My Current HiFi System 2026 – Updated January 1st 2026
Audio has been in my life since I was a kid. I started listening to my mom’s records at age 9 on a portable all in one crappy turntable. I bought my first “system” at 15-16 and every week I would buy a new album. I would listen to that album all week until it was time for the next purchase or sometimes wear out the grooves! I still own some of those original albums today though they do not get played anymore. These days I am 100% into digital streaming as this brings millions of tracks right to the fingertips and the sound can be unreal with the right setup.
I get emails from time to time asking me what the state of my system is. It has changed often, usually every few months in the past as I get new pieces in that I fall for. I am a HiFi addict after all, lol. Just because I change a piece doesn’t mean what I had before is bad or no longer loved, I just like to keep things fresh for the videos and to experience as much as I can. I do this to learn, to compare and to understand what makes some gear cost as much as it does.
Lucky for me my wife is into this as well. While I listen daily, she sits with me on the weekends and we both enjoy it. Here we are on our way to my mothers house on Christmas Day 2025. Fun Fact, my wife and I met in kindergarten and went to grade school together. Now in our upper 50’s we enjoy the simple things in life above all else.
This is my current system going into 2026:
Main Reference Speakers Stand Mount
SPEAKER #1 – T+A Talis R330 in Silver – Full Range Stand Mount made in Germany.
These are PURE REFERENCE Speakers for small to mid sized rooms. I do prefer these to the Helios below in some ways because they do it all from treble sparkle and refinement to deep low bass that is tight, controlled and well, amazing. It defies logic what these can do in the bass dept and it is a quality bass that is textured and well, just incredible. These sooth my soul on those nights when I want a bit of warmth, a smooth sound but supreme detail. T+A makes Talis models in larger sizes as well for larger rooms but there is always something about a small two way that does magic in the right space.
I have always had a love for a small traditional well done two way speaker and these from T+A, while small compared to some others, sound as big as my large floor standers in every way from soundstage to impact with bass. In my 13X18 space of course. The bass on the R330 is simply incredible and competes with the best 2 way speakers I have heard in the high end $10-$20k area. The treble is sweet, airy and never overdone. The midrange has richness and beauty as well as some soul. Some warmth and richness that is palpable. The bass, as I have said already is just incredible. Couldn’t want for more in a speaker of this size and while expensive at $10,900 you do get what you pay for with this German made speaker.
These are not hard to drive and I have ran them with a Billie MK3 ($3k), a T+A Dazzle ($8500), a 10 WPC Oilily 300B ($1299) and a Galion A75 ($1500) and all powered them with ease and beauty but the Dazzle topped the list. The R330 are end game under $15k for a small stand mount and no sub is needed at all in my 13X18 room.
These are just superb speakers from pedigree, design, build and materials and sound. For those who want to step up their sound to the high end while keeping things small and easy to manage. My #1 for 2026 and I have a silver set on the way for my personal enjoyment. They are that good.
Pros: Gorgeous and so solid in build – all aluminum enclosure – all drivers and parts made in house by T+A in Germany – big sound – huge deep and controlled bass – these sound like big towers in the right room – great for small to mid large rooms – not so hard to drive but love some power – sweet sound, smooth but extended treble, some warmth in the mids yet every detail is exposed. Punchy when need be, sweet when need be, intense when need be. Just amazing sound. Full bodied and so pleasant to listen to.
Cons: No cons here really as these are as complete as it gets and sound massive for their size. Price is high but these are German made and very premium.
Posted a bunch of first looks and sound samples at my instagram @hifihuffofficial
Review to come by Feb 2026 – still waiting for the silver to show up to showcase both.
SPEAKERS #2 – Fleetwood Helios – Audio art made in the USA.
This $4940 made in the USA speaker is functional art and what a sound these have. Made from 1″ This PA solid OAK that has been torrefied for stability and the color you see here is not stain, but rather it comes from the cooking of the woods. No other speaker maker does this as it for sure raises the cost of creating it. The performance here is so good when it comes to being huge in scale, soundstage width, height and depth and the imaging and soundstage is also quite surreal. The midrange is magic, the treble is extended and open yet quite smooth. Realism in the mids. Very immersive and spatial presentation and in fact, some of the best I have had here in this regard.
These will never shout at you but will instead give you an immersive soul stirring listening session within the right setup. Immersion is top tier when set up away from walls a bit, a bit wide apart and allowing them to breath. Low volume listening is special as well.
These are not like the T+A R330 above but rather quite different. As for Bass these are very good for the size but will not do deep bass (as in down to the 20’s or 30’s) and they are not “fat” or “juicy” in the mids either but rather about bringing you all of the information within a recording in a human and beautiful way. For those who do want a sub and some of that reinforcement from the bottom up Fleetwood offer the perfect match at their website in the Fundamental sub. You can see a three song sound well recorded demo in my members area at YouTube HERE with no sub. These sound better to me in some ways vs the T+A especially for immersion and space. Voices greet you, instruments are focused and separated very well and again, come out in the deep and tall stage.
