the roof) containing 11 cover tracks and a new single, “High and Lonesome”, written with T-Bone Burnett. Echoes of Led Zeppelin sounds, thanks to Plant's voice and nice guitar riffs.
November 20, 2021
- Listening test/DIY: how do you take an excellent vintage turntable into the 21st century? Discover our exclusive Lenco L75 Restomod (P. Canova)
- Editorial: hearing impaired unite, part II! You might be interested in a pair of brand new Bose SoundControl™ Hearing Aids! (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! Inspired by the sound of the Seventies (R&B, soul, funk & pop) here's “An Evening with Silk Sonic”, by the duo Silk Sonic, a.k.a Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. “Smokin out the window” is an entertaining song, with a nice vintage-style videoclip!
November 13, 2021
- Listening test: Bruno Putzeys strikes again! Arvind tests a pair of outstanding VTV monoblock amplifiers based on 1ET400A Purifi chipsets (A. Kohli)
- Editorial: are you getting old? If yes, you might need audiophile hearing loss medical aids. By coincindence, one of the leading companies in this business, Sonova, has just acquired Sennheiser!...hence there's hope :-) (L. Cadeddu)
- Sounds, Old and New! After exactly ten years after their Gold Cobra album, Limp Bizkit release a new album titled Still sucks, with the usual nu&rap metal atmospheres, but also with several unusual tracks, like this ballad titled “Don't change”.
November 6, 2021
- Listening test: three inexpensive headphone amps tested one against the other: Cavalli Audio Liquid Spark, JDS Labs Objective 2 and Schiit Magni 3+...and the winner is? (B. Court)
- Reportage: Roger visits the Toronto AudioFest 2021, one of the first HiFi Shows to take place after the Covid19 pandemic! (R. McCuaig)
- Sounds, Old and New! some pretty unusual Baroque music this week! Enjoy Heinrich von Biber's Sonata “La battaglia” (1673), played by The San Francisco Early Music Ensemble “Voices of Music”. Von Biber is a relatively known composer who was two centuries ahead of his colleagues. His use of the so-called scordatura is impressive.
October 30, 2021
- Review: a must-have free app for the audio lover or the die-hard DIYer, here's the JBLTools suite. It contains almost everything you need to know to build your own speakers, or to measure SPL, waveforms, polarity and much more. Everything is user-friendly and explained in layman's terms. Too bad it is for Android devices only (L. Cadeddu)
- Viewpoint: there are several attempts within the industry to “certify” or “authenticate” components. A brief and controversial journey among THX, Roon Ready, MQA and Hi-Res features (B. Court)
- Sounds, Old and New! just released a new album by Tom Morello, ex-frontman and guitarist of Rage against the machine. This long track, On the shore of eternity, gives an idea on the musical evolution of this artist. The track features Palestinian DJ Sama' Abdulhadi, who was arrested for her DJ set in a muslims' sacred area last December. This surprising “The Atlas Underground Fire” album also contains a bizarre cover of AC/DC's “Highway to hell” ft. Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder!
October 23, 2021
- Listening test: Graeme tests three different versions of new isolation feet by Lehmann Audio: one for under equipment (the 3S point 1), one for under speaker spikes (the 3S point 2) and one with threaded rods that can be screwed directly into speakers or components. Here are the 3S feet (G. Budd)
- Viewpoint: Bevan explains his concern with spatialized audio. It might be well mastered and recorded, but even if good, they are still a “walled garden”, either forcing you to stream from one particular service or to buy your music again (B. Court)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! [RIP] At 95 Franco Cerri, world renowned jazz guitarist, passes away. Let us celebrate him with this version of the classical “Take the A train”, played with his quartet at the Blue Note in Milan.
October 16, 2021
- Listening test: after the surprising low-cost high performance minimonitor LP42, Lonpoo strikes again with the new LP42X active version, with a TPA3116-based internal Class D amplification and a new, improved cabinet! It's a crash course on how to improve an unbelievable bargain that puts the M-Audio BX8 D3 active monitors to shame (L. Cadeddu)
- Book: Roger reviews another classic and highly technical audio manual, by Philip Giddings, the Audio Systems Design and Installation book (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! [RIP] Alan Lancaster, founder and bassist of the rock band Status Quo, passes away at 72. Let us remind him with their anthem, Whatever you want. Perhaps not their best single, but certainly the most popular.
October 9, 2021
- Jurassik (S)Park!: a pretty unusual pair of vintage loudspeakers, that can be found for peanuts on the second-hand market, here are the Dynatron LS1428, a little known vintage bargain. Test and some history of the brand (M. Wheeler)
- Music: Friday September 24 was the 30th anniversary of the release of Nevermind, legendary Nirvana's album (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! Just released a tribute album for Metallica's “Black Album”: more than 50 different artists and covers, from Elton John to Miley Cyrus, from J Balvin to Dave Gahan, just to name a few. We've decided to choose this minimalist and surprising version of Nothing else matters performed by Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode's singer and frontman. Stunning, to say the least.
October 2, 2021
- Listening test: Piero tests a set of damping feet based on steel springs, the XSSH Feet, and finds their performance quite disappointing. Some tweaking can improve their effect, though (P. Canova)
- Viewpoint: David proposes an unscientific survey on the relationship between cats and planar loudspeakers, enjoy Maggies and Moggies: Myth or Reality? (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! Just released the third studio album of Alessia Cara, a Canadian artist of Italian descent. Winner of The Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2018, Alessia Cara is a talented singer-songwriter. This is Best Days from the album In the meanwhile.
September 25, 2021
- DIY: new DIY designs on TNT-Audio! Here it comes Plinthology1: an innovative recipe for a high quality, heavyweight glass plinth for turntables (P. Canova)
- Editorial: Primephonic, the classical music streaming service we reviewed some time ago, has been acquired by Apple. Trick or threat? (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! 43 years after his album This year's model Elvis Costello (Diana Krall's husband, if you're an audiophile more than a music lover) releases a bizarre Spanish edition of it, titled Spanish model, with covers by famous latin music artists. This is Llorar (Big tears, in the original album), by Sebastian Yatra. Oh yes, the original 1978 album was better, in our opinion ;-)
September 18, 2021
- Review: Bevan reviews a preamp & power amp pair with a very high value for money, the Schiit Vidar & Saga S (B. Court)
- Book: another Dylan 80th cash-in? Or a unique story needing an opportunity to be told? Mark reviews the book Bob Dylan in London: Troubadour Tales (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- (New section) Sounds, Old and New! The Stranglers are back with a brand new album, after nine years of inactivity! It is titled Dark Matters and this is the first single: This song (the link opens the YouTube video). It seems they are back in full effect! Unfortunately this will be their last album with the keyboardist Dave Greenfield, dead by Covid in 2020.
September 11, 2021
- Review: Bevan reviews a rather unique amplifier: a Class AB integrated amp which doubles as a Class A headphone amp, here's the Burson Audio Funk (B. Court)
- RIP: shortly after having published his latest DIY article, right before the Summer break, our reviewer Chris Templer has sadly passed way... (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 10, 2021
- Review/DIY: holidays homework for you! Another DIY loudspeaker design, based on the classical Onken scheme, with modifications. A not-easy project (good DIY skills required!) but excellent results are guaranteed! (C. Templer)
- Book review: Roger reviews a classic introductory book, written by Robert Harley in 2007, and still a good guide to learn the basic HiFi rules for setting up a high performance audio system. Here's Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Summer break: exactly fifty years ago, on July 6, 1971, Louis Armstrong passed way. Let us remind him with this lovely version of Gershwin's Summertime (together with Ella Fitzgerald). This is our way to wave goodbye for our usual Summer break. Our site updates will be back online on Sept. 11. In the meanwhile, follow us on our Facebook page
July 3, 2021
- Review: holidays are approaching quickly, so get ready for some easy homework. Do you really want to discover how many watts you use during your listening sessions? Just 15$/€ are sufficient to purchase a Class 2 digital 2 sound pressure level meter like this cool Tasi TA8151. No excuses! Put your HiFi system on a test. It's easy to use, just a click and it measures the SPL! (L. Cadeddu)
- Music review: David listens to and reviews a remaster of Erich Kleiber's last concert. Today, mentioning the name “Kleiber” most likely conjures thoughts of Carlos Kleiber, wizard of the podium noted for his intractable, uncompromising ways. Well, he came by it naturally: Erich was his father! (D. Hoehl)
- RIP Stewart Tyler, Founder & Managing Director of ProAC loudspeakers, has sadly passed away. ProAc speakers heritage will continue under his daughter Zoe & husband John.
