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Portable Class A AMP/DAC with unique twist - XDuoo Link 3 review
Link 3`s beautiful promise What if your dongle DAC could also store your entire music library and drive your hardest-to-power headphones — all from your phone? That's exactly what xDuoo is going for with the Link3. And honestly? It's one of the most ambitious — and most divisive — dongles I've come across in a while. I'm HIFI Daydreaming and welcome back. Today we're looking at the xDuoo Link3, priced at $219. It's big, it's powerful, and it's got a trick up its sleeve that n
3 days ago7 min read
The Future of Portable DAC/AMPs is here Moondrop Moonriver 3 review
Moondrop Aesthetics Now Moondrop is a peculiar company, on the surface they use this Anime babes, a anime and manga aesthetic to brand and promote their products. It might seem childish, and unprofessional. But the more I have experience with Moondrop products it is a different story all together. It is just their way to communicate and approach younger market. But a lot of product that I had a chance to use like Discdream Ultra, is built incredibly. Like a tank. This is
7 days ago12 min read
Triumphs and Disappointments of Sivga SV021 Pro Review
Continuing legacy of Sivga and Robin What if you could have a pair of headphones that look like they belong in a boutique audio shop — for under two hundred dollars? That's the promise SIVGA has been making since 2021. With the SV021 Pro, they're trying to make good on it all over again. So here we are again, another Sivga product. Another amazing looking product, that feels and sounds great. They are comfortable, with super nice padding and strap around head. The build quali
Apr 111 min read
Truthear KeyX - The L-Shaped Gateway to Lossless Sound with great value
Introduction The Dongle That Plays the Long Game There is a peculiar rite of passage in the portable audiophile hobby: the moment you realize your smartphone's headphone jack — or lack thereof — is the weakest link in your audio chain. For many, that realization leads to the dongle DAC. And for those who find themselves at that crossroads in 2025 and 2026, Truthear has arrived with a quietly compelling answer: the KeyX . Truthear, the Shenzhen-based brand that surfaced in 202
Mar 287 min read
Sivga M300 - The flathead earbud that dares to be premium and succeeds
Introduction Here is a peculiar romanticism in the humble earbud—that flat, disc-shaped form factor that ruled our ears through the 1990s and early 2000s before in-ear monitors swept it into apparent obsolescence. Sivga, a Chinese audio manufacturer with a reputation for beautifully crafted wooden headphones, has decided to revive the form with the M300. Priced at $64.90, it arrives wearing African Black Ebony wood and CNC-machined aluminum like a period costume tailored from
Mar 277 min read
I used Science and Measurements to test is Vibration Control a Snakeoil - Stack Audio AUVA EQ review
What is AUVA EQ Vibration Control Same as you guys, I do watch and love a lot of reviewers here on YouTube. And one of the reviews that many reviewers made that always peaked my attention was Stack Audio Auva anti-vibration feet. It seemed like magic and snake oil, and I was shocked that so many people praise them. And I said one day I am going to buy them and review them, as it really sounded like magic. I even started to make preparations for the review, like researching ab
Mar 2513 min read
News
Kanto Audio drops Tuk Grand: its boldest move yet in desktop hi-fi
A bigger, sharper, more ambitious take on one of the most popular powered speaker lineups. With the unveiling of the Kanto Tuk Grand , Kanto Audio is doing something it hasn’t really done before: Pushing beyond “great value desktop audio” into something that looks a lot more like serious hi-fi territory . From crowd favorite to flagship statement Kanto has built its reputation on accessible, well-designed speakers like: Yu series Ora Ren Tuk Now, the Kanto Tuk Grand becomes
57 minutes ago2 min read
Musical Fidelity announces M6xi: classic analog muscle meets modern connectivity
A powerful integrated amplifier that updates a proven design with the features people actually use in 2026. With the launch of the Musical Fidelity M6xi , Musical Fidelity is taking a familiar formula—and making it far more practical for modern systems. The pitch is simple: Keep the analog performance people loved… and fix everything that felt outdated. Built on a proven foundation The Musical Fidelity M6xi evolves from the well-regarded M6si platform, but pulls in tech from
21 hours ago2 min read
SVS unveils 3000 Micro R|Evolution: small subwoofer, big engineering swing