They like to be placed wide apart, slight toe in and love powerful amps, tube amps and an amp with some warmth behind it will plump them up a bit. I sit 8 feet from them and they are about 8 feet apart. There is magic in these boxes.
Pros: Gorgeous unique design and super solid in build – Real 1″ PA Oak for construction vs veneer or pressed wood – uses a pro audio 5″ coaxial driver that sounds haunting at times – big sound – massive scale and soundstage in depth, width and height – organic and uber real in sound with vocals – artists are there with you as they project a bit out from the stage – great for small to mid sized rooms – not so hard to drive but love some power – Immersive as it gets along with being soul stirring – World class in midrange performance.
Cons: There is only one for me as these do not do low bass down in to the 20’s or 30’s. Rather, these go down into the upper 40’s-50’s yet sound somewhat full deepening on amp used, tubes more so vs solid state. I love them as is in my 13X18 room as there is magic here to be found but I also realize they are not quite full range when it comes to the deep bass. Stands are optional and you have three to choose from but these cost extra. I chose the floor stands. With stands these are more in the mid $6k range.
Posted a bunch of first looks and quick sound samples at my instagram @hifihuffofficial
Buy these or see more info at Fleetwood Sound
SPEAKERS #3 – One more may be added here that is a lower cost mid size offering but awesome reference in its price range. Stay tuned.
Analog Integrated Amp – The Vinshine/Kinki DAZZLE – HiFi Huff Product of the Year 2025
This is a collab effort from Vinshine Audio and Kinki Studios and this my friends is the definition of a flagship analog integrated amp. It hangs with the best from the big names yet costs way less than those do. This integrated features things that most other brands never even think about such as including high end cryogenic treated fuses, cryogenic treated power inlet, insane construction and quality with gold plated PCB’s, vibration draining feet, a short and direct path from preamp to amp, a total of eight power supplies, dual 800w matched toroidal transformers (1600 watts of instant power on tap), dead silent operation, the all new SSCLD module for ultra wide bandwidth, dynamic range and virtually no distortion.
There is much more such as internal flame cabling, ShoonTH binding posts and the ability to drive any speaker made by man. It also plays well with easy to drive speakers. I have tested the Dazzle with five sets of speakers ranging from 82DB to 98DB efficient. Each time I was blown away by either the raw power on tap or the delicacy to which the Dazzle can perform. The sound is big, bold, powerful with an effortless flow. It is detailed, punchy and dense, with body, a bit of warmth and this makes it detailed, open and musical. The Dazzle comes with world class bass performance. Just a sublime analog integrated amp.
Pros: Amazing what you get for the price compared to other brands – insane power on tap to drive any speaker – effortless vibe and sound – after a 100 hour burn in this amp became even more refined, sweet and now has some warmth as well. As musical as it is the Dazzle can also be enlightening with a superb detail retrieval and treble extension, though it’s smooth as well. So quiet, noise and buzz free 100% – Immersive listening – first watts are Class A – big easy to read display and all metal remote – Bass is powerful but super controlled and tuneful. Truly the finest all analog integrated amp I have had in here for sound and build sits with the big guns – feels and sounds like a pricey Swiss amp – Runs warm, never gets hot.
Cons: For some, made in China will be a con at $8500 USD but this is as good as it gets in build and parts – would be cooler with a more exciting display – Heavy so not as easy lift – will take 3-4 weeks to get when you order as each on is built to order it seems. Give it a couple of weeks to burn in as it does make a difference with the Dazzle. Also, this is not a truly balanced amp so the RCA ins will sound much better than XLR here. With XLR the sound was more muted and soft for me. RCA in is incredible. Would have been cool to have a sub out or to be able to use it as an amp only with a tubed preamp.
You can see more info on the Dazzle HERE.
PreAmp – Galion Navy – Affordable but Awesome
This is a fantastic tube preamp from Galion. A step above the P75 for detail and sounds more “audiophile”. This one is dead quiet, rich in sound, brings tube flavor yet is detailed and brings along more refinement.
I have tested this with various amps and even the Dazzle above which worked out quite well, adding more air and some tube flavor. This is a high end preamp yes costs less than most it competes with. This doesn’t sound like a $10k preamp but it does compete well with $5k preamps, maybe a bit more. A brand new Navy will cost you much less than that. I will keep it around to test amps with when they come in for review.
Pros: Super preamp for what it costs – nice airy sound with great detail retrieval and huge bass performance – quiet and noise free – brings tube flavor to the system – all metal remote – easy to set up and seems very reliable and solid in build.
