Hi-Fi Choice

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.

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.