N e w s

After years and countless hours of work, you're now seeing our new website. It is hard to believe that we published our first website way back in February 1998. To put that into perspective, our initial site went live less than 6 months after Google first published their search engine. We are also happy to announce that we have finally been able to purchase the building that the store is located in. Already we have accomplished things like having a new roof installed with a much higher R-Value, new stockroom lighting, new hallway lighting, new parking lot lighting as well as a new phone system, new alarm system, etc. In 2025 we plan to do much more, so you can expect to see numerous other improvements and renovations taking place.
WADAX Studio Player Debut September 12th
You're welcome to join us anytime 2-7pm on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for the North American debut of the new WADAX Studio Line. Brandon Lauer from Wadax will be here along with reviewer Chris Connaker from Audiophile Style. The first product in the Studio Line, which is being released now, is the Studio Player. This streaming DAC with internal transport utilizes technology from their Reference line. The Studio DAC, optional Studio Clock, and optional Studio PSU (outboard power suppply) will follow. In addtion there will be an optional Studio Transport for SACD/CD discs to match. If you can join us please RSVP.
Vitus Components Coming Soon For Evaluation
In September 2024, Vitus will be shipping us some components for our evaluation as follows: Vitus SIA-030 integrated amp Vitus MP-L201 Mk.II line preamp Vitus MP-S201 stereo amp (2 monos on 1 chassis) One aspect that is especially attractive is that they are available in the standard colors: Jet Black, Pure White, Warm Silver as well as a plethora of premium colors including Dark Champagne, Titanium Grey, Titanium Orange, plus Bespoke Custom Colors. If you are interested in auditioning any of these you are most welcome to visit the store.
Spectral Factory Visits Goodwin's High End
Richard Fryer, President of Spectral Audio, visted us on August 16-17th, 2024 for some factory training. It was an opportunity to learn more about their philosophy of high bandwidth, high speed electronics. Essentailly, the reason they design high bandwidth audio components is to more accurately present musical transients. In addition there was some interesting discussion regarding how they go about actually go about manufacturing their electronics.
MIT Price Increase In 2024
We received advance notice that we should not be surprised to see a price increase on some MIT products in 2024. So if you are contemplating a new system or the upgrade of an existing system, you're welcome to give us a call to discuss what approach would be most suitable.
NEW dCS Varèse Flagship Dual Mono Digital Front End
The Varèse is the new flagship digital front end from dCS. This doesn't replace the Vivaldi Apex which heretofore has been the top of the line from dCS, rather it is positioned a step even beyond. initially the stack consists of a total of five components: the User Interface, the Core (a streaming device), two Mono DACs (one for each channel) and the Master Clock. It will commence shipping later in 2024. There will also be an SACD/CD Transport which is slated to be released in 2025. Click here for more info. If you'd like to learn more you are welcome to give us a call at 781-893-9000.
NEW WADAX Studio Player
Incorporating trickle-down DAC technology from the flagship Reference DAC, the Studio Player also comes equipped with an internal optical transport capable of playing CD and SACD discs. In addition the included streamer is certified for Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect with more services to be added in the future. For more information here is a link
NEW Rockport Technologies Lynx
The Rockport Technologies Lynx loudpeaker has just been released. This new model is a step up from the Avior 2 and is a replacement for the venerable Cygnus. For more info here is a link
A Visit to Goodwin’s High End
Earlier in 2023 two gentlemen from Texas visited the store in order to do some listening. One of them is in the process of rebuilding his as well as updating his system. His friend who flew up with him to participate in the listening also wrote an article about what he heard, a link to which is below for your reading pleasure. Long story short, they were both very impressed by the level of sound quality they experienced here! Article Link: A Visit to Goodwin’s High End
Bartok Apex DAC
DCS has just released the Bartok Apex and we now have our demo here at the store for your listening pleasure. In addition for those previous generation Bartok owners there is an Apex upgrade available. Please call us for details.
WADAX Reference Server Power Supply WADAX Akasa DC Reference Cable
We are honored to be the first in the US to have both the WADAX Reference PSU as well as the Red Akasa DC cables here in the store. The Reference PSU is the new optional outboard power supply for the Reference Server. A photo of the rear view of which is shown to the left. In addtion the new Akasa DC Reference cable is shown in red.
Wadax REference info
Vivaldi Apex DAC
DCS has introduced the new Vivaldi Apex DAC and we are honored to be the first retailer here in the US to have it on demo. You're welcome to call to make an appointment to audition it. Also if you already own a Vivaldi DAC there is an Apex upgrade program available. You are welcome to call us at 781-893-9000 during store hours for details.
Rossini Apex DAC Rossini Apex Player
