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Top content from across the community, hand-picked by us.

Angelic Sound One (Bloc #14) the Angel Has Landed
Tropical Cyclone Alfred didn’t do us any favours. Danube had to detour, unloading in Melbourne and Sydney before finally berthing at the Port of Brisbane on March 19 - a frustrating 10-day delay. After much anticipation, my shipping agent, Willship, delivered the speakers on March 28. Six timber crates arrived, each housing a separate speaker section, weighing between 50 and 75 kg.
 
Given the significant weight, unpacking and assembly required a team of three. At last, two towering speaker columns stood proudly in my studio - intact and flawless.
 
Over the past 10 days, I’ve been rotating through different amplifier combinations each night to break the speakers in. It’s still early, as a system of this caliber typically needs 100–200 hours to truly open up. But already, I can feel a transformation - if I were to quantify it, the sound has improved by over 30% after ~30 hours. It's more nuanced, more relaxed, less edgy, and noticeably more refined.
 
The speaker’s early character shines in piano and string recordings. The soundstage is impressively wide, and the instrument separation is amazing - qualities rarely found in medium to smaller-sized speakers.
 
Initial Amplifier Impressions:
Analog Sound AS-127 delivers the most classic analog warmth — as expected. Line Magnetic LM-845 Premium, a Single-Ended Triode, offers exceptional accuracy and balance across the entire frequency range - everything one would expect from a reference system. Line Magnetic LM-150IA, with its 100 watts per channel of push-pull power, controls the speakers with authority and adds extra punch. Audio Music 833S Monobloc SET delivers a natural, effortlessly relaxed sonic signature with exceptional mid-range like no other.  
The angel has landed - and with it, an audiophile dream realized.
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Canjam Singapore 2025
CanJam returns to the Lion City for the 8th edition of CanJam Singapore, at the beautiful Pan Pacific Singapore! Featuring the headphone audio industry’s leading brands, CanJam Singapore 2025 will showcase the latest products and innovations in headphones, in-ear monitors, and personal audio electronics in all price ranges.
 
https://hifishowcalendar.com/event/canjam-singapore-2025
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CanJam Singapore 2025 - April 5-6, 2025
CanJam returns to the Lion City for the 8th edition of CanJam Singapore, at the beautiful Pan Pacific Singapore! Featuring the headphone audio industry’s leading brands, CanJam Singapore 2025 will showcase the latest products and innovations in headphones, in-ear monitors, and personal audio electronics in all price ranges.
View the full event information
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The new Sonic Art SILVER REFERENCE Mk2 Interconnect!
I have been working on the new REFERENCE Mk2 series interconnect cable for some time, it has been sold to some local Aussie customers over the past few months, replacing the original REFERENCE RCA & XLR design. Pricing has now been adjusted to reflect the new cable and materials, and the new packaging befitting a REFERENCE series product.  In fact the packaging and its labeling was the last thing I was waiting on before updating the website completely, and announcing the new cable .
 
 
The Sonic Art SILVER REFERENCE MK2 is a 2025 evolution of the original Reference design, it features redesigned silver/copper conductors, optimized with a new size and strand ratio and an increase from 6 to 8 cores, the new cable provides incredible insight into the recording. Earthing configuration has also been updated in both the SilverLine and REFERENCE interconnects. The outer sheath of the REFERENCE series is a new MILSPEC product, antistatic, UV stabilised and flame retardant, it is heavier and better damped vs the older individual PE sheaths.
We have tested this revised cable against cables such as the famous Kimber 1136 pure silver interconnects, our cable has exhibited more micro-detail, most apparent in complex musical passages where separation is superior in the Silver REFERENCE. The tonal qualities of the cable can only be described as analogue, the cable retains so much of the signal structure. It has a very natural improved rhythm and timing, reduced signal smear, to beat cables in the $4-6000 range is an amazing feat.

• SILVER Reference Mk2 is a culmination of our cable technology and has been designed to exhibit a broad frequency response whilst maintaining a full bodied liquid soundstage. A very low noise floor creates a very black background and an incredible holographic image.
• SILVER Reference Mk2 features newly revised conductor sizing in our Military Grade 4N Silver & Copper alloy, individual hot and cold runs maintain signal separation. NEW Quad 'Time Aligned' core construction is covered by our Silver plated copper shield and then insulated in VIRGIN PTFE (Pressure cast Teflon) and Antistatic Polyester sheathing. Terminated with various plug types, both RCA and XLR versions are available on the website.
• SILVER Reference MK2 RCA is assembled by hand, and like all our cables each pair comes from the same cable batch and run. The MILSPEC antistatic sheath is laid over and heat shrunk in place, all wires are soldered directly to the Silver plated plugs with CARDAS Quad Eutectic Silver solder. The plugs are sealed and then labelled for direction. Each pair is tested and run before packing ready for shipment.
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A Yorkshireman in Oz visits a HiFi barn in Yorkshire…
A Yorkshireman in Oz visits a HiFi barn in Yorkshire…
 
