Naim mu-so Quiet life The do-it-all hi-fi system for Shut the world out with style-conscious music fans noise-cancelling cans
PASSION FOR SOUND Issue No. 391 December 2014 Stand
EXCLUSIVE hi-fi show tall preview Six floorstanders PAGE 16 to raise the roof!
38PRODUCTS ON TEST: Bose, B&W, Elac, Focal, Hegel & Polk Audio Super tune OptimiseOptimise iTunes fforor hi-reshi audio di playback l b k PRINTED IN THE UK US$10.99 DECEMBER 2014 £4.50
Groovy love Music maestro Hot Flamenca deck to Thee best new releases,releases, plusplus jjazzazz make your vinyl sizzle legend Impulse! Records profile EXTREME?
IT IS NOW! INTRODUCTION
PASSION FOR SOUND Welcome www.hifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 391 December 2014
Welcome to the December 2014 107 issue of your favourite hi-fi Focal Spirit One S magazine. Okay, you may well be headphones reading this in late October and understandably not quite ready to start thinking about the festive season just yet, so there’s plenty of hot new hi-fi kit and audio tweaks to get excited about in the pages that follow, from Naim’s ultra-stylish all-in-one mu-so hi-fi system to more traditional separates components from the likes of Acoustic Energy, Yamaha and Norwegian newcomer Hegel. All are certain to keep your hi-fi passion 46 alight and your music sounding great over the long, dark Elac winter nights that lay ahead. Hey, there may even be Air-X 403 wireless something you can add to your Christmas wish list after loudspeaker all, or even a gift idea for someone that loves to listen to music as much as you do. If it’s inspirational or even aspirational hi-fi you’re after, then this is indeed a fantastic time of year. The hi-fi show season is well under way, and what’s more the high-end Hi-Fi Show returns to the Beaumont House Estate, Old 100 Windsor for the second year running. Hosted by our sister magazine Hi-Fi News & Record Review and AVTech Media, the two-day, high-end audio event held on the weekend of 1 and 2 November will showcase a spectacular lineup of hi-fi for audiophiles and music lovers alike. With informative demonstrations by industry specialists, it looks set to be a spectacular audio event that you won’t want to miss – see page 16 for the full Marianne Faithfull Give My Love to London show preview and ticket information. See you there!
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 products that are high standard of tests can only judged to deliver performance have one winner, outstanding and this badge ENTERPRISE HOUSE, ENTERPRISE WAY, performance says it all! EDENBRIDGE, KENT TN8 6HF
DECEMBER 2014 3 Contentshifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 391 December 2014
NEWS & OPINION GROUP TEST EXCLUSIVE 6 Audiofile Six floorstanding The latest news on the hottest products 24 loudspeakers hi-fi show from the world of hi-fi coming your way under £900 preview 14 Webwatch fight it out PAGE 16 Essential websites to direct your browser towards for all your hi-fi requirements 71 Letters Put your points of view and queries on audio matters to our team of experts 79 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 130 Back Chat A look back in time, news snippets and an industry insider picks their top albums READER SERVICES 120 Reader Classifieds Sell your unwanted hi-fi for FREE here 124 Next Issue The sonic treats to look out for next month
62 FEATURES 62 Focal point We discover how French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal changed the driver 66 Show Report 6 Highlights of the hottest products wooing the crowds at the National Audio Show 90 Dealer Systems We’re off to Devon as Tavistock Audio serves up three delectable setups 94 Labelled With Love Get ready to swing as we take a look at the jazz output of Impulse! Records, nice... 116 Guide to 100 How to give iTunes an audiophile makeover with a few simple tweaks Audiofile: Technics is back! Music reviews: Led Zeppelin’s IV
4 DECEMBER 2014 CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014 “With just a few simple mouse clicks you can make iTunes 58 ripe for hi-res music files” Icon Audio PS3 MKII Signature Guide to... getting the best out of iTunes p116
TESTED THIS MONTH
42 The Funk Firm Flamenca turntable 18 Naim mu-so one-box system REVIEWS MINI TEST Kit testing Noise-cancelling 18 Naim headphones £180-£300 mu-so one-box system 42 The Funk Firm 102 Audio-Technica Flamenca turntable ATH-ANC9 46 Elac 103 Bose Air-X 403 wireless loudspeakers 50 Yamaha QuietComfort 3 56 CRX-N560D micro system 103 Sennheiser 52 Hegel MM 450-X Travel Polk Audio RTiA1 loudspeaker H80 integrated amplifier with DAC 56 Polk Audio 104 Creative RTiA1 standmount loudspeaker Aurvana Gold 58 Icon Audio PS3 MkII Signature phono stage (exotica) CHOICE EXTRAS 68 Myst tma3 integrated amplifier (retro) 107 Focal Spirit One S headphones GROUP TEST 109 KLE Innovations 52 Floorstanding Silver and Pure Harmony RCA plugs loudspeakers £400-£900 Hegel H80 integrated amp with DAC 110 Russ Andrews 27 Acoustic Energy Kimber D60 digital RCA cable AE 103 110 Bayan Audio 29 Bowers & Wilkins Soundbook Go portable speaker 684 S2 31 Cambridge Audio 113 MCRU Aeromax 6 Linear Power Supply for Chord 33 Dali Electronics’ QuteHD DAC Zensor 7 35 PSB Speakers 113 Onkyo Imagine X1T ES-CTI300 headphones 50 37 Roth Yamaha CRX-N560D micro system OLi RA4
Never miss an issue – turn to p114 for our latest subs offer
DECEMBER 2014 5 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS…
Welcome back The legendary Technics audio brand is set to return just in time for its 50th anniversary
PRICE: TBC AVAILABLE: DECEMBER WEB: TECHNICS.COM/UK
AFTER YEARS IN the wilderness missing in The SL-C700 CD player features twin action, a legend of the hi-fi world is making a Burr-Brown PCM1795 DACs and connections welcome return. We are of course talking include optical, coaxial and RCA outputs. The about the reappearance of Japanese hi-fi C700 components are accompanied by the brand Technics, whose resurrection caused SB-C700 standmounted speakers fi tted with a something of a stir in audio circles at the point-sound source 19mm aluminium dome recent IFA show in Berlin, thanks to the tweeter and 160mm mid bass driver. launch of two quite distinct new ranges. Perhaps of more interest to hi-fi afi cionados First up is the more affordable Premium is the Reference Class R1 series. The piano Class C700 series (pictured below), which black fl oorstanding SB-R1speakers weigh in includes the SU-C700 integrated amplifi er, at 76kg and boast six drivers: a 25mm carbon ST-C700 network audio player and SL-C700 graphite dome tweeter and 160mm point- compact disc player. The SU-C700 amplifi er sound source midrange with four 160mm has three coaxial inputs, optical and analogue bass drivers. The SU-R1 network audio inputs as well as a USB port. There’s no control is set to handle music fi le formats up mention of output watts per channel just yet, to 24/192 and 32/384 with DSD fi les, and but Technics hasn’t forgotten vinyl fans and boasts a wealth of connections. At the time of will include a MM phone stage. The ST-C700 writing there was no info on the likely output network audio player is compatible with power of the SE-R1 amplifi er, but we can tell music fi le formats up to 24/192 and 32/192 you that it weighs in at hefty 55kg and has with DSD fi les. It has USB A and B inputs bi-wiring speaker terminals. Prices are also along with coaxial, optical and RCA outputs yet to be announced, but both ranges will be and will offer aptX Bluetooth support. released in Europe fi rst in December.
The Premium Class C700 series is the more affordable system of the two
6 DECEMBER 2014 COMMENT THE GREAT MUSIC GIVEAWAY “Music has become tap water, a utility, where for me it’s a sacred thing, so I’m a little off ended” said Paul David Hewson (aka Bono) speaking to US Today back in 2009 when he was asked about how illegal downloading was going to lead to the end of music as we know it. Fast forward five Technics’ resurrection years and owners of iPhones across the caused something of a world woke up to find that a free version of U2’s latest album, Songs Of Innocence, was stir in audio circles at the now in their iTunes library, whether they wanted it or not. So what’s changed? Why recent IFA show in Berlin is the self-proclaimed saviour of the free world now happy to give his music away for nothing? After all, isn’t it supposed to be sacred or something? Far be it from us to suggest that Bono lets out more hot air than an industrial-strength hair dryer, but it’s quite a jump from lambasting those that illegally share and download music to then give the stuff away for free anyway (in an arrangement that sees his band suckling from the corporate teat of the beast that is Apple). Whether or not the fact that Bono and his band mates are able to off er up their latest magnum opus for free indicates that they have more money than sense or that there are still plenty of ways to make bucketloads of cash in the music industry are debates for another time, but this appears to be a precedent that could change the way music is distributed, and it’s a rather sinister-looking one. It’s not so much that Big Brother is watching us on this occasion, but it is as though he’s trying to tell us what we should be listening to. In the same way that we take time, eff ort and money putting together the perfect system, the music that’s played on it should be carefully considered and hunted down with serious thought and consideration. We don’t need to be told what we should listen to and we certainly don’t want it quietly sneaked onto our devices while we sleep without us knowing. What next, people listening to our phone calls, reading our texts and monitoring our web use...
DECEMBER 2014 7 AUDIOFILE
Urbanite cans Introducing Sennheiser’s new on-ear and over-ear headphone range, plus some new in-ears too
PRICE: £90-£200 AVAILABLE: NOW WEB: SENNHEISER.CO.UK
HEADPHONE SPECIALIST SENNHEISER has introduced a new in-ear addition to its Momentum range and its new Urbanite headphones at the IFA show in Berlin. The £90 Momentum In-Ear is available in two variants (one optimised for Apple iOS and one for Android and Windows smart devices). It features new proprietary transducer technology developed by Sennheiser to provide a powerful bass response, detailed vocal projection and a great sound stage, claims the manufacturer. The on-ear Urbanite and over-ear Urbanite XL are also designed with bass as a major consideration for those that “like their tunes heavy”, while ensuring decent levels of clarity throughout the frequency range, we’re told. Like the Momentum In-Ear, the Urbanites are available optimised for Apple or Android/Windows and come in black, sand, denim and ‘nation’ fi nishes for the former and black and denim for the latter. An olive version of the Urbanite XL and a plum variant of the Urbanite is also available for Apple users. Prices vary according to fi nish from £150 to £200. IN BRIEF Sony unveils MEET THE NEW R1 DAB+ RADIO Hi-Res goodies
PRICE: £170-£549 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 0207 3652810 WEB: SONY.CO.UK
Sony’s assault on the world of hi-fi Alternatively, there’s the continues with a new series of MDR-1ADAC closed-back cans, products aimed at getting the which incorporate an integrated best out of high-resolution music. DAC accepting signals up to 24/192 Claimed to be the world’s or DSD files. They are charged via smallest and lightest hi-res audio USB, off er up to 7.5 hours of player, the new Walkman NWZ-A15 listening and cost £249. boasts a 16GB memory and Finally, the PHA-3AC headphone ● Now into its third generation, compatibility with FLAC, Apple amplifier handles up to 32/384 DSD Ruark’s R1 is the product that marked lossless (ALAC), MP3, AAC, HE-AAC, music files from your device’s the company’s transition from WMA and linear PCM (WAV) or AIFF digital output to provide what Sony loudspeakers to compact audio files. Digital Sound Enhancement claims is a spacious, three- systems. Though the cabinet of the Engine HX technology is on hand dimensional soundstage. It’s yours iconic table radio looks similar to to upscale compressed sources to for £549. previous models, the R1 mkIII now surpass CD quality by recreating The PHA-3AC incorporates Bluetooth for wireless lost high-frequency information, headphone audio streaming and a USB port for Sony claims, and battery life is amplifier, charging of portable devices. There’s quoted at 30 hours for hi-res Walkman NWZ-A15 and a switchable aux input for MP3 sources and 50 hours for plain old MDR-1ADAC players or other devices alongside MP3. It’s available now for £170. headphones DAB, DAB+ and FM tuner. The R1 also For those that want to listen to incorporates a new OLED display and hi-res audio without disturbing Rotodial control system for easier others, there’s the MDR-Z7 operation. It’s available now in rich closed-back headphones that walnut veneer with a choice of soft envelop the ears. Fitted with a white or black lacquers for £199. 70mm HD driver unit the cans RUARKAUDIO.COM claim a frequency range of 4Hz to 100kHz. They cost £549.
8 DECEMBER 2014 “The Truth, nothing more, nothing less...”
“This level of performance, convenience and style makes for an award winning product.” Jeff Dorgay, Tone Audio Magazine, January 2013
“Oozes quality in both construction and sound” Paul Rigby, Hi Fi World, March 2013
Ingenium offers the same obsessive design philosophy of Analogue Seduction, 6 Manor View, Whittlesey, our more expensive designs, a ground-up construction Peterborough Tel: 01733 350 878 engineered for pure audiophile performance. Fanthorpes, Hepworth Arcade, SilverSt, Hull, East The unique skeletal design offers unparalleled versatility Riding of Yorkshire HU1 1JU Tel: 01482 223096 with a huge choice of single or double arm options. Our prized sapphire bearing and platter system has 2·%ULHQ+LÀ, 60 Durham Road, West Wimbledon, been retained from the DIVA II, as has the option of London Tel: 020 8946 1528 XVLQJ RXU XQLTXH FODPSLQJ V\VWHP ZKLFK HIÀFLHQWO\ channels unwanted vibrations away from both the The Audioworks, 14 Stockport Road, Cheadle, record and platter. Cheshire, SK8 2AA Tel: 0161 428 7887
Call today to arrange your private audition. ZZZDYLGKLÀFRXN AVID HIFI LIMITED, Bicton Industrial Park, Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0LW 7HO )D[ (PDLOLQIR#DYLGKLÀFRXN AUDIOFILE
Icon’s new triode amp Designed as a birthday gift to himself, founder David Shaw believes he’s struck gold
PRICE: £12,500 PER PAIR AVAILABLE: LATE 2014 CONTACT: 0116 2440593 WEB: ICONAUDIO.COM
DESCRIBED BY ICON Audio’s founder, David Shaw, as fulfi lling a lifelong ambition, the MB81 monoblocks were given their fi rst public airing at the National Audio Show. David tells us that he’s worked long and hard to over come triodes’ biggest weakness: limited power output. After discovering a quantity of “new old stock” Russian GU81 transmitter valves, Shaw has constructed a fi nal pre- production prototype that’s thought to be the world’s fi rst push-pull GU81 amplifi er. At 260mm high and weighing in 1kg each, the GU81 is being heralded by Icon as a truly majestic valve that’s been hand picked for its combination of fi ne resolution, enthralling musicality and immense power. The result is a Pure Class A triode front end combined with hand-wired, silver-plated pure copper PTFE audio cable claimed to deliver 200W RMS into 8ohms. Icon Audio plans to produce the monoblock amplifi ers in limited numbers, but a launch date is yet to be confi rmed. IN BRIEF Denon’s new HEOS range
PRICE: £249-£499 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 02890 279830 WEB: HEOSBYDENON.COM
Denon has unveiled a trio of incorporates two precision according to Denon – originated in wireless loudspeakers designed for tweeters, two mid/bass speakers the recording studio. All speakers use around the home. With the and a passive radiator. Each of the can be operated by the HEOS family name of HEOS, they are four active drivers is powered by app, which allows you to control claimed to be simple to connect its own dedicated Class D amplifier multiple speakers separately or play to an existing wi-fi network for and the speaker is compatible with the same music across the entire streaming of music from portable high-resolution lossless audio files. house. The app is available free for devices, PCs, Macs and NAS drives. Completing the trio is the HEOS 7 Android and Apple smart devices. The entry-level HEOS 3 is the (£499), which Denon informs us is Completing the lineup is the smallest off ering (pictured third able to fill even the largest open HEOS Link (£299) and HEOS Amp from left). It has dual Class D digital spaces. Boasting dual mid-woofers, (£399). The Link is a stereo amplifiers and two full-range dual precision tweeters, dual preamplifier (far right), that can be PROTECT YOUR precision drivers inside its ported passive radiators and an active plugged into existing hi-fi to allow it CHORD HUGO enclosure. Designed for smaller subwoofer, it again includes Class to connect to a home network. The spaces it can be positioned either D digital amplifiers for each of the HEOS Amp, meanwhile, is a 100W ● Designed specifically for owners horizontally or vertically and it’s active drivers. Like the other HEOS per channel Class D amplifier for of Chord Electronic’s Hugo DAC/ available to buy for £249. speakers, sound is optimised via a connection to existing loudspeakers. headphone amplifier, comes this Next up is the £349 HEOS 5 suite of precision DSP acoustical Find out more at: youtube.com/ luxurious leather case. Available in (pictured second from left), which processing algorithims that – watch?v=sWrisxa3YAw. black leather or natural tan finishes it’s been designed to allow full access to Hugo’s controls, LED indicators and in/outputs while ensuring your DAC stays protected when out and about. There’s a series of elasticated webbing straps for attaching your portable device of choice, allowing access to touchscreens and controls and it’s available now for £99. CHORDELECTRONICS.CO.UK
10 DECEMBER 2014
AUDIOFILE
Black Rhodium IN BRIEF Cable manufacturer releases five new speaker wires
PRICE: £375-£2,400 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01332 342233 WEB: BLACKRHODIUM.CO.UK
CABLE SPECIALIST BLACK Rhodium has benefi ts. The Samba VS-1 (£599/£733) boasts announced details of a quintet of new wires for Vibration Stabiliser tech to limit distortion and hooking your speakers up to your system. They comes with Rhodium-plated banana plugs. all come in a choice of 3m or 5m lengths, and Meanwhile, the Duet DCT++CS is available as NEW X BLOCKS combine the technical construction of the Twirl single (£1,300/£1,800) or bi-wire (£1,450/ (tested HFC 387)and Samba cables. £1,950) options and also has Vibration Stabiliser ● Russ Andrews Accessories has First off is the Iris (£375/£475), which is and Anti RFI/EMI technology to minimise unveiled a brace of new mains terminated with Rhodium-plated ‘Z’ connectors, distortion. Finally, the Athena DCT++CS extensions with built-in Silencer chosen for their superior sound quality. The Solo (£1,600/£2,400) utilises thicker insulation to technology to complement the DCT++CS (£900/£1,200) is the fi rst Black reduce low transient phase distortion. For more already successful X2 Block. The X4 Rhodium speaker cable to use the company’s indepth details on all these speaker cables, Block and X6 Block are designed to Crystal Sound process, which claims sonic check out its website. supply connection for up to four or six pieces of equipment respectively and feature high-performance Ultra Sockets with DCT-treated nickle- plated high pressure contacts. Each Block is also fitted with SuperClamp surge protection, while the aforementioned Silencer main filter suppresses interference from devices like refrigerators and cheap switched-mode power supplies. They’re available to buy now and cost £259 and £349 respectively. RUSSANDREWS.COM Kudos’ new floorstander PRICE: £2,145 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 0845 4586698 WEB: KUDOSAUDIO.COM
Featuring the same high-quality tweeter as its smaller X2 ‘baby floorstander’ sibling (reviewed back in HFC 347) the new X3 is somewhat larger and boasts a new ROOMPLAYER+ main driver. Constructed from a mixture of paper and ● The latest series of updates to reed fibres, the new 18cm driver is claimed to improve Simple Audio’s Roomplayer+ includes transient and dynamic response alongside overall the addition of Qobuz – the hi-res clarity. It features a copper-clad aluminium voice coil audio streaming website. This means and copper shorting ring and like the tweeter, is that Roomplayer+ owners will now manufactured by Norwegian specialist SEAS. The be able to stream hi-res audio files at cabinet itself is constructed from 18mm high-density resolutions as high as 16-bit/44.1kHz MDF and is tuned to minimise colouration and time as well as playing any ‘Studio Master smear. There’s a reflex port situated at the bottom of Quality’ tracks purchased and the cabinet and all internal wiring comes courtesy of downloaded from the Qobuz store The Chord Company’s Sarsen loudspeaker cable. at their full 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The X3 has a claimed sensitivity of 88dB, impedance Additional updates mean that of 8ohms and boasts a frequency response of 30Hz Roomplayer+ owners will also benefit to 25kHz according to Kudos. Designer Derek Gilligan from improvements to the way NAS told HFC: “We developed the X3 to be easy to drive drives are handled and character and to bring out the best in a wide variety of music”. support for UTF-8. The version Available to buy now, it comes in a choice of 3.3 update is available now. lovingly-crafted cherry, walnut, rosenut, oak, black SIMPLEAUDIO.COM or satin white finishes.
DECEMBER 2014 13 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 MERCURY PRIZE (@MERCURYPRIZE) Have you checked out our Facebook page? Lots going on as we approach the 2014 Awards Show! >> facebook.com/mercuryprize
KEF AUDIO UK (@KEFAUDIO) Celebrate the retro – today is Cassette Store #SennheiserUrbanite Ruark rewards Day! Check out the exclusive releases – We can’t stop laughing at these Ruark Audio has updated its R1 cassettestoreday.co.uk #CSD2014 pic.twitter. #EarLove videos from @SennheiserUSA adding Bluetooth streaming, and to celebrate com/ExCv4QAa4r featuring a walking, talking headphone it’s giving away a special edition Alison declaring its undying love for a massive Moyet signed R1. Simply RT and share MUSIC FIRST AUDIO comedy ear to promote its latest cans. See: on Twitter and Facebook before 30 Nov (@MUSICFIRSTAUDIO) youtube.com/watch?v=wHYcza8E3g8 to take part: twitter.com/ruarkaudio Today I joined twitter. Hello Music lovers. SOUND ORGANISATION (@SOUNDORGYORK) @linnproducts has announced the new Akudorik Speakers and Exaktbox! On dem in the next few days, arrange a visit!
FENDER® UK & ROI (@FENDERGBI) Win a Strat, record player & record box set with @ProJectAudioSys @rhinouk @HenleyDesigns1 RT woobox.com/iu4ku8
TRANSCRIPTORS (@TRANSCRIPTORS) Transcriptors accessories, spares and turntables now available on Amazon.
Making vinyl Blogs from the hi-fi lounge HIFIX (@FRANKHARVEYHIFI) Want to know how vinyl is made? Then head Bedfordshire’s Hi-Fi Lounge is all about FRANK HARVEY OPEN DAY... ARE YOU on over to The Vinyl Factory’s website for a the customer experience and its Tumblr blog EXCITED?... Saturday 29th November picture-led walk through from growing the shows why its community is as important is the day this year, so stick it in your diary master stampers through to selecting disc as the hardware. With entries from show fb.me/1VqF5NBVv centre labels. A superb insight into how coverage to product open days, there’s much work goes into producing this plenty to get involved in. A recommended STONEAUDIO.CO.UK (@STONEAUDIO) Calling all Naim customers: New legendary format: bit.ly/1vnB6bO read: hifilounge.tumblr.com/archive @NaimAudio App for iOS available to download now, love it...
DIVERSE VINYL (@DIVERSEVINYL) Thanks to everyone who came along to our stall @AudioShowUK over weekend. It was nice to see all the show regulars out in force!
NEBULA NINE (@NEBULANINE) Nebula Nine & @AudioLounge summary of @AudioShowUK : Best in show goes to @TannoyHiFi @WilsonAudio @dCSonlythemusic pic.twitter.com/7fzFDuaEND
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO (@CAMBRIDGEAUDIO) Grado glamour Sound vibrations Ever found yourself wondering “Do Instagramers and headphone fans Top marks to @PMCSpeakers for I need a DAC?” Then we wrote this for you: should head on over to Grado’s new channel recommending this fascinating YouTube t.co/eNvgDDBuah to see stunning pics and latest giveaways video from Abe Davis’ Research in its tweets showing why this family-owned business’ exploring how video can be used to recover CHORD ELECTRONICS (@CHORDAUDIO) distinctive style makes its cans stand out sound by capturing visual vibrations when Hot DSX1000/CPA3000/SPM1200MkII system on dem at Home Media, Maidstone, from the crowd. Why not post a pic of your sound waves hit everyday objects: youtube. our local hi-fi shop! goo.gl/qGybWu prized Grados? instagram.com/gradolabs com/watch?v=FKXOucXB4a8
14 DECEMBER 2014 Polk RTi Series A heritage of incredible sound
Polk is an American original, crafting audio experiences that deliver our iconic, engaging, authentic sound since 1972. Our RTiA Series will take you by surprise in more ways than one. They’ll fi ll your home with the majesty of an orchestra, the intimacy of a string quartet, or the drive of your favourite band. You’ll experience the big cinema thrills of your favourite movies with gut-checking realism. All in beautifully fi nished, furniture-grade real wood cabinets that look great in your home.
RTi A1
Contact us for your local dealer: [email protected]
1-2 November, 2014 Beaumont House Estate, Old Windsor, West Berkshire FOR TICKETSTHE – HI-FIGO TO SHOW 2014 WWW.EVENTBRITE.CO.UK & ENTERINTOTHE THE SEARCH PANEL SHOW The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience
“The“The HiHi-Fi-Fi Show is the hhigh-endi h d eventt the UK has been waiting for”
LAST YEAR’S SHOW…
Evoy entranced privileged show Wilson Audio’s director of sales Peter McGrath (left) and Songstress Eleanor Mc TheTh Hi-Fi Show 2013 Absolute Sounds’ Ricardo Franassovici with Wilson Alexia provided the fi rst opportunity for visitors with her half-hour live performances UK enthusiasts to experience the cream of the high-end d STOP PRESS… • Now in its 2nd year and bigger than ever! & Record Review • Over 80 top-fl ight audio brands Workshops • Your chance to hear a host of UK exclusives • Interactive Hi-Fi News workshops
• Scheduled presentations by leading John Bamford manufacturers and designers Hi-Fi News magazine • Private bar and dining facilities
Alan Sircom Hi-Fi+ magazine
Matthias Bode “A unique Stereo magazine opportunity to compare the top high-end hi-fi Paul Miller brands” Hi-Fi News magazine
Hi-fi magazine editors and key contributors will present a series hifinews.co.uk/show 8MK\Z_ of Hi-Fi News d\[`Xck[ Workshops, hosted by exhibiting INTERNATIONAL MEDIA SUPPORTERS manufacturers OF THE HI-FI SHOW 2014 and distributors. Can you hear the Czech Republic – Stereo & Video difference between Finland – Hifi maailma WAV and FLAC France – Stereo Prestige & Image Germany – Eins Null, Hifi Test TV Video, LP fi les? Wondered Greece – Hxos Eikova how loudspeaker Hungary – Sztereo Sound & Vision time alignment Italy – AUDIOreview affects imaging? Norway – Watt Want to hear the Poland – Audio difference between Portugal – Audio & Cinema em Casa Ethernet cables? Russia – Stereo & Video All these topics and Serbia – Hi-Files more besides will Spain – AV Premium be explored in our Sweden – Hifi & Musik Ukraine – Stereo & Video unique Workshops. NAIM MU-SO IN-DEPTH ONE-BOX SYSTEM £895 Box of delights David Price lives a life of style and sophistication with Naim’s new mu-so compact hi-fi system
18 DECEMBER 2014 NAIM MU-SO ONE-BOX SYSTEM £895 IN-DEPTH
here have always been mass market consumer T audio products, and there has always been hi-fi . Several decades back the two were clearly delineated, but nowadays we’re seeing the mass consumer electronics market – now catered for by the likes of Apple – moving upmarket and eating into entry-level hi-fi products. Hi-fi manufacturers are now fi ghting back, making quality ‘lifestyle’ products like this one. Traditionally, the high-end audio (as opposed to ‘hi-fi ’) market was the sole province of Bang & Olufsen, with a minor supporting role played by Bose. This is in effect where Naim has aimed the mu-so – at savvy, style- conscious music lovers who can’t be doing with the clutter of separates in their compact, bijou apartments. In truth, it’s an audacious push; just because you’re a great hi-fi brand doesn’t mean you have the necessary It retains a sense of rhythmic integrity that seems to defy the laws of physics
skill set to take on a company like B&O that has produced some sublime designs that sound decent and are nicer to use than anything anyone else has ever made. Effectively, this is a box with loudspeakers, amplifi ers, DSP and a DETAILS network-enabled preamp all built in. PRODUCT To my knowledge, it’s the second Naim mu-so Class D design the company has done, ORIGIN the fi rst being the (fi ne sounding) UK/China Naim for Bentley auto installation. It TYPE streams music from network-attached One-box system storage, smartphones, tablets, USB WEIGHT 13kg sticks and ye olde MP3 players, and DIMENSIONS can work as a standalone system or (WxHxD) part of a multi-room setup. 628 x 120 x 256mm Music comes via AirPlay (from FEATURES Apple iDevices), or from the UPnP ● UPnP; aptX; AirPlay; wi-fi streamer. There’s also aptX Bluetooth, ● Ethernet; USB which is what many will use. It plays type-A; optical internet radio and works with Spotify digital and 3.5mm analogue inputs Connect. There’s also a USB socket ● 24-bit/192kHz (which can play out the digital signal DAC from an iPhone, iPad, iPod – or off a ● Claimed output power: 6x 75W USB stick). There’s an optical digital ● Support for WAV, input too for DVD players, gaming FLAC and AIFF consoles etc. and a 3.5mm analogue (24/192); ALAC (24/96); MP3; AAC; input, although disappointingly no OGG and WMA RCA phono sockets. DISTRIBUTOR As our main picture shows, the Naim Audio Ltd mu-so sports six drive units behind its TELEPHONE front grille (which is removed in the 01722 426600 photo). The complement includes two WEBSITE tweeters, twin midband drivers and naimaudio.com two elliptical ‘fi gure of eight’ bass
DECEMBER 2014 19 NAIM MU-SO IN-DEPTH ONE-BOX SYSTEM £895
wirelessly. Another challenge is placement; it’s a pretty large product for a one-box system, and puts a great deal of energy into the surface it’s sitting on, especially at high volumes – so you don’t want to place it on a rickety chair! I fi nd that it needs a fi rm foundation for the tightest bass. Sound quality I haven’t heard anything quite like the mu-so before. Of course it isn’t a large, expansive two-channel separates system, but nor does it give anything like the sort of shut-in sound you get from other one-box designs. Instead the baby Naim inhabits a different world, one that fi lls a medium-sized room with sound in an effortless way despite not being a full-sized system. Not only that, it isn’t just ‘sound’ that it makes, but a convincingly musical performance that has an integrity and a rightness that you don’t expect from a single box such as this. I discover that the mu-so is too good to secrete just anywhere in the room; units; the latter chosen to maximise sensitive volume control, with its it works best a good way from rear the cone size despite the slimline ring of bead blasted, anodised or side walls, where it can breathe dimensions of the front baffl e. In a aluminium is an interesting feature properly. The bass never booms, but nod to the famous Linn/Naim ‘Six too – and like Spinal Tap’s guitar HOW IT is nicest about 50cm out into free air, Packs’ of the eighties, they are amps, it goes up to 11! The unit COMPARES with the unit fi ring in the direction of actively driven by six comes with a black speaker grille as The mu-so has no the listener roughly at ear level. This (STMicroelectronics TA516B/ standard, but there are Deep Blue, direct competitors, but done it gives you a commanding STA311B 75W Class D) amplifi ers. Burnt Orange and Vibrant Red probably its closest performance, seeming to do the The mu-so’s cabinet is refl ex-loaded options for an additional £70. rival is the Bose Wave reverse of the ‘music squeezed with a ribbed and fl ared port. music system III. £680 through a toothpaste tube’ effect. Its Design statement buys you this ageing Clever digital signal processing is but commercially very front speaker baffl e is small, yet the featured in the brain of the mu-so; a The packaging of the mu-so was successful unit, scale of the music completely belies 32-bit Cirrus logic CS47024 DSP designed by Naim engineers in complete with an this. It has a TARDIS-like quality, conjunction with a consultant additional Bluetooth except the other way around where The mu-so proves professor from Queen Mary, adaptor. It sports a CD what comes out is far larger than University of London. Given the player, DAB/FM/AM from where it came. able to image way radio and non-aptX wide variety of functions it has, and Bluetooth from mobile Tonally it’s surprisingly neutral beyond its own the relatively compact space, this devices. It is extremely when correctly sited. Bass is really was more of a challenge than you easy to use for pretty taut and a good deal more extended physical boundaries might think. On one hand there was much anyone. In than you might expect, although you a need to offer a largely unimpeded contrast, the Naim never get the subterranean growl chip runs code that has been custom enclosure for the loudspeaker drive needs more perusal of of the bass line from Supertramp’s the instruction manual, designed by Naim engineers. As units, and on the other there was but the upside is the Child Of Vision that you’d fi nd in a well as tying together the active a lot of space required for the dramatically better full-sized hi-fi . Its ability to reproduce speaker drivers, it gives optimised amplifi cation and preamp sections. sound. Actually, the the middle and upper notes of the equalisation settings for two One result of the collaboration, says Bose sounds better bassline is excellent, though, as well different positions within a room – Naim, is the patent-pending than you would think as conveying the keyboard work of just by looking at it, but close to and away from the rear embedded wi-fi antenna system, it’s still no match for the Roger Hodgson in a crisp, undiluted wall. It also features a loudness where two hidden printed-circuit Naim which completely way. The talent that the Naim has at compensation curve to address the slot antennae – one between the outclasses it in terms of distinguishing between different way the human ear fails to hear low bass drivers and one inside the rear clarity, scale, detail, strands of the mix regardless of how bass or high treble at low volumes. heat sink – work in combination and overall musicality. loud or quiet they’re playing marks it Naim says the design of the mu-so with a dual-channel diversity The mu-so is on a out – I’ve never heard any similarly higher level to the shares some formal elements of the receiver to give a better wi-fi link, Wave system in every priced or sized one-box system do the company’s top Statement series despite the mu-so’s metallic shell. respect, aside from same. Its combination of clarity and of amplifi ers. The quality of the Getting going is relatively easy brand awareness. power is genuinely special. materials and there’s an echo of if you’ve got the quick start guide, The midrange isn’t as expansive or classic B&O in the wide expanses of although nigh-on impossible as translucent as a separates system, brushed aluminium and the silver without it; there’s a precise but again it’s so much better than a heat sink that runs from one end of procedure to follow to get it talking normal one-box offering. It lets you the case to the other. The touch- to your network and/or devices follow the fl ow of the music, listen
20 DECEMBER 2014 NAIM MU-SO ONE-BOX SYSTEM £895 IN-DEPTH
IN SIGHT Q&A 1 1 Touch-sensitive Ryan Latham, TOP VIEW interface Communications director,
2 Ethernet port Naim Audio
3 DC power socket
4 Optical digital input
5 USB input
DP: What type of customer is the BOTTOM VIEW 2 SIDE VIEW mu-so aimed at? RL: It’s an elegant multi-room solution for our existing Naim streaming product owners and a complete digital music system that we hope will appeal to new customers looking for performance 4 5 from a single box. Who knows, maybe they will get the bug and go 3 on to discover other Classic or Uniti products? So Naim hasn’t shifted to a new ground, on the contrary we WIRELESS TECH continue to develop two-channel Key to the mu-so’s appeal is its wireless connectivity. Naim example. You can also play CDs this way and I get products for our core music-loving has established itself as the provider of excellent uPnP excellent results from a standalone CD transport, although audience. If you want evidence of this streaming products, and the mu-so benefits from this; most users will think this is overkill. The analogue input is just look at Statement, our flagship whether via wired (Ethernet) or wireless (wi-fi), it sounds good too, and it makes a nice noise with the USB input fed excellent regardless of resolution. It proves a brilliant by an Apple iPad. Speaking of which, there’s a neat app for amplification system; we invest more partner to a RipNAS, offering speedy and glitch-free iOS and Android devices that makes it much easier – and in R&D today than ever before. access to my burgeoning digital music library. The optical nicer – to use than manually or via the remote. It also gives digital input goes up to 96kHz, and sounds no less good; easy access to Naim Radio presets and Spotify Connect, What rivals would you say that the it’s ideal for porting the sound of a Blu-ray player, for as well as extended metadata from your NAS device. mu-so is gunning for? Mu-so was actually conceived as a high-performance, feature-rich all-in- into the mix and enjoy things just as acoustic well in spatial terms. Again, one system, constructed from high- you should. Indeed it’s remarkably the unit proves able to image way quality honest materials. The vision uncompressed and unconstrained; beyond its own physical boundaries. was to create a true Naim sound from you can even feed it pounding house a single small enclosure. A great music like Who’s In The House by Conclusion product for new and existing The Beatmasters, and it doesn’t get There’s no doubt in my mind that customers, rather than focusing on fl ustered. It goes loud and retains a the mu-so is a superb product; it’s what others are doing. Having said sense of rhythmic integrity and no substitute for a full-size hi-fi that, I’ve heard quite a few of the dynamic ease that seems to defy the and doesn’t set out to be, yet it other products in this category and laws of physics. Because of this, music provides music from a one-box I think mu-so is stunning in terms of performance, no comparison! seems easier to listen to than you’d system of a clarity and power expect from something this size. At that is absolutely exceptional. What’s most special about it? fi rst there’s a sense of subconscious Factor in its excellent wireless and The overall industrial design, which confusion while your ears attune to streaming capabilities and it’s an defies the built-in technology. For what they’re hearing, rather than extremely persuasive package – for example, the patent-pending wi-fi what you expect to hear. Generation X and Y alike ● antenna is built into the heat sink and Feed it a Deutsche Grammophon the fastenings are hidden to help recording of Beethoven’s Pastoral create a seamless aesthetic. I could Symphony and even this type of list several more examples, but if you programme material comes over in an OUR VERDICT ask me for one stand-out feature it impressively natural, unalloyed way. would have to be the touch interface SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Sound quality; Of course, it can’t reproduce the space stylish packaging; and volume control. Not only is it and the scale of the recording in its connectivity; build mechanically beautiful, but it entirety, but it does capture the VALUE FOR MONEY and finish provides a direct connection DISLIKE: Styling between the user and the product. textural feel of the orchestra as well won’t win everyone as the fl ow of the music that it’s BUILD QUALITY over; wireless setup We felt that was essential, not only for playing. It’s also good at signposting not intuitive control, but also to provide a joyful WE SAY: Brilliant one- tactility that is missing in many differences in dynamics, so you can FEATURES box music system with app-controlled systems. really sense how the music broods quality to spare then builds up to a crescendo. The OVERALL treble performance of the mu-so surprises here too, giving a spacious feel and marking out the recorded
DECEMBER 2014 21 Hi-Fi Choice employs the most rigorous test and measurement regime in the business. Here’s how we do it...
REFERENCE SYSTEM CD TRANSPORT Unique group tests Cyrus CD Xt Signature DAC Chord Electronics Hugo AMPLIFIER Our Group Tests are supported by rigorous and Exposure 3010S2 EQUIPMENT SUPPORTS exhaustive listening tests carried out by experts Quadraspire Townshend Audio Seismic Speaker Platform FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS GROUP TEST TEST MUSIC A loudspeaker will never sound at its best when out. Toe-in is also experimented with; generally 808 STATE factory fresh from the box, and will need time to a few degrees is applied, which snaps the stereo Ninety free up properly to reach optimum performance. image into focus and opens up the treble. When Ancodia All six fl oorstanders here were given a minimum a fi nal position is arrived at, the speakers are of 72 hours with the Isotek Full System Enhancer placed on Townshend Audio Seismic Speaker CD on repeat, plus an additional two days of Platforms for better decoupling from the room music before any listening commenced. than with conventional spikes. This long process Auditioning is done in the main listening room ensures each loudspeaker is performing at its over a period of a week, during which time very best in the room. optimal placement is experimented with Following this careful set-up period each extensively. Each speaker is initially placed close speaker is individually auditioned with other to the rear wall and moved out into the room designs reinstated for cross referencing. Levels until the bass response is judged to be as even are carefully matched and a wide variety of as possible. In the case with models that come music is used, although four key tracks are JOHN MARTYN Solid Air supplied with foam bungs, these are tried in and focused on (see right). Solid Air
JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET Wait A Minute Wait A Minute
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 THE STRING QUARTET carefully controlled so that we choice of music is agreed – it quality section. A Tribute to Duran Duran Ordinary World 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.
