Hi-Fi Choice

Described by exposure as being ideal for those that don’t want the cost or size of their system to spiral out of control, the new XM series amplifier and phono stage are designed for users for who space is a premium. The XM5 integrated offers a claimed 60W per channel output (into 8ohm) and includes moving-magnet phono, line-level and fixed gain AV inputs. Digital connections comprise two coaxial and two optical inputs able to accept signals up to 32/192 and a single USB port (up to 24/192 and DSD). It features a linear power supply with a 200VA custom-made toroidal power transformer.

Inside our March Issue: The way we listen to music and the audio equipment we aspire to is continuously evolving. A quick glance through the pages of this month’s issue demonstrates that there are plenty of new products emerging to grab the attention of serious music fans, but many break with what hi-fi aficionados would consider to be traditional components. Take this month’s exclusive review of Acoustic Energy’s AE1 Active standmount loudspeaker, which takes the iconic AE1 design – celebrating 30 years since its introduction – and has evolved it into a truly active loudspeaker for next-gen audio fans. Active speakers have traditionally been the staple of the pro audio sector, with few models making the crossover to the domestic market as home hi-fi fans prefer the potential upgrade flexibility that’s offered by a separate amplifier, rather than opting for a speaker design with dedicated amplification built in.

When is a replacement not a replacement? This slightly abstract question comes about as a result of the loudspeaker you now see before you. When PMC started work on the twenty5 range, the intention was to replace the well-regarded twenty series models. But it very quickly came to the realisation that the speaker it was developing had the potential to be considerably better if the range was repositioned to sit between the twenty series andthe equally lower-case fact range. The result is that the twenty series continues as before with simplified finishes and a reduced price, while the twenty5 series arrives as a range in its own right.

The inaugural Audio Bazaar is taking place in Nottingham on Sunday 9 April. An ideal place to get your hands on pre-loved vinyl and hi-fi esoterica, it is expected to include a selection of modern and vintage hi-fi quipment and records. Taking place in the Clifton Leisure Centre, which is situated just 13 minutes outside of Nottingham city centre on he NET tram line and within easy reach of the M1, A42 and A50, the evnt is expected to attract enthusiasts from across the Midlands. A number of high-profile dealers are said to have already been confirmed and items expected to be on sale include turntables, loudpseakers, amplifiers, headphones, tuners, valves, cassette decks and reel-to-reel players, plus vinyl from across all genres.