Home//Hi-Fi Choice/March 2020/In This Issue
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020WelcomeFloorstanding speaker Group Tests are one of the most disruptive roundups HFC puts together. The physical size of the cabinets, logistical demands in gathering models within a time frame and securing a reviewing space that’s large enough to store, run-in and audition six comparable pairs is one of our biggest challenges – but a hugely worthwhile one as it often results in our bestselling issue of the year. The low-cost designs that featured in our last floorstanders Group Test (HFC 447), demonstrated a variety of ways listeners can achieve hi-fi sound on a relatively tight budget, but this month’s selection moves things on with six next-step models to show potential buyers what superior sonic gains can be had when you dig a little deeper. Priced from £2,000 to £3,300, each…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Hugo 2goPRICE: £995 AVAILABLE: NOWCONTACT: 01622 721444 WEB: CHORDELECTRONICS.CO.UKAS ONE OF our ‘Top 100’ must-hear components, Chord’s Hugo 2 portable DAC/headphone amp (£1,800) is applauded for the organic way it goes about making music. Its class-leading proprietary DAC technology is arguably the reason it sees greater use as part of a home hi-fi setup rather than on the go, and unlike the company’s Mojo DAC with its Poly 2 wireless streaming module, Hugo hasn’t offered similar support. Until now.Showcased in Europe for the first time at the UK’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the Kent-based company unveiled its £995 2go streamer/server, a wireless (2.4GHz wi-fi and A2DP Bluetooth) and Ethernet-enabled battery-powered module that turns Hugo 2 into a Roon Ready streamer with two SD card slots (rated up to 2TB each) for networked…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020NAIM ADDS QOBUZ SUPPORTNaim Audio has announced that it will be adding native Qobuz support to its family of music streamers. Available as a free firmware upgrade, the new update ensures that owners of Naim products will now be able to enjoy seamless access to the French music streaming service. Boasting the largest selection of albums available to stream in true high resolution, Qobuz won our music streaming service Group Test back in HFC 455 and claims the most comprehensive CD-quality catalogue currently available. The update is for Naim’s Uniti Atom, Star and Nova systems, plus ND5 XS2, NDX 2 and ND 555 network players. An update for Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation wireless speakers is expected to follow in “Spring 2020”. NAIMAUDIO.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Wharfedale’s new ElysiansPRICE: £4,500-£6,500 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01480 452561 WEB: WHARFEDALE.CO.UKAs Wharfedale’s new flagship range, Elysian captures everything the British loudspeaker company holds dear in one stylish cabinet – providing trickle-down tech to other speakers further down the range including the Evo4.2 standmount reviewed on p46. Introducing the new family with a large standmount and floorstander, both models are three-way designs sporting an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency driver for low distortion and claimed scintillating speed and dynamic ability. These are partnered by glass fibre cone drivers – 150mm midrange and 220mm bass driver (two in the case of the floorstander). The £4,500 Elysian 2 standmount offers 89dB sensitivity while the £6,500 Elysian 4 floorstander claims 92dB (at 8ohm) and both come in a gorgeous bass reflex, slot-loaded cabinet available in a…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Denon’s Home runPRICE: £220-£600 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 0208 1034770 WEB: DENON.CO.UK SOUND UNITED AUDIO brand Denon has unveiled three all-new wireless speakers compatible with its Heos multi-room platform. The Home 150 (pictured), 250 and 350 are priced at £220, £450 and £600 respectively and boast file support up to 24-bit/192kHz as well as DSD128. Streaming service support is offered as is wi-fi and Bluetooth along with AirPlay 2 and physical connectivity in the form of a USB-B port and 3.5mm audio output. The range incorporates a proximity sensor that illuminates touch controls when a hand moves near, while two Home speakers can be paired in stereo and integrated with Denon’s DSW-1H wireless subwoofer. Available in a choice of white or black finishes and dressed in a water and stain-resistant material, the Home…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2PRICE: £900 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01494 956558 WEB: ELECTROMOD.CO.UK Formerly known as MrSpeakers, the Californian-based headphone manufacturer has recently undergone a rebrand to become Dan Clark Audio. In the process it has announced the next phase of its planar-magnetic headphone design with the introduction of its new Aeon 2 models. As with the company’s previous Aeon designs – reviewed in the form of the Aeon Flow Open headphone back in issue 435 – the updated models are also available with a choice of open or closed back. Featuring an all-new motor assembly directly derived from the company’s flagship Ether 2 (reviewed HFC 456) they’re said to use the same high-precision machined system to improve internal airflow with new voicing claimed to produce a warmer, fuller tone in the closed model…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Chord’s Ultima duoPRICE: £6,000-£9,250 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01622 721444 WEB: CHORDELECTRONICS.CO.UK WIDELY CONSIDERED TO be Chord Electronics’ definitive amplifier, the SPM 1200 MK II is about to be replaced by the company’s new Ultima 5 (pictured), while the SPM 1050 MK II makes way for the Ultima 6. Boasting a claimed power output of 2x 300W and 2x 180W RMS into 8ohm respectively, the stereo power amps include John Franks’ first all-new circuit topology design in three decades with the Ultima 5 utilising 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices (while the Ultima 6 makes do with just 32). The drive circuitry features an ultra-lowdistortion, high-voltage amplifier operating at 300V per microsecond and is claimed to benefit from advanced feed-forward and feedback compensation techniques. Equipped with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, the…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Röst revisitedDETAILSPRODUCTHegel H120ORIGINNorwayTYPEIntegrated amplifier/DACWEIGHT12kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 430 x 100 x 310mm(WxHxD) 430 x 100 x 310mmFEATURESQuoted power output: 2x 75W (8ohm)Digital inputs: 1x coaxial; 3x optical; 1x USB-B; 1x Ethernet portAnalogue inputs: 1x stereo balanced XLRs; 2x stereo RCAs6.35mm headphone outputDISTRIBUTORHegel Music Systems ASTELEPHONE07917 685759WEBSITEhegel.comIt strikes me that the one integrated amplifier Hegel chose to christen with a noun rather than a number was developed as a messenger; a product tasked with articulating the company’s take on performance and functionality, but shrewdly priced for broad consumer consideration. In any event, there’s no denying that the Röst (named after a Norwegian island, but literally meaning ‘voice’) – reviewed HFC 418 – swiftly became Hegel’s celebrity amp – on message and affordable, while being a relatable brand ambassador.Why the company has decided to revert to…8 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Living the high lifeLET ME PUT your mind at rest. You’re probably wondering if spending between £2,000 and £3,500 on a floorstander can possibly be a smart move when there’s plenty of good-looking, over achieving talent clamouring for your hard-earned cash in the £800 to £1,900 class that sits below it. The short answer is yes.This is where things start to get a bit tasty, where speaker designers loosen up and show what they’re made of, where Back To The Future’s Doc Brown might have said: “Plug into any one of these beauties, Marty, and you’re going to hear some serious s**t”. It’s where methodologies diverge and widen choice. We’re still a long way from cost-no-object high-end fantasies, but not so far from the kind of esoteric techniques a larger development budget and…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Dynaudio Evoke 30 £2,900DETAILSPRODUCTDynaudio Evoke 30ORIGINDenmarkTYPE2.5-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT15.5kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 268 x 920 x 342mmFEATURES1x 28mm soft textile dome tweeter2x 140mm MSP mid/bass driversQuoted sensitivity: 88dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORDynaudio UKTELEPHONE01353 721089WEBSITEdynaudio.comAs the second most expensive speaker in the group, the Evoke 30 has the distinction of being among the most compact, vying with the slightly slimmer Totem and marginally squatter Spendor for top trumps as a room-friendly presence.In this respect, there’s a lot to like. Dynaudio’s designers apparently put in the extra hours, taking prototypes and models home to live with them as well as visiting interior design stores and a cross section of real homes to gain inspiration. The result, with its straight tapered cabinet walls, splayed bolt-on outriggers and, in the review sample’s case, very tactile natural open-grain walnut wood veneer cladding, is a fifties/sixties retro…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Unique group testsHi-Fi Choice employs the most methodical test and measurement regime in the business. Here’s how we do it… FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER GROUP TEST A LOUDSPEAKER WILL never sound at its best when factory fresh from the box and so requires some time to free up properly to deliver its optimum performance. Consequently, all six floorstanders here are given a minimum of 72 hours running-in time with IsoTek’s Full System Enhancer CD on repeat, plus an additional two days of music before any critical listening commences. Auditioning is done in both my smaller and larger listening room over a period of a week, during which time optimal placement is experimented with. The listening position is adjusted so that the tweeter is roughly at ear height, and the speaker is initially placed close…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Living the high lifeLET ME PUT your mind at rest. You’re probably wondering if spending between £2,000 and £3,500 on a floorstander can possibly be a smart move when there’s plenty of good-looking, over achieving