June 26, 2021
- Listening test/DIY: here's the second part of a list of impressive DIY loudspeaker designs inspired by the recent lockdown: second-hand drivers, horns and much more! The point of all this is to show that DIY is a viable alternative to the “chequebook audiophile” and each of these loudspeakers turned out better than commercial ones at many times the cost (C. Templer)
- Editorial: what about a compact cassette that doubles as a digital audio player with high resolution audio capability? Here's Mixxtape, where nostalgia meets high tech. It is a tape-less compact cassette that contains a digital audio audio player. Or it is a digital audio player housed inside an old compact cassette casing, if you prefer (L. Cadeddu)
June 19, 2021
- Listening test/DIY: a list of impressive DIY loudspeaker designs inspired by the recent lockdown: second-hand drivers, horns and much more! The point of all this is to show that DIY is a viable alternative to the “chequebook audiophile” and each of these loudspeakers turned out better than commercial ones at many times the cost (C. Templer)
- Book review: Audio Technology, Music, and Media, from Sound Wave to Reproduction is a book that presents a thorough history of recorded sound, with focus on the invention of stereo and the necessary technology to make it work, written by Julian Ashbourn, a former TNT-Audio reviewer (L. Cadeddu)
June 12, 2021
- Listening test: a surprising pair of monoblock power amplifiers, which deliver 600 watt @ 8 ohm and 1kW (!!!) @ 2 ohm, with a full aluminium cabinet and a price too good to be true! Here are the ZeroZone IRS 2092, based on Class D IRS2092 chipsets. Let those jaws drop! (L. Cadeddu)
- Viewpoint: every streaming service seems ready to lauch a proprietary high quality streaming plan, so get ready for the upcoming lossless streaming wars! (B. Court)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 5, 2021
- Listening test: one of the least expensive 100% pure cork turntable mats out there, here's the MayRecords Cork Mat, an incredibly well-made mat for less than 10€/$, shipping included! (L. Cadeddu)
- Viewpoint: Graeme suggests to make HiFi Shows great again!, with advices for the sales staff (G. Budd)
May 29, 2021
- DIY: a complete and detailed article, with lots of pictures, on rebuilding a Linn Akito tonearm with bad bearings (R. McCuaig)
- Listening test/follow up: the Topping A50 S review has been updated with a new section that evaluates its performance as headphone amplifier (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 22, 2021
- Listening test: would you fancy adding a stereo/mono outboard switch to your system? Here's the Sweet Foot Pedals stereo/mono switch, useful on vintage recordings, and not only (D. Hoehl)
- Theory: knowing that Confirmation Bias is part of our listener position means we have to acknowledge that position in our reviews on TNT-Audio, which we tend to do when acknowledging which design aspects to which we're attracted in any product review. Prospective purchasers of audiophile exotica should also beware their own confirmation biases before parting with cash (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 15, 2021
- Listening test: another interesting and inexpensive preamp & headphone amp from Topping, here's the 200€ A50 S, tested against a “giant” preamp as the Jeff Rowland Sinergy (P. Canova)
- Editorial: Roger complains about the poor sound quality of modern LP pressings (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 8, 2021
- Listening test: Bevan tests the Sony 360 Reality Audio app for immersive sound via headphones and finds it rather disappointing (B. Court)
- HiFi Waste: don't you know what to do with old HiFi components? A finance website suggests fancy ways to recycle our obsolete audio gear. Our thoughts on this topic [humour inside] (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 1, 2021
- Listening test: an extremely inexpensive DAC for the Raspberry Pi, here is the Nanomesher NanoSound One (B. Court)
- Editorial: did you know we're facing a Chipageddon? The microchip shortage is going to affect HiFi as well (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 24, 2021
- Listening test: not outrageously expensive HiFi-oriented products, but still extremely efficient (and inexpensive) devices to dampen and control vibrations, here are the Bilz Insulation pads. Also included a crash course on basic physics related to vibrations and damping (P. Canova)
- Editorial: free vinyl listening for everyone! Discover SAM, a room entirely devoted to analogue music listening. That's music therapy for the masses! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 17, 2021
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: a pretty unusual gem from the Eighties, here's the NAD 3140 integrated amplifier. Frequently called “the 3020 on steroids” it is, actually, a quite different beast. It's a 1020 preamp and a 2140 power amp put together into the same cabinet...and the result is stunning (L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: David writes about Gassy Classical: concerts and broadcasts, yesterday and today (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 10, 2021
- Listening test: artisan, science or snake oil? Mark explores the benefits of the Stanley Engineering walnut body for Decca London cartridges (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: if lossless streaming doesn't seem you enough, discover the amazing HiFi Room by Deezer (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 27, 2021
- Listening test: normally we don't review very expensive gear, but we'll make an exception to this rule with the Audio Note IO 1 MC cartridge (G. Budd)
- In memoriam: at the age of 94 the inventor of the Compact Cassette, Lou Ottens, passes away (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Easter break: as usual TNT-Audio takes some weeks off around Easter, our usual weekly updates will be back online on April, 10. Stay in touch with us following our official Facebook page!
March 20, 2021
- Listening test: World's first! The comeback of Fabio Serblin's Fase Audio, here's their brand new Phonodrive 2.0 phono preamp (P. Canova)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 3 new, interesting websites (Staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 13, 2021
- Listening test: inexpensive powered minispeakers with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity via a 16 bit CSR8670 receiver supporting aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs, here are the AudioEngine A1 (D. Hoehl)
- Editorial: when loud is too loud? Apple gurus seem to be concerned about potential hearing loss. The Headphone Safety feature tells you when loud is too loud...and turns the volume down against your will! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 6, 2021
- Listening test: after the PA3, here's the Topping MX3 amplifier, with built-in 24/192 DAC, Bluetooth, headphone and subwoofer outputs, remote, bass & treble controls, NFC and much more, all for just 140€ (L. Cadeddu)
- Listening test: Chris tests Primephonic, a streaming service claimed to be “home of classical music lovers - The streaming service designed for classical music” (C. Templer)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 26, 2021
- Listening test: Roger tests a highly modified Lenco turntable, the TJN Reference mkI by Jean Nantais (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: “Don't trust an audio salesman until you get to know that person very well.” We still sincerely believe in this advice and recommend it to anyone who will listen. Follow Roger's advice on our February editorial (R. McCuaig)
February 20, 2021
- Listening test: Piero reviews a set of "over-ear" wireless headphones with a built-in microphone and active noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000X M3 (P. Canova)
- Theory: this crazy HiFi market can be segmented into four main areas, depending on performance and cost. See the theory behind HiFi Market Segmentation (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 13, 2021
- Listening test: 70 watts per channel, two line inputs and a refined sound, all for just 125€. Impossible? No, if the amp is the Topping PA3, equipped with the Texas Instruments TDA7498E class D chipset (L. Cadeddu)
- History: JBL celebrates its 75th anniversary and we devote a short article to tell the story of its early days and the achievements during its history (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 6, 2021
- Listening test: the second part of a long review of another digital Swiss Army knife, here's the Burson Audio Conductor 3, DAC, preamp and headphone amp (R. McCuaig)
- Viewpoint: the second part of a controversial series of articles devoted to myths and legends in audio. Chris refers to these as a Cauldron of Conundrums (C. Templer)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 30, 2021
- Listening test: the first part of a long review of another digital Swiss Army knife, here's the Burson Audio Conductor 3, DAC, preamp and headphone amp (R. McCuaig)
- Viewpoint: the first part of a controversial series of articles devoted to myths and legends in audio. Chris refers to these as a Cauldron of Conundrums (C. Templer)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 23, 2021
- Listening test: impressive closed headphones, the nicely crafted and good sounding Meze Audio 99 Classics (B. Court)
- Editorial: dreaming of having two blue McIntosh VU meters on your car stereo system? Dream no more, here's the all new Jeep Cherokee L equipped with a jaw dropping McIntosh audio system. VU meters included in the dashboard! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 19, 2020
- DIY: a new DIY design to keep you busy during these upcoming holidays, our new speakers cables based on CAT 6 wires, here's the TNT VibraDamper (P. Canova)
- RIP: at the end of October Len Gregory, The Cartridge Man passed away at 76. His contributions to the world of analogue replay will remain legendary. Sadly, another legend has recently passed away, Tim de Paravicini, who designed components for Luxman, Quad, Alchemist, Musical Fidelity, Unity Audio and now EAR Yoshino. You can read more about him on the EAR Yoshino website (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Feedback: we have received, from the official Atoll distributor, some remark on our recent review of the all-in-one component Atoll SDA200 Signature (scroll to the bottom of the review)
- Christmas and New Year break: as usual, TNT-Audio takes some week off for the upcoming holidays! Our weekly updates will be back regularly on January 23, 2020. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Stay tuned with more audio and music news on our Facebook official page!
December 12, 2020
- Listening test/theory: Mark investigates on the audibility of two turntable belts (instead of one). Advantages or disadvantages to using two belts on an already optmized motor-belt-platter system (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: do you like to play music at insanely high levels? Think again! Here's the incredible sad story of a man who has been jailed for playing classical music too loud. Mr. Trainer, an 82 years old music lover, died while being jailed. Not the good Christmas tale I was planning to tell you... (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 4, 2020
- DIY: something to keep you busy during these upcoming Christmas holidays (and/or partial lockdowns), here's an open-baffle DIY loudspeaker, our new AK OB1 (A. Kohli)
- Theory: Roger warns us about the damage unproper installation can cause to HiFi components, discover the potential thrills of thermal aging. Let your components breathe! (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 28, 2020
- Listening test: a complete and versatile all-in-one component, here's the Atoll SDA200 Signature: streamer + DAC + amplifier! (P. Canova)
- Editorial: after the weird comeback of Compact Cassette something even more unexpected! Directly from the Sixties, the comeback of Stereo 8 tapes/cartridges. Simply unbelievable!!! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 21, 2020
- Listening test: Schiit has just released the Modius DAC, a step up from the Modi 3 for $199. It comes with not only the AKM 4493 DAC chip, but also with their own exclusive design of Unison USB™ interface compatible with modern UAC2-compliant devices and an improved output stage using OPA1662 opamps in a single ended configuration and LME49724 opamps in a balanced configuration (B. Court)
- Theory: another Pierre Lurné's controversial article on turntables, this time he writes about platter bearing! (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 14, 2020
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: another amazing HiFi component from the Seventies! Designed by Jacob Jensen, here's the ID award winning B&O Beomaster 1900 receiver, history, specs, sound quality and advices. A component definitely ahead of its time! (L. Cadeddu)
- Music: here's a treat for lovers of Chopin in particular, classical piano in general, and Japanese animation alike--a Netflix original series, Forest of Piano (D. Hoehl)
November 7, 2020
- Listening test: Elac release their 2.0 series of entry-level Debut loudspeakers, under test the Debut 5.2, 6.2 and 6.2 Reference. Discover how stunningly inexpensive and good sounding loudspeakers can be improved by Andrew Jones! (L. Cadeddu)
- Theory: another Pierre Lurné's controversial article on turntables, this time he deals with physical problems of platter design, debunking many myths! (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 31, 2020
- Listening test: a review of the Rek-o-Kut Archival Elliptical Stylus Kit for Stanton 500 and Pickering V-15, by Esoteric Sound (D. Hoehl)
- Theory: Pierre Lurné's controversial article on the known/unknown physical flaws and problems of air bearing tonearms (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 24, 2020
- Listening test: from Poland, a versatile MM/MC solid state phono stage, with gain and subsonic filter, the Fezz Audio Gratia, priced around 600€ (G. Budd)
- Editorial: wondering what can video-conferencing do for the HiFi market? Meet the Zoom High Fidelity feature: streaming video and audio via Zoom in audiophile mode! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 17, 2020
- DIY/Vintage Corner: here's part II of David's history of pre-emphasis on Compact Discs. Once found pre-emphasis on your CDs, there's a way to remove it! [with audio excerpts and comparisons] (D. Hoehl)
- Interview: meet the experts! Arvind interviews Troy Joseph Crowe of Joseph Crowe Audio, a small business located in Canada that offers custom audio products such as wood horns and speaker cabinet design (A. Kohli)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 10, 2020
- Listening test: a quite sophisticated MM/MC phono preamp with vacuum tubes, here's the Canor Audio PH1.10 (P. Canova)
- Theory: here's Pierre Lurné's second article for TNT-Audio on The Naked Truth about tracking angle, a rather controversial piece that debunks many myths (pivoted arms vs tangential arms)! (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 2, 2020
- Listening test: fitting a Decca London cartridge to J type and S type conventional pick-up arms (such as SME) is now a better prospect thanks to the Stanley Engineering Carbon Fibre SME adapter (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: today is the Audiophile Day! Let's celebrate all together, with a grin and a smile on your faces (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
September 26, 2020
- Listening test: a three-into-one component, a preamp, a DAC and a headphone amplifier, here's the intriguing NuPrime Alita (L. Cadeddu)
- Vintage Corner: this time David tells us something about - hear hear!- vintage Compact Discs! some history and that silly pre-emphasis thing (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
September 19, 2020
- Listening test: a rather controversial device, the VS Audio Demagnetizer, a mysterious component that should demagnetize CDs and LPs... (G. Budd)
- Viewpoint: the Covid-19 lockdown has offered a brief interruption to the grimbly grumbly rumble of Grey Noise the industrial world creates. Mark explains the relation between the presence or absence of Grey Noise and the phenomenology of the experience of better late night listening (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
August 1, 2020
- Listening test: an outstanding tonearm by Wilson Benesch, Roger tests the ACT 25 (R. McCuaig)
- Viewpoint: why are audiophiles always looking for HiFi knitwear? That warm and embracing sound is pure nonsense! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Desert island albums: while enjoying the Summer, be sure to read this research on DIY Desert Island Discs and choose your favourite albums.
