Souvenir Show Guide 2019 2019 UK HI-FI SHOW LIVE FLOOR PLAN
NEED TO KNOW Panoramic 655-657 Vintage 649-650 Headphone 613-614 615 638 641-642 643-644 LEVEL 6 617-618 627 628-630 631 637- The Ascot Grandstand: Zone Free car parking is provided in Ascot Car Core A o Core D Park N 3, opposite the Grandstand on Ascot Core B Core C High Street. Visitors may enter the UK Hi-Fi Show Live via Ascot Ticket 502 503 Office East (also on the 505 506 538 539 High Street) and access 535 536 537 532 533 534 528 529 530 531 the Grandstand 523 526 527 On5 Suite 512 513 Concourse between LEVEL 5 Absolute Sounds Cores B and C, following the guides and flags. Core A Core D Getting around: Elevators to all floors are Core C available within the Cores, and escalators to Levels 2 and 4 are 401-402 accessible immediately 408 409 upon entry to the Frankel Bar 437-439 Live music, 432 435-436 Concourse. A network of vinyl and hi-res music sales 424 425 LEVEL 4 stairs and escalators allows swift access to Galleria below every corner of this Core A sweeping venue. Horsewalk Restaurant Core D Core B Core C Using the Guide: Manufacturers (brands)
301-302 are listed 308-310 alphabetically in 313 314 353-354 this Show Guide and their location
329 333-335 pin-pointed by the 316-318 323 325-326 LEVEL 3 suite number(s), the floor level and closest Core A Core within the Ascot Core D Grandstand. The hosting brand, or distributor, and Core C suite number(s), will be indicated at the entry to each suite/demo space. If
260-261 in doubt, look out for the 254 251 253 iconic Ascot ‘Bowler Hats’ Windsor Forest 248 249 Press Room 242-244 234-235 who are stationed on 228 230-231 No1 Box Ascot Authority 224-225 227 every Level! LEVEL 2 Galleria below Core A Restaurants: The Core D Horsewalk Restaurant is situated between Cores A Core B Parade Ring Suite– Padood Core C and B on Level 4. Indulge your appetite while soaking up the spectacular views, and don’t forget our music browsing area, opposite. Escalators to Escalators to Levels 2 & 4 Levels 2 & 4 Toilets: Are located Stairs & Stairs & CONCOURSE alongside the Cores on Elevators Elevators CONCOURSE every level of the Ascot Grandstand
UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 Entrance 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide Core B Core C “It’s easilyeasily tthehe bbestest DAC I’ve ever hheardeard in my system, mamakingking digitalldigitally-recordedy-recorded musimusicc sousoundnd betterbetter thathann I’vI’vee eeverver hheardeard itit”” VadeVade FForresterorrester – TheThe AAbsolutebsolute SounSoundd PioneeringPioneering wworldorld class audio pproductsroducts
40 years in the making, PS Audio's DirectStreamPS Audio DAC with invites... Yale OS upgrade. Existing and prospective customers to visit us in Room 613/614 to experience our Stellar range of exceptional audio products.
Welcome PS Audio's new BHK Listening to music is one of life’s great pleasures and the very best hi-fi Signature stereo & equipment aspires to make that experience as real and compelling as possible. The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019, the UK’s largest speciality high-end audio event, monoblock amplifiers is organised by the expert team behind Hi-Fi News & Record Review magazine and aims to combine as many of these experiences together under the one PS Audio welcomes you to The Hi-Fi Show at the Beaumont Estate very spectacular roof of the Ascot Grandstand. The world’s finest separates are on 24/25 of October. Come and visit us in Sandringham Suite 7 where we look forward to providing you with a demonstration of on demonstration at The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019, so whether you prefer your PS Audio's products, including the DirectStream DAC and the new music streamed from a server or spun from a vinyl LP, we aim to tempt every HiFimanBHK Signature amplifiers. welcomes If you would like to hearyou your CDto or visit Room 615. enthusiast with the cream of all product genres. digital music in pure single bit DSD via the DirectStream DAC Comeplease do and bring your immerse music with youyourself and hear for in yourself our why full range of headphones In between the exclusive listening sessions, interactive workshops and special this product is a game changer. & headphone amplifiers. guest presentations [see p14], why not take a break at the Horsewalk Restaurant & Frankel coffee bar on Level 4 before browsing the music on sale It’s time to rediscover your music collection. and comparing notes with fellow enthusiasts, including HFN contributors! Paul Miller – UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019 Organiser
HFS Guide_v10_PFPMSP.indd 10 15/10/13 12:30:56 International media supporters of The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
Distributed by Signature Audio Systems | 07738 007776 | www.psaudio.com 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 3 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
benefits of an advanced preamp with the power integrated amplifier has to offer as it will always headphones. With a plethora of patented loudspeakers for over 30 years. Its designs are The N10 uses digital audio outputs for A of a processor, including a leading-edge DAC, be optimised for its surroundings. technologies including ultra-thin film drivers, produced using a long and intensive process superior audio transmission with near universal onboard Anthem Room Correction (ARC fluxor magnets, uniforce diaphragms and Fazor that sees them subjected to hundreds of compatibility, while the N100 complements ACOUSTIC SOLID Genesis), customisable bass manager for mono waveguides, it produces headphones costing listening tests and the latest range to benefit existing system components and will replace an Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) or stereo sub outs and MM/MC phono stage. ARTESANIA up to £4000 that many consider to be the best from this approach is the Midex series. ageing computer, storing your music on its Web: acoustic-solid.com This is partnered by the STR power amp which Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) in the world. Due to their excellent imaging, Delivering unrivalled sound quality with any internal hard drive. Enjoy more time listening to Acoustic Solid has been designing and building delivers 400W/8ohm, 600W/4ohm and a full Web: artesaniaaudio.com lightning fast transient response and kind of music and in any room, they look good your music, with much less fuss. its world-class turntables in Altdorf, Germany, 800W/2ohm. Driving Paradigm’s hybrid Persona Artesania Audio is the high-end rack company transparency, they have also become a too, coming in a choice of high-gloss wood and since 1997. Using advanced materials such as 9H floorstanding speakers, this system delivers – its equipment supports are engineered like must-have tool for audio engineers working in colour finishes. Teflon, ceramic and ruby, it has succeeded in a true no-holds-barred performance. nothing else on the market. The company’s the world’s best studios. AVANTGARDE ACOUSTIC setting new standards in turntable bearing Classic Line delivers unparalleled construction Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) technology. Spinning the tunes in the room will and performance, while the new Organic Line AUDIOQUEST Web: avantgarde-acoustic.de be its stunning Wood Round MPX turntable. ANTIPODES AUDIO provides a more flexible approach that can AUDIA FLIGHT Suite: 301-302 (Level 3, Core A) Avantgarde thrives on the philosophy of ‘purity This latest design sports a striking 60mm-thick Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) adapt in line with its owner’s requirements, and Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) Web: audioquest.com meets performance’ to ensure that every horn aluminium platter topped by a leather mat Web: antipodes.audio is available in a range of colours and finishes to Web: audia.it This year AudioQuest will be taking a trip down loudspeaker it produces is of an exceptional allied to a 100mm-thick real wood veneered Antipodes Audio has been designing high-end satisfy any architect or interior designer. Both Founded in 1996 by Massimiliano Marzi and memory lane and conducting a brief history of standard. A family-owned company, its chassis. Fitted with a modified Rega tonearm music servers since 2009 and launched its first lines are on demonstration at the show, in the Andrea Nardini, Audia Flight designs and speaker cables… in the 1960s and 1970s products are designed for music lovers looking and Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge, it makes music server for worldwide distribution in 2011. Magico and Wilson Audio listening zones. manufactures the finest home audio separates, off-the-shelf lighting flex was typically used as to combine stunning sound with a powerful for a visual as well as musical treat. The company is the creator of the highly Artesania Audio products are brought to the all handcrafted at its facility in the town of speaker cable. The 1970s and 1980s saw that design statement. The Uno is a popular respected Antipodes CX+EX Solution – the UK by Absolute Sounds – distributor of the Civitavecchia, near the Mediterranean Sea. Its change, as new ideas, technologies and compact speaker that will enthral. It will fit into ultimate music server system. This outstanding world’s finest audio equipment and composer acclaimed range of amplifiers includes the approaches to the ‘problem’ of loudspeaker any living room and boasts an active sealed AESTHETIX combination sees the CX dedicated to running of extraordinary sonic experiences. tried-and-trusted Classic Series, the Three S cables burgeoned. bass module able to generate a wide and deep Suite: 353-354 (Level 3, Core D) only the server app with the EX running only the Series, the new FLS Series, and the flagship AudioQuest has been an ever-present part of soundstage. Then there’s the renowned Duo Web: aesthetix.net renderer app. The results are incredible, Strumento Series, with the Strumento No1 mk2 that journey, and during the UK Hi-Fi Show Live Mezzo that will touch all your emotions with its Californian boutique brand Aesthetix is producing a more vibrant, natural and ASTELL & KERN and No4 mk2 pre/power amp being awarded a we will be playing a selection of designs from full-range, effortless and totally open sound. If renowned for its very high performance, musically engaging sound. Come and hear the Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) coveted Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product award across the ages, allowing visitors to get a feel for you have not experienced horn technology valve-laden audio electronics, featuring fantastic CX Music Server in action! Web: astellnkern.com earlier this year. the journey that has inspired our newest before, this is an opportunity not to be missed. impressively overbuilt, advanced technology Astell & Kern is a market leader in the field of Another award recipient was the FLS10 designs – AudioQuest ZERO Technology. power supplies. Long favoured for its superb- portable audio products. Working at the Hi-Fi Balanced Stereo Integrated Amplifier, which sounding separates, in 2018 the company AQUA – ACOUSTIC QUALITY Show Live 2019 in partnership with UK-based earned a Hi-Fi News Highly Commended badge AVID HI-FI responded to its customers’ pleas and created Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) Hifonix, the specialist high-end audio retailer, in 2018. Now is your chance to hear this weighty AUDIO RESEARCH CORP Suites: 248, 249 (Level 2, Core D) its first integrated amplifier, the Mimas. Web: aquahifi.com several exciting new products will be debuted. integrated amplifier for yourself. Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Web: avidhifi.co.uk The Mimas enjoys trickledown tech from Founded in Milan, Italy, in 2010 by designer and These include the mighty Kann Cube portable Web: audioresearch.com Nothing improves without change and AVID has Aesthetix’s world-class Atlas power amp and CEO Cristian Anelli, Aqua arguably produces the music player, the flagship SP2000 and the Many have marvelled at the Reference 160M been going through a fantastic period of Calypso preamp. A Hi-Fi News Outstanding world’s finest DACs and CD transport. Its remarkable Layla Aion earphones. Meet the AUDIO ANALOGUE monoblock amplifier from Audio Research, change over recent years, growing from a Product, the Mimas is ‘a triumph’ said reviewer equipment isn’t subject to the whims of market experts and experience these fabulous Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) the American icon of valve-based audio. Ever manufacture of class-leading turntables to the Ken Kessler ‘and must be added to any shortlist fashion but is built to achieve true high-fidelity products first hand. Astell & Kern products will Web: audioanalogue.com since its introduction in 2018, people have very rarest of things, a hi-fi company that can of sub-£10k all-singing/all-dancing amps’. CEO sound with the aim of recreating the experience be available to purchase during the show Italian Audio Analogue has been in the business asked, ‘when is the stereo version coming?’ supply everything needed to put together the and chief designer Jim White will join us from of live music in your home. of handcrafting high-end audio electronics We’re pleased to announce, it’s finally here! very highest quality audio systems – ‘from the USA to share some of the ‘secrets’ behind With an eye to future-proofing, the company’s since 1996. In 2016 the company celebrated its The Reference 160S is equally resplendent, its needle to ear’. that highly coveted Aesthetix sound. products are modular in design and can be ATLAS CABLES twentieth anniversary with a brand new illuminated power meters sited within a large All AVID products are designed and updated to ensure that you will be enjoying Suites: 643-644 (Level 6, Core C) & Frankel Bar contemporary edition of its first ever product, glass window looking through to a full manufactured within our facilities in audio of the highest quality for decades to (Level 4, Core A-B) the hugely successful Puccini ‘zero feedback’ complement of KT150 valves. The Reference Huntingdon and we are delighted to be ALLUXITY come. So come and hear its Aqua Formula xHD Web: atlascables.com integrated amplifier. This was soon followed by 160S can be heard in the Wilson Audio exhibiting our SIGSUM and INTEGRA integrated Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) DAC, Aqua La Voce S3 Discrete DAC and Aqua La Scottish brand Atlas Cables, the engineering- another updated classic, the Maestro listening room. Other highlights at the show amplifiers and our new EVO loudspeakers, all Web: alluxity.dk Diva CD Transport. driven audio cable brand, will showcase its Anniversary, the brand’s flagship integrated include the new CD9SE and CD6SE CD player/ with an affordable price tag. Turntables on Formed by the son of Vitus Audio’s Hans-Ole latest analogue and digital interconnects – all model. Now in 2019, it’s the turn of the DACs and the magnificent Reference 10 demonstration will include our highly regarded Vitus, Alluxity brings a similar ethos of quality including its proprietary ‘Grun’ grounding company’s separates to get the ‘Anniversary’ preamplifier. Acutus and the Ingenium Plug&Play. and sound, but in a slimline format, offering a ARCAM system. Hear the difference between coaxial treatment with the new Bellini preamplifier and new choice in functionality and style. With very Suite: 627-631 (Level 6, Core C) and symmetrical analogue interconnects, Donizetti power amplifier – on demonstration clean lines and a 5in touch display, the Alluxity Web: arcam.co.uk single-ended vs. balanced cables, coaxial digital at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live. These brand editions AURENDER AYRE ACOUSTICS media player and pre/power amps are each Arcam exists to create products that deliver vs. USB and screened against unscreened may share a name with earlier originals, but in Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) machined from a solid block of aluminium, audio so lifelike that it connects listeners cables. New products debuted at the show will every other respect they are originals in their Web: aurender.com Web: ayre.com ensuring they look very purposeful. The directly to the emotional power of music. The include Zeno Grun Harmonic dual-balanced own right, featuring completely new designs Aurender produces some of the finest digital American brand Ayre Acoustics is recognised as interface enhances usability, offering status SA30 is the new flagship integrated amplifier headphone cables and Mavros Grun, Hyper and and technologies. audio components in the world. The A30 a world leader and its range of high- feedback in an easy-to-read manner. from its HDA product range. Designed around G Equator streaming Ethernet cables. operates as a server, streamer and DAC with performance audio products and systems sets Class amplification, it comes dressed in the functions such as CD ripping offered alongside new standards in innovation, design, and company’s latest livery and boasts an extensive AUDIO PHYSIC a headphone amp, 10TB of internal storage and performance (the audio circuitry of Neil Young’s ANTHEM features list, including wireless and custom AUDEZE Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) metadata editing and library management PonoPlayer was designed by engineers at Ayre). Suite: 505-506 (Level 5, Core A) install-friendly technologies. The inclusion of Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) Web: audiophysic.com tools. Meanwhile, the A10 is an outstanding Combining stunning realism with exceptional Web: anthemav.com Dirac Live – the state-of-the-art room correction Web: audeze.com Germany company Audio Physic’s mission music player boasting a superior built-in DAC clarity, Ayre components offer a natural, relaxed Designed, engineered, and crafted in Canada, technology – helps ensure that SA30 owners Over the past nine years, Audeze has quickly statement is ‘no loss of fine detail’ and it has and is the perfect single-box solution for those presentation that draws you into your favourite the STR stereo preamplifier combines the will experience the very best performance this become a market leader in high-end been pursuing this goal with award-winning seeking to replace high-end CD players. music and movies as never before.