talent clamouring for your hard-earned cash in the £800 to £1,900 class that sits below it. The short answer is yes. This is where things start to get a bit tasty, where speaker designers loosen up and show what they’re made of, where Back To The Future’s Doc Brown might have said: “Plug into any one of these beauties, Marty, and you’re going to hear some serious s**t”. It’s where methodologies diverge and widen choice. We’re still a long way from cost-no-object high-end fantasies, but not so far from the kind of esoteric techniques a larger development budget…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Amphion Argon3LS £2,520DETAILS PRODUCT Amphion Argon3LS ORIGIN Finland TYPE 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 22kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 191 x 968 x 305mm FEATURES 1x 25mm titanium dome tweeter 1x 165mm aluminium mid/bass driver 1x 165mm aluminium passive radiator Quoted sensitivity: 85dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR Auden Distribution Ltd. TELEPHONE 07917 685759 WEBSITE amphion.fi/en A snowy white, minimalist design from Finland? Predictable, maybe, but don’t think that’s the long and the short of it. Yes, Scandi design has bags of showroom appeal, but it’s Amphion’s specific approach to acoustic engineering that will count for most in this group showdown. First, there’s the influence of the jumbo-sized waveguide surrounding the 25mm titanium dome tweeter. Dubbed UDD (Uniform Directive Diffusion), Amphion contends that, in combination with the unusually low crossover of 1.6kHz, more of the directional frequencies we hear…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Dynaudio Evoke 30 £2,900DETAILS PRODUCT Dynaudio Evoke 30 ORIGIN Denmark TYPE 2.5-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 15.5kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 268 x 920 x 342mm FEATURES 1x 28mm soft textile dome tweeter 2x 140mm MSP mid/bass drivers Quoted sensitivity: 88dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR Dynaudio UK TELEPHONE 01353 721089 WEBSITE dynaudio.com As the second most expensive speaker in the group, the Evoke 30 has the distinction of being among the most compact, vying with the slightly slimmer Totem and marginally squatter Spendor for top trumps as a room-friendly presence. In this respect, there’s a lot to like. Dynaudio’s designers apparently put in the extra hours, taking prototypes and models home to live with them as well as visiting interior design stores and a cross section of real homes to gain inspiration. The result, with its straight tapered cabinet…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020KEF R5 £2,000DETAILS PRODUCT KEF R5 ORIGIN UK/China TYPE 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 27.3kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 175 x 1,025 x 344mm FEATURES Uni-Q driver array: 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with 125mm aluminium mid/bass driver 2x 130mm hybrid aluminium bass drivers Quoted sensitivity: 87dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR GP Acoustics (UK) Ltd. TELEPHONE 01622 672261 WEBSITE uk.kef.com Slimmer than the bulky Amphion and only a squeak shorter and lighter than the imposing Triangle, the three-way R5 is an astonishing amount of floorstanding real estate for the money. What’s more, it appears to be built and finished to a standard that sets the bar for the group. Colour-coordinated drivers and flawless piano black lacquer gloss, too? Glorious. Let’s call it a value perk that big companies find easier to offer. As with every current KEF speaker, the…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Message in a bottleDETAILSPRODUCTPrimaLunaEvoLution 100Tube DigitalAnaLogue ConverterORIGINNetherlands/ChinaTYPEDACWEIGHT13.4kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 280 x 191 x 404mmFEATURES24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD128-capable DACInputs: 1x USB-B; 1x coaxial; 1x optical; 1x AESDISTRIBUTORAbsolute Sounds Ltd.TELEPHONE0208 9713909WEBSITEabsolutesounds.comBest known for its extensive range of integrated, pre and power amplifier designs, PrimaLuna has also made a small number of digital sources for some years now. Initially, this was based around CD as a medium, but more recently it has switched to DACs to help digital fans consume music in all its modern forms. The Evo 100 Tube DAC is notionally part of the company’s 100 Series of products, but can be partnered successfully with any amplifier from its extensive lineup.The category of ‘valve DACs’ is a niche one, but within it there is a great deal of variation from devices that are almost entirely solid…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Rhapsody in BlueDETAILSPRODUCTiFi Audio Zen BlueORIGINUK/ChinaTYPEBluetooth DACWEIGHT476gDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 100 x 35 x 158mmFEATURESCodec support: SBC; AAC; aptX; aptX HD; LDAC; HWADigital outputs: 1x coaxial; 1x opticalAnalogue outputs: 1x RCA stereo; 4.4mm balanced jackDISTRIBUTORArmour Home ElectronicsTELEPHONE01279 501111WEBSITEifi-audio.comBluetooth has been part of the audio landscape for over a decade now, but it would be fair to say that for many the short-range wireless connectivity tech is something of a convenience feature; indisputably useful, but not necessarily regarded as worthy of a place in a serious hi-fi setup for critical listening. Part of this perception is due to the performance it offered in the early days. The default SBC codec introduced many to the idea of wireless connectivity, but was nothing to get excited about in audio terms, and this remains the feeling of many audiophiles…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020DESTINATION: STOCKPORTLeave behind Stockport’s main shopping area, a classic mid-sixties precinct, and within seconds you’re in the well-preserved old town – all cobbled streets with buildings dating back to the 16th century and steep alleyways and paths leading up to the market place. It’s an area that’s popular with film and TV crews for location shoots – including the hit drama Peaky Blinders – and home to a growing number of independent shops and traders, injecting new life into the old town.In among the boutiques, cafes and comic shops springing up on Little Underbank you’ll find SK1 Records. The brainchild of DJ Joe McBride (aka electronic producer Synkro), this record store first opened its doors in the long hot summer of 2018. It proudly takes its name from its postcode in…8 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020HI-fi choicesTHIS MONTHED SELLEYEXPERTISE: REVIEWERActive in the industry since 1999, Ed’s first record was Boss Drum by The Shamen. He splits his time between reviewing and protecting hi-fi kit from his son Will.NEVILLE ROBERTSEXPERTISE: ENGINEERNeville has an eclectic taste for classical baroque and jazz. His wife was forced to marry his transmission line speakers in the eighties and he collects BBC test card music.JASON KENNEDYEXPERTISE: REVIEWEREditor of HFC from 1998 to 2001, Jason’s first turntable was Rega’s Planar 3 and Elvis’ 40 Greatest Hits was his first vinyl, so don’t go stepping on his blue suede shoes.DAVID PRICEEXPERTISE: REVIEWERDP two-finger typed his first hi-fi review 25 years ago. Since then he’s edited Hi-Fi World and HFC. He describes himself as an “unreconstructed analogue addict”.CHRIS WARDEXPERTISE: REVIEWERLike his first kiss, Chris will…14 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Generation gameAlthough the classical music genre accounts for just five percent of the global recorded music market, streaming service providers are realising that there is a rapidly growing number of potential listeners. We are now seeing classical playlists starting to emerge on the likes of Qobuz that are reaching millions of people, many of whom are younger listeners attracted by the music’s ability to offer an experience that is very different to popular music.One of the problems for such service providers is that digital metatags were designed around popular music, which is easily sorted, searched or compiled by song, album, artist or playlist. Classical music requires a different structure. Pieces are often performed by different orchestras or performers in very different ways. Take, for example, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020HEAVY METALCOMPONENTSKRELL K-300I £9,000Krell’s smallest integrated (a relative term) can be ordered as an analogue-only device or, as here, with a comprehensive add-on board that offers a selection of digital inputs, UPnP streaming and full Roon compatibility, effectively making it an all-in-one system.MAGICO A1 £10,000Magico’s smallest speaker is a two-way standmount that takes the company’s very specific design philosophy – that includes aluminium cabinets, beryllium tweeters and graphene-infused carbon drivers – and brings it to an almost terrestrial price point.Let me start by presenting two contradictory statements. The system you see here represents the entry level for the brands involved. It also costs £19,000. This might seem rather peculiar, but it is the asking price to join two very exclusive clubs and while the cost might feel high, it is what’s…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020James TaylorAmerican StandardCD FantasyEVERYONE FROM ROD Stewart to Bob Dylan has been reinterpreting the Great American Songbook, so why not James Taylor? From Fire And Rain to Carolina In My Mind, he’s written enough standards of his own to earn the right – at 71 – to sing whatever he likes. From Hoagy Carmichael’s The Nearness Of You to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught from South Pacific via Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from Guys and Dolls, he reinvents these over familiar songs as gentle, le, stripped-down folk tunes, his skilful acoustic guitar work and warm vocals backed by a jazzily tasteful backing that includes upright bass, fiddle and dobro. Most striking of all is a poignant take on Billie Holiday’s God Bless The Child. Also…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Message in a bottleDETAILS PRODUCT PrimaLuna EvoLution 100 Tube Digital AnaLogue Converter ORIGIN Netherlands/China TYPE DAC WEIGHT 13.4kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 280 x 191 x 404mm FEATURES 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD128-capable DAC Inputs: 1x USB-B; 1x coaxial; 1x optical; 1x AES DISTRIBUTOR Absolute Sounds Ltd. TELEPHONE 0208 9713909 WEBSITE