Tag Archives: computer audio

The CAT6 sat on the mat…

As an inveterate fiddler, and a long-term believer that almost anything you do to a hi-fi system – any hi-fi system – makes some difference, I’ve just damped my network switch. Yes, I know that sounds like I may have got over-excited, and had an accident of the kind that be a bit dangerous with […]

Naim further expands the appeal of new Uniti models with Roon integration

Forthcoming firmware update will allow full Roon operation, allowing network hi-res music streaming from computer storage and superior search and browsing capability I’m enjoying the new Naim Uniti series: I’ve already had the Core, the Atom and the Nova through my hands for various reviews, and have been impressed with both the new capabilities and […]

Mutec MC-3+ USB

REVIEW: Mutec MC-3+ USB: clocking the best way to improve your digital audio

German pro-audio company proves that, for the best possible sound, timing is everything That’s the problem with being interested in audio: just when you think you have your system completely sorted, along comes something to challenge your assumptions and show you there’s still room for improvement. The problem is doubled (at least) when you make […]

REVIEW: Naim Mu-so Qb

Things weren’t promising the first time I heard the new Naim Mu-so Qb in action: after being introduced to the technology, the initial taste of what it could do, in an unfamiliar listening room, playing far too loud for the space, put me in mind of the window-rattling bass boom I’d heard from a pimped-up […]

REVIEW: Marantz HD-AMP1 is a classic in the making

New Marantz HD-AMP1 combines retro style with a specification that’s right up to date – and a superb sound

REVIEW: Astell & Kern AK500 system

Nothing looks quite like the extraordinary Astell & Kern AK500 system ‘stack’ – but if you’re expecting it to be style over substance, think again… The Astell & Kern AK500N is unusual enough: a high-end CD ripping/storage/network player, all housed in a near-cube with styling apparently inspired by the Matterhorn, powered by internal batteries and […]

AK Jr red

REVIEW: AK Jr – Astell & Kern’s new kid on the block

It may be designed as an entry-level addition to the acclaimed digital music player range, but this £399 machine is has serious intentions – and it’s now available in red, too! UPDATE: The sleek little Astell & Kern AK Jr. digital audio player is now available as a limited edition in red. Selling for the […]

Korg DS-DAC-10R

Korg adds DSD DAC complete with A-to-D for recording LPs

New Korg DS-DAC-10R offers DSD128 decoding/encoding, and has built-in phono stage for simple recording of vinyl to hi-res audio Just announced by Korg is the DS-DAC-10R, combing the functions of hi-res digital-to-analogue conversion and analogue-to-digital for recording to DSD. Selling for £439 when it hits the shops in January 2016, the new model even has […]

More double-DSD live stream concerts – and this time they’re open to all

Two prize-winners’ concerts from the Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition to be streamed live and on demand Following successful experiments earlier this year with live double-DSD-quality streaming of concerts, two more events are to be streamed tonight and tomorrow on the Prime Seat platform – and this time they’ll also be available in standard PCM […]

REVIEW: Network music and more – with a Gramofon. Or two. Or…

The Gramofon is small, inexpensive, and can deliver music from your network or streaming services to wherever you have an audio system – simple as that Regular readers will know that I’m thoroughly sold on the benefits of wired networking for music: no, I’m not going to claim sonic benefits, but for stability and reliability, […]