Hi-Fi Choice

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September issue
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Aug 11, 2017  |  0 comments
Inside the September 2017 issue we take anIn-depthlook at B&W’s dazzling 800 Series Diamond 805 D3 standmount, plusExoticatakes an exclusive look at a Class D power amp and preamp combo by Mola-Mola, while our regular reviews section looks at the stunning new Rega Planar 6 turntable, Simaudio’s Moon Nēo MiND network music player, ATC’s HTS7 wall mounting speakers, and IsoAcoustic’s GAIA II isolation feet. Plus,Beautiful Systemlooks at a stunning vinyl and streaming setup from Gold Note, whileMusic Legendsspotlights Bob Marley – the man who brought reggae to the masses – and our six-wayGroup Testlooks at six muscular amps from Arcam, Denon, Hegel, Technics, and Yamaha. Insider Feature The world of content streaming is a difficult one to master and many music streaming services face uncertain times. Qobuz knows all about such difficulties and after facing near collapse in 2015, the French streaming and download platform is back on track following an overhaul of its services under new stewardship.
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Guide to digitising LPs and cassettes
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Aug 07, 2017  |  0 comments
Digitising LPs and cassettes LPs and cassette tapes have a place in our hearts, and are capable of producing rewarding audio quality on a home hi-fi. But while removing an LP from its sleeve, placing it on a turntable and lowering the stylus onto the vinyl is a thrilling experience, it’s not nearly as convenient as selectinga track and pressing the ‘Play’ button on a digital media player. One of the major issues is the vulnerability of a record to physical damage. One slip of the hand could send the stylus skating over the surface, leaving a permanent scratch that results in the tell-tale repetitive click each time it is played.
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Technics plans to release new SC-C70 system
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 31, 2017  |  0 comments
Not content with breathing new life into its famed SL-1200 turntable (see p46), Technics has unveiled a new compact stereo system in the shape of the SC-C70. With five loudspeakers built-in and Technics-developed Space Tune calibration software – which corrects parameters over its own network to optimise its spatial surroundings – the SC-C70 featuresa built-in CD player alongside Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, DLNA compliancy and a USB input for streaming from electronic devices like tablets and smartphones alongside music services such as Spotify and Tidal. An app will be introduced to make operation from a smart device simple, and the SC-C70 will be available from September. Price is still to be confirmed, but click here for more.
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Audiolab releases M-DAC Mini
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 28, 2017  |  0 comments
The fourth addition to the M-DAC family, the M-DAC Mini contains the same core technologies as its siblings – including the ES9018 SABRE32 Reference DAC – but, as the name suggests, in a smaller chassis that’s designed for use both at home and out and about. Connections include optical and coaxial digital inputs and outputs, asynchronous Type-A and Mini-B USB inputs, stereo RCA line-level outputs and a 6. 35mm headphone output. Wireless connectivity is catered for, thanks to the inclusion of aptX Bluetooth and the M-DAC Mini can process audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB as wellas supporting DSD data up to DSD256.
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Audeze unveils LCDi4 in-ear
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 27, 2017  |  0 comments
Probably best known as a manufacturer of full-size headphones that utilise planar magnetic driver technology to create thin and lightweight units with the voice coil printed into them, Audeze recently became the first company to repeat the trick by including the driver technology on its range of in-ear headphones – most notably in the shape of the iSINE 10. Reviewed on these very pages back in issue 423, we were very impressed and consequently issued a Recommended badge. So expectations are suitably high for the newly released LCDi4. Described by the maker as: “The end game in-ear headphone for music lovers”, the £2,400 LCD-i4 uses the same 0.
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Van den Hul adds to Crimson line with new Stradivarius pick-up
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 26, 2017  |  0 comments
Like its namesake, Van den Hul’s new Stradivarius version of its Crimson phono cartridge is lovingly crafted by hand (by AJ Van den Hul himself, no less), but it really gets its name from the ‘Stradivarius Formula’ lacquer that coats its koa wood body – which is similar to what’s used for finishing the famous violins. The new moving-coil cartridge features 24-carat gold coils, a samarium-cobalt magnet, boron cantilever and a proprietary Van den Hul stylus. Each Crimson Stradivarius is built to order and can be customised to the buyer’s specific tastes and setup. It’s available to buy now for £3,999 and Van den Hul also offers a free 200-hour service check up.
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Wharfedale Diamond 11 Series
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 26, 2017  |  0 comments
Since 1981, Wharfedale has been making an attractive entrypoint into hi-fi sound quality withits Diamond series of loudspeakers, enticing audio fans with their fine design and performance. The latest range, unveiled at the High End Show in Munich, comprises eight new models: three two-way standmounts – Diamond 11. 0 (£160), 11. 1 (£270) and 11.
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All-In-One Systems
Plato Class A
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 25, 2017  |  0 comments
Perhaps one of the biggest compliments I could pay an audio product on loan for test would be to tell whoever came to collect it they were most welcome to take it away but first they’d have to grapple it from my white-knuckled bear hug grip. Although a tad Walter Mitty, the thought did mess with me come the time to give back the Entotem Plato last year (HFC 400). I think the problem was that this early example of arguably the ultimate one-size-fits-all media server had settled itself so comfortably into my hi-fi world, it was only a matter of time before it slipped on a pair of fluffy slippers and started smoking a pipe. Its sudden but inevitable departure hurt.
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Hegel’s new H90 integrated amp
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 25, 2017  |  0 comments
Replacing the H80 integrated amplifier (which was HFC’s first introduction to the Norwegian company’s wares back in issue 391 and the first of many Recommended badge winners), Hegel unveiled its H90 to an expectant audience back in May at the High End Show in Munich. Described by Hegel’s Anders Ertzeid as “A Rost that’s been scaled down with a slightly smaller power supply. It’s more cleaner like the Rost, but can deliver more power than the H80”. Released under the banner “Better than yours”, the new integrated amplifier is driven by the manufacturer’s new and improved SoundEngine2, which is claimed to reduce distortion even more than previous Hegel offerings.
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Spendor unveils new A-Line Series
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Jul 24, 2017  |  0 comments
Taking key design elements of the technology and materials developed for its D7 (HFC 370) and A6R (HFC 381) floorstanders, Spendor has unveiled its new A-Line series of loudspeakers. The new models have been designed with more compact living spaces in mindand so have been made to be easy to drive and ableto give their best even when placed close to walls. Priced at £1,095, the Spendor A1 is a compact two-way standmount with a 22mm wide-surround tweeter and 150mm mid/bass driver. The £1,595 Spendor A2 isthe smaller of the company’s two-way floorstanders,which includes the same tweeter and bass driver as its standmount sibling, while the £2,195 A4 (pictured, right) is the biggest offering in the range.
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