Esoteric’s N-05XE and S-05XE combine flagship DAC, streaming, balanced preamp, serious headphone amp, and Class A power—but at $26,500, is this the most future-proof “affordable” reference system?

USA Luger Sophia Kirkby fancies herself “the MiCo ‘26 pin trading queen.” What started as an outlet for her grief blossomed into a dutiful enterprise.

This is actually made with prunes in Greece. I do that version in the autumn and winter and apricots for when spring comes.

You'll never look at a humble safety pin the same way again ...