A compact subwoofer redesigned from the ground up—with more power, larger drivers, and smarter DSP control. With the announcement of the SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution , SVS isn’t just refreshing a product line—it’s making a pretty bold claim: That a truly small subwoofer doesn’t have to behave like one anymore. Bigger drivers, more power, same footprint The new SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution replaces the original 3000 Micro, but keeps roughly the same compact size. What changes is
4 days ago2 min read
Fosi Audio Merak CD Player: budget hi-fi that actually gets the moment
A $140 CD player with a built-in DAC and headphone amp—landing right as physical media makes a quiet comeback. With the launch of the Fosi Audio Merak CD Player , Fosi Audio is doing something a lot of bigger brands seem reluctant to do: Taking CDs seriously again—but without taking your wallet hostage. Yes, CDs are back (a little)… and this is exactly the kind of product that fits CDs aren’t replacing streaming—but they are resurging among: Collectors Younger listeners disc
5 days ago2 min read
HiFi Rose RD160 DAC: a purist digital beast with a surprisingly bold personality
A $6,000 DAC that tries to make digital sound more “honest”… even if that honesty isn’t always comfortable. With the release (and early impressions) of the HiFi Rose RD160 , HiFi Rose is clearly aiming at the serious end of the digital market—people who already know what they like, and more importantly, what they don’t . And interestingly, this DAC seems built to challenge expectations rather than simply please. A delta-sigma DAC… for people who don’t like delta-sigma? At its
6 days ago2 min read
Advance Paris Nova: old-school hi-fi meets modular modernity
This isn’t just a new product line—it’s a statement about where “traditional” hi-fi is trying to go next. With the Nova range, Advance Paris is aiming higher than ever, blending: Classic analog aesthetics (yes, tubes and VU meters) Modern streaming and HDMI integration A modular, expandable ecosystem And while the ambition is clear, the execution raises some interesting questions. The core: two serious integrated amps At the heart of Nova are: Advance Paris A-i130 (130W per
Apr 83 min read
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Speakers
System so good and affordable at 500$ it almost nullifies needs for Soundbar
For full review of Wharfedale DX3 HCP, please fo to this review: https://www.hifidaydreaming.com/post/this-is-just-unbelievable-value-for-500e-wharfdale-dx3-hcp-review At the £499 / $749 price point, a soundbar is the most obvious alternative. Brands like Sony, Samsung, Sonos, and Bose all offer compelling single-bar or soundbar-with-sub combinations at a similar or slightly higher budget. So why should you choose a 5.1 speaker package instead? The answer comes down to five f
Mar 174 min read
This is just unbelievable value for 500e Wharfdale DX3 HCP Review
Sudden meeting in audio shop Looking for a small subwoofer to review, I accidentally caught wind of this 5.1 system. I never planned to buy it, I was there to buy Wharfedale Super Linton, and some potential subwoofer. But while browsing the store, I noticed this whole package at a discount. Only 400 euros, for the entire Wharfedale 5.1 system, at that price I would be crazy not to buy it. I know that it is not their full price, it is around 500 euros, but even at that price t
Mar 149 min read
Speakers so great it made me born again Audiophile - Wharfedale Super Linton review
Firstly, just a small celebration of a milestone — this is my 100th video review. I just want to thank everyone who has been following this channel from day one; this made my journey as a reviewer more fun and interesting, communicating and talking to a lot of people through comments and mail. And just to say, we are just getting started — see you on the 200th video. My 15 years audiophiles journey - and a Special speaker We all have some journeys in life, and as it seemed to
Mar 1025 min read
These Speakers made me Rethink my Entire Hi-Fi System Fiio SP5 Speakers review
While there is a preconception in the audiophile world, that if you want great gear and utmost quality you should go with passive speakers and separate components. While that might be true, it is a more expensive road to travel, even though it is more flexible and allows for experimentation. Destroying preconceptions But more and more we see active speakers “actively” knocking on the door of that perception and blurring the line between just monitors and great audiophile hi-f
Jan 2911 min read
Amplifiers
Fosi`s best amp yet BT20A MAX Review
Fosi pushing further The Fosi Audio BT20A MAX arrives as the latest contender in compact high-fidelity amplification, carving a niche between affordable desktop amps and more traditional integrated designs. It represents Fosi’s most ambitious effort yet to marry robust power delivery, advanced Bluetooth streaming, and flexible connectivity in a chassis small enough for desktop or living-room placement. It is a never-ending chase to achieve as much as you can for as little mon
