LATEST ADDITIONS

Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 04, 2017  |  0 comments
Building on the success of its original N1 series of NAS drives (we saw the N1A back in HFC 397), Melco has unveiled the three new models that makeup the MKII range. Like the N1A before them, the new N1ZS20/2, N1ZH60/2 and N1AH60/2 store and play a digital music library without the need for any other computer or IT devices. The flagship N1ZS20/2 (£7,700) has two new second-generation 1TB solid state drivers (SSD) mounted on what Melco describes as a massive non-magnetic anti-vibration platform. These are supported by a dedicated power supply with additional capacitorbanks using audiophile-grade components for the SSDs, ensuring purity right at the very start of the audio chain.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 03, 2017  |  0 comments
Adding to its family of digital-to-analogue converters (the impressive iDSD Black Label is reviewed in the Group Test in HFC 423), iFiAudio has unveiled its new nano iOne. Described as the ideal audio solution for the modern home by iFi, the ‘Hub’ DAC is designed to be used with everything from TV and gaming consoles through to tablets, smartphones and computers. Input options include coaxial, USB or aptX-flavoured Bluetooth for wireless hookup and there’s an RCA output for connecting to an amplifier. The nano iOne is compatible with PCM up to 192kHz, up to 12.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  May 02, 2017  |  0 comments
Following the popularity of its XDP-100R(HFC 413), Pioneer has announced its latest digital audio player. The XDP-30R boasts a lightweight aluminium chassis with twin Sabre ES9018C2M DACs alongside ESS9601K amplifiers arranged in a symmetrical layout under the hood and supports 32-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD files up to 5. 6MHz. Meanwhile, support for MQA will become available later in the year via a firmware update.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 28, 2017  |  0 comments
It's fair to say that Sonus faber loudspeakers typically embody the very idea of luxury style and design for many high-quality audio fans, thanks to the brand's impeccable build using quality materials. The company introduced its first models in theearly eighties and each Sf speaker is handcrafted in its factory in Vicenza, Italy – around 40 miles West of Venice. The current three-strong Homage Tradition loudspeaker series had its UK launch at the end of March to an invited audience at Central London's high-end audio retailer KJ West One and currently consists of stereo models – Guarneri Tradition, Sarafino Tradition and Amati Tradition – while a Vox centre for multi-channel setups will arrive later in the year. The new lineup includes the latest version of two of the company’s celebrated Homage speakers – the £23,500 Amati 3.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 22, 2017  |  0 comments
A quick glance at the product reviews pictured on the left of this page demonstrate that vinyl is still very much on trend as it continues to appeal to music fans of all ages and budgets. Vinyl is no longer a revival format, it’s the format of choice for an increasing number of us and Roksan’s Radius 7 turntable and Arcam’s rSeries phono stage are fine examples of the continuing stream of products available to fans in what is one of the most buoyant sectors of the audio market. For a format that appeared to be on the brink of extinction just a few years ago, its return to the mainstream has been meteoric with more products and LPs than ever to fuel our passion. Our support for the much-loved format is well documented in these pages and this month’s Destination feature visits Edinburgh’s best stores for crate diggers.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 17, 2017  |  0 comments
Sonos has announced details of PLAYBASE, the latest addition to its wireless home sound system and the newest speaker in its home theatre lineup. Inspired by the insight that up to 70 percent of all TVs stand on furniture and are not mounted to the wall, PLAYBASE is a thin speaker that sits discreetly under the TV screen. At just 58 mmin height and packing 10 drivers, PLAYBASE can be used for both TV sound and for music playback. The construction has no visible seams resulting in clean lines, an ultra-flat top surface and more than 43,000 holes that make up an acoustically transparent grille.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 17, 2017  |  0 comments
In its 90-year history, one of Tannoy's biggest succeses was its HPD loudspeaker series from the seventies. and now the hugely popular speaker series is set to return with every element crucial to its breathtaking dynamic range, clarity of sound and classic look preserved, while refinements that reflect only true audio progress have carefully been added. Hand crafted in Coatbridge, Scotland, every speaker in the new Legacy serieswill include an ‘owner’s care package’ as well as a certificate of authenticity, signed by the experts that made them. The new speakers include the floorstanding Legacy Arden and Legacy Cheviot alongside the standmount Legacy Eaton.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 13, 2017  |  0 comments
First unveiled in the summer of 2016, McIntosh’s new MP100 phono preamplifier marks the company's first ever dedicated phono stage. The new MP100 has been designed to get the best from vinyl collections along with 24-bit recording via USB. The MP100 featuresboth moving-coil and moving-magnet inputs, with both inputs benefitting from adjustable loading (six settings each) to optimise performance. Despite its compact dimensions, the MP100 also features balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs, plus a ‘mono mode’ switch to decrease noise and process the signal when playing legacy mono recordings.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 12, 2017  |  0 comments
IsoTek's new Mosaic series consists of a trio of compact power cleaning solutions in a slim-width format. The series balances power conditioning, voltage stabilisation and mains sine wave generation for a selection of components that you can mix and match to suit your hi-fi system. The EVO3 Genesis One (above), is a single-cell sine wave generation system withextremely low THD. As the name suggests, it features a single power outlet and is designed to work with a single front-endsource component.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 11, 2017  |  0 comments
We’re big fans of the direct-to-vinyl recording method and back in the October 2016 issue (HFC 415) we ran an Insider Feature on the extraordinary process run by Mike Valentine’s specialist Chasing The Dragon record label that followed a direct-cut recording of Clare Tealand The Syd Lawrence Orchestra performing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at Air Studios. 180g vinyl pressingsof its one-take recordings can be purchased from the website, butin moving with the times the labelhas announced that it has addeda high-resolution download area where fans can access all of the label’s recordings in their native resolution from 24/88. 2 to DSD128. Download prices start from £18.

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