“The Shawlines are really

top-class interconnects...
Give them an audition and
hear for yourself”

OUR VERDICT

Chord Shawline Analogue

Hi-Fi Choice July 2016

Close “If you have a good system

and want to give it a boost
these may just be the most
cost-effective way to do that”

To You
Chord Shawline Range
Hi-Fi World October 2016

Connect with us
Designed and hand built in England by
music lovers since 1985. Enjoyed by music
lovers all over the world.

The Chord Company Ltd, Millsway Centre,

Amesbury SP4 7RX, UK

To get more information and find your

nearest retailer, please call us on:
+44 (0)1980 625700 or visit:

www.chord.co.uk
 INTRODUCTION

PASSION FOR SOUND Welcome

www.hifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 421 March 2017

The way we listen to music and

the audio equipment we aspire to
is continuously evolving. A quick
glance through the pages of this
month’s issue demonstrates that
there are plenty of new products
emerging to grab the attention
63 of serious music fans, but many
Bowers & Wilkins
Signature P9 break with what hi-fi aficionados
would consider to be traditional components.
Take this month’s exclusive review of Acoustic Energy’s
AE1 Active standmount loudspeaker (p16), which takes
the iconic AE1 design – celebrating 30 years since its
introduction – and has evolved it into a truly active
loudspeaker for next-gen audio fans. Active speakers
have traditionally been the staple of the pro audio
sector, with few models making the crossover to the
domestic market as home hi-fi fans prefer the potential
upgrade flexibility that’s offered by a separate amplifier,
42
Dynaudio Contour 20 rather than opting for a speaker design with dedicated
amplification built in.
In-ear headphones are also appealing to a different
type of audio fan, and ultra-portable designs using
miniature drivers are on the rise. Our six-way Group Test
looks at the pick of the crop priced from the £300 to
£400 sector and starts on p24.
Finally, a subwoofer isn’t just for home cinema use,
and can offer surprising sonic improvements to a hi-fi
99 setup that’s not all about that bass. Read the review
Rhiannon Giddens on p57 to see how REL’s T/9i brings a boost to a music
Freedom Highway system. It’s a brave new world!

BADGES EXPLAINED Lee Dunkley Editor

OUR AWARDS
Follow us:
Picture credit: John Peets

EDITOR’S RECOMMENDED: GROUP TEST Twitter: @HiFiChoiceMag

CHOICE: Products that WINNER: Facebook: facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk
Awarded to those we feel meet a Comparative tests
products that are high standard of can only have one
judged to deliver performance winner, and this
outstanding
performance
badge says it all! SUITE 25, EDEN HOUSE, ENTERPRISE WAY,
EDENBRIDGE, KENT TN8 6HF
MARCH 2017 3
 Contents
hifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 421 March 2017

NEWS & OPINION GROUP TEST

6 Audiofile
The latest news on the hottest products
from the world of hi-fi coming your way
12 Webwatch
Essential websites to direct your browser
towards for all your hi-fi requirements
69 Letters
Put your points of view and queries on
audio matters to our team of experts
79 Opinion
The Hi-Fi Choice team say it as they see
it as they discuss the issues of the day
99 Music Reviews
The month’s essential new CD, vinyl
and hi-res releases given a work out

READER SERVICES
122 Reader Classifieds
Sell your unwanted hi-fi for FREE here
130 Next Issue
The sonic treats to look out for next month

FEATURES
64 Modulating influence
A celebration of our passion for FM radio
and a look to the future switch to digital

64

24
Bring yourself closer
to the music with this
sextet of stunning
in-ear headphones

90 Beautiful System
Can £6,700 of Arcam amplification really
get the best from KEF’s £16k Blade Two?
94 Labelled With Love
An ex-punk and a soul boy team up to
astonishing effect to form Boy’s Own
102 Music Legends
A celebration of swirly keyboards and the
leather-clad lizard king, aka The Doors
118 Destination
Gothenburg 6 100
We’re off to Sweden to gorge on the
smőrgåsbord of different record stores Audiofile: Marantz SA-10 and PM-10 Music Reviews: Tinariwen’s Elwan
4 MARCH 2017
 CONTENTS
MARCH 2017
“Based on current statistics,
the UK is likely to reach the 50
percent DAB listeners target
54 by the beginning of 2018”
Rotel CD14/A14 CD player/integrated amplifier
Celebration of radio feature p64
TESTED THIS MONTH

46
NAD C 368 integrated amplifier/DAC
16
Acoustic Energy AE1 Active
REVIEWS THE KNOWLEDGE
Kit testing Hi-res portable players
16 Acoustic Energy 106 Headphones
AE1 Active two-way active
standmount loudspeaker 108 Acoustic
42 Dynaudio Research AR-M2
Contour 20 two-way standmount
loudspeaker (Exotica) 108 Astell&Kern AK300
46 NAD 108 Audio Opus Opus 1
C 368 integrated amplifier/DAC
50 Rothwell 109 Pioneer XDP-100R
Signature Two moving-coil phono stage 109 Questyle QP1R
53 Musaic 109 Sony NW-ZX2
58 MPL music streamer
110 Accessories
Yamaha A-S801 integrated amp/DAC 54 Rotel
CD14 CD player/A14 integrated amplifier
57 REL
T/9i active sub-bass system CHOICE EXTRAS
58 Yamaha 113 Black Rhodium
A-S801 integrated amplifier/DAC Tempo stereo interconnects
60 Bluesound 115 NuForce
Vault 2 music server/PowerNode 2 amplifier
uDAC5 headphone amplifier/USB DAC
63 Bowers & Wilkins
P9 Signature over-ear headphone 116 ISOkinetik
88 Realistic Ultradrive turntable PSU
Optimus Pro LX5 standmount
loudspeaker (Retro) 116 Amazon
Echo Dot smart speaker

GROUP TEST 117 Numark

TT250USB turntable
In-ear headphones £330-£390
27 AKG N40
29 Etymotic ER4SR
31 Final F7200
33 Grado GR8e 117
42 35 Noble Trident Numark
Dynaudio Contour 20 (Exotica) 37 RHA CL1 Ceramic TT250USB turntable

Never miss an issue – turn to p14 for our latest subs offer
MARCH 2017 5
 T H E L AT E ST I N D U ST RY N E W S…

Universal
playback
Marantz introduces its ultra-flexible 10 Series disc
player and matching integrated amplifier

PRICE: £5,999-£6,999 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 02890 279839 WEB: MARANTZ.CO.UK

BILLED BY MARANTZ as "the new a high power output (2x 200W RMS The matching SA-10 silver disc
reference", the audio specialist into 8ohm, and twice that into 4) in spinner sports an interesting new
introduces its Series 10 SA-10 a comparatively compact package; digital signal processing suite called
SACD player and PM-10 integrated the PM-10 is still sizeable, but smaller Marantz Musical Mastering (MMM).
amplifier flagship components, with than the Class AB monoblocks it Replacing the SA-7, it’s one of just a
the latter proving a radical departure supersedes. He emphasised that few SACD players on sale now and
from the norm. For the first time this was not done at the expense has full DAC functionality capable
ever in a high-end hi-fi application, of sound quality, pointing out that it’s of supporting up to DSD256 and
Marantz uses an analogue high-speed a no-compromise, bespoke design. 384kHz PCM. Co-designed by Rainer
Pulse Width Modulation switching Twin switched mode power supplies Fink – who appeared in our Insider
power amplifier section working complement the single, large toroidal Feature last issue – it has been set
in Class D. Brand ambassador Ken transformer and the amp runs fully up to make the very best use of the
Ishiwata says this was chosen to give balanced in dual mono configuration. USB Type-B input. The new disc

6 MARCH 2017
 COMMENT
CAN TAPE REPLICATE
VINYL'S SUCCESS?
Regular readers will be aware that last
month's Comment reported on the
continuing popularity of vinyl and how
sales of the black stuff in 2016 were at the
highest point they've been for 25 years,
overtaking digital downloads for the first
time. What we neglected to mention,
however, is that the other fondly looked
upon format of yesteryear – the compact
cassette – is also enjoying its own mini
renaissance. But while the growth of record
sales is understood to be down to a variety
of complex issues – fashion, David Bowie,
its sound, the need for something more
tangible – in the case of cassettes the
success can be pinned down to two key
factors: the movie Guardians Of The Galaxy
and the high street store Urban Outfitters.
For those that haven't seen the Marvel
movie, central to its plot is the hero's love
of a mixtape featuring a selection of classic
hits from the seventies and eighties. In a
canny piece of marketing, Disney released
the soundtrack to the movie as a cassette
that looked like the one featured in the film.
And so, the soundtrack for 2014's highest
grossing Hollywood movie (with $328
million earned at the box office) went on to
become the best-selling cassette in both
2015 and then 2016.
"Big deal," we hear you say, but consider
that tape sales in the US alone increased
by 74 percent last year, and you begin
to question its ability to follow in vinyl's
footsteps less. With high street clothing
store Urban Outfitters responsible for over
a fifth of all sales of tapes in 2016, it too
can take some of the credit for the rise in
mechanism also reads CD-ROM and popularity after selling a number of albums
DVD-ROM discs – all the way up
The SA-10 player is – including most notably Prince's Purple
to 24/192 PCM and DSD128, with a handy bridge for Rain (above) – exclusively on cassette.
support for FLAC, ALAC and MP3 But before you get too carried away
music files as well – this may prove those with disc and and start logging onto ebay to buy a deck
a handy bridge for those with large hi-res file collections or heading up into the attic to dig out your
disc and hi-res file collections looking tape player of old, it's perhaps prudent
for a convenient way to play them. filtering and conversion. to look a little closer at the stats. In 2015,
Everything that passes through this On demonstration at Marantz’s only 74,000 cassettes were sold, while in
machine is rendered by the company’s Eindhoven headquarters, both 2016 the figure rose to 129,000. This isn't
new MMM digital processing suite, amplifier and disc player sounded much compared with vinyl's 13.1 million
which uses custom hardware and superb. On sale now, the SA-10 costs albums and is a mere drop in the ocean of
software to carry out oversampling, £5,999 and the PM-10 is £6,999. streaming figures during the same period.

MARCH 2017 7
 AUDIOFILE

Exposure’s XM series
New half-width integrated amp and phono stage for those with limited space

PRICE: £660-£1,236 AVAILABLE: NOW

CONTACT: 01237 423877 WEB: EXPOSUREHIFI.COM

DESCRIBED BY EXPOSURE as being ideal for those

that don’t want the cost or size of their system to spiral
out of control, the new XM series amplifier and phono
stage are designed for users for who space is a premium.
The XM5 integrated offers a claimed 60W per channel
output (into 8ohm) and includes moving-magnet phono,
line-level and fixed gain AV inputs. Digital connections
comprise two coaxial and two optical inputs able to accept
signals up to 32/192 and a single USB port (up to 24/192
and DSD). It features a linear power supply with a 200VA
custom-made toroidal power transformer.
Meanwhile, the matching XM3 phono stage provides
separate moving-magnet and moving-coil inputs as well
as adjustable loading and gain switches. Dimensions for
the two units are 218 x 89 x 363mm (wxhxd) for the amp,
while the phono stage is slightly shallower at 348mm.
They are available in a choice of either black or titanium
finishes and weigh 5kg and 4kg respectively.

IN BRIEF
IN-EAR LUXURY
Dual relaunches in the UK
PRICE: £125-£250 AVAILABLE: NOW
FROM AËDLE CONTACT: 01344 893932

A familiar name to older hi-fi new offerings: the MTR-15, tonearm comes pre-fitted with
enthusiasts, German company MTR-40 and MTR-75 with USB an Audio-Technica cartridge and
Dual was once the largest (pictured below). tracking force can be fine tuned
manufacturer of turntables The £125 MTR-15 is the most thanks to the inclusion of an
in Europe – its name a reference basic offering of the trio, offering adjustable counterweight. There’s
to the dual-mode power supplies fully automatic operation. Styled also a USB output for digitising
the company pioneered in the like a pro-audio DJ deck, the £230 vinyl. The chassis has a sleek
early thirties for its gramophones, MTR-40 is a direct-drive turntable satin-black finish and is sat upon
● Looking to redefine audio luxury, which could be powered either with variable speed control, but of large vibration-damping feet.
French manufacturer aëdle’s in-ear by electricity or their wind-up most interest is the £250 MTR-75, Dual plans to introduce its more
headphones aim to combine mechanism. Throughout the which the company describes as upmarket CS turntable series
minimalism and refined design with sixties, seventies and eighties the perfect option for audiophiles and Bluetooth loudspeaker later
outstanding audio performance. Dual produced a series of on a budget. A belt-driven model in the year and distribution in the
Its latest release, the ODS-1 features a class-leading products, and now with a DC servo motor, it has a UK is being handled by BRS. As
hybrid sound engine with a balanced as vinyl enjoys a renaissance, it built-in moving-magnet phono we got to press the website is
armature driver and 10mm titanium has returned to the UK with three stage. The straight aluminium not live, but expect it any time.
diaphragm dynamic transducer that’s
claimed to deliver powerful and
warm lows with highly refined highs
to render a fully immersive sound
signature. Hand crafted in its Parisian
workshop, the ODS-1 has a machined
aluminium housing along with ear
hooks and MMCX detachable cable
sheathed in calf’s leather from
Venetia. The removable cable has a
remote control and microphone, and
is compatible with iOS and Android
operating systems. It costs £330.
aedle.net

8 MARCH 2017
 M6 ENCORE 225

Intuitive Operation, Huge Connectivity,

Internal 1TB Upgradeable Hard Disc Drive
The Encore 225 is a complete audio solution allowing you to keep all your music
in one place. It accepts almost any conceivable analog or digital audio source.
Experience it for yourself at your local Musical Fidelity dealer.

ZZZPXVLFDOÀGHOLW\FRP   

 AUDIOFILE

New re-evolution
Technics introduces two direct-drive turntables to further SL-1200’s appeal

PRICE: £1,299 AVAILABLE: APRIL

CONTACT: 03332 22877 WEB: TECHNICS.COM

FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH of the flagship

SL-1200G direct-drive turntable reviewed in HFC 418,
the Japanese tech giant introduces two additional
models, but with more wallet-friendly price tags.
The SL-1200GR and the SL-1210GR decks have an
identical specification, but come with silver and black
plinth top plates respectively. The new turntables claim
to utilise the same design principles as the flagship
SL-1200G, but with slightly different materials and
applications. Parts from the SL-1200G are newly
developed, and the twin-rotor coreless direct-drive
motor designed for the flagship deck is replaced here
with a single-rotor design. Technics says precise motor
control technology, the high-rigidity platter – weighing
2.5kg – and a high-sensitivity tonearm, have all been
carefully tuned for the new version to bring SL-1200
sound to a wider group of fans. Both models are priced
at £1,299 and go on sale in April.

IN BRIEF
BRYSTON BCD-3
MarkLevinson media hub
CD PLAYER PRICE: £21,000 AVAILABLE: NOW
CONTACT: 01423 358846 WEB: KARMA-AV.CO.UK

If you’re in the market for a fully balanced, dual-monaural services including Spotify, Tidal,
luxury all-in-one music player, signal path for best performance. Qobuz, Deezer, Rhapsody/
MarkLevinson’s N°519 digital Around the back there’s a host Napster as well as internet radio.
audio player may just be the of digital connection options, A digital volume control allows it
ideal media hub for you. It’s a including balanced, coaxial, to be used as a standalone music
wired and wireless network- optical and USB asynchronous playback device connected
ready DAC capable of handling inputs. The unit can be operated directly to a power amplifier or
32/192 PCM music files with DSD from the colour display on the active loudspeakers via RCA and
● CD is regarded as the format of support as well as CD playback front panel or the supplied balanced XLR outputs. Selectable
choice for many hi-fi fans, and the via the front disc-loading slot. remote control – iOS and low-pass filtering enables the
Canadian high-end audio specialist The black with silver trim Android control apps are also unbalanced outputs to be used
introduces its premium BCD-3 CD aluminium housing is designed available for smart devices. for subwoofer integration.
player offering a choice of balanced and built in the USA and the As a media hub it supports A Class A headphone output
XLR or RCA analogue outputs as well company claims it uses a pure playback from networked drives, fitted with 6.35mm jack completes
as coaxial and AES digital outs. It’s path discrete, direct coupled, Bluetooth and streaming the picture.
Ethernet connectable for software
upgrades and the transport/laser
pickup assembly is paired with two
AKM4490 32-bit/384kHz DACs
synchronised by the company’s
single master clock that claims to
eliminate one of the primary causes
of jitter. It features a Class A analogue
output stage and independent
analogue and digital power supplies.
Designed to complement Bryston’s
Cubed Series amplifiers, it’s available
in black or silver and is distributed in
the UK by PMC speakers.
BRYSTON.CO.UK

10 MARCH 2017
dynaudio.com

Close
your eyes
and see
We’ve included the ultra-pure, ultra-clear,
ultra-sweet-sounding Esotar2 silk soft-dome
tweeter. Mated to innovative new Dynaudio
MSP woofers with varying diaphragm thickness
that offer a higher level of sonic refinement and
extraordinary dynamic range. Integrated into a
new multi-layer curved cabinet and sleek-but-
solid aluminum baffle to provide your music
with a robust, defined acoustic foundation.
=PZP[^^^K`UH\KPVJVT[VÄUK`V\YULHYLZ[ Powerful, controlled, remarkable.
H\[OVYPZLK+`UH\KPVYL[HPSLY This is Contour 30.
 AUDIOFILE

Webwatch HFC reveals the best hi-fi websites, social media

and online content to fuel your passion for sound

FOLLOW US: @HIFICHOICEMAG

CHOICE TWEETS
TS
THE VINYL FACTORY
@THEVINYLFACTORY
Pay tribute to Jaki Liebezeit with
this collection of Can’s most important
records: http://thevinylfactory.com/features/
instant-compositions-10-essential-records-from-
cans-groundbreaking-career/ …

GRADO HEADPHONES @GRADO

What makes it go? Growing community The Statement 2: Redesigned & still hand built
Anyone confused by the dark art of what Powered by some 326,000 contributors, in Brooklyn: http://gradolabs.com/
cartridges/statement-series-cartridges …
makes a turntable work should direct their Discogs is the font of all knowledge when it
browser towards Animagraffs’ incredible comes to the secondhand market for vinyl, KEF AUDIO UK @KEFAUDIO
four-part 3D models of the record player, CD and tapes, and it has recently passed the We think you’ll agree that any piece of art
belongs in a museum. Which KEF models
which you can explore by pulling and moving 8 million point for entries. Essential reading can you spot in our KEF museum? #TBT
around your screen: bit.ly/2kdUqcR for fans of physical music: discogs.com #ThrowbackThursday

LINTONE AUDIO @LINTONEAUDIO

First hands on with @ArcamUK rPLAY
UPnP Streamer/Tidal/Spotify/Amazon Music/
HiRes Great performance and only £399!
http://www.lintone.co.uk/arcam_rplay

OPPO DIGITAL @OPPODIGITALIND

DYK: Hedy Lamarr invented the basic
#technology for #WiFi. The name is coined
from the terms #wireless & #Fidelity #invention

TIDAL @TIDALHIFI
We’ll do great things with @Sprint & can’t wait
to share our exclusive experiences with their 45
million customers. http://tdl.sh/mHdMsU

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO
Look and learn Do it yourself @CAMBRIDGEAUDIO
Discover what goes into producing Ever fancied the idea of making your own Pro-Ject launches George Harrison turntable
to celebrate the late musician’s 74th birthday –
a turntable like Rega’s RP8 as sales and vinyl? Lathe cutting is not as expensive as http://bit.ly/2jCa9oo
marketing coordinator Simon Webster talks you’d imagine and online resources for
us through every stage of manufacture. From equipment and advice are plentiful if you NAIM AUDIO @NAIMAUDIO
Discover Statement, the pinnacle of Naim
the construction of the chassis, to hand know where to look. This excellent guide Audio engineering knowledge and artistry.
assembling the cartridge, it’s a fascinatingly from Smalltown America Studio is the https://www.naimaudio.com/statement
intricate process: bit.ly/2kp0SN6 perfect starting point: bit.ly/2kpiVCU #statement #naimgodeeper

HIFIX @FRANKHARVEYHIFI
Ever wondered what makes Rega tick? Find
out today https://www.hifix.co.uk/hifi/
audio/vibration-measuring-machine-long
-awaited-rega-book/ …

RUSS ANDREWS @RUSSANDREWSHIFI

Here’s an interesting concept – a bar/cafe/
restaurant/shop/studio based around Hi-Fi
http://buff.ly/2iIXueX

CLASSICALBUMSUNDAYS
@CLASSICALBUMSUN
Rare and Interesting Photos of David Bowie and
Iggy Pop in the 1970s http://www.vintag.es/2015/01/
rare-and-interesting-photos-of-david.html …

Wood you believe it? In a galaxy far, far away... ELECTRIC JUKEBOX
@ELECTRICJUKEBOX
Go inside of Focal’s Ebénisterie Instagram is an endless source of Check out our latest video on @QVC to see
Bourgogne-based factory to see the images of hi-fi esoterica and Photoshop Electric Jukebox in action... here: http://bit.ly/2icXOqK
painstaking process behind the construction mashups, and this user likes to put a Star #JanuaryShopping #MusicMadeSimple
of every speaker cabinet by hand. From Wars slant on classic album covers (Chewie TECHNICS @TECHNICS
forming the wood to shaving and shaping it, Lewis And The News, anyone?). Sure, it’s New Grand Class SB-G90 – The floorstanding
before colouring, polishing and veneering, daft but it’s a good way to while away half speaker with clarity in sound imaging and
fullness in spatial expression http://bit.ly/2hVZxyU
it’s a mesmerising watch: bit.ly/2j1cdah an hour if you’re ever bored: bit.ly/2ke9aZe

12 MARCH 2017
 
 


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ready

HEGEL RÖST - Integrated amplifier with AirPlay and IP-control IP control

Imagine a small, good looking, and incredibly versatile piece of audio kit that can
power some of the most difficult loudspeakers you would ever want.
Imagine a true high fidelity solution you can use with your iPhone, integrate in your
“smart home” and that plays all your favourite music the way it was intended.
No distortion of the original music signal. No distortion to the looks of your living
room... you have just imagined the Röst.

 

  

  


 

 


 

 

   

z HFN_A4_Ad_Template.indd 1 05/12/2016 10:42

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 IN-DEPTH ACOUSTIC ENERGY
AE1 ACTIVE FROM £1,000

DETAILS
PRODUCT
Acoustic Energy
AE1 Active
ORIGIN
UK/China
TYPE
2-way active
standmount
loudspeaker
WEIGHT
6.8kg
DIMENSIONS
(WxHxD)
185 x 300 x 250mm
FEATURES
● Quoted power
output: 2x 50+50W
from Class AB amps
● 1x 27mm
aluminium dome
tweeter with
WDT waveguide
● 1x 125mm
aluminium cone
mid/bass driver
● 42Hz – 28kHz
frequency range
DISTRIBUTOR
Acoustic Energy Ltd
TELEPHONE
01285 654432
WEBSITE
acoustic-energy.
co.uk

Active duty
To celebrate Acoustic Energy’s 30th birthday, the iconic AE1 is
back, but this time it’s self-powered. David Vivian listens in

16 MARCH 2017
 IN-DEPTH

aving set up shop 30 years

H ago, the first speaker that

Acoustic Energy made has
gone on to become its most
famous and enduring. The original
AE1 was the little speaker that could.
What it could do was largely defined
by what the considerably older
granddaddy of classy compact
monitors, the BBC-designed LS3/5A,
couldn’t. In other words, it excelled
where the seductively mid-neutral
old-timer was most obviously
compromised – namely in its bass
power and extension, loudness and
dynamic range. As such, the upstart
from the Cotswolds became a firm
favourite with the pro audio sector
and audiophiles that appreciated what
was, at the time, a unique skill set.
With its small anodised spun alloy
cone bass unit, alloy dome tweeter and
an enclosure that felt as if it had been
hewn from stone, the AE1 was
designed for hard driving and
demanded muscular solid-state
amplifiers. In fact, it became
something of a litmus test for amps
that thought they were hard enough.
Some weren’t. But in short, what
the LS3/5A was to speech, modest

There’s no hype or
exaggeration here,
just a natural sense
of power and pace
ensembles and small-scale classical
music, the AE1 was to flat-out stadium
rock. That it was also exceptionally
articulate, beautifully voiced and could
image in 3D only boosted its reputation.
Naturally, it has evolved over the
decades. The mildly revised MkII
version – essentially the MkI without
the utilitarian finish – didn’t move the
game on much. But the design of the
third-generation model did, easing out
the cabinet size and replacing the twin
tube-style front-firing reflex ports with
a single, larger rear port. Build went
from sturdy to uncompromising with
steel cladding on the internal walls,
steel cross bracing and an aluminium
billet dressing for the baffle. Also new
were the 125mm anodised alloy mid/
bass driver with a ‘curvilinear’
variable-thickness cone and a fabric
ring dome tweeter. It was a fusion of
brute force and functional beauty and,
up to that point, the most advanced
speaker to wear the AE1 badge. The
AE1 Classic followed – HFC 371 –
(a lightly made-over re-issue of the
original) and the AE1 Classic LE,
sporting a more luxurious finish. But it
didn’t mean the AE1 was finished.

MARCH 2017 17
 IN-DEPTH ACOUSTIC ENERGY
AE1 ACTIVE FROM £1,000

IN SIGHT
balanced XLR inputs for hooking up
1 27mm aluminium with a preamp or source direct. With
1 2 3 dome tweeter with the exception of the conspicuously
waveguide
lavish £2,000 AE1 MkIII, (HFC 337)
2 Inputs: balanced the Active looks and feels comfortably
XLR and RCA
the most up-market of the AE1 line,
Reflex port slot
3
especially the optional cherry veneer
4 Treble and bass piano lacquer finish as supplied, for
boost/cut controls which you pay a £200 premium over
5 125mm aluminium- the £1,000 asked for the standard
cone mid/bass white or black piano lacquer finishes.
driver

4
Sound quality
The matching ‘Reference’ stands can
be purchased as part of a package for
an additional £200 (£350 when
purchased separately), and like the
speakers themselves, look great and,
while not particularly massy, provide a
firm and stable foundation. I go for
balanced connections between the
5 speakers and my ATC CA2 preamp
(HFC 397), using 3m runs of Nordost
ACTIVITY DRIVE Red Dawn XLR interconnect. As I’m
The AE1 Active has an active analogue crossover as own drive unit. The full signal from the amplifier goes to still into buying and listening to CDs,
opposed to the passive analogue item found in most the drive unit with nothing wasted, and the amplifier has it’s a Cyrus CD Xt Signature transport
traditional loudspeakers. With a passive crossover, the full control over the drive unit motion. In the AE1 Active and Chord Hugo (both reviewed in
signal that leaves the amplifier is filtered by the crossover there is a 50W amplifier for each drive unit and a very HFC 386) up front communicating
so that a portion of it goes to ground and is not used by rough rule of thumb says that this behaves like a 200W
the drive units. The drive unit motion is controlled by the amplifier working full range. The other advantage with
via a Nordost Valhalla 2 digital
amplifier via the crossover and the crossover in turn an active crossover is that you can have a number of interconnect and with the preamp via
reduces the damping factor of the amplifier, leaving a equalisation stages to get the most balanced natural RCA Nordost Red Dawn interconnects.
‘soft’ coupling between the two. With an active speaker sound from the speaker. This is a level of control that’s What is it about a well-executed
there are two amplifiers per cabinet, each controlling its simply not possible with a passive crossover. active speaker? Recording studios love
them, every speaker designer I’ve ever
It’s the apex third-gen model that Technology (WDT) waveguide. The met has said that, given a free hand,
mostly informs the design of the latest claim for this is that it helps the it’s the way they’d go. And yet the
AE1. The big difference is that its tweeter interact more successfully domestic audiophile market still shows
passive legacy has been handed on to with the room it’s in, the upshot an extreme reticence. Maybe it cuts
the company’s new Reference 1 being that more of the speaker’s across that deeply ingrained need to
standmount while the speaker that output reaches the listener directly chop and change, to upgrade. Forever
started it all for Acoustic Energy is now rather than being reflected off of eyeing up that bigger, shinier amp is
the fully fledged, self-powered AE1 other surfaces, increasing efficiency an abiding ‘weakness’ most of us
Active you see here. It’s surprising it’s and reducing distortion. would admit to.
taken the AE1 so long to go active On the rear panel, in addition to Trim controls Perhaps it’s because in a quick A-B
given the pro sector’s penchant for the mains power socket and on/off provide level, demo against a prescriptively voiced
bass and treble
monitors that can be driven directly switch, there are controls to adjust adjustment for
passive design, the active alternative is
from the desk, but it seems Acoustic bass and treble by +/-2dB as well integration with unlikely to impress. The usual roster of
Energy could no longer ignore the sea as volume level, and both RCA and surroundings attention-grabbers won’t be pressing
change happening in the domestic
audio market and the emerging
popularity of DACs incorporating
high-quality preamps that make them
ideal, space efficient, partners for a
pair of fully active speakers.
Acoustic Energy already has some
experience in the self-powered field
with its Aego sub/sat system, but
the AE1 Active adheres to the classic
analogue implementation – a two-way
standmount toting 2x 50+50W of
built-in Class AB amplification and a
fully active dividing network. Drawing
on AE’s considerable experience with
metal drivers, the Active teams the
company’s 125mm ‘pure piston
ceramic’ aluminium coned mid-bass
drive unit with a slightly larger than
normal 27mm aluminium dome
tweeter seated in a Wide Dispersion

18 MARCH 2017
 ACOUSTIC ENERGY
AE1 ACTIVE FROM £1,000 IN-DEPTH

Q&A
Matt Spandl
Chief engineer, Acoustic Energy

DV: Will the AE1 Active out-perform

a passive AE1 driven by an
expensive high-end amplifier?
MS: It is rather difficult to definitively
say if the AE1 Active will outperform
the AE1 passive model as they
are somewhat different beasts.
Technically, you would need a very
powerful and very clean power
amplifier to feed AE1 passives to get
close to the measured technical
the usual get-a-load-of-this buttons: lumpiness at all – and it goes performance of the AE1 Active.
the sparkly treble, the pushed, surprisingly low. It not only integrates
hyper-detailed midrange, the seamlessly, but delivers its controlled The passive AE1 Classic had twin
bombastic bass. But spend some time extension with energy and drive HOW IT front-firing reflex ports. Why a
with a good active box and the penny and none of the forced-sounding COMPARES rear-firing slot type for the Active?
will surely drop. There’s a difference compression that can afflict small The AE1 Classic had very distinctive
For a little more money,
between benign artifice and low passive boxes tuned to over achieve. you could go for
port tubes. The original application
distortion, low colouration, phase Nathan East’s double bass duetting MunroSonic’s was for studios and Phil Ward (AE’s
coherent sound and, in the long run, with pianist Bob James on their The extraordinary Egg 100 original senior designer) wanted all
(HFC 403) active near- the sound to be directed towards the
it’s the latter that’s more rewarding New Cool album sounds lucid, easy
field monitoring system listener from the smallest source
and easier to listen to. and properly expressive, the AE1 which may even possible. So he arranged the ports
The AE1 Active is persuasive. No Active delivering a fine sense of the surpass the AE1 Active to be close to the woofer. There is
hype or exaggeration here, just a instrument’s body but also revealing for transparency and an acoustic problem with port tubes
natural sense of power, pace and nuances of technique other compact imaging, but doesn’t
in that they not only produce bass
standmounts too often fumble. quite have its bass
sound, but allow some midrange
power and extension or
It reveals nuances of superb tonal balance. through as well. Once we
Conclusion Or you could save implemented the active crossover,
technique that other In fact, it’s hard to think of any other yourself a few hundred cabinet bracing and panel damping,
comparably priced standmount that
standmounts too images with such solidity or resolves
pounds and opt for
Audiovector’s passive
the noise floor of the speaker was so
low that you could clearly hear the
often fumble voice, instrument timbre and ambient QR1 (HFC 418) two-way
standmount, which is
midrange coming from the port tube.
information more naturally. It’s this about the same size as
To counter this we moved the port
perspective. Essentially, the sound is tonal accuracy, transparency and the AE1 Active, just as
to the back. We also went for the slot
dynamic, tactile, tightly focused and talent for capturing subtle ambient glossily finished, and is shape because the power handling
creates a stereo arc that effortlessly cues, rather than an obvious display equipped with a of this type of port is much higher
ghosts through the walls of my larger of sonic fireworks, that differentiates spectacular ribbon than for two smaller tubes, and the
listening room. More than that, it from its passive loudspeaker rivals tweeter with an open negative effects associated with
and highly detailed wind noise and pipe resonances are
though, is the way everything has and makes it such good company treble performance. greatly improved.
order, solidity, a specificity of image over a listening session ● Again, though, the AE1
and beautifully balanced tonality. It Active aces it for bass.
Did you consider Class D amps
may be a little short of an epiphany, during development?
but the way even the overwrought, The design philosophy for this
multi-layered hell of Whitney
Houston’s Run To You – a brutally
OUR VERDICT speaker was to make the purest,
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Natural, cleanest sound we could. We
challenging test track variously just un-hyped sound considered Class D because it could
squeaked into intelligibility or quality; effortless have given us higher power outputs,
power; finish
mercilessly mangled by some passive VALUE FOR MONEY
but for this size of speaker that is
DISLIKE: Nothing
speakers of my acquaintance over the not necessary. Once the power
WE SAY: The iconic
years – simply falls into place and BUILD QUALITY
AE1 lives on and wow,
requirements were met, the choice
sounds as sumptuously gorgeous as it’s better than ever. On came down to which sound we
producer David Foster presumably FEATURES
board amps breathe preferred and the Class AB design
life into an old master
intended is deeply satisfying. Even if stood out as having a smoother, more
you’re not a Whitney fan, the ‘hell’ bit ‘analogue’ sound. The speaker uses
simply evaporates. OVERALL a traditional linear, rather than
This small speaker’s bass deserves switching power supply for the same
special mention, too. It’s smooth – no reason – it simply sounded better.

MARCH 2017 19
 Hi-Fi Choice employs the most rigorous test and measurement
regime in the business. Here’s how we do it...

Unique group tests

REFERENCE SYSTEM
SOURCE
Melco N1A
Pioneer XDP-100R
HEADPHONE AMP/DAC
Chord Electronics Hugo
Our Group Tests are supported by rigorous and Oppo HA-2 SE

exhaustive listening tests carried out by experts

IN-EAR HEADPHONES GROUP TEST

SETTING LISTENING LEVELS on an in-ear point. The twin outputs of the Hugo allow for TEST MUSIC
headphone is not an especially easy task to quick and simple switching between models CALEXICO
undertake, as the output from a driver under test to confirm differences and have Algiers
Maybe On Monday 16/44.1 FLAC
diminishes to almost nothing a short distance enough power to ensure that all the earphones
from the earpiece. A slightly unorthodox are driven correctly, but as we shall see some
approach using a measuring funnel with the models are rather less sensitive than others.
in-ear inserted at the neck and an SPL meter For the second phase of testing, the test
fixed into the funnel section allows for a programme is played on a Pioneer XDP-100R
baseline listening level to be set for each unit. portable audio player (HFC 407). A short walk
Testing took place in two distinct stages. For along a busy high street is undertaken to judge
the comparison programme, a Chord Hugo noise isolation and comfort on the move.
(HFC 386) headphone amp/DAC is connected Additional listening via both the Chord Hugo
to a Melco N1A NAS drive (HFC 397) via USB and an Oppo HA-2 SE (HFC 420) with lossless
and the test program is sent direct using and hi-res material and some use of Tidal is also
BubbleUPnP server for Android as a control used to judge the final ranking. MICHAEL FORMANEK
Small Places
Wobble And Spill 24/88.2 FLAC

APHEX TWIN
Syro
Minipops 67 24/88.2 FLAC

BLIND LISTENING TESTS high enough to make differences consensus, or otherwise then
This crucial process is very easily discernible. Then the forms the basis of our sound EMILY BARKER & THE RED CLAY HALO
carefully controlled so that we choice of music is agreed – it quality section. Almanac
get reliable and consistent needs to be familiar, but also well At the end of the session, Reckless 16/44.1 FLAC
results in a relaxed and friendly recorded and of sufficient variety there’s a final debrief when
atmosphere. Our listeners must to give meaningful listening panellists discuss their findings.
not feel that they’re being tested, comparisons. The chosen It’s an exhaustive process, but
despite being unaware of the selection of music is played, and carried out in this way is free
brand or price of the products the panellists are encouraged to from prejudices based on brand,
they are auditioning. discuss their impressions of the price or appearance, while the
The session begins by setting sound of the product. This is then different sensitivities of the
the volume level to an agreed repeated, and periodically the listeners help to round out
point, one that all three panellists panel listens to earlier products the analysis in order to make
feel comfortable with, yet that is for reference purposes. The it more widely applicable.

