Articles by James Barber
Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 review: A mesmerizing tribute to vinyl
This limited-edition, see-through, 60th-anniversary turntable is worth celebrating.
Shure Aonic 40: Solid audio performance and ANC
You can crank up the Shure Aonic 40’s effective active noise cancellation in noisy environments, and ease off it for the best audio quality.
U-Turn turntables go upscale with the Orbit Theory
A real wood plinth and a magnesium tonearm contribute to an elevated listening experience.
Sivga SV023: The best headphone you’ve never heard of
This open-back, over-ear headphone combines a memorable retro design with stellar audio quality to offer a compelling alternative to more familiar high-end brands.
Magnetar UDP800 disc player review: A spectacular media hub
No streaming service can match the audio/visual experience of physical media, and the UDP800 can handle any disc: Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, and more.
Which music streaming service delivers the best experience?
If you think every service has the same catalog, the same resolution, and the same features, you're in for some big surprises.
Apple Music Classical review: Classical music done right
Comprehensive curation and vastly improved metadata combine to make an intimidating genre more accessible for new listeners.
Andover Audio SpinBase Max review: This is a fabulous sequel
This new-and-improved Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for turntables is better than ever.
Victrola Stream Onyx review: Playing vinyl through Sonos for less
The Onyx is the easiest way to add vinyl to your Sonos setup, but that convenience comes at a substantial cost.
Edifier WH950NB review: Good sound, but limited codec support
Support for the excellent LDAC codec will appeal to the relatively small number of listeners using smartphones or digital audio players with the same feature.
Campfire Audio Orbit review: Earbuds that take music to the max
There's no active noise cancellation or strong microphones for great phone calls, but these earbuds deliver mind-blowing musical experiences at a great price.
iFi xDSD Gryphon review: One DAC to rule all the hi-res formats
This exquisitely musical mobile DAC/headphone-amp combo renders high-fidelity audio with remarkable detail and is worth every penny of its asking price.
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) review: Alexa, try harder
Good design and tight Alexa integration don’t make up mediocre audio reproduction and ineffective noise cancellation.
House of Marley Get Together 2 Bluetooth speaker series review
With this trio of exceptional speakers, the heirs of reggae legend Bob Marley prove eco-conscious manufacturing can produce great listening experiences.
JBL Bar 1300X review: Wireless surround sound—with a catch
This soundbar's rear surround speakers operate on battery power, rendering them truly wireless. The tradeoff? You must remember to charge them.
Platin Audio Monaco 5.1.2 review: Surround sound without wires
We put another WiSA-based wireless speaker system to the test and once again come away impressed.
The iFi Go Link is a fantastic audiophile USB DAC/amp priced at just $60
It’s a wonder that iFi Audio can make a portable DAC and headphone this good, this small, and this affordable.
Sennheiser HD 660S2 review: New approach yields stellar results
Sennheiser's new open-back, audiophile-quality over-ear headphones deliver an awesomely open sound stage and are decided not neutral tuning.