Capital Audiofest 2026
Capital Audiofest 2026: Just A Week Away!
Toothbrush? Check. 4 pair socks? Check. Spare camera battery? Check. Packing for a hifi show is glamorous.
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: October 30, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Dopamine Chamber by Fontaines D.C.
“Dopamine Chamber takes its title from the idea of a record as a room the listener steps into.”
HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargain: AudioQuest DragonFly Copper USB DAC
Here’s what I said in the review, “Considering its $250 asking price and performance, the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a genuine screamin’ HiFi bargain.” I’m making it official.
HiFi Bargains
HiFi Bargains: A $300 EL34 Upgrade (that adds up to much more)
I bought my first EL34-based integrated amplifier more than 20 years ago.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Phasemation SA-1500 Stereo Integrated Amplifier
When I first saw a Phasemation amplifier at a hifi show long ago I uttered “Ooh” without thinking. It just came out.
The Short List
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: October 23, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: Dja Dja by Marina Herlop
My favorite genre is no genre at all.
Amplifier Reviews
Review: Accuphase C-2300 Preamplifier & A-300 Mono Amplifiers
One problem with being attractive is some people don’t take you seriously. Or so I’ve heard.
HiFi News
Esoteric Launches the Flagship Grandioso K1XE SACD Player & Grandioso PS1XE External PSU
Handsome is as handsome does.
In Barn for Review
In Barn for Review: Ø Audio Ymir Loudspeakers
I first met Ymir at Axpona 2026.
The Short List
The Short List: Favorite Amplifiers (October 2026)
Fall cleaning update—The Short List: Favorite Amplifiers Revised!
#NewMusicFriday
#NewMusicFriday: October 16, 2026
Each Friday, Stephen Mejias, AudioQuest’s Director of Communications and former Stereophile and Audiostream columnist, will browse through the many exciting albums released that day and select 15 worth a closer listen.
Album of the Week
Album of the Week: II (2022 Remaster) by The Sonora Pine
The Sonora Pine is Tara Jane O’Neil (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Kevin Coultas (Drums), and Samara Lubelski (Violin) and I’ve come to learn to keep an eye and ear out for anything involving O’Neil.