VPI Prime(d) for Christmas
NEWS: Few turntable makers have been busier in recent years than VPI Industries… and the latest fruit of the US company’s efforts is a funky mid-end analogue spinner that takes no prisoners.
Sony UDA-1/SS-HA3 – high-res on a desktop
REVIEW: Desktop systems aren’t what they used to be and this Sony DAC-amp-speaker combo represents the state of things as they are today…
Rega Elex-R – the hidden gem
REVIEW: Another Rega product lands on our laps… and it may be the most rewarding yet, sonically. Here’s what we believe to be the first review of the Elex-R integrated amplifier.
And quietly exits the iPod Classic…
RANTS ‘N RAVES: So it’s goodbye to the iPod Classic, Apple’s portable music player that changed the world… well, okay, so the Sony Walkman was there first, but you get the idea.
G2 – Cambridge Audio’s new Bluetooth speaker
NEWS: Traditional names in hi-fi are keeping up to speed with trends in the mobile audio universe, as evidenced by this UK brand’s new wireless compact speaker.
New headphones, slim-line power amps from McIntosh
NEWS: Headphones are unexplored territory for the famed US brand McIntosh but its new power amps stay with the familiar look, right down to those blue meters.
Bryston launches BDP-1USB player
NEWS: Given up on CD and got lots of music stored in hard drives somewhere? Want to link them to your hi-fi system? Perhaps this Bryston USB offering will interest you…
Chord’s Qute-ly EX-cellent DAC
REVIEW: Looks and sounds a treat… and priced to match. Chord’s cute Qute EX offers just about everything a DAC can offer in these times… well, almost. But that’s nitpicking.
X-LS Encore speakers – a bargain for bass heads
REVIEW: Don’t be fooled by the plain vanilla looks of these speakers… the beast, as they say, is in the box. And a giant-slaying beast, at that!
Infinite possibilities… McIntosh MB100 Media Bridge
NEWS: Stream, store, synch… all possible, and in high-rez, via the new “media bridge” from your favourite all-American high-end manufacturer. McIntosh completists will be tempted, too.
Rega Venus-R CD player, only for China
NEWS: Don’t you love it when a manufacturers makes something you really want… then tells you it’s not for your market. Enter the Venus-R from Rega.
PS Audio NuWave – feels so good
REVIEW: Seen one DAC, seen ’em all? Our reviewer doesn’t think so, this NuWave of the digital realm appeals to him in ways he never once imagined possible…
PS Audio’s new hybrid power amp takes shape
NEWS: PS Audio has been out of the amplification game for a bit, but its next sojourn will be a game-changing one, we hear… clear some space on the shelves, then!
Triangle Theta Signature – French flair
REVIEW: Sleek, sophisticated and clad in silky black… the costlier things in the hi-fi realm bear comparison to high fashion and fine wine… and the Triangle Thetas tick all the right boxes sonically as well.
The Vinyl Types
FEATURE: Ask yourself this if you’re into vinyl playback – how committed are you to the analogue cause? Find out here if you’re a passionate player or merely a pretentious poseur.
JBL L16 Authentics – big, bold… and bass
REVIEW: Right, the party has started, the food’s been served, your guests are pleasantly “spirited”… did someone say “dance”? Time to pump up the volume on your JBL…
USA-made Krell Vanguard integrated amp available now
NEWS: It’s a far cry from the Krells of yore and possibly much uglier, but the new Vanguard integrated amplifier certainly has today’s audiophile in mind.
Primare Reference 60 Series offers streaming
NEWS: It’s all going the way of the Internet… what’s a preamp these days without a digital offering or two on board. Primare’s new high-end aspirants look to be products of the times.
KLIAV 2014 – through the lens
NEWS: Another display of hi-fi and AV goodies to catch the eye, charm the ear and tempt the wallet… here’s KLIAV 2014 in photos.
Calyx M high-rez player – beyond the ‘Pod
REVIEW: Time to move the goalposts for portable digital audio players… and this South Korean beauty ensures that the competition has a lot of catching up to do.
