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The EXA100 integrated (£1999) and EXN100 streamer (£1599) from Cambridge Audio slot in below its top-tier Edge hardware. For the new amp, CA claims 2x100W from an output stage drawing on the design of its Edge monoblock, allied to a shielded ‘super-quiet’ transformer.

Because Bruxelles – or Brussels if you prefer – is not on anyone’s list of the world’s most famous rock ’n’ roll capitals, chances are you won’t have heard of Belgium’s ICP Recording Studios. If truth be told, my only memories associating the land of chocolate and waffles to anything vaguely musical were the unfortunate fact that Scots hooligan rocker Alex Harvey died of a heart attack while waiting for a ferry in Zeebrugge back in 1982.

Despite streaming’s challenge to physical media, especially for the post-Boomer audience, CD box sets continue to proliferate. The most obvious benefit is diminutive size: all but two of the sets here will fit into your standard CD storage. This, of course, appeals to those who are tempted by space savings, which is why streaming and downloads have made such advances.

There is a nice irony to the fact that the most silent musicians of all are required to be the best with words. Orchestras may like the conductors who speak the least, but explanation, correction and encouragement can’t entirely be done at the tip of a baton. Meanwhile, the public is perennially fascinated by the power dynamic at play when a single figure seems to conjure unity from the talents of a hundred individuals.