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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.

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.

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.

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.