Category Archives: DDPR news & musings

DDPR news & musings

Furutech launches Flow-8.1 NCF inline power filter for figure-8 equipped components

PRESS RELEASE: Furutech, the renowned specialist in high-performance audio accessories and power treatment solutions, has introduced the Flow-8.1 NCF, a compact inline AC power filter designed specifically for components fitted with a C7 IEC (figure-8) power inlet. Combining Furutech’s advanced EMI filtering technology with its proprietary Nano Crystal² Formula (NCF), the new Flow-8.1 NCF offers an elegant and highly effective upgrade for reducing noise and improving overall system performance.

Continue reading Furutech launches Flow-8.1 NCF inline power filter for figure-8 equipped components →

Aesthetix, DDPR news & musings

Aesthetix ABCD-2 MC Cartridge Demagnetizer wins The Absolute Sound’s Golden Ear Award

Each September, US magazine The Absolute Sound’s Golden Ear Awards are bestowed on “the pieces of gear that stand out from the competition”, spanning both longstanding references and newfound favourites. Aesthetix’ ABCD-2 MC Cartridge Demagnetizer could be viewed as both, being a newly-enhanced update of a firm favourite: the earlier ABCD-1. Continue reading Aesthetix ABCD-2 MC Cartridge Demagnetizer wins The Absolute Sound’s Golden Ear Award →

DDPR news & musings, Exposure Electronics

Hi-Fi News reviews Exposure’s 5510 preamplifier & monoblock power amps

Exposure’s new flagship 5510 pre and power amplifiers “could easily fly under anyone’s radar” given their “neat but unshowy” finish, writes Adam Smith in the September issue of Hi-Fi News. But you “overlook these amps at your musical peril!” he warns. Continue reading Hi-Fi News reviews Exposure’s 5510 preamplifier & monoblock power amps →

Aesthetix, DDPR news & musings

Four Editors’ Choice Awards 2026 from The Absolute Sound for Aesthetix high-performance electronics

Californian brand Aesthetix is no stranger to The Absolute Sound’s annual awards, having recently won a coveted Product of the Year Award for designer Jim White’s new entry-level Pallene preamplifier. However, the brand is best known for its high-end electronics, and these are the subject of the magazine’s latest round of Editors’ Choice Awards. Continue reading Four Editors’ Choice Awards 2026 from The Absolute Sound for Aesthetix high-performance electronics →

DDPR news & musings, Furutech, Sound Fowndations

Furutech wins four Editors’ Choice Awards 2026 from The Absolute Sound

Twice a year, US audio magazine The Absolute Sound’s Editors’ Choice Awards recognise “the gear that our editors and writers have selected as most worthy of your consideration.” While the November Awards cover products that best fit into living room systems, those published in March focus on components perfect for larger listening room systems. In this latter category, four of Furutech’s high-performance cables and noise-reducing accessories are winners.

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DDPR news & musings, DS Audio, Sound Fowndations

DS Audio wins six Editors Choice Awards 2026 from The Absolute Sound

“Name another recent technological advance that has changed the audio scene as much as DS Audio’s optical cartridges have,” write the US audio magazine’s reviewers. “If you can’t, that’s because there is none,” they add, as they give Awards to four of the company’s cartridges, and two Awards to designer Tetsuaki Aoyagi’s innovative accessories.

Continue reading DS Audio wins six Editors Choice Awards 2026 from The Absolute Sound →

DDPR news & musings, Furutech, Sound Fowndations

“The pinnacle”: The Absolute Sound’s rave review of Furutech’s Project V1 Series cables

“The Project V1 Series represents the pinnacle of Furutech’s engineering efforts in high-end audio cabling and power cords,” writes Neil Gader in US audio magazine The Absolute Sound. It’s a bold claim, but one he backs with detailed listening impressions across genres. Spoiler alert: this “might be the last stop on your cable and power cord journey”!

Continue reading “The pinnacle”: The Absolute Sound’s rave review of Furutech’s Project V1 Series cables →

Aesthetix, DDPR news & musings

“Excellent and affordable pair”: The Absolute Sound comes back for more of Aesthetix’ Pallene preamplifier and Dione power amp

Some months ago, The Absolute Sound’s Wayne Garcia, who is also a wine merchant, compared Aesthetix’ Pallene preamplifier and Dione power amp duo with fine wines. Now, he’s back with some further notes. Why the second review? “As it may be with, say, a budding friendship, the more time I spend with them the more the Aesthetix gear reveals its nature to me,” writes Garcia.  

Continue reading “Excellent and affordable pair”: The Absolute Sound comes back for more of Aesthetix’ Pallene preamplifier and Dione power amp →