DCS has introduced the new Rossini Apex DAC--as well as the Rossini Apex Player so you can play your CD collection as well as stream high resolution music files. You're of course welcome to call to make an appointment to audition it. Also if you already own a Rossini DAC or Rossini Player there is an Apex upgrade program available. Please call us at 781-893-9000 during store hours for details.
Road Tour: Rockport Technologies Speakers at Goodwins High End
A reviewer expressed interest in auditioning various models of Rockport speakers. So he arranged to visit us in late 2021 in order to do so. The result was an the article written about his experience of listening to the Rockport speakers here in the store. Here is a link
Rockport Technologies Taurus Center Channel Speaker
As the trend is to spend more time at home these days, increasingly people are looking to integrate their high end audio system with their home cinema. We call this a combi-system, the idea being that you can use your high end stereo as the front left and right channels for your surround system. This is made especially easy if your stereo preamp has a unity gain bypass such as does the Spectral DMC-30SV S2 line preamp.
For those who care about quality, Rockport now has the Taurus center speaker. Rockport’s stated design goal was to provide a “better than cinema” experience with their new center channel while maintaining a small footprint. It has been designed with an upward angled stand and a requisite low profile such that the high end stereo listening experience is not affected.
For shelf mounting there is also an optional low plinth available for table or shelf mounting. You're invited to call or email us to discuss how best to integrate this into your home system. More Info
NEW Headphones have arrived!
We have lots of the new "latest and greatest" headphone models on demo in our dedicated headphone listening room. That way you can audition them side-by-side. Some of course are open back and some are closed back. The best way to decide which headphones to purchase is to directly compare a number of them both for sound quality as well as for fit. There is no substitute for ensuring long term comfort than to try them out on your own head for a while. So bring in your playlist and listen for as long as you wish! More Info
Kaleidescape Movie Servers
Kaleidescape INFO
Kaleidscape & Trinnov Combo Promotion
Trinnov Surround Sound Processor
Trinnov info
Kaleidscape is pleased to announce the launch of our new partnership with Trinnov Audio, designer and manufacturer of the reference surround sound processors for home cinemas. Trinnov’s 3D audio processing of Kaleidescape’s lossless quality soundtracks results in a profound improvement in sound clarity and detail that will exceed most expectations. Owners of both products can rest assured that their systems will remain cutting-edge through periodic software upgrades and enhancements.
Peerless in performance, configurability, and sound quality, Trinnov Altitude processors remain best-in-class for high end home theater systems. Patented technologies enable the full potential of immersive sound, enabling all formats and the widest range of speaker layouts. When powered by Kaleidescape’s unparalleled, reference quality movie servers, you can expect a level of sound quality which is seldom ever experienced.
As part of this new partnership, Kaleidescape and Trinnov are providing a limited-time offer to new customers. With the purchase of a Trinnov Altitude32 or Altitude16 processor and a Kaleidescape system, customers will receive a complimentary package of 4K Dolby Atmos and DTS:X mastered titles, curated by Trinnov designed to showcase their system’s capabilities. This 2021 promotion is available from September 1st thru December 31st. For more information please call or email us.
Note: Price increases are expected to be announced soon
We've been told by many of our manufacturers that they have seen some significant price increases from their suppliers. As a consequence many of our manufacturers are going to be forced to raise their prices. So if you are thinking of purchasing a new system or upgrading your existing system, then you might wish to do so sooner rather than later.
INNUOS PhoenixNET Audiophile-grade Network Switch
Designed from the ground up for network audio:
Typical IT network switches/routers are designed with the sole purpose of taking data from A to B with a noise floor and precision that is "enough" for the rate of transmission. This is fine for data networks but when sensitive components such as DACs and Pre-Amplifiers are involved, it will have an audible impact on sound quality. Click for more info
Kaleidscape Terra Prime Movie Servers
Kaleidescape now has a number of versions of the Terra movie server. First are the Compact Terra Prime 8TB and 22TB which are both the same diminutive physical size as the Strato C. There is also the Compact Terra Prime Solid-State 8 TB. Then there are the Terra Prime 48TB, 72TB and 96TB movie servers. There are also the Terra Prime Solid-State 31 TB & 123 TB movie servers. Any of these Terra servers can be paired with either the current Strato C or Strato V 4K movie players -- or any of the previous generation Strato models. Though there are advantages to being paired with the Strato C or Strato V as they have more processing power. In addition the Strato V is 4K Dolby Vision compatible. You also might be interested to know that as of the beginning of June 2023, Kaleidescape has about 50% more 4k UHD/HDR movies and video concerts than are available on Blu-ray disc. In fact as of June 2023 Kaleidescape has 700 4K movies not on disc! This gap will undoubtedly continue to grow over the months and years to come.
Linn Karousel
Main Bearing upgrade for Linn LP-12 turntable
  • Linn's new Karousel precision-engineered single-point bearing, offers smoother rotation and greater stability for even better sound.