absolutesounds.com Best known for its extensive range of integrated, pre and power amplifier designs, PrimaLuna has also made a small number of digital sources for some years now. Initially, this was based around CD as a medium, but more recently it has switched to DACs to help digital fans consume music in all its modern forms. The Evo 100 Tube DAC is notionally part of the company’s 100 Series of products, but can be partnered successfully with any amplifier from its extensive lineup. The category…5 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Rhapsody in BlueDETAILS PRODUCT iFi Audio Zen Blue ORIGIN UK/China TYPE Bluetooth DAC WEIGHT 476g DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 100 x 35 x 158mm FEATURES Codec support: SBC; AAC; aptX; aptX HD; LDAC; HWA Digital outputs: 1x coaxial; 1x optical Analogue outputs: 1x RCA stereo; 4.4mm balanced jack DISTRIBUTOR Armour Home Electronics TELEPHONE 01279 501111 WEBSITE ifi-audio.com Bluetooth has been part of the audio landscape for over a decade now, but it would be fair to say that for many the short-range wireless connectivity tech is something of a convenience feature; indisputably useful, but not necessarily regarded as worthy of a place in a serious hi-fi setup for critical listening. Part of this perception is due to the performance it offered in the early days. The default SBC codec introduced many to the idea…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Simply redDETAILS PRODUCT Rega Ania Pro ORIGIN UK TYPE Moving-coil cartridge WEIGHT 6g FEATURES ABS body with red protector plates Suspension-free tapered aluminium cantilever Vital stylus DISTRIBUTOR Rega Research Ltd. TELEPHONE 01702 333071 WEBSITE rega.co.uk As the latest introduction in what has been a continuous stream of new products over the last year, the Ania Pro cartridge is designed to bridge the gap between Rega’s £500 Ania (HFC 452) and the recently introduced Apheta 3 priced at £1,250. The new MC offering costs £750 and can be preinstalled to either the Planar 6 (HFC 453) or Planar 8 (HFC 443) turntables, bringing their package prices up to £1,700 or £2,350 respectively. Not everything about the Ania Pro cartridge is brand new, however. The key difference between the Apheta 2 and Apheta…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Blue HorizonONE SOLUTION TO the problem of protecting floors or carpets when using speaker spikes has been to slip a copper coin underneath each spike. Although this distributes the weight over a wider area and prevents damage, it doesn’t do much to help deliver all of the sonic benefits spikes are designed to offer. Enter Blue Horizon’s Spike Shoes MkII – claimed to provide the benefits of controlling resonances. The maker explains that rival devices focus on protecting surfaces without considering their sonic effect, making them little better than using the aforementioned coin.Chain reactionAs well as protecting the floor or equipment rack, the shoes are intended to enhance sound quality by suppressing resonances that can result in sonically damaging microphony, which is then fed back to the equipment and can find…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Ecosse CablesWITH ITS WHITE PVC outer jacket, the ES2.23+ speaker cable should glide around the edges of your room inconspicuously. Inside the 9.5mm circular cross-section jacket is a pair of Ultra Hi-Purity-OFC multi-stranded conductors with a 3mm2 conductor cross-section. Each conductor has around 400 0.07mm diameter copper strands woven together to form the wire. The conductors are insulated in a low-loss polypropylene dielectric insulation arranged in a rope-lay twisted pair configuration. Also, the cables are filled with yarn and cotton paper to minimise microphonic vibrations that can degrade the audio signal. The ES2.23+ can be supplied terminated in z/x copper spade or banana plugs.I kick off with a recording of Vivaldi Sonatas For Flute and am instantly aware of a performance that has masses of detail and excellent clarity with no…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020A golden age of ChoiceThis month sees me reach a seven-year milestone on Hi-Fi Choice as editor and also my departure from the chair. In marriage terms the event could be seen as the onset of what is sometimes described as the ‘seven-year itch’ – the time frame where relationships are said to enter a slump and partners become restless and dissatisfied. In my case, nothing could be further from the truth as reviewing audio equipment I could never afford to own and spending a good proportion of time exploring and listening to my favourite music has always been my idea of a dream job. I’ve always been a keen hi-fi fan and built my first separates-based setup by reading and researching from a collection of specialist magazines in the early nineties. For me…4 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020WelcomeFloorstanding speaker Group Tests are one of the most disruptive roundups HFC puts together. The physical size of the cabinets, logistical demands in gathering models within a time frame and securing a reviewing space that’s large enough to store, run-in and audition six comparable pairs is one of our biggest challenges – but a hugely worthwhile one as it often results in our bestselling issue of the year. The low-cost designs that featured in our last floorstanders Group Test (HFC 447), demonstrated a variety of ways listeners can achieve hi-fi sound on a relatively tight budget, but this month’s selection moves things on with six next-step models to show potential buyers what superior sonic gains can be had when you dig a little deeper.Priced from £2,000 to £3,300, each of…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Fidelio X3 headphonePRICE: £300 AVAILABLE: JULY WEB: PHILIPS.CO.UK LAST SEEN BACK in HFC 394, Philips’ open-back Fidelio headphone (back then it was the X2) is making a welcome return in the shape of the luxurious X3. Described by the Dutch company as being designed to offer accuracy with generous bass and a warm midrange, the X3 employs multi-layer 50mm polymer drivers that are gel filled for better damping combined with a neodymium motor system. Double layered, the enclosures incorporate an internal ridge construction to reduce vibrations and are pre-tilted to 15° – the optimum angle to ensure audio is directed into the ear canal explains Philips. Boasting a claimed bandwidth of 5Hz to 40kHz, the Fidelio 3 can be used in balanced mode to reduce crosstalk and improve stereo separation. A balanced,…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020NAIM ADDS QOBUZ SUPPORTNaim Audio has announced that it will be adding native Qobuz support to its family of music streamers. Available as a free firmware upgrade, the new update ensures that owners of Naim products will now be able to enjoy seamless access to the French music streaming service.Boasting the largest selection of albums available to stream in true high resolution, Qobuz won our music streaming service Group Test back in HFC 455 and claims the most comprehensive CD-quality catalogue currently available. The update is for Naim’s Uniti Atom, Star and Nova systems, plus ND5 XS2, NDX 2 and ND 555 network players. An update for Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation and Naim Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation wireless speakers is expected to follow in “Spring 2020”.NAIMAUDIO.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Denon’s Home runPRICE: £220-£600 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 0208 1034770 WEB: DENON.CO.UKSOUND UNITED AUDIO brand Denon has unveiled three all-new wireless speakers compatible with its Heos multi-room platform. The Home 150 (pictured), 250 and 350 are priced at £220, £450 and £600 respectively and boast file support up to 24-bit/192kHz as well as DSD128. Streaming service support is offered as is wi-fi and Bluetooth along with AirPlay 2 and physical connectivity in the form of a USB-B port and 3.5mm audio output.The range incorporates a proximity sensor that illuminates touch controls when a hand moves near, while two Home speakers can be paired in stereo and integrated with Denon’s DSW-1H wireless subwoofer. Available in a choice of white or black finishes and dressed in a water and stain-resistant material, the Home 150 has…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2PRICE: £900 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01494 956558 WEB: ELECTROMOD.CO.UKFormerly known as MrSpeakers, the Californian-based headphone manufacturer has recently undergone a rebrand to become Dan Clark Audio. In the process it has announced the next phase of its planar-magnetic headphone design with the introduction of its new Aeon 2 models. As with the company’s previous Aeon designs – reviewed in the form of the Aeon Flow Open headphone back in issue 435 – the updated models are also available with a choice of open or closed back.Featuring an all-new motor assembly directly derived from the company’s flagship Ether 2 (reviewed HFC 456) they’re said to use the same high-precision machined system to improve internal airflow with new voicing claimed to produce a warmer, fuller tone in the closed model and a…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Chord’s Ultima duoPRICE: £6,000-£9,250 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01622 721444 WEB: CHORDELECTRONICS.CO.UKWIDELY CONSIDERED TO be Chord Electronics’ definitive amplifier, the SPM 1200 MK II is about to be replaced by the company’s new Ultima 5 (pictured), while the SPM 1050 MK II makes way for the Ultima 6. Boasting a claimed power output of 2x 300W and 2x 180W RMS into 8ohm respectively, the stereo power amps include John Franks’ first all-new circuit topology design in three decades with the Ultima 5 utilising 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices (while the Ultima 6 makes do with just 32). The drive circuitry features an ultra-lowdistortion, high-voltage amplifier operating at 300V per microsecond and is claimed to benefit from advanced feed-forward and feedback compensation techniques.Equipped with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, the £6,000 Ultima…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020T+A’s headphone debutPRICE: £4,800-£6,600 AVAILABLE: MARCH/APRIL CONTACT: 01249 704669 WEB: THEAUDIOBUSINESS.CO.UKT+A has unveiled its first ever headphone, closely followed by an accompanying headphone amplifier/DAC. Hand built in Germany, the Solitaire P aims