LATEST ADDITIONS

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.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 14, 2016  |  0 comments
Unveiled together with a fully featured NS-6130 sibling, the NS-6170 combines intuitive usability with a traditional twin-monaural circuit layout and unique wideband filtering technology to effectively exploit the untapped potential of 11. 2MHz DSD and 192kHz/24-bit PCM Hi-Res Audio. The NS-6170 network audio player (above) is equipped with Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify, wi-fi and a HDD-ready USB input. It's based on a twin-monaural L/R channel layout with separate power supply paths, discrete custom capacitors for each channel, and dual-differential 768 kHz/32-bit AK4490 DACs to decode the positive and negative halves of the signal waveform.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 13, 2016  |  0 comments
Optimised for use with amplifiers, RHA's new CL1 Ceramic combines two unique transducer technologies to exert what the manufacturer is claiming are unprecedented levels of control over an extended frequency range. The headphone’s CL Dynamic transducer has been engineered for bass and midrange accuracy, while the ceramic plate driver generates precise upper frequency and harmonic tones. The CL1 also features RHA’s first high-density ceramic housings and detachable cable system with mouldable over-ear hooks, affording high levels of both durability and comfort. weighing just 45g and with a claimed 87dB sensitivity and 150ohm impedance, the in-ear headphones come bundled with11 pairs of silicone and Comply foam ear tips, a clothing clip, protector case and cleaning cloth.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 12, 2016  |  0 comments
Yamaha continues to expand its MusicCast range with a host of recently launched products that include multi-channel receivers, soundbars, streaming speakers and even a piano, all geared for audio fans looking to evolve a multi-room system around the home. Models offering a more traditional two-channel focus in the new lineup include the R-N402D network stereo receiver (£400), that claims 2x 100W power output, supports PCM 24-bit/192kHz and DSD files, AirPlay and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and access to streaming servicesfrom the likes of Spotify, Qobuz, Juke and vTuner. There’s also a DAB/DAB+ tuner. Pictured above is the MCR-N470D Piano Craft music system (£450).
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 09, 2016  |  0 comments
RHA has chosen to use IFA 2016 to give the public its first glance of the Dacamp L1, it's fully balanced headphone amplifier and DAC with dedicated channel processors. RHA’s first product in the category, the Dacamp L1 uses an ES9018K2M DAC chip and class AB amplifier for each stereo channel; a configuration that's claimed to offer processing of the highest quality digital audio files from mobile and desktop source devices. The Dacamp L1 transmits high-resolution analogue audio signals to a wide range of headphones via balanced or unbalanced outputs. It boasts4-pin Mini XLR (balanced) and 3.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 07, 2016  |  0 comments
British manufacturer Veracity Audio has unveiled its new Mystra digital to analogue converter. Designed and hand built to order, Mystra is available with a choice of custom levels and black or silver front panel finish. Veracity says that the aim in designing this DAC is remarkable music reproduction. Mystra's dedicated 24-bit dual mono conversion handles PCM format without sample rate change.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 07, 2016  |  0 comments
Welcome to the October 2016 issue of HFC. . . Whether you’re returning to the vinyl format after a 20-year hiatus, say, or a newbie just starting out with the black stuff, you’re in for a treat as six of the newest mid-priced decks go head to head in this month’sGroup Test.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 07, 2016  |  0 comments
Competition winner: Back in HFC 413 we gave you the chance to win Leema Acoustic’s glorious half-width Elements integrated amplifier. We’re delighted to reveal that John Whitaker from Woking in Surrey was the lucky winner and here he is collecting his prize from David Quigley, Uniletsales advisor. . .
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 07, 2016  |  0 comments
JAYS might be a new name to some HFC readers, but the Swedish manufacturer specialising in in-ear monitors has been around since 2006. Its innovative dual-balance armature two-way miniature monitor system fitted inside of its first set of in-ears was perhaps a little ahead of its time when it was launched shortly after the company was formed, but jump forward to today, and JAYS is one of a number of brands that’s adopted the twin speaker approach with considerable success. We were deeply impressed when we got our hands (or should that be ears?) on the q-JAYS Reference in-earphone back in issue 408. And it’s this very model that you stand a chance of winning in this month’s competition, albeit with an additional inline remote and built-in microphone for control of iOS devices.
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Sep 06, 2016  |  0 comments
Cable specialist Tellurium Q has taken measures to ensure its customers can shop in confidence that the cable they have invested their money in is the genuine article and not just some cheap counterfeit. By teaming up with Authentic Vision,customers can now securely check the authenticity of their cables simply by scanning the warranty card that comes bundled with it using theCheck If RealApp – free to download at the App Store for iOs or Google Play store for Android “We have chosen Authentic Vision because of the concept they are bringing to the market. Such a simple yet effective use of technology to benefit our customers. There is always a danger of any manufacturer’s product being counterfeited, that is just a fact of life in this day and age.

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