“Record cleaning only scratches the surface (pun intended),” writes Hi-Fi Plus’ Andrew Harrison. “Every aspect of vinyl replay can come in for scrutiny.” A good part of this comes down to the nature of the technology itself: “dragging a rock through a groove and translating these movements into electrical signals” is naturally prone to errors from rotation, geometry, mechanical movements, the ingress of dust and dirt, etc etc. Thankfully there’s “a vibrant world of vinyl beyond the turntable and the record itself” to help keep everything running smoothly, and Harrison has chosen a selection of some of the best.
Category Archives: DDPR news & musings
“One of the very best pre/power combos” Aesthetix Janus and Atlas amplifier among What Hi-Fi?’s recommendations for “the best hi-fi money can buy”
When it comes to investing in your love of music, “sometimes, only the best will do,” says What Hi-Fi? in the magazine’s June issue. If you want (and can afford) the best sound possible, What Hi-Fi?’s reviewers offer their list of recommended high-end kit. And if it’s the full five stars you’re after, look out for Aesthetix’ Saturn series of amplifiers.
“Maximise your potential”: Hi-Fi Choice gives DS Audio’s ST-50 stylus cleaner the full five stars
“Making adjustments to your system to release previously unheard excellence needn’t break the bank,” says Hi-Fi Choice. DS Audio’s ST-50 stylus cleaner is among the magazine’s top six picks for maximising audio performance.
“The very definition of what I am seeking today in an integrated amplifier”: The Absolute Sound is over the moon with the Aesthetix Mimas
Built to uncompromising standards, California-based Aesthetix Audio’s hi-fi components fall squarely into the elite separates camp. Only one thing was missing from the company’s stellar line up of ultra high-performance components: an integrated amplifier. Now, Aesthetix has “remedied this in grand style” with its first integrated model, the Mimas. Neil Gader of The Absolute Sound magazine is suitably bowled over.
“The right box, in the right place, at the right time”: Hi-Fi Plus reviews Exposure’s highly versatile XM CD player
Could Exposure’s XM series of hi-fi components be the gift that just keeps on giving? “When it comes to upping the versatility and value stakes, [Exposure’s] new XM CD player is really three rather fine products in one,” says Roy Gregory, in the latest issue of Hi-Fi Plus.
Al Schmitt, Ken Kessler, a mystery solved & a classical musical masterclass: latest news from the reel-to-reel rambler
Catch up with the latest news and reviews over at The Reel-to-Reel Rambler, where David Denyer and fellow hi-fi journalists Ken Kessler and Neville Roberts delve into the world of open reel tape.
Continue reading Al Schmitt, Ken Kessler, a mystery solved & a classical musical masterclass: latest news from the reel-to-reel rambler
A “game-changer” and “a multitude of triumphs”: Ken Kessler celebrates the arrival of DS Audio’s DS-E1 affordable optical phono cartridge
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.”
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