- Summer break: that time has come for a little break, our usual Summer break! Our ritual weekly updates will be back online on Sept., 19. follow us on our Facebook page. Enjoy your Summer in music! (Staff)
July 25, 2020
- Listening test: our new reviewer, Fabrizio Marcon, tests a classic, high-end headphone, the Sennheiser HD800S (F. Marcon)
- Reviewers' bio: our new reviewer from Italy, Piero Canova, introduces himself and his outstanding reference system, with lots of unusual homemade components (tonearms, bases, suspensions etc) (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 18, 2020
- Listening test: are these the first T-Headphones? For less than 10€, shipping included, the best earphones we've ever come across, here are the unbelievable Venture Monk Plus (D. Hoehl & L. Cadeddu)
- Listening test: audibility of differences after installing a new belt on a turntable, Mark investigates (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 11, 2020
- Listening test: Bevan tests a complete “all in one” digital device, the Italian Gold Note DS10: DAC, Preamp, Headphone Amp and Streamer (B. Court)
- Must have: our new reviewer Piero Canova tests RPM: an app for measuring turntable speed and wow & flutter. It's also available, in a simplified version, for free (P. Canova)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 4, 2020
- Listening test: perhaps the least expensive and the smallest CD player available, here's the TProgress CD2 (L. Cadeddu)
- Books: Mark reviews the monumental book by Vincent Verdult titled Optimal Audio and Video Reproduction at Home: Improving the Listening and Viewing Experience (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 26, 2020
- Listening test: here is the fourth part of Mark's impressions of the full Pedersen modifications to the Michell Orbe SE. This one is devoted to suspension modifications (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: Roger explores new territories in the Brave New World of digital audio (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 20, 2020
- DIY: the second part of a series of exclusive articles devoted to restoring, fixing and tweaking the original Lenco tonearm. A lot of people have criticized the original Lenco L75/L78 tonearms. They are generally considered to be not worth keeping on the original turntable and should be the first thing to go if the budget permits. Well, they are right, a 50-year-old Lenco tonearm typically has some major issues. However, that being said, there are some fixes for these issues and a repaired Lenco arm can be a great temporary solution for those who want to put into service an old Lenco without spending a lot of money on a replacement tonearm (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: Apple wins another new patent for audio, this is a system to move a virtual sound away from a listener. Initially developed for MacBook, it could be applied elsewhere, even on HiFi components (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 13, 2020
- Listening test: “Unstoppable music machines”! These budget-class (700€/pair!) floorstanding loudspeakers are simply amazing. From Poland, here are the Pylon Audio Opal 20 (L. Cadeddu)
- Theory - Pierre Lurné Corner: Pierre writes down some short notes about tonearm damping (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 6, 2020
- Listening test: David tests the LP Gear Vessel A78SP 78 RPM Wide Groove cartridge (with audio and video excerpts). A bang for the buck! (D. Hoehl)
- Editorial: you wouldn't believe how unreal and challenging can be the life of a HiFi reviewer, just read the second part of our article, devoted to unfair behaviors of HiFi companies and reviewers. Discover how can you be 100% sure a review isn't reliable reading our article Life'n Perspectives of a Genuine HiFi Reviewer and see who's cheating us (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 30, 2020
- Listening test: Graeme listens to a classic single-ended amplifier by Audio Note, the OTO SE (G. Budd)
- DIY: the first part of a series of exclusive articles devoted to restoring, fixing and tweaking the original Lenco tonearm. A lot of people have criticized the original Lenco L75/L78 tonearms. They are generally considered to be not worth keeping on the original turntable and should be the first thing to go if the budget permits. Well, they are right, a 50-year-old Lenco tonearm typically has some major issues. However, that being said, there are some fixes for these issues and a repaired Lenco arm can be a great temporary solution for those who want to put into service an old Lenco without spending a lot of money on a replacement tonearm (R. McCuaig)
May 22, 2020
- Listening test: here is the third part of Mark's first impressions of the full Pedersen modifications to the Michell Orbe SE. This one is devoted to subchassis modification (M. Wheeler)
- Vintage Corner: WWI was Hell on earth in ways by no means limited to the influenza pandemic, but it did spawn some rousing good songs. Herewith, as we wrestle with our own viral onslaught, a medley from the era of that earlier pandemic for your entertainment. It ends with remarks by one of the great men of the age. All are from contemporary records played on contemporary machines (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 15, 2020
- Listening test: here's Part II of Bevan's test of an inexpensive Raspberry Pi DAC, the Nanomesher Nanosound 2, equipped with Texas Instruments PCM5122 - 192kHz/24bit Burr-Brown DAC, with high grade crystals for clocks and other high grade electrical components. It starts at just $49.99. (B. Court)
- Editorial: you wouldn't believe how unreal and challenging can be the life of a HiFi reviewer, just read what has recently happened to us in our article Life'n Perspectives of a Genuine HiFi Reviewer (L. Cadeddu)
- RIP: sad, sad news! Giovanni Nasta, of Opera Loudspeakers and Unison Research, has recently passed away and Jelco, manufacturer of phono cartridges, tonearms and turntable accessories for more than a century, has closed its doors, because of a combination of the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulty of maintaining the company\D5s engineering tools updated (Staff)
May 8, 2020
- Listening test: here is the second part of Mark's first impressions of the full Pedersen modifications to the Michell Orbe SE (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: being an audiophile during lockdown might be difficult! Discover how to survive and keep audiophile sanity (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 1, 2020
- Listening test: here are Mark's first impressions of the full Pedersen modifications to the Michell Orbe SE - Part I (M. Wheeler)
- DIY vintage gear: the impressive collection of DIY amplifiers and loudspeakers built, using vintage gear, by Mark Andrews [includes an impressive video excerpt] (C. Templer)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 25, 2020 - Welcome on board mr. Lurné!
- Reviewer's bio: we are immensely proud to announce that a legend in analogue reproduction, Mr. Pierre Lurné, father of so many legendary turntables and tonearms (Audiomeca, Vecteur-Lurné, Goldmund etc.), has joined our team! He will write articles on what he knows best, analogue reproduction!
- Theory: Pierre Lurné's first article for TNT-Audio is on The Naked Truth about tracking angle, a rather controversial piece that debunks many myths! (P. Lurné)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 18, 2020
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: another 42 years old pre & power amp combo! History, technical analysis and listening test of the first pair of components ever made by Meridian, here are the 101 + 103 preamp+power amp, a pair of cool components ahead of their time (L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: UK music sales report...CD vs LP vs Compact Cassette vs Streaming, who wins? (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 11, 2020
- Listening test: the second part of our beginner's guide for tape reel decks. Chris reviews these legendary decks: Otari MX50, Otari MTR10, Studer A80R and Fostex E2 (C. Templer)
- Editorial: 8D Audio seems to be all the rage now! Discover everything you need to know about it: is it hype, nonsense or a chance? (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Happy Easter!: our warmest wishes for a joyous Easter break, even during the awful situation we're living in...
