Hi-res magic DAB minitest Bargain network player Four great portable radios with high-end sonics with Bluetooth streaming

PASSION FOR SOUND Issue No. 393 January 2015 Music master Why this Primare pairing is all the amp you’ll ever need

WIN CHORD COMPANY cables worth £1,890

Record revival HowHow to kkeepeep youryour valuablevaluable collectionll i sounding di great BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM Stunning vinyl setup puts you in the groove

PRODUCTS30 ON TEST: B&W, Denon, Grado, NAD, Pure & Usher PRINTED IN THE UK US$10.99 JANUARY 2015 £4.50 Art of noise GROUP TEST Compact USB DAC pack floorstander – EssentialEsssseseeential convertors forfor hi-res hi res big on sound musici at hhome andd on theh go

INTRODUCTION

PASSION FOR SOUND Welcome www.hifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 393 January 2015

It’s that time of year again... When we get bombarded with low-cost 59 features and TV programmes Grado SR225e recapping the highs and lows in a greatest ‘who’s hot and what’s not’ rundown of the last 12 months. Amongst the season’s inevitable ‘100 best of...’ moments of 2014 comes the timely and very welcome news that vinyl sales have reached an 18-year high with more than one million records sold so far this year. It doesn’t sound much I know, but when you consider that the last time vinyl achieved this level of sales was back in 1996 you’ll understand it marks a significant change in our music buying habits. The news that vinyl’s popularity is on the rise is unlikely to come as much of a surprise to regular Hi-Fi Choice readers who, like us, have valiantly supported the 107 B&W T7 format and its sonic virtues throughout its mass market decline. But if the media storm that followed is anything to go by, the news seems to have come as a surprise to the rest of the music-buying public, with many unaware 99 that the format still even existed! While the increase is undoubtedly good news for the record industry with plans by The Official Record Chart Company to launch a weekly vinyl chart, it’s good news for the hi-fi industry too. Christmas is likely to see a further increase in sales and the knock-on effect will mean more record releases and inevitably more new vinyl-related products. 2015 looks to be shaping up Pink Floyd The Endless River nicely for both music and hi-fi fans.

BADGES EXPLAINED Lee Dunkley Editor OUR AWARDS Follow us:

EDITOR’S RECOMMENDED: GROUP TEST twitter.com@HiFiChoiceMag facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk CHOICE: Products that WINNER: Awarded to those we feel meet a Comparative tests products that are high standard of can only have one judged to deliver performance winner, and this outstanding badge says it all! ENTERPRISE HOUSE, ENTERPRISE WAY, performance EDENBRIDGE, KENT TN8 6HF

JANUARY 2015 3 Contentshifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 393 January 2015 WIN NEWS & OPINION GROUP TEST Chord 6 Audiofile Company The latest news on the hottest products cable looms! from the world of hi-fi coming your way p120 12 Webwatch Essential websites to direct your browser towards for all your hi-fi requirements 69 Letters Put your points of view and queries on audio matters to our team of experts 77 Opinion The Hi-Fi Choice team say it as they see it as they discuss the issues of the day 99 Music Reviews The month’s essential new CD, vinyl and hi-res releases given a work out READER SERVICES 122 Reader Classifieds Sell your unwanted hi-fi for FREE here 130 Next Issue The sonic treats to look out for next month FEATURES 14 The Hi-Fi Show 2014 Didn’t go to the hottest audiophile show of the year? Fear not, here’s what you missed

Portable and stay-at- 26 home DACs battle it out to find out which is 62 the top-dog USB offering 62 Topic Records The oldest independent record label in the world celebrates 75 successful years 86 Thud, Crackle, Pop Take a look at artist Pete McKee’s installation – a pop-up record shop with a diff erence 90 Beautiful System Pro-Ject and Acoustic Energy come together to create a stunning vinyl setup 94 Labelled With Love Few record labels define the word eclectic quite as well as Transatlantic Records 116 Guide To... 6 86 Looking after your record collection and ensuring it stays in tip-top condition Audiofile: Roksan’s new K3 Series Feature: Thud, Crackle Pop record shop

4 JANUARY 2015 CONTENTS JANUARY 2015

“To continually get the best from your vinyl, each record needs to 110 NAD PP 4 phono/USB premp be kept clean and stored properly” TESTED THIS MONTH Guide to... Looking after your record collection p116 REVIEWS Kit testing 20 Primare PRE32/A34.2 preamp/power amplifier 44 B.M.C. PureAmp integrated amplifier (Exotica) 48 Usher Audio N-6311 floorstanding loudspeaker 52 Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 20 network music player/DAC Primare PRE32/A34.2 preamp/power amp 54 Edwards Audio SP2 floorstanding loudspeaker 59 Grado SR225e headphones 88 Musical Fidelity A1 integrated amplifier (retro) GROUP TEST USB DACs £165-£900 29 Denon DA-300USB 48 31 ADL X1 Usher Audio N-6311 44 33 Hegel HD12 DSD B.M.C. PureAmp integrated amplifier 35 Henry Audio USB DAC 128 mkII MINI TEST 37 iFi Nano iDSD Bluetooth DAB radios 39 LH Labs Geek Out M £180-£200 102 Ruark R1 Mk III 103 Pure Evoke D4 Mio Bluetooth 103 Revo SuperSignal 104 Philips Original Radio

52 CHOICE EXTRAS Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 107 Bowers & Wilkins T7 Bluetooth loudspeaker 109 Kate Koeppel Record dividers 109 ISOkinetik Silver Melody 1.1 interconnect cables 110 NAD PP 4 phono USB preamp 113 Black Rhodium Samba VS-1 loudspeaker cable 115 Miyajima 90 54 Kotetu Mono MC cartridge Beautiful System Edwards Audio SP2 Never miss an issue – turn to p60 for our latest subs offer

JANUARY 2015 5 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS… Special K Roksan rolls out its new K3 series with integrated amp and CD player

PRICE: £1,250 EACH AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01235 511166 WEB: HENLEYDESIGNS.CO.UK

FOLLOWING THE DESERVED move towards high-end hi-fi , and are Bluetooth connectivity to enable acclaim for its Kandy K2 series of designed to challenge performance streamers to listen to tunes wirelessly. components alongside a clutch of expectations at the price. Inside the elegant new chassis of awards – including winning the Best The K3 Integrated Amplifi er offers the K3 Integrated Amplifi er, its new Stereo Integrated Amplifi er category connections for every eventuality to symmetrical layout offers improved for the K2 BT amp in our very own ensure it will remain a vital hub to all audio circuitry with new op-amps AVTech Media Awards 2014/15, your stereo audio sources for years to and Roksan claims it delivers a hefty Roksan has announced the come. As well as fi ve line-level inputs 140W into 8ohms. introduction of its K3 series. The there’s a built-in moving magnet Proving that CD players really aren’t London-based company has managed phono stage to appeal to new or a thing of the past, the new K3 deck to establish a very strong reputation reemerging vinyl fans, and aptX is based on the original K2 design. It over recent years with its entry-level Kandy K2 series, and the highly anticipated K3 series offers the next logical step up. Said to be inspired by the company’s more upmarket M2 range of components, distributor Henley Designs tells us that although the new series shares the Kandy name, the K3 products offer a signifi cant

6 JANUARY 2015 COMMENT SPOTIFY VS TAYLOR SWIFT Spotify has had it’s detractors over the years, but few can have caused the streaming service quite as much of a headache as pop sensation Taylor Swift. Though unlikely to be spinning on any HFC readers’ turntables, Swift is currently the biggest artist anywhere right now, with her latest album, 1989, selling an astonishing 1.287 million copies in its first adds new circuitry and high-grade Available in three brand new week. To put that into perspective, no other components to improve on fi nishes including charcoal, opium artist has had sales as significant as that performance, alongside a PCM1798 and anthracite, both components also since Eminem’s The Eminem Show in 2002. 24-bit/192kHz DAC. Digital outputs come supplied with a newly designed All of which made Swift’s decision to include AES/EBU XLR, coaxial RCA system remote to provide complete withdraw her entire back catalogue from and optical Toslink. Additionally control of all the commands on each Spotify the week before the release of there’s a variety of rarely found but of the components. the record-breaking album all the more useful features including Shuffl e Play, Both models are available to buy frustrating for the streaming service. Repeat Play (One and All) and Intro from your Roksan dealer now. Read The reasons given for the decision vary Play that are likely to further enhance our reviews on the new K3 series in depending on which particular quotes you the K3’s usability and appeal. these pages over the coming months. believe. Swift has been vocal about her dislike of piracy in the past and implications seem to be that she feels her ‘art’ is devalued by it being given away for free. She told Yahoo: “I’m not willing to The K3s off er a significant move contribute my life’s work to an experiment that I don’t feel fairly compensates the towards high-end hi-fi, and are writers, producers, artists, and creators of designed to challenge performance this music. And I just don’t agree with perpetuating the perception that music expectations at the price has no value and should be free.”. Meanwhile Scott Borchetta – head of her record label Big Machine Label Group – has suggested that by giving some fans the album for free on Spotify, it’s disrespectful to those “superfans” that pay for it. As usual it all appears to be about money, although no one will admit as much. While Swift’s back catalogue is available on rival streaming sites, 1989 is not and has only been available via Youtube, which has just announced plans to launch its own music subscription service (surely no coincidence). Whatever, the reasons for the decision, the ploy has clearly worked and Swift has become the first woman to have three albums sell more than 1 million copies in a single week. Spotify will be hoping other artists don’t follow Swift’s lead...

JANUARY 2015 7 AUDIOFILE

Cabasse MT32 range A taste of French high-end loudspeaker technology with an entry-level price tag

PRICE: £299-£798 AVAILABLE: NOW WEB: CABASSE.COM/EN/

FRENCH SPEAKER MAKER mechanical resistance signifi cantly Cabasse has revealed its new MT32 improves the overall performance of range, which has been developed to the driver and guarantees consistent bring high-end tech to entry-level reproduction over time. products. At the core of the new Four models have been developed range sits the DOM 37 tweeter, which for use in either two-channel or is constructed from a single-piece multi-channel systems: the £798 diaphragm unit weighing just 0.1g – Jersey MT32 fl oorstander, £458 originally developed for the TC23 Antigua MT32 standmount, £299 three-way coaxial driver utilised in Socoa MT32 centre channel and £549 the fl agship La Sphere and L’Ocean Orion MT32 sub. The range is models. Cabasse claims that its available in a choice of walnut or lightness alongside its thermal and ebony fi nishes. IN BRIEF Marantz debuts HD-DAC1 PRO-JECT’S RPM1 PRICE: £579 AVAILABLE: NOW CARBON IS HERE CONTACT: 02890 279923 WEB: MARANTZ.CO.UK ● Pro-Ject and Henley Designs have unveiled details of the fourth Marantz has revealed that for the diff erent types of cans. Digital frequency noise being generated incarnation of the RPM 1 Genie – a first time ever it is venturing into connections include optical and by a PC or Mac entering into the turntable that they believe will stand the world of headphone amplifier coaxial inputs alongside analogue HD-DAC1 when the two are out from the crowd, thanks to its production, and the HD-DAC1 is inputs and a USB B port for hook up connected. Completing the minimalist styling and radical colour the result. Featuring an integrated to an ‘iDevice’ or so that users can connection roster, there’s a pair of scheme. We talk, of course, of the DAC, the company’s first ever stream music directly from a PC or gold-plated fixed level and variable RPM 1 Carbon. Within its low- headphone amp borrows Mac. The USB port works in level RCA output terminals. resonance chassis sits a newly amplification technologies from asynchronous mode to support All information about what designed inverted platter bearing the high-end Premium 11 Series. 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution resolution music is being played with ceramic ball to reduce rumble, The HD-DAC is claimed to be audio as well as DSD 2.8MHz and at is displayed on the ‘porthole’ while the decoupled 15V AC motor is able to drive audiophile-quality, 5.6MHz (thanks to the CS4398 display and the side cheeks have a driven using an ultra-precision AC high-end headphones of up to DAC). The connection also enjoys wooden retro styling. The HD-DAC1 generator with DC power supply for 600ohms, while its gain control extended isolation in an eff ort to is available now in a choice of black speed stability and reliability. There’s makes it suitable for a variety of eliminate the chance of high- or silvergold finishes. a distinctive S-shaped 8.6in carbon tonearm with a 22mm overhang, counterweight and 2M Red cartridge pre-fitted. Available in black, red and white gloss finishes, the RPM 1 Carbon is on sale now for £325. HENLEYDESIGNS.CO.UK

8 JANUARY 2015 THEY DODON’TON’TO ’TT FEELFFEEEEL THEY DON’T SEE WHAT YOU SEE THEY DON’ T HEAR WHAT YOU HEAR THEY DON’T HAVE

NEW WEBSITWEBSITE:EE:-WWW.LEEMAWWW.LEEMW MA-ACOUSTICS.COMACACOUSTICS.COMCOMM PROUDLY MADE MADDED IN WALESS AND NOW, YOU CAN FIND US ON FACEBOOKK AUDIOFILE

Tuned Aray C-line cables Chord Co’s new aff ordable interconnect

PRICE: £35-£45 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01908 625700 WEB: CHORD.CO.UK

THE CHORD COMPANY has unveiled its new C-line analogue interconnect, which boasts aray technology that’s normally reserved for far more expensive cables, such as its fl agship Sarum range. Tuned aray’s reputation is for producing improved levels of transparency, detail, coherence and musical involvement, and the C-line RCA interconnect has become The Chord Company’s most affordable cable to offer the technology yet. Constructed with pseudo-balanced oxygen-free copper conductors with fully fl oating high-performance shielding, it is claimed to benefi t from the company’s unique direct gold-plating technology. It also has ultra-reliable over-moulded strain-relief to protect the terminations and is optimised for maximum performance with CD players, DACs, phono stages and streamers. Like all Chord Company cables, each interconnect is hand tested in the Wiltshire factory. The C-line is available to buy now, costing £35 for a 0.5m length or £45 for 1m. IN BRIEF Flare Audio’s new tech MUSAIC UP FOR PRICE: £499 AVAILABLE: NOW 2015 CES AWARD CONTACT: 01903 761000 WEB: FLAREAUDIO.COM

Flare Audio has unveiled what the Creator of the R1 and managing believe it sets a new standard in company claims is the world’s first director of Flare Audio, Davies personal sound listening for both “fully open” headphones. Aimed at Roberts, told HFC: “The Reference professionals and audiophiles”. the pro audio and audiophile R1 is a completely new listening The R1 boasts a single 40mm market, the Reference R1 is experience and a vital tool for those dynamic driver with neodymium described as being able to produce wanting to hear everything in magnet and impedance of distortion-free sound even at high sound without any listening 32ohms. It weighs 350g (minus the ● Though it’s not expected to be volume, thanks to a series of new product distortion. Stereo imaging cable) and has a 1.5m studio-grade available to buy until early 2015 advancements. Utilising new perfectly mimics nature, allowing cable with tangle-protection sleeve (following its launch at the Consumer patent pending tech called Space full 360° image placement. We and 3.5mm gold mini-jack. Electronics Show in Las Vegas), and Vortex, it’s claimed that Flare’s Musaic’s smart hi-fi is already causing vortex silencing spirals around both a stir in the industry and has been sides of the 40mm driver to nominated for the CES Innovation remove all enclosed residual Awards 2015. Judged by a panel of pressure interference (ERPI). ERPI is independent industrial designers, done away with without travelling engineers and members of the trade across the driver or reflecting press, the awards celebrate within the enclosure of the outstanding design and engineering headphones, leading to the in consumer electronics products. removal of enclosure-based Musaic is a multi-room audio standing wave interference. system that also incorporates home Meanwhile, balancing pressure automation features such as lighting. between the front and rear It works with wi-fi and Bluetooth sections enables linear driver and can play numerous file types, movement (LDM) to create total including 24-bit Studio Master. timbre accuracy. According to Musaic Music Players will be available Flare, it’s the combination of the in two sizes and will be compatible removal of the ERPI and creation of with numerous streaming apps. LDM that produces a pure, natural MUSAIC.COM sound with a full frequency response that has been impossible until now.

10 JANUARY 2015

AUDIOFILE

Andrew Simpson casts an expert eye over his Webwatch pick of the best hi-fi websites and online content

FOLLOW US: @HIFICHOICEMAG CHOICE TWEETS STONEAUDIO.CO.UK (@STONEAUDIO) Jazz up your Naim Mu-so with these replacement coloured grilles, now available to order. t.co/aalBMyfeoU

PROHIFI (@PROHIFIUK) DON’T JUST HEAR MUSIC, FEEL IT: Achieve higher quality audio output with our range of High tide November giveaway digital to analogue converters www.pro-hifi.co.uk Hats off to hi-res streaming subscription site Christmas came early on Twitter Tidal for putting its services to the test via thanks to @LinnRecords. Each day last VINYL ME, PLEASE (@VINYLMEPLEASE) The best albums always have more to this simple A/B comparison, which plays you month its customers were treated to an uncover than first meets the ear lossy and lossless snippets from fi ve tracks. exclusive deal of the day. With album Guessing which versions are hi-res bags you discounts, free music and prize draws up SPOTIFY (@SPOTIFY) up to 14 days free access: test.tidalhifi.com for grabs. http://t.co/uKjq8q4zEr “Bohemian Rhapsody” turns 40. Think you know every word? Here’s a quiz fit for a Queen: spoti.fi/11lT3hm

OXFORD AUDIO (@OXFORDAUDIO) Can’t believe how good the Mac through the DCS Vivaldi sounds into the Devialet 250 playing Doors LA Woman @dCSonlythemusic @DEVIALET

BLUE NOTE RECORDS (@BLUENOTERECORDS) #UncompromisingExpression is the illustrated history of Blue Note & a 5-CD companion boxset smarturl.it/BlueNoteBook

KEF AUDIO UK (@KEFAUDIO) Style with substance Golden ears challenge KEF’s R Series makes for a great companion Visitors to Monitor Audio’s website have Test your hi-fi ears with this interactive site on a lazy Sunday afternoon! #KEF been greeted with a stunning new look in from Philips, which applies a range of effects #lazyweekend recent months. The comprehensive revamp to the same track for you to guess what’s EMILY BARKER (@EMILYBARKERHALO) combines gorgeous product images with happening to the signal. From coloration to Last chord, last song, last night, last tour... pop-up feature boxes, organised into an easy stereo width, each effect is explained before for the time being. Thank U to all who have to navigate site. You can also subscribe to the the challenge begins helping you learn as supported us over the years monitoraudio.co.uk goldenears.philips.com e-newsletter at you go: PS AUDIO (@PSAUDIO) Paul’s Post : Regaining our balance – eepurl.com/9aCej

HIFIX (@FRANKHARVEYHIFI) We do not sell dish washers or vacuum cleaners or washing machines, just Hi Fi and AV with un-parallel advice

GREG ASPINALL (@EASTLONDONCHAP) #nowplaying @beck “mutations” 24/192 #HDaudio @HDtracks @HiResAudio #music #MusicSundays @FiiO_official x5 and wolfson DAC’s @HiFiChoiceMag

VACUUM LAB (@VACUUMLAB) Cutting edge Talking VPI Happened today: 125 years ago the first #jukebox debuted in San Francisco Head to Abbey Road Studios via this New Jersey-based turntable maker VPI en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jukebox short Youtube video courtesy of The Vinyl recently launched a forum for owners and Factory, which shows you how the modern vinyl fans alike. And with regular discussion GLOSSOP RECORD CLUB LP is created using traditional methods led by head honcho Mat Weisfeld and dad (@GLOSSOPRECORD) married to computer tech. Extra points for Harry, you’re given lots of insight into latest Bring a record. Bring yourself... Full details for December’s Record Club: LUCKY DIP 2 spotting the high-end speakers lurking in product development. Join in the fun at: wp.me/p3LKju-fA the background: youtu.be/UjtpbigH1vs vpiindustries.com/forum/

12 JANUARY 2015 “Get up and drive your funky soul!” James Brown The heart and soul of music

Precision, a luxury and highly regarded loudspeaker range from Tannoy, built to deliver music as it was meant to be heard. With audiophile features such as double-magnet drivers, hand-built crossovers and mass-load cabinet tuning, Precision has music at its heart and soul. (cross two stunning Åoorstanding models, a compact stand-mount and matching centre channel speaker, Precision delivers breath-taking detail and musical dynamics. Built around a brand new 6 inch (150 mm) version of Tannoy’s world renowned Dual Concentric™ driver, the contemporary cabinets boast premium Ät and Änish in a choice of colours. Powerful, passionate and incredibly precise, Precision gets to the heart and soul of music like no other speaker in its class.

tannoy.com

October 2013 - Precision 6.2 Precision 6.2 Precision 6.4 Precision 6.2 / 6.1 / 6C / Precision 6.2 / 6.1 / 6C / TS2.12 system TS2.12 system SHOWREPORT

THE 1

SHOW

2 Pictures by Andrew Sydenham Andrew by Pictures Windsor 2014 Were you one of the unlucky ones that didn’t make it along to the hi-fi show of the year? Don’t worry, we did and here’s the highlights of what you missed

AS THE WEATHER started to take a turn for the worse Iconic brands including T+A, Mark Levinson, Trilogy, and the rest of the country began preparations for the Constellation Audio, Trinnov, Ming Da, Krell, Audio madness that is Christmas shopping, there was only one Alchemy, iFi Audio and Wilson Audio all revealed new place to be in the fi rst weekend of November. We talk, of products that had never ben seen or heard in the UK course, of the gorgeous grounds of the Beaumont Estate before. Meanwhile, there was standing room only as Alan in Old Windsor and the return of The Hi-fi Show – the Sircom, Matthias Bode, John Bamford and HFC’s sister only event of importance for any serious audiophile. magazine Hi-Fi News & Record Review’s Paul Miller The two-day speciality high-end event showcased some presented workshops discussing topics covering the of the international hi-fi world’s fi nest audio equipment differences between FLAC and WAV fi les, how loudspeaker with over 80 top-fl ight audio brands and manufacturers in time alignment affects imaging and highlighting the attendance. Signifi cantly bigger than last year’s inaugural difference between Ethernet cables. event, there were a host of products being exclusively But most of all it was all about the music and the unveiled for the fi rst time in the UK, presentations and beautiful array of equipment that creates it. Whether you interactive workshops, and if it all got too much, visitors had money to spend or just wanted to go for a bit of hi-fi could always escape to the chill out zone with a coffee or window shopping, this was without doubt the place to be. something a little stronger. If you didn’t make it along here’s what you missed...

14 JANUARY 2015 SHOWREPORT

1 JBL’s Everest DD67000 driven by a Mark Levison N052 preamp teams up with No53 monoblocks to wow visitors to the Harman Luxury Audio Group room, while Mark Levinson’s No585 makes its UK debut. harmanluxuryaudio.com

2 Harman Consumer UK’s Mark Hockey shows off a spectacular range of heaphones from brands including AKG, JBL and Harman Kardon. uk.akg.com, uk.jbl.com, harmankardon.co.uk.

3 Sound Setup shows a digital system played through exaSound’s e22 DSD DAC. Teamed up with Janszen zA2.1 3 4 hybrid electrostatic speakers and Bryston PowePac 120 amps. soundsetup.co.uk

4 Musical Fidelity’s £8,000 Nu Vista 800 integrated hybrid amplifier is fed by the company’s M6 series into B&W’s 802 Diamond speakers and sounds just incredible. musicalfidelity.com

5 Audioquest’s Richard Kelly hosts a USB cable comparison. Using a Primare NP-30, Heed electronics and Kudos Super 20 loudspeakers he shows visitors how to get the best possible sound from hi-res downloads. audioquest.com The Hi-Fi show 2014 5 6 had over 80 top flight audio brands in attendance

6 Chord Electronics’ Choral Ensemble includes Blu transport, Codex 384kHz/ DSD streamer, Symphonic phono stage, Prima preamp and Mezzo 50 stereo amplifier. Plus the new ‘satin black’ Hugo DAC. chordelectronics.co.uk

7 WireWorld shows off a selection of Phonar loudspeakers and Micromega components customised in luxury leather by artisans Dubury design. 7 8 wireworldcable.co.uk

8 Black Rhodium’s cables are put through their paces with Ming Da NC368 valve amplification and partnering CD player and Origin Live Astute suspended loudspeakers. blackrhodium.co.uk

9 Symmetry gives the Brinkmann Spyder turntable its first European outing. It benefits from the Sinus power supply and can accommodate up to four tonearms. symmetry-systems.co.uk

10 Max Townshend’s Seismic complete Glastonbury system is connected with F1 Fractal interconnects and fed by the CD2 universal disc player and Rock 7/Excalibur 9 10 2 turntable. townshendaudio.com

JANUARY 2015 15 PURE, AUTHENTIC SOUND REPRODUCTION - delivered by the brand new DALI RUBICON series

Producing a wonderfully wide dynamic range and imaging so real, you’ll believe that you are right in the middle of the action.

The RUBICON LCR is a wall-mounted speaker in a class of its own and features DALI’s hybrid tweeter module and wood-fibre cones. The LCR boasts an ingenious bass port configuration built into the back panel that uses the wall to extend its acoustic properties - this delivers an unrivalled bass response and eliminates the need to add a subwoofer to your two-channel system.

For more information on the new RUBICON series: www.dali-rubicon.com THE SHOWREPORT

SHOW

1 T+A gives excited visitorssitors to its stand a preview of its new PDP 3000 HV SACD player/DAC, due for a UK launch in 2015 and a snip at £12,000. ta-hifi.de

2 Japanese brand Melco makes its UK debut with two digital music storage solutions. The N1Z with a 1TB SDD drive and twin power supplies and the N1A with 4TB of storage. melco-audio.com

3 Atlas Cables runs demos of the brand’s S/PDIF optical and coaxial cables including its new Reference Series Mavros multi-stranded glass optical cable, £125/1m. atlascables.com 1 2

4 Mains Cables R Us (MCRU) launches its Eclipse P interconnect Slic Innovations cable. Audiophile fuses from Synergistic Research prove to be one of the most popular sellers. mcru.co.uk

5 Naim Audio’s flagship Statement amp makes a huge statement – that’s it in front of Naim’s Dave Spiers – thanks to its 746W into 8ohms output. naimaudio.com

6 Kog Audio partners its mighty Avalon Transcendent loudspeakers with the new VTL TL-6.5 Signature Series II preamp and S-200 Signature stereo power amp, £12,700 and £11,500. kogaudio.com

3 4 7 AnthemAV Solutions wows listeners with its Geek Out USB DAC/headphone amp through Oppo’s PM-1 luxury cans, as well as Anthem M1 amps with Paradigm Prestige speakers. anthemavs.co.uk

8 Trilogy’s highlights include the 925 hybrid integrated, ISOL-8 SubStation Integra power conditioner feeding the 925 amp, 907 phono stage and Brinkmann Balance turntable. trilogyaudio.com

9 PMC’s stunning three-way twenty.26 flagship impresses visitors, driven by Bryston’s 4B SST2 power amplifier with matching BDP-2 digital media player and BDA-2DAC. pmc-speakers.com 5 6

7 8 9

JANUARY 2015 17 SHOWREPORT THE

SHOW

1 Oppo unveils early beta samples of its colourful PM-3 headphones and HA-2 portable headphone amplifier, due to be available early 2015. oppodigital.co.uk

2 Not content with providing the equipment supports for many of the exhibitors, Hi-Fi Racks shows off some stunning hi-fi furniture, including a beautiful coff ee table. hifiracks.co.uk

3 Sound Fowndations showcases Clearaudio’s Master Innovation turntable. Here it sits on the matching Olymp stand, fitted with Clearaudio’s Statement TT1i tonearm. soundfowndations.co.uk 1 2

4 NuNu Distribution presents TAD electronics with an Oracle Delphi MK VI turntable and Broadmann Acoustics’ JB155 and the diminutive FS1 floorstanders. nunudistribution.co.uk

5 Unmistakable as horn speakers, these gorgeously constructed Tune Audio Anima loudspeakers from BD Audio sound nearly as amazing as they look. bd-audio.co.uk

6 Primare shows off its new 60 Series pre-power ensemble. The PRE60 preamp and companion A60 stereo power amp partnered with Revel’s Performa F208 floorstanding loudspeakers. primare.net

3 4 7 Computer Audio Design (CAD) blows the cobwebs out with a demo of its 1543 DAC, CAT CD ripper/storage device and Wilson Audio’s Duette Series 2 speakers. computeraudiodesign.com

8 Peter Madnick reintroduces the nineties Audio Alchemy brand with the DDP-1 DAC/preamp and DPA-1 power amp. Both are priced at £1,595 and are on sale now. symmetry-systems.co.uk

9 Guy Sergeant shows off an amazing system featuring Pure Sound’s M845 mono amps feeding the handcrafted Uccello three-way horn system speakers by Simon Mears Audio. puresound.info 5 6

7 8 9

18 JANUARY 2015

PRIMARE PRE32/A34.2 IN-DEPTH PREAMP/POWER AMP £3,180/£1,750 Different class Pairing a feature-rich preamp with mighty Class D muscle, Andrew Simpson asks if this could be all the amp you’ll ever need

20 JANUARY 2015 IN-DEPTH

DETAILS rom the release of its PRODUCT fl agship 60 series amps to Primare PRE32/ the ongoing evolution of A34.2 F its DACs and streamers, ORIGIN Sweden Primare’s engineers have clearly been TYPE cracking the whip over the last year Preamp with media and it seems that they’re not about to board and Class D slow down now. power amplifier Sitting below the 60 series, the 30 WEIGHT 10.5kg each lineup is Primare’s most populated range, comprising a standalone DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) streamer, DAC and phono stage 470 x 109 x 343mm alongside a selection of amplifi ers. FEATURES Because of how Primare is designing ● Preamp with its kit around clever upgrades via vTuner internet radio, upsampling optional plug-in modules with extra DAC, network and functionality, there’s a wealth of aptX Bluetooth integrated or separate solutions to streaming ● Quoted power: suit most system needs. 150W/8ohms The PRE32 is the range’s dedicated ● Balanced inputs/ preamp, equipped with plenty of outputs ● Burr-Brown analogue inputs and outputs PCM1792 DAC (including balanced), remote control DISTRIBUTOR and an OLED front display. Our test Karma-AV Ltd model also comes packing Primare’s TELEPHONE MM30 media board, which simply 01423 358846 slots into a dedicated port on the WEBSITE karma-av.co.uk amp’s rear and ups its cost to £3,000. primare.net While this may seem like a bit of a price hike, this add-on is great value given the MM30 is lifted directly from Primare’s £2,000 NP30 streamer (HFC 387) and comes brimming with They’re blessed with a sonic finesse that opens up the music to show it at its best

a range of digital inputs, upsampling DAC and app-controlled streaming. Our test model is also the fi rst to get Primare’s new aptX Bluetooth module inside its case, which costs £180 fi tted, taking the fully-loaded PRE32 up to £3,180. Unlike many Bluetooth- equipped amps, the Primare outputs the Bluetooth receiver’s signal directly to its own sample rate converter and DAC for improved sound quality, where it’s upsampled to 192kHz. Sharing the streamer module from the NP30 means the PRE32 gets the same Burr-Brown PCM1792 DAC and SRC4392 24-bit/192kHz upsampling converter for digital duties. On the analogue side of things, all signal paths are kept short and fully balanced with source selection, volume and balance controls all performed in the analogue domain. The PRE32 uses an R-core transformer and is DC coupled from input to output, with no capacitors in the signal path, as Primare has instead opted to employ active servos to compensate for DC present.

JANUARY 2015 21 PRIMARE PRE32/A34.2 IN-DEPTH PREAMP/POWER AMP £3,180/£1,750

CONNECTIONS have surprising levels of depth and lifelike timbre while the trumpet’s 1 2 3 4 1 Bluetooth antenna edges don’t have that sense of being socket unnaturally curtailed. Compared 2 MM30 media with other similarly priced streaming board with digital inputs devices that I’ve recently plumbed 3 XLR and RCA into my reference system, the analogue inputs Primares certainly sound less boxed 4 XLR and RCA in over Bluetooth. Channel separation analogue and, consequentially, stereo imaging outputs is impressively well rendered to the 5 Loudspeaker binding posts point that you sometimes have to look twice to realise you’re not 6 Balanced XLR and RCA inputs hearing a higher bitrate version. But while Bluetooth makes for a 6 5 worthwhile inclusion, you really need to serve the Primares a richer diet to properly benefi t from what Partnering the PRE32 is Primare’s app also opens the door to internet they have to offer. A34.2 power amp that’s housed in radio via vTuner, and Mac users can Exploring a 16-bit/44kHz FLAC rip the same case as the preamp with a stream directly from Spotify. of Future Islands’ Singles album simplifi ed logo-embossed face plate. HOW IT streamed over Ethernet, lets you Internally the A34.2 side steps the COMPARES Sound quality know that these amps relish having more traditional Class AB approach Costing nearly £5k all Whether streaming music over more to play with. Percussion on Like of Primare’s £3,300 A32 power in, the Primares have Bluetooth or piping hi-res audio The Moon is razor sharp, while being amp, to employ the same UFPD plenty of high-end rivals through hard-wired USB and so foot-tappingly rhythmical, it’s (Ultra Fast Power Device) Class D vying for your cash. If Ethernet connections, these amps addictive. Bass guitar notes take on a technology as the £6,500 A60. you’re after a state of have clarity in abundance. textured, robust quality, and the the art streaming The A34.2 incorporates a preamp amplifier package that Streaming The Handsome Family’s keyboard’s atmospherics go deep and stage comprised of Burr-Brown goes against the Far From Any Road at 320kbps via wide within the soundstage as their OPA2134 and Analogue Devices traditional Class AB Spotify through my laptop certainly delayed echoes trail off into the AD8512 op-amps, with two discrete grain, Devialet’s 120 at doesn’t draw attention to the distance for a genuine sense of scale. UFPD amplifi ers giving a substantial £4,490 and 200 at shortcomings of this compressed But it’s not just the Primares’ timing £6,390 are one-box 2x 150W into 8ohms (claimed). solutions boasting app format. Male and female vocals and musical size that grabs your controlled streaming attention, it’s the way these amps The add-on is great and with phono stages to boot. While the extra A34.2 POWER AMP value given it’s from cash between them buys you more power 1 2 3 1 Output stage Primare’s £2,000 and settings, both amps have the same hybrid 2 XLR & RCA input NP30 streamer Class A/digital Class D stage with bridged heart and present a option If you have the need and wallet for sound that’s fluid and 3 Micro processor even more power, you also have the beguilingly natural. with protection circuits and option to run two A34.2 amps in If compact is king then combining Cyrus’ triggers bridged mono mode, whereby each Stream XP Qx preamp/ 2 4 Main power supply amp will give you a massive 550W streamer and X Power to play with. power amp costing 5 Standby power £2,009 and £1,070 supply Feature comforts respectively, offers a wealth of digital inputs But focussing on what’s inside only via the slick n-remote or tells half the story, as befi tting a dedicated app. This products from Primare, their system marries the external build, look and feel are latest digital tech to a pure Scandinavian chic. From Class AB power amp for its customisable front screen for a clear sound with impressive power and 5 4 naming inputs and tweaking screen bass control. colour to selecting source and tailoring settings, the PRE32 is ULTRA FAST POWER DEVICE utterly intuitive to use. What’s more, Primare’s proprietary UPFD modules are To counteract this, Primare’s UFPDs give a the onboard streamer also gives you based on switch mode, analogue pulse-width consistent feedback loop across the entire access to Primare’s excellent app modulation (PWM) Class D tech. While this audio range that’s stable beyond the audio type of amp typically gives great results for band. The UFPD module then actively adapts (for iOS and Android portable power verses eco efficiency, it’s criticised in the loop gain for stability, compensating for devices), which makes the supplied more traditional hi-fi circles for producing a changes to the filter output and adapting the remote control seem so last century. harsher sound. Primare says this is because amount of feedback required. In reacting in Alongside useful features including the output stages of Class D amps can this way, the UFPDs claim to treat all signals random and repeat settings for become unstable with variations in speaker equally regardless of frequency or slew rate impedance and frequency, unless they’re and with the ability to suppress filter stored music and with access to controlled by sufficient feedback. resonance, resulting in ultra-low distortion. bit-depth and sample rate info, the

22 JANUARY 2015 PRIMARE PRE32/A34.2 PREAMP/POWER AMP £3,180/£1,750 IN-DEPTH

PRE32 PREAMP Q&A 1 2 Lars Pedersen 3 1 Switch mode PSU for Eco-standby Primare MD

2 DAC/streamer board

3 Bluetooth receiver

4 Gain stage

5 Power supply 4 6 R-Core transformer AS: Why did you opt to move towards Class D instead of traditional Class A or AB designs? LP: Primare has used Class D since the introduction of the CDI-10 compact system in 2007. We decided to start using our UFPD implementation of Class D because it has the potential for a naturally fast and dynamic sound due to very low 6 5 distortion and high efficiency.

ON TEST Will all of your amplifiers use UFPD technology going forward? Or will The PRE32 is a very low distortion, reaching –0.5dB/20kHz (44.1/48kHz 48kHz-192kHz. The partnering A34.2 low noise, wideband design. As media), –3.4dB/45kHz (96kHz files) power amp beats its 150W spec. at you continue to also make Class AB an ‘analogue preamp’ it offers just and –15.9dB/90kHz (192kHz files) 2x 200W/8ohm and 2x 400W/4ohm amps as well? 0.0001-0.0013% THD and a 95dB with distortion as low as 0.001% at though there’s little extra dynamic We’ll continue to use UFPD because A-wtd S/N ratio (re. 0dBV) with a –20dBFs and the A-wtd S/N only headroom. The 80dB S/N (re. 0dBW) we think it sounds more life-like. All response that stretches out to fractionally below average at 103.5dB is adequate but, unlike some Class D new Primare amplifiers since 2007, –2.4dB/100kHz. Its digital heart is via its balanced outs. Jitter is very low amps, its response (–0.4dB/20kHz) is including the EISA award-winning impressive too – the response(s) at <10psec at all sample rates from unaffected by speaker load. PM I32, are based on UFPD. We have an open-minded approach, but when it’s all about improving the sound UFPD seem to stay true to the purity of the how much control these amps are is the best we can do right now. music, without being overly clinical. able to orchestrate over proceedings. Despite this album’s synthpop origins, Have you considered fitting an the Primares are never artifi cial Conclusion internal phono stage to the PRE32? sounding. Even at low levels the way Despite covering all bases from amp No, the very sensitive phono amplifier the music comes across undiluted to DAC and network streamer, you’ll will perform much better in its own nicely portrays all the fervour of the never be found lost in a muddle of dedicated, isolated housing with its band’s performance, while cranking menus and button pressing, as the own power supply. up the volume brings the rawness of Primares come top of the class for an Samuel T Herring’s vocal even closer. enjoyable, accessible and rewarding What were your biggest challenges But that’s not to suggest that these user experience. And it’s not just the in developing these amps? amps are in any way forward interface that scores highly, as they’re To make UFPD sound better than our sounding, because they’re not. They also blessed with a sonic fi nesse that previous AB designs. We knew we are very well focussed across every opens up the music to show it at its had low distortion, detail and aspect of the audioband, and without best, while being equally forgiving of dynamics with our Class D any hint of colouration. poorer sources. Treat them to some implementation. Improving the While the A34.2 power amp’s hi-res material and they’ll really show rhythm, soundstage and the tonal balance from Class D was the casework barely gets warm to the you just what they’re capable of ● most demanding aspect of the touch in use, it certainly sounds ready development. Our success is down for anything driving my Dynaudio to the active application of feedback Focus 260 fl oorstanding loudspeakers. and a careful choice of components. These speakers typically welcome OUR VERDICT We spent many months listening plenty of muscle to really open them SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Class build and before we were satisfied and we up, and the poweramp shows no user interface; great think our UFPD technology marries hesitation in taking control. My 24/96 streamer; balanced VALUE FOR MONEY and clear sound the best virtues of Class D with FLAC download of Håvard Gimse’s DISLIKE: Remote is those of AB. Apreggione Sonata D821, Adagio from no match for the app BUILD QUALITY Schubert & Schumann can sometimes WE SAY: This elegant What’s next for Primare? sound fl at and lacking life with the duo has poise and In the immediate future we’ll clarity in spades, and FEATURES continue to add functionality to wrong amp behind the Dynaudios, makes a refined and but the A34.2 shows its character, dynamic sound the app. For instance, it now automatically lets users know when adding real weight to the piano OVERALL combined with delicacy when firmware updates are available. needed. The strings fi ll the midrange with purpose and poise, highlighting

JANUARY 2015 23 Hi-Fi Choice employs the most rigorous test and measurement regime in the business. Here’s how we do it...

REFERENCE SYSTEM AMPLIFIER Unique group tests Musical Fidelity M6500i LOUDSPEAKER Dynaudio Excite X38 CABLES Our Group Tests are supported by rigorous and QED XT40 speaker cables, Alpha Design Labs Formula 2 USB exhaustive listening tests carried out by experts EQUIPMENT SUPPORT Audiophile Base

USB DACS GROUP TEST TEST MUSIC THE PROCESS OF reliably auditioning six before each listening session commences. Each KATE BUSH USB DACs isn’t as straightforward as doing a DAC is connected via its analogue output to 50 Words For Snow single standalone review. Each DAC is connected an integrated amplifi er driving fl oorstanding 24/96 FLAC with its supplied power lead, or if it’s hub- speakers. The source is a MacBook Pro running powered it’s put into a suitable USB port, and OS X 10.9.5 and Audirvana Plus media player. powered continuously to make sure it’s fully The four albums are chosen to provide a wide warmed up. Any models with built-in variation of music styles, recording quality and rechargeable batteries are fully charged before sample rates, and each track is played several listening takes place. This procedure ensures times until a defi nitive picture of the DAC’s that all models have reasonable use before any sound quality is obtained. This is then swiftly listening begins, and they are all kept powered written up from the copious listening notes or topped up to maximum capacity throughout taken. Any portable DACs and those with the comparative listening test process. built-in headphone amplifi ers also get listened The listening sessions take place over several to with a pair Philips Fidelio X2 headphones PINK FLOYD The Division Bell days, with all the DACs given time to warm up and a pair of RHA T10i in-earphones. 24/96 FLAC

MADONNA True Blue 24/192 FLAC

BLIND LISTENING TESTS high enough to make diff erences consensus, or otherwise then This crucial process is very easily discernible. Then the forms the basis of our sound STEVIE WONDER carefully controlled so that we choice of music is agreed – it quality section. Innervisions 24/96 FLAC get reliable and consistent needs to be familiar, but also well At the end of the session, results in a relaxed and friendly recorded and of suff icient variety there’s a final debrief when atmosphere. Our listeners must to give meaningful listening panellists discuss their findings. not feel that they’re being tested, comparisons. The chosen It’s an exhaustive process, but despite being unaware of the selection of music is played, and carried out in this way is free brand or price of the products the panellists are encouraged to from prejudices based on brand, they are auditioning. discuss their impressions of the price or appearance, while the The session begins by setting sound of the product. This is then diff erent sensitivities of the the volume level to an agreed repeated, and periodically the listeners help to round out the point, one that all three panellists panel listens to earlier products analysis in order to make it more feel comfortable with, yet that is for reference purposes. The widely applicable.

