Future Audiophile

Reading Time: 11 minutesAudiolab 7000N Play (buy at Crutchfield) is a $999 networked audiophile music streamer, built around an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, DTS Play-Fi wireless streaming, and Apple AirPlay 2. Its design approach allows for it to be part of a product series platform, Audiolab’s own 7000A integrated amplifier (buy at Crutchfield) and 7000CDT CD transport (buy at Crutchfield) as part of a matched three-piece Read More »

Reading Time: 12 minutesThe integrated amplifier segment has quietly become one of the most competitive, value-based, and rewarding categories of high-end audio. Modern buyers want great sound, streaming compatibility, phono support, television integration, and headroom for future upgrades, all without turning a living room into a component rack. Not long ago, hitting those marks meant stacking a separate Read More »

Reading Time: 9 minutesTo say audiophiles are quirky and highly opinionated would be to understate the many crazy characters that make up our hobby. These historically Baby Boomer men have their views on the way audio should be and what makes up “real high-end.” Sometimes they are absolutely right and well-founded with their audiophile opinions. Other times, they Read More »

Reading Time: 7 minutesSometimes the best lessons come from the past. Until last summer (2025), I hadn’t been on a first date in almost a generation. Getting out of a relationship that was less than perfect, the thrill of realizing what it is like to engage with someone for whom you have “the feels” (as the kids now Read More »

Reading Time: 11 minutesIt seems like such an obvious statement. One with little ambiguity or question. Yet the manner in which most people, audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike, actually listen to music is remarkably varied. Not surprisingly, the non-audiophile world may easily think those of us who practice the art of audiophilia as certifiably nuts. We go through all Read More »

Reading Time: 8 minutesI have never met anyone who does not like music. We are all, to greater or lesser degrees, lovers of music. Many of us enthusiasts attend concerts. We rock out in the car, we sing and, yes, we listen to stereo systems. I am absolutely convinced everyone likes music in some form or another and Read More »