The Absolute Sound

The Absolute Sound is the world’s preeminent source of expert reviews, features, and commentary on high-performance audio and music.

The Absolute Sound

Letters

From the Editor

FUTURE TAS

42 BEST SOUNDING ATMOS MIXES

GOLDEN EAR the absolute sound 2025 AWARDS • Matt Clott, Michael Fremer, Neil Gader, Robert Harley, Jacob Heilbrunn, Andre Jennings, Muse Kastanovich, Dick Olsher, Andrew Quint, Paul Seydor, Alan Taffel, and Jonathan Valin

Better Streaming on a Budget • Three Tweaks to Improve Sound

EBI Audio Khumar Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge • Falling in Love Again

Tritschler Precision Engineering Model 2200 Phonostage • A Beautiful Convergence of Past and Present

Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600.2 Integrated Amplifier • Magical Coherence

Wattson Audio Madison LE Streamer and Madison Amplifier • Dynamic Duo

Audiovector R 10 Arreté Loudspeaker • Danish Delight

Reiki Audio SuperSwitch and OpticalBridge • A New Frontier

Robert Harley Comments

The Reiki Audio JundoStream Network Cable

Tidal Audio Ferios G2 Monoblock Power Amplifier • Not a “Mk II”

Aesthetix Audio Pallene Hybrid Preamplifier and Dione Hybrid Power Amplifier • High End at a Reasonable Price

QUAD 33 Preamplifier and 303 Power Amplifier • QUAD Rides Again

Why Buy the New When You Can Still Buy the Old?

EXCE LLEN CEPL US’ • STENHEIM ULTIME TWO SX LOUDSPEAKER

Manufacturer Comments

Fleetwood Mac 1975 to 1987 • History in a Box

Getting To Know Norma Winstone • English Jazz Musician Discusses Her Vocal Artistry

Fit for a King—Albert King • Craft Recordings Pays Tribute to Blues Royalty

More Blues-Guitar Greats

Network for New Music • Bringing Innovative Music To Contemporary Audiences

MUSIC ROCKETC

MUSIC CLASSICAL

MUSIC JAZZ

Q&A Vance Hiner • TAS Writer