Cons – Has very high gain so just a little on the volume would do it, I would have liked to have seen it with a but of lower gain, but not too low. That’s it! This is a great preamp at a great price.
Streamer – Matrix NT1 Streaming Transport
Received this for review and it is fantastic! I will explain why in my review in February 2025. I knew and said I would replace the T8 when something came along that mated to this system perfectly, and here it is ; ) A more refined, sweeter, smoother yet still detailed sound than the T8 with better design and looks as well. External clock in as well so I use it with the SW10 Pro with great results but the internal clock here is excellent as well. Simple, no fluff, made for all out sound quality and the design and build is lightweight and yet very lovely. Lots to discuss about why this one is so good, so will do this in my review soon. Also will compare against the Eversolo T8, which is also excellent and costs $2600 less. There are differences inside and out but my main focus is always on performance, app and sound when it comes to a streamer.
See this on the Matrix Website HERE
Site Sponsor Dedicated Audio also offers the Matrix NT1
DAC – The Audio Mirror Wave TUBE DAC
The Audio Mirror WAVE TUBE DAC is a pure reference flagship from the US brand Audio Mirror. I had no idea what to expect but this DAC sits with the heavyweights that cost much more, I mean much more. Yea, this one is not cheap or affordable at $22k but if you have a very high end system and are looking at those $50-$100k DACS (yea that’s a thing) it would be a mistake to NOT audition the WAVE as it may save you tens of thousands of dollars if you enjoy what it does.
Big props to Vlad over at Audio Mirror has this one has left me super impressed. Again, never heard another DAC do quite what this one does in my system. It’s not slight either. Audio Mirror also sells lower cost DAC options and their Tubadour line is very highly praised and starts at $5k. I love this DAC and in my review I stated I would manifest a way to allow this DAC to stay. By putting this here, I am doing just that (trying to). It is still here and I am planing for it to stay for 2026. We will see.
Audio Mirror has left me very impressed and when you have the Wave Tube DAC in system you will finally be satisfied with your digital full stop but then again, not all of you have the same likes as I do when it comes to sound. I know I cannot get “better” for this kind of price or less, I tried. Different, sure. The Wave delivers what I love. Immersion, rich details, precise but sweet imaging with depth and I can go on and on. This piece has created some “OMG” moments in my space when listening. Yes, there are many great DACs that cost much less but for those seeking this sound, I have not heard its equivalent yet.
Pros: It does bring the detail out in such a an incredible way – nice looking design – solid build – nice metal remote included -iso acoustics feet – easy/simple to use – USB in sounds best but Coax is also nice when using a great streamer and clock – magical sound in the right setup – huge soundstage – body with each sound/instrument/voice – very 3D but has some meat on the bones as well as being clean, clear and open – just has a huge sound – instruments can jet out and be larger than life. Not fat nor lean but sits in the middle.
Cons: Price is $22k and it does take a good 30 minutes to start sounding its all out best.
NETWORK SWITCH for Streaming Improvement – Vinshine SW10 PRO
I wasn’t sure about adding this but so glad I did as it truly does what it says it does. It has improved my streaming quality with an enhanced soundstage and depth. When I take it out, I hear the difference and I have taken it in and out three times now as I was going to offload it. Why? I had a hard time believing this could do anything. After countless tests I have concluded I must keep it in as it does indeed improve my streaming.
Also, the clock in this is excellent. Going into the Matrix NT1 streamer clock input things changed ever s0 slightly with a small amount of improvement in detail, refinement, bass and it just all out sounded better using the coax out of the NT-1. This is a fantastic piece for any high end streaming setup. I’d recommend this for those with revealing systems and higher end setups only as not all setups will benefit here. This also features SFP, of which I have not tested just yet. Just using normal ethernet with audioquest cinnamon cables improves things with less grit, wider and deeper stage and even smoothness vs without the SW 10 Pro.
It comes in at around $2k USD (the Vinshine site shows Singapore dollars price) and well worth it for those who want to make their streaming the best it can be. With this, the Matrix streamer and the Audio Mirror Wave DAC, I have never heard better steaming. See the reviews at the Vinshine site from real owners for more reports.
There are many switches out there but this one is built so well with three isolated zones and I love what it does.
You must check out the info here to see all it has and all it can do.
POWER CONDITIONER – Puritan Audio PSM 156 NFR + GroundMaster City Ultra
This replaced the awesome Vinshine Audio Tai Hang power conditioner for two reasons but will be my power conditioner going forward. This setup is pure gold for your power conditioning needs and is recommended for revealing systems where it will show it’s worth quickly, and it does. Yes, this is a thing…revealing systems allowing you to hear things such as cable changes, power changes and keeping your system sounding the same 24/7 without changes to the sound.