4 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 5 All feature Ayre’s exclusive fully-balanced, audio product you can be assured it has been ever made. The 1110 Preamplifier is a fully zero-feedback circuitry, with special emphasis designed to be as technically, and sonically, programmable unit that’s easily integrated into lavished on the power supply. Hot off the press neutral and transparent as possible. If you are the latest generation of automated smart at Ascot: the revolutionary new KX-R Twenty looking for audio products that will change or homes. Then there’s the 508 Phono preamplifier and VX-R Twenty stereo power enhance the sound of your music, you have Preamplifier, which really punches above its amplifier. Every detail in the audio path, come to the wrong place. On the other hand, if weight with its pure analogue sound. including processes which many would you are looking for accurate, clean and consider fanatical, pushes these completely insightful audio equipment, you are certain to redesigned amplifiers to the brink of perfection. enjoy Benchmark’s offerings. BRICASTI DESIGN Suites: 502, 503 (Level 5, Core A) Web: bricasti.com B BLUESOUND Bricasti Design is revered by the pro audio Suite: 617-618 (Level 6, Core B) industry for its M7 Stereo Reverb processor – BALANCED AUDIO TECHNOLOGY Web: bluesound.anatech.co.uk one of the best sounding on the market. Bricasti Suite: 437-439 (Level 4, Core D) Continuing sister company NAD Electronics’ users include legendary and award-winning Web: balanced.com ethos that excellent sound quality and value producers, mixing and mastering engineers Balanced Audio Technology is a high-end audio can coexist, Bluesound is an award-winning, thanks to the company’s ‘no compromise’ separates brand based in the US. Its drive to premium wireless sound system that allows technology. Bricasti handcrafts every unit in the perfect the art of balanced circuit design and you to play high-res music in every room USA, using only the finest materials and achieve overall excellence in engineering, build throughout your home. Come and hear the components and its expanding consumer range quality and fidelity has played a formative role difference as we show you how getting the crisp now includes a full range of high-end preamps, in its development since 1995. Its range and detailed sound that only an audiophile- networkable DACs and power amps, offering includes tube, power and integrated amplifiers, grade system can deliver has never been easier. outstanding electronics to pair with the world’s preamps, phono stages and an audiophile DAC You may access an ever expanding repertoire most prestigious loudspeakers. boasting an innovative tube output stage. of high-res streaming services, including Tidal Its tube power amps include auto-biasing and Masters, Deezer Elite, Qobuz Sublime and 6H30 ‘SuperTube’ valves. Karma-AV will be recently launched Amazon HD and UHD, as well BRINKMANN using the REX 2 preamp featuring a tube power as your own music library. For those of you who Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) module and separate control module, and twin like what you see and hear, we will have some Web: brinkmann-audio.de VK655SE dual-mono power amps to drive its unique show deals on offer. A new turntable from Brinkmann Audio is two-channel demonstrations at the show. always an event in the audiophile calendar, the German company having released a range of BOENICKE AUDIO bold and innovative designs since it was BEL CANTO Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) founded back in 1985. The new Taurus Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) Web: boenicke-audio.ch direct-drive deck is built upon a massive 40mm Web: belcantodesign.com Boenicke Audio has been committed to chassis topped by a 13kg platter and can From the elegant e.One series to the designing and manufacturing loudspeakers for accommodate up to two tonearms. Wireless groundbreaking Black and Black EX range, Bel over 20 years, creating every aspect of its speed selection completes the package. Canto provides products that focus on acclaimed solid-wood models in-house from Brinkmann’s second album, Keep The Motor recreating the live musical experience in your the ground up. Coming very, very close to the Running will be played at the UK Hi-Fi Show home, combining the latest technology and original sound is not an illusion but an Live and this is available not only on LP but CD user-friendly operation with beautiful, achievable goal, and even though Boenicke has (MQA-CD) and via streaming. minimalist aesthetics. The e.One series of achieved this aim, it continues to work on compact components includes DACs and improving the way its speakers are able to amplifiers. The Black EX models sport a reproduce the beauty of sound. C custom-plated, high-grade aluminium chassis Come and discover why the company’s W8 and combine high-level DAC performance and SE+ loudspeakers received Hi-Fi News’ Editor’s CAMBRIDGE AUDIO source compatibility, including MQA, Roon, DSD Choice award – and prepare to be astounded Suite: 512-513 (Level 5, Core C) and even a programmable phono stage. Bel by the amazing W11 loudspeakers. Web: cambridgeaudio.co.uk Canto’s strength is its uncanny ability to make Cambridge Audio is a brand that makes waves recorded music sound hauntingly real. in the budget and high-end markets alike BOULDER AMPLIFIERS thanks to a steady stream of components that Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) punch well above their weight. Constantly BENCHMARK MEDIA SYSTEMS Web: boulderamp.com experimenting, solving problems and creating Suites: 502, 503 (Level 5, Core A) & Headphone Working from its factory in Colorado, Boulder new kit, Cambridge Audio’s goal is a simple one Zone (Level 6, Core A) has been setting a global benchmark for – to provide the best possible sound at the Web: benchmarkmedia.com high-quality audio performance for over 35 fairest possible price. Come and rediscover Benchmark makes precision audio electronics years. Its amplifiers are transparent, accurate music with its award-winning Edge series, listen including digital/analogue audio converters, and reliable and produce minimal distortion to the world’s first Bluetooth aptX HD turntable, microphone preamps and power amplifiers and noise. In short, they have no ‘sound’ of their the direct-drive Alva TT, and introduce yourself and has carved out a deserved reputation for own. The 1160 Stereo Amplifier is a 300W to the sound of progress with the brand’s excellence in the studio and broadcast markets. powerhouse, perhaps representing one of the all-new CX Series 2 amps, network audio When you see the Benchmark name on an biggest advances in performance Boulder has streamer and CD transport.
2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 7 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
Company will also have a stand in the Frankel fabulous amplifiers under his own name, firsts’. This year, the company was presented CHARISMA AUDIO Bar area (Level 4) plus a number of its cables in CONTINUUM AUDIO LABS hand-crafted in Connecticut with signature with ‘The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: DUAL CS Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) other manufacturers’ rooms, including its Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) touches such as extensive use of copper and Innovation 2019’ for the technology inside its Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) Web: charismaaudio.com flagship ChordMusic with Chord Electronics. Web: continuumaudiolabs.com signal level meters inspired by the design of flagship Vivaldi digital playback system – you Web: dual-plattenspieler.eu Charisma Audio was set up in 2000 by a group Constellation Audio’s sister-company high-end swiss watches. can hear why in the Wilson Audio listening Remember Dual? Once the biggest turntable of audio enthusiasts led by Bernard Li, who for Continuum has been making some of the For the first time in the UK, visitors to the show zone, where a full Vivaldi stack provides the manufacturer in Europe, the German brand was over 14 years was a contributing editor to CHORD ELECTRONICS world’s finest turntables for years. Its latest have the opportunity to hear D’Agostino’s digital source. on most music-lovers’ lips throughout the vinyl Audiotechnique – the number one audio Suite: Windsor Forest (Level 2, Core A) creation is the Obsidian – a turntable magnum opus, the mighty Relentless dCS’s most recent all-new hardware, the heydays of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. If you wanted magazine in Hong Kong. Bernard first began Web: chordelectronics.co.uk engineered to the same uncompromising level monoblock, making magnificent music in the Bartók DAC/streamer/headphone amp, is also a really good record player that was easy to use setting up turntables back in the mid ’70s and is Celebrating 30 years of UK design, engineering as an elite sportscar. From its elegant chassis, to Wilson Audio listening zone in tandem with the on hand, together with a suitable pair of and very realistically priced, then Dual was on now regarded as something of an analogue and manufacturing, Kent’s Chord Electronics its innovative use of materials including new Momentum HD Preamplifier. We’re also headphones so you can hear for yourself why your list. So here’s the good news: if you still guru. Simplicity and purity are the goals of has an enviable reputation for amplifiers, DACs tungsten and its brilliantly designed DC motor excited to showcase Dan’s latest creation, the it’s so clearly the best of its kind. want a really good record player that’s easy to Charisma Audio’s designs and the company will and its recently developed upscaling devices, – the turntable’s ‘engine’ – the Obsidian is Progression Integrated Amplifier. use and very realistically priced, the Dual CS be demonstrating its formidable Reference Two all of which use proprietary technologies. Its designed for vinyl lovers who demand the very range is back in the UK with its affordable cartridge in its full glory. This moving-coil multi-award-winning designs have dominated best. You can hear the Obsidian spinning DEKONI AUDIO elegance and convenience – including several design not only captures and delivers the press in recent years with its innovative records in the Magico listening zone, partnered DALI Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) models with fully automatic operation. outstanding vocal intonations but excels at reference-grade products like the DAVE DAC/ by the Viper tonearm. Suite: 230-231 (Level 2, Core C) Web: dekoniaudio.com recreating a fabulous sense of space. preamp/headphone amp representing the Web: dali-uk.co.uk Dekoni Audio provides high-quality current state-of-the-art. DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker replacement ear pads for audiophile and DUEVEL DAVE will be on demonstration, perfectly COPLAND Industries) grew from Scandinavia’s leading pro-audio headphones. Our goal is to make Suites: 613-614 (Level 6, Core B) CHASING THE DRAGON partnered by the BLU MKII upscaling digital/CD Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) audio retail chain in 1983, with the aim to meet your headphone experience more comfortable Web: duevel.com Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) & 655-657 transport. The company’s newly-launched Web: copland.dk the demands of customers’ unsatisfied by while improving isolation so that you can focus German speaker brand Duevel will be (Level 6, Core D) ULTIMA 3 power amp, which includes Chord Among the highlights on show from the High existing loudspeaker brands. Driven by a raw on what really matters – the music. We aim to presenting its affordable range of exceptional Web: chasingthedragon.co.uk Electronics’ new dual feed-forward circuit Kings of Danish audio is the CTA408 – an utterly passion for music and its honest reproduction, produce products that balance comfort with omnidirectional horn speakers. Casting aside Once again, Mike Valentine of Chasing The topology, will be making its UK debut, revealing beguiling integrated valve amplifier, based DALI design and develop loudspeakers sound, allowing you to sit back, listen and typical box speaker design, Duevel uses a range Dragon will appear as a guest of Symmetry. exciting new levels of resolution and dynamics. around the KT150 output valve and currently in-house at its factory in Noerager, Denmark. enjoy. In this world of quantity over quality, of eye-catching drivers and unique crossover Mike will be taking audiences behind the scenes earning rave reviews in the global audio press. A key contributing factor to DALI’s success is Dekoni Audio strives for quality every time. arrangements to deliver a musical experience of several new recordings, including the This is truly an amp for passionate music lovers; its custom built drive units, which are designed that’s like no other. On demonstration will be Beethoven Piano Sonatas played by John CLEARAUDIO fluid, dynamic and engaging from the first note from scratch by their engineers in Denmark. the Planets, Enterprise and Venus loudspeakers Lenehan and, in particular, a recording of the Suite: 224-225 (Level 2, Core C) to the last. We also hope to preview the Because of their unique magnet and cone DIVERSE VINYL to show that high quality hi-fi on a budget is UK’s leading Jazz trumpeter Quentin Collins, Web: clearaudio.de forthcoming CSA100, an exciting valve/ technologies and materials, they are able to Suite: Frankel Bar (Level 4, Core A) easily achievable. complete with his all-star quintet. Both Precision engineers, watchmakers, electronic solid-state hybrid amplifier set to join the design and manufacture speaker systems that Web: diversevinyl.com recordings