<ul><li><p>PASSION FOR SOUND</p><p>MA</p><p>RCH</p><p> 2014 4.50</p><p>PRINTED IN</p><p> THE UK US$9.99 </p><p>FiiO fidelityAff ordable X3 portable player packs 24/192 audio in your pocket</p><p>Does this Marantz network receiver make sweet music?</p><p>Melody maker</p><p>Issue No. 382 March 2014</p><p>New Hi-Res one-box system for all your computer audio</p><p>Meet the enthusiasts that wax lyrical about vinyl</p><p>Record club </p><p>BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM:Mini ATC setup big on sound</p><p>App</p><p>Dynaudios exciting X34 floorstanders pack a mighty punch</p><p>30PRODUCTS ON TEST:</p><p>Stylish headphones for music on the go and home listening</p><p>Head gear</p><p>GROUP TEST</p><p>New for </p><p>CES 2014Las Vegas show report inside!</p><p>B&amp;W, Cambridge Audio, Harman Kardon, NAD and Yamaha </p><p>Sony superstar</p><p>Power towers </p></li><li><p>U LT I M AT E S T U D I O E X P E R I E N C E</p><p>)RNS]]SYVQYWMGTVIGMWIP]XLI[E]MX[EWVWXrecorded. Unheard of in such a compact design, LS50 delivers a deeply rich, multi-dimensional soundstage experience that is out of all proportion to its size. Designed using KEFs cutting-edge acoustic modeling, LS50 is the ultimate mini monitor for the home.</p><p>www.kef.com/LS50</p><p>LS50</p><p>GP Acoustics (UK) Limited, Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6QP, UK T. +44 (0)1622 672261</p><p>@KEF Audio</p><p>KEF Audio UK</p><p>These are supremely musical mini-monitors with astounding bass punch and rhythmic ability allied to class-leading resolution.</p><p>Hi-Fi World, July 2013</p></li><li><p>PASSION FOR SOUND Welcome</p><p>HADLOW HOUSE, 9 HIGH STREET, GREEN STREET GREEN, ORPINGTON, KENT BR6 6BG</p><p>www.hifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 382 March 2014</p><p>BADGES EXPLAINED OUR AWARDS</p><p>Lisa Stansfield Seven100</p><p>The future of hi-res audio looks set to shine very brightly this year following the long awaited announcement from US high-resolution music store HDTracks that it will officially launch a UK site by April 2014. This is exciting news for audiophiles that have been unsuccessful in fooling the territory-</p><p>restricted system by claiming to be a resident of, say Page, Arizona, and will now be able to access some 10,000 24-bit tracks in the music stores catalogue.Of course, we have had access in the UK to hi-res </p><p>download material via online music stores from the likes of Linn and Naim Audio for some time now, but their music catalogues are mostly limited to own-label artists. HDTracks claims the new store will have the worlds largest catalogue of hi-res music, and has now partnered with every major record label, with new HD material being added to its catalogue regularly. CES 2014 (see Show Report, p120) is an excellent </p><p>indicator of what technology will be shaping our world in the year ahead, and in terms of hi-res audio DSD (Digital Stream Direct) is the file format on many lips. Support for DSD hasnt been announced yet by HDTracks, but this is sure to be on the agenda following new DSD hardware from Sony with its Hi-Res audio range (see our In-Depth review of the HAP-S1, p16) and Astell&amp;Kern players also offering support for the format. I for one cant wait to see how hi-res unfolds and to trawl through the HDTracks catalogue when it arrives in the UK. </p><p>EDITORS CHOICE:Awarded to those products that are judged to deliver outstanding performance</p><p>RECOMMENDED:Products that we feel meet a high standard of performance</p><p>GROUP TEST WINNER:Comparative tests can only have one winner, and this badge says it all!