Bob Barrett

1 month ago | futureaudiophile.com | Bob Barrett

Reading Time: 11 minutesAlta Audio’s Alyssa stand-mount loudspeaker is a two-way design with a dynamic midrange/woofer and ribbon tweeter. At first blush, that sounds like a pretty typical setup for a stand-mount speaker. But there is so much more going on here: a combination of technologies implemented behind the scenes that is unique to Alta Audio. I’ll get to the specifics of those technologies in a bit.

Oct 29, 2024 | futureaudiophile.com | Bob Barrett

Reading Time: 11 minutesThe Alec loudspeaker, by boutique audiophile speaker company Alta Audio, is a two-way floorstanding model with rather unique technology incorporated. If you haven’t heard of Alta Audio before, you are like me. Our publisher, Jerry Del Colliano, sent me some information about the speaker and asked if I’d be interested in possibly reviewing a pair. After some quick research, I was definitely intrigued.

Jun 12, 2024 | futureaudiophile.com | Bob Barrett

Reading Time: 12 minutesLet’s face it, not every audiophile has the room or desire for separate components for their electronics. The HiFi Rose RA180 integrated amplifier (buy at Crutchfield) was built specifically for this group of audiophiles who prefer a one-box approach, but also don’t want to sacrifice sound quality at the expense of simplicity.

Nov 19, 2023 | australiangeographic.com.au | Bob Barrett

The western side of the Blue Mountains seems a world away from inner Sydney. But, in fact, it is not only closer than you think, but is the location of one of the staple short bikepacking trips out of Sydney: the Lithgow to Newnes loop. Within driving distance from the centre of town and covering just over 100km over two days – roughly 50kays out; 50 kays back – it sounded simple when I suggested it to Aus Geo ADVENTURE’s gravel bike-riding former Creative Director, Mike Ellott.

Aug 22, 2023 | futureaudiophile.com | Bob Barrett

Reading Time: 8 minutesThe Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3 floorstanding speaker ($7,000 per pair) represents the company’s latest take on the largest model in their 700 series line, which resides just below their reference 800 series. In between its predecessor the 702 S2 and this latest version, Bowers & Wilkins also introduced an upgraded, limited-edition version of the 702 S2 known as the 702 Signature. I am very familiar with both the 702 S2 and the 702 Signature having reviewed both versions.