LATEST ADDITIONS

Integrated AmplifiersVintage
Technics SU-V5 amplifier
Review: Tim Jarman,  |  May 25, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026
hfnvintageThe early 1980s was an inventive period in hi-fi amplifier circuit design as brands sought an edge in their marketing strategy. For Technics this was ‘New Class A’

The maturing design of amplifiers in the late 1970s created a problem for the marketing departments of large hi-fi manufacturers. Selling hi-fi was a technology-led process with new features and improved performance being the hooks upon which new sales were hung. But with solid-state circuitry, low-noise integrated circuits and complementary output stages already in place, the basic problems of amplification had been solved – so what was to be next?.

Continue Reading »
Classical Companion
Beethoven Violin Concerto
Peter Quantrill  |  May 25, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

More than a century of recordings (in both date and number) present radically different versions of this spiritual testament. Peter Quantrill picks his favourites

Continue Reading »
Opinion
Machine music
Steve Harris  |  May 24, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

As streaming platforms battle an influx of music generated by Artificial Intelligence, Steve Harris talks to composer/bandleader Asha Parkinson about why she’s taken her debut album off Spotify

As streaming platforms battle an influx of music generated by Artificial Intelligence, Steve Harris talks to composer/bandleader Asha Parkinson about why she’s taken her debut album off Spotify

Continue Reading »
Opinion
Believe the hype
Mike Mettler  |  May 24, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

It started with Elvis... Mike Mettler attaches himself to the perceived value of the hype sticker on LPs, and why some people – including himself – would never just unpeel and throw away

Continue Reading »
Opinion
One battle after another
Mark Craven  |  May 24, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

Where once there were numerous ‘format wars’, music and film enthusiasts benefit from a settled landscape of home media technology where everyone’s a winner, says Mark Craven

Continue Reading »
Opinion
Facts not fiction
Barry Willis  |  May 24, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

While hi-fi is always about trusting your own ears, Barry Willis is a firm believer that you should also trust scientific reasoning – particularly when looking for a quick system fix

Continue Reading »
Opinion
Is the switch-off on again?
Barry Fox  |  May 24, 2026  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2026

Freeview, the UK’s over-the-air digital TV platform for close to a quarter of a century, could be jettisoned in favour of broadcasting via the Internet. As usual, Barry Fox has many questions...

Continue Reading »
Integrated AmplifiersNetwork Audio Players/Servers
Leak TruStream/Stereo 230 streamer/amplifier
Review: Andrew Everard,  |  May 04, 2026  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2026
hfnoutstandingA familiar name to ’50s audiophiles, Leak’s latest range has burst onto the market a full half century after its ’70s heyday. We pair its new streamer with the flagship integrated

When does a Leak become a stream? Well, it’s when the revived British audio brand, with roots going back 90 years, takes a leap firmly into the 21st century with the landing of its first network player, the £999 TruStream. This is the latest arrival in what’s become, if not a torrent, then at least a solid trickle of products since the Stereo 130 amplifier appeared in 2020 under the ownership of IAG, the company now behind the likes of Audiolab, Quad and Wharfedale.

Continue Reading »
Network Audio Players/Servers
Aurender N50 streamer/music library
Review: Andrew Everard,  |  May 01, 2026  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2026
hfnoutstandingThis three-box flagship streamer/network bridge from Aurender includes a separate server, digital interface and PSU. Does this approach pay off in superior performance?

Three boxes, and not a DAC in sight… Aurender’s flagship music server, the N50, is a £38,900 combination of Server box with display – able to play from online services, local storage on USB or NAS devices, or optional onboard storage – and a separate ‘Audio’ unit that offers numerous digital outputs. The third box is a screened PSU, offering separately regulated supplies to power both the Server and Audio enclosures.

Continue Reading »
Loudspeakers
Perlisten A4t loudspeaker
Review: Mark Craven,  |  Apr 30, 2026  |  First Published: Jun 01, 2026
hfnoutstandingThe new A series is the ‘entry level’ gateway into the world of Perlisten, led by the visually imposing A4t floorstander

After arriving in 2021 with its premium S series [HFN Apr ’22], US speaker manufacturer Perlisten has subsequently trickled its technology down into more affordable lines, including the comprehensive R series [HFN Aug ’22]. But perhaps these speakers weren’t affordable enough, because the company has returned with a new A series intended to give audiophiles ‘a little taste of what Perlisten has to offer’.

Continue Reading »

Pages

X