John Cox

Blogs · @wyome

Tagged hi-fi · everything

leak-hifi.co.uk

TruStream

This is a product page for the LEAK TruStream network streamer/DAC, built around Silent Angel's streaming platform and an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M reference DAC, supporting Spotify/TIDAL/Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and hi-res formats up to PCM 768kHz/DSD512. It's worth keeping mainly for the full spec sheet (I/O options including balanced XLR, coaxial/optical digital out, USB audio, headphone amp specs) and the framing of the unit as a complete source component styled to match LEAK's Stereo 130/230 amplifiers rather than a bare digital transport.

Permalink technologyaudiofurniturestreaming

www.gearpatrol.com

A Legendary Hi-Fi Company Just Breathed New Life Into Its Older Speakers

Marshall's new Heddon is a $300 wireless hub that enables multi-room audio grouping and Wi-Fi streaming for its existing Bluetooth home speakers using Auracast technology, supporting services like Spotify Connect and AirPlay. It works wirelessly with the brand's third-generation speakers (Acton III, Stanmore III, Woburn III) and can connect older models via wired RCA outputs, while also featuring RCA inputs for streaming vinyl records throughout the home. The Heddon is available now with promotional discounts: half off when purchasing one speaker, or free with the purchase of two or more.

Permalink audiomusicstreamingsmart home

www.gearpatrol.com

How to Build a Hi-Fi Turntable System for Less than $1,000

The piece explains that vinyl's resurgence has made it easy and affordable to build a complete turntable system, breaking down the four essential components (turntable, phono preamp, amplifier, and speakers) and how they work together. It then presents three different budget-friendly system configurations under $1,000, each combining components in different ways: an integrated turntable paired with a wireless powered speaker, a turntable with separate external preamp and powered speakers, and a turntable with an integrated amplifier and passive speakers that allows for future upgrades.

Permalink audiobudgetturntablevinyl

www.gearpatrol.com

The Complete Guide to All of Pro-Ject’s Excellent Turntables

Pro-Ject, an Austrian company founded in 1991, manufactures turntables ranging from budget-friendly entry-level models ($300–$500) to ultra-premium audiophile systems (over $16,000), all designed around the founder's goal of making high-quality vinyl playback accessible across price points. The company achieves competitive pricing by producing most components in-house across facilities in Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and integrating its own phono stages, DACs, and amplifiers directly into turntables. The guide walks through Pro-Ject's major product lines—from the E1 and Primary series for beginners, through mid-range options like the T Series and Debut line, to high-end alternatives like the RPM Carbon and X Series, concluding with premium offerings like the Signature series for discerning audiophiles.

Permalink gearaudioreviewsturntable