22 MARCH 2017
 IN-EAR HEADPHONES £330-£390

Small
wonders
Ed Selley sets out to find
the pick of the pack of six
luxury in-ear headphones
AS BOB DYLAN once sang: “The times
they are a changin’”, and I’ll bet that
there are plenty of readers who realise
that occasions spent enjoying music on a
home system is becoming less and less as
listening time is resigned to the daily
commute. Under these conditions, surely
it makes sense to consider a set of
high-quality, in-ear headphones to make
the best use of all that travel time? What
was once a marginal interest in audio
terms, has exploded in recent years and
the choice of models priced between
£300 and £400 is a massive growth area.

Journeymen
With such a wide selection of models,
drive technology has become extremely
varied too. This luxury price point was
once the preserve of models that
employed a single balanced armature,
but this sextet also features models that
use dynamic drivers for either some or
all of their frequency range as well as
multiple armature models. All models on
test promise a level of performance that
can genuinely be described as ‘hi-fi’
rather than a means of generating some
kind of distraction to while away a
journey. Read on to find out which ones
deliver on their quality audio promise
and stand out from the crowd…

ON TEST

AKG Etymotic Final Grado Noble RHA

N40 £350 p27 ER4SR £330 p29 F7200 £390 p31 GR8e £330 p33 Trident £350 p35 CL1 Ceramic £350 p37
The N40 combines a The latest in a long line of Claiming to be the The only moving The entry-level model in The only dual dynamic
dynamic driver and single armature in-ear world’s smallest in-ear armature in-ear model in the US brand’s Universal- driver model in the test,
balanced armature headphones from headphone, the Final is the test, the Grado is a Fit range, Noble’s Trident the Glasgow firm’s
in each enclosure and Etymotic, the SR claims built around a single single driver model with in-ear headphone is a flagship CL1 uses a
unusually offers a choice to be tuned for absolute balanced armature in an an extremely compact triple armature design ceramic plate driver for
of filters to alter the sonic accuracy and ultra-thin steel enclosure, design that comes with a that uses a hybrid metal the upper frequencies
balance of the sound comes with an extensive on to which a choice of choice of different-sized and resin enclosure that and a ceramic injection
to your tastes, as well choice of fittings. It domes and cylinders can domes. Its looks are is supplied with an moulded body. It also
as a choice of fittings also benefits from a be fitted. It also comes conventional, but how extensive selection of comes with a detachable
and a carry case. detachable cable. with a natty carry case. does it perform? fittings and a hefty case. cable and soft, zip case.

24 MARCH 2017
MARCH 2017 25
 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

AKG REMOTE LISTENING

The AKG N40 is the only model in

N40 £350
the test to come with a cable fitted
with an in-line remote and
microphone, and offers the best
compatibility for use with
smartphones. Sensitivity is
With its dual-driver tech and customisable sound, sufficient to ensure it will work
reasonably well driven by a phone,
this is a flexible choice for listening on the go but performance clearly benefits
from the greater power of the
Pioneer XDP-100R portable player.
DETAILS etter known for its range The level of finish and build are On the move, it offers decent
PRODUCT
AKG N40
ORIGIN
B of full-size headphones,
including the ground-
breaking N90Q noise-
good and in keeping with many of
the company’s other headphones,
the N40 feels solid and well thought
isolation from external sounds. In
noisy environments the heavyweight
bass cuts through noise and ensures
Austria/China cancelling design (HFC 405), AKG out without being overly showy it sounds impressive even in more
TYPE produces a small range of in-ear or ostentatious. The detachable challenging surroundings. It’s not the
In-ear headphone models of which the £850 K3003i cable should help it survive a life most comfortable in-ear headphone
WEIGHT is the flagship design. The N40 isn’t of commuting, and it comes with on test for extended listening,
22g
nearly as pricey and opts for the a solid and robust carry case that’s however, as the enclosure has a habit
FEATURES
● Driver type: combination of a dynamic driver small enough to fit in a pocket. of digging into the ear. The choice
dynamic and to cover the lower registers and of ear tips is also limited, and the
balanced armature
● 3 tuning filters
a Knowles balanced armature to Sound quality perfect size for my ears would be
● Detachable cable cover the higher frequencies. Unique As one of the less sensitive models somewhere between the supplied
with ear hooks and to the group, it comes supplied with here, the N40 shouldn't be beyond ear tip sizes three and four.
in-line remote
● Carrying case
three interchangeable tuning filters a smartphone or tablet to drive to
that allow you to tailor the frequency a reasonable listening level. With the
DISTRIBUTOR
Harman UK response output of the enclosure to test level reached, it quickly becomes Unfortunately, things aren't quite
TELEPHONE clear that it possesses a number of so composed with the bass frequency
0207 0845392 It seems to have very likeable attributes. The word response. Even with the ‘reference’
WEBSITE that keeps appearing in my notes is filter in place it has prodigious low
uk.akg.com been designed to "refined" and it seems to have been end and depending on what you
designed to ensure that nothing it listen to, this can be rather too much
ensure that nothing plays sounds harsh or edgy. Maybe On of a good thing. While there is a
sounds harsh or edgy Monday sounds wonderfully spacious. welcome sense of body with the
There's a sense of the band performing Wobble And Spill track, it quickly
suit your personal preferences with as a whole and the handling of voices becomes all too overpowering with
the drivers mounted in a rectangular and instruments is very good. the more extended response of Aphex
housing behind this. Fitting the This spaciousness is also apparent Twin’s Minipops 67. The bass tends
filters is a little fiddly, but simple on Michael Formanek's stripped back to dominate proceedings and while
enough once you get the hang of it. track, with a definable relationship it stays commendably fast, it further
The driver enclosure has a canted between the performers and weight erodes its ability to deliver the details
tube onto which your choice of ear to the plucked bass strings that is very in the midrange.
tip is fitted and comes supplied with likeable. Some fine detail that other Back in the more conventional
four silicone sizes to choose from, headphones find in this piece is musical realm of Emily Barker, the
so you to get the most comfortable harder to pick out, but it manages bass is much more controlled,
fit and seal for your ears. While the to create a ‘big picture’ sense of the although again some fine detail
choice of tips is more limited than music complete with believable scale tends to be lost in the mix, meaning
with some models, I quickly find that many will feel is a more than that the N40 lacks the abilities to be
a pair that works well for me. acceptable substitute. considered a true all-rounder ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Refined and
spacious sound; solid
build; tuning filters
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Overblown
bass response with
some material; comfort
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: A capable
in-ear headphone, but
FEATURES
the considerable low-
end energy spoils the
performance balance

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 27
 PA 3100 HV
The new integrated amplifier

The latest addition to our award-winning HV Series, the PA 3100 HV integrated amplifier features
a major overhaul of the analogue mains unit and voltage supply system, bringing it in line with the
A 3000 HV power amplifier. Significantly, users can now also connect the separate PS 3000 HV
power supply to gain a further increase in stability and performance, whilst the preamplifier section
has also seen major revisions and improvement. Although visually similar to the original PA 3000 HV, on
power up, a pair of VU meters on the front panel offers a visual representation of the power under the hood.

The rear panel of the PA 3100 HV clearly

shows the symmetrical build and wide
range of connectivity options on of-
fer. Both single-ended and/or balanced
options are available, whilst two sets
of loudspeaker outputs offer the ability
to connect two pairs of speakers or bi-
wirable connectivity. When combined with
the HV-Link, a LAN socket and the PS 3000 HV
supplementary mains connection, the
PA 3100 HV offers everything required
for a versatile analogue audio system.

T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG · Planckstraße 9 – 11 · 32052 Herford · +49 (0)5221-7676-0 · info@ta-hifi.com · www.ta-hifi.com

Hand built in Germany, the PA 3100 HV from T+A is available in the UK now.

For more information or to arrange a demonstration, please contact:

Kog Audio
PO Box 5260 · Coventry CV4 0GB
Office: +44 (0)24 7722 0650
Email: info@kogaudio.com
Web: www.kogaudio.com
 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

Etymotic INTIMATE ISOLATION

Etymotic supplies a good selection

ER4SR £330
of silicone ‘trees’ for the ER4SR,
but in my case the only fitting that
gives me a truly effective seal is the
foam cylinder. This is a very hefty
size to fit into an ear canal, but the
This unusual but deceptively simple design delivers isolation it offers is superb. The
caveat to this is that this is not the
an extremely capable performance most comfortable headphone to
wear for extended periods.
The good news is that the
DETAILS he original ER4 in-ear first variety of ‘tree’ fittings supplied along reasonable sensitivity means that it
PRODUCT
Etymotic ER4SR
ORIGIN
T appeared in 1991, and the
design has been under
continuous development
with a rather large foam cylinder that
offers exceptional isolation. It comes
bundled with a sturdy carry case that
can be easily driven by a smartphone
and the effective noise isolation
offered means you can avoid running
USA/China ever since. The Studio Reference is a little on the large side for my coat it too loudly and still manage to block
TYPE version – the SR bit of its name – pocket, but offers plenty of room. out noisy environments. The low
In-ear headphone is the latest version to be released weight of the enclosures also means
WEIGHT and it doesn’t look like very much has Sound quality that they don’t exert too much
15g
changed from the original. Etymotic’s claim that its single pressure on the ear when in situ. The
FEATURES
● Driver type: This is one of two models in the armature design exhibits greater company’s considerable experience
balanced armature group to use a single balanced sensitivity than rivals doesn’t really with in-ear designs shows in how
● 6.35mm adapter
● Carry case
armature driver in each enclosure hold up here, and the ER4SR shows effectively the ER4SR works on the
rather than multiple drivers in no real advantage in this respect over move, but not everyone will like the
DISTRIBUTOR
KS Distribution combination. The frequency response other in-ear configurations on test. intimacy of the fitting.
TELEPHONE claims to be flat all the way down to Having said that, it does still exhibit
01903 768910 some impressive attributes.
WEBSITE Tonality with voices More than any other model in the impressively accurate, but isn’t always
hifiheadphones. group it delivers absolutely every the most exciting. The way that
co.uk and instruments are intricate detail from a recording. the ER4SR goes about reproducing
Listening to Calexico's Maybe On the Aphex Twin track is entirely
extremely vibrant Monday back to back with the other representative of what is in the mix,
and realistic models in the group reveals that but the sense of fun and liveliness
it manages to pull out subtle little that some other models manage to
20Hz but there is also an Extended details that are pretty much absent bring to the performance is absent.
Response model (ER), tweaked for elsewhere. This is combined with The bass response, while extremely
additional low end that is available tonality with voices and instruments controlled and fast also lacks a little
at the same price. that are extremely vibrant and weight and depth, although not to
With fewer drivers to accommodate, realistic. Michael Formanek's Wobble the point where it sounds thin.
the housings are small and simply And Spill displays an outstanding This isn't just limited to high tempo
designed. Build quality is good and delicacy that is quite exceptional pieces, as Emily Barker's Reckless
well in keeping with the group norm, to experience. The delicate touches manages to sound convincingly real,
but due to the size it doesn't feel as of percussion that are worked into although once again lacks some of
substantial as some. Fitting to the the mix suddenly become more the joy that is evident with some rival
ear is completely dependent on the pronounced, while there's also an models. This ferociously accurate
pressure it exerts in the canal to impressive sense of space and three in-ear headphone has a spaciousness
anchor it in place, meaning this may dimensionality to the recording. to its presentation that many people
not be a suitable style for everyone. So far so good, but there are some will find appealing, but I can't help
Etymotic's experience in making caveats to the performance that are feeling that emotional content
in-ear headphones shows with a worthy of mention. The delivery is is sometimes rather lacking ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Exceptionally
accurate and spacious
sound
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Lacks
excitement;
lightweight bass
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: An impressive
in-ear that lacks real
FEATURES
emotion and ultimate
engagement

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 29
Everything you need.
Nothing you don’t.
Music brings us so much joy. An audio system shouldn’t reduce music’s unique
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R O T E L . C O M
 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

Final THE FINAL APPROACH

While some aspects of the design

F7200 £390
are undeniably on the quirky side,
as a headphone for use on the
move it works extremely well. The
supplied ear tip fittings include a
foam cylinder, which offers the
A much less radical design than its predecessors, this most effective isolation. The
silicone ear tips are also very
headphone has an up close and personal performance comfortable, but don’t provide the
same level of seal in the ear canal.
Unusually, the cylinders come in
DETAILS ompared with previous easy replacement. The cable can also two different sizes and the smaller
PRODUCT
Final F7200
ORIGIN
C designs that we've seen
from Final over the years,
the F7200 looks almost
be fitted around the ear, and hooks
are supplied to facilitate this.
As well as a range of silicone ear tips
of the two proves an excellent fit for
my ears and is comfortable to wear
for long periods. The cylinder also
Japan conventional. It has a numeric-based and foam cylinders to secure a good ensures you get excellent protection
TYPE model name rather than something fit, it also comes supplied with from the outside world and even
In-ear headphone that sounds like it should feature in a an ingenious carry case to keep in very noisy environments, it still
WEIGHT Star Wars movie, while the spec isn't everything in place. It’s natty, manages to deliver its distinctive
23g
particularly quirky and features pocket-friendly design makes the presentation regardless of any noise
FEATURES
● Driver type: nothing out of the ordinary. other cases here look rather inelegant. going on around you. Combined with
balanced armature Like the Etymotic, this is another sufficiently good sensitivity to drive it
● Detachable cable
● Ear hooks
design that uses a single balanced Sound quality to any level that takes your fancy, the
● Carry case armature in each enclosure, which The F7200 doesn’t demonstrate F7200 makes an excellent in-ear
DISTRIBUTOR also means that the internal volume considerably greater sensitivity than suitable for any commute.
KS Distribution needed to house the driver is any other model, but it is easy enough
TELEPHONE to drive and sounds like it has plenty
01903 768910
The decay of the bass in reserve at the test level. Its The layered synth lines in the
WEBSITE performance has some similarities to midrange are presented in such
hifiheadphones.
co.uk
strings is handled Etymotic's ER4SR in that there is an a way that you can hear enough to
underlying sense of accuracy to the easily pick out individual lines, and
with an impressive way that it goes about making music. everything gels impeccably and feels
degree of immediacy Maybe On Monday displays plenty of remarkably well connected.
fine detail and voices and instruments In fact the only time where this
relatively small. Final has taken this sound natural and entirely believable. intimacy is anything other than
opportunity to shrink the external With the Michael Formanek track completely convincing is with Emily
dimensions to create what it claims is in particular it delivers a far more Barker's Reckless. While the tonality
the most compact in-ear headphone enclosed and intimate performance is undoubtedly impressive and there
on the market – although it’s worth than many of the other designs here. is a pleasing immediacy to the
pointing out that Grado's GR8e The saxophone on Wobble And Spill performance, Barker’s vocals
(overleaf) is shorter. feels much closer in the mix, and the are slightly recessed behind the
By mounting the driver closer to the decay of the bass strings is superbly instruments, which robs them of
ear and making the steel enclosure tangible and handled with an some of the clarity they need for the
as stiff as possible, Final claims that impressive degree of immediacy. track to be entirely engaging. Some
performance will be improved. The It also produces a solid performance listeners will expect to get a little
enclosures are also extremely well with Aphex Twin's Minipops 67. There more space and impact from their
finished and attractive in a slightly is useful bass extension for a single headphones, although for others
industrial sort of way, and the design armature design and the way that the intimacy of the ‘concert for one’
is finished off with a silver-plated the bass integrates with the rest of the presentation of the F7200 will hit
copper cable that is detachable for performance is extremely engaging. the spot perfectly ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Detailed and
intimate performance;
lovely build quality
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Occasionally
recessed sound; pricey
BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: An attractive
design that has a
wonderfully rich and
FEATURES
intimate performance

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 31
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 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

Grado GR8 EXPECTATIONS

If you are upgrading from a set of

GR8e £330
more affordable and usually more
conventionally designed in-ear
headphones, the Grado GR8e is
perhaps the one design in the
group that's going to be most
With its compact design, this headphone looks like a familiar to you. The fitment is
entirely normal and the pressure
perfectly balanced option for life on the move and weight it exerts on the ears is
negligible, helping to make it a
comfortable wear over longer
DETAILS rooklyn-based Grado has complements this. The good first listening periods.
PRODUCT
Grado GR8e
ORIGIN
B just three in-ear models in
its lineup and is perhaps
better known for its large
impression is undone slightly by the
thin and easy to tangle cable that
can’t be replaced and the limited
There are some issues, though,
when using it on the move. Even with
the largest of the supplied ear tips in
USA/Japan collection of full-size headphone accessories, which includes just three place, I find I can’t get the isolation
TYPE designs. The GR8e is the midrange sizes of silicone ear tip, a cleaning that I need to be truly free of external
In-ear headphone model and uses an unusual driver cloth and not a lot more. There's no noise and this has some affect on
WEIGHT application that has considerable case of any kind beyond the original performance. Fitting a larger
9g
potential. Like the Etymotic and Final packaging, but as one of the more aftermarket ear tip works well, but
FEATURES
● Driver type: designs, it employs a single driver in affordable models of the group Grado the additional cost is something you
moving armature each earpiece to generate a full-range can argue you can buy what you need may need to factor in. Combined with
DISTRIBUTOR signal. While those models opt for a with the money saved. the lack of any storage case, this isn't
Armour Home UK balanced armature configuration, the exactly the best-equipped model for
TELEPHONE driver here is of the moving variety. Sound quality life on the move.
01279 501111
This operates under similar principles This is comfortably the most sensitive
WEBSITE
grado.co.uk but is larger, which means that it is model in the test and can achieve
much less dependent on the level very high listening levels with ease electronica mix of Aphex Twin isn't
of seal in the ear canal to generate from pretty much any device that has delivered with quite the same levels
believable low-end frequencies. a headphone socket. The presentation of assurance as some of the less
Despite this, the driver is relatively majors on a wonderful sense of complex test pieces. The presentation
integration and cohesion. The way comes across as a little matter of fact
The bass has the it goes about reproducing Maybe On and lacks the fun element exhibited
Monday is three dimensional, well by some of the other models.
same faithful tonality defined and led by a wonderfully rich The quality of the bass the GR8e
and believable ability with vocals. produces has the same faithful
as the rest of the Instruments are well handled and tonality as the rest of the frequency
frequency response the sparse arrangement of Michael response, but there is simply not the
Formanek's Wobble And Spill is a real drive and impact that's exhibited by
small meaning that the earpiece pleasure to listen to with the piano some of the multiple-driver designs.
housings are in turn very compact. in particular sounding weighty and With the more conventional world of
The GR8e might not be as slim and extremely vivid. Emily Barker, however, the cohesion
elegant as Final's F7200 (overleaf), Its tonal characteristic remains the Grado possesses is a real benefit
but in terms of surface area this is consistent across the entire music to making the dense recording sound
the smallest and lightest of the group. programme. There is always a sense good. All in all, its underlying abilities
It is also exceptionally well finished. that what you are hearing is a faithful and relatively conventional design
The housings sport a beautifully reproduction of what's in the mix, ensures that it has universal appeal,
applied and very attractive coat of although it is the easiest to tip into a but compared with some of its slightly
blue metallic paint with a bronzed slight harshness across the upper mid more expensive rivals, it can't help
trim ring at the front, which perfectly and treble when pushed. The driving but come across as a bit basic ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Detailed and
cohesive sound;
comfort levels
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Lightweight
bass at times;
harshness when
BUILD QUALITY level is pushed
WE SAY: Talented
FEATURES
in-ear that doesn’t have
the all-round ability and
lacks accessories

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 33
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 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

Noble ON POINT
The Noble comes with a metal

Trident £350
‘sprue’ that stores a wide selection
of ear tips and tree-style fittings
as well as Comply foam tips. The
plentiful accessories should allow
almost any owner to get an optimal
It's the most affordable model in the US brand's range, fit for their ears straight out of the
box. The cable wrapping around the
yet feels and performs like a premium product ear is a little more involved when it
comes to fit than simply placing in
the ear and letting it hang freely, but
DETAILS e first saw the California- The cable tangles under the slightest this method keeps the weight well
PRODUCT
Noble Trident
ORIGIN
W based brand Noble with its
upmarket Savanna in-ears
back in HFC 418. The
provocation and can be frustrating to
live with if you're on the move. The
supplied carry case is rugged and
supported and thanks to the clever
design of the housings, is easy to
wear for longer periods of time.
USA Trident is also part of its generic fit offers a good degree of protection, The decent sensitivity means that
TYPE Universal series, and is the entry-level but is too big to fit into a pocket, almost any smartphone or dedicated
In-ear headphone in-ear in the range. and rather defeats its purpose. music player will have no trouble
WEIGHT It's the only model here to use three driving the Trident to any level
24g
FEATURES
armatures a side. By Noble standards Sound quality required. Isolation is excellent and
● Driver type: this is fairly limited as some of its Although it has the most complex means you won’t have to raise the
balanced armature designs have as many as 10 fitted in driver arrangement here, the Trident volume to compensate in noisy
● Ear hook cable
● Carry case
each earpiece, but it still gives the seems no harder to drive than the environments. An accomplished
Trident an advantage in the way it simpler designs and it has plenty in model for a life of commuting, even if
DISTRIBUTOR
Noble goes about reproducing the frequency reserve at the test level. Noble says the cable tangles are a bit annoying.
TELEPHONE range. The drivers are housed inside it has been voiced to offer a refined
0208 9429124 take on a 'pop' sound. This may be
WEBSITE There's an energy so, but it also manages to turn in performance of the Aphex Twin track.
nobleaudio.co.uk a performance that sounds deeply The bass response is almost as deep
and extension here impressive with all the test material. as the seismic AKG N40 (p27), but it
With Calexico's Maybe On Monday integrates well with the rest of the
that eludes any other it provides a big, vibrant performance output and the performance has
model in the group that's rich with tonality. Its take on a definition and speed that keeps it
Michael Formanek's Wobble And Spill sounding punchy and fun without
the plastic enclosure and the moulded is simply joyous. The sheer energy losing control. This allows you to
front section includes the tube onto of the saxophone is impressive, but hear everything that is going on
which the ear tips are attached. The it is the way that this is balanced while delivering an impressive
back of the enclosure is aluminium and integrated with the rest of the sense of enjoyment and drive.
and engraved with the Noble logo. instrumentation that really makes The seemingly effortless positioning
It looks very smart and the design it stand out from the pack. and realism of the soundstage sees
keeps any bulk of the larger enclosure There is a sense of cohesion that the Trident handle the Emily Barker
out of the way of the ear canal while rivals single-driver designs and there's track superbly well throughout,
build quality is excellent. an energy and extension that eludes although if I’m being hyper critical
The Trident uses an around-the-ear any other model in the group. The there is a fractional lack of delicacy
cable and because there's a decent effect is a hemisphere of sound that might not be ideal if this is the
selection of ear tips and trees to arranged in front of you with a sort of music you listen to most.
choose from, it shouldn't be too realistic soundstage of performers and The Trident might be Noble’s baby
difficult to get a decent fit for most a definable relationship to each other. model, but it's highly capable and
ear types (see box out). Some Above all, there is a sense of fun highlights what models further up
annoyances remain, though. that allows it to deliver the best the range might be capable of ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Balanced and
engaging sound;
comfort; build
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Cable
tangles easily; carry
case is too large
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: A superbly
talented design that
FEATURES
works well across all
music genres

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 35
 IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390 GROUPTEST

RHA POWER HUNGRY

The experience of using the CL1 on

CL1 Ceramic £350

the move is overshadowed by the
limited sensitivity. The Pioneer
XDP-100R music player needs to be
driven almost flat out to achieve a
reasonable volume level, and some
A unique design that needs plenty of drive, but partner brief tests with a smartphone
suggest that the power from such
it with some beefy amplification and it has the ability devices may be insufficient to really
get the best from it. In some ways,
this is a let down because the CL1
DETAILS t has only been a few years of the hooked part isn’t quite as has excellent isolation from the
PRODUCT
RHA CL1 Ceramic
ORIGIN
I since RHA arrived on the
scene and the Glasgow-
based manufacturer hasn't
comfortable as some designs here.
RHA supplies a healthy selection
of tips and fittings, and there's a large
outside world and while the ear
hook cable arrangement isn’t as
comfortable as the Noble, say, this
UK/China wasted any time in developing a carry case to keep everything in. is not an uncomfortable in-ear
TYPE range of models to suit all budgets. headphone to wear for extended
In-ear headphone The CL1 Ceramic is its flagship Sound quality periods. Even noisy situations
WEIGHT offering and the only in-ear on test The design takes some driving, aren't an issue, and aside from a
14g
that doesn't use an armature, instead making this the least sensitive model slightly weak locking mechanism
FEATURES
● Driver type: opting for its own unique twin-driver in the group. To hit the test listening when fitting the cables to the ear
dynamic and arrangement. The first is a dynamic level using Chord Electronics' Hugo pieces, this is a solid commuting
ceramic plate
● 2x detachable
driver that handles the frequency (see p22) requires it to be set beyond headphone. If you have a portable
cables with ear response from 16Hz to 8kHz, which what would typically be a comfortable headphone amp/DAC, the RHA CL1
hooks then hands over to a ceramic plate volume for most models, but if you Ceramic makes a good choice.
● 6.35mm jack
transducer mounted in front of the have a device with the power to drive
adapter
● Carry case first driver. This plate is exceptionally it, the RHA sounds very impressive.
DISTRIBUTOR light and stiff and gives a claimed The defining characteristic is the here demonstrate, the three
RHA frequency output up to 45kHz. The effortless way it handles scale and dimensionality and richness of the
WEBSITE drivers are placed in a housing made space. Like the Noble, there is a instruments is convincingly real.
rha-audio.com of zirconium dioxide, which is a It has no trouble delivering more
non-resonant material that allows the There is a sense of upbeat material either. Aphex Twin's
drivers to work without interference. Minipops 67 is powerful and even
It's beautifully finished and feels like speed and assurance from top to bottom of the frequency
the most well assembled design here. range. Bass extension is deep but well
Two cables are supplied – one with
to the way everything controlled and doesn’t overpower
a conventional 3.5mm jack and the is brought together other elements, while there is a sense
other with a three-pin balanced of speed and assurance to the way
connection. Both are silver cored and clear sense of the performers and that everything is brought together.
have custom-locking connections to their positioning in the soundstage, It's this underlying sense of
attach to the in-ears themselves. The which extends well beyond the competence that really stands it in
cable works on a looped-around-the- immediate confines of the headphone good stead. The Emily Barker track
ear approach, although the stiffness and forms a believable arc of sound is delivered as convincingly as
that spreads out in front of you, anything else here and lacks only
presenting the Calexico track with a little of its characteristic sweetness.
a convincing sense of realism. It Some minor comfort issues and a
delivers an assured performance with slight lack of sensitivity are all that
Wobble And Spill too, but although the count against it, but choose your
CL1 can’t match the intensity of the partnering equipment wisely and
presentation that some headphones the CL1 Ceramic comes up trumps ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Spacious
presentation; build;
looks
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Hard to
drive; cable lock isn’t
entirely effective
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: An impressive
in-ear that offers great
FEATURES
performance with the
right partnering
equipment

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 37
 GROUPTEST IN-EAR HEADPHONES
£330-£390

Group test verdict

Ed Selley unplugs his ears and sits down to consider which of the six
in-ear headphones he’d choose as his preferred travelling companion
THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of in-ear The Etymotic ER4SR is a supremely of the group, but it is an excellent
headphones at this price point and accurate performer. The way that it design and one that will appeal to
as this test demonstrates, there’s an unearths fine detail from a recording a number of listeners.
abundance of talent. All six models is truly outstanding and it gives the The RHA CL1 Ceramic is the
have something to offer listeners listener the sense they are getting headphone that very nearly tops
WINNER
seeking compact solutions, but exactly what the artist intended. With the in-ear pack. The performance Noble’s Trident offers
the AKG N40 is perhaps the most this, though, comes some downsides it offers is outstanding and this is superb performance,
compromised design here. It’s well that are hard to ignore. This is not the perhaps the model that goes the balancing accuracy and
equipped and comfortable, but the most comfortable headphone to wear fun almost perfectly.
furthest to produce a soundstage
The design is attractive
over enthusiastic bass sacrifices for long periods and the performance that projects its presentation and results in an in-ear
accuracy, making it the first model lacks fun. This allows the Final F7200 outside of the head while staying headphone that is
to fall. The compact Grado GR8e by to nip into third place. While it has detailed and enjoyable. Its low comfortable to wear
contrast is a balanced performer and many of the same attributes as the sensitivity means it’s better suited for long periods. It’s
also beautifully made, but the lack of Etymotic, it is far more comfortable, to more powerful music players an absolutely peerless
all-rounder, making it
all-round abilities and useful extras forgiving and, crucially, entertaining. or use with a portable headphone
the one to beat.
count against it. It might be the most expensive model amplifier/DAC combo.

Make/model AKG Etymotic Final Grado Noble RHA

N40 ER4SR F7200 GR8e Trident CL1 Ceramic

Price £350 £330 £390 £330 £350 £350

Sound
Value
Build
Features
Overall
, A capable design, An accurate and A detailed and Cohesive sound A talented design Hard to drive, but
but the considerable spacious performer intimate sound that’s that lacks all-round that works across all delivers great
low-end energy that lacks emotion nicely designed, ability and is short music genres and performance with
spoils the balance and engagement but it’s rather pricey on accessories fits comfortably the right equipment

Key features
Ear hooks Yes No Optional No Yes Yes

Carry case Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Detachable cable Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

6.35mm adapter Yes No No No No Yes

In-line remote Yes No No No No No

TRY WITH THESE

HEADPHONE AMP/DAC: PORTABLE SOURCE: STREAMING SERVICE:

Oppo HA-2 SE £290 HFC 420 Pioneer XDP-100R £500 Tidal £20/m HFC 414
HFC 407 The competition is getting better, but Tidal still
The latest version of Oppo’s
portable amp/DAC offers superb A recent price drop means rules the roost in terms of sound quality and this
performance and compatibility that the XDP-100R is a more is helped by good desktop and mobile apps.
with all kinds of music files and affordable option for anyone
headphones while on the move. looking for a standalone audio
The friendly design is extremely player. The Android OS is flexible
practical and it can also charge and handles aptX Bluetooth,
a smartphone while playing. streaming services and it has
useful expandable storage.

38 MARCH 2017
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 EXOTICA DYNAUDIO
CONTOUR 20 £3,750

DETAILS So what we have isn’t a cosmetic

Curved heir PRODUCT

Dynaudio
Contour 20
ORIGIN
Denmark
makeover. Dynaudio sees it as
nothing less than a deep dive
re-evaluation of the range that has
been with it from the very beginning
in 1977 and now neatly bridges the
With a softer look and loftier ambitions TYPE
2-way standmount
gap between its highest-end speakers
and more affordable offerings. True,
loudspeaker
David Vivian listen in to Dynaudio’s WEIGHT the cost has risen. The £3,750
15.5kg Contour 20 standmount here is
new standmount to see if it hits the mark DIMENSIONS exactly £1,000 more than the Contour
(WxHxD) S 1.4 LE (HFC 408) it replaces. But
215 x 440 x 360mm
or many manufacturers, operations, it can afford to – it goes the justification is a claimed major

F
FEATURES
evolution is a handy for the other, far more radical and ● 1x 28mm Esotar2 step up in performance.
concept. It means that, like costly option. Revolution. fabric soft dome Designed and manufactured in its
nature, your product line With the new Contour range, tweeter entirety at Dynaudio’s new research
● 1x 180mm vari-
can progress in baby steps, making the initiative is partly literal. The MSP mid/bass driver facility and factory in Denmark, the
incremental improvements without distinctive bass-above-treble driver ● Quoted sensitivity new range also has two floorstanders,
putting undue strain on resources. It’s configuration of the now superseded 86dB/1W/1m the Contour 30 (£5,750) and 60
a way of doing business we, as hi-fi Contour S series has been flipped DISTRIBUTOR (£7,500), and a centre speaker for
Dynaudio UK
consumers, are used to and comfortable 180°, so the tweeter’s back on top, as home cinema setups, the Contour
TELEPHONE
with, if seldom startled by. it was in earlier versions of the range. 01638 742427
25C (£2,750). Nothing has been
It would be fair to say Danish In other respects, the new models carried over from the old Contour S
WEBSITE
speaker brand Dynaudio has adopted look conservative by the standards dynaudio.com series, but cannily Dynaudio’s best
this approach over the years with of their immediate predecessors. Like tweeter, the 28mm Esotar2-coated
much success. But just occasionally the previous Contour, the prominence fabric soft dome, has been pinched
– and because, unlike some smaller given to the baffle is hard to miss. from the Confidence and Evidence

42 MARCH 2017
 DYNAUDIO
CONTOUR 20 £3,750 EXOTICA

high-enders, both as a key element in is a lot curvier and, in the flesh, finishes, which are all available at
the new design and, from a marketing a thing of borderline magnificence. extra cost on request.
perspective, to sprinkle a little stardust Photographs really don’t do the satin
over a substantially upgraded range. white oak finish of the review pair Sound quality
Intended specifically for the new justice. In the flesh, you’re in for a I remember heaving the even larger
generation Contour, however, is the visual and tactile treat. And it’s only and heavier KEF Reference 1
‘18W55’ 180mm Finite Element when you lift one up that you fully standmounts (HFC 414) on to my
Method (FEM) optimised main driver. appreciate just how solid, inert and long-suffering Slate Audio stands and,
All new are the alloy basket, the precisely put together it is. Each without any particular care in the
vented dual-ferrite magnet system, speaker weighs a very substantial setup let alone fine tuning, being
the spider suspension and the rubber 15.5kg and I’m not in the least mesmerised by the sense of scale, air
surround. The lightweight aluminium surprised that the build process takes and transparency I was experiencing
voice coil has a large 30mm centre three weeks – a state-of-the-art CNC within a few minutes of flopping back
vent and a 24 percent taller winding, milling machine with special five-axis on the settee in my smaller listening
claimed to give 70 percent greater cutting heads, some serious carpentry room. Not so here. It takes a bit
excursion than the voice coil used skills and the application of what of experimenting with different
in previous models. The new coil must be the finest-grade sandpaper amplifiers, cables and positioning
also has a built-in ventilation system ever devised. before things really start to gel. And
that allows air to escape without Beneath all the final-stage even then the Contour 20 sounds
pampering, there’s an extremely as if it needs a bigger stage to perform
There’s lots of finely strong rear bass reflex ported box on, more space to breathe.
with diffraction-minimising curved So, having finally settled on my
resolved detail edges constructed from multiple reference electronics – Cyrus Xt
layers of MDF that have been glued Signature CD transport (HFC 386),
through both the and then pressed together under high Chord Hugo DAC (HFC 386) and
midrange and treble pressure. The back plate, on which ATC’s CA-2/P1 pre-power amps (HFC
is fixed a single pair of high-quality 397), with a Townshend Audio wiring
obstructions and lets the cone move binding posts, is a whopping 38mm loom – I move the whole system into
more freely. The cone is made from thick and the 16mm side walls my larger listening room and, for
Magnesium Silicate Polymer are hardly flimsy. Internal bracing the first time, the sound really starts
(vari-MSP), a material introduced by is placed as close to the drivers as to motor. What’s most immediately
the company in 1985. It’s claimed to possible to reduce resonance and impressive is the effortless way it
achieve a virtuous trinity of low mass, resulting box-contributed colouration. fills the larger space with real bass
high rigidity and optimum internal In addition there are MDF dampening authority, amply illustrated by the
damping, while the new ‘vari’ bit plates with KERF cuts that, in percussive resonance of Marcus
refers to its critically varied thickness conjunction with the thickness of the Miller’s Rampage from his classic
across the diaphragm’s surface to cabinet panels, are claimed to help 1993 album The Sun Don’t Lie. Maybe
further finesse the control of the break up and absorb unwanted sound it isn’t so surprising given that part
driver. The second order crossover waves at the back of the enclosure. of the design brief for the new
network uses ultra-high-quality There are two satin finishes – white Contour was to achieve superior
Mundorf capacitors and is supported Curved cabinets oak and walnut – but if you prefer low-frequency response and less
and chamfered
by a brand new wiring configuration. baffles give the
high gloss you can choose from the distortion at higher volumes. Even so,
The drivers are mounted in a solid Contour series usual black or white piano lacquer, first impressions in the larger room
aluminium baffle, although the effect a softer feel or grey oak and rosewood high-gloss are that the Contour 20 doesn’t sound
is softened by the more conventionally
pyramidal driver placement and the
baffle’s soft sheen finish, while the
shape of the baffle is more contoured
and no longer extends, shield-like,
beyond the edges of the cabinet. Also,
the Contour 20 is a much larger and
heavier affair than the old Contour S
1.4 LE, so the baffle-to-cabinet ratio
is more balanced and looks good.
A beefy baffle should be good news
sonically, of course, not least because
it provides a firm foundation for the
drivers to do their work, the hoped-
for upshot being improved high-
volume performance, especially
at low frequencies. Care has also
been taken to chamfer the additional
plating surrounding the tweeter
with the stated aim of reducing
unwanted high-frequency diffraction
effects for a clearer, better dispersed
treble performance.
As well as being larger than the one
it replaces, the Contour 20’s cabinet

MARCH 2017 43
 EXOTICA DYNAUDIO
CONTOUR 20 £3,750

Q&A IN SIGHT
Roland Hoffman 1
1 28mm Esotar2 soft
Dynaudio Academy dome tweeter
2 Bass reflex port
2
3 Speaker cable
binding posts
4 180mm MSP
mid/bass driver
5 Solid aluminium
baffle

DV: The Contour lineup clearly 5

represents a major re-think. Why
have you reverted to a conventional
tweeter-on-top driver arrangement?
RH: Because it’s exactly that: a
re-think of a new Contour for 2017. 3
We didn’t start with ’the Contour 4
always has the tweeter below the
woofer’ concept. Instead we started
with a clear vision of the performance
and a clear vision of a modern
loudspeaker design. It’s secondary
whether we achieve the desired
sound performance or sound
radiation or phase alignment with
a given principle. For example, with
the Contour 20, the tweeter and mid/ much like a standmount speaker at of energy and colour. It simply has
bass unit are so close together and all, but neither is there a trace of the a more generous and unfettered
therefore both effectively at ear-level bloat and overhang that can afflict quality via the Contour 20 with
axis that there is no strong advantage even talented floorstanders. The greater dynamic reach and contrast
of an inverted arrangement.
bass is agile, articulate and tuneful than I am used to hearing. This is
but also has the solidity and impetus a speaker that successfully manages
Many of the Contour 20’s price
rivals use ribbon tweeters. What
to recreate the scale and reverberant to capture the structure and timing
are the advantages of sticking with characteristics of a venue. of the performance in a supple,
a dome tweeter? Unlike the big KEF, it isn’t an loose-limbed manner and, crucially,
If one only looks at single immediate impression of clarity, without the help of hyped emphasis
performance characteristics you’ll soundstage size and transparency that or exaggeration. As we find time and
find certain advantages in each startles. The Contour 20 isn’t a hi-fi again, it’s this even-handed musicality
tweeter design. Metal domes, HOW IT first kind of speaker. If you notice and intelligibility that makes listening
ceramic domes, ribbon tweeters, COMPARES such an addictive experience.
even piezo tweeters all have
Stretching the budget a What impresses
particular advantages in one or two Conclusion
areas of performance. But first of all,
little is the £4,500 KEF
Reference 1, a huge
most is the effortless While the Contour 20 isn’t an
to the human ear a tweeter only especially easy speaker to get to
sounds right if the performance is
standmount that blew
me away when I
way it fills larger know, it is most definitely worth the
consistent over the widest possible
frequency range – in volume level,
reviewed it in HFC 414,
not just for its amazing
spaces with bass effort, especially if you fancy the
idea of a quality standmount that
in on-axis/off-axis sound radiation, transparency and
resolution, but like the
anything first it’s the beautifully can easily drive a large room with
in phase, in tonality. Many tweeter’s natural portrayal of tone and texture, authority and a deep, taut bass
principles are good in some areas Contour 20, the ability
to drive a large room to a sense of balance and body that gives combined with terrific musicality ●
and quite poor in others, or only good
very high levels. The performers and instruments a real
at a limited frequency range. The
coated soft dome principle like our
Dynaudio is a little feeling of solidity in three dimensions.
livelier and has a
advanced Esotar2 is very consistent And if, to begin with, the presentation
winning way with tonal
can seem just a hair short of laid back,
and extremely balanced over a wide textures, but the KEF’s
the longer you listen the clearer it
OUR VERDICT
frequency range. Second, it’s not presentation is larger SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Fabulous build
only the tweeter performance itself and airier with greater becomes so that what you’re actually and finish; muscular
that counts. The tweeter also has soundstage depth. hearing is the absence of any artificial and superbly musical
Although not strictly sound
to match the midrange/bass driver edge or hardness. There’s lots of VALUE FOR MONEY
a standmount, ATC’s DISLIKE: Takes time
as closely as possible. They have to finely resolved detail through the to find its best game
£4,990 SMC19A (HFC
perform alike. No crossover filter 413) is more expensive midrange and treble, but the tweeter BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: A quality
in the world can make the wrong but good value when is so smooth and its integration with standmount that can
tweeter-woofer combination sound you consider its built-in the midbass driver so seamless EASE OF DRIVE
stand toe-to-toe with
many a fine
right. The coated dome tweeter is amplification. If it’s that it never conspicuously snags floorstander
an ideal match to our midrange/bass studio-like accuracy your attention.
driver. This is the key to an overall and dynamics you
Take John Mayer’s duet with OVERALL
seamless performance. crave, this should be at
the very top of your list. Herbie Hancock, Stitched Up. It’s
an entertaining track with plenty

44 MARCH 2017
 AUDIOPHILE MASTERPIECES
SINCE 1986

HAS ARRIVED
Go to www.avm-audio-uk.com

Proud UK distributor of
T +44 (0)1767 686300
& www.pmc-speakers.com
 REVIEWS NAD
C 368 £800

of the extra heatsinking required due

One for all

DETAILS
PRODUCT
to their fondness for turning power
NAD C 368 into heat; they run pretty inefficiently,
ORIGIN for the number of watts produced.
Canada/China Class D is cooler running, pushing out
TYPE more power while using less. NAD’s
David Price puts NAD’s latest highly Integrated
amplifier/DAC
decision to go with the latter system
means that the C 368 is slimmer than
versatile Class D integrated amplifier DIMENSIONS
(WxHxD) many earlier NAD amps I have seen.
435 x 71 x 302mm Employing a customised version
through its paces as he auditions the C 368 FEATURES of the highly regarded Hypex UcD
● Quoted power
power modules, the company says
output: 2x 80W
(8ohm) it has done a lot of work to deliver
very great hi-fi brand has look. Indeed, NAD amplifiers have ● Hybrid Digital a wide bandwidth design that

E an iconic product, and

for NAD it is the 3020
integrated amplifier.
changed dramatically recently – both
the technology that’s inside them and
the functionality that they’re designed
Class D output
devices
● 24-bit/192kHz-
capable DAC
provides consistent performance into
all speaker loads. The manufacturer
claims that the switched-mode
Launched way back in the late to deliver. The no-frills aesthetic is ● Digital inputs: 2x
power supply is capable of 200W
optical; 2x coaxial;
seventies, it was dramatically still very much there, but in 2017 1x aptX Bluetooth continuously, and more than 600W
different to every other budget you simply can’t get away with just ● Analogue inputs: instantaneously on short-term
offering of the time. Small, largely a volume control, input selectors 2x RCA; 1x MM musical transients. It works with any
phono
devoid of facilities and presented in a and an on/off switch any more. AC mains voltage from 100 to 240
DISTRIBUTOR
dour, dark grey when bright brushed This amplifier is far more flexible Sevenoaks volts and provides carefully regulated
aluminium was the order of the day, and upgradeable than NADs of yore, Sound & Vision DC power to all the various stages of
it stood out a mile on dealers’ shelves. and under the hood it sports a new TELEPHONE the C 368.
Inside, its feisty little power era of hybrid Class D amplification 01732 459555 The preamplifier section is pretty
transistors put out a claimed 20W that’s completely different to the WEBSITE comprehensive, with a moving-
nadelectronics.com
RMS per channel, which was low Class AB solid-state platform that the magnet phono stage (with a claimed
even then – yet it drove real-world company used to use. It is claimed to 0.3mV input sensitivity, so it should
loudspeaker loads brilliantly. Skilfully put out a minimum of 80W RMS per work with most MM cartridges), two
designed, it gave NAD a reputation channel, into 4 or 8ohm loads. sets of analogue RCA line inputs, two
for being the budget audiophile brand It’s generally more cost effective to S/PDIF and two coaxial digital inputs
of the eighties, and beyond. make a Class D amplifier than a Class (for the built-in 24-bit/192kHz DAC)
The C 368 you see before you AB one, but this isn’t always the case and aptX Bluetooth. There’s also a
here has little in common with that – as ever, it ain’t what you do, it’s the discrete headphone amplifier, claimed
seminal product, aside from that way that you do it. Class AB amps to have low output impedance and
sombre colour scheme and visual take up more space, not least because high output voltage capability. Two

46 MARCH 2017
 NAD
C 368 £800 REVIEWS

In use, the NAD is relatively It’s quite sensitive to the type of

pleasant, but hardly an ergonomic music that’s being played, especially
triumph. It’s a tricky task for any via the analogue inputs, but given the
designer these days to make complex, right sort of programme material –
configurable products like this work quite slow and atmospheric, for
easily – because their multitude of example – the C 368 really sounds
facilities simply cannot be controlled good. However, when there’s a need
by direct-access push buttons. to deliver a seat-of-the-pants style
Instead, it’s necessary to navigate rendition, it can be just a little too
through various layers of the settings laid back for my liking.
menu on the central display via the Goldie’s Terminator is a frenzied
fascia-mounted controller on the left, piece of drum and bass, with massive
or using the remote control or app. swathes of bass playing against an
When MDC modules are fitted, the
display changes accordingly to reflect Great care has been
the increased functionality. The colour
display itself isn’t great – it could be a taken with the phono
little sharper and brighter – while the
fascia switchgear feels slightly low
stage – it isn’t there
rent; the volume control in particular just to tick a box
lacks the precision feel of some rivals.
Overall though, the NAD is decently almost ‘machine-gun’ electronic snare
screwed together and finished for the drum and hi-hat track. The NAD
price, even if some rivals do better. doesn’t do a bad job here, but relies
on its bass power to push the song
Sound quality along, rather than any special agility
To any classic NAD aficionado, there’s in the midband, while the complex
something spookily familiar about layered percussion seems to lose
the sound of the C 368. Even though some of its impact. Like the NAD
it uses radically different innards to amplifiers of yore, this can really
traditional products from this stable, move air around the listening room;
it still has a recognisably rich, warm I am impressed by how strong
sets of speakers are catered for, and Slimmer than and rather velvety sound. Across all it keeps on driving those massive
around the back there’s a switch for NADs of old, of the inputs, there’s a big-hearted, tracts of sub-bass, even when I turn
stereo or bridged mode configuration. the C 368 is a barrel-chested feel to the way that it the volume right up. But I never stop
Here you additionally find two special handsome beast goes about making music, but it isn’t feeling that it’s a little less passionate
MDC slots for future upgrades; these one to machine-gun detail out at you. than some rivals when playing
can accommodate a variety of Soundstaging is impressively wide fast-paced, hard-driving music.
upgrade modules including 4K and deep too. Moving to some good old American
video-capable HDMI switching, Simply Red’s Fairground is a piece rock music, and REM’s Welcome To
additional digital inputs, additional of smooth nineties pop that’s The Occupation proves entertaining
analogue and phono inputs, and famously not especially well recorded, enough, if not wholly convincing.
what NAD calls: “One of the most but undeterred the NAD makes Again, I enjoy the powerful,
advanced hi-res audio multi-room a pleasing job of it. Unlike some sumptuous bass guitar sound, which
wireless systems available”, the BluOS price rivals that have a tendency to goes up and down the fretboard in
music management system developed deconstruct things down to a rather a positive and cleanly rendered way,
by Bluesound. The amp is supplied thin and uninspiring end result, the underpinning the song with authority.
with an infra-red remote control, C 368 instead serves up a big sound Further up into the midband, and
and can also be operated using that focuses more on the delicacy of Peter Buck’s trademark Rickenbacker
a smartphone or tablet via an app. the vocals, rather than obsessing with guitar work is carried well too,
the busy percussion. hanging satisfyingly wide across the
CONNECTIONS

1 2 3 1 Coaxial inputs
2 Earthing post

3 Binding posts for

two sets of speakers
4 IEC mains input
5 Pre out/subwoofer
output
6 Phono input
7 Optical inputs

7 6 5 4

MARCH 2017 47
 REVIEWS NAD
C 368 £800

Q&A
Greg Stidsen
NAD product director

DP: What options are available for

Full operation via plane of the loudspeakers to give Small Talk on vinyl an enjoyable,
the MDC modules? remote control a large and enveloping sound. foot tapping listening experience. The
GS: There are currently two Modular or smartphone
Design Construction modules – MDC and tablet app
All the same, there is a slight dynamic company has clearly taken great time
BluOS (£399), which adds hi-res flatness to the proceedings; the NAD and care with the implementation
network and multi-room audio, and can certainly pick up its proverbial of this input, and it isn’t included just
MDC HDMI (£299), which adds three skirt and make a dynamic leap when to tick another box on the spec sheet.
HDMI inputs for audio with video the occasion demands it, but tiny This is a very well produced slice
pass-through. ‘microdynamics’ are less convincingly of eighties pop, and the NAD really
carried. This song bristles with energy punches it out through my
Why is there no USB digital input and edge, yet the C 368 seems a little loudspeakers. That firm, resilient,
fitted as standard? less concerned with this than perhaps pile-driving bass is a joy to hear,
We have included USB inputs in many and further up the midband proves
of our products recently, but now Like the NAD amps satisfyingly spacious and three
we see the market moving away from dimensional. Inside this, the NAD
computer-based audio to purpose- of yore, it can really throws out plenty of detail and
built digital music managers like our remains tonally smooth at all times –
own BluOS. Of course, while all USB move air around even when reproducing those early
sockets are created equal, the
capabilities of the digital circuits can
the listening room digital synthesiser stabs. As with
all other inputs, treble is sweet and
vary widely from playing just MP3
it should be. It turns the track into silky, but lacks the bite of some rival
files to hi-res with asynchronous
more of an easy-listening experience amplifiers. Its performance is one
clocking for maximum fidelity.
When the MDC BluOS is installed
than the sound of a vibrant rock ‘n’ that’s barrel-chested and big booted
in the C 368 it offers 24-bit/192kHz roll band at their prime. Enjoyable – but to extend the metaphor, it’s not
capability in addition to supporting yes, but not always the most accurate. always the most fleet of foot amplifier
almost any codec, including MQA. Just when this amplifier begins to I have heard at the price.
fall from my affections, I hook up
Why has NAD chosen to move a CD transport and switch to the Conclusion
to Class D amplification? HOW IT coaxial digital input. Suddenly, it A highly versatile package for
Primarily for improved sonic COMPARES seems to rediscover its mojo, as the £800, the NAD C 368 has much to
and technical performance music becomes infused with more recommend it – especially if you’re
Costing a whisker
improvements, with the added
under £800, the NAD C
adrenaline and urgency. wanting to upgrade it later via the
benefit of reduced energy 368 finds itself in direct My old Grant Green silver disc copy purchase of an MDC module or two.
consumption. Our Class AB designs competition with Creek’s of Carryin’ On is duly spun up and Sonically it’s capable, although
were successful for the same reason very capable Evolution Ease Back plays. It proves a real not quite unbeatable at the price –
our Class D designs perform so well; 50A integrated. pleasure to listen to because the NAD and has commendable power output
careful engineering and circuit layout Launched in 2013, it does anything but; this early sixties and load-driving capability. This,
combined with high-spec parts in all offers the choice of
Creek plug-in Sequel
Blue Note classic is carried with allied to its wide range of facilities
the right places. impressive pace and real zeal. and excellent upgradeability, will
phono module, Ambit
FM/AM tuner module Once again, this integrated’s pleasing certainly win it many friends ●
or Ruby DAC module – tonality is appreciated – sounding far
conferring on it real less harsh and steely than some rivals
flexibility. The Class AB
– but the C 368 connects better with
Creek sounds superb at
the song’s groove. It deftly captures
the price, with a crisper,
the beautifully syncopated drum and
OUR VERDICT
faster and more detailed SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Great flexibility;
performance than the keyboard work, for example, which MDC upgrade slots;
Class D C 368, although shuffles the song along at a fair old power output
it doesn’t quite have whack. Again, the capacious VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Not as
the punching power transparent as some
of the NAD. The C 368
soundstage is much appreciated – rivals; lacks pace
counters with the huge left to right and front to back. BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: Super-
flexibility that its MDC The NAD performs well across its versatile integrated in
slots offer, including other inputs too; obviously Bluetooth FEATURES
classic NAD tradition
multi-room. Both are is not going to be the last word in
fine products, and audio quality to hi-fi aficionados, but
as ever you pays your
it’s very useful to have. The moving- OVERALL
money and you takes
your choice! magnet phono input isn’t bad either
and it makes Scritti Politti’s classic

48 MARCH 2017
 FO C A L I E LE A R
With a sophisticated design, Elear headphones create a personal and passionate listening experience.
Inspired by Utopia, these open high-fidelity Focal headphones feature an aluminum/magnesium tweeter
that will take you to the heart of the music. The leather headband and aluminum yoke offer ideal comfort.

Contact your local Focal retailer

to experience: www.focal.com
 REVIEWS ROTHWELL
SIGNATURE TWO £1,800

transformer and large-value

Stage
DETAILS
capacitors. The first stage low-noise
PRODUCT
Rothwell amplifier benefits from its own
Signature Two discrete transistor voltage regulation,
ORIGIN which is reputed to provide lower
UK noise and ripple than is possible with

presence TYPE
Moving-coil
phono stage
WEIGHT
4kg
DIMENSIONS
off-the-shelf voltage regulators. Each
stage has its own local decoupling
capacitors with carefully routed earth
tracks to eliminate hum loops.

Lancashire-based audio specialist Rothwell (WxHxD)

430 x 74 x 250mm
Sound quality
I connect the Signature Two to my
introduces its latest moving-coil phono FEATURES
● Discrete transistor
preamp and my ISOkinetik Modular
1.5 turntable with a Jelco SA 750D
stage. Neville Roberts takes it for a spin Class A amplifier
stages
● Switchable load
silicone-damped unipivot tonearm
impedances and
that has a magnesium and rosewood
gain headshell fitted with a Kiseki Blue
e’ve seen several entry- This is an all-transistor design using DISTRIBUTOR NOS moving-coil cartridge, and set

W level phono stages from

Rothwell in HFC in recent
years, and my first
discrete components employed in a
four-stage amplifier operating in Class
A mode throughout. The first stage
Rothwell Audio
Products
TELEPHONE
01204 366133
the load and gain switches of the
phono stage at 192ohm and 64dB
to match the requirements of the
impression of the upmarket Signature provides the cartridge with a load cartridge. I have a little trouble
WEBSITE
Two moving-coil phono stage is that impedance that is adjustable from rothwellaudio with the power button as the review
it is a very well built unit with a thick 32ohm to 1.1kohm. It also has a products.co.uk sample needs a good push all the way
steel casework. It’s a large component variable gain setting from 52dB to into its recess to make it come to life.
for a phono stage but has an elegant 72dB and both the load impedance The first LP to grace my platter is
brushed metal front panel that’s home and gain are set via rotary switches Michael Murray playing Bach’s
to just a power switch that gives a on the rear. This allows a wide range Fantasia and Fugue in G minor,
reassuring blue glow when powered of moving-coil cartridges to be which has some extremely low organ
on. The rear panel has the IEC mains accommodated and used with their notes. I expect great things from this
input socket, gold-plated input and optimum loading conditions. recording and I am certainly not
output phono sockets, load The second stage feeds a passive disappointed. The bass is well-
impedance and gain adjustment RIAA equalisation network comprised extended and super tight, but not
switches and an earth binding post. of low-distortion polypropylene overly restrained. Even when the
This is connected to the signal earth capacitors and audiophile-grade bass units of my loudspeakers are
via a 100ohm resistor and the metal MELF (Metal Electrode Leadless Face) generating a gentle breeze in my
casework is connected to mains earth, resistors. The third provides extra direction during the crescendos,
as required for safety reasons. There amplification prior to the final stage, the overall performance feels
is also an earth lift switch for which buffers the output in order effortless and I have no sense that
optionally linking the binding post to to provide a low output impedance the Signature Two is in any way
the mains earth in order to eliminate for feeding your preamp line input. struggling with the recording. The
hum loops, which can be a problem The on-board power supply is a overall detail in the sound produced
with certain equipment setups. linear design employing a toroidal by the great Methuen organ is superb.

50 MARCH 2017
 ROTHWELL
SIGNATURE TWO £1,800 REVIEWS

movement, but soon the double throw at the Signature Two, it seems
bass, drums and scat female vocals to simply take what it’s given with
transform the music into energetic ease and just gets on with it.
jazz. Each instrument occupies its I finish off the auditioning process
own well-defined position within listening to a half-speed mastered LP
the soundstage and I never feel that of Simon and Garfunkel’s So Long,
the performers are being cramped – Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a very
bright recording – as are most of the
The natural decaying CBS records of the period – and I
consider this particular album to be
of each note adds a good test of how well any piece of
equipment handles potential sibilance
to the overall realism with the vocals. I’m pleased to report
of the performance that Garfunkel’s words “so soon”
are reproduced without any undue
while each has their own space harshness. Of course, the sound from
around them, adding to the realism this recording is bright, but the top
of the overall piece. In fact, the entire end is nicely controlled.
soundstage is vast and seems to
extend well outside the boundaries Conclusion
of the loudspeakers. The group is The Signature Two moving-coil
joined by a flute and strings for the phono stage really impresses. The
second movement and the whole build quality is excellent and its
piece flows beautifully with amazing elegant looks should fit in well with
clarity and precision. most audio setups. It manages to
Everything is there, from the richness Switching to a half-speed master combine good control of the music
of the reeds and the 6,000 pipes to recording of Money from Pink Floyd’s without showing any real signs
the slight clattering of the mechanism The Dark Side Of The Moon, of restraint. The result is a musical
that can be heard in the background I am treated to a very tuneful and presentation that is both authoritative
during quieter sections. colourful bass electric guitar during and very refined as well as being very
Next I turn to something a little the opening section, and I can almost much at home across a wide variety
more gentle in the form of a sonata imagine the coins flying out of the of musical styles. Impressively, it
in G major by Scarlatti played on the cash registers as they open and close. exhibits no signs of faltering with
harpsichord by George Malcolm. The The instantly recognisable vocals anything I play through it ●
silences between the musical phrases are both clear and satisfyingly edgy.
are inky black, indicating the noise Timing is excellent and the rock bass
floor of the phono stage is very low propels the piece forward with an
indeed, and I am really drawn into unrelenting force. OUR VERDICT
the intimate performance. The To see how the Signature Two SOUND QUALITY LIKE: High build
natural decaying of each note of performs with an eclectic mix of quality; authoritative
the harpsichord adds to the overall drum and bass/electronica, I play and refined musical
presentation
realism of the musical reproduction. Laurent Garnier’s Pay TV from their VALUE FOR MONEY
DISLIKE: Moving-
The Rothwell’s handling of some Tales Of A Kleptomaniac album. The magnet input would
cool jazz is demonstrated by German strong bass line and the synthesisers, BUILD QUALITY improve flexibility
harpist Jonny Teupen on an LP combined with the atmospheric WE SAY: Delivers high-
entitled Play Harp. Teupen specialises sounds, never mask the top end FEATURES
end performance for
moving-coil cartridges
in jazz based on the works of classic from the hi-hats of the drum with all types of music
composers and a great example is his accompaniment, even as the music
OVERALL
version of Handel’s Harp Concerto in winds up. The bass is really punchy
B flat Major. His harp playing starts and the top end is crisp and clean.
conventionally enough in the first It doesn’t seem to matter what you
CONNECTIONS

1 Load impedance
1 2 switch
2 Earth lift switch

3 IEC mains input

4 Earth binding post

5 Gain switch

5 4 3

MARCH 2017 51
 MUSAIC
MPL £250 REVIEWS

download of UNKLE and The

Get smart
DETAILS
Heritage Orchestra Presents Variation
PRODUCT
Musaic MPL On A Theme, the MPL captures the
ORIGIN space of the venue and handles the
UK/China mixed instrumentation extremely
TYPE well. Gavin Clark’s vocals on Heaven
The MPL allows you to bring Musaic Music streamer are well presented and the slight echo
WEIGHT is beautifully captured.
functionality to your hi-fi, but Ed Selley 0.2 kg
DIMENSIONS
Hi-res material is also dealt with
effectively. The 24/88.2 version of
thinks there’s a little more to it than that (WxHxD)
149 x 33 x 90mm Dead Can Dance’s Toward The Within
FEATURES has wonderful tonal balance and
● Wi-fi and Ethernet shows no shortage of grunt when
streaming up to
ne area that smart amplifier. If the amplifier isn’t fitted 24/192
called upon to deliver the considerable

O multi-room audio systems

can find challenging
is talking to existing
with such a connection, you can hook
up a flood emitter to the front panel.
As the name suggests, this delivers
● Outputs: 1x
coaxial; 1x optical;
1x RCA
● Streaming
bass. At times, slightly more attack
and immediacy might be welcome,
but the counter to this is the way it
electronics that you already own. It’s a burst of IR information to send services supported: handles poorer recordings, ensuring
all very well having slick speakers in commands and communicate with Spotify; Tidal; compressed music is very convincing.
Qobuz; Napster;
another room, but if your smart device the receiver of the other unit. internet radio
In fact, you have to choose very poor
won’t connect to the equipment that’s Externally, the MPL is solid rather ● Support for IFTTT material before it becomes overly
already in place, it can leave you with than spectacular. The styling and protocol harsh or aggressive. It walks a very
two very separate systems. Musaic finish is in keeping with Musaic’s DISTRIBUTOR neat line between digging out detail
has shown a knack for multi-room speakers and the build feels solid Musaic from recordings without showing up
speakers with the MP5 and MP10 considering the small size. The only TELEPHONE too many of the flaws and is also easy
0207 5588984
(HFC 407) and recently launched the detractor is a tendency to ‘rear up’ to listen to for extended periods.
WEBSITE
MPL, designed to handle integration depending on the weight of the musaic.com The party piece of the MPL is the
with other hi-fi components. interconnect you use with it. As the digital output. Switching to the
The premise of the MPL is simplicity main point of interaction with a coaxial connection, first on the
itself. Built around an ESS Sabre DAC, device of this nature is always going Audiolab and then a rather pricier
it offers the same UPnP, internet radio to be the control app, here the news is Chord Electronics CPM 2800 MkII
and streaming services that the pretty good. Musaic has worked hard integrated reveals the MPL to be
standalone speakers can access, but to create a logically laid out piece of completely transparent. It sounds
makes this output available via either software that responds consistently exactly like the digital source you use
an RCA analogue output or coaxial across functionality and makes it with it. This might not sound terribly
digital and Toslink outputs. Like other easy to identify which component you exciting, but it makes a great addition
Musaic products, the unique feature happen to be controlling at the time. to any amp and thanks to the IR
of the MPL is that it is compatible control you can integrate volume and
with the IFTTT (If This Then That) Sound quality power commands into the Musaic’s
protocol, which means that other Having completed the set-up process app, tying control into a single point
suitably equipped devices will respond – something that should take no more rather than multiple remotes.
in a given and consistent way with it than a few minutes – I connect the
when specific functions are selected. MPL via analogue connections to an Small and solidly Conclusion
built, the MPL is
Musaic has equipped the MPL with Audiolab M-ONE amp/DAC (HFC an effective way
The ability to add a well implemented
an IR emitter that can be used to send 416) and Mission LX-2 standmount to add streaming selection of features with a good app
instructions to a suitably equipped speakers. Listening to the 44.1 services to a hi-fi without imparting any of its own
personality means the MPL has
appeal well beyond the bounds of a
normal Musaic system. This is a very
clever and well integrated piece of
equipment that can add a welcome
dose of ‘smart’ to almost any setup ●

OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Useful features;
refined and accurate
sound; unobtrusiveness
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Look and feel
isn’t particularly special
BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: A clever little
box that has some
innovative features
FEATURES
and boasts quite
considerable appeal

OVERALL

MARCH 2017 53
 REVIEWS ROTEL
CD14/A14 £550/£1,000

matching A14 amplifier or T14 tuner/

Two’s
DETAILS
streamer, however. Overall, the only
PRODUCT
Rotel A14 thing that marks it down is the
ORIGIN slightly resonant top plate.
Japan/China The A14 integrated amplifier is a

company TYPE
Integrated amplifier
WEIGHT
8.2kg
DIMENSIONS
(WxHxD)
neat visual match, offering a quoted
2x 80W RMS of Class AB power. Like
price rivals, it is equipped with a wide
range of inputs, including a moving-
magnet phono stage, line inputs and
integrated aptX Bluetooth. All of
David Price discovers Rotel’s latest 430 x 93 x 345mm
this comes via the plethora of small
FEATURES
mid-price CD player/integrated amplifier ● Quoted power:
2x 80W (8ohm)
push-buttons on the fascia, which
also boasts switching for two pairs
offering – the CD14 and A14 combination ● AKM 32-bit/768kHz
capable DAC
of loudspeakers, a USB input and
● Analogue inputs: a 3.5mm headphone socket.
4x RCA; 1x MM Underneath the hood, things are
phono stage
ver since I discovered the laid out machine; with the disc ● Digital inputs: 2x
very tightly packed, with a largish

E Rotel brand in the late

seventies, it has always
managed to come up with
transport carefully mounted on its
own sub-chassis. To the left is the
power supply, which uses a frame-
coaxial; 2x optical;
1x USB-A; 1x USB-B;
Bluetooth with aptX
● iOS/Android
custom Rotel-made toroidal
transformer to the left rear of the
unit. This connects to a full-width
capable, affordable components. The type transformer, and to the centre control app main circuit board that has power
recipe has always been worthy, well and right are the digital and analogue DISTRIBUTOR supply components, including slit-foil
engineered and understated products sections. Rotel says attention has been B&W capacitors, and pre and power stages.
that don’t rely on superficial showroom paid to the power supply and signal TELEPHONE You’ll see an AKM 32-bit/768kHz
appeal. The CD14 CD player and A14 path routing, and there’s certainly 01903 221500 DAC chip fitted, and a separate board
amplifier combo here is no departure visual evidence of this. The board also WEBSITE piggybacks over at the back, while
rotel.com
from this path. It’s Rotel’s mainstream, sports a Wolfson DAC chip running there’s a chunky heatsink bar running
mid-market system that attempts to at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. through the central frontal area.
offer satisfying sound quality with the Around the back, are unbalanced RCA Everything is tidily laid out and well
convenience facilities many demand. phono outputs, a coaxial digital out, made, with largely surface mount
Stylistically, the new CD14 is a RS232 in and a 12V trigger for components; I get the sense that a
subtle departure from Rotel products remote controlling. The IEC mains couple of decades ago, this amplifier
of yore. It has a drawer-loading disc socket means you can experiment would have had to have been
arrangement (the company has used with your own AC power lead; but physically far larger in order to do
slot-loaders in the past), and has a a standard one comes supplied. what it does now.
slim, sculpted look with a refreshing This is one of the first CD players The back panel rather underlines
minimalism to it. you can control with your this and is bristling with connectors.
The brushed aluminium fascia bolts smartphone; in addition to the The RCA sockets include two
on to the player’s case, which is made bundled Rotel remote, there’s auxiliaries, MM phono, CD, tuner
of sparkle-silver painted steel. Whip an Android/iOS app. This requires and preamplifier out. There are four
the lid off and you can see a neatly you to connect the CD player to the digital inputs, two coaxial and the

54 MARCH 2017
 ROTEL
CD14/A14 £550/£1,000 REVIEWS

DETAILS same number of optical Toslinks. Two but only just enough to take the sting sound will feel that its performance
pairs of speaker binding posts take up out of poor recordings or make harsh is just a little breathless at high
PRODUCT
Rotel CD14 a good bit of the rear’s real estate too. speakers more bearable. Bass is fluid volumes, but by the standards of
ORIGIN Then you’ve got remote triggers, and supple, and even at high levels its price rivals it is pretty muscular.
Japan/China Rotel Link sockets, and the USB input. doesn’t fall apart with arduous Taken together, the Rotel combo
TYPE The same IEC power socket is fitted speaker loads. In the midband, really gets its mojo working. Two
CD player to the A14 as the CD14. In terms it’s pretty wide in its stereo image capable performers voiced to work
WEIGHT of overall quality, this feels a classy and falls a fair way back, too. Inside alongside one another make for a
5.9kg
product and is heavy for its size. this, there’s a lot of detail, yet it’s all gusty and musical sound – one that’s
DIMENSIONS
(WxHxD) conveyed with consummate a lot more exuberant than the
430 x 98 x 312mm
Sound quality smoothness. Treble is unexpectedly ‘sensible shoes’ styling suggests.
FEATURES
Starting with the CD14 in isolation, refined and detailed, with lots of air. The way they make music is more
● Wolfson I am pleasantly surprised. It’s a This amplifier can track dynamics characterful than expected, and the
24-bit/192kHz DAC competitive player with no apparent well, and the end result is a veritable result is that you keep wanting to
● Supports MP3
playback
vices and a lot to recommend. Tonally foot-tapper of a product that doesn’t listen, for hours on end. Kate Bush’s
● iOS/Android it’s quite warm and mellifluous get its rhythmic prowess from any Wow has me transfixed – it is full of
control app (for sounding – although certainly not undue harshness or forwardness. detail yet sounds suitably ethereal
use with A14) excessively so – and this ties in with In absolute terms, the A14 sounds and other worldly. The only criticism I
DISTRIBUTOR a bouncy nature that enjoys making a little mechanical and lacking in can make here is that stage depth isn’t
B&W
music. At the same time, it is detailed scale, but it compares favourably to the best I’ve heard at the price; the
TELEPHONE
01903 221500 with a fair degree of air and space. system hangs things fairly close to the
WEBSITE Goldie’s Terminator is a heavy piece The sound is a lot plane of the loudspeakers and doesn’t
rotel.com of mid-nineties electronica and yet fall back quite as much as it should.
the Rotel excavates a lot of detail, more exuberant
throws it out at breakneck speed
than the sensible Conclusion
and strings it all together in a most Considering its tidy but relatively
coherent way. At the same time, styling suggests bland aesthetics, I am pleasantly
it doesn’t deconstruct the recording surprised at how polished this pair
unduly and displays a nice tonality similarly priced components from sounds. The good old-fashioned
too. With the wrong front end, this the likes of say Exposure and Roksan. engineering and attention to detail
track can be a real headache, but the Cue up The Emotions’ Best Of My results in a highly listenable combo
CD14 is a model of good behaviour Love and you’re greeted with a across all sources – from low-res
and doesn’t put a foot wrong. rousing rendition of this classic Bluetooth to hi-res files and vinyl.
I am surprised to find it gives such seventies disco stomper; it’s a great It’s a musically satisfying and flexible
a convincing view of the music world, recording and the Rotel leaves you yet fuss-free way to enjoy music ●
sounding sweet and organic. That’s in no doubt of this fact.
a high bar to match. Able to start and stop with alacrity,
So, does the A14 let the side down? the natural speed of this integrated,
No, is the simple answer – it is an able allied to its ability to thump out large OUR VERDICT – A14
solid-stater with a vibrant sound wads of power, is impressive. Again, SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Power, poise,
and oodles of power considering its in absolute terms it’s certainly no punch; facilities;
diminutive dimensions. Tonally again 200 watter, and really loud parties or compactness
it’s just a fraction on the warm side, those seeking to fill large spaces with VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Display is
hard to read, but that’s
about it
CONNECTIONS BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: Excellent-
value solid-state
1 2 1 Moving-magnet integrated amp
FEATURES
phono stage input
2 Binding posts
for two sets of OVERALL
loudspeakers
3 Digital coaxial and
optical inputs
4 Rotel link to
amplifier
5 Coaxial digital
input OUR VERDICT – CD14
7 3 6 RCA analogue SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Musically
outputs engaging and assured;
great build quality
7 RCA analogue VALUE FOR MONEY
pre output DISLIKE: No DAC
input will put some
people off
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: Strong-
sounding machine
FEATURES
that’s fine value

OVERALL
6 5 4

MARCH 2017 55
 A U D I O S Y S T E M S

The Classic

August 2016 Best Turntable 2016-2017

An Instant Classic
The Classic was released to celebrate Pro-Ject Audio The new motor is powered by a built-in generator, for
Systems’ 25th Anniversary. This retro-inspired turntable a consistent performance, and drives a sub-platter that
has been designed from the ground-up to combine sits atop a precision-engineered main bearing.
timeless aesthetics with modern technology and The all-new 9” Classic Tonearm is made of aluminium
audiophile sound performance. and carbon fibre, for unrivalled rigidity while retaining
The striking frame design is available in three wood a low mass. The arm benefits from a new bearing
finishes, and provides clever decoupling between the system for completely free movement and is supplied as
acoustically treated aluminium platter and the motor. standard with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge.
Available Now for £799.00 (UK SRP)

Distributed by Henley Designs Ltd.