A Yorkshire lad who had been gallivanting around Australia decided to make a triumphant return to his roots. Armed with tales of kangaroos and Vegemite, I embarked on a journey that led me to a quirky encounter with HiFi wonderment in the heart of Yorkshire UK.
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2025 StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show (Melbourne) August 29-31
Australia's Leading Audio-Visual Exhibition Returns in all-new Format for 2025
 

 
SAME VENUE - NEW ENTRY FOR 2025
 
The StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show is a Home Entertainment Expo like no other, and the largest show of its type held in Australasia. Showcasing a broad range of Consumer Electronics, from the largest screens to the smallest accessories, smarthome and integration products, and of course, Hi-Fi, Home Cinema, Headphones, Gaming, and entertainment products - the 2025 show has doubled in size over previous years and promising something for all.
 
A new entry point with exclusive access to the 2025 Show will see entry from Lorne Street, Albert Park. You won't miss it! 
 
Pullman Mercure Hotel & Events Centre
65 Queens Road, ALBERT PARK, Victoria 3004 VIA LORNE ST ENTRANCE
 
ALL NEW
Gaming Arena - in a new dedicated space, witness the action of the latest games and gaming technology. Smart Homes Expo - a new addition to the Melbourne show,  the Smart Homes Expo is the only event of its type in the country dedicated to intelligent technologies that revolutionise our homes and way of living. Explore the latest solutions in Automation, IoT, and Smart Devices that simplify everyday life. Headzones - continuing the growth of Headphones at the Melbourne show, the Headzones moves to a whole new area and promises more variety and range of all the latest brands in the headphones market. Seminars - what's a show without learning opportunities? Hear from experts across all fields of hi-fi and AV, smarthomes, gaming and more. Exclusive Accommodation Offers - for the first time, we are offering exclusive accommodation packages to make your visit to the show more convenient. Stay tuned to the website for the exclusively discounted rates available and booking.  
PLUS YOUR FAVOURITES
Stereo and Hi-Fi - More than 50 dedicated spaces to the latest and greatest two channel components and systems. Home Cinema - newly created large spaces for all the latest, greatest, and some of the biggest home cinemas imaginable. Record Fair - in a whole new area, the Record Fair offers all the latest records and accessories for the vinyl lover.  
August 29th-31st, 2025
 
Tickets on sale soon. Show Website
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WA - DOUGLAS HI-FI - Masters of Sound VIP Night
Experience the ultimate in audio performance
You’re invited to Masters of Sound – An Exclusive NAD VIP Night, where we push the boundaries of high-fidelity audio. Join us for a private listening session as we showcase how the NAD M23 power amplifier and NAD M66 preamp can effortlessly drive speakers valued at more than twice their combined price —delivering a performance that defies expectations.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Live Demonstration – Hear the NAD M23’s refined, high-current output paired with the NAD M66’s cutting-edge DAC and preamp technology.

Guest Speaker – Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager for NAD Electronics will join us live from the Netherlands.

Uncompromised Performance – Experience how this exceptional combination extracts every detail and nuance from high-end speakers.

New Product Showcase – In addition to the M23 + M66, we will also be showcasing the newly launched NAD M10 V3.

Exclusive VIP Atmosphere – Enjoy an intimate evening with premium audio, light refreshments, and insights from industry experts, plus take advantage of exclusive one-night-only special discount offers.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the power of NAD’s flagship technology in action.

LOCATION: Douglas HiFi, 7/454 Scarborough BEach Road, Osborne Park, WA 6017.
DATE: 27th March 2025
TIME: from 6pm

RSVP now to secure your place at this exclusive event by either sending us a PM here or emailing us at: sales@douglashifi.com.au
 

 
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2025 LONDON - A New Era For UK Hi-FI Shows
The Dawning of a New Era – the 2025 StereoNET UK Audio Show Combines Legacy and Innovation at London’s Radisson RED Heathrow Hotel. 


 
View the full article
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Bristol Hi-Fi Show UK 2025
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 saw packed rooms on Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately, a storm on Sunday had people heading home early or tucked up warm and dry at home. As usual, though, there was plenty to hear and see as well as a busy bar where people were catching up as Bristol remains the start of the UK Hi-Fi Show calendar  - https://hifishowcalendar.com/
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New Showroom in North Parramatta, Sydney
Dear StereoNET members,
 
Some local Sydney residents may already be aware, but we have recently completed the move to an exciting new location.
 
