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.

OCT/22

THE UK hi-fi SHOW Live • The ultimate high-end hi-fi experience

North West Audio Show

The hi-finews & Record Review Reader Pledge • Hi-Fi News’ readers can take full confidence in the fact that every product featured on our front cover, throughout the magazine and on our website has been comprehensively reviewed (auditioned, photographed and lab tested) at our facility

Audio Research I/50 • A new dawn? Audio Research’s first fresh integrated amp in seven years shows a change of direction while still maintaining a grip on the brand’s sonic virtues. Enter the I/50…

Clearaudio Reference Jubilee • Still featuring the iconic V-shaped plinth, this Jubilee update on Clearaudio’s inaugural Reference deck features a Panzerholz plinth and magnetically-assisted ceramic bearing

Auralic Sirius G2.1/Vega G2.1 • Auralic’s latest streamer/DAC combines with its upsampling processor, and at first glance there seems to be some duplication of effort. So how do they work together?

ELAC Concentro S 503 • Featuring a concentric mid/treble driver with a difference, ELAC’s Concentro range goes ‘compact’ with the S 503

EarMen Staccato/Tradutto/CH-Amp and PSU-3 • A Serbian brand based in Chicago packs a streamer, DAC and headphone amplifier into three bijou cases, topped off with a bespoke outboard PSU. We lend an ear, man

Matrix Audio Element X2 • Matrix Audio’s Element X2 introduces design, control and input upgrades to the X’s network DAC/headphone amp and preamp. All this and a colour touchscreen to boot

NAD M23 • Strip out the digital inputs, BluOS streaming module and preamp stage from NAD’s M33 and we get a ‘purist’ implementation of Purifi’s groundbreaking Eigentakt Class D tech

System Audio saxo 40 • Best known for its ‘silverback’ speakers, SA also has a range of affordable, compact ‘saxo’ floorstanders

Kimber Carbon 18XL • Taking its Carbon range to ‘the next level’, and celebrating Kimber Kable’s 40th anniversary en route, the Carbon 18XL is its latest flagship.

EISA 2022-23 • HI-FI PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR

Emerson String Quartet Farewell tribute • As an ensemble that defined the sound of quartet playing in the digital age nears retirement, Peter Quantrill explores a legacy from Purcell to Prokofiev and beyond

Bow Wow Wow See Jungle! • Cobbled together by Malcolm McLaren to bring the ‘Burundi beat’ to the masses, this New Wave group made a brief but memorable impression on Steve Sutherland

James Taylor Sweet Baby… • The young singer-songwriter saved his career with this sophomore album, recorded in Los Angeles in a matter of mere days and bumped up to 11 tracks at the last minute to secure a label payday. Fifty-two years later it’s lost none of its explosive power

PRODUCTION NOTES

Alternate Format Discography

Strawberry Studios • With its roots in a demo facility in downtown Stockport, this studio would later pump out hits from the likes of 10cc and The Smiths. Steve Sutherland takes up the story

KEY RECORDING TIMELINE

ALBUM REVIEWS

Uncanny Valley • Sophisticated computer technology is being used to breathe new life into our favourite musical artists, says Barry Fox, but the gap between...