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The multinational corporation responsible for audio milestones such as
the revolutionary Walkman, the digital compact disc and SACD is
embarking on another initiative to bring hi-fi replay back to the top of
consumers’ wish lists. Its new ‘hi-res audio’ separates are fronted by
the HAP-Z1ES digital music file player featuring a built-in 1TB hard
drive and USB expansion port. The HAP-Z1ES connects to a home network
via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and it provides internet radio using the
vTuner platform but it replays music files directly from its internal
drive for a truly consistent and self-contained performance. Dynamic and
spacious, the HAP-Z1ES has the capacity to sound all the sweeter with
its user-selectable DSD-upsampling mode. It’s the perfect digital source
for all your hi-res downloads.
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Ever since the first 600-series loudspeakers were launched in 1995,
B&W’s most popular range has continued to be defined by its
application of innovative technologies. The new 600 Series is no
exception with all its models benefiting from the latest generation of
woven Kevlar bass/mid cones that saw their debut some 20 years ago. In
the slim 683 S2 floorstanders these Kevlar units are supplemented by a
pair of aluminium bass drivers while the entire range of 683 S2, smaller
686 S2 wall-mountable surrounds and impressive HTM61 S2 centre speaker
all feature B&W’s latest decoupled double-dome aluminium tweeter.
While the 683 S2 floorstanders would grace any high quality stereo
set-up, in combination with the 686 S2, HTM61 S2 and ASW610XP subwoofer
they make for a glorious multichannel speaker system.
Who says horn-loaded loudspeakers have to be large? This three-way
active design stands just 104cm tall with each sleek-looking 32cm-deep
moulded enclosure housing modified versions of the company’s XA-series
high-quality 50W amp – one for each of its two horns – plus a 400W Class
D Hypex module driving a ported 30cm woofer. Source signals are fed to
just one speaker, which then syncs wirelessly with the other. What’s
more, the ZERO 1 is a Plug & Play system thanks to on-board 66-bit
FPGA digital processing and six built-in 24-bit Burr-Brown DACs, meaning
all you have to add is your source. Advanced digital filters allow
calibration of the system’s output with great accuracy to ensure time,
phase and amplitude coherence across the entire audible range.
Clean-sounding and airy, the ZERO 1 represents a compelling fusion of
futuristic tech in a compact and user-friendly package.
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With a reputation for both advanced computer hardware and some of the
best performing soundcards on the market, Asus is ideally placed to
develop an external USB DAC with real audiophile pretensions. This is
the Essence III, a highly versatile DAC/preamplifier with DSD-compatible
USB (DSD64 and 128) plus optical and coaxial S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital
inputs. The analogue stages are especially sophisticated, employing a
stepped-attenuator volume control and dual-mono DACs to drive balanced
line outputs and also a balanced headphone output on mini-XLRs –
typically the preserve of very high-end headphone amplifiers. Its
performance is as clean and incisive as the engineering, with an honest
and compelling sound that puts many traditional hi-fi marques to shame!
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For over 40 years KEF’s flagship range has been distinguished by the
name ‘Reference’ – an exercise in high quality engineering brought bang
up-to-date for 2014 with the launch of five new Reference class
loudspeakers. Available in Piano Black, Satin American Walnut and Luxury
Gloss Rosewood finishes, the 1.35m tall Reference 5 stands proud as the
flagship of the range. The combination of four newly-designed 6.5-inch
bass drivers, with gently contoured aluminium cones designed to
complement the Uni-Q point source array, deliver a deeply impressive and
realistic sound. This, plus its above-average sensitivity, excellent
bass extension and handsome appearance earns the Reference 5 EISA’s
High-End Audio accolade.
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Proving that stereo separates can still pack a host of functionality
into a single chassis, Marantz’s SA8005 SACD player is so much more than
a simple ‘disc spinner’. Not only does it breathe new life into plain
vanilla CD but its full complement of digital inputs, including
DSD-compatible USB, ensures the SA8005 can form the hub of a
cutting-edge computer-based music system. This player/DAC is ideally
partnered by the PM8005 integrated amplifier, rated at 70W/8ohm and
fitted with a MM phono input to further increase the versatility of the
system as a whole. The slick and richly-detailed sound of this
combination is more than reminiscent of Marantz’s costlier Premium
series – it’s an impressive blend of performance and value.
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