The Absolute Sound Podcast

Epizode

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  New Unison Research Amp & Preamp Review 07.08.2026 22min

  Unison research had made a bit of a name for themselves in recent years, launching attainable and high value tube hybrid integrated amplifiers under the Unico moniker, all manufactured at their factory in Treviso, Italy. Earlier this year, Unison Research launched all new flagship products in their Unico line with the Unico Pre V2 and Unico DM v2 separates. Priced at $7,500 and $11,000 respectively. Do these expensive separate successfully scale Unico value proposition to the high end market? Let's find out. This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/perlisten-audio00:00 New Unison Research Amp & Preamp01:46 Overview02:42 Unico Pre V207:14 Unico V2 Power Amp10:06 Sound Quality17:32 Phono Preamp & DAC19:22 Is it for you?20:51 Summary
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  Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System Review 05.08.2026 14min

  When a non-audiophile tells a member of the tribe that they "really ought to get out more," they usually don't mean the subject for this video: Coastal Source EB2650 Speaker System. A loudspeaker designed for use out-of-doors.This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/00:00 Coastal Source EB265001:49 Overview04:16 Specs & Design10:19 Sound Quality13:36 Summary
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  Opera Quinta V2 Loudspeaker Review 31.07.2026 11min

  In this video, we review the Opera Quinta V2 speakers, showcasing their impressive evolution from the original Quinta. With a redesigned cabinet to minimize standing waves, increased sensitivity for easier amplifier driving, and premium materials like rosewood and leather-like finishes, these speakers are built for performance. The three-way design features custom drivers and a well-engineered crossover, delivering exceptional sound quality, imaging, and bass control for a truly dynamic audio experience.What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  The Best Orchestra Recording Ever 26.07.2026 7min

  In this video, Andrew Quint explores the immersive audio album 'The Orchestra Surrounds You,' which replicates the sonic experience of conducting a symphony orchestra. Join him as he highlights the album's realistic sound quality, achieved through advanced recording techniques and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's performance. Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Overview1:30 - The Concept of Immersive Audio3:15 - Recording Techniques & Sound Quality5:00 - The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra's Performance6:45 - Spatial Audio Explained8:00 - Final Thoughts & RecommendationsWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  LAiV Crescendo CHORUS Power Amplifier Review 17.07.2026 11min

  In this video, Adrian Alexander reviews the LAiV Crescendo CHORUS power amps, exploring their affordability, build quality, and versatility in both stereo and monoblock configurations. These amplifiers offer impressive sound quality with a focus on tonal balance and soundstage depth, making them an excellent choice for music lovers who want high-end performance without breaking the bank.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Overview1:45 - Design & Build Quality3:30 - Stereo vs. Monoblock Configurations5:15 - Sound Quality & Performance7:00 - Upgrade Path & Future Expansion8:45 - Final ThoughtsWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Klipsch The Sevens II Active Wireless Speaker Review 15.07.2026 11min

  Join John Quain from The Absolute Sound as he takes an in-depth look at the Klipsch The Sevens II powered wireless speakers. Priced at $1,999.99 a pair, these active bookshelf monitors bridge the gap between high-res streaming convenience and classic, hard-hitting American audio performance.Developed in partnership with Onkyo, The Sevens II feature a 1-inch titanium vented tweeter paired with a Tractrix horn, a 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, and 200 watts of internal amplification per side. From vinyl playback to home theater integration via HDMI eARC, we put these speakers through their paces to find out exactly where they shine—and where they might be a bit too much to handle.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction & Overview2:23 - Design, Drivers, & Connectivity4:26 - Dirac Live & Control Options5:54 - Sound Quality & Volume Dynamics7:33 - Music Tests (Rock, Jazz, & Classical)10:35 - Final Verdict & ConclusionWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Matrix Audio MS-1 Streamer + DAC Review 10.07.2026 11min

  Most streamers at this price are chasing the same thing flat, neutral, maybe invisible. Those are just some of the common terms you hear people say when they're describing music streamers. Matrix built this one to do something else. Refined detail and a warm musical character both at once. And that's just how it sounds. And this is the matrix Ms1 C music streamer. This video is sponsored by: https://goebel-highend.de/00:00 Matrix Audio MS-101:50 Overview05:13 DAC06:15 Inputs & Outputs09:24 Sound Quality10:09 Is it for you?What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  $15K System - Mofi Sourcepoint 888, Rega Planar, Luxman 505Z Review 05.07.2026 19min