22 DECEMBER 2014 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. FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 Take the floor Thinking of moving to a floorstander? David Price tries six mid-priced models
THE MOVE TO fl oorstanders fi rst effi cient too – making them easier to became popular in the nineties as hi-fi drive and go loud with the same fans embraced the new range of big amount of amplifi er power – which speakers offering larger cabinet was a very attractive bonus for many volumes in a fairly compact footprint. hi-fi fans using valve amplifi ers and The trend was arguably triggered by party animals alike. the introduction of Mission’s ‘tower’ design loudspeakers with just about Brace for life every speaker brand of the day For a while it seemed that the following in the British maker’s fl oorstander was indeed the shape ground-breaking steps. of speakers to come, but big cabinets Many of the fi rst fl oorstanding can be diffi cult to keep rigid over models were based on smaller larger areas and subtle bends and standmounted speaker designs with vibrations of the enclosures caused the same drivers placed in larger by the movement of air can result cabinets a metre or so high. These in unwanted distortions if not new designs offered an appealing suffi ciently braced. Happily, internal package to hi-fi fans as they were cabinet bracing techniques and driver capable of delivering deeper bass with technology has really moved forward physical scale and power, thanks to in recent years, and the results of the higher volume of air inside the the latest batch of fl oorstanders is cabinets that was far greater than very encouraging indeed. Despite their standmounted speaker advances, room placement is still the equivalents. People quickly began to biggest consideration you’ll need to realise that another advantage to make. Many of the models overleaf the fl oorstander was that they often are front-ported designs but they will sounded far less compressed and still perform at their best away from more open than their bookshelf walls. To fi nd out which models are siblings. They were invariably more likely to fi t your room best, read on...
ON TEST
Acoustic Energy Bowers & Wilkins Cambridge Audio Dali PSB Speakers Roth AE 103 £550 p27 684 S2 £800 p29 Aeromax 6 £900 p31 Zensor 7 £730 p33 Imagine X1T £750 p35 OLi RA4 £400 p37 This well-executed The second incarnation Just 18 month’s after the One of Denmark’s most It’s the first time we’ve Roth is perhaps better British-designed of the 684 is thinner than launch of its Aero range respected loudspeaker seen a model from PSB known for its desktop floorstander has a build it’s predecessor thanks to comes the revamped makers, Dali should Speakers participate in speakers, surround quality that’s well above the use of smaller drive Aeromax, complete with always be on your one of our roundups, but packages and DAB radios, its price point and a units still utilising the shiny cabinets, improved audition list. The Zensor this slim model from the but joins the hi-fi ranks specification that brand’s characteristic internal bracing and range has been around Canadian-based brand’s here with what is arguably partners nicely done woven Kevlar cones. But driver enhancements. It’s for a few years, and the 7 Imagine series looks the group’s most stylish anodised aluminium how does the heavily the most costly model is its range topper with 7in ideally placed to do model. How does it cones with a soft fabric tweaked S2 design fare here, but will that be mid/bass drivers, making well against these perform alongside more dome tweeter. against price rivals here? enough to take the spoils? it the largest model here. similarly priced rivals. established hi-fi brands?
24 DECEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 25
FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST
Acoustic Energy GAME CHANGER Acoustic Energy made its name back in the late eighties with the AE1. This seminal mini-monitor was a game AE 103 £550 changer, because it introduced metal cones to a popular size and price class. The AE 103 also runs anodised Although it’s one of the smallest floorstanders here, aluminium cones, but they’re a good deal more sophisticated than the first this compact box gives nothing away in quality AE speaker in their general detailing. This cone material is rigid and gives crisp, detailed, finely etched sound DETAILS espite being the least from a rear wall. Round the back you – it’s still fairly unusual to use metal physically imposing design get a single pair of non-bi-wirable mid/bass units these days, and this PRODUCT Acoustic Energy D of the group, you’d never binding terminals. goes some way to explaining the AE 103 think it’s any way less well speaker’s distinct character. It runs ORIGIN built than the others here; it’s a heavy Sound quality two mid/bass drivers together, UK/China and sturdy speaker for its size. The The AE 103 has a bright, snappy and making it a two-way design but able TYPE gently sloping front baffl e gives it a enjoyable sound that has a naturally to shift more air than if it sported just 2-way floorstander distinctive appearance and the bright musical nature and a good bit of the one 110mm drive unit. The 28mm WEIGHT 14kg metal trim rings around the drivers power for when required. It’s decently tweeter isn’t the usual aluminium dome you’d expect to find on a DIMENSIONS lend a classy look. tight, taut and composed. One listen (WxHxD) This is a very well executed small to 808 State’s Ancodia, and you’re in budget-to-mid priced design; instead 185 x 850 x 280mm fl oorstander, offering a lot for the no doubt that it’s quite a different it’s a fabric dome, which should have FEATURES price. Our AE 103 comes in vinyl- animal to many others here. a generally smoother and softer ● 28mm fabric nature than a metal equivalent. dome tweeter wrap walnut, but it is done well and You can hear the tweeter adding just ● 2x 110mm black and gloss white are options too. a little liveliness to the proceedings; aluminium bass The drive units are bolted into the hi-hats and the top harmonics from units well damped, rigid cabinet and snare drums seem a lot better lit. By ● Quoted sensitivity: 89dB/1W/1m loaded by the manufacturer’s the general standards of the group, DISTRIBUTOR trademark, distinctive slot-shaped though, tonal balance falls around Henley Designs refl ex port. This is at the bottom of the middle; not too sharp or too soft. TELEPHONE the front baffl e, which is a wholly Bass has a good deal of bounce and 01235 511166 good idea because it makes the extension; it doesn’t go quite as low WEBSITE speakers far less sensitive to and nor does it quite have the acoustic-energy. co.uk placement near boundary walls; I fi nd effortless feel that larger loudspeakers that they work well as close as 20cm like the Cambridge and Dali have, but it’s not too far off. The only real letdown is a slight muddling of the attack transients on some of the complex, looped, sequenced electronic bass; there’s a bridge about two thirds of the way through the track when the AE 103 seems to momentarily lose its composure in the low frequencies. Generally it proves a great dance music speaker, and works really well with other types of music. Ordinary The distinctive bass port is World displays a good tonality with classic AE plenty of space to the recorded acoustic. It certainly doesn’t seem as compressed as some, although ultimately the Cambridge Audio does better. In speakers there’s no OUR VERDICT substitute for cabinet size when it SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Punchy, comes to delivering a large, easy propulsive, musical sound and the AE 103 is a prisoner sound; build and finish of its petite dimensions. Solid Air VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Lacks finesse compared with the shows a good tonality, but again the best of the rest BUILD QUALITY tweeter lends the music an edge that WE SAY: Great value gives the balance a boost in some compact affordable floorstander respects. It’s a fi ne speaker and EASE OF DRIVE responds well to good amplifi ers and sources. Properly set up you can enjoy OVERALL its good rhythms and dynamics, and sense of musical fl ow. A seriously impressive performer at the price ●
DECEMBER 2014 27
FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST
Bowers & Wilkins KEVLAR KNOW-HOW The drive unit material that B&W is most famous for is woven Kevlar. It’s strong stuff , as wearers of bullet- 684 S2 £800 proof jackets will attest. Kevlar is fairly light, very rigid and capable of excellent results, as heard in the This latest version of B&W’s popular mid-size model is company’s top 800 series. In the 600 series you get smaller versions slimmed down and souped up, or so it would seem of the driver, in this case two 130mm mid/bass drivers working in tandem. The company says the voice coils in DETAILS t’s rather unusual to see braced and inert by the standards of these units have got smaller to aid loudspeakers downsize, or the rest of the group. It also works sensitivity, and the drivers now also PRODUCT Bowers & Wilkins I at least the drive units well close to rear walls. come with anti-resonance plug 684 S2 inside of them – the usual dustcaps, which is a technology ORIGIN direction of travel is the other way. Sound quality taken from the high-end PM1 UK/China But in its second incarnation, B&W’s This latest evolution of the 684 seems speakers, said to improve pistonic TYPE popular 684 has slimmed down a bit. a bit tighter and tauter than what movement inside the voice coil. The 2-way floorstander It is now thinner than before – or less preceded it, and there’s more aluminium Decoupled Double Dome WEIGHT 14.2kg wide to be precise. This is possible composure, detail and refi nement. It’s tweeter is claimed to be especially DIMENSIONS due to the use of 130mm mid/bass not dramatic, but the speaker has rigid, and sits in a gel-filled cavity (WxHxD) drivers, instead of the 165mm units moved to a slightly more modern and decoupled from the surrounding 160 x 920 x 234mm used before. This decision may well less sumptuous sound, yet remains cabinet. It uses an aluminium dome, FEATURES have been taken for sound reasons a classy, sophisticated performer. and we believe this one sounds ● 25mm aluminium dome tweeter of customer preference, but on the Tonally it doesn’t have the wallop of particularly good. ● 2x 130mm Kevlar face of it is sonically counter intuitive, the Dali, though. It’s not a speaker mid/bass cone because – as B&W’s fl agship 801 with a big bass, and lacks the Danish ● Quoted sensitivity: 87dB/1W/1m shows – there’s no substitute for size design’s effortless ease. There’s more Get set for if it’s done properly! The Series 2 of a sense of the music being bi-wiring with DISTRIBUTOR these rugged B&W Group Ltd speaker has been heavily tweaked, squeezed out than you get with the binding posts TELEPHONE though (see box out). It’s a decently effortless fl ow of the Cambridge 0800 2321513 presented design, but the vinyl wrap Audio too; the 684 S2 can’t make up WEBSITE fi nish does seem pretty low rent the difference in cabinet volume and bowers-wilkins. compared with the sumptuous gloss drive unit size. Still, its excellent co.uk of the Cambridge Audio for example, innate balance, allied to a clean and although the cabinet is unusually well fairly open midband and nice, silky treble makes short work of the 808 State track. It’s not a great recording, but the B&W isn’t put off and delivers a very coherent sound. It proves strong across all areas; bass is fairly limited, but still nicely tuneful and it integrates well with the detailed midband. It follows the rhythms well and gives a real taste of its dynamics. The James Taylor Quartet’s Wait A Minute rolls along at a fair rate and is expressive and satisfying. Tonally smooth, you nevertheless get the sense that it is just a little coloured. Soundstaging is good, wide and with well-defi ned images within the mix. Solid Air also reveals the 684 S2 to be really rather good at dynamics; in OUR VERDICT this respect it’s one of the best in the SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Lithe musical group. While it can’t thunder like the sound; detailed Dali with its big bass units, it can and midband; silky treble does signpost the differences between VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Lacks physicality of some gently strummed guitar and heavily others here; so-so plucked strings, for example. In other BUILD QUALITY vinyl wrap words, this speaker lets the music’s WE SAY: Fine contemporary emotion fl ow forth in a more EASE OF DRIVE floorstander with immediate way than most here. broad appeal It may not be able convey the OVERALL physicality of the music, but it sure can do the intensity. A fi ne product, but not unassailable ●
DECEMBER 2014 29 Let the voice of Naim take you inside the music naimaudio.com
Mu-so is our first wireless music system. Finely tuned by our specialist engineers in England, its powerful digital brain delivers the most exceptional quality in sound, commanding 450 watts of power through six custom-designed speakers, to create an experience of music that has to be heard to be believed.
Features: Airplay, Bluetooth®/aptX®, Spotify Connect®, UPnP™ (access your stored music), Internet Radio, USB, Analogue and Digital inputs, Apple iOS and Android App for complete control.
Go Deeper
John Lewis | Selected Apple stores | www.apple.com | Specialist Naim retailers of Apple Inc. is a trademark AirPlay FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST
Cambridge Audio THE MAGIC OF BMR Many speaker companies have fancy acronyms for rather mundane variations on the standard moving Aeromax 6 £900 coil driver, but the BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) is radical and clever; it gives far better dispersion and With some extensive tweaking to what’s fundamentally should be more linear and lower in distortion too. The Aeromax gets the a sound design, this new floorstander should impress latest version of this relatively new design in a 50mm size, and its response stretches from the high DETAILS arely 18 months since the midband that all but the very best treble all the way down to the upper Cambridge Audio boxes suffer from. It really is uncanny, bass. The brilliance of this is that its PRODUCT Cambridge Audio B launched its Aero range of and the mods make it even easier to wide range obviates the need for a Aeromax 6 loudspeakers, and it has enjoy. This large loudspeaker works crossover in the presence region, ORIGIN got a revamp and a new name. My well close to a rear wall, but if you which is where the human ear is most UK/China abiding impression of the Aero 6 have the space it excels around 50cm sensitive; it takes phase problems out TYPE fl oorstander is of a great budget box into the room with the bung removed. of the equation in the midband and 2.5-way floorstander with a unique sound, but a little too gives an electrostatic-like sound in WEIGHT soft and fl uffy. The new Aeromax has Sound quality some respects. It’s tonally very 17kg tightened up, though; it was The basic sound of the Aeromax 6 is smooth, being made of light but stiff DIMENSIONS understandable that designer very smooth, satisfyingly musical and paper. Two 165mm pulp bass drivers (WxHxD) Dominic Baker paid so much eerily unlike every other loudspeaker take over at 250Hz. They integrate well 240 x 980 x 344mm attention to the original’s novel drive here and indeed many others, too! with the BMR and give a seamless FEATURES ● 46mm BMR treble/ unit complement, but now he’s had The fi rst choice to make is whether to sound with a taut and tuneful bass. mid driver time to refi ne the rest of the speaker use the supplied foam bung in the ● 2x 165mm doped and the result is that the cabinets are bass port; in my room I fi t it because paper bass drive ● Quoted sensitivity: now better braced. No less profound it tightens up the bass. As mentioned The Aeromax 90dB/1W/1m is the fi tment of the latest fourth earlier, this is less necessary if you’re 6 employs generation Balanced Mode Radiator able to run them away from the rear the latest DISTRIBUTOR BMR tech Richer Sounds (BMR), which partners with twin bass wall, otherwise I’d advise that you TELEPHONE drivers. Married to this is better OFC keep it in. This done, the Aeromax 6 0333 9000093 internal wiring and upgraded speaker delivers a superb rendition of 808 WEBSITE terminals. What you get is an almost State’s Ancodia; showing off an cambridgeaudio. com uniquely even sound, totally devoid almost holographic soundstage, of the sort of peaks and lumpiness in cathedral-like in its breadth. The speaker never comes out and bites you across the midband, meaning it’s remarkably relaxing to listen to, yet can never be called boring. It oozes detail that’s subtle and unexpectedly fi ne at the price. This is plenty of fun, but better still the Cambridge Audio proves highly adept at playing rhythms. This trait it shares with its predecessor, only more so; the ‘max’ is faster, tighter, tauter and has less overhang in the bass. It’s also more expressive, and carries dynamic infl ections – better than its predecessor and indeed every other speaker in this group. The String Quartet’s cover of Ordinary World comes across with OUR VERDICT greater emotional poignancy than all SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Wonderfully the other boxes here. The acoustic smooth, open, even guitar fi nery of John Martyn’s Solid sound; scale; Air shows that the Aeromax isn’t VALUE FOR MONEY musicality DISLIKE: Nothing at beyond criticism; it has a slightly the price BUILD QUALITY ‘papery’ tone that can’t carry the WE SAY: Superb widest range of sounds from ice cold affordable floorstander, that’s refined beyond to sumptuously warm; everything is a EASE OF DRIVE its price little sweet and soft regardless of the original recording. So it may not quite OVERALL have the glassy clarity of higher-end loudspeakers, but still proves a joy to listen to and to own ●
DECEMBER 2014 31 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.
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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
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/ClarityAlliance @clarityalliance clarityalliance.co.uk FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST
Dali HAVE IT LARGE Nearly a metre high and wider than all the others, this is the big boy of the group down to the twin 175mm Zensor 7 £730 mid/bass units, which are the largest among their peers. These big woofers give better sensitivity than smaller If size is everything, then this big floorstander is likely diameter drivers, and are aided in this by Dali’s wood fibre cones, which we to appeal. But does its sound match its bulk? have found to have an appealing tonality in other Dali speakers too. Being light, well damped yet rigid, it DETAILS op of the Zensor range, though. I fi nd that it works best just a gives a distinctive sound that’s this is also one of the little further into the room than most recognisably diff erent to all of the PRODUCT Dali Zensor 7 T tallest and most attractive and that it proves very easy to drive. other drivers here. It’s very dark ORIGIN boxes in the group, sounding – which is a good thing for a Denmark/China looking clean and modern, although Sound quality midrange and low-frequency driver, TYPE some won’t like its width – something Like the Aeromax 6, its sound is because it doesn’t introduce obvious 2.5-way that some buyers seem dead set distinctive; unsurprisingly it’s the bass resonances by itself. Also unusual is floorstander against for aesthetic reasons. The that sets it apart; those big woofers the particular textile material that Dali WEIGHT 14.9kg fashion is to have ultra narrow boxes, lend the Zensor a physical presence has used in the 25mm dome tweeter, DIMENSIONS and the large 7in (175mm) diameter that no other speaker here has. But where many often use metal; it also (WxHxD) mid/bass drivers in the Zensor 7 it’s not just a big boomy bass; it’s makes for a distinctly diff erent sound 257 x 994 x 320mm make this impossible. No other powerful, but doesn’t sound bloated and integrates very nicely with the FEATURES speaker here has such large units – or underdamped. Rather like a larger drivers sitting below it on that ● 25mm textile dome tweeter though they’re still small by the large-engined luxury saloon car, the large front baff le. ● 2 x 175mm wood standards of a generation ago. Its Dali delivers this power effortlessly, fibre bass cones gloss lacquered fi nish extends only not falling over itself to tell you how ● Quoted sensitivity: 90dB/1W/1m to the front baffl e, and this is spoiled much force it’s blessed with. The The Zensor 7 by not having magnetic grille result is an easy, tuneful low end that is so called DISTRIBUTOR due to its Dali UK Ltd attachments. The rest of the cabinet confers a sense of effortless weight on large 7in TELEPHONE is plain old eighties-style vinyl wrap. everything it plays. This is most bass drivers 0845 6443537 The big cabinet is reasonably rigid apparent on the 808 State track, WEBSITE although it doesn’t quite sound dead where it makes the other speakers – dali-uk.co.uk when you rap it with your knuckles. bar the Cambridge Audio – sound The aluminium plinth (not shown) asthmatic. It has a fl uid low end and gives a stable base for the speaker, can’t be forced to lose control, no matter how loud you turn up the volume. Sadly, when it crosses over to its tweeter in the midband, things begin to sound a little less linear. The String Quartet track sees it lose a bit of tonal accuracy in the upper midband and it sounds a little forward and fi zzy; not dramatically so, but it is still a world away from the Aeromax 6’s beautiful treatment of this region. I also fi nd dynamics just a little curtailed, and here it sounds like the cabinets. At fi rst acquaintance this speaker sounds bouncy and fun, but when there is strong dynamic accenting on a track – such as the guitar phrasing on Solid Air – it has a tendency to sit on peaks just a little. OUR VERDICT Within its performance envelope it SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Large, easy, sounds great, but feed it dynamic powerful sound; music and material with lots of micro efficient dynamic infl ections and it’s less VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: So-so finish impressive. It is a little lacking in WE SAY: Big-hearted, BUILD QUALITY affable sounding low-level detail, too. It sets up a big, floorstander bouncy sound – with a decently wide soundstage from left to right – but EASE OF DRIVE take it outside its comfort zone and it reveals some of its fl aws, such as a OVERALL lack of low-level detail, compression and a rather ‘samey’ tonality. It’s enjoyable, but not quite the best ●
DECEMBER 2014 33 - aptX Bluetooth streaming input - Increased output for greater power and clarity ,PSURYHGFLUFXLWU\IRUJUHDWHUHIðFLHQF\ - Even better sound performance
The award-winning Roksan K2 series has now been expanded to include a new integrated DPSOLðHU7KH.%7LPSURYHVRQWKHRULJLQDO.,QWHJUDWHGZLWKEUDQGQHZFLUFXLWU\DQGD higher output than ever before. The inclusion of aptX® technology also adds a whole new VRXUFHLQSXWWRWKHDPSOLðHU1RZ\RXFDQVWUHDP your favourite music from a Bluetooth-enabled device in original 16-bit CD quality.* Available Nationwide Now
Distributed by Henley Designs Ltd. T: +44 (0)1235 511 166 | E: [email protected] | W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk * On compliant devices. FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST
PSB Speakers CLAY’S THE WAY This floorstander comes with another driver complement – there’s no one single pattern emerging in the group Imagine X1T £750 as to the type of tweeter that is matched to another type of mid/bass driver. In the PSB’s case, two 133mm All the way from Canada comes this attractive and clay/ceramic reinforced polypropylene cones are fitted. Polyprop is an old relatively compact mid-price floorstander loudspeaker material, first pioneered in the seventies, although these cones are radically improved with DETAILS ertainly one of the slimmer standards of the group, going loud unusual clay/ceramic reinforcement. designs in the group, with smallish amounts of power. Interestingly they run in two-and-a- PRODUCT PSB Speakers C the PSB sports a rather half way mode, with the twin mid/ Imagine X1T mediocre black vinyl Sound quality bass units working in tandem at the ORIGIN fi nish, allied to what’s a pretty lightly This is a good sounding box with real lowest frequencies, but crossing over Canada/China braced and/or thin-walled cabinet ability, but has been ‘voiced’ to give at diff erent frequencies to reduce the TYPE that doesn’t exactly exude a feeling the public what it wants. And what it load on both. These match up to a 2.5-way floorstander of quality. Standing it next to the AE wants apparently is a big, fulsome 25mm titanium dome tweeter, which WEIGHT 103, you’d think the Acoustic Energy bottom end, a spacious midband and is – in theory at least – quite ‘old 17.3kg was the £750 product, not this. tweeter that makes a shiny, sparkly school’ now; they were very popular DIMENSIONS Although the speaker weighs a sound – regardless of the instruments in the eighties. The tweeter is modern, (WxHxD) decent amount, somehow this hasn’t or voices it’s asked to reproduce. In of course, but doesn’t prove to be the 208 x 874 x 395mm translated into a feeling of solidity. short, the X1T is like a hot hatch car; smoothest or most sophisticated FEATURES ● 25mm titanium The only way it redeems itself is a unrefi ned but eager, and little the metal dome here on audition. dome tweeter particularly sturdy metal base, which worse for it. ● 2x 133mm ceramic affi xes to decent spikes. The crossover It devours the 808 State track; it’s a polypropylene cone ● Quoted sensitivity: sports bi-wirable terminals, with dance classic and the PSB obviously 90dB/1W/1m gold-plated links for those unwilling likes to party. It wins no prizes for DISTRIBUTOR to spring additional cash on speaker smoothness and sophistication Sevenoaks Sound cable. There’s a largish front-mounted though, rather than the chilled & Vision refl ex port, which makes these boxes Martini that is the Cambridge Audio TELEPHONE 01732 740944 relatively easy to position for a ported this is more like a can of Red Bull. speaker. They don’t require more than The sound isn’t lovely to the taste, but WEBSITE psbspeakers.com 30cm from the rear wall to sound is fun and certainly likes to rock out a balanced. They’re also effi cient by the tune! Starting with the bass, it’s big, grumbles a lot and seems to like thumping regardless of what’s being played. The midband is physically wide, but a little opaque and doesn’t pull you in as well as most; instead it chooses to shout the music out at you; it’s a little lively in the upper presence region, but never gets harsh. This segueways well into a bright and explicit treble, but it lacks subtlety Stick the PSBs from its tweeter. Still, it makes hi-hats about 30cm away from the ring like bells in the night. rear wall for Moving to some more gentle best results acoustic music and the X1T shows it’s a little further from its comfort zone. It makes short shrift of Ordinary World, choosing not to bother too much about conveying the delicate OUR VERDICT texture of the instruments. It’s not SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Solid, weighty as good as tracking the dynamic nature; ease of drive accenting of the playing either, but DISLIKE: Poor finish; still serves up a big, meaty sound VALUE FOR MONEY middling build; crude that is never unpleasant – however sound BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: Fun-sounding unsophisticated it is. It does the same floorstander that is with Solid Air, and actually hangs on outclassed by more sophisticated rivals to those guitar harmonics better than EASE OF DRIVE expected, giving a fairly full and fruity sound with lots of thrum to the OVERALL instrument – and just a little too much to John Martyn’s voice too! Not a bad speaker; unpretentious fun ●
DECEMBER 2014 35 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 FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS £400-£900 GROUPTEST Roth ACE OF BASS The Roth seems extremely well put together at the price, and the drive unit complement reflects this; OLi RA4 £400 two 165mm mid/bass units run in tandem, and this relatively small floorstander has been tuned to go all The most aff ordable in the group, can this big box hold the way down to 40Hz (claimed). This makes for good bass extension, but its own in this more rarefied company? the trade off is eff iciency and the 86dB (quoted) figure means the speaker will need a beefy solid-state DETAILS aking a name for itself of the group, so you’ll need a amplifier to get the best from it. The from its decent affordable reasonably powerful amp (50W or cone material chosen for both drivers PRODUCT Roth OLi RA4 M audio components such more) to get the best from it. is woven fibreglass, which is a rigid ORIGIN as soundbars, desktop formulation that tends to have a UK/China speakers and DAB radios, Roth is now Sound quality certain sound all of its very own. At TYPE starting to move a little more The tidy styling of the Roth belies its this price you’d expect a cheap metal 2-way floorstander upmarket. And this is its fl agship hi-fi modest price, but as soon as you plug dome tweeter, but Roth has fitted a WEIGHT loudspeaker – even though it’s the it in the secret is out. It’s not a bad rather nice 25mm silk dome aff air, 16.5kg cheapest in the group. At fi rst glance speaker, but it’s a lot cheaper than the which proves well behaved and DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) it is an impressive offering; it’s got others and sounds it. The balance isn’t obviously less bright than some in the 210 x 962 x 323mm a very clean look with a familiar unpleasant – it’s not too far away group. The drive unit lineup is decent FEATURES modern styling. The matt black fi nish from the smooth, even Cambridge enough, but another weak link in the ● 25mm silk dome isn’t bad considering the price, Audio – and doesn’t shout out at you loudspeaker chain is the cabinet, tweeter ● 2x 165mm woven although on closer inspection you can in any particular frequency region. which is a little resonant. fibreglass bass see where corners have been cut – the Listen a little more, however, and you cones refl ex port insert comes loose on one begin to realise the midband is more ● Quoted sensitivity: 86dB/1W/1m of the samples. It’s a conventional opaque than the others. While the The woven two-way design voiced by Richard Dali, AE, B&W and Cambridge all fibreglass DISTRIBUTOR bass cones Roth AV Ltd Allen with a fairly thin-walled MDF peer deep into the recorded acoustic have a sound TELEPHONE cabinet covered in vinyl, with a silk of Solid Air, the Roth leaves you of their own 01753 682782 dome tweeter and twin mid/bass unsure about what’s really going on. WEBSITE units set behind a plastic front baffl e. You get all the basic musical clues, rothaudio.co.uk It sits on a basic metal plinth (not and with it a pleasant sound, but shown) into which spikes are there’s a lack of insight. This applies screwed. It proves the least sensitive across the board, from dynamics to the way the rhythms are pulled together, and sounds muddled. This is more evident with the murky mix of the 808 State track. Here the bassline, which modulates up and down in a normally rather breezy way, sounds leaden. The snare drums and rim shots are a little fl at, and their timing appears smeared. Treble is poor, lacking sparkle and air, although it is never harsh, which is commendable for a £400 fl oorstander. Overall the sound is a little diffuse; imaging isn’t bad, but is too centred around the plane of the speakers, while depth perspective is lacking. James Taylor Quartet’s Wait A Minute sounds less impactful OUR VERDICT compared with the others. The Roth SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Inoffensive doesn’t offend, it just seems unable balance; neat styling; to give an accurate picture of what’s low price going on. Tonally it’s too homogeneous VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Opaque midband; unrefined and lacks realistic timbral resolution treble BUILD QUALITY – in its place is a pleasant, but slightly WE SAY: Cheap and plasticky feel with no sense of the cheerful speaker; struggles in this listener being able to tell the EASE OF DRIVE company characteristic sounds of different recorded acoustics. Although not OVERALL unacceptable, this is a modest speaker that’s well worth auditioning if your budget won’t stretch beyond £400 ● DECEMBER 2014 37 FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS GROUPTEST £400-£900 Group test verdict After a week of exhaustive listening tests the results are in, but before he puts his feet up for a well-earned brew, it’s over to David Price for the results A COUPLE OF the loudspeakers In fi fth place comes the PSB, which amplifi er. The Dali is the bigger, here lack any exceptionally enjoyable is a bit costly given it’s performance smoother, sweeter performer, with hi-fi facets. To an extent this is here; it simply cannot compete in a lovely sumptuous bass and a very refl ected in the broad range of prices value terms with the other members relaxed, powerful air. It’s not the WINNER seen in the group, but it cannot be of the group or indeed the wider most dynamic, and doesn’t have completely explained by this. market. It’s good fun to listen to, if lots of detail either – and this is The Cambridge Audio Finishing in sixth place is the most a bit exuberant, but is likely to make where the B&W comes in. It has a Aeromax 6 is the most affordable model in the group. The more casual buyers happy – aside fundamentally smaller scale sound, costly here, but it is clearly better than all Roth is very attractive and decently from its lofty price tag. but what there is, is tidier, tauter, the others in many fi nished at the price, but faces stiff In joint third place come the B&W faster and more refi ned. Both are ways. Its unique BMR competition against other £400 and Dali. They both offer a good mighty fi ne speakers. driver gives a big open designs, let alone some of the models sound for the money, but their The Acoustic Energy is the runner window to the music, at around twice the cost in this characters are distinctively different up; it’s small but perfectly formed and integrates superbly with the bass drivers. It roundup. It is pleasant to listen to, but and the choice between them will with a bright, breezy, open and is very nicely made and a little muddled in the fi nal analysis, come down to the buyer’s taste, musical sound and surprisingly finished at the price. and lacks some musical insight. music preference, source and inexpensive too. Great value! Make/model Acoustic Energy Bowers & Wilkins Cambridge Audio Dali PSB Speakers Roth AE 103 684 S2 Aeromax 6 Zensor 7 Imagine X1T OLi RA4 Price £550 £800 £900 £730 £750 £400 Sound Value Build Ease of drive Overall Excellent value Sophisticated Superbly balanced Big, ballsy Exuberant fun and Pleasant but veiled floorstander with package, but lacks floorstander with floorstander with always ready to sound, but mediocre a fine sound from ultimate power and a sound that’s a easy, enjoyable party, but lacks build can’t compete a compact box finish is below par joy to listen to musical nature detail and depth with pricier rivals Key features 2-way Yes Yes No No No Yes 2.5-way No No Yes Yes Yes No Tweeter type Fabric dome Metal dome BMR Fabric dome Metal dome Fabric dome Bi-wiring No Yes No No Yes Yes Plinth No Yes Yes Yes No Yes TRY WITH THESE CD PLAYER: CABLE LOOM: INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER: Audiolab 8200CD £800 HFC 340 QED Reference Audio 40/ Creek Evolution 50A £750 HFC 370 Still our favourite mid-price silver disc spinner, it Signature Revelation One of our favourite affordable integrated amplifiers, gives nothing away in performance terms to any £100 and £17/m HFC 387 the Creek has a wonderfully open and musical sound – rival and provides a powerful, detailed source for A recent Group Test winner, this one that’s far better than the price suggests. It would them to work with. Its digital inputs give it added interconnect and speaker cable prove an excellent partner for any of the floorstanders DAC functionality, and very good it sounds too! combination is one of the best here, and has lots of power and fine dynamics. sounding at the price. It’s an extremely well balanced performer with a natural musical gait and loads of detail and dynamics, too. 38 DECEMBER 2014 HiFi for a wireless generation NOVEMBER 2014 “Multi-room audio has never sounded so good” BLUESOUND IS A 24-BIT NATIVE, PURE DIGITAL WIRELESS STREAMING MUSIC SYSTEM. Even 16-bit CDs have only about half of the audio spectrum that the master recording holds and that’s a whole lot more than MP3s have left in them. With more than a decade of compressed audio piping through earbud headphones and cheap dock players, the time has come. The portable players we all love have created a new way of listening to music, but there hasn’t really been much there to hear. Until now. 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E&OE click & collect NOW AVAILABLE www.SSAV.com £298 OR LESS NEW £209 £575 TURNTABLES BEST TURNTABLE UP TO £400 PRO-JECT ESSENTIAL II OR LESS OR LESS PRO-JECT • ESSENTIAL II • TURNTABLE REGA • RP1 PERFORMANCE PACK • TURNTABLE PRO-JECT • 1 XPRESSION CARBON • TURNTABLE Entry-level “plug’n’play” two speed turntable with single piece This upgraded version of the award-winning RP1 includes a Bias 2 With its Carbon armtube and supplied Ortofon 2m Silver cartridge, aluminium tonearm and pre-fi tted Ortofon OM5e cartridge. cartridge, upgraded belt, 100% wool mat and RP101 tonearm. the 1 Xpression Carbon sets new standards in its price range. £649 £399 £399 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR DACS OR LESS STEREO AMPLIFIERS OR LESS OR LESS BEST DAC £300-£500 ARCAM FMJ A19 ARCAM irDAC STEREO AMPLIFIERS BEST STEREO AMP UP TO £500 NAD D 3020 NAD • D 3020 AMPLIFIER / DAC ARCAM • irDAC • DAC ARCAM • FMJ A19 • AMPLIFIER Features digital and analogue Designed to be the heart of a digital system. 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ARCAM • FMJ CDS27 / FMJ A39 • CD / AMPLIFIER NAD • C 516BEE / C 316BEE • CD / AMPLIFIER Introducing Arcam’s audiophile Class G integrated amplifi er Received an outstanding product award from Hi-Fi News AUDIOQUEST • DRAGONFLY v1.2 and SACD/CD player with Network streaming up to 192/24 magazine who descrided the C 316BEE is an “absolute barn- DAC / HEADPHONE AMP for class leading sound quality. stormer of an amplifi er”. The C 516BEE is the perfect partner. An affordable and easy-to-use device that delivers far superior sound by bypassing the poor quality sound card that is built into your computer. 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ADVERT VALID UNTIL 19/11/2014. E&OE THE FUNK FIRM REVIEWS FLAMENCA TURNTABLE £850 DETAILS periphery belt drive from a single motor pulley. I say conventional, but PRODUCT The Funk Firm as with most things Funk, the basics Get funky Flamenca have been carefully considered ORIGIN for maximum sonics. The motor is UK intentionally cited at the deck’s front TYPE left corner because Funk believes With its unique approach to vinyl replay, Belt-drive turntable with tonearm putting a motor at the rear of a platter Andrew Simpson finds out why the new WEIGHT allows motor and/or structural 5.4kg vibration to travel along the belt Flamenca could set your heart on fire DIMENSIONS causing the cartridge to vibrate side (WxHxD) to side. However, putting the motor 414 x 110 x 320mm pulley in line with the tonearm allows FEATURES hen The Funk Firm passed into audiophile legend. Since ● 33 and 45rpm these same vibrations to instead releases a new turntable, the early noughties, Arthur has been electronic speed travel down the arm tube that’s held you can expect innovation channelling his hi-fi energies into change fi rm by the bearing. W ● 12V DC motor to be high on the agenda. The Funk Firm, which has gained an ● Funk F6 thread In another effort to minimise Challenging the norms of turntable impressive reputation for its visually bearing tonearm vibration and noise entering into design is what company founder striking decks with alternative drive ● External wall the replay chain, the Flamenca gets a wart PSU Arthur Khoubesserian is all about. systems and mould-breaking tonearms. ● Removable 12V DC servo controlled motor to aid Let’s not forget that this is the man Despite its conventional looks which dust cover smooth and silent running. Speed is who some decades ago fi rst are more in keeping with its £1,440 DISTRIBUTOR controlled electronically via a knurled introduced novel ideas like fi tting DC Little Super Deck sibling than the The Funk Firm silver knob for 33.3 and 45rpm, with motors to belt drive decks alongside distinctive curves of the Vector TELEPHONE discreet trim pots for speed fi ne tuning. acrylic platters for placing your LPs and Saffi re models, the entry-level 01273 585042 For spinning duties the deck’s on sans mat. Back then this was Flamenca continues to live the Funk WEBSITE 10mm-thick glass platter rests on a thefunkfirm.co.uk truly leftfi eld thinking, but now it’s ethos, thanks to some unique features. fi nely engineered steel plate with a commonplace on many of today’s Like the LSD, the Flamenca sports case-hardened spindle that turns high-end vinyl spinners, showing that a glass platter. But unlike the LSD, against a steel ball sitting at the base Arthur was clearly ahead of the game. it eschews Funk’s proprietary vector of a close-tolerance brass bearing But that was then, and AK’s Pink belt drive system of a motor with two sleeve. The deck’s 25mm-thick plinth Triangle decks of the day have since slave pulleys for a more conventional is made from three layers of MDF 42 DECEMBER 2014 THE FUNK FIRM FLAMENCA TURNTABLE £850 REVIEWS inhouse 3mm Achromat with our test track can often wrong foot an rig, costing £57 extra. Set up is unsuspecting deck as with turntables without drama. The hardest part is favouring a rockier and more polished fi tting the round section rubber belt presentation it can sound raw, but around the platter which takes a bit of devoid of character. While more perseverance, but once on stays put. laid-back machines let the track’s murky tones saturate the mix, Sound quality removing the edgy nature of Curtis’ After an hour’s run in, a quick strobe no-holds-barred vocals, the Flamenca test reveals our sample to be bang on leans to neither side and instead the money at both 33.3 and 45rpm presents the song evenly, which really without need for extra speed drives home why Martin Hannett’s trimming. The next task is to decide which platter mat to go for, and a few There is a definite laps of Donald Fagen’s Ruby Baby fi nds the answer. Supplementing the sense with the Funk thick felt mat for the Achromat gives of letting the music a more dynamic sound with crisper edges to the piano notes and better speak for itself instrument separation. It costs more, but on clarity grounds the Achromat distinctive production was so crucial is a wise upgrade. to the band’s unique sound. Guitars It’s diffi cult to describe the Funk’s are conveyed with just the right sonic palate because its strengths lie amount of body and tonal appetite, in transparency, without adding too and it’s the content of their long much of its own personality. I often drawn-out notes that the Funk subtly hear decks that are voiced to bring brings out, which breathes life into certain elements to the fore, be it the music. Meanwhile the rapid drum a more pronounced midrange or strikes are rendered with a clean, tempered treble. And if these short echo, before falling away into elements are to your liking then these the darkness of the soundstage, decks will no doubt tick your personal behind my Dynaudio Focus 260 boxes. The Funk, however, stakes a fl oorstanders’ physical footprint. less obvious claim for a particular While the Funk’s imaging isn’t type of performance, by striving for as ultimately precise as some of a balanced sound without overly its similarly priced stable mates, the favouring any element of the way it really opens up the soundstage bonded together to aid damping, The Funk Firm soundstage or its presentation. is beyond many of its peers. Taking while four chunky rubberised circular Flamenca also Armed with an Ortofon 2M Blue the Flamenca to the next level with comes in a Hot feet give stable support. Magenta finish pick-up (HFC 375) and plumbed into a Benz Micro ACE SH MC (£595) Completing the package is Funk’s for extra flair my Primare R32 phono stage, the reveals the Funk’s underlying F6 tonearm, which unlike the usual Flamenca nails its lack of colouration capabilities. On PJ Harvey’s The gimballed or unipivot designs to the mast via Joy Division’s New Glorious Land from Let England Shake, employs a thread bearing, whereby Dawn Fades from an original pressing the Funk lets the bugle call out from the arm tube is effectively suspended of the Unknown Pleasures album. This far back within the mix and with a from a polymer loop. This loop connects to a single polymer thread IN SIGHT inside the arm, which exits through the bottom of the tube where it 1 2 1 Glass platter attaches to the lower bearing housing with felt mat to hold it steady. The arm tube itself is made from aircraft-grade aluminium 2 Funk F6 tonearm with a threaded low-slung steel 3 Rubber drive belt counterweight at one end and an acrylic head with separate cartridge 4 Motor pulley and speed controls mounting plate at the other. The arm’s mounting is of the conventional Rega type and at £370 on its own, the F6 is a perfectly positioned upgrade for budget decks in need of an alternative approach. And while you’ll need a steady hand to keep the arm still during cartridge installation, its design has lots of easy adjustment including for arm height, via a simple recessed hex-headed clamp for fuss-free fi ne tuning. 