The Latest Features
Perfect Timing: A Bruce Cockburn Evening and a Digital Upgrade for Treble Clef’s TCA-M Active Loudspeaker
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- Written by Doug Schneider Doug Schneider
- Category: Monthly Column Monthly Column
- Created: 01 December 2025 01 December 2025
Although there are many reasons to like loudspeakers built around purely analog components—whether they’re all-passive or analog-based active designs—one benefit that owners of those loudspeakers can never enjoy is getting a digital upgrade that can improve the speakers’ sound and maybe even add new features. With digital active speakers, such benefits are possible.
Arendal Sound 1528 Monitor 8 Loudspeaker
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- Written by Philip Beaudette Philip Beaudette
- Category: Full-Length Equipment Reviews Full-Length Equipment Reviews
- Created: 01 December 2025 01 December 2025
Note: measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada’s National Research Council can be found through this link.
I’d never heard of Arendal Sound prior to reviewing its 1723 Tower S loudspeaker early in 2024. I liked the pair, but I didn’t love them. They were solidly built and sounded remarkably smooth, even at high volumes. But they weren’t as detailed as some of the competition. Regardless, they performed well, and I concluded my review by remarking that I was eager to see and hear what the company did next.
Rotel Michi Q5 CD Player–DAC
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- Written by George de Sa George de Sa
- Category: Full-Length Equipment Reviews Full-Length Equipment Reviews
- Created: 15 November 2025 15 November 2025
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here.
“Perfect sound forever”—that was the promise consumer-electronics and recording companies made back in 1982 when Sony’s CDP‑101 made its debut. The CDP‑101 was the first consumer CD player to hit the market. Although the validity of that initial claim has been hotly debated since the CD’s inception, it’s amazing that 40-plus years later, the format maintains a foothold. Not only do manufacturers continue to introduce new CD players, but some of these components represent continuing attempts to attain that elusive goal of perfect sound.
Recommended Reference Component: Ortofon MC X40 Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Editors SoundStage! Hi-Fi Editors
- Category: Components Components
- Created: 15 November 2025 15 November 2025
In August 2025, SoundStage! Ultra editor Jason Thorpe reviewed the Ortofon MC X40 moving-coil phono cartridge and concluded that it “is a fantastic cartridge for any price.” The MC X40 is the top model in Ortofon’s MC X line. At the time of the review, it was priced at US$999, CA$1449, £875, or €999, which Jason describes as “an aggressive price for a midrange moving coil.” Since Jason’s review was published, the US price has increased to $1149, but the Canadian, UK, and European prices have not changed.
Visiting a Mostly Italian Hi-Fi Trio: Diapason, Mastersound, and VinnieRossi
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- Written by Doug Schneider Doug Schneider
- Category: Monthly Column Monthly Column
- Created: 01 November 2025 01 November 2025
In my August 1 editorial, titled “Inside Views: Why SoundStage! Goes the Distance,” I outlined why some of us at the SoundStage! Network travel to audio companies around the world as often as we do. My explanation was summed up in this sentence: “The reason is simple: so we can better inform our audience.” While visiting companies, we typically focus on their newest products. We also put time into finding out about each company’s history and what makes it tick.
Focal Diva Utopia Streaming Active Loudspeaker System
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- Written by George de Sa George de Sa
- Category: Full-Length Equipment Reviews Full-Length Equipment Reviews
- Created: 01 November 2025 01 November 2025
Even with the huge variety of products available today, high-end loudspeakers with built-in network streamers are still few and far between. There are quite a few streaming active speaker systems that target mainstream buyers, including those from major brands such as JBL, KEF, PSB, and Technics. But truly aspirational wireless speaker systems are rarer. Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 90 is one exception. There are a few others from the likes of Goldmund and Meridian—and more recently, Focal.
Recommended Reference Component: Marantz Model 10 Integrated Amplifier
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- Written by SoundStage! Hi-Fi Editors SoundStage! Hi-Fi Editors
- Category: Components Components
- Created: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025
The Marantz Model 10 integrated amplifier (US $15,000/CA$20,000/£11,999/€14,499) is a reference-level component that combines opulent aesthetics with exceptional performance. It demonstrates what a great engineering team can achieve when not hindered by cost constraints. In his September 2025 review of the Model 10 on SoundStage! Ultra, Jason Thorpe characterizes the look of the Model 10 as “stunning in a manner that manages to be understated and totally over the top at the same time.” He writes that its sound is “commensurate with its price: fantastic bass, wonderful retrieval of detail, and a clear, grain-free top end.”
Simaudio Takes On the World with the New Moon 371 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
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- Written by Doug Schneider Doug Schneider
- Category: Monthly Column Monthly Column
- Created: 01 October 2025 01 October 2025
Yesterday, Simaudio released the Moon 371, the first product in its new Compass Collection. I had advance knowledge of the Moon 371 and the Compass Collection, having attended a briefing session at Simaudio’s headquarters in mid-September. Although no other Compass Collection products were released, or even mentioned, we were given a hint of what’s to come. Simaudio told the group that this new series takes both technology and inspiration from the more-expensive North Collection line, which was launched in 2023 and comprises six models: the 641 integrated amplifier, 681 streaming digital-to-analog converter (DAC), 761 and 861 power amplifiers, and 791 and 891 streaming preamplifiers. Where North is the pinnacle, Compass has been designed as its natural companion, one intended to point you northward—a series that remains proudly high-end, but one that also opens the door for a wider audience to experience Moon products at their best.
Anthem MCA 225 Gen 2 Stereo Amplifier
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- Written by Philip Beaudette Philip Beaudette
- Category: Full-Length Equipment Reviews Full-Length Equipment Reviews
- Created: 01 October 2025 01 October 2025
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here.
The recent heavy tariffs imposed on Canada by its neighbor to the south and the provocative rhetoric (annexation? seriously?) have sparked a surge of patriotic fervor among Canadians, many of whom now feel duty-bound to buy Canadian when possible. For those in the market for a power amplifier, Anthem’s MCA 225 Gen 2 (US$2299.99, CA$2699.99, £2295, €2550), which is designed and manufactured entirely in Canada, is an appealing choice.
QED Signature Supremus Zr Loudspeaker Cable
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- Written by George de Sa George de Sa
- Category: Uncategorised Uncategorised
- Created: 15 September 2025 15 September 2025
One question always seems to arise when audio enthusiasts get together: “Do cables matter?” This topic tends to elicit polarized responses; you, too, probably have a strong opinion on the matter. Nearly everyone agrees that for safety reasons, cables must, at a minimum, meet the criteria set by component manufacturers. However, when it comes to the sonic performance of aftermarket cables, the conversation can become heated. From firsthand experience I know that’s what you need—experience—to form an informed opinion. Some aftermarket cables I’ve tried had little impact, while others made a significant difference—often for the better, sometimes for the worse.
