Audiophile and hi-fi journalist Ken Kessler has been a fan of DS Audio’s pioneering optical cartridges since they first appeared on the world hi-fi market four years ago, and has enthusiastically reviewed most of the company’s models. But the new DS-E1 has presented him with something of a dilemma. “It is actually too good… I’m still shaking my head in disbelief.”
Category Archives: DDPR news & musings
Clearaudio Concept and Innovation decks in What Hi-Fi? vinyl special
Next month’s edition of What Hi-Fi? is a ‘vinyl special’ issue, devoted to the best turntables you can buy. Mull over the magazine’s pick of the spinners, ranging from around £100 all the way up to just shy of £20k. Among them are several award-winning favourites from covetable German analogue experts Clearaudio.
Continue reading Clearaudio Concept and Innovation decks in What Hi-Fi? vinyl special
Power to the people: Furutech’s Roxy & Empire power cables win Hi-Fi Choice’s approval
Furutech’s new power cables are designed for the demanding listener, whether in a professional studio setting or simply enjoying your music at home. Hi-Fi Choice magazine put the Roxy and the Empire cables to the test in its March and April issues, with five-star verdicts all round.
Continue reading Power to the people: Furutech’s Roxy & Empire power cables win Hi-Fi Choice’s approval
A breath of sonic fresh air: The Audiophile Man puts Furutech’s DeStat III through some very comprehensive testing
Furutech’s portable Destat III promises to remove static from your hi-fi, and audio and AV media. The Audiophile Man’s Paul Rigby conducts an extremely thorough review. Conclusion? The promise is measurably fulfilled, and delivers a clear improvement in sound quality as a result. Continue reading A breath of sonic fresh air: The Audiophile Man puts Furutech’s DeStat III through some very comprehensive testing
“A triumph”: Aesthetix’ Mimas integrated amplifier “could easily seduce the separates purist,” says Hi-Fi News
“It’s not an uncommon recipe – integrated, hybrid, with loads of options – but the execution of this fabulous-sounding amplifier means that the Mimas is a triumph, and must be added to any shortlist of sub-£10k all-singing/all-dancing amps.” So says Ken Kessler in the lastest issue of Hi-Fi News.
Another Hi-Fi News ‘outstanding product’ from DS Audio: the “reference grade” DS-W2 phono cartridge
Replacing the inaugural DS-W1, DS Audio’s DS-W2 optical phono cartridge features a raft of trickle-down technology from the brand’s flagship Master 1 model. Ken Kessler puts it to the test for Hi-Fi News.
“The best at its job”: Hi-Fi World is impressed by DS Audio’s ST-50 stylus cleaner
Keeping your stylus as clean as possible is important if you to want to protect your investment in this delicate piece of kit and to enjoy the full sound quality of your vinyl. But how do you know which is best tool for the job?
Continue reading “The best at its job”: Hi-Fi World is impressed by DS Audio’s ST-50 stylus cleaner
Raidho, Scansonic, Eclipse, Audio Analogue & Exposure all recommended in Hi-Fi Choice’s special ‘best on test 2018’ issue
The Hi-Fi Choice Yearbook is a bumper 164-page issue that celebrates the hi-fi high points of the past 12 months. The ultimate audio kit guide, it features a hand-picked selection of products that are “applauded by our team of expert reviewers for a winning combination of outstanding sound quality and value for money”. Raidho, Scansonic and Eclipse are among the applause-worthy loudspeakers, while Audio Analogue & Exposure impress in the amplifier department.
Raidho TD-4.8 loudspeaker wins Hi-Fi Plus cost-no-object loudspeaker of the year award, with Raidho XT-5 as close contender
In the 2018 selection of Hi-Fi Plus’ outstanding products of the year, the shortlist for the category of ‘cost-no-object loudspeaker’ ultimately came down to just two models – both of them made by Danish brand Raidho. While there could only be one final winner, the company as a whole “is clearly doing something very right,” says the magazine’s team of expert reviewers.
“I always felt cassettes were utter shite!”: Ken Kessler, David Denyer & Neville Roberts expound on all things tape-related…
Catch up with the latest news and reviews over at The Reel-to-Reel Rambler, in which David Denyer and fellow hi-fi journalists Ken Kessler and Neville Roberts delve into the world of open reel tape.
In recent posts, Ken Kessler digresses (in his inimitable style!) on cassettes, Neville Roberts flies to Venice to witness a live audiophile recording, and David Denyer checks out some new releases on tape and the latest developments with Metaxas & Sins’ new R2R deck….