4 3 The deck comes with a thick felt mat as standard and Funk also includes an DECEMBER 2014 43 THE FUNK FIRM REVIEWS FLAMENCA TURNTABLE £850 Q&A Arthur Khoubesserian The Funk Firm founder AS: How did the Flamenca deck come about? AK: Our Little Super Deck is gaining quite a reputation as something of a giant killer, our distributors wanted to see what we could do for a more entry-level deck. Bolt together a cheap motor, arm and so on and, “Oh, look… a(nother) ’me-too’ turntable”. Where’s the fun? It’s just not Funk’s style, is it. Designing something new, to a tight budget is never easy. Factor in pushing the performance envelope... Now that’s a real challenge. In Flamenca we believe we’ve more than risen to it. The 3mm Achromat What’s the reasoning behind costs £57, but the periphery belt drive? is a worthwhile upgrade option Peripheral drive uses less tension from the belt, equals less load on the motor, equals a longer service life; no sub-platter keeps prices down. natural echo as it sweeps across the of its heavyweight counterparts, the far regions of the soundstage, before bass it does render is tight, rhythmical Why have you opted for a thread the rhythm guitar’s ringing notes fl ow and upbeat. bearing design with the supplied from my speakers without constraint. F6 tonearm? And when the vocals kick in there’s Conclusion We all know: “The turntable comes plenty of space around them as they Looks-wise the Flamenca certainly first?” Well ignore arms at your peril! HOW IT fl oat across the air. The Flamenca’s doesn’t stand out from the crowd as COMPARES It’s the arm that holds our cartridge, sound is far from forward and it much as other decks from The Funk our ‘music-maker’. Bad arm equals Obvious rivalry comes seems to want to push the music Firm’s stable. But it only takes a few bad music and they are bad where from June’s Group Test upwards and outwards, rather than minutes of hearing it to know that the ear is most critical. Arms are (HFC 385). Rega’s £475 straight at the listener, which also the Flamenca is blessed with what responsible for the ‘naturalness’ glass-plattered RP3 boasts plinth-bracing adds to its sense of openness and lack makes the Funk brand so unique. (or not!) of reproduction. tech and an RB303 arm, It’s transparent and airy sound is Threads give F6 (and F6.5) a totally alongside an AC motor The way the Funk very inviting and when partnered new take on arm performance at this with manual speed with the right pick-up to get the best essentially entry-level point of the change. Pro-Ject’s £425 really opens up out of its thread bearing arm, you’ll market, and it’s executed in a Debut Carbon Espirit SB be rewarded with an open window technically correct way, including for gets an acrylic platter, the soundstage is into the music ● azimuth – it all helps. My best advice? DC motor with Just listen. There is much to explore electronic speed beyond many peers and learn here. change, carbon fibre arm and 2M Red. Both of congestion. Whether this is down offer great VFM with to the minimum resistance thread Funk is famous for constantly more conventional OUR VERDICT bearing arm allowing its partnering innovating, so what’s next? gimballed tonearms SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Open and FX3 is a new inhouse F.X braced instead of the Funk’s cartridge more freedom to express transparent sound; reference arm replacing FXR II, which thread bearing, which itself I can’t say, but there is a defi nite simple yet clever tonearm design is still available as an upgrade for gives a more open sense of letting the music speak for VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Belt can be Rega owners. Christmas, however, sound with less bass. itself about this deck, that’s At £795 and packing fiddly to fit; not for sees the launch of a totally new, reminiscent of how a unipivot BUILD QUALITY hardcore bass junkies its own phono stage, cutting edge flagship arm, the AK47. headphone amp and arm presents the music. WE SAY: Deceptively conventional looks Returning to the Donald Fagen FEATURES 2M Red, VPI’s warm hide a turntable of sounding Nomad (HFC album via the opening I.G.Y track true sonic merit 390) is superb value. reveals the bass to be fast and, well, OVERALL But you’ll be restricted funky. And while this track reveals to using its onboard that the Funk’s low end doesn’t have phono stage. the chest pummeling power of some 44 DECEMBER 2014 www.chord.co.uk Brown Sugar “Bass is really well controlled and tight, while timing is excellent. To sum up these cables in one word, they are ‘musical’. In short, they are quite simply a superb sounding Chord Epic Twin speaker cable set of speaker cables” HI-FI Choice Sept 2014 Demonstration sets available from all good Chord retailers. Find your nearest at www.chord.co.uk Hand built in England by music lovers. Enjoyed by music lovers all over the world. Now listen... ELAC AIR-X 403 REVIEWS WIRELESS STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER £2,848 DETAILS connected. Music is losslessly transmitted at 24-bit/48kHz, which PRODUCT Elac Air-X 403 is better than CD but not quite top In the Air ORIGIN resolution digital. The amplifi ers used Germany/China inside are Class AB. Without getting TYPE too deterministic, many believe that 2-way standmount Class D is a less satisfactory sounding loudspeaker with 24/48 wireless way of amplifying a signal in musical tonight WEIGHT terms, so it’s interesting that Elac has 7.8kg opted to take the long way home and DIMENSIONS gone for the less easy option. One David Price is freed from the constraints of (WxHxD) insider told me that the Jet tweeter 166 x 308 x 280mm didn’t sound good enough when cables as he auditions Elac’s new wireless FEATURES ● Jet 5 tweeter, engineers tried Class D amplifi er 150mm AS-XR modules, so AB it was. The combined Air-X 403 standmount loudspeaker mid/bass driver output is claimed to be 150W (into ● Claimed power: 2x 150W into 4ohms 4ohms), and an internal 56-bit DSP here are umpteen wireless about a consumer electronics ● 2x optical; 1x USB; chip allows tweaking of the sound to speakers around now, but company sticking its wireless tech 1x RCA phono; suit the listener’s environment. 1x 3.5mm T what makes the Air-X 403 into any old pair of transducers here! analogue inputs interesting is that it’s They are effectively active, wireless DISTRIBUTOR Air time aimed at serious audiophiles and yet versions of the highly capable BS 403 Hi-Fi Network The drive unit compliment includes is (relatively) affordable. Starting passive standmounter. The question TELEPHONE the latest-generation Elac Jet 5 at £2,499 for these entry-level 403s is, how well has the company 01285 643088 tweeter, with a 150mm AS-XR bass/ plus £349 for the base station, there’s implemented the wireless side WEBSITE mid driver sporting an interesting also the option of the larger 407 and the active amplifi cation? hifi-network.com crystal pattern aluminium and paper fl oorstanders for £4,299. The speakers contain the Air-X Amp, sandwich cone. It’s said to have an Elac makes very fi ne loudspeakers which the Air-X Base station sends additional strut at the coil former and has done some pioneering work the music to. The latter is the central centre in addition to the convention especially with tweeter technology control unit to which a wide variety central connection. Crossover is at over the years. So we’re not talking of sources and output signals can be a fairly standard (for a two-way 46 DECEMBER 2014 ELAC AIR-X 403 WIRELESS STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER £2,848 REVIEWS speaker) 2.7kHz. The cabinet is as per the BS 403; a solid affair with an immaculate piano lacquer fi nish, it has a downward-fi ring bass refl ect port and an integral plinth assembly. The Air-X 403 can be used as a conventional active loudspeaker; there are balanced XLR and phono sockets on the back so you can drive it direct from an analogue preamplifi er should you wish. But there’s also the wireless option and for this you’ll There are no need to spend an additional £350 interconnecting for the Air-X Base station. Via SMSC leads between left and right DWAM 83 modules, it runs a 2.4GHz speaker; the lossless KleerNet wireless network base unit beams between it and the loudspeakers. It’s signals directly The Air-X is worth auditioning if you’re looking to live in a world without wires very stable and has a range of up to not affl ict the Air-X 403. As soon as it’s laid back and warm, and so the 50m, which should be suffi cient for you start listening it’s clear that this Elac system is too. There’s very little all but the biggest listening rooms. is a fi ne hi-fi design – which also sense of the cabinets inducing boom The base station sports a range of happens to have the option of active, or of the speaker having a sweet spot digital and analogue inputs. There’s wireless operation. You can hear the in the bass; that downward-fi ring port the usual USB and optical digital, as essence of the BS 403 very, very seems to work well. well as analogue via RCA phonos and easily; because this is what the A quick fl ick over to the 407 a 3.5mm minijack. However, oddly Air-X version is, but with added fl oorstanding version that I have to there is no coaxial digital (which functionality. All of which means that hand shows it is missing an octave or precludes my Sony Blu-ray player you get a very smooth, delicate, so of bass, but you won’t really miss from working with it), and nor is detailed sound that you would never this if you stick with the 403. Like there Bluetooth. In fairness, there call boring. In short, the Air-X version many standmount versions of is an additional Bluetooth module comes very close to offering the best fl oorstanders, it also has a rhythmic available for £120, but it is odd that of both worlds. sleight of hand to its low frequencies it isn’t built in given that most active Fed by the base station, in turn that the fl oorstander doesn’t seem speaker systems now have this facility. running from the optical output of a to possess. The bigger box is in no I hope that the next-generation base high-end Sony optical disc transport, way bad in its ability to convey how station has these extra inputs, as it the Elac system turns in an excellent the song pushes along, but still the rather limits its appeal. performance – one that I wasn’t quite expecting considering it’s being run in Sound quality wireless mode. The 403 is a smallish CONNECTIONS One bonus of the system that Elac standmounter, but doesn’t sound uses is that it offers true multi-room anywhere near as compact as it looks. 1 Balanced capability. The base unit acts as the It is able to fi ll a largish listening 1 analogue input central controller and can connect room with big, confi dent sound with 2 Unbalanced an almost unlimited number of Air-X an ease that I wouldn’t normally analogue input loudspeakers, to which up to four expect. Furthermore – and this is 3 DIP switches for signals in three zones can be possibly at least in part due to its EQ customisation transmitted. I try an additional pair of active operation – there is no sense of 2 4 Speaker position Air-X 407s added to the network, and the music being squeezed through a settings test them out playing either the same toothpaste tube, as is sometimes the 5 Room setting for source as I have the 403s playing, case with small speakers. The stock multi-speakers or a different one. In both cases the BS 403 is rather ineffi cient, and needs system is seamless and the wireless a powerful transistor amplifi er to connection is faultless; it’s a very give of its best, but here in active 3 elegant implementation of the mode it is relaxed, expansive and technology, and far better than some surprisingly easy – a bit like a smallish other slightly shaky systems that I’ve car with a big, torquey engine 4 come across. crammed under the hood. The problem with some wireless James Taylor Quartet’s Stepping Into loudspeakers can be that they’re often My Life is a lovely late nineties slice 5 wireless fi rst, and speakers second – of gentle soulful funk – or acid jazz or indeed loudspeakers last. This is as it was once called. The Air-X 403 something that most certainly does shows the recording in all its fi nery; DECEMBER 2014 47 ELAC AIR-X 403 REVIEWS WIRELESS STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER £2,848 Q&A CONNECTIONS Max Lowe 1 2 3 4 1 RCA analogue Hi-Fi Network input 2 USB port for Bluetooth adaptor 3 Optical digital inputs 4 Transmitter ID selector 5 USB type-B input port 6 3.5mm stereo DP: Why has Elac chosen to go jack input down the wireless speaker route? 6 5 ML: Products like Sonos have already established there is a huge market demand for the breed. Air-X gives the customer an audiophile choice, little one seems to be a little less Interestingly though, there isn’t a compromising neither the sound troubled by the sort of room massive jump forward in sound, quality nor the flexibility. positioning issues that effect bigger suggesting that the wireless has been speakers. Stepping Into My Life gets done very well. Instead there is a What do you think Elac can into a quick, propulsive groove and subtle improvement in grip and do better than the rest? makes listening fun. low-level detail, with a slight We put a strong focus on a multi- Next I feed it something a little deepening of the soundstage. Going room setup. The user can run more intense, Supertramp’s Child back to wireless, this time feeding the four stereo streams at full quality Of Vision. This is a slightly forward base station with an analogue input (24-bit/48kHz lossless) to four sounding album, even the LP version from an Audiolab 8200CD player, independent stereo pairs of Air-X is a little bright, but the Air-X 403 again gives very good results – it speakers simultaneously. So the user keeps a good balance. Yes, there is remains smooth and surprisingly can listen to the TV sound in his living defi nitely a more brilliant light cast detailed, showing that it doesn’t treat room, radio in the kitchen and to on the upper midband than with the analogue signals as a poor relation. CD in the study, all in parallel. The The Texas Instruments PCM1803 A/D analogue inputs on the Air-X speakers converter is obviously a quality item, allow you to use them as standard The Air-X 403 like the rest of the system. powered speakers or as studio doesn’t sound monitors. We also included room Conclusion equalisation functionality, so that the anywhere near as user can adjust the speaker to its An excellent product, your money location and position. compact as it looks buys you a very fi ne loudspeaker with built in preamplifi er, DAC, wireless Can you tell us more about the James Taylor Quartet track, and the transmission system and power Digital Signal Processing involved? HOW IT greater dynamics really make amplifi ers for £2,850. You’d struggle We use the ADAU1701 DSP chip from COMPARES themselves apparent, but the Elac to match this in value terms as an Analogue Devices for all signal speaker system keeps everything well all-in package; fi nding a decent processing. The digital signal coming There are very few controlled. Bass is punchy – if not integrated to drive the speakers direct rivals for the Elac from the wireless module is fed into Air-X 403, which is a terribly extended, the midband clean would cost £1,000 or more on its the DSP directly, the analogue signals sign in itself of how and spacious and the treble smooth own. So the new Air-X comes heartily of both analogue inputs are first advanced this product and wonderfully sophisticated. recommended and is well worth A/D-converted and then mixed is. The important point Indeed, the excellent recording auditioning if you’re looking together to the digital signals coming here is that the Elac is quality of this Supertramp song to live in a world without wires. Its from the wireless module inside the truly wireless, at least in a sense that there are illustrates just how sweet sounding sound is in a different league; the DSP. Then the signal processing is that Jet tweeter is. I’ve heard several Elac is one of the best sounding done, and this includes dynamic no interconnecting leads between left and evolutions of this Elac high-frequency wireless solutions on sale right now ● loudness functionality, speaker right speaker; the base unit and this seems the best yet; equalisation, room equalisation and unit beams the signal to bass/treble. Afterwards the signal is it sparkles with detail and has a both speakers directly. wonderful sense of space, but still split by the crossover into up to four The only wires you’ll separate streams (so, the DSP gives need are AC mains never sounds bland or over smooth. OUR VERDICT It’s a great part of the team! us the possibility to realise speaker supplies – via standard SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Crisp, clean, designs of up to four-way speakers). IEC cables – going into Running from my MacBook Pro into smooth sound; robust Last, the signal runs through limiters each. Another big the USB input is no less impressive, wireless before it is D/A-converted and fed difference is that the with Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: No coaxial Elac doesn’t play out sounding expansive with excellently digital in or aptX into four anti-aliasing filters in the music from a UPnP Bluetooth as standard BUILD QUALITY analogue domain and output to streamer; you’ll need resolved low-level detail and fi ne WE SAY: Serious Class A/B amplifiers. to buy a standalone imaging. It places instruments sounding active standmount network music player accurately and boldly, giving a FEATURES loudspeakers with to do this. It means the commanding feel and even makes a 24-bit/48kHz wireless Elac is less versatile, but good stab at recreating the concert is reassuringly geared OVERALL to the conventional hall’s sense of perspective. hi-fi world. The active speakers are better still when fed direct, bypassing wireless. 48 DECEMBER 2014 YAMAHA CRX-N560D REVIEWS MICRO SYSTEM £400 DETAILS volume sit alongside well-designed push-button playback controls that PRODUCT Yamaha are easy to fi nd your way around. The Enter the CRX-N560D only other additions to the front panel ORIGIN are a headphone output and a USB Malaysia input for quick connection of an iPod, TYPE iPhone, iPad or USB stick. Micro system Around the back there’s the network WEIGHT stream age 2.7kg connector and DC power output for DIMENSIONS either the wireless or alternative 215 x 110 x 288mm Bluetooth adapter (YBA-11) that costs With comprehensive networking this micro (WxHxD) £50. You’ll also fi nd both optical and FEATURES coaxial digital inputs for linking to ● Network system shows that good things can come streaming your TV or Blu-ray player, good- ● Optical and quality speaker binding posts, two in small packages, reckons David Holes coaxial line-in analogue inputs and a sub output. ● FLAC/WAV 24-bit/192kHz The CRX-N560D is reassuringly compatible simple to set up, with decent f you’re looking for a Once it’s linked to your home ● FM/DAB/DAB+ instructions that take you through ● USB input for compact, micro hi-fi network your options are extensive. iOS devices or the process in a step-by-step manner I system that covers all the You can listen to music held on your memory stick that gets you up and running quickly. bases, then the Yamaha PC or network storage device (NAS), DISTRIBUTOR Sometimes confi guring wi-fi systems CRX-N560D could well be the answer. plus stream material from online Yamaha UK can be an absolute nightmare and It’s petite in size, but manages to pack sources. It uses the vTuner internet TELEPHONE I approach the YWA-10 wireless a lot of functionality into its rather radio service, which gives you access 0844 8111116 adapter with some trepidation. diminutive frame. to thousands of global internet radio WEBSITE However, hooking it up to the main uk.yamaha.com The N560D is a new model in stations. It’s compatible with FLAC/ unit and getting it to link to my home Yamaha’s PianoCraft series and comes WAV 24-bit/192kHz hi-res material network is surprisingly swift and with an onboard CD player and DAB/ and also features Apple’s AirPlay hassle-free and I am soon streaming DAB+/FM tuners, but its network so you can stream your own stored music from my PC and dialling up streaming capabilities are what really music from your iOS smartphone or internet radio stations from around sets it apart, greatly expanding your tablet. In addition, if you’ve got the the world. listening options beyond these more Spotify app on your smartphone you The remote control is long and thin, traditional formats. can stream songs to the system using but well balanced and sensibly laid Its Ethernet socket gives you access Spotify Connect. out, with reasonably sized buttons to the online and networking world, It’s a smart-looking piece of kit that’s that are intuitive to use. You can also but it lacks the built-in wi-fi I was clearly well built, but its svelte size download Yamaha’s free Network hoping to see. Unfortunately, this means there isn’t room for too many Player Controller app to your severely limits your placement controls. Thankfully, Yamaha has smartphone, which gives you the options and, unless you’re planning resisted the temptation to ability to select the audio source and on sitting it within a cable length of overcomplicate things, keeping control playback of the tunes you your home router, you’re going to the front-panel layout pleasingly want to hear. It’s both iOS and need the optional YWA-10 adapter minimalist and uncluttered, with a Android OS compatible, works really (£90) too. This gives you the missing large, bright display that’s easy to well and is a delight to use. wireless connectivity that’s essential read. Simple twin rotary dials for The CRX-N560D comes with a on a product of this type. selecting the input and adjusting the trailing wire aerial, but as I often fi nd 50 DECEMBER 2014 YAMAHA CRX-N560D MICRO SYSTEM £400 REVIEWS You can buy the with these, it’s not really up to the job speakers with some heavy rock, such With the Concept 20s in place, the head unit on its of delivering decent DAB reception as Black Sabbath’s Heaven And Hell, bass comes fl ooding back and extends own or as the MCR-N560D unless you happen to live in a really and their lack of bass is woefully down low. Crank up the volume and system with strong signal zone. I live in an urban apparent too – I know they’re only Black Sabbath’s Neon Knights will speakers, area with reasonable signal strength, small boxes, but I’ve heard much have you rocking again. The start of costing £500 but have to plug in a higher gain better from budget bookshelf models U2’s Zoo Station, with its growling indoor aerial to avoid dropouts – it’s of a similar size. guitars and punchy drums, can give likely that most owners will have to Listening to stirring, anthemic tracks any system a good workout and the do likewise. like Coldplay’s Viva La Vida should N560D handles it with aplomb. Having said that, the unboxing have the hairs standing up on the Annie Lennox’s pure vocals on and set-up procedure is rapid and back of my neck, but it’s a strangely Eurythmics’ I’ve Got An Angel truly straightforward. It only takes me half uninvolving experience with the soar, without any hint of shrillness. an hour to have it up and running. Yamaha speakers in place. It’s the String sections in classical pieces, same whether streaming hi-res such as Stravinsky’s Rite Of Spring, Sound quality downloads or listening to digital radio lose the harsh edge that was all too There’s no doubt that this micro – there’s something missing. It’s not apparent previously and the whole system is a highly versatile animal. just the lack of bass, but a general audio range sounds less hampered The head unit is available on its own mid-range confusion that means the and muddled. We know that the or you can buy it as the MCR-N560D music fails to draw me in. Concept 20s are excellent speakers package with a pair of Yamaha and they allow the CRX-N560D to NS-BP182 speakers – these two-way Crank up the volume shine. The wonderful clarity and open units with removable grilles 3D soundstaging that they offer is incorporate a 120mm cone woofer and Black Sabbath’s very obvious here, showing that this and 30mm soft dome tweeter, and Neon Knights will Yamaha head unit is sonically very use Yamaha’s Vibration Control capable when partnered with a Cabinet Structure (VCCS), which is have you rocking decent pair of standmount speakers designed to do away with unwanted cabinet vibration. Swap the packaged speakers for a Conclusion I try the head unit with the supplied decent pair of hi-fi speakers and it’s If you’re on the lookout for a speakers fi rst and have to admit that a completely different story. I try the compact, high-quality micro hi-fi that I am really rather disappointed. As system with a pair of the award- can ‘do it all’ and give you the option separate entities they’re available winning Q Acoustics Concept 20s of playing music from a wide variety for a relatively cheap £100, but (HFC 372) and the transformation is of sources in virtually any format, unfortunately are a good example immediately apparent. OK, at £350 then the versatile CRX-N560D may of getting precisely what you pay for. plus an extra £200 for the dedicated provide the answer. It’s a well-built They are defi nitely the weakest link stands, they can’t be described as unit that’s been carefully thought here and, sadly, let the rest of the budget models, but they show what through and for such a multifaceted system down. the CRX-N560D is truly capable of device it’s surprisingly simple to set Starting off with some classical from when not hamstrung by that crucial, up and use. Yamaha has got many Holst’s Planets Suite – Jupiter – and fi nal stage in the audio chain. things right, though the lack of some weaknesses are quickly I was concerned that the Yamaha integrated wi-fi is disappointing at the exposed. The introductory strings wouldn’t have the oomph to drive price and it’s pretty inevitable that section sounds scratchy and lacks them properly, but I needn’t have you’ll also have to fork out an extra clarity and the whole movement is worried as the 32W (claimed) digital £90 for the optional adapter. But, that uninspiring and lacklustre. Hit the amps are up to the job. aside, I’m mightily impressed by it’s performance – so long as you partner CONNECTIONS the head unit with a decent set of hi-fi standmounted speakers like the Q 1 DAB/FM aerial Acoustics Concept 20s – and you’ll 1 2 3 4 have a cracking micro system that will 2 USB input stand you in good stead for many 3 Ethernet port years to come ● 4 Decent quality binding posts 5 Subwoofer output 6 RCA stereo OUR VERDICT analogue inputs SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Compact, highly- versatile system; can 7 Optical and coaxial sound good with digital inputs VALUE FOR MONEY decent speakers DISLIKE: Lack of integrated wi-fi or BUILD QUALITY Bluetooth without extra cost WE SAY: Great micro FEATURES hi-fi that potentially covers lots of bases OVERALL 7 6 5 DECEMBER 2014 51 HEGEL H80 REVIEWS AMPLIFIER/DAC £1,350 DETAILS components. I like the understated design, but suspect others might want PRODUCT Hegel H80 more controls, display information Northern ORIGIN and a headphone amp stage. Its plain Norway face and use of three vibration- TYPE absorbing feet suggest that maximum Integrated amplifier attention has gone into what’s under with USB DAC the bonnet and how it sounds. The WEIGHT exposure 12kg remote provided is, however, a DIMENSIONS disappointment. All controls are (WxHxD) there and it works faultlessly, even Chris Ward discovers the pleasures of 430 x 80 x 310mm changing tracks on my MacBook Pro FEATURES remotely, but it comes across as a bit ● Claimed power understated Norwegian hi-fi as he takes output: 2x 75W of an afterthought and doesn’t feel into 8ohms right alongside such a well-built amp. Hegel’s single-box amplifier/DAC for a spin ● Digital inputs: 2 An alternative can be bought for £100. coaxial; 2 optical; 1 USB Connectivity is extensive. Twin pairs ● Analogue inputs: of RCA inputs are joined by rarer t might not be a household This is common in many budget 2 unbalanced RCA; balanced XLR connections to offer 1 balanced XLR name, but Hegel has a integrated amps but is less usual as ● TI PCM1754 three analogue inputs. Digitally, the I considerable reputation a customer’s budget increases, with 24-bit/192kHz DAC H80 boasts two coaxial, two optical in its home country of many audiophiles opting for separate DISTRIBUTOR and a single non-asynchronous USB Norway and is increasingly winning amp and DAC at this price point. Hegel Music input. Coaxial and optical digital favour with dealers and customers Given DAC technology is moving at Systems inputs are claimed to operate up to TELEPHONE further afi eld. The company has a such a pace, is there an inherent risk 0047 22605660 24-bit/192kHz with the USB input strong technology pedigree and its that this in-built DAC could soon look topping out at 24-bit/96kHz. WEBSITE approach to its extensive audio outmoded by newer separates with www.hegel.com Choosing the less commonly used product range is to do things rather the latest bells and whistles? adaptive, ‘non-asynchronous’ USB is differently from the norm. Unsatisfi ed Build quality feels of a very high a perfect example of how Hegel has with some of the supposed limitations standard and the sturdiness of the complete confi dence in blazing its of digital signal handling and casework and connections around own trail. Similarly the DAC transistor amplifi cation, Hegel has the back suggest quality engineering. employed in the H80 is a Texas gone back to the drawing board for Looking inside the amp further Instruments PCM1754 selected the manufacturing of the H80. confi rms a high build quality and explicitly for its sonic characteristics. This is an integrated amplifi er and Hegel is keen to underline how Hegel isn’t afraid to buck the DAC in one box that is setting its stall much attention it pays to the traditional audio design trends and out to offer convenience and quality. hand-matching of certain key these less obvious technological 52 DECEMBER 2014 HEGEL H80 AMPLIFIER/DAC £1,350 REVIEWS across as neutral, eager and upbeat on weaker digital recordings. To my and I’m hugely impressed how this ear, however, the USB input feels transistor-based design combines new less accomplished and a bit more levels of detail and dynamic grip with simplistic and less free fl owing than the smooth, transparent delivery the other digital inputs. Some more usually associated with valves. standalone DACs will give marginally Sources I know well come through better soundstage depth and imaging cleanly with improved dynamism and and more fi ne control over playback, almost no colouration. but overall the DAC is highly capable Swapping to the balanced XLR and extremely well integrated within inputs and all these virtues become the amplifi er. even stronger with a little extra width Playing a lossless rip of Paolo to sound staging and a touch more Nutini’s Scream (Funk Your Life Up) ‘boogie factor’. Bass is full but never overblown, partly I believe because A high transparency, of the very high ‘damping factor’ that Hegel claims for its amplifi ers. This high grip amp that is an older hi-fi measure (popular in can be considered a the sixties and seventies) that is not commonly used these days, but in steal for the money this instance I can tell that part of the bass quality comes from the grip the confi rms the austere looks aren’t amp has on the speakers from its matched by a reserved presentation impedance, rather than raw ‘watt of music. This is an amplifi er that power’ alone. Think of it as engine locks into a groove and gets feet torque rather than horsepower tapping. Bass is solid and convincing, getting you quickly away from the and the more I listen to it, the more traffi c lights. I appreciate its quality. Some may Keeping the same track, I swap to hanker for a more fulsome bass or the digital inputs. I can now detect a more ‘fruitiness’ to the deepest notes, marked difference when the internal but I think some bigger bass can often DAC is employed and also between be a side effect from a slight lack of choices underline the belief it can give The design of the the different digital inputs. On the control. The bass qualities are very us better music playback by carefully Hegel is about as coaxial inputs in particular, signifi cant well judged and deep notes start and minimal as it gets optimising digital, pre-amp and new detail is revealed, especially stop on a pin head and lower register power amplifi cation into one box. around higher frequency information. instruments feel realistic and present. Sometimes DACs that err on the side Switching to Maria Doyle Kennedy’s Sound quality of explicit detail can sound dry, or at beguiling, emotive and stripped-back Playing a CD of Spacehog’s In The worst ‘glassy’. Not so here, the H80 rendition of How You Remind Me on Meantime via analogue RCA inputs, DAC is just dredging more detail from CD ably demonstrates that the H80 the immediate impression is of detail my digital sources in a way that delivers subtle vocals superbly. And and control. Bass is fi rm without retains sweetness and fl uidity. Being where some lower cost transistor overhang and the noise fl oor feels picky I’d say this extra detail has amps can sometimes be criticised for vanishingly low, allowing quieter high a mild effect of seeming to fl atten drying out female voices, the H80 has frequencies to sing out against a dark the stereo image front to back and a very light touch and an almost backdrop. But this amp is not dark at occasionally sounding a touch busy valve-like silkiness and transparency all. Quite the opposite, it feels like it’s on more complex music, but the extra to the delivery of the fi nest upper cleaning my music sources and detail will win many over. mid band detail from Maria’s removing distortion and noise I didn’t The optical input comes across as a captivating performance. know I had got used to. It comes touch more relaxed and some may The combination of a high damping prefer this digital choice, particularly factor gripping the speakers and low CONNECTIONS 1 Variable line 1 2 outputs 2 Gold-plated binding posts 3 Optical digital inputs 4 Coaxial digital inputs 5 Neutrik balanced XLR inputs 6 RCA inputs 6 5 4 3 DECEMBER 2014 53 HEGEL H80 REVIEWS AMPLIFIER/DAC £1,350 Q&A IN SIGHT Anders Ertzeid 1 2 1 Precision master Sales manager, clock board Hegel Music Systems 2 Power supply capacitor bank 3 SoundEngine adaptive feed forward circuit 4 Custom-built ultra silent toroidal transformer CW: Who is the H80 aimed at? AE: A typical H80 customer may be an audio enthusiast or just someone with an interest in music and quality. They appreciate our connectivity, dynamic sound and value for money. Is there a simple way to understand 4 3 your SoundEngine technology? We started by turning the concept of amplifier design 180° to have a design that does not amplify distortion. Most distortion releasing new micro- This amplifi er feels like it’s conventional amplifiers to a greater or dynamic detail gives me a fresh successfully addressing noise and lesser extent send the signal perspective to all the tracks I pick, be distortion in fundamentally new backwards – this creates a stable they jazz, classical or rock. At fi rst it’s ways. It may be an entry-level amplifier, but one that will amplify almost as if the cleanliness of the product in Hegel’s product range, mistakes. Our patented SoundEngine sound suggests that familiar tracks but it is clearly benefi tting from design marries low distortion and have been subtly re-mastered or I’m trickle-down technologies found on stability and also means you can use listening to an alternative recording more superior machines further up any Hegel amp to drive tough loads. session in a slightly different room the range. Used daily for two weeks acoustic. But this effect is soon of intensive reviewing, I never once Is it getting trickle-down benefits followed by the realisation that these hanker for more convenience or from your higher-spec models? Absolutely. The preamp has lots of the are the tracks I know so well, just quality. Hegel has integrated a P20 in it and the hand-matching of apparently with a small amount of capable DAC, highly sensitive preamp FET transistors in the input stage was analogue or digital ‘grime’ removed. and radical power output stages in designed for the P30/H30 to HOW IT one box in a way that adds up to far COMPARES eliminate higher order harmonic Conclusion more than the sum of its parts. And distortion and increase reliability. Cyrus and Peachtree Blowing some cobwebs out with Rage it’s done this at a very sensible price. Audio both optimise Against the Machine’s Fistful Of Steel It comes across as a low noise, low Did you listen to much music during DAC and integrated I go through every single input using distortion, high transparency, high the design process of the H80? amps around this price a CD transport, external DAC and grip amplifi er that can be considered Yes, we combine the use of ears and point and both will MacBook Pro all providing signals a steal for the money. You could go measurement tools for design. The boast longer feature lists and more future- concurrently. At this point it’s easy to down a separates route for the same group that listens does not know what proofing, but I wouldn’t realise that a music lover can tailor price, but you’d need to spend a fair another ‘measurement group’ found. expect either to achieve the sound of their system or chunk of the budget on quality We then go back and forth between the H80’s levels of individual tracks through the H80 interconnects and power cables and the groups to optimise sound and transparency, speaker connectivity they select. However, even then I’m not sure you’d measured performance. control and dynamic many standalone DACs now approach this level of joined-up detail. Equally, with commonly come with different digital music making ● Why is a higher damping factor £1,350 to spend, pairing fi lters to tweak the output signal and important for Hegel? an Audiolab M-DAC or Arcam rDac and any this does not. Nor does it have a It’s essential to be able to drive big one of a number of speakers with confidence. It also headphone output or means to talented sub £750 upload new software, or display any makes our amplifiers sound highly integrated amps like a OUR VERDICT sample-rate information when fed dynamic with excellent bass control. Creek Evolution 50A or SOUND QUALITY LIKE: High Arcam FMJ A19 (plus digital signals. So, is it a bit mean transparency and grip; Why is your one-box approach budget set aside for spirited in the feature count and just valve-like finesse VALUE FOR MONEY better than separates? interconnects) could ripe to have its DAC outmoded by the DISLIKE: Cheap remote control; lack Separates are great, but come at a appear to offer more next digital breakthrough? The H80 flexibility, but again, of digital info or filters; price. At this level, the cost of the would certainly benefi t from some BUILD QUALITY limited features I’d expect hearing the casing, shipping, packaging and H80 alongside these USB updatability and a few more WE SAY: A hugely talented integrated quality interconnections would take a customer-facing features, but this FEATURES separates to reveal that performer that gets to huge percentage of the budget. We Hegel could well have misses its point. It is a slice of genuine the heart of the music think we can give customers better the musical edge, high-end hi-fi at a cracking price and I OVERALL performance and value for money unlocking more natural suspect Hegel has been very generous from a single box. Plus many people sounding detail and in the internal features integrated into bass control. don’t want a huge stack of hi-fi gear. this single understated box. 54 DECEMBER 2014 POLK AUDIO RTIA1 REVIEWS STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER £299 DETAILS Although relatively new to the UK, Polk’s £299 RTiA1 bookshelf model – PRODUCT Polk Audio RTiA1 the smallest two-way in its mid-priced Born in ORIGIN range – has been wowing American USA/China customers since 2008, which is a TYPE lengthy spell for a speaker design these Two-way days and a sterling endorsement of standmount loudspeaker its design. True, you won’t fi nd a the USA WEIGHT fashionably fl ush and screw-less driver 5.4kg presentation, but the cabinet’s curved DIMENSIONS cheeks and glossy hardwood veneer Polk’s RTiA1 isn’t the newest small speaker (WxHxD) are rare at the price and give the Polks 187 x 305 x 292mm a generally classy appearance and feel. FEATURES design you can buy, but it’s been big in the ● 25mm silk polymer Beneath the real wood veneer, the composite dome enclosure – just 31cm tall, but 26cm US for years. David Vivian takes a listen tweeter, 133mm deep – is made from 20mm-thick MDF, polymer composite bass driver front ported and magnetically shielded. ● Quoted sensitivity: The tapered back is a function of what hat’s the best kind of hi-fi 20-driver behemoth that costs as much 89dB/1W/1m Polk calls Damped Asymmetric Hex ● Quoted power product? The only problem as a Ferrari 458 Speciale? What the handling: 125W Laminate Isolation – in other words, a with a dreamy vision of world really wants, though, is a £299 more rigid, acoustically inert cabinet W DISTRIBUTOR ‘the-one-that-gets-you- budget two-way standmount that, D&M Audiovisual that yields fewer panel resonances. closest-to-hi-fi -heaven’ is the painfully for the money, hits it out of the park. Ltd The bi-wireable two-way driver high price tag or, worse still, a speech Although profi t margins on compact, TELEPHONE complement comprises a 25mm silk/ bubble that reads: “if you have to ask inexpensive speakers are comparatively 02890 279830 polymer-composite dome tweeter and the price, you can’t afford it”. Life’s tiny, as a hook to get the musically WEBSITE a 130mm polymer/mineral-composite polkaudio.com cruel. Fortunately for most of us, there inclined into ‘real’ hi-fi and the bass mid unit. Both units were are more hi-fi designers and engineers company’s more expensive and lavishly designed with the assistance of Polk’s tasked with wringing the last drop of engineered boxes, their importance Dynamic Balance technology, which performance from every pound you is hard to overestimate. It’s why uses a full-fi eld heterodyning laser spend than those chasing sonic excellence beyond the call of duty interferometer system to analyse Shangri-La at any cost. As Ross Walker, at the affordable end of the speaker and minimise driver resonance. Also son of Quad founder Peter Walker, market battles so hard for our chasing down unwanted contributions, once told me: “Any fool can design a attention. And it’s why, far from Polk’s Power Port technology seeks great-sounding amplifi er for £30,000, rushing to get a better pair of speakers, to reduce port noise, or ‘chuffi ng’. A the trick is to do it for £300.” people often end up hanging onto their dispersing cone is placed at the mouth The same goes for speakers. Who £200-300 purchases through several of the port on the rear, and is designed wouldn’t want to hear a seven-foot front-end upgrades. to improve the air fl ow in the same 56 DECEMBER 2014 POLK AUDIO RTIA1 STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER £299 REVIEWS That glossy way that a long, fl ared port would they are signifi cant – these speakers natural. For instance, jazz pianist Joe hardwood do on a larger fl oorstanding speaker. have been voiced with extreme skill Sample’s muscular two-fi sted keyboard design gives the Polks a classy The claimed result is lower turbulence for a specifi c result. The mid-range runs on the classic track Carmel always appearance at the mouth of the port and a is beautifully presented and subtly sound impressively clean, crisp and corresponding reduction in distortion. spotlit to achieve a tremendous sense focused on my ever-engaging Monitor Then there’s Acoustic Resonance of hear-through clarity and detail. Audio Bronze BX2s. But through the Control technology, which requires a Tonal colours seem slightly saturated, A1s, the tumbling notes seem punchier second port on the front to resonate at giving a richness and tactility to and pacier, more pristine yet more the same frequency as the enclosure’s instruments and vocals you simply harmonically replete. Similarly, Amy internal depth resonance. As the don’t expect from a speaker of this Whitehouse’s voice on F**k Me Pumps radiation of the front and rear ports are size or price. Likewise, the speed and gains aerobically as well as emotionally. out of phase with the drive-unit output, expressive reach of the dynamics are It’s simply a more powerful presence. resonance peaks should be suppressed. almost scarily good. Better still, it’s all The speaker’s imaging skills are of an The RTiA1s sit securely atop my Slate equally high order. Given a bit of space Audio 24in stands, but their back The Polks are to breathe (at least a foot from back panels are fi tted with wall brackets if and side walls, preferably more) you want to liberate the fl oor space righteously even soundscapes are convincingly and don’t mind inevitably sacrifi cing handed with all proportioned, as deep as they are some of the A1’s sonic potential. Toe wide. Musicians, singers and them in a few degrees and, although types of music instruments have easily discerned the speakers ‘warm up’ after a few spatial relationships and, once again, a hours of play, the results straight out securely grounded with an agile, sense of palpable physicality that’s hard of the box are strikingly good. supple bass performance that, while to credit given the A1’s modest size far from visceral, is taut and tuneful. and price. Grand piano, the undoing Sound quality The A1’s ability to present fi ne detail of many a small speaker, holds no fear I’ll try to explain what I think Polk has in a musically coherent yet uninhibited for the plucky Polks. They even make done to make the A1s sound the way manner while bypassing the kind of a decent fi st of giving some weight they do, which – in several respects – forensic analysis that can sometimes and harmonic structure to the lower is quite different to British price rivals let structural elements of the music octaves. In short, they’re a bit addictive. from the likes of KEF, Monitor Audio dominate at the expense of tonal and B&W. Whatever benefi ts texture and timbral shading is a rare Conclusion accumulated by the various anti- joy. Here you get it all in a way that Would you know what I meant if I resonance measures – and I suspect appears to be completely unforced and said the Polk RTiA1s like having fun? Remarkably uncoloured, but far from CONNECTIONS neutral in the dull sense, they are righteously even handed with all types of music and, despite obvious 1 Wall-mounting physical limitations, sound expansive 1 fixing plate and expensive with great bass and 2 Rear-firing bass port dazzling midband insight. Crucially, they’re alive to the pulse of the music 3 Wall-mounting spacing feet and endowed with a keen instinct for nailing its necessary beauty. If their 2 4 4mm bi-wire speaker terminals presentation is ever so slightly hyped, it’s in a good way that draws you in and entertains. Elegant design, real wood fi nish, ease of drive and general unfussiness about placement only add to my feeling that the best kind of hi-fi product is a bargain. You’re looking at one right here. I recommend a listen ● 4 3 OUR VERDICT SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Midband insight; tuneful bass; fine timing and musical VALUE FOR MONEY communication DISLIKE: Slightly hyped sound BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: Highly enjoyable and characterful EASE OF DRIVE standmount that hardly puts a foot wrong OVERALL DECEMBER 2014 57 ICON AUDIO PS3 MKII SIGNATURE EXOTICA PHONO STAGE £2,499 DETAILS very wide bandwidth without the need for any feedback, which reduces PRODUCT Icon Audio PS3 MKII distortion. Also included at this point Lotta bottle Signature is a very high quality passive RIAA ORIGIN equalisation circuit. UK Finally, the output is buffered with a TYPE lovely 6SN7 double-triode to provide When it comes to reviewing ‘no expense MM and MC phono stage a low (50ohm) output impedance, so spared’ valve amplifiers, only one man’s up WEIGHT the phono stage will be able to feed Phono stage: 4kg virtually any preamp. Incidentally, the to the job. Step forward Neville Roberts Power supply: 7kg 6SN7 was introduced in 1941 and is DIMENSIONS still considered by many to be one of (WxHxD) 148 x 165 x 342mm the best sounding audio valves ever. etting a valve phono stage design using an oversized power FEATURES Although the phono stage is only to work well is no easy transformer and a full wave valve ● Built-in volume required to produce a volt or so of task when you bear in EZ80 rectifi er. The output from this control output, its design could actually G ● Stereo/mono mind that on the quieter feeds into a hefty smoothing circuit to switch generate voltages of up to 40V parts of a record, the output from a eliminate all traces of hum from the ● Valve rectified before clipping, so it has a massive moving coil cartridge may only be supply. This circuit employs two and regulated headroom and will certainly never bat power supply about a millionth of a volt. This needs weighty chokes (effectively half of a ● Passive RIAA an eyelid at the loudest of organ stops to be amplifi ed up to a standard transformer), which is the best way stage in a zero- – or heavy metal for that matter! line-level output of around 1.2Vrms, to do this. Just having a very clean feedback design The MC input uses Icon Audio’s own so for a start the whole circuit and DC supply is not good enough for the DISTRIBUTOR hand-wound moving coil toroidal power supply needs to be as quiet as demands of a phono stage – it also Icon Audio transformers. Icon considers that TELEPHONE a mouse. Then the stage itself also has has to be very accurately controlled. 0116 2440593 transformers offer superior to be fi rst rate and stable under all This is achieved by no less than three performance over a transistor WEBSITE operating conditions. As a result, more glass bottles, namely an EL84 iconaudio.com circuit for providing the extra designing a high-end model can be pentode, an ECC83 double-triode x10 amplifi cation and impedance quite an undertaking, but Icon Audio and a cold-cathode OA2 voltage matching that’s required. has met this challenge head on with reference valve. The phono stage is all hand wired the PS3 MKII. The phono stage itself uses four point-to-point, meaning that no The fi rst thing to get right is the ECC88 double-triode valves in a printed circuit boards are used. This power supply. In order to achieve very elegant circuit, called a double means that components can be easily maximum isolation of the mains cascode amplifi er, to provide the high changed or upgraded if you wish. components (including the mains gain and low-noise performance Many audiophile components have transformer), the PSU is housed in a required for excellent detail and been used in the circuit, such as silver separate enclosure. It is an all-valve sound staging. This circuit offers a wire in a PTFE dielectric audio cable, 58 DECEMBER 2014 ICON AUDIO PS3 MKII SIGNATURE PHONO STAGE £2,499 EXOTICA Admit it, you’d as well as gold-plated input and and there is no tendency to blur their Finishing off with some baroque love to have output connectors. The Signature position. The piano sounds full and music, a fantastic recording of these glowing bottles on your version reviewed here uses Jensen rich with splendid detail and realism. Vivaldi’s Opus 3 concertos, L’Estro hi-fi rack paper-in-oil capacitors and special Next onto the turntable is a copy Armonico performed by The Academy valves, but the standard version of JS Bach’s Partita No. 1 by Trevor of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields directed still uses Solen/SCR polypropylene Pinnock. The solo harpsichord again by Neville Marriner is both audio-grade capacitors. As a result, displays a lot of detail and clarity and compelling and enchanting. I recently the standard MM-only version costs I have a real sense of being totally attended a concert at Saint Martin-in- £1,899 while the MM and MC version involved with the performance. In the-Fields and noted that you can will set you back £2,099. other words, I feel as though Trevor occasionally hear the traffi c outside Both boxes are beautifully fi nished is playing this in my sitting room during a concert. This accounts for in a matt-black metal enclosure especially for me! the occasional rumble of a lorry topped with a gorgeous copper- I then turn to another recording of driving past in the background on coloured metal plate. The a full orchestra – Haydn’s Symphony the recording, which is reproduced transformers are enclosed in a No. 35 by L’Estro Armonico & Derek with spectacular clarity! matching black metal screen. The Solomons. This performance gives amplifi er front panel has the MM/MC a full sound with instrumentation Conclusion selector that switches between two that is rich and multi-dimensional. In the interests of balance, I have sets of inputs so two turntables can be The soundstage in no way seems to admit that I’m not a big fan of supported, one with a MM cartridge restricted to the area between the potentiometers as volume controls on and the other with either a MM or MC high-end equipment and would much cartridge. There is also an Alps Blue The build is superb prefer to see a stepped attenuator volume control and a stereo/mono fi tted in its place, as a potentiometer switch. The switch is an excellent and the sound can often be a potential source for inclusion as it will reduce noise levels quality is about introducing noise and distortion when listening to mono recordings. into the signal path. Given that this as good as it gets phono stage is likely to be used in Sound quality conjunction with a preamplifi er, I While allowing the PS3 Signature to loudspeakers. There is a huge amount think it is unnecessary to have a warm up for my listening session, I of detail in the upper registers and the volume control anyway, except select some material from my LP exciting content of the music is really perhaps to pre-set the output to a collection. The fi rst thing to say is well conveyed to the listener. level that is comparable with other that, as expected with all the supply Ramping up the tempo with Jean sources in your system. For this smoothing, there is no trace of Michel Jarre’s Equinoxe demonstrates purpose, a simple coarse stepped hum (or hiss for that matter) even a good dynamic range with a crisp attenuator with just a few steps will when I put my ear up close to my top end and meaty bass. The PS3 be more than adequate for the job. loudspeakers. I set the volume control MKII Signature simply doesn’t seem Of course, one could easily be fi tted if on the PS3 to its maximum level, so it to hold anything back from the required. Also, Icon Audio is happy to is effectively out of circuit and I am recording, letting rip with a fast replace the volume control with a pair now ready to listen to the fi rst LP – a and detailed performance that is of fi xed resistors fi tted internally, and superb recording of Prokofi ev’s Piano enormously engaging. this service is offered free of charge. Concerto No. 2 played by Vladimir For vocals, I decide to give Don’t Having said that, the PS3 MKII Ashkenazy and the London Misunderstand by Thelma Houston Signature is a very impressive- Symphony Orchestra. I am instantly a spin. This recording demonstrates sounding phono stage. I hesitate to struck by the enormous soundstage the perfectly proportioned front-to- over do the superlatives, but the build – the PS3 has turned my sitting room back positioning of the singer out in quality is really superb and the sound into a TARDIS! Both the side-to-side front with the instruments playing quality is about as good as it gets. and the front-to-back imaging far behind. Again, the sheer energy and I genuinely can’t fault it sonically. exceeds what I have been used to enthusiasm of the performance is Oh and it looks fantastic too, and with this recording. Having said that, splendidly conveyed to the listener, its appearance surely merits pride all the instruments are well focused and the performance is captivating. of place on any hi-fi rack ● CONNECTIONS 1 2 1 6SN7 double- triode output valve OUR VERDICT 2 ECC88 double- SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Superb sound triode amplifier quality valve DISLIKE: Would have 3 IEC mains VALUE FOR MONEY preferred a stepped input socket attenuator instead of a potentiometer for the 4 Moving coil step- BUILD QUALITY volume control up transformer WE SAY: One of the 5 Earth binding post finest sounding phono FEATURES for record deck stages available 6 MM and MC inputs OVERALL 6 5 4 3 DECEMBER 2014 59 high fidelity engineering unleash the passion with real hi-f i sound Exposure Electronics Ltd: Unit 18, Winston Business Centre 43 Chartwell Road Lancing Business Park Lancing BN15 8TU Tel: +44 1273 423877 Fax: +44 1273 806648 Please visit www.exposurehifi.com SUBSCRIBE FOR £19.99 UK OFFER ONLY WE’VE GGOT CHRISTMAS SORTED! 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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 INSIDER FEATURE FOCAL Fabriqué en France: Focal’s vast Saint- Étienne factory FOCAL points David Price speaks to Gérard Chrétien, head of one of the hi-fi world’s most successful loudspeaker manufacturers, Focal ur story starts back in 1979 with for itself for using innovative driver cone Whereas the JMlab loudspeaker brand was audiophile and loudspeaker materials. “There were so many driver makers aiming across a broad spectrum of the speaker O designer Jacques Mahul. He’d in the eighties,” remembers Chrétien. “He was market, the Focal drive unit business was shown an interest in speakers from offering an alternative to the standard Audax “a different story”. Here it was targeting at an early age and went on to specialise in drive and Siare designs, and he aimed at high “more high-end oriented clients such as units. Jacques was living in Paris, and writing effi ciency, which was in the French tradition Wilson Audio and many other small high-end for L’Audiophile magazine in the capacity of rather than the more power-hungry designs brands, which disappeared since.” Focal also its driver expert, when he decided to get into that were coming out of the UK at the time. appealed strongly to the DIY market with a manufacturing. “Before starting Focal, he had The idea was to increase the magnet power range of complete kits with sophisticated and developed some bookshelf speakers under and decrease the mass of the moving parts. To expensive drivers. In parallel, Focal started the JMlab brand, such as the very fi rst DB13 get high rigidity and low mass, he developed to develop car audio driver units and some model,” explains Focal Managing Director the sandwich cone; the fi rst patent was pro audio drivers too, which were also high Gérard Chrétien. “Focal was dedicated to the granted in 1986, a Kevlar sandwich. So effi ciency oriented. “The main competitor at drivers and JMlab to the speakers. At that time the cone material became a strong Focal the beginning of the nineties was Dynaudio, having two brands helped develop the driver differentiation. Most speaker companies had which addressed the same markets.” business, which needs a critical size. The fi rst customer for Focal was Jim Rodgers, followed Focal’s philosophy is Grand designs by many high-end small manufacturers.” Jacques Mahul’s strategy had been to make Initial turnover was very small. Based in to always eliminate JMlab the market leader in France; he was Saint-Étienne on the premises of his father’s problems at the steering the company to do mainstream, precision engineering company, the business high-volume products, but of good quality grew and grew. It began to make a name mechanical source too. So early JMlab speakers were mid-price bookshelf designs; it wasn’t until the nineties no chance to work at such a level, one which that the brand began to move upmarket – needed a true industrial structure, so they even if the drivers inside were from a sister instead worked with cabinets and crossovers.” brand that was regarded as a far more The earliest JMlab speakers, such as the high-end product. DB13 and DB20, were compact bookshelf Looking to expand, in 1990 Mahul brought designs using a dual voice coil Audax driver to in Gérard Chrétien as Managing Director; reinforce the bass response. A few years later, the pair had known one another since 1977 and the company had begun to evolve its and had become “very close”. As well as sound towards what mainstream customers being an engineer, Chrétien had edited wanted – such as buyers at chain stores like L’Audiophile magazine for many years prior FNAC – towards high effi ciency, ease of drive to this, and had developed “other activities and an expressive sound. “The JMlab DB19 around the magazine” such as a DIY store is the archetype”, Gérard tells me. “The main for special audio components, and a line of competitor at that time was Cabasse; by electronics with Jean Hiraga. “It was clearly the beginning of the nineties JMlab was the beginning of a high-end orientation for The first DB13 loudspeaker becoming the market leader in France with JMlab, with for example the Vega developed by Jacques Mahul a mainstream offer.” loudspeaker”, explains Chrétien. 62 DECEMBER 2014 INSIDER FEATURE FOCAL GRAND DESIGN Starting out as JMlab’s “ultimate demonstrator”, the purpose of the 260kg Grande Utopia was to make a testbed to validate new drive unit materials. It was a four-way design with separate cabinets and focused time alignment due to the size. No-compromise components appeared in the crossover, as there were no cost issues, and it was a prototype. The speaker caused Mahul to move to the idea of using beryllium for the inverted tweeter dome. “It pushed the limits we had with titanium”, says Chrétien. “Much work had been done on the magnetic circuits such as ‘power flower’ for the midrange and the ‘focus ring’ on the first beryllium tweeter. The second-generation Grande Utopia was launched in 2002 with a huge gain in the treble due to the beryllium benefit. In 2008 we launched the third generation with the adjustable electromagnet EM woofer, the improved IAL2 Beryllium tweeter, new laser-cut W cones and with the new iconic design coming from the adjustable focus time alignment.” He describes the Focal sound as: “beyond the dynamics, timbre and spatial accuracy, we are obsessed with the quality of the midrange – balancing harmonic richness, finesse, a touch of silk. But it is important to have an overall voluptuous sound with a sensual texture, too”. Jacques Mahul (left) and Gérard Chrétien are the main men behind Focal’s success From 1992 to 2000, the company’s turnover Interestingly, Focal has just launched a range increased three-fold, as its speakers became of Easya wireless loudspeakers, too – which ever better and more popular in export could be the shape of things to come. markets. It was during this period that Focal All Focal products are entirely designed JMlab began to make an appearance on the and developed in France, and most of the UK hi-fi scene, which as any foreign speaker production is carried out at the factory in manufacturer will tell you, is easier said than Saint-Étienne, where around 200 people done. New markets were found across Europe, work. Gérard Chrétien says that, “the key Southeast Asia and North America, and the point was to be able to maintain our driver brand began to win awards. production in France. In the early part of the Chrétien explains that it wasn’t until the last decade we relocated the production of our arrival of the Grande Utopia in 1995 that entry-level loudspeaker drivers for reasons of the world’s press really sat up and took quality. That was the beginning of a virtuous notice, though. “In the early nineties we had circle, where we reached a critical size of more developed new sandwich cones that had than 1,000 drivers per day. We could employ become the W cones and were experimenting people and train the skills that have since with new materials for inverted dome become the best developers. Computer tweeters such as diamond (which we simulation is a fi rst step, but ultimately you didn’t use in the end because its mass was have to deal with the chemistry of the glues, inconsistent with our philosophy of high materials science, expertise in magnetism. effi ciency). To validate the subjective input Prototype, prototype, prototype! Without of such new stuff we had to imagine an production tools you cannot innovate in the extreme prototype speaker, and in March driver fi eld. As for the Utopia cabinets, nobody 1995 we introduced the concept of the fi rst else was able to manage such a design, so we All of Focal drivers are bespoke, Grande Utopia. This was the beginning of a had to do the job in France!” meticulously made and use a new adventure.” Having the research and development done range of innovative materials on the same site as production has proved The next generation invaluable, because Focal’s philosophy is to 2002 was a big year for the company; not always eliminate problems at the mechanical only did it launch its second-generation source (ie the drive unit) rather than trying to Grande Utopia, but it relocated its factory to compensate for it later on down the line in the where it is now – in Saint-Étienne. Shortly crossover. “Electrical correction is always a after, the tongue-twisting name was poor solution, at the end there is always the shortened from Focal-JMlab to simply Focal transducer with its limitations,” insists Gérard. in 2005, the company’s product range that’s When problems are found during the on sale today began to take shape. The hi-fi development phase then the manufacturing products begin with the entry-level Chorus resources of the factory allow engineers to line, then go up to Aria, Electra (where the quickly design them out, rather than having beryllium tweeter and W cones are to wait weeks or months for the redesigned introduced) and then fi nally Utopia. drivers to ship over from China, for example. DECEMBER 2014 63 INSIDER FEATURE FOCAL The new Flax propagates sound superbly FOCAL FIRSTS cone was first and is highly linear. At the seen on the more affordable end of the 1981 – Inverted dome tweeter 900 Aria range market, Focal’s new TNF 1986 – K2 Polykevlar sandwich cone high-frequency unit uses 1988 – Polyglass cone an aluminium/magnesium 1995 – ‘W’ sandwich cone alloy inverted dome for low 2002 – Beryllium tweeter (inverted) mass and high stiffness, 2007 – Tweeter Al-Mg supported on Poron 2013 – Flax membrane cone suspension to aid linearity. It’s also fi tted with a front Sandwich cones use a plate waveguide for decent combination of materials dispersion. The result is a very effective driver, and to my ears it’s one of the best tweeters at the price. My visit to Focal showed me just how large While Focal drive units are innovative, the the site is, with everything from drive cone company follows a very conservative path in and magnet assembly manufacture to respect of the general cabinet design of its crossovers done on site, as well as research loudspeakers. For example, every speaker is and development. What came over was the refl ex ported – as is the fashion these days company’s enduring interest in, and passion – because, “if one wants to combine high for, cone materials and drive motor systems. effi ciency and reasonable dimensions the bass The new W sandwich cone used in Focal’s refl ex remains the best candidate”, says high-end speakers is something the company Chrétien. Also, the company has stuck else’s – are changing,” explains Chrétien. “We is very proud of, claiming it to be “an resolutely to the box idiom. “If one wants have to take into account the expectations of unrivalled solution in terms of low mass/ to combine high effi ciency and reasonable consumers. Beyond classic hi-fi designs, we high rigidity/huge internal damping. Like dimensions then electrodynamic transducers listen more than ever to music, nomadically. Lego, we can adjust the response at the are best. Furthermore, it is our historical Whether it is in the car, or from our internet source by acting on the thickness of the expertise that we have amassed over 30 years, set-top box. Our crusade is to bring respectful foam, the density of the glass fi bre, the ‘acoustic solutions’ for music. Our recent number of layers. The only limitation is the Everything from drive developments with headphones or the cost, because it can only be manufactured by Dimension soundbar are good examples hand”, says Chrétien. cone and magnet of our thinking”, he concludes. Flax the way to do it assembly to crossovers Bon voyage In the more affordable model ranges, this is done on the site Focal is an interesting company, with a wide year has seen a move away from Polyglass range of highly capable products and no cones, fi rst introduced way back in 1985. we haven’t stopped improving it over 30 small degree of innovation. The loudspeakers This comprised a cellulose pulp cone for years. Somewhat like the car engine!” combine real engineering depth with a touch good damping, together with a layer of glass In 2011, Focal took many industry of Gallic fl air, and have a distinctive and microspheres in order to increase the rigidity. observers by surprise when it merged with enjoyable sound right across the various Now though, the new Flax cone – fi rst seen Naim Audio Limited – the famous Salisbury- ranges. The speakers are generally highly on the 900 Aria range – is a sandwich of based English hi-fi manufacturer. The two effi cient and in this respect are way ahead glass fi bre and a special type of textile fi bre. brands remain independent with their own of their time; users of low-powered Class A Flax was found to be an ideal damping philosophies and product ranges, although solid-state and tube amplifi ers will fi nd them material for the glass fi bre, giving the overall they have consolidated some aspects such especially amenable. At the same time, the effect of a light but rigid cone that’s able as sharing resources at hi-fi shows. “Both company’s partnership with Naim is bound to give excellent pistonic motion without brands retain control of their production, a to take it on an interesting new journey. breakup, yet it is relatively light too. key point for innovation, an issue of critical Bon voyage, chaps! ● “We searched for years for less expensive size also,” says Gérard. “In the audio alternatives to the W sandwich, that would industry today there are two key areas of allow for automation of the manufacturing expertise, digital and acoustical, and these process of the sandwich structure. are becoming ever more intertwined. Christophe Sicaud, the new CEO, coming In this sense, Focal and Naim makes from the tennis industry, came up with the a great deal of sense!” basic idea of using fl ax in 2011.” The two companies have At the high end, Focal is, of course, famous obviously thought long and hard for its pure beryllium tweeters. The idea of about future hi-fi and audio The Spirit using this material isn’t new – Yamaha used it markets, and there’s an headphones on its NS1000 series of reference monitors obvious synergy with are a new direction – but the manufacturing process and design of Naim’s streaming and for Focal the Focal unit is quite different. It makes the amplifi er expertise and most out of the amazingly low weight of the Focal’s loudspeaker metal, along with its innate rigidity. Two years know-how, to make of research and development produced a complete systems in tweeter able to cover over fi ve octaves a variety of guises. (1kHz–40kHz), no less. Seven times more “Focal speakers – rigid than titanium or aluminium, it like everyone 64 DECEMBER 2014 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 SHOWREPORT 2 3 1 4 Show time! 5 What better way to kick-start Autumn than with a hi-fi expo? Chris Ward guides us around the National Audio Show IT’S THE WEEKEND of 20-21 audio. Live performances from some 1 Henley designs September and the National Audio talented singer-songwriters entertain shows off three new Show returns to Whittlebury Hall, the attendees in hi-fi downtime and Pro-Ject turntables. near Towcester. Attendance is good Classic Album Sundays returns with The RPM 1 Carbon and the mix of over 40 small rooms the knowledgeable and passionate (centre) is available and larger suites soon buzzes with Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy bringing now at £325. The lively discussion and energetic some new insights to favourite RPM 3 Carbon systems. Exhibitors range from small albums from Marvin Gaye, Jeff (right) at £599 and accessory suppliers to high-end Buckley, Nick Drake and Fleetwood RPM 5 Carbon (left) manufacturers as well as specialist Mac – all played through an Audio at £899 are both dealers with a host of quality brands. Note system. available for Xmas. Playback formats at this year’s show Recording engineer Mike Valentine’s major on high-resolution digital fi les, unique blend of humour, audio 2 Roksan presents both on hard drives and streamed, experience and quality recordings is its new K3 CD and but a decent amount of vinyl and the refreshing as always, and this year he K3 integrated odd smattering of CD are all on song. treats visitors to excerpts of his new amplifier (£1,250 ‘direct cut’ LP of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons each) in three That’s entertainment with no digital equipment being evocative colours As well as the hi-fi itself, the event used between live musicians, valve – anthracite, also hosts regular seminars that run microphones and live cutting of the charcoal or opium. through the weekend with various record surface. It’s a brand new audio experts giving plenty of advice There are plenty of new and design that’s on everything from setting up a noteworthy products on show. Here described as “a turntable to demystifying computer are just a few of the highlights. grown-up K2”. 66 DECEMBER 2014 SHOWREPORT 6 7 3 Icon Audio’s new 50kg MB 81PP triode amplifiers light up the room. Priced at £12,500 a pair, they are available to order now. 4 Royd Audio’s new Troubadour speakers feature ribbon and paper drivers housed in a refreshing range of colours and finishes. Priced at £999 to £1,199 according to finish. Available now. 5 Ortons Audio Visual has the first UK showing of KEF’s Blade 2 – 66 percent the size of full Blades at 75 percent the price. KEF’s smaller sibling can now fit in any domestic setting. Yours for £15,000. 8 9 6 Newcomer, Divine Audio unveils its beefy ‘Fatboy’ prototype turntable with deep birch plinth, 10kg platter and a price tag of around £2,000. It’s shown here fitted with Origin Live Zephyr Arm. 7 LW Audio shows wOw Audio Lab’s L1 preamp and M1 stereo amp. Stunning milled aluminium casework shrouds promising electronics. Available now to order at £4,199 and £3,799 respectively. 8 New to the UK, GamuT’s RS7 floorstanders create vivid images in the Sound Fowndations room. Hand-crafted woods adorn this statement three-way design. Available now from £23,990. 9 10 11 Sound Fowndations shows off the Clearaudio Statement TT1i parallel tracking tonearm. Engineered aluminium and ‘bulletproof’ Panzerholz wood combine in a unique design, from £15,500. 10 Russ Andrews’ newest distribution block promises advanced, high-end balanced power in a home-friendly box. It’s available now for £3,599. 11 Hi-Fi Guy powers up its elegant Bulgarian-made Thrax ‘Spartacus’ valve amps. Featuring 70W of triode power they soon boss some flagship Tannoys into making some sweet sounds. 12 14 12 With launch imminent, Divine Audio has a brand new Northern Fidelity Lead Audio DAC on show. With wireless connection and 32-bit/384kHz resolution, it’s rumoured to be at an aff ordable price. 13 Ortons has the first UK showing of Musical Fidelity’s Nu-Vista 800 amp. Based on the legendary Titan amplifier, 13 £7,999 gets you 300W of muscle that works well with the Blade 2s. 14 In eye-catching yellow, Audio Note’s ‘Jinro’ integrated amplifier (Baby Ongaku) catches everyone’s eye. With 18W of Class A 211 triode valve magic, it costs £16,500 excluding sunglasses. DECEMBER 2014 67 RETRO Myst-ery solved David Price tells the weird and wonderful tale of one of the eighties’ most interesting integrated amplifiers – the Myst tma3 e were trying to achieve an Michael preached minimalism was interested in building his own amplifi er that was properly – fewer fripperies on the outside of valve amplifi er. Indeed, the very fi rst W made”, says Michael the amp and better engineering inside Myst product – the Stage-Life – was Maloney. “At the end of the – and practiced it too. The tma3 precisely this. Sadly, Chum was taken seventies when we came into being, sported just a power switch, volume ill with a stroke, and so just around the quality of the components was control knob and source selection the corner from his company in pretty poor. They were still using old buttons. “I can distinctly remember Norwood, Michael started Myst with carbon resistors and electrolytic when I was a schoolboy,” says his partner Mary Guillaume. “We capacitors in the signal path, printed Maloney, “and I saw a hi-fi magazine needed a factory to work in,” he told circuit boards were still made of and on the front was an Italian me, “and in those days the Welsh Bakelite. We were one of the fi rst to amplifi er called the Galactron, and I Development Agency was offering use one percent metal fi lm resistors, saw the back panel and there must houses and factories in their new we used beautiful capacitors – have been upwards of a hundred town, which they had called polypropylene, polystyrene Newtown, in mid-Wales. Anyone capacitors. There weren’t any mica The Celestion SL6 could take a house and a factory for a capacitors in that at all, we had very reasonable weekly rent, so we glass-fi bre printed circuit boards, and the tma3 thought let’s have a look.” They did, and we had the latest Japanese went together but didn’t like it, so they drove back transistors, we had the fi rst MOSFETs, to London through Herefordshire and which were paraded as the hand-in-glove found themselves beguiled. “Mary replacement for valves…” and I looked at that and thought, The company was Myst, and he was phono sockets, and that got me going. that’s where we want to live!” a young man in love with music. He Because I thought that this is entirely The couple ended up in Weobley, had recently graduated from unnecessary, really. All that we want where they – and Myst Ltd – reside to university with a degree in Perceptual is something to play records. We don’t this day. “It was just big enough to Neuropsychology. He was highly need all these dials, just a simple have a beautiful listening room with skilled in electronics, but his lack of input and output, and make it well, blue velvet drapes, and a big brick conventional schooling led him to make it beautiful and make it to last. pillar that I built to put all the believe, correctly, that electronic And that was the start of the thought equipment on. And then at the back components had their own sonic of going into audio.” there were two rooms we could signatures. Such revolutionary After leaving the University of Saint assemble equipment in, and we got thinking was refl ected in the design Andrews, Michael went to work for two ladies from the village to come in and execution of the new tma3, Chum Kersting in Norwood, making and assemble things and that was the which sounded dramatically better some of the “leading” valve amplifi er start of Myst”, confi des Michael. than most rivals at or anywhere near output transformers of the time. He The newly set-up factory and offi ce its £250 retail price. was keen to learn the art of this, as he building, sitting within sight of the 68 DECEMBER 2014 RETRO potentiometer, compliantly mounted MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE to reduce mechanical vibration. Excellent one percent tolerance Myst was an eccentric company, and you’ve got to love all the silliness that surrounds it. polystyrene capacitors and metal fi lm The first Stage-Life valve amplifier, launched resistors popped up in the phono card in 1981, came in two shades of brown. The (there was a choice of MM or MC), 1982 G-Ohm surfaced in a brown and champagne gold colour scheme. Then the and circuit boards were neatly laid tma3 a year later arrived in silver and blue, out high-quality affairs. The preamp- although an option of all-black was offered to-power amp connection used high and most of the tma3s ended up being sold in this livery – for this you’d have to add grade polycarbonate capacitors, around £25 to the purchase price. If the and the power amp itself was closely tma3’s dimensions seem especially familiar based on a classic Hitachi circuit to you, then you may have owned a pair of Celestion SL6s – the amp’s casework is with just fi ve transistors and Hitachi identical to the sand-filled metal uprights 2SK226/2SJ82 MOSFET output in the SL6 stands; indeed the latter was devices coupled to the loudspeakers inspired by the former! The best Myst legend is the Wellard loudspeaker – an amazing mid- via a 2.5amp quick-blow fuse. The sized studio monitor that the company sold quality was superb, and the reliability to the great and the good of the British music too. “Nobody’s ever phoned me up scene in the mid-to-late eighties. Everyone from Phil Collins to Stock, Aitken and and said you’ve sold me a piece of Waterman bought a pair, and this was what junk”, says Maloney. took the company in a different trajectory, Brecon Beacons, began producing the The quoted power output, claimed away from the domestic hi-fi industry. new integrated amplifi er – and it was by the manufacturer to be 35W RMS marketed as, “not simply another per channel into 8ohms, sounds loudspeakers of the time, by a mile. budget amplifi er”. modest now, but was pretty feisty by The tma3 had the MOSFETs, the best If you thought the Myst integrated the standards of the early eighties. power supply and the big toroidal was something of a walk on the wild transformer, and it would drive Quad side, stylistically or conceptually, you Everything is clean Electrostatics the way they were should have seen what had come meant to be driven. They were half before. The Myst G-Ohm pre/power and extremely the cost of a house in those days, amplifi er garnered a reputation for its detailed with dramatically expensive, so I don’t excellent sound, but won no prizes for think many people bought tma3s to ease of use or contemporary styling. superb soundstaging drive Quads. We used the Celestion What all Myst products shared was SL6 as a reference, and these and the their excellent build quality; it wasn’t It certainly wasn’t bad, lest we forget tma3 went together hand-in-glove. It all about showing off the ‘perceived’ Naim’s Nait integrated which was a very tricky speaker to drive, but cost of the product, rather the focus appeared around the same time Celestion heard the amp in action and was on the general calibre of the struggled to make 20W. Still, on the we began to get involved in an active materials; circuit design and other hand another new similarly version of the SL6. It was never a components were top notch priced amplifi er launched around that production thing, it was a skunkworks considering the price, and everything time. Audiolab’s 8000A punched out project. We had one power amp was very lovingly put together. 50W RMS into 8ohms, making it a driving the two drivers, one for the The tma3 was basically a smaller, veritable power house. Whatever the woofer, one for the tweeter – and that more compact one-box (432 x 220 x raw numbers suggest, in real life the was beautiful!” 55mm) G-Ohm with a less over-the- Myst came over as a strong and gutsy top power supply. performer considering its diminutive Action stations size and unremarkable rated power; In action, the Myst tma3 still sounds Pretty on the inside there was certainly a sense that it was excellent. It’s a punchy integrated Inside, the Myst integrated is a lovely good at current driving when called that comfortably exceeds its quoted Celestion’s SL6 thing to look at. Back in 1983, your upon so to do. loudspeakers 35W-per-channel rating (50W-per- average Japanese amplifi er was a Michael Maloney says, “the Quad were used as side would be more like it) and is riot of wiring, with vast numbers of ESL-63s were the best sounding a reference especially good at driving low loads. sub-boards going here there and It has a tight grip on loudspeaker bass everywhere and the usual rather plain cones with a damping factor of 110, frame-type power transformer. The and further up everything is clean Myst showed very careful attention and extremely detailed with superb to earthing, being star earthed years soundstaging. Yet it is never analytical before it became fashionable. The – it has real musical coherence, wiring was neat and the signal paths making it a joy to listen to in its kept short. Mains power came own, calm, measured and accurate courtesy of a large, high-quality way. The phono stage is very good, toroidal mains transformer with and there was a range of MM or MC separate power rails for preamp plug-in cards available to buy back and power amplifi er sections. then. Interestingly, the CD input The more you drilled down into bypasses the preamp section and the tma3, the more you saw loving effectively runs through just the attention to detail. The volume volume control and power amp – control was a high-quality ALPS and sounds great as a result ● DECEMBER 2014 69 Sponsored by: YOUR LETTERS & QUESTIONS ANSWERED THIS MONTH ED SELLEY NEVILLE ROBERTS ANDREW SIMPSON CHRIS WARD DAVID PRICE EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: ENGINEER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER For the best part of 10 years, Retired NHS director, Andrew’s been passionate about When Chris isn’t advising DP has spent much longer Ed was developing and electronics engineer and hi-fi since he was a wee nipper. businesses on strategy, he’s than he’d care to admit supporting products from physicist Neville is very much When not obsessing over his trying to squeeze more musical buying and upgrading his some of the biggest names into valve technology. He’s next upgrade, he can be usually qualities out of exotic own hi-fi system, not to in audio. He enjoys blogging a classical music lover and found under the bonnet of his combinations of cutting-edge mention reviewing thousands about his favourite tunes, too. serious vinyl junkie. 