The Absolute Sound Podcast

Norway’s Ø Audio cast off into the hi-fi world a decade ago with the Icon two-way horn speaker. Since then, they’ve debuted a number of different models, but the two-way Icon remained at the heart of their brand. Well, that is until the company launched the redesigned Icon 12 last year, alongside a push into the American market. Priced at $25,000, this is not a speaker that’s going to be in everyone’s budget, but perhaps this speaker has something unique to say. I put these floorstanders into my system almost two months ago now and I’ll say that what on the surface might look like well-trodden ground, could just surprise you.

This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.com/

00:00 Ø Audio ICON 12

01:4 Overview

02:30 Specs & Design

04:52 Set Up

06:47 Sound Quality

15:19 Amplifier Pairings

16:20 Is it for you?

17:19 Summary

We’re changing up Recordings of the Month a bit. From time to time we’ll have some of our music-loving audio reviewers highlight one or a few recordings they’ve recently discovered. They’ll explain what the discovery is. But part of the idea is that, in the age of streaming, the problem is knowing what music exists that might be worth a try. The cost of trying is zero dollars, though of course a small investment of time is needed. But as with love, food, travel and movies, there really are no guarantees.

Alright, let’s get experimental!

This video is sponsored by: https://fidelityimports.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.

Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved.

In this video, Robert Taylor reviews the J. Sikora Aspire turntable, an "entry-level" model from a Polish company renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Priced at $11,000, this turntable boasts a sturdy aluminum-and-cast-iron body, a custom DC motor, and adjustable feet for precise leveling. Robert discusses its impressive sound quality, including speed stability and low noise floor, as well as my experiences with setup and performance across various albums. Join me as we explore whether this turntable can deliver the rich audio experience you’re looking for.

00:00 J. Sikora Aspire Turntable

01:30 Overview

02:15 Product Description

06:45 Sound Quality

15:00 Setup Challenges

18:30 Performance Insights

22:00 Summary

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.

Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved.

YG Acoustics is a long-established manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers. They are based in Denver, Colorado, but have their research hub in Cambridge, England. Dr. Matthew Webster, their CEO and head of research, has a PhD in Astrophysics and specializes in computational modeling of mechanical and electrical systems. I was curious to see the results of this approach, which for this review is embodied in the Sonja 3.2 floorstanding speakers. Let’s take a closer look.

This video is sponsored by: https://advanceparisusa.com/

00:00 YG Sonja 3.2

01:27 Overview

02:14 Product Description

07:08 Sound Quality

20:23 Character

24:37 Summary

In this video, John Quain reviews the PSB iQ2 streaming-powered speakers, showcasing their remarkable sound quality and innovative design. With the ability to deliver deep bass through DSP, wireless connectivity, and built-in amplification, these speakers are engineered for an exceptional audio experience. Featuring a four-inch woofer and a three-quarter-inch tweeter, they provide a wide soundstage and dynamic range, making them perfect for a wide range of music genres, from classical to prog rock. Join him as he explores their performance and versatility.

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.

Intro/Outro Music: Backed Vibes Clean - Rollin at 5 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

Copyright 2026, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved