Do you have a big ego? Sorry, I couldn’t resist, but I’m talking about Emotiva’s terrific new desktop digital converter, the Big Ego. One thing was clear from the get-go, Big Ego is a wee bit bigger than thumbdrive-sized USB digital converters like the AudioQuest DragonFly, Audioengine D3 or the Meridian Explorer 2, the Big …

The Yamaha A-S801 recalls the look of a traditional integrated amplifier from the 1970s or 1980s. I love its clean lines, minimal controls, and the build quality of this 100-watt-per-channel amp is at least on par with the best specimens from the glory days. Nice, but it also sports features the classics lacked, like a built-in digital converter, and a …

It’s that time of year again, so the Audiophiliac has put together a nice assortment of gift ideas. Your choices run the gamut — there’s music, a turntable, headphones and speakers! Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting (book, $30) Eilon Paz’ “Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting” coffee table book breaks the mold for this type of book. …

I’ve reviewed my share of full-size V Moda headphones, but I wondered how the company’s signature sound would translate to its new in-ear design. Well, I’d say the Zn’s is on target. It’s rich, robust, and lively. Build quality feels especially rugged, and the intricate sculptural detailing on the Zn’s zinc metal earpieces is impressive. Zn sports 8 millimeter drivers, …

I have no doubt you can score great deals buying used or vintage audio gear. Choose wisely, and you might wind up with something that sounds as good or even better than the best new stuff. That said, buying used gear is not without risk, so I turned to High-End Audio Auctions’ Adam Wexler for advice. He makes his living …

For months I knew my Speaker of the Year was going to be the Magnepan .7. Its see-through transparency, awe inspiring soundstage depth, and treble purity are easily competitive with speakers that sell for two or even three times the price. In the US the Magnepan .7 runs $1,395 per pair, in the UK it’s £1,590, in Australia they’re AU$2,590. …

I regularly hear from readers requesting lists of great-sounding music, so when I find noteworthy efforts I’m happy to share the news. Granted, personal taste plays a role in defining music and sound quality, but I’m sure there are a few gems here that will click with you. What follows is a roundup of the best-sounding albums I’ve played in …

The Schiit Ragnarok stereo integrated amplifier is the Audiophiliac Component of the Year, and it doesn’t have a remote control. I didn’t know that when I requested the amp for review, but alas, Schiit didn’t bother to design a remote. Strange, but as soon as I started listening to the Ragnarok I fell in love with it. Before the CD …

It’s an elusive fantasy: hearing music as if you were in the studio with the band. We would love to be there, with our favorite artists, hearing music as it’s being created, but few major rock/pop mainstream artists ever just lay down complete, from start to finish tunes anymore. Songs are pieced together from bits and pieces of sound that …

I love it when a new headphone breaks the mold, like the Blue Mo-Fi ($350 US, £275 UK) did when I reviewed it last year. That bad boy had a lot going for it: truly unique design and tech, and the sound was very decent. The Blue Lola. Blue Blue’s less expensive new model, Lola, looks similar to the still …