1973 MG Midget. tech and vintage hi-fi classics. of separates over the years. Email us at [email protected] or write to: Hi-Fi Choice More ways to get in touch: Letters, AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, You can also send your questions to us via social media: Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF Your letters may be edited before twitter.com@HiFiChoiceMag publication and we cannot enter into personal correspondence facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk Music matters sounds better than anything DP: Nice sentiments Chris. You NR: Hello Chris, to answer your I agree with Nigel Williamson else I am likely to hear, and don’t specify which cans you’re question it is always diffi cult to when he says that music is provides a means of escape using, but if you’re yet to buy generalise about equipment often used as a distraction from life’s little trivialities. It then you may be amazed by facilities as it does depend on by people going about their is without doubt money well how good the Jays v-Jays are; the actual item. However I agree daily routines. (Make Time spent. What other electrical they’re small portables and cost with DP that a purpose-made For Music, HFC 389) I also appliances could ever hope under £30, but have a supremely headphone amplifi er is likely to believe that great music to bring such pleasure? coherent and enjoyable sound. offer better performance as it deserves our full attention; But times are changing. My The answer to your question is has been designed specifi cally so when I take the time to wife is as they say, ‘looking that no, unless you have unusual for the job. Usually, a headphone listen, that is all I do. to spend more time with her headphones that present a socket on a power amplifi er I am lucky as I can do this TV’. So I found your review particularly hard load, you simply takes the speaker output on a regular basis. My wife of headphones (HFC 388) shouldn’t have any trouble and attenuates it down to a level works on a Saturday night, very timely. I haven’t stayed powering them from most suitable for powering a pair of married for 32 years without integrated amplifi ers. However, dynamic headphones. A Is there any real compromising, so this looks you can get better sound and headphone amp is of much like the way forward. It also the ability to drive stiff lower power and designed to advantage in should allow us both to headphone loads with a suit headphones of a wide range getting myself a enjoy a Saturday night top-notch standalone headphone of impedances, rather than together (well in the same amp. My suggestion here is the usual 4 or 8ohms of a headphone amp? building). I get my listening Musical Fidelity’s M1HPAP – loudspeaker. Of course, if your time and she watches TV. it’s extremely powerful and amp already has a headphone leaving me home alone. So Is a separate headphone stable and is one of the best between 6:45 and 11:00pm amplifi er a necessity for all I’ve heard that is priced for I can play whatever I like headphones, or will some mere mortals such as you and I. as loud as I like, without speaker amplifi ers do the Better is available, but you will disturbing anyone. job just as well? need to spend far more to be In the early seventies, Chris Barker, Colchester able to enjoy it. I heard a state-of-the-art, high-end hi-fi . It was my A headphone amp, like Oppo’s ‘eureka’ moment. But it was HA-1 (on test last month) can almost 20 years of marriage, make a world of difference mortgages and children with sticky fi ngers before I had the confi dence to spend real money on real hi-fi , confi dent that I could come home and it wouldn’t be covered in jam. I bought my fi rst real hi-fi in 1992 and since then I have upgraded or replaced all the components at least once. My current system, although some way off high-end, DECEMBER 2014 71 LETTERS TWITTER QUERIES Andrew used the Primare R32 phono stage for the cartridge Group Test in HFC 389 socket, then the best advice quality MC phono stage over you’re currently using an MM would be to get used to your the MM phono stage used? phono stage that you’re happy new headphones with this and In other words how did you with, rather than replace your Dj Tee @terrence_hinton Sep 26 then see if you can borrow a ensure that the different MM stage you could also @HiFiChoiceMag @Ortofon headphone amp and decide for phono stages used did not consider adding a MC step-up @vpiindustries do they have a video yourself if it is worth the extra infl uence the result? Of transformer into the mix to get to see how it works investment. For what it’s worth, course, it could be that you the MC’s signal up, such as a I have a separate (valve) simply played the Quintet Graham Slee Elevator (£640). Hi-Fi Choice @HiFiChoiceMag Sep 26 headphone amplifi er with through a MM phono stage I was really impressed with the @terrence_hinton @Ortofon tapped output transformers that despite its low output. If this Quintet Blue during the test. As there’s a few on @vpiindustries website I can match to the impedance of is the case please let me you’ll have seen, it doesn’t look http://bit.ly/1wNiZx1 it’s 1 of the best my headphones and it sounds know as it will prevent me the most sophisticated cartridge plug’n’play decks we’ve tested absolutely fantastic! needing to sell my current from the outside, but it tracked Dj Tee @terrence_hinton MM phono stage to buy a extremely well and delivered Sep 26 Take the stage MC one if I switch over to fantastic results across the @HiFiChoiceMag @Ortofon I really enjoyed reading the Quintet. Currently I use a board. That said, it was a closely @vpiindustries kool your review of six phono Naim StageLine phono stage, fought contest, and the Grado Livesey @Liveseytv Oct 2 cartridges in issue 389 as I which has different versions and Sumiko models certainly @HiFiChoiceMag Thinking am currently considering for MC and MM cartridges. weren’t too far behind, so if you of getting a new TT, will the Bill Sturman like a more lively presentation Nomad work my Cambridge 651 Can you advise look towards the Sumiko, and amp? Read I’d need to buy a phono AS: Hi Bill, good to hear you for a warmer presentation try stage as well, any tips? me on the best found the Phono Stage Group the Grado. To me the Ortofon Hi-Fi Choice tonearm and Test informative. All six sits somewhere in the middle. @HiFiChoiceMag Oct 2 cartridges were tested using my @Liveseytv no need to buy a cartridge to get? reference Primare R32 phono Time for change p/stage as the @vpiindustries incs one stage, which caters for both MM Hi there, I wonder if you can built in. Will plug straight in to your upgrading my Ortofon 2M and MC cartridges, and with a help me? I am looking to @CambridgeAudio (if its the 651A) Red. The winner of the group range of loading options for the upgrade my system over Livesey @Liveseytv Oct 2 was the Ortofon Quintet latter. This meant I was able to the next six months and am @HiFiChoiceMag Blue, which is a great result match the recommended 20ohm wondering what’s best to get @vpiindustries for me if I want to stick with load of the Quintet Blue during for what I have? My turntable @CambridgeAudio Thats brilliant, the Ortofon family. However, the test using the Primare. I is an Avid Ingenium with cheers... So am I limited to the 2M I noticed that the Quintet deliberately used this phono Rega tonearm and the 2M Red cart? was the only low output stage for exactly the reasons that Blue Ortofon, an Arcam FMJ Hi-Fi Choice MC cartridge and so was you describe, so that I’d have a A19 amp and a pair of B&W @HiFiChoiceMag Oct 2 presumably tested with a MC level playing fi eld upon which to 685 S2s. I want to upgrade @Liveseytv @vpiindustries @ phono stage whereas all the test the cartridges. At £850, the the tonearm and cartridge CambridgeAudio it comes supplied/ other cartridges would have Primare is of suffi cient quality as in the next few weeks I’m matched to the p/stage, so best to required or worked with a to get the best out of all the hoping to treat myself to the upgrade to another 2M model. Read the review! MM phono stage. pick-ups on test, without getting Avid Pellar phono stage and Could the result simply in the way. If you are looking hope that this will give me Livesey @Liveseytv Oct 2 have refl ected a better to go down the MC route and more options when it comes @HiFiChoiceMag @vpiindustries @CambridgeAudio Lovely, I will do. Cheers! Don’t miss any updates from Ed reckons the Tabriz Zi remains one of the most underrated @HiFiChoiceMag sub-£1,000 tonearms available 72 DECEMBER 2014 Powerful Dynamic Natural Spesielt anbefalt 09 -13 ++++++ Hegel H80 1HZHQWU\OHYHO+(*(/+LQWHJUDWHGDPSOL¿HU More powerful, less additives, more inputs, more possibilities... But still that addictive HEGEL sound. HiFi+ (UK 2014): ³,W¶VDZHOOEXLOWGHFHSWLYHO\SRZHUIXODPSOL¿HUZLWKDQH[FHOOHQWGLJLWDODXGLRVWDJHµ,W¿JKWVZHOODERYHLW¶V ZHLJKW¶LVDFOLFKpRIWKHKLJKHVWRUGHUEXWLWUHDOO\DSSOLHVKHUH([FHOOHQW - Alan Sircom - Editor The Absolute Sound (USA 2014): “I hope more people will participate in the deeper enjoyment of music in their homes because products like the +PDNHLWPRUHDFFHVVLEOH7KH+LVWKHUHDOGHDODQGDVZHHWGHDOWRR´.LUN0LGVWNRJ5HYLHZHU HiFi & Musik (Sweden 2013): “It will take a while for me to recover after this. This may be the best value for the money I have reviewed in my FDUUHHU´-RQDV%U\QJHOVVRQ(GLWRU Lyd & Bilde (Norway 2013): ³+RPHUXQ NORNNHUHQLQQWHUWLHU 7RVD\WKDW+(*(/GLGLWULJKWZLWKWKH+LVDQXQGHUVWDWHPHQW $03/,),(52)7+(<($5´/DVVH6YHQGVHQ(GLWRU Derby: Musicraft Edinburgh: Loud & Clear Kent: ,JORR$XGLR Hegel: ZZZKHJHOFRP LETTERS HINTS & TIPS ERADICATING HUM This can often be a problem when connecting up a separates system, especially when it is comprised of units from different manufacturers. Inducted hum can also be picked up by sensitive audio components and leads from nearby sources, like mains transformers and cables. Hum that occurs when you connect a new piece of equipment to your Chris suggests Cambridge system or when connecting up your Audio’s Azur 651C would be a Look North with still no pressure, which hi-fi for the first time is usually the good match for Mark’s Marantz LETTER I really love the to me is fantastic customer result of an earth loop. This happens magazine and relations. You leave there when the return signal path or OF THE equipment is earthed at more than to MC cartridges. I listen to MONTH am particularly still feeling not pressured one point. Solving this problem is a all sorts of different kinds interested in the into buying if you haven’t bit hit and miss, but first locate the of music, but indie and Dealer Systems bought anything. offending item by unplugging each piece of equipment from the mains electronic mostly. If you feature. However, I am from I think the shop really until the hum disappears. Then could give me some advice the Lincolnshire area and deserves to be visited unplug the interconnects and for each I’d be very grateful haven’t seen anything close and recognised for the re-connect the mains lead – there should still be no hum and you have as I really want to get the to me featured. I feel you outstanding work that found the source of the loop. Never most from my system. seem to always publish is done there. be tempted to remove the earth In regard to pricing, no dealers within the south of I would ever so much connection from the mains plug as this can result in safety issues. more than £1,000 for England, and would like to appreciate it if you could Instead, try disconnecting the earth tonearm and £600 for nominate The Audio Rooms, give this some consideration connection in both phono plugs at the cartridge. So far I’m leaning which is based in Saville as it does deserve source end of the interconnects and that should cure the problem. towards the Roksan Tabriz Zi Street, Hull. recognition, and not only Induced hum can be cured by for tonearm and Dynavector You walk into its two-storey that it would give readers moving interconnects away from DV-20 X2 for cartridge. Any shop and straight away you of your mag in Lincolnshire mains leads and also moving sensitive help is much appreciated, like myself some pride. equipment, like phono amplifiers, away from power amplifiers that have love the mag! When are you Richard Tombs large mains transformers. Shane Dorrian, by email going to do a ES: Dealer visits over the last ES: Hi Shane, the Tabriz remains Dealer System year or so have been a little one of the most underrated arms parochial because I’ve been under £1,000 but you would in Lincolnshire? limited in the distance I can need to have a look at the Audio travel thanks to my son and his Note Arm 1 and 2, which also fi t do not feel pressured at all, childcare requirements, but my the Ingenium perfectly and offer the staff there are friendly, most recent foray took me down sparkling performance. Rega’s listen to your needs, and to the Cornish border and we own RB808 isn’t really that much also take your price range have some other visits planned of a looker, but it is a big step into consideration. They rather further afi eld. I’ll put your forward over the Rega you make you feel welcome, recommendation into action for NOISY CONNECTOR PLUGS have in situ at the moment. The invite you to listen to future visits as Hull is not too Phono plugs tend to be left plugged Dynavector is a fi ne cartridge too, whatever system they have tricky from north Bucks with a in to equipment and may remain undisturbed for years. Unfortunately, but Clearaudio’s Concept, Benz’s playing in the demo room, bit of planning. plugs and sockets tend to corrode Ace and the Zyx R-50 are you can be sat there for and oxidise over time and this occurs excellent as well. however long you wish to Upgrade time? a lot faster with cheaper ones that don’t have any plating. Then if the I have a dilemma that I hope plug is disturbed, for example when you can help me with. I want moving, corrosion or dust may to buy a new Marantz CD interfere with the electrical contact. This can result in all sorts of bad player and am looking at behaviour from your system, ranging the 4004 and 4005 models. from poor imaging and one channel I currently have a loyal sounding quieter than the other to audible distortion and nasty cracking Marantz CD52 Mk 2 model, coming from the speakers. which I paid £320 for it all Simply unplugging and plugging in them years ago. Can you tell a connector can help with keeping me please if either of these the contact surfaces clean, but a far better approach is to conduct routine two models have the same maintenance. There are many contact spec as my current older cleaners available, such as Servisol model? The main reason I or specialist cleaners that include a lubricant and an oxide preventative ask is that the tray on the such as DeoxIT, so while you have the front has stopped working. I cables unplugged, give all the plugs am willing to get it repaired and sockets a good clean. It is a very good idea to conduct an annual as the rest of the player spring clean of your system involving a quick squirt of a cleaner on each plug before inserting it back in the Ed’s Dealer features are going socket. This will reward you with further afield, and this month trouble-free listening all year. he heads off to Cornwall (p90) 74 DECEMBER 2014 QED Reference Audio 40 Cables Matter No.6 AnalocTM locking RCA Plugs The new gold plated QED analoc™ plug is a special low eddy current design. It features small, high purity copper conductors, instead of the usual large volume brass body, ANALOCTM TECHNOLOGY found in ordinary high quality plugs. This reduces or eliminates the tendency for the changing magnetic field in the conductor to induce eddy currents, which can affect the micro timing of the audio signal. Foamed Polyethylene Dielectric Foamed polyethylene is a low constant dielectric and has been used to reduce the amount of audio signal energy lost due to cable capacitance. COMPLEMENTARY CONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGYTM Complementary Conductor TechnologyTM This innovation utilises two silver plated OFC conductors of different diameters to carry the same audio signal. This has the effect of providing an alternative path for high frequency audio components, which might otherwise become ‘time smeared’ in a single audio pathway. The revolutionary QED Reference Audio 40 analogue Reference Audio 40 also features both ‘Analoc Technology™’ and audio interconnect celebrates QED’s 40 years at the advanced ‘Complementary Conductor Technology™’, to maximise forefront of British designed audio cables. signal integrity and high frequency detail. The Reference Audio 40 cable is a truly unique design concept The result is without doubt the most innovative cable design in from QED’s labs. The cordage is designed primarily for low QED’s 40 year history. capacitance. This has been identified by QED as one factor To find out more about why cables matter, please visit our website. which leads to a hi-fidelity experience and helps to produce a ‘tight sound’, which retains the rhythm of the original piece. “Great sound, head and shoulders better.” Hi-Fi Choice Group Test Winner, August 2014 “Fantastic depth and dimension.” What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, May 2014 The Sound of Science www.qed.co.uk 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 LETTERS Warm me up amp is probably on the brighter I have a Yamaha AS-500 side of the equation, but there is and a Marantz CD 6004 a danger that selecting a new connected with a pair of amplifi er to warm your sound Focal 726 Vs (model 2012). may just be covering issues in Although I like the sound of your speakers. Focal speakers my system for the fi rst two of the recent past can come hours, it is getting tiring across as very revealing but in the high frequencies. I occasionally harsh, especially at believe that my amplifi er higher volumes. Adding a DAC is a little bright sounding may only make things worse and my speakers are bright as this could just extract more too because they don’t seem treble detail. As an experiment, to be driven well (too much see if a friendly local dealer will emphasis on the highs and allow you to audition a warmer the bass is left behind) amp and alternative speakers. because of the amp. I don’t For a warmer amp with more want to change my speakers grip on your speakers you could because they are pricey, so look to a Marantz PM8005 KEF’s LS50s might repair. As you’ll know, it is a it is better, I think, to change amp or Musical Fidelity M3i, hold the answer to very smooth player and if this the amplifi er for a new one if available in Athens. For Kostantinos’ woes is what you’re yearning for, you that will bring big, refi ned speakers, stick with the Focals if may fi nd that modern Marantz and smooth sound in the you love them with alternative players, while still smooth, amplifi cation, but maybe try works well. I know will be far more revealing. My amplifier is something very different like technology has moved on, Technology has moved on and KEF LS50s (HFC 384) on decent but this model was with the specs will not be the same. too bright and I stands – they may have similar Phillips at the time with Budget players from Marantz want one with a insight to the Focals, but good components fi tted. now include the CD6005 at a potentially with a more neutral Mark Davies, by email similar price that you paid all warmer sound... delivery and a scale of sound those years back, and Richer that could surprise you. And if NR: Hi Mark, I’m not familiar Sounds may have some CD5004 high frequencies. Can none of these options gives you with either the 4004 or 4005 players at a lower cost. This you suggest some warm- the quality of warmth you seek, models, but I do know the CD52 may, however, be the time to sounding amplifi ers (or then maybe you should explore and it is a fantastic CD player, listen to some other brands like brand names) or would what an entry-level integrated especially if it has the audiophile Cambridge Audio and Rega. If a DAC solve the problem? valve amplifi er sounds like. upgrades fi tted. It may well be your amplifi er is also from the My budget is £1,000. worth seeing if the tray problem early nineties, you may fi nd that Thanks in advance. ES: The amp that springs to is a simple repair job. I believe a Cambridge Audio player like Kostantinos Manetos, Athens mind straightaway is Creek’s that this is a fairly common the Azur 351C or Azur 651C magnifi cent Evolution 50A (HFC problem with this CD player will still sound smooth despite CW: This is a common issue, 370), which will grab the Focals (which uses a Philips CDM4 being far more insightful and but I’d like to challenge your by the scruff of the neck and swing-arm CD transport and revealing. If, however, you want thinking a little Kostantinos. deliver a performance that is tray) with failure of the teeth on a more analogue sound and the Your Marantz CD source is packed full of detail, but free of the motor-driven gear wheel that budget will stretch, you could already on the smooth, warmer any harshness or aggression. It is engage with a rack on the CD audition a Rega Apollo-R player. side of things, and the Yamaha also built like a Swiss watch. tray. If you cannot fi nd a repairer to look it over for you, you can often get parts from ebay if you COMPETITION WINNERS Back in the September issue fancy having a go yourself – after we ran a competition offering all, you have nothing to lose! seven readers the chance to win Arcam DACs. The first correct CW: I hear you Mark. The answers pulled from the lucky Marantz CD52 Mk 2 was my HFC hat were: P Wheatman, fi rst serious CD player back in B Kingsford, A Bowler, S Cole, the early nineties and while my AP Reed, J Dawson and daughter has now inherited it, I A Sutherland. The winners bought a back-up CD52 Mk 2 of October’s Monitor Audio prizes are: C Corrigan, J Morris on ebay for the princely sum of and T Batten. Congratulations £35.99. So, if you’re on a tight to you all. Your prizes should be budget, I suspect that fi nding making their way to you very another cherished one would soon, hope you enjoy them! probably be cheaper than a WIN A RUSS ANDREWS POWERMAX PLUS MAINS LEAD WORTH £50! Letter of the Month winners receive a Russ Andrews PowerMax Plus mains lead worth £50. Write to us at [email protected] DECEMBER 2014 77 OPINION The show must go on With the long summer a distant memory it’s time to head out to hear some of the best hi-fi the world has to off er. Lee Dunkley is getting just a little bit excited s the nights draw in and the memory of the Should we really be long summer days of 2014 fade like the falling treated like cattle being A leaves from the trees, there’s nothing quite steered through like a hi-fi show to pick you up and provide narrow gates in and welcome refuge from the never ending list of household out of crowded rooms chores and garden clear up projects that seem to demand where it’s nigh on our attention at this time of year. As any audio fan knows, impossible to see this is the time that the hi-fi industry gets into full swing as what’s going on? audiophiles and music fans alike clamber to get out of the Surely not! Thankfully, wind and rain and head inside to the comfort and shelter the times they are of some far fl ung hotel’s warm exhibition space. Here we’ll changing, and a new gather to see and (more importantly) hear the latest and breed of hi-fi show is greatest hi-fi offerings the industry has to show off. It’s an emerging with a move alluring prospect that feeds our passion for sound in a towards bigger demo convivial atmosphere and in the comforting knowledge rooms with the space that we are among like-minded individuals who share our to engage greater quest for the very best in audio quality, but also a welcome visitor numbers as well distraction from getting on with the chores at home. as provide informative A fl ick through the hi-fi press reveals numerous events demos that captivate and shows being held across the country at this time of audiences in their mutual passion for all things audio. With more room year. But it’s pretty much acknowledged that the National I was lucky enough to experience this fi rst hand last year to properly enjoy what’s on show, Audio Show held at Whittlebury Hall near Towcester, when I attended the very fi rst speciality high-end audio the Hi-Fi Show Northamptonshire in late September is the one that kick event, organised by our sister title Hi-Fi News & Record Review is a must starts the show season in the UK – see our full Show and AVTech Media. The two-day Hi-Fi Show showcased the Report, starting on page 66. international hi-fi world’s fi nest audio equipment in 22 suites Hi-fi shows have traditionally been about displaying the with an impressive series of presentations and demos. It was latest range of audio products in small rooms with barely any mostly high-end hi-fi for sure, with many of the products well space for more than out of fi nancial reach for the likes of myself and the majority The Hi-Fi Show is the a handful of visitors of Hi-Fi Choice readers, I’m sure. Even so there was something best opportunity to see what’s going for everyone to get excited about, and I recall there being a on inside. Often chill out zone to provide a welcome break for when those to experience the navigating your way high-end price tags got a bit too much. finest audio brands around can feel like trying to fi nd your Show me the honey way around an impenetrable maze, with walls of people I’m pleased to say that the Hi-Fi Show is returning for a around every corner. Visitors walk in and out as they please, second year to the sumptuous grounds of the Beaumont sometimes making a swift retreat if the demo room is too Estate Old Windsor on 1-2 November, and with even crowded to comfortably see what’s on display, or perhaps more exhibitor brands on display – many of which will be they take an instant dislike to an exhibitor’s musical taste. I’ve showcasing UK exclusives (see page 16 for full show preview witnessed this fi rst hand on numerous occasions, and have details). Whether your pockets go deep enough is really traipsed up and down fl ights of stairs and along more neither here nor there. For me the Hi-Fi Show is the best corridors to small exhibition spaces than I care to mention. opportunity we have in the UK to experience fi rst hand some The problem is it’s too easy to make a snap decision on a of the fi nest audio brands in the world under one roof and in room and vote with your feet – meaning that you might miss some of the most relaxing and best-sounding demo rooms of out on the star of the show. In this kind of environment any show I’ve heard. With demonstrations conducted by the there’s little opportunity to sit and listen to a product in a most appropriate people of all – the designers and makers of relaxed and controlled way like you would in your own the products themselves – what would you rather be doing listening room, or to hear about the background of a product when the fi rst weekend in November comes around? Digging from the experts that developed it. Is this really what a hi-fi the vegetable patch, clearing leaves from the grass or maybe LEE DUNKLEY Hi-Fi Choice editor show is all about? cleaning the windows? Perhaps I’ll see you there... ● DECEMBER 2014 79 Designed for listening The new CM Series loudspeakers are undoubtedly beautiful, capable of gracing any room with their clean lines and high- quality finishes. But as with all Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers form must follow function, and thanks to our Decoupled Double Domes and tweeter-on-top technology you won’t believe how beautiful your music can sound. bowers-wilkins.com Decoupled Double Dome tweeter 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 for power valve amplifiers... Brussels eyeing up bureaucrat in a be will There justi banned byBrussels,andhairdryersarenext.It’sbeing Last month,so-called“powerful”vacuumcleanerswere All justhotair but with hoovers and hairdryers in the firing line where does it end, asks EU laws banning power-hungry domestic appliances might enough, innocuous seem sixties –completewithmonovalveampli (and falling) of the world’s CO2 emissions, dirtier carpets in (and falling)oftheworld’sCO2emissions, dirtiercarpetsin but giventhattheUKisresponsibleforundertwopercent new coal- to offsetthecarbonemissionsfrom thesoaringnumberof Dagenham or time TheBeatleshadsplitup,audiosystemswere migration awayfromthermionicvalves,meantthatbythe power consumers.Theinventionofthetransistor, andthe reproduction systemstostepdownagainintobeinglow until theseventies–some40ormoreyearslaterformusic grease tocrankthehandlewindupspring),ittook of thethirtiesusednopoweratall(exceptabitelbow always will. inside –thewaywelistentomusichaschanged,andindeed fuel consumptionlegislation,today’shi- manufacturers intheseventies,waryofintrusivesafetyand the writingisonwallforhi- a retrenchment,though;electronicsmanufacturersknow got alothotter, asdidtheelectricbill.Thisdecadehasseen the transistorspoweredupalltimemeantyourroom Class Asolid-stateampsgatheredquiteafollowing.Keeping way. Valve ampscamebackintofashionandpower-hungry using onlysmallamountsofelectricity. votes, don’t they? But not so in the EU… votes, don’tthey?ButnotsointheEU… lawmakers tothinktwice.After all,MPs dependonyour sternly wordedlettertoyourlocalMPcouldcauseour In theolddays,whenvalveampsroamedearth,a things –andenvironmentallegislationisbutoneexample. little controloverwhatweasanationcansayaboutmany reason, ultra-lowpowerClassDissuddenlyalltherage. H While those early mechanical, horn-loaded record players While thoseearlymechanical,horn-loadedrecordplayers The nineties and noughties then pulled back the other The ninetiesandnoughtiesthenpulledbacktheother Our membership of the European Union means we have Our membershipoftheEuropeanUnionmeanswehave fi ed under the banner of reducing carbon emissions, ed underthebannerofreducingcarbonemissions, fi red power stations being built in China every red powerstationsbeingbuiltinChina every dominated thedrawingroomsof the largeteakveneeredradiogramsthat gramophones ourgreatgrandfathersused,to i- fi fashions come and go. From the wind-up fashionscomeandgo.Fromthewind-up fl ustered hairdressersinFairford aren’tgoing fi powerhouses. Like car powerhouses. Likecar to consume.For this things areallowed how muchpower regulations about weight ofrulesand in theincreasing beginning tofactor fi designers are designers are fi ers smouldering fi fties and fi nally nally consumption of a consumption ofa stated thatthepower recently (correctly) bothered. JamesDyson of itall. them abouttheabsurdity bother complainingto in particular, sodon’t of ourpoliticalparties isn’t thebrainchildofany proposing thisban,butit to thenegotiations government wasparty month. TheUK Street Preachers,ifyoutoleratethisthenyourhi- power. Butthisisn’tthepoint–toparaphraseManic fi vacuum cleanerisn’tthe it reacheshi- will itstop?Andwhyshouldweassumedesistbefore into themostprosaicofhouseholdelectricaldevices,where next! Inallseriousness,ifEUlawnowextendsitstentacles guzzling vacuumcleanerwasremoved for hi- A-biased solidstate,Iamjustalittle bitmorefrightened ampli up. Assomeonewhoseearstellhimthatthebestsounding summary ‘goodriddance’tolawmakerswhoscrewthings democratic trend,becausewecannolongerdelivera longer thecase,we’reinadangerousplace.It’sananti- voted in–andwhomwecouldvoteout.Now, that’sno stands. Thelawsthatwelivedbyweremadepeople been profoundexceptionstothis,buttherulenevertheless broadly thewillofpeople.Ofcourse,therehavealways Brussels) areremovedfromus. national governmentisallowedtolegislateover, by servants callgovernment‘competencies’(iewhatourown drip approach.Aseveryyearpasses,evermoreofwhatcivil ampli coming foryourClassAandthenABtransistor And thennosoonerhavethesegone,theywillbe may onedaybedeclaredillegalbysomefacelessEurocrat. burns around200Watidleandovertwicethatfullpower than theyneed. favour bystoppingaudiophilesfromdrawingmorecurrent valve ampli wine thattherewillbeonebureaucratinBrusselseyeingup nal arbiter of its suction nal arbiterofitssuction Most people won’t be Most peoplewon’tbe We usedtolivein acountrywherewhatwasdecided I’m worriedthatagoodpush-pullvalveampli fi fi fi ers are either valve powered or heavily Class ers areeithervalvepoweredorheavily Class ers, too.Thismaysoundalarmist,butit’sadrip-by- ’s future than I was before my right to buy a power ’s futurethanIwasbeforemyright tobuyapower fi ers, convinced that he is doing the world a ers, convincedthatheisdoingtheworlda fi ? You canbetyourcellarfullof ● fi ne French fi er, which fi will be will be David Price DECEMBER 2014 appliances? ‘eco-unfriendly’ list ofbanned next onthe amplifies be Could valve Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi DAVID PRICE OPINION writer writer 81 Whatever the size of your room, seductive New Silver delivers glorious wideband audio to every corner without ever filling the floor. Clean,Clean open, detailedtai ed and musical soundound AUGUST 2014 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 Power andthe glory the results heard the results heard describe to mind to smacked’ comes The phrase ‘gob which parts of the system are the most important as In the ever unfolding world of network streaming it’s not always immediately obvious undoubtedly a network attachedstorage(NAS)inmysystem.It’s has becomeobvious. drive orserverthatsuppliestherawdataforastreamer It’s onlyrecently, however, thattheimportanceofNAS really shouldn’tmakeadifference,butinconvenientlydo. differences introducedbythingslikeEthernetcablesthat to whatyousupportthemwithforinstanceandthe with thevagariesofbreed,theirhighsensitivity upgrade inthewaythatitdoeswithitsampli aware. IdidaskwhyNaimhasn’tofferedapowersupply supply, theonlyoneinentireNaimrangeasfarI’m brands. Butitrunsoffanexternalswitchedmodepower better thanmoreaffordableNASsolutionsfromcomputer quite a substantial lump, half width, but taller than the quite asubstantiallump,halfwidth,buttallerthanthe for theUnitiserveIwasveryinterested.Itturnedouttobe Gorham ofLongdogAudiotodesignalinearpowersupply page 18)downinR&Doflate.SowhenMCRUgotNick Naim hasbeendivertedwithStatementandmu-so(see would seemnottobeahighpriorityatpresent,Iguess elsewhere. Thenoise power suppliesareasimportantatthisstagethey always haveswitchmodesupplies,Ia And theseswitchesarebuilttoaverytightbudgetand ‘switch’ ontheway. Otherwiseitwouldnotbeanetwork. to thestreamer, ithastogothroughacommercial-grade fi clearly increasedandleftmewonderinghow. to speak,suddenlyyoucouldhearmore,transparency inner circlenoless. the past,afactcon timing ashasbeenthecasewith third-partysuppliesin Crucially forNaima of imageinthecontextamorerelaxedpresentation. soundstage andprovidesconsiderablyimprovedsolidity emits atbay. Despitethis,theMCRUPSUopensup mine andthemainsinanattempttokeepgrungeit eld that the signal does not go straight from the server eld thatthesignaldoesnotgostraightfromserver I use a Naim Unitiserve, which rips discs and acts as I useaNaimUnitiserve,whichripsdiscsandactsas It might be worth reminding those yet to dive into this It mightbeworthremindingthoseyettodiveintothis T source for most reviewing work so am familiar source formostreviewingworksoamfamiliar come. Iuseanetworkstreamerasmymain not awell-knownphraseyet,butit’stimewill here’s nowtstrangerthancomputeraudio, fi ne piece of kit that sounds considerably ne piece ofkitthatsoundsconsiderably fi rmed by a member of the Salisbury rmed byamemberoftheSalisbury fi cionados it does not undermine cionados itdoesnotundermine fl oor droppedthroughthe end proved that end provedthat a NaimNDSfront the Unitiservewith off-the-shelf case. housed inaneat Unitiserve and Hooking it up to Hooking itupto fi lter between fi ers, but it ers, but it fl oor, so bene the Unitiserveandswitch.Thiswasconsiderablymore not anoverallupgradesoIswappeditovertositbetween increased thesenseofspaceandbassextension,butwas this theoreticallybeingthemostimportantlink.It for itself. Iinitiallytrieditbetweenswitchandstreamer, a revealingsystem(ieexpensive)makesverygoodcase Sarum TA Ethernet cable.It’seye-wateringlypricey, butin Around thistime,ChordCompanysentoveralengthofits The priceofperfection I goingtogetalinearsupplyfor a Netgearswitch? of powerfeedingeverypartthe system.Sowheream you can’ttakeanythingforgranted, notleastthequality the boundsofspeakersquitedramatically. albeit notalinearone.TheCAT wascreatedtopartner Pardo –whoalsomakesaUnitiservePSU off-board powersuppliesfromTeddy standards. Itevenhas to ridiculouslyhigh JRiver andbuilt PC running a hardcoreaudio Transport, thisis Computer Audio CAD CAT or this came mywayin product that as you’dexpectofadevicecostingnorth board, inthatcombinationitworksextremelywellindeed CAD’s 1543USBDAC andhasanaudiophileUSBoutput than theUnitiservewithMCRUsupply, signi for datawiththeNDSopenedwindowevenmore data servernonetheless.SelectingtheCAT asthesource NAS,buta OTT can operateasaNAS,anSSD-equipped Being acomputeritalsohasanEthernetconnectionand was originally laid down. was originallylaiddown. solid andtoneisaboutasconvincingthedaytrack granted. Imagingistotallyreal,reach-out-and-touch-it Timing isspoton,butsonaturalthatyoutakeitfor starting tosoundaseffortlessandserenereel-to-reel. the digitalwillusuallybeobvious,herethingswere players inthisregardanyway, buttoananalogueaddict digital glare.StreamingsystemsarefarbetterthanCD quiet andtotallydevoidofeventhefaintestwhiff describe theresultsheardwiththispairing,itisdeathly in fact.Thephrase‘gobsmacked’comestomind All of which shows that where networking is concerned All ofwhichshowsthatwherenetworking isconcerned The next The next fi fi eld was the eld wasthe cial, the pace tightened up and the music escaped cial, thepacetightenedupandmusicescaped Jason KennedyJason fi fi ve grand. cantly more discovers ● DECEMBER 2014 MCRU’s PSU lease oflife by given anew Unitiserve was Jason’s Naim Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi JASON KENNEDY OPINION writer writer 83 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) 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 Reclaiming the past the Reclaiming latest improvements latest gung-hofor the less we’re why explains Being satisfied to do with the equipment we had back then? Did recordings sound badin the seventies because they weren’t done well, orwas it more difference insoundqualitywasworththeextradosh. quality. Thatmeantpayingtop-price.Butmosttimesthe recordings fromthemainlabelstoensurebesttechnical music, Isoonrealisedtheimportanceofbuyingrecent great, whileotherssoundedterrible.Asaloverofclassical matter muchless.Nowyou differences betweennewerandolderrecordingsseemto revealing moreofthetruth. things sounded,the‘better’hi- There wasevenakindofperverselogicthatsaid;theworse revealing andmust,therefore,showupfaults things were very different. If the sound didn’t reach a things wereverydifferent.Ifthesounddidn’treacha recording thanIoncewas.Butintheseventiesandeighties I tooammuchlessconcernedabouttheprovenanceofa or whetherthesoundisstereomono,digitalanalogue. the performer, hardlyworryingaboutwhenitwasrecorded, which iswhich.Isanyonebothered? mono andstereomaterialsidebyside,oftennotidentifying such abigissueanymore. tolerating poorrecordings,‘absolutequality’simplyisn’t sound qualitygettingintheway. It’snotaquestionof only certainthingssoundedacceptable. good forhi- wasn’t possibleintheseventiesandeighties. stuff fromthe are marketed–especiallywithclassicalmusic.Evenmono there’s beensuchaseachangeinthewayolderrecordings and thehungerforbetterfalters. feeds theurgetoimprovewhatwehave.Take thataway, better istheenginethatdrivesourdesiretoupgrade,and probably as close to ‘perfection’ as makes no difference, probably ascloseto‘perfection’ makesnodifference, towards sonicperfection.But,with manyofusnow W At thetimeitallseemedperfectlysane.Goodhi- Things havecomefullcircle.Today, soundquality People nowwanttolistenrecordingsforthemusicor I suspectmanylistenersmyage Today Ienjoyamuchwiderrangeofmaterialwithout From a purely musical perspective that’s great. But is it From apurelymusicalperspectivethat’sgreat.Butisit For manyofus,hi- fi hen Igotmy pressings and recordings. Some things sounded pressings andrecordings.Somethingssounded variation insoundqualitybetweendifferentLP thing immediatelybecameobvious;thehuge ? Beingdissatis fi fties is now saleable in a way that simply fties isnowsaleableinawaythatsimply fi was (and is) a quest – a journey was(andis)aquest–journey fi rst hi- fi fi nd record companies reissuing nd record companiesreissuing ed and wanting something ed andwantingsomething fi back in the seventies, one backintheseventies,one fi fi nd the same. That’s why nd thesame.That’swhy system – it was simply system –itwassimply my hi- music. Lookingback, couldn’t enjoythe many ofussimply certain standard, acceptance, meaning acceptance, meaning narrow windowof fi had a had a fi fl is aws. aws. the musicwithoutworryingabout thesound recordings unlistenable.Essentially, Ijustwanttoenjoy improvement tobesooffthescale itrendersallmyold improvement. Yet atthe same timeIdon’twantthe bothered aboutcontinuallyupgrading. less gung-hoforthelatesthotimprovements; But ithasadownside.Being‘satis than enthusiasts20yearsagowere,that’sagoodthing. played. So,iftodaywe’regenerallyhappierwithourhi- better abletomakethemostofwhateverrecordingis absolute quality/limitationsofthesourcethanbeforeand than itusedto.Itseemsmuchlessdependentonthe Typically today’shi- Is beinghappy agoodthing? see theteethmarks... that bitesohardyoualmost contrasts. Andtransients want awesomedynamic and crispcleanhighs.We produce deepmassivelows, – somethingableto equipment that’simpressive system. Ofcourse,wewant many changestomyhi- enjoy themusic. more orbesatis choices; keepsearchingfor we’re facedwithtwo without overemphasisingwhat’swrong. balance betweenrevealingwhat’srightwitharecording, Essentially, itboilsdowntoyourhi- old recordingstillgaveimmensepleasure. massive advancesmadeinrecordingtechnology. Butthis a morerecentdigitalrecordingforciblydemonstratesthe without soniclimitationsbeinganissue.Inevitably, playing always actedasabarriertoenjoyment.Butnotnow. of theart.Inpast,soniclimitationsDG’srecording while quitewellrecordedforitstime–isnowfarfromstate sound. Soit’sinterestingtolistenanoldversionthat– 60 years.The highlights thesonicadvancesmadeinrecordingthesepast its massivedynamicsandpowerfulpercussion,itreally sixties recordingofStravinsky’s Herbert vonKarajan’searly Sure, part of me wants to hear a vast life-changing Sure, partofmewantstohearavastlife-changing Over the years, I’ve made Over theyears,I’vemade Just recently, Igave So – what makes this sort of enjoyment possible? So –whatmakesthissortofenjoymentpossible? Hearing itagain,IwasabletoenjoyvonK’sperformance Jimmy Hughes Rite fi ed and is a work that cries out for the very best isaworkthatcriesoutfortheverybest fi does that sort of thing much better doesthatsortofthing muchbetter fi Rite ofSpring fi ed’ explains why we’re ed’ explainswhywe’re fi being able to strike a being abletostrikea investigates a spin. With aspin.With ● DECEMBER 2014 fi good asever still soundsas Spring Rites Of recording of Karajan’s vonHerbert Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi JIMMY HUGHES OPINION writer writer The The 85 nad masters statement of the art built for the audiophile 2.0 MODULAR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION W/FREE UHD VIDEO UPGRADE . BIT-PERFECT HD VIDEO BALANCED OUTPUTS FOR ALL CHANNELS . DOLBY TRUEHD / DTS MASTER AUDIO ZERO-NOISE HYBRID DIGITAL AMP . EFFORTLESS POWER 7 X 180W HIGH-RES AUDIO NETWORK STREAMING . MULTI-ROOM BluOS ENABLED . iOS + ANDROID APPS rediscover the cult of nad at nadelectronics.com available at select sevenoaks sound & vision stores 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. Set the record straight to 24-year-olds to being driven by 18 found are that sales A recent survey sales are anything to go by, he’s not the only onegetting back into the black stuff Nigel Williamson continuing toslump. growing, whilesalesofCDsandMP3downloadsare is theonlymediumfordeliveringrecordedmusicthat probably know, thatapartfromstreamingservices,vinyl doing alittleresearchanddiscovered,asmost memories containedwithinthegrooves.ThenIstarted decades, andbegantogrowmistyeyedatthehappy down severalboxesofobsoletevinyl,unplayedin LPs tohelpthecharitymaximiseitspro has specialistvaluersthatadviseontheworthof‘pre-used’ shops forbargainvinyltosellatapro that professionalrecorddealersroutinelyscourcharity into theshopandgottalkingtomanager. Shetoldme and someweretwoorthreetimesthat.Intrigued,Iwent the lastyearisstillstaggering.Vinyl pressingplantsare reproduction. Buttheextentofvinylrenaissanceover long playerisstillthebenchmarkforqualitysound from Ry CoodertoNeilYoung claimthatthe33rpmvinyl stopped listeningtovinylandthatmanywhomakemusic Beatles’ aesthetically pleasing artwork that the CD and download aesthetically pleasingartworkthat theCDanddownload that thereisasenseofromanceto anLPwithits largely beingdrivenby18to24-year-olds whorecognise Revealingly arecentsurvey foundthatthephenomenonis no doubtthereisawhiffofhipster-elitism,involved,too. million markforthe percent upon2012andthisyearshouldtoptheone is evidentinBritain,where2013vinylsaleswere100 represent 3percentofallmusicsales.Asimilarpattern are saidtobe40percentuponlastyearandtarget sales struggledtoreachonemillion.The remarkable 600percentincreaseon2007,whenvinyl – whichmaynotsoundahugeamount,butis presses tohelpitcope. six daysaweekandhasjustpurchased16additional Now I’mawarethat When Igothomewentupintotheatticandpulled So whyisvinylontherise?Partly nostalgia,forsure,and Last year, vinyl salesinAmericaexceededsixmillion I fi rst US45rpmsingle,isrunning24hoursaday, once owned. None was priced at less than £20 once owned.Nonewaspricedatlessthan£20 second-hand vinylLPs –mostofwhichIhad day andnoticedinthewindowadisplayof walkedpastmylocalOxfamshoptheother fi rst timeinalmosttwo decades. HFC caters for those who have never catersforthosewhohavenever has becomereacquainted with along lost friend, and if recent record fi t and Oxfam now t andOxfamnow stamped out The stamped outThe which 50yearsago plant inAmerica, Pressing, thelargest and United up withthedemand struggling tokeep fi t. t. fi gures for 2014 gures for2014 HFC readers readers White, whosealbum One ofthekeymoversinvinylboomhasbeenJack All Whiteonthenight richer listeningexperiencewewill havetowait owned inalmost20years.Whether myearstellmeitisa researching thepurchaseof get suckedintothecloud.” might bethelastgaspofanexpiringculturebeforeweall comes backoncebeforeitgoesawayforever,” hesays.