Ken Micallef

AVM Evolution AS 5.3 streaming integrated amplifier

Ken Micallef Jun 11, 2026

I'm known as an unrepentant tube-amplifier devotee and turntable missionary. I spin vinyl in listening spaces, make jazz-vinyl videos, and review turntables, cartridges, and record cleaning machines. I'm a semi-Luddite for whom streaming is a last resort rather than a daily need. I prefer the analog-playback setup gauntlet to the setup gauntlet that comes with streaming amplifiers and network bridges.

News

Denon and Marantz Factory Tour

Ken Micallef Jun 08, 2026

Ken Micallef narrates his recent Denon and Marantz factory tour in Japan in a video travelogue.

AXPONA 2026 News

Western Acoustics, Resolution Audio Video, and AudioQuest at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 28, 2026

In the second of his two bonus AXPONA 2026 videos, Ken Micallef speaks with Liam Porr of Western Acoustics, Adam Wexler of Resolution Audio Video, and Garth Powell of AudioQuest about the gear in the room they shared together at the show, which included Western Acoustics Type 2.1 bookshelf speakers and AudioQuest cable lifters.

AXPONA 2026 News

Wadax at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 28, 2026

In the first of his two bonus AXPONA 2026 videos, Ken Micallef speaks with Wadax Director of Sales and Marketing Brandon Lauer about the company's Studio Player Collection, which includes the Studio Player SACD/CD player, DAC, and streamer; Studio Clock; and Studio PSU.

AXPONA 2026 News

Luxman at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 27, 2026

In his final AXPONA 2026 report, Ken Micallef checks out Luxman's latest offerings, including the D-100 Centennial SACD player, NT-07 streaming transport, and L-100 Centennial integrated amplifier.

AXPONA 2026 News

Marten at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 26, 2026

At AXPONA 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with Marten Global Sales Manager Martin Dunhoff about the company's latest offering, the new $500K Marten Coltrane Quintet Extreme loudspeakers.

Music and Recording Reviews

May 2026 Jazz Record Reviews

Thomas Conrad, Andrey Henkin, Ken Micallef May 22, 2026

Gabrielle Cavassa: Diavola; Miroslav Vitous: Mountain Call; Pepper Adams Quintet; Cecil Taylor Unit: Fragments: The Complete 1969 Salle Pleyel Concerts; Javon Jackson: Jackson Plays Dylan.

AXPONA 2026 News

Advance Paris at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 21, 2026

At AXPONA 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with Advance Paris owner Dimitri Peucelle about the company's latest gear at the show, including its new line of Nova integrated amplifiers.

AXPONA 2026 News

Ex Machina Soundworks and Danville Signal at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 19, 2026

At AXPONA 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with Ex Machina Soundworks' Dev Avidon and Danville Signal's Al Clark about the all-in-one Main Sequence System they demo’ed together at the show.

AXPONA 2026 News

Phasemation at AXPONA 2026

Ken Micallef May 18, 2026

At AXPONA 2026, Ken Micallef speaks with Axiss Audio's Steve Huntley and Phasemation's Hideki Sato and Shigeki Momoto about the gear shown in another one of the Axiss rooms at the show, including Phasemation MA-3000 monoblock amplifiers, a Phasemation PP-2200 cartridge, and a Reed Muse 3C turntable.