Introduction Last week I was given a chance to play around with a very interesting component - PH-10 phono stage from the Italian luxury audio manufacturer Gold Note (www.goldnote.it). I've heard and read good things about this brand and its products, so naturally I was excited at the opportunity to try this phono stage in my modest system and see how it performs.After using it for about a week, I decided to write a short (and hopefully unbiased) review. Looks and build The f

Last night I visited a local audiophile's home to listen to the new Soulution 520 preamp with a built-in phono stage. Full system consists of the following components: VPI Super Scoutmaster Reference with a ZYX cartridge Zesto Andros phono stage McIntosh MC601 monoblock amplifiers Soulution 520 preamp with a built-in phono stage Auralic Vega DAC and Aries streamer Kharma dB9-S speakers His regular preamp is VAC Renaissance MKIII, but it was not hooked up during my visit. The

The other day I stopped by Wynn Audio for some listening. My wife and my good friend tagged along. We brought some CDs we wanted to try on the super high end system that Wynn put together. The purpose was not a review of any specific component, but just to listen to good music. Since the grand opening back in November, Wynn made some changes in the set up. Tidal Contriva G2 speakers were still in place. As were Goldmund Telos 1000+ monoblocks. However, the preamp was a brand

Another event I attended on November 5th was the debut of Wilson Audio's two new model speakers - the Alexx and the Yvette. It was held at Audio Excellence store in Woodbridge, Ontario. While this event wasn't as grandiose or as glamorous as the one at Wynn Audio earlier in the day, I still enjoyed it every much, particularly the Alexx presentation, led by Wilson Audio representative Bill Peugh. Wilson Audio have a long and storied history and I was eager to hear the new offe

On Saturday, November 5th I attended the grand opening of a new showroom by the local dealer/distributor Wynn Audio. Wynn Audio represent brands such as Tidal Audio, Goldmund, Harmonix / Reimyo, Thales and a few others. Last year at TAVES 2015 was my first introduction to them and I was simply floored by the sound in their room. The gigantic Tidal Sunray G2 speakers were powered by Tidal's own La Assoluta monoblocks and Presencio preamplifier. The turntable was the battery po

Part 3 of my TAVES 2016 report 9. Totem Acoustic Totem Acoustic is another Canadian speaker manufacturer that I was eager to experience, especially since one of my close friends has been hyping his own Totem Mite speakers. This room did not disappoint! In fact, I can honestly say that this was one of the best rooms at the show. Totem had two models on display. The first model is called Sky which is a bookshelf speaker. You know how they say that size matters? Well, that is de

Part 2 of my TAVES 2016 report 5. Bryston Bryston of Peterborough, Ontario had an entire room of their awesome stuff. For some reason I never paid much attention to Bryston. Shame on me, them being a local brand with a world class equipment. And this room was a proof of that. The sounds coming out of Model T speakers were excellent. Great imaging, clean tight bass and detailed highs. And what's even more pleasing is that Bryston equipment doesn't cost a fortune and can hold i

I attended the 2016 edition of the Toronto Audio Video Electronics Show (TAVES) on October 29-30. Below are some of the images of the high end systems presented at the show and my short (or not) thoughts about them. 1. Wynn Audio Wynn Audio is a local dealer here in Richmond Hill. They featured probably the most expensive system at the show (price tag $1M+), featuring Tidal Sunray G2 speakers, La Assoluta monoblocks, Presencio pre-amp as well as Goldmund digital front end and