are ‘Direct Cut’ and will be played at engineers, physicists and industrial designers: Copland range very soon. allow listeners to experience their favourite Based in Wales, Diverse Vinyl is the UK’s largest the UK Hi-Fi Show Live from 12–1pm and these are just some of the experts the design music exactly as the artists intended. retailer of new LPs. Come and meet the team DYNAUDIO 3–4pm on Saturday 26th and at 12– 1pm and team at Clearaudio regularly collaborates with The flagship EPICON series will be on and browse its huge selection of prime cuts. Suite: 308-310 (Level 3, Core A) 2-3pm on Sunday 27th. in its relentless pursuit of audio innovation. The CRYSTAL CABLE demonstration with Luxman electronics, along With most audiophile labels stocked and every Web: dynaudio.com Mike will also join The Reel To Reel Rambler perfectionist German brand is a world leader in Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) with the superb MENUET speakers. genre represented from rock, pop, jazz, punk, Dynaudio and Moon Audio have teamed up to on Level 6, comparing open reel tape with all things analogue, from turntables to Web: crystalcable.com Americana, country, metal, classic rock – and give visitors the chance to hear some truly direct-cut vinyl, CD and high definition digital phonostages, tonearms to record cleaning Crystal Cable is one of the world’s leading most alt scenes in between – you’re bound to astonishing kit as the Danish loudspeaker downloads. Mike will present the first ever machines, yet it remains very much a manufacturers of interconnects, audio and DARTZEEL discover something new or long sought after. legend will be showcasing its all-new public preview of the new album ‘A Day In The generational business still owned and run by power cables. With strong family ties to Siltech, Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Confidence 30 speakers. The Confidence range Life’ by The Quentin Collins All-Star Jazz the Suchy family. Meet several of the team at Crystal Cable benefits from 25 years of research Web: dartzeel.com is bristling with cutting-edge technology, Quintet, due for release at the end of the year. the UK Hi-Fi Show Live and discover why the into the development of innovative materials Made in Switzerland with the painstaking DS AUDIO including the stellar Esotar3 tweeter (which Times are 10:30–11:30am on Saturday 26th and iconic Statement turntable is still one of the for use in high-end audio cabling. Made in precision of a high-end watch, darTZeel audio Suite: 224-225 (Level 2, Core C) incorporates the ingenious Hexis inner dome at 3:30–4:30pm on Sunday 27th. most heart-stopping audio components Holland, the Diamond Series employs an components have a distinctive look and a Web: ds-audio-w.biz also found in its Core pro studio speakers), the available today, visually as well as sonically. advanced silver-gold alloy that delivers fantastic thoroughly distinguished sound. All the latest In 2013 DS Audio pioneered the world’s only DDC lens waveguide system, and purity of sound. delights are present at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, optical phono cartridge and it wasn’t long breakthroughs in cabinet and port design. CHORD COMPANY Company founder Gabi Rijnveld travelled the including the NHB-108 Model Two power before the rave reviews and raft of awards from Dynaudio will also be playing the new Evoke 30 Suites: 649-650 (Level 6, Core D) & Frankel Bar CONSTELLATION AUDIO world as a professional concert pianist. Letting amplifier, NHB-18NS preamplifier and flagship the worldwide audio press began to pour in. speakers, which use Confidence-level (Level 4, Core A-B) Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) an audience enjoy and be moved by live music NHB-468 monoblocks. These statuesque Now the company offers four models from the technology in a package built for more Web: chord.co.uk Web: constellationaudio.com has always been her passion and she will be on amplifiers are works of precision-engineered art flagship Master 1 to the entry-level DS-E1. (‘It’s ‘everyday’ listening. Bring your ears and your Based just outside historic Stonehenge, the For those in the know, Constellation Audio hand to explain and demonstrate how Crystal inside and out, their sound brimming with actually too good... I’m still shaking my head in favourite music and enjoy. Chord Company has been hand-building its represents the zenith of high-end amplification Cable’s products deliver a genuinely sheer musical communication. Nothing gets disbelief.’ – Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News, May 2019.) class-leading AV cables in the UK since 1985. – a ‘dream team’ of internationally renowned groundbreaking audio performance. closer to the ultimate goal of pure, transparent The DS Audio design uses an optical system The brand is celebrated for its proprietary designers creating products whose fidelity to the source. to convert stylus and cantilever movements E technologies, including its award-winning ARAY, performance reaches heights as astronomical into audio signals, completely eliminating the Tuned ARAY and Super ARAY conductors, plus as the company’s name. D electromagnetic frictional force and resulting EAT advanced insulation materials including Taylon A Constellation amp system has been DCS background noise that are a ‘fact of life’ in Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) and XLPE dielectrics. selected to drive the M2 loudspeakers in the D’AGOSTINO MASTER SYSTEMS Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) traditional MM and MC designs. All DS Audio Web: euroaudioteam.com The Chord Company will debut its latest XLPE- Magico listening zone, comprising the Virgo III Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Web: dcsltd.co.uk pick-ups come with an outboard power supply Based in Austria and run by its creator, Jozefina equipped speaker cable, EpicX, and introduce preamplifier and new Centaur II 500 power Web: dagostinoinc.com A true British pioneer, dCS played a and integrated RIAA equaliser. CEO and Lichtenegger, EAT (European Audio Team) its recently launched Epic USB cable at the UK amplifier from the Performance Series, along Perhaps the most renowned solid-state amp fundamental role in the development of hi-res designer Aki Tetsuaki will be on hand to discuss makes beautifully designed equipment for Hi-Fi Show Live. In addition, the Chord with the Andromeda phono stage. designer of all, Dan D’Agostino now makes digital audio with a number of technical ‘world the technology in more detail. lovers of vinyl and valves. Browse the full range
8 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 9 of turntables at The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019, Come and discover why artists such Nile Reference speaker – a flagship design featuring from the recently introduced, entry-level Rodgers, Doro Pesch, Bill Gould and Al Graphene bass drivers, a horn-loaded midrange Prelude to the stunning flagship deck, the Forte. Jourgensen all enjoy Erzetich creations. and a ribbon tweeter encased in a beautiful And don’t miss EAT’s latest valve-based phono Italian cabinet. The GC6500R will be starring in stage, the E-Glo Petit – enticingly designed to Karma-AV’s two-channel demos. make the most of any high-performance ESOTERIC cartridge with its satisfyingly tactile switches Suite: The Long Box, 242-244 (Level 2, Core D) and dials. Web: esoteric.jp FIDELICE BY RUPERT NEVE Japanese company Esoteric has been Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) manufacturing high-end audio components Web: fidelice.com ECLIPSE since 1987. Every product is designed and Since the late 1960s, Rupert Neve has been a Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) crafted with utter perfectionism down to the trusted name in sound. And the chances are Web: eclipse-td.com smallest detail, including the tension of a screw. that most of your favourite albums from the last A trailblazer in a new era of speakers, Eclipse At the UK Hi-Fi Show Live Esoteric will show the 50 years were recorded, mixed or mastered believes that an ideal loudspeaker should mighty Grandioso M1 power amplifiers together using his legendary studio gear. With the new reproduce recorded sound in a highly ‘accurate’ with the Grandioso C1 preamp. Fidelice line of precision playback equipment, way. The company’s design and engineering As sources the Esoteric N-01 network player/ the classic sound of Rupert Neve’s designs is team has researched what makes up that DAC will be used together with the G-01X Master now available to bring true studio-quality audio ‘accuracy’ and developed an innovative Clock Generator. Esoteric hopes to present for to your home. The Fidelice DAC, Precision technology that enables significantly more first time in Europe, the brand new Grandioso Headphone Amplifier and Precision Phono accurate reproduction than is typical. K1X integrated SACD player/DAC – UK customs Stage will allow you to experience your music You’ll also know an Eclipse speaker as soon as depending! If not, than the Grandioso P1X and with the same circuitry and audio quality that you see it with its futuristic, form-follows- D1X SACD player/DAC will take its place. professionals rely on every day to create your function, appearance. Come and meet the favourite albums. Eclipse team, hear the top-of-range TD712zMk2 along with the 725SWMk2 subwoofer, and find EXPOSURE out why Eclipse loudspeakers are used not only Suite: 227-228 (Level 2, Core C) FOCAL by music lovers at home and also by some of Web: exposurehifi.com Suites: 424-425 (Level 4, Core C) & Headphone the world’s leading recording studios. British hi-fi brand Exposure has a well-deserved Zone (Level 6, Core A) reputation for crafting excellently built, Web: focal.com high-performing hi-fi electronics – from French acoustic specialist, Focal, is celebrating EMOTIVA amplifiers to CD players and DACs – that also its 40th anniversary with a range of new Suites: 435-436, 437-439 (Level 4, Core D) happen to be refreshingly affordable. In 2017 high-quality speaker designs, which it will Web: emotiva.com the brand launched its multi-award winning XM showcase across two rooms. Star of the show is Emotiva was founded on the desire to offer series of compact-and-bijou hi-fi components. Chora, a brand new generation of loudspeakers components with audiophile performance, Responding directly to the unstoppable featuring unique technology and contemporary excellent features and user-friendly ergonomics resurgence of vinyl amid a digital age, the series design, including an all-new ‘slate fibre’ speaker at prices significantly below those of offers a smart solution for those who seek great cone material. Replacing the renowned Chorus comparable products. The result is a range performance across multiple media but don’t range, Chora embodies French manufacturing boasting an unbeatable blend of amazing want the size or cost of their system to spiral out quality with Focal’s heritage of technology, and audio, video and price. At this year’s show of control. Making their debut at the Hi-Fi Show is a real must-see and hear design. Karma-AV will deploy Emotiva to power its Live are Exposure’s just-launched active Focal demonstrations will be powered by Artistry in Craftsmanship cinema demonstrations, using the new crossovers, enabling a level of performance and systems and separates from Naim Audio, our 16-channel balanced XMC-2 processor. This control unattainable through normal passive partner brand. You can also experience the features all the familiar object-based surround amplifier/speaker systems. latest premium headphones from Focal in the formats, together with twin XPA-11 11-channel Level 6 Panoramic Headphone Zone. To see, feel and hear our speakers is to understand our passion, amps comprising three 300W single-channel and to enjoy an undiluted audiophile experience. modules and four 65W two-channel modules. F FRANCO SERBLIN FALCON ACOUSTICS Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) View our Gold and Platinum II Series and a enjoy a demonstration of our Flagship ERZETICH Suites: 432, 435-436, 437-439 (Level 4, Core D) Web: francoserblin.it Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) Web: falconacoustics.co.uk A true maestro of high-end audio design, Platinum PL300 IIs powered by Roksan’s Caspian Range in Room: 234/235 Web: erzetich-audio.com Falcon was founded in 1972 as Falcon Franco Serblin is revered for the exceptional Founded in Slovenia in 2012, Erzetich Electronics by Malcolm Jones, the first craftsmanship he applied to every loudspeaker manufactures a range of acclaimed headphone employee at KEF Electronics Ltd. As Senior he created. Although he passed some years monitoraudio.com amplifiers and headphones. Complementing Development Engineer, Malcolm devised the ago, three speaker designs are still made under the sophisticated circuit design, the amps’ legendary KEF B139, B200, B110, T15, T27 drive his name, including the gorgeous Lignea – the housings are made from aluminium and two of units. In addition to manufacturing a range of last project Serblin worked on, taking his classic them sport aged linden wood to give them a drivers under the ‘Falcon Acoustics’ brand (all lute-shaped concept to its conclusion. More vintage (but still modern) look! This wood is designed by Malcolm Jones), Falcon began akin to beautifully crafted musical instruments also used to make cups for the company’s making the now famous classic BBC LS3/5a in than standard hi-fi loudspeakers, all three dynamic Mania and planar magnetic Phobos 2014. Today, its speaker lineup includes the Franco Serblin models will be on display at the headphones, which you can hear for yourself. three-strong R.A.M range and GC6500R UK Hi-Fi Show Live.
