Carlo Lo Raso

Music and Audio: A User Guide To Better Sound – Book Review

Carlo Lo Raso

Many of our Secrets readers are, undoubtedly, already familiar with Mark Waldrep. His AIX Records audiophile label has been producing high-resolution music in stereo and multi-channel surround sound for almost twenty years. Mark recently decided to draw upon his 40 years of combined audio engineering, production and teaching experience to put together what amounts to a reference book about high-resolution audio. It neatly covers practically every link in the chain, from studio production to home playback.

Tours, Interviews and Book Reviews
Bryston BDA-3 DAC

Bryston BDA-3 DAC Review

Carlo Lo Raso

Bryston tempts our sonic sensibilities with a DAC that not only possesses enviable decoding performance but also has every conceivable connection type, including four HDMI inputs!

DACs

MartinLogan Crescendo X Networked Speaker Review

Carlo Lo Raso

The MartinLogan Crescendo X is a stylish looking and great sounding networked speaker that can bring you your music from a variety of sources, whether they be wired or wireless. It incorperates the latest Blutooth functionality, is AirPlay certified and can be controlled in depth through the DTS: Play-Fi app on either Android or iOS devices.

Wireless Speakers
HiFiMAN RE2000 In-Ear Monitor Preview

HiFiMAN RE2000 In-Ear Monitor Preview

Carlo Lo Raso

As a rule, I personally tend to prefer wearing headphones over earphones. I find them, on the whole, to be more comfortable, less fiddly to deal with and I seem to enjoy the sound more while either at home or on the go. Consequently, I’ve been fortunate enough to sample a number of headphone models from HiFiMAN over the years...

Product Previews

ELAC Uni-Fi Slim 5.1 Speaker System Review

Carlo Lo Raso

The ELAC Uni-Fi Slim 5.1 Speaker System is a stylish and well-designed speaker line whose components can deliver resounding performance when used either individually or as a complete system. Designed by acclaimed speaker engineer Andrew Jones, ELAC’s Uni-Fi line is available in two versions. We are reviewing the “Slim” versions, which were originally designed for the European market and have narrower front baffles with deeper overall cabinets and two satin paint finishes. The “Standard” versions have wider front baffles, are not quite as deep and have a different brushed vinyl finish. Both versions are said to sound identical although the “Slims” command a higher price due to the aesthetics. Be assured though, the price-to-performance ratio of either version is quite exceptional. Thank you ELAC. It’s good to have options!

Surround Sound Speaker Systems

Shure M97xE Phono Cartridge Review

Carlo Lo Raso

If you're looking for a good quality mid-level phono cartridge to enable your dreams of vinyl nirvana (on a budget), then the Shure M97xE is definitely worth your consideration. While perhaps not the most revealing cartridge in the world, the Shure M97xE does provide a few notable features and has a sound signature that many should find to be smooth and fatigue-free. It has a particular knack for taming brighter recordings and, overall seems to be an excellent value and a solid, engaging performer.

Turntable AccessoriesVinyl Accessories

HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 Planar Magnetic Headphone Review

Carlo Lo Raso

When I reviewed the original HiFiMAN HE1000 Planar Magnetic Headphones about two years ago, I was pretty much bowled over by their performance, looks and sound quality. They were, at the time, the best pair of headphones that I had ever heard and still remain amongst a handful of reference headphones that I would consider as my all-time favorites. Ever the busy little bees that they are, the engineers at HiFiMAN have not seen fit to leave well-enough alone and recently released the HE1000 V2. The updated model is said to incorporate several modifications gleaned from customer feedback along with HiFiMAN’s general desire to keep refining their designs.

Headphone and Earphone Reviews