Ken Micallef

Revinylized!

Revinylization #74: You Can Never Have Too Much 'Trane on Vinyl

Ken Micallef Apr 13, 2026

As I listened to the newly remastered edition of John Coltrane's Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings, I read through some critics' takes, which make it apparent just how far critics tend to trail the musicians they cover, the great ones at least.

AXPONA 2026 News

AXISS Audio USA & Soulution at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef Apr 11, 2026

Ken Micallef speaks with chief audiophile and President of AXISS Audio USA Cliff Duffey and Soulotion owner Cyrill Hammer about the gear in one of the AXISS Audio USA rooms at AXPONA 2026, which includes a Soulution 350 phono stage, Soulution 312 amplifier, and Gauder Akustik Elargo 200 speakers.

Montreal Audiofest 2026 News

Essentia Technology & Michell at Montreal Audiofest 2026

Ken Micallef Apr 07, 2026

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with Essentia Technology co-founder Leoni Alexander-Tomas, and later with Jonathan Nye and John Rowland of Michell, about the British company's gear they were repping at the show, including the Michell Revolv turntable, Michell Gyro turntable, and Michell TecnoDec turntable.

Tonearm Reviews Turntable Reviews

J.Sikora Aspire record player

Ken Micallef Apr 03, 2026

Not to toot our own horns, but Stereophile magazine's reviews of the J.Sikora Initial, Reference, and Standard Max Supreme turntables helped catapult the Polish manufacturer into the audiophile spotlight.

Montreal Audiofest 2026 News

SPL at Montreal Audiofest 2026

Ken Micallef Mar 30, 2026

In our latest video interview from Montreal Audiofest 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with SPL cofounder Hermann Gier about the equipment shown in this room, including the SPL Crossover Mk2 active analog 2-way crossover, SPL Performer s900 amplifier (look for the forthcoming Stereophile review), and SPL Performer s1200 amplifier.

Montreal Audiofest 2026 News

Heaven 11 Audio at Montreal Audiofest 2026

Ken Micallef Mar 26, 2026

Ken Micallef visits Heaven 11 Audio and interviews Itai Azerad at Montreal Audiofest 2026.

Interviews Music and Recording Features

Hi-Fi as Art: Devon Turnbull & Ojas Audio

Ken Micallef Mar 12, 2026

Since founding Ojas in the 1990s and applying the name to his audio components, Devon Turnbull has mined a young audience that the traditional hi-fi industry has struggled to reach. Those who know about him receive his speakers, amplifiers, and turntables as if they were gifts delivered from on high.

Revinylized!

Revinylization #73: Muse Records via Zev Feldman's Time Traveler Records

Ken Micallef Mar 10, 2026

As the jazz buyer for Tower Records's Lincoln Center (66th St.) location in the early 1990s, I held a unique vantage point on New York City, its music and culture. My position guaranteed daily encounters with an eclectic variety of unforgettable characters. Between regular visits by the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (grouchy), Kathleen Turner (pushy), and Michael J. Fox (perpetually running from the store's female staff), I saw a lot.

Budget Component Reviews Stand Loudspeaker Reviews

Ruark Sabre-R loudspeaker

Ken Micallef Mar 06, 2026

Like many aging American music lovers, my earliest memories include watching the televised supernova that was The Beatles performing on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Immersion in various British pop groups followed, including the melodically graceful Chad & Jeremy, the polished Peter and Gordon, and sentimental pop purveyors Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Audacious Audio Tube Power Amp Reviews

Doshi Audio Evolution Stereo power amplifier

Ken Micallef Feb 06, 2026

Nick Doshi is cautiously reserved when he talks about his amplifiers, preferring to let the products speak for themselves. At every show I've heard them at, from Chicago to DC to Munich, they have done exactly that: Every system I've heard featuring a Doshi amp has delivered great sound. When I pressed him as to why, he just smiled.