Although, this is currently in very early stages, the roadmap ahead offers enormous potential. As a brief comparison, our previous Chester Hill location provided a total of 220 m2 floor area, which was divided into showroom and on-site warehousing space. This new premises offers approximately 900 m2. Once again, this will be divided into showroom and on-site warehousing. However, the available showroom floor space will end up at around 600 m2 split over 3 levels.
 
At present, we have completed the warehousing area (around 200 m2) to ensure our inventory management and fulfillment can continue with minimal interruption. We have also opened up a smaller section at the front of the showroom with a floor area of approximately 140 m2. Admittedly, this isn't perfect for critical listening as the resultant sound signature is somewhat lively and less focused, but this is to be expected in such an open area. However, this is suitable for many entry to mid level systems, or for those that are able to understand the constraints and make concessions accordingly.
 
With the above said, the next stages of development will be to focus on the remaining floor space. Once the plans are completely executed, this will provide 5 dedicated sound rooms, which will cater for different system levels, 2 channel and home cinema accordingly.
 
This is an enormous step for us, and I would be lying if I said that it was all joy and excitement. A project of this magnitude requires intense commitment, and to speak candidly, is simply frightening at times. We need your support to make this dream a reality. Not only for us, but for the betterment of our beloved industry. As this path is realised, our plan is to host VIP nights, and other exciting events to support our industry and keep this wonderful hobby alive.
 
Sydney residents (or those travelling in the area), please do drop in, say hello, share your audio journey with us, and perhaps enjoy a coffee on us while you are here!
 
I have attached some photos of the progress to date. Again noting, that this is a work in progress and will evolve considerably over time. Our address and trading hours are available through the link below.
 
https://www.spacehifi.com.au/store-location
 
Warmest regards,
David.
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For the gentleman who has everything
https://schablauer-audio.com
 
@Mendes you’ll like this one 😎
 
 
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Spendor & Electrocompaniet System Installation
This sounds so good we had to share!
 
A recent Tivoli HiFi installation featuring:
Spendor D9.2
Electrocompaniet AW180 Mono Amps
Electrocompaniet EC4.8 MKII Pre Amp
Electrocompaniet ECM1 MKII DAC/Streamer
Electrocompaniet ECP2 MKII Phono Stage
AVID Turntable
Isotek Aquarius V5 Power Conditioner
Atacama Amp Stands
Transparent Audio Plus Speaker & XLR Cables
 
Sounds utterly stunning!
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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StereoNET Product of the Year Awards 2025
At this special time of year, we take an affectionate look at the products we have had the pleasure of reviewing in the past twelve months and celebrate the finest.View the full article
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The Sights of IHEAC Indonesia Audio Video Show 2024
StereoNET was in Jakarta for the 10th Edition of the IHEAC Indonesia Audio Video Show 2024. IHEAC Audio Video Show is an annual event organised by Indonesia High End Audio Club (IHEAC), an independent organisation and community for premium audio enthusiasts.
 
Since its founding and establishment in 2004, IHEAC has gained hundreds of members from all over Indonesia. The Indonesia High End Audio Club (IHEAC) Audio Video Show 2024, will take place from 5-8 December 2024. The 4-day show runs from 11 am to 8 pm at the Fairmont Jakarta Hotel. We saw a good representation of brands at this year's show.
 
Here's a taste of what can be seen (but you'd need to hear it in person) at this year's show.
 
Read the full story on StereoNET at https://www.stereonet.com/sg/news/indonesias-iheac-audio-video-show-celebrates-10th-anniversary
 
Find out more about IHEAC Indonesia Audio Video Show 2024 at https://iheac.or.id
 
🎥 Camera: Eugene Ng 🎬 Editor: Eugene Ng
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Post in Guangzhou High End China 2024
StereoNET is in China for the 30th Edition of the Guangzhou High End Show 2024.

 
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Bose Buys Mcintosh Group (Sonus faber and McIntosh)!
Bose Buys Mcintosh Group (Sonus faber and McIntosh)!
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Up to 40% off Selected Brands  @ Black Fortnight
Traditional Black Fortnight deal for Pro-Ject, SVS, Monitor Audio, Rotel, Ortofon, IsoTek, Panasonic and Encel brands.
 
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SCOTT KRIX 50th ANNIVERSARY VIP EVENT - WEST COAST HIFI MIDLAND - NOVEMBER 21st 630pm
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO RSVP TO THIS MASSIVE EVENT
 

 
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO RSVP TO THIS MASSIVE EVENT
 
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Monitor Audio Hyphyn Event Night Queensland (Hosted by Todds Hifi- Tingalpa)
Hi all valued Stereonet Members, we at Todds Hi-Fi are absolutely thrilled to have a pair of the Monitor Audio Hyphyn speakers at our store for a limited time. And to celebrate we are inviting people to come in and have a listen to these along with a whole array of Monitor Audio speakers around the store. The Hyphyn's are upstairs in our new VIP room along with a T+A Amplifier and Cd Player/Dac which we hope you will enjoy.
 
