News

Sort By:  Post Date TitlePublish Date
News
Rotel bolsters hi-fi separates range
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Oct 12, 2016  |  0 comments
Six new models join Rotel’s stereo separates lineup from this month with three integrated amplifiers – A14, A12 and A10, plus the CD14 CD player and two tuners – T14 (£699) and T11 (£329) – offering FM/DAB reception as well as streaming radio playback via DTS Play-Fi. The flagship A14 amplifier (£999) offers 2x 80W into 8ohm and has Bluetooth aptX connectivity along with USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs handled via a 32-bit/768kHz DAC. The A12 (£799) and A10 (£389) models are rated at 60W and 40W respectively. The CD14 CD player (£549) is equipped with a Wolfson 24-bit/192kHz DAC and has coaxial digital and analogue outputs.
Continue Reading »
News
Pioneer showcases multi-format stereo receivers
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Oct 11, 2016  |  0 comments
Following its merger with Onkyo in Japan, Pioneer has unveiled three networked CD receiver systems. Each has wi-fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay connectivity options with support for 24-bit/192kHz and DSD audio files as well as TuneIn, Spotify, Tidal and Deezer streaming services and Google Cast. The range-topping X-HM86D (above) claims 2x 65W of Class D amplification, andcosts £650. Both the X-HM76D (£470) and X-HM86Dare equipped with a DAB/DAB+ tuner.
Continue Reading »
News
Sony unveils Signature series
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Oct 10, 2016  |  0 comments
The annual IFA show in Berlin, held in early September, is the autumn showcase event for big-name brand launches. This year was no exception, as Sony introducedthe flagship Signature series to celebrate its 70th year. The new high-end audio range comprises the MDR-Z1R over-ear closed-back headphone (£1,700) fitted with 70mm HD drivers, which claims to achieve a wide frequency range that extends from 4Hz to 120kHz. A high-class luxury design, it’s made using premium materials and is supplied with a selectionof connectivity options (including a 4.
Continue Reading »
News
Musaic Competition
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Oct 09, 2016  |  1 comments
It wasn’t so long ago that the idea of being able to enjoy different types of music in different rooms or to pause what you’re listening to in the bath only to restart it once you’re in the bedroom seemed like the stuff of science fiction. But now, of course, this is very much part of everyday life. There are more multi-room systems available offering more ways to enjoy hi-res music than ever before, meaning that the ability to listen to Stevie in the shower, Lionel in the lounge or Bono in the bedroom is at long last possible even for the most picky of audiophiles. This month’s extra special prize will enable you to do just that, thanks to the good folk at Musaic.
Continue Reading »
News
November issue on sale now
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Oct 05, 2016  |  0 comments
Autumn is well and truly here, and in the UK the next few months are little more than a protracted run up in preparation for the festive season at the end of the year. If you haven’t had your first Christmas flyer or email yet inviting you to make great seasonal savings by getting in early, then rest assured it’s surely on its way. “But it’s only October!” I hear you cry. Yet, the Hi-Fi Choice office received several such ‘early bird’ invitations back in September, just as we were selecting our favourite Halloween soundtracks for this month’s record collectors’ feature.
Continue Reading »
News
HIFIMAN launches ultra portable SuperMini Player
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 28, 2016  |  0 comments
HiFiMAN has announced its latest portable player in the shape of the SuperMini, which supports all lossless file formats including DSD. Supported Music Formats include: (up to 24-bit/192kHz) WAV, FLAC, AIFF, APE, MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA, ALAC and DSD (DSF, DFF). The SuperMini combines a light weight of 70g with compact dimensions (45 x 104 x 8. 5mm wxhxd) to provide a claimed battery life of 22 hours for music on the move.
Continue Reading »
News
Onkyo delivers new R-N855 network stereo receiver
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 27, 2016  |  0 comments
Onkyo has unveiled its new R-N855 network stereo receiver, which shoehorns custom audio circuit boards festooned with high-quality electrical components, a massive customised EI transformer and two huge capacitors into a half-width metal chassis. Bolstered by an aluminum faceplate, this full-flat rigid chassis aims to prevent interference caused by mechanical vibration, maintaining clarity of sound. The space-saving design is made possible by Onkyo-original switching amplification with discrete modulation stage, which develops a claimed 70W x 70W of power with low distortion levels. Combined with a flagship AK4490 32-bit/768kHz DAC and original VLSC filtering, audio performance is described as being clear and energetic with power to handle difficult-to-drive or highly sensitive bookshelf speakers.
Continue Reading »
News
Russ Andrews brings back the yellOPower mains lead