to mirror the company’s Solitaire series of loudspeakers utilising a planar-magnetostatic design. Developed by a team of physicists and engineers, the ultra-lightweight membrane covers the entire area of each earpiece enclosure and is positioned between the planar magnetostatic drive system. The drive units are described by the company as delivering a spacious, airy feel that is unique even for planar headphones with the entire surface area of the membrane driven to deliver high-quality sound. Made from high-grade aluminium and soft leather, the Solitaire P is available now for £4,800.The £6,600 HA 200 amplifier/DAC follows in April and boasts three headphone…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020T+A’s headphone debutPRICE: £4,800-£6,600 AVAILABLE: MARCH/APRIL CONTACT: 01249 704669 WEB: THEAUDIOBUSINESS.CO.UK T+A has unveiled its first ever headphone, closely followed by an accompanying headphone amplifier/DAC. Hand built in Germany, the Solitaire P aims to mirror the company’s Solitaire series of loudspeakers utilising a planar-magnetostatic design. Developed by a team of physicists and engineers, the ultra-lightweight membrane covers the entire area of each earpiece enclosure and is positioned between the planar magnetostatic drive system. The drive units are described by the company as delivering a spacious, airy feel that is unique even for planar headphones with the entire surface area of the membrane driven to deliver high-quality sound. Made from high-grade aluminium and soft leather, the Solitaire P is available now for £4,800. The £6,600 HA 200 amplifier/DAC follows in April and boasts…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Unique group testsHi-Fi Choice employs the most methodical test and measurement regime in the business. Here’s how we do it…FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER GROUP TESTA LOUDSPEAKER WILL never sound at its best when factory fresh from the box and so requires some time to free up properly to deliver its optimum performance. Consequently, all six floorstanders here are given a minimum of 72 hours running-in time with IsoTek’s Full System Enhancer CD on repeat, plus an additional two days of music before any critical listening commences. Auditioning is done in both my smaller and larger listening room over a period of a week, during which time optimal placement is experimented with.The listening position is adjusted so that the tweeter is roughly at ear height, and the speaker is initially placed close to the rear…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020SOUND THINKINGHegel explains that a story is told from person to person. Details change. Things are both added and lost along the way. When a music signal passes through an audio amplifier, a similar effect takes place. As the signal is passed from stage to stage within the chassis, it will inevitably be changed by every single amplifier stage. By the time it finally reaches the loudspeaker, the signal is different from the one that originated at the source. Hegel claims that its SoundEngine 2 local error cancelling system prevents distortion in the audio amplifier circuit stages by preserving the original details and the dynamic range in the original music, resulting in a much cleaner signal with a larger dynamic range and lower distortion. A dynamic, multi-stage, feed-forward system, an analogue…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Spendor A4 £2,200DETAILSPRODUCTSpendor A4ORIGINUKTYPE2-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT16kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 165 x 861 x 284mmFEATURES1x 22mm soft dome tweeter1x 180mm polymer cone mid/bass driverQuoted sensitivity: 86dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORSpendor Audio SystemsTELEPHONE01323 843474WEBSITEspendoraudio.comAs the only other straight two-way design among the smaller floorstanders in the group (along with the Totem), the A4 has a similarly compact form factor and simple, clean-cut presence to engender a ‘job-done’ feeling among prospective purchasers. It’s never quite that straightforward, of course, and we wouldn’t have invited the A4 to the party had we felt such things made it a stone-cold no-brainer. But there can be no denying its solid engineering, smart finish and strong sense of zero frills ‘rightness’ get it off to a great start.Like Spendor’s slightly larger A7 floorstander (HFC 440), the A4 uses a 180mm mid/bass driver with polymer cone, surround…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Triangle Esprit Australe EZ £3,300DETAILSPRODUCTTriangle Esprit Australe EZORIGINFrance/ChinaTYPE3-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT38.8kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 300 x 1,170 x 460mmFEATURES2x 25mm titanium compression tweeters1x 165mm midrange driver3x 165mm bass driversQuoted sensitivity: 92.5dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORElite Audio Ltd.TELEPHONE01334 570666WEBSITEeliteaudiouk.comIf any speaker in this group deserves the description tour de force, this is probably it. The largest and heaviest of the three larger floostanders, it’s frankly a bit of a monster, standing some 1,170mm tall, weighing just shy of 40kg and, finished in black gloss, looking properly imposing. It also has comfortably the most drivers – three bass, one mid and two tweeters, one of those facing backwards. Triangle’s portfolio stretches all the way into the high-end clouds and although the Australe EZ is top of the Esprit lineup, Esprit is two tiers below the French company’s flagship Magellan range.Predictably, some trickle-down tech from…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Active applicationDETAILSPRODUCTExposure VXNORIGINUKTYPEOutboard active crossoverWEIGHT2kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 218 x 89 x 348mmFEATURESCompatible with two and three-way speaker designs1x stereo RCA input3x stereo RCA outputs (treble, mid, bass)Dedicated PSUDISTRIBUTORExposure Electronics Ltd.TELEPHONE01273 423877WEBSITEexposurehifi.comDETAILSPRODUCTExposure XM7/XM9ORIGINUKTYPEPreamp/mono block power ampsWEIGHT5kg eachDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 218 x 89 x 363mmFEATURESQuoted power output: 80W (XM9)Analogue inputs: 1x stereo RCAs; 1x MM phono; 1x AV directDigital inputs: 2x optical; 2x BNC coaxial digital; 1x USB-B portDISTRIBUTORExposure Electronics Ltd.TELEPHONE01273 423877WEBSITEexposurehifi.comSay the words ‘active speaker’ to most audiophiles and there is a good chance the first thing to spring to mind will be loudspeakers with built-in amplification to power the drivers. To be clear, the defining characteristic that makes a speaker active is that it has a powered crossover placed in front of the allocated amplification to best suit the frequency range of each driver, or…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Breaking the mouldDETAILSPRODUCTWharfedale Evo4.2ORIGINUK/ChinaTYPE3-way standmount loudspeakerWEIGHT13.4kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 250 x 455 x 340mmFEATURES1x 30 x 60mm Air Motion Transformer tweeter1x 50mm midrange driver1x 165mm Kevlar bass driverQuoted sensitivity: 87dB/1W/1m (8ohm)DISTRIBUTORIAG Ltd.TELEPHONE01480 452561WEBSITEwharfedale.co.ukTo many people, a £600 standmount speaker is likely to conjure up a few assumptions. For example, it will have two drivers, be around 30 to 35cm tall and there will be a port somewhere in the cabinet to aid its bass response. In presuming this, you will have a handle on almost every model available at the price. The ‘almost’ is important, though, because Wharfedale has different ideas…The Evo4 Series is the company’s latest range and is intended to bring some of the technology and thinking developed for its flagship Elysian family to a more affordable price point. The most notable is…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Concept albumDETAILSPRODUCTClearaudioConcept ActiveORIGINGermanyTYPEBelt-drive turntableWEIGHT7.6kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 420 x 125 x 350mmFEATURESElectronic speed control for 33, 45 and 78rpmBuilt-in MM/MC phono stage6.35mm headphone outputPreamp output with level controlOptional battery-powered PSUDISTRIBUTORSound FowndationsTELEPHONE0118 9814238WEBSITEclearaudio.deAs far as convenient audio formats and music sources go, vinyl and its archaic replay system don’t typically rank especially high. To make things simpler for some users, we’ve seen turntables with a built-in phono preamp so they can be connected to any line input without the need for an outboard phono stage. Clearaudio has taken this idea and run with it.The Concept Active is a development of the popular Concept model that forms the entry point of its extensive range. Already a fairly convenient piece of industrial design, it has electronic speed control – including the option to spin at 78rpm –…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Cleansing agentDETAILSPRODUCTDegritterORIGINEstoniaTYPEAutomatic record cleaning machineWEIGHT9kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 370 x 280 x 210mmFEATURES120kHz ultrasonic cleaning processFour customisable cleaning programsProgress screenDISTRIBUTORDegritterTELEPHONE00372 5884 8839WEBSITEdegritter.comWe’ve often discussed the benefits a thorough wet clean can bring to those coveted LPs in your collection that have been well played over the years and are in need of a refresh or secondhand purchases that just need a bit of TLC to sound their best, but few people realise the benefits it can bring to newly pressed records too. As part of the production process, residues such as mould-release agents can often be left behind embedded in the grooves of newly pressed vinyl. Equally, grime can quickly build up on precious LPs of even the most fastidious record collector with traces of dust and dirt retained inside the sleeve that can…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Simply redDETAILSPRODUCTRega Ania ProORIGINUKTYPEMoving-coil cartridgeWEIGHT6gFEATURESABS body with red protector platesSuspension-free tapered aluminium cantileverVital stylusDISTRIBUTORRega Research Ltd.TELEPHONE01702 333071WEBSITErega.co.ukAs the latest introduction in what has been a continuous stream of new products over the last year, the Ania Pro cartridge is designed to bridge the gap between Rega’s £500 Ania (HFC 452) and the recently introduced Apheta 3 priced at £1,250. The new MC offering costs £750 and can be preinstalled to either the Planar 6 (HFC 453) or Planar 8 (HFC 443) turntables, bringing their package prices up to £1,700 or £2,350 respectively.Not everything about the Ania Pro cartridge is brand new, however. The key difference between the Apheta 2 and Apheta 3 is the specially designed ‘fine-line’ stylus profile, which was developed to improve performance over the previous older ‘vital’ stylus…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Group test verdictTHIS IS ONE of those roundups where it’s possible to make a case for at least two of the contenders to just as easily finish first or last. Both the Argon3LS and Sky Tower are capable of spell-binding moments that mark them out as very special, yet they also have their own downsides. For all the Amphion’s sophistication and skill, its control and poise tends to shut out excitement. The Totem can sound terrific, but only above a certain volume threshold. Quieter listening isn’t its forte. Audition with care. The Spendor A4 is a more evenly talented proposition with a pacey, articulate, musically engaging personality delivering all the verve and snap the Amphion lacks. It’s a consistently entertaining performer that keeps hold of its musical mojo at moderate-to-low volume levels.