In regards as to why this is replacing the Tai Hang…
#1 it has two more outlets (that are better) than the Tai Hang, and I needed them. Sure, I could have bought another Tai Hang as they are priced very right but when I heard the new PSM 156 NFR with its upgraded premium Furutech GTX series connectors (and the upgraded Ultimate cable it comes with) I was hooked instantly and this wasn’t even on my radar. Again, I thought “how could this be an improvement over the standard 156”?
Well t is and I feel this is one of the finest power conditioners you can buy. One guy who posted online replaced his big time money Shunyata Everest with this and has no regrets. It’s that good and sort of a small secret within the audio community. One of those “if you know, you know” kind of things. BUT again, I cannot say if you will think the same as I do as audio is so personal. I am just giving my experience.
#2 With the new Groundmaster City Ultra added, the performance is stunning (and I prefer it to the stand alone ground master). It has cleaned up my electricity so well, even better than any of the big names I had before. I hear instruments and voices easier now, as the system has taken on an even more effortless flow. Zero noise, grunge, buzz or hums at all. This dual setup costs a lot but power is the foundation of our systems and so many disregard it. Then again, not everyone may need a power conditioner, but some will absolutely hear the benefits with ease.
I feel almost any great system can benefit from one though and JaguarAudio allows for a trial period with this piece. Check ’em out. BTW, I have been using Puritan Ultimate power cables in my system for years now and have several. These are my go to PC’s and all I will use. The Puritan does “sound” different from the “Tai Hang”. The Puritan is more about cleaning it all up and details pop, shine and are easier heard, so this will not make your sound warmer or fuller. Bass tightens up and gets more tuneful. The Tai Hang is smoother in my setup, brings a slight smoothness over the treble, which is nice with some speakers or setups as well. Why this happens I have no idea, but it’s easy as pie to hear.
My system never sounded so deader than black quiet, nor has it ever been as revealing. I mean this in only the best way.
With this said…
I would recommend this Puritan 156 NFR for high end revealing systems, and the Tai Hang or standard PSM 156 for mostly everyone else. These are the only two power products I recommend at this time, period.
This one is a level up from the standard 156 and offers a bit more solidity while still making everything sound clear and clean with a slightly expanded soundstage and it is noticeable and easy to hear. I had zero intention to move from the TaiHang but this one did it for me. No it’s not aesthetically as pleasing as any of the others (or the Tai Hang) but for me, these things stay hidden anyway. I did kind of go overboard here (for me) as do love the Tai Hang as well.
This piece will also ensure your system sounds the same every day, every hour. No more variances in sound.
Pros: Excellent performance that surpasses even more costly designs – inanely great quality fururtech plugs that are solid and hold well – comes with new Ultimate cable with Furutech connections – truly eliminates noise and DC on the line for a surgically silent background, which means more detail will be heard – meant for high end systems and it does what it says it does. This one elevated my system indeed and it was not small. Bass gets more defined and when all boise, grit, grunge is removed it lifts a veil of sorts. This means larger stage wider stage and more depth to the music.
Cons: Seems crazy to spend this much on a power conditioner – not the best looking thing (I keep it hidden). It may expand the details to where you feel treble is lifted but for me, it doesn’t brighten things up at all, just cleans out the grunge on my line, and I seem to have quite bit of it on my lines.
You can get this from Jaguar Audio HERE.
CABLES
NORDOST VALHALLA SPEAKER CABLES
I have been using Valhalla speakers cables for over a decade and while I have strayed away from them over the years it wasn’t for long. I always come back to them, even after comparing with many other brands. I even prefer the original Valhalla to the V2 version and lately these OG have surged in price on the used market. I have just never found a speaker cable that does what these can do for the price of a set on the used market which is around $3k vs the $13k that they originally cost. The air, the detail. the richness and bass is all here and even when I go to copper for a while I hear more grunge, more grit…and the Valhalla always cures it. Crazy to me that some think cables do not matter in high end systems. Well, they only matter if you want that extra bit of performance but sure, even $20 cables will sound good. The Valhalla bring magic. The closest you can get these new is the Nordost Tyr 2 line as they are very similar.
PURITAN AUDIO ULTIMATE POWER CABLES
I exclusively use Puritan Audio Utimate power cables for all of the gear above and have for 3 years now. They are awesome in all ways but I love that they are floppy and can be routed so easily. I own three 1 Meter cables and two 3 Meter cables and will always use them for as long as I have a system. I found my power cable and no longer look for better or different. I am not a fan of the big thick unruly cables, and yea, I tried many of them over the years.
Jaguar Audio sells these Cables HERE
Also in house are the Virtual HiFi Vipers (see them here), Wiim Ultra streamer/DAC (see it here). I also have some Buchardt E50’s (see here) and the all in one masterpiece Devialet Astra is also still here (review).