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Melco updates NAS drives
Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 04, 2017  |  0 comments
Building on the success of its original N1 series of NAS drives (we saw the N1A back in HFC 397), Melco has unveiled the three new models that makeup the MKII range. Like the N1A before them, the new N1ZS20/2, N1ZH60/2 and N1AH60/2 store and play a digital music library without the need for any other computer or IT devices. The flagship N1ZS20/2 (£7,700) has two new second-generation 1TB solid state drivers (SSD) mounted on what Melco describes as a massive non-magnetic anti-vibration platform. These are supported by a dedicated power supply with additional capacitorbanks using audiophile-grade components for the SSDs, ensuring purity right at the very start of the audio chain.
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iFi Audio unveils nano iOne ‘do-it-all’ DAC
Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 03, 2017  |  0 comments
Adding to its family of digital-to-analogue converters (the impressive iDSD Black Label is reviewed in the Group Test in HFC 423), iFiAudio has unveiled its new nano iOne. Described as the ideal audio solution for the modern home by iFi, the ‘Hub’ DAC is designed to be used with everything from TV and gaming consoles through to tablets, smartphones and computers. Input options include coaxial, USB or aptX-flavoured Bluetooth for wireless hookup and there’s an RCA output for connecting to an amplifier. The nano iOne is compatible with PCM up to 192kHz, up to 12.
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Pioneer’s new XDP-30R portable music player
Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 02, 2017  |  0 comments
Following the popularity of its XDP-100R(HFC 413), Pioneer has announced its latest digital audio player. The XDP-30R boasts a lightweight aluminium chassis with twin Sabre ES9018C2M DACs alongside ESS9601K amplifiers arranged in a symmetrical layout under the hood and supports 32-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD files up to 5. 6MHz. Meanwhile, support for MQA will become available later in the year via a firmware update.
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Sonus faber's new Homage Tradition lineup
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 28, 2017  |  0 comments
It's fair to say that Sonus faber loudspeakers typically embody the very idea of luxury style and design for many high-quality audio fans, thanks to the brand's impeccable build using quality materials. The company introduced its first models in theearly eighties and each Sf speaker is handcrafted in its factory in Vicenza, Italy – around 40 miles West of Venice. The current three-strong Homage Tradition loudspeaker series had its UK launch at the end of March to an invited audience at Central London's high-end audio retailer KJ West One and currently consists of stereo models – Guarneri Tradition, Sarafino Tradition and Amati Tradition – while a Vox centre for multi-channel setups will arrive later in the year. The new lineup includes the latest version of two of the company’s celebrated Homage speakers – the £23,500 Amati 3.
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May 2017 issue on sale now!
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 22, 2017  |  0 comments
A quick glance at the product reviews pictured on the left of this page demonstrate that vinyl is still very much on trend as it continues to appeal to music fans of all ages and budgets. Vinyl is no longer a revival format, it’s the format of choice for an increasing number of us and Roksan’s Radius 7 turntable and Arcam’s rSeries phono stage are fine examples of the continuing stream of products available to fans in what is one of the most buoyant sectors of the audio market. For a format that appeared to be on the brink of extinction just a few years ago, its return to the mainstream has been meteoric with more products and LPs than ever to fuel our passion. Our support for the much-loved format is well documented in these pages and this month’s Destination feature visits Edinburgh’s best stores for crate diggers.
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Sonos introduces PLAYBASE
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 17, 2017  |  0 comments
Sonos has announced details of PLAYBASE, the latest addition to its wireless home sound system and the newest speaker in its home theatre lineup. Inspired by the insight that up to 70 percent of all TVs stand on furniture and are not mounted to the wall, PLAYBASE is a thin speaker that sits discreetly under the TV screen. At just 58 mmin height and packing 10 drivers, PLAYBASE can be used for both TV sound and for music playback. The construction has no visible seams resulting in clean lines, an ultra-flat top surface and more than 43,000 holes that make up an acoustically transparent grille.
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Tannoy unveils new Legacy series
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 17, 2017  |  0 comments
In its 90-year history, one of Tannoy's biggest succeses was its HPD loudspeaker series from the seventies. and now the hugely popular speaker series is set to return with every element crucial to its breathtaking dynamic range, clarity of sound and classic look preserved, while refinements that reflect only true audio progress have carefully been added. Hand crafted in Coatbridge, Scotland, every speaker in the new Legacy serieswill include an ‘owner’s care package’ as well as a certificate of authenticity, signed by the experts that made them. The new speakers include the floorstanding Legacy Arden and Legacy Cheviot alongside the standmount Legacy Eaton.