“It unsure. BillFlanaganofVH1issceptical.“Everything more thananyalbumsince1991. Lazaretto from thecentretoedge.Theregularvinylversionof packed withnovelfeatures,includingonesidethatplays at thetimewasUltraLPvinylspecialissue,whichis in thismagazineearlieryear. WhatIwasunawareof autobiography it evenmorevividly. Inhis experience”. NeilYoung puts and vinyl“thepeakofthe “the peakoftheconvenient” Pressing, callsdigitalformats operations atUnited that. JayMillar, whodirects them asaccessories. the discsbutmerelycollect buyers don’tactuallyplay found thataquarterofvinyl recapture. Thesamesurvey have neverbeenableto get a vinyl edition pressed in time for parallel release. get avinyleditionpressedintimeforparallelrelease. a newalbumfrommajorartistuntiltheyknowcan Many recordcompanieswon’tscheduleareleasedatefor is increasinglyseenbylabelsasonetheycannotignore. claim asrichlypoeticthat. deeper thandeep,widerwide”.It’shardtoresista of musicas“astormonthesenses,weatherforsoul, been delayedyetagain),cancapturethetrueexperience hi-res Pono player, thelaunchofwhichappearstohave He believesthatonlyvinyl(andpossiblyhisnewdigital “many youngpeoplehaveneverheardwhatIheard.” digital formatsmeanthat Peace playing outwardsfromthecentre toitsedge! But attheveryleast,Iwanttosee thatJackWhiteLP But if it is a last gasp, I’ve decided to join it and am now But ifitisalastgasp,I’vedecidedtojoinandamnow Whether vinylgenuinelyhasalong-termfuture,Iremain But there is more to it than But thereismoretoitthan Vinyl maybedestinedtoremainanichemarket,butit he complains that hecomplainsthat shifted40,000copiesinthe Waging Heavy Lazaretto I reviewed as a CD release IreviewedasaCDrelease fi rst turntable I will have rst turntableIwillhave fi rst week of release, rst weekofrelease, ● fi nd out. DECEMBER 2014 popular record phenomenally has beena Lazaretto Jack White’s Hi-Fi Choice Choice Hi-Fi WILLIAMSON NIGEL OPINION writer writer 87 HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 14/8/14 12:20:24 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 Big in Japan happening inJapan happening the opposite is are declining, sales music UK While Jake Day-Williams The Far East is oneof the most exciting places ahi-fi enthusiast can visit, but as book orsomesortoffuturistichandhelddevice.The everyone hastheirnoseburiedineitheramangacomic and strangeanimatedcharactertohelpyouidentifyit super polite,everystationhasitsowncutesythemetune microcosmic snapshotofJapaneseculture.Everyone’s stereotypes aretrue,andjustarideonthetubeactsas shows andmanufacturersI’vevisitedthere,Japanisaplace healthy smatteringofmanufacturersalsohelps. nowhere elseonearthquitelikeit.Andthefactithasa Blade Runner indistinguishable foodorthefactthatit’slikebeingin I loveit.Whetheritbetheimpenetrablelanguage, countries I’veeverbeenprivilegedenoughtogoand it’s oneofthestrangest,mostbeautifulandbewildering enjoyed returningto–isJapan.Icanquitehonestlysay the countriesI’vevisitedmost–andwithoutdoubt and forgetthatone,shallwe? I wasevenluckyenoughtovisitWeybridge, butlet’stry thrown inforgoodmeasure.Iseemtorememberoneday Switzerland, with lucky enoughtovisiteverywherefromHungary headphones, it’saseriousperk.OvertheyearsI’vebeen a super-hipwarehouseinBerlinforthelaunchofpair a guidedtouraroundfactoryinPoland orbeingtakento manufacturers aroundtheglobe.Whetherit’sbeinggiven two distinct types: shiny huge department stores and small two distincttypes:shinyhugedepartment storesandsmall that youcan Tokyo inparticular–isthewealthofmusicand equipment thing aboutvisitingJapan–andthe Akihabaradistrictin remember wiselythinkingtomyself. etc. “ThissortofthingwouldneverhappeninEngland”I tablets andexpensivehandhelddevicestoread,playgames the time,andB)thateveryoneseemedtobeopenlyusing underground sothatyoucouldbeonlineprettymuchall by thefactthatA)theyhad3Geverywhereon time IvisitedJapanover10yearsago,wasblownaway O Quite aside from the factories, consumer electronics Quite asidefromthefactories,consumerelectronics At theriskofbeingsourceenormousenvy, oneof But Idigress.For thehi- is travelling to foreign climes to visit is travellingtoforeignclimesvisit working dayconcentratingonyourpassion– from gettingtospendthemajorityofyour ne ofthebestthingsaboutthisjob–apart fi nd, well, everywhere. Shopping is split into nd, well,everywhere. Shoppingissplitinto the whole time you’re there – there really is the wholetimeyou’rethere–reallyis fl ying visits to Iceland and the US ying visitstoIcelandandtheUS fi enthusiast, the most exciting enthusiast,themostexciting reveals it’s not necessarily all about the next big thing the most part, the the mostpart, good oldBlighty. For between thereand cultural differences own eyesthe to seewithyour worth goingtojust fi rst rst download, I’m100percentwiththem many ofus,butgiventhechoice of vinylandCDovera things inJapan,it’sanideathatseems entirelyaliento much morepopularthanusinga credit card.Likesomany over non-physicalones–forexamplecold,hardcashis Loosely translatedthismeansaloveofphysicalproducts with whattheJapanesecall ditching indroves?Onetheoryisthatit’ssomethingtodo people insistonstickingwiththediscsthatwe’reall percent hereintheUK.Sowhyisitthatthesetech-savvy percent ofallmusicthat’sbought,comparedtoameasly65 something ofaresurgence.Salescurrentlyaccountfor85 services likeSpotifyarepracticallynonexistent. billion in2009to$400millionlastyear, andstreaming 2006). Digitalsalesareinseriousdecline,fallingfrom$1 with noneinitshometheUS–theywereallclosed business isbooming,with85storesnationwide(compared rising sun.Tower Records isthebigstoreinJapanand rare, theexactoppositeishappeninginlandof pro in theUKmusicsalesaredecliningfasterthanTesco’s music, butnotinthewaythatyoumightimagine.While Another areawhereJapanisstarklydifferenttohere Shiny surprise found. Hereyou’ll where therealactioncanbe enthusiast, it’sthemarkets exciting tothehi- these placesaren’thugely and you’reclose.Intruth mobile phonesandlaptops to therafterswithTVs, Lewis orDebenhamsstacked technology –imagineaJohn buildings devotedentirelyto huge sixorseven-storey Blade Runner look likesomethingfrom grubby marketsthat(again) without bagsofbootyandanemptywallet. wandering intoanAladdin’scave,andit’sdif valves. For hi- transformers, capacitorsand of thethings)to connectors (literallymillions everything fromRCA requirements with and stallsdevotedtospeci Perhaps mostsurprisingofall,thehumbleCDisenjoying fi ts and stores like HMV are becoming increasingly ts andstoreslikeHMVarebecomingincreasingly . The former are . Theformerare fi fans it’s like fansit’slike fi fi nd shops fi c jake-gai (literally “buy jacket”). (literally“buyjacket”). ● fi cult to leave cult toleave DECEMBER 2014 storeys high six orseven can beupto stores inJapan electronics Consumer production editor Choice Hi-Fi DAY-WILLIAMS JAKE OPINION 89 DEALER SYSTEMS TAVISTOCK AUDIO Devonly THE EXPERT sounds It may be a relatively new concern, but Ed Selley Tavistock Audio 8C West Street, Tavistock, PL19 8AD discovers Tavistock Audio can do great things Tel: 01822 618940 tavistockaudio.co.uk onventional wisdom an audio dealer should be looking to naimaudio.com dictates that setting up achieve in this day and age. pmc-speakers.com C a bricks and mortar hi-fi michell-engineering.co.uk dealership at all, let alone Naim that tune kudosaudio.com in the teeth of a recession is bravery Before he was involved in selling hi-fi wilson-benesch.com bordering on foolhardiness. To then Bob worked for Naim and so it comes choose a high street location in a as no surprise that the Salisbury town of a mere 11,000 souls would brand acts as the lynchpin of his seem almost suicidal. Bob Hesketh, current portfolio although it is ably founder and owner of Tavistock Audio supplanted by brands such as Quad, is an eloquent riposte to the doom Audiolab and Yamaha. As such, the mongers. After many years working three systems all make use of Naim in retail he set up shop in 2008 as the electronics at different price points country headed for the doldrums. and are supported by other parts of Now, six years later, he has moved to Bob’s portfolio. Tempting though the a new larger premises – still on the wilds of Dartmoor and the lovely high street – and is looking to expand Tavistock are, this is an enticing his brand portfolio. The upper story enough trio for me to leave them be space is airy, elegant and exactly what and instead settle down for a listen. System test music WILD BEASTS Present Tense Vinyl JACK WHITE Lazaretto CD MARK LANEGAN BAND Blues Funeral Vinyl 90 DECEMBER 2014 DEALER SYSTEMS TAVISTOCK AUDIO System 1 – The holy trinity THIS COMPACT TRIO of deep bass lines underpinning soaring 1 electronics hails from three of vocals and shimmering electronic the UK’s leading brands and they sounds, this system has a grip over embody their respective company the performance that’s key to keeping philosophies at sensible price points, everything under control and sounding 2 but with little compromise. In the as it should. The rumbles of form you see them here the system Wanderlust are felt as much as heard is strictly analogue only, but there and they start and stop with are plenty of inputs spare for use metronomic precision. Above this with other sources. This being said, controlled seismology, the rest of the if vinyl is your thing you might stick piece opens out and fi lls the space in to a single input. front of you with a rock solid and The TecnoDec is the smallest believable sense of the piece. 3 model in the Michell lineup and also You don’t need electronic indie by far the simplest. It does without music to appreciate the control and the suspension and plinth options cohesion that this system possesses, that the larger models use and there though. With the slower, moodier is only a single armboard drilled for Blues Funeral by the Mark Lanegan the old and new Rega mounts. This Band, the same pin-sharp timing and 4 gives it a minimalist elegance that effortlessness mean that every single belies the relatively sensible price. When partnered with the company’s The impression Tecnoarm – a sort of Six Million Dollar Man version of the Rega is of a piece of Three, it would RB250 – the impression is of a piece equipment that appear, really is of equipment that trades frills for the magic number thrills. And the addition of an trades frills for thrills Audio-Technica ATF7 cartridge does little to change this. detail is there to be heard, but never The Supernait 2 is slightly more given unnatural prominence. This is ornate than the Michell, but this the key to something you’ll spend 5 new version of Naim’s biggest hours in front of rather than using it integrated amplifi er conveys a for a quick but fatiguing blast from similar sense of purpose to it. With time to time. Indeed, even with the 80W and fi ve inputs split over both wick right up, there isn’t the slightest DIN and RCA hookups, there is no trace of harshness or aggression to shortage of grunt or connections, the performance. It grows in size and but the removal of the digital inputs scale right up to the likely moment from the original gives it a single the police come to take it away. mindedness that suggests the The TecnoDec might be the casework is not so much encasing entry-level Michell, but the sense the internals as it is constraining of energy and vast soundstage that them. The Supernait 2 in modern the brand is known for are well Naim fashion has no phono stage so represented. This gives the Supernait a StageLine S phono stage takes up a perfect signal to work its drive and the slack. This draws power from sense of nigh-on unburstable energy the Supernait 2 making it very cost on and send to the PMC, which effective in this context as no power delivers the message intact and supply is required. underpinned by that low-end shove that considerably larger speakers can Dress to impress fail to deliver. In normal listening, you Of all the components in the system, won’t sit there relentlessly trying to the PMC twenty.23 might be the analyse what part of the system is most ‘dressed’ but this is only in doing what because you’ll likely be relation to the pro audio side of sat there grinning ear to ear at a PMC’s offerings. I’ve remarked performance that is ridiculously fun. before that the twenty series is a very clever piece of industrial design 1 MICHELL TECNODEC £735 in that it is entirely room friendly, 2 MICHELL TECNOARM £585 but they manage to convey that the 3 NAIM STAGELINE S £340 traditional PMC calling cards of 4 NAIM SUPERNAIT 2 £2,859 transmission line bass and hefty 5 PMC TWENTY.23 £2,300 Transmission line cabinet are still all there. AUDIO-TECHNICA ATF7 £300 bass, check. Hefty This means that when you stick on CHORD EPIC SPEAKER CABLE cabinet, check. It can only be PMC Wild Beast’s Present Tense with its TOTAL £7,119 DECEMBER 2014 91 DEALER SYSTEMS TAVISTOCK AUDIO System 2 – NAP time A big sound from a setup with real-world IT MIGHT BE only a small jump in arresting. The curious but head proportions price terms over the fi rst system – a nodding timing of Three Women is 1 demonstration that digital can still reproduced with the vigour that it be more cost effective than analogue really needs to sound like it should. – but this system puts you into the The recording isn’t the most fl awless, realms of ‘real’ Naim, with pre and but the Naim and Kudos manage to 2 power amps and perhaps most keep the rough edges intact without Naimy of all, the external power losing the life and energy that the supply. This is then partnered with album delivers so effectively. loudspeakers that conceal some When you play a disc with better 3 serious talents behind a superfi cially production values like Nils Lofgren’s simple design. Acoustic Live, the marvellous The digital front end in this system combination of deep, controlled bass is Naim’s most affordable player. and open, expansive and almost The CD5si is the latest version of the liquid-smooth top end is shown to long-running 5 Series components best effect. The CD5si more than and while its presence here is rewards Bob’s confi dence in it and partially down to customer demands while I am not foolish enough to ever 4 on Bob’s loan stock, he feels it is call a whisker over a grand ‘cheap,’ more than up to the job. All the this is a hugely capable CD player for design features that defi ne Naim the money and one that slots into the players are present, from the heavily equipment perfectly. damped casework to the minimal The undoubted star of the show is green on black display to the the Kudos C2. I haven’t always been a wonderful ‘bendy’ tray that gives a standup fan of the Kudos product sense of occasion to loading a disc. line, but I fi nd myself again in The amplifi cation comes courtesy complete agreement with Bob over of the NAC 202 preamp with NAP what is clearly a gem of a speaker. 200 power amplifi er. Bob feels this Given the quality of signal the Naim’s 5 is a real value pairing in the Naim excel at and making full use of that lineup. The addition of the recently legendary power delivery, the C2 is revised HiCap power supply (now in quite staggeringly good. There is a ‘DR’ spec) for the preamp allows the tonal sweetness that never affects the NAP 200 to concentrate on the sense of accuracy or realism, but business of being a power amplifi er instead creates that desire to keep and gives the preamp a dedicated listening long after you should go to power supply that would benefi t bed and allows for ‘signifi cant’ any add ons like a Stageline. volume levels to be run without any signs of strain or harshness. To round Maximum kudos off these talents, the bass response is The speaker that Bob has selected to simply phenomenal. As mentioned partner this ensemble is the Kudos earlier, there is nothing more C2. Like the 202/200 combination, sophisticated than a downward-fi ring he is adamant that this well- port at play, but the good folks at proportioned fl oorstander is the Kudos have worked wonders with it. happiest blend of price and A fi nal enthusiastic blast of performance in the whole Kudos Goldfrapp’s Strict Machine is a range. On the face of it, the C2 compelling demonstration of all this seems simple enough with a system does well. That rumbling two-way driver confi guration of synth line resonates in the chest while 25mm tweeter and 18cm mid bass Allison Goldfrapp’s vocals soar over driver developed inhouse with a the top with an almost liquid single downward-fi ring port. Like smoothness. This is another system the accompanying electronics it is with an effortless blend of real-world handsome and well fi nished with practicality, signifi cant upgrade entirely sensible proportions for a options and most importantly UK living room. Like system one, addictive audio performance. this is a setup that won’t trouble your living space and will look 1 NAIM CD5SI £1,040 extremely smart in situ. 2 NAIM NAC 202 £1,970 The similarities don’t end there 3 NAIM HICAP DR £1,250 The Kudos because like the fi rst system, the 4 NAIM NAP 200 £1,925 C2: a happy chances of these electronics sitting 5 KUDOS C2 £2,450 blend of being decorative are minimal. Jack NAIM NAC SPEAKER CABLE A5 price and performance White’s Lazaretto is instantly TOTAL £8,635 92 DECEMBER 2014 DEALER SYSTEMS TAVISTOCK AUDIO System 3 – Gyratory system 1 2 IT MIGHT BE a signifi cant jump musicians and instruments, but the in price, but this stems from there bigger Gyro digs deeper and aided by being two sources present and that magnifi cent SME arm fi nds considerably more expensive details in the bass that would escape speakers in play in this setup. In your attention otherwise. There is an the fl esh, the same combination of argument; made truly compelling by sensible dimensions and appealing spending some time in its company, aesthetics are apparent here as they that the Gyro and 309 partnered with are in the fi rst two and in the case of a cartridge of your preference is all 3 one piece of source equipment, it is the turntable that most of us would arguable that ‘appealing aesthetics’ ever realistically need. tips over into outright art. This high praise makes the ability of 4 This is because the Michell the CDX2 to compete on even terms GyroDec remains one of the most more impressive still. When given the beautiful examples of design that same tracks from Lazaretto, the CD has ever graced the audio industry. player builds on the positives of the 5 Every aspect of it is functional, but CD5Si sounding a little bigger and the lines and proportions are just with a little more defi nition and scale. ‘right’ in a way that very little else The benefi ts of moving another rung 6 can match. The version here is the up the Naim hierarchy are subtle, but naked ‘spider edition’ with an SME you fi nd that this collection manages 309 tonearm, which for me is one of that same sense of unburstable 7 the happiest partners out there for performance and immense dynamic the Gyro. The addition of Ortofon’s range, but manages to be ‘more’ in The Gyro aptly sits 2M Black is a fl awless cherry every sense of the word. atop the system like the jewel in a crown topping on a lovely analogue cake. In part, they need to be because the As with the other systems, a full A.C.T. remains one of the most complement of Naim electronics capable speakers I’ve spent any time provides both a second source in the with at resolving the information they form of the CDX2 CD player and are given. They are not ruthless; they amplifi cation with a NAC 282 don’t actively seek out imperfections 8 preamp. The NAP 250 power amp in music, but they effortlessly reveal and SuperCap Power supply absolutely everything that they are complete the quartet. As with the given. Their greater size gives them a fi rst system, there’s no phono stage sense of scale and low-end drive that fi tted and uses Naim’s StageLine, in makes music more of an event. There this case an N model designed for is no arguing that this is a signifi cant high output cartridges like the jump in price, but this is indisputably Ortofon 2M Black. a high-end piece. What makes this system especially impressive is that Lights, camera ACTion it makes only marginally greater For speakers, Bob opted for Wilson demands on space than the fi rst Benesch’s A.C.T. fl oorstanders. The system does. Like that system, it A.C.T. is in some respects less balances being truly hi-fi with visually dramatic than some newer genuine real-world joy. Wilson Benesch speakers, but the 1 MICHELL GYRO SE proportions are almost golden ratio WITH ORBE CLAMP £1,350 perfect and the brand’s mastery of 2 SME 309 £1,200 carbon fi bre is plain to see. 3 NAIM STAGELINE N £340 Just 30 seconds of The Hidden 4 NAIM CDX2 £4,050 Orchestra’s Archipelago is enough 5 NAIM NAC 282 £4,225 to show why the Michell is more 6 NAIM SUPERCAP DR £3,950 than just a piece of sculpture. Some 7 NAIM NAP 250 £3,395 of the same traits that marked out 8 WILSON BENESCH A.C.T £12,000 The A.C.Ts are the TecnoDec are present in the ORTOFON 2M BLACK £500 effortlessly performance – the soundstage is WITCH HAT SPEAKER CABLE revealing with a stunning low end vast and effortlessly populated by TOTAL £31,010 It quickly becomes clear that the real-world enjoyment. With Naim further, it is hard not to admire Bob’s reason why Bob has managed to grow in particular he has a passion and drive and determination to push a business in the grip of a recession understanding that people are willing Tavistock Audio to greater heights SUMMING is down to a depth of experience with to travel for and so, why not set up shop and prominence. On the strength of UP his products that allows him to pair somewhere pleasant? the sheer musical ability of the three and partner them in ways that allow With his new premises up and running systems I heard on the day, you wouldn’t for maximum bang for your buck and and intentions to expand his portfolio want to bet against him. DECEMBER 2014 93 LABELLED WITH LOVE Impulse! Records In this month’s label primer, Simon Berkovitch prepares to really swing, baby, as he shares his supreme love for the house that ’Trane built ecember marks the manager’s fi rst signings read like inspiring soundtrack to a period As the seventies were about to fi ftieth anniversary of a Who’s Who of jazz luminaries. of dramatic social change in the break, Ed Michel took the helm, D the recording of one Triumphs include Out Of The Blue United States. leading Impulse! further into the of the greatest jazz (1960) by Gil Evans, famous for Freedom was the greatest gift avant-garde with Charlie Haden cuts of all time: saxophonist his arrangements with Miles, Thiele gave to his signings – a and Carla Bley’s Liberation Music extraordinaire John Coltrane’s Ray Charles’ debut Genius + canon that includes titans such Orchestra (1969) and reissues A Love Supreme, released in Soul = Jazz, and Oliver Nelson’s as Elvin Jones and Charles from Sun Ra – including his 1965. The most iconic release sublime The Blues And The Mingus. In turn, Impulse! classic Space Is The Place (1973) of Impulse! Records’ fabulous Abstract Truth (both 1961). musicians gifted turntables – as well as, weirdly, Genesis’ catalogue, Miles Davis’ former Taylor’s tenure with Impulse! is with some of the most enduring, second album Trespass (1970) sideman’s spiritual, boundary- as signifi cant as it is brief. He righteous music of any genre. in the US. breaking classic sold in handed the reigns to producer John Coltrane and his wife Alice, Despite burning brightly for a considerable quantities on Bob Thiele that year, heading off Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp, decade and a half, the game was release – Impulse!’s biggest to run another legendary label: Albert Ayler… these and other up for Impulse! by the end of the success – establishing the Verve. Theile’s arrival ushered in vanguards of the burgeoning seventies. It may now solely no-compromise label as “the the label’s classic era. Impulse! free jazz movement all railed exist as a reissue-only label, but house that ’Trane built”. became home to many of the against the boundaries of music. those incendiary sixties and The foundations of Impulse! most free-thinking, boundary- As the label’s discography seventies recordings still fuel a were laid by producer Creed demolishing musicians of the attests, there was no shortage of vibrant contemporary free jazz Taylor in 1960. The A&R era, its LPs providing an talent on Impulse! Records. scene around the world. 94 DECEMBER 2014 LABELLED WITH LOVE John Coltrane The legendary jazz saxophonist and Impulse! Records figurehead fter an acclaimed solo album Despite the experimental nature A for Atlantic, Giant Steps, of the four-part spiritual suite, Coltrane also and the commercial and artistic it remains one of the most served his time with success of his fi rst quartet outing infl uential and well-known jazz Miles and Monk My Favourite Things (both 1960; recordings of the sixties. Atlantic), the fearsome “sheets of Coltrane plunged deeper into sound” improviser’s star was truly the avant-garde with subsequent in the ascendancy. excellent releases, infl uenced by Signing to Impulse! at the start and infl uencing players such as of the new decade, Coltrane Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra and embarked on a remarkable run of Albert Ayler. With explosive albums that blazed a trail for new music until his death in 1967. A Love Supreme Africa/Brass (1961) was the fi rst of many LPs for the label is the pinnacle of and its big band sound marked his achievements a change of stylistic direction, not to mention more eclectic recordings such as Ascension instrumentation. Among the (1965) and Meditations (1966), masterful recordings he made in Impulse! established itself as a the early sixties, the beautiful haven for sonic experimentation. Ballads (1961) and Duke Plenty of excellent unreleased Ellington & John Coltrane (1962) recordings, including 1965’s free stand out, but it’s A Love Supreme jazz blow-out Om, Interstellar (1965) that’s the most famous. Space (a 1967 set with drummer Arguably the pinnacle of his Rachid Ali) and Stellar Regions achievements, it fused the hard (recorded in 1967; released in bop style of his early recordings 1995) have all emerged since with his interest in free jazz. Coltrane’s passing. AliceAlic Coltrane The keeperke of John’s flame and an extraordinary musician in her own right ohn’sohn’ wife may have been a begins a run of incredible Multi-talented Alice J superbsupe multi-instrumentalist recordings for Impulse! The was a pianist, organist, in her oown right, but her talent titles of the solo records Alice harpist and composer has onlyonly really been appreciated released between 1968 and in tthehe llasta decade or so. 1973 – such as Universal Alice hhas a remarkable body of Consciousness and World Galaxy work, with her most signifi cant – hint at the mysterious musical recordings made for Impulse! majesty barely contained within Records. She walked a spiritual their grooves. path, exploring Indian classical music and Stravinsky She kept the work compositions, adding these fantastic elements to her already of her husband in broad musical palette. She the public eye also kept the work of her late husband in the public eye on But it’s 1970’s exceptional albums such as Cosmic Music, Journey in Satchidananda on released posthumously in 1968 which her reputation is built – a under both their names. glorious blend of tamboura, oud, Replacing McCoy Tyner Charlie Haden’s bass, Pharoah as pianist in John Coltrane’s Sanders’ mournful sax and quartet, she appears on some Alice’s rippling harp and piano. of her husband’s most vital If you seek out only one of her Impulse! albums, including Live recordings, make this the one. At The Village Vanguard Again! A comeback album of sorts, (1966) and Expression (1967). Astral Meditations was released A Monastic Trio (1968), on the revived Impulse! label in recorded as a tribute to John, 2004. Sadly, she died in 2007. DECEMBER 2014 95 LABELLED WITH LOVE Pharoah Sanders SHOPPING LIST Irreverent blogger and Impulse! Records collector Matt Robbins The Son to John Coltrane’s ‘Father’ – a pioneer of spiritual music (32rpm.blogspot.com) picks eight favourites from the legendary label here are few jazz 1969’s Karma. Home to the ‘energy music’ and spirituality. Sonny Rollins musicians that Pharoah deathless The Creator Has A The result was a brilliant Alfie T “Music from the Sanders hasn’t blessed with his Masterplan, with Leon Thomas record as challenging as it is film. The perfect rare talent – from Don Cherry on percussion and vocals, the meditative, helping to birth accompaniment to Sun Ra. Free saxophonist album is a combination of the spiritual jazz movement. to a post-Sunday roast sit-down. Albert Ayler famously said Bring your “Trane was the Father; own slippers.” Pharoah was the Son; I am the Holy Ghost”, providing the Elvin Jones and uninitiated with some inkling Richard Davis Heavy Sounds of Sanders’ improvisational “A contender for chops and maverick spirit. the best-ever Sanders was a prolifi c artist Impulse! sleeve. Sonically, this for Impulse!, starting with quartet carries no 1966’s fantastic Tauhid, also excess baggage.” featuring the rumbustious guitar of Sonny Sharrock, with Ornette Coleman Love In Us All (1973) ending Ornette at 12 “One of only two the run for the label. albums recorded Other key contributions for Impulse!, this to Impulse!’s discography features both CharlIe Haden of quality include 1970’s and Ornette’s propulsive Deaf, Dumb, Blind 12-year-old son.” (Summun Bukmun Umyun) and the pull-no-punches Black Charlie Haden Unity (1971). Liberation Music Orchestra But Pharoah Sanders’ most “Under the gaze legendary work is one of the of Carla Bley, cornerstones of free jazz: this supergroup moulds a concept album about the Spanish Civil War.” Charles Mingus Marion Brown Sweet Earth Flying “Marion returned Beautiful sounds from “the angry man of jazz” to Impulse! with a bang, detonating a espite a reputation as The same year’s Mingus Plays just piano and vocals, plucking Mellotron-infused space saga. D a diffi cult, sometimes Piano is a stylistic departure “spontaneous compositions Pensive, delicate violent bandleader, Charles and perhaps his most tender and improvisations” out of the and frazzled.” Mingus’ output for Impulse! work. Known for his ensemble air and selecting a few moving Records was nothing less than recordings, this lovely album is covers, like Body And Soul. Albert Ayler beautiful, so perhaps the end The Last Album “Released in 1971, justifi es the means. posthumously, His fi rst recording for the this is a heavy, label, The Black Saint And The unrelenting saxophone assault. Sinner Lady (1963) was an Expect bagpipes. ambitious work that its creator No, really.” referred to as “ethnic folk-dance music”. Mingus overdubbed Archie Shepp instrumentation to realise Attica Blues “Choosing one his vast musical vision. It’s a Archie Shepp cut record that is regarded as one is hard, but you of the greatest achievements in can’t go wrong with this awesome jazz orchestration. outing: masterful, The following year’s Mingus spiritual jazz.” Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus contained six ‘greatest hits’ Various Artists – works that he would revisit No Energy Crisis A brilliant on subsequent albums, or compilation, worth revamps of some of his seeking out for best-known compositions Pharoah Sanders’ wall of skronk (including Goodbye Pork Pie Red, White and Hat, reworked here as Theme Green alone.” For Lester Young). 96 DECEMBER 2014 Dz Stereo 60 MkIII M KT150 Integrated Amplifier dz In 1958 GEC introduced the KT88 probably the best ever Hi Fi valve. For 52 years it reigned supreme. Then came the Tung Sol KT120. Bigger and better, with more power to suit the demanding loudspeakers of today. Now we are announcing the arrival of the KT150 bigger still, but more refined. In recent months we have been working to get the best out of this fabulous new tube and we think it is simply astonishing! Single Ended, Ultralinear and Triode. As a company run by Hi Fi enthusiasts we regularly evaluate our amplifiers to ensure they are the best of their kind. Whilst we do not make changes for change sake, if we can make a significant improvement to the sound quality and reliability we will do so. The new MK III version of the Stereo 60 now comes with several improvements in sound and performance, and build quality. This is our biggest integrated amplifier. It is ideal for someone wanting a very dynamic fast sound. It has a big power supply, big output transformers, and uses the excellent new KT120/KT150, and comes with many features. An excellent alternative to a transistor amplifier, the ST60IIIm will deliver the finest detail of modern recordings in a more vivid way and present jazz and rock music without harshness. Two Amplifiers in One. The importance of Triode The triode sound is preferred by many hi fi fans, although the power is lower in the ST60 is still ample for all but the most demanding levels. Ignored or neglected in the past we gave equal priority to the triode function so the full quality is maintained. With our UL/Triode switch you can change from 80 watts to 40 watts of pure triode sound at the flick of a switch. Now with “Easy Bias” Meter We think of our amplifiers as musical instruments. Like a piano needs occasional tuning, big amplifiers need the bias checking. This way you can be sure of 100% performance all of the time. Simple with our “easy bias” meter. If the pointer is in the “black” it’s correct! Also useful to check if your valves are worn or faulty. Long term performance is important to us and this useful aid will take the guesswork out of maintaining your amplifier. Attractive Valve cover Most valve amplifier covers look as though they were done as a cost saving after thought, and don’t exactly enhance the look of the amplifier. They are rarely seen in advertisements. We think that something you will use every day should look attractive. That’s why we use 18 pieces of laser cut Perspex assembled with a further 20 precision components. See picture on our website. Our new series of “Low Distortion Tertiary” output transformers are the best we have ever made, enabling us to reduce global feedback by about 40%. All our amplifiers are designed and finished in Leicester. Warranty and service is done by the engineers that designed them so you can be sure of long term performance. We incorporate a “standby” switch in order to protect those precious cathodes from damage until they have warmed up. All of our amplifiers are hand made using “point to point” soldering without using printed circuit boards. We are convinced this sounds better. It allows for very easy servicing, upgrades and modifications. Remote controlled volume included for fine tuning your listening. High quality components are used throughout including an “ALPS” volume control, silver plated PTFE audio cable SCR capacitors audiophile resistors. A choke regulated power supply adds a richness to the sound quality that silicon devices alone cannot do. Recording loop included. In short we have created an amplifier of excellent flexibility and quality which retains the qualities traditional of traditional design and performance. Bespoke upgrades available including silver/copper capacitors, valves and design. (*Excluding EL34) Buy through your dealer or direct from us, free delivery, 30 home trial, part exchange welcome. Choosing any Hi Fi component never easy. As long established company you can trust our advice and service. Icon Audio have one of the biggest and most respected ranges of amplifiers from our 1w HP8 to our 150w MB150. See our website for more. Ring or email for sales and service. We sell and fit a wide range of valves and upgrades. Dealers throughout the UK and the World. www.iconaudio.com [email protected] (+44) 0116 2440593 Leicester UK 100 Anna Phoebe 101 Claire Martin 101 Karl Richter Between The Shadow Time And Place Revealing Bach And The Soul Bob Dylan and The Band The Basement Tapes Complete: The Bootleg Series Vol. II Six-CD box set Sony BACK IN 1967 Robert Allen Zimmerman was Songbook. The sessions became known as The upgrade on the quality of the various bootlegs holed up in rural Woodstock, recovering from a Basement Tapes and swiftly took on a mythical issued over the years. It’s also important to motorcycle accident which either nearly killed him aura. Selected highlights appeared on a double LP remember the context. In the summer of 1967, the or saved his life by creating the space in which he in 1975, but they were merely a taster. Now Hudson musical world was going psychedelic and acid-rock could slow down. As he recovered, Dylan took to has been back to the original reels and unearthed ruled. Dylan had helped to create the revolution walking his daughter to the school bus stop every 138 tracks, so that for the first time the full extent of with the ‘wild mercury sound’ he perfected on morning and then sometime around noon, would what has long been regarded as Dylan’s ‘Holy Grail’ Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde. drive the short distance to Big Pink, the house The can be heard in all its magnificent, musty, But The Basement Tapes ushered in a counter- Band had rented nearby as a club house and homespun and sometimes ramshackle glory. revolution of its own, a gritty, back-to-the-roots rehearsal space. Recorded on two-track with four mics mixed movement that led to The Band’s Music From Big In the basement, keyboardist Garth Hudson set down to a stereo pair and the sound leaking from Pink and Dylan’s John Wesley Harding and birthed up a reel-to-reel recorder and with the windows one mic to another, the setup was basic – but it is country rock, roots rock and the Americana open to let in the country air and a dog called this that creates the relaxed and informal feel. Dylan phenomenon of today. Some of the songs will be Hamlet sleeping on the studio floor, Dylan and The and The Band weren’t making an album and never familiar – I Shall Be Released, This Wheel’s On Fire Band began jamming. Recording up to 15 songs intended the world to hear what they were doing. and The Mighty Quinn. But the revelations lie in a day, Dylan’s own new compositions nestled They were simply playing for the joy of it and any hearing Dylan covering the likes of Johnny Cash, alongside dozens of old folk ballads and vernacular lack of polish is more than compensated by the Hank Williams, Curtis Mayfield and Tim Hardin and songs, creating a treasure trove that resembles an convivial warmth and intimate honesty. That said, dipping his bucket so deep into the profound well Picture credit: Elliot Landy credit: Picture alternative roots version of the Great American the skilful mastering here represents a significant of traditional songs. NW DECEMBER 2014 99 MUSICREVIEWS Marianne The Flaming Lips Faithfull With A Little Help Give My Love From My Fwends To London CD Dramatico CD Bella Union SIX MONTHS OUT of action with a broken back WAYNE COYNE’S MEN have never lacked might sound like a nightmare to mere mortals like ambition and while it’s not unusual to cover tracks you or I, but it left Marianne Faithfull plenty of time from one of the most popular albums ever, it’s a to think and write. And in so doing she’s come up little diff erent to attempt it in its entirety, and with with her most mordant set of lyrics since the edgy the help of a list of collaborators including Miley melodrama of 1979’s career highlight Broken Cyrus, Moby, My Morning Jacket, Dinosaur Jnr’s J English. A cast of high-profile collaborators Mascis, MGMT and more. As you might expect, the including Roger Waters, Nick Cave, Steve Earle and results are eclectic, innovative, never predictable Brian Eno flesh out the vision of an admirably and not always successful. The dreamy approach non-sentimental musical love letter, both to the city to A Day In The Life including spoken vocals by La where she lived for so many years and to her more Cyrus is unsettlingly weird and the distorted vocals youthful self, sent from ripe maturity in Paris where on With A Little Help From My Friends grate, but it’s she now resides. NW a small price to pay for an intriguing collection. D O Led Zeppelin Anna Phoebe Led Zeppelin IV Deluxe Edition Between The Shadow And The Soul CD Anna Phoebe Music Two CDs Rhino THE ‘VIOLIN VIXEN rock chick’ is known for her AFTER THE FIRST three Led Zep high-energy theatrical shows with all the stadium albums got the expanded two disc rock trimmings. There’s no hint of toning things treatment earlier this year, here comes down for her third solo album although the prog the behemoth – the second-biggest rock influences are blended with a range of additional sounds from around the world. Writing selling British album ever, remastered with half-Moroccan guitarist and classical Indian by Jimmy Page and augmented by a music scholar Nicolas Rizzi she has produced a second disc that includes previously range of tunes that fizz and sputter with energy and innovation. unheard alternative mixes of each of the Do you agree with our reviewers? Flying-fingered glissandos, crashing drums and original album’s eight tracks. The band’s Decide for yourself and listen to screaming electric guitar solos are blended with fifth album, Houses Of The Holy, is some of this month’s tunes at tabla, Moroccan melodies and off -kilter rhythms simultaneously released in a similarly www.hifichoice.co.uk to create a new blend of world music. DO expanded version. But IV was Zep’s So do the ‘new’ versions AUDIOFILE VINYL of the original tracks Various artists add anything? Sadly Chasing The Dragon the answer is no 180g vinyl Chasing The Dragon RECORDED AND vibrancy of the instruments. Bach’s Cello Suite Himalayan peak and by comparison its PRODUCED by film No.1 played by Justin Pearson, is recorded inside a follow up barely got above the tree line. maker and vintage church and again in the graveyard outside, with So do the ‘new’ versions of the original mic enthusiast Mike birdsong in the background. tracks add anything to what made the Valentine, this Most of the material is classical, but there is original so memorable? Sadly the euphemistically titled an improv on piano by Bruce Davidson and the release is the long finale of Duke Ellington’s Caravan by a live jazz answer is no. Battle Of Evermore and awaited vinyl pressing trio. It’s the fully acoustic pieces that stand out Going To California sound disarmingly of a stunning selection of recordings. Valentine here, but the whole album is very impressive, with like the Incredible String Band, while made them using a Nagra D 24/96 and a Studer the combination of old and new technologies the main diff erence in the fabled half-inch analogue tape recorder fed by proving particularly eff ective at revealing timbre ‘alternative’ Sunset Sound mix of Neumann valve-powered microphones. He is and reverberation, not to mention dynamics. Stairway To Heaven is that it simply particularly fond of the Decca Tree technique for I’m not generally a fan of audiophile recordings, mic placement, which seems to be rather good but this one is so impressive that I have to make sounds muddier. NW at picking up the ambiance of the venue and the an exception. JK 100 DECEMBER 2014 HIGH RESOLUTION DOWNLOADS Roddy Woomble Claire Martin & Band Time And Place Live At King’s Place FLAC 24-Bit/96kHz B&W Society of Sound FLAC/ALAC 24-bit/192kHz Linn Records BACKED BY ACOUSTIC guitar, fiddle (the WHETHER OR NOT you consider Martin to be excellent Hannah Fisher), piano and electric the ‘first lady of British jazz’, she’s certainly one bass, this is a gently intense set of tunes that of the most prolific. She’s backed on most of ranges from the introspection of A New Day Has these tracks by the Montpellier Cello Quartet Begun to the rollicking fiddle-fuelled foot and turns in an eclectic mix of standards and stompers like Roll Along and many points in surprises, from Thelonius Monk’s Round between. Influences include an obvious love for Midnight to Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The his local Scottish folk, but also a penchant for World. Her mellifluous voice snakes between the wide open spaces of Americana and his the cello harmonies with immense grace and evocative voice never puts a foot wrong. DO taste throughout. DO Karl Richter Revealing Bach 18 CDs Archiv FOR LP COLLECTORS in the sixties and seventies, Karl Richter was without question the world’s principle Bach interpreter. He favoured a full cantabile string sound – worlds away from the lean ‘salt and pepper’ tonality of period instrument bands. These 18 CDs contain a fair cross section of his many Bach recordings for Archiv – among them, the Brandenburg concertos and Orchestral Suites. Richter’s prowess as organist (superb!), Bach’s the way harpsichordist and chamber musician is also (aha, aha) I like it... covered. The simple honest sincerity of his approach and the beautiful sound he created still impress. The recordings sound very well for their age and need no excuses. Irresistible! JH Bach BLU-RAY DVD The Well-Tempered Diana Krall Clavier (Book 1) Live In Paris Pierre-Laurent Blu-ray Eagle Vision Aimard – piano Recorded in late 2001 and 2 CDs DG awarded a Grammy two years later, this finds the HERE IS A beautifully realised set of Bach’s Well audiophile’s favourite jazz Tempered Clavier performed on the piano. chick in the company of Aimard’s playing is wonderfully articulate, and top-notch musicians and an impressively clear and incisive. But it’s also orchestra. It’s an immensely intensely alive and very musical. Everything polished performance and highlights include a emerges with impressive naturalness and fine rendition of The Look Of Love, a song that inevitability – as though this were the only way to Krall squeezes some feeling into – something play Bach. DG’s recording is very open and clear, that she’s usually better at doing with the presenting a sound that is lucid and immediate, keyboard. The sound matches the performance without being too close or dry. The sound is crisper and is very slick if a little smooth around the than Pollini’s 2009 set of these same works for DG edges, but this means it can be played at an – less reverberant and better focused, as well as appropriate volume with ease. JK being more natural, tonally. JH NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES £180-£300 It’s oh so quiet Adrian Justins isolates his ears from the unwelcome sounds of the metropolis with four cans capable of noise cancellation ll headphones offer a identical to the incoming sound, but that using noise-cancelling degree of passive noise its phase is diametrically opposite. headphones reduces fatigue on longer A reduction and some cut Your ears listen to both, with the journeys. Some people even use them high-frequency sounds by phase of the actively generated one without music simply to enjoy a around 20dB via the padded cancelling out the incoming sound. quieter environment. ear-cushions. With active noise This is called destructive interference. For this test I spent a day on cancelling, ambient sounds on planes, There is a trade off to be made in London’s Victoria Line using an trains and buses need no longer be a that the noise cancellation affects the iPhone 5 with standard-resolution sonic spoiler. Active models such as quality of the sound produced by the music by artists including The Manic the four on test here can cut a further headphones. At 5,000 feet up in the Street Preachers and a Sony NWZ- 20dB or so by using a inbuilt air or in a noisy train you might prefer F886 Walkman, playing Martin microphone and amplifi er to generate the feeling of isolation, even if it is Garrix’s Animals, plus hi-res music their own soundfi eld that is near slightly tainted. Another benefi t is by artists including Diana Krall. