Boutique Audio Gallery and the Zellaton Statement Ultra
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: Opinion
This story has its origins at High End 2023 in Munich, Germany. That was my introduction to the galactic scale of the world’s largest audio show. For the first day, I was completely combat-ineffective, a country mouse experiencing the big city for the first time, so it was fortuitous that I stumbled into the room shared by Engström, Marten, and Jorma. As you can tell by my review of that room, I was captivated by these elegant tube amps and stunning speakers, and by the cables that tied everything together.
Michell Apollo Phono Preamplifier and Muse Power Supply
- Written by: Jonathan Gorse
- Category: Full-Length Reviews
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here.
J.A. Michell Engineering Ltd. is one of the longest-established family-owned audio firms in the UK. Their GyroDec turntable, which I have used as my reference for 26 years, is a bona-fide cult classic and one of the very few bargains in high-end audio. You can buy one new with a standard tonearm and cartridge for under £5000. Even in its most basic form, it’s a serious vinyl spinner, but the real benefit of the GyroDec is its ability to take advantage of more potent ancillaries. Mine is fitted with an SME Series IV tonearm and a Lyra Kleos SL cartridge. The current price of my rig is north of £12,000, but it has outclassed some exotic turntables costing up to £25,000.
My Ten Best—The Wrap-Up
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: For the Record
I don’t think there’s much need for a preamble. This is the second half of my ten-best LPs, the completion of a list I started in my For the Record column in October. As you may have surmised, there’s no ranking here. I’ve refrained from numbering my choices. Rush’s A Farewell to Kings went last simply because I know Rush is polarizing, not because it’s the best or the worst record in this list.
Warsaw Wrap-up and the Hunt for Value
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: Opinion
As I write this editorial, I’m just back from Warsaw, where the SoundStage! team covered Audio Video Show 2025. And as I often do when I’m finished running the halls, I ask myself what we could have done better. When I’m wandering through an audio show, looking for interesting gear to write about, I find it hard to disentangle my roles. The enthusiastic audiophile in me leads me along with a finger up each nostril, looking for what I think is cool. But wait! I’m here as a journalist, looking for an angle, something to set our coverage on SoundStage! Global apart from what all the other punters are doing.
Marantz SACD 10 SACD Player–DAC
- Written by: Aron Garrecht
- Category: Full-Length Reviews
In late 2024, Marantz announced its new 10 Series, which comprises three models: the Model 10 integrated amplifier (US$15,000, CA$22,000, £12,999, €15,500), the Link 10n streaming preamplifier (US$14,000, CA$17,000, £10,399, €12,500), and the SACD 10 SACD player–DAC (US$14,000, CA$17,000, £10,399, €12,500), the subject of this review. The 10 Series was five years in development following the launch of Marantz’s retro-styled Model 30 amplifier and SACD 30n SACD player–DAC in late 2020. Conceived and engineered in Marantz’s facilities in Shirakawa, Japan, and clearly inspired by Marantz classics such as the Model 9 mono tube amplifier, the 10 Series is more than a trio of high-end products from Marantz. It’s a truly integrated family of products built from the ground up to showcase the absolute best Marantz has to offer in terms of technology, build quality, and performance.
SME Model 35 Turntable and Series Vi Tonearm
- Written by: Jonathan Gorse
- Category: Full-Length Reviews
From the moment the Union Jack covering was slipped off the new SME Model 35 turntable and Series Vi tonearm at the press launch last April in London, England, I knew that this was going to be a very special product to review!
Aesthetics Count More Than We Care to Admit
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: Opinion
It’s been just over two years that I’ve been headlining this publication. It feels longer, but I suppose two years is enough time to build routines and create patterns.
VinnieRossi Brama Integrated Amplifier
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: Full-Length Reviews
Note: for the full suite of measurements from the SoundStage! Audio-Electronics Lab, click here.
How much flash should a flagship component radiate? In the world of turntables, the answer is a lot. For the most part, the more expensive a turntable is, the more physical space it occupies, and the more levels of chrome and polished acrylic there are between the shelf and the top of the platter.
My Ten Best—Part One
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: For the Record
For his September Pulse! column on SoundStage! Xperience, music editor Joseph Taylor recommended ten iconic albums for new collectors of vinyl. I read that article with great interest, as Joe’s a walking musical encyclopedia who has likely forgotten more about music than I’ll ever know. Joe took an interesting approach in this piece, which was aimed at the 20-something crowd. “I’m going to lean towards records that are musically significant,” Joe wrote. “Some may be beautifully recorded, but my primary criterion for inclusion here is musical worth.”
Bowers & Wilkins Sub-Sat Wrap-Up
- Written by: Jason Thorpe
- Category: Opinion
So this is where the rubber hits the road. It’s decision time. It all started back in December of last year, when I reviewed the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature loudspeaker. As you can tell by that review, I was blown away by the experience. I said it before, and I’ll say it one more time: These were the best speakers I’ve yet had in my room. Huge bass, outstanding imaging. A unique sonic signature with a rising top end, yes. But so clean, and so pure-sounding that I just couldn’t get enough.
- Mola Mola Lupe Phono Preamplifier
- Acora Acoustics MRC-2 Loudspeaker
- Siltech Loose Ends
- Marantz Model 10 Integrated Amplifier
- Van Halen Fireworks—More Mobile Fidelity Reissues!
- Be Careful What You Wish For
- Ortofon MC X40 Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge
- Goldring Ethos SE Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge
- Silver Everywhere: Sliding in More Siltech
- Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature Loudspeaker
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