LATEST ADDITIONS

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.

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.

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.

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.