  We have decided to keep our website open and weekly updated, we hope you'll appreciate our efforts :-) (Staff)
April 4, 2020
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: a 42 years old pre & power amp combo! History, technical analysis, upgrade (by Avondale Audio) and listening test of a strange couple from Salisbury: Naim Audio NAC12 & NAP120. How does it sound after more than 40 years? (L. Cadeddu)
- Vintage Corner: all this anti-togetherness demands its practitioners find alternative ways to occupy their time in the privacy of their own homes. David seems to have found his! The Edison Triumph Model B phonograph, his own “triumph over adversity” (D. Hoehl)
- Coronavirus outbreak: considering the complete lockdown situation, at least here in Italy, we will do our best to keep the weekly updates up and running. It is NOT an easy situation, we do hope to continue to offer a service, i.e. something interesting to read, while this situation - hopefully - improves (Staff)
March 28, 2020
- Listening test: a website that sells cartridge alignment protractors in all flavours, with different null points! Roger has tested all the different options of Alltheprotrators.com (R. McCuaig)
- Theory: here's the third and last part of our crash course on downgrading, i.e. how to make your system worse and feel better! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Coronavirus outbreak: considering the complete lockdown situation, at least here in Italy, we will do our best to keep the weekly updates up and running. It is NOT an easy situation, we do hope to continue to offer a service, i.e. something interesting to read, while this situation - hopefully - improves (Staff)
March 21, 2020
- Listening test: how does a 50€/$ loudspeaker perform? Do not miss the second part of our exclusive shootout test of 3 speakers under 50€! Lonpoo LP42, McGrey BSS-265, Fenton/Skytronic SHFB55B ...and the winner is... (L. Cadeddu)
- Theory: here's the second part of our crash course on downgrading, i.e. how to make your system worse and feel better! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Coronavirus outbreak: considering the complete lockdown situation, at least here in Italy, we will do our best to keep the weekly updates up and running. It is NOT an easy situation, we do hope to continue to offer a service, i.e. something interesting to read, while this situation - hopefully - improves (Staff)
March 21, 2020
- Listening test: here's the second part of our exclusive shootout test of 3 speakers under 50€! Lonpoo LP42, McGrey BSS-265 and Fenton/Skytronic SHFB55B. And the winner is...? (L. Cadeddu)
- Listening test/DIY: an easy DIY suggestion to keep your mind and hands busy during the Coronavirus “stay at home” period! Mark tells us how to improve any tweeter performance with the DIY tweeter felt (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 7, 2020
- Listening test: Richard tests new decoupling feet, the Hanss Acoustics RC-1 (R. Varey)
- Editorial: Graeme is worried about a new censorship campaign in music! What happened to the bad language? Is another surreptitious censorship campaign underway? (G. Budd)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 29, 2020
- Listening test: Richard tests a new hand-made stylus upgrade for the Shure V15VxMR (and VN5xMR) cartridge, the JICO Morita stylus VN5x Kurogaki, with a wood cantilever!!! (R. Varey)
- Editorial: a new Apple patent will allow automatic stereo sound, even if you're not seated in the sweet spot between the loudspeakers (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 22, 2020
- Listening test: Richard tests different types of wood and carbon cartridge bodies, suitable for a wide range of different carts, by Stanley Engineering (R. Varey)
- Theory: here's the first part of our crash course on downgrading, i.e. how to make your system worse and feel better! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 15, 2020
- Listening test/DIY: Richard tests different types of sorbothane isolation devices, here are the Elusive Audio damping feet (R. Varey)
- Vintage Corner: David succeeds in repairing a Strathclyde 305D turntable (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 8, 2020
- Listening test/DIY: a Coral-cabinet based design for the Goodmans Axiom 80 driver. This is the third part of Chris's series of articles on the Coral cabinet. (C. Templer)
- Listening test: Mark tests the Collaro Audio Red Felt turntable mat (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 1, 2020
- Listening test: a new kid on the block of the entry-level phono preamps market! From France, here's the Real Cable Mini-LP50, a 100€ MM/MC unit, tested against the Musical Fidelity V-LPS (L. Cadeddu)
- Vintage Corner: here's the third part of a series of articles on stereo microgroove 78s: Rivermont label is doing something very special in releasing this old music in new bottles! (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 25, 2020
- Listening test - World premiere!: from Canada an interesting 2A3-equipped tube amplifier, Roger tests the Triode Lab EVO, an integrated single ended triode (SET) amplifier with two line-level inputs (R. McCuaig)
- Listening test: looking for a good and inexpensive Bluetooth audio receiver? Here's the Dayton BTR-01, a successful tool for making passive speakers simulate active, Bluetooth enabled ones (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 21, 2019
- Listening test: more than one year ago Nick tested a battery-operated USB DAC, the Ciúnas Audio ISO-DAC, which has recently been “boosted”, so here's the new Ciúnas Audio Supercapacitor ISO-DAC USB (N. Whetstone)
- Vintage Corner/Music: Christmas is coming, and, aside from exclamations over obese geese, the season's well-roasted chestunuts--at least for those not exclusively devoted to rock, of the jingle bell persuasion or otherwise--inevitably will include Handel's 1742 oratorio Messiah (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Christmas and New Year break: as usual, TNT-Audio takes some week off for the upcoming holidays! Our weekly updates will be back regularly on January 25, 2020. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Stay tuned with more audio and music news on our Facebook official page!
December 14, 2019
- Listening test: David presents the sixth part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges): Feickert Volare, Pro-Ject Xtension 12, Strathclyde STD 305 (D. Hoehl)
- Listening test: looking for an inexpensive Christmas gift? What about a sub-30€ portable player that can handle even uncompressed digital formats like APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA? Nick tests the Victure Clip Sport player (together with Autkors earphones) (N. Whetstone)
December 7, 2019
- Listening test: does it exist a switching amps/speakers unit that doesn't affect sound? Chris thinks the 77mfg switching unit gets the job done quite nicely. 77 Manufacturing has designed and built it under Chris' specifications and called it “Templer Junction”. Now you can directly compare any amp/speaker combination without worrying about sound quality (C. Templer)
- RIP: Ken Ishiwata passes away at 72. Let us commemorate him as a legendary designer with a brief article on his career, his achievements and his listening room (L. Cadeddu)
November 30, 2019
- Listening test: Nick reviews the Human Audio Drakit, a DAC kit that can be purchased as a populated PCB, or fully built into a case (N. Whetstone)
- Music: Chris reviews the re-issue of Marcel Dupré's organ recital box set on Mercury Living Presence tapes, "repair" work by Jamie Howarth's Plangent Process. Audio samples are included (C. Templer)
November 23, 2019
- Listening test: Graeme tests a new MM/MC phono preamp from Poland, priced under 300€, here's the AudioKultura Iskra 1 (G. Budd)
- Editorial: even Deezer opens his lossless streaming service to mobile platforms...and not only! They Are the Borg. We Will be Assimilated. Resistance is Futile. (L. Cadeddu)
November 16, 2019
- Listening test: Jico are renowned for making replacement stylii for many cartridges, but they also design and make more sophisticated stuff like these: JICO Seto-Hori cartridge and Stylus 1 Boron stylus (R. Varey)
- Vintage: here's the second part of a series of articles on stereo microgroove 78s (D. Hoehl)
November 9, 2019
- Listening test: another interesting product from Black Ice Audio, here's the F360 preamplifier with built-in Sound Stage Expander circuit (R. Varey)
- Interview: an exclusive and interesting interview with Christopher Russell, CEO of Bryston Ltd (R. McCuaig)
November 2, 2019
- Listening test - World Premiere!!!: Mark is the first man on Earth to test the new Thorens TD1600 & TD 1601 turntables, new versions of the classic, legendary TD 160. Also included a close look at the new Thorens TP92 tonearm and TAS1600 MC cartridge (M. Wheeler)
- Audiophile recording: from Soundkeeper another excellent recording, “Kay Sa” by Markus Schwartz and Lakou Brooklyn (A. Norman)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 26, 2019
- Listening test: Part III of Mark's saga on a modification session for the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, here's the Audio Files Spoke subchassis tweak for Linn Sondek (or other suspended turntables) (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: do you fancy good meal and good music, played on rare vintage HiFi components? Discover the unusual Italian restaurant Mamma Muli' (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 19, 2019
- Listening test: Part II of Mark's saga on a modification session for the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, here's the Audio Files Spoke subchassis tweak for Linn Sondek (or other suspended turntables) (M. Wheeler)
- Factory tours: enjoy our long and detailed visit of the Solen Electronics plants in St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada. Speaker drivers, crossovers and kits, audio electronics kits, DIY components including resistors, inductors, capacitors, tubes, and much more! The article also includes an interview with Solen's President/Owner, Christian Ouellet (R. McCuaig)
October 12, 2019
- Listening test: Bevan tests an inexpensive Raspberry Pi DAC, the Nanomesher Nanosound 2, equipped with Texas Instruments PCM5122 - 192kHz/24bit Burr-Brown DAC, with high grade crystals for clocks and other high grade electrical components. It starts at just $49.99. (B. Court)
- Books: Mark reviews a monumental third edition of what is considered the Holy Bible for Thorens fans, SCHWEIZER PRÄZISION by Joachim Bung, the Story of the Thorens TD124 and Other Classic Turntables (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 5, 2019
- Listening test: Mark tests another modification session for the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, here's the Audio Files Spoke subchassis tweak for Linn Sondek (or other suspended turntables) [Part I] (M. Wheeler)
- Vintage Corner: David suggests how to start assembling a 78 rpm system (D. Hoehl)
- Upcoming HiFi Shows: upcoming the 22nd edition of Sintonie HiFi in Rimini, Italy (Oct. 25-26-27) (staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
September 28, 2019
- Listening test: David tests a pair of bluetooth active bookshelf loudspekers, with built-in CSR 8670 D/A converter. Here are the Audioengine A2+ speakers. Also included a review of the Avantree Leaf USB Bluetooth Audio Transmitter (D. Hoehl)
- Reportage: here's the third part of our detailed visit of the Munich High End Show, many pics and entertaining news from the largest HiFi Show in Europe! (C. Iaccarino)
- Upcoming HiFi Shows: upcoming the 27th edition of the Milano Hi-fidelity (Oct. 5-6) (staff)
July 13, 2019
- Listening test: from Germany a pair of classy floorstanders, with a Seas coaxial driver and the possibility to adjust the frequency response depending on installation (free field or close to the rear wall), here are the Ascendo Coax D6 (L. Cadeddu)
- Reportage: the second part of our detailed visit of the Munich High End Show, many pics and entertaining news from the largest HiFi Show in Europe! (C. Iaccarino)
- Summer break!: TNT-Audio, as usual, takes some week off during Summer, our weekly updates will be back on Sept. 27. In the meanwhile keep following our continuously updated Facebook page. Have a nice holiday!
July 6, 2019
- Listening test: Richard tests two new components from Black Ice Audio, the Glass FX Tube DAC DSD WiFi, and the F159 Phono Tube Pre-amplifier (R. Varey)
- Editorial: ever dreamed of purchasing vintage HiFi components in a mall? Now you can! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 29, 2019
- Listening test: Graeme tests a tube-based MM phono stage, the Audio Note R Zero II, equipped with a pair of 6112WA miniature dual triodes (G. Budd)
- Test/accessories: Roger tests an efficient and easy to use record cleaning machine, here's the Spin Clean (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 22, 2019
- Listening test: Richard tests a new amplifier from the newest production of Black Ice Audio (formerly known as Jolida), this is the FX10 integrated tube amplifier with two matched pairs of Russian Electro-Harmonix EL84/6BQ5 power output tubes and a pair of Tungsol 12AX7 pre-amp tubes, for just 700$ (R. Varey)
- Editorial: sad news for the Japanese HiFi industry? Onkyo is preparing to sell off its business to Sound United (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 15, 2019
- Listening test/tweak: Chris tests an interesting upgrade kit for Linn Sondek LP12 turntables, here's the Dewaudio Starmap (C. Templer)
- Interview: Jolida becomes Black Ice Audio and Richard interviews the living legend behind new Black Ice Audio components, Jim Fosgate! (R. Varey)
June 8, 2019
- Listening test: Richard tests a very effective set of vibration control devices, the A/V RoomService EVP, Equipment Vibration Protector (R. Varey)
- Reportage: our detailed visit of the Munich High End Show, many pics and entertaining news from the largest HiFi Show in Europe! (C. Iaccarino)
May 31, 2019
- Listening test: a pair of small, active and highly versatile loudspeakers, with DSP-crossover, built-in DAC with USB, toslink and coax inputs, plus a complete remote control! Here are the impressive Vanatoo Transparent OneEncore reviewed by Bevan Court.