2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 11
MA UK Hi-Fi Show Live 19 Show Guide.indd 1 07/10/2019 14:06 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
disc, fine degrees of speed control, the highly Goldmund’s cutting edge technologies into a information, timing, decay structure and spatial products for equipment as well as speakers, it’s FURUTECH acclaimed SME M2-12R precision tonearm and compact, classic and instantly recognisable HIDIAMOND information of your favourite music in the time to discover how your system could benefit. Suite: 224-225 (Level 2, Core C) new generation solid walnut isolation plinth. An form. The Reference returns. Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) manner originally created by the artist. Web: furutech.com iconic and timeless turntable available in Web: hidiamond.eu Japanese brand Furutech designs and limited numbers, it is audio perfection. HiDiamond offers cables to meet all your audio ISOTEK manufactures an extraordinary range of GOLD NOTE needs. Designed and manufactured in Italy, its I Suite: 505-506 (Level 5, Core A) multi-award winning analogue and digital Suite: 523 (Level 5, Core D) range guarantees absolute integrity of the Web: isoteksystems.com audio-visual cables, connectors (so revered that GATO AUDIO Web: goldnote.it signal and clear transmission of the sound, IFI AUDIO IsoTek is the market leader and specialist in AC almost all other high-end cable brands use Suites: 251 (Level 2, Core D) & 333-335 (Level 3, Since the full introduction of this handmade, thanks to the use of first-class materials and Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) mains power cleaning products. This multi them in their products) and related accessories. Core D) superbly musical and beautiful looking brand state-of-the-art manufacturing processes all Web: ifi-audio.com award-winning brand can deliver solutions at The company also offers a full line of elegantly Web: gato-audio.com to the UK in 2018, the Gold Note reputation for backed up by the highest levels of quality Hear for yourself why iFi Audio is one of the all price levels, including a range of power engineered and designed power distribution Designed and built in Denmark, Gato Audio’s excellent quality and great value at every price control. Come and enjoy three full system world’s leading DAC/headphone amp brands. A cables, to give you better sounding audio. For and filter components. range of amplifiers and digital sources possess point has been well received. Taking much of set-ups designed to showcase a combination of selection of products from its multi-award- almost 20 years, IsoTek has delivered cutting Furutech’s ‘Pure Transmission’ design concept both the power and finesse to bring the subtlest their design inspiration from their home city of cables from the company’s multi-award winning range will include the feature-packed edge designs and class-leading innovation. seeks to improve every element of signal musical details to life with real precision and Florence and the great masters of the winning HiDiamond range, including speaker, portable xDSD to the incredible Pro iDSD with On demonstration will be the EVO3 Polaris transmission, from the power supply to the authority. Its loudspeakers, meanwhile, are Renaissance, Gold Note products are made power, digital, and analogue options. DSD1024 upsampling. with Premier cables, the EVO3 Aquarius and speaker. The company has pioneered a raft of lavishly constructed of the finest materials, with great dedication and true Italian passion. The UK Hi-Fi Show Live is also an opportunity some products from our ONE Series, together unique, patented processes and materials boasting laminated cabinets, state-of-the-art Visit our room, hosted by Audio Pinnacle Ltd., to see iFi Audio’s latest launches, including the with IsoTek’s new SMART Power products. including the renowned two-stage ‘Alpha’ Danish drivers and carefully calibrated and see and hear for yourself. HIFIMAN ZEN Series of high-quality, super-affordable These fully programmable, remote power cryogenic and ring demagnetisation process to heavy-duty crossover networks. The result is Suite: 615 (Level 6, Core B) audio components. This includes the ZEN Blue management solutions build on IsoTek’s ‘clean which all metal components are treated during breathtaking concert hall performances from a Web: hifiman.com – the world’s first Bluetooth receiver supporting power’ technology and will integrate perfectly manufacture, ensuring the lowest achievable beautiful yet compact form. Taking centre stage H When it comes to premium private listening, all the latest codecs for high-definition music into modern ‘connected’ AV installations.. levels of distortion and noise. at the show will be Gato Audio’s DIA-250S NPM Hifiman is a market leader, offering a range of streaming from smartphones, tablets, PCs and integrated amplifier, which recently received a HARMAN/KARDON planar magnetic and electrostatic headphones Macs to any audio system. Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product award. Suite: 641-642 (Level 6, Core C) alongside a series of headphone amplifiers. J G Web: harmankardon.com Take your time in a dedicated space to audition For over 65 years Harman Kardon has been each of the company’s models, including its INNUOS JADIS GAMUT AUDIO GOLDENEAR TECHNOLOGIES dedicated to delivering luxurious audio reference Shangri-la system that retails at £50k. Suite: Windsor Forest (Level 2, Core A) Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Suite: 353-354 (Level 3, Core D) Suite: 437-439 (Level 4, Core D) experiences that allow the listener to feel the This is your opportunity to hear how amazing Web: innuos.com/en Web: jadis-electronics.com Web: gamutaudio.com Web: goldenear.com music, and immerse themselves into the the Hifiman range truly is, whichever price- Innuos designs and manufactures premium French manufacturer Jadis makes products for ‘At Gamut, we’re here for your music. To move Founded by design pioneers Sandy Gross and moment. The Citation range of entertainment point suits your pocket. servers and streamers, providing a high-quality music lovers who are blessed with a burning and be moved. Whatever floats your boat, hits Don Givogue of Polk and Definitive Technology systems are the ultimate expression of design, digital source with effortless ease of use for your passion for vacuum tubes – a glorious amalgam your spot or soothes your spirit – we’ll pour our fame, the GoldenEar range of speakers sets the sound and voice-activated control. The Citation music collection and for streaming services. of polished brass, chrome and glowing glass heart and soul into making it come alive for bar for value worldwide. Decades of innovation range also brings a multi-room/zone, HD audio HIGHRESAUDIO Making its UK debut at the show is the new valves. Its amps deliver spellbinding sonic you.’ In 2018 Gamut joined the Danish ‘royal and expertise has perfected GoldenEar’s experience to your home by building different Suite: Frankel Bar (Level 4, Core A) PhoenixUSB re-clocker featuring a reference- warmth and fluidity, never harsh nor overly family’ of hi-fi brands, becoming part of the signature blend of high performance and speaker configurations – as the lineup consists Web: highresaudio.com grade OCXO (3ppb) clock and twin linear power lush, epitomising the term ‘musicality’ with Dantax group alongside Raidho and Scansonic. room-friendly design while innovative ribbon of a versatile range of compact speakers, tower Designed, edited and operated from Berlin and supplies. The PhoenixUSB will work with any natural flow, subtle detail and a wide-open Gamut CEO Benno Baun Meldgaard, who and panel driver technologies, often combined speakers and active subwoofers. Hamburg, Germany, Highresaudio.com is the USB source to provide a precision timed and soundstage. Highlights on show include the became the group’s chief designer, will join us with active bass configurations, deliver The Citation range of models at the UK Hi-Fi first commercial music download service for low-noise USB signal that allows your DAC to JA80 MkII and JA120 monoblock power at the Hi-Fi Show Live to share his considerable full-range detail and dynamics from surprisingly Show Live will include the tabletop Citation audiophiles that offers music files in high- work at its best. Innuos’ award-winning flagship amplifiers, and the JPS2 preamplifier. and very timely passion for all things natural slender cabinets. So consistent is this quality One, 100, 300, the EISA Award-winning Citation resolution 24-bit formats only. This includes Statement will also be on show, providing new (natural materials, natural sound). Find out that in 2019 alone, no fewer than three Triton 500, and the elegant floorstanding Towers. Studio Master Quality files in FLAC, ALAC, DSD, levels of digital audio performance with its eight what’s been behind the worldwide rise and rise models achieved ‘Outstanding’ awards from DXD-FLAC and MQA formats for download on independent PSUs, high-precision USB and JBL of Gamut’s superb loudspeakers and Hi-Fi News. GoldenEar’s latest award winner, the demand. Highresaudio is the perfect Ethernet OCXO clocks and other custom parts. Suites: 627-631 (Level 6, Core C) & Headphone electronics in recent years, and what the Triton One.R, will be demonstrated at the UK HEMIOLIA companion for audiophiles, music lovers and Zone (Level 6, Core A) company plans for the range going forward. Hi-Fi Show Live by Karma-AV. Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) digital audio systems and anywhere else where Web: jbl.com Web: hemioliarecords.com purity and dynamic sound quality matters. ISOACOUSTICS JBL has been a pioneer in the art of sound Hemiolia Records, the highly respected Italian Managing Director of HRA, Lothar Kerestedjian Suites: 502, 503 (Level 5, Core A) reproduction for over 70 years. In 1970 it GARRARD GOLDMUND audiophile tape label, makes its debut at the will be on hand to answer your questions. Web: isoacoustics.com released the original L100 loudspeaker, a Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) Suite: 313-314 (Level 3, Core A) show. Its reel-to-reel recordings are all strictly The driving force behind IsoAcoustics is Dave consumer version of the immensely popular Web: garrardturntables.co.uk Web: goldmund.com analogue, and each has an ‘A4P’ certificate, Morrison, a man closely involved in planning JBL 4310 Pro Studio Monitor. It became the Garrard, acquired by Cadence Audio in 2018, Legendary Swiss manufacturer Goldmund hand-signed to confirm total adherence to HRS and building radio and television studios at the company’s best-selling speaker ever. Now, with has begun an exciting new chapter. Reformed marks its 40th anniversary by appearing at a UK analogue processes in all phases of production. Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for nearly the new L100 Classic, a legend is reborn. In as Garrard Turntables UK Limited, it has audio show for the first time in over a decade. Hemiolia is also cooperating with the Luciano Web: avisolation.com 20 years. His IsoAcoustics speaker stands are addition to the L100, JBL has a new range of returned to its spiritual home of Swindon after It’s safe to say that no other high-end brand has Pavarotti Foundation for the recovery of a vast Achieving a very low noise floor is crucial when based on this experience, and are built using a premium loudspeakers it calls the HDI series. 100 years. A thorough technical review of the mastered every single aspect of an audio archive of analogue magnetic tapes, owned first it comes to producing superb audio as how unique, patented isolation technology that Showcasing a wealth of JBL technologies, legendary Model 301 turntable has resulted in system the way Goldmund has, creating by the unforgettable tenor and subsequently by much useful information is retrieved, amplified allows speakers to ‘float’ in free space, letting including revolutionary compression drivers an ultimate turntable package of handcrafted acknowledged reference products for analogue the Foundation. and delivered into the room depends upon this you hear authentic, uncoloured sound. With and ‘High-Definition Imaging’ waveguides, all audio excellence and the new Garrard 301 is playback and digital processing, as well as The company’s Claudio Valeri and Paulina factor at every link in the chain. HRA (Harmonic energy transfer to surrounding surfaces five models blend contemporary styling with making its UK debut at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live. amplifiers and iconic speaker designs. Vogt will be delighted to tell you more about Resolution Systems) has developed a wide eliminated, bass becomes tighter, overall captivating performance. Features that enthusiasts will appreciate are At the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, you will have the the story behind this project while these special range of products that allow your system to imaging is enhanced and your speakers JBL will also be demonstrating its latest range the suppression of switch clicks in the turntable opportunity to hear the new Prana wireless tapes, rarely heard before, will be available reach its full potential. Its components and their perform to their full potential. Now that the of TUNE and LIVE headphones from the cost controls, the heavy platter with built-in strobe speaker system, a product that combines all of exclusively to order. complete system approach will preserve the company offers a full-range of isolation effective True Wireless models to class-leading
12 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 13 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
active noise cancellation award winners. The accept the inconvenience of living with huge ranges cover in-ear, on-ear and over-ear models speakers. All this changes with the beautifully KOETSU which can offer Amazon and Google voice slender Kii Audio system. It’s a brilliantly Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) activation or Apps that allow you to personalise innovative union of drive units, amplification Web: www.koetsuaudio.com Special Events you listening experience. and DSP, which applies the most advanced Koetsu phono cartridges are an extraordinary The range on display at this year’s show will technology to create the scale, timing and feat of intricate, miniaturised engineering, Visitors to the UK Hi-Fi Show Live will have the rare include the EISA 2019 Award-winning JBL dynamics of a far larger setup. incorporating the highest quality materials and opportunity to meet some of high-end audio’s most REFLECT FLOW lifestyle True Wireless in-ear Sound Design Distribution returns to the UK stunning levels of finish. Each individual Koetsu experienced industry insiders and personalities. At the headphones and the EISA 2019 Award-winning Hi-Fi Show Live with the radical pairing of Kii is handmade by master-craftsmen in Japan; time of going to press, confirmed presenters include JBL LIVE 650BTNC over-ear active noise THREE speakers augmented by BXT low some feature bodies fashioned from gemstones Heinz Lichtenegger [Pro-Ject Audio Systems], Irv Gross cancelling headphone. frequency extension modules, boosting system like jade and onyx, others are made from power, range and SPL to deliver the most rosewood or lacquered and flecked with gold. [Constellation Audio], Peter Mackay [Magico], Peter extraordinary ultra-wide fidelity. No longer must These moving-coils are a true work of art – McGrath [Wilson Audio], Mathieu Latour [Nagra], Todd JBL LAMBORGHINI you trade your living space for outright musical sonic jewels, no less. Eichenbaum [Mark Levinson], Tetsuaki Aoyagi [DS Audio], Suite: Main Concourse (Level 1, Core B-C) authenticity. With Kii Audio you can appreciate Bob O’Connell [Transparent Audio], EveAnna Manley Web: jbl.com both at a truly exclusive level. [Manley Labs], Edwin Rijnveld [Siltech], Hideto Watanabe When building the JBL Lamborghini sound KRELL INDUSTRIES [Eclipse TD], Izumi Saito [Luxman], Josh Bizar [MoFi], Bill system, the focus was on achieving the best Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) balance between loudness and great sound. KISEKI Web: krellonline.com McKiegan [D’Agostino], Frederik Johansen [Gato Audio], The car’s