Mar 19 min read
This is one of the most important amps in the past 10 years - Marantz M1 review
I do not take this title lightly, it was a thought that was brewing in me for one year now. I have kept Marantz M1 as one of my absolute must-haves to buy when it was announced. But life is not always what we want, so actually to acquire it, it took me some time. And you know what they say: great things come for those who wait, or save money. Why Marantz M1 is so special But what I saw in Marantz M1 was a direct competition to the rising tide of eastern competitors, who start
Feb 2218 min read
Douk Audio x Ampapa A1 brings outstanding versatility and quality at 129$ preamp review vs. Fosi and Aiyima
I recommend that you look at my review of Ampapa D1 for a more fuller picture of collaboration of Douk Audio and Ampapa. But here we have a really great product. Why you need preamp A product that on its own is a bit hard sell, but as a supplementary product is a must have, ofc I speak about A1 preamp, to your amp. And as with every Class D amps, these tube preamps just go so well just like butter on a jelly. Its warmth and emphasis on lower spectrum of dynamics scale, helps
Dec 8, 20256 min read
Finally stylish, cheap and good amp Douk Audio x Ampapa D1 review / vs Fosi and Ayima
I think we all can agree that sonic renaissance that came from the East brought many quality cheap devices, will that be DACs, streamers, amp etc. But while they are masters of using chip devices to maximise its quality and value, there is always a lot to be desired with looks of those devices. Very simple design language in industrial design and software design alike. I wanted for long time to see some experimentation here. And while Douk Audio is not aimed to win design awa
Dec 6, 20258 min read
HEADPHONES AND GEAR
Portable Class A AMP/DAC with unique twist - XDuoo Link 3 review
Link 3`s beautiful promise What if your dongle DAC could also store your entire music library and drive your hardest-to-power headphones — all from your phone? That's exactly what xDuoo is going for with the Link3. And honestly? It's one of the most ambitious — and most divisive — dongles I've come across in a while. I'm HIFI Daydreaming and welcome back. Today we're looking at the xDuoo Link3, priced at $219. It's big, it's powerful, and it's got a trick up its sleeve that n
3 days ago7 min read
The Future of Portable DAC/AMPs is here Moondrop Moonriver 3 review
Moondrop Aesthetics Now Moondrop is a peculiar company, on the surface they use this Anime babes, a anime and manga aesthetic to brand and promote their products. It might seem childish, and unprofessional. But the more I have experience with Moondrop products it is a different story all together. It is just their way to communicate and approach younger market. But a lot of product that I had a chance to use like Discdream Ultra, is built incredibly. Like a tank. This is
7 days ago12 min read
Triumphs and Disappointments of Sivga SV021 Pro Review
Continuing legacy of Sivga and Robin What if you could have a pair of headphones that look like they belong in a boutique audio shop — for under two hundred dollars? That's the promise SIVGA has been making since 2021. With the SV021 Pro, they're trying to make good on it all over again. So here we are again, another Sivga product. Another amazing looking product, that feels and sounds great. They are comfortable, with super nice padding and strap around head. The build quali
Apr 111 min read
Truthear KeyX - The L-Shaped Gateway to Lossless Sound with great value
Introduction The Dongle That Plays the Long Game There is a peculiar rite of passage in the portable audiophile hobby: the moment you realize your smartphone's headphone jack — or lack thereof — is the weakest link in your audio chain. For many, that realization leads to the dongle DAC. And for those who find themselves at that crossroads in 2025 and 2026, Truthear has arrived with a quietly compelling answer: the KeyX . Truthear, the Shenzhen-based brand that surfaced in 202
Mar 287 min read
Music STREAMERS
This is one of the most important amps in the past 10 years - Marantz M1 review
I do not take this title lightly, it was a thought that was brewing in me for one year now. I have kept Marantz M1 as one of my absolute must-haves to buy when it was announced. But life is not always what we want, so actually to acquire it, it took me some time. And you know what they say: great things come for those who wait, or save money. Why Marantz M1 is so special But what I saw in Marantz M1 was a direct competition to the rising tide of eastern competitors, who start
Feb 2218 min read
This is the best streamer of 2025, but it is just not for me... yet FiiO S15 review
*My unit have been damaged in the transport, but it was just cosmetically and nothing on handwear level. As of long waiting time to...