- Authors' bio: our new reviewer from the US, Bevan Court, tells something about him and his system (B. Court)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 25, 2019
- Listening test: after having reviewed the Wand tonearm, Richard tests the Wand 14-4 turntable by Design Build Listen and writes “This is a turntable for playing records properly. It's easy to use and stylishly conceived, both technically and aesthetically. On the strength of my now extended familiarity with this machine, I have no hesitation in recommending it. It really is something special”.(R. Varey)
- Editorial: here's why we hate press releases from HiFi companies. Please, folks, stop spamming our mailboxes! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 18, 2019
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: right from the Eighties, a rare bird! A pure “less is more” integrated amplifier, direct competitor of the legendary NAD 3120, here's the amazing Yamaha A320 (L. Cadeddu)
- Vintage Corner: musing on his recent disappointment with a set of 78s, David ponders the pitfalls of taking a doctrinaire stance toward different formats in A Cautionary Tale (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 11, 2019
- Listening test: a palm-sized integrated amplifier, with line, USB and bluetooth inputs, 30 watt per channel all for 20€ (twenty). With the famous TPA3116 Class D chipset inside, here's the F900S (made by Nobsound, Douk Audio, Mogu and other brands) (L. Cadeddu)
- Books: Mark reviews a must-have, the book The Audio Expert: everything you need to know about audio, by Ethan Winer (M. Wheeler)
May 4, 2019
- Listening test: a new cartridge from Excel Sound Corporation (Japan), here's the Hana ML low output MC (G. Husband)
- Reportage: David pays a visit to the Belfer Audio Laboratory at Syracuse University, the first purpose-built laboratory in the United States for preserving, playing, and transcribing historical recordings (D. Hoehl)
April 13, 2019
- Listening test: from Atoll, their flagship DAC/preamp, equipped with the acclaimed ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chipset, nine digital inputs and a minimalist preamp section, here's the DAC300 (L. Cadeddu)
- Listening test: a pair of small desktop full-range loudspeakers, the Arche Audio FR2 (R. Varey)
April 6, 2019
- Listening test: our new reviewer from the US evaluates Roon, a music playback software (B. Court)
- HiFi Shows: upcoming a new edition of the Axpona Audio Expo (Schaumburg, IL, USA) (April 12\9614) and of the Hifideluxe (Munich, Germany) (May, 9-11) (staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 30, 2019
- Theory/Listening test: everything you need to know on turntable felt mats, plus a test of the least inexpensive felt mat on the market, the SlipMat, yours for 4€, shipping worldwide included! (L. Cadeddu)
- HiFi Shows: upcoming the 6th edition of the Gran Galà dell'Alta Fedeltà (Milano) (March, 30-31) and the 26th edition of the Milano Hi-fidelity (April, 6-7) (staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 23, 2019
- Jurassic (S)park! Listening test: glorious vintage bookshelf loudspeakers from the Seventies! Here are the B&W DM4 (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 16, 2019
- Listening test: Mark tests the Long Dog Audio MCJ3 hybrid phono preamplifier. It includes an interview with Long Dog Audio designer Nick Gorham (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: sad and unexpectedly happy moments in an audiophile's life. Let's share our hidden treasures (includes a 64-years old tube amp from Philips) (L. Cadeddu)
March 9, 2019
- Listening test: Richard tests an impressive 12" titanium tonearm, here's the Temaad Audio Merlin (R. Varey)
- Theory/tweaking: Mark's saga on vibration control isn't over yet! Enjoy the 10th part of his ramblings on vibration devices (M. Wheeler)
March 2, 2019
- Listening test: Mike listens to a pair of compact transmission line loudspeakers, the Kerr Acoustic K300. An interview with the designer is included. (M. Cox)
- Reportage: new vinyl stores opening worldwide! Visit these two new and unusual vinyl stores in Naples (Italy) (C. Iaccarino)
February 23, 2019
- Listening test: Graeme tests a compact power amplifier from Sweden, the Harmony Design A90 (G. Budd)
- Editorial: Not an April's Fool! Swiss cheese maker Beat Wampfler thinks that playing different types of music to his cheeses will alter the taste thereof (C. Templer)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 2 new, interesting websites (Staff)
February 17, 2019
- Listening test: Roger tests a pair of Bluetooth active noise cancelling headphones, the Cowin E7 (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: Jurassic Spark, part II! Compact Cassette and cassette decks are back for real! (L. Cadeddu)
February 9, 2019
- Listening test: Richard reviews a definitely “rare bird”, a DSP-based phono preamp, the unconventional Parks Audio Puffin (R. Varey)
- Vintage: here's the first part of a series of articles on stereo microgroove 78s (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 2, 2019
- Listening test: nostalgia for the good ol' days of HiFi? Acoustic suspension speakers and big woofers? Then you'll love the Novaudio Classic 8 Reference loudspeakers, handcrafted in Italy (L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: Jurassic Spark, part I! Believe it or not Compact Cassettes are coming back! (L. Cadeddu)
January 26, 2019
- Listening test: Graeme tests two must-have products for vinyl lovers and collectors, the Winyl Cleaner Pro Clean 6 Fluid and Advanced Cleaning Gel (G. Budd)
- Reportage: what's going on with HiFi Shows? After visiting the Roma Hi-Fidelity Show we were a bit puzzled... (L. Cadeddu)
January 19, 2019
- Listening test: Mark listens to a pair of floorstanders, which use a kind of hybrid of transmission line and tuned third wave pipe, the Kerr Acoustic K320 (M. Wheeler)
- Listening test: Roger tests a new version (Femto) of the popular audiophile software JPLAY (R. McCuaig)
December 22, 2018
- Listening test & interview: Richard listens to some Etalon component: ethernet noise filter, music streamer/server, MM phono stage and digital streamer/DAC/preamp from Etalon and interviews László Sallay, managing director of Etalon Acoustics (Hungary) (R. Varey)
- HiFi Show reportage: David visits the Capital Audiofest 2018 (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 15, 2018
- Listening test: a small bookshelf loudspeaker conquers Nick Whetstone's heart, here is the Xavian Perla Esclusiva (N. Whetstone)
- Music: another X-Mas gift idea! David listens to the Ludwig van Beethoven “The Complete Piano Sonatas” played by Stewart Goodyear, a monumental 10 CDs collection (D. Hoehl)
December 8, 2018
- Listening test: X-mas gift ideas! Searching for cool looking, tempered glass & aluminium speaker stands? How about a pair of these for 45€/pair, delivered right to your door? Unbelievable but true, here are the VidaXL speaker stands. An absolutely insane bargain! (L. Cadeddu)
- Listening test: Mark tests and gives a second opinion on the phono stage QHW The Vinyl (M. Wheeler)
December 1, 2018
- Listening test: Compact Discs survive, again! Here's a new CD player from Technics, the SL-C700 with a “re-master” function and dual TI/BurrBrown PCM1795 D/A converters. Not 100% convincing, to say the least (L. Cadeddu)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 3 new, interesting websites (Staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 24, 2018
- Listening test: Compact Discs survive! Wondering how a CD sounds like when upsampled to DSD? Under test a pure (upsampling) CD transport and a preamp/DAC, here are the NuPrime CDT-8 & DAC9 (L. Cadeddu)
- Theory: Andy investigates the joys of low cost networked HiFi (Part II) (A. Norman)
November 17, 2018
- Listening test: Chris tests the Cambridge Audio 851N streamer (C. Templer)
- Theory/listening test: Mark investigates the audibility of different stylus profiles (M. Wheeler)
November 10, 2018
- Listening test: Richard tests a Made in Italy MC cartridges step-up transformer the Audiodinamica SUT No. 3 (R. Varey)
- Theory: Andy investigates the joys of low cost networked HiFi (Part I) (A. Norman)
November 3, 2018
- Listening test: Roger tests a pretty unusual 1000$ preamp, The Truth by The Horn Shoppe (R. McCuaig)
- Theory: Mark investigates the mysteries of vinyl replay (M. Wheeler)
- RIP Rémy A. Thorens has recently passed away at 91. During the long period when he was CEO at Thorens, many legendary turntables were made, such as the TD 150, TD 160, Reference and Prestige. He personally designed the Excelda 1, also known as Thorens Remy, an entry-level turntable named after the famous portable gramophone Thorens Excelda of the early '30.