system features JBL’s latest range of Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) There is no more famous name in high-end Paolo Tezzon [Sonus faber], Benno Baun Meldgaard [Raidho], Returning to The UK Hi-Fi Show Live, Stadium speakers. The front doors contain JBL Web: kiseki-eu.com amplification than Krell. The Connecticut- Bruno Putzeys [Kii Audio], Conrad Mas [AVID], Michael Matthias Böde [bottom left] from Stadium two-way speakers and in the rear there Individually hand built by skilled artisans, each based company’s amps have long been revered McCormick [Bel Canto], Keith Martin [Isotek], Gary Yacoubian Germany’s premier hi-fi magazine, is a full JBL Stadium three-way system. Kiseki pick-up is a masterpiece that evokes by hi-fi’s cognoscenti for their blend of [SVS], Kerry St James [YG Acoustics], Rodolphe Boulanger Stereo, will be presenting a special series All the speakers are powered by a dedicated adjectives normally reserved for art or jewellery. awesome power, intricate detail, iron-fisted grip four-channel JBL Stadium amplifier mounted More importantly, the company’s range of and control. [Goldmund], Peter Gabriel [Avantgarde Acoustic], Raveen Bawa of Workshops. Can you hear the under the bonnet of the car. The bass is moving-coil cartridges are renowned for their A true star of the current range is the K-300i, [dCS], Robert Suchy [Clearaudio], Stuart McNeilis [SME], Martin difference between MP3, WAV and FLAC provided by three JBL Stadium subwoofers in musicality. Assembled using both traditional an integrated amplifier with an optional digital Roberts [Warwick Acoustics], Antoine Furbur [Audio Research], files? Want to compare a trio of the rear, each individually powered by a JBL techniques and the latest high-quality parts, module currently earning excellent reviews Gabi Rijnveld [Crystal Cable] and Jozefina Lichtenegger [EAT]. alternative MC pick-ups, or explore Stadium subwoofer amplifier. This results in a Kiseki is made for music. among the world’s audio press. Also present at And the excitement doesn’t stop there as Mike Valentine [top the same recording replayed via CD, very powerful, crystal clear and well balanced the UK Hi-Fi Show Live is the flagship Duo 300 left] of Chasing The Dragon – the world’s leading producer of Tidal-MQA and vinyl? Whatever the Workshop, Matthias is audio system. XD power amp – this adds Krell’s new ‘XD’ KL AUDIO impedance-lowering design to the company’s direct cut albums – joins Symmetry in suite 316-319 (Level 3, guaranteed to inject his unique humour into hi-fi! Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) ‘iBias’ technology, which combines the sonic Core C). Details of Mike’s twice a day demo, and guest If you love our vintage gear reviews in Hi-Fi News magazine, K Web: klaudio.com purity of Class A operation with greatly appearance with the Reel-to-Reel Rambler in 655-657 (Level 6, then look out for Tim Jarman’s [above] seminars in suite 658-660 If you’re a serious record collector and you improved efficiency. Core D), can be found on p8. (Level 6, Core D) to enjoy some choice examples of hi-fi from KEF really care about your vinyl, a KL Audio record Keen to hear the ‘real thing’? Then yesteryear assembled into a complete system. Show-goers will Suite: Windsor Forest (Level 2, Core A) cleaner is one of the best investments you Web: kef.com could make. Genuinely contactless, it removes KRONOS visitors are invited to a series of live also have the chance to hear Organiser and EISA President Paul KEF is showcasing its iconic Blade Two – a show the toughest grime and dust without the risk of Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) performances by international Miller [below right] discuss the future of music and hi-fi before debut for this revolutionary loudspeaker. physical scrubbers or the need for detergent, Web: kronosaudio.com recording artist and Jazz Vocalist of joining special guests Michael Fremer [far left] and Ken Kessler Developed by KEF engineers after years of thanks to the power of ultrasonic transducers. In recent years Canadian Kronos has quietly but The Year 2018, Lyn Stanley [top right]. [left] as they each spin some choice vinyl painstaking refinement and hand-built by assuredly become a world leader in the Lyn will be performing at the Frankel and put the world of hi-fi to rights! See master technicians at the company’s Maidstone turntable market, attracting glowing reviews Bar on Level 4 and in suites 316-319 Show Reception in the Ascot Ticket facility, the Blade Two truly extends what KLIPSCH and winning more than 35 awards and ‘best of high-end audio can achieve. With all of the Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) shows’ from the international audio press. A and 655-657 over the weekend. Office East for times and locations. acoustic prowess and iconic design of the Web: klipsch.com true innovator, no other turntable has original Blade, this model shares the same The allure of Klipsch’s high sensitivity generated quite the same mystique, not least advanced driver technology and unique single loudspeakers has made a big impact in the UK thanks to the Kronos ‘dual platter counter- apparent source configuration for a realistic, hi-fi and AV industry since distributor, Henley rotating revolution’ in which two equal-mass room-filling sound. Audio, re-introduced the classic American platters rotate in opposite directions. The net KEF will also be demonstrating the amazing brand to our shores in 2017. With a product effect is to eliminate the vibration-inducing capabilities of the new KEF LSX. Expanding on range spanning ultra-affordable desktop to torque force present in suspended turntables. the legacy of the multi award-winning KEF LS50 ultra-specialist room-filling horn designs, You can immediately hear the difference this Wireless loudspeaker, the LSX uses advanced Klipsch has got you covered for all your speaker, unique dynamic stabilisation makes. But don’t wireless technology to deliver rich and detailed home cinema, soundbar, headphone and take our word for it – join us at the Hi-Fi Show stereo sound from elegantly compact cabinets. portable audio needs. Live and listen for yourself. See the full variety of its offerings on show and on demo over the weekend, including a KII AUDIO high-end presentation of the new La Scala AL5 KUDOS AUDIO Suite: 260-261 (Level 2, Core D) speakers from the company’s Heritage Series, Suite: 301-302 (Level 3, Core A) Web: kiiaudio.com recently described by Hi-Fi News as a speaker Web: kudosaudio.com It’s an age-old trade-off. Music lovers seeking that ‘makes music a living, breathing, tactile Kudos Audio is one of the fastest growing the most intimate musical experience must entity that has you on the edge of your seat’. high-performance loudspeaker brands in the
14 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 15 UK. Deliberately daring to move beyond the the professional and consumer audio arenas. reproduction achievable by a pair of dynamic traditional rulebook, Kudos takes an The SL-1 is a groundbreaking, DSP-driven loudspeakers still further with their astonishing uncommon approach to loudspeaker design in loudspeaker system that continues this clarity and bandwidth. Don’t miss the order to explore not merely outstanding sound tradition. The speakers can be freely positioned opportunity to hear these truly exceptional quality, but ground-breaking musical quality... in any room before advanced beam-steering transducers at the show, driven by the kind that inspires toe-tapping, soul-stirring, technology is used to control and optimise the Constellation Audio amplification. MADE TO ASTOUND. spine-tingling, heart-rending emotion. sweet spot, guaranteeing the listener a For those looking for a more modestly priced Kudos also works closely with world-leading breathtaking musical ride. Being an active, entry-point to Magico’s ultra-fidelity sound, the O THE MARK LEVINSON N-5000 SERIES electronics brands including Linn, Devialet completely wireless solution, the Lexicon SL-1 recently introduced A1 standmount speakers Naim and Exposure to develop bespoke active can be counted on to deliver crystal-clear, and A3 floorstanders are among other technologies, opening up a wider upgrade path high-definition sound in even the most magnificent Magico models on display. Nothing and enabling a variety of performance challenging of placement situations. at the price comes close. enhancing capabilities. Throughout the show Kudos will demonstrate the Titan 707 in both passive and active modes using Exposure LUXMAN MAGNEPAN amplification and the new VXN active crossover. Suite: 230-231 (Level 2, Core C) Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) Web: luxman.com Web: magnepan.com Formed in Japan in 1925 – the same year that ‘Why in the world would anyone want a six-foot L Japanese radio broadcasts began – Luxman is tall panel speaker? They probably wouldn’t... one of the world’s original high-performance unless they heard it.’ Using proprietary LARSON LOUDSPEAKERS audio brands. Today, the company mixes vinyl, technology first developed in the 1960s, Suite: 224-225 (Level 2, Core C) valves and solid-state electronics, all Magnepan’s (or Maggies to their many friends) Web: larsenhifi.com engineered to an exemplary standard with flat panel loudspeakers are like no others: Swedish brand Larsen creates loudspeakers impeccable build and finish. slender panels just an inch or two thick, they that are cleverly constructed to resolve the Luxman’s superb new turntable, the PD-151, is stand tall like screens yet project a room full of conundrum of ‘real life’. Most of us have on demonstration at the show, coupled to one life-like sound of stunning dimension and ordinary homes with modestly-sized living of the world’s finest phono stages – the EQ-500 proportion. Expect to be blown away by the rooms rather than dedicated listening rooms – and the company’s flagship integrated breathtaking realism of the monumental with ideal audio conditions. So Larsen designs amplifier, the L-509X. A more compact system is flagship four-panel Magneplanar 30.7 model, loudspeakers that thrive and perform also present for demo, comprising the gorgeous winner of prestigious plaudits in its native US, phenomenally in a normal room, by using D-N150 CD player and SQ-N150 valve amp with and heard for the first time on these shores at surface sound reflections to enrich the listening a pair of DALI Menuet speakers. And for the the UK Hi-Fi Show Live. experience rather than degrading it. ultimate in Japanese high-end audio chic, Standing flush against the rear wall of a room, check out the new flagship preamplifier – the they use the wall to create a deep and full bass simply stunning CL-1000. MANLEY AUDIO from a relatively compact cabinet. This Suites: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) & Headphone placement, combined with the unique Zone (Level 6, Core A) positioning and angle of the drivers, delivers a LYRA Web: manley.com spacious, deep and wide soundstage that holds Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) Manley Laboratories produces recording, up as you move around the room – so no need Web: lyraaudio.com mixing, mastering and playback equipment of to fight over that one single ‘sweet spot’ when Over 35 years ago a new moving-coil cartridge the very highest calibre, proudly maintaining listening with friends. hit the high-end market. Called the Clavis, it the great analogue traditions upon which the re-wrote the rule book, for not only was this MC company was built – and it’s clear to see pick-up musical but it measured well and could through its R&D that it’s always looking forward LEHMANNAUDIO track any record. The Clavis was the brainchild to the future of the industry. Its pro gear is used Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) of three highly talented individuals: Lyra CEO in many of the world’s top recording studios Web: lehmannaudio.com Stig Bjorge, designer Jonathan Carr, and skilled and its hi-fi components clearly reflect this, so Lehmannaudio is proud to boast a cult artisan Yoshinori Mishima who to this day still discover for yourself the delights of the Manley following in the world of analogue audio and makes and tunes every Lyra cartridge by hand. Steelhead RC phono stage, Neo-Classic 300B head-fi. Designed and made by studio From the entry-level Delos to the mighty Atlas RC and Snapper Monoblock power amplifiers. engineers, each product is conceived with a SL, each Lyra cartridge is a work of love and In the Headphone Zone you can hear the view to technical perfection. On display in the dedication, ensuring that the brand’s products stunning, musically enthralling, Manley Ascot Authority Suite will be a selection of are the pinnacle of analogue transducers. Absolute headphone amplifier. As is often said, The Mark Levinson № 5000 Series harnesses decades of superlative audio engineering and the latest Lehmannaudio products, presented by experts if you listen to any piece of recorded music, it advancements to deliver unmatched performance and value. With a bold new industrial design and a wealth that can help guide you through the full range will have Manley in it somewhere! of phono stages and headphone amplifiers. of features engineered to excite your inner audiophile, the № 5000 Series delivers luxurious fidelity with M premium features and flexibility. Prepare to be astounded. MAGICO MARK LEVINSON LEXICON Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Suite: 627-631 (Level 6, Core C) See it for yourself in room 628-630. Suite: 627-631 (Level 6, Core C) Web: magico.net Web: marklevinson.com Web: lexicon.com Magico’s M2 speakers are the Californian Mastering sound reproduction since 1972, Mark Since 1971, Lexicon has been at the leading company’s latest feat of exemplary science and Levinson has become synonymous with audio ©2019 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Mark Levinson is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. edge of technology, helping to innovate in both engineering, pushing the boundaries of sonic purity, precision and power. Every piece of
2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 17 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
