Each job has its downsides. Ever-looming deadlines and going through the ire of disgruntled PRs rely amongst mine. But I’d be first to confess that there’s a lot about what I do for a dwelling that’s sensible, and having the ability to take a look at some fairly wonderful equipment ranks proper on the prime.
I’ve seen and heard many nice merchandise this yr, from top-notch LG OLED TVs and high-end Sony laser projectors all through to PMC’s range-topping Reality Finestria audio system. Many have them have deservedly gained What Hello-Fi? Awards in recognition of their nice worth.
However there are merchandise that also stand out past these apparent decisions. None of my picks under are excellent – in any case, what’s! – however for one motive or one other, all of them left an indelible mark in my reminiscence banks lengthy after they left the What Hello-Fi? take a look at rooms.
dCS Rossini Apex streaming DAC
Cambridge-based dCS has been on the forefront of digital know-how ever because the model was based within the late 80s. It began as a consultancy for the aerospace trade and the army, but it surely wasn’t lengthy earlier than the corporate’s consideration shifted to audio, first making digital-based merchandise for the professional world after which the house. Its first home DAC, the Elgar, pioneered high-resolution playback for the house, beginning off with 24-bit/96kHz functionality earlier than being upgraded to full-fat 24-bit/192kHz guise.
Over time, dCS has continued to push efficiency requirements however has at all times tried to convey present clients alongside for the journey. The place potential, any upgrades are retro-fittable to older merchandise and software program upgrades are usually free. The brand new Rossini Apex DAC is a superb instance. House owners of the earlier technology Rossini merchandise can get them introduced as much as present spec, however on this case there’s a value, because it entails {hardware} adjustments. We wouldn’t hesitate to make these adjustments although, because the sonic enhancements are spectacular.
The Rossini Apex DAC combines the newest technology of the corporate’s subtle proprietary Ring DAC know-how with newly revamped analogue circuitry. The outcome might be the best-sounding DAC What Hello-Fi? has ever examined. I actually can’t recall any rival that may come near the awe-inspiring decision of this product or the utter stability of its presentation. If you happen to’re after the final phrase in sonic authority and management and have the requisite £26,775 /$32,800/ AU$46,995, dive proper in. You gained’t remorse it.
Learn the total dCS Rossini Apex DAC assessment
Elac Debut Connex DCB41 powered audio system
I admit, itemizing the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 powered audio system straight after the terribly dCS Rossini Apex DAC is a little bit of a distinction, however this powered bundle is simply so compelling for the cash and has been one of many higher surprises we have now encountered in our take a look at room throughout the last weeks of 2022.
At £529 / $595 / AU$900, it makes for a superb starter hi-fi. Simply add a supply within the type of a cellphone, laptop computer or tv, and you’ve got an unusually pleasing set-up for a really affordable sum of cash. Given its worth level and compact dimension, there are after all sonic limitations. However they’re so properly camouflaged by the skillfully balanced presentation with its fluid dynamics and surefooted sense of timing that I simply don’t thoughts. Nothing else I’ve heard of this kind affords a lot efficiency and performance for therefore little.
As a crew, we carried on listening to this little bundle lengthy after our testing was completed, regardless that there have been far pricier options at hand. If that isn’t a suggestion I’m unsure what’s.
Learn the total Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 assessment
Focal Utopia (2022) open-back headphones
Again to the costly stuff once more. Now, £4699 / $4999 / AU$6999 is a big sum of cash for headphones, I feel anybody would agree. However it could shock many to be taught that a lot of the Focal Utopia’s rivals value much more. The 2022 model introduces gentle tweaks to the 40mm beryllium drive unit and earpads, whereas the again of the earcups advantages from a extra open design that carefully matches the aesthetics of Focal’s newer fashions.
The wired, open-back Utopias really feel as luxurious and well-made as the worth level calls for. They’re comfy too, regardless of weighing a reasonably hefty 490g, because of the smooth, properly formed ear pads and headband. However it’s the sound high quality that impresses me essentially the most.