October 27, 2018
- Listening test: after having tested the mysterious black box from QHW Audio (The Box) Richard tries their The Vinyl, a phono stage based on the same technology (R. Varey)
- Books: Chris reviews the book Guide to the best HiFi stereo system - at the least cost by W.A. James (C. Templer)
October 20, 2018
- Listening test: Richard tests a new MM/MC phono preamp by M2Tech, here's the Nash (R. Varey)
- HiFi Show reportage: Mark reports from The Audio Show in Leamington (UK) (M. Wheeler)
October 13, 2018
- Listening test: Corian platters for Lenco turntables! Roger tests the Lencohell LH-2 & LH-4 (R. McCuaig)
- In memoriam: Otis Rush, blues guitar “master” who inspired, among others, Eric Capton and Carlos Santana, passes away (A. Norman)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 6, 2018
- Listening test: still HiFi gear from Sweden (!!!) an interesting no-frills DAC, here's the Harmony Design D90 (G. Budd)
- HiFi Show reportage: here's the third part of our recent reportage from the Munich HiFi Show (C. Iaccarino)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
September 29, 2018
- Listening test: another amazing and surprising loudspeaker from Sweden, here's the Larsen 8, flagship model of Larsen HiFi, a “think different” company (L. Cadeddu)
- HiFi Show reportage: here's the second part of our recent reportage from the Munich HiFi Show (C. Iaccarino)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
September 22, 2018
- Listening test: Nick tests wireless headphones with a “smart” EQ feature that suits our hearing, our preference, or perhaps even a particular genre of music...here are the Dodocool DA151 (N. Whetstone)
- Editorial: TNT-Audio has been on summer break for the past several weeks, but of course the world has continued on. Unfortunately, one inevitable way in which it has done so is the passing of noteworthy musical figures (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 21, 2018
- Editorial: is Hatsune Miku the first sound of the future? (D. Hoehl)
- Music suggestions from the staff: enjoy what we have selected for you, here are our albums to discover during Summer (Staff)
July 14, 2018
- Listening test: willing to place your speakers close to the rear wall? Now you can! Here are the Larsen 4.2 (L. Cadeddu)
- Editorial: smart loudspeakers now can sound FLAC files since Deezer HiFi is now available for Google Assistant (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 7, 2018
- Listening test: never heard such a BIG sound coming from such small, tiny boxes, here are the expensive, but stunning Trenner&Friedl SUN (L. Cadeddu)
- Audiophile recordings: bass freaks welcomed! One of the killer albums we use to test bass frequencies is Tricky's “Vulnerable” (L. Cadeddu)
June 30, 2018
- Vintage corner: here's David's brief guide to Edison Cylinder phonographs - Part II (audio excerpts included) (D. Hoehl)
- Beginners' guide: Graeme suggests the first steps into HiFi on his HiFi beginners' guide, part II (G. Budd)
June 23, 2018
- Listening test: here's the last part of Richard's three parts saga on Ethernet Audio (R. Varey)
- Site popularity: many HiFi manufacturers seem to be eager to know how many readers browse our magazine. Moreover, we've recently found a web magazine that claims to be “the most widely read Hi-Fi magazine on the planet” though hardly reaching 1/10 of our monthly access statistics! (Staff)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 15, 2018
- Listening test: here's the second part of Richard's three parts saga on Ethernet Audio (R. Varey)
- Editorial: new adventures in HiFi, discover what's going on with these fancy HiFi bicycles in Palermo, Italy! (L. Cadeddu)
June 8, 2018
- Listening test: a new turntable with air-suspended platter and tangential arm, here's the Holbo Airbearing (G. Budd)
- Vintage corner: here's David's brief guide to Edison Cylinder phonographs (D. Hoehl)
June 2, 2018
- Listening test: highly-refined British mini-monitors, with unusual technical solutions, here are the Russell K Red 50 (L. Cadeddu)
- HiFi Show report: our reportage from the Munich HighEnd Show 2018 (C. Iaccarino)
May 26, 2018
- Listening test: Graeme tests the Audio Note TT-2 Deluxe turntable, with Audio Note Arm 2 (G. Budd)
- Listening test: Richard tests another unusual component, here's the JoLida Foz XT-R, phono crosstalk corrector, designed - again!- by a legend in audio, Jim Fosgate (R. Varey)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 19, 2018
- Listening test: Richard tests a vacuum tube analogue audio processor, soundstage expander, the JoLida Foz SS-X, designed by a legend in audio, Jim Fosgate! (R. Varey)
- Follow-up: David's review of the Graham Slee Accession phono preamp generated a long and insightful manufacturer's reply that sheds new light on the design and the ideas behind it (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 12, 2018
- Listening test: Nick reviews three new components from Dodocool: DA158 (noise-cancelling bluetooth headphones), DA88 (bluetooth transmitter/receiver) and DA84-1 (wireless portable speaker) (N. Whetstone)
- Editorial: and now for some extremely good news, SME acquires Garrard and Loricraft Audio! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 5, 2018
- Listening test: a long, detailed follow up by David on the Graham Slee Accession phono preamp [with audio excerpts] (D. Hoehl)
- Editorial: blasting sad news, Shure announces to quit production of phono gear! (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 28, 2018
- Listening test: Chris tests what's quickly becoming a rare bird, a pure and simple CD transport! Here's the affordable and good sounding Cambridge Audio CXC (C. Templer)
- Music: a long and detailed retrospective on Peter Lang, an acoustic guitarist who recorded for Takoma Records with John Fahey and Leo Kottke (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 21, 2018
- Listening test: Nick tests a nice battery-operated USB/SPDIF converter, the Ciúnas Audio ISO-SPDIF, and compares it to the M2Tech HiFace2 SPDIF converter. And the winner is... (N. Whetstone)
- Listening test: here's the first article of Richard's three parts saga on Ethernet Audio (how to exploit the RaspberryPi micro-computer) (R. Varey)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 14, 2018
- Listening test: Geoff tests a pretty expensive phono stage from Japan, here's the Aurorasound Vida (G. Husband)
- HiFi Show reportage: Mark visits and reports back from the Wigwam Show 2018 (M. Wheeler)
- HiFi Shows news: upcoming the 24th edition of the Milano hi-fidelity 2018, April 14-15, at the Hotel Melià in Milano (Italy)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 31, 2018
- Listening test: Richard tests a mysterious black box from QHW Audio, here's The Box: analogue signal reconditioner (R. Varey)
- Tweak/listening test: Roger evaluates an aluminium cap for the evergreen classic Denon DL 103 MC cartridge (R. McCuaig)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 24, 2018
- Listening test: supertweeters again on TNT-Audio! Chris reviews the Taket BatPro (includes a discussion on hearing above 20 kHz) (C. Templer)
- Editorial: discover Vinylmnky, vinyl records delivered to your doorstep, every month (L. Cadeddu)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 18, 2018
- Listening test: David presents the fifth part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges): Empire 598, McIntosh MT5 & MT10, Music Hall MMF 1.3 & MMF 1.5, Dual 410, CS-5000, CS-7000, Golden Stone, Thorens TD 170, TD 190, TD240 II, Rega RP78, Garrard, BSR, Crossley & Califone (D. Hoehl)
- Listening test: Nick tests a cool universal high-quality battery-operated USB power supply, the Ciúnas Audio ISO-PS (N. Whetstone)
March 10, 2018
- Listening test: David presents the fourth part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges): Technics SP15, Thorens TD115, Philips GA 202, Garrard 301-401, Dual 10xx-12xx series, Perpetuum Ebner (P/E), Elac/Miracord (D. Hoehl)
- RIP: Russ Solomon, the entrepreneur who built Tower Records into a global business and pioneered a new way to sell music has died at 92 (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 3, 2018
- Listening test: a battery-operated USB DAC, here's the Ciúnas Audio ISO-DAC (N. Whetstone)
- Listening test: David presents the third part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges) (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 24, 2018
- Listening test: a cool, inexpensive phono preamp, here's the Tisbury Audio Domino (M. Wheeler)
- Editorial: CD sales going down the drain! Read what's happening and why you should keep buying CD's on our February editorial (L. Cadeddu)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 2 new, interesting websites (Staff)
February 17, 2018
- Listening test: David presents the second part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges). Under revew several modern turntables. (D. Hoehl)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 10, 2018
- Listening test: two reviews in one! Nick tests some ancillary partner of the Dodocool portable player, here are the Dodocool DA108 earphones & DA150 amplified portable speaker (N. Whetstone)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 3, 2018
- Listening test: Roger tests the Doge Electronics Doge7 Tube Dac (Roger McCuaig)
- DIY: intermittent sound from your analogue set-up? Maybe it's time to fix faulty electrical contacts of your tonearm headshell (R. McCuaig)
- Music: another good sounding album from Jason Vitelli, here's his just released Head above tide (A. Norman)
January 27, 2018
- Listening test: Mark and David team-testing the Nasotec Swing headshell, universal SME fitting (M. Wheeler & D. Hoehl)
- Editorial: Mark again on audio myths, read his article on Audio groupthink creates mythologies (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 20, 2018
- Listening test: David presents the first part of an interesting series of articles devoted to 78 rpm playback (turntables and cartridges) (D. Hoehl)
- Vinyl reissues: Mark expresses his (critical) point of view on vinyl reissues (M. Wheeler)
- Readers' feedback: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 23, 2017
- Listening test: Mike tests a hybrid tube preamplifier, here's the KR Audio P135MC (M. Cox)
- Vintage corner: David suggests some nice Christmas music! [audio excerpts included] (D. Hoehl)
December 15, 2017
- Listening test: Graeme tests a high-end CD player, the Canary Audio CD300 LV (G. Budd)
- Theory/listening test: Mark writes about the Phenomenology of Musical Experience (what you hear may not be what I hear). The article includes comparison tests between Thorens and Linn turntables (M. Wheeler)
December 9, 2017
- Listening test: Roger tests a set of Genalex Gold Lion PX 300B tubes...just in case you need other gift ideas for Xmas :-) (R. McCuaig)
- Books: a long and detailed review of Bruce Springsteen's autobiography Born to run (R. Felletti)
December 1, 2017
- Listening test: according to Nick this is one of the great hi-fi bargains of all time! A 45€ portable player that can play hi-res audio formats (even DSD!) in audiophile quality, here's the unbelievable Dodocool DA 106. Is this the perfect Xmas audiophile gift? (N. Whetstone)
- Vintage Corner: David writes about the The Six Brown Brothers, a Canadian vaudeville era saxophone sextet consisting of six brothers (includes a 78rpm high quality audio excerpt!) (D. Hoehl)
November 25, 2017
- Listening test: a pretty expensive top-class tube phono preamplifier, here's the SW1X LPU-II (G. Husband)
- HiFi Show - Reportage: David visits the Capital AudioFest 2017 in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC (D. Hoehl)
November 19, 2017
- Listening test: an integrated Class D amplifier with built-in 24/192 USB DAC and bluetooth input, here's the Teac AI 101DA (L. Cadeddu)
- HiFi Show - Reportage: the second part of our reportage from the Munich HighEnd Show 2017 (C. Iaccarino)
- HiFi Shows - News: upcoming the 21st edition of the Poland Audio Video Show, November 17-19, Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel, Warsaw, Poland
November 11, 2017
- Listening test: a full-tube preamplifier with a versatile phono stage, Mike tests the Thöress preamplifier (M. Cox)
- Vintage Corner - Reportage: a tour from the Kanazawa phonograph museum, Japan (A. Norman)
November 4, 2017
- Listening test: innovative EQ correction for your collectible vinyl, discover the versatile Gold Note PH 10 phono preamp (M. Wheeler)
- In memoriam: Fats Domino sadly passes away at 89 (D. Hoehl)
- HiFi Shows news: upcoming the 6th edition of the New York Audio Show, 10-12 November, Park Lane Hotel, and the 26th edition of the Bari High End, November, 4-5, Nicolaus Hotel, Bari, Italy.
October 28, 2017
- Listening test: a pair of high-end floorstanders, the Living Voice Auditorium Avatar IBX-RW3 (G. Budd)
- HiFi Show report: our reportage from the Toronto HiFi Show 2017 (R. McCuaig)
October 21, 2017
- Listening test: a nicely crafted integrated amplifier with 300B tubes for just 1000€, here's the MingDa MD300A (L. Cadeddu)
- HiFi Show report: our reportage from the Munich HighEnd Show 2017 (C. Iaccarino)
- HiFi Shows news: upcoming the 15th edition of the Roma hi-fidelity 2017, November, 18-19, Mercure West Hotel, Roma, and a new edition of Bacco, Tabacco e Vinile, October, 21-22, Chieti at HiFi DiPrinzio.