24 JANUARY 2015 SUBSCRIBE FOR £19.99 UK OFFER ONLY WE’VE GGOT CHRISTMAS SORTED!

Why not avoid those long shopping queues this year and treat your loved one to their favourite magazine? You get to save time & money, and they get their magazine delivered direct to their door! You could even treat yourself… Don’t miss out – subscribe today! Home Cinema Choice Hi-Fi Choice Hi-Fi News 6 issues for £19.99 8 issues for £19.99 8 issues for £19.99 Saving 26% Saving 44% Saving 44% Full price £27.00 Full price £36.00 Full price £36.00

Subscribe securely online: http://mymagazineoff ers.co.uk/X301 Call: 0844 543 8200 and Quote X301 By Post: Please complete the form below and post it to the address provided. Quote Ref: X301

YOUR DETAILS: (This section must be completed) GIFT SUBSCRIPTION: (Complete 'YOUR DETAILS' fi rst) PAYMENT DETAILS

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ...... Name ...... Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ...... Name ...... Please make cheques payable to MyTimeMedia Ltd and write code X301 and magazine title on the back. Surname ...... Surname ...... Postal Order/Cheque Visa/MasterCard Maestro

Address ...... Address ...... Cardholder’s name ...... Card no: ......

...... (Maestro)

Postcode ...... Postcode ...... Valid from ...... Expiry date ...... Maestro issue no ..... Country ...... Country ...... Signature ...... Date ...... Tel/Mob ...... Tel/Mob ...... SEND TO: Email ...... Email ...... MYTIMEMEDIA SUBSCRIPTIONS, TowerHouse, D.O.B ...... D.O.B ...... Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 9EF (Complete if the subscription is for yourself) (Complete if gift recipient is under 18) TERMS & CONDITIONS: Offer ends 31st December 2014. UK offer only. Gift subscriptions will begin with the first available issue of 2015 and personal subscriptions with the next available issue when order is placed. For full terms & conditions visit http://www. Magazine ...... Price ...... Magazine ...... Price ...... mytimemedia.co.uk/terms From time to time, your chosen magazine & MyTimeMedia Ltd may contact you regarding your subscription, or with details of its products and services. Your details will be processed in full accordance with all relevant UK and EU data A free greetings card will be supplied with all gift subscriptions; protection legislation. If you DO NOT wish to be contacted by MyTimeMedia Ltd & your Please note that this will be sent to the payer’s address, separate to the order confi rmation. Although we will strive magazine please tick here: ❏ Email ❏ Post ❏ Phone. If you DO NOT wish to be contacted by carefully chosen 3rd parties, please tick here: ❏ Post ❏ Phone. If you DO wish to be to supply this card prior to December 25th 2014 we cannot guarantee this for any orders placed after December 5th 2014. contacted by carefully chosen 3rd parties, please tick here: ❏ Email USB DACS £165-£900 Bit perfection Lee Dunkley unleashes hi-res music from his computer with six USB DACs

THE WAY WE listen to music is USB output of your computer and changing. Just a few short years your hi-fi system goes a lot further ago it was the shiny silver disc that than decoding formats, and is an was the format of choice for many effective upgrade to every bit of music fans looking to feed their audio that comes out of a hi-fi systems with the highest computer’s USB socket. quality audio in either CD or SACD As many will know, using a formats. But if the growing computer as your source breaks number of new digital-to-analogue just about every rule in the high convertors (DACs) on the market fi delity audio book. There are and the increasing popularity for plenty of ways a computer can hi-res music download sites are degrade and interfere with the anything to go by, then 2015 most quality of the audio signal along defi nitely looks set to be the year its path, and taking the digital-to- of the high-quality music analogue conversion out of its download and the USB DAC. hands makes plenty of sense. With such a diversity of options Conversion factor available, we have chosen to cover As well as offering the latest fi le three ‘portable’ models with a format decoding for 24-bit/96kHz built-in headphone amplifi er for or 192kHz music fi les from music fans on the move, as well as audio-grade chipsets, many of the three ‘home’ models designed to USB DAC models on test here also be permanently linked between a cater for Direct-Stream Digital computer and hi-fi system. It’s a (DSD) music fi les originating far reaching group, but one that from SACD music mastering at should reveal the model best 24-bit/385kHz resolution. What’s suited to your individual needs. To more, adding a DAC between the see how they perform, read on.

26 JANUARY 2015 ON TEST

Denon ADL Hegel Henry Audio iFi LH Labs DA-300USB X1 HD12 DSD USB DAC 128 mkII Nano iDSD Geek Out M £329 p29 £395 p31 £900 p33 £210 p35 £165 p37 £249 p39 This desktop DAC/ A portable DAC/ Another new brand This straightforward The cheapest by No prizes for style, but headphone amp from headphone amp from to the UK, Hegel hails USB DAC from Norway a good way, this the dinky Geek Out M respected AV brand newcomer Alpha from Norway where supports formats portable DAC/ punches way above its Denon comes with a Design Labs capable it likes to do things a up to 24/192. This headphone amp is weight. It’s perhaps stand so that it can of handling inputs up little bit differently. latest model is the housed in gorgeous better known for the sit upright, and to 24/192, the X1 is just Don’t be fooled by continuation of an alloy casework and huge crowdfunding incorporates the as happy sat between the simplistic styling open-source project is designed to give support it received, company’s proprietary a computer and a hi-fi at the price; this home started by a group excellent value for but this mini USB DAC/ Advanced AL32 system or neatly DAC/headphone amp of enthusiasts who money and serious headphone amp has processing as found piggybacked to an has some impressive wanted to make an sonics. But how does much to offer and on its upmarket iDevice. But how does capabilities to bring to affordable way to it fare among such promises to deliver disc players. it sound? any music system. listen to hi-res music. exalted company? great sound.

JANUARY 2015 27 Black velvet.

Vinyl is black. Notes are black. Anodised aluminum is blacker than black. The much-acclaimed Confidence C1 Platinum is the epitome of a point-source loudspeaker in a new black design. Mesmerizing with superb qualities of precision, from an incredibly capable, dramatic, spectacular bass to silky-clear, subtle, velvety highs. It features Dynaudio’s innovative DDC technology, the legendary Esotar2 tweeter and expertly built and elegantly finished cabinets, making it the finest sounding and most distinguished two-way Confidence yet. The new Confidence C1. It‘s intoxicating.

All there is. USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

THIS WAY UP Its penchant for both horizontal and vertical placement options is not the only added value feature that the Denon DA-300USB brings to the DAC party. Found in its upmarket CD players, Denon’s Advanced AL32 processing and high-precision 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue conversion claims to deliver audio quality far in advance of usual high definition, wide bandwidth conversion techniques. Just as some advanced Blu-ray players can now upscale full HD video from standard Denon definition DVD, Denon says its Advanced AL32 processor up- converts and up-samples all input signals to a 32-bit/192kHz DA-300USB £329 datastream, which is interpolated, using a highly advanced proprietary algorithm to provide a full scale, Entering the aff ordable DAC arena comes this good- accurate reproduction of the original sound recording. Matched with a looking home unit with flexible placement options high-precision 32-bit/192kHz DAC circuit to fully exploit the Advanced AL32 high-definition processing, DETAILS f we gave a prize for the The DA-300USB features universal artefacts are moved far beyond the best-looking DAC in this fi le format support for PCM and DSD range of human hearing, so as to PRODUCT Denon DA-300USB I round up, then the Denon (the native fi le format for SACD) reproduce the highest quality signal. ORIGIN would be the clear winner. digital audio signals on the USB-B China Not only is it beautifully styled and input for bit-transparent, TYPE well built, but it has the added asynchronous playback of digital open up a recording and allow you to USB and S/PDIF fl exibility of allowing itself to be music. A plug-and-play approach is listen right into the mix. DAC/headphone preamp positioned horizontally or vertically, adopted for Macs, but Windows users Play a 24/192 version of Madonna’s WEIGHT adding a useful degree of fl exibility are required to download and install Live To Tell for example, and you can 1.5kg when placing it beside a desktop Denon’s driver software. hear the decay of the drums far more DIMENSIONS computer or hi-fi system. Helpfully, clearly, and the upper registers of (WxHxD) the display auto fl ips to the correct Sound quality vocals and percussion instruments 170 x 57 x 182mm position depending on its placement Taking its power from a wall-wart exhibit greater resolution with a sense FEATURES ● 32-bit/192kHz too. It’s a very nice touch, but of transformer gives the DA-300USB an of sparkle that never becomes harsh DAC greater interest for hi-res music fans is audio advantage in hi-fi terms over or fatiguing. ● Format support: the 32-bit/192kHz onboard DAC that the majority of hub-powered models Although this group concentrates PCM 44.1-192kHz; DSD64; DSD128 uses the same ‘Advanced AL32 audio in this round up. First impressions on on music that’s played out from a USB ● Inputs: USB-B processing’ as found on the majority playing the test tracks are good, and computer source, it would be churlish port; S/PDIF coaxial; of Denon’s CD players – see box out I am struck by the well balanced not to check out the performance 2x Toslink ● Output: stereo – making this one of the neatest and performance with no single element through the Denon’s other digital RCAs most sophisticated DACs in the group. sounding out of place or seeking inputs. And you can bet there’s DISTRIBUTOR On the front there’s a 6.35mm attention over another. It’s perhaps nothing to tell them apart, and the D&M Audiovisual, headphone socket with volume not the richest sound in terms of bass DA-300USB handles all digital sources UK Ltd control, and connectivity around the performance, and has a touch of in an equally musical manner ● TELEPHONE 02890 279830 back runs to asynchronous USB-B, leanness when compared with the S/PDIF coaxial and optical inputs. Geek Out when listening to the 24/96 WEBSITE denon.co.uk Stereo RCAs are on hand for version of Pink Floyd’s Take It Back, connection to a hi-fi amplifi er. supplied by highresaudio.com. But it’s OUR VERDICT all of a piece and serves the track up SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Detailed sound with a lively amount of dynamic across all sources; energy that rocks out when hooked versatile connectivity up to a hi-fi . VALUE FOR MONEY and placement options DISLIKE: Headphone Vocals have a delicacy that makes amp sounds restricted BUILD QUALITY listening feel that bit more intimate, WE SAY: A flexible DAC meaning that Kate’s piano playing to add to any desktop hi-fi system has a fl uidity and naturalness to it FEATURES that is effortlessly conveyed on the Snowfl ake track from the gorgeous OVERALL 24/96 version of 50 Words For Snow. Where the Denon differs from the others in this face off is in its ability to

JANUARY 2015 29

USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

PERSONAL TOUCH Alpha Design Labs (ADL to you and I) is a relatively new Japanese brand from cable specialist Furutech. In its short time on the planet, the Tokyo-based firm has specialised in a small range of aff ordable DAC/ headphone amplifiers as well as on-ear and in-ear headphone models. The main purpose of the X1 is to upgrade the sound quality from a portable music iDevice or a computer. With Furutech’s cable background you can bet that good quality cables are provided to take ADL care of the X1’s flexible connectivity scenarios. Included in the box is a short (10cm) 3.5mm-to-3.5mm jack and 14-pin dock connector-to-USB X1 £395 cable for connection to older portables. Those with newer iDevices fitted with lightening connectors will No bigger than a smartphone, could this be the perfect need to factor in the additional cost of a suitable cable like the ADL iD8A, choice to boost sound quality on the go and at home? priced from £70. For charging and using a computer as your music source a mini USB-B-to-USB-A cable DETAILS ike the iFi Nano iDSD the multi-input Toslink optical digital is supplied, but you’ll need to reviewed overleaf, this output on the underside. The purchase a 3.5mm jack-to-stereo PRODUCT ADL X1 L neat ADL X1 battery- headphone output drives headphones RCAs to output it to a hi-fi amplifier. ORIGIN powered DAC is designed within the 12-600ohm range, and Japan be used on the move piggybacked to also supports models fi tted with an TYPE a portable iDevice, and yet is fl exible inline microphone. quality to them that makes them easy Hub/battery- enough to sit between a computer’s Six LEDs indicate the incoming on the ear and balances Kate Bush’s powered USB DAC/ headphone preamp USB port and your main hi-fi system sampling frequency, although the font silky vocals with Elton John’s more WEIGHT giving you the best of both worlds. is tiny and rather diffi cult to decipher. velvety tones to great effect. 147g The 24-bit/192kHz take-anywhere A rotary control operates on/off and Again Pink Floyd’s Take It Back in DIMENSIONS DAC claims to give around 7.5hours volume level, and there’s a selector 24/96 form has a wonderful sense of (WxHxD) of listening from its built-in USB- switch for USB or iDevice connectivity airiness around guitar and percussion 68 x 118 x 17mm powered rechargeable battery for life alongside a ground TRRS button. instruments that shows off this well FEATURES ● 24-bit/192kHz on the road. engineered recording; there’s not a DAC Build quality is high – it’s easily the Sound quality moment’s splashiness to drums and ● Format support: most stylish small DAC here – and For its diminutive dimensions the ADL the track has plenty of drive. PCM 44.1-192kHz ● Quoted battery is available with red, blue or silver certainly delivers an impressive sound No matter what material you play, life: up to 7.5hours anodised aluminium panels as well that’s very easy on the ear. In some the X1 has that rare ability to keep ● Inputs: 3.5mm as the black version pictured. A ways the dinky device has the biggest you listening for hours without any jack; USB-A port; mini USB-B port selection of leads and adaptors are sound of the group, with oodles of fatigue. Everything is smoothly ● Outputs: 3.5mm supplied to partner the X1 to your bass defi nition and an open and rendered to show off recordings at analogue/optical; portable device or connect to the USB airiness to treble notes that never gets their best with an impressive sense 3.5mm headphone/ line level jack port of a computer. There’s even a splashy. Vocals are perfectly rendered of scale and rhythm that just makes ● DISTRIBUTOR robust ADL-branded rubber band to and the 24/192 version of Madonna’s you want to keep on listening Sound Fowndations secure it to your portable player. True Blue allows me to hear right into TELEPHONE In addition to the USB input, the X1 the recording, picking up on subtle 01276 501392 accepts line-level analogue sources details that I’ve never previously WEBSITE via a 4-pin 3.5mm jack output and noticed before buried within the OUR VERDICT soundfowndations. recording. What’s surprising is that co.uk SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Analogue- the ADL manages to convey an sounding portable DAC engaging sense of timing and rhythm that’s effective both when playing this album, it’s almost VALUE FOR MONEY inside and out DISLIKE: Attachment enough to make anyone listening band doesn’t feel want to move their hips. BUILD QUALITY particularly secure A 24/96 version of Kate Bush’s WE SAY: Smooth operation and sound Snowed In At Wheeler Street has a FEATURES make this a great DAC lovely balance and richness to the for any pocket piano that is utterly convincing and OVERALL backed by impressive but not overly extended bass. Vocals have a smoothness and almost analogue

JANUARY 2015 31

USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

NORTHERN LIGHTS Hegel isn’t afraid to take its own path, and its decision to employ some less obvious technology choices underlines its belief that it can deliver better music playback in this way. Choosing the less commonly used adaptive ‘non-asynchronous’ USB is a perfect example of how Hegel has complete confidence in blazing its own trail. Similarly the 32-bit DAC it employed in the HD12 was chosen for its impressive sound rather than its format compatibility, and currently only off ers support for DSD64, Hegel meaning it’s not quite as futureproof as perhaps the model name suggests. Hegel tells us that the lack of support for DSD128 was a diff icult HD12 DSD £900 decision to make, but it decided to go with the chip it considered to be the best sounding, but one that does not This DAC and headphone amplifier combines work with DSD128. It says: “Of course others do, but they don’t sound as minimalist style with flexible hi-fi connectivity options good in our opinion. Considering the amount of material available in DSD128 we decided to make a DAC DETAILS ffering similarly impressive Unsatisfi ed with some of the that sounds as good as it can with the connectivity choices to supposed limitations of digital signal material that people are most likely to PRODUCT Hegel HD12 DSD O Denon’s DA-300USB is this handling and transistor amplifi cation, be playing”. ORIGIN rather unassuming home Hegel has gone back to the drawing Norway DAC from Hegel. It’s easily the most board for many of its products, and TYPE costly model in the group, and the HD12 DSD is no exception to the Hegel’s presentation remains USB and S/PDIF around the back you’ll fi nd options the brand’s thinking. The nicely detailed without being dry or glassy. DAC/headphone preamp including a pair of balanced XLR constructed casework gives little Vocals sound really nice and Kate’s WEIGHT outputs as well as regular RCAs to away to its capabilities. The large voice is handled with a delicacy and 3.5kg suitable high-end amplifi ers. In fact, and brightly lit LED display shows clarity that makes it easy to hear into DIMENSIONS the Hegel also has a lot in common the selected source input only and the recording without any hint of (WxHxD) with Audiolab’s well-regarded M-DAC there’s no sample-rate info, which edginess to her word endings. Male 210 x 60 x 260mm (HFC 368) for example, making the makes it appear rather outdated vocals perhaps lack the gravitas of FEATURES ● 24-bit/192kHz HD12 much better geared towards compared with the much more some of the other DACs here, but the DAC full hi-fi setups than any other model sophisticated and informative display performances don’t suffer for their ● Format support: here, but it’s equally as happy as part found on the keenly priced Denon, its slight lack of body. PCM 44.1-192kHz; DSD64 (PC only) of a desktop audio system. closest rival here. Adorning the matte Moving on to 24/192 material with ● Inputs: USB-B port; Regular readers will recognise the black front panel there’s a 6.35mm the selector on the back moved into S/PDIF coaxial; brand from its fi rst outing with the headphone socket, and that’s it. You its B position, the Hegel pulls off 2x Toslink ● Output: stereo H80 amplifi er/DAC reviewed in HFC do get a mini remote control to Madonna’s True Blue with exceptional RCAs; XLRs 391, but Hegel isn’t a household enable you to select inputs and make clarity and has the kind of detail and DISTRIBUTOR name in the UK just yet. Like the output level adjustment, but misplace insight that makes the early nineties Hegel Music Henry Audio DAC 128 mkII overleaf, it for a moment and you’re in serious recording sound just as fresh as the Systems the company hails from Norway bother. Connectivity around the back day it was laid down ● TELEPHONE 0047 22605660 where it has a sizable reputation with runs to S/PDIF coaxial and optical an extensive audio range designed to inputs as well as a non-asynchronous WEBSITE hegel.com challenge convention and do things USB-B input and both the differently – see box out. aforementioned stereo RCAs and OUR VERDICT balanced XLR outputs. SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Detailed sound and good connectivity Sound quality options to suit all needs Despite the Hegel’s austere looks, the VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Austere looks; lack of some HD12 DSD has no trouble getting to format support BUILD QUALITY grips with the music, and presents WE SAY: Very capable an evenly balanced sound across the DAC, but can be bettered by more frequency range. It’s not the warmest FEATURES affordable competition or richest performer here, but it gives good insight into Pink Floyd’s What OVERALL Do You Want From Me. Okay a bit more depth to the bass would help to give the track greater richness, but

JANUARY 2015 33 If you care about music, then listen to this.

Our award-winning Special Edition DSP Loudspeakers are the most lifelike-sounding loudspeakers we’ve ever made. If you love music, don’t miss this special chance to hear it like never before.

Call 0333 920 0686 today to arrange your no-obligation demonstration. USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

COOL FOR CATS Henry Audio was originally under the rather catchily named QNKTC brand name. Standing for ‘Quantisation Noise Killed The Cat’, its first DAC was the hardware embodiment of an open-source Audio Widget project, started by a group of geeks who wanted to make an excellent but aff ordable way to play hi-res files. Thankfully, the Norwegian founder Børge Strand-Bergesen assures us that it has nothing to do with eighties fop popsters Curiosity Killed The Cat! As with its predecessor, this latest Henry Audio DAC 128 mkII takes its power from the mini USB connected to a computer, and uses the same DAC and clock chip as found in the original QNKTC USB DAC 128 mkII £210 model made by UK company Golledge. Designer Børge believes that the circuit board layout This hub-powerd DAC is a straightforward way to incorporating short signal paths is among the key factors to achieve the upgrade computer audio, but how does it sound? very best performance. Add to this the benefits of using better performing components in its power DETAILS asily the simplest looking glows green when receiving 24/48 or supply, and the DAC 128 mkII off ers a DAC design in this test is red for up to 24/192 formats. It has marked improvement on the sonic PRODUCT Henry Audio E this straightforward Henry built-in drivers for USB Audio Class 1 characteristics of the original sound. USB DAC 128 mkII Audio USB DAC 128. We mode (UAC1, up to 24/48), but if you ORIGIN fi rst saw its almost identical sibling want the full 24/192 (UAC2) then Norway back in HFC 386 under the name you’ll need to download drivers if differences in the presentation. TYPE QNKTC – see Cool For Cats box out. you’re a Windows user; Mac and Female voices have a more glassy Hub-powered USB DAC That was for the more affordable Linux are automatically supported. quality and sound a bit more forward WEIGHT AB-1.2 USB DAC, and since then the Two buttons on the back allow you in the mix and ‘well lit’ than on any 310g company has renamed itself to the to put the DAC into the correct USB other in the group. Some will enjoy DIMENSIONS less cumbersome and more friendly mode. To switch between the modes the added sense of openness and (WxHxD) sounding Henry Audio with the you simply connect the unit to a USB extra detail this brings to many 114 x 33 x 128mm introduction of the DAC 128 mkII. port, press the Prog button until the performances, but ultimately it’s not FEATURES ● 24-bit/192kHz Like its sibling, the 128 is a sleek, front LED changes colour and quite such an engaging performance upsampling DAC silver aluminium affair that’s very continue to hold until the LED goes long term and has a tendency to ● Format support: nicely screwed together with the logo out (it takes between 4-10 seconds). make the ending of words sound PCM 44.1-192kHz ● Inputs: mini USB screen printed on the fascia. Given Release the button and click and edgy and highlight sibilances. port the £100 price increase from the release the Reset button. This characteristic is easy to hear in ● Outputs: stereo original, the changes are more than brighter recordings, and Madonna’s RCAs just cosmetic, and the company told Sound quality True Blue in 24/192 has a hint of DISTRIBUTOR Henry Audio me that there are internal circuitry As with the original unit, this latest splashiness about it in the upper TELEPHONE modifi cations to better performance version also makes a very nice noise, registers that’s just that bit too +47 90639918 and achieve a more rounded sound and you can tell the sound has been fatiguing long term with these types WEBSITE with bass punch and an even more tweaked from the original. Bass of recordings ● henryaudio.com detailed and convincing soundstage appears to be full and more rounded than its open-source predecessor. than with the previous version, and There’s a single LED on the front the Kate Bush track has a good to tell you that the unit is on, and it amount of punch and energy to it. In OUR VERDICT fact, in many ways the DAC 128 mkII SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Straightforward has possibly the deepest bass of any design; good bass of the DACs in this test and seemingly performance manages to eek out that little bit more VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Slight upper brightness might be energy and drive from the 24/96 too much for some BUILD QUALITY version. This is expertly demonstrated WE SAY: Well built box by the drums and Stephen Fry’s vocal with good sound at a great price that will on the album’s title track 50 Words FEATURES appeal to audio fans For Snow, giving it an edge in terms and tinkerers of atmosphere and presence. OVERALL While its performance is impressive with male voices, Kate’s vocals highlight perhaps the greatest

JANUARY 2015 35 Primare NP30 The luxury link for high

resolution streaming “ Primare’s NP30 sounded every bit as good when streaming “ as when used as a standalone DAC… A great all-rounder.

July 2014 “ …the Primare is blessed with an analogue richness that’s as reminiscent of a top-notch phono stage as it is a

DAC… it tells me that what I’m hearing is about as close to the album’s studio “ sessions as I’m going to get within my listening room.

August 2014 karma

audio-visual For more information please visit primare.net. USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

MICRO MAGIC The iFi brand is a subsidiary of Abingdon Music Research, which specialises in a comprehensive line of Micro products ranging from phono stages and headphone amps to DACs and even a power supply. With equipment aimed primarily at the computer audio generation, all products boast Class A analogue circuitry with no DSP and the signal stays ‘Bit Perfect’ throughout, says the maker. Things get even smaller with its line of two Nano components, including iFi the iDSD on test here and the matching iCAN battery-powered headphone amplifier, with truly portable designs built to deliver Nano iDSD £165 enhanced sound quality from palm-sized devices out and about. At the price, the Nano iDSD doesn’t This small USB DAC and headphone amp sets out to come supplied with appropriate cables to connect it to portable Apple be big on hi-res audio, with DSD and DXD support too devices, and you’ll need to factor in the additional cost for an Apple USB Camera Adaptor, and for connection DETAILS ith its extensive line of socket and a pair of RCA phonos for to Android devices a USB On-The-Go desktop and portable line output with a rotary volume (OTG) cable and appropriate OS PRODUCT iFi Nano iDSD W audio components, iFi control that is also the on/off switch. support are required. ORIGIN has clearly been busy On the back, there’s an asynchronous UK/China developing components for some USB-B port, S/PDIF coaxial digital TYPE time. But if the brand name isn’t one input and a fi lter switch. But the toes tapping with the 24/192 version Hub/battery- that you are familiar with, then you fl exibility doesn’t end there, as the of Madonna’s La Isla Bonita, and feels powered USB DAC/ headphone preamp are not alone. Despite receiving some little iFi supports hi-res up to more like you’re experiencing the WEIGHT exposure and acclaim across Europe, 32-bit/384kHz and all the latest DSD song’s tropical island paradise vibe 163g the Nano iDSD portable DAC is the and DXD formats to boot, making it from afar rather than transporting DIMENSIONS fi rst iFi model we’ve been able to easily the most futureproof DAC in you there. Matters improve when (WxHxD) get our hands on at HFC, and this the group. A multi-coloured LED gives switching the fi lter on the rear from 68 x 87 x 28mm affordable, portable DAC with built-in an indication of the particular format Standard to Minimum Phase, and FEATURES ● 32-bit/384kHz headphone amplifi er looks like a resolution being played at the time, Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground at DAC great model to get to know the brand. deciphered by the colour key card 24/96 is more generous in the level of ● Format support: Like the ADL X1, the Nano iDSD is a supplied with the unit. funk it delivers. PCM 44.1-384; DSD64; DSD128; portable DAC with a built-in battery With a DXD 24/352 of Mozart’s DSD256; DXD384 pack claiming 10 hours of power for Sound quality Violin Concerto No.4 in D Major, the ● Quoted battery use out on the road. It’s remarkably Despite the Nano’s impressive Nano captures the performance and life: up to 10hours ● Inputs: affordable and feels very nicely capabilities there aren’t too many the venue’s acoustic remarkably well, Asynchronous constructed in its brushed metal music fans with a catalogue of with a sense of scale and subtlety USB port casing, but it’s a little more on the audiophile DSD64, 128 and DXD that makes the effort of downloading ● Outputs: stereo RCAs; S/PDIF chunky side compared with the sleek 24/352.8 material to hand, although the format an extremely rewarding coaxial; 3.5mm dimensions of the X1, and will take I did manage to obtain a sampler and enjoyable listen ● headphone up a bit more room in your pocket from the Norwegian-based 2L music DISTRIBUTOR alongside a portable music device. store. For the most part I stuck with Select Audio Socketry is decent and the front readily accessible 24/96 and 24/192 TELEPHONE panel has a 3.5mm stereo headphone remasterings, with a brief check of the 01900 601954 OUR VERDICT Nano’s DSD capabilities. WEBSITE SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Great sound ifi-audio.com First off I try the dinky Nano with and format capabilities Kate Bush’s Snowed In At Wheeler at the price Street and although good to my ears VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Slightly chunky case; iDevice it’s not the best performance of the connectivity is rather test. The central image seems unable BUILD QUALITY cumbersome to give you the clearest insight into WE SAY: Impressive format handling and the sumptuous duet, and lacks that FEATURES sound, but sonics are last bit of ultra-fi ne resolution to bettered elsewhere completely draw you into the track. OVERALL Bass depth is in good measure, but unlike the ADL it doesn’t quite convey the same sense of rhythm to get your

JANUARY 2015 37 Whatever the size of your room, seductive New Silver delivers glorious wideband audio to every corner without ever filling the floor.

Bass is well articulated, midband is crisp yet smooth and treble is beautifully detailed. The Silver 8 delivers a rewarding performance with everything you throw at it, and is sublime at the price.

BEST FLOORSTANDING SPEAKER MONITOR AUDIO SILVER 8 USB DACS £165-£900 GROUPTEST

FOLLOW THE CROWD The first Geek Out device came into being following an overwhelming response to a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The now collector’s item original blue- coloured EM release was the first model following the drive that managed to successfully secure its full $28,000 target in under 11 hours. The campaign went on to raise $300,000 in the 30 days that it ran and gained 2,146 backers. Following the introduction of the first model in mid 2014, Geek Out now LH Labs comes in three versions to cater for specific headphone models. The now red Geek Out EM has 1000mW power output, perfect for low-eff iciency Geek Out M £249 headphones with an impedance over 300ohms and costs £299. The middle Geek Out M tested here has a Could this pocket-sized USB DAC and headphone 720mW power output ideally suited to less eff icient headphones with an amplifier be the miniature maestro of the group? impedance of 100–300ohms. Lastly the silver Geek Out costing £199 off ers 450mW power output suitable DETAILS ositioned slap bang in the DSD64/128 decoding and the Class A for eff icient headphones with an middle of three miniature amplifi er – which is the reason why impedance of less than 100ohms. PRODUCT LH Labs Geek Out M P USB DACs, the Geek Out the Geek Out runs a little bit warm to All come with a USB extension lead. ORIGIN M hails from the seriously the touch. Not massively so, but at a USA high-end brand Da Vinci Audio. It has signifi cantly higher temperature than TYPE an impressive back story that saw the any other USB DAC on test here – seems more ‘alive’ somehow and the Hub-powered USB original Geek Out EM model born there’s even a warning in the supplied Stevie Wonder track has faultless DAC/headphone preamp from a remarkable swell of support literature about not burning yourself, timing that expertly balances bass WEIGHT following its crowdfunding campaign which seems a little like overstating rhythm, smooth vocals and 25g on Kickstarter – see Follow The things to me as my model thankfully percussion details with the kind of DIMENSIONS Crowd box out. The diamond black M never reaches the searingly high performance standards that are more (WxHxD) model we have on test here has a temperatures potentially suggested. often associated with full-size, 35 x 64 x 12mm claimed 720mW power output The general look and fi nish is high-end components. FEATURES ● 32-bit/384kHz suitable for less effi cient headphones perhaps not up to the highest Pink Floyd’s Take It Back is a lively DAC within the 100-300ohms range. Silver standards of the rest of the group, track, but again the scale and space ● Format support: and Red models are also available and the tiny LED lights showing up surrounding each of the instruments PCM 44.1-384kHz; DSD64 and 128 with power outputs tailored towards the sampling frequency of the highlights the high quality of the well ● Output: 2x 3.5mm different effi ciency headphones. material being played can be diffi cult engineered recording that allows jack Despite its tiny size, the Geek Out to decipher as you have to fl ip the all of the elements in the mix to sit DISTRIBUTOR packs one heck of a lot into its unit over for the key. Pressing the two in their own space, giving you a Anthem AV Solutions remarkable dimensions. There are buttons on the side of the Geek Out fantastic insight into the recording TELEPHONE two tiny buttons on the side and a activates the ‘3D Awesomifi er’, to give that means you can pick out and 01825 750858 USB plug at the end and two 3.5mm an expanded “out of the head” follow particular instruments with WEBSITE jack sockets labelled 47ohms and listening experience, but I am more amazing ease and accuracy ● anthemavs.co.uk 0.47ohms at the other. Despite the interested in how the tiny device cute dimensions, much of the tech is sounds without any gimmickry. derived from the remarkable Da Vinci DAC including the 32-bit/384kHz and Sound quality OUR VERDICT Plugging the Geek Out into my SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Exceptional MacBook Pro and hooking up the sound; ultra portable 3.5mm line output jack to a hi-fi amp, DISLIKE: Finish could it sounds far better than any audio VALUE FOR MONEY be better at the price; product this size has a right to. On runs a little warm BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: Outstanding selecting the Geek Out as the audio sonic performance output device on my computer and akin to full-size components; versatile playing the fi rst few notes of Snowed FEATURES headphone amp too In At Wheeler Street I quickly realise I’ve struck gold. The piano sounds OVERALL amazingly sumptuous with Kate Bush and Elton John’s vocals sounding remarkably rich and detailed. Music

JANUARY 2015 39 USB DACS GROUPTEST £165-£900

Group test verdict He’s gathered his thoughts after hours of listening, so before he takes a rest with a well-earned cuppa Lee Dunkley sums up what he’s heard

WITH SUCH A spread of models lacking fl exibility, but in fact its too, with plenty of features and across both home and portable use open-source nature will appeal to connectivity options and is a this is a particularly tough test to sum tinkerers. Ultimately though, it’s up versatile device that gives the best up, but the minimalist Hegel is the against more fl exible consumer of both worlds. fi rst to fall. Although in many respects models here, and its slightly forward The Geek Out M from LH Labs WINNER the HD12 DSD has to be admired for sound may not be so appealing to all. is the kind of product that comes The Denon DA-300USB its tech choices, specifi cation, super I love the iFi’s styling, build, format along every once in a while and has got the looks and build and fi nish (even if its looks are a support and general nature, it’s just breaks the rule book. It sounds far functionality of a great bit austere), its poor ease of use and that sonically it doesn’t surpass the better than it has any right to given home DAC. It produces a great sound across all price mean it doesn’t score quite so ultra cool ADL XL, and its iDevice its diminutive dimensions, but with inputs and offers the highly against the competition here. connectivity is cumbersome. tech derived from the high-end flexibility to be placed In no way would you be disappointed The slick ADL X1 is quite a cool Da Vinci DAC it’s no wonder that upright using the by the sound from this DAC, it’s just portable solution with a good, it sounds so great. I wouldn’t be supplied stand. Factor that there are better options for less. balanced, analogue sort of sound that surprised if the Geek Out is in its superb build and Next is the Henry Audio; a mighty most people will feel they can live snapped up just as quickly as it finish, and you have a very worthy winner. fi ne bit of kit that looks like it’s with and enjoy. It’s reasonable value attained its crowdfunding target.

Make/model Denon ADL Hegel Henry Audio iFi LH Labs DA-300USB X1 HD12 DSD USB DAC 128 mkII Nano iDSD Geek Out M

Price £329 £395 £900 £210 £165 £249 Sound Value Build Features Overall , Great package Ultra sleek portable Distinctive design Open-source tech to Great build and Mediocre build offering flexibility DAC that sounds just makes this DAC the appeal to tinkerers, hi-res format doesn’t detract from and style, put quite as great at home as it most charismatic of this simple USB DAC friendly, but clunky the astonishing simply it’s got the lot does on the move the group sounds good too design won’t suit all hi-res sound it makes

Key features

Coaxial in Yes No Yes No No No

Optical in 2 Yes 2 No No No

24/192 USB Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

iPod No Yes No No No No

XLR out No No Yes No No No

TRY WITH THESE

HEADPHONES: INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: STANDMOUNT SPEAKER: Focal Spirit One S Arcam FMJ-A19 £650 HFC 371 Monitor Audio Silver One £500 HFC 390 £150 HFC 391 A mid-price integrated that’s festooned with inputs This super sounding Few headphones manage to and a useful amount of power. It wowed us with its standmount is available in combine style and performance rich and engrossing sound and makes listening a beautiful wood veneer and as successfully as this closed- great pleasure, whatever type of music you’re into. gloss finishes and offers great back design. The smooth sound performance at the price. You combines a well-integrated bass get plenty of bang for your buck with a revealing level of detail, with a big sound that’s musically making them perfect for hi-res honest, detailed and enjoyable on the move. to listen to.

40 JANUARY 2015 THE SEVENOAKS

FOR THE LATEST SALE PRICES AND OFFERS, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STORE OR VISIT SALE WWW.SSAV.COM

GREAT SAVINGS IN-STORE AND ONLINE

Amplifi er/DAC SAVE NAD D 3020 £79 £399

Claim Free AKG Y50 Headphones Turntable/Phono Preamp Worth £79.95 Pro-ject Essential 2 [RRP £209]

& NAD PP4 [RRP £169]

£299 Black Finish

Digital Sound Projector Wireless Speaker System with Dock Yamaha YSP-3300 SAVE B&W Zeppelin Air SAVE £599 £400 £349.95 £150 Silver Finish Lightning Connector Model

LIMITED LIMITED STOCK Also Available: STOCK Yamaha YSP-4300 £769 • SAVE £530

Wireless Streaming Music System

Bluesound Includes three months of music from Tidal Worth £60

Wireless Streaming Music System One year of Sonos music included Buy any Sonos player and claim 365 days of Deezer Premium+ worth over £100

HURRY! OFFER ENDS 31/12/2014

PLEASE NOTE: SOME BRANDS/PRODUCTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT ALL STORES. SPECIAL/ADDED VALUE OFFERS ARE NOT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER (NICWAOO). ADVERT VALID UNTIL 14/01/2015. E&OE

click & collect NOW AVAILABLE www.SSAV.com SAVE £198

CD Player/Amplifi er & Speaker Package PACKAGE NAD C516 DEAL NAD C316 Marantz M-CR610 Wharfedale Diamond 220 Music Streaming System £499 with CD & DAB Tuner £SSAV SAVE £100

NAD Amplifi er C356BEE Also Available: NAD C356BEE DAC 2.0 £599 £499

SAVE £798 PACKAGE Network Amplifi er/DAC & Speaker DEAL Package NAD D 7050 Marantz CD6005/PM6005 PSB Imagine Mini with CD Player/Amplifi er £ SSAV Stands £799 SAVE £501 Speakers in Walnut or Cherry Finish. Gloss Black or White available £899 PACKAGE DEAL CD/Amplifi er Package LIMITED Roksan STOCK Kandy K2 £1249

SAVE £150 £100 SAVE £150 GIFT VOUCHER* FOR HIGH RESOLUTION MUSIC DOWNLOADS FROM QOBUZ

MUSIC IS BACK Audiolab DAC LIMITED Q-DAC Also Available: STOCK Audiolab M-DAC £539 £249

PACKAGE DEAL DAC/Headphone Amp NAD D 1050 Hi-Res Audio Player System & Speakers £399 Sony HAP-S1 Claim Free Q Acoustics Concept 20 AKG Y50 Headphones

£999 *By redemption from Sony. Off er ends 30/06/2015 Worth £79.95

click & collect NOW AVAILABLE www.SSAV.com THE SEVENOAKS

FOR THE LATEST SALE PRICES AND OFFERS, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STORE OR VISIT SALE WWW.SSAV.COM

SAVE £24 2010i £116.95 SAVE £13 Speakers 2020i Monitor Audio £152.95 Bronze BX2 SAVE £17 2050i £413.95 £225 SAVE £46

Standard Graphite or Walnut Finishes. Gloss fi nishes available at SAVE £20 additional cost. Speakers Wharfedale Diamond 220 £179 Also Available: Diamond 210 £135

SAVE £50 Speakers PMC Claim Free . PMC Headphones Twenty 22 Twenty Series PSB £1970 Speaker Stands M4U 2 Worth £296 £249

Recertifi ed Model SAVE £70 Speakers Headphones PMC B&W Twenty.21 P3 RC £1485

£99.99 LIMITED Also Available: STOCK B&W P5 RC £149.99

FOR THE LATEST PRICES AND OFFERS VISIT WWW.SSAV.COM OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL STORE

Bishop’s Stortford• 01279 506576 Guildford 01483 536666 Sheffield• 0114 255 5861 Stores Nationwide • 0117 974 3727 • 020 7837 7540 • 023 8033 7770 Christmas Hours We have a national network of Bristol Holborn Southampton • stores and a hard-won reputation Brighton 01273 733338 Kingston 020 8547 0717 Tunbridge Wells 01892 531543 Sunday Opening for outstanding customer service. Bromley 020 8290 1988 Leeds (Wetherby) 01937 586886 Weybridge 01932 840859 Many stores are open on Cambridge• 01223 304770 Loughton• 020 8532 0770 Witham (Essex) 01376 501733 Website Sundays during December. • 020 7352 9466 Maidstone 01622 686366 Yeovil• 01935 700078 Visit our website for a stream- Chelsea • 01242 241171 • 01603 767605 Please visit our website for lined on-line experience with an Cheltenham Norwich VISIT WWW.SSAV.COM FOR ADDRESS DETAILS, OPENING • HOURS AND BRANDS STOCKED the latest information. outstanding product selection Chorleywood 0845 5046364 Oxford 01865 241773 • • plus the latest product news Epsom 01372 720720 Reading 0118 959 7768 •THESE STORES ARE FRANCHISED AND OPERATE UNDER www.ssav.com A LICENCE AGREEMENT TO SEVENOAKS SOUND & VISION and store infomation. Exeter• 01392 218895 Sevenoaks 01732 459555

Please Note: Some brands/products are not available at all stores. Special/added value offers are not in conjunction with any other offer (NICWAOO).

