Marco is an Italian music producer, record label owner, and lifelong audiophile with a deep passion for high-fidelity sound and audio engineering. His journey into music began early, experimenting with his parents' hi-fi systems and vinyl collection before eventually picking up an instrument. Over the years, his fascination with sound reproduction, recording technology, and the pursuit of sonic perfection led him to explore both music production and the intricacies of high-end audio systems.
Marco studied Music Business at the London School of Sound, where he deepened his knowledge of studio recording, audio equipment, and the science of sound design. Over time, his interest in high-quality sound reproduction extended beyond the studio into the world of hi-fi and immersive home audio.
He is the founder of Naviar Records, an experimental music label and online community exploring the connection between electronic music and traditional Japanese poetry. Since its inception in 2014, Naviar has fostered a global network of artists, publishing music, organizing events, and hosting The Naviar Haiku Fest, a cross-artform day of workshops, talks, and live performances focused on experimental music and haiku. His work has been covered in publications such as Electronic Sound and Cyclic Defrost.
Beyond music production, Marco is an avid audiophile with over 15 years of experience testing and refining hi-fi and home audio setups. His passion for sound engineering and high-fidelity reproduction has led him to analyze everything from speakers to DACs, amplifiers, and headphones. He is particularly drawn to vinyl playback, meticulously curating his vast record collection and refining turntable setups to extract the best possible sound from analog recordings. Whether he's evaluating the clarity of bookshelf speakers, comparing audio formats, or optimizing soundstage depth, his focus is always on achieving the most natural and immersive listening experience possible.
At Aphrodite Sound, Marco shares his hands-on expertise in audiophile gear, helping both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts navigate the world of high-end audio without falling for marketing hype. His mission is to make high-fidelity sound accessible to all, ensuring that music lovers can elevate their listening experience with real, tangible improvements rather than gimmicks.
Outside of his work with Naviar Records and Aphrodite Sound, Marco also writes for Sound of Life, Higher Hz, and various music magazines and blogs worldwide. Under the moniker Cryxuss, he creates ambient electronic music, and he continues to explore the intersection of music, technology, and sound as an art form. When he's not producing music or testing new audio equipment, he performs as a drummer in the psychedelic rock band Aktopasa.
Headphone cables might be one of the most controversial topics in the world of audio fidelity. Do they actually affect the way your headphones sound? It’s surprising how polarizing this discussion can be among long-time audiophiles, and at least in my experience, people tend to hold on to their opinions, no matter what proof you have for one side or the other.
Whether you’re building a home theater or upgrading your listening room, choosing the right speakers for your needs is the most critical decision you’ll have to make, one that’ll either enhance or undermine the quality of reproduced audio.
The range of audio cable types and connectors is extensive, with each serving a specific function in home audio, professional studios, and live sound setups. Selecting the right cable is not just a matter of compatibility – it directly impacts signal integrity, sound quality, and equipment performance.
In the digital era we live in, vinyl records are not just surviving; they’re thriving! For many, the allure of vinyl lies in its tangible nature: the ritual of dropping the needle and the rich, analog sound that many audiophiles love is something no digital format can quite replicate.
Whether you’re upgrading your sound system or setting up new speakers, choosing the right cables is a small but important step. While wires won’t enhance sound beyond what your system can deliver, high-quality speaker cables can minimize signal loss, helping you get the best performance from your gear with minimal investment of time and money.
Powered speakers are a great solution for those who want to enjoy music with a setup that’s compact and ready to play tunes from any source.
Replacing a phono cartridge is the quickest, least invasive, and often, cheapest way to upgrade your sound system. So before you replace your turntable, speakers, or preamp, check out our list of the best phono cartridges that can revolutionize your listening experience.
If you’re not happy with the way your music sounds on Spotify, the platform’s EQ settings offer a quick fix to fine-tune your sound, without spending a dime on headphones or other listening gear.
Let’s take a look at the best EQ settings offered by Spotify, and identify how you can find the one that can take your listening experience to the next level.
Last month, I had the chance to test out a listening room of a Sonus Faber aficionado for the first time. Being born and raised not far from Arcugnano, Italy, where the company started in the 80s, I’ve always been proud of this little gem of design and audio fidelity that’s a household name in the audiophile world.
If you thought you couldn’t listen to all the intricacies of hi-definition music while on your way to work, these audiophile-grade earbuds will make you think again.