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Chinese company IAG revives beloved British brand with new integrated amp and CD transport

In putting together this special edition, it’s clear to see that it has been another landmark year for audio, with a staggering number of high-performance components emerging to feed our passion for sound in increasingly innovative ways. From the continuing rise in popularity of vinyl to on-demand music streaming services delivering CD-quality sound and higher, the way we access music and the products we listen on is as diverse as ever. Inside this 164-page issue you’ll find our pick of the greatest-sounding audio products to undergo our respected reviewing process in 2017. From hi-res digital players to turntables, loudspeakers and headphones, every product is a covetedHi-Fi Choicebadge winner applauded by our experts for a winning combination of outstanding sound quality and value for money.

Founded in 2010, TIBO Electronics has built up a considerable product list for a new brand, including hi-fi systems, loudspeakers and home entertainment stands. The appeal of wireless speakers has seen TIBO moving in this direction with established models already in its range. Its new Plus series active speaker system is the latest line to be added to the range and uses the latest Bluetooth 4. 0 technology along with the aptX codec.

Based inDevon, Timestep has built up a reputation for its modifications of various iconic Technics turntables over the years and now, designer Dave Cawley has turned his attention to the recently-launched SL-1200 GAE. The new Timestep EVOke is the result. Like its predecessor the EVO, the new EVOke takes a new Technics deck and makes a series of revisions (including tonearm and cartridge) to deliver what Timestep claims is a superbly engineered ‘turnkey’ turntable package. A Timestep-Technics tour de force, it's claimed that the technical measurements of the new turntable almost equal those of the iconic Technics SP-10 MK-III deck.

Refreshing the design of its Model One – and adding streaming and multi-room capability in the process – Tivoli Audio has unveiled what it describes as its “table-top radio for the music streaming age”. The result is a stylish single-box solution that can be utilised for listening to DAB or FM radio, connecting to suitably equipped mobile devices using Bluetooth or streaming from services like Spotify via wi-fi. The Model One Digital’s high-resolution screen and multi-operational dial combine to make music selection a breeze, while the specially designed app allows the sharing of Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, QQ and TuneIn playlists or selections alongside local audio content on devices like smartphones, tablets and NAS drives. There’s also a 3.

New preamp claims to be exceptionally transparent, with "absolutely no noise"