ADVERT VALID UNTIL 14/01/2015. E&OE B.M.C. PUREAMP EXOTICA INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER £1,789

DETAILS When hooked up to the PureDAC by the B.M.C. link, it uses Current PRODUCT B.M.C. PureAmp Injection technology to process the Pure bred ORIGIN input current from a signal source Germany/China through a special XLR-CI input and TYPE the amplifi er’s circuitry until it gets B.M.C.’s PureAmp is an integrated that turns Integrated amplifier the desired output voltage for the WEIGHT loudspeakers. This is said to increase 10.3kg into a power amp when hooked up to other the purity of the amplifi ed signal by DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) skipping the gain stage; essentially PureLine gear. David Price tries it for size 365 x 103 x 328mm it’s a more direct link and so gives FEATURES the PureDAC/PureAmp the ● Quoted power: characteristics of a dedicated 100W RMS per ot so long ago I was rather normally works as a LEF (Load channel into 8ohms pre-power amplifi er combination. taken by Balanced Music Effect-Free) amplifi er, which Carlos ● 2x RCA phono; The styling is distinctive, and the Concept’s PureDAC claims is superior to both Class A 2x XLR inputs; high-quality anodised aluminium N B.M.C. link for direct (HFC 385); a £1,300 DAC/ and Class AB operation. “It has a connection extrusions feel silkily luxurious. Like preamp that sounded better than it quite different structure; the low to PureLine other PureLine components, it lights had a right to at the price. It was also impedance voltage output is made by DISTRIBUTOR up like a Christmas tree when you strikingly styled and particularly well a single transistor without a push-pull Colab Audio Ltd power up; there are even bar-graph made for the money, too. Well, here’s counterpart”, he tells me. “Class A TELEPHONE power meters should you wish. Some the other part of the pairing, an puts a transistor into a relatively 07702 168000 might fi nd it a tad gaudy, so the integrated amplifi er made to work linear current range by strongly WEBSITE lighting can be dimmed. The volume colabaudio.com hand-in-glove with the PureDAC. biasing it and disregarding effi ciency. control buttons aren’t any less fi ddly Rather than just doing a predictable LEF keeps the transistor virtually on than on the PureDAC, but generally design in a bland box, the German an ideally linear spot without any it’s a pleasant product to peruse. company has really risen to the current variation.” Inside you’ll fi nd a large 300W challenge. In many ways this is just Carlos claims that, because full toroidal transformer and a power as interesting – if not more – than the biasing isn’t needed, linearity and supply with 180,000uF of energy DAC. Founder Carlos Candeias effi ciency are much better than Class storage at its disposal. It uses an obviously isn’t asleep at the wheel! A, and LEF current sources deliver interesting mix of device types. The PureAmp is essentially an current independently of phase Carlos explains that: “The voltage integrated amplifi er, which – when and voltage level, which makes for source is made of a combination of hooked up using the B.M.C. link to superior speaker control. This type a tiny vertical DMOS-FET combined the partnering PureDAC or the of circuit is so linear that a feedback with a middle-sized bipolar device. forthcoming UltraDAC – turns into loop isn’t required for reducing This set is very linear, has extremely a dedicated power amplifi er. It distortion, he says. low capacitance and no DC load to

44 JANUARY 2015 B.M.C. PUREAMP INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER £1,789 EXOTICA

amplifi ers – tube or transistor – that soft Cambridge Audio AeroMax 6 really take you there. In other words, fl oorstanders I use benefi t from it. it’s an excellent performer at its price. The amp gives them better bite and The downside is that some might seems to tame that fractionally tubby fi nd it just a little too stark. It’s very upper bass of theirs. German sounding, and I mean that The B.M.C. proves excellent across in both a good and bad way. Whereas the midband too; all the elements Italian amps can be lyrical but of the mix are laid out before the uncontrolled and Japanese ones listener like an à la carte menu; can be immaculately detailed but everything is there to behold. It’s emotionally unengaging, the B.M.C. extremely detailed, almost sits close to the middle; the best forensically so, and this extends to the British amps are a little nearer the time domain performance too; there’s Italian sound and in all honesty the the sense that it’s completely on top PureAmp errs slightly more towards of all the transients it has to deal the Japanese, but neither is too far with, it is never falling over its feet. away from one another. Overall it This makes Supertramp’s Child Of proffers a very good combination of Vision a joy; Rodger Hodgson’s control and musical enjoyment, but wonderfully percussive piano sound some might think it just a tad too has sharp dynamic accenting. His ordered and feel it might want to playing comes over as so fast, so undo its top button just a bit. expressive, so lucid. At the same time, This, of course, is the joy of hi-fi ; nobody quite has the same taste; You have to applaud when we listen we all want a little more of this or a tad less of that. it for the useful So my impressions of this amplifi er facilities, beautiful probably says more about my own personal proclivities. case and styling The B.M.C. is powerful, taut, tight, detailed, open, three-dimensional the amp tells me all about the exact sounding and has good dynamics and sound of his electric piano, and how it the sensitive gain stages. The The PureAmp a not inconsiderable interest in the was recorded. His voice too has an icy independent current sources lights up like a rhythmic aspect of whatever music clarity; it’s a distinctive one to be sure Christmas tree, are brand new released large but can be you play. The only thing that I can see and cuts through the rest of the mix bipolar devices.” dimmed some listeners – in the UK at least – like a knife through butter. Yet there objecting to is its slightly chromium is no harshness and no shrillness; this Sound quality plated tonality; a warm and is interesting because Breakfast In There’s a curious sweet spot, sumptuous tube amplifi er it is not. America (from where the song is somewhere in-between average Take for example Thomas Dolby’s taken) is a rather forward album sounding solid-state amplifi ers with Airwaves. It’s a lovely classic slice of and can often grate. It shows the their slightly misty, grey, opaque but early eighties synthesiser pop, which PureAmp to be very clear, almost edgy sound and the rotund, fulsome is supposed to be warm and fat. But stark in its tonality, but still largely but romantic results you get from while the PureAmp gives a brilliant devoid of distortion. tubes. For me, this is the most rendition, you would never call it The picture continues with more interesting place to be; I’ve heard warm or even tonally neutral; it errs contemporary electronic music; excellent tube amps hit it, and I’ve ever so slightly on the dry and cool Kraftwerk’s arrestingly beautiful Tour heard superb transistor designs do it side, taking out just a touch of colour de France Etapes 2 is carried in a clear, too. The BMC PureAmp comes close, from the recording. Whether this taut and controlled way. Indeed the and is far, far cheaper than most other offends or not will come down to B.M.C. seems almost designed to play your choice of ancillaries; the slightly this type of music; it gets to grips with CONNECTIONS

1 2 1 RCA line inputs

2 B.M.C. link ports for connection to PureLine kit

3 Neutrik speaker outputs

4 XLR inputs

4 3

JANUARY 2015 45 EXOTICA

Q&A IN SIGHT Carlos Candeias 1 LEF amplifier and B.M.C. President DIGM modules, right channel (left 1 channel opposite)

2 Cooling regulation

3 Positive power 6 supply 4 Power transformer 2 5 Negative power supply

DP: What is the idea behind B.M.C.’s 6 Power transistors Pure range? CC: It is intended to introduce the 5 young music lover to the world of 3 high fidelity and demonstrate the improvement in performance that can be achieved. It offers a true high 4 end experience in every sense; sound, build and looks. In essence the Pure Range is the bridge between conventional high street consumer products and those of the usually much more expensive high-end the sinewy percussion and the Conclusion audio market. swinging bass transients as if it’s a B.M.C.’s PureAmp is an excellent regular Monday morning workout. modern integrated amplifi er. I fi nd it What would you say the PureAmp It doesn’t break into a sweat, even shines across a wide range of music, sets out to do? at high listening levels that have a and is easily revealing enough to tell The Pure Line sets out to exceed number of other solid-state amplifi ers you if the recording is any good, and expectations, that’s always our goal! It wheezing like Keith Richards climbing indeed if the source is too. It’s a really must sound real, powerful and always the stairs to the roof of Ronnie Scott’s. powerful tool in that sense, yet still in control of the speakers. It also This is a powerful device that’s totally some will fi nd it just a touch too leaves the door open to even higher HOW IT at home pushing out considerable clinical, and ever so slightly matter of levels of performance when COMPARES combined with other Pure Line DACs, amounts of power and it does it in a fact sounding. This is where we enter There are some really PureDAC and UltraDAC, due to our clean and disciplined way. the realm of personal opinion, and good products around proprietary LEF (Load Effect Free) Spatially, it’s also really rather that’s why auditioning at a dealer is like Exposure’s 3010S2 good indeed. My favourite Karajan so important. technology. I want the listener to and Creek’s Destiny 2, travel with the music without plus exciting new recording of Beethoven’s Pastoral In terms of its market position, you imposing any sound signature that models from Roksan Symphony on Deutsche Gramophon have to applaud it for the smattering might otherwise flatten the complex and Arcam to be is a joy, in its way. The stereo images of useful facilities, its beautifully built sonic bouquet of the music itself. Our reviewed soon. are so solid and stable that they’re case and interesting styling. It’s nice goal at B.M.C. is not to have our own Compared to the HFC practically nailed to the wall. The to see something that isn’t just sound signature. Group Test winning soundstage is decently deep, although another black (or silver) box. Factor Exposure 3010S2, the B.M.C. has a cleaner, not the best I’ve heard, and in the special connectivity to other Why did you decide to use Neutrik tighter, tauter sound. It everything falls into place B.M.C. PureLine products and it SpeakON connectors? seems polished to convincingly. The result is a large, makes an awfully strong case for The PureAMP is small so there isn’t perfection almost, but expansive canvass onto which the itself. There are many very capable much space to safely use is a little bit too shiny; amplifi er paints its musical picture. premium integrateds around this conventional binding posts which are tonally the Exposure is a bit warmer but subtly But again I get the sense that it price and this gives nothing away to liable to short circuit and loosen over doesn’t quite have the full palette of them. If you’re looking for a sub-£2k time. The number one cause of less finessed. The result is two very different tonal colours, and the artist is mixing one, you should give it a listen ● amplifier failure in the field is short presentations. The in a touch too much grey for good circuit due to the loosening of Exposure paints in conventional binding posts. I believe measure; the richness of the reds and bigger, bolder and less blues seems a little diluted. The it is time to embrace a better solution. fine brush strokes, but SpeakON has been the standard seems very deft and obverse of this, of course, is a good OUR VERDICT valve amplifi er, which if anything connector of choice in the pro audio expressive. The B.M.C. SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Super clean, industry for many years and for good is better with detail and brings more colour to the proceedings crisp, clear sound; reason. We hope to get support from etches the sound more than is strictly accurate, but loses loads of power other brands and encourage them intricately, but seems to other things in the process. That’s VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Non- lack flair and passion as the agony and the ecstasy of hi-fi , I standard Neutrik strongly to do the same. In the UK all a result of the attention speaker outputs BUILD QUALITY PureAmps will be supplied with it pays to the detail. For suppose! The PureAmp never fails to WE SAY: Excellent SpeakON connectors to allow many the Exposure will deliver a rock-solid bottom end that integrated amp at the price, full stop! dealers and end users to easily adapt be thought of as a more is usefully tuneful and animated, its FEATURES their existing cables. musical device, more in midband is glass-clear and this runs tune with the emotion right up to a super-detailed, spacious of the performance, but OVERALL it misses many of the treble. As such, it makes an ideal B.M.C.’s tiny nuances. partner for warmer loudspeakers and/or sources.

46 JANUARY 2015 Xpression Carbon

Xpress your sound, Xpress your look...

March 2014 February 2014

A Classic Made New...

The Xpression Carbon is the latest version of Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ original turntable, the Pro-Ject 1. This new model employs a brand new carbon fi bre tonearm with an Evolution-inspired support structure. The superior motor, with isolation blobs designed by Ortofon, drives a high-quality platter that can be fi tted with either a Cork or Felt mat. The plinth is available in three stunning fi nishes*, and the arm is rounded off with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge to create a comprehensive package that would suit any system.

Available in the UK through Henley Designs Ltd. T: 01235 511 166 /HenleyDesignsLtd E: [email protected] /HenleyDesigns1 W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk

* Bordeaux fi nish shown USHER AUDIO N-6311 REVIEWS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,500

48 JANUARY 2015 USHER AUDIO N-6311 FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,500 REVIEWS

DETAILS While the cabinet isn’t exactly insubstantial in itself, it bolts to a PRODUCT Usher Audio N-6311 hefty cast-iron base for stability, with Ushering in ORIGIN screw-in cones provided for this base. Taiwan The terminals are arranged in a TYPE vertical stack toward the bottom of 2-way floorstander the speaker’s ‘spine’, with metal WEIGHT jumper bars allowing either single or 24kg bi-wired connection, or bi-amping. real thrills DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 260 x 1,060 x Sound quality These distinctive floorstanders from Taiwan 350mm The Ushers are tried in several FEATURES systems, including my usual Naim ● 25mm soft dome take some caning before they deliver, but tweeter NDS/555PS/Supernait2/HiCap setup, ● 180mm paper/ and with a Marantz HD-DAC1 as it’s worth it, says Andrew Everard carbon fibre mid/ preamp feeding a pair of the same bass driver ● Quoted sensitivity: company’s much-loved Music Link 87dB/1W/1m MA-22 monobloc power amps, now hink major loudspeaker- frequency response, has a copper DISTRIBUTOR knocking on 25 year old, but still building nations and, once shorting ring designed to reduce Decent Audio sounding sweet both with the the Land of Hope and distortion and improve high TELEPHONE matching SC-22 preamp and the new T 05602 054669 Glory stuff has receded frequency extension, and is backed headphone amp/preamp/DAC. The into the distance and you look beyond with a tuned rear chamber to control WEBSITE digital music source for the system is decentaudio.co.uk the UK, most of the other places rearward dispersion. Meanwhile the a MacBook Air running Audirvana you’re going to come up with are woofer has a carbon fi bre/paper Plus, and all cabling for both systems either North American or European. composite cone for rigidity and is from The Chord Company. Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the self-damping, designed for powerful I’d been warned the speakers would USA and Canada: you’ve just about bass and a sweet midband, and uses need some running in before serious got it covered – well, until you Usher’s own motor system, listening was attempted – the manual remember China, that is. engineered for low distortion. says there will be improvements after However, the chances are Taiwan The woofer is again housed in its 60 hours’ use, and that “the bass and won’t feature on most lists of own enclosure within the speaker, treble will continue to sound more countries famous for making and is tuned with a forward-venting refi ned up to about 180 hours or so, slot port to help ease positioning, when the speakers are fi nally broken Give them a little while the tweeter sits in its own pod in.” To which I can only say: “You toe-in and they set into the top of the speaker, with betcha!”: straight from their boxes, the rearward curve of the entire The walnut finish they are possibly among the most create a wide and enclosure designed to provide some might not be to raucous speakers I’ve heard for a very extra time-alignment between the everyone’s taste long time. deep soundstage two drivers. The 1,060mm tall cabinet is also speakers, yet it is home to Usher, and curved in plan view to enhance has been since it was founded in rigidity and disperse resonances 1972. Since then it’s been making a within the box: no parallel sides comprehensive range of loudspeakers, means no standing waves within the subwoofers, electronics and even enclosure, which is a good thing. stands and racks. The overall effect is aesthetically Having engineering, development pleasing in a retro/streamlined/even and manufacturing in-house no doubt slightly Art Deco way: the speakers helps greatly with that aim of mixing aren’t huge, but still have a strong value and performance, and Usher visual presence, and of course the also gets by with a little help from its shape and front-venting port makes it friends; celebrated designer Joseph possible to tuck them away towards D’Appolitto is the company’s technical the corner of the room rather more consultant, in particular providing than one might with a conventional input into crossover design. rectangular box/rear-ported design. In a catalogue with models past and The only question I have is about the present such as the Compass Dancer walnut fi nish of the review samples, and Mini Dancer, the presence of a which can make the speakers look range simply called the N-Series may a bit heavy in a room with more seem a bit prosaic, but there’s nothing contemporary furniture. I know the ‘square box with a couple of drivers dark wood look is still popular in slung in’ about the N-6311. some South East Asian countries, It’s a fairly standard two-way many of which are also thankfully design, with a 25mm tweeter handing still more ‘into’ hi-fi and high quality over around 3kHz to an 18cm mid/ music than some of their Western bass unit: both units are of an counterparts, but it would be in-house design. The tweeter uses a interesting to see how it looks in a fabric dome treated for a fl atter lighter wood, or even gloss black.

JANUARY 2015 49 USHER AUDIO N-6311 REVIEWS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,500

IN SIGHT Q&A control even when the mixes are a Lien Shui-Tsai bit bonkers: The Flaming Lips’ 1 25mm soft-dome Usher founder and engineer-in-chief 1 tweeter deconstructive take on Sgt Pepper, With A Little Help From My Fwends, 2 Stacked terminals allow bi-wiring benefi ts from the N-6311s’ solid, tight bass and ability to convey even 3 Forward-firing bass reflex slot complex layering, Miley Cyrus’ voice – yes really! – drowsing trippily 4 180mm mid/bass driver combines through Lucy In The Sky With paper and carbon Diamonds before the great overdriven fibre distortion-laden chorus slams in. Close-miked jazz voices of the AE: Where do the speakers sit in the audiophile kind are predictably Usher lineup? 4 delicious through these speakers, LS: The N Series sits above the entry- level ‘Usher’ Series and is the most which also revel in some lovingly affordable range to offer both recorded upright bass and brushed standmount and floorstanding skins, but then most rivals will do models ranging from £1,250 to that very nicely thank you: more £2,000. The N-6311 is the smaller of impressive is the way they handle the the two floorstanders, sitting in the combination of voice and cellos on middle of the three models with one Clare Martin’s Time And Place set, a standmount below it and one larger 24-bit/192kHz download from Linn. 2 floorstander above it. Balancing Martin’s voice well against the superbly recorded What’s the advantage of the Montpellier Cello Quartet, piano and carbon fibre/paper woofer? percussion, they delight in the tango Carbon fibre is, of course, a highly snap and drive of her cover of Bowie’s rigid and light material and The Man Who Sold The World, the traditionally paper always produces Ushers really turn in an involving intricate and palpable detail. presentation of the music – and that’s Therefore, detail and speed are at what they do across so many genres, the highest level in a highly effective 3 even shining with the drama of the combination and the drive unit – due San Francisco Symphony’s DSD2.8 to its rigidity – is equally effective when driven hard. release of Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder. For those who’d have you believe They storm through the last of the Why did you opt for a that running in speakers is an illusion, fi ve songs, In diesem Wetter…, with slot-loaded reflex port in place and all that’s happening is the listener the orchestra wrapping the of a more conventional front or acclimatising to the sound, I’m here tempestuous weather around mezzo rear-venting arrangement? to tell you that a) I don’t think anyone Michelle DeYoung’s voice in a The slot-loaded reflex port is to HOW IT would ever manage to acclimatise to well-realised live acoustic. acheive a tight bass that is deep, but COMPARES the way the Ushers sound fresh from at the same time reducing bass the box, and b) yes, they do gradually Conclusion bloom and increasing speed. The The Ushers sit in a change over an extended period of These are highly entertaining market sector not port is carefully tuned to the exactly short of use, and fi nally reveal just what they speakers, sounding rather unlike dimensions of each model’s cabinet. competition: for the can do. anything else I’ve encountered for the same money you could And what they can do is delight money in their combination of fresh The company has a very diverse have B&W’s very with a sound that combines a striking openness, impact and hefty, deft bass range: do different models appeal accomplished new ‘out of the boxes’ quality of – and all the more intriguing for the more to different markets (such as CM8 S2 speakers, which deliver similar soundstaging and focus with a way those qualities serve a wide some are more popular in Europe, powerful, weighty bass that makes range of musical styles so well. US, far East etc.)? power and poise in a slim, beautifully rock tracks thrilling and orchestral Defi nitely one for the audition list ● There are actually no obvious markets finished (especially in music full blooded and substantial. that achieve higher results with gloss black) package. certain models and ranges than Give them a little toe-in and the For a standmount Ushers create a wide and deep others. Every model produced sells alternative, the little equally across the world. However, PMC twenty 21 is well soundstage, making Led Zeppelin’s OUR VERDICT Houses Of The Holy in its hi-res overall the most popular range with worth considering, SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Exciting sound; the highest sales figures is the Dancer producing both detail remaster sound like much more powerful bass; easy to Diamond Series. and welly from a small of a live performance. drive and position enclosure (but you’ll There’s no tempering of the hard VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: The walnut have to budget for edge of these recordings, the Ushers finish is a bit sombre, stands on top of the and won’t suit every BUILD QUALITY near-£1,500 price tag). being true to what they’re being listening room Keeping things small given: that means the rawness of WE SAY: Involving and highly musical, the but floorstanding, the sound is delivered intact, with EASE OF DRIVE Ushers are well worth the fast and highly excellent presence, and underpinned considering expressive Neat Motive by that big, weighty bass. 2SX is another design OVERALL you really should Give the Ushers something rather audition at this level. odder to get their drivers round, and the reward is a sound with fi ne

50 JANUARY 2015

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO STREAM MAGIC 6 V2 REVIEWS NETWORK MUSIC PLAYER/DAC £700

DETAILS take advantage of Cambridge Audio’s PRODUCT new Stream Magic Lite app, available Stream Magic 6 V2 for Android devices, with an iOS ORIGIN version in the pipeline. Supersonic UK/China As you’d expect, a remote is bundled, TYPE but it’s likely this will only be called Network streamer/ With a raft of updates taking it to V2 status, DAC preamp on as backup, as using the app is WEIGHT a much more engaging way of Andrew Simpson gets up to speed with 4kg interacting with the V2. As an DIMENSIONS interface, the CA apps also reign CA’s range-topping network music player (WxHxD) supreme over the Stream Magic’s 430 x 85 x 305mm front panel controls, which take a bit FEATURES more time to familiarise yourself with ● Dual Wolfson quick glance at the HFC its asynchronous USB and coaxial WM8740 DACs compared with some rivals. Yearbook 2014 shows just (S/PDIF) inputs, like many previous ● Wi-fi, Ethernet Elsewhere the V2’s dual Wolfson how diverse hi-res network generation network players, wireless and optional WM8740 24-bit DACs and Anagram A aptX Bluetooth streamers have become. streaming was limited to 96kHz. streaming Technologies’ ATF2 384kHz But with technology rapidly evolving, The V2 improves on this thanks to ● USB; S/PDIF; upsampling digital fi lter are carried Toslink; Ethernet; it’s often diffi cult to keep pace when its powerful new ARM Cortex-A8 Wi-fi inputs over from the older model. And while last season’s cutting-edge kit gets processor with in-built NEON ● S/PDIF; Toslink; the ability to stream a range of fi les quickly surpassed by newer models co-processor, which more than balanced XLR over wi-fi and Ethernet are part of the boasting more capability. So you need doubles the streaming module’s clock audio outputs package, Bluetooth users will need to to chose wisely to guarantee a speed to 600MHz, compared with DISTRIBUTOR fork out an extra £70 for CA’s BT100 Richer Sounds long-term investment. 266MHz for the V1. With this comes dongle, which plugs into a rear panel TELEPHONE When Cambridge Audio launched the ability to support fi les (including 0333 9000093 USB port and caters for aptX. its Stream Magic 6 back in 2013, it AIFF/WAV/FLAC/ALAC) up to WEBSITE The V2 has plenty of features to play promised more than enough on paper 24/192 over wi-fi , Ethernet and cambridgeaudio. with, including a 20-preset internet to trouble rivals at twice the price across both front and rear USB ports. com radio memory, custom naming inputs, with wi-fi streaming, an intelligent And it’s not just the streaming balance control and fi rmware app, 384kHz upsampling and hardware that’s improved, as the V2 updates. You can also run the V2 in balanced outputs all for £700. Even also gets a range of software revisions preamp mode to feed a power amp by today’s standards this feature set is promising a better user experience. directly with volume level adjusted in impressive, but this hasn’t stopped the Alongside built-in support for services the digital domain, although there’s folks at CA from going in search of a including BBC iPlayer Radio, Aupeo! no headphone jack. range of improvements to ensure the and Rhapsody, Spotify Premium Stream Magic 6 in V2 guise stays customers can now stream directly Sound quality ahead of the curve, while managing to the V2 through Spotify Connect Like the previous incarnation of the to hold its price fi rm at £700. within the Spotify app. Stream Magic 6, the V2 presents a Outwardly it looks the same as the For music stored on your network fulsome sound that really fi lls the V1, with an identical front panel and there’s the Stream Magic app, which soundstage. Using the V2 in fi xed socketry, but it’s what’s on the inside is intuitive to use with a good level of output mode with its balanced that counts. While the older model fi le information for interrogating the sockets feeding my Musical Fidelity was able to handle 24-bit/192kHz via music that’s playing. Users can also M6PRE/M6PRX amps with a stream

52 JANUARY 2015 CAMBRIDGE AUDIO STREAM MAGIC 6 V2 NETWORK MUSIC PLAYER/DAC £700 REVIEWS

the limitations of the modest cabinets and I can sense the anticipation of the and 125mm drive units. audience at the live performance fi rst Although the Stream Magic has bags hand. This may be as good as digital of detail across the frequency range, radio gets for now, and thankfully the its sound doesn’t have that sense of CA’s focus is on getting the best out of over polishing each performance until it rather than exposing its limitations. its sheen outshines the emotion of the music, as some hi-res DACs and Conclusion streamers do. So if your system is This kind of sonic maturity makes the already on the bright side, it may help Stream Magic 6 V2 something of an tone down unwelcome glare at the audiophile bargain at the price. While extremes while adding a bit more the Cambridge Audio is extremely body into the bargain. capable, it doesn’t try to show off in Switching back to the Dynaudios the sonic stakes and instead gets on with a 24/96 FLAC of Pink Floyd’s with the job of presenting the music Keep Talking from highresaudio.com with depth and resolve. has levels of instrument separation Sound wise it’s everything the previous version was in terms of You really can have a strong stereo imaging through a weighty sound that isn’t too bright in truly high-end digital the treble. The updates, however, take performance for the Stream Magic 6 to the next level by removing the older model’s under four figures compromises when streaming over wi-fi , ensuring that you get an equal that’s edge of the seat stuff, but blend of quality and convenience Functional rather of Grant Lee Buffalo’s Mighty Joe there’s no unnatural glassy tonality to across all of the inputs. than flamboyant, Moon over Spotify Connect really the music, because the Stream Magic As a digital preamp the V2 is the screen offers good clarity shakes my system into life. Bass is ensures the extra detail comes with extremely versatile, while as a deep and punchy without having added feeling. From the slow build dedicated DAC/streamer feeding a to crank the volume up, while the of the intro to Dave Gilmore’s larger system in fi xed output mode weight of the midrange gives the under-emphasised vocals, the V2 has it just goes to show that you really guitar strums and vocals a sense of a knack for knowing how to present can have a truly high-end digital purpose. Overall the Stream Magic the music with an appropriate blend performance for under four fi gures ● makes music sound powerful, but of drama and detail in equal measure. without being too forceful in its Testing the V2 with content from delivery, which my Dynaudio Focus the lower end of the resolution scale 260 speakers seem to revel in, as they via a 320kbps WMA Radio 3 live OUR VERDICT get to grips with the richness and stream of John Storgards conducting SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Quality sound; depth of the music being served up. the BBC Philharmonic in hi-res wi-fi streaming; Repeating this track through a pair Tchaikovsky’s Hamlet Overture and great app of Q Acoustics 2020i bookshelf Fifth Symphony, it’s clear that even VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Functional rather than glamorous speakers confi rms my suspicions that with compressed music content, the styling. Front panel not this trait is especially evident in how Cambridge Audio doesn’t hold back BUILD QUALITY as intuitive as some the Stream Magic can make smaller in giving each performance its all. The WE SAY: Great value hi-res streamer with speakers sound grander than their horns within the slow passages sound FEATURES an exceptional DAC size would suggest, by providing exceptionally clean, with a sense of such a well crafted signal for them space around them that brings the to get their teeth into. Lower bass is live venue to life in my listening OVERALL substantial from the Qs, while the room. Add to this the convincing soundstage is surprisingly dense given intensity the V2 brings to the strings, CONNECTIONS

1 Mains input and power switch 1 2 2 Wi-fi and Ethernet networking inputs

3 XLR and RCA outputs

4 Asynchronous USB input

5 S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs

6 USB port for Bluetooth dongle 6 5 4 3

JANUARY 2015 53 EDWARDS AUDIO SP2 REVIEWS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,100

54 JANUARY 2015 EDWARDS AUDIO SP2 FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,100 REVIEWS

DETAILS image solidity. What’s so likeable about the modestly dimensioned PRODUCT Edwards Audio SP2 Edwards towers is a basic generosity Reach for ORIGIN of spirit and musical honesty. You UK never get the feeling that they’re TYPE holding back or editorialising to 2-way floorstanding produce a particular effect. Energetic loudspeaker with rock, expansive and organised WEIGHT the stars 23kg with big orchestras, intimate and DIMENSIONS tactile with simpler acoustic material, (WxHxD) the SP2s communicate the spirit and Here’s a compact floorstander with more 170 x 800 x 250mm emotional power of the music. FEATURES The bass performance is particularly ● 25mm soft dome serious sonic ambitions. David Vivian tweeter good. Thing is, it’s all a bit too easy ● 2x 130mm doped to sound merely impressive. We’ve listens in with high expectations paper mid/bass probably all heard big, butch drivers ● Quoted sensitivity: fl oorstanders with huge amounts of 89dB/1W/1m bottom end wallop, but a conspicuous mall speakers with a big but comfortably clear of the fl oor. For DISTRIBUTOR absence of shape, timing, texture and sound”. If you’re going to the majority of my listening, I pull Talk Electronics Ltd defi nition; oodles of low-frequency reduce the capabilities of them about half a metre in from the TELEPHONE energy that’s amorphous and S 01344 844204 a hi-fi component to one rear walls, a little more from the side undifferentiated – with a kind of memorable aphorism, Edwards walls, angling a small amount of WEBSITE subwoofery quality. What’s admirable talkelectronics.com Audio’s snappy description of its SP2 toe-in towards the listening position. here, though is low-frequency compact fl oorstander certainly cuts Driving duties are split between a defi nition, texture and dynamics. The through the fl annel. But then Kevin Musical Fidelity kW250S receiver and overall bass presentation is quite dry, Edwards, possibly better known as Audio Analogue Crescendo integrated but satisfyingly nimble and accurate the founder and chief designer of Talk fed, variously, by a Pro-Ject Debut in pitch which, in the long run, is Electronics has never been in business Carbon turntable and Pioneer much more rewarding. The Edwards to add more hot air to hi-fi ’s loftier PDS-801 CD player/Teac UD-H01 Audio speakers also seem to go louder fl ights of fancy. He’d rather continue DAC combo. With claimed sensitivity with less distortion than most £1k to challenge the perceived at 89dB I anticipate no problems fl oorstanders and make some sound contradiction between high-end driving the SP2s with the 50W Audio opaque and closed in through the Analogue amp, but it never quite gets midband by comparison. hold of the speakers, sounding The SP2s The earthy quality of Leonard A presentation that’s communicate dynamically a little fl at. So most of the spirit and Cohen’s vaguely melodic mumbling beguilingly natural my listening is conducted with the emotional power on the generally slow-burning Ten and coherent with a beefi er 250W Musical Fidelity. of the music Songs album is startlingly well rhythmic foundation Sound quality In hi-fi terms, the accepted appeal of performance and high value and a well-executed three-driver, two-way be glad to stick a ‘Designed and fl oorstander is that it can cover most assembled in the UK’ label on it. bases convincingly, combining Within the broader remit of Talk believable weight and authority Electronics, Edwards Audio is with the clarity, agility and imaging positioned at the pointy end of the capabilities of a decent standmount affordable performance philosophy design. But the beauty of the SP2, and can already furnish its customers which ticks all of those boxes, is that with (tweaked Rega P2) turntable- you won’t feel inclined to think of it based systems at various price points, like that. each devised to punch well above Here’s a speaker design with solid its weight sonically. There are more sonic credentials, but what draws you components in the pipeline. in isn’t the urge to analyse them, but Costing just shy of £950 when the form and structure of the music. ordered in light oak or £1,100 if you It puts the nuts and bolts of the go for gloss black or white, it stands performance before hi-fi histrionics. If a modest 800mm tall and is pretty you crave instant ‘wow factor’, you slim, too. There’s nothing radical won’t fi nd it here. Treble doesn’t have about the spec or construction of the a glossy ‘because you’re worth it’ SP2s. The braced enclosures are sheen. Vocals assume a proportionate constructed from 19mm-thick MDF presence in the mix, and the bass, and house two 130mm doped paper while full, extended and tuneful, mid-bass drive units and a 25mm won’t re-arrange your internal organs fabric domed tweeter. Relatively just because it can. unfussy about positioning, the Indeed, here’s a presentation that’s refl ex-loaded cabinets feature beguilingly natural and coherent with forward-facing, slot-shaped ports just a solid, rhythmic foundation, a keen beneath the lower bass-mid drivers sense of acoustic space and satisfying

JANUARY 2015 55 EDWARDS AUDIO SP2 REVIEWS FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER £1,100

IN SIGHT Q&A authentically rude and fruity, its Kevin Edwards 1 seductively warm tone laced with just 1 25mm soft dome Edwards Audio managing director tweeter the right amount of rasp and edge. The speakers’ ability to nail a rhythm 2 Bi-wire cable terminals is right on the money, too. Moreover, they allow music the space and 3 Slot-shaped reflex port freedom to breathe. These attributes gel and contribute to the high degree 4 130mm doped paper mid/bass of listenability. Just as some speakers can end up sounding stilted by over cranking the will to resolve the fi nest details, these capture the ‘musically DV: What are the advantages of the necessary’ nuances while effortlessly slot-shaped reflex port? conveying the bigger picture. They KE: Principally it allows the cabinet to 2 be more rigid. We also think it sounds never sound as if they’re getting fussy and forensic – and never, ever sound better. Our standmount speaker, the 4 SP1, has a conventional circular front- forced or strained, grainy or harsh, facing port and we built a prototype whatever the disc, and largely with a slot instead. To our surprise, irrespective of volume if your amp the slot made quite a difference to has the muscle. It doesn’t matter how the sound and we felt it was better. long you spend in the SP2’s company, So we’re now building SP1s with you’ll do so without the slightest hint slot ports, and the same kind of of fatigue. It has nothing to do with reflex porting will be used with our what’s usually described as “euphonic next speaker, a £1,500 model with colouration”. Again, it’s that talent Isobaric drivers. for proportion, scaling and spatial

3 coherence that marks the SP2s out as Talking of drivers, where have you something special. sourced those for the SP2s? Everything but the drivers are made Conclusion and assembled here in the UK. So we The bottom line is that a small, well didn’t want to stray too far afield for designed fl oorstander is capable of a the drive units – at least keep it within very grown-up performance. And the Europe. So the tweeter is supplied by Monacor and the bass-mid drivers SP2s rank among the very best that by Visaton. I’ve heard for the money. They won’t knock you off your feet in a dealer I was surprised the speakers don’t portrayed. And when, as occasionally demo room, but live with them on come with a plinth to make them happens with Len, the music picks the end of a commensurately talented more stable and easy to level. up pace, so do the speakers, their system, and they’ll deliver great Actually, a plinth can be specified. It’s HOW IT alacrity, assurance and expressive clarity, an even tonal palette and black and puts the spike threads well COMPARES dynamics allowing the energy and spot-on timing while remaining outside the perimeter of the cabinets. momentum to swell with ease. Their musically lucid and unfatiguing. Surprisingly, none of our dealers have There’s no shortage of smooth, extended treble has fi ne They punch way above their weight potent-looking, big- asked for plinths to be supplied. On name floorstanders inner detail and integrates seamlessly and – so long as they’re not required hard floors perhaps it isn’t so at or around £1k. But with a midband that’s poised, open to drive cavernous rooms at party necessary, but with carpets it’s perhaps the most and articulate. Just as reassuring, the levels – are capable of conjuring up probably a must. intriguing comparison bass register is full, fi rm and richly a real sense of scale and power, is with Monitor Audio’s textured without ever straying into bringing life, structure, texture, similarly sized Silver 6, which checks in at ‘warm and cuddly’ territory. colour and, above all, emotional £1,000 exactly. Also Instruments have a convincing depth to your music. And you can’t available with a gloss timbral character. Take John ask for much more than that ● white finish, the MAs Hammond’s bluesy mouth organ. It look and feel rather has stinging, tingling presence and more hi-tech than tangibility. And Steve Laury’s laid the SP2s with their magnetically secured back guitar is imbued with beautifully OUR VERDICT warm and natural tone. It all brings grilles, flush-fitting, SOUND QUALITY LIKE: A nose for what screwless composite a greater sense of depth and subtlety matters musically; big ceramic drivers and to the listening experience, overall physical sound immaculately resolved presentation sounding more rounded VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Not the detail flourishes. The and polished yet, at the same time, easiest amp load; Silver 6 is also a true wobbly without plinth BUILD QUALITY 2.5-way design with endowed with greater incisiveness, WE SAY: Few compact different tuning for precision and resolution. Everything floorstanders we’ve heard sound quite as each of its mid/bass is clear: explicit, neck-tingling EASE OF DRIVE big, muscular and drivers, whereas the musicianship shines through. The musically astute SP2s simply work in music makes sense. tandem to mimic the OVERALL bass response of a On what remains saxophonist David larger single drive unit. Sanborn’s best and purest jazz album, Up Front, his tenor sounds

56 JANUARY 2015 M) 683(RIOR 3(R)ORM$1&( +($' 3+O1(6

Music Is Our Religion 9(R< +I*+ 48$/I7< ‡ M86I&$/ )I'(/I7< '(6I*1(' %$/$1&(' $RM$78R( ‡ 1(O'

ZZZPusicDlÀGeliW\coP      Asimi Ultra RCA Interconnect

Reflecting the mood of the music, the Asimi Ultra allows the very best hi-fi systems to sing – sing loud, sharp and clear when required or soft, slow and relaxed as the recording demands. It’s a true flagship cable. HiFi News, December 2014

the performance connection atlascables.com GRADO SR225E HEADPHONES £200 REVIEWS

DETAILS to create a palpable sense of space and scale from drivers that are PRODUCT Grado SR225e millimetres away from your ear. Brett ORIGIN Anderson’s soaring vocals in Crash are USA packed with fi ne detail and weight TYPE and presence and there is a real sense Open-back, of positioning, which is a neat trick on-ear headphones when the sound is being beamed WEIGHT 260g directly into your ears. FEATURES The other standout area of the ● Pair matched performance is the bass. Grado has drivers never been poor in this regard, but the ● Quoted impedance: SR225e brings a speed and defi nition 32ohms to its low end that stands it in good ● 3.5mm jack stead whether the bass is the swell of (6.35mm adaptor comes supplied) an orchestra or some deep electronic DISTRIBUTOR rumblings. This would count for very Armour Home little if this heft didn’t fi t seamlessly Electronics with the rest of the frequency TELEPHONE response, but it offers wonderful 01279 501111 integration from top to bottom. It is WEBSITE also extremely forgiving. Feed it a diet grado.co.uk of beautifully mastered hi-res and it revels in the available quality, but listening to the same pieces on Spotify Retro beat is far from unpleasant too. With all material, hi-res or compressed, the only real weakness With styling that comes straight out of the that the Grado displays is a slight lack of outright excitement with up-tempo fifties, Grado’s on-ear cans are given a work material when you really want it to get the head nodding. It is possible out by thoroughly modern man Ed Selley that the refi nement and accuracy comes at the expense of this last ounce of drive and attack, but for hen it comes to launching connections made to the drivers to many people these qualities will new headphone models, ensure symmetry is achieved. The outweigh any limitations at inducing W the words ‘Grado’ and newly mounted drivers boast revised approving head movements. ‘new’ are rarely seen in voicecoils and motors to tune the close proximity to one another. The magnetic fi eld of the whole Conclusion brand has an almost glacial product headphone and so boost performance. The SR225e is a genuinely impressive churn and so any revision is big news. No changes have been made to the headphone for the £200 asking price. The latest e Series models represent physical design of the 225e. The Perhaps the highest praise I can give the largest change to the lineup in single sliding pin that mounts the it is that the performance is on a par some years and the SR125e we earpad to the headband is simple, but with the 325is of the preceding reviewed in HFC 389 demonstrated allows the earpads to rotate and fi nd generation, which was 50 percent an impressive performance boost a height on the head independently of more expensive. If you are looking over its predecessor. one another. The unchanged design for an open-backed home headphone, The SR225e is one rung further up means that the 225e – for me at least the SR225e is a seriously capable the ladder and is the penultimate – is still not very comfortable to wear example of the breed and suggests member of the Prestige Series. This long term. There’s not enough that Grado’s e Series models might isn’t immediately obvious from the padding and the speaker grille is be its best work yet ● appearance, though. Other than there too close to the ear. The cable also being an extra ‘2’ on either earpiece, contributes to the discomfort as it it is effectively identical to the 125e. goes to both earpads and tends to This means that the Grado sits interfere with my face. OUR VERDICT somewhere between ‘retro’, ‘vintage’ SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Impressive sense and ‘dated’ depending on your taste. Sound quality of scale, fine detail Internally, a considerable amount of It might not be the most comfortable and weight; bass revision has been carried out, mainly headphone around, but it is a credit VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Slight discomfort; lacks on the drivers and their relationship to Grado’s revisions that you’ll do all excitement with to the earpads that enclose them. An you can to keep wearing the 225e. BUILD QUALITY up-tempo music area that Grado has seemingly It does nothing to alter the largely WE SAY: The performance is so expended considerable effort has positive perception of Grado FEATURES good that you forget been in the symmetry of the drivers equipment being refi ned, honest any discomfort within their respective spaces. This and impressively neutral. Listening OVERALL sounds peculiar given the inherently to the 24/96kHz download of Craig symmetrical nature of headphones, Armstrong’s It’s Nearly Tomorrow, but relates to the mounting and demonstrates the impressive ability

JANUARY 2015 59 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM HURRY DIRECT DEBIT SUBSCRIPTIONS UK ONLY OFFER Yes, I would like to subscribe to Hi-Fi Choice CLOSES Print + Digital: £11.87 every 3 months (SAVE 33% on shop price + SAVE 75% on Digital Download + FREE GIFT) 22ND JANUARY Print: £9.79 every 3 months (SAVE 33% on shop price + FREE GIFT) 2015

YOUR DETAILS MUST BE COMPLETED

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms...... Initial...... Surname...... Address ...... Postcode ...... Country ...... Tel ...... Mobile...... Email ...... D.O.B ......

