Hi Fi News

Since its launch in June 1956 - two years before the commercial realisation of stereo - Hi-Fi News & Record Review has been delivering insightful reviews of the key products and technologies that lie behind our shared hobby... the passion of listening to music on the very best equipment available to the enthusiast. Every issue, Hi-Fi News delivers uniquely in-depth reviews of high-end audio equipment, including the best in vinyl replay and iconic vintage gear from the early days of audio. It is essential reading for all music enthusiasts.

Welcome

HI-FI NEWS’ EXPERT LINE UP: THE FINEST MINDS IN AUDIO JOURNALISM BRING THEIR EXPERIENCE TO BEAR ON ALL AREAS OF HI-FI & MUSIC

Magico magic • NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE M9 FLOORSTANDER IS ‘A REVELATION’

Hegel’s starter • SLIMLINE H95 AMP WITH ENHANCED DAC

HI-FI NEWS’ NUGGETS

20-20 vision • FRENCH ‘DIGITAL’ BRAND GOES ANALOGUE

Fink gets funky • FINKTEAM’S BORG FLAGSHIP HAS A ‘LITTLE BROTHER’ – KIM

Better connected • AUDIOLAB 6000A PLAY INTEGRATED STREAMING AMPLIFIER

Elipson LP spinners • ELIPSON CHROMA REPLACES ALPHA AND OMEGA TURNTABLES

HI-FI NEWS? JUST ASK…

Hi-Fi @ Home revisited • Steve Harris talks to a reader whose system we featured back in 2009. Before we find out what changes he’s made, here’s how things were…

HI-FI @ HOME – CATCHING UP TEN YEARS LATER…

Tape: the reel deals • Ken Kessler brings you his definitive guide to buying reel-to-reel tapes, new and secondhand

FIVE VINTAGE TAPES TO SAVOUR

Franco Serblin Ktêma • As boutique Italian brand Franco Serblin prepares to boost its range we look at the iconic flagship

FRANCO SERBLIN

MASSIMILIANO FAVELLA

LAB REPORT

Simaudio MOON 780D v2 • This flagship DAC from Canada, complete with a raft of in-house digital and power supply technologies, and very slick control app, is a complete network music solution

MIND2 APP

LAB REPORT

AVID Volvere SP • Inspired by the flagship Acutus turntable, and bucking the trend for unsuspended decks with socially-distanced motors, the Volvere SP also comes with a familiar tonearm

A VERY INTERESTING DESIGN

LAB REPORT

B&W 702 Signature • An enhanced crossover and Datuk Gloss ebony-coloured veneer sees the 702 S2 offered in a ‘Signature’ guise

SIGNATURE OF THE TIMES

LAB REPORT

Aqua LinQ • Packed with proprietary technology, this network bridge is the obvious partner for Aqua’s own DACs. But does its appeal extend beyond a one-brand digital set-up?

CUSTOM DIGITAL

LAB REPORT

Ayre AX-5 Twenty • The Colorado company celebrates its platinum anniversary with a reworked version of a fully balanced integrated that sent the preamp stage packing. Another class act?

POLISHED DIAMOND

LAB REPORT

Emotiva XPA HC-1 • With remarkable power on tap, and very little lost to heat, Emotiva’s XPA HC-1 monoblock promises exceptional performance-per-pound. Is it the bargain it seems?

CLASS H… OR G

LAB REPORT

Lehmannaudio Linear USB II • In a world where every other product seems to have streaming this or network that, this compact box from the German brand is about as direct – or linear – as it can get

LEHMANNAUDIO LINEUP

LAB REPORT

Chord Epic USB • Tucked away in the ranges of most large cable brands is a selection of USB interconnects, including Chord who topped our USB shootout in 2013.

Eugene Ormandy Conductor • A child prodigy from Budapest, lured to the States with a false promise, he took over a top orchestra and stayed with it for 44 years. Christopher Breunig gives an outline

ESSENTIAL RECORDINGS

Paul Butterfield Debut LP (180g) •...