…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020A golden age of ChoiceThis month sees me reach a seven-year milestone on Hi-Fi Choice as editor and also my departure from the chair. In marriage terms the event could be seen as the onset of what is sometimes described as the ‘seven-year itch’ – the time frame where relationships are said to enter a slump and partners become restless and dissatisfied. In my case, nothing could be further from the truth as reviewing audio equipment I could never afford to own and spending a good proportion of time exploring and listening to my favourite music has always been my idea of a dream job.I’ve always been a keen hi-fi fan and built my first separates-based setup by reading and researching from a collection of specialist magazines in the early nineties. For me though,…4 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Lost art of the coverThe death of graphic designer Vaughan Oliver two days before the start of the decade served as a reminder of how much we have lost since streaming destroyed music’s once vital connection between an album and its cover art. If readers are unfamiliar with the name, they will certainly know his work. As the in-house designer for indie label 4AD, Oliver’s striking and imaginative artwork helped to capture the spirit of the dark and complex alt-rock music inside the record sleeves he designed for the likes of Pixies, This Mortal Coil, Cocteau Twins, The Breeders and Scott Walker among countless others.Oliver changed the paradigm of record sleeve design, elevating the album cover to a state of mind, creating its own atmosphere in parallel to the music housed within. A record…4 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Music reviewsALBUM OF THE MONTHMaria McKeeLa Vita NuovaCD FireTHERE’S A LOT to be said for a good midlife crisis. Back in the eighties, Maria McKee was lead singer with LA country-rockers Lone Justice. The band’s ‘cow-punk’ sound was heard on a brace of pioneering albums and Bob Dylan was impressed enough to write a song for them. After the band broke up, McKee launched her solo career in spectacular fashion with the single Show Me Heaven, which went to number one in the UK charts in 1990.She followed with the evocative, reverb-heavy If Love Is A Red Dress, Hang Me In Rags, the only original song to feature in the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Her golden run was capped by 1995’s totemic Life Is Sweet, a mash-up of roots-rock…11 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Concept albumDETAILS PRODUCT Clearaudio Concept Active ORIGIN Germany TYPE Belt-drive turntable WEIGHT 7.6kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 420 x 125 x 350mm FEATURES Electronic speed control for 33, 45 and 78rpm Built-in MM/MC phono stage 6.35mm headphone output Preamp output with level control Optional battery-powered PSU DISTRIBUTOR Sound Fowndations TELEPHONE 0118 9814238 WEBSITE clearaudio.de As far as convenient audio formats and music sources go, vinyl and its archaic replay system don’t typically rank especially high. To make things simpler for some users, we’ve seen turntables with a built-in phono preamp so they can be connected to any line input without the need for an outboard phono stage. Clearaudio has taken this idea and run with it. The Concept Active is a development of the popular Concept model that forms the entry point of…5 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020DEMO DISCSLee Dunkley, HFC editor, reveals four of his favourite albums used for product reviews – all tracks can be found on our Qobuz playlistHans ZimmerInception soundtrackThe perfect score for the film’s altered reality topic with foghorn-like trombones, while the endlessly beautiful Time makes me want to listen all over again.Mark RonsonLate Night FeelingsDon’t Leave Me Lonely is the standout track from this 2019 album, with breathless vocals by YEBBA and a terrific bassline that'll shake your insides.Kate BushHounds Of LoveEmbracing digital sampling, synthesisers and the perfect vocal marriage, the Ninth Wave suite demands both the full attention of the listener and a capable setup.Twin ShadowCaerWith elements of Bowie and Gabriel influencing the sound, Caer feels like its rooted in the best of eighties pop. Standout track is the infectious Too…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Dmitri Shostakovich2x CD Deutsche GrammophonHOT PICKSHOSTAKOVICH’S SYMPHONY NO.7 Leningrad portrays wartime struggle on an immense symphonic canvass. The score is packed with under rehearsed detail, but here Nelsons’ preparation is meticulous. He demands the highest standards of tuning in even the most demanding of passages. The heavy brass caps the structures with a huge sound, free from any hint of coarseness. The accomplished Boston wind players impress in the Sixth Symphony which, after a first movement slightly lacking in atmosphere, develops into a thoroughly involving performance. King Lear is well performed, while the popular Festive Overture does not achieve the sharp precision of the very best readings. The sound is thrilling. Closely miked, it is on the tonally bright side but balance is natural and the stereo perspective consistent. The sumptuously…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020DESTINATION: STOCKPORTLeave behind Stockport’s main shopping area, a classic mid-sixties precinct, and within seconds you’re in the well-preserved old town – all cobbled streets with buildings dating back to the 16th century and steep alleyways and paths leading up to the market place. It’s an area that’s popular with film and TV crews for location shoots – including the hit drama Peaky Blinders – and home to a growing number of independent shops and traders, injecting new life into the old town. In among the boutiques, cafes and comic shops springing up on Little Underbank you’ll find SK1 Records. The brainchild of DJ Joe McBride (aka electronic producer Synkro), this record store first opened its doors in the long hot summer of 2018. It proudly takes its name from its postcode…8 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020THE SITARSaid to have been invented in the 13th century, the sitar is a plucked stringed instrument which derives its distinctive timbre and resonance from sympathetic strings, bridge design, a long hollow neck and a gourd-shaped resonance chamber. Generally made from teak with the main resonating bowl made from a seasoned gourd, many sitars have a second gourd at the top of the neck to further amplify the sound.Played with a wire plectrum, the sitar has six or seven main strings, of which four are used for the melody and the other two or three to supply a drone or rhythmic ostinato. In addition there are nine to 13 sympathetic or taraf strings, which give the sitar its distinctive ‘jangling’ sound. Around 20 brass frets are arranged on the instrument’s long…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020HI-fi choicesTHIS MONTH ED SELLEY EXPERTISE: REVIEWER Active in the industry since 1999, Ed’s first record was Boss Drum by The Shamen. He splits his time between reviewing and protecting hi-fi kit from his son Will. NEVILLE ROBERTS EXPERTISE: ENGINEER Neville has an eclectic taste for classical baroque and jazz. His wife was forced to marry his transmission line speakers in the eighties and he collects BBC test card music. JASON KENNEDY EXPERTISE: REVIEWER Editor of HFC from 1998 to 2001, Jason’s first turntable was Rega’s Planar 3 and Elvis’ 40 Greatest Hits was his first vinyl, so don’t go stepping on his blue suede shoes. DAVID PRICE EXPERTISE: REVIEWER DP two-finger typed his first hi-fi review 25 years ago. Since then he’s edited Hi-Fi World and HFC. He describes himself…14 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020IsoAcousticsISOLATION PLATFORMS PLAY a vital role in stopping unwanted vibrations coming through the air, floor or furniture via the feet and chassis and affecting the components sat on them. The equipment itself can also generate vibrations that need to be dissipated away so that they don’t find their way into the audio chain. The Delos 1815M1 is designed to support all types of audio equipment, and turntables in particular.Good vibrationsIt measures 455 x 45 x 380mm, and consists of a solid ‘butcher block’ maple wood platform, designed to eliminate interference from external and structural vibrations and offer a stable platform for the equipment with a low noise floor. It can support equipment weighing up to 29.5kg.When in use under my record deck, there’s an immediate tightening up of the bass,…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020PRE/POWER AMPLIFIERSCambridge AudioEdge W£2,500 HFC 447The Edge W power amplifier quotes 2x 100W RMS output and has oodles of power to drive pretty much any speaker. It has a neutral sound with a hint of sweetness and an upbeat nature underwritten by plenty of insight that’s seriously good for the money.EmotivaBasX PT-100/BasX A-300£400/£530 HFC 429A most enticing evocation of ‘affordable high-end’, the sound from this Emotiva pairing delivers a soundstage that extends well beyond the walls with a combination of satisfyingly nailed-on pace, rhythm, timing and dimensionality that seriously impresses. A great buy.ExposureXM7/XM9£1,240/£1,390 HFC 429Fast, open and three