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Furutech updates DaMag demagnetiser
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 19, 2016  |  0 comments
First introduced in 2006, Furutech's Demag was intially greeted with scepticism – why on earth would an LP that's made from plastic need to be demagnetised we all found ourselves asking. Now in more enlightend times, we understand that the culprit is actually the pigment that's added to the plastic during the manufacturing process as it contains small amounts of a ferrous material that becomes magnetised as the record spins on the turntable. Enter Furutech's Demaga Alpha, which is also designed to to discharge the magnetism residing on optical media (CD, DVD, SACD etc) as well as vinyl. The Demaga Alpha can also be used to keep interconnect cables, connectors and power cords demagnetised to prevent magnetic signal distortion.
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News
Unison Research's new Unico CD Due
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 18, 2016  |  0 comments
The hybrid Unico range from Italian valve specialist Unison Research combines valves with other solid state devices to provide more power and features than traditional valve technology alone can offer. The Unico CD Due joins the range as the new flagship source, and shares the same 'three-panel' design of the range-topping Unico 150 amplifier. The CD player supports apt X Bluetooth streaming and also incoporates a DAC equipped with USB, S/PDIF, AES/EBU and Toslink inputs, which all route through the built-in ESS Sabre ES9018K2M chip. The USB input uses XMOS to handle PCM signals up to 384kHz and DSD256.
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News
Cabasse introduces Murano loudspeaker
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 15, 2016  |  0 comments
Cabasse has unveiled the latest addition to its Artis Series, the Murano, which is claimed to benefit from innovations initially developed for the reference La Sphère. These include the coaxial midrange tweeter and specific technologies that were incorporated in the design of the woofer. The honeycomb dome membrane, borrowed from La Sphère’s woofer, and the long-throw motor system are claimed to enable Murano's 17cm woofer to provide clean and deep low frequencies. Meanwhile, guided by a long voice coil in the 45mm deep air gap of a 4kg oversized motor, the driver is described as giving the bass the sort of purity and strength that is unexpected from such a small device.
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Turntables, Arms & Cartridges
Pro-Ject RPM 9 carbon
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 15, 2016  |  0 comments
Not wishing to rest on its laurels, Austrian-based audio specialist, Pro-Ject, has introduced another model to its comprehensive line of turntables that spans an impressive range of models to suit just about every budget. The RPM 9 Carbon sits towards the upper end of the range and makes use of modern materials combined with new manufacturing processes to produce a deck with an extra-heavy, mass-loaded sub-chassis that is decoupled from its support surface using magnetic feet. The teardrop-shaped plinth is manufactured from an advanced sandwich construction of MDF, carbon fibre and steel pellets that has all been subjected to a thermo treatment. The polished 7.
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Turntables, Arms & Cartridges
Edwards Audio TT2 SE
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 15, 2016  |  0 comments
The original TT2 from Edwards Audio – an offshoot of Talk Electronics – was essentially a modified OEM design made for low cost, ease of use and mass appeal for vinyl fans going back to black and newbies alike. Now though, it sports some meaningful tweaks, which give it extra character of its own. The SE version offers a number of revisions; for example the original had a basic painted MDF plinth, whereas the Special Edition gets a 25mm full-gloss finished affair that’s a big improvement in looks and feel – and it should translate to a fractionally better sound, too. It comes in a choice of gloss black or white, with the red you see here as a special order (at no extra cost).
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Turntables, Arms & Cartridges
Inspire Elevation turntable package
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 15, 2016  |  0 comments
Given that the functions a turntable must perform successfully are rather set in stone, the number of different approaches taken to carrying them out are impressive. Inspire Hi-fi is very aware of this as the company’s portfolio includes, belt, direct and idler drive turntables and a variety of construction techniques, all with the common aim of great vinyl replay. The latest arrival in this range is the Elevation. This unsuspended deck combines birch ply and acetyl to be as inert as possible.
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News
Audio Analogue launches Puccini Anniversary integrated amp
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 14, 2016  |  0 comments
Prepare to start feeling old. It was 20 years ago that Audio Analogue released the original Puccini integrated amplifier and it quickly formed a reputation for high-end performance at an affordable price point. The amp was AA's first product and a fine way to introduce itself to the world. To celebrate the anniversary, Audio Analogue has updated the Puccini into the Puccini Anniversary, which is claimed to be a genuine zero feedback design that's been developed by the company's AirTech R&D department.
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News
Meze unveils 99 Classics headphones
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 13, 2016  |  0 comments
Based in Baia Mare in Romania, Meze is attempting to go its own way when it comes to headphone production and its unique approach centres on its use of wood. The Meze 99 Classics is the latest in the Classics series, using real Walunut and Maple for the earcups. Each earcup is processed on a five-axis CNC machine and then polished by hand. The design of the 99 Classics is not purely aesthetic, but also practical says Meze, with each component being held together with screws only.
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News
Music News: Bob Dylan announces new studio album
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 12, 2016  |  0 comments
Columbia Records has confirmed that a new studio album from Bob Dylan, his 37th studio LP,will be released on 20 May. Featuring 12 classic American tunes written by some of music’s most acclaimed and influential songwriters, Fallen Angels showcases Dylan’s unique and much-lauded talents as a vocalist, arranger and bandleader. The Jack Frost-produced album marks the first new music from the artist since 2015'sShadows In The Night. One of the album’s recordings, “Melancholy Mood” is available now on iTunes as an Instant Gratification track, and will also be released as part of a four-track 7in EP on 16 April for Record Store Day.
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News
Pie & vinyl
Hi-Fi Choice  |  Apr 12, 2016  |  0 comments
The idea behind Pie & Vinyl is simple, a combination of “our love and passion for music with one of England’s favourite old-fashioned comfort foods”, reads the enterprise’s mission statement. So, now we’ve got your attention… “We wanted to create an experience. It’s my idea of heaven,” explains Pie & Vinyl’s founder and co-owner Steven Courtnell as he introduces some of the team behind this Victorian-themed feast for all the senses. Two smiling Robs – Rob Litchfield, co-owner who looks after the kitchen, and Rob Addison, retail general manager – offer a warm welcome as I begin to tuck in.
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