Leslie Shapiro

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Grace NotesAudio Video News
And the Grammy Doesn't Go To...
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jul 02, 2018
Along with a few other changes in categories, the Recording Academy just announced that Surround Sound is out, Immersive Audio is in.

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Grace Notes
Apple Nixed Your Headphone Jack? The HRT i-dSp Has Your Back
Leslie Shapiro  |  Sep 12, 2016
As we predicted, Apple just released the iPhone 7 and it’s missing one critical component for audiophiles—a headphone jack. Luckily, HRT (High Resolution Technologies) also just released the i-dSp digital sound processor to let Apple users continue to use wired headphones.

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Grace NotesAudio Video News
Apple TV Rocks Beats Music
Leslie Shapiro  |  Sep 22, 2014
While all the Apple Kool-Aid drinkers could talk about last week was the new iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, an interesting tidbit of news was mostly overlooked, but we feel it’s rather exciting. (Is it just me, or is it really hard to get all that thrilled about yet another iPhone launch?) Along with a sleek new interface for the set-top box, Apple TV has added Beats Music streaming.

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Portable Player ReviewsGrace Notes
Apple's New iPod touch: In 2015, Does Anybody Really Care?
Leslie Shapiro  |  Aug 03, 2015
Apple has just released the 6th generation version of the iPod touch, with up to 128GB of built-in memory and the same A8 processor as the iPhone 6. It’s a gorgeous device with a 4-inch Retina display, all sleek and shiny and desperately trying to fit in. The question is: in 2015, with nearly 65% of Americans owning a smartphone, who needs it?

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Grace NotesAudio Video News
Apple’s Buyout of Beats for Billions: Is Music Still Alive?
Leslie Shapiro  |  May 12, 2014
Any second now, confirmation is expected on Apple’s buyout of Beats Music for a reported $3.2 billion. That’s billion with a “b”. There’s no doubt that Beats is a valuable commodity. They did for headphones what Nike’s Air Jordans did for sneakers: No one cares if they’re the best product, they just care if it’s got the right logo. Is this a smart business move for Apple? Frankly, I don’t give a damn.

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Integrated Amp ReviewsStreaming Device Reviews
Arcam A25 and ST5 Stereo System Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Mar 06, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE Arcam ST5 Streamer ($799) and A25 Integrated Amp ($1,499): $2,298 (as tested)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Gorgeous matching components
Streamlined integration
Excellent sound quality
Minus
Identical remotes
App lacks direct access to Tidal and Spotify

THE VERDICT
Combining a streaming media player and amplifier eliminates all excuses to use anything else to play music. You can add the speakers you prefer for the music you enjoy with seamless access to Tidal, Spotify, UPnP, and a USB drive powered by a 100 Wpc amplifier. What a winning combination!

Come on and admit it. Most of the time, when you stream your favorite playlist from Spotify or Tidal, you just toss it to the nearest little Bluetooth speaker you have. Or heaven forbid, just listen to it on your phone. Oh, the humanity.

While getting access to infinitely massive libraries of streaming music has become amazingly easy, listening to that music on a high-quality system still seems to be elusive. However, pairing the new Arcam A25 integrated amplifier with the also-new Arcam ST5 streaming media receiver makes it effortless to get your music from the cloud out to your oft-neglected stereo speakers.

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Grace NotesCES 2015
ARCHT One Creates an Immersive Arc of Sound
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 06, 2015
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, ARCHT (pronounced "arc") is taking pre-orders on the ARCHT One, a single device with a patented sound array and iOS sound optimization program that creates an omnidirectional, room-filling sound.

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CES 2017Grace Notes
Ashley Chloé Fuse Earphones Wins 2017 CES Innovation Award
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 08, 2017
Ashley Chloé, a San-Fran-based technology company, combines form and fashion in the Fuse Wireless Earbuds. The Fuse are completely wireless, and come with a variety of different carrying and charging options for fashion-forward convenience.

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CES 2016Grace Notes
Audeze SINE Headphones: Future-proof with Planar Magnetics and Apple Lightning Connections
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 05, 2016
High-end headphone manufacturer Audeze is launching the SINE, a new headphone utilizing planar magnetic technology for a pure, accurate sound.

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CES 2015
Audio-Technica Gets Fit With New SonicSport Lineup
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 08, 2015
It seems that every single company is coming out with a new fitness product. Fit is in - who knew? Audio-Technica has had an impressive selection in the past, but these new SonicSport earphones are certainly up for a long day at the gym, track or in the saddle.

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