dimensional, the XM9 pairing is capable of driving more awkward speaker loads to high levels without any complaint. Partnered with the XM7 preamp/DAC, Exposure’s house sound means a fulsome bass, midband detail and…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020CABLES – MAINS POWERAtlas CablesEos ddPRICE: £145 for 1m REVIEWED: HFC 452Referring to ‘dual drain’ technology, the Eos dd is designed to act as a filter against incoming contamination. The result is an inky blackness between musical phrases and a supremely low noise floor, while detail and imaging improve as interference is banished.FurutechRoxyPRICE: £233 for 1.5m REVIEWED: HFC 447Connecting the Roxy to a source component immediately removes a layer of glare and ‘glint’ from the sound; tonally it’s darkly translucent instead of shiny white gloss, allowing the listener to hear more into the music and appreciate the space between the notes.Black RhodiumStreamPRICE: £450 for 1.7m REVIEWED: HFC 430Black Rhodium has discovered that optimum sound quality is obtained from cables of 1.7m, hence this offering featuring silver-plated copper conductors. And who are we to…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020CD PLAYERSAudiolab6000CDTPRICE: £380 REVIEWED: HFC 447The 6000CDT is exceptional at revealing what’s on your discs to deliver a great big soundstage with plenty of detail inside. It can dig down deep into the mix to eke out the different musical strands while dynamically and rhythmically it’s hard to beat at the price. In short, it’s a super, highly affordable audiophile CD transport.Métronome TechnologieLe Player 2SPRICE: £5,100 REVIEWED: HFC 449As good as the sweet treble and rich bass are, what really impresses here is how when fed weaker CDs and impoverished MP3s the delivery remains unflappable and composed as layers of detail are locked into sharp focus.Cambridge AudioAXC35PRICE: £300 REVIEWED: HFC 454Something of a budget marvel, you’ll have to work extra hard to get the AXC35 to put a foot wrong. Bass…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Hugo 2goPRICE: £995 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01622 721444 WEB: CHORDELECTRONICS.CO.UK AS ONE OF our ‘Top 100’ must-hear components, Chord’s Hugo 2 portable DAC/headphone amp (£1,800) is applauded for the organic way it goes about making music. Its class-leading proprietary DAC technology is arguably the reason it sees greater use as part of a home hi-fi setup rather than on the go, and unlike the company’s Mojo DAC with its Poly 2 wireless streaming module, Hugo hasn’t offered similar support. Until now. Showcased in Europe for the first time at the UK’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the Kent-based company unveiled its £995 2go streamer/server, a wireless (2.4GHz wi-fi and A2DP Bluetooth) and Ethernet-enabled battery-powered module that turns Hugo 2 into a Roon Ready streamer with two SD card slots (rated up to 2TB…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Fidelio X3 headphonePRICE: £300 AVAILABLE: JULY WEB: PHILIPS.CO.UKLAST SEEN BACK in HFC 394, Philips’ open-back Fidelio headphone (back then it was the X2) is making a welcome return in the shape of the luxurious X3. Described by the Dutch company as being designed to offer accuracy with generous bass and a warm midrange, the X3 employs multi-layer 50mm polymer drivers that are gel filled for better damping combined with a neodymium motor system. Double layered, the enclosures incorporate an internal ridge construction to reduce vibrations and are pre-tilted to 15° – the optimum angle to ensure audio is directed into the ear canal explains Philips. Boasting a claimed bandwidth of 5Hz to 40kHz, the Fidelio 3 can be used in balanced mode to reduce crosstalk and improve stereo separation.A balanced, twisted-pair cable…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Wharfedale’s new ElysiansPRICE: £4,500-£6,500 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01480 452561 WEB: WHARFEDALE.CO.UK As Wharfedale’s new flagship range, Elysian captures everything the British loudspeaker company holds dear in one stylish cabinet – providing trickle-down tech to other speakers further down the range including the Evo4.2 standmount reviewed on p46. Introducing the new family with a large standmount and floorstander, both models are three-way designs sporting an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency driver for low distortion and claimed scintillating speed and dynamic ability. These are partnered by glass fibre cone drivers – 150mm midrange and 220mm bass driver (two in the case of the floorstander). The £4,500 Elysian 2 standmount offers 89dB sensitivity while the £6,500 Elysian 4 floorstander claims 92dB (at 8ohm) and both come in a gorgeous bass reflex, slot-loaded cabinet available in…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE REBORNBritish loudspeaker maker Monitor Audio has announced its next-gen Bronze Series. Now in its sixth iteration, the updated budget series includes four dedicated hi-fi models plus four multi-channel options including centre, rear, Dolby Atmos and a subwoofer aimed at home cinema applications. Details are sketchy, but we’re told the range starts at £260 for the Bronze 50 two-way standmount and visitors can find out more at its Bristol Hi-Fi Show preview. Monitor Audio’s technical director, Michael Hedges says: “The performance and build quality are beyond what one would normally expect at this price point and I am certain that our customers will love them.” Available in a choice of four finishes, look out for our review soon.MONITORAUDIO.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE REBORNBritish loudspeaker maker Monitor Audio has announced its next-gen Bronze Series. Now in its sixth iteration, the updated budget series includes four dedicated hi-fi models plus four multi-channel options including centre, rear, Dolby Atmos and a subwoofer aimed at home cinema applications. Details are sketchy, but we’re told the range starts at £260 for the Bronze 50 two-way standmount and visitors can find out more at its Bristol Hi-Fi Show preview. Monitor Audio’s technical director, Michael Hedges says: “The performance and build quality are beyond what one would normally expect at this price point and I am certain that our customers will love them.” Available in a choice of four finishes, look out for our review soon. MONITORAUDIO.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020KARL-HEINZ FINK ACQUIRES EPOSLegendary loudspeaker designer and founder of German manufacturer FinkTeam, Karl-Heinz Fink has become the new owner of Epos. Having concluded negotiations to purchase the British loudspeaker company at the end of January from Mike Creek (of Creek Audio), Epos will now be run from Germany by Fink and in the UK by David Jefferys (a former Creek Audio sales director).Citing Epos’ original founder, Robin Marshall, Fink noted: “When he started Epos, it was not just a brand like many others, but unique in many ways. Be prepared to see more unconventional ideas in our new Epos loudspeakers.”Creek Audio will be selling off any existing stock and will continue to be responsible for spares etc. on all models produced prior to 2020.EPOS-LOUDSPEAKERS.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020KARL-HEINZ FINK ACQUIRES EPOSLegendary loudspeaker designer and founder of German manufacturer FinkTeam, Karl-Heinz Fink has become the new owner of Epos. Having concluded negotiations to purchase the British loudspeaker company at the end of January from Mike Creek (of Creek Audio), Epos will now be run from Germany by Fink and in the UK by David Jefferys (a former Creek Audio sales director). Citing Epos’ original founder, Robin Marshall, Fink noted: “When he started Epos, it was not just a brand like many others, but unique in many ways. Be prepared to see more unconventional ideas in our new Epos loudspeakers.” Creek Audio will be selling off any existing stock and will continue to be responsible for spares etc. on all models produced prior to 2020. EPOS-LOUDSPEAKERS.COM…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020SOUND THINKINGHegel explains that a story is told from person to person. Details change. Things are both added and lost along the way. When a music signal passes through an audio amplifier, a similar effect takes place. As the signal is passed from stage to stage within the chassis, it will inevitably be changed by every single amplifier stage.By the time it finally reaches the loudspeaker, the signal is different from the one that originated at the source. Hegel claims that its SoundEngine 2 local error cancelling system prevents distortion in the audio amplifier circuit stages by preserving the original details and the dynamic range in the original music, resulting in a much cleaner signal with a larger dynamic range and lower distortion.A dynamic, multi-stage, feed-forward system, an analogue computer compares…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Röst revisitedDETAILS PRODUCT Hegel H120 ORIGIN Norway TYPE Integrated amplifier/DAC WEIGHT 12kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 430 x 100 x 310mm (WxHxD) 430 x 100 x 310mm FEATURES Quoted power output: 2x 75W (8ohm) Digital inputs: 1x coaxial; 3x optical; 1x USB-B; 1x Ethernet port Analogue inputs: 1x stereo balanced XLRs; 2x stereo RCAs 6.35mm headphone output DISTRIBUTOR Hegel Music Systems AS TELEPHONE 07917 685759 WEBSITE hegel.com It strikes me that the one integrated amplifier Hegel chose to christen with a noun rather than a number was developed as a messenger; a product tasked with articulating the company’s take on performance and functionality, but shrewdly priced for broad consumer consideration. In any event, there’s no denying that the Röst (named after a Norwegian island, but literally meaning ‘voice’) – reviewed HFC 418 –…8 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Amphion Argon3LS £2,520DETAILSPRODUCTAmphion Argon3LSORIGINFinlandTYPE2-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT22kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 191 x 968 x 305mmFEATURES1x 25mm titanium dome tweeter1x 165mm aluminium mid/bass driver1x 165mm aluminium passive radiatorQuoted sensitivity: 85dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORAuden Distribution Ltd.TELEPHONE07917 685759WEBSITEamphion.fi/enA snowy white, minimalist design from Finland? Predictable, maybe, but don’t think that’s the long and the short of it. Yes, Scandi design has bags of showroom appeal, but