T: +44 (0)1235 511 166 | E: sales@henleydesigns.co.uk | W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk
 REL
T/9i £999 REVIEWS

DETAILS fine adjustment of the crossover and

PRODUCT
level controls, I’m all set. I settle on
REL Acoustics T/9i the sub being placed in the corner
ORIGIN just behind the plane of a pair
UK of Dynaudio X38 floorstanding
TYPE loudspeakers, but before I begin
Active sub-bass REL recommends some run-in time
system
to allow the driver material to reach
WEIGHT
18.7kg the optimum performance and for
DIMENSIONS the amplifier to fully warm up.
(WxHxD) The Dynaudio X38 already has
330 x 387 x 407mm a very tight and fast bass performance
FEATURES which is subjectively well extended
● 254mm long-
throw active drive too, but the scale the REL brings
● 254mm passive to the soundstage is breathtaking.
radiator Everything I enjoy about the way
● Class AB amplifier
● Claimed power these speakers reproduce a recording
output: 300W RMS is enhanced and made more believable
DISTRIBUTOR with the T/9i in place. Suddenly, I
REL Acoustics Ltd am no longer sat on the sofa at home
TELEPHONE listening to Do You Ever Think Of Me?
01656 768777
by Corinne Bailey Rae, and when
WEBSITE I close my eyes I am transported to
rel.net
a startlingly intimate front row seat
at Ronnie Scott’s. Her vocal snaps into
focus and sounds even more achingly
heartfelt with the REL in place while
the piano and guitar accompaniment

Bass station sound rich and so tangible that I feel

I can almost get up and walk around
the players in the room.
Performances grow in stature and
show off catherdal-like soundscapes.
Speed and timing go hand-in-hand for Vocals on Oh Wonder’s Livewire sound
so rich and three-dimensional that I
any successful hi-fi system, Lee Dunkley am glued to my seat enjoying the vast
soundscape that breathes life and
auditions a sub that brings so much more increased levels of enjoyment into
tracks I know well.
iming is everything to the Its driver tech uses a combination

T way a piece of music

communicates with its
audience. Without the
of lightweight, composite fibre alloy
in a 254mm forward-firing driver
with an inverted dust cap and steel
Conclusion
As I spend more time with the T/9i
and the drivers settle in, I find it
ability to keep time and pace chassis. It’s powered by a Class AB requires a slight reduction in level to
accurately, attention wanders and 300W amplifier and is coupled to continue to integrate unobtrusively
engagement and communication a matching downward-firing passive with my setup. What it brings to the
of the musical message is easily lost. driver on the underside, and even the way a system handles recordings old
It’s a critical element to the success of shape and height of the support feet and new is insightful, and one of the
any hi-fi setup, and many traditional are precision designed to provide most rewarding additions to my hi-fi
loudspeaker designs live or die by the best airflow in order to optimise setup in recent times, allowing the
their ability to convey the right kind performance. Controls and connections main loudspeaker to do its thing, but
of rhythm to get toes tapping. have been simplified for ease of even more so ●
A lack of timing isn’t something installation and – if like me you’re
that can be levelled at REL’s sub-bass not keen on trailing cables around
systems, but when subwoofers first the room from an amplifier to the
appeared at the start of the home subwoofer (a 10m Neutrik Speakon
cinema boom, absolute timing was cable is supplied) – there’s the
OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Improves
arguably less critical. Thanks to supplementary REL-designed Arrow soundstage and
improved materials and design, zero compression wireless system dynamics; easy set up
musical latency is a thing of the (£199), that plugs into the rear of the VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Wireless
transmitter needs
past and a well-engineered sub can sub and is straightforward to set up. careful placement
bring benefits to hi-fi sound beyond BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: Musically
extending its bass handling abilities. Sound quality engaging, bringing
The T/9i is the flagship model in the Integrating the T/9i into both your FEATURES
sonic improvements
beyond bigger bass
T/i series, and the re-engineered cube room and system is by far the most
design is constructed with thicker important thing to get right first.
cabinet walls and superior bracing Thankfully, it’s a doddle and after half OVERALL
to improve rigidity that’s topped with an hour or so of experimentation with
five coats of high gloss paintwork. positioning in my listening room and

MARCH 2017 57
 REVIEWS YAMAHA
A-S801 £800

the unit that can be used to power an

The digital
DETAILS
PRODUCT
external adapter should you wish to
Yamaha A-S801 add this increasingly useful wireless
ORIGIN connectivity option.
Malaysia Along with the optical coaxial and
USB digital input options there are

switchover
TYPE
Integrated four analogue inputs, two of which
amplifier/DAC
are tape loops. A moving-magnet
WEIGHT
12.1kg phono stage is built in and ensures
DIMENSIONS that the amp is versatile enough to
(WxHxD) handle most wired source scenarios,
With plenty of mid-priced integrated amps 435 x 152 x 387mm and you also get independently
FEATURES switched A and B speaker outputs,
to choose from, Ed Selley discovers what ● Quoted power
output: 2x 100W which are handy for basic multi-room
installations. The only omission is a
makes this one stand out from the crowd (8ohm)
● 32-bit/384kHz
stereo pre-output, although a mono
PCM and DSD128-
capable DAC subwoofer output is fitted. A 6.35mm
ver the last few years, the fitted many of its integrated ● Digital inputs: 1x headphone amp output completes the

O inclusion of digital inputs

to integrated amplifiers
has become a must have
amplifiers with coaxial and optical
digital connections. But the A-S801
goes a step further and adds a USB-B
coaxial; 1x optical;
1x USB Type-B
● Analogue inputs:
4x RCA; 2x tape loop
connectivity picture.
A CD Direct Amplification mode
claims to maximise signal-to-noise
for all new models. What started out input that’s capable of supporting ● MM phono stage
ratio for a useful bump in sound
as an addition to a few specialist PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DISTRIBUTOR quality, which is commendable
Yamaha UK
products some time ago has now DSD128 native resolution. but there is also a Pure Direct mode
TELEPHONE
reached the point where we are more The decoding for the inputs is 01908 366700
that plays a similar role and is able
likely to remark if an amplifier isn’t so provided by an ESS ES9010K2M WEBSITE
to bypass the tone controls and can
equipped. It’s a sensible approach and Sabre DAC and a Steinberg USB uk.yamaha.com be selected at the same time as the
based on sound thinking. In a world driver is required to support music CD Direct feature.
where physical digital media is an files from both PC and Mac computers Internally, the A-S801 is built
increasingly rare thing, having an and is freely available as a download around Yamaha’s ToP ART (Total
amplifier carry out both decoding and from Yamaha’s website. Bluetooth Purity Audio Reproduction
amplification makes perfect sense. connectivity is not built in, but there Technology) system. This works to
Yamaha certainly thinks so and has is a USB-A connection at the rear of minimise the number of components

58 MARCH 2017
 YAMAHA
A-S801 £800 REVIEWS

in the analogue circuit, has a Keys, there is no sign of harshness impressive with Ragnari’s Fort Of
symmetrical layout and is mounted or aggression. If you are looking for The Hare sounding both vibrant
on a solid, dual-bottom chassis – also an amplifier that delivers a savage, and rich with some of the slight
given the acronym ‘ART’ which in this warts-and-all sort of delivery that sweetness that’s more common with
case stands for ‘Anti-Resolution and pins you to your seat with the sheer DSD making its presence felt.
Tough’ – to minimise interference and force of the music, this probably Separating the performance of the
vibration. Its power output is rated at isn’t the best option for you. Where digital board from the amplifier as
2x 100W into 8ohm. the A-S801 differs from some of its a whole is rather more tricky – and
Externally, the A-S801 is clothed predecessors is that it manages to fairly irrelevant given that there are
in Yamaha’s retro-style casework temper this smoothness with a speed no outputs that allow you to isolate it
and although the style may divide and energy that ensures that Gold On – but the ESS DAC it uses can sound a
opinion, I feel it works rather better The Ceiling sounds lively and fun. little forward at times. Yamaha seems
in the silver finish than it does in the If you listen to something a little to have used this to its advantage and
black. Some may find it slightly fussy more sedate like Nick Drake’s Five when combined with the amplifier
and lacking some of the elegance Leaves Left, it is in its element. stage, the result is a very happy tonal
of similarly priced rivals. The caveat Drake’s delicate vocals in Three balance. It is also a balance that
to this is that while the front panel Hours are detailed, tonally seems genuinely forgiving of poorer
is unquestionably busy, it does point convincing and their relationship quality and compressed material.
to there being plenty of flexibility. with the supporting guitar and bass Yamaha’s bid to be a complete
You get a full set of tone controls and is logical and effortlessly three solution for all source inputs is
balance adjustment as well as input hindered by the on-board phono
selection, indicators for incoming The selection of stage. Connected to an Avid Ingenium
sample rate and the two different with SME M2-9 and Nagaoka MP150
‘direct’ functions. Everything is well formats supported (HFC 379), it has usefully low levels
built and feels solid and carefully of background noise and no hum, but
assembled. The supplied remote
make this amp even with the startlingly immediate
control isn’t anything like as fantastic value pressing of My Baby’s Loves Voodoo
substantial, but it works well. it comes across as a little soft and
Setting up the Yamaha to work dimensional, hanging between the lacking in drive and excitement. What
over USB is straightforward enough speakers in a way that requires no Yamaha takes with one hand it seems
although the Steinburg driver suspension of disbelief. The bass to give with the other, though, as the
installation is more involved than response is also well judged, with headphone socket provides a decent
with some similar systems. I also plenty of impact and detail, but account of itself and manages to
run it successfully without the driver, never losing the integration with convey the qualities of each input.
connected directly to a Melco N1A the rest of the frequency response.
NAS drive (HFC 397) and this acts Where the A-S801 shows genuine Conclusion
The retro-style as the main source connected to the ability is when you use it with the Judged as a conventional integrated
casework is quite amplifier for my main listening test digital board. Connected to the amplifier, the A-S801 puts in a
busy and lacks
a display
assessments. Other digital inputs, as Melco, the performance gains a very likeable performance although it
you might expect, are also used with slight but entirely welcome sense of doesn’t necessarily deliver a knockout
a variety of sources without incident. excitement that makes it that much blow. It has many appealing features,
more invigorating to listen to. I don’t but suffers from a slightly safe
Sound quality know whether it’s through design or presentation. Used via the digital
Connected to a pair of Audio Note happy accident, but the digital board inputs, the performance has an
AN-K speakers and initially using a has a more upbeat and invigorating energy and engagement that
Naim ND5 XS network streamer (HFC presentation that retains the positive unfortunately isn’t always present
352), the A-S801 shows some positive attributes of the analogue inputs. when used via the analogue
attributes from the very beginning. A 24/96 download of Paul Simon’s connections. The quality of the digital
The presentation has some classic So Beautiful Or So What positively board and the selection of formats
Yamaha traits in that even listening radiates energy and drive. The supported make it look much stronger
to the frenetic El Camino by The Black performance with DSD is also deeply value and something that is well
worth seeking out ●
CONNECTIONS

1 Digital optical and

1 2 coaxial inputs
2 USB Type-B port
OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Refined and
3 Two sets of speaker powerful sound; build;
binding posts useful input selection
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Lacks
4 Subwoofer output excitement; rather
soft phono stage
5 Phono input and BUILD QUALITY
earthing post WE SAY: A powerful
and well-equipped
FEATURES
integrated amp that
works extremely well
via the digital inputs

5 4 3 OVERALL

MARCH 2017 59
 REVIEWS BLUESOUND
VAULT 2/POWERNODE 2 £1,099/£799

there are controls for play/pause,

Rhapsody
DETAILS
previous/next track and volume.
PRODUCT
Bluesound Vault 2 Getting going is surprisingly
ORIGIN straightforward – you drag and drop
Canada/China music from your computer to the

in blue
TYPE Vault 2 via your network, plug in
Music server/DAC a USB hard drive and copy the files,
WEIGHT or download direct from the likes of
1.84kg
HDtracks and Qobuz via the BluOS
DIMENSIONS
(WxHxD)
app. You can start building your
220 x 90 x 192mm collection by feeding the Vault 2 your
David Price looks at an interesting, versatile FEATURES
● 2TB hard drive
CDs, which it rips (into FLAC, MP3
or WAV). Your music library is easily
and affordable music serving system from ● Burr-Brown
PCM5242 DAC
backed up via the app’s settings
● Optical and menu, when you attach USB storage.
Bluesound – the Vault 2/PowerNode 2 coaxial digital
outputs; 1x coaxial;
I opt to use the PowerNode 2 to
mini-jack in; 1x aptX
amplify the Vault 2, but it’s so much
Bluetooth; 1x more than just a matching integrated
t’s surprising how few a proper integrated solution, needing asynchronous USB amp. It duplicates the streaming

I proper music servers there just a tablet or smartphone for control. input functions of the Vault 2 – so both
● RCA output;
are on sale. Most hardened The Vault 2 is effectively a computer headphone output products are more than just one-trick
audiophiles stream their running Bluesound’s BluOS on a DISTRIBUTOR ponies and can be bought separately
music via dedicated network music 1GHz ARM Cortex-9 dual-core Sevenoaks Sound to do different things in other
players, while fashionable young processor, with a quiet 2TB media & Vision contexts. The PowerNode 2 also runs
things all seem to think that the only drive for storing music – but it also TELEPHONE BluOS, so has Spotify, internet radio,
01732 459555
way to play their tunes is via a Sonos. works with NAS or USB drives. It’s etc. and a built-in DAC. It also offers
WEBSITE
These two boxes from NAD’s sister bundled with all the main streaming bluesound.com built-in wi-fi, while the Vault 2 only
company Bluesound International services – Tidal, Deezer, Rhapsody, connects via Ethernet. The PowerNode
offer an interesting halfway house; Spotify etc. – as well as internet radio sports the same ARM Cortex A9
effectively they form a high-quality and aptX Bluetooth. Supported file processor, but adds on-board
music centre, which lets you store types include MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, amplification, which I’m told is a
your music on its large internal hard WMA-L, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF and “slightly up-specced version of the
drive – or play off another external MQA (all working up to 32/192 PCM NAD D 3020” and so no bad thing.
drive – and stream music to multiple where appropriate) – it basically does The so-called HybridDigital amp is
rooms around the house. No computer everything except DSD. Round the a bespoke Class D design done by
is needed, yet it plays hi-res files and back, are RCA phono analogue the original 3020 designer, Bjorn Erik
also works with cloud music services outputs, digital (optical and coaxial) Edvardsen. It is claimed to put out
and internet radio. The ability to rip outs, a combined analogue and 60W per channel into 8ohm. As with
CD and then store it on the built-in optical input via a 3.5mm jack, the Vault 2, inside there’s a latest-
drive makes it far easier than tweaky Ethernet and three USB inputs. generation Burr-Brown PCM5242
computer audio, too. In other words, The front has a slot for CDs, and 32-bit/384kHz differential output
the Vault 2 and PowerNode 2 form a 3.5mm headphone socket. On top, DAC. Round the back, there’s a set of

60 MARCH 2017
 BLUESOUND
VAULT 2/POWERNODE 2 £1,099/£799 REVIEWS

DETAILS speaker binding posts, an Ethernet is more than good enough to signpost little warmer in the upper bass and
socket, USB input, a combined the differences in recording technology lower midband than some. It certainly
PRODUCT
Bluesound optical digital input and analogue and bit-rate. What really impresses is has a smooth, svelte sound that
PowerNode 2 input via a 3.5mm socket and an the texture of the various keyboard beguiles rather than offends.
ORIGIN RCA phono subwoofer output. sounds, which are richer in harmonics There are a few caveats, but they’re
Canada/China Overall build and finish are good, than expected, and more tactile too. excusable given the price; the sound
TYPE but the plastic casework lacks the Despite this, it remains smooth and lacks some depth perspective –
Integrated
amplifier/DAC sense of occasion of pricier, metal- pretty vibrant with lots of subtle although it does image left to right
WEIGHT clad rivals. Still, in use the combo detail recovered. There is no sense quite convincingly and locates
1.72kg proves sturdy, with the Vault 2 not that this is a woolly-sounding piece of instruments with good precision.
DIMENSIONS putting a foot wrong in the variations cheap digital audio; on some lifestyle Also, towards the upper limits of its
(WxHxD) of streaming and ripping I try. systems you can barely hear the operating volume, things do get a bit
220 x 70 x 192mm
difference between FLAC and MP3, compressed as the PowerNode 2 runs
FEATURES
● Quoted power
Sound quality but not here. Again, of course, put it out of puff, but this shouldn’t be
output: 2x 60W While the Bluesound combo may not up against a full-on hi-fi network a worry for normal rooms and/or
● HybridDigital look like a classic hi-fi system with music player and it’s a little less three sensible volumes. Overall, the
Class D output;
Burr-Brown
acres of brushed aluminium, it Bluesound combo makes a nice noise,
PCM5242 DAC certainly sounds serious. Kicking off The Bluesound and really begins to fly with high-
● 1x coaxial digital; with a hi-res copy of 10cc’s I’m Mandy quality hi-res files. The fact the Vault
1x aptX Bluetooth;
1x Ethernet; 1x USB
Fly Me, I’m surprised by how good combo really 2 plays such a wide range of these,
it is, considering the price. Although including MQA, only endears it further.
Type-A inputs
● RCA output; no high-end dCS digital source, it
begins to fly with
headphone output
DISTRIBUTOR
delivers a clean and detailed sound high-quality hi-res Conclusion
Sevenoaks Sound
with a pleasingly musical flow when Not quite the last word in high-end
& Vision playing from its internal hard drive. dimensional, but the Vault 2 still hi-fi, the Vault 2/PowerNode 2 have
TELEPHONE The Vault 2 in isolation, feeding my makes a good stab at conveying the been thoughtfully designed with
01732 459555 reference system via its RCA phono music’s natural rhythm and dynamics. a wonderfully easy, format-agnostic
WEBSITE outputs, performs with poise and Hooked up to the PowerNode 2 and operating system and setup. In a
bluesound.com precision, offering a decently placed in front of a pair of Cambridge world of fussy streaming boxes that
dimensional soundstage and fairly Audio Aeromax 6 speakers (HFC 391), fall off networks all the time, this one
smooth tonality. True, compared the tiny twosome does surprisingly proves impressively stable and its
with a good-quality hi-fi streaming well. Again, one is always aware that large storage capacity means that
separate, the bass is a little light, but you’re not downwind of the audio you come to treat it like a huge hi-fi
there isn’t too much sacrificed at the equivalent of a monster truck, yet jukebox. Just add a pair of good,
altar of compactness and convenience. the amplifier section does a good job efficient loudspeakers and go ●
Moving to more modern sounds, of taking the music to useful levels
The Major’s Tomato Source – in a largish listening room – with
a sample-heavy hip-hop odyssey – admittedly pretty sensitive speakers.
sounds powerful and crisp. This Playing a CD rip of Strawbs’ Autumn OUR VERDICT – VAULT 2
CD-quality file is obviously less is a pleasure. Tonally, this pair sounds SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Sound;
expansive and a little more upfront really rather nice – quintessentially packaging; BluOS
than 10cc in hi-res, but the Bluesound NAD one might say, which means a ease-of-use; hi-res
VALUE FOR MONEY including MQA
DISLIKE: Slight lack
CONNECTIONS of bass weight
BUILD QUALITY
WE SAY: Impressive,
1 2 3 1 Analogue RCA user-friendly, versatile
phono outputs FEATURES
modern music centre

2 Digital coaxial
output
OVERALL
3 USB Type-A ports

4 Loudspeaker
binding posts

5 Ethernet port

6 Subwoofer output
OUR VERDICT – POWERNODE 2
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Connectivity;
versatility; multi-room;
packaging
VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Limited
power
BUILD QUALITY WE SAY: Attractive,
capable heart of a
Bluesound system
FEATURES

OVERALL
6 5 4

MARCH 2017 61
 blak

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2016/17 2FWREHU Issue 413

Distributed by Henley Designs Ltd.

T: +44 (0)1235 511 166 | E: sales@henleydesigns.co.uk | W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk
 BOWERS & WILKINS
P9 SIGNATURE £700 REVIEWS

DETAILS that immediately stand out are the

PRODUCT
energy and speed, and Alpha Female
Bowers & Wilkins pounds along and generates real
P9 Signature excitement as it does so.
ORIGIN The clever bit is that when you play
UK/China something more delicate like Tori
TYPE Amos’ Under The Pink, there is no
Over-ear
headphone sense of the P9 being forced or
WEIGHT overdriven. The combination of Amos’
413g vocals and partnering piano sound
FEATURES rich, detailed and extremely well
● 40mm dynamic
balanced. I’m not sure that anything
driver
● Quoted sensitivity: I play definitively points to the drivers
111dB/mW being angled slightly forwards, but
● Detachable cables
the spaciousness and positioning
with 3.5mm jack
of the music is generally very good.
DISTRIBUTOR
Bowers & Wilkins With something truly small scale, like
TELEPHONE
a 24/96 download of Nick Drake’s
0800 2321513 Pink Moon there’s the sense that while
WEBSITE it doesn’t shrink the performance
bowers-wilkins. down to be intimate, it still sounds
co.uk
compelling and enjoyable.
One of the reasons for this is that
the P9 has a truly superb top end. It
combines a sweetness and naturalness
of tone with the ability to handle poor
recordings regardless of how aggressive

Cloud nine they are. This feeds into a similarly

smooth and detailed midrange that
also flatters poorer recordings. The
only real criticism is that the bass
level can periodically be too much
The new flagship headphone from of a good thing. When listening to
acoustic material it lends a welcome
Bowers & Wilkins is its most ambitious sense of weight and body, but with
more potent electronica it can make
yet. Ed Selley turns on and tunes in performances sound unbalanced.
The bass quality itself is detailed and
never becomes over powering, but
ot content with releasing comfortable fit as the enclosure can there is the sense that there is more

N the deeply impressive 800

Series D3 loudspeaker
range and gearing up to
move freely in a useful axis on the
head. This is partnered with an
excellent choice of materials and
of it than is strictly accurate.

Conclusion
celebrate its 50th birthday, Bowers & design touches – the removable This does not detract from a
Wilkins has also entered new territory magnetic pad to change the cord from headphone that offers an effective
with the release of the P9 Signature. the short one with mic and remote combination of comfort, solidity, and
The P9 is – outwardly at least – to a longer one for home use is both high overall performance. If you are
relatively conventional. It is built simple and elegant. Build is very good looking for a model that works as
around a pair of 40mm dynamic indeed and the colour scheme gives it well at home as it does on the move,
drivers that have been specially a very slight retro feel. the P9 makes for an impressive choice
developed with a suspension system The niche that the P9 fills is a little and exploits an evolutionary niche
that claims to deliver strong bass harder to judge, though. In terms of extremely effectively ●
extension without sacrificing high size and weight, it is very much in
frequencies. The enclosures are the mould of a home headphone but
different to most rivals, using B&W’s the folding headband, carry case and
proprietary Finite Element Analysis short cord (as well as the soon to be
to create an ‘optimised environment’ available Lightning connector cable)
OUR VERDICT
SOUND QUALITY LIKE: Energetic yet
using composites and aluminium. point to use on the move. refined sound; well
The drivers themselves have been built; comfortable
angled facing forwards 15° to give Sound quality VALUE FOR MONEY DISLIKE: Over-
enthusiastic bass; a
a greater sense of the music being in In use the P9 is impressively sensitive little too large to be
front of the user to imitate listening to and running it off a smartphone is BUILD QUALITY truly portable
a pair of conventional loudspeakers. not an impractical proposition. Best WE SAY: A talented,
The enclosures are mounted via a results are gained with something FEATURES
elegant headphone
that is good to listen
decoupled flexible mount to a folding slightly more potent. Connected to a to and easy to live with
headband. Bowers & Wilkins argues Chord Hugo (HFC 386), performance
that the decoupling allows each is competitive with dedicated home OVERALL
driver to go about its business without rivals. Listening to Wild Beast’s Boy
interference. It also makes for a more King, the elements of its performance

MARCH 2017 63
 FEATURE RADIO

Modulating
influence
As we observed the sixth World Radio Day last
month, Neville Roberts celebrates our love affair
with radio and looks ahead to a looming ‘FMexit’
usical programmes have always was like the internet is now – for many turned out to be so popular that it

M been part of the regular output

from the BBC, since it first started
transmitting from Station 2LO in
years it was the only way to know what was
going on in other parts of the world.” Radio
technology connected people over vast
transitioned to the newly formed BBC Light
Programme after the war, and it continued to
be broadcast right up until September 1967
London towards the end of 1922, under its distances and transformed the way we went when light music moved to Radio 2. Of
original name of The British Broadcasting about our daily lives. By 1930, people had course, with regard to audio quality, most
Company. In January 1923, there was the really embraced it and half of all UK homes people had one choice – the relatively low
very first outside broadcast, which featured had a radio on their sideboard or standing quality offered by AM radio with all of its
Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute, performed in pride of place in the sitting room. interference issues and receivers that had
at London’s Covent Garden. As a source of music, a relevant milestone a limited frequency response of up to 5kHz.
Indeed, as a nation, we’ve always enjoyed for radio was in June 1940 when the BBC
listening to music. Over the years, we General Forces Programme started Music on the move
increasingly turned to radio as one of our broadcasting Music While You Work twice Another milestone came in 1955 when
main sources of music, as well as other daily in the UK. The belief was that the companies like Sony made portable
forms of entertainment and news. As far as productivity of workers could be raised by transistor radios that were affordable and
listening to the news was concerned, audio playing a non-stop medley of popular tunes convenient. Japanese businessman and
designer Michael Creek observed: “Radio during the working day. The programme co-founder of Sony, Akio Morita, wanted
to produce a radio that was small enough
to fit in a jacket pocket and powered by
a lightweight battery. This was instrumental
in changing the way that people used radios.
At the same time, television was becoming
popular and when the BBC started to
transmit 625-line television on the UHF
(Ultra High Frequency) band when BBC 2
was launched in 1964, viewers became
increasingly aware that the sound quality
was better than that offered by AM radio.
This was due to the FM sound modulation
used in the UHF television signal. Increasing
the bandwidth on AM was not an option
because of interference to and from foreign
stations. There were also a number of areas
in the UK that didn’t receive good reception
of the BBC’s radio stations, although AM
reception was much better in the sixties than
it is now as there were much fewer stations.
VHF FM radio began transmission in the
UK in May 1955 from Wrotham in Kent. This
covered London and a large portion of South
East England. During the rest of the fifties,
a number of other FM transmitters were
brought into operation around the UK. These
rapidly established FM as the hi-fi choice for
radio listening. By the end of the sixties,
it was possible to get superb quality sound
almost everywhere in the UK, and the public,
especially audiophiles, took advantage
of this fact. Portable radios appeared that

64 MARCH 2017
 RADIO FEATURE

STEREO MULTIPLEXING
Stereo requires the broadcasting of two channels of
audio. Early experiments involved transmitting the
left channel on a separate frequency to the right,
but this was hugely inefficient and also meant that
such a system was incompatible with existing mono
FM radios. The approach taken was for a system
that used the available bandwidth of a mono FM
transmission to broadcast both the left and right
channels of a stereo broadcast on the same FM
channel. The process of combining multiple signals
onto one composite signal in such a way that the
original signals can be reconstituted by the receiver
is called multiplexing. One of the design goals was
that the stereo multiplexed signal (MPX) would be
compatible with mono FM radios. As mono FM
radios only looked at the 0-15kHz part of the
incoming FM signal, it was a straightforward
decision that the lower frequency part of the stereo
MPX should contain the sum of the left and right
The Leak TroughLine tuner was launched channels (L+R). In this way, a mono FM radio would
in the fifties before FM and stereo existed not notice any change and would simply play back
the mono L+R signal. By transmitting a difference
included the FM waveband in addition getting the audio from the studios to the signal (L-R) on a subcarrier (38kHz) that was outside
to the AM medium and long wave bands. transmitters. For long distances, the BBC the audio frequency band but still within the
available bandwidth of a VHF FM channel, the left
The technical quality of BBC FM broadcasts used a set of FM subcarriers carried by and right channels could be decoded by adding and
of the time was excellent, and this proved a wideband link used for carrying TV video. subtracting the sum signal and the difference signal
popular with listeners seeking a wide variety The snag with this was that these analogue (resulting in 2L and 2R respectively) using a stereo
decoder in the stereo radio. In order for the decoder
of programme material. FM slowly grew in circuits introduced signal distortions and to work, a 19kHz pilot tone was also transmitted,
popularity throughout the rest of the decade added noise, which could upset stereo which is just outside the audio frequency range,
and especially when commercial quality. The solution that the clever chaps at to enable the decoder to determine the exact
frequency and phase of the transmitted subcarrier
broadcasting commenced in 1973. the BBC Research Department came up with signal. When the decoder detected this 19kHz pilot
was to use a digital technology for the links tone, it activated the stereo circuits in the radio and
The thrill of stereo between transmitters. also illuminated the stereo beacon.
As FM radio was taking off, experimental During the sixties, the BBC carried out
test transmissions in stereo started taking research into the application of digital
place from Wrotham in January 1958. Later methods to improve the quality of the audio By the end of 1975, BBC NICAM stereo
tests extended this to other FM transmitters and video links. As a result, the link from links had come into operation for most of the
around the UK and by the end of 1958, these Broadcasting House to the Wrotham UK mainland transmitters. So, thanks to the
experiments became fairly routine. However, work of the BBC, people in most parts of the
even by 1966, stereo broadcasts were limited There are currently UK could enjoy some of the best stereo radio
to around a few hours per week, but were transmissions in the world.
still an exciting event for UK audiophiles. no plans to switch the
Those of us of a certain age will remember
majority of radio Along came DAB
the thrill of the ‘stereo’ indicator lighting up The roll-out of digital radio in the UK started
on the front of our FM stereo tuner. This was broadcasting to DAB+ with engineering test transmissions by the
something of a rarity, not only because of the BBC in 1990 and were followed by a public
limited stereo transmissions by the BBC, but transmitter was switched to the new BBC launch in September 1995. DAB (Digital
also because of the poor quality of stereo PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) system in Audio Broadcasting) was hailed as providing
decoders at the time, which meant stereo September 1972. This was called NICAM superior quality sound to FM stereo as it
could only be received when there was a (Near Instantaneously Companded Audio is more resistant to noise, co-channel
very strong signal and weather conditions Multiplex). Incidentally, this was also the interference and multipath distortion than
were favourable. Even then, the sound was technology used later to provide stereo analogue FM radio, and it also offers a
often accompanied by ‘stereo hiss’. audio for analogue TV broadcasting. NICAM wider choice of radio stations. However,
By 1970, there were still relatively few produced a dramatic improvement in FM DAB actually provides a significantly poorer
of the BBC’s FM transmitters that could stereo sound quality. On 4 November 1972, sound quality than FM because it uses the
transmit in stereo, and at that time stereo Radio 2 from Wrotham officially started antiquated MP2 audio codec and because
was only available on Radio 3. Radio 1 didn’t broadcasting in stereo. This offered the 98 percent of stereo stations use a bit-rate of
even have its own FM transmissions and had prospect of the same high sound quality only 128kbps or less. Even Radio 3 on DAB,
to share some of the Radio 2 provision on a becoming available from the rest of the which at best is only transmitted at 192kbps
part-time basis. The most populated parts of BBC’s main UK VHF FM transmitters for
the South East and Midlands were covered other Radio 2 transmitters, as well as for
by a stereo transmitter, but much of the UK Radio 3 and Radio 4.
had to make do without stereo. One of the In parallel with these developments in
biggest problems that faced BBC engineers transmitted radio, there were improvements
and held up a UK-wide stereo service was in radio receiver technology and, in
the challenge of getting good-quality stereo particular, stereo decoders. Original
signals distributed to the FM transmitters. decoders used tuned circuits that extracted
Although there were various special links, the stereo signal, which could drift
many of the connections were supplied by over time. Modern stereo decoders use
the General Post Office (GPO). The GPO phase-locked loop (PLL) decoders and these,
was used to connect outside broadcasts and combined with more sensitive and selective
remote venues to the BBC and it provided FM tuners, resulted in a sound quality that is Although DAB sets are common, the
a set of standardised grades of landline for close to a modern LP. UK’s FM switch-off remains some way away

MARCH 2017 65
 FEATURE RADIO

FM VS. AM
AM, or amplitude modulation, means that the audio
signal is added to a high-frequency carrier signal
that can be transmitted through the airwaves by
modulating the amplitude of the carrier. This is
essentially the same technology that Guglielmo
Marconi used back in 1895 for the first successful
radio transmission of Morse Code signals over the
air. For Morse Code, the carrier is simply turned
on or off, but AM radio varies the amplitude of the
carrier in sympathy with the audio signal. The
problem with AM is that the amplitude of the
radio wave is also affected by atmospheric and
other environmental conditions, as well as by
interference from most unsuppressed electrical
equipment, ranging from car ignition systems to
hairdryers. Equipment for receiving an AM signal
can be very simple indeed and, as in the case of
early ‘cat’s whisker’ radios, may just consist of an
inductor, a capacitor, a diode and an earphone. All
that is needed to listen in is a long piece of wire for
the aerial and a connection to earth.
FM stands for frequency modulation, and this
means that the frequency of the carrier is shifted
slightly higher or lower in sympathy with the audio
signal. FM is less susceptible to noise because the
VHF FM radio broadcasts information in an FM signal is transmitted through
began in the UK in May 1955 varying the frequency, and not the amplitude
(which is affected by noise). AM radio ranges from
535 to 1705kHz in the Medium Wave band, while FM
ranges from 88 to 108MHz in the Very High
and often at 160kbps, cannot compete with transistor radios that are still in use. Frequency (VHF) band. AM radio channels are
the quality of its FM stereo counterpart. FMExit in the UK is likely to black spaced 9kHz apart and FM radio
There is no doubt that the number of out a large percentage of the channels are spaced 200kHz
apart, which means that
stations has increased drastically since the population, many of whom may FM radio can easily
introduction of DAB, but this is clearly at the not want to be forced to shell accommodate the 38kHz
expense of audio quality. out money on a new DAB radio. stereo subcarrier along
with the audio signal.
The UK may consider changing to
The big switch-off DAB+, which has the promise of better
For a while there has been much uncertainty quality as it uses more modern encoding but
about the government’s plans to move the same transmitter technology. Having
UK radio to a fully digital network. This, Based on current usage statistics, the UK is
of course, has not been good news for On 4 November 1972, likely to reach the 50 percent DAB listeners
equipment manufacturers who obviously target by the beginning of 2018, which
want some certainly to work towards. FM Radio 2 from Wrotham means that any switch-off is unlikely to
switch-off was originally planned for 2015, occur any earlier than 2020. Even so, quite
officially started to

Black and white image (above), radio dial (left) and radio graphic (overleaf) all courtesy of Shutterstock.com
but nothing happened as the criteria set by apart from upsetting audiophiles, there
the government to trigger FM switch-off broadcast in stereo is going to be a significant part of the
(dubbed ‘FMExit’ in Norway where population that is unhappy about such a
shutdown has already begun) is that there said that, many DAB+ countries use the move, and it is likely to be very unpopular
needs to be a minimum of 50 percent of the DAB+ technology to add more channels and something of a headache to implement
radio-listening public using DAB and that rather than to improve audio quality. While for any government. Many will inevitably
coverage should be comparable with that DAB+ services are now appearing in the UK, see it as a backward step in the high-quality
of the FM network. However, there are other there are no plans to switch the majority of broadcasting standards that we have
issues to consider. radio broadcasting over to DAB+. There enjoyed in Britain since the late sixties.
Switching off analogue television was have been a lot of DAB sets sold in the UK Audiophiles will turn to internet streaming,
perhaps a simpler issue to implement as and while many radios sold today are DAB+ which offers significantly better quality
one could easily get (and fit) set-top boxes compatible, older DAB radios are unable digital radio (Radio 3 uses streaming data
to convert older TVs for digital reception. to play DAB+ streams, which could risk rates up to 320kbps). Time will tell, but it
Although you can now get DAB converters to upsetting early converts. Also, as consumers does look like another highly political exit
fit in cars (many of the cars on the road still we generally aren’t replacing radios as fast is looming for the UK, meaning I have only
have analogue radios), converters are not as other entertainment equipment, like a few more years left to enjoy my lovingly
suitable for use with the millions of portable televisions or set-top boxes. restored Leak TroughLine tuner ●

Sadly, this glorious sight is set to

be confined to the history books

66 MARCH 2017
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YO U R L E T T E R S & Q U E ST I O N S A N S W E R E D

THIS MONTH

NEVILLE ROBERTS JASON KENNEDY DAVID PRICE CHRIS WARD

EXPERTISE: ENGINEER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER EXPERTISE: REVIEWER
Neville has an eclectic taste Editor of HFC from 1998 to DP two-finger typed his first Like his first kiss, Chris will More ways to get in touch:
for classical baroque. His 2001, Jason’s first turntable hi-fi review 25 years ago. never forget the sound of his
wife was forced to marry his was Rega’s Planar 3 and Elvis’ Since then he’s edited Hi-Fi first amp – an Aura Evolution You can also send us your
transmission line speakers in 40 Greatest Hits was his first World and HFC. He describes VA-100. War Of The Worlds questions on social media via
the eighties and he collects vinyl, so don’t go stepping on himself as an “unreconstructed and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
BBC test card music. his blue suede shoes. analogue addict”. were his first records. Twitter @HiFiChoiceMag or at
facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk

Email us at: letters@hifichoice.co.uk or write to: Hi-Fi Choice Letters, AVTech Media Ltd, Suite 25, Eden House, Enterprise Way,
Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF Your letters may be edited before publication and we cannot enter into personal correspondence

Cans you dig it? should be tackled at source. It may provide measurement
Hi there, I’m just curious about be that your problem is one of information. I wrote to the editor
headphone amps: why don’t they matching your headphone to the to complain that measurement
have bass and treble controls, as headphone amp. Headphones are was done inconsistently and
I have just bought a Pro-Ject made in a wide range of impedances, confusingly. And that is the rub.
headphone amp and am very unlike loudspeakers, so it’s a good To be useful any rating criteria
disappointed with it. The music idea to check that the headphone would have to be consistent
is very flat, so it’s back to using amp can drive them correctly. across key measured and
my integrated amp as the music subjective criteria and I honestly
sounds a lot better. Making the grade
Paul Hughes, Birmingham I was interested in Chris Ward’s Why is it that
opinion piece on grading hi-fi
NR: Hi Paul, alas, as I’ve commented into quality categories against headphone amps
before, I’m not a fan of tone controls some measurable but still
as they can introduce more problems qualitative criteria (Free-range
don’t have bass
than they solve, such as acoustic hi-fi, HFC 417). This is, of course, and treble controls?
artifacts, boomy bass, squeaky treble not an entirely new idea. One
and the like. All they serve to do senior hi-fi guru, a founding do not believe any magazine is
is boost or cut frequency bands in contributor to Hi-Fi Choice in its currently capable of providing
an effort to correct a problem that comparative review days, now that. I would welcome the return
uses a numerical rating system of measured performance
WE ASKED... based on measured and information, if done to a
subjective criteria. consistent, comparative and
How much do spend a Some magazines, including clear framework.
month on music? your sister Hi-Fi News still carry The TV analogy is fine as it goes
out objective measurement, but there the industry standards
• •
£20 or less £20-£50 and one seems to advance EIAJ are LCD (Lowest Common
• •
£50-£100 More than £100 dynamic range as the benchmark It’s important
to ensure your
Denominator) which ensures
of quality in all things digital. headphones are everything works okay at any level
Indeed this magazine used to driven correctly or standard, but with perceptible
5%
14%
39%

42%

Results from twitter.com/hifichoicemag

Go online for more polling action

MARCH 2017 69
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 LETTERS JITTE RBUG USB Filter

aid value for money judgements.