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND A GIFT TO: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms...... Initial...... Surname...... PRINT + DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION Address ...... Free Audio-Technica headphones worth £37* Postcode ...... Country ...... 13 Issues delivered to your door INSTRUCTIONS TO YOUR BANK/BUILDING SOCIETY Save up to 33% off the shop price

Originator’s reference 422562 Download each new issue to your device Name of bank...... A 75% discount on your Digital subscription Address of bank...... Access your subscription on multiple devices ...... Postcode ...... Access to the Online Archive dating back to Account holder...... September 2011 Signature...... Date ...... Exclusive discount on all orders at myhobbystore.co.uk Sort code Account number Instructions to your bank or building society: Please pay MyTimeMedia Ltd. Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with MyTimeMedia Ltd and if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Reference Number (official use only) Please note that banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions from some types of account.

CARD PAYMENTS & OVERSEAS

Yes, I would like to subscribe to Hi-Fi Choice, for one year (13 issues) with a one-off payment UK ONLY: EUROPE & ROW: Print + Digital: £49.79 (SAVE 29% EU Print + Digital: £69.56 on shop price + SAVE 75% on EU Print: £61.26 Digital + FREE GIFT) ROW Print + Digital: £73.30 Print: £41.49 (SAVE 29% ROW Print: £65.00 on shop price + FREE GIFT) PAYMENT DETAILS

Postal Order/Cheque Visa/MasterCard Maestro Please make cheques payable to MyTimeMedia Ltd and write code V689 on the back PRINT SUBSCRIPTION Cardholder’s name...... Card no: (Maestro) Free Audio-Technica headphones worth £37* 13 Issues delivered to your door Valid from...... Expiry date...... Maestro issue no...... Signature...... Date...... Save up to 33% off the shop price

Offer ends 22nd January 2015. MyTimeMedia Ltd & Hi-Fi Choice may contact you with information about our other Exclusive discount on all orders at products and services. If you DO NOT wish to be contacted by MyTimeMedia Ltd & Hi-Fi Choice please tick here: ❏ Email ❏ Post ❏ Phone. If you DO NOT wish to be contacted by carefully chosen 3rd parties, please tick myhobbystore.co.uk here: ❏ Post ❏ Phone. If you wish to be contacted by email by carefully chosen 3rd parties, please tick here: ❏ Email

POST THIS FORM TO: HI-FI CHOICE SUBSCRIPTIONS, TOWER HOUSE, SOVEREIGN PARK, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICS LE16 9EF. SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Please visit www.hifichoice.co.uk/terms for full terms & conditions CODE V689 SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLEDIGITAL ONLINE! Receive a pair of Audio-Technica SJ33

Headphones* when WORTH you subscribe today £37!* “If you’re looking for deep resonating bass and vocal projection, these are for you”

SAVE 33%** ON THE SHOP PRICE & 75% ON DIGITAL

Audio-Technica SJ33 DJ-style headphones are a great compact headphone design combined with long-wearing comfort and superb, reliable sound reproduction. These portable headphones are designed with swivel housing and one-ear monitoring – each ear piece is designed to turn 90° horizontal and 180° vertical. Specifications • Driver Diameter: 40mm, Neodymium magnet Audio-Technica’s SJ33s use sophisticated driver technology and • Frequency Response: 10-23,000Hz superior components to give you high SPL capabilities while • Maximum Input: 500mW • Impedance: 48ohms maintaining exceptional sound clarity. If you’re looking for deep • Connector: 3.5mm gold-plated stereo mini plug resonating bass and vocal projection, these are for you. Compact • Weight: 110g and portable, they come in black or white with a 1.2m cord. The TERMS & CONDITIONS: Offer ends 22nd January 2015. *Gift for UK subscribers only, while stocks last. SJ33s are suitable for any audio player with a headphone output **When you subscribe by Direct Debit. Please see www.hifichoice.co.uk/terms for full terms & conditions.

SUBSCRIBE SECURELY ONLINE CALL OUR ORDER LINE Quote ref: V689 www.subscription.co.uk/hificl/V689 0844 543 8200 Lines open weekdays 8am – 9.30pm & Saturday 8am – 4pm BT landline calls to 0844 numbers will cost no more than 5p per minute. Calls from mobiles usually cost more. TOPIC RECORDS

THREE SCORE TOPIC:YEARS AND 15 The oldest independent record label in the world continues to innovate and captivate as it enjoys its 75th birthday. Simon Berkovitch raises his glass

opic Records’ head David Suff takes during the second British Folk revival that And Ten and penned a comprehensive us right back to the source. “It peaked during the decade. history of the label. Five years later, the T started in 1939,” he begins, “the Anne Briggs is just one of many legendary celebratory plan was twofold. “One was to same year as Blue Note…” names associated with the label. The list of make more of the catalogue available,” Mention Topic to any music enthusiast and artists who’ve recorded for Topic reads like a David explains. “Another was to celebrate a fi ne tapestry of the UK’s traditional music Who’s Who of folk music past and present: that the fact that Topic is probably the oldest unfolds in the mind’s eye. It has roots in the Shirley Collins, Nic Jones, Davey Graham, independent record label in the world.” Workers Music Association, giving “a voice to father and daughter Martin and Eliza Carthy, David, also the head of folk label Fledg’ling, the people” – indeed, the fi rst entry in Topic’s the mighty Watersons, June Tabor and Martin is the custodian of the Topic archive, housed recorded catalogue is Paddy Ryan’s The Man Simpson, to name but a handful, have all at the record label’s rural headquarters in That Waters The Worker’s Beer. Fifties and recorded for the label speaks volumes. Uppingham, Rutland. “Most of the master sixties releases were often infl uenced by the It’s reductive to view the label as simply a work of two key fi gures in the label’s history: celebration of music from these fair isles, In the fifties and sixties, Ewan MacColl – the man behind such classic however. Early on, it released recordings by compositions as Dirty Old Town – and singer Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, as well as Topic was closely and historian AL Lloyd – responsible for 1963’s blues albums, many for the fi rst time in the UK. aligned with the Trade milestone The Iron Muse (A Panorama of Its vast catalogue also includes collections from Industrial Folk Song), an important work Bulgaria, Albania, Yugoslavia, Greece and Union movement (featuring Anne Briggs) which was released Turkey – way ahead of the curve of the eighties embrace of world music. tapes were donated to the British Library some time ago,” he explains, “but there should be Keeping busy two to three copies of each of our physical In the 75 years since Topic set up shop, it releases in the archive.” There are gaps, has racked up an enviable discography – a however. “Our 78 archive is not complete. We celebration of fantastic songs and the many have a box of broken bits of shellac, which brilliant singers who have acted as their suggests that some accident happened.” conduits. It has also seen vast changes in the Filling these gaps is an ongoing mission. way we listen to recorded music, moving One resource is ebay, but the generosity of the from delicate 78s to digital fi les. Now, as public is another. “Four or fi ve times in the last ever, Topic continues to innovate, educate year we’ve gratefully received a parcel of 78s and captivate. and then made a donation on the family’s Topic MD David This year’s not the fi rst big birthday the behalf to whatever their chosen charity is.” Suff (main) and label has blown the candles out on. For Another explanation for the incomplete mastering guru Denis Blackham its momentous 70th anniversary, David archive may concern the sleeve art. “In the compiled the expansive 7CD set Three Score early sixties, Topic had a habit of changing the

62 JANUARY 2015 TOPIC RECORDS

STATE OF INDEPENDENCE

Topic’s involvement in this summer’s Independent Label Market was a coup for the event’s organisers. Since its 2011 launch on London’s bustling Berwick Street in Soho, an area still teeming with new and second-hand record shops, the Independent Label Market has brought together the best indies from the UK and beyond to get back to basics – in the shape of old- fashioned market stalls with the emphasis on vinyl and community. The Summer 2014 event took place in Old Spitalfields Market, traditionally a popular venue for record fairs. Over 36,000 music fans flicked through the wares of regular traders such as 4AD, Acid Jazz, Bella Union, Domino and Rough Trade, to name but a few alumni. The addition of Topic – “the granddaddy” of independents, as David describes the label – was the highlight of the event. Exclusives on the stall included a repro vinyl reissue of Shirley Collins’ Heroes in Love EP and a natty button badge set featuring some famous The ‘folk Beatles’: names associated with the label. the Watersons The event returned to Spitalfields on 29

Peabody. Box-out picture courtesy of David Suff of David courtesy picture Box-out Peabody. and their essential November for London’s fourth annual Christmas 1965 album Frost market. New faces included Ignition Records and And Fire associated labels Big Brother and Sour Mash, a vinyl cleaning service courtesy of Original Rocker’s Vinyl and an appearance from Southsea’s artwork for releases, so we’ve should reissue as much of Pie & Vinyl store and café. got lots of records from that its out-of-print catalogue as Glorious vinyl, craft beer time that came out with two possible, not only paying great courtesy of a partnership with or three different sleeves. I’ve attention to the audio itself, but London Brewers Market and now mouth-watering food as well? been trying to buy the missing bits.” also to the wealth of information that often What’s not to like? It’s a relatively obscure record that provided accompanied the original releases. independentlabelmarket.com David with a port of entry to the world of “Folk music requires the packaging that Topic: The Fisher Family’s 1966 LP Traditional we’ve had historically with physical records. ham . Nic Jones pictures courtesy of Dave courtesy ham . Nic Jones pictures and New Songs of Scotland. “My favourite is the You have the audio, but then there’s the fi rst Topic LP I ever owned in 1969. I still think artwork – and, more importantly, the it’s wonderful. It’s just exuberant singing.” sleevenotes. We decided to create digital The Watersons are hugely important both to booklets along with digital fi les.” Topic and its MD. He compiled the expansive Mighty Rivers Of Song boxset (“It took three The digital age years. I listened to everything and tried to “If you went to buy a seventies Topic LP from whittle it down to something that was iTunes, say, you would be able to have all of manageable – and even then it was seven the music and something that approximated generously long CDs”), and the group – the sleevenotes and the artwork that came memorably tagged the ‘Folk Beatles’ on their with the original record. I decided that we emergence – has had an ongoing relationship wouldn’t try to add new notes. It is an with the label since 1965. “The Watersons’ enormous enough project anyway – we’re Frost And Fire… that classic album of talking about more than 300 LPs and EPs. ceremonial folk songs from 1965… and Eventually there’s the potential to go back Traditional And New Songs Of Scotland came into the 78s of the archive, perhaps to through OCR [Optical Character Reading] out within a few months of each other. Those compile digital collections of people such as software to get a sensible piece of text. And two records probably explain what Topic has the Ian Campbell Folk Group. They recorded then we have to proofread it all. And that takes been trying to do for at least the last 30 or 40 two singles and EPs for Topic but never forever. Then our designer creates a nice digital years, and for most of its 75 years.” made a whole LP. There’s a huge body of booklet and we proofread it all over again.” When it came to the painstaking digital work. 99 percent of what we’ve released so David and his team have set themselves ff picture courtesy of Simon Ashley, Denis Blackham courtesy Denis Black Denis Blackham courtesy of Simon Ashley, courtesy ff picture archive project, David determined that Topic far is taken from the original masters. We’re taxing but rewarding targets for this valuable archiving all of our catalogue as WAV fi les.” project. “We have slowed down a bit this year Nic Jones (and Occasionally some remastering is involved, because the other 75th anniversary projects Rupert) and the and a legendary name provides his sought- have hoovered up most of the time. We were classic Penguin after services. “Principally we use Denis trying to publish between seven and 10 titles a Eggs (1980) Blackham at Skye Mastering – a dear friend of month. We had a really good rate in 2013 and mine. He’s pretty much retired now, but he’s the beginning of 2014, and then we’ve had a mastered most of the records that four or fi ve month hiatus. Last month Fledg’ling and Topic have released [August], we managed about seven again, in the last 20 years. so hopefully we’re about to pick that up as a “From a practical point of view, regular monthly delivery of more archive titles. the biggest problem with digital And they’re across all the digital retailers you projects is rebuilding the can imagine – from iTunes to Amazon, and sleevenotes, which is very time Tesco to Napster.” consuming. We scan all the Topic’s overall digital sales – including

Record sleeves courtesy of Topic Records Ltd . David Su . David Ltd Records of Topic courtesy sleeves Record original parts. We run them popular recent releases from Martin Simpson

JANUARY 2015 63 TOPIC RECORDS

The Waterson/Carthy dynasty (clockwise): daughter Eliza; Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson and Eliza live at the Towersey festival; 1994’s debut album; Martin’s 1976 solo LP – one of many d. Towersey photo courtesy of Phil Carter photo courtesy d. Towersey

Seven fabulous CDs in a lavish hardback book marked Topic’s 70th birthday Record Store Day release, and this year we did Anne Briggs’ The Hazards Of Love EP, and that got me thinking… Shirley Collins.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Howar of Tom courtesy picture Eliza Carthy Shirley Collins’ classic EP Heroes in Love was re-released as part of Topic’s participation in the Independent Label Market in Spitalfi elds, East London (see overleaf). Topic’s stall also had an array of cool merchandise – just like any contemporary independent would – such as button badges of alumni such as Anne Briggs, Shirley Collins, Davey Graham and Nic Jones. “The 75th anniversary of Topic got me thinking about what independent record labels do. We have to raise our own capital to fund things and we have to use whatever resources we have to market and try to behave in a commercial way like any other label, otherwise we don’t exist. And that got me thinking about vinyl and T-shirts and mugs and badges. That put us in touch with the Independent Label and Full English – are now in line with most of the British Isles, and quite often the records Market organisers who were excited to have of the recorded music industry: around 20 were presented in a way that they could be Topic at the summer fair. It feels a little odd percent. “At the beginning, Topic had a motto: used for educational purposes. So I thought when you have the likes of Bella Union and to inform and educate and publish the music that trying to rebuild that link with the union other successful modern labels surrounding of the people. And I see that this ambition to movement was another important thing that you, but we’re the granddaddy. publish goes through every different change in we should do in our anniversary year.” “One of the consequences of reissuing these format or distribution that’s happened over the “The General Federation of Trade Unions early recordings of Shirley’s on 7in EPs is that decades. Just making the music fi les available [GFTU], an umbrella organisation for lots of it looks like we’ll make a brand new vinyl EP felt like not doing the job properly somehow.” smaller unions such as the MU [Musicians’ with her next year. There are fi ve songs that Union], were excited, and wanted to be we’re ready to record and see what we get. Voice and Vision involved in a project that documented political She’ll be working with some dearly loved In the short-term at least, David can’t see the songs. So, Voice and Vision is a 2CD set neighbours in Sussex.” ongoing digitisation of the Topic catalogue compiled by Topic and the GFTU largely from putting CD into retirement – in no small way our archives… historical recordings of Pete Vinyl revival evidenced by the Voice and Vision project. Seeger, Paul Robeson, Martin Carthy, Shirley David believes that “vinyl is still probably the Voice and Vision is a CD and download-only Collins and Dick Gaughan. But we also wanted best way to listen to recorded music… the release that was presented at the TUC to take the opportunity to commission new best sound carrier that we have”, but when conference in Blackpool at the beginning of recordings from younger singers and musicians posed the question of whether it’s his September. “Part of Topic’s catalogue at least who were working in that area with songs of preferred format, his answer is satisfyingly will try to support independent record stores political comment.” multi-layered. “The cool answer is to just and offer them things that they could sell that David’s pursuit of “doing the job properly” say yes. But the truthful answer is to say some of the larger online retailers wouldn’t and delivering an authentic experience for compact disc is way more convenient for have [to sell],” David explains. “In the fi fties the listener also extends to some fantastic most of the listening I do. But I have just and sixties, Topic had been quite closely vinyl reissues of some of Topic’s most famous recently got a [Rega] turntable, and I have aligned with the Union movement in the UK. artists. “We’d already decided that we were been buying back records that I used to own Topic would often have a stall at TUC and going to make anniversary editions of some on vinyl. Jeff Buckley’s Grace, John Martyn’s teaching union conferences, because the music early EPs that came out 50 years ago. In Solid Air. There are little details I’ve is the music of the people, the working people 2013, we did Davy Graham’s 3/4 A.D. for a forgotten that were part of the recordings…

64 JANUARY 2015

TOPIC RECORDS

SHOPPING LIST Ben Phillipson – member of psych-folk-rock group The Trimdon Grange Explosion – delves deep into the Topic archive and selects eight of his favourite cuts

Hedy West Old Times, Hard Times “Blessed with a wonderful alto and a killer banjo technique, Hedy West brought the Appalachian variants of the Child Ballads back to the UK when she recorded this.” Martin Simpson picture courtesy of Tom Dickeson of Tom courtesy Martin Simpson picture Shirley Collins The Sweet Primroses “Nicely balanced, this 1967 Prolific Topic The Voice and Vision project takes Topic classic contains a number mainstay Martin back to its trade union roots of Shirley Collins’ finest Simpson and his recordings. The duets with most recent work sister Dolly on flute organ, Vagrant Stanzas 2015, both of them triples. I think Topic’s however, opened up (2013) core purpose is to make as much of the new possibilities.” music that was created by unlettered the quality of the air moving in the room. working people throughout history available Frankie Armstrong Lovely On The Water You can hear that on a record. You don’t hear as we possibly can. That’s our real job… to “Among the most righteous that when it’s been transferred to digital. say: ‘This is great; this is what people can of all the folk revivalists, “There is a niche business to be had in a vinyl create given their background, knowledge, Frankie Armstrong’s powerful, yet versatile edition with a download code card in the skill and interests.’ Traditional songs tell singing is shown to package. You have the convenience of a digital such fantastic stories.” fine effect in this highly fi le on your laptop or mobile, but there’s also The historically signifi cant series feeds the recommended 1972 album.” this physical object, and there’s the ritual of repertoires of younger, upcoming performers. Peter Bellamy taking it out of its sleeve, putting it on the deck “Half of Bellowhead are regular Voice Of The Both Sides Then and lowering the needle – all of that stuff that, People customers. Every time we release new “A stunning interpreter in a funny way, increases your concentrations ones they’re shoving their credit cards in our and arranger of traditional song; it’s impossible to on listening.” direction. Last night I went to see Martin hear Bellamy’s intense When pressed to recommend just a handful Simpson with his new band, and partway performances and forget of classic Topic recordings for those uninitiated through the evening he said: ‘I want to sing the tragedy of his suicide to the label, he chuckles: “It’s an impossible this song now that I learned from a recording back in 1991.” by Jean Elvin; a recording that Topic released a Martin Carthy and In the 75 years since couple of years ago.’ That’s a very important Dave Swarbrick part of publishing this stuff – the current Prince Heathen Topic set up shop, generation can’t take it on and reinterpret it if “This has been part of the Topic catalogue since the it has racked up an they don’t know it exists. mid-seventies. Carthy’s “Fundamentally, a good interpreter of brave rearranging skills on traditional songs sings without ego. They let traditional sources bring enviable discography new life to the material.” the song come through them. Topic’s like that, task, isn’t it?” He still rises to the challenge, too: it’s the conduit that tries to keep these Dick Gaughan making excellent suggestions that span the recordings available. We want to say: ‘Hey, Handful Of Earth decades, running the gamut of the legendary look at this fabulous music we’ve got here. “A mix of Scottish ballads and political comment that and those deserving a wider audience. Straight Come and listen to this. See if you can do are strongly evocative of the out of the traps are the “acknowledged something with this if it moves you and environment from whence classics” of Anne Briggs’ and Davey Graham’s touches you.’ That’s just like any other record they came. The Workers Song is thought provoking EPs, as well as Nic Jones’ Penguin Eggs LP. label, isn’t it?” and beautifully indignant.” “I think that the fi rst Waterson Carthy LP (1994) hasn’t found that broad an audience The future is calling Brass Monkey yet, but it’s just great music. The label ‘folk’ The question of what David plans to do for Brass Monkey seems irrelevant for so much of this music. the 150th anniversary of Topic is met with a “This 1983 LP is an attempt to marry traditional English There’s a huge body of traditional fi eld hearty chuckle, but his hopes for the label’s music with a brass section, recordings, too… wonderful singers such as longevity will surely be shared by anyone succeeding where most Harry Cox. And people like Peter Bellamy. I who has ever been moved by the power of electric folk-rock fails by letting the songs breathe think his Both Sides Then is still a fantastic, song written by and for ordinary people. and swing.” ambitious, wonderful record” – see “It would be wonderful to think that Topic Shopping List. could become an institution that rumbled June Tabor on and was always there doing something Abyssinians “The fourth and best June Voice of the People similar to what it has done for the last 75 Tabor recording; her voice On the subject of fi eld recordings, Voice Of years, and that there will always be enough is beautifully restrained, the The People is another important project. of an audience for somebody who’s in charge songs are brilliantly chosen and the sparseness of the “We’ve reached 28 volumes now. Some of in another 75 years’ time,” David says. arrangements are moody the volumes have been two or three CD sets. “Goodness knows how music will be and often chilling.” There are at least two more to come along in distributed to people then” ●

66 JANUARY 2015 www.chord.co.uk Come To g e t h e r

Chord C-line. A brand new RCA

BEST USB CABLE interconnect design that brings an CHORDC COMPANY extraordinary level of transparency at USB SILVERPLUS an extraordinary price. 0.5 and 1m available.

Chord C-stream. A dedicated streaming cable for high performance audio systems. 0.75, 1.5, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20m available.

Chord USB SilverPlus. A dedicated USB cable for high performance audio systems. 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 5m available.

Chord C-power. The perfect introduction to dedicated audio and home-cinema power cables. 1.5m available. “An immediate improvement in clarity”- HI-FI Choice Mar 2014

Sponsored by:

YOUR LETTERS & QUESTIONS ANSWERED

THIS MONTH

ED SELLEY NIGEL WILLIAMSON CHRIS WARD DAVID PRICE EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER For the best part of 10 years, As one of HFC’s chief music When Chris isn’t advising DP has spent much longer More ways to get in touch: Ed was developing and reviewers Nigel certainly businesses on strategy, he’s than he’d care to admit supporting products from knows a decent tune when he trying to squeeze more buying and upgrading his You can also send your some of the biggest names hears one, which is why he’s musical qualities out of exotic own hi-fi system, not to questions to us via social media: in audio. He enjoys blogging the perfect choice for any combinations of cutting-edge mention reviewing thousands about his favourite tunes, too. music matter queries. tech and vintage hi-fi classics. of separates over the years. twitter.com@HiFiChoiceMag facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk

Email us at [email protected] or write to: Hi-Fi Choice Letters, AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF Your letters may be edited before publication and we cannot enter into personal correspondence

Wired for sound Townshend Isolda speaker well balanced setup and should you are striving to achieve with I wonder if you can offer any cable has been recommended work well with prog rock. The a change of cabling, but for a advice on a choice of speaker by several people, but buying Leema electronics are fast, clean system of this nature I would cable for my system please: two 4m bi-wire runs would be and neutral like good solid-state suggest looking towards Furutech Leema Acoustics Tucana II, a very expensive mistake! So should be; the Michell Orbe is and Audio Note as two brands for Leema Acoustics Antilla IIs, any advice from the experts powerful and the Lyra cartridge me that produce complete cable Leema Acoustics Hydra, PMC will be gratefully received. polished and delicate; your solutions that might move the twenty.24s, ARC LP1 phono Paul Moxey, by email PMC speakers are punchy and system forward. Both are fairly stage, Michell Orbe SE/ detailed. In other words, not a lot well represented dealer wise. Technoarm/Lyra Delos, DP: Hello Paul. Cables are rather wrong. So I would be looking at various chord interconnect like 21st century tone controls, a smooth, musical cable that’s Garderner’s cables and lots of Russ the problem being that instead just a little more involving and question time Andrews bits and pieces. I of twiddling them up and down subtle than your current wires. I I’ve had a pair of AKG K-105 listen to all music, but mainly effortlessly until you get your headphones for over 15 prog rock. preferred sound balance, you No one can give years. I use them for listening I can’t seem to get an have to suck it and see, so to to my music while sat outside honest answer from anybody speak – which is far less easy. As me any decent in my garden 10 yards away that I’ve bought the you’ll appreciate it’s diffi cult to advice on cables. from the house, sometimes aforementioned equipment come up with a defi nitive answer in my shed. They work great, from as to what speaker for your plight, not least because Can you help? but are getting worn out now. cables to use. They all lean to you haven’t indicated the sort of I thought I’d upgrade when their ‘own’ cables, which is sound you go for, and what you would opt for Black Rhodium I saw the fi ve star rating for all too convenient an answer. think is wrong, precisely, with the Twirl (£131 for a 3m pair, Sennheiser’s RS180 in What My current cable is Nordost Nordost. So, I shall have to take terminated). This has a smooth, HiFi, so bought a set. They Blue Ribbon speaker cable, an educated guess, given that I musically engaging sound that have fantastic clarity close which although I believe is am fairly well acquainted with fl ows really well. It isn’t as to my hi-fi , but as soon as I no slouch, doesn’t convince everything in your system – except detailed as Townshend Isolda, step outside, zilch, nothing, me that it’s bringing out your room acoustics of course! but gives away nothing in terms useless. I tried another set of the best of the system. I’ve You’ve obviously given your of rhythmic fl ow and has a 180s, but they were the same. upgraded the cables over the system some real thought and slightly sweeter tonality that will So I took them back, got my years but without any real likely done a lot of auditioning to suit your PMCs better. You’ll fi nd money refunded and went advice as to what is best. get where you are now, as it’s a it a good deal less ‘well lit’ than back to my trusty old AKGs. the Nordost, but somehow more Do AKG do an up-to-date DP recommends Black organic and natural sounding. version? I feel I don’t want Rhodium’s Twirl cables Good luck. to trust Sennheiser models for Paul’s system again. Both my shed and ES: Part of the problem here Paul garage are about 10m from is that as reviewers, we often my house. The hi-fi is actually keep our cabling in situ as much upstairs and the AKGs seem as ‘normal’ people do. If I review to have no problem a speaker with my ‘normal’ whatsoever with these electronics the chances are it distances. So I need a modern will be with runs of Chord Epic version with this kind of Bi-Wire if the speaker supports range and performance. bi-wire and with Audioquest CV6 What HiFi does not do any if it doesn’t. You don’t state what garden test and was really

JANUARY 2015 69 LETTERS

TWITTER QUERIES

Tony Mansfield @wowbaggerish 17h @HiFiChoiceMag looking to replace my separates with a compact streamer/amp, but keep my @KEF Audio speakers - what would you recommend?

Hi-Fi Choice @HiFiChoiceMag 16h @wowbaggerish we’d recommend you check out @CambridgeAudio Minx Xi @NADElectronics D 7050 & if compact is king @simpleaud Roomplayer w/amp

Tony Mansfield @ wowbaggerish 15h DP used the Cyrus CD Xt @HiFiChoiceMag Signature and Chord Hugo to @CambridgeAudio @NADElectronics test Monitor Audio’s Silver 8 @simpleaud Great - do they all have AirPlay?

quite unhelpful – it actually Testing times Hi-Fi Choice took me six requests to get I regularly buy HFC, and @HiFiChoiceMag 16h any response! wonder if you could tell me @wowbaggerish P Webberley where I can fi nd the test @NADElectronics does, equipment that is used to @CambridgeAudio no, but has #wifi & #bluetooth. @simpleaud lets you Mark Hockey (AKG): RE the K conduct the reviews not in stream over Ethernet and/or mains 105s, these are the old FM-based the group test. For example, wireless headphones and had a in the Monitor Audio Silver 8 massive working range – up to reviewed in the August issue Don’t miss any and beyond 25m in most cases by David Price. There appears updates from (but they did hiss a bit!). The to be no reference to the current product is the K 935 (last equipment that is used to Debussy digital converter. Cables year’s EISA winner) but this uses review them. were Black Rhodium Twirl, a nice 2.4g wireless so sound wise is Andy, by email fuss-free, even-sounding wire. @HiFiChoiceMag perfect and uncompressed (and no hiss), but only have a rated DP: Hi Andy, we tend to avoid Time to upgrade working range of 12m – so out in long lists of review equipment Reading your Letters pages in Shanling CD-T100 on song. It is a the garden may be an issue. unless the kit used is particularly the November issue I noticed thing of beauty, highly collectable My advice here is keep the K pertinent to the review, as these that Chris Ward mentioned and eminently upgradeable. 105s for the garden and look for can be tedious to read and often that he had had his Shanling I’ve known some owners send something more modern and don’t enlighten the reader in any CD-T100 modifi ed. I have a their beloved Shanling products hi-fi based for in-home use. meaningful way. You need only CD-T100, which still sounds all the way to Parts Connexion pretty good, and it is so in Ontario, Canada for upgrades, COMPETITION WINNERS How can I get gorgeous to look at that I but my own Shanling CD-T100 Back in the November issue think it is worth keeping was heavily modifi ed far closer we ran a competition offering modifications in service if possible. If the to home by Colin Toogood of one very lucky reader the for my Shanling reconditioning brings about CPT Acoustics in Ludlow, 01584 opportunity to win Chord some sound quality 878221, www.cptacoustics.com. Electronics’ astonishingly good CD-T1000? improvements as well as the Colin can talk you through Hugo DAC/headphone longevity of the unit, then so modifi cation options around amplifier. The first correct to look at some of the vast much the better. reclocking, power supplies and answer pulled from the lucky HFC hat was: Mr D Dallard, from reference systems listed on Could Chris tell me where I swapping out key components. Morpeth, Northumberland. internet reviews, which tell could get such modifi cations While the bonnet was up I also Congratulations, your prize you no more than that reviewer carried out and, of course, chose to have the laser replaced. should be on its way to you very needs to get out more! Anyway, how much this would cost? Expect modifi cations to cost soon. Check out this month’s in the case of the Monitor Audio Shanling’s CD-T2000 is between around £200 and £850 competition on page 120. Silver 8, because it’s a relatively said to be a better sounding depending on your aspirations. easy to drive fl oorstander it was replacement for the CD- Colin weaves his magic on any partnered with a pretty straight T100, but it is nowhere near audio components, but has down the line Exposure 3010S2 as nice looking as the older extensive experience of this integrated, one of my favourite model. Many thanks player and how to balance sub-£2,000 designs. The source David Drynan technical performance and was a Cyrus CD Xt Signature musical qualities. I hope your transport driving both a Chord CW: Hi David, I’d thoroughly CD-T100 goes on to give you Hugo DAC and a high-end dCS recommend keeping your many more years of joy.

70 JANUARY 2015

LETTERS

HINTS & TIPS CLEANING TAPE DECKS Both cassette and reel-to-reel tape decks require regular cleaning to ensure that they perform at their best. Apart from the need to remove tape oxide from the heads, it can also get caked over the rubber pinch roller. Dirty tape heads will cause a poor frequency response on both record and playback. The former results

Picture courtesy of Eugenio Marongiu of Eugenio courtesy Picture in permanent degradation of your recordings, while poor playback can be cured by cleaning, so it is particularly important to clean your tape heads before recording. A dirty erase head can result in incomplete erasure of an old recording, which will still be audible in the background of any new recording – not good! A clean with a tape head cleaner will solve the problem for routine maintenance. However, more stubborn dirt will require gentle massage with a cotton bud soaked in isopropyl alcohol or tape head cleaning fluid. Dirty pinch rollers will cause wow and flutter. Again this will have a permanent detrimental effect on any recording made. The only real way of cleaning pinch rollers is with the use of a cotton bud soaked in cleaner as the covering over the rubber pinch Is the way young roller can cause a shiny glaze that is people consume difficult to remove with rubbing. music really all that different?

Is this the end? never dream of paying for a lot about the money they In response to the ‘RIP and almost certainly do not make with each stream of an Albums’ article in the really require. People, and album, and the whole album November 2014 issue lots of them, do things just may never get really listened (Comment). There is because they can and not to. Well, ditch the album, undoubtedly a move toward because they really care divide it up in to six parts, people picking and choosing about the subject. A release it over the course of certain tracks, or even just colleague at my work, has one year to 18 months. More CHECKING THE PHASE the famous one off an album, 5,000 tracks on his device separate releases, more OF LOUDSPEAKERS to listen to. Most of these but has not listened to any in revenue per stream, overall It is so easy to get the phasing of choices are, I believe, down about two years. He now has and a more regular release the signal to your speakers wrong, especially with cable that has no to the fact that younger folks moved on to other things. It pattern for genuine fans identifying marks. On one occasion, are listening to music in was just a phase. of genuine bands. It may, a record deck cartridge had been more casual and less because of its fractured connected up incorrectly, so one channel was reversed, but the committed ways than Some people nature, actually appeal more problem had been corrected by the previously. I also believe, to the people who seem to reversal of a loudspeaker connection! and you will fi nd this see music as just have very little attention The result was that records sounded fine, but CDs and the radio was bass- controversial, that not all is another fashion span and see music as just light and muffled with poor focus. as it seems with your new another fashion accessory. The easiest way to check the so-called music fan. With the accessory... Neil Porter, by email phasing of the loudspeakers is with advent of devices that allow pink noise. This noise is a random signal in which each octave has an you to walk around the As for the suggestion that ES: Hi Neil, I feel compelled to equal amount of energy. The result streets, taking thousands of streamed music is not of the stick up for the ‘younger folks’ is a hiss that sounds more bassy than tracks on to the bus or train, highest quality, well why here, not because I am one alas white noise (which has a constant amplitude across the audio taking tracks from streaming would it need to be? It is but having talked to a steady spectrum). If you don’t have access services and playing them listened to by part-time stream of them that pass through to a test recording, a ready source of offl ine, you end up with too music lovers listening with the house for music lessons, they pink noise can be obtained by tuning an analogue radio between stations, much choice for too little average headphones while have some clear views on the making sure that the inter-station commitment. Would these trying not to get run over consumption of music that aren’t muting is switched off. Now position so-called music fans have when crossing the road. ‘wrong’ so much as different and yourself centrally between the loudspeakers so you are equidistant paid good money for the On a brighter note, the in some cases actually hark back from each and forming an equilateral many thousands of tracks album could well be a thing to an earlier time. triangle with them. The hiss should they have at their disposal? of the past, what with all of For starters, yes, the album as sound as if it is coming from a single centre point between the speakers Of course not. In the same this picking and choosing it now exists in 2014 is on the if they are in phase. If out of phase, way that you see people certain tracks at the expense endangered species list. What the sound will appear to come from taking items from skips in of all of the others. It seems I notice that is far more common an area outside the speakers. the street, that they would to me that artists moan quite among artists of the moment is

72 JANUARY 2015 HHFC_A4_Ad_blank.inddFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 11/9/142121/59/14 111:40:244:110:4546

AD TO COME

LETTERS

the ‘EP’ of between four to seven Mick Jagger, the thinking tracks. This partly matches your woman’s Steve Davis suggestion of how music might be released in the future, but from my perspective these EPs are closer in a length and spirit to albums from the LP era. With no CD that they ‘have’ to fi ll, the Picture courtesy of Northfoto courtesy Picture releases get shorter, but they frequently get better too. There is also a shift in how artists earn, which feeds back to how music is consumed. The ‘money’ (such as it is) is in live performance. The recorded material is a means of convincing punters to go. The band is unlikely to play the album live so they tend to focus on the killer not the fi ller. The other point I’d make is that it has forever been thus. For as long as the most convenient option was also the highest quality, it gave rise to the notion that more people were serious consumers of music than was actually the case. This present generation is maligned for the most part because people who regard music as a means of passes without anyone taking more to do with celebrity indignantly rejected the blocking out commuters now too much notice. In the case than music. Many people suggestion and insisted there was have more compact and of the Stones, they could not attending the sold out shows still a “strong creativity” in the convenient means of doing so. sell out shows a lot of the in 2014, will not be die hard group. I’m not for one moment I can assure you that there is time in the eighties. fans or even fans necessarily, suggesting that it was my words another generation of music Then later life rears its but simply people who that stung him into action, but lovers in the pipeline, though. head. Steve Davis is now resemble the folks who watch the following year they released Their ideas may be different but reborn as an older player, football matches from boxes. A Bigger Bang, their fi rst studio their passion is the same. but mostly as a television More interested in attending album since 1997’s Bridges To personality. The Stones fi nd the event than actually being Babylon. The reaction was Get no themselves in a similar at the show. underwhelming and, of course, LETTER satisfaction reborn situation, regardless A good example of this, is a none of them has replaced the OF THE Nigel Williamson of what they have achieved friend of mine who would not old favourites in the live set list. MONTH makes the point, in in recent years. People feel have dared listen to the Sex Since then another nine years has his Opinion piece, in Pistols in the seventies, but passed and it is hard to imagine the November 2014 People that see now feels safe enough to wax that the Stones will ever make issue that the Rolling lyrical about them from the another studio album. And the Stones have not recorded one The Stones are safety of time passed. Love sad reality is that if they did, I memorable song since 1981 more interested the mag, keep it coming! think we all accept that the odds and yet their live shows sell Laura Knight on it being any good would be out around the world. in the ‘event’ around a million to one. In many This is not unique to the NW: Some excellent points there, ways your Steve Davis analogy Stones or indeed other well more comfortable supporting Laura. Although I’m not sure is very apt: great painters, know faces. Take if you will artists once they become so Mick Jagger will appreciate being sculptors, novelists and the like Steve Davis. He was prolifi c well known and a lot older, called the Steve Davis of rock ’n’ often realise their fi nest work in and popular for a short time simply because they become roll! I remember interviewing ripe maturity; but rock bands are and then quite quickly a lot less rough and him in 2004, at which point the more like sportsmen – they are at became a player that no-one intimidating to so many more Stones had not made a new their best when they are at their really wanted to see too people, people who didn’t album in seven years, and I put youthful, virile peak. That said, much, because he won all even have an interest in them it to him that they had become the Stones still put on a great of the time and became, as and fi nd themselves being solely a touring act, content show and those that attend more a result, quite predictable dragged into the whole to play their old hits for the for the ‘celebrity event’ than the and maybe even ‘boring’. business by the simple fact nostalgia market. It wasn’t music invariably come away Time goes by and middle life that they have a profi le much intended as a criticism, but he mightily impressed.

