The Absolute Sound Podcast

I am well aware that audio coverage on YouTube has something of a histrionic slant. In an algorithmic media world, I suppose that is to be expected. The problem of course is that when something truly special comes along, if treated with the standard approach, it can get mentally dumped by viewers into the “more BS hysteria” bucket. I offer this warning because the product I’m covering today is, I think, truly special, but since I try to avoid histrionics, I’m not going to attempt to express that with wild exaggerations or shouting. This amplifier will not alter audio history, transform your music or improve your sex life. This is however, a very good amplifier and a real bargain in the right system. As always, its particular sonic profile and capabilities may not fit your needs, so that must be kept in mind.

Okay, let’s take a look at the Wattson Madison power amplifier.

This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest8000/

Senior reviewer Steven Stone returns with a brief overview of his experience at Denver's Head-Fi meet up. Not quite a Can-Jam or major show a Head-Fi Meet Up sits right in the sweet spot between casual enthusiast get together and large professional show. What did he find out? Tune in to learn more!

This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest-x/

Who is Steven Stone? https://youtu.be/JMHqM4ixlEM?si=wc6ZBl6WT293v9Sa

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

In January 2026, Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems celebrated its 15th anniversary with the launch of the Momentum Z Mono Amplifier at their Cave Creek, Arizona facility. Priced around $125,000 per pair, this flagship amplifier features new Kinetic Drive Regulator technology. Michael Fremer reports, tune in to learn more!

This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

Michael Johnson reviews the hefty, unique Krypton3X floor standing loudspeaker. With a frequency response primed for revelation, Michael discovers some of his hi-fi test tracks aren’t what he thought they were. Is this inviting or distracting? Tune in to find out.

This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/collections/matrix-audio

Tom’s Listening Room: https://youtu.be/To3yKpFUMNI?si=e6D_49RWcZIUG5_h

00:00 Krypton3X

01:34 Specs & Design

05:21 Set Up

08:04 Sound Quality

20:22 Is it for you?

23:04 Summary

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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

When it comes to bass performance in hi-fi playback using the conventional setup of two speakers, there are three major problems that are difficult to overcome without beginning to integrate separate subwoofers. Bass extension, room modes, and overall frequency balance.

In this video, I’m not going to focus too much on the first problem, as this isn’t always a problem with just two speakers. Many multiway speakers can play down to 25 Hz and, some argue, there isn’t much musically relevant information below this depending on the music you listen to.

So, I spent a little bit of time experimenting with what a system sounds like if you mainly focus efforts on solving those two remaining issues: smoothing out room modes and tuning for a more desired frequency response. As it turns out, doing this brought some bass extension that I welcomed in my particular setup.

This video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/product/everest8000/

00:00 Bass Performance in Real Rooms

02:01 Overview

03:17 What Needs Solving?

09:32 Measurements

20:10 Conclusion

Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesound

Substack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.com

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