Sep 30, 202517 min read
Tiny, Wireless & Surprisingly Good! Arylic LP10 Streamer Review
Arylic as a company have a great reputation among DIY circles. They build quality and cheap components for you to build your amps, active...
Jul 8, 20256 min read
In-depth review of Bluesound Node Icon (vs. Cambridge Audio CXN100, Eversolo DMP-A6, Wiim Ultra, Primare NP5...)
It is becoming more and more apparent that we live in a future era of hi-fi, where music streamers play a pivotal role, allowing...
Feb 25, 202518 min read
DACS
Portable Class A AMP/DAC with unique twist - XDuoo Link 3 review
Link 3`s beautiful promise What if your dongle DAC could also store your entire music library and drive your hardest-to-power headphones — all from your phone? That's exactly what xDuoo is going for with the Link3. And honestly? It's one of the most ambitious — and most divisive — dongles I've come across in a while. I'm HIFI Daydreaming and welcome back. Today we're looking at the xDuoo Link3, priced at $219. It's big, it's powerful, and it's got a trick up its sleeve that n
3 days ago7 min read
The Future of Portable DAC/AMPs is here Moondrop Moonriver 3 review
Moondrop Aesthetics Now Moondrop is a peculiar company, on the surface they use this Anime babes, a anime and manga aesthetic to brand and promote their products. It might seem childish, and unprofessional. But the more I have experience with Moondrop products it is a different story all together. It is just their way to communicate and approach younger market. But a lot of product that I had a chance to use like Discdream Ultra, is built incredibly. Like a tank. This is
7 days ago12 min read
Truthear KeyX - The L-Shaped Gateway to Lossless Sound with great value
Introduction The Dongle That Plays the Long Game There is a peculiar rite of passage in the portable audiophile hobby: the moment you realize your smartphone's headphone jack — or lack thereof — is the weakest link in your audio chain. For many, that realization leads to the dongle DAC. And for those who find themselves at that crossroads in 2025 and 2026, Truthear has arrived with a quietly compelling answer: the KeyX . Truthear, the Shenzhen-based brand that surfaced in 202
Mar 287 min read
Not the best-in-class, not perfect — yet the FiiO K13 R2R is my favorite sub-$400 DAC
I think Fiio is openly aiming to create a more warmer, more musical experience with their devices. We can see that with this DAC, we can see that with their headphones like FT13, with also new DAC called Warmer, believe it or not. Same thing creating R2R DAP with M33. Fiio building their own personal sonic signature Fiio wants to develop kinda like a brand sonic image, same thing like Rega, when you think about their products, you think about brighter detailed sound. I guess
Feb 59 min read
CD PLAYERs
Challenging FiiO DM15 R2R against (2)Shanling & Moondrop - search for best portable CD player review
R2R on the go - Analog Magic in a Modern Portable CD Player Fiio tries to capture that warm vintage sound with their new portable CD player. And they really are investing a lot of money into improving and adapting their R2R technology. And it is becoming an important staple into Fiio arsenal, on the box itself there is no Fiio logo, there is only R2R that is what they want to preserve to future buyers and listeners. You are listening to specially R2R product made by Fiio. I a
Mar 511 min read
SMSL have created best value cd player on market. PL100 Pro review
Modern versatile player in 2026 The idea of buying a CD player in 2026 is always going to be fascinating to me and bring a smile to my face. I have been a huge supporter of CDs, and for SMSL to deliver budget-friendly CD players with the PL20, PL100, and PL150 is just the right gateway that people need to start appreciating this great format more. But recently SMSL released the PL100 Pro, which muddies the waters about which one you should buy — the 100 or the 150. Well, don’
Feb 267 min read
New Shanling EC Zero AKM is peak value and quality for portable CD Players Review vs. FiiO Dm13, EC Zero T, Moondrop Discdream 2 Ultra
*More information, videos and photos of this product in review above I think I started my audio lover career at the twilight of cassette players. I personally never liked cassette players, I think they were a portable necessity of their age, but just could never translate well into the future once newer and greater things arrived. But what brought me to this stage of life was my love of portable CD players. I used to listen to music so much that often I would fall asleep with
Oct 27, 202512 min read
Finally the future of CD Players is here, and it is Awesome! SMSL PL200t Review
You guys know I love CDs, I started my audiophile journey by collecting CDs. It still is my favourite way to listen to music, maybe not...
