Stereophile

Every month Stereophile magazine offers authoritative reviews, informed recommendations, helpful advice, and controversial opinions, all stemming from the revolutionary idea that audio components should be judged on how they reproduce music.

Losing music • THIS ISSUE: Music doesn't last forever.

LETTERS • THIS ISSUE: For those about to write; on bikes and hi-fi.

INDUSTRY UPDATE • THIS ISSUE: Hi-fi shows in Stockholm and the Netherlands; Qobuz tags AI “music”; new speakers from Linn and Magico; new turntables from Cambridge Audio and Andover Audio; a fourth-generation streaming DAC from Esoteric.

Gramophone Dreams • This Issue: The latest Wharfedale Diamond is one of hi-fi's great bargains ... plus another visit to Charney Audio.

Two tonearms and a record brush • THIS ISSUE: Audio Creative's GrooveMaster 4 and GrooveMaster 3 tonearms and the Ramar Berlin Tina record brush.

A balancing act • The Spin Doctor explores the benefits of a balanced phono signal path and checks out the fully balanced Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 turntable and Tube Box S3 B phono stage.

Product of the Year Awards 2026

Vivid Audio Giya G1 Spirit Cu • LOUDSPEAKER

D'Agostino Momentum Z • POWER AMPLIFIER

Audio Note UK Tomei Kensei • POWER AMPLIFIER

Rogers LS3/5a Classic SE • LOUDSPEAKER

Bluesound Node Icon • STREAMING PREAMPLIFIER

MoFi Electronics x Fender American Vintage • RECORD PLAYER

AudioQuest DragonFly Copper • D/A PROCESSOR, HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

ANDY PARTRIDGE: THE STEREOPHILE INTERVIEW • "HUMANS DON'T CREATE. THEY JUST MAKE GLORIOUS MISTAKES WITH THEIR INFLUENCES."

Are CDs staging a comeback? • THIS ISSUE: Luminate reports a double-digit year-over-year increase in CD unit sales.

Oceans in motion • THIS ISSUE: Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery conjoin their considerable progressive skills for a formidable new instrumental album, The Roaring Waves.

Verve's vault unlocked • THIS ISSUE: Verve Vault reissues from Sister Rosetta Tharpe, George Benson, and Mel Tormé.

Van Morrison: Astral Weeks & His Band and the Street Choir • THIS ISSUE: Rhino reissues two of Van Morrison's early albums, one well known, the other somewhat obscure.

RECORD REVIEWS

MANUFACTURERS' COMMENTS • THIS ISSUE: Representatives of Audio Creative, Vivid Audio, and Audio Note UK respond to our reviews of their products.

Back in the Saddle Again • THIS ISSUE: When the LP was king. Maybe it still is.