it’s Amphion’s specific approach to acoustic engineering that will count for most in this group showdown.First, there’s the influence of the jumbo-sized waveguide surrounding the 25mm titanium dome tweeter. Dubbed UDD (Uniform Directive Diffusion), Amphion contends that, in combination with the unusually low crossover of 1.6kHz, more of the directional frequencies we hear are emitted from a single point and benefit from the waveguide’s widening and smoothing dispersion characteristics, which expand the listening sweet spot and…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020KEF R5 £2,000DETAILSPRODUCTKEF R5ORIGINUK/ChinaTYPE3-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT27.3kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 175 x 1,025 x 344mmFEATURESUni-Q driver array: 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with 125mm aluminium mid/bass driver2x 130mm hybrid aluminium bass driversQuoted sensitivity: 87dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORGP Acoustics (UK) Ltd.TELEPHONE01622 672261WEBSITEuk.kef.comSlimmer than the bulky Amphion and only a squeak shorter and lighter than the imposing Triangle, the three-way R5 is an astonishing amount of floorstanding real estate for the money. What’s more, it appears to be built and finished to a standard that sets the bar for the group. Colour-coordinated drivers and flawless piano black lacquer gloss, too? Glorious. Let’s call it a value perk that big companies find easier to offer.As with every current KEF speaker, the centrepiece is a 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array. In this instance comprising a 125mm midrange element with 25mm aluminium dome tweeter seated in…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Totem Sky Tower £2,400DETAILSPRODUCTTotem Sky TowerORIGINCanadaTYPE2-way floorstanding loudspeakerWEIGHT14.2kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 162 x 850 x 232mmFEATURES1x 33mm textile soft dome tweeter1x 146mm mid/bass driverQuoted sensitivity: 88dB/1W/1mDISTRIBUTORJoenit BVBATELEPHONE+32 1528 5585WEBSITEtotemacoustic.comAlthough not pictured, each Sky Tower comes with three rocket-shaped ‘hooves’ you have to screw into the base before settling down to listen. From a distance, they’re the only things remotely diverting about the appearance of this painfully plain but not inexpensive little two-way floorstander. In a way, they set the tone, for all is not as it seems.Stability enhancers? To a degree. Spike receptacles? Not needed or recommended according to Totem, yet each is threaded to accommodate the very same if you feel you really have to. Their primary function is isolation and they’re called Composite Claws. Machined from high-density composite, their shape is said to break…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Group test verdictTHIS IS ONE of those roundups where it’s possible to make a case for at least two of the contenders to just as easily finish first or last. Both the Argon3LS and Sky Tower are capable of spell-binding moments that mark them out as very special, yet they also have their own downsides. For all the Amphion’s sophistication and skill, its control and poise tends to shut out excitement. The Totem can sound terrific, but only above a certain volume threshold. Quieter listening isn’t its forte. Audition with care.The Spendor A4 is a more evenly talented proposition with a pacey, articulate, musically engaging personality delivering all the verve and snap the Amphion lacks. It’s a consistently entertaining performer that keeps hold of its musical mojo at moderate-to-low volume levels. It’s…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Heart of glassDETAILSPRODUCTLuxman SQ-N150ORIGINJapanTYPEIntegrated valve amplifierWEIGHT12.4kgDIMENSIONS(WxHxD) 297 x 188 x 251mmFEATURESQuoted power output: 2x 10W (6ohm)Inputs: 3x stereo RCAs; MM/MC phono stage6.35mm headphone socketDISTRIBUTORIAG Ltd.TELEPHONE01480 452561WEBSITEluxman.comMention Japanese brand Luxman in hi-fi circles and the kind of product that typically comes to mind will be one of its hefty solid-state amplifiers, such as the L-590AXII integrated that appeared as part of our Luxman/DALI Beautiful System back in HFC 457. Along with its handsome leviathan components, Luxman also has a range of vacuum tube amplifiers and the SQ-N150 is the smallest in the current lineup. More compact in the flesh than it appears in images, it has a modest A4-sized footprint.In design terms, it is a fairly conventional amplifier built around two ECC83 dual triodes in the preamp section and a quartet of EL84…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Spendor A4 £2,200DETAILS PRODUCT Spendor A4 ORIGIN UK TYPE 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 16kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 165 x 861 x 284mm FEATURES 1x 22mm soft dome tweeter 1x 180mm polymer cone mid/bass driver Quoted sensitivity: 86dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR Spendor Audio Systems TELEPHONE 01323 843474 WEBSITE spendoraudio.com As the only other straight two-way design among the smaller floorstanders in the group (along with the Totem), the A4 has a similarly compact form factor and simple, clean-cut presence to engender a ‘job-done’ feeling among prospective purchasers. It’s never quite that straightforward, of course, and we wouldn’t have invited the A4 to the party had we felt such things made it a stone-cold no-brainer. But there can be no denying its solid engineering, smart finish and strong sense of zero frills ‘rightness’ get it off to…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Totem Sky Tower £2,400DETAILS PRODUCT Totem Sky Tower ORIGIN Canada TYPE 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 14.2kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 162 x 850 x 232mm FEATURES 1x 33mm textile soft dome tweeter 1x 146mm mid/bass driver Quoted sensitivity: 88dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR Joenit BVBA TELEPHONE +32 1528 5585 WEBSITE totemacoustic.com Although not pictured, each Sky Tower comes with three rocket-shaped ‘hooves’ you have to screw into the base before settling down to listen. From a distance, they’re the only things remotely diverting about the appearance of this painfully plain but not inexpensive little two-way floorstander. In a way, they set the tone, for all is not as it seems. Stability enhancers? To a degree. Spike receptacles? Not needed or recommended according to Totem, yet each is threaded to accommodate the very same if you feel you really…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Triangle Esprit Australe EZ £3,300DETAILS PRODUCT Triangle Esprit Australe EZ ORIGIN France/China TYPE 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker WEIGHT 38.8kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 300 x 1,170 x 460mm FEATURES 2x 25mm titanium compression tweeters 1x 165mm midrange driver 3x 165mm bass drivers Quoted sensitivity: 92.5dB/1W/1m DISTRIBUTOR Elite Audio Ltd. TELEPHONE 01334 570666 WEBSITE eliteaudiouk.com If any speaker in this group deserves the description tour de force, this is probably it. The largest and heaviest of the three larger floostanders, it’s frankly a bit of a monster, standing some 1,170mm tall, weighing just shy of 40kg and, finished in black gloss, looking properly imposing. It also has comfortably the most drivers – three bass, one mid and two tweeters, one of those facing backwards. Triangle’s portfolio stretches all the way into the high-end clouds and although the Australe…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Active applicationDETAILS PRODUCT Exposure VXN ORIGIN UK TYPE Outboard active crossover WEIGHT 2kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 218 x 89 x 348mm FEATURES Compatible with two and three-way speaker designs 1x stereo RCA input 3x stereo RCA outputs (treble, mid, bass) Dedicated PSU DISTRIBUTOR Exposure Electronics Ltd. TELEPHONE 01273 423877 WEBSITE exposurehifi.com DETAILS PRODUCT Exposure XM7/XM9 ORIGIN UK TYPE Preamp/mono block power amps WEIGHT 5kg each DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 218 x 89 x 363mm FEATURES Quoted power output: 80W (XM9) Analogue inputs: 1x stereo RCAs; 1x MM phono; 1x AV direct Digital inputs: 2x optical; 2x BNC coaxial digital; 1x USB-B port DISTRIBUTOR Exposure Electronics Ltd. TELEPHONE 01273 423877 WEBSITE exposurehifi.com Say the words ‘active speaker’ to most audiophiles and there is a good chance the first thing to spring to mind will be…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020The ABC of Group TestsFor the sake of neatness and a linear narrative, the speakers in the Group Test I’ve just finished for this issue were auditioned in the order they appear in the magazine – alphabetically. It seemed the obvious thing to do. But as you’ve probably guessed, that wasn’t the end of it. You may be wondering if it’s worth adhering to such an order given that most of the week after day one is spent cross-referencing in an attempt to fine tune and verify a final judgement – an activity only truly concluded once you’ve gone cross-eyed and clumps of your hair are scattered across the listening room. So why not just dive in and start with the first speaker that falls to hand?Well, you could. Come to think of it,…4 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Breaking the mouldDETAILS PRODUCT Wharfedale Evo4.2 ORIGIN UK/China TYPE 3-way standmount loudspeaker WEIGHT 13.4kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 250 x 455 x 340mm FEATURES 1x 30 x 60mm Air Motion Transformer tweeter 1x 50mm midrange driver 1x 165mm Kevlar bass driver Quoted sensitivity: 87dB/1W/1m (8ohm) DISTRIBUTOR IAG Ltd. TELEPHONE 01480 452561 WEBSITE wharfedale.co.uk To many people, a £600 standmount speaker is likely to conjure up a few assumptions. For example, it will have two drivers, be around 30 to 35cm tall and there will be a port somewhere in the cabinet to aid its bass response. In presuming this, you will have a handle on almost every model available at the price. The ‘almost’ is important, though, because Wharfedale has different ideas… The Evo4 Series is the company’s latest range and is intended to…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Heart of glassDETAILS PRODUCT Luxman SQ-N150 ORIGIN Japan TYPE Integrated valve amplifier WEIGHT 12.4kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 297 x 188 x 251mm FEATURES Quoted power output: 2x 10W (6ohm) Inputs: 3x stereo RCAs; MM/MC phono stage 6.35mm headphone