Hi-Fi Choice

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.

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.