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 PRICE: £279 CONTACT: 0113 2771441 WEBSITE: eu.audio-technica.com DETAILS BUCKING THE EXTERNAL the listening modes, with the selector PRODUCT charging trend these headphones adjacent to the power switch on the Audio-Technica feature one cup with a housing for left can. ATH-ANC9 a AAA battery. You can reckon on ORIGIN Punch drunk Japan/China getting around 20 hours of noise- cancelling usage from a rechargeable Steely Dan’s Time Out Of Mind from TYPE Over-ear active NiMH battery, 25 hours from an Gaucho is as punchy as 10 rounds noise-cancelling alkaline and 35 hours from a lithium with Mike Tyson, the higher headphones type. These cans have 40mm drivers frequencies of the cymbals are WEIGHT and uniquely offer three noise especially prominent and Donald 220g reduction modes for different Fagen’s vocals are smooth and DRIVER 40mm environments – Airplane, Offi ce and engaging. It’s a similar story with ACCESSORIES Study. Study mode cuts 85 percent of Martin Garrix’s Animals, where the 1.2m cable; 1.2m ambient noise at 200Hz, Offi ce mode electro popping is pin sharp, but the inline cable; 6.3mm is 95 percent at 300Hz, Airplane bass is less fulsome than you might stereo adapter; airline adapter; AAA mode is 95 percent at 200Hz. expect. With Diana Krall’s My Love Is battery; hard case Accessories cover all the usual bases the double bass doesn’t twang as DISTRIBUTOR with a hard case, 6.3mm jack adapter, much as it can do and the lower Audio-Technica Ltd two-pin airline adapter and two 1.2m frequencies feel a tad damped. The cables (one with inline mic). Memory presentation lacks a bit of warmth foam and soft faux leather covers with the vocals in The Manics’ Show feature prominently, providing good Me The Wonder verging on brightness VERDICT comfort to the over-ear cups and and lacking authority. Despite a delay Noise cancelling is effective, but there’s a adjustable headband. Build quality is when switching between modes, noticeable hum between tracks excellent, as is adjustability. Audible noise cancelling works very well, but beeps enable sight-free selection of without music the hum is audible ● 102 DECEMBER 2014 NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES £180-£300 MINITEST Bose QuietComfort 3 PRICE: £300 CONTACT: 0808 1688572 WEBSITE: bose.co.uk DETAILS WITH LIGHTWEIGHT PRODUCT COMPONENTS including Bose leatherette-covered ear cups and a QuietComfort 3 soft headband, the QuietComfort 3s ORIGIN USA/China feel very comfortable. They’re TYPE designed so that the cups rotate and On-ear active the band twists easily to achieve a noise-cancelling perfect fi t on your head. Once in place headphones they are almost as unnoticeable as WEIGHT 137g wearing a watch. The on-ear design does mean they are less able to isolate case, along with the 1.5m cord, inline percussion all given an equal footing. DRIVER 23mm background noise than the Audio- cord and dual-pin airline adapter. Bass retrieval is especially good, the ACCESSORIES Technicas and the Creatives. The right double bass thronging nicely to Krall’s 168cm inline cable; ear cup houses a proprietary Airy godmother My Love complementing perfectly 168cm detachable rechargeable battery that can only be The sound is terrifi cally airy and her rich vocals, but with the Manics’ cable; airline adapter; battery replenished with power using an effortlessly powerful. The prologue Anthem For A Lost Cause the bass charger; external mains charger. A major from West Side Story is energetic, tends to boom. In terms of noise Rechargeable caveat is that the headphones only rhythmic and dynamically balanced. cancelling, low frequencies are lithium-ion battery; carrying case operate in noise-cancelling mode and Spatially, everything sounds like it’s in reasonably attenuated and only the DISTRIBUTOR don’t work at all without being the right place, and this gives quieter slightest hum is audible ● Bose Ltd switched on. You can expect to passages audibility without having to complete 25 hours of noise-cancelled increase the volume (useful with VERDICT listening between charges and classical music). More hectic music multiple adapters are provided for has decent clarity, The Manic’s Show Excellent noise cancelling and a satisfying globe trotting executives. The ear Me The Wonder is well presented sound, hampered only by battery-only use cups rotate fl at for storing in the hard with the vocals, trumpet, guitars and Sennheiser MM 450-X Travel PRICE: £250 CONTACT: 01494 551551 WEBSITE: en-uk.sennheiser.com DETAILS THESE ARE THE most versatile without noise cancelling. PRODUCT headphones in terms of storage as not Another useful feature Sennheiser only can the ear cups rotate to lay for ordering a G and T MM 450-X Travel fl at, but the headband is hinged at on a fl ight is that a quick ORIGIN Germany/China both ends allowing the whole thing to press of the noise fold into a neat size for easy storage. cancelling button mutes TYPE On-ear active The cans are similar to the Bose the music and amplifi es noise-cancelling in that they combine memory foam external sounds. Bluetooth padding with leatherette covers and headphones they sit on the ear. The headband is Get a buzz WEIGHT 105g a tad stiffer so that the fi t is tighter, Noise cancelling is DRIVER but they are the lightest here and feel effective but lacks 25mm comfortable. A removable battery refi nement, generating a ACCESSORIES provides the power and charging slight background buzz, 140cm detachable (2 hours) takes place with the battery although this is less cable; airline adapter; 80cm in situ, connected by USB either to a noticeable when using charger cable; laptop or the mains (a four-pin Bluetooth. Aside from a slight USB wall charger adapter is provided). clinical edge audio quality is very adapter; case The MM 450-X Travel offers good. Higher frequencies sparkle and DISTRIBUTOR Sennheiser UK Ltd Bluetooth wireless connectivity with vocals are the prominent feature of I CD-quality aptX streaming and Miss The Tokyo Skyline by the Manics. remote device control by pressing The double bass of Krall’s My Love Is VERDICT buttons on the right cup. Using throngs elegantly and the fi nger clicks Clinical but powerful sound, the buzz when Bluetooth halves the battery life to resonate effectively. Garrix’s Animals using a cable is mostly eliminated via Bluetooth 10 hours, but you can use the cans if is punchy and clean with the bass the battery dies with the cable and remaining taught throughout ● DECEMBER 2014 103 NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES MINITEST £180-£300 Creative Aurvana Gold PRICE: £180 CONTACT: +353 1 8975700 WEBSITE: uk.creative.com DETAILS THESE ARE SOLID, substantial You can also share your sounds PRODUCT headphones, weighing just shy of with a companion that’s Creative Aurvana 300g they need to be well padded wearing a second set of Gold and indeed they are. The attenuation Creative headphones. ORIGIN Singapore/China provided by the noise cancelling TYPE seems marginal, but combined with Spot the diff erence Over-ear active the almost air-tight seal of the cans The sound is markedly different noise-cancelling the noise reduction is very good, to the other three models here, Bluetooth headphones with Creative claiming a 90 percent noise cancelling has much less reduction in exterior sounds. of a signature, making it more WEIGHT 300g The size and fi t means that wearing relaxed and restrained, so that DRIVER these cans in warm conditions can the bass is prominent but by the 40mm lead to hot ears. The headphones same token is a tad muffl ed, as ACCESSORIES have a non-removable battery that with Krall’s My Love Is. Higher 1.2m detachable can only be charged by USB (a cable frequencies are much warmer than cable; airline adapter; 1m USB is provided, but no mains adapter). the others, but Krall’s vocals don’t charger cable; soft Using Bluetooth and noise cancelling reach as high, and the fl ute in the carrying case yields around 10 hours of use. The prologue to West Side Story isn’t that DISTRIBUTOR Aurvana Gold has some unusual polished. The imaging is very good, Creative Labs Ireland Ltd features including audible messages with the xylophone pinging to the when powering on and off and the left, drums in the middle and horns VERDICT ability to connect to two mobile on the right and everything fi ts Excellent sound isolation combines with devices at the same time, allowing together nicely. Garrix’s Animals also a warm sound that lacks energy you to watch a movie on an iPad and comes together well and shows their receive a call from a mobile phone. suitability for electro pop ● Mini test verdict IN FOURTH PLACE is the Sennheiser MM 450-X Travel, which is an on-ear model with the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity that works well. Comfy and practical WINNER with USB mains or laptop charging, The Bose QuietComfort they are the most compact when 3s are expensive and folded up and stored in a bag. Their big and can’t be used passively. main weakness is the sound quality cosy and Also, the battery has to when noise cancelling is activated, they do a good be removed and placed which causes a slight background job of shutting out in the external charger. buzz, especially when using the audio unwanted noise, but that tight fi t But they are the most impressive performer, cable rather than Bluetooth. means your ears get warm over time. noise cancelling according to your unfettered by the noise In third place are the Creative Performance-wise they do a terrifi c surroundings and come with plenty cancelling and capable Aurvana Golds, which dare to be job in terms of sonic imaging and of travelling accessories. They offer of delivering a dynamic different by providing unexpected they have warm, natural sound. The good comfort and deliver a clean and detailed sound benefi ts such as the ability to share issue is the amount of muffl ing and crisp sound, if a little while effectively cutting out external their sounds with a second pair of caused by the noise cancelling. unrefi ned, but lose out on the top noise. A great buy for cans and a feature that means you In second spot are the Audio- spot to the Bose QuietComfort 3s those looking to shut can connect by Bluetooth to two Technica ATH-ANC9s. These have a because of a slightly audible hum out the noisy world. sources at the same time. They’re handy selector to vary the amount of caused by the noise cancelling. Active noise cancelling requires some form of electrical power, and the type Over-ear headphones produce superior passive sound isolation, however of battery is critical. Regular AA or AAA batteries are less common and this doesn’t automatically translate into a better sound once the electronics arguably the least economical, but at least these are readily available. come into play as noise cancelling is a somewhat imprecise art and you’re USB charging is more versatile when a laptop or mains source is available, sure to experience some degree of muffling at the least. Listening to the HELP & ADVICE but means the cans can’t be used in noise-cancelling mode during charging headphones without music playing will give you an idea of the sonic and some models can’t even be used in passive mode. footprint imposed, but this will be skewed by the ambient sound. 104 DECEMBER 2014 Call: 0845 6019390 Email: choice@2ndhandhifi .co.uk £1 million event with 400 new items Analogue Amplifi ers Digital Loudspeakers Ariston RD11s c/w Grace 707, vgc+ boxed used 399 AMR 777 Integrated dem 1999 Arcam Alpha 8, excellent used 149 Acoustic Energy AE1 Classic new 799 Audiolici phono stage and line preamp dem 999 Anatek CM0.5/MB50 Class A Monos dem 1199 Arcam Alpha 7, remote, excellent used 119 Acoustic Energy AE1 Mk3 Reference standmount new 1249 Audio Synthesis ADEQ phono stage excellent used 479 Anthem Integrated2 Valve Integrated used 499 Arcam Alpha 8se, excellent boxed used 199 Acoustic Energy AE 1 Mk11 in Gloss black dem 799 Avid Acutus Ref power supply dem 2499 Arcam A38 Integrated amplifi er used 799 Arcam CD23, excellent used 399 Alacrity Audio Caterthun Classic, fl ightcased, £2k new used 499 Avid Pellar phono stage dem 399 Arcam P38 Power amplifi er used 729 Arcam CD73, excellent boxed used 199 Arcaydis LS3/5A look & soundalikes, £800 new dem 499 Avid Volvere SP turntable new 2749 Atoll IN 200 amplifi er new 800 Arcam CD37, excellent used 799 Art Audio Stiletto in Maple dem 599 BAT VKP10 Phono stage, vgc+ and superb sound used 1999 Audia Flight Pre and Flight 50 Class A power dem 3999 Arcam Alpha 9 DCS ring dac chipset, lovely! used 279 Aspara Acoustics HL6 in Oak new 1999 Benz Micro LP, boxed plenty of life left used 1199 Audio Analogue Puccini, remote, excellent used 349 Arcam CD72, excellent remote boxed used 99 Audio Physic Tempo in Cherry, fair dem 699 Benz Micro Ruby Wood H, boxed plenty of life left used 599 Audio Analogue Bellini VB/Donizetti Cento, dem 2249 AstinTrew AT3000 CD dem 349 Aurum Cantus Music Goddess in Gloss black dem 699 Benz Micro L 04, boxed plenty of life left used 499 Audio Analogue Fortissimo Integrated dem 599 Atoll ST200 streamer new 899 B&W DM601s3, vgc+ used 249 Cartridge Man Conductor Air Bearing Tonearm new 749 Audio Analogue Maestro Ref Pre/Monos £15k new dem 5999 Atoll 100SE DAC new 299 B&W DM602s3, vgc+ used 349 Cartridge Man Music Maker dem 499 Audio Analogue Maestro Ref SE integrated dem Call Audio Alchemy digital transmission interface/psu used 99 B&W 804s, excellent boxed in cherry used 1999 Cartridge Man Classic £1250 new dem 599 Audio Analogue Puccini SE amp. Black dem 379 Audio Analogue Maestro SE CD dem Call B&W 804D, excellent in Piano black boxed used 3999 Clearaudio Concept MM package, nr mint boxed used 699 Audio Analogue Bellini/Donizetti Pre/Power dem 599 Audio Analogue Paganini (later model) dem 399 B&W 800D, near mint, boxed used 8999 Clearaudio Concept MC package new 999 Audio Analogue Maestro Integrated dem Call Audio Synthesis Transcend CDT (Modded SONY) dem 399 B&W N805 with matching stands, excellent! used 1299 Clearaudio Performance DC package dem 1999 Audio Project ap60 integrated dem Call Audiolab 8000DAC, excellent boxed used 199 B&W DM602s3, vgc+ used 349 Clearaudio Innovation Compact, good condition dem 1999 Audio Research SP14 Preamplifi er, excellent used 999 Ayre Evolution DVD dem 1999 B&W DM683, excellent boxed used 549 Clearaudio Unify Tonearm excellent boxed used 699 Audio Research D240 Power Amplifi er, vgc+ used 749 Bewitch ( Puresound ) A8000 CD dem 349 Castle Harlech, good condition in Cherry used 249 Conrad Johnson TEA 1b Phono stage used 1999 Audio Research Ref 610 Monoblocks, vgc boxed used 14299 Cambridge Audio Azur 640C dem 99 Diapason Ares dem 999 Conrad Johnson Premier Six phono preamplifi er used Call Audio Research LS25mk2, excellent boxed used 1799 Cambridge Audio Dacmagic (newer model) used 99 EB Acoustics ER1 new 199 Consonance T988 Unipivot Tonearm dem 399 Audio Research Ref 210T Monoblocks, excellent used 8999 Chapter Audio Sonnet CD & Nevo remote dem 1999 Eminent Technology LFT8, some marks used 499 Consonance Cyber 40 phono stage dem 599 Audio Synthesis PAS-02 Passive, excellent used 599 Chord Qute EX DAC, excellent boxed used 699 Epos M22 in Cherry dem 549 Dual CS505s, various from used 79 Audiolab 8000Q/Ms, silver, excellent boxed used 899 Consonance Turandot CD dem 399 Final 400i electrostatics dem 749 Garrard 401, Slate Audio plinth used 799 Audiolab 8000MX, excellent used 899 Consonance CD2.2 Linear MK11 new 799 Final ES 400 sub ( for the ES200 electrostatics) dem 250 Hadcock 242 Export, dem 599 Audiolab 8000C and P, excellent boxed used 399 Consonance 120 Linear dem 299 Focal XS Book Active Mini Monitors, mint dem 199 Leema Agena phono preamp dem 1749 Audiolab 8000A vgc boxed used 199 Consonance CD2.2 dem 699 Focal Electra 1038, as new dem 3999 Consonance Droplet, vgc+ dem 899 Leema Elements phono stage dem 299 Audiolab 8200 Pre/Power dem 798 Gallo MPS150 and A’Diva 2.1 System used 399 Consonance Mini Droplet dem 699 Lehmann Black Cube phono stage dem Call Audion Sterling integrated dem 499 Gradient Intro, excellent condition, bargain used 249 Consonance Ref SACD 2.0 cd player. dem 699 Lehmann Black Cube SE phono stage dem Call Audion Silver Knight PSE valve monoblocks dem 1999 Heco Celan 500 in Silver dem 499 Cyrus DACXP, excellent boxed used 949 Linn Sondek, Ekos, Lingo, boxed used 2249 Avance Z502 (Luxman), great bargain preamp used 199 Heco Celan 300 in Mahogany dem 399 AVI Lab series Integrated Amplifi er, with remote used 849 Cyrus CDXTse, excellent, boxed used 449 Heco Statement in gloss black, £3k new dem 1499 Linn Sondek, Ittok, Valhalla, vgc+ used 899 Cyrus CD6SE2 excellent, boxed used 399 Linn Sondek, Cirkus, Valhalla, front mount motor used 599 BAT VK50se preamplifi er, vgc+ used 2499 Innersound Eros 111 hybrid e/static & amp, BARGAIN dem 799 Cairn MEA monoblocks used 399 Cyrus Streamline excellent, boxed used 549 Kef Reference 102 with Kube, excellent used 149 Linn Sondek, Lingo, Naim Aro, superb used 2499 Denon DNP720AE, near mint boxed used 199 Linn Sondek, Basik plus , Valhalla, G1042, VGC+ used 699 Chapter Audio Couplet Power Amplifi er dem 1999 Kef iQ5, excellent boxed used 249 Chord Electronics Mezzo 140, excellent used 1499 Exposure 2010CD, remote used 199 Kef Q100, brand new, sealed box new 249 Linn Sondek, Grace 707, basik psu, VGC+ used 599 Firestone Audio Spitfi re DAC 24bit dem 119 Linn Basik Plus, vgc+ used 149 Conrad Johnson Premier 18, boxed with remote dem 1799 Kef TDM34 Dipoles used 199 Consonance Cyber 10 Integrated dem 799 Goldenote Koala , near mint boxed used 759 Kef 101/2 Mini Monitors, fair condition, bargain! used 119 Luxman PD264, excellent used 499 Inca Design Katana cd player (no remote) used 149 Lyra Erodion Step up used 1499 Consonance Cyber 222 valve preamp. dem 699 Kudos C10, boxed vgc and cheap used 999 Consonance Ref 8.8 integrated valve amp dem 999 Jungson Moon Harbour CD, boxed remote used 299 Kudos C2, boxed dem 949 Mana Reference wall shelf used 299 Leema Stream 3 dem 399 Consonance Cyber 211 monos c/w Pavane valves dem 2999 Kudos X2, vgc boxed dem 799 Mana Reference table used 299 Linn Classik, excellent used 299 Michell Gyrodec Export, Origin Live Silver, boxed used 1199 Consonance r50 preamplifi er dem 499 Leema Xandia Mk1 in black new 2499 Copland CSA28, excellent used 699 Linn Karik 3, excellent boxed remote used 499 Michell Orbe Platter kit complete used 299 Marantz CD63KI, vgc used 199 Leema Acoustics Xero, vgc+ boxed, REDUCED used 299 Michell QC Power supply, excellent used 299 Creek 5050 Integrated, vgc+ used 179 Leema Xero in Mahogany dem 349 Creek Destiny Integrated dem 699 Marantz CD10, excellent boxed new belt kit used 449 Michell ISO, vgc renowned phono stage used 199 Marantz SA12, nr mint boxed used 499 Linn Index with KuStone stands, vgc+ used 99 Michell Tecnoarm A in black as new mint boxed used 449 Cyrus SmartPower, excellent used 279 Linn Keosa, fair in black, REDUCED used 199 Densen B200/300 Pre/Power, excellent used 879 Marantz CD6004, nr mint boxed used 199 Michell Gyro SE turntable new 899 Marantz NA7004, excellent boxed used 329 Magneplanar MG1.6, superb used 999 Michell Focus One, Focus Arm, excellent, new lid used 499 Densen Beat B340 power amp used 699 Mark & Daniel Maximus with treble extenders £2500ish dem 999 Devialet Integrated, mint boxed dem Call Meridian 200 Transport, boxed with remote, vgc+ used 199 Moth phono stage dem 249 Meridian 506/20 with MSR used 399 Mark and Daniel Topaz in White inc, Marble cabinets dem 749 Musical Fidelity XLPSV3 phono stage dem 99 EAR 834T Integrated amplifi er used 1499 Mark and Daniel Mini in Grey inc. Marble cabinets. dem 699 Esoteric C03/A03 Pre/Power, boxed remote dem 7749 Meridian 508/20, excellent used 449 Musical Fidelity XLPSV8 phono stage dem 199 Meridian 588/24, excellent used 999 Martin Logan Mosaic, excellent boxed used 699 NAIM Aro, excellent boxed used 1499 Exposure XV111 Monoblocks, excellent boxed used 899 Martin Logan Quests, superb sound, reduced used 1299 Graaf GM50B Mk11 Integrated dem 2999 Metrum Acoustics Octave DAC Mk2, boxed used Call Nottingham Analogue Spacearm used 299 Micromega Duo CD3 and BS DAC, excellent used 499 Martin Logan Source SE real wood veneer, ex boxed dem 999 Graff GM 100 valve power amp. dem 1999 Pioneer PL530 Direct Drive, good condition used 299 Moon Equinox CD used 799 Martin Logan Prodigy, due in used Call Krell KAV300i, remote, excellent used 799 Project RPM 9 turntable with arm and platform dem 649 Moon CD 3.3x £3k new used 999 Martin Logan Summit X, ex demo dem Call Krell KAV400xi excellent boxed with remote used 1199 Project Phonobox 2, ex boxed used 59 Musical Fidelity VDAC V8 new Call Meridian M1 Active speakers, boxed used 1199 Leema Tucana 2 integrated amp in black new 1999 Project Debut 2, vgc+ used 99 Musical Fidelity 3.5 CD dem 399 MJ Acoustics Ref150, vgc used 199 Leema Pyxis/Altair Reference Pre & Monos dem 10499 Rega TTPSU, excellent used 119 Musical Fidelity A1Pro CD new 799 Monitor Audio PL300, mint crated dem 3999 LFD Integrated amp LE MK111 dem 1499 Rega Planar 2, RB250, excellent boxed used 179 Musical Fidelity KW SACD with upgraded psu used 1249 Monitor Audio GX50, near mint boxed used 599 LFD LS1 linestage, reasonable shape used 299 Rega RP40 new 649 Musical Fidelity A5CD, excellent used 549 Monopulse Model S new 699 LFD Integrated, details TBC used Call Rega RP8, Apheta Cartridge, excellent boxed dem 1249 Musical Fidelity A3CD, excellent used 299 Monopulse Model A speakers new 1499 Linn Kolector Preamplifi er used 299 Musical Fidelity M1 DAC, excellent boxed used 329 Monopulse Model C new 399 Rega Planar 3, RB300 excellent used 249 Magnum MF125 Monoblocks vgc used 299 Rega RP3 Elys2 cartridge, excellent boxed used 399 Musical Fidelity M1 CDTB dem 499 NEAT Elite SX, near mint boxed used 949 Meridian 501V preamp, excellent used 299 Musical Fidelity M3 in black dem 499 NEAT Motive 1, near mint boxed used 549 Rega RP6, excellent boxed used 599 Meridian 501 Pre/555 power used 699 Rega EOS phono stage used 199 Musical Fidelity M1Clic new 699 Nola KO speakers in black dem 4000 Micromega IA100, great integrated, boxed dem 599 Musical Fidelity CD1008 Pro, near mint boxed used 1199 Nola Boxer speakers in black new 749 Revolver Replay c/w Jelco arm dem 749 Musical Fidelity M6i, excellent boxed used 1399 Roksan Xerxes, XPS2, Linn Fit used 349 NAIM CDX, excellent, boxed remote used 649 Nola Contender in Cherry dem 1499 Musical Fidelity A1 FB1 Preamp & PSU new 499 NAIM CD5X, remote, SNAIC used 649 Nola Micro Grand Reference inc stands, £15k new dem 5995 Roksan Xerxes, XPS, SME Fit used 349 Musical Fidelity M3i, excellent boxed dem 749 Rotel RP3000 Direct Drive TT with matching arm used 249 NAIM CDX2, excellent boxed remote, REDUCED used 1199 Opera Callas SP dem 999 Musical Fidelity M3i, excellent boxed, REDUCED used 649 NAIM CDS3, excellent boxed, remote used 1999 Opera Mini dem 199 Graham Slee Era Gold V MM phono stage dem 299 Musical Fidelity M1PWR, excellent boxed used 349 Graham Slee Elevator EXP step up dem 349 NAIM CDX, excellent, boxed remote, late model used 699 PMC Twenty Three, mint boxed in oak used 1799 Musical Fidelity X150, excellent boxed used 349 NAIM CDSii just serviced, XPS, Burndy, boxed used 1999 Proac D40R speakers in Maple dem 3999 Graham Slee Fanfare Amp3 dem 179 Musical Fidelity X-T100 Integrated dem 249 Graham Slee Gram Amp2 dem 119 Oppo BDP95 eu dem 499 Proac D18 Mahogany dem 1999 NAIM NAIT XS2, excellent boxed used 899 Pathos Endorphin dem 3499 Proac Studio 110, excellent boxed used 499 Graham Slee Elevator EXP Step up used 299 NAIM NAIT XS, excellent boxed used 799 SME 3009, excellent boxed used 249 Pioneer N50 Streamer, excellent boxed used 299 Proac D1 in Cherry dem 999 NAIM NAP250, excellent late boxed olive used 1199 Prima Luna Prologue 8, ex demo boxed dem 1299 Proac Tablette Anniversary in Rosewood dem 749 SME 3009/3, excellent boxed used 249 NAIM NAP150, excellent boxed used 349 SME 3012, excellent used 799 Quad 99CDP, excellent REDUCED used 399 Proac D2 speakers in black. dem 1199 NAIM NAC252, ex demo, mint boxed dem 4499 Rega Planet 2000, excellent used 199 Proac D28 in Maple dem 1999 Sumiko Blackbird high output m/c cartridge dem 299 NAIM NAC202, vgc+ boxed just NAIM serviced used 1199 Sumiko Virtuoso m/c, details tbc used Call Rega Apollo R, excellent used 449 Proac D30R in Maple dem 3249 NAIM NAIT 5i mk2, excellent boxed used 499 Rega DAC, excellent boxed used 349 Proac Studio 140 Mk11 in Cherry. dem 1199 Systemdek 11X c/w Linn Basik Plus & K9 used 199 NAIM NAP180, excellent boxed used 599 Systemdek 11S, Linn Basik LVX, rare superior ‘S’ build used 299 Rega Saturn, excellent boxed used 599 Proac Studio 115 new 749 NAIM SuperUniti, near mint boxed used 2499 Restek Charisma c/w remote, excellent bargain! used 299 Quad Electrostatics ESL2905 Classic Vintage new 4499 Technics SL120, SME3009 excellent used 399 NAIM NAC102, excellent boxed used 399 Thorens TD160 HD turntable new 1199 Rotel RCD02, vgc used 79 Red Rose Rosebud £2.5k new dem 699 NAIM NAC152XS/NAP155XS, boxed remote used 999 Rotel RCD1072, excellent, remote used 249 Thorens TD170, Fully Automatic, excellent used 249 Reference 3A DaCapo in gloss black dem 699 NAIM NAC112/NAP150, remote used 499 Sony BD500 used 99 Revel M22, excellent boxed new 599 Thorens TD160, Audio Technica arm, boxed used 249 Nakamichi 610 Preamplifi er, fair used 199 Sony Minidisc MDS JB920 used 79 Revolver RW45 fl oorstander in Cherry dem 699 Thorens TD209 turntable package dem 699 Neutonia Salis Integrated, classy Restek built used 399 Sony XA9000ES, excellent boxed used 699 Revolver Cygnis Gold in Black, £14k new dem 4995 Thorens TD2030 Blue turntable new 999 NuForce IA7 Integrated used 499 Stello CDT100 Transport, ex boxed used Call Revolver Cygnis in Maple/Black, £6k new dem 2495 Tom Evans Groove, 0.85mv/100 ohm, excellent used 849 Onix OA32 Integrated, excellent used 299 Sugden CD21SE in Titanium dem 799 Revolver Music 1 dem 350 Townshend Elite Rock, Merlin, Excalibur used 999 Onix OA25 Integrated, excellent used 399 Sugden Masterclass CD original version used 999 Rogers LS7, excellent boxed with free stands used 299 Trichord Dino NC PSU dem 399 Pathos Logos Integrated dem 1999 TEAC VRDS7, excellent remote used 249 Ruark Prologue 1, excellent boxed used 299 VDH Colibri M/C cartridge new 3499 Placette Audio Passive Linestage dem 599 Theta DS Pro Progeny DAC used 249 VDH Condor M/C cartridge new 1999 Prima Luna Prologue 3 Preamplifi er vgc+ used 649 Sonus Faber Elipsa, superb boxed used 5999 Tube Technology Fulcrum CD transport dem 699 Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, boxed with stands used 1399 VDH MC One Special Edition M/C cartridge new 749 Prima Luna Prologue 2 Integrated, good shape dem 799 Tube Technology Fulcrum DAC (inc DAC64 chip) dem 899 VTL TP2.5 phono stage ( new ) new 1749 Prima Luna Prologue 3 Preamplifi er, REDUCED dem 749 Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M, boxed as new dem Call Tube Technology Fusion 64 cd player dem 999 Sunfi re True Sub Subwoofer dem 399 Wilson Benesch Act 1 Tonearm, nr mint superb used 799 Puresound L300 valve preamp dem 3599 Unison Research CDE new 1599 Puresound L10 preamp dem 1399 Tannoy Supertweeters, fair condition used 449 Unison Research CD used 499 Thiel CS7.2, vgc, just refurbished… used 2499 Radio/Recorders Puresound A30 valve integrated amp dem 749 YBA GC-10, ex boxed, £1600 new, BARGAIN used 399 Quad 44, excellent used 199 Totem Mani Signature, boxed near mint used 2999 Arcam Alpha, vgc+ used 29 Quad 66 Preamp, excellent remote used 349 Totem Mite in black dem 449 Arcam T61, vgc+ used 79 Quad 99 Pre/Power, excellent, remote, Quadlink used 649 AV/Accessories/Cables Totem Aro Designer series in gloss black dem 999 Audiolab 8000T, tuner used 199 Quad 303 Amplabs upgraded used 299 Acoustic Energy Reference speaker stand new 199 Totem Rokk in mahogany, excellent used 249 Creek T43 FM tuner new 99 Quad 405, from used 199 BCD glass rack new 499 Totem Sttaf new 999 Creek Evolution Tuner, excellent used 199 Quad Elite Monoblocks, boxed used 749 Elemental Audio Equipment Rack dem 499 Usher BE718 dem 799 Velodyne MicroVee in black dem 499 Cyrus FM7.5, excellent boxed used 149 Quad 34/306 late grey versions used 399 Elemental Audio speaker stands dem 499 Quad 707 Power used 399 Ergo AMT phones with Amp 2 (£2.5k new) dem 1499 Velodyne DD18 sub in black dem 1999 Denon TU-S10 used 199 Velodyne DD15 sub in black dem 1499 Denon DRM700 3 head used 49 Rega Luna, rare item used 199 Experience Filtration mains fi lter dem Call Rega Osiris, excellent boxed used 2699 Experience Filtration 6 way block with 3m cable dem Call Velodyne SPL 800 Ultra sub in black dem 499 Marantz DR4050 CD Recorder, REDUCED used 149 Veritas H3 (Lowther drivers) in gloss black, 100db dem 2999 Resolution Audio Opus 21 S80 Integrated dem Call HiFi Racks 3 tier rack in Oak dem 199 Marantz DR6000 CD Recorder, REDUCED used 149 Wilson Benesch Square One boxed, matching stands used 799 Resolution Audio Opus 21 S30 Integrated dem Call Isotek Nova power conditioner dem 1199 Musical Fidelity Xplora tuner new 149 Resolution Audio Opus 21 Extra Sources Preamp dem Call Isotek 6 way distribution block dem Call NAIM NAT05, excellent used 299 Roksan Kandy K2 Integrated, excellent boxed used 599 Kemp 6 way distribution block dem Call Special system deals NAIM NAT01 & NAPST, excellent boxed used 899 Sonneteer Campion Integrated, nr mint used 599 Lehmann Rhinelander used 199 AMR 777 Amp and CD Player dem Call Nakamichi BX2, excellent used 149 Sugden Masterclass Monoblocks, in titanium used 3999 Musical Fidelity M1 HPAB dem 399 Audio Analogue Primo CD/Amp combo dem 499 Nakamichi CR1, excellent used 99 SugdenA21a line Integrated dem 999 Musical Fidelity TripleX power supply new 199 Consonance Ping CD/AMP dem 599 Sugden Masterclass Pre/Monos in Graphite used 6499 Cyrus Amp and CD package used Call Pure 701ES DAB Tuner used 89 NAIM XPS DR, ex demo dem 2599 Sugden Masterclass Pre/Monos in Titanium used 6499 Leema Elements Amp & CD new 1499 Quad FM4, later grey version, vgc+ used 149 NAIM HiCap 2, excellent boxed used 599 Quad FM3, vgc used 99 Sugden Masterclass Integrated in Titanium dem 2749 Linn Classik Movie 05, excellent boxed used 699 Talk Electronics Hurricane 3/Tornado 3.1 monos dem 1399 NAIM HiCap 2002, Serviced used 449 Linn Classik and Keosa speaker package used Call Revox B250 Tuner in black/gold fi nish used 349 TEAC Distinction A1000 Integrated, ex demo dem 599 ProAudio Bono Reference Platform dem 399 NAIM Uniti 2 dem 1999 Rotel RT1080, excellent used 149 Unison Research new S6 Valve Integrated dem 1999 Townshend Isolda speaker cable, 3m pr canned used 299 Orelle EVO Cd and amp was £2700 used 799 Rotel RT850 Tuner used 29 Unison Research Unico Secondo Integrated dem 899 Townshend 4 tier Seismic rack dem 499 Paradigm Millennia One 5.0 AV Speaker system used 399 Yamaha HD1300 Professional Recorder dem 199 Unison Research Little Italy Integrated dem 999 Track Audio speaker stands dem 200 QUAD 77 CD and Integrated Amp used 399 Tel: 01642 267012 or 0845 6019390 Email: choice@ 2ndhandhifi .co.uk EXTRAS Focal Spirit One S headphones IF THE LUCRATIVE sum that recently fl ooded into Dr Dre’s bank account from Apple is anything to go by, it seems as if the world, his wife and their screaming teenage kids all want a pair of headphones. And not always for the purpose of enjoying music in sonic isolation from a telly that’s belting out Games Of Thrones in the living room or a washing machine that vibrates like Beyoncé’s hips in the kitchen. Most headphones are used in public where image is often (sadly) as important as performance. As such, Focal’s original mobile headphone, the £180 Spirit One, is available in Beats-ish white or red and is aimed at the younger buyer with relatively deep pockets. The Spirit One S is the fourth member of Focal’s headphone portfolio, but unlike the original Spirit One only comes in an basic type that looses the volume presentation is assured and refi ned audiophile-esque slate grey fi nish, adjustment control in favour of with all the elements of the track although it retains Focal’s distinctive universal control of Android and sounding well defi ned. At the start bright red mesh driver cover. Windows smartphones. of Home, the bass pounds The headphones seem very solidly emphatically, backing up the cans’ Tight fit built and the plastic fi nish is classy claims to an extended bass response, But the changes aren’t merely enough to give the appearance of while Martin Gore’s vocals are cosmetic. For starters the ear cups brushed metal. My only concern is resonant and well rounded. You are bigger and more comfortable, that the plastic hinges could crack if can crank the volume up and the although they add weight (overall subjected to a lot of use. cans retain their acoustic integrity the Spirit One S is 280g vs 225g for The fi nishing touches are certainly (though they tend to sound a bit the Spirit One). I fi nd these some of impressive. Heavy duty, gold-plated bright), which, combined with their the best fi tting cans I’ve ever tried, 3.5mm plugs are used to terminate excellent isolation makes them well they even stay in place when I the 1.4m-long OFC cable (removable suited to use on noisy trains. bound down the escalators at so it can be replaced) and Focal Oxford Circus tube. The headband provides a twin-plug airline adapter, Ace of base slides purposefully in and out while 6.5mm jack and two cases, one Back at home base, I test them with the cups pivot on two hinges, which semi-hard and one soft. Meridian’s Explorer headphone enables perfect vertical alignment, For my listening test I concentrate DAC. The Spirit One S proves a and the faux leather cushioning is on using the Spirit One S with an natural bedfellow for hi-res spot on. With a closed-back design, iPhone 5 at home as well as on the downloads, Fleetwood Mac’s Family sound isolation is great, thanks to tube in London, where I get stuck into Man in a 24/96 remaster is so clean the close fi t and thick padding – no Depeche Mode’s Ultra. What strikes and polished it reveals unexpected need for noise cancellation here. me straightaway is a purposeful, detail in the treble of the guitar riff, Impedance remains at 32ohms dynamic delivery. They have more while the low-level backing vocals and sensitivity is claimed at 104dB DETAILS energy than Mo Farah in full fl ow, and have a stronger presence than I’ve (SPL/1mW @ 1kHz), but there are they suck you in with an alluring and heard on inferior headphones. PRICE technical improvements with a £150 mesmerising sound. The mid-range is These aren’t the warmest, most newly developed 40mm driver with CONTACT especially prominent. Dave Gahan’s natural sounding headphones, Mylar cones and a titanium dome. (+33) 477 435700 vocals in The Bottom Line are smooth there’s a hint of brightness at the top Changes include a larger, stiffer WEBSITE and rounded, underpinned by a end and the soundstage is a little diaphragm for a higher dynamic focal.com nicely timed bass line. Barrel Of A cramped. But for the money they are range with lower distortion. Gun is a cacophonous and complex very impressive and are especially OUR VERDICT Focal has changed the type of rock song that inferior headphones well suited in terms of comfort and inline remote control to a more struggle to handle, but the performance to use on the go. AJ DECEMBER 2014 107 Mavros Interconnects & Speaker Cables MAVROS SPEAKER CABLE : One of the truly great cables currently on the market. This is the best set of speaker cables that I’ve ever heard. Truly genre defining. MAVROS INTERCONNECT : These are not cables that try too hard to impress. They just allow the music to flow naturally. HiFi World, July 2013 the performance connection atlascables.com EXTRAS KLE Innovations Silver and Pure Harmony RCA plugs IT’S 60 YEARS since the original phono plug was designed by RCA. Now, hot on the heels of the entry-level Copper Harmony RCA plugs from KLE Innovations (HFC 388), come the Silver Harmony and Pure Harmony RCA plugs. The Eichmann Bullet RCA plug has gained a well-deserved reputation as a high-quality phono plug. One of its features is that, along with the likes of WBT, it has a single-point earth return contact. However, since the success of the Bullet, Keith Louis Eichmann (aka KL), the man behind the Eichmann Bullet, has launched KLE Innovations in Australia to produce a brand new range of products, including the Harmony RCA Plug. The range is the result of a project aimed at developing the design of the Bullet in order to improve conductivity and signal integrity across the connection. to a set of interconnect cables made Harmony plugs, rather than the Both the Silver and Pure Harmony from Neotech STDST-24 UP-OCC signal pin. KL points out that the build on the design philosophy of stranded silver wire in Tefl on sleeving relationship between the signal the Copper Harmony plugs, but use and solder the plugs to the wire using and earth pin metals is not different materials for the contacts. Mundorf 3.8 percent silver solder. straightforward and this design is to All of the Harmony range has an Soldering is a piece of cake, thanks to achieve the best price/performance easy snap-like connection to a the good design of the internal tags. ratio. I note that the earth pin standard phono socket. The high However, I do have one or two extends up into the body and has a melting point thermoplastic polymer questions still running around my threaded section that engages with housing assembly uses two grub head, so I consult with the man the plug housing, although the screws (a small Allen key is himself. Thanks to an introduction housing is plastic on all the models. required, but not supplied) and a from the UK importers, Black Is he planning on having a metal small rubber collar to retain and Rhodium, I put a few questions to KL. sleeve version in the future? He secure the cable. Internally, I fi rst ask him how the new Harmonys replies that he’s considering a future tag-shaped connections for the differ from the famous Eichmann housing that will ensure star-point signal and earth facilitate the Bullets. He explains that the main grounding to minimise the metal soldering of a wide range of cable differences are in the materials and housing’s coaxial effects. types and confi gurations. the internal layout of the pins. The Silver Bullet utilises machinable silver Enough talk Heavy metal (<96 percent IACS), the Copper So much for the theory, the proof The entry-level Copper Harmonys Bullet utilises machinable tellurium of the pudding is how they sound. employ silver-plating over pure copper (<95 percent IACS) and the After running them in, I fi nd that copper conductors for the signal basic Bullet utilises machinable brass in comparison with the Copper and earth pins. Moving up in the DETAILS (<28 percent IACS). The Harmonys Harmonys, the Silvers offer similarly range, the Silver Harmonys are PRICE use proprietary formula (and, so, excellent imaging, but seem to offer identical, but use an earth Silver Harmony: £70, secret) metals for the pins to offer improved clarity and transparency to Pure Harmony: £90 connection made from solid silver (pack of four) enhanced conductivity and improve the sound. The Pure Harmonys and a thicker silver plating on the CONTACT their physical strength. Furthermore, appear to take this improvement a signal pin. As a result, the 01332 342233 the internal connections feature an stage further by opening up the conductivity is increased. Finally, WEBSITE anti-shorting shield and are arranged sound stage. Bass drums also have in the Pure Harmonys, both the blackrhodium. to maximise the distance from each better attack. co.uk/klei signal and the earth pins are made other in order to minimise inductive, In my opinion, the Silver and Pure from solid silver. For the purposes OUR VERDICT capacitive and EMF effects. Harmony plugs are superb value for of the test and in the interests of I then ask why he made the earth money, work extremely well and so consistency, I fi t all the plugs in turn pin from solid silver in the Silver come highly recommended. NR DECEMBER 2014 109 EXTRAS Russ Andrews Kimber D60 digital RCA cable PHONO CABLES ARE often sold – and that means jitter. This means in pairs, but what if you only want the subsequent digital processor then one cable for connecting up the has to cope with these errors, which digital output from, say, your CD ultimately degrades the resultant player to the digital input of an audio signals. external DAC? What you need is a single cable fi tted with RCA phono DACs all folks connectors and optimised for digital The D60 is a digital and video signals, rather than analogue. One interconnect that is designed for such cable is the Kimber D60 Digital connecting a CD player or streamer to RCA Cable from Russ Andrews. a DAC or for use in your home cinema While digital cables can work system. As it has been designed for well as analogue audio and video high-frequency signals, it also can be interconnects, analogue audio used as a composite video cable. has a serial number on it and should cables may not necessarily work It makes use of a hyper-pure silver be plugged into the source component. DETAILS satisfactorily for video or digital conductor surrounded by two In addition, a label with an arrow PRICE interconnects because they may helically wound shields separated by printed on it is fi tted at the other end From £201 for 0.5m not have the required 75ohms air-articulated Tefl on insulation. It is to indicate the direction of fl ow. CONTACT characteristic impedance. A cable terminated with Kimber Ultraplate The Kimber D60 is a beautifully 01539 797300 won’t work in a digital application if RCA phono plugs. As with most made cable that effortlessly conveys WEBSITE russandrews.com its bandwidth is not above a certain high-quality cables, the D60 is the digital signal from my CD to an threshold since a poor high- directional and to ensure that it is external DAC and is one to consider if OUR VERDICT frequency characteristic can result connected correctly, the heatshrink you’re looking for a premium-quality in timing errors in the digital signal fi tted to the phono plug at one end digital interconnect. NR Bayan Audio Soundbook Go portable speaker THIS IS BAYAN Audio’s smallest and claims a frequency range extending Jackson’s higher register vocals. most affordable portable Bluetooth from 40Hz to 20kHz. Similarly, David Byrne’s voice in This speaker so far. Like previous models it For a speaker of such a small size, Must Be The Place is nicely tempered has a lean-back design, which serves to the Soundbook Go delivers an and the guitar bounds along with direct the sound upwards from its two impressively crisp and punchy sound. plenty of gusto and refi nement. 