But it would never replace
the two essential bits of hi-fi
wisdom. Listen to a range of
equipment and if possible the
final shortlist at home. As ever
caveat emptor.
Dr John Hurley, by email

CW: Thanks John, I wanted to spark

some informed debate and your Can a £39 insect make all
insights are very pertinent. Maybe your CD files sound better than
the key is arriving at ‘intrinsic’ Hi-Res?
measures of quality that are less Yes and no: Using the same
likely to be subjectively altered by equipment and a quality DAC, a 24/96
being part of a system. Conceptually, file (for example) will always sound
I’d love a system that straddles all better than a CD 16/44.1 file … but,
products, that effectively seeks to even a single JitterBug will often
describe a notional ‘signal to noise’ allow a CD file to be more musical and
While Chris’ idea for ranking hi-fi is ratio for any piece of hi-fi. This more emotionally stimulating than
interesting, nothing beats listening concept would be as relevant for a Hi-Res file without the benefit of a
a source as any form of amplification, JitterBug.
differences in quality still visible. or a transducer. To what extent do Noise is the problem. Real noise—
The same has been true of hi-fi I get the whole signal back out, and the kind you can’t hear directly. Most
with RIAA, Red Book CD and the how much extraneous noise has been often, the word “noise” is used to
describe tape hiss or a scratch on a
current crop of digital standards added to that signal? record, but these sounds aren’t noise;
all ensuring initial functionality The challenge comes when they are properly reproduced sounds
if not ultimate fidelity or one needs to agree what is up or that we wish weren’t there.
long-term quality. downstream of a selected item. Valve Problem noise is essentially random,
Once we could rely on brands amps can be highly variable under resonant or parasitic energy, which
to deliver a level of quality but different loads and often measure has no meaning. It can’t be turned
increasingly with goods made poorly for distortion, but sound into discrete sounds, but it does
in some anonymous factory, the great whereas some solid-state compromise signal integrity and the
link between brand and quality components may measure ruler performance of everything it touches.
is more tenuous. Quality in terms flat, but can sound hard or bland. JitterBug’s dual-function line-
of robust manufacture and great Similarly some speakers seek conditioning circuitry greatly reduces
performance seems ever more inertness whereas others generate the noise and ringing that plague both
accidental across the whole some tonality from ports or flexing the data and power lines of USB ports,
range of consumer goods. their cabinets. It’s possible that it’s whether on a computer, streamer,
One thinks of cars with great this subjectivity that makes our home stereo or car audio front-panel
USB input.
pastime so attractive.
Rather than lay the responsibility A single JitterBug is used in between
Comparative rating devices (i.e., in series) as shown
on magazines, I’d prefer an industry-
that differentiates below. For an additional “wow”
wide qualitative measure that gives experience, try a second JitterBug
consumers some form of ‘kitemark’ of
performance levels, reassurance and an ability to spend
into another USB port on the same
device (such as a computer). Whether
would be helpful shrewdly on differentiated quality. the second port is vacant, or is
Maybe we should just start on the feeding a printer or charging a phone,
performance reviews but dire software? It’s not as though analogue JitterBug’s noise-reduction ability is
reliability ratings and vice versa. advocates or digital devotees ever likely to surprise you. No, the printer
Finally we have to consider disagree around quality... won’t be affected—only the audio!
the interactivity of components. While a JitterBug helps MP3s sound a
Perhaps we have all experienced Making of an Icon lot more like music, high-sample-rate
the piece of connecting wire that I am interested in the Icon Audio files have the most noise vulnerability.
brought two components to life, PS3 phono stage and I see that Try a JitterBug or two on all your
equipment, but never more than two
but destroys the relationship you used it as your reference for per USB bus. There is such a thing as
between two others. Or when a recent test. Can you tell me too much of a good thing.
changing one component what your opinion of it is?
in a system, however good, Herron, Zesto Andros, Audio
that unbalances the whole. Note Kits L5, Modwright PH-150
These factors perhaps have and Rogers Hi Fidelity PA-1A
little relationship to the Phono are some of the stages I
overall classification of an am looking into. Unfortunately, I
individual component. cannot really demo most of these
So yes a comparative ratings items at home, hence my query.
system that would differentiate I am presently using an Ortofon
performance levels, while still A90, a Shelter 9000 and a Decca
allowing scope for personal Super Gold feeding an ancient –
preference would be helpful and but extremely modded with
 Purist natural sound

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 LETTERS

INTRODUCING

Mains Zapperator™

Icon Audio’s PS3

MkII Signature is a
fine phono stage

boutique parts – Grant Amplifiers here’s what I’ve tested at home

full-function preamp with an in my system: KEF R500, Linn
Ypsilon MC20 SUT. Majik, ATC SCM40 and a few
Chris, by email others. They all offered something
except the ATC, which boomed
NR: Hi Chris, I had an opportunity and wallowed in huge bass,
to review the Icon Audio PS3 MkII which was disappointing as it
Signature phono stage a while back sounded brilliant in a demo room.
(HFC 391) and, although I didn’t The KEFs were nice and ran the
compare it with any of those other Kabers close as did the Linns,
phono stages you mention, I do recall it but none warranted spending
standing up extremely well against my around £1,500-£2,000. In the
heavily upgraded valve phono stage. case of the Majiks, the dealer
The Icon has some great features, himself said he saw no logical
like an all-valve regulated power reason to spend the money as
supply, which works beautifully.
I was quite sad to have to return it Help! I’m not sure
after the review as my music sounded
fantastic with it. Its lovely neutral what upgrade I
sound should partner well with your
cartridges and allow them to express
should be thinking
your music superbly. about making next
Where next? the improvements over my
I’m in a real quandary about Kabers were so marginal. Mains Zapperator is designed
where to go next in terms of So what next? Do I accept specifically to combat high
upgrading. My system consists of: my system sounds good to me,
frequency RFI from wi-fi and
Cambridge Azur 840C CD player works somehow and that I’ve
(heavily modified, reclocked, pretty much arrived at my goal Ethernet-over-mains networks.
power supply etc.), Cyrus Pre X in terms of the sound I like or
preamp and power supply, Rotel should I look elsewhere? ‘I have been staggered by the degree
RB-1092 power amp (purchased So firstly can you recommend
after DP’s review) and Linn Kaber any speakers worth looking at,
of improvement this mains device
LS500 speakers. Cables are Linn they MUST work within 40-50cm offers. Upon plugging the Zapperator
K400 speaker with Chord Anthem in, I immediately found the music to
and Signature interconnects. Chris thinks Dave should try Audio be clearer, more rythmic and
My problem is that the system Note AN-Es on heavy, low stands
has basically grown up and more ‘acoustic‘ sounding.’
evolved around the Kabers, they B Hodgetts
are the most enduring part of it.
I’ve tried various CDs against my
modded Cambridge, but found Mains Zapperator £142
nothing that bettered it for
resolution and detail. These
included Naim models, Resolution
Audio and even a seriously pricey
Esoteric. So I’ve decided that
the CD player stays. As I’m
not particularly interested in 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
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is pretty well sorted. 60 days and if you’re not convinced by
Over the past year or so I’ve the difference, we’ll give you your
experimented with speakers
figuring that the Kabers are money back!
possibly a bit over the hill. So
O R D E R D I R E C T AT
WWW.RUSSANDREWS.COM
 LETTERS

from a rear wall (cavity) and rear wall/corner reinforcement and

ideally be no more than 1.25m could deliver the sound quality you
high. Second hand is fine with seek; full, fast, sensitive, musical and
a budget of up to £2,000. I’d be detailed with strong imaging.
looking for detail resolution and
a crisp, tight sound. It’s the small
The Natural Choice
LETTER things that count
Or should I look at options like
investing in a DAC such as the
OF THE My equipment
to support your
MONTH
Hugo or something similar? comprises a Naim
Should I be improving cables or Supernait 2, Naim CD5 XS
equipment
looking at a mains conditioner? CD and Naim DAC. The analogue
Basically can I improve what I’ve side consists of a Michell GyroDec
got by heavy tweaks rather than SE, Technoarm A with Ortofon
component changes? Quintet Black cartridge feeding
I do lean towards a detailed, an Avid Pellar preamp. Speakers
clinical-type sound and music are Kudos C2 floorstanders.
tastes err towards light rock About 18 months ago I had
with Zeppelin being about as a mind to upgrade my NAC A5
heavy as it gets. Any ideas? speaker cable and compared it
Dave Mayer, by email with Chord Epic from Audio T
Bristol. During the changeover
JK: Hi Dave, I can see that you have the rather flimsy z banana plugs
a challenge on your hands. I can on the Naim cable broke. Audio
offer you two alternatives. On the T kindly changed the plugs, free
speaker front, I would recommend of charge, for a set of unknown
Rega RX5 floorstanders (£1,698), but substantial and firm-fitting
which have a taut bottom end – so bananas. The result is a huge
should not cause room problems – all-round upgrade in the sound.
and fabulous timing, which is always The Chord Epic was returned
a good thing. Option two is to put and I continue to use the NAC A5.
Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums My next inexpensive upgrade
under your Kabers. This will improve was to purchase an Analogue
timing and imaging in one fell swoop Studio turntable mat. The result:
but leave you with the same tonal a huge uplift in resolution – “The sound became cleaner,
balance that you’re used to. Podiums like upgrading the cartridge.
aren’t cheap, they start at £1,400, Finally, I have rebuilt my
more dynamic and musical.
but they will transform the sound Quadraspire rack using the At the price, they represent
of your system in no small way. supplied spiked feet, instead of
the flat discs on Atacama spike a great value upgrade”
CW: I wouldn’t change anything shoes. The improvement is more
around sources or amplification until subtle, but well worth the £20 Hi-Fi Choice, Jan ‘13
you find a speaker that fundamentally cost. The moral is that small
works in the room. I’d be swapping, changes can make a huge
or maybe ‘tossing’ the Kabers. Try difference. It’s best to make one
some Audio Note AN-Es on heavy, low change at a time and get used
stands, new or second hand. They are to the result before moving on
very happy with a certain amount of to the next adjustment.
Russ Andrews Cone Feet are designed
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The effect on the sound quality is outstanding. Everything sounds much cleaner and clearer, but for me the best
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 LETTERS

Hand crafted in Ogden, Utah since 1979

I’m now running out of ideas.

I’m satisfied with the CD and
DAC, but could the GyroDec be
improved with a better power
supply, Orbe platter or SME arm?
Finally, do I return to looking at
speaker cables? This adventure
could be akin to walking into a
minefield. Naim Super Lumina is David and Jason agree,
incredibly expensive and I don’t the Orbe platter is
feel justified spending £300 a a superb upgrade
metre. The law of diminishing
returns must surely apply. JK: You’re right, there comes a point
John Belcher, by email when you have to wonder where cable
makers get their pricing structures
DP: Hi John, the GyroDec is highly from! Tweaking is a hugely rewarding
upgradable, and it’s really a case of part of this hobby and it seems that
how far you are willing to go. First, almost everything makes a difference.
the Orbe platter does make a great The key is establishing whether it “These cables
difference, bringing the sound makes the music better or the sound.
substantially closer to that of the It is quite difficult to better NAC A5 are excellent
flagship Michell deck. You’ll hear an in a Naim system so I’d leave it. I agree
increase in the general solidity of the that a power supply upgrade for your
value and offer
music, with a tauter, better articulated Michell would be beneficial as would superb sound.“
the Orbe platter David has mentioned.
Do I really need to be Finally I’d encourage you to put your Hi Fi Choice, Nov ‘12
DAC on a Townshend Seismic Platform.
spending as much They come in various spring ratings
for different weights of kit and do an
as £300 per metre extraordinary job with DACs, making
on speaker cables? them sound so much more relaxed,
natural and revealing.
and stronger bass, and lower midband.
Further up it brings a little more clarity, CW: Everything, and I mean
and a more natural and supple feel to everything, makes a difference to
the rhythms of the music. Treble is perceived sound quality, even your
fractionally cleaner and more spacious mood and blood sugar levels.
too. For the price, it’s a remarkable I advocate experimentation with
improvement – akin to putting an as many free or cheap adjustments as
upgraded power supply on your Naim possible before you spend out on more
Supernait 2! This would be my first costly wonder cures. Huge benefits
port of call. can be achieved simply by cleaning
The next, as far as your turntable connections, moving speakers and
With its unique VariStrand™ woven
is concerned, is investing in a better listening positions, tweaking VTA conductors and fluorocarbon
cartridge; the Lyra Delos (£900) will or tracking force, playing with spikes insulation, Kimber 4TC speaker
be a huge step up from the Ortofon, or support materials, or adding half
bringing much greater focus and a squash balls or platter mats. It’s a great
cable is the perfect introduction
more open and lyrical sound. As for idea to make changes with a golden- to Kimber’s high-end
your speaker cables, anything that’s eared friend so they can make performance cables.
£300 per metre is disproportionately adjustments while you stay put,
expensive for your system. I would say and vice versa, then comparing notes.
that Black Rhodium Tango at around One of my greatest leaps in system Try them in your own system at
£60 per metre should be your absolute performance came from building a home for 60 days and hear the
limit, but it is still arguably overkill (it CD support using a tray of play sand,
will happily work with systems costing a slab of granite, a child’s bike inner difference for yourself.
many times as much as yours). This is tube, an empty biro and a cold glass
dramatically better than Naim NAC of Chablis. The Chablis is optional and From £221 for 2.5m pair
A5, and has a pleasingly warm and could be overdone, but the rest make
sweet nature too. an unequivocal difference.

WIN A RUSS ANDREWS YELLOPOWER

MAINS LEAD WORTH £60!
Letter of the Month winners receive 60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
a Russ Andrews yellOPower mains
lead worth £60. Write to us
S O L D E X C L U S I V E LY I N T H E U K
at: letters@hifichoice.co.uk
BY RUSS ANDREWS

W W W. K I M B E R K A B L E . C O . U K
 Loads and loads and loads
of specials available…

www.pjhifi.co.uk

Call in to the shop, telephone

or email now.

New boxed unopened, ex demo,

second hand…

PJHiFi_new_ad_17_sept_2015.indd
HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd
120_PJ.indd 1 1 1 20/12/11
19/08/201517:
17/09/2015

k.indd 1 20/12/11
19/08/201517:21:52
20:42

Too many to list here…

Anthem/Paradigm, Arcam, Audiolab, Audiovector,

Bowers & Wilkins, Cyrus, Dyn Audio, Focal, ISOL-8,
Linn, Neat, Naim, PMC, Quad, Rega, Rotel, Sennheiser,
Spendor, Trichord, Van den Hul.
The Chord Company (Speaker cables/interconnects)
and others.
 OPINION

Best seat in the house

For some, in-ear headphones are a last resort for those seeking true hi-fi perfection,
but for Ed Selley there’s really nothing better for hitting the sweet spot

e all have at least one peculiar behavioural For Ed, nothing

W trait. Right? My father, for example, when brings you closer

to music – just
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the attitudes or opinions of Hi-Fi Choice or AVTech Media Ltd. Picture courtesy of Sennheiser

confronted with a fried egg yolk, will swallow don’t blame him
it whole like an oyster, wasting the only if you miss that
important train
condiment a full English should ever need. I too have announcement
many idiosyncrasies to choose from, but one is particularly
pertinent in light of this month’s Group Test (starting on
p24). Given some time to myself to listen to music, I will
frequently choose to do so using in-ear headphones, even
when there is no pressing need to be quiet or mobile.
Part of the reason for this stems from my past. Between
2002 and 2012, I spent a good part of my daily life
commuting. Under these conditions, the bulk of listening
I did was via in-ear headphones on the move. As I spent
more time listening this way, it became increasingly logical
to invest a little time and money in improving the listening a scale, realism and sheer immediacy that takes a fair
experience rather than rely on the in-ears that the player amount of money to replicate with full-size hi-fi speakers.
shipped with. Back then, this was a rather more specialist Even as my main system improved and I made the jump
interest than it is now – choices were limited and many to writing for HFC, I began to realise that at times I was
were no better than the stock option supplied with the listening to in-ear headphones through choice rather than
music player. After dabbling with a pair of Sennheiser MX necessity. Part of this came down to expediency – I could
500s for a princely sum of £20, I purchased some Shure be anywhere I needed to be rather than in my listening
E2Cs and the journey really began in earnest. room, where – depending on what last passed through for
What seems incredible looking back is that even though I review – it isn’t a given that my main hi-fi setup will be
was working for an audio company at the time, the act of fully functional anyway. I’ve also come to accept that I am
spending £60 or so now at the stage where I’m fully in thrall of listening in
Give me my laptop, on a pair of in-ear this way – just me, the music and the most direct interface
headphones was between the two. Give me my laptop, earphones, a decent
earphones, a considered pretty DAC and Tidal and I’ll be as happy as a pig in, erm, mud.
decent DAC and crazy behaviour.
Tidal and I’m happy The consensus was Splash the cash
that for serious In more recent times, the popularity of in-ears has
listening you needed to move to full-size headphones. For increased to the point where music fans I speak to who
me, though, the experience was revelatory. Connected to would never in a million years describe themselves as
an iRiver portable player, I suddenly had a system that had audiophiles are spending more on a pair of in-ear
attributes my full-size home setup couldn’t touch. headphones than I spent on that pair of Shure E2Cs. We’ve
Some of these attributes are addictive too. With a decent reached a point where the list of contenders drawn up for
seal in the ear canal, an in-ear headphone makes the this month’s Group Test was 12 models long – a number I
outside world fall away in a manner that even the most don’t recall ever reaching when seeking out contenders for
exotic Beautiful System cannot touch. I’ve missed countless other product categories.
platform alterations at train stations over the years, but in Thanks to music fans getting used to the idea that their
all senses of the word I’ve felt closer to the music. smartphones offer ferocious potential audio performance
The way the music is rendered also has singular (and due to the supplied in-ear headphones not always
qualities. The speed and almost complete absence of being of the greatest quality), growing numbers of people
colouration that a well-sorted armature in-ear design understand that they need to spend a little money to enjoy
possesses makes many speakers seem unnatural – like portable music at its best. Of course, some will go no
paintings in a world of photography. The improvements further, while others will move to full-size music systems
that can be obtained by moving further up the ladder are – and I’m hardly going to be upset about that. Come and
considerable too. Going from the Shure E2 to the E4 – join the quiet revolution towards personal audio nirvana ED SELLEY
perhaps still the most favoured in-ear I’ve owned – delivers – you won’t regret it ● Quiet revolutionist

MARCH 2017 79
 OPINION

Better call Saul

As he attends the rarest of events – a Marantz product launch – David Price ponders
the past, present and future of the illustrious, long-lived Japanese marque

i-fi brands are often shuffled around the board

H like chess pieces, starting off with charismatic

founders who build up the business, then sell
them on to larger companies upon their
retirement. Marantz is one such example – Saul B Marantz
was born in 1911, and by his 30th birthday was a graphic
artist with a passion for music. I wonder if he thought his
name would live on, over one 100 years after his birth?
Before the first microgroove LP was launched in 1948,
Saul was busy designing his own hi-fi and duly launched
his seminal Model 1 mono preamplifier in 1953. The
Model 2 power amplifier followed in 1956, and then
the Model 5 in 1959, a more affordable version of the
company’s first power amp. The products that really made
the Marantz name were the Model 7 stereo preamp and Sitting in the company’s Eindhoven office, it’s clear the Ken Ishiwata
the Model 8 power amp. The former was essentially a pair weight of history bears on Marantz’s shoulders – it’s a alongside the
new Marantz 10
of Model 1s. The Model 9 mono power amp and the 10B redoubtable legacy to maintain. I’m at the launch of the Series in his
tuner followed in 1964, and by this time the company had company’s two new flagships – the SA-10 SACD player/ listening room
a reputation for state-of-the-art high-end hi-fi. Nothing DAC and PM-10 amplifier – see p6. The brand doesn’t do
lasts forever, though, and the introduction of the transistor new top-of-the-range products very often, so the pressure’s
around that time soon made this classic line of products on to get these two components right. It’s obvious that the
obsolete – despite their superlative sound. The 10B tuner assembled hi-fi hacks are more than a little surprised at the
effectively bankrupted the company as the original revelation that the new PM-10 is an analogue switching
company effectively died trying to make a go of it. amplifier running in Class D. Given the snobbishness about
Saul sold up to Superscope Inc, and moved on as the this way of working, it’s an interesting move by Mr Ishiwata.
brand went more The company is at pains to point out that there was zero
“Saul B Marantz mass market. By cost advantage to doing it this way; instead the decision was
the mid seventies, made to get a high power output from a compact space. It
made such a great his name was on claims 200W RMS into 8ohm per side and twice that into 4,
impact in the mass-market from a standard full-size Marantz amplifier box. The guys
early days of hi-fi” Japanese-built point out that a Class AB amp would need twice as much
receivers with gaudy room to make this much power, so there’s no need to buy
gold fronts festooned with buttons. Various cheap rack massive room-shrinking monoblocks anymore.
systems, amplifiers, tuners, cassette decks and speakers
followed, all of which sold well but hardly did justice to his Keeping up the good work
legacy. Things began to turn around as Ken Ishiwata joined The new Marantz SA-10 CD player replaces the SA-7, and
the company in 1979 and began work on a new range sports a bespoke, newly designed optical disc mechanism
of high-end electronics. Philips bought the company in that can also read DVD-ROM discs with FLAC, DSD, ALAC
1982, and initially the two ran in parallel. As the eighties or MP3 files stored as data – in addition to standard CD
progressed, Marantz did ever more interesting variations and SACD. It has a powerful digital signal processing suite
on the Philips theme. A litany of exquisite but affordable called Marantz Musical Mastering, which involves custom
CD players followed, using the best transports and DAC hardware and software to carry out oversampling, filtering
technology Philips could supply. The Marantz CD-14, CD-11 and conversion. The SA-10 also functions as a DAC and has
Limited Edition, CD-15, CD-7 and CD-17 Ken Ishiwata extensive galvanic isolation, optimised for USB playback.
Signature, all take a bow! It too is a very interesting product, and together with the
Saul died in 1997, by which time Ishiwata had become the PM-10 it’s obvious the company has invested much time
company’s brand ambassador. “Saul B Marantz made such and money in producing them. A brief audition showed that
a great impact in the early days of hi-fi. He knew how to they’re both great-sounding products, which didn’t come as
make products sound good, and this knowledge is still a complete surprise. That venerable Marantz name is safe DAVID PRICE
within the company,” he once told me. then for now, and Saul B’s spirit can rest in peace ● That’s Saul folks!

MARCH 2017 81
Give your music a stage.

+44 (0)1572 756447 hifiracks.co.uk

 OPINION

Trigger’s broom
When is a classic eighties icon not a classic eighties icon? As Chris Ward gets his
hands on a hi-fi legend he challenges audio purist sensibilities by daring to update it

recently bought a fine example of the components

I legendary eighties Mk1 Inca Tech, The

Claymore integrated amplifier on ebay. On
collection, the previous owner assured me it
in his beloved
Claymore as
essential overdue
was a good runner in regular use. Under the hood, all maintenance. Colin
looked ship-shape, but a scorch mark on the underside of also described the
the lid revealed a MOSFET had failed at some point. This advanced quality
had been replaced with the correct item, so all looked and tolerances of
good. Usually, I plug unfamiliar, aged amps into test certain modern
speakers, just in case they do something terminal to my components;
reference speakers. This original Claymore (with a serial qualities he could
number of just ‘36’) sounded great, but the right channel only dream of in
was a tad down with a very gentle background hiss, which 1983. So, before the
brings us to the age-old dilemma for many classic hi-fi soldering iron is up
enthusiasts. To refurb or not to refurb, that is the question. to temperature,
Some vintage hi-fi seems to have massive value to out come the
collectors because it’s utterly unmolested with no weakest links to be replaced by a superior potentiometer, Is it really wrong
modifications from the original spec – chrome bumper along with new smoothing capacitors and diodes. I know to update some
of the worn
Naim fans know who they are! Other fans of older hi-fi some hi-fi collector purists out there will be sucking their components
argue that an original spec is great, but components past teeth and weeping at this sacrilegious act of defiling the in a classic?
their sell-by date are an accident waiting to happen. For me, purity of a piece of audio history, but is this nostalgia
the logic is simple; many electronic components should over-riding an option for living history?
be looked at as consumables that ought to be changed over
time. If you offered Rodney, you plonker
For me, classic cars me a classic 1983 Don’t get me wrong, if I found a 15th Century longbow, I
VW Golf GTi with wouldn’t be restringing it and endangering the locals,
deserve to be kept the original air and because it’s never going to be ‘fit for purpose’ again and
on the road, and so fuel filters, I’d be looking at it in a museum will have to satisfy what it
should classic hi-fi impressed, but represents. But, simply looking at classic hi-fi components
they’d be first on the has always felt to be rather missing the point. For me,
list to be changed. Aged capacitors will almost certainly classic cars deserve to be kept on the road, and so should
have lost capacitance, undermining their core purpose, classic hi-fi. Maybe this is a question of degree? If Colin
therefore throwing speaker crossovers out of kilter or amp had changed every resistor, every wire, every PCB, every
Broom image courtesy of Shutterstock.com/igorstevanovic

circuits out of true, and at worst inviting something more terminal, and the transformer and casework, then at a
catastrophic to befall your cherished item. certain moment it possibly wouldn’t be a mid-eighties
If anything, I’m even less sentimental about vintage Claymore, but a 2017 Claymore. Famously, Trigger from
components because I know a number of gifted designers, the TV show Only Fools And Horses owned his road-
engineers and technicians. I’m no expert, and one-sided sweeping broom for 20 years, and it had only had 17 new
discussions about capacitance, resistance and voltage drops heads and 14 new handles! My Claymore is over 30 years
go over my head, but I’ve learnt that engineers mostly look old and has had two potentiometers and eight capacitors.
at a component as a necessary specification for the circuit And how does it sound? Absolutely fantastic, but still
design to perform as intended. Engineers fail to see any unmistakably an Inca Tech, The Claymore. The audio magic
rose-tinted qualities in keeping a doddery diode or decrepit is always the recipe of the whole circuit design, more than
potentiometer. Finding an original Aston Martin DB5 in a any one ingredient, and the amp’s true nature can now
barn, an engineer wouldn’t see it as unromantic to change shine through unhindered by compromised components.
the oil and brake pads. But just to keep the squeamish happy, I took photos prior
And so it was here, as I tracked down the original Inca to all refurbishment upgrades and retained a bag of all the
Tech designer, Colin Wonfor, still enthusiastically pushing original components, such that any future purist can return
the audio envelope with new designs under the banner of the amplifier to its fully original condition, complete with CHRIS WARD
Elsdon Wonfor Audio. He saw refurbishment of certain key gently lopsided hiss ● The updater

MARCH 2017 83
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 OPINION

Hi-res rip off

Neville Roberts wonders why music fans still aren’t able to access uncompressed
digital music downloads now that storage and file size are no longer an issue?

magine if LPs were supplied as 6in copies of the compressed for

I original 12in vinyl and that the audio quality of

the music was reduced in order to decrease the
groove spacing so that the record still plays for
download. Most PCM
digital masters are
made using 24/192
the same length of time. That wouldn’t be very acceptable, sampling and they
would it? Yet that is precisely what the recording industry is have to undergo
offering digital consumers today. additional work (and
Digital recording really became mainstream in the late so cost) to produce
seventies when companies like Soundstream in the US the lower resolution
used it to make the master recordings from which LPs were 16/44.1 files required
produced. The digital recording process was supposed to to produce CDs.
offer superior quality to the 30IPS analogue tape studio Further work is also
master as digital recordings don’t suffer from tape hiss. needed to make
These digital masters were 16-bit/50kHz sampling and the the MP3 or similar
resultant files were considered to be very large at the time compressed files from the master digital file. You wouldn’t buy
and certainly not suitable for home use. However, thanks So, given that download speeds are no longer an issue, a 6in version of a
12in with inferior
to some research by a German electrical engineer and why are compressed files still the standard format on sound quality,
mathematician Karlheinz Brandenburg, an audio popular audio download sites? True, there are many users so why is it
acceptable for
compression technology was developed that separated that only want compressed files to play music on their downloads?
sounds into three sections or layers, each of which could be mobile phones and are less worried about the audio quality,
saved or discarded depending on the importance of its but what about the people who want to listen to their music
contribution to the overall sound. In 1986, Brandenburg in high quality on their audio systems? It seems to me that
and his colleagues took advantage of a psycho-acoustic the industry is unnecessarily ignoring the needs of the audio
phenomenon called auditory masking (where the human enthusiast. Given that storage of digital audio is no longer
ear is unable to hear certain sounds due to the presence of an issue, thanks to the dramatic fall in the cost of storage
other ones) to over the years, there really is no reason why mainstream
There’s no excuse compress the file commercial sites should only be offering low-quality
size of the recording. compressed audio files for download.
for sites offering As a result, parts
these low-quality of music could be New year’s resolution
audio files discarded without There are, of course, speciality sites that offer ‘studio
a significant loss in quality’ download versions of their music, but charge
quality, so the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) could a premium price for it. To me, that’s like charging a
encode files with decreased bitrates using three layers. This premium to have the original 12in LP instead of a
resulted in smaller files of ‘acceptable’ sound quality and the 6in lower-quality copy. So, it seems a bit unfair that
MP3 file was born. audiophiles are charged more to have the original files.
By the mid-nineties, MP3 files started becoming available After all, we should be paying mainly for the music itself,
commercially. These digital files were of a size that could be which is really what it’s all about.
downloaded using the technology of the time and could Time has moved on and what was a good idea 20 years
also be accommodated on to MP3 players. Although this ago is now no longer the case, otherwise we would still be
compression was at the expense of audio quality, it was very buying analogue recorded music on wax cylinders. What I
acceptable as it was the only way to make the digital files would like to see is more choice for the mainstream audio
available to consumers. At the turn of the century, people enthusiast so that music is available in several digital
were still connecting to the internet with dial-up modems, formats to suit the particular requirements of the music fan.
so download speeds, as well as the physical size of the files, If they want MP3 files for background music, then that’s
dictated that commercially downloadable music was only fine. If they want it on physical media, such as an LP or CD,
available in compressed form. then that is fine too, with perhaps an additional cost
Rolling forward to the present day where most people are associated with the production of the media. If they want to
connected to the internet via copper or fibre broadband, play their digital music on a full-size hi-fi, then give them NEVILLE ROBERTS
there is no longer a requirement for audio files to be the choice of obtaining it at the best possible resolution ● Purveyor of quality

MARCH 2017 85
 OPINION

The numbers don’t lie

The latest sales stats suggest the music business is no longer in free fall and that
vinyl’s comeback is looking better than ever. Nigel Williamson digs a little deeper

et’s start with some good news. The crisis in

L the recording industry is officially over,

according to the BPI, the body which
represents British record labels.
Now the sales stats for 2016 have been compiled and the
numbers have been crunched, “like-for-like growth in unit
volume” was up 4.2 percent on the previous year,
representing public consumption of 123 million albums.
According to Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI, we
are at the dawn of a “new era for music”, in which industry
investment in a digital future is bringing “compelling
benefits for fans, artists and the entire music ecosystem”.
As ever, the stats require some careful exegesis. First,
the metrics by which the BPI now calculates ‘sales’ are
convoluted. Physical sales and paid-for digital downloads
are now added to something called ‘Album Equivalent
Sales’ (AES) as a method of calibrating streaming formats.
The formula is algebraically complex, but as far as I can
understand it works like this: the cumulative total for
individual track sales is divided by 10 to provide a ‘Track
Equivalent Album’ figure (TEA) while the audio streaming composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This gargantuan Decca’s Mozart
total is divided by 1,000 (as in 100 streams equals one box set only sold 6,250 units, many of them to libraries, The Complete
Edition was the
track sale and 10 track sales equals one album) to provide but by the sleight-of-hand of counting the multiple discs best-selling CD
a ‘Stream Equivalent Album’ (SEA) figure. TEA + SEA individually, it sold an impressive 1.25 million CDs. in the USA –
thanks to its
added together gives us AES. What the consolidated figure By contrast, the rapper Drake only sold 300,000 CDs of 200 discs
conceals, though, is that only 50 million physical albums his chart-topping album Views. Yet once the metrics of
were sold in 2016, ‘AES’ come into play, it emerged as the biggest-selling
The hope is that a 9.3 percent album of 2016 with around 4 million units.
decrease on 2015.
streaming will help Of those, 3.2 million Sweet streams are made of these
physical sales, like were vinyl, which Perhaps because it has no option, the record industry is
radio used to do represents a 53 learning to love streaming and clings to a hope that it will
percent increase on stimulate physical sales in the way that radio once did.
2015 and the highest volume of vinyl LP sales since 1991. This rather overlooks the fundamental difference that in
Equally striking is that paid-for digital album downloads the heyday of pop radio, you needed to be in the right
are also in dramatic decline, down 29.6 percent on the place at the right time to catch a favourite song, whereas a
previous year to 18 million. Three years ago, album stream is available on demand.
downloads were fast catching up CD sales so that in 2013 Yet Vanessa Higgins of the BPI council is optimistic.
one album was being downloaded for every two sold on “People think millennials just stream, but I think we are
disc. That has been reversed and the ratio now stands at going to see increasingly over this coming year that young
three to one, leading many to predict the next casualty people still want something tangible and real,” she says.
won’t be the CD, but the paid-for download. “People are finding music through streaming and if they
Meanwhile the growth in streaming has rocketed 500 love it, they are investing in it in a physical format.”
percent since 2013, topping 45 billion streams in 2016. And if she is correct, that physical format is going to be
Expect that figure to exceed 50 billion in 2017: for the first vinyl, it seems. So what can we conclude from all this
time in December 2016, audio streams topped the one number crunching? While some of the BPI’s claims should
billion mark in a week. These shifts in how music is be treated with a pinch of shellac, the stats suggest that
delivered and consumed led to 2016’s most bizarre stat, the music industry is no longer in free fall – even if we NIGEL
when Billboard reported that the best-selling CD of last have had to redefine what it means to buy music in order WILLIAMSON
Numbers game
year in the US was a 200-disc set of every note ever to arrive at this broadly optimistic conclusion ●

MARCH 2017 87
 RETRO

Poles apart
David Price remembers the Realistic Optimus Pro LX5 loudspeaker,
featuring the cult Linaeum dipole tweeter
rom time to time we see the British hi-fi market saw in the moves the dome or cone forward

F interesting new variations

on the traditional theme
of loudspeaker production;
rather odd-looking Realistic Optimus
Pro LX5 in 1995. Blink, and you'd have
missed it – but there are still a few
or backward to move the air, thus
producing sound. The Linaeum
tweeter’s voice coil is flattened
sometimes manufacturers come up around and it’s one of the more vertically and suspended between
with better cone materials for their interesting speakers of its day; all the opposed rectangular permanent
mid/bass units, and occasionally more so because it was a budget design. magnets placed on either side, which
interesting tweeters pop up. Recently, Conventional dome tweeters use push or pull two semi-cylindrical
there has been a renewed interest in a coil of wire through which the sheets of mylar film, fixed at the other
ribbons, but other types have come electrical signal carrying the audio end. These excite the air by rotating
and gone too. For me, one of the most passes, and this is suspended between back and forth, making sound.
interesting was the unique Linaeum the circular poles of a ring-shaped Effectively they work as a dipole,
‘figure of eight’ dipole design, which magnet. As the current alternates, it radiating both front and back, and the

Loudspeaker history lesson

1924 1925 1950 1995
Rice-Kellogg moving-coil Schottky and Gerlach invent Quad Corner Ribbon (ribbon Linaeum tweeter is fitted to Realistic's
loudspeaker driver patented the ribbon loudspeaker, while tweeter, moving coil bass hybrid) Optimus Pro LX5 speaker, while
as George Gershwin unveils bluesman BB King is born on a launched, while Peter Brian Britpop hits the headlines as Blur go
his Rhapsody In Blue cotton plantation in Mississippi Gabriel is born in Chobham, Surrey up against Oasis in the charts

88 MARCH 2017
 RETRO

result is very different to listening to a not even this can rescue the LX5’s MODIFICATIONS
conventional dome tweeter. sensitivity from being a dire
The Realistic Optimus Pro LX5 was 83dB/1W/1m. In fairness, any very Anyone that has lived with a Realistic
Optimus Pro LX5 will know its low-
made by the Tandy Corporation small box will struggle to do better, frequency performance is a problem area.
(Realistic was the speaker brand of the but the LX5 is still right at the bottom Its tendency to boom in the upper bass isn’t
company, which sold in the US via of the limits of acceptability. Most endearing, but steps can be taken to help.
Some people recommend stuffing the bass
Radio Shack and in the UK exclusively modern solid-state power amplifiers ports with drinking straws to provide
via Tandy). Its fiendishly clever put out at least 50W RMS these days, resistive damping(!), others simply cut
tweeter sub-assemblies were bought which should drive the LX5 to foam bungs and insert these with greater
success. Removing the mesh grilles on the
from Oregon-based high-end speaker reasonable levels – but don’t expect to tweeters also helps with the treble, giving a
maker Linaeum, and shipped to partner this little loudspeaker to your slightly brighter and crisper sound. Others
Malaysia where it was incorporated 3W single-ended tube amp. have modified the crossover capacitor with
a high-end audiophile-grade one, and
into the speaker box and mated to a increased the amount of damping in the
rather generic mid/bass driver. It was Getting it right aluminium cabinet.
made alongside the less-expensive Rarely does one get to hear such a
Optimus Pro X77 and LX4, which used charismatic speaker these days – one
a less desirable front baffle-mounted that is highly accomplished in the and ethereal. For such a small speaker,
tweeter, with the LX5 sporting the treble and yet really rather flawed in it's remarkably open and unrestricted.
top-mounted bi-directional tweeter the bass. The LX5 will either succeed The trouble is that the bass is lighter
fitted to a baseplate. Just to confuse or fail depending on your choice of than it should be, yet seems to boom
matters, the Optimus Pro LX5 also sold music, and also at what volume and over a narrow range in the lower
as the Genexxa Pro LX5, which was to in which room you listen to it. This midband, giving a boxy sound. This is
all intents and purposes identical. is not your average, generic-sounding odd, because the last thing that the
Linaeum also made its own range of modern loudspeaker; it’s almost as if treble is, is boxy. It means your ears
loudspeakers using its unique tweeter it’s the last gasp of the mad-sounding need to take a few minutes to
– but in this guise it has a thinner, things we used to see in the seventies. acclimatise. But when you have, things
more sensitive, better-sounding but In some respects – such as the sense seem a little easier to listen to.
arguably less durable diaphragm. of air and space in the treble, and its
general sweetness – it embarrasses Gently does it
The last gasp of way more expensive rivals. Yet in The trick is to position the LX5 just
others you wonder how it was ever right, then not provoke its bass into
the mad-sounding approved for sale. When correctly misbehaving. This means you can’t
placed on a rigid stand at least 30cm take the volume up very high with
things we used to away from a rear wall it works okay, music that has strong basslines, lest it
see in the seventies but anywhere else you get obvious begin to compress and/or make the
upper bass boom and some serious cabinet resonate too much or work
The LX5 is a small loudspeaker, chuffing from the ports. the ports too hard. Gentle, largely
measuring 162 x 267 x 165mm Cue up Scritti Politti’s The Word Girl, acoustic soul numbers are ideal –
(WxHxD) and weighing 3.4kg apiece. and you’re greeted by an uncannily whereas intense drum and bass is not.
The 50 x 110m Linaeum dipole driver spacious sound – one that despite the Get the measure of the LX5, don’t
sits on top, protected by a wire mesh diminutive dimensions fills the whole drive it too hard and feed it sweet,
grille; directly underneath is a room with light, breezy music. The gentle music – including classical, and
moulded plastic top plate which is upper registers really are very good, it’s great. Beethoven’s Pastoral
affixed to a matte grey-finished metal sounding open and unfettered in a Symphony serves up an effortlessly
box, which houses the crossover and way that shames even some £5,000 The LX5's spacious and expansive sound, has
the 130mm mid/bass driver. This uses standmounters. The glistening distinctive well-placed images and excellent
a polypropylene cone, although later harmonics from that Roland D50 top-mounted depth perspective. Only on the
bi-directional
variants used Kevlar. The crossover keyboard shimmer all around, and tweeter is crescendos with massed strings do
point is 4.5kHz and the claimed power Green Gartside’s voice sounds silky unmistakable you begin to hear the mid/bass unit’s
handling is 100W RMS. constrained feel and tendency to give
The LX5's internal cabinet volume is a one-note bass. All the same, when
less than a conventionally designed in the zone, the Linaeum tweeter is
speaker of the same size, which capable of a delightful sound.
doesn’t help sensitivity, and nor does Not for headbangers, the Realistic
the fact that the mid/bass unit has a Optimus Pro LX5 is an extremely
smaller cone than you might expect interesting and fun little curio from
from its overall diameter. Two the nineties that slipped between the
front-firing reflex ports attempt to jolly cracks and has been largely forgotten.
things along, but are very small and Pretty decent examples do occasionally
cannot move much air. The one thing pop up in the classifieds and online
that does make a difference is the and are well worth playing with –
crossover, which is very minimalist especially in a second or even third
with a single iron-cored series inductor system where space is limited. The one
rolling off the woofer at 6dB per that got away is well worth grabbing,
octave, and a 6.2μF plastic-film series and with prices ranging from £50 for
capacitor protecting the tweeter from a well-campaigned pair to £150 for
having to reproduce bass notes! Still, minters, you have no excuse not to ●

MARCH 2017 89
 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM
KEF/ARCAM

Life
at the
SHARP
END
A combination of striking
speaker design and unique
amplification leaves
Ed Selley feeling inspired

ompared to many evolving discussed in

C categories of consumer tech,

it is easy to overlook two-channel
audio in terms of technical
development, and consider that the
our Exotica
review in
HFC 420, but
the vital idea to take away from
fundamentals are all in place and all that is the Blade Two is that while there
left for manufacturers to do is to tweak the are several drivers in each cabinet,
fine details. The setup in this month’s the layout and design ensures that
Beautiful System will hopefully go some when placed correctly in front of the
way to disabuse this notion. The functions listener, you don’t hear multiple distinct
of the equipment it comprises are roughly drivers but instead a single, utterly seamless
conventional, but after that any idea of point of sound.
conformity goes flying out the window. What makes this challenging process even
Take the KEF Blade Two. This isn’t simply tougher is the fact that the Blade Two is
a conventional speaker wearing a sharp suit, capable of giving that single point of sound
but a complete root and branch revision a seriously wide frequency response. Those
of how a speaker should function. The bulk four opposing bass drivers give it a hefty
of the technical innovation has been punch despite the relatively slender cabinet.

90 MARCH 2017
BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM
KEF/ARCAM

COMPONENTS
KEF BLADE TWO £16,000
A (slightly) shrunken version of the original
Blade, the Blade Two retains the same
striking design with a view to maintaining
the principles of a single-point source.

ARCAM FMJ CDS27 £699

An interesting combination of a CD/
SACD player with a fully equipped UPnP
streamer that should allow for a wide
variety of digital files to be played from
the same unit.

ARCAM FMJ C49 £2,749

The flagship Arcam stereo preamplifier,
the C49 is a fully balanced and dual mono
design that supports both XLR and RCA
inputs and outputs.

ARCAM FMJ P49 £3,249

The P49 is an example of Arcam’s Class G
system that allows for higher outputs and
efficiency than what Class A would allow
without the issue of crossover distortion.

MARCH 2017 91
 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM
KEF/ARCAM

They support the only driver visible encoder on the front panel. Like the Above left: Uni-Q As an ensemble, the Blade Two
from the listening position – the P49, there’s no show or ostentation, technology helps dominates your perception of this
the Blade to strut
striking Uni-Q integrated midrange just a big, handsome chassis that its stuff system. The shape and detailing is
and tweeter. That stunning shape has all the inputs you’re ever likely something that grows on you more
Above centre:
is designed to aid the drivers in their to need, combined with genuinely Behind those and more as you spend some time
job. Its fabulous form – which we’ll innovative thinking where it is subtle looks, with it. While, I’m happy to take
come to – is one hell of a bonus. actually required. the Arcam KEF’s word that the shape is strictly
This sense of real-world application equipment is functional, there’s an element of
seriously clever
Class consciousness continues to the source. At first
Above right:
sculpture to it that makes you want
Against this visible wizardry, you glance, the CDS27 looks faintly Class G Power to run a hand across the leading edge
might be forgiven for assuming antiquated – it’s a CD player for keeps the Blades and interact with it as you might
that the accompanying quartet of heaven’s sake! Look a little closer, under control a piece of art. This is a speaker that
Arcam FMJ components is much though, and it starts to make a lot will turn heads in any room, but it
more conventional. While they might more sense. Sure, you stick CDs and has a grace to it that means it fulfils
lack the visual impact of the speakers, SACD discs in like always, but move its focal point role effortlessly. The
the internals of the P49 power amp around the back and there’s enough Arcam equipment by contrast exudes
are no less innovative. The a no-nonsense sense of competence
amplification stage that it uses is This is one of the most that suggests it will function right up
sufficiently substantial that it can until the universe comes to an end.
generate an impressive 50W of power effortlessly capable
in Class A mode, but where most systems I’ve heard in Ensemble piece
rivals will switch to Class AB after Does it all work together though?
this point it has another trick up its a very long time There’s no hiding from the price
sleeve. Using Arcam’s proprietary disparity between the speakers and
Class G system, it makes use of what connectivity for you to use the CDS27 electronics and the idea of the whole
is essentially a complete second as a UPnP streamer. This gives it a lot being fronted by a source that
amplifier to avoid the issue of level of functionality that makes more costs less then one twentieth the cost
crossover distortion. and more sense the longer you use it. of the speakers will have front-end
This system uses a P49 running in An owner could set it up from day first acolytes feeling queasy. The proof
mono to each Blade Two and controls one to use purely as a CD player and of the pudding will always be in the
the pairing with a C49 preamplifier. progress at their own speed over to eating, though, and you won’t need
This is well equipped for such an network audio. Viewed in this way, it very long with this system to realise it
undertaking as it contains two makes dedicated streaming products delivers on the technological promise
volume controls, slaved to the rotary look rather unforgiving. with consummate ease.

92 MARCH 2017
 BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM
KEF/ARCAM

The party piece of the Blade Two overall presentation. Across multiple perfectly with Claire Boucher’s
is so singular that it defies easy genres and at any volume level that delicate vocals, which are themselves
description. The moment that No takes my fancy, this is a system that astonishingly lifelike. If you want to
Harm by Editors works up to its full CONTACT captivates at the same time as it treat it like a seriously sophisticated
DETAILS
extent, you are given one of the most delivers an unfailingly believable take PA rig, this system will soak up the
extraordinary disconnects between TELEPHONE on the material being played. The abuse without breaking sweat and
eye and ear that I know of. In front KEF: 01622 672261 hi-res FLAC of Dead Can Dance’s The still deliver absolutely everything that
Arcam:
of you are two tall slim towers packed 01223 203200 Wind That Shakes The Barley is so is on the recording. Then, when you
with drivers. However, close your eyes effortlessly tangible that it’s all you need some subtlety in your life, you
and your ears will swear blind that WEBSITES can do not to try and run your hand can drop the volume by 20 notches
kef.com
you are in front of the band itself, arcam.co.uk and reach for the simplest piece of
performing centre stage. There’s not While it might lack music you own and still be utterly
the slightest hint of crossover or there enthralled by the results.
being two boxes – you just get the the visual impact of
music as mastered.
the Blade, the P49 Setting the standard
This then, is a very advanced
Absolute power is no less innovative collection of electronics, but any time
For this to be as convincing as it is, spent listening to it should put to bed
it is important to realise that the scale across the top of said crop. The the idea that it is merely a technology
and dynamics on show here are truly balance between impact and demonstrator. What KEF has done is
extraordinary. The KEF is not an refinement is one that has a fair not so much build a loudspeaker as
especially difficult speaker to drive, degree of subjectivity to it, but I’d be a holographic soundstage generator
but the control the FMJ P49s exert very surprised indeed if you found and Arcam has carefully assembled
over it is absolute. The moment Trent this system to be anything other than components that meet its considerable
Reznor switches to full belt in the Live fairly close to perfect. requirements while in turn placing
To Air version of Nine Inch Nails’ And perhaps most importantly, none almost no demands on the listener.
Something I Can Never Have is so of this sheer ability gets in the way Combining these extraordinary
electrifying, I go straight back and of the system’s ability to have fun. speakers with such unflappable
instantly listen to it again – this Pushing the volume as high as I dare electronics results in one of the most
system pairing is one of the most listening to Grimes’ California is quite effortlessly capable systems I’ve heard
effortlessly vast and composed I have simply, ridiculously entertaining. in a very long time and one that
had the good fortune to listen to. The bass is a visceral feeling in your shows there are still improvements
Neither are these freak attributes sternum, but it starts and stops with to be had from two channel music
that leap out unnaturally from the absolute precision and it integrates for those that innovate

MARCH 2017 93
 LABELLED WITH LOVE

BOY’S OWN
With something for everyone from rockers to ravers, Boy’s Own created the
blueprint for nineties UK dance music. Simon Berkovitch digs out his glowsticks
uilt initially around Simultaneously, the Boy’s Own top 20 hit and became the crossover to the charts in a way

B the chalk-and-cheese
duo of ex-punk
Andrew Weatherall
crew started DJing around
London and putting on parties,
including one with a genuine
producer of the moment.
With funding from London
Records, Boy’s Own Recordings
that satisfied their London
Records paymasters.
The crew’s own disaffection
and soul boy Terry Farley, the claim to be Britain’s first open air kicked off in 1990 with Boca with the major label machine
Boy’s Own label – and its family rave. As their reputations grew Juniors’ sublime Raise. Named led to them setting up a splinter
of spin-offs – set the agenda for and the price of sampling after the Argentinian football indie: Junior Boy’s Own (JBO).
much of nineties’ dance culture. technology shrank, they dabbled team and built around a piano JBO put out a string of amazing
Back in 1986, the duo and a in the studio – and in a classic loop lifted from rockers records, including the first single
handful of conspirators set out case of beginner’s luck struck Thrashing Doves, the tune was from The Chemical Brothers,
to document the London club gold with Weatherall’s radical massive in the capital, but it had the early Underworld 12ins that
scene in a new fanzine: Boy’s reinvention of Primal Scream. trouble breaking out nationwide. made their name and the X-Press
Own. Inspired by Mark Perry’s With Loaded (1990), Boy’s Unfortunately, this pattern was 2 singles widely credited as
legendary punk ’zine Sniffin’ Own arrived. Taking a Stonesy followed by most of the label’s among the best UK house records.
Glue, the irreverent new wave ballad from the MC5-devotees’ releases: whether licensed in The deal with London came
of football mags such as When second album, removing Bobby the US or Italian cuts by DSK to an end after the commercial
Saturday Comes and The End, Gillespie’s original vocal, adding or Paradiso, homegrown music failure of Denim and One Dove’s
created by Peter Hooton of The a drum loop from an Edie from Weatherall’s teenage idol albums, but JBO continues to
Farm, the first issue was suitably Brickell bootleg and topping it Jah Wobble (ex-PiL), or Farley’s thrive and Weatherall, Farley
DIY. Irreverent, caustic and with insurrectionary Peter Fonda note-perfect homages to the and their extended family have
hilarious, it built up a cult dialogue from a sixties biker flick, nightlife of New York, none come up with a whole shelf-full
following over the next six years. Weatherall created an unlikely of the records managed to of visionary British dance music.

94 MARCH 2017
 LABELLED WITH LOVE

Underworld
Pop stars reborn as Essex ravers took the underground overground with their sonic vision
y the time Karl Hyde and the Mmm Skyscraper I Love You
B Rick Smith arrived at JBO,
they’d been around the block a
single; and its parent album
Dubnobasswithmyheadman.
Dubnobasswithmyheadman was the first
Underworld album to feature Darren
few times. They’d had a minor Acclaimed by Melody Maker as: Emerson and still sounds fresh today
hit as Fleur with Doot Doot in the “The most important album since
mid-eighties and released two The Stone Roses”, its mix of
pop albums as Underworld that Burroughs-style vocal cut-up and
had failed to set the world edgy techno was an unexpected
alight. Dropped by their label, commercial success. The album
they used their payoff to build a peaked just outside the top 10 – a
small home studio where their position bettered by their next LP,
sonic experiments continued. Second Toughest In The Infants.
Rave culture provided the
inspiration: the pair grasped “The most important
the importance of independent
labels and in young Essex DJ album since The
Darren Emerson, they found the
catalyst to change their sound.
Stone Roses”
The first serious fruit of the new Undeniably, Underworld’s next
line up was the incredible Big big single release was the
Mouth/Eclipse single. Released game-changer Born Slippy. The
under the name of Lemon hit initially appeared as the B-side
Interrupt, these two lengthy on an instrumental 12in before
instrumentals were instant the vocal cut’s inclusion on the
classics. A second single went Trainspotting soundtrack.
down just as well before the The band has since collaborated
Underworld name reappeared on with Brian Eno and provided the
a string of remixes for the likes of soundtrack to Danny Boyle’s
Björk, Leftfield and St Etienne; Olympics opening ceremony.

The Chemical Brothers

A love of hip-hop and rave saw the chemical brothers rising up from out of the dust
ne of the least hedonistic sampladelic classic Paul’s Boutique
O meetings in dance music,
Londoners Tom Rowlands and
and Tom and Ed never thought
they’d be successful enough for
Debut album Exit Planet Dust arrived
with a perfectly formed sound that was
widely imitated but never bettered
Ed Simons bonded studying it to matter – and the release
medieval history at Manchester of their million-selling debut LP
University. Sharing a love of Exit Planet Dust.
hip-hop and rave culture, they In an early interview, The
began DJing together at a local Chemical Brothers said they’d
pub. The increasingly popular once heard that The Jesus And
event saw a string of guest DJs Mary Chain had tried to get
play – including one Andrew hardcore hip-hopper Schooly D
Weatherall, who was handed a
12in that the friends had pressed Their debut wrote
a few hundred copies of.
That record, Song To The Siren, the rules for the
a punchy blend of breakbeats,
sirens and cheeky samples
big beat sound
from This Mortal Coil wrote the to produce their Sidewalking
rules for the big beat sound – single and that much of their
popularised by Fatboy Slim – that career was an attempt to follow
it launched. Weatherall signed it this musical left turn that
up to JBO, remixed it, and its never happened. Their serial
success set the pair on their way. collaborations with the A-list of
Two more great EPs followed indie rock certainly bear this out,
before a name change – these but over the course of a 20-year
early releases had all been as The career, racking up six number one
Dust Brothers, in homage to the albums, they’ve proved there’s far
producers of The Beastie Boys’ more to them than just a big beat.

MARCH 2017 95
 LABELLED WITH LOVE

One Dove SHOPPING LIST

Jamie Upton, senior dance buyer at
London’s Music & Video Exchange,
If you’re only going to make one album, make it a classic such as this picks out a handful of essential cuts
from the Boy’s Own stable

ronted by Dot Allison, Although the delayed LP was long player, unfortunately, thus
F One Dove was the great
early-nineties band that got
well-received, sold reasonably
well and figured high in most
ending the One Dove story.
Now hard to find, a mint vinyl
X-Press 2
London X-Press
“This 1993 classic
from British duo
away. Formed in Glasgow and end-of-year lists, London copy of this classic will set you DJ Diesel and DJ
equally informed by both chose not to option a second back at least £30. Rocky was a huge
underground club
techno nights at The Sub Club hit, both here and
and the checked shirt indie across the Atlantic.”
lineage that stretched back
through Creation to Postcard Fire Island
Records, the combination Fire Island
“Remixing
of classic songwriting and everyone from
clubland nous looked to have U2 to Michael
success nailed on. Jackson, the
group’s own
Their first release fell into releases are worth
Weatherall’s hands while DJing hunting out too.”
in Scotland. A reissue followed,
which did well enough to bag Jah Wobble
the band a deal with Boy’s Bomba
“The former-PiL
Own/London and the second man’s mix of Miles
single, the wonderful Transient Davis samples
Truth, led to real anticipation and dub bass hit
hard, especially
for the forthcoming album. in the shape of
Perhaps a little too much Weatherall’s mix.”
anticipation; Morning Dove
White (1993) looked to be Boca Juniors
the record to repay London’s Raise
“The band’s debut
faith and, crucially, financial single came
investment, and perhaps even with a killer set
be the next Screamadelica. of heavyweight
mixes from On-U
Sound main man
Adrian Sherwood.”

Denim DSK
What Would We Do
Indie’s perennial outsider finds an unlikely home for his glam-rock stomp “This classic US
garage track got
a well-deserved
uring the eighties, cult of the Britpop success of Pulp Nonetheless, it’s a great second lease of
D indie act Felt released 10
singles and albums, but despite
– and thoroughly confusing for
fans of Boy’s Own’s otherwise
album and in its centrepiece,
The Osmonds, it has both the
life as the basis of
Wiley’s grime hit
Wearing My Rolex.”
making what’s now recognised dancefloor-filling releases. best song of his career and
as some of the best music of the Back In Denim tanked. the best handclaps in pop. Outrage
decade, enigmatic, frontman That Piano Track
“Cult DJ Fabi Parras
Lawrence (no surname, ever) cut two fine singles
began the nineties in retreat in for the label, with
New York, perplexed by his this euphoric piano
house track just
lack of commercial success. shading it as the
Seeing old indie chart rivals best for me.”
Primal Scream and The Stone
Roses becoming mainstream Black Science
fixtures spurred him to come Orchestra
Walters Room
home and throw himself into “One of the few
being an unlikely pop star. essential house
Signing to Boy’s Own, Denim albums, this tribute
to disco producer
– his new glam rock-inspired Walter Gibbons
act – recorded their 1992 still sounds fresh.”
debut with Roses producer
John Leckie alongside a Less Stress
string of session musos at Don’t Dream
It’s Over
the legendary RAK Studios. “Few records say
This Glitterbeat stomp ‘summer of 1990’
through Lawrence’s more than this
Balearic cover
Birmingham childhood was of the Crowded
either 20 years too late or 18 House hit.”
months too early – way ahead

96 MARCH 2017
 Retail Clearance Retail Clearance
ATC SCM-11 (cherry) £1,200 £1,019 Lavry 3000S (sample rate/bit depth converter) £4,248 £2,099
Bel Canto REF500M power amplifier (pair) £3,998 £2,199 Linn Akurate 212 (Rosenut) £4,380 £3,299
Bel Canto REF1000M Mk2 power amplifier (pair) £7,000 £2,499 Linn Akurate 4200 (Silver) £5,270 £3,849
Bryston 28B SST2 1000W power amplifier (pair) £19,000 £7,599 Linn LP12 Akurate (Walnut, no cartridge) £5,270 £4,449
Burson Audio Timekeeper £1,950 £1,199 Linn Majik 4100 (Black) £2,410 £1,899
Burson Audio Conductor SL9018 £1,199 £999 Mark Levinson No32 Reference preamp £15,000 £7,499
Burson Audio Soloist £799 £679 Moon 180 MiND streamer £799 £499
Chord Chordette Maxx amplifier £989 £799 Moon 380D MiND DAC streamer £4,500 £2,999
Chord Sarum speaker cable (3.5m pair) £3,850 £2,999 Musical Fidelity E20 and E30 £900 £649
Clearaudio Performance DC turntable £2,495 £1,999 Naim CDS3 £6,795 £2,295
Cyrus 82 DAC QX (Quartz Silver) £1,970 £1,549 Pass Labs XP-25 phono stage £12,000 £6,499
Cyrus SmartPower £699 £349 Plinius SA-Reference power amplifier £17,000 £13,599
Denon AVP-A1HD processor £6,799 £1,499 PMC Fact 12 (Tiger Ebony) £12,995 £9,749
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Lavry AD122-96 MKIII (analogue to digital converter) £6,360 £3,199 YG Acoustics Carmel (Silver) £20,000 £14,999

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 100 The Doors 101 Johann 101 Nik Bärtsch's Mobile
The Doors Sebastian Bach Continuum
(Deluxe edition) The French Suites
Murray Perahia

Rhiannon Giddens
Freedom Highway
CD Nonesuch

TALL AND DARK skinned with classically sculpted Her triumphant second solo album represents the evoking the gospel-soaked twang of the original
cheekbones, Rhiannon Giddens’ training as an apex of her career to date, a glorious celebration of of more than 50 years ago. But it’s one of only
opera singer perhaps make her an unlikely figure as her musical and cultural heritage as a woman of two covers on an album dominated by her
the new diva of Americana. Yet in recent years she colour on a set of mostly acoustic songs, which join self-compositions, several of them based on
has emerged as one of the most compelling voices up the dots of African-American history from slavery old slave narratives, translating their moving oral
in contemporary roots music. As the fiddler, banjo days through emancipation and the civil rights era testimony into potent commentary with a startlingly
player and singer with the Carolina Chocolate and on to the Black Lives Matter movement of contemporary message. The spine of the record is
Drops she won a Grammy for the old-time acoustic today, a patrimony which she describes as having earthy and acoustic, exquisitely recorded and built
folk, blues, country and vaudeville delights of the an equal capacity to “horrify and inspire”. around guitar, banjo, double bass, fiddle and
group’s 2010 album Genuine Negro Jig. Away from The ‘freedom highway’ of the title holds an iconic occasional piano, although a full electric band plus
the Chocolate Drops she has recorded with Elvis place in African-American folklore. It described the horns cook up a soulful Stax-style storm on Better
Costello and Marcus Mumford and her 2015 solo escape route for 19th century slaves out of the Deep Get It Right The First Time and The Love We Almost
Pic credit: John Peets

debut (Tomorrow Is My Turn) – on which she paid South and, 100 years after abolition, it was the title of Had is a thumping blues workout. It’s all topped off
homage to songs made famous by the likes of one of the Staple Singers' most celebrated songs, by her fearlessly soulful voice, heard at its most
Patsy Cline, Odetta, Dolly Parton and Nina Simone written to commemorate Martin Luther King’s march heartfelt over a scratchily insistent banjo as she
– was nominated for another Grammy and saw her from Selma to Montgomery. She sings the Staples’ sings the captive’s ultimate cry of defiance: “You can
became the first American to be voted Folk Singer classic here as an impassioned duet with the take my body, you can take my bones, you can take
of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. American-Asian singer Bhi Bhiman, dramatically my blood… but not my soul”. NW

MARCH 2017 99
 MUSICREVIEWS

The Doors Dirty Projectors

The Doors Dirty Projectors
(Deluxe edition)

6 CD boxset Elektra CD Domino

ONE OF THE cornerstones of modern rock, this DIRTY PROJECTORS ALBUMS are always an
mind-blowing debut album now gets the 50th acquired taste. They're at once accessible but also
anniversary deluxe treatment. Housed in an fragmented, each song zinging off into different
expansive hardback book, the £50 price tag might directions like flashes of light in a kaleidoscope.
seem hefty, but you get an awful lot of Jimbo for The five-piece stick to this rule-light template
your bucks. Remastered for the first time in 30 for their eighth album. Longstreath's vocals are
years, the album is presented on two CDs in both often auto-tuned and heavily synthesised, while
mono and stereo mixes. The remaining two discs sequences in each song take in soul and R&B, veer
showcase a previously unreleased live show at the off into emotive piano stabs and overwrought
Matrix in San Francisco just weeks after the album strings. It's a record that's impossible to review, as
was released and featuring eight of the record’s 11 it's so frenetically creative and all over the shop. It
songs, including a take on The End that will raise sounds great on a decent system, but it's difficult to
the hairs on the back of your neck. NW fall in love with despite its fidgety creativity. PH

Tinariwen Various artists

Elwan Terraforming In Analogue Space –
IRL Mixes 2000-2015

CD Independent Records Ltd

CD Wedge
DURING THE ELECTRONICA boom of the
THE LOPING DESERT-BLUES riffs of nineties, the joyous fusion between world and
the world’s favourite nomadic Tuareg dance music was packing them in at festivals and
rockers may not exude quite the same club nights. Bands like Transglobal Underground
were the standard bearers of the movement, and
mysterious wonder as when they first
this double album takes IRL's catalogue and gives
emerged from the Sahara over a it a good mix-up. Part one features remixes by
decade ago – but it’s still an intoxicating the aforementioned Transglobal Underground,
sound. Their seventh studio album Eccodex and, most memorably, The Foundation,
exudes both power and a considerable who turn the Malawi Mouse Boys' Ndinasangalala
Do you agree with our reviewers?
poignancy, as it was recorded in exile into an infectious drum 'n' bass stomp. Disc two has
Decide for yourself and listen to
the original versions. Don't expect high production
from their troubled homeland in some of this month’s tunes at
values, but this is African music at its best and will
Northern Mali. Bolstered by the www.hifichoice.co.uk put you in a great mood for the rest of the day. PH
presence of American alt-rock
luminaries such as Kurt Vile and Mark
Lanegan of Screaming Trees, tracks
AUDIOFILE VINYL

Their seventh studio George Benson

In Flight
album was recorded 180g vinyl Pure Pleasure/Warner Brothers
in exile from their AT AROUND THE Off The Wall, In Flight shares the smooth grooves
troubled homeland same time we were and sparkly highs of that career highlight.
reeling from the Benson sounds more like Stevie Wonder on
such as Nannuflay with its massed release of Never Mind Everything Must Change, which features a great
guitars and the cranked-up itch of The Boll***ks, George guitar bridge from a man who combined sweet
Benson was reaping grooves with just enough edge to keep it real. In
Sastanaqqam rock as hard as anything
the rewards of his Flight is upholstered with string backing but on
the band has ever recorded. second successful numbers like Nature Boy, the most Jacksonesque
Elsewhere they’re accompanied by a album in a row. 1976’s Breezin’ had opened up a of the songs here and arguably the best, this
group of Berber trance musicians from wider audience and he was keen to maintain does nothing to upset the funk provided in good
Morocco who lend a looser and more momentum with In Flight a year later. It features part by Ronnie Foster’s keyboards and Stanley
visceral vibe. Despite the trauma of Benson’s soulful tenor on four of the six tracks Banks’ bass. The sound is perhaps not the most
and the production skills of Tommy Lipuma. A dynamic or 3D, but makes up for it with beautiful
exile, Tinariwen’s spirit remains as
man who must have influenced the sound of analogue mids and highs. It’s highly polished, but
indomitable as ever. NW Quincy Jones’ production on Michael Jackson's there is plenty of detail in the mix. JK

100 MARCH 2017

 MUSICREVIEWS

HIGH RESOLUTION DOWNLOADS DEMO DISCS

Phil Wannell, boss at
The xx Radiohead London's headphone
I See You A Moon specialist Audio Sanctuary,
Shaped Pool reveals the music he uses
to demo products

FLAC 24/96 hdtracks.co.uk FLAC 24/48 hdtracks.co.uk

THE BRITISH MERCURY-WINNERS get the FOR ALL RADIOHEAD'S genre-pushing

HD treatment for their critically acclaimed third experimentalism during the past decade, this
album. And it's easy to see why. There's choppy is one of their more accessible albums. Their
garage beats, sweeping stadium urban soul ninth collection of songs brings together
(Say Something Loving), modern electronica strands from their past and fuses them expertly Jackson Marc Cohn
and emotive vocal interplay between Oliver Sim into their patented framework of rock and Browne Maestro
and Romy Madley Croft that's so easy to get electronics, until the balance is almost perfect. Casino Nation My favourite track for
caught up in. With the HD polish, I See You is There's plaintive piano, gentle strums of guitar There's a sudden headphone listening,
an extremely strong collection of songs that and, of course, Thom Yorke's pained falsetto. increase in attack as the close mic and
are cloaked in atmosphere and depth. PH Ultimately, this HD version is a must-buy. PH the snare drum comes beautiful acoustics add
in. If this snare doesn't emotion and plentiful
have a clear, crisp detail. The piano should
Johann sound to it, the system be breathless and
Sebastian Bach isn't setup correctly. amazingly clear.

The French Suites

Murray Perahia

2 CDs Deutsche Grammophon

IF ANYONE STILL harbours doubts as to whether

or not Bach’s keyboard works can be played
successfully on the piano, Perahia playing the six
French suites will surely sweep all concerns away. Michael Oneohtrix
He plays with elegance and taste, and avoids the Jackson Point Never
twin pitfalls of sounding excessively romantic or Thriller Along
too ascetic. He sounds like he really enjoys playing One of my absolute The beat weaves in
the works. As a result, the music dances and sings favourites. I can't and out with pure
as it should and must. DG’s recording sounds warm count the number of elegance and half way
Perahia’s first outing for the
yellow label sounds both and rich, yet dynamically incisive and effortlessly times I try the track on through the track the
engaged and relaxed clear and detailed. The quality of sound mirrors different hardware sub bass drops off the
the warmth of the playing, and enhances the and something else charts and immerses
appreciation and enjoyment of the music. JH comes to light. you completely.

Verdi Nik Bärtsch’s Grateful Dead

Rigoletto Mobile The Grateful Dead
Sutherland, Continuum 50th anniversary
Pavarotti, Milnes deluxe edition

2 CDs and 1 Blu-ray Pure Audio Decca CD ECM 2 CD boxset Rhino

THIS FAMOUS SET – recorded in London’s BÄRTSCH IS A Swiss pianist, but you’d certainly FOR A BAND that built its reputation on its live
Kingsway Hall in 1971 – features a to-die-for cast not guess it from this highly percussive and performances, much was expected of the Dead's
that could scarcely be equalled today. The polyrhythmic release by his acoustic Mobile band. first studio album, and yet it kind of goes against
performance is vivid and full blooded, and the This consists of two drummer/percussionists and everything you'd expect from the San Francisco
LSO plays with the utmost brilliance and panache. bass clarinet augmented by a string quintet on band. The noodling, experimentation and lengthy
Decca’s recording still packs a tremendous punch, three tracks. The sound is certainly rich in tone, solos are pretty much absent here, and what you
and has many impressive moments. The newly deep and full in image. Very clean, it deserves to get instead is a band speeding through nine tracks
remastered CDs sound a tad more refined than be cranked up to full volume. in just 35 minutes with the sort of anxious energy
my 1985 originals, but there’s not much in it. Musically it’s minimalist but not sparse, dynamic you'd more commonly associate with a garage
The Blu-ray Pure Audio disc is a different matter – but not bombastic, meditative but not chilled. band. David Glasser's remastering provides a
it’s significantly more immediate and dynamic, Ultimately it explores repetition without resorting slightly less muddy sound to the original album,
reproducing voices and orchestra with much to obvious rhythms, which makes for some while the live recording is probably only of interest
greater bite and attack. JH surprisingly engaging material. JK to hardcore Deadheads. JDW

MARCH 2017 101

 MUSIC LEGENDS
THE DOORS

When the music’s over

Picture credit (this page): Paul Ferrara. When You’re

Strange poster courtesy of Rhino Entertainment
t is now 50 years since The Doors verge of superstardom (see p100). It follows
Nigel Williamson
pays homage to I released their startling debut LP,
which unleashed the audacious
and unsettling poetic visions of
closely on the heels of the release of London
Fog 1966, an historic album of recently
unearthed live recordings from a gig in a
the leather-clad lizard Jim Morrison on an unsuspecting world – and
a flurry of Doors-related activity is underway
club on Sunset Strip shortly before the group
signed its first recording contract.
king and the band to mark this rather auspicious anniversary. That the music of the Doors continues to
The group’s self-titled debut album is being exert such a profound and far-reaching
behind that swirling reissued this month in a new three-disc influence on our collective psyche so long
deluxe edition, featuring remastered mono after the event is in stark contrast to the
keyboard sound and stereo mixes and previously unheard live group’s active lifespan, which – even by
versions of eight of the original album’s 11 the ephemeral standards of rock and roll –
songs, recorded just as the band was on the was extraordinarily brief and fleeting.

MUSIC OF THE DOORS

19
1967
967 11967
199 1968 1968

THE DOORS (1967) STRANGE DAYS (1967) WAITING FOR THE SUN (1968) THE SOFT PARADE (1968)
One of the greatest debut albums of all Once again their second album mixed The album’s lead single Hello I Love You Credit for trying something different,
time, combining huge commercial blatantly commercial pop songs such is a pure pop delight shot through with but the orchestral arrangements by
appeal (Light My Fire) with dark as Love Me Two Times and the off-kilter an irresistible eroticism. But The Paul Harris on five of the nine tracks are
theatrical epics (The End). The urgency blues of Moonlight Drive with the more Unknown Soldier – essentially an anti- only intermittently successful, and the
of Break On Through proved they could leftfield preoccupations of the title track, war mini-drama set to music – and the horn solo on Wishful Sinful and the sax
rock as hard as anyone. The Crystal Ship Morrison at his most poetic on Horse call to a revolution on Five To One (“They on Touch Me are not to everyone’s
showed that they could do ballads, too, Latitudes and When the Music’s Over – got the guns, but we got the numbers”) taste. Morrison’s biggest contribution
while Alabama Song revived a Brecht/ another 11-minute epic in the dramatic are as uncompromisingly freighted with is the title track, on which his lyrics
Weill number from the twenties. style of The End. counter-cultural politics as it gets. drew comparisons with Blake and Eliot.

102 MARCH 2017

 MUSIC LEGENDS
THE DOORS

Today bands like Radiohead and U2 take Much of that uniqueness was down to
a leisurely half a decade or more between Morrison’s shamanic presence and the vivid Tom DiCillo’s superb
albums. Yet the entire recording career of The imagery of his lyrics. “Jim as a spoken poet documentary is a
must for Doors fans
Doors classic lineup lasted for just four years was not that good on his own,” Manzarek
between 1967 and 1971, during which time once observed. “He needed the music behind
they recorded and released six studio albums him. He felt a security and a sense of abandon
and the in-concert set Absolutely Live. when the music existed around him”.
Yet in the short time, starting with their The other side of The Doors’ partnership
remarkable 1967 debut, which included Light was that the music of Manzarek, guitarist
My Fire, and concluded with their swansong Robbie Krieger and drummer John Densmore
LA Woman, released a few weeks before lost much of its potency when stripped of
Morrison’s death in 1971, The Doors made Morrison’s dramatic songwriting and
some of the most potent, enduring and charismatic persona. This became cruelly
leftfield pop music ever recorded and forged a evident when, after the singer’s death, the
reputation that would forever guarantee them three remaining members of the group signed
a place in the annals of rock history. a five-record deal to continue without him.
After two insipid albums on which Manzarek
Strange days and Krieger shared the vocals and which
At a time when most of their contemporaries swiftly ended up in the cut-out bins, the
were wearing flowers in their hair and contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
warbling about peace and love, The Doors One of the band’s showpiece songs was
explored the darker side of the human titled When The Music’s Over – and for The
condition and sang strange, apocalyptic songs
about sex and death. The group’s lifespan –
On one level, their music was undoubtedly
of its time, inspired by the hedonism, energy even by the standards the time his son was tuning in, turning on and
and experimentation of the late sixties, an era dropping out, was commanding warships in
when old certainties were being challenged
of rock and roll – was the Gulf of Tonkin as part of the US offensive
and anything seemed possible. Yet the music extraordinarily brief in Vietnam. Manzarek was five years older
of The Doors was not confined or defined by and playing keyboards in a band called Rick
those times – which is why it has remained Doors it effectively came to an end on the And The Ravens with two of his brothers.
impervious to changes in fashion, exercising fateful day of 3 July, 1971 when Morrison Morrison played him a song he had written
an endless fascination for successive died from heart failure in his bath in his called Moonlight Drive and they agreed there
generations of musicians and fans not even apartment in Paris. He was just 27– a number and then to work together. Rick And The
born when Morrison’s mojo was first rising. that has become notorious in rock folklore, Ravens, however, was hardly an appropriate
“I can’t really think of anyone who has done for with gruesome coincidence it was the name for the kind of mind-expanding visions
anything like it since,” The Doors’ organist same age at which Brian Jones, Janis Joplin Morrison had in mind. They found the answer
Ray Manzarek remarked in his final interview and Jimi Hendrix also died within the space in the title of Aldous Huxley’s book The Doors
before his death in 2013. Listening to the likes of two years. Later, Kurt Cobain and Amy Of Perception, which in turn took its name
of The End and Light My Fire from the group’s Winehouse were among other tragically from William Blake’s line in The Marriage Of
debut album half a century on, it is impossible wasted talents to join the notorious ‘27 Club’. Heaven And Hell: “If the doors of perception
to disagree. The Doors’ music has not only The Doors were formed in Los Angeles in were cleansed everything would appear to
stood the test of time, but the group continues 1965 when Morrison and Manzarek, both man as it is, infinite”, a reference which
to inhabit a category in the rock pantheon film students at UCLA, met by chance on appealed to Morrison’s poetic sensibility.
that is all its own. Many have tried to copy Venice Beach. Morrison was a 21-year-old Manzarek’s brothers left and in their place
them. Yet nobody has really come even close. wild child, the son of a naval officer who, at Krieger on guitar and Densmore on drums

1970 1970 1971 1978

MORRISON HOTEL (1970) ABSOLUTELY LIVE (1970) LA WOMAN (1971) AN AMERICAN PRAYER (1978)
Having spent nine months recording the A double-vinyl live set that deliberately Morrison’s life may have been in a mess Seven years after his death, Manzarek,
ambitious The Soft Parade, a return to eschewed the hits and concentrated on with a jail sentence hanging over him, Kreiger and Demore went into the
ballsy and immediate hard-rock on songs The Doors’ credentials as a rocking blues- but it seemed to bring out the best in studio to record backing tracks to
such as Roadhouse Blues, Queen Of The rock band (Who Do You Love, Back Door him as a singer and writer, whether on tapes of Morrison reading his poetry
Highway and Maggie M’Gill. It’s all Man) and Morrison the poet and shaman his lascivious take on John Lee Hooker’s recorded in 1969/70. The verse is full
leavened by the gentle raga-rock of with Celebration Of The Lizard, an Crawling King Snake, the thrilling Mr of memorable lines, but the music is
Indian Summer, an out-take rescued extraordinary 15-minute ‘performance Mojo Risin’ chant on the title track or the mostly forgettable apart from a seven-
from the sessions for the band’s debut piece’ mixing music, spoken verse and magnificently spooked vibes of Riders minute live version of Roadhouse Blues
album three years earlier. passages of allegorical storytelling. On The Storm. incongruously thrown into the mix.

MARCH 2017 103

 MUSIC LEGENDS
THE DOORS

1967, The Doors were established as the

most significant new rock band in America.
Chart-topping outlaws, their status as
countercultural heroes was enhanced when
Val Kilmer memorably the group was banned from The Ed Sullivan

Picture credits: When You’re Strange still (this page): Rhino Entertainment. Band pic opposite: Bobby Klein
played Morrison in Show after Morrison had been told he could
Oliver Stone’s movie
not sing the line “Girl we couldn’t get much
higher” from Light My Fire on live television.
were recruited from a band called The status of being an ‘underground’ group, but Telling the singer he couldn’t do something
Psychedelic Rangers and by autumn 1965 the one with teen appeal as Morrison shook was the surest way to ensure that he did it:
classic lineup of The Doors was in place. his leather-clad hips and tossed his cascade confrontation was all part of his art.
With no bass guitarist, Manzarek played the of Byronic curls. A Dionysian icon who
bass parts on his keyboard pedals and the made the little girls scream, at last, in Jim Rider on the storm
group spent the next year honing its act in the Morrison, ‘the Lizard King’, it seemed There was even greater outrage when he
clubs along Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, with America had at last found a sex symbol to was arrested onstage during a concert in
residencies as the house band first at the rival Mick Jagger. New Haven at the end of 1967 in which
London Fog and then Whisky A Go-Go. Yet much of the music on the album was of he taunted the police in the course of an
By the time they signed to Elektra in late an all-together darker hue, particularly the obscene rant. He was booked for inciting
1966, they were ready to spring fully formed a riot, indecency and public obscenity
with one of the most strikingly original debut The Doors made some although the charges were later dropped.
albums of all time. The Doors’ third album, Waiting For The
Marrying the acid-tinged imagery of of the most potent, Sun, appeared in 1968 and topped the
Morrison’s lyrics to a soundtrack that drew on American charts, the blatantly commercial
such diverse sources as the blues of Howlin’
enduring and leftfield single Hello I Love You balanced by the
Wolf and the surreal theatre of Bertolt Brecht, music ever recorded uncompromising anti-war theatrics of The
the group’s self-titled debut appeared in 1967 Unknown Soldier and the insurrectionary call
to instant success – although surprisingly, its apocalyptic, Oedipal drama of The End, 12 to anarchy and revolution of Five To One.
best-known song, Light My Fire was not the minutes of Morrison at his most extreme, As he became increasingly reliant on drink
first single from the album. At seven minutes chanting his disturbing visions over a sinister and drugs, Morrison’s erratic behaviour was
long it was considered too long and was only and atmospheric raga-like backing. The threatening the group’s stability and when
released as a 45 after Break On Through (To Doors were, he said, not pop stars at all he was arrested in 1969 for “lewd and
The Other Side) had failed to chart. Edited to but “erotic politicians”. lascivious behaviour” – a charge which
three minutes, Light My Fire topped the charts By the time Strange Days, the band’s carried a jail sentence – the group’s entire
and conferred on The Doors the unlikely second album, appeared towards the end of future was thrown into jeopardy.

1983 1988 2016

ALIVE SHE CRIED (1983) LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL (1988) LONDON FOG 1966 (2016)
Another posthumously released live set, containing A rip-off at only 22 minutes long on its initial Worthy of note among the countless live recordings
seven tracks variously recorded between 1968-70, release, justice was finally done in 2012 when for uniquely capturing The Doors in an LA club
including a great version of Light My Fire and covers this was reissued and retooled to include the before they signed to Elektra. It reveals them on the
of Gloria and Little Red Rooster. In the CD era, these complete concert recorded in July 1968. In cusp of metamorphosing from routine blues-rock
recordings were combined with Absolutely Live to recent years numerous other live Doors covers band (Rock Me and Baby Please Don’t Go)
create a double-disc collection titled simply In recordings have emerged in the Bright Midnight into something startlingly new and original
Concert (1991), edited by producer Paul Rothschild Archives series, but their lo-fi quality will limit (embryonic versions of You Make Me Real and
to recreate “the perfect Doors show”. their interest to HFC readers. Strange Days).

104 MARCH 2017

 MUSIC LEGENDS
THE DOORS

The band’s final

performance was in
New Orleans in 1970

The music appeared to suffer, too. The with one of the most memorable Stone’s 1991 film The Doors starred Val
group’s next album The Soft Parade (1969) achievements of their career. Kilmer as Morrison and in 2009 Johnny
experimented by adding horns and string By the time LA Woman was released in Depp was the narrator on Tom DiCillo’s
arrangements to many of the songs. Such 1971, the troubled Morrison had already excellent When You’re Strange, a
embellishments should have emboldened moved to Paris. Back home in LA, his documentary that chronicled the band’s
and expanded The Doors trademark sound. colleagues were unclear whether he was still story through archive footage.
Yet instead, they seemed to diminish it. in the band. He talked of becoming a writer
The group responded by returning to basics in exile and whether he intended to return, People are strange
on Morrison Hotel (1970), a record inspired we will never know. Quite probably, he The Doors’ legacy has also been the subject
by a tough and raw R&B sound that rocked didn’t know, either. of considerable dispute among the group’s
as hard as anything in the group’s career. On his death the French police found no surviving members. To the fury of Manzarek
suspicious causes and so no autopsy was and Krieger, Densmore vetoed a multi-
This is the end... held. Four days after his death he was buried million dollar offer from Cadillac to use The
But the end was near. Morrison’s obscenity in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The Doors’ music in a TV commercial, on the
case had led to a six-month jail sentence, epitaph on his headstone bears the Greek grounds of artistic integrity. Then when his
and although his incarceration was put on inscription “KATA TON ∆AIMONA EAYTOY”, former colleagues began touring under the
hold and he remained free while his layers name The Doors of the 21st Century, with
lodged an appeal (which was still unresolved The group’s self-titled the Cult’s Ian Astbury impersonating
when he died), the cracks were clearly Morrison, Densmore joined with the dead
starting to appear. debut album is being singer’s elderly parents in legal action.
He gave his final public performance with After a bitter five-year battle in the Los
The Doors in New Orleans in December
reissued this month in a Angeles courts – in which the writer of this
1970 when he appeared to suffer some new three-disc edition article was summoned as an ‘expert witness’
kind of meltdown on stage, slamming his to give testimony on behalf of Morrison’s
microphone repeatedly on the stage until which literally translates as “according to his estate – Densmore won the case. To this
the platform supporting it splintered and own daimon” but is more idiomatically day no Doors song has ever suffered the
then sitting down and refusing to continue interpreted as “true to his own spirit”. His indignity of being used to sell beer, a car
with the show. grave is still visited by thousands of fans or a pair of jeans in a commercial.
Yet if Morrison and The Doors were every year, the most popular pilgrimage site The story of The Doors is ultimately a
finished as a live act, there was still one final in a cemetery that also houses the final tragic one, characterised by a trail of excess
triumph to come in the studio with the resting places of Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. in which Morrison scorched and blazed his
album LA Woman, which included the Yet if the music was over, the legend was way to an early demise. “We were all scared
haunting Riders On The Storm, with only just beginning. Wild rumours have of Jim,” John Densmore admitted. “Scared
Morrison’s disturbing lyric about a “killer on swirled about the circumstances surrounding of his self-destruction, sacred of his tearing
the road” hitting mercilessly at an America his death, while The Doors’ music has been down everything we’d built, scared of his
still reeling from the murderous exploits of endlessly repackaged and reissued so that power.” But the tumultuous music that
Charles Manson and his followers. The the group has sold many more records since emerged from the maelstrom that swirled
album ensured that The Doors signed off its demise than it did in its lifetime. Oliver around them will live forever ●

MARCH 2017 105

 THEKNOWLEDGE

Get the best

head music
Nothing brings you closer to the music than a good-quality headphone, and
here’s everything you need to help select the design that’s right for you
nce considered a fall back if you the main choices currently available to the use metal conductors to move the diaphragm,

O couldn’t afford a decent pair

of speakers, headphones have
become both an essential lifestyle
more discerning headphone buyer.
Different headphones use different driver
technology and if you’re unsure which your’s
here it moves itself directly. A very thin sheet
of electrically charged mylar that’s just a few
microns thick sits between two conductive
accessory and a shortcut to hi-fi nirvana: use, chances are they’re more than likely plates – one positive and the other
true high-end sonics at more or less dynamic. Dynamic, or moving-coil, drivers negatively charged. The sheet is then pushed
earthbound prices. Where once upon a time are the headphone equivalent of the full-size and pulled between the two plates to cause
the choice of models was limited to just a driver that you’ll find in your loudspeakers. the vibration that creates soundwaves. The
few specialist brands, everyone seems to be The signal is sent through a coil of ultra-thin downside of electrostatic headphones is that
getting in on the action and what you stick wire to create a magnetic field that causes they require a high-voltage power supply,
on your bonce says as much about you as the the voice coil to rapidly vibrate. This in turn meaning that you won’t be able to use them
clothes you wear or the car you drive. moves the diaphragm, which compresses out and about on the move. They’re also
The number of devices that require and decompresses air so that the considerably more expensive than rivals.
headphones has also exploded in recent soundwaves produce music. Direct drivers
years, meaning that they have grown to are generally very good at creating large On- or over-ear headphones
become a vital accessory. Meanwhile, hi-res amounts of bass, but the down side is that as As the name suggests, on-ear headphones
portables are becoming increasingly popular the diaphragm is pushed and pulled by the sit on the ears, rather than covering them
and deserve a carefully matched set of cans voice coil its shape changes, resulting in completely and come in a variety of designs.
to unleash the full potential of the better- non-linear distortion. Correctly known as supra-aural headphones,
than-CD formats that they offer. they are invariably better suited to music on
Planar magnetic drivers the move as they tend to be smaller and
The number of people Planar magnetic headphones use the lighter and can often be folded up for easy
interaction of two magnetic fields to cause storage when they’re not in use. When it
that are using over-ear motion. But instead of moving the voice coil, comes to comfort, they are more likely to
which in turn pulls the diaphragm, here the press against the ear to some degree, but
headphones on the charged part is spread across the driver on the flip side are less likely to heat it up
move is on the increase which is a thin, flat film. This means that than over-ear (circumaural) models.
instead of focusing the force on a small part, Circumaural or over-ear headphones
Today’s headphones have imbued that it’s spread across the entire diaphragm. This come with ear cups that are large enough to
seminal design with seductive tech, high-end requires a larger ear cup and more magnets enclose the entire ear. Because of their larger
materials and, of course, the lure of than a dynamic driver, which is why planar size they have traditionally been considered
celebrity-endorsed fashion status. At no magnetic models are often heavier. Planar better suited to home listening, but the
other time in history have so many heads – designs usually result in very low distortion number of people that are using over-ears
especially young ones – felt the gentle sound and excellent transient response. away from the listening room is on the
embrace of pillowy ear pads and the gift of Widely regarded as the ultimate driver increase. The larger ear cups coupled with
pulsating bass while going about their daily technology, electrostatic headphones are the natural isolation means that bass is often
business. Some folk, a growing number it capable of flawless detail and very fast more convincing and the hubbub of the
seems, wouldn’t listen to music any other attack. While dynamic and planar drivers outside world is kept at bay for complete
way. But where do you begin when it comes immersion in your music. The downside all
It’s vital to get
to selecting what’s best for you? a good seal for
too often relates to comfort – which is more
Probably the first consideration is to the very best of an issue than you might imagine. Larger
decide precisely what it is that you want sound from ear cups and headbands can warm up both
to use your headphones for. Though the any in-ears the head and the ears during longer periods
distinctions between stay-at-home models of use and if you wear glasses or earrings,
and those designed for use out and about some designs prove to be too uncomfortable.
on the move are starting to diminish, The way they fit your head will be very
you probably don’t want to be taking an different to the way they fit someone else.
unwieldy pair of transducers on the bus to As with any piece of hi-fi that you’re
work and similarly a set of in-ears probably considering, an audition is always essential,
won’t cut it for when you want to listen at and how it feels on your head should be just
home. With this in mind, let’s take a look at as important as how it sounds.

106 MARCH 2017

 THEKNOWLEDGE

The bulkiness of
over-ears once meant
they were destined for
home use, but this is
all changing...

Headphones described as closed-back have headphone will have at least one driver per ensure your cans are always charged or
ear cups with no vents or openings in the side, multiple driver units have become you’re carrying a spare power source, as
enclosure – keeping most of the sound more common and some models mount up when the juice runs out, so does the music.
within the cups. They tend to be less to 10 per side, although between one and
sonically satisfying and often have a sound three drivers is more customary. Noise-cancelling technology
that is more confined to within your head. Instead of isolating your ears from the noise
Open-back designs are precisely the Ditch the cables of the outside world like many closed-back
opposite, so the back of the driver enclosure Wireless headphones have a variety of over-ear headphones manage to do passively,
has vents that allow some sound to spill out. different applications, but perhaps the most noise-cancelling headphones generate
Each design has its benefits, but generally common use is for around the home or if ‘anti-noise’ to cancel background sounds out.
speaking open-back headphones have more you’re someone that enjoys exercising but The technology was developed to cover up
air and a sense of spaciousness to the needs music to get motivated. In the past, the background hubbub when travelling on
soundstage that extends outside of the ear signals were broadcast from the source aircraft and all models require power to run
cups placed upon the head. However, this device via RF or infrared, but those days of the noise-cancelling circuitry, although some
design is unlikely to win you many friends are flexible enough to allow you to listen in
on your commute, as the sound tends to leak Dynamic, drivers are the passive mode if the battery runs out. Though
out and you may also need to increase the the isolation provided is great, the ‘anti-noise’
volume to overcome any background noise. headphone equivalent can add its own sonic signature, making the
performance far from neutral.
In-ears of the full-size driver you
In-ear headphones were once considered a have in your speakers Getting it right
cheap, convenient alternative to their larger As with buying any loudspeaker for your
sibling, but in recent years have become a interference-prone signals are thankfully listening room, whatever type of headphone
serious category in their own right going long gone and Bluetooth has taken up the you decide to go for, it’s important to give it
from around £10 to well over £1,000. mantle. The most important thing to a proper listen before you buy. Comfort is
Designed to sit in the ear canal and generate consider if you’re going down this route is important, and very often a design that
a good seal in the ear, most models come quality. The compression process that works well for one person may not fit
supplied with a variety of fittings using Bluetooth requires to send the signal means another. There are plenty of dealers with
different materials and sizes to ensure there’s that music will be transmitted at a low dedicated environments to allow you to
the perfect seal for you. The bulk of models resolution. Therefore, more discerning audition the wide range of models and
on the market use either dynamic drivers – a listeners should consider looking for accessories available, but Audio Sanctuary
diminutive version of a normal speaker Bluetooth models that support aptX, which featured in our Dealer Visit back in HFC 420
driver – or an armature which has a much attempts to get transmissions close to CD and High End Headphones from HFC 396
lower mass, making it sensitive but even quality. The only other potential issue with are two specialists that allow you to
more dependent on a good seal to achieve Bluetooth headphones is that they require experience an extensive range of headphone
reasonable bass response. While every in-ear power to run, which means that you need to models in fabulous surroundings ●

MARCH 2017 107

 THEKNOWLEDGE

PORTABLE PLAYERS £449-£950

Music in your pocket

Forget listening to music out and about on your phone, serious music
fans demand no less than lossless perfection, so here are six of the best

Acoustic Astell&Kern Audio Opus

Research AK300 Opus 1
AR-M2 PRICE: £749 TELEPHONE: 0208 2008282
WEB: astellnkern.com REVIEWED: HFC 413
PRICE: £449 TELEPHONE: 01903 768910
WEB: hifiheadphones.co.uk REVIEWED: HFC 412
PRICE: £900 TELEPHONE: 07734 064360
WEB: acoustic-research.com REVIEWED: HFC 399 Making its debut at the Munich High End Show in Making a case for a more simplified
2016, the AK300 replaced the impressive but old alternative to the often overly complex,
Perhaps better known for its innovative in the tooth AK100 (HFC 370) and sits beneath app-stuffed portable player, the Opus 1
speaker designs and suspended sub-chassis the AK320 and AK380 in the company’s range boasts angular Astell&Kern-flavoured styling,
belt-drive turntable, Acoustic Research of portable players. In its chiselled, cool alloy a generously sized touchscreen and a
re-emerged a couple of years ago and this – chunkiness it’s not too dissimilar to the obelisk stripped down Android operating system –
its first portable player – marked a welcome from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but it’s what’s not bad for the most affordable model of the
return to form. In terms of pricing and spec, under the hood that impresses most. With group. The internal 32GB of storage can be
it’s not a million miles away from Sony’s a single AK4490 DAC onboard, it can accept expanded to 432GB thanks to the brace of
offering (right), and with a large 5in display hi-res files up to 32/384 and DSD128 – both down microSD slots. Supported formats include
it shares a lot of design traits with a mobile converted to PCM for playback. It uses an MP3, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, WMA, OGG, AIFF and
phone. However, its spec is far from what you’d extremely accurate VCXO Reference Clock to APE up to 24/192 and it can play DSD. A 32-bit
get from a phone, no matter how smart. The minimise jitter and there’s a 20-band parametric ARM Cortex-A9 quadcore processor running
PCM1794A Burr-Brown DAC means it can EQ available via the AK Connect app. Internal at 1.4GHz and with 1GB DDR3 memory
handle WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC and APE files as storage is 64GB and there’s a single microSD slot, keeps things ticking along, but there are no
well as DSD64, DSD128 and DXD. There’s 64GB allowing a further 128GB to be added. The AK300 apps (so no music streaming services), while
storage and a single microSD slot, providing a can additionally be used as a USB DAC and Bluetooth and wi-fi are also absent.
potential 264GB capacity. It also boasts a high- provides wireless streaming.
output Class A amp alongside an audiophile- Sound quality
grade analogue volume ALPS potentiometer. Sound quality The Opus 1’s presentation is different to its
A hugely accomplished player, it’s difficult to peers. While they tend to be clarity led, it has
Sound quality believe that the AK300 could put a foot wrong an almost laid back, self-effacing sound that
While it might be getting on a bit now, the even if it wanted to. Whatever is played on it makes it easy to listen to. Everything is
AR-M2 impressed in exalted company back sounds just right: tonally, temporally, almost slightly softer edged, while at the same time
in 2015 when it trounced all rivals thanks to tangibly. Notably free from artifice and undue harmonically richer and warmer. The result is
its tremendous sense of acoustic space and emphasis, it nails the neutral ground with such a player that is relaxed, smooth, rhythmically
ability to extract every last nuance from all cool confidence that you’re able to relax into the lucid and unobtrusively informative, which
file types. The way that it places instruments music and forget all about the machine playing it. comes as something of a refreshing change.
across the frequency range expertly in the In short, its extraordinary uncoloured clarity and
mix makes it a real pleasure to listen to. even handedness make it a joy to use. WE SAY: An affordable option that
breaks from convention in terms
WE SAY: A blend of chic design, great WE SAY: Everything about the AK300 of both sound and functionality
features and stunning performance screams quality and the balanced sound
make this player worth seeking out and sleek design are quite breath taking

108 MARCH 2017

 THEKNOWLEDGE

Music streaming services have very quickly risen from being a very mere press of a button. A number of portable players come with the ability
affordable way of listening to new music to – in some cases – a viable to incorporate apps or are wi-fi enabled, meaning that the world of
alternative to compact disc. The vast improvements in speed and stability streaming services opens up the choice of music. Perhaps the most
of broadband that we’ve experienced over the last few years in the UK has exciting thing about these on-demand services is that in some cases (step
HELP & revolutionised the way that we access music, meaning that unlike previous forward Tidal and Qobuz) lossless music is available, making them sound
ADVICE generations we can take our pick from millions of tracks and albums at the every bit as good as CD. Check out the Group Test in HFC 414 for more.

Pioneer Questyle Sony

XDP-100R QP1R NW-ZX2
PRICE: £499 TELEPHONE: 0208 8363524 PRICE: £699 TELEPHONE: 03301 222500 PRICE: £950 TELEPHONE: 0207 3652810
WEB: pioneer-audiovisual.eu/uk REVIEWED: HFC 413 WEB: scvdistribution.co.uk REVIEWED: HFC 413 WEB: sony.co.uk REVIEWED: HFC 405

It takes a company with the vast resources and Looking at the other portable players on this As the company that gave us the Walkman, Sony
pedigree of Pioneer to produce a debut player page, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the understandably has some vested interest in the
that’s bulging with quite so many features and law states that they must all be icy black portable player market, although it lost a lot of
functionality as the XDP-100R and it’s hard to blocks that don’t look too dissimilar from ground to some of the other manufacturers seen
imagine anyone coming up with the goods in most mobile phones. With the QP1R, Chinese here. That was until the NW-ZX2 arrived on the
quite the same way. The headline feature here company Questyle is keen to go its own way, scene – a player worthy of the Walkman moniker.
is the fact that this is the first player to support opting for a decidedly more bling approach, An Android-based device with 128GB of internal
MQA files, freeing up more memory for music. as well as avoiding the Android operating memory and a microSD slot capable of taking
More standard fare includes anything up to system that many players opt for. Opulent a 128GB card, it supports pretty much every
24/384 as well as all of the major DSD formats, gold finish aside, the intricately knurled compressed and lossless format (except WMA
while apps for Spotify, Tidal and Onkyo’s volume control also helps it stand out from Lossless) and will also playback DSD files –
download store (as well a Pioneer’s own music the crowd. With 32GB of internal memory although these are converted to PCM and then
app), increase the choice of ways to enjoy and two microSD slots (providing a potential processed to ‘restore the DSD sound’. Sony’s
music. Internal capacity of 32GB can be 432GB storage), Cirrus Logic’s CS4398 DAC ClearAudio+ software is also on hand to produce
increased to 432GB thanks to the two microSD chipset is on hand to handle music up to a more natural sound.
slots, while Bluetooth, wi-fi and DLNA provide 24/192 as well as DSD64 and DSD128 files.
plenty of connectivity choices. Sound quality
Sound quality There’s a smoothness and refinement to
Sound quality Listening to the QP1R, it’s hard not to feel a music that is extremely assured. The top
With ESS Technology’s ES9018S DAC at its degree of sympathy for other models in the end has an almost liquid quality that is
core, the XDP-100R provides a clean and market, so impressive is the performance. underpinned by deep and assured bass and
organised sound, that is tonally a little lighter It is in a league of its own, pure and simple. there’s no loss of fine detail or sense that the
and rhythmically a touch tighter than most Capable of exposing nuances of technique presentation is artificially smoothed over, just an
rivals. The result is that music doesn’t sound and the recording acoustic that’s unheard on overall refinement that is enormously appealing.
quite so fleshed out, but has more of a spring most rivals, this player is sensationally Meanwhile the huge reserves of power from the
to its step, exhibiting a better sense of air and resolute and doesn’t put the freeze on headphone socket allows it to drive more
hear-through transparency. This makes it the music’s emotional heart. There’s quite demanding cans without breaking into a sweat,
easier to delve deep into the recorded mix astonishing transparency and a real talent for marking this out as a superior player and a return
and pick out the individual strands. The capturing subtle ambient cues with densely to form for Sony.
peppier presentation helps cheer up murkier produced material, while more simple tunes
recordings, injecting them with a sense of are handled just as sympathetically with just WE SAY: It might not be cheap, but the
purpose and energy. It’s all very composed the right degree of fragility and warmth. NW-ZX2 is a highly desirable and
and precise, but perhaps lacking a funky edge. extremely capable player
WE SAY: If extracting maximum
WE SAY: Over flowing with features and satisfaction from your hi-res collection
displaying a lively, transparent is what matters most, look no further
performance this is a fine debut player

MARCH 2017 109

 THEKNOWLEDGE

Fine tune your tunes

Having picked your perfect lossless portable player,
here’s a selection of add-ons to consider to help
you take your music to the next level
DALI KATCH £329
TELEPHONE: 0845 6443537
WEBSITE: dali-uk.co.uk
TESTED: HFC 417
This slender Bluetooth speaker is one of
the best of its kind with an impressive
soundstage considering its dimensions.

ATLAS CABLES ZENO £245

TELEPHONE: 01563 572666
WEBSITE: atlascables.com
TESTED: HFC 410
Available with a choice of 3.5mm,
6.35mm or 4-pin XLR plugs, this is the
perfect way to hook up your cans.

TIDAL HIFI £20/MONTH

WEBSITE: tidalhifi.com
TESTED: HFC 414
When it comes to music streaming
services, there can be only one. Lossless
perfection with a 25-million track library.

SENNHEISER PXC 550

WIRELESS £330
TELEPHONE: 0333 2408185
WEBSITE: sennheiser.com
TESTED: HFC 418
A versatile noise-cancelling
headphone that will get
the very best from your
portable player of choice.

NOBLE SAVANNA £439

TELEPHONE: 0208 9429124
WEBSITE: nobleaudio.co.uk
TESTED: HFC 418
When it comes to providing even
handedness and outstanding tonal
accuracy, few compare with this in-ear.

110 MARCH 2017

 Uk’s only dedicated demo facility for high-end headphones

Uk’s only dedicated demo facility for high-end

headphones. In association with HiFi Lounge for
all your headphone needs. Why not visit Highend
Headphones situated next to HiFi Lounge in a stunning
converted stable. Concentrating on headphones,
headphone amps and dacs. Sit back, relax and try a
selection of the best headphones in the world with no
pressure sales you can take as long as you need to
find the headphones that suit you.

Highend Headphones, 1 The Stable Yard, Millow Hall Farm, Millow, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. SG18 8RH
www.highendheadphones.co.uk Info@highendheadphones.co.uk 01767 448121
 Unico Series

+\EULGKLÀHOHFWURQLFVIURPWKHPDVWHUVRIYDOYHDXGLR
The Unico range of hybrid electronics from Unison Research combine the warmth of valves with
the power and the accuracy of solid-state systems. All Unico products are recognised by their thick
sand-blasted aluminium fascias and solid, reliable build quality.
Unison Research are seen around the world as a leading manufacturer of high-end audio systems,
and the quality shines through in the Unico range. First-class components, solid build and
phenomenal sound; all designed and assembled in Italy.

www.unisonresearch.co.uk
 EXTRAS

Black Rhodium
Tempo stereo interconnects

RESPLENDENT IN ITS bright cables to sound their best, but I find Also worthy of note is the orchestra.
violet-coloured braided sheath, the the greatest improvements happen All the instruments are clearly
design of the Tempo is based very in the first 10 hours of use. I connect defined, rather than being a blur
closely on Black Rhodium’s older them between my preamp and of different sounds and the
Coda interconnect, but the insulation monoblocks, and run them overnight performance is both captivating
of the individual conductors has with the monoblocks switched off and very musical.
been increased from a thickness before auditioning. I start off listening For some baroque music played
of 0.6mm to 1.2mm to reduce with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto on a harpsichord, I turn to a superb
Transient Phase Distortion. It is No.2 played by Sviatoslav Richter. recording of JS Bach’s Goldberg
terminated in the Graham Nalty The first thing that strikes me is a real Variations played by Trevor Pinnock.
Legacy Range GN-4G RCA plugs sense of the presence of the piano in The performance has all the
instead of the Eichmann Bullet my room. The orchestra has a superb sophisticated elegance that I expect
plugs used with the Coda. depth, fullness and openness – the from this recording. The stately first
spatial positioning of the instruments variation, Aria, leads into the joyful
The extra edge is spot on and the piano is perfectly second variation and both are really
The conductors consist of 19mm x placed at the front of the soundstage. tuneful. The tonal complexities of
0.3mm diameter silver-plated The Tempos really seem to breathe the instrument really come to life
copper wires. Silicone rubber new life into this 1959 Deutsche in my listening room.
insulation is used to minimise Grammophon recording.
distortion due to dielectric Jean-Michel Jarre’s Magnetic Fields Final fanfare
absorption effects, while the positive has an intoxicating quality where the I finish off with Haydn’s Trumpet
and negative cores of the conductors complexity of the electronic music is Concerto in E Flat and the solos
are connected in opposite directions, quite captivating. When it bursts into played by John Wallace are strident,
as Black Rhodium has found this the main theme, my room is filled but not overly so, which would make
reduces the noise floor, resulting with music of sparkling clarity. The it sound unduly harsh. Instead, the
in blacker silences and enhanced bass is very powerful and the Tempo trumpet playing is musical and in
reproduction of the natural edges interconnects are certainly able to perfect balance with the orchestra
and decays in music. DETAILS convey the full force of the rhythms and I am really drawn into the
The GN-4G RCA plugs are PRICE in the lower registers. performance. The mournful second
gold-plated, line contact connectors £260 for a 1m pair To check out the Tempo’s handling movement, Andante, leads nicely to
to reduce contact distortion. The TELEPHONE of vocals, I choose a CD of two singers the jubilant final movement, Allegro,
01332 342233
earth conductor is a single strip of – a duet of Barbra Streisand and which is well paced with melodic
metal fitted into a plastic support to WEBSITE Celine Dion singing Tell Him. The and virtuosic cadenzas.
blackrhodium.co.uk
provide a single-point earth return singers are well positioned in front of These are great interconnects that
contact while still ensuring a firm fit. OUR VERDICT the orchestral backing and in separate handle whatever music signal they
Black Rhodium mentions that it positions close to the centre of the find themselves carrying between
can take as long as 150 hours for its soundstage, as indeed they should be. audio components. NR

MARCH 2017 113

 HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOUND & VISION

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 EXTRAS

NuForce
uDAC5 headphone amplifier/USB DAC

FITTING COMFORTABLY INTO

the palm of the hand, the compact
uDAC5 headphone amplifier/DAC
will handle most audio formats
available to the highest possible
resolutions. It measures just 68 x 21
x 45mm (WxHxD), weighs 100g
and claims to offer a high-quality
audio output when used as a
desktop audio controller to an
external amplifier as part of a hi-fi
setup via the stereo RCA output or
via the 3.5mm headphone jack on
the front, and NuForce says it’s just
as compatible with life on the move.
Completing the output socketry
lineup is a coaxial digital output
socket to connecting to suitably-
equipped amplifiers.
There’s no dedicated power inlet
and the uDAC5 gets its audio signal
input and power directly from the
USB connection of a PC plugged
into the USB Type-B input at the
back of the NuForce. It supports
DSD content and is able to process
the highest PCM sample rate of Violin Concerto in D major. The 24/88.2 recording of Vivaldi’s
384kHz. The circuitry of the uDAC5 volume control needs to be at the Cantata Elvira performed by the
offers twice the power of its 3 o’clock position on the NuForce to soprano Mhairi Lawson and
predecessor and is specified as get a good listening volume on my La Serenissima to check out the
providing 2.0Vrms into a 4.7ohm Sennheiser headphones, but the uDAC5’s handling of vocals. It
headphone load, thus giving quality is really excellent. The sound certainly doesn’t appear to have any
a power output of 850mW RMS. is full and spacious with super trouble with the vocal excursions of
So, can something this small really imaging of the orchestra and soprano Lawson and I am really
deliver on sound quality? precision placement of the solo violin impressed by the authority and
in front. As expected from this format, realism of the performance.
Ready to rumble the dynamic range is huge and the
Before I can test the device on my uDAC5 really conveys this beautifully. Breath of fresh air
Windows 10 PC, I need to install The attack of the crescendos is fast To test out the bass response, I turn
the Windows driver, which is and powerful and the double basses to an MP3 recording of Jean-Michel
downloaded from the NuForce really pack a punch. Jarre’s Oxygene 2 from his 2004 Aero
website. Once installed I connect Next, I connect the line output RCA album. The bass is really powerful
the uDAC5 to the USB socket of my phonos to my preamp and listen to and clean and the uDAC5 is not in
PC, it recognises the DAC and I am the same track through my audio the least phased by the complexity
able to set it as the default sound DETAILS system. I note that the volume control of the synthesised sounds.
output device in PC’s control panel. PRICE
also affects the line output and so I In conclusion, the uDAC5 can
For playback of a wide range of file £199 turn this to maximum and this gives deliver a really refined performance,
types, I use the freeware TELEPHONE me a satisfactory output that matches especially with the higher resolution
Foobar2000 program that has the 0203 5442338 the rest of my system. The same formats. Given its price, portability
DSF plug-in installed so that it can WEBSITE recording doesn’t have the clarity and ability to handle a wide range of
play SACD-format DSD files. I plug nunudistribution. and refinement that I experience with up-to-date formats, this headphone
co.uk
in my Sennheiser HD600 (HFC 300) headphones, but it is nevertheless amplifier/DAC is perfect for those
headphones and throw the uDAC5 OUR VERDICT very commanding and energetic. that don’t want to compromise the
in at the deep end with a DSD256 Changing to a PCM source, I switch quality of their music at home or on
file of the Allegro from Mozart’s back to the headphones and use a the move. NR

MARCH 2017 115

 EXTRAS

ISOkinetik
Ultradrive turntable PSU
MANY LINN LP12 and Rega
turntables make use of a mains-
powered synchronous AC motor
to drive the platter via a belt. As
a result, their speed, accuracy and
stability depend entirely upon the
mains supply. Unfortunately, the 50Hz
mains frequency leaves much to be
desired and the mains voltage can be
subject to considerable fluctuation.
to the turntable or motor. All that is quadrature-quartz speed generator
Supply and demand required is to fit a supplied male IEC to provide extremely good speed
All of this can result in subtle plug to the turntable power cable in accuracy and pitch stability.
changes in pitch and timings of the place of a standard 13A mains plug so After connecting the Ultradrive
audio signal and, in extreme cases, that it can safely plug into the output to a turntable in place of a standard DETAILS
wow and flutter. The solution is to socket of the Ultradrive. It is suitable mains connection, I press the 33 PRICE
use a dedicated power supply that for Linn Sondek LP12 and Rega button and, after a couple of seconds £775
effectively regenerates a mains AC turntables fitted with the Premotec delay, the turntable gracefully starts TELEPHONE
0208 2418890
signal, which is independent of the motor, which includes most Regas up. I discover that there is a
WEBSITE
incoming mains power supply. up to 2014, Rega OEM derivatives noticeable improvement with isokinetik.co.uk
The Ultradrive is the top of the and any deck that uses a four-pole, a tightening of the bass response,
range off-board turntable power 110VAC synchronous motor drive. more refined presentation and, OUR VERDICT
supply upgrade from ISOkinetik The power supply regulates the in particular, a wider soundstage
and does not require modifications turntable’s motor drive via a with clearer instrumental focus. NR

Amazon
Echo Dot smart speaker
WELCOME TO THE future, a time
when you tell your hi-fi what you
want to listen to and it’ll play it back
to you. Want to turn the volume up
or down, skip a track or switch from
playing Lou Reed to Led Zep? Simple,
just use you voice and your system
will do the rest.

Brave new world

With its new Echo family of products
(Echo, Echo Dot and Tap – the latter
of which is not available in the UK),
Amazon has come up with smart
products able to respond to the to music. Thankfully, the inclusion some getting used to. Having said
owner’s voice, provide news and of a 3.5mm line out means it can be that, the Bluetooth range easily
DETAILS
weather updates, control connected hooked up to your amplifier, while covers 10m and streaming The xx’s
PRICE
£50
heating systems, dim lights and Bluetooth allows it to be paired with VCR from Tidal, the performance is
WEBSITE
a whole lot more. So far, so brave a compatible speaker. And it’s here impressively robust with no notable
amazon.co.uk new world, but what does the Echo that the Echo Dot comes into its own. audio sacrifices. While the novelty
Dot offer the serious audiofile? Admittedly, it feels a bit weird factor will quickly lose its sheen, if
OUR VERDICT It has a small built-in single speaker, controlling it with your voice and you’re looking for a simple way to
which though fine for news and having to say “Alexa” before telling it bring streaming to a music system,
alarms is best avoided when it comes to “Play Radiohead on Spotify” takes this is an impressive option. JDW

116 MARCH 2017

 EXTRAS

Numark
TT250USB turntable

THE CHOICE OF home audio

turntables has dramatically
expanded over the last few years
and for the most part, the price
of complete packages remains over
£300. Things are a little different
in the pro-audio scene as the choice
at this price is impressive, and
although the TT250USB is clearly
aimed at modern DJs, it looks to be
equally at home as part of a
domestic hi-fi system.
For £220 you get a direct-drive
turntable with support for 33 and
45rpm speeds with the added
flexibility of a +/- 10 percent
pitch control on both. The arm
is S-shaped with detachable
headshell that’s fitted with Numark’s
GrooveTool moving-magnet
cartridge. It also comes equipped
with an internal phono stage and
a USB connection for making digital
copies of your vinyl.

Armed forces
The arm can be raised and lowered even on the standard torture tests like terribly taxing undertaking to
at the mount, which means that long violin or piano notes. replace it and cure this issue,
unusually for the price you can Once you stop looking for faults, especially considering the height
adjust the VTA. The only irritant many aspects of the performance adjustment on the arm.
is the phono stage can’t be switched are worthy of praise. The curious
out of the circuit and the mains lead combination of live instruments and The entertainer
and interconnect feel low-cost. looped edits that is How To Be A Where the Numark is really in its
In most other regards, it makes Human Being by Glass Animals is element, though, is that it never fails
many domestic rivals look decidedly captured very effectively. There is to sound fun. It reproduces The
parsimonious. Electric speed plenty of treble energy that ensures Avalanches’ Frankie Sinatra with
control, a hinged lid and even that fine details are extracted from an infectious sense of joy that is very
a passable mat are all included the mix and it is easy to follow. hard not to be taken with. There’s a
as standard and the TT250USB Judged in an absolute sense, the simple energy to the way it makes
feels usefully solid in terms TT250USB only has two real issues, music that makes up-tempo material
of construction. The looks are one of which is shared by many in particular sound consistently
unashamedly pro audio, but nothing similarly priced rivals and one that entertaining. With more relaxed
is so offensive to the eye that you’d is specific to it. The bass is detailed music it avoids the sense of forcing
struggle to use it in a home system. and articulate with no signs of bloat material although it does lack the
Sonically, it is also competitive or sluggishness, but it never seems delicacy of some belt-driven rivals.
when judged against some more DETAILS especially deep although really All criticisms need to be seen
domestically orientated rivals. Most PRICE excellent bass from vinyl is usually through the prism that this is an
importantly, as a direct-drive design £220 the preserve of more expensive extremely well assembled turntable
there is no audible rumble or other TELEPHONE turntables. More specific to the at a lower price point than pretty
01252 896040
sonic gremlins that can be directly Numark is that with records that are much any equivalently priced rival.
attributed to the means by which WEBSITE a little on the bright side, it can sound When you take this into account, the
numark.com
it spins its platter. More positive sharp to the point of sibilant with this TT250USB has to be seen as a very
aspects of direct drive are present, OUR VERDICT material. Much of the blame for this effective way of getting vinyl
though. It is impressively pitch can be levelled at the GrooveTool playback running in a system at
stable and is free of audible wow cartridge and it would not be a a rock bottom price. ES

MARCH 2017 117

 GOTHENBURG

DESTINATION:
GOTHENBURG
In search of vinyl treasure Simon Berkovitch heads off to Sweden’s second-
largest city and original home of Volvo to explore a smörgåsbord of record stores
ove over Stockholm: when it Gainsbourg-influenced electronica. The is that all of the record

M comes to coolness, Gothenburg

has all boxes ticked. Sweden’s
laidback second city is a cultural
group’s live shows in unusual, characterful
venues – such as London’s Transport
Museum and Tate Modern – are enhanced
stores are within
walking distance of
one another and there
oasis, so it’s little surprise that there are by quirky, bespoke short films – some of are also a few
plenty of compelling reasons for vinyl which are created by Don through his watering holes along
tourists to head over and dig Göteborg’s Drowning Cowboy Films imprint the way to keep our
bulging crates. (drowningcowboyfilms.com). strength up. Prices are
This beautiful, compact city is easy to The group have toured extensively and generally on the lower side, too.”
navigate by bus, tram or as a pedestrian. Don – a vinyl collector since a punk-obsessed Our touchdown at Goteborg Landvetter
Don’t worry about the language barrier, teen growing up in Tucson, Arizona – has Airport, southeast of the city centre, is
either: just like the inhabitants of relaxed taken each port of call on a tour itinerary as followed by a short bus ride to the central
Scandinavian neighbour Copenhagen (see an opportunity to scope out the best record train terminal where we store bags in a
HFC 417), Göteborgare are friendly people shops in town. He’s a frequent visitor to secure locker before setting out on a day
capable of largely flawless English. Gothenburg and has tailored his knowledge of record shopping, taking in Haga, the
HFC’s archaeologist of the city’s vinyl to suit a day-tripper, keeping today’s guided beautiful old part of town. Kronor is burning
treasures is Don Brosnan (pictured), bass tour within and around the Masthugget holes in our pockets, the clock is ticking,
player with London-based band The Real district, with all shops within touching so let the crate-digging begin...
Tuesday Weld, purveyors of jazzy, Serge distance. “The great thing about Gothenburg Gothenburg: tack för musiken!

116 MARCH 2017

 GOTHENBURG

Linné Skivbörs
ur guide’s favourite record shop,
O located near Gothenburg’s iron market
in the Masthugget district is our first crate to
dig. Compact but comprehensively stocked
with second-hand vinyl, excellence is key to
Linné Skivbörs’ continued success. The guys
behind the counter are super friendly and
extremely helpful; the stock, predominantly
acquired from meticulous vinyl enthusiasts
selling off their collections, is in prime
condition; and prices paid for near-mint-
condition collectables are generous.
“There’s a split of jazz, soul, rock, with a
good focus on psych and indie here,” Don
observes. Experimental music lovers and
Flying Nun collectors are especially well
served: for example, there’s a copy of
Straightjacket Fits’ Hail for 159SEK
(approximately £14.50) – the only copy
on Discogs is going for €35 plus postage.
By a collection of framed vintage posters
from Gothenburg shows from the past, a
Looking for that final upgrade? Much
VG-condition LP of Bridget Bardot’s Show of this excellent store’s stock comes
demands closer attention. But the opposite from collectors who have downsized
wall has our guide reaching into his pocket,
as there’s a top copy of cult modern psych
Linné Skivbörs
act Fumaça Preta’s first record on Soundway. Andra Långgatan 20, 413
It has a yellow Post-it note attached. “Loosely 28 Göteborg
translated, it says: ‘You are a very cool +46 73 372 68 32
CONTACT linneskivbors.se
person for purchasing this record’,” says DETAILS Open Tuesday-Saturday
Don. HFC almost believes him.

Skivhandel
or the quintessential old-school record
F buying experience, a visit to Skivhandel
is essential – just be prepared to lose an
afternoon in this warren of audio. As Don
puts it: “There are definitely treasures
hidden if you have the time to trawl through
and the exchange rate is right”.
One of Gothenburg’s largest second-hand
record shops, every surface is stacked with
racks and brightly coloured crates for vinyl
and CDs. Meticulously catalogued by genre
and sub-genre for an easily navigated
browsing experience, even relatively obscure
bands have their own dedicated sections –
our guide is even able to point out a divider
for his previous band, Super J Lounge. Don
takes inspiration from the nineties for his
vinyl purchase – a dusty copy of The
Church’s Gold Afternoon Fix album. Framed
posters of The Beatles, Stones and Hendrix
peer down over the afternoon browsers, Step back in time at Skivhandel: from
vinyl to record players, the stock here
adding to the time capsule experience. is very much of the vintage variety
The Dansette in the shop’s logo provides a
big clue to Skivhandel’s other major draw. In
an alcove under an arch of picture discs,
Skivhandel
there’s a choice of used record players from Andra Långgatan 33,
brands such as Pioneer, Yamaha, Technics, 413 27 Göteborg
Philps, Dual and Thorens. According to its +46 31 775 01 40
CONTACT andralang.se
suitably retro-look website, there’s also a DETAILS Open Monday-Saturday
parts replacement and sourcing service.

MARCH 2017 117

 GOTHENBURG

Dirty Records MUSIC LOVERS

Our fifth and final store on this whistle-
s Gothenburg wax emporia go, this
A long-standing store undoubtedly has
the coolest name – and evidently the best
stop tour through Gothenburg’s racks is
– as its name suggests – an exquisitely
curated space by and for adventurers
in audio, whatever your genre of choice
vinyl transportation device: “I love to buy happens to be...
something from here as their carrier bag –
Dirty Records in black on bright yellow – is
the best,” Don points out.
Based a short stroll from our previous port
of call on a street of alternative shops, this is
a joint venture with Café Santo Domingo,
making it the perfect place to refuel with
a damn-fine cup of organic and fair trade
coffee and pastry before getting down to
some vinyl bargain hunting. Dirty Records
also hosts live music events every Friday at
6pm – the perfect way to shake off the
working week.
In business for 30 years, Dirty Records is a
mix of new and used stock, and rarities and
low-priced bargain vinyl, as well as CDs
and DVDs, but after scanning the category Located just off the main canal by the cathedral in
dividers it is not always apparent where the central Gothenburg, set in a beautiful old courtyard
and sharing space with a super-hip café, Music Lovers
old and new start, or if they are actually gets the vote for best location of any of Gothenburg’s
separated. Undeterred by this minor obstacle record shops.
and a scowl-prompting wall of Frank Zappa Opened in 2012, Music Lovers also boasts the most
LPs, Don finds his sweet spot is in the Coffee, cake and wax – the perfect combo ambitious selection of any of our profiled stores. Small
and compact, the space is rammed with a heavy stock
dusty-in-a-good-way soundtracks section: of jazz, soul, prog and experimental LPs, 12ins and 45s,
Dirty Records
a sealed copy of the 2015 reissue to David Andra Långgatan 4, 413 03
both new and used. It’s niche – and gloriously so.
Lynch’s Eraserhead for 175SEK Göteborg +46 31 18 84 83
Musical adventurers: look no further.
(approximately £16). His coveted facebook.com/Dirty- Cool T-shirts and merchandise hang from the walls
CONTACT Records-134482118247 along with a selection of wallet-loosening vinyl rarities.
eye-popping carrier bag comes at no DETAILS Open Monday-Saturday Ultra-obscurities share rack space with mind-bending
extra cost, sealing the deal. classics from the likes of Hawkwind and Groundhogs.
Its position near the city’s cathedral is apt: Music
Lovers is Gothenburg’s temple of psychedelia.

Bengans Skivbutik Alternative rock music – from Link Wray to The Pogues
to garage punk compilations – from across the decades
also gets plenty of attention.
he flagship of the Bengans chain – Exquisitely curated by co-owners Anders Björnsson
T “Think of it as Gothenburg’s HMV or
Rough Trade East without the hipsters,” Don
and Gustaf Dicksson, the pair are as knowledgable as
they are approachable, so whether you’re a die-hard
experimentalist or someone eager to expand their
suggests – with stores in Stockholm and collection and musical horizons, this store is an
excellent place to start. The commitment to mind-
Linköping, is the place to hunt down that expanding music is admirable and their attention to
Record Store Day release that proved elusive detail is truly mesmerising – even the hand-painted
in 2016, with many heavily discounted. street sign uses the Spacemen 3 logo font…
Some 40 years in business and counting, A thoroughly 21st century record shopping
experience, updates of incoming stock appear
and heralded by Buzzfeed as one of “27 regularly on Facebook, and a fair chunk of the
record stores to visit before you die”, its catalogue can be browsed at Music Lovers’
slick, user-friendly website is a testament to Discogs shop. Tireless, the duo
also run the record label Omlott
a business moving with the changing face of (omlott.se), which focuses on free
record shopping – a far cry from its seventies jazz and wild improvised music.
roots in used vinyl and punk limited editions.
The welcoming café by the store’s entrance
is home to in-store concerts – the likes of
R.E.M., David Bowie and local hero Jose
Gonzalez have all performed here – as well
as signings, launches and movie screenings.
Inside, all musical genres are covered. CDs
still dominate, but its new vinyl section is The ideal
growing and there’s a small selection of place
to tune
pre-loved records, in a nod to its past. in, turn
The majority of new single LPs are around on and
the £20+ mark and established behemoths Gothenburg’s HMV is a Swedish institution drop out
such as Bowie, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin
Bengans Skivbutik Music Lovers
command the most display space – with Stigbergstorget 1, Kyrkogatan 13,
large prices to match. A copy of Beak’s 414 63 Göteborg 411 15 Göteborg, Sweden
original soundtrack for Two People In a Hole +46 31 14 33 00 musicloversrecords.wordpress.
CONTACT bengans.se CONTACT com
for 210SEK (£19) makes it to the counter, DETAILS Open Monday-Saturday DETAILS Open Monday-Saturday
but our guide declines the carrier bag…

118 MARCH 2017

 Call: 0845 6019390 Email: choice@2ndhandhifi.co.uk
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Audio Research LP1 Phono stage nr mint x/d 999 Abrahamsen V2.0, excellent boxed used 779 Arcam CDS27, nr mint boxed x/d 479 Art Audio Expression Precision Monitor/Subs used 1949
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Michell Gyro Se, boxed used 849 Martin Logan Ethos, near mint boxed used 3399
Devialet 120, mint boxed, our demo unit x/d 2699
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Esoteric C03/A03, pre/power ex demo boxed used 8499
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Jeff Rowland 501 Monoblock pair, boxed used 2949
NAIM CD5i, excellent condition used 479 Monitor Audio Silver 10, gloss black excellent x/d 979
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NAIM NDX DAB/FM, excellent with remote used 2499 Monitor Audio Silver 6, nr mint boxed x/d 749
Project Debut Carbon, near mint REDUCED x/d 239 Krell KAV300i, excellent boxed used 799
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Project 2, excellent used 179 Krell FPB400cx, excellent boxed used 3249 NAIM HDX - SSD, upgradeable, as new used 2399
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Rega Fono, excellent entry level MM stage used 109 Lector VFI 70L, 70watt Hybrid Integrated, excellent! used 649 Oppo BDP105D, mint ex demo used 849
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Pioneer N-50a Streamer used 299 PMC Twenty 22, nr mint boxed x/d 1299
Rega Planar 2, RB200, AT95e used 199 Mark Levinson 532H Power amplifier used 3749
Prima Luna Prologue 8, ex dem boxed, x/d 1099 PMC Twenty 24, nr mint boxed x/d 2249
Rega RP6/Exact boxed in RED, near mint x/d 649 McIntosh MC275 Power Amp, near mint boxed used 3499
Project Streambox DS, excellent boxed x/d 349 PMC Twenty 23, nr mint boxed x/d 1699
Meridian 501 preamplifier, excellent used 279
Rega P9/RP1000 and PSU (Cherry/Black) excellent used 1999
PMC Twenty 22, nr mint boxed used 1179
Ming Da MC5S 5 channel Valve Power amp boxed used Call Rega Apollo R, excellent boxed used 379
Shelter 501/II, excellent boxed used 499 PMC Twenty 21, nr mint boxed x/d 899
Moon W7RS, excellent used 4299
SME 3009 excellent boxed used 329 Rega Saturn R, our demo unit nr mint x/d 949
Proac Response 1sc, excellent boxed used 699
Musical Fidelity MX preamp and psu used 379
Systemdek IIx/RB250, good condition used 249 Sansui WLD201 Streamer, sealed box used 119 Proac D20r, excellent boxed, ex dealer demo x/d 1849
Musical Fidelity 550K Superchargers excellent boxed used 1449
Technics 1210, standard spec, near mint boxed used 649 Sugden Masterclass PDT4F CD newer version boxed used 1749 Quad ESL57, vgc used 599
NAD C315bee, excellent used 99
Technics 1210, Timestep PSU etc used 949 REL T5 Subwoofer boxed used 289
NAIM NAC202, ex demo nr mint x/d 1249 Unison Research Unico CDE, digital in, superb x/d 1599
Technics 1210, New bearing, Hynes PSU, Funk platter used 1449 Revolver RW45, excellent boxed used 449
NAIM NAC82, Napsc excellent boxed used 899
Wadia 170 itransport, excellent boxed, remote used 139
Thorens TD170 Auto excellent boxed REDUCED x/d 219 Revolver Music 1, excellent boxed used 279
NAIM NAC82, excellent boxed used 849
Thorens TD209 turntable package REDUCED x/d 599 Whest Audio DAP.9 used 279 Sonus Faber Concerto Home used 799
NAIM NAC72k, excellent boxed used 399
Thorens TD150, 2000 Plinth and 3009, superb used 579 YBA WM202 CD player excellent boxed used 399 Sonus Faber Venere 1.5 with matching stands x/d 999
NAIM NAP140, excellent boxed used 349
Transfiguration Temper V, great condition. used 599 NAIM NAP250/2, 2014 model, nr mint boxed x/d 2499 Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 vgc+ x/d 1499
YBA WD202 USB DAC, excellent boxed used 449
NAIM NAP300 & 300PS boxed all cabling etc used 3499 Sonus Faber Venere Centre channel excellent x/d 399
Transfiguration Pheonix S, excellent boxed used 999 Yamaha CD-S3000 SACD player nr mint boxed used 2449
VDH Colibri M/C cartridge, as new boxed, REDUCED x/d 2749 NAIM NAP200, 2008 excellent boxed used 899 Spendor BC1, near mint boxed used Due in

Nakamichi 410/420 Pre/Power near min retro! used 499 Totem Mite in black, ex dealer demo x/d 379
VDH Condor M/C cartridge as new boxed, REDUCED new 1749
Pathos InPol Remix Hi Dac, ex dem, x/d 1999 Usher Mini Dancer 1, excellent boxed x/d 1299
Whest Audio 30RDT Phono stage, vgc+ used 1549
Usher S520, excellent boxed x/d 229
Pathos Logos Integrated, excellent, used 1399 Accessories/Cables
Radio/Recorders Pathos TT Anniversary, nr mint crated used 2499
Audeze headphones, most models ex demo x/d Call
Usher Be20DMD, nr mint boxed x/d 9999

Arcam T61, excellent boxed used 79 Quad 405/2 excellent used 299 Usher N Series. Various x/d Call
Elemental Audio speaker stands x/d 449
Denon DRM10HX used 69 Quad QC24 preamplifier, excellent boxed used 499 Vandersteen Quattro, accessories, transformers used 2899
Grado headphones many models x/d Call
Fostex G16, 16 track Reel to Reel, amazing! used Call Rega Mira 3, excellent boxed used 379 Veritas H3 (Lowthers) gloss black, 100db, x/d 2399
Musical Fidelity A3 RDS Tuner, excellent used 199 M2Tech Harley headphone amplifier used Call
Rega Brio R, excellent boxed x/d 399 Wilson Benesch Square One, excellent boxed used 799
Naim UnitiServe, near mint boxed used 1279 NAIM Flatcap 2X used 339
Roksan Caspain M2 Integrated, near mint boxed x/d 1349 Wilson Benesch Square Two Mk2, boxed used 1349
Nakamichi Cassette Deck 2, vgc serviced used 149 NAIM HiLine, boxed used 429
Nakamichi DR3, vgc serviced used 249 Rotel RC1580 top flight preamp, nr mint boxed used 649
Special system deals
NAIM Powerline, boxed used 339
Quad FM2, due in used 249 Rotel RC970/2 & RB970 Pre/Power combo used 349
Arcam Solo , remote boxed used 349
NAIM Supercap Olive, boxed choice from used 779
Quad FM3, vgc used 139 Sugden Masterclass Monoblocks used 3899 Arcam Solo Neo, excllent boxed used 399
Quad FM4, vgc, serviced used 79 Sugden A21a, mid period, serviced NAIM Supercap 2, vgc+ from 2002 used 1549
used 599 Devialet 400 & Magneplanar MG3.7i speakers used 9979
Revox PR99, crated, REDUCED used 729 NAIM HiCap, Olive with SNAIC used 379 Devialet 200 & Magneplanar MG1.7 speakers used 5249
Tandberg TPA3003 Power amplifier, excellent! used 479
Revox A77, just serviced, great condition used Call Oppo HA1 Headphone Amp excellent used 729 Naim Muso nr mint boxed x/d 799
Unison Research Unico Pre, nr mint x/d 1549
Revox B77, just serviced, great condition used Call Naim UnitiQute 2 with Unitiserve used 1999
Pathos Aurium Headphone amplifier used 729
Unison Research Unico DM Power amplifier x/d 1549
Rotel RT850, excellent used 29 Naim UnitiQute 2 with Usher S520s used 1149
Stax 404/006 system used Call
Sony STDB900 DAB/AM/FM Tuner, excellent used 99 Vincent SAVP200, superb and amazing value used 749 Naim SuperUniti, nr mint boxed x/d 2949
Stax 4070 closed system, excellent RARE! used 2399 Scansonic USB100 Turntable & Active Speakers new 349
TEAC X1000M, serviced, superb used 549 XTC Pre 1 & Pow 2, Pre/Power combo, excellent used 749
Technics RS1500 in flightcase near mint used 2249 YBA WM202 Integrated receiver, excellent boxed used 499 Sugden HA4, excellent used Call TEAC CRH255, vgc with remote new 119

Tel: 01642 267012 or 0845 6019390 Email: choice@2ndhandhifi.co.uk

 Reader Classified ads www.hifichoice.co.uk
For sale / Wanted

Reader
Classified
LEEMA ACOUSTICS Pulse II x2 (bi-amped), silver, factory
modified by Leema. Manuals and boxes included. £995:
02920 419226 or email: frank8ush@ntlworld.com
(South Glamorgan).

Will be posted in original box. binding posts, electrofluidics

Welcome to Hi-Fi Choice Reader Classified, £750 including p&p:
07549 603398 or email:
loudspeaker cable, Eikos
interconnect: £550.
a free private ads service for buying and dave.drew@talktalk.net Wharfedale E30 loudspeakers
selling second-hand hi-fi components. (East Yorkshire). and Harman Kardon HK
630 original twin powered
CABASSE Stream Source
These pages are a must-read if you’re The simplest way to send your ad is via purchased 2016, hardly receiver: offers:
thinking about buying used kit, or if you email to: letters@hifichoice.co.uk or used and in mint condition, 07432 720033.
have hi-fi you want to sell. It’s free – simply mail: Reader Classified, Hi-Fi Choice original boxes and manuals. MUSICAL FIDELITY
submit your ad of up to 50 words (we will magazine, AVTech Media Ltd, Suite Was £300 when new, will M6i amplifier in silver, mint
edit them if not), remembering to include 25, Eden House, Enterprise Way, accept £180 including UK condition with all packaging.
your email, phone number and county. Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6HF. postage: 01847 890571 or Less than 50 hours use.
This service is open to private advertisers only. Just one ad per household. email: james_mcleod789@ Pix on request. £1,050:
Images are for illustration only and do not represent what is for sale btinternet.com (Thurso). 01902 884694 or email:
TRANSPARENT jukey39@yahoo.co.uk
FOR SALE AUDIO MusicWave Plus (West Midlands).
07769743646 or email: Purchased 2008 Moorgate speaker cables, 10 feet TRANSPARENT ULTRA
AVI S2000 MC Reference
bergkamp1010@yahoo. Acoustics. Coated and long terminated with 8mm mm2 balanced XLR
CD player. Quality sound,
com veneered inside with spade terminals. Excellent interconnects. 1m length. Mint
excellent condition, new laser
Borosilicate resin for stiffness. condition, owned from new. condition. Price new: £1,841.
fitted, service warranty. £290 NEAT Motive 1 floorstanding
Can demo. Collection £200: 01590 674669 Sale price: £900 ono: email:
plus carriage: 01275 872777 speakers, cherrywood veneer,
only. £700 (£1,299): (Hampshire). yatestherapy@googlemail.
(N. Somerset). excellent sound, can demo, com.
07855314593 or email: THE CHORD COMPANY
ROTEL RQ-970BX phono cost £1,400, £600 ovno:
PEFGNO1@gmail.com Epic twin single wire cable AVI S2000 MC Reference
equaliser (MM/MC) in black 07957 384795 (London).
(Sheffield). terminated with BFA/4mm CD player. Very tidy. New laser
VGC £20. Rega RP1 turntable CHORD ELECTRONICS fitted and service warranty.
JBL Studio 530 standmount twin screw type plugs. 2x
in grey with performance QBD76 DAC, black, excellent £300 + carriage: 01275
speakers. As new. Black finish, 3.5m, 1x 1m, 1x 2.5m. 1x Chord
pack and extra wool mat condition, Bluetooth; USB; Prodac 1m digital cable. £27 872777 (North Somerset).
original packaging. £199 (new
in yellow all in VGC: 07510 2x coaxial; 2x balanced AES; per metre, plus postage.
£630): 01847 892081 or AVI Duo speakers brand new
687880 (Luton, Beds) 2x optical. RRP £3,600, want: Cable is in first class condition:
email: michael665booth@ build in original cabinets with
TELLURIUM Q XLR £2,100: 01243 528010 07810 131947 (Norwich).
btinternet.com (Caithness). extra special crossovers. Any
Graphite 1m pair, as new, (West Sussex). demo: must be heard! Text
CYRUS 8 DAC QX sounds ISOTEK Sigma mains
original box. £400. Upgraded TOTEM Arro speakers. great, but upgrading £750. conditioner in black, Naim your email for photos £600:
hence sale, will post recorded Cherry. Boxed. Original Cyrus CDt transport boxes HiCap power supply 07793 749178 (London).
delivery within UK for £8: packaging. Receipts. etc. £425: 07973 426291 chrome bumper. Please LAVARDIN IS Reference
(Birmingham). phone or email for prices: integrated amplifier as new
VAN DEN HUL The Wind 0208 5242181 or email: condition, purchased June
mark 2 speaker cable, 2m, bobjoangreen@gmail.com 2015 for £3,199, will sell for
(four lengths, R and L) £85. (Chingford). £1,800: 01256 461453 or
Nordost SPM balanced NAKAMICHI CR7 tape email: vicsowerbutts@
interconnect, 1m, boxed as deck, recently serviced by hotmail.com (Basingstoke).
new £375. KEF 200C centre classic Nakamichi. Original NAIM FlatCap XS, boxed,
speaker, mint condition £350: box, packaging and manual, manual and leads. Excellent
email: booning4@hotmail. remote control included, condition now surplus due
MERIDIAN G01 preamp/tuner with moving coil phono stage, com (County Wicklow). excellent condition £900. to upgraded system £250:
as new £875. Proac Studio 1 speakers with stands, sound great Purchaser to collect: 07837 01275 462948 (North
but grille cloth showing signs of wear and cabinets have minor AURALIC Aries wireless
streaming bridge. Includes 540883 (Lincolnshire). Somerset).
damage £375: 07960 550591 or email: losepete@losepete.
plus.com (Greater Manchester). remote control. Owned from PIONEER A300R precision LINN Majik DS/2 Streamer.
new, in excellent condition. amplifier with copper 2015 model. Current

BUYING TIPS BUYING SECOND-HAND can be a great way to pick up a bargain. A formerly expensive second-hand component might well prove a better long-term bet than a
brand-new product if the price is right. DO SOME RESEARCH on which brands have a good service back up, so if something does go wrong, you can get it fixed. Unless you
purchase from a dealer, you’re unlikely to get any warranty, so it’s up to you to ensure the fitness of any gear that you buy. USUALLY speakers should be less prone to breakdown than
amps, and amps should be more reliable than CD players. But any abused component could be trouble – have a proper demo and judge the seller as well as the goods!

122 MARCH 2017

Reader Classified ads
specification with Dynamik, michael665booth@ immaculate condition boxed,
Sound Optimisation, Exakt btinternet.com (Glengolly) new cost £800, selling for
links. Excellent condition. QUAD 405 Mk2 fitted with £400: 01934 521621 or
Original box with accessories. Net Audio Mk3 boards and email: stemar2@me.com.
£1,495: 01793 728103, or dual mono power supply MUSICAL FIDELITY A3.2
email: 01793728103@ finished in satin black £350
talktalk.net (Wiltshire ).
RDS tuner £175. Absolutely
ono: 01244638797 or email: spotless, remote, original
GARRARD 401, Rega peterrog@talktalk.net.
box. Kept covered
RB300, Goldring 1042 with SONY CDP-CX355 CD and clean. Beautiful:
plinth/cover, great sound and player/CD storage. Digital and 07500 804700 or email:
condition, £1,499 ono. Power analogue outputs, remote,
supply for Class A amps, for imeldayates@hotmail.com.
instructions, boxed. £120.
amps of around 15-20W, Collect, or delivery maybe AUDIOPLAN Powerstar
£300 ono: 0207 4998729. possible: 07801 831972 or ‘S’ mains distribution block
REGA Brio 3 amplifier, satin email: mel17dept@outlook. complete with 7 Powercord
finish, excellent condition. Box com (Dorset). ‘S’ leads. Boxed and unused,
and manual included £150: SOUNDSTYLE 5-shelf so ‘as new’. Made in Germany
07510 687880 (Luton, hi-fi rack, Opus Green, and highly rated. £300 ono:
Bedfordshire). smoke glass shelves £60 01932 341421 or email:
LEHMANNAUDIO Black ono. Soundstyle 4-shelf hi-fi chrisjones4you@gmail.
Cube linear headphone amp. rack, Opus green, smoke com (Surrey).
Mint and boxed. £295: 02392 glass shelves £50 ono. Buyer SONUS FABER Grand
453382 (Hants). collects: 07913 374413 Piano Domus (Home), gloss
HOVLAND G3 (Spalding, Lincolnshire). black, good condition, little
interconnects for sale. 2x 1m RUSS ANDREWS used, £550. 25kg each, buyer
pairs RCA-to-RCA little used. Powermax Plus mains cables collect: 07532 349953
In original boxes. £150 per 1x 1.5m and 2x 1m. All under (Hants).
pair: 01625 430510. 18 months old. £90 the lot inc
carriage: 07986 987380 WANTED Jamo Concert
EMOTIVA Stealth DAC/ 11 loudspeakers, will collect:
preamp/headphone or email: heddondt@
btinternet.com (Northants). 0191 2815482
amp. As new with original
(Newcastle upon Tyne).
packaging and manual £199: REGA RS3 loudspeakers in
01847 892081 or email: piano black finish, offered in BOWERS & WILKINS
PM1 loudspeakers/FS PM1
stands. Beautiful condition
with boxes and manuals.
£1,195 ono. Possible delivery:
07402 299243 or email:
frank8ush@ntlworld.com
(Cardiff).

Asimi Ultra
LOWTHER SPEAKERS
AUDIOLAB 8200CDQ preamp/CD player £549. Audiolab
Acousta 115 circa 1980 for
8200MB mono amplifiers 250W/channel, £1,100. Finished in
sale or exchange for a decent,

Interconnect
silver and in immaculate condition with original boxes, manuals
compact hi-fi system: email:
etc: 02380 738935 or email: golf3385@hotmail.co.uk
(Southampton). garyhardwareuk@yahoo.
co.uk (Essex).

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Next month
REGA BRIO A new take on the classic Brio integrated
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audioemotion music is our passion

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 First launched in 2012, the dCS Vivaldi CD/ Player – either as a standalone DAC or
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