Don’t even consider utilizing these headphones with a laptop computer, cellphone or pill as your principal supply. Achieve this and also you’ll by no means hear simply how good they will sound. You want a high-quality devoted supply with a suitably premium headphone amplifier. I feel the Chord Hugo 2 is the minimal degree to think about. As soon as that’s sorted, you’ll be handled to among the most detailed and insightful sounds it’s potential to get. These headphones are quick, dynamic and refined. I hear issues in acquainted recordings that I’ve by no means seen earlier than, however the Focal’s actual expertise lies in organising all this data right into a cohesive and musical complete. Whereas the extent of knowledge is deeply spectacular, it’s the Utopia’s skill to move me to the recording studio that makes the most important mark.
Many will battle with the Focal’s worth. Sure, they’re costly for headphones, however their breathtaking sonic skill can actually stir the soul.
Learn the total Focal Utopia (2022) assessment
McIntosh MHA200 headphone amplifier
In case you are questioning what sort of headphone amplifier would work significantly properly with the Focal Utopia, then this McIntosh is your reply. It’s a slightly beautiful, valve-powered unit that appears each inch the mini McIntosh amplifier it’s. The construct is strong, although like all merchandise from the American producer, it additionally has as a lot the aura of lab gear as a chunk of luxurious hi-fi. It might shock many to be taught that there isn’t a DAC included. I don’t thoughts, as I favor to have the selection and wish McIntosh to deal with the analogue circuitry.
There may be the choice of balanced and single-ended headphone connections, however past that little else when it comes to options. However you don’t spend £2995 / $2500 / AU$4995 on an analogue headphone amplifier if options are the precedence. There are cheaper merchandise that supply way more in that respect. What they don’t do, nevertheless, is come wherever close to the MHA200’s very good sound high quality.
This unit affords a full-bodied and fluid presentation of the sort that jogs my memory why some individuals assume valve amps can by no means be bettered. However, not like some lesser examples of the breed, this McIntosh nonetheless has expressive dynamics and sense of punch. Bass is wealthy and weighty with out sacrificing an excessive amount of in the way in which of articulation. The midrange is superb; open, strong and agile. Vocal nuances are communicated in a pure and unforced manner. Something that has me listening for hours on finish needs to be actually good. The McIntosh MHA200 actually is.
Learn the total McIntosh MHA200 assessment
Technics SA-C600 just-add-speakers system
After I consider Technics, two photographs come to thoughts. The primary is of turntables, after all, the model’s historical past so intertwined with data and the DJ tradition that it couldn’t be another manner. My subsequent thought harks again to the 80s and among the fabulous extremely engineered cassette decks the model made again then. I keep in mind going to John Lewis, again when it bought high-quality separates hi-fi, and simply marvelling on the smoothness of the fastidiously damped cassette drawers as I pressed the eject button. The slickness of the transport mechanisms impressed too.
However Technics in its present incarnation isn’t caught prior to now, because the SA-C600 system proves. This compact unit packs in a CD participant and all the trendy streaming smarts and connectivity you’ll count on in 2022. The built-in amplifier affords a modest 30 watts per channel however nonetheless proves muscular sufficient to drive any of the price-compatible audio system we tried throughout the assessment.
Given the model’s heritage, it’s no shock to discover a shifting magnet phono stage built-in, although the standard of it’s manner higher than I might count on from a system similar to this. This welcome bonus makes partnering the SA-C600 with turntable (just like the Rega Planar 2) a worthwhile factor to do.
That would solely be true if the remainder of the SA-C600 sounded equally good, and it does. This can be a system that simply sounds proper. It isn’t essentially the most detailed or clear bundle you’ll ever hear however it’s one which makes listening to music, any sort of music, enjoyable.
The presentation is daring and punchy, and there’s a surefooted manner with rhythms that only a few options match. People who do, we’re considering of Naim’s Uniti, value rather more.
This Technics is a tremendous streamer too, shifting seamlessly between the varied companies and file sorts with out situation. Most of all, whatever the supply, I take pleasure in listening to this technique. Sadly, there may be little else at this degree the place I can say the identical.
Learn the total Technics SA-C600 assessment
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