The truth about active speakers the manufacturer will never tell you!!

The truth about active speakers the manufacturer will never tell you!!

There is currently a bit of a rush from a few speaker makers to ‘Active’. In fact there seems to be renewed interest from buyers too in the all-in-one amp/speaker solution. Let me explain below the ‘catch’ with this outwardly superior idea. Active versus Passive – What is the difference? It’s a bit of a ..

Rega Kyte – Nothing like everything else.

Rega Kyte – Nothing like everything else.

Rating: 90.3%

The new Rega Kyte bookshelf loudspeakers are fresh and unusual in their design. Their performance I feel, a genuine step up at the price. Their appearance I will leave the beholder to decide

Its called a DAC ‘Magic’ for a reason

Its called a DAC ‘Magic’ for a reason

Rating: 93.5%

The new Cambridge DacMagic 200M really is an excellent product. Everything just works. Its a neat little well crafted box and it sounds enjoyable. If its feature set is what you need I cannot imagine you would be anything less than enthralled by your purchase of one. If you are dabbling in the olde worlde arena of Pioneer receivers (and the like) then this is probably all the ‘digital’ you need. Highly Recommended!

New AURALiC streamer also ticks analogue boxes!

New AURALiC streamer also ticks analogue boxes!

Furthering the company’s reputation for developing high-performance source components, AURALiC has launched the ALTAIR G2.1, a comprehensively featured product, developed to account for both digital and analogue sources, delivering transformative, dynamic sound for the demanding high-performance audio enthusiast. Sporting both line level AND a MM phono analogue inputs! As a G2.1 Series product, ALTAIR G2.1 ..

New OC9 Audio Technica cartridge range discussed – OC9XEN reviewed.

New OC9 Audio Technica cartridge range discussed – OC9XEN reviewed.

Rating: 91.8%

To go Moving Coil or not – ‘is’ this the question? Recently, Japanese cartridge manufacturer Audio Technica, re imagined their long-lived OC9 moving coil cartridge. In fact they ‘imagined up’ 5 replacements for it, all released together! They are all named OC9, quite differently to how things used to be done. Previously, versions 1, 2, ..

EAR Yoshino Phonobox – Tubes that work! – A Review.

EAR Yoshino Phonobox – Tubes that work! – A Review.

Rating: 92.2%

The EAR Yoshino Phonobox allows you to hear UK built, vacuum tube design, phono stage sound quality, at its affordable best. Craftily simple to use and install. Beautiful valve sweetness coupled with transistor-like pace and detail

Alderwood Eros – A new Australian Made Loudspeaker

Alderwood Eros – A new Australian Made Loudspeaker

Rating: 89.2%

An exciting upfront performance coupled with an incredibly small footprint makes for a big sound that takes up little space. Sure you need a sub, but that can easily hideaway and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Australian design and manufacture just adds to what is a great ‘little’ package from Alderwood. I suggest you take a closer look at the Eros Pros

Cambridge CXN V2 – Does it actually do everything?

Cambridge CXN V2 – Does it actually do everything?

Rating: 91.3%

It is no mean feat to bring together a DAC, a streamer, a pre amplifier and squeeze it into one box. Then wave a magic wand giving it all sorts of compatibility such as Chromecast, Airplay and Roon,. Certainly few manufacturers have done it. Even fewer have done it successfully. I’m not sure any have done it so successfully as the CXN at anywhere near its sell price. The Cambridge CXN V2 is a stand out product worthy of your close attention

Getting started in vinyl playback – advice from an industry pro.

Getting started in vinyl playback – advice from an industry pro.

The turntable ! Yes, you are going to need a turntable… There are probably three kinds of turntables out there – 1) New turntables of quality, probably starting at around $500. 2) New turntables of poor quality starting at around $50 and rising in cost to around $500. 3) Used turntables from the heyday of ..

10 hot demo tracks that are NOT audiophile recordings.

10 hot demo tracks that are NOT audiophile recordings.

It’s a shame that some of the best music ever made is not particularly well recorded. On the other hand, some of the worst music ever made is exceptionally well recorded. I’m thinking of the likes of Linn Records, Naim Records, Reference Recordings etc. You know, ‘Audiophile recordings’, the ones where the technical standards are ..

MELCO Audio joins the HiFi Collective.

MELCO Audio joins the HiFi Collective.

The HiFi Collective has secured another award winning brand to add to their portfolio of premium audio manufacturers. Gareth from HiFi Collective said “We’re proud to welcome MELCO to our family of brands in Australia”. When asked about the Melco range of components he responded “MELCO specialises in audiophile-grade network music servers and accessories, perfectly ..

Exposure 2510 – What’s inside counts.

Exposure 2510 – What’s inside counts.

Rating: 92.0%

The Exposure 2510 integrated amp is a fine example of an outstanding all-rounder. It scores high marks in all categories. Highly recommended!

Falcon LS3/5A Gold Badge. Is it Gold?

Falcon LS3/5A Gold Badge. Is it Gold?

Rating: 89.7%

There is a lot to love here. For those who primarily listen to smaller scale works and place a high importance on vocal range naturalness and an ability for that voice to hang accurately in space – a must audition!