Articles by James Barber
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.
Monoprice Monolith Audition review: The magic of wired speakers
In an increasingly wireless world, the Monolith Audition series of home theater loudspeakers makes a strong case for old-school speaker wires.
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.
Backgroove BGCS-41 review: A stellar, yet affordable CD player
Turntables are all the rage, but CDs are an underrated format, and this outstanding player delivers pro-audio features at a stunningly low price.
Final ZE8000 earphones promise no-compromises ANC
The Final ZE8000 true wireless earphones with active noise cancellation feature a bold design that makes them stand out in a crowded earbud market.
Fluance RT81 review: A stellar entry-level turntable
The Fluance RT81 is a great turntable for beginners, one that can be upgraded as vinyl listeners moves up to higher-end amplifiers, speakers, and other audio components.
Philips TAA6606 sports headphone review: For runners only
The science behind bone conduction headphones is fascinating, but this one doesn’t deliver great audio quality.
The Tronsmart Halo 100 is a bangin' Bluetooth party speaker
This versatile little boombox is great for everyday use at moderate volume, but it really shines when you crank it up at a party.
Sennheiser retools a classic headphone to deliver the HD 660S2
A replacement for Sennheiser’s highly respected open-back HD 600, the all-new HD 660S2 promises improved bass and more detail than its predecessor.