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McIntosh launches first dedicated phono stage
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 13, 2017  |  0 comments
First unveiled in the summer of 2016, McIntosh’s new MP100 phono preamplifier marks the company's first ever dedicated phono stage. The new MP100 has been designed to get the best from vinyl collections along with 24-bit recording via USB. The MP100 featuresboth moving-coil and moving-magnet inputs, with both inputs benefitting from adjustable loading (six settings each) to optimise performance. Despite its compact dimensions, the MP100 also features balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, plus a ‘mono mode’ switch to decrease noise and process the signal when playing legacy mono recordings.
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IsoTek unveils new EVO3 Genesis One
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 12, 2017  |  0 comments
IsoTek's new Mosaic series consists of a trio of compact power cleaning solutions in a slim-width format. The series balances power conditioning, voltage stabilisation and mains sine wave generation for a selection of components that you can mix and match to suit your hi-fi system. The EVO3 Genesis One (above), is a single-cell sine wave generation system withextremely low THD. As the name suggests, it features a single power outlet and is designed to work with a single front-endsource component.
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Chasing The Dragon website adds hi-res downloads
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 11, 2017  |  0 comments
We’re big fans of the direct-to-vinyl recording method and back in the October 2016 issue (HFC 415) we ran an Insider Feature on the extraordinary process run by Mike Valentine’s specialist Chasing The Dragon record label that followed a direct-cut recording of Clare Tealand The Syd Lawrence Orchestra performing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at Air Studios. 180g vinyl pressingsof its one-take recordings can be purchased from the website, butin moving with the times the labelhas announced that it has addeda high-resolution download area where fans can access all of the label’s recordings in their native resolution from 24/88. 2 to DSD128. Download prices start from £18.
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Webwatch: Do you own rare vinyl singles?
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 10, 2017  |  0 comments
Did you know that the picture disc single of Madonna’s Erotica featuring Madge sucking on some toes was hastily withdrawn by her record label in 1992, making copies of the record now worth a cool £2,500? Find out which other singles are worth the most. Might be time to have a check in your attic by clicking here. . .
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Webwatch: Ashes in your vinyl
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 07, 2017  |  0 comments
What better way to pay tribute to the deceased vinyl lover in your life than by having their ashes pressed into a piece of vinyl featuring audio of them talking and a personalised sleeve? Poor-taste gimmick or tender way to remember a loved one? Decide for yourself. . . .
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AVM comes to the UK
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 06, 2017  |  0 comments
German Audio Specialist AVM (Audio Video Manufaktur) has been around for 30 years, and has established a considerable lineup of components spread across three key ranges called Inspiration, Evolution and Ovation. The new brand to the UK got its first outing at the Bristol Sound & Vision show in February and carries a comprehensive range of models including integrated, pre and power amplifiers, receivers, CD player/DACs and all-in-one solutions like the £11,695 Ovation CS 6. 2 and 8. 2 flagship models (above and below respectively).
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Webwatch: Loudspeaker cleaning
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 05, 2017  |  0 comments
Properly cleaning loudspeakers isn’tas simple as you might imagine. Fortunately Dynaudio’s Customer Care Manager, Otto Jørgensen is on hand to explain all, including how to turn a pushed in tweeter out again. . .
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DS Audio unveils DS 002 optical cartridge
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 04, 2017  |  0 comments
Following the launch of the DS-W1 optical cartridge from DS Audio, the Japanese company has announced the introduction ofits most affordable optical pick-upto date in the form of the DS 002. Drawing on its experience with developing the original DS-W1 optical cartridge that arrived in the UK in 2015 and quickly followed by the Master 1 design released here in 2016, the DS 002 sportsan aluminium chassis, aluminium cantilever and classic Shibata stylus with the same enhanced optical-mechanical system and wire-suspended cantilever, and claims to deliver a similar output to the Master 1 with 500mV and 25dB of separation. The DS 002 optical cartridge also comes packaged with a more compact and lightweight phono stage/equaliser unit, in which a newly updated power supply features 10 33,000uF capacitors delivering what the maker claims is effortless power and superlative sound quality. It usesa special shielding that is 1.
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