  For better or for worse, vinyl got me into the hobby of hi-fi and in many respects it’s still what drives my interest in equipment and fidelity. My system has evolved steadily over the years, and not always been a straight or simple path. That said, friends and fans have asked me for advice on building turntable-based systems over the years, some at the absolute entry level, and some in the high end. Well, this would be a taste of my own medicine because selecting an entire hifi system in one go is not an easy feat, but I gave it a go anyway, and you may be interested in the results...This video is sponsored by: https://rel.net00:00 $15K System01:52 Loudspeaker02:50 Turntable03:48 The System09:28 Sound Quality15:52 Is it for you?What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Soulution 717 Power Amp Review 03.07.2026 12min

  Soulution Audio is a Swiss manufacturer of electronics and turntables. Swiss amplifier companies seem to pursue extreme engineering and this is often accompanied by extreme pricing. Let’s see what the 717 offers and why you might or might not want it. This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/00:00 Soulution 717 Power Amp01:28 Specs & Design04:53 Sound Quality07:37 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Focal Mu-so Hekla All-in-one Dolby Atmos System Review 01.07.2026 14min

  In this video, Aaron Jenkins reviews the Focal Mu-so Hekla, an all-in-one sound system that promises an immersive audio experience. At $3,600, it boasts 15 speakers, 660 watts of amplification, and support for high-res audio formats. With advanced connectivity options and five listening modes, including Dolby Atmos, Aaron explores its design, performance, and how it fits into everyday life.This video is sponsored by Fidelity Imports00:00 Focal Mu-so Hekla01:20 Overview03:15 Design & Build Quality06:45 Connectivity Options09:30 Sound Performance12:00 Listening Modes14:30 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Aurender ACS100 Music Server Streamer CD Ripper Review 28.06.2026 14min

  Instead of forcing you to piece together a complex computer-based setup or manage a noisy network-attached storage drive, Aurender positions this unit as a quiet, central anchor for your digital ecosystem. But at four thousand dollars, does it offer the practical everyday convenience and fidelity that a high-quality audio system demands? Let’s find out. This video is sponsored by: https://silentangel.com/00:00 Aurender ACS10002:00 Overview03:20 Physical Connectivity07:56 First Impressions09:11 Reference Equipment09:43 Sound Quality13:00 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  HiFi Rose RS451 Streamer Review 26.06.2026 13min

  What would you buy if you wanted one box that does everything and actually looks really dang good doing it is a common question these days, right?The HiFi Rose RS451 is $3,295, and it's trying to solve that problem, not by cutting corners, by building a streamer, a DAC, and a headphone amp into one aluminum box with a screen that makes you want to really look at this thing. The question is whether it earns that price or if it just looks the part.This video is sponsored by: https://wireworldcable.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowpiXj2LBgvcTuRYqBzA1LerFapMSwvxzOn25yhhthD5RcKODY00:00 Rose RS45101:17 Specs & Design04:50 DAC07:28 Sound Quality09:11 One Box vs "Stack"11:09 Is it for you?12:19 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  ATC EL50 Anniversary speaker system review: State of the Art Series 21.06.2026 17min

  As you may know, there are technical reasons that active speakers can be advantaged, and as a result, I’ve covered a few of these speakers in the last year or so. ATC is also noteworthy as a major pro audio speaker-maker. I have had good experiences with some pro speakers, and active setups are common in that world, so it seemed interesting to try an active speaker from a pro company. The EL50 thankfully skips the industrial cosmetics typical in the pro world, since it has a consumer-only aesthetic. Let’s take a look at the results.This video is sponsored by: https://silent-angel-audio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopnyOIgN8kBfCZ3raKqdX4cLI6GwOg6wQy1VkoF8Mc5siNLiEq000:00 ATC EL50 01:34 Description05:42 Sound Quality12:49 Comparisons16:20 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Technics EAH-AZ100 True Wireless Earbud Review 17.06.2026 12min

  Can true wireless earbuds satisfy the critical ear of a high-end audio enthusiast? In this video, John Quain, a reviewer for The Absolute Sound, puts the Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds to the test to see if they live up to their "Reference Class" branding.Priced at $299.99 USD, the EAH-AZ100s integrate advanced driver technology typically absent in consumer-grade wireless audio. John breaks down how these earbuds perform across various genres and technical categories.What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Advance Paris A10 Apex Review 14.06.2026 14min