Jun 8, 202510 min read
Turntables and phono Equipment
Best First Turntable you can buy FiiO TT13 review /vs. Pro-Ject E1 phono, Audio-Technica AT-LP3
Let’s say you are a vinyl enthusiast, you collected vinyls, and you want to buy your first turntable or to upgrade from all-in-one suitcase turntables. And you don’t know what you want. For who this turntable is? What is manual, automatic, direct/belt drive, phono preamplifier? Can I have Bluetooth as well, speakers…? These are all valid questions, and the role of your first serious audiophile turntable should be to answer all of those. And will it throw you into the waters o
Feb 147 min read
The Best 50€ You’ll Spend on Your Turntable upgrade – PSVANE Horizon Tube Review
I honestly think if you have tubes in your system, and you like Vinyl, this 50 euro upgrade is essential. I really think how much value and improvement you get from these tubes is miles beyond your stock ones that you get with your device. I used PS Vanes Horizon 12ax7 tubes to improve my phono preamp that I have currently in possession. I used to dabble a little bit with tube rolling, having tubes from Telefunken, Mullard in my possession at different times.
Apr 28, 20257 min read
Sumiko Amethyst & Ortofon 2M Black are End Game MM cartridges! /w. alternatives (Nagaoka, Goldring)
See my favorite Phono Cartridges under 750 euros: https://www.hifidaydreaming.com/post/my-favorite-best-phono-cartridges-under-750-euros-...
Nov 7, 202412 min read
Wiim Pro Plus Review vs. Budget CD Player/Turntable (Pro-Ject Primary E Phono and CD Box E) - Battle of Budget Sources
This will mainly be a Wiim Pro Plus review, but I also want to put one idea into perspective. How much value does a budget streamer bring...
Jul 12, 202415 min read
HIFI MISCELLANEOUS
I used Science and Measurements to test is Vibration Control a Snakeoil - Stack Audio AUVA EQ review
What is AUVA EQ Vibration Control Same as you guys, I do watch and love a lot of reviewers here on YouTube. And one of the reviews that many reviewers made that always peaked my attention was Stack Audio Auva anti-vibration feet. It seemed like magic and snake oil, and I was shocked that so many people praise them. And I said one day I am going to buy them and review them, as it really sounded like magic. I even started to make preparations for the review, like researching ab
Mar 2513 min read
Report from Shenzhen International Audio Show 2025 w/ Smsl, FiiO, Dunu, Hiby, Moondrop, Softears, Eversolo, Matrix Audio, Sendy Audio, Gustard, Shanling, Luxsin, Fosi...
All the new announcements from SIAS 2025 *For more pictures, clips and additional information watch video report above. What is SIAS 2025...
Sep 6, 202515 min read
How far does the HIFI Rabbit Hole goes? /W. Audioquest Powerquest 3 Review
Audioquest PowerQuest 3 Review So power filters, power conditioners. A very ambiguous subject in the HIFI world; many say they don't do...
Aug 28, 20255 min read
Battle of best value XLR Cables Oehlbach XXL 1, QED Reference 40 and AudioQuest Red River
Oehlbach XXL 1 XLR Review The Oehlbach XXL Series 1 XLR is a high-performance, German-engineered audio cable designed with one goal in...
Jul 14, 20257 min read
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