equipment is designed and meticulously headphones, with performance often punching recreating the spine-tingling excitement of live £4999 X45Pro streamer/DAC, Novafidelity has crafted to deliver outstanding performance. The above their cost. Formed in 2014 and based in MRSPEAKERS performance. A carefully curated collection will products to satisfy the needs of a broad P 5000 series is a testament to this – at the heart Romania, company founder Antonio Meze’s Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) be on show with a live demonstration focused spectrum of modern audiophiles. of the No5805 integrated amplifier, with digital philosophy is to design and manufacture Web: mrspeakers.com around the acclaimed HD family and Classic PARADIGM and analogue inputs, is a fully discrete, products that are beautiful to behold, both ‘Choosing the right headphone is a deeply range. Hear the stunning 300i integrated amp, Suite: 505-506 (Level 5, Core A) direct-coupled, dual-monaural line-level visually and sonically, with some of the highest personal business,’ notes Hi-Fi Choice (Sept. designed around the famous 300B triode and a O Web: paradigm.com preamp. The No5802 integrated amplifier is care and attention to detail seen in any audio 2019), a sentiment with which US-based, legend in its field, in a special tribute to Nagra’s The six-driver, three-and-a-half way hybrid designed primarily for digital sources while the production and assembly. high-performance headphone brand nearly 70 years of audio excellence. OKKI NOKKI Persona 9H floorstander with its active bass No5101 network streaming SACD player Meze’s flagship Empyrean was developed in MrSpeakers fully agrees. Founder Dan Clark has Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) section is the highest-performing loudspeaker supports CD/SACD formats together with co-operation with Rinaro, the company behind developed new ideas and techniques to Web: okkinokki.com Paradigm has ever created. Designed and built high-resolution network streaming capabilities the planar magnetic diaphragms found in the produce exceptionally high performing NODE AUDIO If you’re investing in building up a vinyl in Canada, the 9H features tandem-matched over Ethernet and Wi-Fi. This trio of products all Oppo PM series and is the first headphone to headphones at surprisingly competitive prices. Suite: 408, 409 (Level 4, Core A) collection, you’re no doubt keen to keep your beryllium drivers – the only speaker in its class feature Mark Levinson’s Precision Link II DAC. feature the company’s hybrid array planar The MrSpeakers range includes both planar Web: node-audio.com records in tip-top condition so that you can to utilise beryllium for both mid and treble magnetic design. Most recently Meze has magnetic and electrostatic models. Of the top Since its launch last year, Node’s Hylixa speaker hear them at their best. Still, a record cleaning drivers. Each woofer pair is driven by DSP-guided released the Rai Solo and Rai Penta IEMs as it ‘Voce’ electrostatic model Hi-Fi Choice says, has been astounding listeners with a large-scale machine may feel like a bit of luxury. Fear not, 700W amp which, when set up with Anthem’s MELCO expands its range still further. ‘Reproduction is breathtaking. Bass is tight, performance that belies its compact, sculptural Dutch brand Okki Nokki has the solution. Its ARC Genesis room correction, enables perfect Suite: 637-638 (Level 6, Core C) powerful and punchy, the top end is crisp and form. Hylixa incorporates the world’s first RCM record cleaning machine is one of Europe’s bass tuning within most room environments. Web: melco-audio.com well extended and the overall performance is Helical Transmission Line, delivering extended best-sellers. Established in 1975, Melco produces the world’s MOFI refined and comfortable enough for longer bass from a small, passive enclosure, yet Priced at just £435, the RCM is a compact yet most advanced networked digital music Suite: 435-436 (Level 4, Core 4) listening sessions.’ preserving a point image source. Each speaker powerful piece of kit whose build quality, PEGASO libraries, all of which incorporate the very latest Web: mofi.com is systematically fused from particles of glass features and performance might reasonably be Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) research into reliable, high-performance Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has been the and nylon using a computer-controlled laser in expected to come with a considerably higher Web: pegasoaudio.com storage devices. From its early beginnings, undisputed pioneer in audiophile recording MUSICAL FIDELITY our Cambridge laboratory’. price tag. Originally launched around 15 years Italian audio brand Pegaso may be just two Melco developed into the largest computer since 1977, its goal being to offer faithfully Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) These astounding innovations are revealed as ago, its design and construction has evolved years old but comes with decades of design peripherals manufacturer in Japan (Buffalo reproduced high-fidelity recordings that Web: musicalfidelity.com the Hylixa makes its UK Hi-Fi Show Live debut. over time, adding a raft of enhancements while and hi-fi know-how, thanks to the company’s Inc.), offering advanced products based on complement advances in audio delivery Musical Fidelity is back! With the acquisition of Visitors are welcome to discuss the numerous keeping the price firmly in check. family tree: it’s the sister company of award- rigorous R&D. Uniquely, Melco’s digital music systems. Drawing on 40 years of state-of-the-art the iconic UK brand by long-time distributor technical advances with Node’s directors Ashley winning Audio Analogue. While AA specialises libraries eschew standard IT parts for a bespoke vinyl reproduction, Mobile Fidelity’s electronics and parent company of Pro-Ject Audio May and David Evans. in ‘zero-feedback’ solid-state separates, Pegaso and uncompromised audio-specific solution. division, MoFi, is focused on improving the Systems, Audio Tuning, in 2018, we’ve been ORIGIN LIVE focuses purely on tube-based products. The company will be bringing its entire range sonic integrity of audio in the home. waiting with bated breath to see what would Suites: 401-402 (Level 4, Core A) This is a new chapter in the history of parent of advanced music libraries to the show and the MoFi’s ranges of turntables, cartridges and come next. First, we saw the strikingly NORDOST Web: originlive.com company AF Group SRL, but with the same weekend’s demonstrations will centre around phono stages are the result of multiple affordable M2 range arrive, followed now – as Suites: 308-310 (Level 3, Core A) Audio hobbyists of longstanding will be familiar goal: to craft reference-quality audio the flagship model, the N10 compact digital collaborations with some of the world’s an exclusive for the UK Hi-Fi Show Live – by the Web: nordost.com with Origin Live and its founder and designer electronics. Pegaso represents a perfect union music library, which benefits from a high- foremost audio designers, including EAR’s Tim M8xi integrated amplifier, a high-end A name synonymous with the highest quality Mark Baker who over the past 33 years has between tradition and progress – the warm and quality external linear power supply, a 3TB drive de Paravicini and Allen Perkins of Spiral Groove. powerhouse amplifier with a rated 550W audio cabling, Nordost is showing its developed a wide range of turntables, involving sound of valves married with the and direct connectivity with USB DACs. Karma-AV will be demonstrating MoFi’s EISA output. Featuring a host of balanced and revolutionary QPOINT Resonance Synchronizer. tonearms, amplifiers, loudspeakers and highly technical and sophisticated design award-winning UltraDeck+M turntable/arm/ unbalanced inputs, a built-in DAC and an This device addresses resonances within accessories. At the show its award-winning philosophy of decades of solid state experience. cartridge as part of its two-channel imposing industrial façade, the M8xi shows the components by emitting a subtle field which turntables and tonearms will be demonstrated Pegaso’s first product is the P50A, a fully MÉTRONOME TECHNOLOGIE presentations at the show. future really is bright for Musical Fidelity. manipulates all electromechanical resonances with a brand new phono stage and Aladdin Mk2 balanced 50W integrated class A amplifier. Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) within its immediate proximity with the result cartridge along with other new products, Web: metronome-technologie.com that they resonate in unison with each other. By including the high-end Agile and Renown French digital specialist Métronome MOON BY SIMAUDIO N syncing these resonances, the QPOINT claims tonearms which offer major leaps forward in PLINIUS AUDIO Technologie has two new products at the UK Suites: 308-310 (Level 3, Core A) & Headphone to eliminate internal electrical noise, enhancing audio reproduction. Speakers and other Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) Hi-Fi Show Live: the t|AQWO CD/SACD transport Zone (Level 6, Core A) NAD the coherency and timing that is typically components will also be Origin Live designs. We Web: pliniusaudio.com and c|AQWO DAC. Those familiar with the Web: simaudio.com Suite: 617-618 (Level 6, Core B) lacking in even the most high-end audio invite you to come and talk to us about what From its base in Christchurch, New Zealand, company’s creations will be unsurprised by Canadian company MOON is legendary for its Web: nadelectronics.com systems. The extraordinary QPOINT Resonance you would like your system to do better. Plinius has built an enviable reputation for high- how ‘undigital’ they sound. So if you’re looking range of amplifiers and streamers and its 680D The NAD M10 will be demonstrated by Anatech Synchronizer is a must-see product. Don’t miss fidelity sound thanks to ingenious circuit for a digital source that imbues music with the streaming DAC redefines what is possible from Distribution along with other Bluesound- out on hearing how it, and Nordost’s other designs and components that are built to last. It free-breathing dynamics and natural fluidity of digital music playback. With its deluxe looks, equipped products. Please see “Bluesound”. accessories, can take your listening pleasure to ORTOFON offers a wide range of outstanding products the finest analogue audio equipment, park your exemplary build quality, superior connectivity the next level. Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) from its reference amplifiers – renowned for ears here… Wonderfully, additively musical. and onboard MiND 2 streaming module, the Web: ortofon.com beautiful sound and ability to drive any speaker If you’d like to hear these new components for 680D is a future-proofed streaming DAC NAGRA Ortofon celebrated its centennial year during – to its industry-leading streaming solutions. yourself, they’re on demo in the Magico designed to combine simplicity of use with an Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) NOVAFIDELITY 2018, but don’t think that means the company Highlights include the top-of-the-range listening zone. Don’t forget to check out the extraordinary musical performance. Web: nagraaudio.com Suites: 502, 503 (Level 5, Core A) is feeling old and tired. Its recent release of Reference RM 10/RA 300 pre/power amp to the stunning creations from Métronome’s flagship Meanwhile, the MOON 860A v2 is a dual-mono More than 60 years separate the first Nagra Web: novatron.co.kr innovative, class-leading products, including outstanding Hautonga integrated amplifier and Kalista brand, too. power amplifier that provides exceptional professional recorder from today’s devices. Novafidelity, manufactured by South Korean IT the flagship MC Anna Diamond cartridge proves Koru phono preamplifier. transparency and a remarkable musical During the intervening period, Nagra Audio has and music player specialist Novatron Co, was otherwise! The entire range of Ortofon soundstage. It pairs seamlessly with virtually witnessed dramatic changes in technology and previously known as Cocktail Audio in the UK. cartridges will be on display at the UK Hi-Fi MEZE AUDIO any loudspeakers, allowing them to reach their yet still produces the finest commercial and By combining IT expertise with premium audio Show Live, with experts on-hand to help you PLIXIR POWER Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) full sonic potential. The performance is clear, audiophile equipment available today. Nagra’s technologies, its streaming and media server discover the right pick-up solution for your Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) Web: mezeaudio.com detailed and accurate with huge dynamics and audio products are at the forefront of cutting- products offer possibly the best feature sets and system. Come hear the high-end MC Windfeld Web: plixirpower.com A relative newcomer, Meze Audio has been fast an effortless bottom end. Don’t miss out on edge digital and analogue design, delivering value to be had anywhere. From its £649 X14 Ti in the main system, topped off with Klipsch Founded in Singapore in 2014, PLiXiR Power developing a reputation for great sounding hearing the kings of Canada’s high-end. unsurpassed objective accuracy while one-box music system through to the high-end horn loudspeakers! offers a range of units designed to enhance the
18 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 19 sound quality of your hi-fi system by prepare to see the full extent of its potential at conditioning the AC power supply. The UK Hi-Fi Show Live. The Signature 10 turntable QUADRASPIRE company will be demonstrating its Elite BAC will be on demonstration together with a huge Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) 3000V power conditioner, which is particularly variety of other analogue and digital models Web: quadraspire.co.uk BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR DAC suitable for sensitive equipment like turntables from the range on display – including the EISA Quadraspire’s hi-fi racks and supports help with and phono stages, along with its new Cube 8 Award-winning flagship CD Box RS2 T CD an audio system’s soundstaging abilities and Reclock and Regenerate the USB signal from any source BAC, designed for full hi-fi and home theatre transport that breathes new life into a improve its dynamics by addressing the issues set-ups. As its name suggests, the Cube 8 BAC still-popular format. Be prepared to see how of component resonance. This is achieved has eight outlets and features an audio-grade versatile and accomplished this popular using the ‘tried and tested’ technique of tuning balanced transformer made by Noratel. Austrian company really is. by ear, in the same way that the finest musical instruments are developed, enabling music lovers to enjoy the thrill of live or studio music PRIMALUNA PS AUDIO in their own home. All products are made in Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Suite: 613-614 (Level 6, Core B) England at the company’s factory in Hallatrow Web: primaluna.nl Web: psaudio.com near Bath, where engineers use the latest Dutch firm PrimaLuna was founded in 2003 Founded in 1973 by audio designers Paul technology to fashion the wood and metal with a clear mission: to deliver high- McGowan and Stan Warren in Santa Maria components. Recent developments include performance tube-based audio at affordable California, PS Audio is a market leader in mains racks and supports developed specifically for prices, resolving the reliability issues that had regeneration and known for innovation and use with Nagra and Bel Canto equipment. often dissuaded people from investing in the value for money across all of its products. On sonic beauty of valves. demonstration – and a European exclusive – is The company’s new EvoLution Series is its new Stellar phono preamplifier, which is a R present at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, comprising fully discrete Class A design that handles both four levels of preamp, power amp and MM and MC cartridges. Also on show will be a RAIDHO ACOUSTICS integrated amp, plus a DAC incorporating the choice of stereo and monoblock amplifiers Suite: The Long Box, 242-244 (Level 2, Core D) world’s first valve-based data clocking device. alongside the company’s new P3 mains Web: raidho.dk The new models embody all the things that regenerator. We’re excited to show you what Raidho creates loudspeakers for people with an PrimaLuna fans love – superb valve sound at can be achieved with PS Audio’s Stellar range. exceptional sense of aesthetics: those who affordable prices, with class-leading reliability, believe that sound should be fantastic, who flexibility and ease of use – while bringing want their listening experience to be out of the enhanced design and some ingenious new PURITAN AUDIO LABS ordinary and who also expect noticeably stylish ideas to the table. Suite: Frankel Bar (Level 4, Core A) visual design. The company is famously Web: puritanaudiolabs.com unafraid to think very differently and to walk a It all starts at the power plug! Puritan’s more challenging design and engineering path, PRIMARE award-winning, UK-built products transport AC pushing the envelope above and beyond the Suite: 432 (Level 4, Core D) mains from the wall into your equipment, usual tried-and-tested approaches. As a result, UK Web: primare.net removing the fizz and hash that suffocates fine in recent years the brand has taken – or rather DEBUT Primare’s goal is to provide the best possible detail and diminishes musical dynamics. The earned – its place in the hi-fi world’s league of experience for the greatest number of people. effect of Puritan’s multi-output conditioners will legends. Meet the company’s new (as of 2018) The Prisma line was created to allow anyone in be demonstrated, with models to suit all chief designer Benno Baun Meldgaard and find the household to effortlessly explore, discover, budgets, and each producing an amazing uplift out what keeps Raidho at the cutting edge. and share the deeply satisfying experience of in performance from humble players right up to high-performance playback – whether the mega systems. New for the UK Hi-Fi Show Live PHOENIXUSB source is analogue or digital, audio or video, is a 12 socket version of Puritan’s highly THE REEL TO REEL RAMBLER wired or wireless, stored or streamed. Prisma acclaimed PSM156 AC mains conditioner. Suite: 655-657 (Level 6, Core D) RECLOCKER technology provides connectivity and control Web: thereeltoreelrambler.com with associated applications and devices The Reel-to-Reel Rambler is an online webzine familiar to everyone. Q run by audiophile Dave Denyer with regular Karma AV will be displaying the EISA contributions from renowned hi-fi journalists. It Visit us at: Award-winning CD35/I35 Prisma stereo system, QOBUZ champions the unbeatable sound quality of as well as Primare’s latest designs. These Suite: Frankel Bar (Level 4, Core A) open reel tape and celebrates the format’s STATEMENT Windsor Forest Room Playing all day include the A35.2 amplifier, the R35 MM/MC Web: qobuz.com burgeoning revival. ‘The Rambler’ will make its phono stage, and an exclusive ‘first look’ at the Formed in 2008, Qobuz wanted to design a first appearance at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019 Flagship Music Server Grandstand Level 2 on Saturday & Sunday new NP5 Prisma, a network player bringing track/album delivery service that catered to showcasing all things R2R. award-winning Prisma technology to virtually highly specialised music lovers, all over the An exciting selection of open reel tape decks PhoenixUSB Room 653/654 Demos on Saturday & Sunday any system with a digital input. world. Qobuz was the first music service to offer will be demo’d, ranging from vintage gems Reclocker Grandstand Level 6 only at 9:30 / 12:45 / 17:00 44.1kHz/16-bit (CD quality) files to download (think Revox, Pioneer, Studer professional throughout its entire catalogue, and was also studio recorders) to the brand new Ballfinger PRO-JECT AUDIO SYSTEMS the first to provide 44kHz/16-bit files for M-063. Along with workshops run by Dave Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) streaming. Nowadays the bulk of its catalogue Denyer, Ken Kessler and Neville Roberts, there Web: project-audio.com comprises 24-bit hi-res files, and these are now will be masses of music throughout – hear for Please visit innuos.com/audio-shows for more information Pro-Ject may well be recognised as the master offered for on-demand streaming to its Qobuz yourself the R2R difference as we spin a wide of affordable analogue audio products, but Sublime subscribers. range of tapes from the growing number of