  • Stainless Steel Bearing design improves rigidity and stability
  • Stronger, stiffer thrust pad and housing reduces vibration effects on music reproduction
  • Retro-fittable to any LP12*

  • It is now available for your LP12 and you're welcome to call us if you'd like your turntable upgraded. There are other LP12 upgrades available as well.

  • *Please note that Karousel must not be used with Valhalla, Wakonda PSU or third party power supplies that are fitted within the deck. In addition, older outer platters may need to be replaced to fit with current specification inner platter supplied with Karousel bearing.
MQA upgrade for Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 1 or 2
Berkeley Audio Design has the MQA upgrade available for the Reference DAC. This is a software update that is easily installable. For more details please call us at 781-893-9000.

Notable Musicians from Yesteryear

Below is a narratively.com article excerpt:
"German-born, wearing a meticulous goatee and a pocket watch, and steeped in the traditions of European classical music, Juilliard founder Frank Damrosch was the very model of high culture in New York City. As such, his blood began to boil when he heard someone in the audition room improvising over Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in C Sharp Major.” Marching down the hall to confront the blasphemer brash enough to attempt such a thing, he heard the ninths being substituted with the sixths. It was sacrilege, he thought, until he saw who was playing.
Since eight-year-old Scott’s hands couldn’t reach the piece’s intervals, she played the sixths to make it sound the way she intuitively knew it should. No one taught her how to do this. In the journal that Chilton quotes, Scott wrote: “I was only reaching for the closest thing that sounded like it, not even knowing what a sixth was at that age.”
When she finished, the auditions director whispered, “I am in the presence of a genius.” Damrosch agreed and Scott was admitted to Juilliard. But her real education wasn’t in the classroom. It was in her living room."
Hazel Scott A piano prodigy who wowed the worlds of music, TV, and film. She was once the biggest star in Jazz, but you've probably never even heard of her.
Below is a smithsonianmag.com article excerpt:
"Her apartment on the Right Bank became a regular hangout for other American entertainers living in Paris. James Baldwin, Lester Young, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, and Max Roach were regular guests, along with musicians from the Ellington and Basie bands. Hazel’s music softened during the Paris years; she played more serene tunes with less and less of her old boogie-woogie style. On a brief visit to the States in 1955, she recorded Relaxed Piano Moods with Charlie Mingus and Max Roach on the Debut label, an album now considered by jazz critics and aficionados as one of the most important jazz recordings of the twentieth century. Most recently, it was inducted into National Public Radio’s Basic Jazz Record Library."
Note: Both articles excerpted here were wirtten by Karen Chilton, author of the book, Hazel Scott: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist, from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC
Here is an excerpt from a BBC article entitled: The Cello and the Nightingale
Beatrice Harrison The leading British cellist of her day, was the first woman cellist to play at Carnegie Hall.
"It was a radio broadcast that spoke to the public, causing emotion and joy, a nightingale singing along with a cello. It was the first time people had been able to hear wildlife broadcast live on the UK radio and it would run until its poignant ending during World War Two. On 19 May 1924, only two years after the dawn of BBC Radio, listeners heard for the first time an extraordinary duet live from a Surrey garden. The duet featured famous cellist Beatrice Harrison, who had recently performed the British debut of Delius's Cello Concerto specially written for her.
She played to a nightingale in the woods around her home in Oxted, Surrey, and the bird - seemingly attracted to the sound of her cello - responded with its own song."
Here is an excerpt from a book by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel published by National Geographic entitled: Ladies First: 40 Daring American Women Who Were Second to None
Olga Samaroff Stokowski The first American woman to debut at Carnegie Hall.
She was 24 years old and possessed of a magnificent ability as a pianist at a time when neither women nor Americans were given particular favor by classical music audiences. She was determined to launch herself into a career as a concert pianist, and what better place to begin than New York's renowned Carnegie Hall? She and her mother rented a tiny room and with the forthrightness and sense of purpose that was a common trait of the women in their family, they set out to obtain an interview with Henry Wolfsohn, a highly influential and successful New York manager. To her dismay, Wolfsohn barely listened to her and would not even allow her to play. No pianist could debut in New York, he explained, without previous experience and reviews from Europe. Talent was inconsequential--without proof of European success. As the dejected girl and her mother walked down the sidewalk mulling over what happened, she spotted Steinway Hall, where some of the world's greatest pianos were made and sold or rented. She dashed inside and was given permission to play. She sat at the keyboard and played furiously, displaying all her abilities and emotions on the intrument. In an incredible stroke of luck, at that moment Henry Wolfsohn himself walking into Steinway Hall and immediately demanded to know the identity of the pianist playing so brilliantly. For the second time that day, he came face-to-face with her. It was true she had never performed in Euopre. But perhaps, Wolfsohn thought, an exception could be made. At Wolfsohn's direction, she hired an orchestra and booked a date at Carnegie Hall. Paying for her own venue and musicians was the only way. It was a staggering amount of money to gamble, but she and her mother pressed on with the plan. Samaroff chose an ambitious program of works to perform, and on January 18, 1905, the yong woman gave her first New York concert. The following day Samaroff received a crucial endorsement--positive reviews from New York critics. She was on her way.