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Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 21, 2015  |  0 comments
As two-channel audio might be seen to be a fairly mature category, moments of genuine innovation are pretty few and far between. That said, Chord Electronics’ Hugo (HFC 386) has a reasonable claim to being of some significance. The combined preamp/DAC in a portable form factor impressed us and has been a significant sales success too. At the same time, Chord hasn’t been blind to some of the limitations ofthe Hugo as a portable device.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 21, 2015  |  0 comments
Launched in October 1983, Audiolab’s original 8000A integrated amplifier was a veritable powerhouse by the standards of the day, with a quoted 50W RMS per channel into 8ohm that virtually doubled into 4ohm. Remarkably, unlike nearly all its rivals, the 8000A could even work into 2ohm loads without going bang. The model was extensively tweaked over the years and by the nineties had become a sort of hi-fi version of the Volkswagen Golf – affordable yet designed and engineered like no others at the price. It lived on for 14 years in its original incarnation, and the 8300A you see here is its latest descendant and arguably most radical departure.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 21, 2015  |  0 comments
Welcome to the Hi-Fi Choice Yearbook 2015 – the essential guide to getting the best possible sound from your hi-fi, whether you're buying, tuning or tweaking. . . 

 Wow! What a 12 months it has been for discerning audio fans, as well as a milestone year for your favourite hi-fi magazine as we hit 40 years old and 400 issues back in August.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 21, 2015  |  0 comments
Despite huge success inthe wireless multi-room market, Sonos has not always been that warmly embraced by audiophiles. That’s partly because for hi-fi kit to work with its networked wireless speakers you need its Connect box, which has optical and coaxial digital inputs, plus RCA stereo phonos. And you’ll need a phono preamp for your turntable. Then there’s the matter of hi-res files, as it won’t play anything over 16/48.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 14, 2015  |  0 comments
Developed in-house at Arcam, the recently updated MusicLife app has been designed to be easier to use, faster and more stable than similar streaming apps. In addition to standard UPnP functions, MusicLife plays media from servers to anyBluetooth device, enabling streaming to almost anything that's paired with an Arcam miniBlink or rBlink Bluetooth DAC. Features include the ability to stream from your server or computerto connected Arcam hi-fi or home cinema component, from an iPhone / iPad to connected Arcam hi-fi or home cinema component, from your server or computer to an iPhone / iPad, from your server or computerto any Bluetooth device or from an iPhone / iPadto any Bluetooth device. Complete control of the Media Player in an Arcam network-based music systems, includes advanced features such as playback of content stored on iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, library searching, sorting and shuffle & repeat playback.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 11, 2015  |  0 comments
Perfectly suited for those that like to listen to music while they exercise, Gibson Innovations has teamed up with the fastest man alive Usain Bolt to producethe Ti100in-ear. Designed to offer style, freedom of movement and superb sound, the wireless sport in-earphones utilise wireless Bluetooth technology to make it easy to listen to music while training. The Ti100 features a unique Aeroflex system that allows users to switch between in-ear and a more secure ear-hook style depending on the planned intensity of their training session. And as with the TH100 on-ear model, safety and visibility have been made a priority for when training at night, with both models featuring NightNav technology which includes LED lighting at the back of the earphone to make the user more visible.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 09, 2015  |  0 comments
Meridian has unveiled its new DSP5200. 2 and DSP7200. 2 speakers with proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. Both new models house not only smart processing, but also three 75W amplifiers with a claimed maximum output level of 116dB at 1m.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 08, 2015  |  0 comments
Linn has announced its Series 5, 520 and 530 Exakt customisable music systems. The 530 speaker boasts 300W of power, while the smaller 520 boasts 200W. Both have jewel-cut glass stands and top plates in a choice of grey, white or black. The Akurate Exakt DSM has connections for all music sources, including streaming from online services.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 07, 2015  |  0 comments