1in long-throw neodymium drivers The bass is full, tight and meshes well Although the speaker lacks a broad when it’s placed on a desktop. At 480g with the front drivers. Billie Jean, soundfi eld, it otherwise works and 16cm wide, it is compact and light downsampled to AAC from 24/96 has especially well in a desktop scenario enough to carry around with ease. plenty of verve with outstanding and is also good for use outdoors or clarity to the strings and Michael in a hotel room. AJ Ready, steady, go... Build and design quality are both excellent, with a smart contemporary plastic wrap round the perimeter, DETAILS durable grille on the front and PRICE suede-like effect on the rear and cover. £80 With Bluetooth 4.0 on board, it can CONTACT also be used as a speakerphone. 0844 8003480 On the rear are a micro USB charge WEBSITE socket, 3.5mm aux line in and NFC bayanaudio.com pairing point. Fully charged, you can OUR VERDICT expect around seven hours of use. The 15W stereo output is complemented by a 2in passive bass radiator and Bayan 110 DECEMBER 2014 LIMITED EXTRAS MCRU Linear Power Supply for Chord’s QuteHD DAC THIS IS A variation on a highly This box makes the QuteHD an even successful theme. MCRU has a wide nicer listening experience, which is range of upgrade power supplies for really saying something. Even via DACs – from the Arcam rDAC to the the stock PSU it’s superb, with an Audiolab M-DAC and beyond. The exceptionally musical character and a product is the brainchild of Nick fulsome tonality. But compared with less icy, although not even this Gorham of Longdog Audio and sold the MCRU unit, it seems grainy, less upgrade can give her vocal chords the via MCRU. The casework is fi nely transparent, more forced, less texture of Aretha Franklin! Bass takes fi nished aluminium and comes in a spacious – although it’s still extremely on a little more weight, yet is more choice of silver or black. listenable. In other words, supple and tuneful and follows the This one is designed to upgrade substituting this MCRU unit brings a phrasing of the music better. The the Chord Electronics Chordette major improvement across the board. Qute’s tonality blossoms and its DETAILS QuteHD DAC (HFC 368), which is soundstage widens, giving a truly PRICE sold with a small 12V DC ‘wall wart’ Feel the warmth arresting performance – hard to £225 unit. The MCRU delivers a regulated A 24/96 WAV of Kate Bush’s believe from a modest, miniature CONTACT 12V supply, with regulators in both Snowfl ake gets a major boost. It’s DAC such as this. I wouldn’t go as far 07908 056978 boxes. The second one is based on a warmer and more natural sounding. as saying it takes the QuteHD beyond WEBSITE low-noise, multi-stage fi ltered The piano is more believable, the Hugo’s level, but it certainly mcru.co.uk voltage reference, a low-noise error engulfi ng and expansive; the listener matches it in a more mellifl uous and OUR VERDICT amplifi er and a high-current, feels closer and better immersed. romantic way, making a great DAC low-resistance MOSFET. Kate’s sublime vocals are just a little better still. DP Onkyo ES-CTI300 headphones WHEN WE REVIEWED the Onkyo 1.2m. It’s fi ne for use on the move, ES-HF300(S) on-ear headphones in but restricting for home listening. issue 375 we were impressed, but Build quality is top notch and the one gripe was the lack of an in-line lines are clean and uncluttered. The remote control. Step forward the cans are easy to adjust, fairly light at ES-CTI300, now incorporating 235g and feel comfortable on your iOS-certifi ed controls in the form of a head. Importantly for those around slim three-button unit with integrated you there’s hardly any sound leakage. microphone. This allows Apple owners to adjust the volume, skip Ear for detail tracks or take phone calls. With the same design and aluminium- The headphones now come in black encased 40mm titanium drivers as the or silver with leatherette ear pads. My ES-HF300, they sound very similar. silver version with chocolate-coloured The fi rst thing you notice is the soundstage is open and convincing, DETAILS pads looks excellent. It’s supplied fantastic level of detail. It’s a clear, but like their predecessors they can PRICE with a soft-lined carrying pouch and precise sound with no sense of be overly revealing of the limitations £200 folds fl at for easy transportation. harshness, even when you push them of lower bit-rate material – not ideal CONTACT The detachable lead is made from to high levels. The drivers are fast for cans designed for portable use. 08712 001996 oxygen-free 6N copper cabling, with paced and high-tempo material is Overall then, the ES-CTI300 WEBSITE gold-plated MMCX connections. handled accurately without fuss. headphones are a logical choice for uk.onkyo.com/en They’re fi ddly and need a fair amount Behind the drivers sit two chambers any Apple device with a sound that’s of pressure to get them to pop into that deliver oodles of bass. I like lots largely successful. They’re stylish, OUR VERDICT place – it takes me several attempts. of bass, but I wonder if some might light and comfortable and have a lot The lead length is also quite short at fi nd it slightly overwhelming. The to offer as travel companions. DH DECEMBER 2014 113 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM HURRY DIRECT DEBIT SUBSCRIPTIONS UK ONLY Yes, I would like to subscribe to Hi-Fi Choice OFFER Print + Digital: £9.49 every 3 months CLOSES (SAVE 49% on shop price + SAVE 75% on Digital Download) 20TH NOVEMBER Print subscription: £7.39 every 3 months (SAVE 49% on shop price) 2014 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 ...... Save up to 49% off the shop price Postcode ...... 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Please see www.hifichoice.co.uk/terms for full terms & conditions. SUBSCRIBE SECURELY ONLINE CALL OUR ORDER LINE Quote ref: X261 www.subscription.co.uk/hificl/X261 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. GUIDE TO... Getting the best out of iTunes iTunes hasn’t always been geared up for audiophiles, but with a few simple tweaks it can still off er your hi-fi a sterling service ince its launch in 2001, of iPod-conquering compacts from the As with everything hi-fi , the old Apple’s iTunes has delighted likes of Astell & Kern and Neil Young’s adage of ‘rubbish in rubbish out’ still S and frustrated music lovers hotly anticipated Pono, iTunes has had applies and in iTunes’ case there are and audiophiles in equal to up its game to meet the demands two key principals to follow to make measure. Its intuitively organised fi ling for better quality digital music, whether certain your library is optimised for system and simple syncing to Apple’s in the home or on the move. And to maximum audio quality. The fi rst is to pocket players and smartphones gives uncover all that the iTunes media make sure the music that’s destined for it obvious appeal, making it the digital player now has to offer it’s worth your library is of good audio quality media player of choice for the masses. spending a bit of time getting to grips in the fi rst place, and the second is to While for us audiophiles, Apple’s with the various options within the check that iTunes isn’t using lossy predilection for lower bit-rate fi le types platform to guarantee your library is compression that’s robbing data when with poor sound quality has always set up for a quality audio experience. importing music into your library. seemed its Achilles’ heel. But with While the quality of iTunes software computer audio’s move into home hi-fi Source quality has come some way in the last decade, territory, iTunes has evolved from just So where to start? You’ll fi rstly need the fi le quality of the music on offer an iPod add-on to become a viable to download the latest version of through the iTunes Store hasn’t. With proposition for hi-fi fans looking to iTunes to benefi t from all the latest internet rumours of iTunes offering introduce a laptop into their systems. bells and whistles (which is iTunes hi-res 24-bit tracks yet to come true, When iTunes fi rst beat a path to our 11.4 at the time of writing). You can the store’s downloads are still being desktops, MP3 was the order of the day download the latest version of iTunes offered at a maximum of only as it placed quantity in terms of the from Apple’s website at apple.com/ 256kbps, which is woefully low given volume of songs you can store on a uk/itunes/download/. If you’re the average CD track is around portable device over sound quality, by already running iTunes on a Mac or 900kbps. So you’re inevitably better using codecs employing lossy PC, you can check that you have the off buying music on CD for ripping compression to make fi les smaller. latest version by opening iTunes and into your library, or downloading from These days, though, with the move to selecting Check for Updates from the dedicated music sites offering hi-res hi-res audio streaming and the launch Help tab in the top menu bar. audio at and above CD quality, such as 116 DECEMBER 2014 GUIDE TO... hdtracks.co.uk, highresaudio.com, owner of a library that hosts many ITUNES ALTERNATIVES linnrecords.com and naimlabel.com. examples of the same track in Next you need to select how you alternative formats, it’s crucial to The versatility and restrictions of iTunes has spawned plenty of alternative media library packages alongside standalone software want to import music so that it’s know which version you’re playing. designed to run ‘over’ iTunes while addressing some of the problems captured at maximum resolution. Therefore, showing fi le type, bit of its perceived shortcomings. From the Edit menu dropdown in the depth, bit-rate and sample rate at a For the PC brigade, foobar2000 is an alternative free software top-left corner (the square box icon glance for each track is vital, and package that’s well regarded for its universal file format support (including FLAC) and ability to get bit-perfect data out of your PC that next to a small arrow) head to thankfully iTunes library lets you isn’t tampered with by your soundcard. It also boasts a wide range of Preferences and select Import Settings choose from a range of information features for organising music files and a highly customisable design, from the General tab. For maximum ‘fi elds’ to display when searching via which out of the box can look a little intimidating if you’re new to the world of digital audio, but once you get the hang of it you can create a sound quality WAV, AIFF or Apple the Songs tab. When in this view, very slick interface that tells you everything you need to know. Lossless (ALAC) are the formats to simply right-click on the top menu bar For $50 the alternative is JRiver, which takes the programming choose from, with ALAC being Apple’s that contains the song title and artist hassle out of the equation and gives you an iTunes-like experience FLAC equivalent. Like FLAC, ALAC to choose the fi elds you’d like off the shelf, while offering you full control of your audio output alongside file support for FLAC, ALAC and a wide range of other uses a compression method that displayed (note fi le type is listed as platforms. Originally designed for PC users, JRiver launched for Mac reduces fi le size while claiming no loss Kind). You can then drag and drop in 2013 and publishes regular upgrades. Using alternative software of information. Most hi-res online these new columns into the order needn’t mean re-ripping your CDs or having separate music libraries as these platforms can be configured to draw from the same music music stores now offer ALAC fi les you’d like them as you would in an library as your iTunes account – consider this like having different alongside their FLAC counterparts up Excel spreadsheet. people taking books from the same shelves in the same library. to 24-bit/192kHz, so if iTunes is your If you want to access fi le type And if you want to store FLAC files within your iTunes library, the easiest way is to manually add them as computer files within the library of choice these are probably the information when accessing tracks from iTunes media folders, where iTunes will simply ignore them but fi les to go for, as iTunes does not other views within iTunes such as via they’ll be organised with the rest of your music for playback on support FLAC. You can still add FLAC the Album or Artist screens, right- other software platforms. fi les to your library, but iTunes won’t clicking a track’s title and selecting Get play them (see Alternatives box). info displays everything you need to know, right down to the version of With a few simple iTunes you imported the track with. It’s also worth playing around with the mouse clicks you View settings in each main tab (Songs/ can make iTunes Albums/Artists/Genres/Playlists) to customise how you’d like each area to For Mac users there’s even more choice with paid platforms that ripe for hi-res look, as there are lots of options and build on iTunes while promising sonic improvements from the likes layouts to chose from. of Amarra, BitPerfect, Decibel, Audirvana – which boasts its own You can, of course, have a range of cataloguing system – and Fidelia (pictured above), which sports a fi les of the multiple types supported by Shrinking when syncing traditional hi-fi separates-like screen to boot. Most of these paid platforms can be downloaded for free for a trial iTunes within your library at once, so While having a library of hi-res fi les period, so if you are considering going down one of these routes it’s there’s no reason why your legacy the size of War And Peace will meet certainly worth experimenting with a selection on your computer to MP3s can’t rub shoulders with your your domestic hi-fi needs for better see which one brings you the best combination of user-friendly software and an intuitive interface while delivering the sonic goods. hi-res ALACs, saving you the hassle of sound quality, adding fi les of these What’s more you can still run iTunes alongside any of these packages re-ripping CDs imported back when epic proportions to your iPod or for feeding your portable player while acting as a doting librarian and lossy formats were your only option. smartphone will inevitably use up taking care of file management, giving you the best of both worlds in some serious storage space when terms of file management and sound quality. Easy viewing syncing at their native resolution. As Choosing how you organise and view an example, the average track size of Love To Care (Linn Records) that your library is also important, as U2’s latest album released through weigh in at up to 220MB each. there’s no point growing your digital iTunes at 256kbps is 9MB, which Thankfully help is at hand via iTunes music collection if you then spend seems tiny when compared to a single customisable sync settings, which more time searching for tracks rather hi-res track at 24-bit/192kHz such as allow large fi les to be compressed on than playing them. If you’re the those on Claire Martin’s Too Much In the fl y when syncing to your portable player, meaning you’re able to copy tracks to your iDevice at lower bit-rates, trading some audio quality for more song capacity. To do this, with your iPod/iPhone/ iPad connected to your computer and iTunes running, open your device’s tab, select Summary from the main menu and scroll down to Options. Tick the Convert higher bit-rate songs to box and select from either 256/192/128kbps, with 256 being the best of the three for sound quality. Storage solutions Building a hi-res music library means that before long your computer’s hard drive could be buckling under the weight of all those big fi les and you may need to invest in an external DECEMBER 2014 117 GUIDE TO... FILE TYPES EXPLAINED The latest version of iTunes supports a range of file formats, from space saving low-res MP3s to seriously powerful codecs that take a carbon copy of your CDs and hi-res files. Here’s a handy summary of what you can chose from: AAC Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) is a lossy audio codec designed as the successor to MP3, claiming better sound quality at similar bit-rates. It’s also the default audio format for YouTube, iPhone, iPod, iPad and a range of gaming and mobile phone audio platforms. AIFF Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) was developed by Apple in 1988 and uses uncompressed pulse-code modulation (PCM). There’s also a compressed variant of AIFF known as AIFF-C or AIFC, which can sometimes be recognised by an .aifc file extension, although these can also appear with the standard .aiff or aif extension, so check for higher bit-rates to know you’re playing uncompressed files. Like WAVs, being uncompressed means AIFF files will demand much more hard drive space than their lossy and lossless equivalents. ALAC hard drive to store your music on, PC end is what your DAC is receiving, Apple Lossless Audio Codec is Apple’s most recently developed converter. After keeping it as a proprietary format from its inception which means moving your library’s as the more recent versions of in 2004, Apple made the codec available open source and royalty- fi les while continuing to use your Windows don’t allow iTunes to bypass free in 2011. Like AAC, ALAC data is stored within an MP4 container, computer to access, organise and your computer’s soundcard settings. but it employs different encoding in a lossless (not lossy) format that uses a linear prediction method, similar to FLAC. Many music sites play your music. To do this select This means that your PC may change now offer ALAC files alongside their FLAC equivalents up to the same Preferences from the Edit menu the music signal to your computer’s 24-bit/192kHz levels. Because of their lossless compression, ALAC and click the Advanced icon, which default settings as it leaves your USB (and FLAC) files claim to give the same audio quality as their WAV/ AIFF equivalents, while requiring significantly less hard drive space. displays where your music fi les are port, and you may then have to adjust MP3 currently stored. The Change button your computer’s output settings to the Abbreviated from ‘MPEG Audio Layer III’, MP3 coding employs lossy lets you specify where you’d like to native resolution of the music that data compression that’s based on an algorithm designed to greatly move your fi les to while keeping them reduce the amount of data needed to ‘represent’ an audio recording organised in their current folder while sounding like a faithful reproduction of the original file, Internet rumours of allowing for much smaller file sizes. The compression works by structure, and Apple’s website reducing certain parts of sound considered to be beyond the hearing provides step-by-step instructions for iTunes off ering hi-res of most people, although in reality hearing MP3 files on any half Mac (support.apple.com/kb/HT1449) 24-bit tracks are still decent hi-fi quickly reveals their sonic shortcomings. and PC (support.apple.com/kb/ WAV HT1364) when setting up an external yet to come true Waveform Audio File Format (WAVE or WAV due to its .wav extension) is a Microsoft/IBM audio file format standard for storing audio hard drive for your library fi les. bitstreams on PCs. It’s the main format used on Windows systems for you’re playing. To do this head to the raw, usually uncompressed audio encoded in the linear pulse-code Outputting advanced options in your computer’s modulation (LPCM) format. LPCM is also the standard format for audio CDs, which store two-channel LPCM audio at 16-bit/44.1kHz, The last piece of the puzzle lies in sound settings and select the bit so ripping CDs as WAVs arguably gives you the most faithful getting your iTunes library to feed depth and sample rate of the music reproduction, although many audiophiles also argue that there is your hi-res fi les to your hi-fi system. you’re playing while disabling other no difference in sound quality between WAV and ALAC/FLAC files. This can be done via traditional hard sound enhancement features. wiring cables or via wi-fi streaming If your hi-fi devices have AirPlay – AirPlay is an easy way to stream installed, iTunes should recognise a viable streaming alternative, so it’s providing your partnering amp or these automatically when they’re worth looking for this functionality streamer has an AirPlay receiver powered up. Look for the AirPlay icon when the time comes for a DAC or inside. For the hard-wiring method, appearing on your iTunes menu bar. streamer upgrade, or an all-in-one it’s likely that you’ll be plumbing your This allows you to select which device digital player/amplifi er such as those computer into an external DAC and if to stream to. Although Apple remains that were featured in last month’s you’re running iTunes on a PC, it’s rather tight-lipped about AirPlay’s Group Test. worth checking that the bit depth and limits, we’ve managed to stream up to While as an audiophile’s software of sample rate you’re outputting at the 24-bit/96kHz over AirPlay, making this choice iTunes is far from perfect, what this guide reveals is that with a few HOW THE FORMATS COMPARE simple mouse clicks you can still make sure it’s ripe for feeding your system a Using a standard 16-bit/44kHz CD track ripped to iTunes in all five file formats reveals the hi-res diet while giving your pocket differences in file size and bit-rate for lossy, lossless and uncompressed codecs player as much music as it can handle. FILE TYPE BIT-RATE (KBPS) SAMPLE RATE (KHZ) BIT DEPTH FILE SIZE (MB) Happy confi guring! ● AAC 256 44.1 16 6.9 AIFF 1411 44.1 16 32.9 NEXT TIME: Guide to looking ALAC 909 44.1 16 21.2 after your record collection MP3 256 44.1 16 6 so that it performs at its very WAV 1411 44.1 16 32.9 best for many years to come 118 DECEMBER 2014 Reader Classified ads www.hifichoice.co.uk For saleFor / Wanted Reader REGA RP3 turntable plus RB 303 arm with Elys 2 cartridge £350: 01782 785734 (Staffordshire). stands £90: 01825 722936 condition £250. Collection (Lewes, East Susex). only: 07958 739227 ACOUSTIC PRECISION or email: sharpe@ Classified EIKOS CD player fully interalpha.co.uk Welcome to Hi-Fi Choice Reader Classified, upgraded by Tom Evans (West Sussex). two years ago to his very COPLAND integrated a free private ads service for buying and latest specification including amplifier CSA-14 £475 ono: external power supply for 01424 773404 or 07999 selling second-hand hi-fi components. both digital and analogue 828283 (Hastings, East sections at a cost of £3,600, Sussex). These pages are a must-read if you’re The simplest way to send your ad is via asking £985. Little used since thinking about buying used kit, or if you email to: [email protected] or mail: BOSTON ACOUSTIC upgrade: 01202 515474 have hi-fi you want to sell. It’s free – simply Reader Classified, Hi-Fi Choice, Xa26 cherry, £120 Wharfedale or email: johnlangley17@ submit your ad of up to 50 words (we will AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Diamond 9.1 walnut, £70, talktalk.net. edit them if not), remembering to include Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 your email, phone number and county. TN8 6HF. POWER supply for Class black, £100 all boxed and A amplifiers, self contained, in good condition, any trial, This service is open to private advertisers only. Just one ad per household. suits John Linsley Hood’s buyer collects: 01933 Images are for illustration only and do not represent what is for sale 1969/1996 designs £299. 626185 or email: FOR SALE SEAS 10in drivers for Dynaco [email protected] A25/26 repair? £100. Prices (Northants). supertweeter. Non fatiguing. LEEMA Antila MR1 CD player, LINN Sondek LP12, Origin include posting: REGA Apollo 35th Rarely seen for sale. £16k superb sound and condition, Live electronics, on base with 0207 4998729. Anniversary Limited Edition when new. £2,950 ovno: original packing (£2,500) levelling feet, Rega arm, Origin RUSS ANDREWS black £375. Rega Mira 3 07766 510612 or email: £750: 07531 835575 Live modifications, nearest signature powerkords x2, 1m integrated amplifier in silver [email protected] (Cirencester). offer £500. Buyer collects: each, fitted with 350i ag iec. £300. Both boxed with (Glasgow). NAIM HDX £2,395. Naim 0773 4505626 (Devon). Cost £365, will accept £30 remotes. Focal Profile 908 NAP 150X £395. Naim NAC ARCAM Solo 5.1 movie AV SPENDOR S3E speakers each or both for £50. Buyer standmount speakers in 12X £295. Naim Flatcap 2X SACD, Arcam serviced in July, in Rosenut finish, excellent collects: 01724 853357 Classic finish with matching condition £470: 01794 £295. All boxed in excellent boxed accessories (£2,000 stuartwoodstu@hotmail. Focal S908 stands £395: 514916 (Hants). condition: 01793 728103 new) £475. Marantz CD 63 com (Scunthorpe). 07772 711432 or email: (Swindon). player £50. Nakamichi BX2 MUSICAL FIDELITY M1 SONUS FABER Concertino richard.schofield@kcl. HPA headphone amplifier ac.uk (Bucks). KIMBER 8TC speaker cable, cassette deck £65: 01708 speakers with Sf piano black mint condition boxed £200. 3.5m, banana terminated, 457 691 (Essex). stands in excellent condition, B&W DM601 S2 speakers, Pro-Ject phono SE MM/MC with boxes, £575. Musical ash black, mint condition with excellcent condition £200: TALON Khorus Xmk2 excellent condition £45. 2x Fidelity X-Dac v3 £225. Pair box and manual. Collection 01432 850184 (Hereford). reference quality, full range 3m QED Anniversary XT cable 3m bespoke Silver High Breed only, happy to demo (RRP CLEARER AUDIO Digital floorstanders, in tiger’s eye terminated QED Airloc plugs Quintessence speaker cables, £200) £100: 01902 884694 Silverline RCA-RCA 1m @ £75, maple. Deep, powerful and unused £35: 01371 850665 banana termination, £85: or email: jukey39@yahoo. 3m @ £125, great reviews: tuneful bass, rich transparent or email: garyrobinson20@ 02476 679165 or email: co.uk (West Midlands). 01235 762171 (Oxon). mids and detailed highs from btinternet.com (Essex). [email protected] JPS Superconductor FX. VPI Scout2/JPM9 arm/Linn (Coventry). 1m, locking RCA plugs £100. Klyde. £1,400 ono: ART EXPRESSION Clearer Audio Silverline 0208 4649055 loudspeakers. Black finish; Optimus 75 coax 0.5m £100. [email protected] virtually new condition. JPS Ultra Conductor bi-wire (Bromley). Superb sound! Complete with speaker cable, 4.7m, two DYNAUDIO DM 2/7 stand- matching stands, boxes and connectors at amp end, four mount speakers, 12 months paperwork. Will demonstrate. connectors at speaker end old, black ash, boxed as new, £895: 07736339194 or £230. Two-box DNM Series £350: 07956 959032 or email: [email protected]. 2A preamp. Two RCA line MONITOR AUDIO Audio Apex speakers. 4x A10 and 1x A40 email: waynebtully@gmail. uk (Bromley). level inputs and moving coil £1,100. Rel B3 subwoofer, black £450. Marantz CD6000KI input £350 ono: 01296 com (Redhill, Surrey). LINN Basik turntable, CD player, black £50, or £1,500 for the lot: 01341 423028 or 437314 or email: jez35@ BROADSWORD speakers. includes Akito arm and email: [email protected] (Gwynedd). btinternet.com (Bucks). Biwire terminals with Target instruction book, in very good 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! 120 DECEMBER 2014 www.hifichoice.co.uk Reader Classified ads For sale / Wanted For sale SPENDOR S3/5R2 black NAIM Nait 5i integrated condition £875. Audiolab speakers £400. REL T3 Sub, amp in excellent condition 8000 Q (British) £280. black £200. Linn Pekin tuner, original box, still under Audiolab 3000P £180. black £150. All unmarked and warranty receipt provided, Acoustic Energy AE1 Classics perfect working order: 01952 £499: 07967122765. £575. All mint condition: 728773 (Shropshire). YAMAHA YSP 2200 01484 427426 (West ATACAMA Eris Eco 5.0 sound bar and subwoofer, Yorkshire). rack, brand new, unused. all cables and leads and ARCAM irDAC £195, mint Silver with dark oak shelves instructions, only 18 months condition and boxed: (bamboo) £300. Base old (RRP £750) £390: 02392 453382 (Havant). 01294 822562 (North 225mm, mid and top 175mm. WANTED Technics DVD Ayrshire). Collection only: 079388 stereo system SC-DV-150 or 35982 (Middlesex). GALE 401 speakers later version. Good condition ACOUSTIC ENERGY Radiance One speaker, ash, boxed. Cost MORROW AUDIO with chrome ends, fully essential. Quadrophonic £599 new. £320 with three year warranty: 01475 529216. MA 1 one metre pair stereo reconditioned, original amplifier also desired: Sansui interconnects, rave internet paperwork and boxes, QRX 9000 or 999 or Pioneer RUSS ANDREWS EPOS M5 speakers. Stunning reviews £35: 01243 528010 first reasonable offer equivalent: 01985 213952 Kimber Kable Hero HB cherry finish, boxed, never (West Sussex). secures: 01825 722936 (Wiltshire). ultraplate Phono Analogue used, free stands £195: 07747 or email: spartridge37@ interconnect 0.5m. Boxed 390307 (Wiltshire). ART Stiletto speakers (pair), btinternet.com (Sussex). ATACAMA Equinox hi-fi slim floorstanders in maple rack in piano black with glass as new £200 (save £199): MARANTZ CD17 KI MICHELL Gyro SE with finish, wonderful sound and shelves. Five shelves and not 07800 606892 or email: Signature – CD player, black, Origin Live Rega RB600, in excellent condition with four in mint condition (RRP [email protected] excellent condition (no Goldring 1642. Mint original packaging, grilles etc. £430) £150: 07905348812 (Worcestershire). marks), remote, manual, £475 ono: 01925 572936 (Watford). FURUTECH Reference original box. Digital/analogue or email: whites96@ Series Three 2m power cable. out. Internal volume control. WANTED Quad 50E mono virginmedia.com New £1,230, sell for £700 £325: 07920 101740 or amplifier, must be in good (Cheshire). ono: 07899 721899 or email: SiLoPeRi@gmail. working order: email: yatestherapy@ com (Hornchurch). Q ACOUSTICS 2050i 07946 522644 (Sheffield). speakers for sale, white googlemail.com. MOON CD5.3RS CD REGA Brio amplifier. Two gloss finish, immaculate RUSS ANDREWS HP1/ player. Boxed and in years old, moderate usage PA1 preamp/headphone excellent condition £750 condition, £400. Buyer to £300. Monitor Audio BX5 amp/Poweramp combo. ono. Collection only: 07913 collect: 07940 659384 floorstanders, two years 50Wpc, all VGC, interconnect 236601 or email: (Brighton). old, perfect condition £250: included. Exellent neutral [email protected] ORTOFON MCA10 battery- 07908 945608 (Battersea). operated preamp, excellent sound, will demo. £390 Buyer (Barking). ATC integrated SIA2 150 collects: 01483 891925 condition comes with new AMITY HPA4X headphone mint condition, superb sound, (Surrey). batteries. 1x Ortofon MC10 amp with L&R volume just £1,250: 01225 706783 Super cartridge, boxed, plays TECHNICS Hi-Fi 360 Series controls (cost £350) £140. (Wiltshire). (X840) complete 12-piece Two pairs of SoundStream well, but may need a re-tip AKG VQ701 Quincy Jones system inc turntable, d/ 99.99% pure copper speaker (no way of checking), £50 NEAT Momentum 3i Signature Line Headphones in cassette deck and CD player. cable terminated, 7ft pairs, including postage. 1x BTE speakers in birch finish, white, one and a half years old, Brochures/instructions, never used, half price at £25 a passive preamp, 3inputs, superb condition, mint condition, boxed (£340 genuinely hardly used, offers pair. Will post: 01772 468116 American Walnut, excellent complete with Neat stands. and full list of system: 01708 (Leyland, Lancashire). condition, very little use, £50 new) £170: 07905 348812 Buyer collects £949: 471149 or 07973 439730 including postage: 01382 (Watford). LEAK 2075 speakers, 07944 594705 (Halifax). (Essex). excellent condition, no 644815 (Dundee). CYRUS Pre VS2 Preamp, scratchers, can demo. PXX-R Power supply and DAC Collection only due to X, Silver, original Boxes. VGC size and weight £650: 4/5 years old. Will ship by post 01472 885413 or email: HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FREE AD if required. £650, will split if bilton1234@virginmedia. YOUR DETAILS To submit your advert to us, please email letters@ required: 01946 862815 or com (Grimsby). Name email: paul.derrington@ hifichoice.co.uk or ROKSAN Kandy K2 int. Address alternatively, use the postal outlook.com (Cumbria). amplifier, black, 17 months form below. Please limit ads to a maximum of 50 words, WANTED Chord Signature old, as new and boxed. £595. speaker cable, 4-5m or over: Would prefer demo and ensuring all details, model Email address names, etc, are correctly 01475 529216 or email: collection to posting: 0113 stated. Kindly also include Daytime telephone number [email protected]. 2188797 (Leeds). your email, telephone number Date and home county. We regret that we cannot take adverts over the telephone. One ad YOUR ADVERTISEMENT per household please. YAMAHA KRX-A2020 AV receiver, 9.2 channels, black £400: 01625 433996 (Cheshire ). SEND YOUR ADVERT TO Hi-Fi Choice, AVTech Media Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF DECEMBER 2014 121 Missed an Issue? Have you missed a copy of Hi-Fi Choice? You can now order these online, over the phone or by post! 376 Oct 2013 377 Nov 2013 378 Dec 2013 379 Jan 2014 380 Yearbook 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 Phone: 0844 848 8822 (Phone lines open: Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm) Order Online: 8MK\Z_ www.myhobbystore.co.uk/hfc d\[`Xck[ Next month ESSENTIAL AUDIO 2014 Best hi-fi kit revealed Don’t miss our Yearbook – it’s bursting with all the greatest hi-fi kit and music reviews that hit the headlines this year, plus our favourite hi-fi high points 124 YEARBOOK APRIL 2013 ON SALE 20 NOVEMBER www.hifichoice.co.uk 2014 award-winning high performance analogue, HIFI CHOICE digital & video cables ADVERTISERS INDEX AUDIO EMOTION 131 AUDIOQUEST 2 AVID HIFI 12 BILLY VEE 84 BLACK RHODIUM 112 BOWERS & WILKINS 80 www.atlascables.com CLARITY ALLIANCE 32 CLEAR AUDIO 55 DEVIALET 12 EXPOSURE HIFI 60 FLAMINGO AUDIO 88 FURUTECH 123 FUTURESHOP 112 GSP AUDIO 49 HEGEL 73 HIFI RACKS 111 HIFI SOUND 108 Equator HIGH RES AUDIO 88 Asymmetrical Integra IAG INTERNATIONAL 132 ICON AUDIO 97 ISOTEK 65 MARANTZ 15 MERIDIAN 23 MONITOR AUDIO 82 MUSICAL FIDELITY 36 NAD 86 NAIM AUDIO 30 NUNU DISTRIBUTION 105 OPPO 11 PJ HIFI 78 Atlas understands the meaning of uncompromising PMC 70 performance. Is the Atlas QED 75 Equator asymmetrical the QUINTET 28 best interconnect on the market? It sure is at it’s ROKSAN 34 price! A consistent winner, RUSS ANDREWS 114 the Equator Integra is SEVENOAKS SOUND AND VISION 39.40.41 obviously the entry level audio interconnect for STI TECHNOLOGY 26 discerning music lovers. TANNOY 2 TELLURIUM Q 114 Need some advice on TELLURIUM Q 115 choosing the best cables? THE AUDIO CONSULTANTS 98 Call us free on THE CHORD COMPANY 45 0800 731 1140 TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL TIM LEES 01689 869853 e: [email protected] tim.lees@hifi choice.co.uk 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 LehmannIsoblue linn Lehmann Wider deeper stereo stage Greater clarity andLehmann separationLinnLinn 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 14/8/14 12:20:24 We offer some of the finest music reproduction systems available on the market today, from entry level to elite brands. Our range of products has been carefully chosen to ensure exceptional performance, reliability and value for money. See the excellent review of studioAV in the October edition of Hi-Fi Choice Magazine. 44 High Street, Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6BL Tel: 01753 863300 Stockists of: Avalon, Aurender, dCS, Densen, Dynavector, Estelon, Focal, Golden Ear, www.studioav.co.uk Mark Levinson, Naim Audio, Vitus Audio, VTL, Wilson Benesch and many more... zH HFC_A4_Ad_Template.inddFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 1 12/9/1411/9/1 4 11:48:09 14:18:18 To advertise in the dealer directory, please contact Tim Lees 01689 869853 [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. BACKCHAT WE HEAR... THROUGH THE PAST, SMARTLY... ONE OF THE FINEST-SOUNDING NEW PHONO stages on the market is now on sale. HI-FI CHOICE ISSUE 149 HI-FI CHOICE ISSUE 248 DECEMBER 1995 DECEMBER 2003 We hear that Music First Audio’s Like digging up a time “20 years ago the audio new Reference MM Phono Stage is a capsule in your garden and industry faced a revolution collaboration with Longdog Audio. discovering long-forgotten prompted by the introduction The latter provided a very high relics that seem somehow of CD” wrote Paul Miller as quality low-noise pentode-based incongruous in our current he prepared to put five ‘new futuristic world, flipping format disc players’ through line-driving stage, which is wedded back to the December 1995 their paces. “We are facing a to an inductive equalisation network issue throws up a decidedly quieter revolution now as the using Music First Audio’s many years dated looking feature called Hi-fi On The Net. CD is being made to sound rather antiquated by of coil winding expertise. The informative piece revealed that: “Using the the extra bandwidth, resolution and channels of internet means that you can connect to computers DVD-Audio and SACD”. The decks battling it out for on the other side of the world from the comfort of the top spot included the Arcam Diva DV89, Denon your living room” before adding: “Things move DVD-2900, Marantz DV8400, Pioneer DV-565A and HAMPSHIRE-BASED HI-FI HANGAR HAS MOVED fast on the internet. When I did a search about six Sony DVP-NS999ES. Though a close thing between into new premises at No.2 Woolmer Way, months ago it revealed barely 10 sites relating the Pioneer and Denon, in the end the latter came Bordon, East Hampshire GU35 9QF. If to hi-fi or audio. Now there are listings of more out on top thanks to its “warm and thoroughly you’re down that way and into classic than 100!”. Exciting times indeed. Among the agreeable sound that grows on you making it ideal smattering of manufacturer and dealer websites, for both short and long-term listening”. hi-fi then this is a must-see venue, our feature suggests that early adopters point Elsewhere Donald Rumsfeld won the Foot In complete with its themed seventies- their browsers towards the “excellent” Suzanne’s Mouth award for stating: “As we know, there are style ‘listening lounge’. It is Totally Bitchin’ Kit. Tragically the site no longer known knowns; there are things we know we know. also about to launch its own-brand operates today... We also know there are known unknowns; that is turntable, complete with very high Meanwhile, December was a slow news month, to say we know there are some things we do not with the only event of any real significance being know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the quality build, retro styling and at the lowest temperature ever in the UK being ones we don’t know we don’t know.” What was he a surprisingly aff ordable price. recorded. For the record it was -27.2°C. going on about? We don’t know... ASTELL & KERN HASN’T RESTED ON ITS extensive collection of portable, high-resolution laurels. It has tweaked its popular AK100 player, DESERT ISLAND DISCS which now appears in mark II guise This month Mark Groom from Analogue Works (£800), while the AK120 mark II (£1,500) gets a touchscreen user picks four of his all-time favourite long players... interface, balanced outputs, wi-fi streaming and a new Cyrus Logic DAC. Additional storage means it can now hold up to 128GB. JAPANESE MANUFACTURER FOSTEX ISN’T that well known in the UK, but has been responsible for some fi ne designs RADIOHEAD TORI AMOS PJ HARVEY STONE ROSES in the past fi ve decades or so, THE BENDS LITTLE EARTHQUAKES DRY STONE ROSES especially in the pro audio sphere. This is my favourite I love female I just love the energy This always takes me album of all time. It’s vocalists, but Tori in this first album. back to days slacking We hear that it has one of the most perfect from start Amos is one of my Her vocals are so off at college. It just interesting sounding headphone to finish. I’ve seen favourites and I raw and the band grooves along, from amplifi ers of the year coming up – the them live lots and always come back back it up perfectly I Wanna Be Adored portable, battery-powered HPVI (£399), when they play stuff to this. She seems with driving guitars to the outstanding I from The Bends I get to be able to really and drums, what’s Am The Resurrection. which has a tube output stage! goose bumps. touch my soul. not to like? Pure genius. If you don’t want to miss an issue PASSION FOR SOUND EDITORIAL TEAM SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGEMENT TEAM Editor Lee Dunkley Subscriptions Sarah Pradhan & Kate Scott 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: 0844 543 8200 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, David Holes, James Hughes, Tel: (001) 866 647 9191 Surname Adrian Justins, Jason Kennedy, Paul Miller, Published by MyTimeMedia Ltd Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Address Dave Oliver, David Price, Neville Roberts, REST OF WORLD – New, Renewals & Enquiries Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF Ed Selley, Andrew Simpson, David Vivian, Tel: +44 (0) 1689 869896 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 Senior Advertising Executive Tim Lees 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, 2011. 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! music is our passion Scorpio 25 plus+ The 25plus+ Features §1RORVVRIîQHGHWDLO¨ 1. In the woofer chamber a high- strength, open-cell Ceramic foam with a pore proportion of more Avantera plus+ than 85% replaces the previous damping material = more control, It’s really the minute details that more precision and more deep make the task a challenge. In bass attempting to improve a recognised îUVWFODVVSURGXFW$8',23+<6,& 2. Optimised frequency looks at all the elements that come dependent damping in the together in a loudspeaker. Thus midrange driver chamber = higher $8',23+<6,&PDQDJHGWRGHYHORS resolution, better spatial imaging loudspeakers that do not display a and increased homogeneity cosy (wooden) cabinet sound and, conversely, as a result, once again 3. Revised crossovers with brought the performance of the selective measures against drivers and crossover technology to micro-vibrations = much higher the fore. This laid the groundwork resolution, better spatial imaging IRUWKHZRUOGZLGHXQLTXH++& and increased homogeneity midrange driver and tweeter that are already successfully deployed 4. New internal wiring, integrated LQ$9$17(5$DQGRWKHU$8',2 LQWKHUHîQHGDGMXVWPHQW 3+<6,&ORXGVSHDNHUV improved tonal balance price from £13700 5. Terminal with plus+ signature price from £5100 network music player & 25 CD Drive £3890 Streaming & beyond listen. relax. enjoy. 7KHPXVLFERRNLVDQHWZRUNPXVLFSOD\HUWKDWSHUIHFWO\KDQGOHVQRWRQO\KLJKGHîQLWLRQPXVLFSOD\EDFNRQD home network, but CD playback as well. All functions–even on the CD player–can be remotely controlled using an app (iOS and Android). audioemotion www.audioemotion.co.uk tel: 01333 425999