October 13, 2017
- Listening test: Geoff tests a nice looking and good sounding turntable, here's the Goldnote Mediterraneo (G. Husband)
- Review: Mark reviews a review :-) Here's Long Live Vinyl! (M. Wheeler)
October 7, 2017
- Listening test: Roger tests what the manufacturer defines a “Real Stereo moving coil cartridge”, the Zyx Bloom 3 (R. McCuaig)
- Editorial: let us explain why TNT-Audio is moving! (L. Cadeddu)
September 30, 2017
- Listening test: a budget-class evergreen turntable, the Linn Basik, serviced and equipped with a Linn K5 cart with Audiotechnica AT95 new stylus. Good sound for peanuts! (M. Wheeler)
- In memoriam: few days ago Zuzana Ruzickova, a world-class harpsichordist, passed away (D. Hoehl)
September 23, 2017
- Listening test: Nick tests a Class A/B integrated amplifier, the Clef Audio Soloist 50 (N. Whetstone)
- Listening test/tweak: Mark evaluates a new method for vinyl records cleaning, discover the Divinyl, a worthwhile addition to the shelves of any LP collector or vinyl-audiophile (M. Wheeler)
September 16, 2017
- Listening test: Mike tests a DSD converter which is not a DAC! Here's the RT Audio Design Pure DSD Converter (M. Cox)
- Vintage Corner: sad news! Shure is out of the 78 RPM business (D. Hoehl)
July 8, 2017
- Listening test: Geoff tests a TQWT tower loudspeaker equipped with FA8 fullrange driver, here's the Cube Audio Bliss A (G. Husband)
- DIY: another Summer holidays project for you from our DIY department! Here's Chris's DIY acoustic lens for tweeters (C. Templer)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 2 new, interesting websites (Staff)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 30, 2017
- DIY: here's our summer homework for you! Enjoy our new DIY design: TMIOTT aka “The mat is on the (turn)table”, your first lesson for building an awesome acrylic turntable mat! (R. McCuaig)
- Audiophile recordings: Roger tests another Aevea/OnClassical audiophile recording, George Gershwin “Complete Piano Works” (R. McCuaig)
June 24, 2017
- Listening test: Mark tests a rather heavily tweaked version of the Audio Technica LP5 direct drive turntable, here's The Audio Files AT-LP5 IPT (M. Wheeler)
- Audiophile recordings: Chris reviews the David Briggs organ transcriptions of Mahler's 2nd Symphony (C. Templer)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 17, 2017
- Listening test: Graeme tests the GSP Audio Accession phono preamplifier (G. Budd)
- Audiophile recordings: Mike listens to various original master reel tapes from Analogy Records (M. Cox)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 10, 2017
- Listening test: one of the best sounding omnidirectional loudspeakers in the market, ladies and gentlemen here are the amazing Duevel Bella Luna Diamante. Discover why Dr. House likes them so much! (L. Cadeddu)
- Audiophile recordings: Roger tests an Aevea/OnClassical audiophile recording, Satie “Early and Esoteric Piano works” (R. McCuaig)
June 2, 2017
- DIY: another “big” loudspeaker DIY design from Chris, here's the Altec 604 Onken based on the famous Altec Duplex 604-168x driver (C. Templer)
- Vintage Corner: David goes to a circus and writes about the show and some popular circus music, here's his Lions and Tigers and--Mares! Oh, My! (D. Hoehl)
May 27, 2017
- Listening test: Mike tests a pair of unusual bookshelf loudspeakers from the UK, here are the RMB 12/3 (M. Cox)
- Reportage: Mark visits the Styl:us Vinyl Show in Manchester (M. Wheeler)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 20, 2017
- Listening test: Todd tests the Tekton Enzo XL floorstanders & Cinema subwoofer (T. Bromgard)
- Editorial: Mark visits the Rural Record Fair Holmsford Cafe 2017 (M. Wheeler)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 1 new, interesting website (Staff)
- RIP: Chris Cornell, former leader of Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the dog, sadly passes away at 52...
May 13, 2017
- DIY: after several years after our last DIY cable design, here's our new interconnect, the TNT AirCoil (R. McCuaig)
- DIY basics: Roger explains the link between capacitance and frequency response (R. McCuaig)
May 6, 2017
- Listening test: a made in USA full discrete, Class A gain circuitry with zero loop feedback phono preamplifier, here's the LKV Research phono 2-SB (A. Kohli)
- Audiophile recordings: a new addition to the “Retro Scene” is Analogy Records who are producing reel to reel tapes of various genres, directly from original master tapes, copied from the original studio multi-track master (M. Cox)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 29, 2017
- Listening test: a USB DAC using nickel core output transformers and Texas Instruments PCM2706 chipset, here's the Arche Audio Opus 5 (R. Varey)
- Editorial: some thoughts on the Record Store Day 2017 (M. Wheeler)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 1, 2017
- Listening test: a tube integrated amplifier that uses a pair of EL84s in the output for each channel, a single ECC83 as the voltage amplifier and driver, all sourced from JJ Electronics in the Slovak Republic. Here's the DIMD PP10 tube amplifier from Latvia! (M. Cox)
- Listening test/tweak/DIY/miracle: TNT-Audio investigates on some of the sublime effects of cable raising (R. Pollo)
- HiFi Shows: ready to start the 22nd edition of the Milano hi-fidelity 2017, April. 22-23, Centro Congressi Melià - Milan, Italy.
- Easter break: as usual TNT-Audio takes some weeks off around Easter, our usual weekly updates will be back online on April, 29. Stay in touch with us following our official Facebook page!
March 25, 2017
- Listening test/DIY: DIY Open Baffle Loudspeakers with 15" woofers for Non DIYers...here are the Pure Audio Project Trio15 Voxativ loudspeakers (G. Budd)
- RIP: first guitar hero and father of rock'n'roll Chuck Berry passes away at 90 (A. Norman)
- HiFi Shows: organized by Audio Natali & Angelucci Hi-Fi here's Music for friends, a HiFi Show taking place on March 31, April 1 at the hotel Villa Maria in Francavilla al Mare (CH), Italy.
March 18, 2017
- Listening test: Roger tests the Doge Audio 8 tube preamplifier with 4 X 12AX7, 4 X 12AT7R, a phono input and a remote control (R. McCuaig)
- Vintage: David investigates the real story behind His master's voice record label (D. Hoehl)
March 11, 2017
- Listening test: Richard tests the Redgum Black series integrated amplifier from Australia (R. Varey)
- Editorial: audiophile streaming music! It seems even Spotify is going to launch a HiFi version of its streaming service, using lossless compressed files (L. Cadeddu)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 3 new, interesting websites (Staff)
March 4, 2017
- Listening test: Roger tests the Placette Audio passive preamplifier with high precision Vishay 125-step resistor banks (R. McCuaig)
- Listening test: vibration control devices again on TNT-Audio! Richard tests the Les Davis Audio 3D-2 vibration dampers (R. Varey)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 25, 2017
- Listening test: Richard tests a passive TVC passive preamp, here's the icOn TVC (R. Varey)
- Listening test - follow-up: under test an updated new version of the Intona USB isolator, designed to galvanically isolate the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed bus, breaking ground loops, avoiding noise coupling and protecting ports from power surges and voltage spikes (R. Varey)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- HiFi Shows: upcoming the 8th edition of the Gran Galà dell'Alta Fedeltà in Rome, March 4 - 5 at the SHERATON GOLF 3 Hotel - PARCO DE' MEDICI, Rome.
February 18, 2017
- Listening test: an audio server based on Raspberry Pi, RUNEaudio software, ES9023 Sabre DAC and a 50 watt Class D amplifier, here's the Hana Lab, music server & class D amp combo (M. Cox)
- Author's bio: our new reviewer from Canada, Roger McCuaig introduces himself and his reference system (R. McCuaig)
- [RIP]: sadly, this seems like a neverending story! Even Al Jarreau has recently passed away...let's celebrate him with this live version of Gershwin's “Summertime”.
February 12, 2017
- Listening test: we welcome onboard our new reviewer from Canada, Roger McCuaig! Here's his first review for TNT-Audio: Canary Audio CA 330 monoblock amps with 300B tubes (R. McCuaig)
- Follow-up - listening test: high end computer audio made easy! Nick tests the Euphony Audio Transport, now with Roon server incorporated! (N. Whetstone)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 5, 2017
- Listening test: Richard tests the Fidelizer Nimitra computer audio server (R. Varey)
- Reportage: dreaming of an audiophile pub anyone? Spiritland opens in Kings Cross, London and it's ALL about the music... (G. Budd)
- [RIP] On January 31st John Wetton, former King Crimson bass player and Asia co-founder, passed away at 67. Let's celebrate him with one of his most famous hits...
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 28, 2017
- Listening test: Graeme tests the Audio Note IQ3 cartridge, possibly one of the best MM cartridges in the market! (G. Budd)
- Editorial: audiophiles have been coming together for long enough and in sufficient numbers to create lots of mythologies. Mark lists them all! (M. Wheeler)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 21, 2017
- Listening test: Graeme tests the Made in Italy Clinamen Audio MC Step-Up and turntable clamp (G. Budd)
- Reportage: a rich reportage from the latest edition of the Roma High End 2016 (C. Iaccarino)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
December 17, 2016
- Listening test: Richard tests the Gold Note Vasari red cartridge, the Kymyas Series record treatment and some Gold Note Records (R. Varey)
- Listening test: high end computer audio made easy! Nick tests the Euphony Audio Transport (hard disk & software) (N. Whetstone)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 2 new, interesting websites (Staff)
December 10, 2016
- Listening test: Arvind tests the Pass Labs XP15 phono preamp and compares it to the Lehmann Black Cube SE and the PS Audio NuWave Phono. And the winner is... (A. Kohli)
- Listening test: under test the Intona USB isolator, designed to galvanically isolate the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed bus, breaking ground loops, avoiding noise coupling and protecting ports from power surges and voltage spikes (R. Varey)
December 3, 2016
- Listening test: a detailed second-look review of the ProJect Maia integrated amplifier (R. Varey)
- Interview: Richard interviews Coury James Hodges, founder of The Audiophile Group on Facebook, with more than 8,500 members worldwide (R. Varey)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 27, 2016
- Listening test: a shootout test of three tube-equipped budget headphones amplifiers, the Bravo V3, Bravo Ocean and Trends PA-10.1D (R. Varey)
- RIP/editorial: music producer-arranger Milton T. Okun, who worked with John Denver, Placido Domingo and Peter, Paul and Mary among other artists, died Tuesday 15th Nov. in Beverly Hills. He was 92. (D. Hoehl)
- HiFi Shows: ready to start the 14th edition of the Roma hi-fidelity 2016, Dec. 3-4, Mercure West Hotel, Rome.