WIN A RUSS ANDREWS POWERMAX PLUS MAINS LEAD WORTH £56! Letter of the Month winners receive a Russ Andrews PowerMax Plus mains lead worth £50. Write to us at [email protected]

JANUARY 2015 75

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of HI-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd. Picture courtesy of: Everett Collection Listen without prejudice without Listen are fine just tuning we that instruments in fact musical are Loudspeakers to wantthesehi- midbands andhighlyextendedsweettreble,arewestarting So whenwetalkabouthi- Listen withmother listening and are we listening in the right way? Confused? We all like to take time out to sit and enjoy music onour hi-fi, but how many of us are really accurately? Historically, Isuspectthathavemadesomehi- to anendinreproducingrealmusicalqualitiesmore be leftinnodoubtthatyourhi- a reallifesopranoinyourlivingroomandyou’dprobably yet weareallhappywithourhi- act orfaith,andonethat’shighlyunlikelytosucceed!And all playingatonceinthreedimensionsisanextraordinary cones inwoodenboxestosimulateanarrayofinstruments and wehearmusic. and brainthensomehowperceivethesevibrationsassound, in sonicenergy. Tiny impulses betweenoursenses,nerves our eardrumsvibrateinresponsetothemoresubtlechanges towards us,wherewecanfeelthelongestwavelengthsand longitudinal soundwavesthatpropagateviaairmolecules critical frequencieswhenstruck.Thesevibrationsthencreate and cymbalsotherpercussionsinstrumentsvibrateat vocal chordsvibrate,drumsdisplacelargevolumesofair of musiciansplayingacousticinstrumentsmakestringsor possible. Lookedatwithsomephysics,anartistorensemble to doisreproduceasonicperformanceasaccurately upgrades withhi- those levels of sound pressure, timbre detail, imaging those levelsofsoundpressure,timbredetail,imaging true musical qualities? true musicalqualities? unconsciously seekingextrahi- separate ‘hi- are infactmusicalinstrumentsthatwejust emotions, and through lyrics they may hope to communicate emotions, andthroughlyricsthey mayhopetocommunicate intervals andchoicetimbrestheyare tryingtoconvey to communicate.Throughcarefully layeredharmonic to do?Theyaren’tpropagatingsound waves,theyaretrying because we’velearntwhatagreathi- H So, are we being critical enough in liking our setup? Put So, arewebeingcriticalenoughinlikingoursetup?Put Understood likethis,vibratingacoupleofsmallishspeaker Returning toourmusicians,whataretheyreallytrying fi so sure.Asweknow, hi- an innateabilitytolistenproperly, right?I’mnot ow tolisten?Isthisajoke?Surelyweallhave and this means that all any system is trying and thismeansthatallanysystemistrying ’ sound qualities. And are many audiophiles ’ soundqualities.Andaremanyaudiophiles fi virtues in their own right or as a means virtuesintheirownright orasameans fi outcomes in mind. Maybe loudspeakers outcomesinmind.Maybe loudspeakers fi qualities of fast, taut bass, lush qualitiesoffast,tautbass, lush fi fi sound qualities as much as soundqualitiesasmuch was getting nowhere near wasgettingnowherenear fi ’s renditionofmusic. fi standsforhigh fi systemsoundslike. there are slightly there areslightly musical qualitiesand that thereare‘true’ we mightappreciate be atthispointthat expression. Itwould and emotional fi ne tuning fi delity delity fi

Does the music truly Does themusictruly virtues toexplore. are someemotional audio systems. we evaluateour listening forwhen that weshouldbe musical qualities some potential let’s walkthrough responses. speci ideas andvery sound morelikeagreat‘hi- treble, isitpossiblethatyou’rejustwantingyourhi- audio system.Ifyou’reyearningfortighterbassorsweeter suspect youareyieldinggreatmusicalresultsfromyour accurate, energisingbassorsomethingaltogethermorehi- be coherentwiththisbass.Doesyoursystemcreaterealistic, elements, frequenciesandharmonicsneedtobuildon foundations ofanymusicalperformance.Allother and dance?Furthermore,bassregistersarearguablythe last timeyouHADtotapyourfeetorwantedgetup can youfeelyourbodyrespondphysically?Whenwasthe bass instrumentsinparticulardriveapieceofmusicforward, from themusicyoulistento?Whendrumsandrhythmic singers harmonisecanyouheartheirindividualvoices? continue toring,despitemoredominantinstruments?When and wallsare?Whenatriangleisstruck,canyouhearit recording roomthatmakeyouawarewheretheinstruments and stable?Canyouheartinyre you hearthesequalities?Isthissonicimagetall,wide,deep close orfar, leftorright,infrontbehind,highlow. Can arrive simultaneouslyyetwecanstilldifferentiatethemas dimensions. Isthesonicpictureclear?Inreallife,sounds but whathappenswhenyoulistentoatrackdon’tlike? music youdon’tknow?Favourite trackswillalwaysappeal, you onanemotionaljourney?Anddoesthiseffectextendto your minddoesn’twandertooeasily?Doesthemusictake connecting withyoupersonally?Isthemusiccoherentand that youunderstand?I’mnottalkingdiction–arethey connect withyou?Isamusicianorsingersayingsomething your audiosystemgettingyoucloser tothesebene the mind, First, surely there First, surelythere With thisinmind, If you recognise some or all of these qualities, then I If yourecognisesomeorallofthesequalities,thenI Lastly, musicshouldfeeldynamic.Doyougainenergy Secondly, musicshouldideallymakesenseinthree As Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to As Platosaid,“Musicgivesasoulto theuniverse,wingsto fi c emotional fl ight to the imagination and life to everything.” Is ight totheimagination andlifetoeverything.”Is fi ’ system? Chris Ward fl ected sounds from the ected soundsfromthe fi explains all explains ts? fi to ● fi JANUARY 2015 JANUARY ? listen properly? built-in abilityto really have a Does everyone Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi CHRIS WARD OPINION writer writer 77 SAVE 20% 20% OFF Russ Andrews and Kimber cables and accessories IN OUR BEST EVER WINTER SALE STARTS 23 DEC

20% OFF 20% OFF 20% OFF ALL MAINS CABLES ALL EXTENSIONS ALL SPEAKER CABLE

1m Russ Andrews PowerKord-300™ Russ Andrews PowerBlock Kimber 8TC Speaker Cable 2.5m pair SAVE £48 Now £192 SAVE £100 Now £400 SAVE £81.20 Now £324.80

20% OFF 20% OFF 20% OFF ALL EXTENSIONS ALL INTERCONNECTS ALL TORLYTE

Russ Andrews X6 Block Kimber Hero-Cu interconnect Torlyte® Rack System SAVE £69.80 Now £279.20 SAVE £28.80 Now £115.20 SAVE £142 Now from £568

14  60 Day Money Back Guarantee www.russandrews.com/sale Call: 01539 797300  (UK mainland orders over £100) Free Delivery Tel: +44 (0)1539 797300 Email: [email protected]  SALE STARTS Cable Upgrade Scheme Russ Andrews Accessories Ltd, 2b Moreland Court, Westmorland Business Park, Shap Road, Kendal, LA9 6NS, UK. 23 DEC ’ The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of HI-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd Direct action of miraculous of is nothing short on thispressing The life andenergy in is ontogetitright the process,“It’s£50ifyouscrewup!”,meanspressure He alsomentionedthattheelementofriskandcost Getting itright recording that has been spurred onby the rise of the ultimate audio format KennedyJason high pro Me Houston andPressureCookermade approach waslastseeninthemidseventieswhenThelma to recorddirectlyontoitaswell.Thisdirectdisc(D2D) of musicnowavailableonvinyl,butpeoplehavestarted produced better recorded music than has been achieved produced betterrecordedmusic than hasbeenachieved when bandsalwaysrecordedlive.Anerathatarguably much closertothesituationpriormulti-trackstudios is Vivaldi’s with evermorepowerfulstudiotechnology. it directlyrecordedintothevinylmaster, withno tension andfocusthatplayinglivebringsout.Andyouget usually thecasewithnon-classicalcuts,butyouget effects betweenmicrophonesandcuttinglathethisis more honestanddirectsound.You canputlimitersand groove. Thatistheappealtomusiclover, it’safar to overduborremix,whatisplayedgoesintothe the dealwithD2D,ithastobelive.Therearenochances in frontofanaudienceaMetropolisStudios,andthatis spread over to datethatfeaturedJossStoneononetrackandwas year. Thiswasatenthanniversarycelebrationofhiswork appeared tostartwhenNitinSawhneymade many highlyregardedsessionmusicians. something throughallkindsoftricksinthestudio.” they soundlikeinaroomratherthantryingtorecreate would begoodtogetitdownproperlyandshowwhat so tight,it’sacon years soIthoughtitwasagreatchallenge.Thebandis idea ofdoingitdirecttovinylhadn’tbeendonefor35 The most stunning example of this that I’ve encountered The moststunningexampleofthis thatI’veencountered The revival of this challenging approach to recording The revivalofthischallengingapproachtorecording fi T nite opportunitiesto tweakofferedbyProTools and forShef fi le release in audiophile terms and featured le releaseinaudiophiletermsandfeatured Four Seasons fi surprising bonuses. Not only are vast amounts surprising bonuses.Notonlyarevastamounts days ofthenineties,hasbroughtwithitsome here at he renaissanceofvinyl,theformatthatwe eld Lab. Although forgotten today it was a eld Lab.Althoughforgottentodayitwasa fi ve slabs of 45rpm vinyl. It was recorded live ve slabs of45rpmvinyl.Itwasrecordedlive fi dent and exciting band, so I thought it dent andexcitingband,soIthoughtit fi HFC rst time. This is a far cry from the rst time.Thisisafar cryfromthe playedbyInterpretiVeneziani and tirelessly championed in the dark tirelesslychampionedinthedark can’t help but get excited about the timely revival of direct to disc I’ve Got The Music In I’ve GotTheMusicIn format, but also the format, butalsothe told: “It’sawarmer in thiswayandwas he chosetorecord format inbetween. conversions of I asked Nitin why I askedNitinwhy OneZero last last Neumann vinyl cutting Neumann vinylcutting time sentthesignaltoa The the sameapproachwith Tree arrangement.Heused microphones inaDecca pieces recordedusingvalve 391), acompilationof Dragon the remarkable prior tothishadproduced transparent recordingsand it comestomaking Mike isanobsessivewhen recorded byMikeValentine. keeps goingfromstrengthto reason fornotgettingastunning resultwithaformatthat ampli Song was notdoneforcommercialreasons.Butoverall one hastoassumethatthislimitingisunavoidable–it engineers behinditweregoingformaximumresolution, good youcanhearitrathermoreobviously. Giventhatthe usable dynamicrange,andbecausethisrecordingisso however, like allrecordingmediumsvinylhaslimited immediacy solifelikeit’suncanny. It’snotallplainsailing, connection withtheperformanceisbreathtakingand This becomesapparentwhenyouplaythisrecord,the a slightsenseofdisconnect,subtlesofteningdetail. sample rateyouusewithdigitalrecordingthereisalways the transparencyitdelivers.Nomatterhowhighabitand and herband,thisisaremarkablerecordingprimarilyfor Honest Song percent authenticand100analogue.Thelatestis called MeisterSchallplatten,whicharedescribedas100 Emil BerlinerStudioshasbeenmakingaseriesofalbums just thekitheusedthatmadedifference. energy andsparkoftheD2Dshowedthatitwasnot tape/disc andtheresultwasnotsame.Itlacked orchestra playingliveinfrontofanaudience,butdiditto of course.InterestinglyMikerecordedthesamechamber excellent andthemusicof nothing shortofmiraculous.Thefactthattheplayingis release I’veheard.Thelifeandenergyonthispressingis produced whatisprobablythebestsoundingcommercial the totallyessentialfromrecordingchain,Mike eliminating everythingbut D digitalrecorder. By lathe insteadofaNagra This approach is catching on in Germany as well, the This approachiscatchingoninGermanyaswell,the

Four Seasons, is the best sounding D2D of mixed acoustic and isthebestsoundingD2Dofmixed acousticand fi ed instruments. It shows that such things are no ed instruments.Itshowsthatsuchthings areno (reviewed by soul singer and pianist Jocelyn B Smith bysoulsingerandpianistJocelynBSmith Chasing The Chasing The but this butthis HFC

fi nest pedigree doesn’t hurt nest pedigree doesn’thurt ● Honest Honest JANUARY 2015 JANUARY direct todisc recording many artists is justoneof Jocelyn BSmith Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi JASON KENNEDY OPINION writer writer 79

Call: 0845 6019390 Email: Email: choice news@2ndhandhi¿ .co.uk The UK’s biggest and best used audio selection Analogue Ampli¿ ers Digital Loudspeakers Audio Technica OC9, boxed little use used 199 Aesthetix Calypso, excellent boxed used 1799 Arcam CD72, excellent remote boxed used 99 Acoustic Energy AE1 Classic new 799 Audiolici phono stage and line preamp dem 999 AMR 777 Integrated dem 1999 Arcam Alpha 8, excellent used 149 Acoustic Energy AE1 Reference standmount new 1249 Avid Acutus Ref power supply dem 2499 Anatek MB50 Class A Monos dem 899 Arcam CD17, as new boxed dem 449 Acoustic Energy AE 1 Mk11 in Gloss black dem 799 Avid Volvere SP turntable new 2749 Anthem Integrated 2 Valve Integrated used 499 Arcam Alpha 7, remote, excellent used 119 Alacrity Audio Caterthun Classic, À ightcased, £2k new used 499 BAT VKP10 Phono stage, vgc+ and superb sound used 1999 Arcam A70 Integrated, vgc+ used 129 Arcam Alpha 8se, excellent boxed used 199 Apogee Duetta Signature (Reality rebuilt) Superb used 3249 Benz Micro LP, boxed plenty of life left used 1199 Art Audio Jota 520b, excellent used 3999 Arcam CD192, excellent remote used 279 Art Audio Stiletto in Maple dem 599 Benz Micro Ruby Wood H, boxed plenty of life left used 599 Audia Flight Pre and Flight 50 Class A power dem 3999 Arcam CD73, excellent boxed used 199 Aspara Acoustics HL6 in Oak new 1999 Benz Micro L 04, boxed plenty of life left used 499 Audio Analogue Maestro Ref SE Pre/Monos £22k new dem 7499 Arcam CD37, excellent used 799 Audio Physic Tempo in Cherry, fair dem 699 Benz Micro Gullwing, superb boxed used 899 Audio Analogue Maestro Ref SE integrated dem Call Arcam Alpha Plus, excellent used 99 Aurum Cantus Music Goddess in Gloss black dem 699 Cartridge Man Conductor Air Bearing Tonearm new 749 Audio Analogue Puccini SE amp. Black dem 379 Atoll 100SE DAC new 299 Audiomaster LS3/5a, vgc used Call Cartridge Man Music Maker dem 499 Audio Analogue Maestro Integrated dem Call Audio Alchemy digital transmission interface/psu used 99 B&W CDM1, vgc+ used 249 Clearaudio Concept MM package, nr mint boxed used 699 Audio Project ap60 integrated dem Call Audio Analogue Maestro SE CD dem Call B&W DM601s3, vgc+ used 249 Clearaudio Performance DC package dem 1999 Audio Research Ref 610 Monoblocks, vgc boxed used 14299 Audio Analogue Paganini (later model) dem 399 B&W DM602s3, vgc+ used 349 Clearaudio Innovation Compact, good condition dem 1999 Audiolab 8000Q/Ms, silver, excellent boxed used 899 Audio Synthesis Transcend CDT (Modded SONY) dem 399 B&W 804s, excellent boxed in cherry used 1999 Clearaudio Unify Tonearm excellent boxed used 699 Audiolab 8000C excellent boxed used 199 AVI Lab Series CD Player with remote used 599 B&W 800D, near mint, boxed used 8999 Conrad Johnson TEA 1b Phono stage used 1999 Audiolab 8200A vgc boxed dem 499 Ayre Evolution DVD dem 1999 B&W N805 with matching stands, excellent! used 1299 Conrad Johnson Premier Six phono preampli¿ er used Call Audion Silver Knight PSE valve monoblocks dem 1999 Bryston DAC/Streamer dem Call B&W DM602s3, vgc+ used 349 Consonance Cyber 40 phono stage dem 599 Audion Sterling Plus KT88 Integrated boxed dem 499 Chapter Audio Sonnet CD & Nevo remote dem 1999 Castle Harlech, excellent boxed used 399 Garrard 401, Slate Audio plinth used 799 AVI Lab Series, excellent boxed with remote used 849 CEC TL51XR, lovely belt drive unit used 699 Diapason Ares dem 999 Graham Phantom Supreme 12”, SME cut dem Call AVI Lab Series Pre/Power, excellent remote used 1749 Chord ‘One’ CD player dem 1799 Elac BS243, excellent boxed monitor used 699 Hadcock 242 Export, dem 599 BAT VK50se preampli¿ er, vgc+ used 2499 Chord Qute EX DAC, excellent boxed dem 799 Eminent Technology LFT8, some marks used 499 Leema Elements phono stage dem 299 Chapter Audio Couplet Power Ampli¿ er dem 1999 Consonance CD120 Linear dem 399 Epos M22 in Cherry dem 549 Lehmann Black Cube phono stage dem Call Chord Electronics SPM1200b, excellent used 1299 Consonance CD2.2 Linear MK11 new 799 Final 400 Electrostatics with ES400 Sub dem 999 Lehmann Black Cube SE phono stage dem Call Conrad Johnson Premier 18, boxed with remote dem 1799 Consonance Droplet, vgc+ dem 899 Focal Electra 1008, mint boxed dem 2249 Linn Sondek, Ittok, Valhalla, vgc+ used 849 Consonance Cyber 10 Integrated dem 799 Cyrus DACXP, excellent boxed used 949 Focal Electra 1028, mint boxed dem 2749 Linn Sondek, Cirkus, Valhalla, front mount motor used 599 Consonance Ref 8.8 integrated valve amp dem 999 Denon DNP720AE, near mint boxed used 199 Focal Electra 1038, mint boxed dem 3999 Linn Sondek, Lingo, Naim Aro, superb used 2499 Consonance Cyber 50 Preampli¿ er dem 499 EAR Acute 3, mint boxed dem 3749 Gradient Intro, excellent condition, bargain used 249 Linn Sondek, Basik plus , Valhalla, VGC+ used 699 Consonance Cyber 211 monos c/w Pavane valves dem 2999 Exposure 2010CD, remote used 199 Heco Celan 500 in Silver dem 499 Linn Sondek, Grace 707, basik psu, VGC+ used 599 Consonance A120, ex demo mint dem 399 Goldenote Koala , near mint boxed used 759 Heco Celan 300 in Mahogany dem 399 Linn Sondek, Lingo, Project 9CC, Dynavector 10X5 used 1499 Creek Destiny Integrated dem 699 Inca Design Katana cd player (no remote) used 149 Heco Statement in gloss black, £3k new dem 1499 Linn Sondek, Rosewood, boxed, superb! used Call EAR 890 Power, excellent boxed used 2199 Leema Elements CD player sealed box new 749 Kef Q100, brand new, sealed box new 249 Linn Sondek, Ittok, Lingo, boxed excellent used 1199 EAR 834T Integrated ampli¿ er used 1499 Inca Design Katana cd player (no remote) used 149 Kudos C10, boxed vgc and cheap used 999 Linn Basik Plus, vgc+ used 149 ES Labs DS X4 digital, excellent boxed dem 299 Leema Elements CD player sealed box new 749 Kudos X2, vgc boxed dem 799 Luxman PD264, excellent used 499 Esoteric C03/A03 Pre/Power, boxed remote dem 7749 Linn Karik 3, excellent boxed remote used 499 Leema Xandia Mk1 in black new 2499 Luxman PD300, fantastic condition used 799 Exposure XV11 Preampli¿ er with MC board, boxed used 399 Marantz CD63KI, timewarp!!! used 299 Leema Acoustics Xero, vgc+ boxed, REDUCED used 299 Lyra Erodion Step up used 1499 Graaf GM50B Mk11 Integrated dem 2999 Marantz CD10, excellent boxed new belt kit used 449 Leema Xero in Mahogany dem 349 Mana Reference wall shelf used 299 Graaf GM100 valve power amp dem 1999 Marantz SA7001, nr mint boxed used 199 Linn Kan, boxed, fair used 199 Mana Reference table used 299 Icon Audio, MC34 boxed used 299 Marantz CD85, excellent with remote used 299 Linn Sara in cherry with stands/grills used 349 Michell Hydraulic Reference, SME3009, excellent used 849 Krell FPB600, excellent used 2999 Marantz CD6004, nr mint boxed used 199 Linn Index with KuStone stands, vgc+ used 99 Michell Tecnoarm A in black as new mint boxed used 449 Leema Tucana 2, excellent used 1899 Meridian 506/20 with MSR used 399 Living Voice IBX R2 in stunning Zebrano, excellent used 2249 Michell Focus One, SME 3009, excellent, used 399 Leema Elements Ampli¿ er, excellent dem 899 Meridian 508/20, excellent used 449 Magneplanar MG1.6, superb, boxed used 999 Michell Gyro Se, Hadcock, boxed used 999 Leema Pyxis/Altair Reference Pre & Monos dem 10499 Meridian G06, excellent boxed used 599 Mark & Daniel Maximus with treble extenders £2500ish dem 999 Michell Gyro Se, Tecnoarm, boxed used 999 LFD Integrated amp LE MK111 dem 1499 Meridian 500 Transport, excellent boxed used 599 Mark and Daniel Topaz in White inc, Marble cabinets dem 749 Moth phono stage dem 249 LFD LS1 linestage, reasonable shape used 299 Moon Equinox CD used 799 Mark and Daniel Mini in Grey inc. Marble cabinets. dem 699 Musical Fidelity XLPSV3 phono stage dem 99 Linn Majik Kontrol & 4100 Power, excellent used 1499 Moon CD 3.3x £3k new used 999 Martin Logan Mosaic, excellent boxed used 699 Musical Fidelity XLPSV8 phono stage dem 199 Linn Kolector Preampli¿ er used 299 Musical Fidelity XDAC V8 new Call Martin Logan Quests, superb sound, reduced used 1299 NAIM Aro, excellent boxed used 1499 Meridian 501V preamp, excellent used 299 Musical Fidelity 3.5 CD dem 399 Martin Logan Source SE real wood veneer, ex boxed dem 999 NAIM Stageline N excellent boxed used 199 Meridian 501 Pre used 349 Musical Fidelity A1Pro CD new 799 Martin Logan Prodigy, excellent used 3499 Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck, rega cut used 549 Micromega IA100, great integrated, boxed dem 599 Musical Fidelity KW SACD with upgraded psu used 1249 Monitor Audio PL300, mint crated dem 3999 Pioneer PL530 Direct Drive, good condition used 299 Musical Fidelity A1 FB1 Preamp & PSU new 499 Musical Fidelity M1 DAC, excellent boxed used 329 Monitor Audio GX50, near mint boxed used 599 Project RPM 9 turntable with arm and platform dem 649 Musical Fidelity M3i, excellent boxed dem 749 Musical Fidelity M1 CDTB dem 499 Monitor Audio GX300, near mint boxed dem 1999 Project Phonobox 2, ex boxed used 59 Musical Fidelity M3i, excellent boxed, REDUCED used 649 Musical Fidelity M6 black boxed dem 1199 Monopulse Model S new 699 Project RPM 5 Turntable/Arm boxed with Speedbox used 399 Musical Fidelity M1PWR, excellent boxed used 349 Musical Fidelity M3 black boxed dem 499 Monopulse Model A speakers new 1499 Project RPM 4 Turntable/Arm with cover, great! used 249 Musical Fidelity X-T100 Integrated dem 249 Musical Fidelity M1Clic new 699 Monopulse Model C new 399 Project Perspective, Speedbox SE, Shure V15Mx used 599 NAIM NAC82, excellent boxed used 899 Musical Fidelity CD1008 Pro, near mint boxed used 1199 NAIM Ovator S400, excellent dem Call Rega Planar 2, RB250, excellent boxed used 179 NAIM NAP250, olive excellent boxed used 899 Myryad Z20DAC, excellent boxed used 199 NAIM Credo, excellent used 399 Rega RP8, Apheta Cartridge, excellent boxed dem 1249 NAIM NAP250, very late olive excellent used 1099 NAIM CDX, excellent, boxed remote used 649 NAIM SBL, vgc+ used 699 Rega RP3 Elys2 cartridge, excellent boxed used 399 NAIM NAC72, excellent boxed used 349 NAIM CD5, remote, SNAIC, new laser used 599 Nola KO speakers in black dem 3999 Rega RP6, excellent boxed used 599 NAIM NAC42/NAP110, excellent boxed used 499 NAIM CD5, remote, SNAIC excellent used 449 Nola Contender in Cherry dem 1499 Revolver Rosewood, G1022, excellent used 199 NAIM NAP250, excellent late boxed olive used 1199 NAIM CDS3, excellent boxed, remote used 1899 Nola Micro Grand Reference inc stands, £15k new dem 5995 Roksan Xerxes RB300, PSU, boxed used 599 NAIM NAP150, excellent boxed used 349 NAIM CDS3, excellent boxed, remote used 1999 Paradigm Millennia One 5.0 AV Speaker system used 399 Roksan Xerxes, XPS, SME Fit used 349 NAIM NAC202 with NAPSC, boxed used 1199 NAIM CDi, excellent boxed used 599 PMC GB1i, mint boxed in oak used 899 Graham Slee Fanfare Amp3 dem 179 NAIM NAC202, vgc+ boxed just NAIM serviced used 1199 NAIM CD3.5, vgc used 299 PMC Twenty Three, mint boxed in oak used 1799 Graham Slee Gram Amp2 dem 119 NAIM NAP180, excellent boxed used 599 NAIM DVD5, excellent boxed used 499 PMC OB1, excellent boxed in oak used 1199 Graham Slee Elevator EXP Step up used 299 NAIM NAC42/NAP110 combo, boxed great used 599 Prima Luna Prologue 8, ex demo boxed dem 1299 Proac D28, good condition in cherry boxed used 1399 SME 3009/3, excellent boxed used 249 NAIM NAIT 5, excellent remote boxed used 449 Quad 99CDP, excellent REDUCED used 399 Proac Studio 140 mk2, nr mint boxed dem 1199 SME 3012, excellent used 799 NAIM NAC62S/NAP140 chrome bumper, vgc+ used 599 Rega Planet 2000, excellent used 199 Proac Studio 110, excellent boxed used 499 SME V12, nr mint boxed dem Call NAIM NAC90/NAP92, vgc used 349 Rega Apollo R, excellent used 449 Proac Studio 115, excellent boxed dem 749 Systemdek, Syrinx PU2, excellent used 349 NAIM Super Uniti, vgc boxed dem 2499 Rega Io DAC, excellent used 149 Quad 21L Floorstander used 199 Technics SL120, SME3009 excellent used 399 NAIM NAC 102, vgc boxed used 399 Rega Saturn, excellent boxed used 599 Quad 2905, another new pair! new 4499 Thorens TD160 HD turntable new 1199 Neutonia Salis Integrated, classy Restek built used 399 Roksan Kandy K2, excellent boxed used 449 Quad ESL63, good condition used 399 Thorens TD166 Mk2 c/w arm, Nagaoka MP50, boxed used 249 Onix OA32 Integrated, excellent used 299 Rotel RCD02, vgc used 79 Red Rose Rosebud £2.5k new with (used) stands dem 799 Thorens TD160, Audio Technica arm, boxed used 249 Onix OA25 Integrated, excellent used 399 Sugden Masterclass CD original version used 999 Revel M22, excellent boxed new 599 Thorens TD209 turntable package dem 699 Pathos Logos Integrated dem 1999 TAG McLaren DAC 20, excellent used 249 Revolver RW45 À oorstander in Cherry dem 699 Thorens TD2030 Blue turntable new 999 Placette Audio Passive Linestage dem 599 TEAC VRDS7, excellent remote used 249 Revolver Cygnis Gold in Black, £14k new dem 4995 Thorens TD125 c/w SME3009, excellent used 399 Prima Luna Prologue 3 Preampli¿ er vgc+ used 649 Technics SL-PS900, remote manual used 149 Revolver Cygnis in Maple/Black, £6k new dem 2495 Tom Evans Groove, 0.85mv/100 ohm, excellent used 849 Prima Luna Prologue 2 Integrated, good shape dem 799 Tube Technology Fulcrum CD transport dem 699 Revolver Music 1, vgc+ boxed dem 349 Trichord Dino 2 c/w NC PSU & HP Cable dem Call Prima Luna Prologue 3 Preampli¿ er, REDUCED dem 749 Tube Technology Fulcrum DAC (inc DAC64 chip) dem 899 Sonus Faber Elipsa, superb boxed used 5999 VDH Colibri M/C cartridge dem 2999 Prima Luna Prologue Premium Preampli¿ er used 1199 Unison Research CDE, excellent boxed remote used 999 Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, boxed used 1199 VDH Condor M/C cartridge new 1999 Puresound L300 valve preamp dem 3599 Yamaha CD-S3000 near mint dem Call Spendor SP3/1p, excellent boxed used 799 Voyd, Split phase PSU, Rega cut used 999 Puresound L10 preamp dem 1399 YBA GC-10, ex boxed, £1600 new, BARGAIN used 399 Spendor S8e, cherry, excellent condition used 849 VTL TP2.5 phono stage ( new ) new 1749 Quad 66 Preamp, excellent remote used 349 Sun¿ re True Sub Subwoofer dem 399 Wilson Benesch Act 1 Tonearm, nr mint superb used 799 Quad 99 Pre/Power, excellent, remote, Quadlink used 649 AV/Accessories/Cables Thiel CS7.2, vgc, just refurbished… used 2499 Quad 405, from used 199 Audeze LCDX excellent dem 849 Totem Mani Signature, boxed near mint used 2999 Quad 33/303, vgc, serviced used 299 Radio/Recorders Audeze LCDXC excellent dem 899 Totem Mite in black dem 449 Quad 34/306 late grey versions used 399 Arcam Alpha, vgc+ used 29 Custom Design Milan, ex display dem Call Totem Rokk in mahogany, excellent used 249 Rega Brio 3, excellent boxed used 229 Arcam T61, vgc+ used 79 Elemental Audio Equipment Rack dem 499 Totem Sttaf new 999 Resolution Audio Opus 21 S80 Integrated dem Call Arcam DT91, excellent used 149 Elemental Audio speaker stands dem 499 Usher BE718, vgc boxed dem 799 Roksan Kandy K2 Power, nr mint boxed dem 499 Creek T43 FM tuner new 99 Ergo AMT phones with Amp 2 (£2.5k new) dem 1499 Velodyne DD18 sub in black dem 1999 Roksan Kandy K2 Integrated, nr mint boxed dem 499 Denon TU-S10 used 199 Experience Filtration 6 way block with 3m cable dem Call Velodyne DD15 sub in black dem 1499 Sugden Masterclass Monoblocks, in titanium used 3999 NAIM NAT101 & SNAPS, excellent £500 NAIM service used 899 HiFi Racks 3 tier rack in Oak dem 199 Veritas H3 (Lowther drivers) in gloss black, 100db dem 2999 Sugden A21a line Integrated dem 999 NAIM NAT01 & NAPST, excellent boxed used 899 Yamaha NS1000, good condition for age dem 799 Sugden A48mk2 line reasonable condition used 149 Isotek Nova power conditioner dem 1199 Nakamichi BX2, excellent used 149 Sugden Masterclass Pre/Monos in Graphite used 6499 Isol-8, Substation Integra used 499 Nakamichi 580, near mint boxed used 249 Sugden Masterclass Pre/Monos in Titanium used 6499 Lehmann Rhinelander used 199 Special system deals Nakamichi RX505 and 202 used Call Musical Fidelity M1 HPAB dem 399 Sugden Masterclass Integrated in Titanium dem 2749 Audio Analogue Primo CD/Amp combo dem 499 Pure 701ES DAB Tuner used 89 Sugden A21SE in Titanium, boxed, excellent used 1399 Musical Fidelity TripleX power supply new 199 Consonance Ping CD/AMP dem 599 Quad FM3, vgc used 79 TagMcLaren 60iRV, excellent boxed used 299 NAIM XPS DR, ex demo dem 2599 Linn Classik Movie 05, excellent boxed used 699 Quad FM4, late grey version, excellent used 179 TEAC Distinction A1000 Integrated, ex demo dem 599 NAIM Flatcap XS, excellent boxed used 449 NAIM Uniti 2, Uniti Lite and UnitiQute all mint dem Call Rotel RT1080, excellent used 149 Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated dem 999 NAIM Supercap, various excellent boxed from used 1199 Orelle EVO Cd and amp was £2700 used 799 Rotel RT850 Tuner used 29 Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated dem 999 ProAudio Bono Reference Platform dem 399 QUAD 77 CD, Pre and 707 power used 899 Yamaha CT7000, vgc used 499 Yamaha A-S3000, nr mint boxed dem Call Tellurium Q Interconnects, various dem Call Shanling MC30, excellent boxed used 349 Tel: 01642 267012 or 0845 6019390 Email:Email: news@@ 2ndhandhi 2ndhandhiÀ .co.ukÀ .co.uk The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of HI-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd Good vibrations can comeat aprice brings benefits, it coupling everything Although rigidly solutions to make your music more pleasurable to listen to and give your hi-fi somehelp How well would you say your hi-fi setup behaves? good inhi- ago, I’dprobablyhavesaidtherecordingwasn’tterribly good, bad,average?Hadyouaskedmethat20or30years do youthinkoftherecording?Technically speaking,isit but haveyoueverhearditplayedonahi- Wild Side when theextremesarepresentatoneandsametime. your car, butdisappointingonaproperhi- the rhythm guitar overtones should be soft and delicate, the rhythmguitarovertonesshouldbesoftanddelicate, double bassshouldsoundstrong,deepandresonant,while behind hisvoice? forwardly balanced.Butcanyouheartheslightreverb of girlsonbackingvocals.LouReed’s vocalisquite quietly inthebackground,plussomedrumsandagroup mix isquitelayered.There’sarhythmguitarplaying by anacousticdoublebasswithabigfruitysound.The reproduce. Theopeningbasslineisverystrong.It’splayed how gooditsounded.It’sasimpletrack,yetnoteasyto easier tohearthisdetailinmonoontheradio! Many hi- and setbackatadistance,onlytogetcloserlouder. do-do do-do’part,howthevoicesareinitiallyreverberant occurs whenloudsoundsstarttoblotoutthequieterones. to saythetimbresofeachwillbeeroded.Thisalways probably quiet innerguitaranddrumpartsmaybedif that basslinewillstruggle.OnceLou’svocalenters,the dominating. Mosttwo-wayspeakerstryingtoreproduce rhythm guitaranddrumpartswithoutthedoublebass that makesthealbumsodif fl quite simpleandunglamorous.The recordingdoesnot piece –albeit,notintheusualsense. Thebasicsoundsare atter themusic, orimpresstheear. Yet it’sthissimplicity Nearly everyoneknowstheLouReed track The wholeof Notice too,whenthebackingvocalistssingtheir‘do Even ifyoucanstillhearthedrumsandguitar, you’ll Even justtheopeningoftrackcantellyoualot.The Just recentlyIplayeditonmyhi- T fi from fi systems completely fail to reveal this – it’s often systemscompletely fail torevealthis–it’soften nd their sonic character is compromised – that’s nd theirsoniccharacter iscompromised–that’s fi terms.It’sthesortoftrackthatsounds low, loudandquiet,softsharp–especially down todealingwithextremes–ofhighand system shouldbehave.Yet inessenceitboils here aremanywaystodescribehowanideal Transformer Transformer . You’ve probablyhearditoften, isactuallyquiteahi- fi cult to reproduce well. cult toreproducewell. fi , and was surprised by , andwassurprisedby you can follow the you canfollowthe should ‘swish’nicely. fairly quietly;these with brushesplayed drummer enters yet crisp.The Okay, let’sseeif fi fi system? What system?What . fi Walk OnThe cult tohear. fi test fi ne in made asigni adjustable thread,oneateachcorner. Ifoundthesestands The PAB standhasasuspendedshelfsupportedbyan The diff album like making themusiclesslistenable and lessenjoyable.An certain super thought alaptopcouldbeaffectedbyvibration? improvement inclarityandtransparency. Who’dhave remarkably bigdifference.Onceagain,therewasan use asaUSBsourceontoPAB stand,andhearda But, thebiggestsurprisecamewhenIputlaptop concentrate sohard–everythingseemedeasiertounravel. also nicerandmorerelaxingtolistento.Ididn’thave effortless. Notonlywasthesoundalotbetter, itwas cleaner andmorere seemed clearerandmoretransparent.Themusicbecame music. Claritywasnoticeablyenhanced,whileeverything system listenability. Try itandseeforyourself series ofsmallvictoriesthatwilleventuallywinthewar. effectively messupthemidrangeandtreble. time. Aheavybasslinecausesseriousvibrationsthat quiet, sharpandsoftwhentheyarepresentatthesame down tocopingwithextremesofhighandlow, loudand (PAB) suspendedsupportstandsforampandCDplayer. enclosure. Morerecently, IaddedsomeProAudioBono on De if alltheindividualstrandscanbeheardsimultaneously. picture. Pay attentiontothosequietinnerparts–andsee listen tohow‘tight’thingssound. you doabefore-and-aftercomparison sound becomesmorecomfortableandeasiertolistento.If not havingyourspeakersrigidlycoupledtothe Seismic SinkoroneoftheVoodoo isolationplatforms.By Try themonadecoupledplatformlikeTownshend Audio’s Are yourspeakersrigidlymountedonstandswithspikes? The solutionliesincarefuldecouplingatstrategicpoints. Although rigidly coupling everything with spikes brings Although rigidlycouplingeverythingwithspikesbrings Sadly, there’snoquicksimple Going backtowhatIsaidatthestart,hi- To tacklevibration,Imountedmyspeakerdriveunits fl ex polymer gaskets to decouple them from the ex polymergasketstodecouplethemfrom the erenceisclear Transformer fi fi cant difference to the listenability of the cant differencetothelistenabilityof cial bene Jimmy Hughes fi ned, as well as seeming more ned, aswellseeming more is something of a litmus test for issomethingofalitmustestfor fi ts, it often comes at a price, ts, itoftencomesataprice, fi x, but you can claim a x, butyoucanclaima Listen of stands,don’t to the whole sonic to thewholesonic fi success boils successboils has some decoupling decoupling some has ●

fl oor, the just just JANUARY 2015 JANUARY your music difference to make aworld of Audio onecan Townshend platform like this A decoupling Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi JIMMY HUGHES OPINION writer writer 81 The only Hi-Fi you’ll ever need! HD HI-FI MUSIC SERVER, STREAMER & CD RIPPER WITH DAC & 60W AMP ͻ^ƚŽƌĞĂŶĚƉůĂLJĂůůLJŽƵƌŵƵƐŝĐŝŶŽŶĞƉůĂĐĞ ͻ,ƉůĂLJďĂĐŬϮϰďŝƚͬϭϵϮ<,nj ͻ^ƚŽƌĂŐĞƵƉƚŽϰd ͻZĞĐŝǀĂŝZĂĚŝŽǁŝƚŚƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞƌĞĐŽƌĚΎ ͻ^ƚƌĞĂŵǁŝƚŚYŽďƵnj ͻŽŶƚƌŽůǁŝƚŚŵŽďŝůĞĚĞǀŝĐĞƐ ͻ/ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞǁŝƚŚ^ŽŶŽƐͬ,ĞŽƐ

ZZZV\JQLŵFRXN :L)LGRQJOHRSWLRQDO 7(LQIR#V\JQLŵFRXN The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of HI-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd. Fight the power has beenstifled dissent in which world post-protest a in living We’re become athing of the past. Once ubiquitous with folk music and the sixties, the protest song appears to have dissent hasbeensti his voicewhileyoungergenerations remainedsilent? how comeittookarichbaby-boomer inhissixtiestoraise protest genre,andwasunsubtletothepointofcrudity. But crowded lift.Intruth,itwasn’tthegreatestexampleof that ensueswhensomeonepasseswindloudlyina The President recall wasNeilYoung’s 2006anti-Bushtirade achieve anythingmorethanpreachingtotheconverted. – whichiswheretheyneedtobeifaregoing yurts. Butifso,they’renotgettingheardinthemainstream being sunginPalestinian refugeecampsandeco-warrior outgrowth ofsub-culture,inhip-hopandheavymetal, alive andwelltheyarestilloutthereinthetangled they possessedwithwhichto Stills, Nash&Young’s them, fromEdwinStarr’sMotownclassic crowd; everygenreofpopularmusicwasstuffedwith by Dylan,PhilOchs,JoanBaezandthefolkmarching musicians. Itwasn’tjusttheobviousprotestanthemssung 20th centurypopularculturetherolewastakenoverby the world,’’Shelleywrotealmosttwocenturiesago.In the world.“Poets aretheunacknowledgedlegislators of there wasatimewhentheyplayedtheirpartinchanging nobody caresanymore? that thereisnothinglefttoprotestabout–orsimply why nobodyseemstowritesongslikethatanymore.Isit discs ofrighteousresistance,Icouldn’thelpwondering The Diggers’Song Norma Waterson singing the struggleforsocialjustice. history offolkmusicasavehicleforprotest,dissentand to-the-barricades collectionofsongsthatchroniclesthe Resistance, DemocracyandPeace H We seemtobelivinginapost-protestworldwhich One ofthelastprotestsongsbyamainstreamartistIcan Hopefully someonewilltellmethatprotestsongsare Bob Dylanusedtocallthem“ Listening tosongssuchas Records titled on mydeskofacompilationCDfromTopic lately? Thequestionispromptedbythearrival as anyoneheardanygoodprotestsongs . It was greeted with the kind of embarrassment . Itwasgreetedwiththekindofembarrassment and two dozen more spread across two andtwodozenmorespreadacross fl ed with the promise that every home ed withthe promise thateveryhome Ohio Coal NotDole Voice &Vision: SongsOf . Elsewhere the likes of Bob . ElsewherethelikesofBob Joe Hill fi ght prejudice and injustice. ght prejudiceandinjustice. fi nger-pointin’ songs” and nger-pointin’ songs”and (see page 62), an archival, (see page62),anarchival, byPaul Robeson, the only weapon the onlyweapon insurrectionary act, music wasitselfan for whommaking full-time agitators and TheClashwere Marley, Fela Kuti , Chumbawamba’s , Chumbawamba’s War Nigel Williamson Nigel Williamson toCrosby, Let’s Impeach Let’s Impeach examples standoutbecauseoftheirscarcity. about blooddiamondsfromSierraLeone.Butsuch among othersandKanyeWest wonaGrammyforrap provoked outburstsfromRadioheadandGreenDay protests thathavereachedtherealworld.ThewarinIraq Cowell and more thanlightentertainmentand wall-to-wallSimon its radical,anti-establishmentheart. Otherwiseit’snothing well-known revolutionaryorganisation,TheWorld Bank. world toprotestagainstcorruptionissponsoredbythat for musicvideosbyyoungartistsandbandsaroundthe the executionofMrsThatcher. Meanwhile,acompetition Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, of acenturysinceBruce now morethanaquarter became veryuncool.It’s things thatreallymattered stars shouldsingabout Blair, theideathatpop and theeraofBush Times TheyAreA-Changin Somewhere between a substituteforreallife. of on-demandmoviesas sound andanendlessdiet screen witha5:1surround shall haveofa42inTV cosy and politicshadtomix,wecouldleaveitBonoinhis to concludethatthebattleshadallbeenwonandifpop Mandela wasreleasedfromprisonin1992,mostseemed International ‘HumanRightsNow!’tour. AndonceNelson appeared ontheAmnesty Sting andTracy Chapman a songtitled Smiths, blithelyoverlookingthefactthatMorrisseywrote musical icons.ThenDavidCameronclaimedtolikeThe as aninspiration,perhapsthemostinsurrectionaryofall belligerent supportersofthewarinIraq,citedBobMarley decade andahalflater, JackStraw, oneofthemost misunderstanding themessageof to supporthisre-electioncampaignbyignoringor when hemisappropriatedtheworkofBruceSpringsteen vehicle fordissent?Ronald Reagan begantheprocess music justbecometoorespectabletoserveasapotent Perhaps oneoftheproblemsisincorporation;hasrock Soft rock? Somehow popular music needs to rediscover the beat of Somehow popularmusicneedsto rediscoverthebeatof Sure, the21stcenturyhasproducedafew tête-à-têtes The XFactor Margaret OnTheGuillotine reckons it’s time to make a change a make to time it’s reckons withpontiffsandpresidents. The The

●

Born InTheUSA , which imagined , whichimagined fl ickering ickering . A . A JANUARY 2015 JANUARY between now few andfar President Impeach The featured War like Protest records Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi WILLIAMSON NIGEL OPINION Living With (which Let’s Let’s ) are ) are writer writer 83 Style. Performance. Function.

K3 Integrated Amplifi er & CD Player Roksan’s K3 Series of hi-fi electronics put sound quality fi rst. But more than just sounding great, they’re also eff ortlessly simple to use and come in a design that anyone would be proud to put at the centre of their music system. The K3 Integrated Amplifi er has been built with today’s discerning audiophile in mind. Boasting fi ve Line Level inputs, an exceptional Moving Magnet phono stage and superior aptX® Bluetooth technology; it is an ideal hub for all manner of audio sources. There is power and bass drive in abundance, with superb sound staging and engaging detail that is both refi ned and enjoyable. The K3 CD Player is a high-quality source component that delivers a rich, almost analogue, sound performance that perfectly matches the Integrated Amplifi er’s delivery. When using these products together, you have a package that is truly unrivalled for the price.