www.innuos.com /innuos @innuos innuos 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 21 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
master tape labels worldwide. The workshops forget the E20 aII-valve amplifier. Updated for combining advanced materials and technology transient accuracy, air, space, and dynamics by are scheduled for Sat 26th, 12:00–12:30 (Talking 2019, it delivers a truly engaging performance. with the very best in traditional manufacturing SILTECH SOTA TURNTABLES purely mechanical means. Stillpoints provide Tape with Neville Roberts), 1:30–2:30 (Ultra techniques. Every pick-up is handmade by Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) Suite: 613-614 (Level 6, Core B) isolation and control of destructive vibrational Analogue Recordings’ Ed Pong), 3:00–3:30 skilled craftsmen in Shelter’s workshops Web: siltechcables.com Web: sotaturntables.com energy by means of a four-tier filter, reinforcing (Talking Tape with Ken Kessler) and 4:00–5:00 ROON northeast of Tokyo with each one personally Thanks to decades of materials and A familiar name in the vinyl world, American the musical qualities of your audio system. (Open Reel Records’ Marco Taio). They continue Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) inspected and quality assured by company transmission technology research, Siltech’s brand SOTA has a world-first showing of its new The secret to Stillpoints’ design is in the detail on Sun 27th at 10:30–11:30 (Open Reel Records’ Web: roonlabs.com designer and founder Yasuo Ozawa. One of legendary cables set the standard others strive Escape turntable. Featuring an of its four-tier filter, blocking a direct energy Marco Taio), 12:30–1:00 (Talking Tape with Ken Nucleus is the centre of your Roon music these cartridges is the Model 501 III which uses to match. Made in Holland by highly skilled environmentally-friendly resin plinth made path through the equipment. This isolation is in Kessler), 1:30–2:30 (UltraAnalogue Recordings’ system. It’s the housekeeper, the traffic cop, and an aluminium-clad boron cantilever and technicians, the company is led by Edwin from recycled paper and a three-phase contrast with other support devices (such as Ed Pong) and 3:30–4:30 (Chasing The Dragon the brain that takes care of the music in your elliptical diamond stylus tip to deliver Rjinveld, who formed Siltech over 35 years ago. synchronous motor controlled by the spikes, cones and balls ). The Show system will Audiophile Recordings’ Mike Valentine). life. Using Nucleus, Roon manages all your expressiveness, power and energy at the His founding belief was based purely on the company’s Condor PSU, it brings unparalleled include the ultimate expression of Stillpoints’ music – on hard drives, NAS, and streaming highest level. Widely regarded as some of the understanding that cable technology should be performance at the price. The Escape will art – the ESS RACK – and new ULTRA 2 isolator, content – and allows you to play it on all the finest in the world, these pick-ups are famous treated as an exacting science. The spotlight feature an Origin Live Silver tonearm equipped a most cost-effective means of providing REQUEST AUDIO audio devices around your home. Nucleus is for their superb accuracy coupled with an will be on the popular Classic Anniversary with an Ortofon Quintet Red cartridge, though electronics with the best possible support. Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) the best way to run Roon, at any price. During inherent musicality, precisely reproducing the Series, developed to commemorate 25 years of the tonearm mount can accommodate Web: request.com the show, see Nucleus getting its muscles flexed sense of a stunning live performance. the company producing high-end audio cables. tonearms from SME, Rega and other brands. The maker of The Beast – the world’s best audio in a system built by the UK distributors, Henley Cutting-edge research into electromagnetic SVS server for serious music lovers – has returned Audio. Pop in to find out how Roon and Nucleus interference effects has been combined with Suites: 435-436, 437-439 (Level 4, Core D) with a new Swiss-made server component can enhance your digital audio experience. SCHIIT AUDIO precision micro-engineering to create the SOTM Web: svsound.com called The Raptor. Running the same OS as The Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) quietest Classic cables yet. They are milestones Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) Created in 1998 to bring enhanced performance Beast, The Raptor is a ripping server with up to Web: schiit.eu.com for anyone who truly loves their music. Web: sotm-audio.com and value to the subwoofer market, SVS audio four terabytes of SSD storage. It comes in two S Highly affordable components that also boast Founded in 2008, Korea-based SOtM (Soul Of products are designed to outperform rivals at versions, with and without an onboard DAC, high-end cred? American electronics the Music) offers multi network audio solutions, every price point. By leveraging the highest and handles all digital formats including DSD. If SBOOSTER manufacturer Schiit Audio produces a wide SME its extensive range of network accessories and quality components and applying rigorous you’re looking for a server solution with a Suite: 613-614 (Level 6, Core B) range of electronics including amps, DACs, USB Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) products having received multiple awards from engineering and design principles, SVS has complete absence of compromise in either Web: sbooster.com interfaces and even a turntable. Its Schiit Magni Web: sme.co.uk across the globe. The company recently created a line of premium active subwoofers sound quality or usability, ReQuest Audio is the Sbooster is a Dutch company that 3 headphone amplifier redefined the market SME is an iconic British brand founded by released its Special Edition network streaming and speakers that bring music and movies to number one choice. manufacturers some of the best linear power when it came to sheer value for money but then Alastair Robertson-Aikman in 1946 and is the bundle, which includes the sMS-200 Ultra Neo life with stunning realism – and all at truly supplies in the world, making it the choice of the company has done the same for other home of arguably the finest tonearms and SE network player and tX-USB Ultra SE USB hub affordable prices. The range comprises the ‘SB’ audiophiles worldwide. Take a look at its Best product categories multiple times in the past. turntables in the world, all handcrafted in West and regenerator along with the sPS-500 SE compact sealed subs, ‘PC’ powered cylinder REVEL LOUDSPEAKERS Of The World MK2 (BOTWMK2) linear power Whether it’s the Audio Yggdrasil DAC or Eitr Sussex. SME will present its full range of power supply. Following the success of this subs and the ‘PB’ maximum performance Suite: 627-631 (Level 6, Core C) supply and Ultra upgrade cable. Sbooster’s USB-to-S/PDIF converter, Schiit Audio offers turntables including the new Model 12A, which bundle, SOtM has now launched the Special ported subs. It also offers its ‘Ultra’ and ‘Prime’ Web: revelspeakers.com product designer will be on hand to answer any high-performing, value-oriented, and often will be on live demonstration. Edition SOtM sMS-200 NEO Mini Network speaker ranges. Starring as part of a complete Revel is a brand that puts science at the heart of questions you might have and help explain why game-changing gear, time and again. Designed for those who would prefer to select Player. Hear the impressive Special Edition SVS satellite system in Karma-AV’s cinema its approach to design and the result is a range Sbooster is the best. their own unique combination of phono stage network streaming bundle for yourself, and see demonstrations will be EISA’s Subwoofer of the of loudspeakers renowned for their audio and cartridge, every component has been the beautifully designed mT-1000 power strips. Year, the SB-3000. accuracy. Its PerformaBe series is based around SHUNYATA RESEARCH precision engineered in-house to the strictest an all-new tweeter made of beryllium – a SCANSONIC Suite: The Long Box, 242-244 (Level 2, Core D) tolerances. With an extraordinary dedication to material that is ideal for mid and high- Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) Web: shunyata.com achieving the ultimate in audio reproduction, STAX SWEETVINYL frequency drivers as it delivers unparalleled Web: scansonic.dk Shunyata Research was founded by former SME delivers class-leading performance Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) Suite: Ascot Authority (Level 2, Core B) detail and accuracy. The result is music with the Danish Scansonic may be the sister brand of military scientist Caelin Gabriel in 1998 with the without compromise.. Web: stax.co.jp Web: sweetvinyl.com utmost purity, reproduced in the manner the highly covetable Raidho, but its fabulously goal of designing power and cable systems that Stax has been designing and manufacturing Pops and crackles disturbing listening sessions artist intended. The new F226Be offers affordable ‘HD’ loudspeakers are making waves eliminate the deleterious effects of noise on electrostatic headphones since 1938. Regarded are one of the biggest issues reported by vinyl phenomenal performance from a compact in their own right. Originally created by Raidho’s high resolution sound, film, recording and SONUS FABER by many as ‘the Rolls-Royce of headphones’, fans around the world. There’s also that part of enclosure that houses a pair of 6.5in woofers in Michael Børresen, Scansonic’s HD range offered mastering systems. Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) Stax calls its designs ‘Earspeakers’ as the sound everyone’s collection, where older records get addition to the same 1in beryllium tweeter and much of the Raidho DNA and pedigree but at a Best known for using credible science and Web: sonusfaber.com they make is more akin to listening to neglected, as they’re just too noisy to enjoy 5.25in midrange driver found in the range- fraction of the cost. Now the range has been extreme parts customisation to deliver products No loudspeaker maker offers a more elegant loudspeakers. All Stax Earspeakers need to be after years of use and abuse. Enter SweetVinyl, topping F228Be. even further enhanced, with Danish hi-fi brand with the absolute highest performance and embodiment of aspirational audio design than connected to a dedicated amplifier called an a start-up brand out of California that has Gamut joining Raidho and Scansonic as part of value, Shunyata Research has proven Sonus faber. Hailing from Vicenza, Italy, this was energiser. Today Stax systems start with a resolved this timely analogue problem with a the Dantax group of companies in 2018, instrumental in advancing the state of high the first company to make speakers with portable DAC/energiser package and go all the clever digital solution. Its SugarCube range of ROGERS ensuring the high-performance products of all performance power conditioning and system smoothly curved wood cabinets rather than way to reference grade electrostatic products uses sophisticated ADC technologies Suite: 253-254 (Level 2, Core D) three brands benefit from an influx of cabling in both the audio and medical dull, slab-sided boxes, embellished by luxury Earspeakers coupled to tube hybrid energisers. and a proprietary process to isolate and remove Web: rogers-hifi.uk collaborative design and engineering expertise. industries. Illustrations of this research will be touches such as soft Italian leather. Its Not only are Stax products used by audiophiles unwanted pops and crackles in real-time, One of the oldest and most respected of audio Gamut’s Benno Baun Meldgaard, now chief presented at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live. impeccable craftsmanship is second to none, worldwide, its systems also find their way into leaving you with a cleaned-up audio brands, in 2018 Rogers resumed manufacturing designer of the trio, will be on hand to share his On demonstration with Esoteric Grandioso matched only by its speakers’ exquisitely some of the finest mastering houses in the performance that retains its analogue sound. its products in the UK with the legendary considerable passion and vision. electronics and Raidho floorstanders will be a detailed sound. world. They are the last word in transparency. This has to be heard to be believed. Classic 15ohm LS3/5a loudspeaker. If you have full loom of flagship Sigma analogue and digital Key models from Sonus faber’s latest yet to hear the remarkable performance of this cables. The system will also include Sigma and collections are at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live: iconic design then this is your chance. Also on SHELTER Alpha power cables, the award-winning Denali floorstanders and a standmount speaker from STILLPOINTS SYNERGISTIC RESEARCH demonstration will be the LS5/9 monitor. Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) 6000/T power conditioner, and don’t miss the the Olympica Nova range, Palladio Level 5 Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) Manufactured under license from the BBC the Web: shelter-audio.co.jp world premiere of the incredible new Hydra in-wall/on-wall models and the gorgeous Web: stillpoints.us Web: synergisticresearch.com LS5/9 gives a rare insight into the balance and Shelter has been manufacturing high-end Alpha A10 power distributor – a model exclusive Heritage Collection that takes inspiration from Made in the USA, Stillpoints equipment US company Synergistic Research has been tone of monitor speakers circa 1980. And don’t phono cartridges since 1986, its designs to the UK! the company’s illustrious past. supports are designed to improve transparency, around for many years developing cables
22 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 23 SAVE UP TO 31% LIMITED AVAILABILITY!
