Lab: Paul Miller

Review: Ken Kessler,  |  Mar 31, 2025  |  Published: Feb 01, 2025  |  0 comments
This month we review and test releases from Anne Drummond & Café, Roger Eno, Nadia Tarnawsky/Cappella Romana, Bill Cunliffe and The Devin Daniels Quintet
Review: Ken Kessler,  |  Mar 13, 2025  |  Published: Jan 01, 2025  |  0 comments
This month we review and test releases from: Sun Ra Arkestra; Janine Jansen and Klaus Mäkelä; Arild Andersen; Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Espen Berg; and Michael Dease
Review: Jamie Biesemans,  |  Mar 12, 2025  |  Published: Jan 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfncommendedDesigned to partner the RS130 network-attached streamer and RD180 integrated amp, the flagship RD160 DAC combines state-of-the-art silicon with a raft of custom DSP

Sean Kim, the Marketing/Sales Executive Director at HiFi Rose, has stated that the brand wants to ‘liven up the hi-fi market and have it embrace new technology faster’. That’s quite an ambition, and, to be fair, the South Korean company has already proven itself to be a successful disruptor – a case in point being the buzz generated by its ‘steampunk’ RA180 amplifier [HFN Jul ’22], and its network streamers sporting massive, customisable touchscreens [HFN Jun ’21 and Mar ’22].

Review: Andrew Everard,  |  Mar 03, 2025  |  Published: Dec 01, 2024  |  0 comments
This month we review and test releases from: Jordina MillÀ & Barry Guy; OTOOTO; Tomasz Stanko, Tomasz Szukalski, Dave Holland, Edward Vesala; Maven Grace and Beans On Toast
Review: Adam Smith,  |  Feb 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfnvintageHeavyweight direct-drive turntables were packed with technology in the 1980s, as
illustrated by JVC’s QL-Y66F with its second-generation Electro-Dynamic Servo tonearm

In the vinyl heyday of the 1970s and 1980s, differences between UK-designed turntables, and those arriving from Japan, were stark. The suspended subchassis belt-drive decks, popular among British audiophiles, showcased increasing refinement of a ‘traditional’ technology. Japanese corporations, on the other hand, were making use of large research departments and development budgets to produce decks that could correct for off-centre records, direct-drive motors with almost unmeasurable wow and flutter, and control systems with huge torque that would revolutionise DJ-ing.

Review: Mark Craven,  |  Jan 31, 2025  |  Published: Feb 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfncommended‘Big sounds’ are promised from this Nordic brand’s slender Signature speaker range that includes floorstanding, standmount and AV-ready on-wall models. Is the Sig 5 a star?

If you have a preconceived notion of System Audio, chances are it’s been formed by its Silverback range of active, wireless loudspeakers. Occupying the top tier in the Danish manufacturer’s catalogue, models including the Silverback 60.2 and Silverback 40.2 [HFN May ’21 and Aug ’21] combine DSP-based crossovers, DACs and integrated amplification, with cable-free transmission via the WiSA standard. Add in the app control and room EQ and there is, to put it bluntly, a lot going on in the Silverbacks – something which can’t be said of System Audio’s new Signature series.

Review: Mark Craven,  |  Jan 31, 2025  |  Published: Feb 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfnoutstandingBoasting a new ‘design language’, upgraded DAC stage and preamp and onboard storage options, this flagship streamer finds Matrix Audio aiming higher than ever

When a manufacturer announces a new model, it’s tempting to compare it to what’s come before, looking for where upgrades have been made. And, yes, the MS-1 from China’s Matrix Audio does carry on technology and design features from the company’s earlier network players, including the Element X2 and X2 Pure [HFN Oct ’22 and Dec ’23] and entry-level X-Sabre 3[HFN Apr ’22]. That said, you only need lay eyes on the MS-1, with its full-width chassis, large, colourful front-panel display and £9600 price tag, to realise it’s also something different.

Review: Jamie Biesemans,  |  Jan 29, 2025  |  Published: Feb 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfnoutstandingCrafted on the shores of Lake Zurich for nearly 40 years, Piega speakers are famous for their innovative ‘ribbon’ driver designs. Its Coax series is now launched in ‘Gen2’ guise...

Instantly recognisable, Switzerland’s Piega has produced its ‘ribbon’ loudspeakers for nearly four decades. Building on the company founded by Leo Greiner (the other founder, Kurt Scheuch, brought technical chops to the table), it’s a manufacturer that takes pride in its family ownership. Greiner’s sons Alex and Manuel still manage the business from Horgen on the shores of Lake Zurich, where production is situated.

Review: Mark Craven,  |  Jan 29, 2025  |  Published: Jan 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfncommended

Headquartered in Kanagawa, Japan, Soulnote has created a trio of product ranges in just ten years. Its mid-range Series 2 comprises a phono stage, DAC and the A-2 integrated

Soulnote’s A-2, available for £6300 in silver or black, is an integrated amplifier with an air of the ‘old skool’ about it. No network or digital connectivity, just analogue all the way, and only line-level too, as the Japanese manufacturer prefers to keep its phono stages separate. There’s no form of system control (ie, 12V triggers), and the user experience is very much plug-in-and-play, aided by an elegant remote and even simpler front-panel display.

Review: Mark Craven,  |  Jan 29, 2025  |  Published: Jan 01, 2025  |  0 comments
hfnoutstanding

Long anticipated, Constellation’s series two amplifiers witness the transition from huge linear supplies to custom switchmode PSUs. Weight is slashed, and performance boosted

Californian amplifier specialist Constellation Audio isn’t one to regularly refresh its product catalogue, so when – after years of maintaining the same models – it begins a complete overhaul of its entire range, audiophile ears prick up. First to hit the market are the new Inspiration 2 and Revelation 2 series, with the latter’s stereo pre/power system being debuted at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2024. These will be followed by the Performance 2 and Reference 2, with the lineup then topped off by the flagship Statement amps first ‘teased’ in 2023 at the Munich High End show.

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