Distributed by Henley Designs Ltd. T: +44 (0)1235 511 166 | E: [email protected] | W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of HI-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd. T o have and to hold? to and have To rather thantherule the exception downloads remain digital quality Good to on demand. to ondemand. wondering ifI’mquitereadytoentrustallmydigitalmusic lying around–thereareelementsofTidal thatleaveme this yearhaveIfeltasecondofnostalgiaforplasticdiscs have noproblemwithanylossofphysicality–notonce collection isgoingtobecompletelyplainsailing.WhileI fi near evangelicalconverttotheideaoflosslessstreaming.I In theory, givenmyantipathytowardsCDs,Ishouldbea Let’s getphysical CD. Now, hewonders if he’ll invest in another shiny silver disc ever again A year ago have excellentbroadbandanda signi dependent allowance, buttherearesustained slower than it needs to be and the comparatively young slower thanitneedstobeandthecomparativelyyoung and clunky–makingAirPlayasameansoftransmission Editor LeeandIhavebothfoundtheiPad apptobeslow in thearmtomylosslessaudiocollection. of somecontent,itisnonethelessa25-millontrackshot while comingupshortcomparedwithSpotifyinterms same albumsonmyNASdrive.Theserviceisfastand difference betweenaTidal streamonmyNaimandthe answers, butitcomescloserthanIthoughtmight. actually buyoneeveragain.Tidal hasn’tdeliveredallthe of myexperimentalyearwithoutCDs,butneverhaveto myself wonderingifI’mnotonlygoingtoreachtheend a fewweeksofplayingaboutwiththeservice,I catalogue, Inowhave25milliontracksondemand.After streaming service.AswellastheentireKasabianback neither haveIbrokenanylawstogetit. remains entirelyunavailabletobuylegallyintheUK,but lossless orhi-resdigital.Sowhat’schanged?Thealbum improves – and I have no doubt that it will. improves –andIhavenodoubtthatitwill. and nothingIcan’tputupwithwhilethesituation competition canoffer. Theseareminordetails,though, nd myself wondering if renting access to my future music nd myselfwondering ifrentingaccesstomyfuturemusic The biggest issue is that I am not constantly online. I The biggestissueisthatIamnot constantlyonline.I Against this, the downsides are comparatively modest. Against this,thedownsidesarecomparativelymodest. Firstly, thesoundquality. Ihonestlycouldn’ttellthe The differenceisthatI’musingTidal –thenewlossless A on storedanddownloadedmusic. To be of Kasabian’s s Iwritethis,I’mlisteningtoalosslessstream unsuccessful efforts to secure this album in unsuccessful effortstosecurethisalbumin I devotedachunkofmylastcolumnto Ed Selley Ed 48.13 . Thisissigni decided to seeif hecould go an entire 12 months without buying a periods fi cant mobile data cant mobiledata compressed compressed platforms thatits other brandsand integration with the levelof can’t competewith Tidal servicesimply where I am where Iam fi cant because fi nd nd time gocompletelyon-demand– justnotquiteyet year relationshipwithSpotifyto go lossless.Imightover good qualityaudioandI’msure goingtoenda legitimately andrepresentsanother meansoflisteningto CDs completelyisstilltobefullyrealised. Armstrong andImogenHeap,butmydreamofbanishing excellent hi-resreleasesfromAphexTwin, Craig tail endoftheyearhasshownabitpickupwith after thehorsehasboltedandassumedanewidentity. The these restrictionsareastabledoorthathasbeenclosed course, itisalltherebyillegitimatemeans,suggestingthat though, andmaddeningregionalrestrictionsapply. Of downloads remaintheexceptionratherthanrule, of somelimitedproductionruns.Goodqualitydigital almost total–providedyoudon’thangaroundinthecase has nowreachedthestagewherenewreleasedcoverageis that losslessandhi-resmusicissuf has beentremendouslyin more successfulatdemonstratingthatthevinylresurgence still slightlyfrustrating.Theexperimenthasbeenmuch to feature. reason, downloads–andeventheoddCDwillcontinue blanket coverage–bothpipedreamsatthispoint.For this currently havewithit,I’mgoingtoneedunlimited4Gand understand –buttohavethesame availability of memory Ihave.Tidal presumablyhaslimitsonthe anywhere butonthemostexpensiveandcontested is completelyofflimits.Ican’tstorematerialforuse any time.ThecavernousstoragemyNASdrivesoffer going toofferlimitedamountsofmaterialbeheldat of completely clear, Tidal hasthemeanstostorealbums Tidal isausefulwayof yearhasbeeneasierthanIexpected,but The CD-free fl ine but only on mobile devices and their storage is only ine butonlyonmobiledevicesandtheirstorage isonly fi les placed upon it – which I fully les placeduponit–whichIfully fi fl lling in for things I can’t buy lling inforthingsIcan’t buy uential than it has at showing uential thanithasatshowing fi fl ciently available.Vinyl exibility of use I exibility ofuseI ● fi ve ve JANUARY 2015 JANUARY than expected a wholeloteasier Ed’s CD-freeyear Tidal hasmade Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi ED SELLEY OPINION writer writer 85 DESTINATION: HARROGATE InIn a gallery reimagined as a record store, artist Pete McKee invites you to looklo throughthroughnewworksasyouwoulddigthroughtheracksBy new works as you would dig through the racks. By Simon BerkovBerkovitch

he record racks occupy the centre Pete’s passionate audio-visual universe. “This McClure; Noel Gallagher’s favourite albums; of the bright, white room, will be an immensely popular show,” John and something special for real ale fans: free T brimming with familiar classic predicts, and looking around the gallery it’s beer. Pete teamed up with London’s Partizan albums, from Pistols to Beatles, not diffi cult to see why. Thud, Crackle, Pop Brewery to create a special ale, given out and sections with uniform-looking new is only in town for two days, before heading with every purchase at the shows. releases. A groovy soundtrack slinks out of over to Kosmonaut in Manchester and then In addition to the original, hand-painted the speakers. A free music paper is piled at Pete’s own gallery in Sheffi eld, A Month of artwork on the walls and on the shelves, foot level by the door. Band posters brighten Sundays, where there’ll just be enough time you’ll fi nd Pete’s prints in the racks. Pull out a retro-styled listening booth in an adjacent for you to catch the show before Christmas. one of the specially designed Thud, Crackle, room, also home to a box of die-cut 7in What Pete has done for Thud, Crackle, Pop sleeves and you’ll discover a limited singles, tempting merch and a couple of Pop is create a record shop with a difference. edition print tucked away inside the inner turntables for checking out the store’s wax. Each location on the tour is transformed into sleeve. All the records in the racks are from So far, it’s a typical modern record shop. Pete and Chris’ personal collections. But cast your eyes above the decks and you’ll “This is a fanfare to the fi nd an unexpected Give it a spin sign: “We do not buy or independent record The music in the gallery is from a playlist sell records!” screams retailer who puts his taken from the records that form part of the the framed poster. So, installation. You may not be able to buy the what exactly is going passion on the line” vinyl from this unique record shop, but on here? Welcome to you’re certainly encouraged to play around RedHouse Originals, a shop with new, original pieces and one-offs with it – not something you’re encouraged to the Harrogate leg of available, making each exhibition unique. do at many art exhibitions. Gallery visitors artist Pete McKee’s UK The London show was held for two days in can take a record they fancy into the other tour of Thud, Crackle, May. Extremely popular, almost all Pete’s room and spin it on one of the two Pop – a veritable love work had sold out by the time the show turntables provided. “There’s a real emphasis letter to record shops closed its doors on the Saturday evening. on interaction with this show,” John says. and vinyl culture. As research for the London show, Pete A box of interesting-looking 7in singles can After having a mug and manager Chris visited the excellent be found above one of the decks. Inside is of tea thrust into my Flashback Records on Essex Road, Islington. a great mix of indie, mod, soul and classic hand by RedHouse An interview with owner Mark Burgess is rock, again from Pete’s personal collection: Originals’ friendly featured in the bespoke free mock music Roxy Music’s Pyjamarama nestles next to co-owners Richard newspaper, printed especially for the shows: The Jam’s Precious, Orange Juice’s Felicity McTague and John The Vinyl Press. The paper also includes The and Sly and the Family Stone’s Family Affair. Artist Pete Kendall, I receive Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess reviewing These eclectic singles are unifi ed, however: McKee at work a guided tour of art; an interview with This Is England’s Vicky Pete’s handwriting adorns each die-cut,

86 JANUARY 2015 THUD, CRACKLE, POP

SPECIAL DELIVERY

The Specials’ bassist Horace Panter is also an accomplished visual artist, with a solo exhibition expected in the Harrogate gallery next Spring... “We are delighted to be showing new work by Horace Panter, having admired his work for some time,” enthuses RedHouse Originals’ co-owner Richard McTague. “We are showing a small group of paintings from his ‘Americana’ series over the holiday season and are currently working on plans for a solo exhibition in Spring 2015.” Horace graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Coventry’s Lanchester Polytechnic in 1975. It was there that he met Jerry Dammers, and together they formed 2-Tone legends The Specials. In 2008, when the group reformed, Panter found that he again had the time to explore his own art practice, after having spent a decade as head of art at a secondary school. “Coming of age in the sixties meant that, artistically, I was attracted to the Pop Art movement both in the UK and the US and was influenced by artists such as Peter Blake, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns… and Allen Jones,” Panter says. “It was art I could relate to, alongside my other predilection for the 12in vinyl record… for an impressionable youth, this collision of art and music was magical!” RedHouse Originals’ current group exhibition includes a small selection of Panter’s work. These Pete’s artwork is inspired by vinyl culture, new paintings – with their echoes of David Hockney and he boasts the likes of Sir Paul Smith Popular music clearly fi res the engine and Ed Ruscha – are the latest instalments in the of RedHouse Originals. On the fi rst fl oor, artist’s ‘Americana’ series, documenting moments and Noel Gallagher among his fans captured on the road while touring the US with artworks by The Specials’ Horace Panter (see The Specials. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of elevating these mass-produced records to opposite) sit alongside work from Libertine printed works on paper, including Enjoy Yourself functional art objects with the fl ourish of Pete Doherty and shots from legendary from the ‘Cassettes’ series and The Specials portrait – a silkscreen print with hand finishing. a pen. “Each single has the relevance and Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix snapper Panter’s work (below) is being exhibited alongside importance of the song written on by the Gered Mankowitz and cool jazz a selection of RedHouse Originals’ recent artist,” John explains. photographer Terry Cryer. acquisitions by some of Britain’s most legendary Above the sevens are Pete’s sculptural Pete’s exuberant celebration of vinyl Pop artists. These include rare works from the sixties and seventies by Sir Peter Blake, David works: Vinyl Krispies, a nod to the exhibition’s culture spills out of the gallery space and on Hockney and Gerald Laing. title and a limited edition of 300, referencing to the streets. On the exterior wall of interior “Horace is currently on tour with The Specials,” the smaller, exclusive, desirable runs that designers Steven Neil Group, visible from all Richard says, “and it’s exciting to think he is many contemporary records enjoy. outbound trains from Leeds to Harrogate, is currently splitting his time between painting pictures in the studio and playing on stage to a massive McKee commission, an adaptation thousands in one of the country’s most beloved Play away of sections of Pete’s artwork My Favourite bands. What a life!” Another listening booth urges: Press Play. Record Shop, a collaboration with celebrity Slip the headphones on and you’ll hear a record shop enthusiasts Pauls Smith and specially commissioned work by Ralph Weller and Irvine Welsh amongst others. Dartford: 45RPM At 33 And A Third, a Reproduced in eight larger than life panels, collaboration with The Housekeeping Society; you couldn’t ask for a bigger advertisement “a poem about record players, my late father, for supporting your local record store. love and second chances”, the poet says. “When I was offered the opportunity to “I fi rst discovered Ralph’s poetry after produce a large piece in Harrogate, I jumped reading his book of poems Cigarettes, at the chance,” Pete explains. “I’m a great Beer And Love,” Pete explains. “He wrote believer in making art for the people, and one of a world I understood; a world of music, of the best ways of doing this is street art. love and drinking. I commissioned Ralph “My Favourite Record Shop is a celebration of to write a piece of poetry for my show as music – another art form for the masses – and I wanted to see if vinyl affected us all in is also a fanfare for the independent retailer the same way or if there was another story who puts his passion on the line and dares to to tell.” make a living out of something they love” ●

A giant McKee mural can be seen from passing trains Thud, Crackle, Pop runs until 23 December at A Month of Sundays, 356 Sharrow Vale CONTACT Road, Sheffield DETAILS petemckee.com redhouseoriginals.com Everything’s thehousekeepingsociety.bandcamp.com/ for sale in the track/45rpm-at-thirty-three-and-a-third-with- room– except ralph-dartford the neon sign

JANUARY 2015 87 RETRO

A for effort David Price sets the time machine for the eighties as he tells the story of Musical Fidelity’s classic Class A integrated amplifier, the A1

t was a felicitous knows, it runs hot. Being a full Class The innards are a tight fi t in that combination”, says Antony A design, with a constant power distinctive case. A generous 160VA I Michaelson of his A1 consumption of 80W, there’s a lot of toroidal transformer provides the integrated. With a circuit heat to dissipate in a small space. juice for four 10,000uF reservoir by the highly gifted electronics Sinking all this heat was down to capacitors. An ALPS volume engineer Tim de Paravicini and the Kenneth Grange at Pentagram, the potentiometer is used, along with a industrial design by the legendary industrial design company that source selector, power switch, tape Kenneth Grange, this was a very Antony chose. “He paid them a monitor button and rear panel- special product. Rather than just fortune but got a very interesting mounted MM/MC selector. What you another good amp, it is a scaled-down visual impact to the basic design”, wonder when you look inside, is why slice of high-end exotica – not just adds Tim. The Musical Fidelity A1 the original version of the amplifi er’s because it looks the part, or is built was biased in full Class A at the casing wasn’t vented. that way – but because it boasts a suggestion of de Paravicini. It used The whole point about the A1 was provenance that few amplifi ers can. self-biasing and complimentary that it was budget esoterica – which Tim de Paravicini remembers that output devices in symmetrical, push is to say that Tim de Paravicini set the A1 began life as “a breadboard pull confi guration from the front end out to design something that sounded that I designed for myself, to replicate to loudspeaker terminals. The biasing special, but didn’t require exotic and in transistors the same properties and was arranged to make sure the output expensive components. It was initially sound as valves. I discussed the thing could only operate at constant power designed to hit the price-point of with AM and he decided to go ahead. consumption. The line and phono £200 by clever yet simple thinking I laid down basic dimensions and amp circuitry were discrete op-amp that was distinctly different. The heatsink methods, hence the waffl e designs. Low-cost 2N3055 and striking aluminium casework added toaster form.” And toasting is what 2N2955 transistors were used “to a sense of visual exoticism to the the amplifi er did – as any A1 owner prove a point”. already special insides. Beautiful then

History of the A1 1984 1990 1991 2008 The A1 launches. Lionel Mk II version is released. Collector’s Edition and Final Edition The A1 is relaunched for a Richie’s Can’t Slow ...But Seriously by unveiled (limited to just 200 models). more modern audience. Down is the biggest Phil Collins tops the Simply Red’s Stars is the number Duffy’s Rockferry rules selling album album charts one album the album charts

88 JANUARY 2015 RETRO

as it is now, although distinctively an has all the charm and lyricism of MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE eighties amplifi er, it looks far less beautifully spoken Italian, in a world dated than its contemporaries. where so many amps sound like The first version of the amp, released in 1984 for £200, is identified by the two-part top The Musical Fidelity A1 is, in accountants conversing in German. It cover and the lack of ventilation holes in the my view, the very best sounding really does have a kind of ‘magic dust’ side panels. Inside, axial power supply mid-price integrated of its time. of its very own; whatever music you capacitors sat flat across the circuit board. By 1990 the price had risen to £300, and the For a £200 amplifi er in 1984, it play suddenly seems to have an amp had got minor component changes, a is a startling achievement; even emotional point to be driven home, one-piece top cover and ventilation. The against a modern, top-class mid- rather than an assemblage of sounds third revision shortly afterwards saw a small power increase to 25W RMS per channel. In price integrated such as the Exposure to be picked apart. If music is the food 1991 there was a ‘Collectors Edition’, of 3010S2 (£1,500) it shows its of love, then the A1 is an aphrodisiac! which just 24 were sold and these command audacious quality. It’s brilliant on micro dynamics, but a price premium on the second-hand market now. The later ‘Final Edition’ had 200 pieces This isn’t to say the A1 is beyond doesn’t do quite as well in all-out made, and like the ‘Collectors Edition’ had an criticism, because it is not. It’s a hard thunderous crescendos. Bass is warm external power supply; the latter had a amplifi er to use, and certainly very and sumptuous, but doesn’t have the quoted 40W RMS a side. This actually owes little to the original A1 design though, being diffi cult to really get right, whereas breathtaking attack transients of a closer to the MOSFET-based B200. most of its rivals are far less fussy. really good solid-state Class AB In 2008 there was a ‘new A1’, which in You keep coming back to two things design. Imaging is good, but again truth owed very little to the original, aside – heat and power, too much of one isn’t exceptional. Instead, however, from the basic styling. Even this was changed though due to the need, as and too little of the other. The amp the listener’s attention is drawn back Antony Michaelson saw it, to offer a digital needs effi cient speakers – of around to the emotion embedded in that display, remote control and ‘up/down’ 90dB or more at least. Anything lower complex collection of musical notes. buttons on the front panel. Electrically it’s totally dissimilar and has a basic USB DAC, and you begin to hear the sound of it It is exceptionally good in this respect, and 30W RMS per channel. wheezing and groaning under the and merely ‘solid’ in many others – its In truth, the best investment is most likely strain of moving the wretched box’s frequency extremes are vague, but to be an early original, although any A1 in everywhere else is this most alluring excellent condition is something you’d be and enchanting sweet spot. mad to overlook. Providing you don’t mind If music is the food a warm listening room, that is! of love, then the Life begins at 30 Musical Fidelity A1 Living with a Musical Fidelity A1 for the A1, and it had ended up today is perfectly possible, but you costing £1,000, then no one would is an aphrodisiac! have to make sure it is working have bought it! I do the best I can at correctly and to spec. Of all the the time and stand by what I have drive units, something the isn’t a 30-year-old British amplifi ers, this is achieved. Smart is doing it better core competency of the A1. I found the one most likely to need a service. than anyone else, not by how fancy Cambridge Audio’s £800 AeroMax 6 Musical Fidelity no longer does this, a component is”. (HFC 391) a brilliant partner for this but there are some specialists willing amplifi er; it was almost as if they had to help, like amprepairservices.co.uk. Big seller been made for one another. The main problem is that the amp is The A1 sold incredibly well over its When properly matched and effectively a slow cooker for all the lifespan. Musical Fidelity says it positioned in a well ventilated area electronics inside; the electrolytic shifted nearly 50,000 units before it with absolutely nothing on top except capacitors are the fi rst to suffer so got the chop in the early nineties. a good carpet of cool air (anything should all be replaced if they haven’t It went through a few minor else is likely to melt), you get a been already. Heat issues have given incremental changes to improve sublimely sweet sound. It’s not the the amplifi er a bad reputation for reliability, with slightly different sort of Class A that’s very bright and reliability, and here Tim de Paravicini components being used here and The instruction searching tonally, it’s more – dare I says that cost cutting played a part. manual with the there. The later cases were vented say it – like a really good valve “I had laid out thermal requirements Mk II version to aid cooling, and the biasing was amplifi er. Bad valve amplifi ers are and reliability of the circuit turned down slightly to cool things syrupy and gloopy, heavily coloured was good. The product was after the initial production run. and opaque, whereas the A1 isn’t like let down by some cheap Nowadays it has become a cult this at all. It’s sophisticated, slick and parts causing problems.” amplifi er in Japan, with audiophiles sparkling tonally, but doesn’t cloud There’s quite an A1 scene often buying two and cannibalising the music or reduce it all to one on the internet, with one for parts to keep the other going! particular sort of romantic sound. various forums discussing In the UK, expect to pay between You’re always aware of a slight, subtle the merits of tweaking it, £150 and £300 depending on sepia tint, but it is never invasive but Tim de Paravicini is condition; this is an amazing and adds rather than detracts from not impressed. “Tweakers audiophile bargain. the proceedings. will always do what they Tim de Paravicini says: “It still Still, the A1 isn’t all about being like because of their lack stands the test of time; I would be merely a sweet sounding, nice, of true knowledge. They happy to put it on the market now inoffensive product. There are plenty just follow what the with very little change.” Antony of those and a great many are internet says. I get angry Michaelson adds: “It’s a typical terminally boring – the opposite of with people who all Musical Fidelity product. You invest the little Musical Fidelity. Instead, this think they know more heavily in tooling, you make it in is wonderfully fast and fl eet of foot, than me. If I had spent considerable quantities and excellent amazingly expressive and lucid. It all this money on parts value for money is the result” ●

JANUARY 2015 89 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM PRO-JECT/ACOUSTIC ENERGY SOCIAL climbers They might not be young upstarts any more, but as Ed Selley discovers Pro-Ject and Acoustic Energy still have what it takes

ne durable concept in the and challengers to the accepted order annals of political and of hi-fi now fi nd themselves on the O sociological theory is that inside looking out. The system you of The Establishment; see here is a pairing of two brands a dominant group of individuals that originally shook up their organisations or companies that serve respective categories, combined to as the recognised order in a particular produce something that is at once area. The reason for the longevity part of the hi-fi establishment, but of the concept is disarmingly simple. with just a touch of iconoclasm to it. The Establishment exists quite In the case of Pro-Ject, the move independently of the individuals from arriviste turntable manufacturer or organisations that it comprises. to analogue powerhouse is only half If you successfully challenge the the story. In recent years it has accepted order, you don’t destroy become one of the very few The Establishment – you become manufacturers to supply you a part of it. In audio, this means that complete system from the tip of the companies that were once upstarts stylus to the cone of a speaker. This

90 JANUARY 2015 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM PRO-JECT/ACOUSTIC ENERGY

COMPONENTS PRO-JECT XTENSION 9 PRO-JECT SUPER PACK £2,200 AMP BOX RS £749 The Xtension 9 is a (slightly) smaller An unusual combination of a dual mono version of the Xtension 10 and features Class D amplifier stage with a valve the same alloy platter and comes as a buffer input, this amp claims 110W with complete turntable with 9CC Evolution the supplied PSU and an impressive arm and Ortofon Quintet Black MC. 180W with the Power Box RS.

PRO-JECT PRO-JECT POWER PHONO BOX RS £649 BOX RS AMP £450 A genuine fully balanced phono stage Comprising a large toroidal transformer with endless load and gain options, with extensive regulation and adjustable tone curves and exceptional smoothing, the Power Box RS is sound for under a grand, the Phono Box capable of increasing the power of RS is an established favourite. the amplifiers it is connected to.

PRO-JECT ACOUSTIC ENERGY PRE BOX RS £749 REFERENCE 1 £1,550 A six-input preamp with two balanced The Reference 1 features the trademark inputs and a balanced out, it operates constrained layer damped cabinet in Class A and is fully remote controlled. and aluminium mid bass driver with Further performance can be unlocked oversized magnet, all wrapped in with an optional external power supply. gorgeous wood or lacquer.

JANUARY 2015 91 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM PRO-JECT/ACOUSTIC ENERGY

hasn’t been at the expense of vinyl, gain and loading settings – good, but Above left: Small category that almost every speaker however, as the Xtension 9 Evolution far from unusual in terms of phono but exquisitely manufacturer wants to be a part of. finished, the Super Pack eloquently demonstrates. stage specifi cation. It then goes on to Reference 1 This means that the Reference 1 This beautifully assembled and add balanced inputs and outputs and packs a seriously you see here has some seriously extremely hefty turntable is the the choice of standard RIAA and hefty punch infl uential DNA in it, and this smallest of three Xtension models and non-standard Decca equalisation Above centre: compact two-way manages the comes as a complete deck, arm and curves. There are phono stages at 10 The RS decidedly clever trick of being components cartridge in a rather impressive times the cost that can’t match that. might be small, beautifully fi nished and as room shipping crate. The spec of the matching Pre and but their spec is friendly as any of the competition, but The Xtension is a clever piece of Power Box units and supporting impressive at the same time still exuding some of industrial design that looks every Power Box supply is less exotic, but Above right: the professional heritage that the AE1 inch the asking price and takes style still combines to produce a capable Pro-Ject has has in spades. The construction is a to new places, though it remains managed to keep pleasing combination of immensely its design unmistakably Pro-Ject. Installation This is a monument aesthetic alive solid overall build that is then fi nished is wonderfully straightforward and while moving with some lovely and extremely high entirely logical. When there is any to how good vinyl is into new areas quality fl ourishes like the elegant scope for confusion, everything is when given the right speaker terminals and fl awless piano clearly marked, but it is a testament lacquer that complements the equally to the Xtension’s design that very little supporting elements wonderful job done by Pro-Ject on labelling is required. It is no challenge the Xtension. Indeed, the system that at all to go from opening up the and extremely powerful three-box results from combining these units is packing crate to spinning a record in amplifi er for less than £1,950. an exceptionally well fi nished but around 15 minutes. If Pro-Ject has moved into the pleasingly compact affair that offers turntable establishment and then plenty of additional inputs if you Half measures diversifi ed to boot, Acoustic Energy don’t want to be exclusively analogue. The RS line of electronics that has stuck to its guns and remained a Pro-Ject has developed to partner its speaker manufacturer. What it has Open all hours turntables shares some aspects of done is arguably more signifi cant, You won’t be rushing out to bolster design with them. These half-width though. When the AE1 went against the digital aspect of this system, units are immensely substantial and the establishment of the time, it though, because as an analogue built in a way that very little else wasn’t simply a new brand taking on ensemble, this is a piano lacquered anywhere near the price is. Then the competition, but a new product monument to how good vinyl is when there is the functionality. The Phono altogether. The AE1 can lay claim given the right supporting elements. Box RS supports moving magnet and to being the original high-end With the self-titled debut album from moving coil cartridges with multiple standmount and one that created a Royal Blood, the system manages to

92 JANUARY 2015 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM PRO-JECT/ACOUSTIC ENERGY

unpick the dense layers of sound and assurance that is never overbearing, complete absence of harshness or open them out to reveal the brilliance but helps everything from the aggression. There is all the headroom of the album itself. Quite how far paired-back guitar of John Martyn for all but the most determined CONTACT the performance is opened out is DETAILS to the ballistics of The Prodigy sound volume junkie and there isn’t the endlessly surprising and rather effortlessly agile. slightest sign of the hardening up that wonderful. Acoustic Energy has a WEBSITES: Trying to put the Xtension’s can affect some systems when really acoustic-energy. long and distinguished history of co.uk character into context is diffi cult as pushed. Little positive traits – the subverting the laws of physics and the has built an almost viceless and Xtension’s impressive resistance to project-audio.com Reference 1 knows all the tricks. transparent deck. Pretty much surface noise, the Reference 1’s fairly henleydesigns.co.uk These little speakers hit harder, go all the traits you can ascribe to it are unfussy placement needs and the deeper and sound bigger than they minor and largely attributable to wonderfully linear volume control – have any right to and when fed by Ortofon’s lovely Quintet that comes combine to help make this system as the effortlessly big sound of the fi tted. This may sound anticlimactic, easy to live with as a digital rival and Pro-Ject, the result is scale that but it means the big white Pro-Ject is a damn site prettier to look at. simply shouldn’t be possible an impressively neutral platform to considering its size. let the partnering electronics impart The vinyl solution whatever character you want. Once This is one of the smallest and sanely All grown up the speed control LED has gone blue priced systems I’ve spent signifi cant This scale is then fi lled with a sound – signifying that the speed is set – the time with that has the ability to allow that is grown up without ever being Xtension is an utterly stable, silent a ‘normal’ human being (or at least boring. The RS components all sit and exactingly competent method of one outside of our hi-fi bubble) to slightly on the warm side of neutral, digging every last shred of detail off a sit down and truly hear why vinyl but this translates into a sweetness record. There are undoubtedly rivals continues to thrive. That it does with vocals and instruments rather that might edge the Xtension with a this without placing any signifi cant than an overt and dull-sounding particular genre of music, but the demands on space or needing the sort presentation. When combined with ones that can rival its astonishing of setup attention and maintenance the Acoustic Energy that sits equally ability across the board are rather you might normally associate with a narrowly on the other side of the harder to fi nd and when you consider piece of delicate scientifi c equipment divide, the performance is pleasingly how easy the Pro-Ject is to get going is what moves it from the good to the neutral but not without the character in the fi rst place, that shortlist of great. If these two former upstart that each component brings to the rivals starts to look very short indeed. brands have made the transition to system. Voices are still possessed of In reality, this translates to a system become the new establishment, the that richness and presence that the that you fi nd yourself feeding record next set of challengers are going to RS components excel at while after record to and revelling in the have to be truly sensational to repeat the Reference 1 adds a rhythmic power, effortless drive and attack and the feat. Welcome to the new order

JANUARY 2015 93 LABELLED WITH LOVE

Transatlantic Records This eclectic label deserves re-evaluating in order to align it with its progressive siblings, and who better than Simon Berkovitch to take on the task?

ith a discography that the label, collaborated on an LP success came with the budget appeal and helped swell the spans virtuoso folk, of infl uential recordings and Listen Here! (1968) sampler label’s coffers. These included W avant-garde classical, kicked down genre barriers in album in the vein of CBS’ classic singer-songwriter Ralph McTell proto-punk, hard and folk-jazz quintet Pentangle. The Rock Machine Turns You On. and comedian Billy Connolly, progressive rock, comedy and Other key additions to the Transatlantic’s late-sixties and originally signed to the label in even sex education records, label plugged into both the early-seventies roster is a good the folkier guise of his former Transatlantic Records is one of counterculture and the maverick snapshot of the adventurous group The Humblebums, also the more eclectic sixties and fringe of modern classical music. musical landscape of the times: boasting Gerry (Baker Street) seventies labels, arguably The independent Transatlantic Mike and Sally Oldfi eld’s Rafferty in its ranks. unfairly in the shadow of its UK was founded by entrepreneur psych-folk outfi t The Sallyangie Transatlantic Records became contemporaries such as Harvest Nat Joseph in the early sixties, rubs shoulders with tape part of the Granada Group in the and Vertigo. beginning as an importer of collagist Ron Geesin (later to mid-seventies and two years Bur Transatlantic deserves American jazz, blues and folk collaborate with Pink Floyd later the company had morphed recognition alone for services to – in turn infl uencing many of the on Atom Heart Mother), the into Logo Records and was soon popular music in signing two of artists it would eventually sign. Watersons-infl uenced The Young history. Thankfully, much of its the greatest guitarists of the As psychedelia blossomed, Tradition, hard rock power trio often superb back catalogue is sixties folk revival: Bert Jansch the label scored a hit with The Stray, and progressive rockers currently available courtesy of and John Renbourn. These Purple Gang’s underground Skin Alley. Sanctuary Records, with many stellar players recorded a clutch classic Granny Takes A Trip Some Transatlantic artists releases enjoying the deluxe of diverse, soaring solo LPs for (1967). More commercial enjoyed more mainstream reissue treatment.

94 JANUARY 2015 LABELLED WITH LOVE

Bert Jansch and John Renbourn Two of the most important guitarists of the sixties’ folk boom for the price of one

hanks to their involvement seminal Needle of Death and his T in the stunning folk-fusion killer version of Davey Graham’s An expanded quintet Pentangle, the names of Angi (1962) – Jack Orion (1966) US version was gloriously talented acoustic his fi rst full-length foray into released in 1969 guitarists Bert Jansch and John traditional music, and the Renbourn are destined to be sublime Rosemary Lane (1971). forever entwined, despite their Similarly, Renbourn’s fi nest solo long and diverse solo careers. recordings for Transatlantic are Bert and John (1966), Jansch’s suitably eclectic, running the fourth solo album for gamut of folk-blues on his Transatlantic, is a great eponymous debut (1965); introduction to their genre- splicing collaborative work in Recorded together Pentangle. Largely dextrous instrumental co-compositions for and in folk-fusion acoustic guitar, this beautiful quintet Pentangle album is also important for the inclusion of Anne Briggs’ restless medieval music on Sir John Alot The Time Has Come and Charles Of Merrie Englandes Musyk Thyng Mingus’ Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, And Ye Grene Knyghte (1968); later revisited on Pentangle’s and loose, sitar-heavy folk rock ambitious Sweet Child (1968). on Faro Annie (1971), also There’s simply not the space featuring Dorris Henderson’s here to delve deeply into both soaring vocals. guitarists’ bulging discographies. The ever-prolifi c Renbourn still But a whistle-stop tour of Jansch’s plays (often with another folk contributions to the Transatlantic legend: Wizz Jones) and records. catalogue must include his 1965 Sadly, Bert Jansch passed away debut album – featuring the as recently as 2011. Pentangle Transatlantic’s fab five – a fantastic melting pot of folk, jazz, blues and beyond

entangle burned a bright double LP Sweet Child followed The band split in 1973 P trail through its brief the same year, comprising one but reformed for a late-sixties and early-seventies live set and one studio set, 12-date tour in 2008 existence, adding delicious jazz, showcasing the group at their blues and even early music most stylistically eclectic. ingredients to the folk-rock stew. Basket of Light (1969) is The band sprang from various perhaps Pentangle’s commercial collaborations. Guitarists (and apex. It contains their best- vocalists) Bert Jansch and John known song – the propulsive hit Renbourn had previously played together; singer Jacqui McShee Sweet Child was guested on Renbourn’s Another Monday (1967); and bassist the group’s most Danny Thompson and drummer successful album Terry Cox had been the rhythm section in Alexis Korner’s band. single Light Flight, the theme All the albums that Pentangle music from BBC TV drama Take recorded with Transatlantic Three Girls. deserve to be on your wish list. Fourth album Cruel Sister Their eponymous debut album (1970) may have been the (1968) was a distinctive sounding quintet’s most ambitious – an – produced by Shel Talmy (The album of traditional folk music, Who; The Kinks) – all-acoustic with a side-long reworking of affair; a statement of intent in Jack Orion – but it sold relatively the era in which the Fender poorly. The group recorded one Stratocaster was king. more album for Transatlantic, On a roll, the group’s most the underrated Refl ection (1971) commercially successful album, before going to Warner/Reprise.

JANUARY 2015 95 LABELLED WITH LOVE

Mick Farren and The Deviants SHOPPING LIST Here are eight more diverse cuts from Transatlantic Records’ discography Inspired proto-punk mayhem from a countercultural mover and shaker to fill your basket and add to your record collection

he list of the late Mick guitar solos diluting Farren’s rock and roll standards Private Eye Farren’s countercultural Beefheartian muse. cross-pollinate with fi eld Private Eye’s T Blue Record credentials – doorman at the His 1970 solo album, Mona recordings of Hell’s Angels, Satire from Peter legendary UFO club, co- – The Carnivourous Circus is a Bartók-infl uenced classical and Cook, Dudley founder of the Pink Fairies, melting pot in which fi fties barely restrained psychedelia. Moore and more including Beatles International Times writer, parody Spiggy William Burroughs-infl uenced Topes & the Turds. sci-fi author – is lengthy, but it’s his moves as a rock ‘n’ roll The Purple Gang frontman that interest us most. Granny Takes A Trip This single got the Like their American allies label’s progressive The Stooges, The Godz and era rolling – both The Fugs, Farren’s group The figuratively and literally. A Summer Deviants lay claim to the of Love-vintage proto-punk crown: the earworm. ramshackle garage rock and avant-garde experimentation Ron Geesin of the group’s fi rst two albums A Raise Of Eyebrow Anything goes, – the independently produced pre-Floyd musical Ptoof!! (1967) and Disposable mayhem brought (1968) certainly make them to you by the master of the strong contenders. reel-to-reel and The wheels were coming off the razor blade. The Deviants cart by the time of third album The Deviants’ The Sallyangie #3 (1969), their fi rst for Children Of The Sun Transatlantic. It’s clear that too Sole outing from many hands were grasping the a pre-Tubular Bells wheel, with more conventional Mike Oldfield (and sister Sally) under this hippie- folk guise.

Portsmouth Sinfonia Mr Fox Mr Fox An excellent The self-proclaimed “world’s worst orchestra” northern take on electric folk rock o-founded by composer Blue Danube, and eventually a noise, whatever side of the from 1970. Second album Gypsy – C Gavin Bryars at the recording act, cutting two LPs fence you sit, there’s no released in 1971 – Portsmouth School of Art, for Transatlantic. arguing that the Portsmouth is also great. the Sinfonia had a radical Regarded by some as Sinfonia provokes stimulating approach to membership: desecration, others as a joyful debate about classical music. Stray anybody could join, regardless Saturday Morning Pictures of technical ability. The hard rock This unique proposition saw trio, boasting non-musicians joining forces Iron Maiden as fans, recorded with trained classical five albums for musicians – albeit trained Transatlantic. classical musicians playing instruments that were wholly Jan Dukes de Grey alien to them. Turning the Mice And Rats In The Loft notion of musical competency File next to Comus on its head, the Sinfonia under: brilliant, was Bryars’ attempt to send intense, unhinged prog-folk. Probably the ivory towers of classical not one to play in music crashing down, and the dark, mind. putting performance within everybody’s reach. It certainly Tim Souster piqued the interest of Roxy Swit Drimz One of the last Music’s “non-musician” Brian hurrahs for Eno, who decided to join the Transatlantic: group on clarinet. challenging synth experimentation This academic exercise soon from this avant- became a performance group, garde composer. playing such standards as The

96 JANUARY 2015 Promotions, Upgrades, Offers

Upgrade or purchase a new Naim Uniti or Classic model & claim a FREE Power-line or Hi-line worth up to £615 - get even better performance - as both the Hi-line or Power-line are fantastic upgrades in their own right. Please call or see our website for full details of this great offer.

Add a little more MajikMajik

Majik LP12 Upgrades This offer will allow you to: purchase a Linn Majik LP12 and apply upgrades to bring your LP12 to a better spec and we buy back the original bits. Simply - a better deck for less!!!

Naim NDX Network music player Naim UnitiServe Network server Linn Akurate DS music player Trade in your source & claim up to £1000 against a new digital Streaming player - offering you easier access to your music and better sound quality Please call in or see our website for full details of this great offer and find out how to get more from your existing music collection. www.billyvee.co.uk

See our website for more Performance Promotions, Upgrades and Special Offers Rega - Promotion Offers Outstanding performance and value

New RP 3 Brio-R Rega Turntable - £100 off Upgrade offer. Amp - System/Cable offer DAC - Cable offer 002200 88331188 55775555 002200 88885522 11332211 email enquiry: [email protected] 248 Lee High Road, Lewisham, London SE13 5PL (Mon - Sat 10am - 6.30pm Closed Thursday)

100 Leonard Cohen 100 Freddie Hubbard 101 Alice Sara Ott & Popular Problems Straight Life Francesco Tristano Scandale

Pink Floyd The Endless River

CD Parlophone

AFTER 20 YEARS of silence following 1994’s The Mason began reworking the unused material. acoustic passages and swelling organ arpeggios Division Bell, most of us had assumed that Pink The result is far more than simply the second part – the latter sampled from a recording of Wright Floyd’s tide had ebbed for the final time and would of The Division Bell, delivered two decades later playing the mighty Albert Hall organ during the not flow again. Now to our considerable surprise as the original 1994 pieces have been radically soundcheck for a 1969 performance. In fact, much comes The Endless River. The death six years ago retooled via a complex process of mixing, of the architecture of the music is deliberately built of keyboardist Rick Wright left only guitarist David overdubbing and adding new material to create around Wright’s keyboards as a tribute to the Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason as surviving what co-producer Phil Manzanera calls “a Pink Floyd’s fallen colleague. Despite the cut-and-paste members (Roger Waters having departed in 1985) Floyd album for the 21st century”. construction that required the attention of four – but in many ways it is the ghost of Wright that Divided into four distinct parts – described on the producers at diff erent stages of the process – dominates this ‘new’ recording. The source of record itself as “sides” and each between 12 and 15 Manzanera, Martin Glover (aka Youth), the group’s The Endless River lies in the material recorded in minutes long – The Endless River will delight long-serving engineer Andy Jackson and Gilmour sessions for The Division Bell by Wright, Gilmour long-term fans of the Floyd’s classic, spacey himself – there’s a surprisingly cohesive quality and and Mason. It transpires that more than 20 hours ambience. Essentially an instrumental album, the album concludes triumphantly with the only of music was recorded and that the original most of the traditional Floyd trademarks are here in conventional ‘song’, Gilmour’s Louder Than Words intention was that The Division Bell was to be a excelsis – ethereal synths, experimental loops and on which he sings: “We bitch and we fight, but this double album, with one disc of songs and the snippets of conversation (including the synthesised thing that we do it’s louder than words, the sum of second consisting of ambient instrumental jams. In voice of Stephen Hawking borrowed from his our parts, the beat of our hearts.” As a requiem for the event, the second disc was shelved, but around appearance in a 1994 BT commercial), soaring one of the most iconic bands of all time, it’s damn

Picture credit: Andy Earl credit: Picture a year ago amid considerable secrecy, Gilmour and melodic guitar solos from Gilmour, gently pastoral near perfect. NW

JANUARY 2015 99 MUSICREVIEWS

Béla Fleck Laetitia Sadier & Abigail Something Shines Washburn Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

CD Rounder CD Mutante

AS THE WORLD’S premier banjo player, Fleck WITH STEREOLAB STILL on hold, the band’s has expanded the instrument’s repertoire and chanteuse continues to plough a very similar reputation and won a record-breaking 15 Grammy furrow. So we have retro synths, jangling guitars, awards as he’s ranged across jazz, classical and Krautrock rhythms and ye-ye vocals in various world music. Here he returns thrillingly to the configurations. While it’s unlikely to win over many instrument’s folk/country/bluegrass roots on a set new fans, connoisseurs of the distinctive Stereolab that includes trad Appalachian ballads and original sound will find plenty to delight their aural palette. compositions. Sung in deathless, keening fashion Sadier’s tender yet distracted voice is as usual the by his wife, the only accompaniment comes from centrepiece, adding warmth to the metronomic the couple’s two banjos, but they produce such a rhythms. Occasionally the songs get pulled apart rich palette of sounds that you’d swear a full band and reimagined so that when they come together was at work. Another Grammy surely looms for again they sound all the more determined, but Americana album of the year. NW without disturbing the status quo too much. DO

Leonard Cohen Étienne Daho Popular Problems Les Chansons de l’Innocence Retrouvée

CD Polydor CD Sony BIG IN FRANCE, and with a small following in the OCTOGENARIAN POP STARS really UK that includes Neil Tennant, Daho’s mellifluous shouldn’t still be making records, but baritone has graced a huge array of collaborations Cohen is exempt from such strictures, over the years and his sophisticated take on rock as he was always more poet than rocker. chanson probably puts him closer to a Gallic Brian Ferry than Leonard Cohen, though his lyrics are His last album, 2012’s Old Ideas, was an often compared to the latter. elegant and resigned meditation on age First released in France last year, his latest leans and mortality. Here he turns his sharp on lush string arrangements, counterpointed with snatches of surf guitar and his trademark eighties observations in a more outward-looking Do you agree with our reviewers? synths in a captivating collection of songs. It direction to comment on a world torn Decide for yourself and listen to includes Debbie Harry and Nile Rogers, each asunder by war, tyranny and murder. some of this month’s tunes at adding their own touch to the work of a man His voice is cracked and in places www.hifichoice.co.uk that has no real need for collaborateurs. DO positively menacing, making it the Octogenarian pop stars AUDIOFILE VINYL shouldn’t still be making Freddie Hubbard records, but he’s exempt Straight Life from such strictures 180g vinyl CTI/Pure Pleasure IN 1970 FREDDIE Straight Life captures the vibe found on Miles perfect dramatic vehicle for his Hubbard, Joe Davis’ Bitches Brew, it’s rhythmically stronger and apocalyptic subject matter. One-time Henderson, Herbie less challenging, and more of a collaboration. It Madonna producer Patrick Leonard Hancock, George may be Hubbard’s name on the cover, but this is juxtaposes Cohen’s singular growl Benson, Ron Carter, very much an ensemble creation. Only the final against diaphonous female backing Jack DeJohnette, track, Here’s That Rainy Day, a duet with Benson, Richard Landrum and puts him in the lead for any duration. This short voices, swirling violins, synths and Weldon Irvine went into album has just three tracks, but they contain moody organ and there’s an almost Rudy van Gelder’s studio and brewed up a more insight, intensity, tone and vibe than most. impossible poignancy as he closes the groove so audacious it may never be equalled. It’s Heavy but light, multi-layered yet intrinsically album by crooning: “You’ve got me one hell of a lineup, old-school horn players meet legible, this is the distilled essence of a finely singing even though the world is gone/ new generation guitar, piano and drums, so the honed groove. It is also a great recording with You got me thinking I’d like to carry on.” music they make reflects the crossover. Powerful more inner detail and low end welly than most of funk rhythms underpinning vibrant solos from its era. Van Gelder plus CTI equals the dope and Let’s hope he does. NW trumpet, sax, conga, keys and guitar. Pure Pleasure is the icing on a rich sonic cake. JK

100 JANUARY 2015 HIGH RESOLUTION DOWNLOADS

Phantasm Polen Four Mar De Leva Temperaments

ALAC & FLAC 16-bit/44.1kHz Linn Records FLAC 24-bit/44.1kHz B&W Society of Sound

THIS VIOL QUARTET specialises in music COLOMBIA’S POLEN LABEL has been from Elizabethan England and the four releasing alternative music with a Latin flavour temperaments of this reissue are four very since 2006 and this compilation pulls together diff erent composers of the era: the dissonant some of the best. There’s rich variety here, from Robert Parsons, the cool Ferrabosco the Elder, the indie pop of Bomba Estéreo – which sounds the warm and sanguine Thomas Tallis, as well like a more mellow version of Brazil’s CSS – to as the extremes of William Byrd’s ecstasy and the pumping electro of Mitú. It’s unlikely that melancholy. The playing is clear and expressive every track will appeal, but it hangs together as throughout on a warm and inclusive recording a whole and is a great place to explore a genre that retains a high level of aural integrity. DO that’s barely recognised outside Brazil. DO

Phase 4 Stereo Stereo Concert Series

41 CDs Decca

PHASE FOUR WAS launched by Decca in 1962 to off er listeners vivid exaggerated stereo to make the most of their hi-fi. It was loud, brash, and fun! You either loved it or hated it. The sixties PFS recordings have a bright vivid sound that’s immediate and exciting, but lacking in refinement and finesse. By the mid seventies, things had moved on. Much of what’s included here has been issued before, and it doesn’t sound like it’s been remastered. The original LP sleeves are reproduced ‘as was’, but With 41 CDs, there’s extra (unlisted) works have been added. It’s a bit of plenty here to delight and amaze a mixed bag, and not for the purist audiophile. But there’s plenty here to delight and amaze – Phase Four was gaudy and vulgar, but never dull! JH

Alice BLU-RAY DVD Sara Ott & Francesco Peter Gabriel Tristano Back to Front Live in London Scandale Blu-ray Eagle Vision

Part of the tour to celebrate 4 CDs DG the 25th anniversary of So this finds Gabriel alongside THE MAIN WORK here is Rite of Spring, in key musicians from the Stravinsky’s version for two pianos. It receives a original album playing live at barnstorming interpretation from Ott and Tristano, the 02 in October 2013. It who play with great fervour and passion. The starts with a largely acoustic performance is full of fire, yet extremely precise entrée that sounds superb followed by an and together – two musicians playing as one. The electric main course, both of which mix old and added ‘bass drum’ eff ect towards the close of part new songs. The desert is a rendition of the full one sounds eff ective too – though would album with great arrangements that reveal the Stravinsky have approved? DG’s recording is real strength of his song writing. Gabriel’s voice sonorous and weighty, with good dynamic range has never been the greatest, but his and excellent clarity. Two pianos produce a big showmanship is up with the best, both sound and the eff ect is strong and powerful, with visuals and sound are top notch. JK bright ringing top notes and powerful bass. JH BLUETOOTH DAB RADIOS £150-£200 Rhapsody in Blue As Adrian Justins discovers, Bluetooth brings additional functionality to a DAB radio for the kitchen or bedroom

o longer dismissed as a Although CD-quality streaming with before assessing them for sound fl aky communications aptX is now common and has helped quality, fi rst with DAB, then Bluetooth N protocol, Bluetooth now give Bluetooth its newfound with a selection of tunes that included adds real value to the DAB credibility, aptX is less relevant with the Prologue from West Side Story, radio market, making it easy for these (largely) mono models. Talking Heads’ Burning Down The listeners to stream their music from However, priced between £150 and House and Michael Jackson’s Billie a suitably equipped smartphone or £200, these are premium models Jean, all of which were remastered tablet. You no longer need to sacrifi ce (especially when compared with FM hi-res downloads converted to audio quality or the convenience of radios of yesteryear), and we should standard-resolution AAC fi les. My wirelessness to enjoy listening to your expect them to offer high quality killer bass test, however, is Diana favourite playlists in a room where design, build and performance. Krall’s My Love Is, which has a double once a docking speaker would have For the purpose of this test I checked bass at the start that goes lower than been needed. out their features and ease of use the Mariana Trench.

