Elevate your sound experience
Newstalgia – enhancing the past

Newstalgia – enhancing the past

The latest trend blends our attachment to the rituals of yesterday with our love for the advancements of today: Newstalgia, the celebration of new and old, is gaining popularity wherever we look. From fashion, with its return to hippy influences, to bartenders becoming mixologists, even the food industry is under Newstalgia’s sway. Classics like shepherd’s pie are now elevated to gourmet status. This sentimental longing and wistful affection for the past means a keen interest in resurrecting older musical successes and styles, re-experiencing the music as if is is new and reborn. But audiophiles are still looking to maintain a contemporary feel, a practical twist inspired by our more modern way of life. That brings us to vinyl. What makes vinyl so popular? Artists still frequently record on vinyl, and audiences buy it to capture a feeling of ritual and fond connection to the good old days, like a first sip of cherry cola or a first kiss. For younger generations, vinyl is a way to travel through time. Like values, tastes or audio equipment built to stand the test of time, vinyl is a legacy passed and shared from one generation to another.

Vinyl or streaming: what’s your take?

Vinyl or streaming: what’s your take?

Some people prefer analog recordings, appreciating the raw energy and charm, sometimes referred to as “analog warmth,” that convey powerful feelings to the listener. While some do all they can to minimize or eradicate sound distortion, considering it a listening nuisance, analog advocates enjoy the wholeness of the listening experience, finding pleasure and character in the perceived imperfections. But for those who prefer total sound precision, digital is their musical touchstone. In addition to a more crystal-clear rendering, they appreciate the convenience and flexibility afforded by their digital devices, which allow them to take their favorite music on the go and provide a soundtrack to their day-to-day. Whether your heart belongs to analog or digital, we can all agree on striving for audio excellence. While there’s no right choice or perfect truth, the good news is that there are many ways to elevate your Hi-Fi experience. Everyone’s a winner.

Interview: crossing musical borders with DJ Sophie Gadouas

Interview: crossing musical borders with DJ Sophie Gadouas

  • Music has the power to cross not just generations, but borders. We talk with DJ Sophie Gadouas about her worldwide travels and musical passions.
  • What makes you and your DJ partner stand out?
  • We are the ultimate duo, best friends for almost 35 years. Our bond comes through, as does all our research and preparation, and our constant search for new artists at festivals.
  • What’s been your best international experience?
  • Santanera at the BPM festival in Playa Del Carmen. It’s a tropical setting, very hot, so everyone gathered on the terrace, including some of our favourite DJs. We played an 8-hour set, and the flow was perfect. We had a lot of great feedback, including from our favourite DJs, which was exciting for us as such big fans.
  • What inspires you when you choose music?
  • We look for things that stand out, that give us chills. We are particularly seduced by tracks that have a richness and depth that go right to the guts—a groove that makes you dance like you’re alone in the world. That’s magic!
  • What’s the average age of your fanbase? Does that influence you?
  • We’ve been doing the scene for over 10 years, so we have fans of all ages that have followed us since we started. That being said, the age of our audience doesn’t really affect our selection. After all, great music is timeless…
The right headphones to move you

The right headphones to move you

Today it’s common to embrace an individualistic tendency to surround oneself in an immersive sound bubble, enjoying music with the peace and solitude afforded by headphones. Music acts as a backdrop to everything we do, and we can listen to music no matter what we’re enjoying. Fortunately, combining convenience and high-end quality is easier than ever with Hi-Fi headphones, a perfect solution for true audiophiles. These devices offer an unprecedented level of quality and immersion, also providing prevention from the auditory fatigue that often accompanies poorer-quality headphones, which can expose the ear to low-grade noise nuisance. Another issue with standard headphones is deliberate artificial amplification, where bass is inflated to give a more pronounced rhythm and energy. Critics point to an imbalance in high and low frequencies that also contribute to auditory fatigue, and some feel the amplified result is further from the original composition, causing a disconnect with the artist’s musical purpose. How to go about choosing your headphones? Comparing is key! Head to a store to try several different models, focusing on sound performance, sound identity and, of course, comfort!