We are holding an event night next Thursday the 7th November kicking off around 5pm with some drinks and nibbles, but numbers are limited for the night so please send through RSVP's to enquiries@todds.com.au or go to this link https://shoutout.wix.com/so/5fPAts-UB?languageTag=en&status=Draft&cid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
There will be some lucky door prizes for those that attend on the night, along with some specials we will announce on the night.
 
Can't make it that night? No worries, just get in touch with us to have a listen some other time. We look forward to seeing some of you there!
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The annual StereoNET Melbourne Hi-Fi & AV Show returned for 2024 and with it came the largest exhibition of hi-fi, home cinema and headphones ever before seen in Australia. Special guests and attendees came from all around Australia and across the globe for the show that celebrates the Australian industry, together with local and imported brands.
 
Here's a taste of what can be seen (but you'd need to hear it in person) at this year's show.
 
🎥 Camera: Clem Meulio / Marc Rushton
🎬 Editor: Marc Rushton
 
For more information on the Exhibitors and Brands, see here: https://stereonet.com/show/exhibitors
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The Kuala Lumpur International AV Show (KLIAVS) is back, marking its 30th anniversary with a grand celebration of sound and vision. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet, happening from October 25th to 27th, 2024, at The Gardens Hotel in Mid Valley City, KL, Malaysia. Spanning five floors of cutting-edge exhibits, luxurious ballrooms, and exclusive lounges, attendees will immerse themselves in the latest innovations in Hi-Fi and audio-visual entertainment.
 
🎥 Camera: Eugene Ng
🎬 Editor: Eugene Ng
 
Read more: https://www.stereonet.com/sg/news/kl-international-av-show-celebrates-30th-anniversary Here's a taste of what can be seen (but you'd need to hear it in person) at this year's show.
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An Introduction to DSP
At the recent SNA show I noticed most attendees did not understand what the DEQX does or why it is different to other types of DSP, so I thought I would write a short article to explain the difference. The key is to understand the difference between minimum phase and linear phase. 
 
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Post Pictures Of Your Headphone Setup
I thought I would start a fresh headphone thread because I couldn't see one.
Well people what headphone do you own and are you happy with them. One interesting thing I find is that in most cases people are happy with whatever headphone they own so I guess we will see if that holds true here.
My first decent set of headphones was a pair of Koss JCK 300's. Well they were an early cordless model so they suffered alot because of that but they were high end cordless when I really needed cordless so I loved them. 15 years later I never use them but I have stored them in mint condition.
One thing that really impressed me with the KOSS was that the sound stopped in 1 ear after around 10 years. A call to KOSS and they said we will fix them. I posted them back and afew weeks later got them back repaired under warranty. Great service.
The headphones I currently use mostly are my Senn HD 590's. I like them because they are comfortable, easy to drive and I think they sound good.
I also sometimes use a pair of Beyer 880's that I got for my girlfriend but I haven't bought an amp for them yet and have a hard time justifying an amp till I get myself some new headphones.
Well whats everyone else using?
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StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show Melbourne 2024
That's a wrap on 2024! As Australia's largest show of its type, the level of support from both the Australian industry and enthusiasts from all around this country was evident right from the show opening on Friday. With a record crowd on Friday (more than any other year!), the show started off well, and only got better across all three days.

With a wide variety of products catering to hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones, at all price points, many reported this was their most enjoyable show yet with some of the best set up and sounding rooms to date. 

Exhibitors reported that it was the most engaged audience they've had at a show, while attendees reported the exhibitors themselves were friendly, enthusiastic, and most accommodating. Saturday was less busy than usual as the traditionally most busy day, which was welcome as it meant all rooms were accessible and the corridors were not gridlocked as has happened previously.
 
Sunday was a slow start with the Melbourne marathon wreaking havoc with road closures and diversions, but by lunchtime only the most determined had eventually found their way into the Pullman.
 
Ultimately, and by all reports, the show was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended, and the exhibitors could not be happier. That's it for 2024, and let's see what changes 2025 might bring...
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2024 StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show (Melbourne) October 11-13
The StereoNET Hi-Fi & AV Show is the largest show of its type held in Australasia, showcasing a broad range of Consumer Electronics. From the largest screens to the smallest accessories, smart and connected products, Hi-Fi, Home Cinema, Headphones, and smarthome and entertainment products - the 2024 show will be no exception promising something for all.
 
Tickets are now on sale, and we're offering a 25% Discount for those that wish to get in early! Simply use code EARLYBIRD at the booking page.
Book your tickets here: https://stereonet.com/show/
 
 
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