through objective measurements, advanced TIDAL systems seek to avoid any coloration or A TREAT FOR THE active technologies and proprietary cable TECHDAS the archetypal ‘sound of hi-fi’. A selection of geometries. It voices its cables via a series of Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) TIDAL electronics and loudspeakers will be on subjective listening tests to select material Web: techdas.jp demonstration, including the floorstanding combinations that will enable each cable The Air Force turntables by Japanese specialist PIANO and CONTRIVA models, fronted by the design to reproduce music that is as close to TechDAS are extraordinary feats of engineering latest CAMIRA DMC DAC and IMPULSE amplifier. ‘live’ as possible. that combine high mass and air suspension to These are UK debuts at the Hi-Fi Show Live. FESTIVE SEASON Synergistic Research’s cables, fuses and deliver magnificent sound. Silent pumps float power products are now available through the massive platters on a bed of air, while Buy a subscription to any of these titles this month UK Electromod dealer network, so come and suspending the chassis to protect from TRANSPARENT CABLE try a replacement headphone cable or two and vibrations and vacuum-clamping records to Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) and receive a FREE bottle of Famous Grouse Whisky* hear the results. keep them utterly flat and stable. Web: transparentcable.com A range of TechDAS turntables are present at A world leader in cable technology, Transparent ■ Great savings ■ Delivered conveniently to your door the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, from the original Air offers a comprehensive range for high- ■ Subscriptions start with fi rst issue of 2020 T Force One to the most affordable TechDAS yet, performance audio and video applications, the Air Force V, guaranteed to extract every last many of which include the company’s ■ Greetings card supplied with gift subscriptions T+A drop of musical detail from a record’s grooves. innovative Transparent Network noise-reducing Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) electronics. Whatever you’re connecting, Web: ta-hifi.de/en/ whether the signal is digital or analogue, German brand T+A offers a series of exquisitely- TELLURIUM Q Transparent has a cable to unlock your system’s engineered products – headed by the amazing Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) full potential. HV series, famed for its bomb-proof build Web: telluriumq.com You can hear Transparent cables in the Magico quality. All T+A products are uniformly modern From humble beginnings in 2009, Tellurium Q and Wilson Audio listening zones, and also in functionality and features, and offer a level of now offers a widely respected range of cables to check out the company’s latest designs musicality guaranteed to impress. T+A is suit virtually every audiophile’s needs, and including the Premium Ethernet cable, which distributed in the UK via Kog Audio. received the Queens Award for Enterprise in has a remarkable effect on sound when used 2018 in recognition of its global success. This with a network device such as a streamer or made-in-England cable is a study in conductor NAS drive. TAIKO AUDIO material, construction, geometry, dielectric Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) properties and vibrational damping. By Web: taikoaudio.com avoiding the time-smear and colorations that TRILOGY AUDIO SYSTEMS Taiko Audio is an innovative Dutch audio brand are caused by phase distortion, the nuances, Suite: 316-319 (Level 3, Core C) that boasts the best audio server yet created – dynamics and rhythmic insight of the Web: trilogyaudio.com The Taiko Audio SGM Extreme. This state-of-the- performance are preserved. We will be showing This UK-based company builds a small range of art Music Server is designed to deliver the most the Tellurium Q STATEMENT cables, a high-end amplifiers by hand, all designed by realistic/live sounding performance from locally no-holds-barred attempt to remove the the company’s technical director Nic Poulson. stored music files and content streamed from limitations of previous designs. Come see and Its new 915R reference vacuum tube Hi-Fi News Hi-Fi Choice Home Cinema Choice Qobuz and Tidal. hear for yourself. preamplifier and matching 995R hybrid The hardware and software architecture is monaural power amplifiers will be provide the 13 issues for £47.75 13 issues for £47.75 13 issues for £48.99 extensively customised, employing passively- power for the Symmetry system this year. The Saving 31% Saving 27% Saving 25% cooled dual multicore CPUs with 48GB of THEORETICA 915R features full remote control and Full price £68.99 Full price £65.38 Full price £65.13 memory. Internal music storage can be cost- Suite: 613-614 (Level 6, Core B) adjustment while the 995Rs can be run in Class effectively expanded up to 24TB , and Roon is Web: theoretica.us AB, or full Class A. The UK Hi-Fi Show Live will used as the standard playback suite. This 42kg, Theoretica Applied Physics was founded in also see the launch of the latest Trilogy no-compromise server solution advances the 2014 with the goal of bringing recent advances component, the 975 phono preamplifier. This TH DON’T MISS OUT! OFFER ENDS 6 DECEMBER 2019 art substantially, and deserves to front the in 3D audio from the research laboratory to the twin-case model showcases new circuit highest level digital music systems. real world. Our flagship product, the BACCH-SP, topology and cutting-edge industrial design. is a highly-acclaimed, state-of-the-art digital audio processor that allows the listener to TALK ELECTRONICS experience spatially accurate 3D sound from a V Order online today Suite: 253-254 (Level 2, Core D) pair of stereo loudspeakers. Web: talkelectronics.com VAN DEN HUL www.mytimemedia.co.uk/XMAS19P2 Talk Electronics has evolved from the highly Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) successful Cable Talk brand back in the 90s to a TIDAL AUDIO Web: vandenhul.com manufacturer of turntables, amplifiers, phono Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) Affectionately known as ‘the granddaddy of all * stages, loudspeakers and accessories. For over Web: tidal-audio.com cartridge designers’, Aalt Jouk (A.J.) van den Hul Or call 0344 243 9023 15 years it has designed and produced some of This is a company obsessed with perfection. is something of a living high-end audio legend. the world’s finest value-for-money high-fidelity TIDAL Audio was founded in 1999 with the The driving slogan of his company is ‘the link equipment. The Edwards Audio series from Talk ambition to build the finest audio systems in between technique and emotion’ which sums and quote reference XMAS19P2 Electronics will be on demonstration, including the world. Every detail, every single part and up his focus on outstanding musical quality TERMS & CONDITIONS: Off er ends 6th December 2019. *UK print subscriptions off er only. Gift has limited availability. Over 18’s only. Please the Apprentice MM phono stage, the TT every step involved in making a TIDAL with longstanding product durability and drink responsibly. If this is a gift subscription, please ask to begin with the fi rst available issue in 2020. MyTime Media collects your data so that we can fulfi l your subscription. We may also, from time to time, send you details of MyTime Media off ers, events and competitions but turntable, 50W IA1 Mk2 integrated amplifier and masterpiece exists in a world that is free from reliability. The company crafts innovative, you always have a choice and can opt out by emailing us at unsubscribe@hifi news.com unsubscribe@hifi choice.co.uk unsubscribe@ homecinemachoice.com. Please select here if you are happy to receive such off ers by email❏ by post ❏, by phone ❏. Apprentice Speakers. the bounds of cost optimisation! hand-made artisan-grade phono cartridges (by We do not share or sell your data with/to third parties. Details you share with us will be managed as outlined in our Privacy Policy here http://www.mytimemedia.co.uk/privacy-policy. Please visit www.mytimemedia.co.uk/terms for full terms & conditions. *Calls are charged at the same rate as standard UK landlines and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances. There are 2019 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 25 no additional charges with this number. Overseas calls will cost more.
000_AVT_subs_A4_xmas19_whisky_v2.indd 1 25/09/2019 15:22 The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
AJ himself) and an extensive range of audio Lovingly engineered in New Jersey, the HW-40 candle to the extraordinary designs of Wilson cables, all designed using unique solutions and pays tribute to 40 years of engineering Audio. These are speakers that revel in realism, state-of-the-art technology from the company’s excellence on the part of VPI. It features the their sole purpose to bring home the scale and own inventions and listening experience. company’s original direct-drive motor design drama of live music in a way that perfectly enhanced by the best of 2019’s motion control captures the original performance. circuitry, vibration and isolation technology. The Wilson Audio listening zone offers the VERITY AUDIO With beautiful gloss wood sides, metal platter unique opportunity to hear the Alexia Series 2 Suite: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) and a 12in gimbal 3D printed Fat-Boy tonearm, speakers driven by Dan D’Agostino’s Relentless Web: verityaudio.com the HW-40 is a stunning record player monoblocks, bringing two of America’s finest Verity Audio has been designing and building reminiscent of the original VPI designs but high-end audio creators together to thrilling finely crafted and musically involving featuring the very latest in technology. With effect. Other speakers on show include the loudspeakers for nearly 20 years. Located in only 400 of these turntables available, you’ll Sasha DAW, Yvette and Sabrina… and, as we go Quebec, Canada, co-founders Julien Pelchat have to be quick to get your hands on one. to press, perhaps even the awesome, and Bruno Bouchand have combined their love forthcoming Chronosonic XVX! of music with their expertise in design to bring Wilson Audio products are brought to the UK the Verity Audio line of loudspeakers to music W by Absolute Sounds – distributor of the world’s lovers around the globe. Thanks to superior finest audio equipment and composer of engineering and craftsmanship, their products THE WAND extraordinary sonic experiences. boast astonishing levels of accuracy while Suites: 323, 325-326, 329 (Level 3, Core C) sounding unbelievably refined. Don’t miss the Web: designbuildlisten.com stunning Parsifal Anniversary, a three-way, Developed by New Zealand-based company X full-range loudspeaker, in all its glory. Design Build Listen (DBL), The Wand unipivot tonearm represents a step change in tonearm X-ODOS design. Pared back in rather clever ways, it is Suites: 333-335 (Level 3, Core D) VIMBERG crafted to deliver superb sound at a Web: x-odos.com Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) considerably more modest price than might X-Odos is a German company founded in 2014 Web: vimberg.de otherwise be expected. The result: a by IT specialist Christof Poschadel with the aim Designed to reproduce sound in the most remarkable musical bang for your buck. of creating a range of devices that exploit the realistic way, VIMBERG loudspeakers – designed Its unusual looking (but undeniably cool) cutting-edge of digital know-how. It now makes and built by TIDAL Audio GmbH in Germany – large diameter carbon-fibre arm tube is said to some of the most acclaimed and highly provide a level of construction, engineering and be four times stiffer than an arm of more respected high-end streaming devices on the sound quality that will astonish. There is no conventional diameter and is the result of many market, including the Xo|one music server. closer and more intense way to connect with hundreds of hours of R&D. The Wand tonearm This slick-looking unit not only plays high-res the artist, the event, and the music itself. is available in three lengths: 9.5in, 10.3in & 12in music up to 192kHz/24-bit but also sports a slot We are showing the incredible VIMBERG MINO and three specification levels, The Wand for ripping CDs. Furthermore, the Xo|one helps at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live, a three way Classic, The Wand Plus and The Wand Master. you discover new music via an iPad app that floorstanding model featuring Accuton drivers. enables you to browse through music offered Do not miss this chance to experience a new by Highresaudio and download tunes directly high-end audio benchmark! WARWICK ACOUSTICS to the device. Suite: Headphone Zone (Level 6, Core A) Web: warwickacoustics.com VITUS AUDIO Warwick Acoustics is single-minded in its Y Suite: The No1 Box (Level 2, Core B) mission to create remarkable listening Web: vitusaudio.com experiences, whether through its multi-award- YG ACOUSTICS Vitus Audio is one of a handful of high-end winning Sonoma Model One or newly launched Suite: The Parade Ring (Level 2, Core B-C) audio companies established and run by a flagship, the APERIO headphone system – all Web: yg-acoustics.com family of incredibly talented engineers and offer a listening experience that’s as immersive YG Acoustics is a world-leading ultra-high-end passionate music lovers, who share a common as it is intimate, as thrilling as it is authentic. speaker manufacturer based in Denver, and is goal – to bring you closer to your music and Its team comprises pioneering perfectionists, unique in utilising highly advanced proprietary give you a lifetime of listening pleasure. with the pursuit of excellence its primary goal, software for designing its speakers. It is also one Designed and handmade in Denmark by expert and everything really does matter! This includes of the few manufacturers to produce its own craftsmen, every Vitus Audio amplifier, phono custom-built low noise power supplies to the drivers, cabinets and other high-precision parts preamp, CD player and DAC incorporates a highest grade cables and leather ear pads. on site, which enables the company to craft finely tuned ‘emotion engine’ that makes your Come and experience the ultimate in speakers with an unrivalled accuracy. music come alive. headphone listening in Warwick’s custom Listening to the Sonja 2.2 will redefine your booth (Level 6, Panoramic Headphone Zone). expectations, bringing you closer to the real performance than you ever thought possible. VPI Meanwhile, the more compact Carmel 2 is a Suites: 308-310 (Level 3, Core A) WILSON AUDIO champion of transparency, 3D-soundstaging Web: vpiindustries.com Suite: On5 (Level 5, Core D) and dynamics. YG loudspeakers also boast an From the American masters of vinyl replay Web: wilsonaudio.com exquisite fit-and-finish which sees them as the comes the first UK show performance of the Several companies may claim to produce the showpiece of many of the world’s finest new HW-40 Anniversary Edition turntable. world’s finest loudspeakers, but few hold a listening environments.
26 UK Hi-Fi Show Live Guide 2019 ZERO Tech: Cables that Get Out of the Way
ZERO Technology allows cables to have no defined characteristic impedance.
While “zero” impedance is technically impossible, having No Characteristic Impedance is delightfully real — providing superior performance you can hear and feel from AudioQuest AC Power and Speaker Cables.
See usat THE
SHOW 26-27th October ##HHiFiiSShowLw iivve
Visit us in Boxes 301 & 302
Hi Fi News YearBook 2019.indd 1 04/10/2019 14:21