Ruark R1 Mk III

PRICE: £200 TELEPHONE: 01702 601410 WEBSITE: ruarkaudio.com

DETAILS THIS IS THE third incarnation of display always shows the the R1, a radio that rightly garnered time, plus smooth-ish PRODUCT Ruark R1 Mk III much acclaim for its stylish looks scrolling text with DAB ORIGIN and exquisite sound. The cosmetic stations and (uniquely in China differences between this model and this group) artist and track WEIGHT its predecessors are subtle, but further information with Bluetooth 1.8kg inspection reveals a new rotary dial sources. Audio adjustment DIMENSIONS control on the top where curiously options comprise treble, 130 x 170 x 135mm (WxHxD) (and annoyingly) Ruark has ditched bass and loudness and you SOCKETS the handy preset buttons. can skip Bluetooth tracks USB charge port; Fashioned from solid walnut wood, using the top buttons. 3.5mm aux in; the R1 now comes in soft white, soft headphone jack black or wooden fi nishes, each of Special delivery FEATURES 9W quoted power which looks classy and reassuringly Like its predecessors, the R1’s output; 3.5in driver; sturdy. Where a light sensor once sat 3.5in speaker driver delivers crisp bass port; DAB, on the fascia a Bluetooth logo sits, audio in conjunction with its bass DAB+, FM tuners; Bluetooth; dual misleadingly looking like a button refl ex port on the underside. This Side Story Prologue have a lovely alarm; 5 presets per that needs pressing. It’s a minor blot enables it to produce a rich, lustrous airiness to them, and the timing of mode; adjustable on an otherwise impeccable landscape. soundfi eld especially at mid-to-high the drum demonstrates the brand’s bass and treble; loudness Unfortunately, there’s no remote volume levels. The sonic signature is hi-fi roots ● DISTRIBUTOR control, but the segmented top dial the most neutral of all the models Ruark Audio Ltd works well in conjunction with the tested here. Billie Jean has a balanced VERDICT lovely new OLED display (with and natural sound, with Michael The R1 Mk III’s fine looks are matched by its adjustable brightness) and an Jackson’s vocals perfectly handled in peerless performance across all genres excellent instruction manual to make the mix of instruments. The strings, operation a painless experience. The trumpets and clarinets in the West

102 JANUARY 2015 BLUETOOTH DAB RADIOS £150-£200 MINITEST

Pure Evoke D4 Mio Bluetooth

PRICE: £150 TELEPHONE: 0845 1489001 WEBSITE: pure.com

DETAILS WITH PURE’S ALMOST trademark contemporary take on the portable PRODUCT Evoke D4 Mio kitchen radio, the Evoke D4 Mio Bluetooth Bluetooth has a carry handle that acts ORIGIN as a snooze button should you decide China to use it as an alarm in a bedroom. WEIGHT Design and build quality are both 1.5kg good, but if you get easily bored by DIMENSIONS 215 x 180 x 115mm the appearance of the radio, you can (WxHxD) always remove the coloured trim SOCKETS panels using a screwdriver and swap Scrolling text is by far the smoothest little radio, but it does have a small USB port (software them with new ones from Pure. A of this group and uniquely here you sound compared with its rivals that update only); 3.5mm aux in; 3.5in driver is clearly visible through can pause the scroll. Handily, when leads to slight distortion at higher headphone jack the fi ne metal mesh cover, with a bass using Bluetooth you can connect to frequencies. Vocals can sound thick FEATURES port on the back alongside the the Evoke D4 Mio even when it’s in and Burning Down The House feels 7W quoted power headphone jack and aux socket. standby, press play and the speaker dynamically compressed as if output; 3in driver; bass port; DAB, The fascia is home to all of its switches on automatically. something’s covering the speaker. DAB+, FM tuners; controls including buttons for That’s not to say it’s an unpleasant Bluetooth; dual accessing its lineup of presets (15 Crank it up sound, West Side Story’s Prologue alarm; kitchen timer; 15 presets per per tuner), dual alarms and source. Less impressive is the absence of glides along with decent bass ● mode; optional There’s also a menu button, which EQ adjustment and lack of track ChargePAK F1 has all handy options for varying the information with Bluetooth – all you VERDICT battery; optional OLED screen’s brightness or choosing get is the clock or battery charge interchangeable The Evoke comes up short in terms of impact trim panels what type of information it displays. status (if using the optional and at higher volumes it can be a tiring listen DISTRIBUTOR A practically sized remote control is ChargePak battery). Sonically, the Pure also provided. news is a bit better. This is a decent

Revo SuperSignal

PRICE: £180 TELEPHONE: 01555 666161 WEBSITE: revo.co.uk

DETAILS TAKING ITS DESIGN cues from a EQ adjustment. The OLED number of different infl uences, the display is one of the best I’ve PRODUCT Revo SuperSignal SuperSignal’s grille is reminiscent seen on any device in terms ORIGIN of an old radiogram’s ventilation of its font choice and clarity, China cover. The fl ush OLED display is and is a delight to look at, it’s WEIGHT cutting edge while the wraparound a shame it doesn’t show track 2.5kg wooden body is a copy of Ruark’s R1. info during Bluetooth DIMENSIONS Also like the R1 there’s a downward- playback – just displaying 135 x 210 x 140mm (WxHxD) fi ring bass port and a volume dial on ‘Device Connected’. SOCKETS top, but the similarities end there. USB port (software The fascia is festooned with tiny Bass in your face update only); stereo retro-looking buttons and there’s an In terms of performance, its RCA phonos; 3.5mm aux in; unusual joystick for menu navigation. 3.5in driver delivers a really headphone jack Positioning just the power button full and meaty sound. West FEATURES and volume dial (which requires the Side Story’s Prologue is almost 10W quoted power deftest of touches to operate) on top on a par with the Ruark R1’s output; 3.5in driver; bass port; DAB, is ideal for reaching out to a bedside performance in terms of clarity and and Billie Jean is a terrifi c ride – DAB+, FM tuners; table without having to sit up and detail, just falling short in terms of Michael Jackson’s vocals sounding Bluetooth; aptX; look at the radio. There’s also the overall polish, but it’s dynamic and clear and engaging with a dual alarm; 8 presets per mode; option of using the ridiculously heavy assured. The percussion in particular wonderfully vibrant beat ● adjustable bass and brick-like remote control. More is beautifully timed, although you do and treble; DRC positively, there is a stereo phono need to temper the bass a touch. This VERDICT DISTRIBUTOR output, which effectively makes the sensitivity is most evident with My Revo Not the most elegant-looking radio, but it’s SuperSignal a Bluetooth/DAB Love Is, which causes reverberation capable of some highly impressive sonics streamer for an existing hi-fi . Menu and some cabinet rattle until the bass options include DRC and bass/treble is adjusted. Set it just right, however,

JANUARY 2015 103 BLUETOOTH DAB RADIOS MINITEST £150-£200

Philips Original Radio

PRICE: £200 TELEPHONE: 0800 3316016 WEBSITE: philips.co.uk

DETAILS WITH A RETRO LOOK based on the Philetta – a classic Philips 1955 PRODUCT Philips Original radio – this model is more suitable for Radio use in a kitchen or dining room than a ORIGIN bedroom. Made from a robust plastic, China build quality is good although the WEIGHT material protective ‘grille’ will be hard 3.5kg to clean if it ever gets dirty. Socketry DIMENSIONS 325 x 175 x 167mm is decent, including a USB charge (WxHxD) output for smartphones. The low SOCKETS contrast LCD display is a poor relation although the controls are noticeably more power, making it 20W quoted power to the OLED ones elsewhere, rudimentary, with no radio presets, tempting to turn up the volume, but output; 3.5m aux in; USB smartphone especially as text blinks on and off as despite the Original having 30 preset this reveals a brightness with treble charge port; USB it scrolls. options. Philips has not found room sounds that becomes tiring. At lower port (software You operate the radio using four for any EQ adjustment, but at least the volumes the bass in Burning Down upgrade) rotary dials and the odd ‘push to Original has DRC and stereo speakers The House is impressive and blends FEATURES 2x 3in drivers; 2x select’ button, which would work well with a relatively hefty output. nicely with David Byrne’s vocals, 10W power output; enough apart from the way Philips although the double bass in My Love DAB, DAB+, FM has been so keen to stay faithful to Don’t push it Is causes some cabinet rattle ● tuners; Bluetooth; 15 presets per mode the retro look that it’s used tiny fonts At low-to-medium volumes the DISTRIBUTOR that are barely legible even in good Original has a well defi ned sound. VERDICT Philips UK ambient light. The result is that you Billie Jean is energetic, with a decent Performs best at lower volumes, and ease of have to keep referring to the poor bass underpinning the higher use is sacrificed to stay true to its retro style Ikea-style user guide. Alternatively, frequencies of the guitar, keyboards there’s an app that uses Bluetooth, and Michael’s vocals. There’s

Mini test verdict

ALTHOUGH THEY ALL look means diffi cult to operate, distinctly different, the four models thanks to external preset here vary only slightly in terms of buttons and a handy remote WINNER features. In fourth place is the Philips control. Its display is visually Ruark’s refresh of the Original Radio, which adopts the impressive and its sonic R1 has a super slick retro look of a 60-year-old design performance is generally display that – uniquely classic without unfortunately pretty decent, but it’s rather in present company at least – includes updating some of the original’s lacking in power and higher scrolling track weaknesses. It may look pleasingly frequencies distort as the information with characterful, but its operating system volume goes up. Bluetooth playback. remains too retrograde with hard to In second place is the There’s no remote read labels and a dated LCD display. Revo SuperSignal, which is control and the radio Even its app is frustratingly arguably an ugly duckling preset buttons have been removed, but rudimentary. Sound-wise it has with a busy, throwback fascia otherwise the changes decent grunt, but lacks fi nesse with that won’t please everyone and a bass does need calibrating, but are for the better and more testing material. unnecessarily large remote control. luckily it offers EQ adjustment, and performance is reliably Third spot goes to the Pure Evoke But that lovely OLED display sets the with aptX onboard it delivers an first rate with all types D4 Mio Bluetooth, which is a very benchmark for design excellence and impressively powerful and beefy of sources. pleasing model to look at and is by no it’s a fairly easy model to operate. Its sound for its size.

When choosing a DAB radio it’s vital to consider how you’ll use it. Do you and what angle of view the display offers. You’d be mad not to visit a dealer require easy access to certain basic features such as volume, power and and hear for yourself what a radio sounds like, and with Bluetooth models preset buttons from the comfort of your bed? Would a remote be of benefit? you should have a couple of favourite tracks lined up on your phone that the Are external buttons a deal breaker over menu-based control? Maybe a salesperson can let you try. Listening also gives you the chance to play with HELP & ADVICE compromise could be made for a model that offers superior aesthetics or the menu system, ask if you can alter the EQ and see how easy it is. Is class-leading sonics. For kitchen use, consider how easy it will be to clean portability important and if so, think about the possibility of battery use.

104 JANUARY 2015

LIMITED EXTRAS

Bowers & Wilkins T7 Bluetooth loudspeaker

UP UNTIL RECENTLY B&W’s speakers for portable media players have been aimed exclusively at owners of Apple’s products. Meaning that the vast swathes of the population that don’t use an iPhone or iPod have had to look elsewhere to fi nd a way to get music off of their phone or music player. But then aptX came along and changed the hi-fi landscape, making Bluetooth a viable way to transmit music without cables. The new T7 represents the company’s fi rst foray into the world of Bluetooth, meaning that Android users can fi nally join in the fun. Given that the loudspeaker specialist is well-regarded for its seriously impressive range of hi-fi and home cinema speakers, you’d never expect the T7 to be like the cheap and cheerful Bluetooth speakers that are ten a penny, and Under the hood there’s a pair of T7 a workout by streaming a lossless sure enough it looks a little different full-range 50mm drivers, driven by FLAC fi le of Sparrow, a rather sparse to the norm. The cabinet design is a two Class D amplifi ers, while a electronic piece from her album One bit boxy but feels pleasingly robust, high-output bass radiator is placed On One. The fi rst thing that strikes weighing in at 950g. There’s a matte around the back. The T7 utilises the me is the impressive depth of the black rubber trim around the same DAC and DSP as B&W’s Z2 bass. Positioned about 30cm away outside – the sort that looks like it Apple wireless speakers. from the wall the T7 has the sort will be a magnet to dust and greasy Socketry is limited to a 3.5mm of tight, meaty lower frequencies fi ngerprints, but thankfully isn’t – headphone out, an input for charging that are missing from most rival into which the controls are recessed. (it takes four hours to fully top up and Bluetooth speakers, with very little They aren’t particularly easy to see lasts 18 hours) and a service port, but sense of overhang. The sharp, and I fi nd that they need to be given no USB for charging additional devices. crunchy midband is also impressive, quite a substantial prod to work, Pairing is ridiculously simple. Hold starting and stopping with precision although this might become easier down the standby button on the side, and alacrity, while giving the track a with familiarisation over time. turn the Bluetooth on your portable powerful pulsating feel. device on, and then wait for the two Hexagon in 60 seconds to discover one another. It all happens It might get loud The gun-metal grille appears to fl oat in a matter of seconds and is the sort Switching to something a bit more inside the chassis, thanks to a clear of process that even Luddites will upbeat, The Heavy’s How You Like plastic hexagonal surround derived struggle to get wrong. The T7 can Me Now has a full sound that even from the Matrix internal bracing remember up to eight devices and when cranked up loud doesn’t used in B&W’s reference 800 Series produces an electronic chirp to let distort like so many portable rivals Diamond speakers. Originally you know that it’s worked. can, while that hexagon bracing designed for use in a concept car for Interestingly, B&W commissioned appears to be doing the business as Jaguar that didn’t make it to market, electronica artiste Mira Calix to ‘write’ there’s no sign of resonance. The it provides substantial stiffening DETAILS the audio cues the T7 produces. In sound fi res out into the room to keep resonance to a minimum. truth, I can’t help wondering if it was coherently painting big, bold PRICE The honeycomb structure is an £300 worth the effort and just how much three-dimensional images that are interesting design feature that is TELEPHONE time Calix put into composing them, comfortably among the best I’ve best described as an acquired taste. 0800 2321513 but it’s a nice touch nonetheless. I heard from a wireless portable. I like the way that it lets light WEBSITE manage to pair my MacBook Pro, Sure, it isn’t cheap, but if you’re through, stopping it from being just bowers-wilkins.co.uk iPod and Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus serious about a way to enjoy music another black box, but you’ll really with the minimum of fuss. from your phone or media player OUR VERDICT need to see it in the fl esh to decide Left nonplussed by Mira Calix’s without wires, the T7 has to be near for yourself. audio cues, I opt instead to give the the very top of your list. JDW

JANUARY 2015 107 Discover the IsoTek Effect

Mains electricity is distorted by numerous factors as it travels from power stations to our homes, eroding your systems performance. The New Discovery Range from IsoTek delivers highly effective yet eminently affordable solutions to enhance sound and picture quality, whilst also protecting your valuable equipment from power surges and voltage spikes.*

“A distinct cleaning up of the sound... “A marked benefit for dynamic range, a consequence of lowering the noise floor, as well as a refinement and a general opening up of the soundstage”

IsoTek EVO3 Premier, Hi-Fi Choice, March 2013

EVO3 Premier IsoTek’s most affordable power able range. range. able cable has at its core three 2sqmm conductors made from 99.9999% OFC (oxygen-free copper) and coated in silver to aid conductivity, with a Teflon FEP dielectric extruded over each conductor. A cotton filler is used to give the cable internal strength and reduce microphony whilst maintaining dielectric performance. The cable is terminated with high-quality 24ct gold connectors, designed and manufactured by IsoTek rather than bought off the shelf. No similarly priced power cable is constructed to such a high specification, with correspondingly impressive benefits to sound and picture quality.

• 24ct gold connectors • Silver plated OFC conductors • Teflon FEP dielectric • 16A current capability • C15, C19 and C7 IEC options • 1.5m standard length “More space, lower noise and greater EVO3 Polaris resolution... An increase in timing Cost effective high-performance power precision, depth of bass and a much distribution strip that cleans Common and Differential Mode noise from the greater sense of musical flow” mains as well as offering surge and spike protection. IsoTek EVO3 Polaris, Hi-Fi Choice, March 2013 Protection against power surges and voltage spikes relates specifically to IsoTek power conditioners and not the IsoTek power c and not the IsoTek power conditioners IsoTek to specifically relates spikes and voltage power surges against Protection *

For your free brochure: IsoTek products are distributed by Sound Fowndations. +44 (0)1276 501 392 [email protected] www. soundfowndations.co.uk www.isoteksystems.com | www.shop.isoteksystems.com Discover IsoTek www.facebook.com/isoteksystems EXTRAS

Kate Koeppel Record dividers

ONE OF THE best things about her own. The result is the rather having a big record collection – beautiful set of wooden dividers apart from listening to it – is you see before you here. listening to it while reorganising Available with the tab positioned on how you have it fi led on your shelf. the side for shelving or on top (for So how do you organise yours? Do record boxes), the hand-made wooden you go for genre, alphabetically by dividers come with the letters laser artist or album, chronologically or cut out or engraved into the wood. even colour? If the many record that each collections of friends and colleagues The look of love one is 6mm I’ve seen over the years highlight From the second you unpackage the thick, meaning one thing, it’s that how you beautifully designed box the dividers that you’ll need a categorise your records is a very come in, you very quickly realise that spare 17cm of space personal thing that makes perfect this is a product of complete and utter on your shelf to squeeze DETAILS sense to you, and you alone. But beauty. Sure, the best part of £500 is all 26 dividers on! PRICE Stenciled: £395 what if you want to fi nd a way of a sizeable chunk of change to blow Obviously, they won’t reveal Engraved: £450 neatly organising your records like on a way to alphabetise your vinyl, previously undiscovered subtleties in TELEPHONE they are in record stores? This was but if you’re as passionate about your your vinyl and they certainly won’t 0118 9814238 a problem that American designer collection as I think you are, you’ll change the way that you listen, but WEBSITE Kate Koeppel faced a few years ago, be delighted with your investment. as far as ways of organising your soundfowndations. co.uk only to discover that the solutions The wood has been beautifully crafted record collection go, they’re just that existed were plasticky and not by Koeppel and her team of carpenters, about the most beautiful answer to OUR VERDICT particularly stylish. So Kate went and the dividers are truly exquisite the problem that I’ve seen. A great away and decided to come up with things to behold. The only downside is addition to any collection. JDW

ISOkinetik Silver Melody 1.1 interconnect cables

PERSONALLY, I LOVE silver interconnects, but having cables made from solid silver comes at a price. I was, therefore, delighted to have the opportunity to try out some ‘budget’ works in a similar way to star supported in the plastic ring and offerings from ISOkinetik. earthing to eliminate the effects of there is no danger of it breaking off The Silver Melody 1.1 interconnects eddy current turbulence, capacitive during insertion. may be a low-cost range, but there is reactance and micro-arcing. The Following a good stint of the nothing cheap in their construction. earthing pin is housed in a plastic essential process of running in the The conductors are made from ring that fi ts over the standard phono cables, I am rewarded with a sound DETAILS 99.99% pure silver. Four solid silver socket in the normal way. The cables that does not disappoint and that lives PRICE wires are used for each cable – two are fully screened and fi nished off in up to my expectations for a set of £180 for 1m cables plus £50 for each for the signal and two for the earth a fancy purple sleeving. silver interconnects. The overall extra 0.5m return. The cables are terminated sound they deliver is highly detailed TELEPHONE with the splendid KLE (aka Keith Get to the point and at the same time full bodied and 0208 2418890 Louis Eichmann) Silver Harmony I have no concerns with connecting smooth. Performances are transparent WEBSITE RCA phono plugs. These plugs feature the KLE Silver Harmonys as they push and open with excellent imaging, isokinetik.co.uk KLE’s proprietary high-purity copper on very snugly, but without the need while the transients are fresh and OUR VERDICT conductors with a dense, high-purity to apply any undue force. Unlike sparkling. These are great value silver plating. The plugs also have a some other single-point earth RCA interconnects with a performance single-point earth connection that plugs, the KLE earth pin is fully that is far from being ‘budget’. NR

JANUARY 2015 109 EXTRAS

NAD PP 4 phono/USB preamp

IF YOU WANT to enjoy the has separate phono socket inputs for setting for ‘78s and badly worn delights of vinyl, but your amplifi er each type of cartridge. This will be vinyl’, ‘cassette tapes’ and ‘reel-to- does not have a phono input, you of particular interest to anyone that reel tapes’, as well as built-in RIAA will need to invest in an external wants to use it with two record decks and reverse RIAA equalisation phono amplifi er that can make use fi tted with different types of cartridge. (although the PP 4 provides the of a spare line input on your amp. They can both be left plugged in and equalisation necessary for records). The PP 4 digital phono USB the switch used to select between If you are a more advanced user, preamplifi er is one such solution them. An additional button on the you may wish to purchase the full and offers the additional benefi t of rear panel selects between the phono version of the software for an a USB interface to allow a direct inputs and the line input. An earth additional cost that includes a full connection to your PC for making binding post is also included on the set of sound cleaning fi lters and high-quality digital copies of your rear for earthing the record deck. user-confi gurable FFT (Fast Fourier records. The USB output utilises the The supplied VinylStudio Lite Transform) fi lters. PP 4’s internal analogue-to-digital software is specifi cally designed for convertor, thus bypassing the the job of digitising records and Plug and play computer’s inferior sound card. cassettes and features a number of I fi rst connect the PP 4 to my hi-fi via The PP 4 comes with a shielded simple built-in tools to make this the line out to see how it performs USB cable and features a recording incredibly easy. with my record deck, which has a level control. Additionally there’s a The software works with both moving coil cartridge fi tted. I fi nd 24V DC wall-wart power supply, Windows and Macintosh computers that this little budget box does a very while an auto power-down feature and is intended to be simpler to use respectable job of delivering good saves energy by automatically than a conventional audio editor, to quality audio to my system. My switching it off when it’s not in use. make the job of transferring albums Sheffi eld Labs Direct to Disc LP VinylStudio Lite software is also to your computer straightforward. recording of I’ve Got The Music In Me supplied for ripping LPs and burning For example, it includes a ‘wait for by Thelma Houston produces a very audio CDs. needle down’ feature that will exciting performance that is very automatically start the recording clear and melodic. There is no Connect four when it detects the stylus dropping tendency for the loud passages to The PP 4 features inputs for both into the groove and will stop sound cramped, which often MM (moving magnet) and low recording when the arm is lifted at happens with this disc on less noise MC (moving coil) types to suit the end of the side. Another excellent capable phono stages. a wide variety of phono cartridges. feature is that even if you play a I then connect the PP 4 to my PC There is also a line input to allow DETAILS record at the wrong speed, via the USB connector to make a for the digitising of cassette or open PRICE VinylStudio will convert the audio to digital copy of the record. The reel tapes or any other analogue £169 the correct speed digitally. For VinylStudio Lite software is very source, such as an FM radio. The TELEPHONE example, you can play a 45rpm straightforward to use and the WAV DAC produces 16-bit/48kHz 01732 740944 record on a deck that only has 33rpm fi le recording sounds just as superb. WEBSITE sampling and the RIAA phono stage nadelectronics.com speed and VinylStudio will fi x it for The partnership of the VinylStudio incorporates a sub-sonic fi lter to you – clever indeed! Lite software with the NAD PP 4 is reduce the effect of warped records. OUR VERDICT The supplied ‘Lite’ version of the certainly very successful and makes In addition to a MM/MC cartridge software includes some basic fi lters the package an excellent value and switch on the rear panel, the PP 4 that do all the work for you, such as a highly versatile product. NR

110 JANUARY 2015

THAT’S JUST WRONG.

And so is settling for mediocre sound. Visit a Clarity Alliance retailer and they’ll show you how to feast on audio… the right way.

e all want more from our home W entertainment. Standard TV sound is poor. Standard bundled headphones are rubbish. $nd that ȵims\ standard speaNer Fable" That’s really rubbish.

You deserve better – and members of The &larit\ $llianFe Fan help \ou ȴnd the riJht answers. We’re the onl\ independent retailers who are trained to industr\aJreed standards to Jive unparalleled levels of produFt adviFe and serviFe. TaNe \our time and rela[ in dediFated listeninJ rooms tr\ a variet\ of eTuipment and musiF audition and stud\ eaFh item see how it maNes \ou feel. )ind the riJht one and it’s liNe listeninJ in FolourȐ

WHAT WE OFFER...

EAST Bartletts Hi Fi Unilet Sound & Vision Fanthorpes P J Hi-Fi SOUTH CENTRAL Basically Sound ΖslinJton New Malden Hull Guildford Overture 1orwiFh ZZZ.bartlettsKiȴ.coP www.unilet.net www.fanthorpes.co.uk www.pMhiȴ.co.uk %anbur\ basicallysound.co.uk 020 7607 2148 020 8942 9567 01482 223096 01483 504 801 www.overture.co.uk 01362 820 800 Billy Vee MIDLANDS NORTH WEST Soundcraft Hi-Fi 01295 272 158 Martins Hi-Fi Sound Systems Nottingham Acoustica Ashford Oxford Audio Consultants 1orwiFh Lewisham Hi-Fi Centre Chester www.soundcrafthiȴ.com Oxford ZZZ.ParWinsKiȴ.co.uk www.billyvee.co.uk NottinJham www.acoustica.co.uk 01233 624 441 www.oxfordaudio.co.uk 01603 627 010 020 8318 5755 nottinghamhiȴ 01244 344 227 SCOTLAND 01865 790 879 LONDON Grahams Hi-Fi centre.co.uk SOUTH EAST Glasgow Audio Phase 3 Adair Acoustic Design &it\ of London 0115 978 6919 Home Media GlasJow WorthinJ &lerNenwell www.grahams.co.uk NORTH EAST Maidstone www.glasgowaudio.com www.phase3.co.uk adairacoustic 020 7226 5500 Sound Organisation www.thehomeofhiȴ.com 0141 332 4707 01903 245577 design.co.uk Oranges & Lemons YorN 01622 676 703 Holburn Hi-Fi The Sound Gallery 020 7253 2326 Clapham www.soundorg.co.uk Ζnȴdelity Aberdeen HiJh W\Fombe www.oandlhiȴ.co.uk 01904 627 108 .inJstononThames www.holburnhiȴ.co.uk www.soundgallery.co.uk 020 7924 2040 www.inȴdelity.co.uk 01224 585 713 01494 531682 020 8943 3530

SUPPORTED BY

/ClarityAlliance @clarityalliance clarityalliance.co.uk EXTRAS

Black Rhodium Samba VS-1 loudspeaker cable

BASED ON BLACK Rhodium’s and out, without the wrestle other makes sense of the pile-driving bass existing Samba loudspeaker cable, designs can sometimes give. After riff, thunderous drums, searing the Samba VS-1 has a few running the cables in for an extended electric buzz-sawing guitars and enhancements. The cable’s core period, the immediate impression intense vocals, enabling previously geometry remains the same – 19 from playing Stevie Wonder’s Master unappreciated acoustic guitar and strands of 13-gauge silver-plated Blaster on CD is of a very open, clean congas to come through cleanly. copper conductors insulated in thick and expansive image. The cable As well as richly complex music, it silicone rubber terminated with comes across as very neutral with works brilliantly with stripped out Graham Nalty’s Legacy GN-1 a hint of extra treble extension, material. It almost seems to gently rhodium-plated banana plugs. The especially when compared with the aid the ‘contrast’ of your music, VS-1 added to the name denotes the entry-level Twist and Twirl ranges. enabling midband detail and vocals addition of ‘vibration stabilisation’. Bass control is excellent and highly in particular to press slightly forward This is achieved through a hefty, tuneful – potentially due to the out of the mix, while deeper bass machined weight that is positioned claimed low impedance of this cable and the gaps between notes take a half way along each gently twisted – enabling amplifi ers to maintain a step backwards. Silences subjectively cable length. fi rm grip on bass drivers. But it’s the feel a little darker, but no detail is The cable is reassuringly heavy ‘see through’ quality of the stereo lost. If anything, this added level of and the quality of fi nishing and image that feels most special here. contrast enables fi ne detail around terminations is excellent. Black Stevie’s lush organ notes, rich vocals, the decay of notes to ebb away much Rhodium claims the cables have funky bass riffs and explosive rim more convincingly. relatively low impedance, which shots are all beautifully layered in could be useful if you need to use a highly transparent and very wide Heart of glass longer runs. Positive and negative sound stage. This cable uses a whole The cable performs even stronger signal fl ows are also said to be host of different technologies to with valve amplifi cation. The quality connected in opposite directions reduce the impact of radio frequency of the midband communication for a lower noise fl oor. interference as well as the distortion comes into its own and the extended that can be caused by electromagnetic treble detail and bass control lend Good connection fi elds and physical vibrations. And support where most needed with Purists will appreciate that the this near forensic attention to detail valves. The Samba VS-1 is ideally ‘straight line’ connector plugs are appears to have paid off, with few suited to orchestral music and joined to the cable without solder places left for signal problems to classical fans will appreciate its and the combination of engineered reside between amplifi er and ability to tease out complex layers crimping with an additional screw speakers. Loosening the screw clamp of rich instrumentation. But it is clamp should mean terminations DETAILS that holds the vibration stabilising equally at home with more intimate last a lifetime. The use of rhodium weight in place, I reposition the music where the perceived low PRICE plating is claimed by Black Rhodium £599 for 3m pair weight far closer to the amp outputs. distortion enables subtle voices and to provide a superior connection TELEPHONE I feel this is where it provides the acoustic instruments to communicate between your components. 01332 342233 maximum benefi t in reducing the their full emotional content. The design of the rhodium-plated WEBSITE vibrational energy likely to be These feature-packed cables are banana plugs feel a little less snug blackrhodium.co.uk generated by the amplifi er, but do a sensibly priced upgrade that will than more traditional designs, but experiment in your own system. bring positive virtues to many OUR VERDICT they make a reassuring connection Playing a lossless rip of The Cult’s musical styles and systems. and are pleasantly simple to swap in Naturally High, the Samba easily Thoroughly recommended. CW

JANUARY 2015 113  BRANDSALREADYBOOKED WITHMOREBOOKINGWEEKLY

THnND&EBRUARYAMnPMEVERYDAYATTHE"RISTOL-ARRIOTT#ITY#ENTRE(OTEL

() &) (/-%#).%-! 02/*%#4/23 6).9, 4(%9!2%!,,!4"2)34/, !NDTHEREARELOTSMORESURPRISESINSTORE

✔ 4HE5+SLARGESTANDLONGESTRUNNING (I &IAND(OME#INEMA3HOW NOWIN ITSTHYEAR
✔ 6ISITTHE7HAT(I &I MAGAZINESTANDFOR ADEMONSTRATIONORANANSWERTOANY QUESTIONSYOUMIGHTHAVE ✔ 0ICKUPAFANTASTIC3HOWBARGAIN "UY9OUR WITHGREATDEALSONMOSTPURCHASES
4ICKETS !$-)33)/. !DULTS/NE$AY a+/&() &)4/"%7/. aONTHEDOOR\aONLINE /NLINE 4WO$AYSa ).4(%7(!4() &) 3(/7#/-0%4)4)/. 3!6% !DDITIONALaPAYABLEAT3HOW 3TUDENTS3ENIORSOVER ✔ 3PEAKDIRECTLYTOTHEJOURNALISTS THE3PEAK DIRECTLY TO THE JOURNALISTS THE OVER aONTHEDOOR\aONLINE MANUFACTURERSANDTHEDESIGNERS
4WO$AYSa WWWBRISTOLSHOWCOUK !DDITIONALaPAYABLEAT3HOW ✔ %NJOY#ABOT#IRCUSSHOPPINGAND ENTERTAINMENTAREAWITHEASYPARKINGRIGHT 3TUDENTSRECEIVEA&2%% PAIROFIN EARHEADPHONES NEXTTOTHEHOTEL WORTHa
6ALID3TUDENT)$CARDREQUIRED !CCOMPANIED#HILDREN 5NDER&2%%

"2!.$3).#,5$%!COUSTIC%NERGY !COUSTIC2ESEARCH !IR!UDIO !LPHA$ESIGN,ABS!$, !NTHEM !NTHEM!63OLUTIONS !POLLO !RCAM !RIA !RMOUR(OME%LECTRONICS !RT6INYL ART %XCLUSIVE-ONTH &2%%TRIALOF1OBUZ ONE !STELL+ERN !TACAMA!UDIO !TLAS#ABLES !UDEN$ISTRIBUTION !UDIO$ETAIL !UDIO .OTE !UDIO4ECHNICA !UDIOLAB !UDIONET !UDIOPAX !UDIOQUEST !64ECH3OLUTIONS !64ECH-EDIA "EDINI "ENCHMARK-EDIA3YSTEMS "LUE(ORIZON "OWERS7ILKINS "OX DESIGN "RICASTI$ESIGNS "RODMANN!COUSTICS "RYSTON #ANOR!UDIO #ANTON #%NTRANCE #(0RECISION #HORD#OMPANY #HORD%LECTRONICS #LEARAUDIO #OCKTAIL!UDIO #OMPUTER 2ECEIVEA&2%%1OBUZ !UDIO$ESIGN #OMPUTERS5NLIMITED #REAKTIV #YRUS $ALI $EVIALET $IVERSE6INYL $YNAUDIO %($ %LAC %NTOTEM %PSON %XPOSURE &LAMINGO!UDIO &OCAL &OSTEX &URUTECH 'LOVE!UDIO BIT(I 2ES3HOW!LBUM 'OLDRING 'RADO (ARBETH!UDIO (EED!UDIO (EGEL (ENLEY$ESIGNS (I &I#HOICE (I &I .ETWORK (I &I.EWS (I &I2ACKS (I &I7ORLD (I &I (I&I#RITIC (OME#INEMA#HOICE (UTTER 2EQUIRESCREDITCARDVALIDATION 2ACKTIME )!' )CON!UDIO I&I!UDIO IN AKUSTIK )SO!COUSTICS )SO4EK *ENVING%LECTRONICS *,!UDIO *6# +%& +EITH-ONKS +NOSTI +UDOS!UDIO ,EHMANN ,(,ABS ,IGHT(ARMONIC ,ONG$OG!UDIO -ASS&IDELITY -#25 -ELCO -ICHELL%NGINEERING -ING$A6ALVE!UDIO GETTING TO THE SHOW 5+ -ONITOR!UDIO -USIC&IRST!UDIO -USIC(ALL -USICAL&IDELITY -USIC7ORKS .AGAOKA BY TRAIN: Temple Meads Station is a short .AIM!UDIO .AIM,ABEL .ORDOST .ORMA .U.U$ISTRIBUTION /KKI.OKKI /PTOMA /RTOFON distance from the Marriott. 0ARADIGM 0EACHTREE!UDIO 0IONEER 0LAYTO 0-# 0OWER7RAP 0RISTINE6INYL 0RO *ECT BY CAR: From the M4 take J19 (M32 - Bristol). 0RO!C 03" 1!COUSTICS 1%$ 1UAD 1UADRAL 1UADRASPIRE 2ED3PARK-USIC 2EGA 2%, !COUSTICS 2OHDE3CHWARZ 2OKSAN 2UARK!UDIO 3CREEN)NNOVATIONS 3#6$ISTRIBUTION Follow signs for City Centre and RAC signs to 3ELECT!UDIO 3ILENT-OUNTS 3)- 3IMPLE!UDIO 3ONIC#ONCEPT 3ONIC$ESIGN 3ONNETEER the Show. For those using satellite navigation 3ONY 3OUND&OWNDATIONS 3PENDOR 33# 3TACK!UDIO 3UPRA#ABLES 3643UNOKO 6ENT systems the hotel post code is BS1 3AD. Easy 3YGNIl 4!$ 4ANNOY 4ECHNICS 4ELLURIUM1 4IMESTEP 4ONAR)NTERNATIONAL 4OWNSHEND!UDIO local parking in Cabot Circus car park and 4RINNOV 5NISON2ESEARCH VANDEN(UL 6INYLS"EST 6IVAC 7HARFEDALE 7HAT(I &I 3OUND Broadmead and Bond Street NCPs. AND6ISION 7ILSON"ENESCH 9AMAHAANDMOREBOOKINGWEEKLY

www.bristolshow.co.uk

&ORTHELATESTNEWSANDA FULLLISTOFBRANDSEXHIBITING /RGANISEDBY )NASSOCIATIONWITH PLEASEVISITOURWEBSITE EXTRAS

Miyajima Kotetu Mono MC Cartridge

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT mono recordings that can provide a really special listening experience that has to be heard to be believed. When we talk about monophonic, we mean a true mono recording not a mono mix of a stereo master tape, which is no different from hitting the mono button on your receiver. Also, beware of “electronically re-processed for stereo” mixes, which are made from the mono recording and have been through a process to give a stereo effect – they sound awful! What we’re talking about here are real monophonic recordings that have unique mixes that are separate from any stereo counterparts that may exist. These are generally what the music team has spent more time producing and, therefore, offer a truer is a passionate music lover who totally blended together and I get representation of what the album started off making only mono the feeling that all the performers should sound like. cartridges. He now also makes are working as a team. The trumpet high-end stereo cartridges. has a staggering clarity that The one and only The Kotetu is the entry-level mono somehow seems positioned more To enjoy such recordings you’ll need offering from the range of high-end forward than the other instruments. a dedicated mono cartridge. Why Miyajima mono and stereo cartridges. Next up is a great Parlophone not simply use a stereo one, we hear Two versions are available – the mono record of instrumental you ask. It will work, but the quality monaural cartridge for LPs reviewed versions of The Beatles’ hits entitled is inferior to a mono model. here that is fi tted with a 0.7mm Off The Beatle Track, performed by Although the signal on the left and conical diamond stylus and requires George Martin and his orchestra. right channels should in theory be a tracking force of 3.0-4.5g and a The fi rst track – All My Loving – identical, that is never going to be version for 78rpm records fi tted with demonstrates the classic evocative the case in practice. Any differences a 3mm conical diamond stylus. Both strings sound, typical of recordings between the channels will be provide an output of 0.5mV and have of the sixties. George Harrison’s distortions and surface noise from an impedance of 4ohms. Don’t Bother Me has the melody the playing process and these will The cartridge makes use of the played on a harmonica which, as be faithfully reproduced by the two Miyajima vertical axis concentration, with the Miles Davis track, seems to halves of the stereo amplifying which ensures that it responds be situated in front of the orchestra. process. A mono cartridge produces accurately to the horizontal a single signal from the record and modulation of a mono signal. It The diff erence is clear many of the distortions from the left should be noted that the cartridge is Finally, I try a selection from a set and right groove walls are cancelled intended for mono records only and of mono library music LPs from the out at the source. should not be used to play a stereo publisher Mozart Edition. These The Miyajima Kotetu Mono record as the internal structure of the contain light orchestral music that moving coil cartridge is a true cantilever support is different and was popular in the sixties and audiophile-quality cartridge for may damage your LP. seventies. Once again, I am struck mono afi cionados. Every cartridge DETAILS After installing the cartridge and by the amazing clarity combined is handcrafted in-house by a team PRICE setting up my tonearm, I put on a with an apparent openness to the of six full-time staff that’s based in £295 mono recording of Miles Davis’ Kind sound where the music feels in no Fukuoka, Japan. The company has TELEPHONE Of Blue. My stereo copy is clearly a way constrained. 01803 833366 been making phono cartridges for separate derivative from the master If you have a collection of mono WEBSITE more than three decades, but these soundhifi.com as it is very much ‘sax on the left, records and can easily swap have only recently found their way trumpet in the middle and drums on cartridges, or better still, if you have into the American and European OUR VERDICT the right’! This mono recording, two arms fi tted to your turntable, markets. With several patents under however, is a totally different this is without doubt the best way his belt, founder Noriyuki Miyajima experience, with all the instruments to listen to your recordings. NR