Introducing DALI’s zensor AX series, which comprises two models – the floorstanding ZENSOR 5 AX (pictured) and the bookshelf ZENSOR 1 AX. Two 50W fully optimised digital Class D amplifiers have been integrated into the left-hand speaker, with a cable carrying the output to the partnering passive model. Both speakers have 5mm wood-fibre, soft dome tweeters partnered by a pair of 133mm low-frequency drivers on the ZENSOR 5 and just one on the ZENSOR 1. Wireless connectivity comes via aptX Bluetooth and for a more traditional hookup, an optical Toslink (able to accept up to 24-bit/96kHz) and a pair of stereo analogue inputs are included, while a subwoofer output is on hand to give a little extra low-end grunt.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 04, 2015  |  0 comments
TEAC has underlined its commitment to hi-res with the release of the UD-503 dual-monaural USB DAC/headphone amplifier and the NT-503DAB USB DAC/network player (above). The UD-503 boasts support for 11. 2MHz DSD and 32/384 PCM formats. With a set of analogue inputs also provided and a 256-step QVSC (Quad Volume Control System), it can act as a standalone preamp, either partnered with power amps or active speakers.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 03, 2015  |  0 comments
Introducing a new phono stage from Cyrus, the Phono Signature has been designed to exceed the expectations of serious vinyl audiophiles, particularly in areas of dynamic performance, accurate cartridge matching and flexibility of use. By adding IR remote control of cartridge matching, for the first time ever the manufacturer is able to provide tonal control to rebalance vinyl that is less than perfect. Each of its four inputs can be accurately matched to the exact specification of the cartridge and the acoustic preference of the user. Adjustment is provided for MC cartridges in gain, resistance and capacitance, facilitating a possible 160 combinations.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 02, 2015  |  0 comments
Quad continues to mark its 79th anniversary with the launch of the new Artera range, which includes the Artera Play CD player DAC and preamp, alongside the Artera Stereo power amplifier, which is available in a choice of either black or silver finishes. At the heart of the Artera Play, is the ESS Sabre32 9018 32-bit, eight-channel digital-to-analogue converter. This is Quad’s first component to utilise this hybrid multi-bit chipset and external digital sources can, claims Quad, benefit from its exceptional quality via a range of digital inputs. These include USB, with support for up to 32/384 PCM and also DSD64/128/256.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Dec 01, 2015  |  0 comments
Record label owner and manufacturer Linn has unveiled its very own sonic version of an advent calendar for fans of hi-res music. Starting from today, each week in December a curated collection of stunning Studio Master tracks will be made available to download from Linn Records’ roster of artists. Each collection has its own theme, offering an ideal (and more importantly free) introduction to high-quality Studio Master downloads. There’s something for everyone, including Britain’s First Lady of Jazz, Claire Martin, an award-winning performance from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Mozart symphonies and an exclusive track from pianist and vocalist Liane Carroll, recorded especially for Linn’s 24-bits of Christmas.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Nov 30, 2015  |  0 comments
Bose introduces its new next-generation SoundTouch 10 speaker system. With built-in Bluetooth and wi-fi, the £169 loudspeaker connects directly to your portable devices straight from the box and is designed for instant music and multi-room listening. Using Bluetooth to stream any song, playlist or music service, you can then broadcast it via wi-fi to any number of SoundTouch 10 speakers. Alternatively, you can use the SoundTouch app (with music services Spotify and Deezer built in) to explore integrated music services, set up to six personalised presets to any music service playlist, artist or internet radio station and enjoy different music in multiple rooms.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Nov 30, 2015  |  0 comments
Studio monitors are generally built to be about as tough as they come. As butch as the stubble on Jason Statham’s chin, they should be able to shrug off the endless travails of studio life with ease, and – despite what manufacturers tell us – are quite a different kettle of fish to the sort of standmount speakers that hi-fi enthusiasts like to have perfectly positioned in their listening rooms. So it’s rare to find a near-field monitor, which is ordinarily plonked on a mixing desk with an engineer hunched behind it, offering the sort of performance that makes it perfect for home listening. But that’s precisely what we’ve got here.

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