Review: Jamie Biesemans

Calling your speakers ‘Reference’ is quite a bold statement, but then again making grand claims is not exactly unknown in the hi-fi industry! Canton’s Reference speakers – the top-tier of Germany’s largest loudspeaker manufacturer – is the product of a fierce R&D exercise and comes seven years after the previous flagship range, Reference K, was introduced. It’s a comprehensive series to boot, comprising six models of which only one is a standmount (the Reference 9) and all others are floorstanders.

To some readers, the Model M1 might appear an unusual product to carry the Marantz moniker. After all, for the last few years the brand has positioned itself in the premium sector, with amplifiers like the Model 30 and Model 40n . This, however, discounts the existence of various Marantz Melody mini systems over the years and, more importantly, the perceived need to counter the surge in popularity of soundbars. The (now) £1800 Model 40n was a first step in that direction, adding an HDMI ARC input to a more traditional amplifier. But that's still a relatively expensive piece of hardware, at least for someone otherwise considering a soundbar. The Model M1, at £900, closes that gap and is compact to boot.

As a major turntable manufacturer, Pro-Ject has a longstanding relationship with cartridge builders. This makes sense, as the brand likes to deliver decks ready to play, which requires an MM or MC. Previously, the Austrian company has bundled cartridges from Ortofon with its turntables in Europe, while Sumiko models are favoured in the US, but has lately been launching its own designs, including tweaked Ortofon models such as the Pick it 2M Silver and Pick it S2 C. The Pick it MC9 on test here is something else, though.

First announced in the spring of 2023, unexpected delays to the arrival of NAD's M66 have only heightened anticipation of this flagship 'streaming DAC/preamplifier' - especially among owners of the company's Eigentakt-based M23 power amplifier who have been waiting for its companion product. And, yes, while the £4499 M66 could add its wide-ranging feature set (including app control and room correction) to any power amp, the M23 makes for an aesthetically pleasing fit.