  The Advance Paris A10 APEX integrated amplifier represents an intriguing proposition in the contemporary Hi-Fi landscape. Retailing at $3,499 US, it positions itself as a feature-rich, high-value hub designed to capture the emotional core of analog playback while anchoring a modern digital system. Does it succeed? Find out! This video is sponsored by: https://gttaudio.com/00:00 Advance Paris A10 Apex02:05 Overview04:24 The DAC06:11 Phonostage06:42 Input/Outputs07:24 Reference Equipment08:13 Sound Quality13:08 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Goldmund & Marten System Preview 07.06.2026 3min

  Alan Taffel provides a sneak peek of what's to come from his full review of the 1400 Wpc Goldmund Telos 8800 Monoblock Amplifiers. You'll have to check out the complete review in an upcoming issue of The Absolute Sound magazine.What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack Review 05.06.2026 17min

  We've all heard of the word trifecta. So I was curious. What's the definition? There's a couple of them. One of them is any situation where three notable achievable are or outcomes occur together, especially if they're all positive. In short, it's a "triple win or powerful group of three". Does the Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack live up to the name? Let's find out! This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/products/perlisten-audio-d8is-in-wall-on-wall-subwoofer-with-amplifier00:00 Silent Angel Extreme Trio Stack01:43 Overview03:02 Specs & Design13:35 Sound Quality14:47 Is it for you?15:56 Equipment16:26 ConclusionAdrian's Reference Equipment: -VIP Avenger Dual Arm Turn-Table – Ortofon Cadenza Moving Coil Cartridge Stereo -Mono Cadenza moving coil cartridge-Pass Labs X 22 Pre -Amp-Pass Lab 260.8 Mono Blocks-Shunyata Delta X Power Distrbutors-Mola Mola Lupe Phono Stage-YG-Acoustics Ascent Speakers-Bricasti M-21 Dac-Kimber Kable Carbon Speaker Cables-Kimber Kable XLR, RCA-Shunyata Power Cords Alpha X-Silent- Angle Extreme Trio Stack-Silent – Angle Z1-Plus Streamer-Two PS Audio Foundry 12inch Sub-woofers-Audio Quest VODKA Ethernet Cable-Dtari – Reel to ReelWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  New 2026 Magico S7 speaker review: State of the Art Series 31.05.2026 23min

  We got an early review sample of the new S7 (2026). Both interested and well-heeled audiophiles sometimes ask the question “what do I get when I spend $100k on product X, rather than, say $10k?”. Many people who ask this sort of question aren’t actually shopping in these elevated price ranges; and for personal reasons it seems some of them seem to want the answer to be “spending 10x doesn’t get you much.” Other audiophiles, of course, are simply interested in what our latest technology can do, and still others are interested in actually deciding whether to buy these products. This video is for those latter groups.This video is sponsored by: https://www.passlabs.com/00:00 Magico S701:57 The Context05:37 Product Description08:02 Sound Quality18:52 Comparisons21:44 SummaryMagico S5 First Listen & Factory Tour: https://youtu.be/_GLO88IUAoc?si=POkSeKV_R_4mJKjtTom's Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpFUMNI?si=zrdtupzG04obZZgcAXPONA 2026: https://youtu.be/_7imVySQqCo?si=5vWwXF0A8q7tq2SfSound Lab G7-7C: https://youtu.be/LfcstIpA6nQ?si=u9YbE3bGdzZw-YOxWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  DALI KUPID Bookshelf Speaker Review 29.05.2026 8min

  In this video, John Quain takes a closer look at the DALI KUPID entry-level bookshelf speakers. Priced at $600 for a pair, these compact speakers feature a two-way design with a rear port. We’ll explore their design, specifications, and sound quality, highlighting their balanced and natural sound, especially at lower volumes. Are they the right choice for your audio setup? Let’s find out.00:00 Dali Cupid Bookshelf Speakers 00:45 Overview 02:30 Specs & Design 04:15 Sound Quality 08:00 Summary What Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved
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  Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf Speakers Review 27.05.2026 10min

  When introducing its second generation classic, a line of speakers, opera described them as embodying the classicism of both music and Italian craftsmanship. That's an intriguing description, but how does it apply to the Prima V2 bookshelf speaker? And is that speaker worth $3,600 a pair? This video is sponsored by: https://www.perlistenaudio.com/products/d8is/Let's find out.00:00 Opera Prima V2 Bookshelf 00:49 Overview02:45 Specs & Design04:22 Sound Quality08:56 SummaryWhat Is The Absolute Sound? The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube, and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved