The Latest
Blok Launches Stax 2G Modular Audio Furniture
Hailing from Essex in the United Kingdom and part of the Monitor Audio Group, audio furniture specialist Blok has announced its new, customisable Stax 2G hi-fi equipment support system.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 July 2024 15 July 2024
Classé Audio Delta PRE Mk II Preamplifier
On its website, Classé Audio states that the new Delta PRE Mk II preamplifier can be the “foundation of your perfect system”. In this case, it’s quite sensible marketing parlance because I’m also of the opinion that the good ole preamplifier is, indeed, the very heart of an audio system. On paper, the extra circuitry and interconnecting cable required to connect said preamplifier should be a backward step when compared to the simplicity of interfacing a DAC, for example, directly to a power amplifier. After all, there’s more than enough output voltage on tap there and most have an in-built volume control (bit-stripping notwithstanding). Yet, it’s been my experience that having that preamp intermediary almost always equates to a more engaging and dynamic sound. Never mind the obvious accommodation of additional sources. So, how would a high-tech, fully featured, 21st century preamplifier like Classé Audio’s new Delta PRE Mk II perform then?
Monitor Audio Studio 89 Loudspeakers Landed in Australia
In praise of the company’s Studio Series of the 1980s, Monitor Audio introduces Studio 89, a standmount speaker paying homage to the highly acclaimed series while capitalising on the company’s latest technologies.
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- Written by Mark Busby Mark Busby
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
Rega Research Naia Turntable
Having started out my hi-fi journey in the early 1980s with a Rega Planar 3 turntable, I jumped at the chance to hear and review the latest flagship model from Rega. Called the Naia, this turntable offers all the accumulated technical knowledge gained during the existence of Rega Research’s 51 years of knowledge. The Naia package in this review includes the option for a factory fitted Aphelion 2, Rega’s top of the line moving coil cartridge.
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- Written by Barry James Johnston Barry James Johnston
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
in-akustik Referenz LS-4005 AIR Loudspeaker Cable
Snake oil! Reviewing cables can be both a controversial and simultaneously difficult audio review task. What are we comparing after all? Soke copper and some other copper? The gauge of a wire? Conductor type? Dielectric? The velocity of propagation? Capacitance? What does it all mean in the real world and to your ears? How do the electrical properties of a length of metal affect the way a piece of music sounds? Let’s get stuck in before the hoards gather outside my studio.
Yamaha’s Hi-Fi Division Celebrates 70th Anniversary
In light of its first musical instrument being manufactured in the late 1800s, Yamaha’s audio Division could be seen as a veritable youngster. Yet, the 70th anniversary makes Yamaha one of the longest running audio manufacturers.
M&K Sound Introduces Volkswoofer Limited Edition Subwoofer
As part of its 50 year anniversary and as a form of tribute to the company’s highly acclaimed original Volkswoofer low frequency transducer, M&K Sound has announced the celebratory Volkswoofer Limited Edition subwoofer.
REL Acoustics Classic 99 Subwoofer Coming to Australia
The new Classic 99 subwoofer builds on REL Acoustic’s successful Classic 98 by increasing the unit’s power and low frequency extension while also enhancing the overall performance and aesthetic design.
Triangle Unveils Capella Active Loudspeakers
French loudspeaker specialist Triangle has announced the new Capella active standmount speaker, featuring the company’s full acoustic and digital technologies know-how.
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- Written by Edgar Kramer Edgar Kramer
- Category: Features Features
- Published: 15 June 2024 15 June 2024
Factory Tour – Marten and Jorma Audio
Sweden; Popularly famous for Volvo, ABBA, and Ikea. Fun fact: it’s home to the longest urban underground art gallery in the world. Did I mention Spotify, the biggest streaming platform? Yep, Swedish. Alfred Nobel? Ingmar Bergman? Saga Norén (IYKYK)? Yeah, all Swedes. Oh, let’s not forget those delicious meatballs in mushroom cream sauce. Talking loudspeaker design, Sweden has yet another notorious child via the specialist simply known as Marten. Marten has steadily escalated its endeavours, becoming a high ranking global player in the high-end space. Plus, the company recently acquired fellow Swede Jorma Audio, a cable manufacturer with its own successful track record. Marten and Jorma Audio already had a proven symbiotic relationship through product synergies; now, it’s a cemented partnership. We visited Marten HQ recently and were struck by the dynamic ‘Band of Brothers’ leadership and the dedication of the company’s workforce. The formula, evidently, is a winner… read on.
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- Written by Barry Jones Barry Jones
- Category: Reviews Reviews
- Published: 15 June 2024 15 June 2024
Naim Audio Uniti Nova PE Streaming Amplifier
I’ve long been a fan of Naim audio, having owned a plethora of products over the years, beginning with what could be considered as one of my first serious systems. That was the NAC 150, NAP 150 and CD 150X running a pair of Sonus faber Concerto speakers. That system had many friends and visitors in awe whenever I spun their favourite tunes. Realising this was only the entry point to the Naim sound, I thirsted for more and quickly contracted the upgrade bug… from those early days, the audio voyage now sees me once again enjoying the music making skills of a Naim product: the new Naim Uniti Nova PE.
Honouring Legacy, Embracing Evolution: Wilson Audio Remasters The WATT/Puppy
Wilson Audio’s iconic WATT/Puppy, a product which became synonymous with high-end audio loudspeaker design, returns after a short hiatus bearing the company’s latest technology.