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 26, 2016  |  0 comments
Russ Andrews has announced the re-introduction of its iconic yellOPower mains lead, which first took the hi-fi world by storm back in the late nineties. As Russ Andrews Accessories celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company decided to mark the occasion by updating and relaunching yellOPower. yellOPower boasts eight individually insulated pure copper conductors alongside Kimber's unique woven cable geometry for effective interference rejection. the cable is insulated with PVC for low impedance and wrappedin a flexible, black Tecflex sleeving, with yellow heatshrinks as a nod to the original all-yellow cable.
Continue Reading »
News
Furutech's SK-Filter removes static as you spin
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 23, 2016  |  0 comments
It’s an unfortunate side effect that as records spin on turntables, friction with the air causes them to constantly gain a static charge. The result is that a record’s level of frictional static electricity can reach up to anywhere between 3,000V and 20,000V. This electro-static noise interference, of course, has compromising effects on sound quality. Enter Furutech’s revolutionary SK-Filter, which aims to solves the problem.
Continue Reading »
News
Fleetwood Mac release deluxe edition of Mirage
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 22, 2016  |  0 comments
Fleetwood Mac’sstreak of five consecutive multi-platinum albums began in the seventiesand continued in1982with Mirage,the follow-up to the band’s1979double-album Tusk. During the summer of1982, Mirage topped the album chart in theUS and added to the band’s already impressive canon of hits with Hold Me, Love In Store and Gypsy. Following last year’s deluxe edition of Tusk,Fleetwood Maccontinues chronologically with thedeluxe editionof Mirage. Available on 23 September, this new edition expands on the original album with newly remastered sound, a selection of rare and unreleased recordings, as well as the stories and pictures behind the album.
Continue Reading »
News
Timestep launches new EVOke turntable
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 21, 2016  |  0 comments
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.
Continue Reading »
News
RHA launches CL750 in-ear headphone
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 20, 2016  |  0 comments
The CL750 uses RHA’s ultra-wideband CL Dynamic transducer for authentic sound reproduction up to 45kHz. Drawing design inspiration from the critically-acclaimed MA750, it features stainless steel housings in RHA’s Aerophonic design, in addition to a new braided OFC cable with 3. 5mm or 6. 25mm terminations.
Continue Reading »
News
Arcam releases rHead headphone amplifier
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 19, 2016  |  0 comments
Cambridgeshire-based company Arcam has unveiled the newest arrival to its popular rSeries line of components. With a similar size and form to existing models in the range, the rHead headphone amplifier is billed as a Class A design with optimised layout, ultra-low noise power supplies and a fully direct coupled signal path to achieve a natural and engaging sound that shows the true character of any music played through it. Both3. 5mm and 6.
Continue Reading »
News
Audiolab unleashes new little ONE
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 16, 2016  |  0 comments
Following its flagship M-DAC+ (HFC 410) launch earlier this year, Audiolab has introduced another member to the family. The M-ONE compact integrated amplifier harnesses the company’s acclaimed DAC – based around the ES9018K2M Sabre32 Reference chip – and Class AB amplifier tech in a diminutive box. Outwardly, the M-ONE is almost identical to its M-DAC+ sibling, sporting the same compact aluminium case, central OLED display and dual rotary control scheme, but it additionally packs amplification rated at 2x 40W into 8ohm and an array of preamp inputs to cater for multiple music sources. There are two USB inputs – a Type B socket (ideal for PC/Mac connectivity) and a Type A socket (useful for Apple iOS device docking and playback).
Continue Reading »
News
Quad unveils new VA-One compact amplifier
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 15, 2016  |  0 comments
Iconic Audio Brand Quadhas been making valve amplifiers since the forties, and its first mono valve amplifier set the audio standards of the day that saw it receive one of the highest accolades of the time when it was adopted by the BBC for its outstanding sound quality. The audio landscape has evolved considerably in the company's 80-plus year history since it first started out, but has continued with its valve-based audio expertiseto this day and the VA-One joins the PA-One headphone preamp in the current One Series line of valve-based components, fusing Quad's considerable tube know-how with modern digital technology and facilities inside one of the smallest integrated amplifiers. With a footprint measuring just 180 x 330mm, the VA-One is a remarkably compact stereo valve amplifier that boasts seven valves in all. The preamp section incorporates an ECC83 high-impedance triode, feeding an ECC82 twin triode driver and phase splitter stage.
Continue Reading »

Pages

X