socket DISTRIBUTOR IAG Ltd. TELEPHONE 01480 452561 WEBSITE luxman.com Mention Japanese brand Luxman in hi-fi circles and the kind of product that typically comes to mind will be one of its hefty solid-state amplifiers, such as the L-590AXII integrated that appeared as part of our Luxman/DALI Beautiful System back in HFC 457. Along with its handsome leviathan components, Luxman also has a range of vacuum tube amplifiers and the SQ-N150 is the smallest in the current lineup. More compact in the flesh than it appears in images, it has a modest A4-sized footprint. In design…7 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Cleansing agentDETAILS PRODUCT Degritter ORIGIN Estonia TYPE Automatic record cleaning machine WEIGHT 9kg DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 370 x 280 x 210mm FEATURES 120kHz ultrasonic cleaning process Four customisable cleaning programs Progress screen DISTRIBUTOR Degritter TELEPHONE 00372 5884 8839 WEBSITE degritter.com We’ve often discussed the benefits a thorough wet clean can bring to those coveted LPs in your collection that have been well played over the years and are in need of a refresh or secondhand purchases that just need a bit of TLC to sound their best, but few people realise the benefits it can bring to newly pressed records too. As part of the production process, residues such as mould-release agents can often be left behind embedded in the grooves of newly pressed vinyl. Equally, grime can quickly build up on…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Portrait of geniusThere are very few musicians in the world whose technical virtuosity, creative vision and ability to communicate have made their names synonymous with their instruments. Yet say the word “sitar” and there is only one name that ever springs to mind: the late, great genius of Indian musician Ravi Shankar.Able to play with both ornamental delicacy and robust power, Shankar was more than just the world’s most skilled and famous sitar maestro. He popularised Indian music on a global scale, created a bridge between Eastern and Western music and, in the words of his friend and pupil George Harrison, was “the godfather of world music”.Shankar – the centenary of whose birth is being celebrated this year in a series of festivals and tribute concerts staged around the world – was…10 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY1956THREE RAGASA perfect introduction to the intricacies of Hindustani classical music on Shankar’s first recording, which was digitally remastered and reissued on compact disc back in 2000.1962IMPROVISATIONSA mix of ragas in the classical Indian style plus Shankar’s first recorded example of crossover work with American jazz musicians flautist Bud Shank and bassist Gary Peaco*ck.1964PORTRAIT OF GENIUSSide two contains a 20-minute long traditional raga, but side one consists of six short pieces featuring the empathetic playing of American jazz flautist supremo Paul Horn.1967WEST MEETS EASTA landmark recording of sitar-violin duets featuring three compositions by Shankar and a 24-minute recording of Enescu’s Sonata For Violin And Piano in A minor, with Menuhin’s sister on piano.1967LIVE: AT THE MONTEREY INTERNATIONAL POP FESTIVALShankar’s celebrated first performance at a pop festival, accompanied by Alla Rakha…3 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020Small wonderRefined to the essence of hi-fi perfection” or so said Aiwa’s 1980 brochure for its M-301 mini system. “The 35W System: Refinement. Ingenuity. Performance”, it continued. It’s easy to laugh at the marketing hype, but look beyond this and it’s actually a rather impressive bit of kit. This is largely because when it was launched in 1980 the market for ‘miniature components’ was absolutely cut-throat.It’s important to point out that these weren’t simply the swish-looking, all-in-one ‘lifestyle systems’ that we have today; they were effectively full-size hi-fi separates that had shrunk in the wash, so to speak. They gave little away in terms of features to their full-size brethren and were often actually more expensive to buy. Competition was intense to deliver high-performing compact stereo systems with all the features…6 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020MS HD PowerA VERSION OF Murphy’s law that often comes into play with any audio setup is that if you have X number of components to plug in, you will have X minus one available sockets. Help is at hand, thanks to MS HD Power’s MS-2160P six-way distribution block supplied by Air Audio Distribution.Power playFitted with a 1.5m mains cable, it features a built-in RF/EMI noise filtration network. The UK mains plug is fitted with gold-plated live and neutral pins and the internal fuse clamps are silver-plated with 1μm-thick ‘925’ pure silver. The fuse has silver-plated ends and the cable is double shielded against RFI interference. The three conductors are made from 2.5mm2 cross-section 6N-OFC 99.9999 percent pure copper, so should be robust enough for the current requirements of your setup.The six…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020AMPLIFIERSAudiolab6000APRICE: £600 REVIEWED: HFC 444A cracking budget integrated amplifier with just the right mix of features and high-quality performance. The 6000A boasts a snappy and engaging sound with sufficient power and fine build quality. It’s a great buy for the more discerning music enthusiast that demands plenty of flexibility at the heart of their system.NaimNait XS 3PRICE: £2,200 REVIEWED: HFC 454/459A clear improvement over its already impressive predecessor, the Nait XS 3 is an emotionally articulate and highly engaging performer that’s hard not to love. It turns in a well-defined, detailed and carefully ordered sound that ticks all the right ‘hi-fi’ boxes, but more than that, it really sings when required.CoplandCTA408PRICE: £6,400 REVIEWED: HFC 450Though this valve-based integrated isn’t a lush or cuddly performer and there are times it sounds…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020CABLES – INTERCONNECTSAtlas CablesEquator IntegraPRICE: £115 for 1m REVIEWED: HFC 438Employing the same OCC copper conductors used in Atlas’ higher end interconnects, the Equator Integra transmits consistently sophisticated music and represents excellent value for money. Subtle nuances become elevated, while elegance, refinement and fine details adroitly come to the fore.Gekko CablesRed DuskPRICE: £250 for 1m REVIEWED: HFC 456A directional unshielded RCA interconnect, the Red Dusk is made of two twisted solid-core OFHC copper conductors clad in silver. Once run-in, the soundstage takes on a more three-dimensional presentation, subtle details come to the fore and the orchestra fills the entire width of the room.Black RhodiumMinuetPRICE: £160 for 1m REVIEWED: HFC 453Replacing the Prelude, this RCA interconnect is screened and employs silver-plated copper wire to improve clarity and high-frequency performance. The result is remarkably…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020The ABC of Group TestsFor the sake of neatness and a linear narrative, the speakers in the Group Test I’ve just finished for this issue were auditioned in the order they appear in the magazine – alphabetically. It seemed the obvious thing to do. But as you’ve probably guessed, that wasn’t the end of it. You may be wondering if it’s worth adhering to such an order given that most of the week after day one is spent cross-referencing in an attempt to fine tune and verify a final judgement – an activity only truly concluded once you’ve gone cross-eyed and clumps of your hair are scattered across the listening room. So why not just dive in and start with the first speaker that falls to hand? Well, you could. Come to think of…4 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020ALSO CONSIDERAudiolab8300CDQ£1,100 HFC 448Taking the winning recipe of the 8200CDQ and adding an upgraded DAC with DSD playback, the accurate and uncoloured sound of the Audiolab is unmistakable. Vast amounts of detail are extracted from the mix, soundstaging is incredible and music flows naturally.Leema AcousticsStream IV£2,300 HFC 456The latest update to this long-established player feels a considerable step forward. CD playback is highly refined, assured and transparent, bass is rock solid with visceral depth that positively grips your solar plexus and streaming shares all these qualities for the best of both worlds.MarantzND8006£1,100 HFC 450A CD player with DAC and streaming capabilities, the ND8006 effortlessly conveys the true spatial contrast between all the different strands of the mix while sounding precise with loads of midband detail. Tonally smooth, it has a silky…1 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020DACSAlpha Design LabsStratosPRICE: £1,315 REVIEWED: HFC 455Remarkably flexible at the price, the Stratos offers an impressively wide-reaching range of features without compromising sound quality. The soundstage is wide and open with a refined presentation, delicate details are reproduced with breath-taking accuracy and instrument separation and location are absolutely spot on.CoplandDAC215PRICE: £2,000 REVIEWED: HFC 418Equally at home operating as a headphone amplifier or preamp as it is a DAC, the tube-driven DAC215 highlights an almost tremulous quality in vocals in a relaxed way that allows the music to flow easily and freely for a rich and evocative performance with a seemingly bottomless bass.AudiolabM-DAC+PRICE: £800 REVIEWED: HFC 449While some DACs can dive deeper into a recording, what’s so likeable about the M-DAC+ is its poise, control and command of the bigger musical…2 min
Hi-Fi Choice|March 2020PORTABLE DACSAudioQuestDragonFly Red£170 HFC 423Compact it may be, but the Red can hold its own in this company. There’s plenty of detail and no sense of bass sluggishness or overhang while the midrange lends an appealing warmth to proceedings and the refined top end combines with a pleasantly spacious soundstage.Chord ElectronicsHugo 2£1,800 HFC 428An essential audition, the Hugo 2 is not just a portable DAC/headphone amp, but the best hi-fi digital converter available at or near the price. Music ebbs and flows along in an organic and unforced way and it images with stunning pinpoint precision.Chord ElectronicsMojo£400 HFC 423Mojo £400 HFC 423iFi AudioxDSD£400 HFC 439Justifying its inclusion on sound alone, the xDSD delivers a wide variety of musical styles with admirable clarity and precision. It’s engaging, lively sonics and versatile connectivity…1 min