JANUARY 2015 115 GUIDE TO... Looking after your record collection Taking care of your precious vinyl is just as important as the correct maintenance of the equipment you play it on, here’s why

eing a physical medium So, to continually get the best sound and, secondly, more dirt may have for the storage of audio, from your vinyl, each record needs found its way onto the record from a B records are more prone to be kept clean and stored in an contaminated sleeve or album cover. than other media to appropriate manner. It may come as quite a surprise to degradation from neglect. Any many to read that we also strongly imperfection of the playing surface Clean up your act recommend cleaning brand new is likely to fi nd its way into the audio When you get your newly purchased records. People have recalled that chain and result in all manner of record home, the fi rst thing to do is to during the heyday of vinyl in the unwanted effects to the signal. give it a good clean. This is important seventies and eighties many Your collection of vinyl is valuable. for both new and second-hand vinyl. audiophiles used to routinely return This value is likely to be more than Surface dirt shows up as an increase new records due to what they the original fi nancial outlay you made in background noise, a reduction in considered to be noisy pressings. in assembling it all. In addition, many instrument focus and the presence of In fact, it was quite likely that the of your records are irreplaceable and clicks and pops while playing. Quite surface noise was just the effect of are of a quality that is far superior to apart from the huge improvement in mould-release agent in the groove. that obtainable from modern digital sound quality, cleaning will also help Few people thought about cleaning media, such as MP3s. reduce the wear of your precious new records in those days and several stylus and records. commented at the time that the noise Second-hand records will need to be reduced if the record was played a cleaned properly to remove dust, dirt few times. This was doubtless the and debris that will have accumulated result of the stylus cleaning out in the groove from the previous some of the aforementioned owner. Even if the record has been mould-release agent. cleaned before selling, it is still worth Now that we have established the cleaning it yourself. This is for two need to clean any record, what is the reasons – fi rstly, you don’t know how best way to do it? Well, there is no thorough the previous cleaning was substitute for a wet clean of the

116 JANUARY 2015 GUIDE TO...

cleaning machines on the market that SPECIFIC DISASTERS will do a fi rst-rate job, although it will Alas, the odd scratch is going to happen be a much slower process. These are sometime, even to the most careful great for individual purchases and of audiophiles, and the only way of small batches. Examples of such eliminating this is by digitally recording the record on your computer and using machines are the Spin Clean record software to remove the offending click. washer at £80 and the Knosti Disco This procedure has been covered by a Antistat at £50. In the case of the previous guide in this series – Digitising LPs Knosti, a bath is fi lled with the and Cassettes in the July 2014 issue. The list of other unwanted items that we supplied re-usable cleaning fl uid and have come across that can get deposited the LP is clamped in a spindle that on a record includes candle wax! Should playing surface using a proprietary An HFC award also protects the label. This assembly this happen do not attempt to use heat to record cleaning fl uid. There are many winner, the Okki is then inserted between two brushes remove the wax by melting it off. Quite Nokki is an apart from the risk of melting the surface excellent options available on the excellent way to housed within a bath containing the of the LP, you are more likely to cause market and the choice will largely clean lots of discs cleaning fl uid. The disc is rotated the wax to run further into the groove. A better course of action is to put the LP in depend on how deep your pockets several times in both directions in a refrigerator to make the wax solid and are. Firstly, there are the semi- the bath before being removed and brittle. Paraffin wax (the wax used to make automatic record cleaning machines placed in the rack to dry. The clamp domestic candles) contracts on cooling and becomes quite brittle. Solid paraffin (RCMs) that can apply the fl uid, can then be removed ready to clean wax has a density of about 0.9g/mL brush it into the groove and vacuum the next disc. whereas in liquid form it has a density it out, leaving you with a record in around 0.8g/mL. This means that when it is cooled, it should contract and pull itself off pristine condition. The dust and dirt Keeping it clean the groove wall and you may then find that are held in suspension in the cleaning Whatever method you use, your the now brittle wax will lift off in one piece. fl uid, which ends up in a reservoir lovely clean LP is now ready to be Any residue should be cleaned carefully by using a lint-free cloth soaked in a mixture of contained within the machine and is inserted into its sleeve. However, if isopropyl alcohol and distilled water, emptied away at the end of cleaning the record was purchased second- rubbing gently along the groove. Finally, a batch of LPs. At the very top end hand, the last thing you want to do clean the record in a cleaning machine. of the range, there are cleaning is insert your clean LP into the A second-hand record that has come from a house with smokers is easy to detect machines that also clean the record old sleeve as it will be instantly as the album will have the unmistakable ultrasonically, like the KLAudio at contaminated with the dirt left in smell of stale tobacco smoke. Inevitably, around £2,800 and the Audio Desk there! Instead, use a brand new sticky nicotine deposits will have contaminated the playing surface and this model at about £2,000. Then there is polyethylene sleeve and insert that can act as a trap for dust and dirt, as well as the well-known Keith Monks range into the cover. If the old record sleeve potentially damaging your precious stylus. starting from £1,300, which has a is a collector’s item, it can be stored Obviously, a good clean using a wet cleaner and replacing the inner sleeve is superb reputation, as well as the inside the album cover, but should essential before attempting to play your never be used to hold the vinyl. new acquisition for the first time. No matter how clean Incidentally, when inserting any sleeve into the album cover, always your records are, rotate it through 90° to the cover so your environment and setup, it can be they will always the open edge is uppermost inside effectively neutralised by the use of the sleeve when it is stored vertically. an anti-static gun. A manual device attract airborne dust This will prevent dust from entering like the Milty Zerostat at around £50 through the opening. or a more sophisticated electronic excellent Moth RCMs for around the Another advantage of using a new device like the Orb Sakura DeStat £500 mark. At the budget end of polyethylene sleeve is that they are Handheld Static Charge Eliminator market is the extremely good Okki usually anti-static. Static charge is for £290 will do an excellent job. Nokki machine that retails for £399 another enemy of good sound No matter how clean your records (HFC 383). In the latter case, the reproduction and this can be induced are in their sleeves, they will always cleaning process involves mixing the by the act of sliding a record in or attract airborne dust when they are bottle of concentrated cleaner out of a sleeve if it does not have out in the open, so they should be supplied with the device with a litre anti-static properties. Charges can given a quick wipe with a suitable Priced at £80 the of purifi ed water and applying the Spin Clean is an also be built up during playing and anti-static dust remover before fl uid to the record surface, being affordable way when they discharge they result in an dropping the stylus into the groove. careful to avoid the record label area. to clean records audible click. If static is a problem in Either a felt pad record cleaning A special brush is used to spread and scrub the playing surface in both directions for three revolutions each way. Finally, a powerful vacuum then Knosti’s Disco- cleans off the entire surface in one Antistat is a simple cleaning solution that further revolution and a fi nal spin won’t break the bank leaves the grooves bone dry. The process is then repeated for the second side and the job is done. All these machines are ideal if you have a large collection of records to be cleaned as you can rattle through them quite quickly. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, fear not. There are several manual wet

JANUARY 2015 117 GUIDE TO...

7IN SINGLES Many collectable recordings from the fifties and sixties are likely to be in the form of 7in singles recorded at 45rpm. These records may have their own issues, such as a worn centre hole from regular playing on autochangers, or having the large 1.5in diameter centre hole that was required if the record was to be played in a juke box. Most of these singles have a removable centre section that can be popped out to convert the record for juke box use. If the Milty’s anti- Orb’s more small centre hole is worn, the best solution static gun is sophisticated is to pop out the centre section and either a steal at £50 £290 option use a 45rpm adapter when playing the record, or better still fit a 45rpm spindle adapter in each record, which will ensure it is perfectly aligned without having to bother with a turntable adapter. Singles were usually sold with a flimsy paper sleeve and this will be a problem for those special 45s in your collection. As there is no cardboard cover, an outer plastic sheath should be used to contain both the record and the collectable paper sleeve. As with LPs, a new 7in polyethylene sleeve should be used to protect the record inside from getting dirt on it. Milty’s £23 Pro Polyethylene LP Super Exstatic sleeves are vital Carbon Fibre and inexpensive

brush or a carbon fi bre brush is time when you accidently knocked perfect for the job. The Milty Pro your tonearm and sent the stylus Super Exstatic Carbon Fibre, for skating across the record had nothing example, has both and can be to do with it! Scratches can also occur purchased for about £23. when dirt fi nds its way into the inner sleeve, hence the recommendation Rack ‘em up to replace them in the case of A warped record does pose a Under no circumstances should second-hand records. problem. The DIY approach is a bit records be piled up on top of one risky to say the least. If you want to other. This is one of the primary There’s no substitute give it a try, clamp the record between causes of warping, which manifests two pieces of glass and place in a itself in a whooshing sound or, in for a wet clean using warm oven heated to 80–90°C for extreme circumstances, makes the a proprietary record about 2 minutes. After this time, stylus leap out of the groove. Always remove the assembly and allow it to store your records vertically, side by cleaning fluid cool down at room temperature with side and not too tightly packed. a few books placed on the top piece of Keeping the temperature relatively Obviously, drink spills like tea, glass. Repeat the procedure if the LP stable is probably one of the more coffee and juice can be cleaned off is not fl attened satisfactorily – a important considerations, rather using one of the cleaning machines gradual approach is preferable to than the actual temperature. Rapid previously mentioned. Oils should trying to do it in one go as this is less temperature excursions can cause be wiped away and the record then likely to damage the playing surface. warping due to the change that this cleaned with a lint-free cloth soaked A safer solution is to use a proprietary causes throughout the vinyl. Having in a mixture of isopropyl alcohol record fl attener, such as the Orb Vinyl said that, a normal room temperature and distilled water. Finally clean the LP Record Flattener as this carefully of 18–21°C is considered to be ideal. record using a good wet cleaner. controls the heating zones and the Records that are in long-term storage However, should you be unlucky warming and cooling cycles. should also be stored vertically and at enough to spill a solvent on the However, such a clever machine has a stable temperature of around record – which dissolves the playing a high price tag of around £1,080. 7–10°C. surface – there is little to be done to With a little care and common Humidity is not really a major rescue the situation. sense, your records should last you a Orb’s Vinyl LP concern for vinyl, although the Record Flattener lifetime – and beyond. Undoubtedly, cardboard album sleeves are more is ideal for cleanliness is a key factor for perfect likely to be adversely affected by warped vinyl reproduction and following the a damp atmosphere. Very damp simple steps outlined here will enable conditions will also encourage mould you to get the best from what many growth, which is not good news. Try people will argue is still the highest and aim for a relative humidity of a quality music format ● nominal 45-50 percent. NEXT MONTH: Staying on the Accident repair subject of records, check out That tell-tale, repetitive click when our unmissable first part to you play a record tells you that a the history of recorded music! scratch has appeared. Of course, that

118 JANUARY 2015 CALL FOR ACTION! 01784 470881

O Smart Home Solutions O Home Cinema O Hi–Fi O Lighting

O www.customelectronicdesign.co.uk O Open Mon–Fri 10–6

O Kaleidescape O Oppo O Anthem Statement O Arcam O Datasat O Denon O Samsung O Sim2 O Sony O Stewart O Screen Innovations O Vutec O Amina O Dynaudio O Focal O PMC O Totem O Paradigm O Velodyne O Crestron O ProControl

O Design O Supply O Installation O Support

11 Charter Place, High Street, Egham, Surrey TW20 9EA COMPETITION

WIN: Chord Company cable loom Three cable looms to be won – give your hi-fi system the upgrade it deserves

ires are wires and they all sound The chosen ones can expect to receive principles as every other Chord Company the same, don’t they? This a Cadenza interconnect worth £250, a cable, meaning attention has been paid W outdated thinking might have C-power mains lead worth £50 and a pair of to shielding, conductors and termination. held some sway 10 or 15 years Odyssey speaker cables (you can specify the It’s ideal for giving all the IEC-enabled ago, but nowadays it’s widely agreed that perfect length up to 5m per side) worth up components in your system the best mains investing a fortune on your hi-fi setup and to £330. That’s a £630 total prize value of quality for the best possible sound. not bothering to give the cables that partner matching cables to upgrade any system. Last, but by no means least comes the it the same careful consideration is pretty The Chord Company describe the Cadenza Odyssey speaker cable, which The Chord daft. It’s like treating yourself to a shiny as: “the perfect cable with which to revitalise Company describes as being: “the most new Ferrari and then sticking the wheels an older system, or an ideal partner for the popular and the most compatible speaker from a shopping trolley onto it. latest generation of technologically cable we produce, Odyssey lives happily in Thankfully, The Chord Company is here advanced USB-equipped CD players and budget, mid and reference systems alike”. to help out. Assembled and tested by hand in DACs” and it’s easy to see why. It perfectly The conductors are heavier than most and its facility in the heart of Wiltshire, The highlights just how much infl uence the are made up of 19 strands of silver-plated Chord Company has been leading the way choice of RCA plugs can have on the quality oxygen-free copper surrounded by PTFE with its cables for over 25 years and is of sound and its new silver-plated Chord insulation. It’s these that give everything widely recognised as a leader and innovator VEE 3 RCA connectors bring a new level of (voices, drums, guitars and acoustic in its fi eld. And now you can benefi t from its refi nement and coherence to music. instruments) in the musical performance a expertise as we’ve got a very special prize to The perfect upgrade for any component weight and rightness. But don’t take our breath new life into three very lucky with an IEC input socket, the 1.5m C-power word for it, enter the competition and you winners’ hi-fi setup. shielded power lead follows the same design might be able to fi nd out for yourself.

120 JANUARY 2015 COMPETITION

Three chances to win a cable loom worth £630 to upgrade your hi-fi system

HOW TO ENTER Write your answer here to win: TO BE IN This coupon should arrive by 5.30pm on 21 January 2015 addressed WITH A CHANCE OF to: Chord Company Competition Hi-Fi Choice, c/o Data Europe WINNING, ANSWER THIS Limited, 12 Regent Street, Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 5HQ

SIMPLE QUESTION: Answer:...... How many strands of OFC copper Initial...... Surname...... make up the Odyssey cable? Address ...... A) 25 B) 3 ...... C) 19 ...... Postcode ...... County ...... Email ...... TERMS & CONDITIONS Tel ...... I am 18 yrs old or over

1. Entrants must be over 18 years old and resident in the United Kingdom. 2. Employees of My Time Media and companies supplying competition prizes If you do NOT wish to be contacted by Hi-Fi Choice and My Time Media Ltd please tick are not eligible to enter. 3. Proof of posting will not be accepted by the magazine as proof of delivery. 4. No responsibility will be accepted for here: email , post , phone . If you wish to be contacted by carefully chosen third entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post. 5. No alternatives, cash or parties please tick here: email , post , phone . otherwise, will be offered to the winners as prizes. 6. The editor’s decision is For full privacy policy and terms and conditions, visit www.hifichoice.co.uk/terms final. 7. The closing date is 21 January 2015.

JANUARY 2015 121 Reader Classified ads www.hifichoice.co.uk For saleFor / Wanted

Reader LINN Sondek LP12. Mounted in a heavy mahogany plinth with oak cone feet and new lid. SME series IIIs pick-up and non-resonant platter mat. Serviced and set up by retired mechanical engineer as a labour of love. £750: 01277 219639 (Brentwood, Essex).

serial no: 017871. Good jillmtulley@hotmail. Classified condition from new.Nice co.uk (Flintshire). Welcome to Hi-Fi Choice Reader Classified, open sound. Can demo. MICHELL Tecnoarm Collection only £100: A-11. Black, brand new, a free private ads service for buying and 01285 860967 (South unused £420. Supplied selling second-hand hi-fi components. Gloucestershire). with Michell Orbe. I BEOLAB 9 loudspeakers use SME series IV-D These pages are a must-read if you’re The simplest way to send your ad is via in blue. 700W per speaker tonearm: 01505 346791 thinking about buying used kit, or if you email to: [email protected] or mail: plus cable if required. Pick (Renfrewshire). have hi-fi you want to sell. It’s free – simply Reader Classified, Hi-Fi Choice, up and demo. £3,000: RODGERS Cadet 3 submit your ad of up to 50 words (we will AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, 01923 829354 or email: stereo integrated valve edit them if not), remembering to include Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, michaelhardy10@ amplifier. Working your email, phone number and county. TN8 6HF. btiternet.com order, offers. Hi-Fi News This service is open to private advertisers only. Just one ad per household. (Middlesex). magazine first four and Images are for illustration only and do not represent what is for sale CASTLE Howard S2 a half years June 1956 to speakers. Yew cabinets. January 1961, excellent FOR SALE Lovely sound. £550 condition £95: 0114 2378731 (Sheffield). ACOUSTIC ENERGY in Dynatrone wooden perfect condition. £365. ono: 07976031413 AE 301 gloss black. cabinet complete with Will consider splitting. (Hampshire). RUSS ANDREWS Unwanted present Shure M55 pick-up, Buyer collects: 07962 YAMAHA B2 & C2 Pre & ultra purifier block (£740) £329. Comes with instruction manual, as 184893 or email: Power amplifier (160W p/c) with additional mains manufacturer’s warranty. new, £60. Prefer buyer [email protected] £100 ono, buyer to collect zapperator (£94) plus 8 Parasound Zdac well- collects: 01432267129 (Oxfordshire). due to weight: 07768 273 clarity mains modules reviewed £299. Will (Hereford). GARRARD 401 in 946 (Kendal, Cumbria). (£800) installed internally. Mint condition £900 guarantee: 07979 151445 REGA Apollo CD player excellent condition, plinth, CHORD Signature collected. Pictures upon (West Sussex). (silver), Mira 3 amplifier SME 3009, Shure V15ii. Digital Tuned ARAY 1m request: 01902 884694 (silver) and Dynaudio Stylus retipped 2013 by long digital interconnect, CHORD Sarum tuned or email: (jukey39@ Audience 42 speakers Expert Stylus Company. not fully burnt in yet. aray mains cable. 1m, box, yahoo.co.uk West (cherry wood) with Additional used Shure Lovely cable and excellent bag, stunning sound, was Midlands). Custom Design SQ402 stylus. Refurb. service by reviews, but no longer £1,050. Now £500: stands. Supplied with Loricraft in 2008, serviced required. £245 (£410 new): ROKSAN Kandy K2 int. 07539 493084 Solar remote control; 2013. £975: 0208 332 01202 515474 or email amplifier, black, 19 months (Pinner, Harrow). good interconnects and 6181 or email: rohan. johnlangley17@talktalk. old, as new and boxed. GOLDRING Lenco GL upgraded power cables. [email protected] net (Bournemouth, Balance of five year warranty 75 transcription turntable All items boxed and in (London). Dorset). remaining. Happy to demo or post. £470 excluding TELLURIUM Q Black ARCAM A18 integrated postage: 0113 2188797 cable loom. 1m RCA amplifier, boxed and (Leeds). interconnect, 2x 3.5m remote control for £300, speaker cables and jumper plus Monitor Audio Bronze ACOUSTIC ENERGY links. Approx 3 months old BX2 speakers in natural oak Radiance One speaker, ash, with original packaging. £125 – both in excellent boxed. Cost £599 new. £320 £550: 07933109234 or condition – collection only: with three year warranty: email: adamlee.ah47@ 07793 725356 or email: 01475 529216. gmail.com ieuanisaac@hotmail. NEAT Momentum 3i ROTEL 1582 MK 2 stereo com (Kent). speakers in birch finish, amplifier Black new £895. EPOS M12.2 speakers superb condition, complete Buyer collects: 07956 121 plus Epos dedicated with Neat stands. Buyer 013 (Middlesex). stands, can demo. Buyer collects £949: 07944 PRO-JECT RPM 5.1 turntable half hour’s use. Ortofon Red LINN Index speakers to collect. £150 ono: 594705 (Halifax). cartridge. £200 ono: 07734 505626 (Devon). with Ku stone stands 01352 753069 or email YAMAHA KRX-A2020

BUYING TIPS BUYING SECOND-HAND can be a great way to pick up a bargain. A formerly expensive second-hand component might well prove a better long-term bet than a brand-new product if the price is right. DO SOME RESEARCH on which brands have a good service back up, so if something does go wrong, you can get it fixed. Unless you purchase from a dealer, you’re unlikely to get any warranty, so it’s up to you to ensure the fitness of any gear that you buy. USUALLY speakers should be less prone to breakdown than amps, and amps should be more reliable than CD players. But any abused component could be trouble – have a proper demo and judge the seller as well as the goods!

122 JANUARY 2015 www.hifichoice.co.uk Reader Classified ads For sale / Wanted For sale

DYNAUDIO DM 2/7 stand- High Breed Quintessence good condition £250. mount speakers, 12 months speaker cables, banana Collection only: 07958 old, black ash, boxed as new, termination, £75. Arcam 739227 or email: £350: 07956 959032 or DVI 137 DVD Player sharpe@interalpha. email: waynebtully@gmail. excellent condition £220: co.uk com (Redhill, Surrey). 02476 679165 or email: (West Sussex). BROADSWORD [email protected] COPLAND integrated speakers. Biwire terminals (Coventry). amplifier CSA-14 £475 ono: with Target stands £90: ART EXPRESSION 01424 773404 or 07999 01825 722936 (Lewes, East loudspeakers. Black finish; 828283 (Hastings, East Susex). virtually new condition. Sussex). ACOUSTIC Superb sound! Complete BOSTON ACOUSTIC PRECISION EIKOS CD with matching stands, Xa26 cherry, £120 Wharfedale VIENNA ACOUSTICS Haydn Grand SE speakers. Walnut, player fully upgraded by boxes and paperwork. Diamond 9.1 walnut, £70, as new, few hours use, boxed. £650. Bowers & Wilkins P7 Tom Evans two years ago to Will demonstrate. £895: Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 headphones, as new, few months old, unwanted present. his very latest specification 07736339194 or email: black, £100 all boxed and £220 boxed: 07843 746026 (Dorset). including external power [email protected] in good condition, any trial, supply for both digital and (Bromley). buyer collects: 01933 AV receiver, 9.2 channels, offer £500. Buyer collects: analogue sections at a cost LINN Basik turntable, 626185 or email: black £400: 01625 433996 0773 4505626 (Devon). of £3,600, asking £985. includes Akito arm and [email protected] (Cheshire ). ARCAM Solo 5.1 movie AV Little used since upgrade: instruction book, in very (Northants). REGA RP3 turntable plus RB SACD, Arcam serviced in July, 01202 515474 or email: 303 arm with Elys 2 cartridge boxed accessories (£2,000 johnlangley17@talktalk. £350: 01782 785734 new) £475. Marantz CD 63 net. (Staffordshire). player £50. Nakamichi BX2 CLASS A power supply MONITOR AUDIO cassette deck £65: 01708 for Class A amplifiers, self Audio Apex speakers. 4x 457 691 (Essex). contained, suits John Linsley A10 and 1x A40 £1,100. REL TALON Khorus Xmk2 Hood’s 1969/1996 designs B3 subwoofer, black £450. reference quality, full range £299 or near offer. Price Marantz CD6000KI CD floorstanders, in tiger’s eye includes posting: player, black £50, or £1,500 maple. Deep, powerful and 0207 4998729 or email: for the lot: 01341 423028 tuneful bass, rich transparent [email protected]. or email: chrisandkev@ mids and detailed highs from RUSS ANDREWS btinternet.com (Gwynedd). supertweeter. Non fatiguing. signature powerkords x2, 1m LEEMA Antila MR1 CD Rarely seen for sale. £16k each, fitted with 350i ag iec. player, superb sound and when new. £2,950 ovno: Cost £365, will accept £30 condition, original packing 07766 510612 or email: each or both for £50. Buyer (£2,500) £750: 07531 [email protected] collects: 01724 853357 835575 (Cirencester). (Glasgow). stuartwoodstu@hotmail. com (Scunthorpe). NAIM HDX £2,395. Naim SPENDOR S3E speakers NAP 150X £395. Naim NAC in Rosenut finish, excellent SONUS FABER 12X £295. Naim Flatcap 2X condition £470: 01794 Concertino speakers with Sf £295. All boxed in excellent 514916 (Hants). piano black stands in excellent condition: 01793 728103 condition, with boxes, £570. ATACAMA HMS 1.1 700 speaker stands. Black, filled with 3 MUSICAL FIDELITY (Swindon). Musical Fidelity X-Dac v3 tubs of Atabites, mint condition (RRP £300) £160. Collection M1 HPA headphone amplifier only: 07971 024091 (Watford). KIMBER 8TC speaker £170. Pair 3m bespoke Silver mint condition boxed £200. cable, 3.5m, banana Pro-Ject phono SE MM/MC terminated, excellent excellent condition £45. 2x condition £200: 01432 850184 (Hereford). 3m QED Anniversary XT cable HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FREE AD terminated QED Airloc plugs CLEARER AUDIO Digital unused £35: 01371 850665 YOUR DETAILS To submit your advert to us, Silverline RCA-RCA 1m @ £75, please email letters@ or email: garyrobinson20@ Name 3m @ £125, great reviews: hifichoice.co.uk or btinternet.com (Essex). Address alternatively, use the postal 01235 762171 (Oxon). VPI Scout2/JPM9 arm/Linn form below. Please limit ads to LINN Sondek LP12, Origin a maximum of 50 words, Klyde. £1,400 ono: Live electronics, on base with ensuring all details, model 0208 4649055 Email address names, etc, are correctly levelling feet, Rega arm, Origin stated. Kindly also include [email protected] Daytime telephone number Live modifications, nearest your email, telephone number (Bromley). Date and home county. We regret that we cannot take adverts over the telephone. One ad YOUR ADVERTISEMENT per household please.

QUAD FM3 tuner. Unused since Quad service. New box and packaging £50: 01825 722936 (East Sussex ). SEND YOUR ADVERT TO Hi-Fi Choice, AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF

JANUARY 2015 123 Missed an issue? Have you missed a copy of Hi-Fi Choice? You can now order these online, over the phone or by post!

378 Dec 2013 379 Jan 2014 380 Yearbook 2013 381 Feb 2014 382 March 2014

383 April 2014 384 May 2014 385 June 2014 386 July 2014 387 Aug 2014

388 Sept 2014 389 Oct 2014 390 Nov 2014 391 Dec 2014 392 Yearbook 2014 Phone: 0844 848 8822 (Phone lines open: Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm) Order Online: 8MK\Z_ www.myhobbystore.co.uk/hfc d\[`Xck[ award-winning high performance analogue, digital & video cables

Digital subscriptions available online

Don’t miss out: order a

subscription for yourself www.atlascables.com or a friend today and pay as little as £2.54 per issue

HURRY OFFER CLOSES 22ND JANUARY 2015 Equator Asymmetrical Integra

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION Atlas understands the Download each new issue to meaning of uncompromising your device performance. Is the Atlas Equator asymmetrical the A 44% discount off the full best interconnect on the shop price market? It sure is at it’s Access your subscription on price! A consistent winner, multiple devices the Equator Integra is obviously the entry level Access to the Online Archive audio interconnect for dating back to September 2011 discerning music lovers.

Exclusive discount on all orders Need some advice on at myhobbystore.co.uk choosing the best cables? Makes an ideal gift Call us free on 0800 731 1140 SUBSCRIBE TODAY SUBSCRIBE SECURELY ONLINE TODAY: e: [email protected]

www.subscription.co.uk/hifid/dg01 www.atlascables.com audeze Audio AD_PAGE93_TEMPLATE.indd 1 free entry AudioAudio 31/8/12 10:15:57 audioplan Transform a good systemCinemaCinema register online to enter prestigious Multi-Room chord free draw (good prizes) neat little packages Multi-RoomMulti-Room NetworkNetwork dynavector into&All exclusivea Aboutgreat one! the Music InstallationInstallation phone or see our grado website for BrystonBryston isoblue Low amplitude ground borne vibration (microtremors) are Brystonever present and more details pass through all buildings and solid supports and into yourChordChord Hi-Fi Co. system, hutter including speakers. DynavectorDynavector GuruHeed Audio kudos Heed Eliminate them with Townshend Seismic Isolation and hearHiFiHeed the Racks difference. HiFi Racks lehmann HiFiIsoblue Racks signals Isoblue Lehmann linn LehmannIsoblue LehmannLinn Wider deeper stereo stage Greater clarity and separationLinn lyra NaimLinn Naim Clearer more defined bass No more floor radiatedNaimNeat boom naim hi-fi Neat Neat OkkiOkki NokkiNokki neat Neighbour friendly Okki Nokki show PMCPMC nottingham RegaPMCRega RegaRELREL primare Trinity Park Townshend offers a complete program for isolating ALL Hi-FiREL components. SennheiserSennheiserREL pmc Ipswich 30 & 31st WilsonWilsonSennheiser BeneschBenesch a sennheiser club orpheus member WilsonWireworld Benesch rega An exclusive offer WireworldWireworld August 2013 it’s our 20th Wireworld sennheiser birthday, so Microtremors Sorted. CalveleyCalveleyCalveley Court,Court, Court, Reymerston,Reymerston, Reymerston, Norfolk.Norfolk. NR9NR9 4QD4QD stax there should be CalveleyDigital Court, Reymerston, & Analogue Norfolk. NR9 Audio 4QD Specialists cake trilogy signals 013620136201362 820800820800820800 [email protected]@[email protected] 820800 sumiko hi-fi for grown-ups www.basicallysound.co.ukwww.basicallysound.co.uk [email protected] ForFor momorewww.basicallysound.co.ukre iinformationnformam tiono oror bebestest adviceadvice on SSeismiceeismiic IsolationIsolation ipswich (01473) 655171 vivisitsit www.townshendaudio.comwww.townshendaudioo.com www.signals.uk.com Respectingemailem Theail orPast, pphoneho Embracingne us on The ++4444 Future (0)(0) 2200 89798979 2155. RespectingRespecting The The Past, Past, Embracing Embracing The The Future Future

HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 22/5/14 14:10:56

We offer some of the finest music reproduction systems available on ™ X-Blocks the market today, from entry level to from £169 elite brands. Our range of products has been carefully chosen to Just one of hundredsAD of TO COMEensure exceptional performance, products featured in our reliability and value for money. FREE 92 page catalogue. See the excellent review of studioAV in the Call us now to get your very October edition of own copy... Hi-Fi Choice Magazine. 44 High Street, Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6BL FREE ELIVERY D £100 ers over on ord d 5 Mainlan 4 /1 within UK 2 0 1 M AIL ORDER CATALOGUE Tel: 01753 863300 60 Day

New Money Back mains Call: 01539 797300 extensions P16 to PLUS ies guaranteed s & accessor ey back Guarantee of cable r mon Hundreds or you our Hi-Fi sound improve y

er for UK Retail Exclusive 60 Day Home Trial 9 797300 e 0153 com or visit in . www.russandrews.com Orderl rews Call UK ussand .r Stockists of: Avalon, Aurender, dCS, Densen, Dynavector, Estelon, Focal, Golden Ear, e at www buy onlin www.studioav.co.uk Mark Levinson, Naim Audio, Vitus Audio, VTL, Wilson Benesch and many more... Mail Order Direct • 60 Day Cable Home Trial • Cable Upgrade Scheme • Free Delivery (orders over £100 within UK Mainland)

HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 6/11/14 16:38:52

To advertise in the dealer directory, please contact Joanna Holmes 01689 869919 [email protected] FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER FOR ALL THE LATEST HIFI LOUNGE NEWS A NEW NAME IN QUALITY HIFI FOR THE HOME 01767 448121 www.hifilounge.co.uk Here to listen to your needs, selling only brands we are passionate about. At HiFi Lounge we have created a listening environment for our 4 The Granary discerning customers to relax and Buildings, take their time away from the busy Millow Hall Farm,rm, high street. Millow, Nr Dunton,ton, Set in a beautiful country setting yet Bedfordshire, only minutes from main routes. You will SG18 8RH always be guaranteed a warm welcome.

IAN HARRISON HIFI SALE! UP TO 40% OFF! TEL: 01283 702875 [email protected] PHONOSTAGES CARTRIDGES TURNTABLES TONEARMS TRICHORD ORTOFON MICHELL MICHELL To advertise pleaseGIK Acoustics contact manufactures TOM EVANS DENON PRO-JECT REGA acoustic panels, GRAHAM SLEE AIR TIGHT THORENS SME* LEHMANN TRANSFIGURATION SRM TECH GRAHAM Timbass traps and diffusors WHEST AUDIO KOETSU EAR MOTH and sells direct worldwide. ANATEK GRADO AMAZON AUDIO ORTOFON We provide superior QUAD GOLDRING AUDIO TECHNICA PRO-JECT Leescustomer service CLEARAUDIO BENZ MICRO DENON ROKSAN ICON AUDIO ROKSAN INSPIRE CARTRIDGE MAN and acoustic PURE SOUND ZYX MUSIC HALL HELIUS onadvice from start to finish. PRO-JECT CARTRIDGE MAN REED EAR YOSHINO DECCA LONDON AMG 01689 869853 ROTHWELL MOERCH Recording studios, listening PLEASE PHONE TO CONFIRM PRICE & AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO ORDERING. ALL GOODS ARE BRAND rooms,[email protected] live auditoriums, NEW & BOXED WITH FULL U.K GUARANTEES. NO EX-DEM OR EX-DISPLAY GOODS. NO GREY IMPORTS. churches and home theatres. GOODS ARE NOT SUPPLIED ON APPROVAL. SORRY NO GENERAL CATALOGUES. PLEASE PHONE OR WRITE FOR SPECIFIC REVIEWS, BROCHURES OR PRICES. GIK Acoustics is the #1 choice. *CALL FOR DETAILS ESTABLISHED 1986. MAIL ORDER ONLY FROM; IAN HARRISON, 7 MILL HILL, REPTON, DERBY, DE65 6GQ TEL: 01283 702875 9am-9pm INCLUDING SUNDAYS.

HFC_A4_Ad_blank.inddzC lHasFsC__aAd4__pAagde_sT_e1m2p9l_avte 1 . .ii1nndddd 1129

To advertise pleaseGIKGIK Acoustics Acoustics contact manufactures manufactures HARBETHacousticacoustic panels, panels, LOUDSPEAKERS Timbassbass traps traps and and diffusors diffusors P3andand ESR sells sells direct direct worldwide. worldwide.MONITOR 30.1 LeesHLWeWe COMPACT provide provide 7ES3 superior superior MONITOR 40.1 Exposure Supercustomercustomer HL5+ service service Lehmann Linn Marantz onandand acoustic acoustic advice Michell Monitor Audio Neat Supplieradvicefrom start fromOf Harbeth to start finish. to Since finish. 2003 01689 869853 Nordost Okki Nokki Ortofon PLEASE PHONE Project Roksan VDH RecordingRecording studios,studios, listening rooms,rooms,[email protected] livelive auditoriums,auditoriums, FOR PRICES churcheschurches andand homehome theatres.theatres. GIKGIK AcousticsAcoustics isis the #1 choice. Next month

ARCAM’S GEE WHIZZ We flex the new A39’s muscles to discover what this powerful Class G integrated amp is really capable of

PLUS: GROUP TEST With record sales on the up, there’s REVIEWS Onkyo C-N7050 network CD player, never been a better time to upgrade your phono Cabasse Antigua loudspeakers, plus more Music stage and get your valued vinyl into the groove Reviews and your cries for hi-fi help answered FEBRUARY ISSUE ON SALE 22 JANUARY 2015

If you don’t want to miss an issue PASSION FOR SOUND EDITORIAL TEAM SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGEMENT TEAM Editor Lee Dunkley Subscriptions Manager Kate Hall Group Editor Paul Miller Please reserve/deliver my copy of Hi-Fi Choice Production Editor Jake Day-Williams UK – New, Renewals & Enquiries Group Art Editor John Rook on a regular basis, starting with issue: Art Editor Emily Hammond Tel: +44(0)1858 438798 Group Sales Manager Joanna Holmes Email: [email protected] Chief Executive Owen Davies Title First name CONTRIBUTORS USA & CANADA – New, Renewals & Enquiries Chairman Peter Harkness Simon Berkovitch, Andrew Everard, Tel: (001) 866 647 9191 Surname James Hughes, Adrian Justins, Jason Kennedy, Published by MyTimeMedia Ltd Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Address Paul Miller, Dave Oliver, David Price, REST OF WORLD – New, Renewals & Enquiries Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF Neville Roberts, Ed Selley, Andrew Simpson, Tel: +44 (0) 1689 869896 David Vivian, Chris Ward, Nigel Williamson Phone: 0844 4122262 BACK ISSUES & BINDERS From outside the UK: +44 (0)1689 869840 Tel: 0844 848 8822 ADVERTISING www.hifichoice.co.uk Advertising Executive Simon Dunn From outside the UK: +44 (0) 2476 322234 Postcode Tel: 01689 869853 Email: [email protected] Distributed in the UK by Seymour Telephone number Email: [email protected] Website: www.myhobbystore.co.uk Distribution Ltd.

Published by MyTimeMedia Ltd. All rights reserved, 2015. ISSN 0955-1115. The Publisher’s written consent must be obtained before any part of this publication may be If you can’t always find a copy of this reproduced in any form whatsoever, including photocopiers, and information retrieval systems. All reasonable care is taken in the preparation of the magazine contents, but the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for errors in the contents of this magazine or for any loss however arising from such errors, including loss resulting magazine, help is at hand! Complete this form from negligence of our staff. Reliance placed upon the contents of this magazine is at reader’s own risk. and hand in at your local store, they’ll arrange Hi-Fi Choice, ISSN 0955-1115, is published monthly with an additional issue in July by AVTech Media Ltd, a division of MYTIMEMEDIA Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF, UK. The US annual subscription price is 65GBP (equivalent to approximately 108USD). Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent for a copy of each issue to be reserved for named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. US Postmaster: Send address changes to Hi-Fi Choice, Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Subscription records are you. Some stores may even be able to arrange maintained at CDS GLOBAL Ltd, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicester, LE16 9EF. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. for it to be delivered to your home. Just ask! ARIES Wireless Streaming Bridge !RIESa!RIES,%a

It is not a streamer, it turns your DAC into a streamer !

Streaming DSD and DXD Music Though WiFi Network

4HE!2)%3SERVESASAhBRIDGEvBETWEENMUSIClLESONNETWORKSTORAGEORHIGHQUALITYONLINESTREAMINGSERVICESANDYOUR$!#ˆENABLING $!#SFORTHElRSTTIMETOSTREAMHIGH RESOLUTIONMUSICQUICKLYANDWIRELESSLYINVIRTUALLYANYSAMPLINGRATE INCLUDING$3$ $OUBLE 2ATE$3$ AND$8$)TISPOWEREDBY!52!,I#SPROPRIETARY4ESLAHARDWAREPLATFORMTHATINCLUDESA1UAD #ORE!2-#ORETEX !PROCESSORRUNNING AT'(Z '"$$2ONBOARDMEMORYAND'"INTERNALSTORAGE4HE4ESLAPLATFORMHASACALCULATIONABILITYOF -)03 MORETHAN ENOUGHTODECODEAVASTSPECTRUMOFAUDIOFORMATS INCLUDING!!# !)&& !,!# !0% $)&& $3& &,!# -0 /'' 7!6 76AND7-! !2)%3ASWELLASALLOTHER,IGHTNINGBASEDPRODUCTSSUPPORTSEVERALADVANCEDFUNCTIONSSUCHASON DEVICEPLAYLISTTHATALLOWSCONTROL SOFTWARETOTURNOFFDURINGPLAYANDCOMPLETESUPPORTINGOFMULTI ROOM MULTIPLECONTROLPOINTS

LIGHTNING DS -ULTI 2OOM3TREAMING#ONTROL3OFTWARE

3EAMLESSINTEGRATIONWITHONLINESTREAMINGFROMQOBUZAND4)$!, audioemotion

w:audioemotion.co.uk e:[email protected] t:01333 425 999