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 19, 2016
- Listening test: Arvind tests a new version of one of our all-time favourite phono preamplifiers, the Lehmann Black Cube SE (A. Kohli)
- RIP/editorial: few days ago a world-class pianist and composer, Zoltan Kocsis, passed way (D. Hoehl)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 12, 2016
- Listening test: Mark tests a pair of Yamaha NS1000M loudspeakers transformed into active speakers by Chevron Audio (M. Wheeler)
- RIP/editorial: even the famous songwriter Leonard Cohen passes away (A. Norman)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
November 5, 2016
- Listening test: Graeme tests an interesting modified version of a classic tonearm, here's the Linn Akito by Audio Origami (G. Budd)
- HiFi Shows: the last part of our long reportage from the recent Munich 2016 High-end Show (C. Iaccarino)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 29, 2016
- Listening test: Mike test a pair of 300B monoblock power amplifier, here are the Thöress 300B's (M. Cox)
- HiFi Shows: another long reportage from the last Munich 2016 High-end Show (C. Iaccarino)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 22, 2016
- Listening test: Andy tests a tube integrated amp from Greece, here is the Tsakiridis/Flamingo Audio Aeolos Super Plus (A. Norman)
- Editorial: will vinyl last forever? If you think so, do not miss the post-mortem services of And Vinyly...your ashes pressed into a long playing! (L. Cadeddu)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 15, 2016
- Listening test: Mark tells us everything about a gold classic, the Yamaha NS1000M loudspeakers: history, setting up advices, listening test etc. (M. Wheeler)
- Vintage column: David writes about records that have captured the sounds of warfare (D. Hoehl)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 7, 2016
- Listening test: Richard reviews two phono preamps and a record clamp from Lounge Audio (R. Varey)
- RIP: orchestra conductors Nikolaus Harnoncourt & Sir Neville Marriner sadly pass away (D. Hoehl)
- HiFi Shows: two upcoming Shows in Italy, the Gran Galà dell'Alta Fedeltà, Oct. 8-9 in Padova and the 21st edition of the Milano High End, Oct. 15-16
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
October 1, 2016
- Listening test: Arvind reviews the PS Audio NuWave phono, a very serious phono stage combined with a versatile ADC as well (A. Kohli)
- Listening test: a simple mains filter to install on unused mains sockets, here's the Russ Andrews Superclamp Ultra (M. Wheeler)
September 24, 2016
- Listening test: active loudspeakers again on TNT-Audio! Here are the Audiosmile Little British Monitors (A. Norman)
- Listening test: from iFi, a USB 3.0 USB power and signal conditioner, here's the iFi iUSB 3.0 (N. Whetstone)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 24, 2016
- Listening test: a new Class D integrated amplifier, in a wood case, here's the Eryk S Concept DIGI amp (M. Cox)
- RIP: another sad loss for the audiophile community, E.J. “Ted” Jordan passes away (N. Whetstone)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Summer break!: TNT-Audio, as usual, takes some week off during Summer, our weekly updates will be back on Sept. 24. In the meanwhile keep following our continuously updated Facebook page. Have a nice holiday!
July 16, 2016
- Listening test: a pair of floorstanding louspeakers, with unusually placed drivers, from the UK, here are the RMB 22/3 (A. Norman)
- Listening test: here's a Raspberry Pi B+ credit-card size PC and credit-card size Mamboberry HiFi DAC+ mounted in a box with an external power supply adaptor, and software installed and configured. For just 135€ here's the incredible Collybia Mambo media player (R. Varey)
- Shocked by the horrible news from Nice and Turkey we express our feelings with this song by XTC...
July 9, 2016
- Listening test: another brilliant DAC from iFi, here's the iDac 2 (N. Whetstone)
- Listening test/DIY: DIY Open Baffle Loudspeakers with 15" woofers for Non DIYers...here are the Pure Audio Project Trio 15TB Neo (G. Budd)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
July 1, 2016
- Listening test: Geoff tests a very good low output MC cartridge, here's the Hana SL (G. Husband)
- Listening test/DIY: Chris listens to a pair of Altec A7 horn loaded clones - Part II (C. Templer)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 25, 2016
- Listening test: how do budget cartridges perform when tested on a high end tonearm? Discover the details on the Part II review of the beautiful The Wand Plus tonearm (R. Varey)
- Listening test/DIY: Chris listens to a pair of Altec A7 horn loaded clones (C. Templer)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 18, 2016
- Listening test: unusual and good sounding mini loudspeakers, here are the Omuni from NZ! (R. Varey)
- Hall of fame/vintage: a retrospective article on Enoch Light, a legendary recording engineer who created audio masterpieces from the late 1920s and throughout the 30s, 40s, 50s, and into the early 1960s, and then again in the early 1970s (R. Varey)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
June 11, 2016
- Listening test: an impressive turntable with a beautiful tangential tracking air bearing tonearm, here's the Pre Audio ASP 1501 (M. Cox)
- Listening test: how do budget cartridges perform when tested on a high end tonearm? Discover the details on the review of the beautiful The Wand Plus tonearm (R. Varey)
June 4, 2016
- Listening test: a multipurpose digital source, here's the T+A E-Series music player (R. Varey)
- Vintage: talent has a way of running in families! Four such artists from the 78rpm era in David's article titled From stage to screen (D. Hoehl)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
May 28, 2016
- Listening test: Richard builds an open baffle speaker using Audio Nirvana Classic 8" fullrange drivers (R. Varey)
- Tweak/Listening test: clean power for your USB DAC! Discover the USB Disruptor, a device that cuts the power supply from the PC USB outlet and inserts a clean supply from its mains adaptor plug (R. Varey)
May 21, 2016
- Listening test: Richard reviews a very simple and effective vinyl cleaning kit & tweak, here's the GEM Dandy LP record cleaning and GroOove Lube preservation kit (R. Varey)
- HiFi Shows: another long reportage from the last Munich 2016 High-end Show (H. Quaschik)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 4 new, interesting websites (Staff)
May 14, 2016
- Listening test: Geoff reviews a “sensational arm for the price”, to use his own words. Discover the Audiomods Series Five tonearm (G. Husband)
- Editorial: very strange things happen, it seems B&W is about to be sold (N. Whetstone)
- RIP: one of the best jazz saxophonists in the World sadly passes away at the age of 88. Joe Temperley, founder of the Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra, performed with the best artists, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Joe Henderson and many others. Enjoy this live concert, where he plays together with Adam Birnbaum, Yasushi Nakamura, Billy Drummond and Wycliffe Gordon.
May 7, 2016
- Listening test: Richard tests a full-function passive preamp using light-dependent resistor (LDR) technology in a unique circuit design, here's the Java (R. Varey)
- Reportage: it is much more fun than a trade show! Mark & Mike report from the Wigwam Show 2016 (M. Wheeler & M. Cox)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 30, 2016
- Listening test: Graeme tests a mid-class MM cartridge, here's the Ortofon 2M Black (G. Budd)
- Listening test/tweak: Mike tests two fancy tweaking devices, the Akiko Triple AC enhancer & USB Tuning Stick (M. Cox)
April 23, 2016
- Listening test: ready for a 30$ Class D amplifier that sounds really good? Here's the Sure Electronics TA2024 (M. Cox)
- Editorial/In memoriam: sad news again and again!!! At the age of 57 Prince passes away (L. Cadeddu)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
April 17, 2016
- Listening test: Nick tests the MHDT Pagoda DAC (N. Whetstone)
- Follow-up: Nick reviews the Fidelizer Pro 7.0, a new version of the previous Fidelizer, a software (on Windows) that optimizes your PC in a snap! (N. Whetstone)
- Editorial/review: Mark tests a Vinyl LP chopping board, a must-have for any vinyl-addict! (G. Blue)
March 19, 2016
- Listening test: a quite unusual, fully adjustable, speaker stand, the isoAcoustics Aperta 155 (M. Cox)
- Music: 180 grams, high quality vinyl reissue, here's the Simon & Garfunkel's Complete Columbia 6 LP's Collection (M. Cox)
- HiFi Shows: the 20th edition of the Milano Hi-Fidelity 2016 will take place at the Hotel Melia on 2 and 3 April, 9:00/6:00pm. We will attend and report!
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- Easter break: as usual TNT-Audio takes some weeks off around Easter, our usual weekly updates will be back online on April, 16. Stay in touch with us following our official Facebook page
March 12, 2016
- Listening test: Graeme tests a complete 1,000€ ProJect Audio system: MaiA CD, MaiA amp & Speaker Box 5 loudspeakers (G. Budd)
- In memoriam: at the age of 90 George Martin has just passed away. Mark reminds us of George's incredible career as music producer (Beatles etc.) (M. Wheeler)
- In memoriam: Keith Emerson, of EL&P (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), passes away at 71 (M. Wheeler)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
March 5, 2016
- Listening test: an accessory to enhance the digital signal and power supply coming from a computer to a USB DAC or converter (USB to SPDIF for use with a separate DAC), here's the iFi iPurifier 2 (N. Whetstone)
- Reportage: it is much more fun than a trade show! It's the Wigwam Show (M. Wheeler)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 27, 2016
- Listening test: a comparative test of three Fostex earphones, here are the TE-03, TE-05, TE-07 (A. Norman)
- How to: everything you need to know before moving home with your Hi-Fi gear (M. Bellinzona)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 20, 2016
- Listening test: an intensive and extensive test of a glass octal double-triode, the Shuguang Treasure Series 6SN7-SE Globe (M. Wheeler)
- How to: some useful tip on how to clean record sleeves and CD/DVD cases (R. Varey)
- Site popularity: many HiFi manufacturers seem to be eager to know how many readers our magazine has so here are again our monthly access statistics (January 2016)! (Staff)
February 13, 2016
- Listening test: for our anniversary Geoff selects 5 products that have meant the most over the last 20 years. Here's his own Hall of Fame (G. Husband)
- Editorial: finally available 24 bit high resolution audio via Bluetooth thanks to the new aptX HD codec by Qualcomm (L. Cadeddu)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
February 6, 2016
- Listening test: do you need a digital Swiss Army knife? Here's the Cocktail Audio X30 (M. Bellinzona)
- Editorial: celebrate wih us our first 20 years of web presence! Happy anniversary TNT-Audio! (L. Cadeddu)
- RIP: Maurice White, the founder of soul group Earth, Wind and Fire, has died at the age of 74.
January 31, 2016
- Listening test: a mid-class 40 watt tube integrated amplifier with EL34 tubes, here's the amazing Ming Da MC 34 ASE (L. Cadeddu)
- We support Real Stereo: we have updated our Real Stereo List with 2 new, interesting websites (Staff)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
January 24, 2016
- Listening test: a quite unique tube phono preamplifier from Poland, here's the Encore 7 Eggshell Prestige PS5 (M. Cox)
- Listening test/software: FOLLOW UP! Under test a new release of a PC software for liquid Music, version 6.2, using JStreamer. Discover the new JPlay (N. Whetstone)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
- RIP: Eagles co-founder, songwriter, guitarist Glenn Frey dies at the age of 67...
January 16, 2016
- Listening test: a pair of unusual floorstanders from the USA, here are the Golden Ear Triton 5 (R. Varey)
- RIP: Pierre Boulez, composer and orchestra conductor, and David Bowie have recently passed away, David and Geoff commemorate them (Staff)
- Letters: read some of the selected letters we received last weeks.
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