</p><p>Lee Dunkley Editor</p><p>Follow us:</p><p>twitter.com@HiFiChoiceMag facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk</p><p>CES 2014 Show Report120 </p><p>117 </p><p>NAD D 7050</p><p>58 </p><p>CAMBRIDGE AUDIO DacMagic XS</p><p>INTRODUCTION</p><p>MARCH 2014 3</p></li><li><p>GROUP TEST</p><p>99</p><p>Contentshifichoice.co.uk Issue No. 382 March 2014</p><p>6 Audiofile The latest news on the hottest products from the world of hi-fi coming your way</p><p>14 WebwatchEssential websites to direct your browser towards for all your hi-fi requirements </p><p>69 LettersPut your points of view and queries on audio matters to our team of experts</p><p>77 OpinionThe Hi-Fi Choice team say it as they see it as they discuss the issues of the day</p><p>99 Music ReviewsThe months essential new CD, vinyl and hi-res releases given a work out </p><p>130 Back ChatA look back in time, news snippets and an industry insider picks their top albums</p><p>READER SERVICES102 Reader ClassifiedsSell your unwanted hi-fi for FREE here</p><p>124 Next IssueThe sonic treats to look out for next month</p><p>FEATURES62 Glossop Record ClubMeet the vinylistas that wax lyrical about records once a month in a Midlands pub </p><p>66 Writing CompetitionA last look at some of the reader reviews from our extra special competition</p><p>90 Beautiful SystemATCs take on a lifestyle system exudes a decidedly professional-looking air</p><p>94 Sound AffectsA look back at the second wave of Merseybeat in post-punk Liverpool </p><p>120 CES 2014All the hot news from Las Vegas at the legendary Consumer Electronics Show </p><p>NEWS &amp; OPINION</p><p>Music reviews: The Small FacesAudiofile: Cambridge Audios Azur 851s</p><p>24 Six headphones to get your head nodding fight it out in this months roundup</p><p>6</p><p>62</p><p>4 MARCH 2014</p></li><li><p>Never miss an issue turn to p20 for our latest subs offer</p><p>Tellurium Q Claymore integrated amplifier</p><p>16 SonyHAP-S1 one-box HDD system</p><p>42 Tellurium QClaymore integrated amplifier (Exotica)</p><p>46 Cambridge Audio Aero 6 floorstanding loudspeaker</p><p>50 FiiOX3 digital audio player </p><p>52 DynaudioExcite X34 floorstanding loudspeaker</p><p>56 Marantz Melody Stream M-CR510 network receiver</p><p>58 NAD D 7050 digital music system </p><p>88 Nytech CTA 252 receiver (Retro)</p><p>Kit testingREVIEWS</p><p>27 AKG K54529 Bowers &amp; Wilkins P3 31 Grado SR125i33 Harman Kardon Soho 35 Sony MDR-10RC 37 Yamaha HPH-PRO300 </p><p>Headphones 150-200GROUP TEST</p><p>Cambridge Audio Aero 6 floorsranding loudspeaker</p><p>16Sony HAP-S1 HDD system</p><p>Getting the most pleasing sound out of it is a bit like operating the Tardis. Adrian Justins: Tivoli Audio Music System+ p109</p><p>42</p><p>Audio Pro Addon T10 Bluetooth speaker 113 </p><p>FiiO X3 digital audio player50</p><p>CHOICE EXTRAS105 Simple AudioListen desktop speakers</p><p>107 Oyaide BR-12 turntable mat</p><p>109 Tivoli AudioMusic System+ all-in-one system </p><p>111 Black RhodiumStraight Line Contact loudspeaker plugs</p><p>111 Chord Company C-power mains cable </p><p>113 Audio Pro Addon T10 Bluetooth loudspeaker </p><p>113 Epiphany Acoustics Solaris interconnects </p><p>115 Keith Monks discOveryOne record cleaning machine</p><p>117 Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS DAC</p><p>119 Analogue Seduction Isoclean Anti-Static Disc Cleaner</p><p>119 Origin Live Cartridge washersMarantz Melody Stream network receiver </p><p>MINI TESTEquipment platforms 85-23584 Avid HiFi Avid Platform </p><p>84 ISOkinetik ISOdek DAB2 isolation platform </p><p>85 String Suspension ConceptSSC Solobase </p><p>85 Hi-Fi Racks Ltd Podium isolation plinth 22</p><p>TESTED THIS MONTH</p><p>56</p><p>46</p><p>CONTENTSMARCH 2014</p><p>MARCH 2014 5</p></li><li><p>T H E L A T E S T I N D U S T R Y N E W S </p><p>6 MARCH 2014</p><p>Azurs full complimentCambridge Audio bolsters flagship hi-fi separates Azur 851 Series with three new components </p><p>PRICE: FROM 1,000 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 0333 9000093 WEB: CAMBRIDGEAUDIO.COM</p><p>ADDING TO ITS hi-fi separates range, Cambridge Audio has announced the introduction of three new components. Swelling the ranks to fi ve, the fl agship Azur 851 Series now includes the Azur 851E preamplifi er, Azur 851W power amplifi er and Azur 851D digital-to-analogue converter. The new introductions join the existing Azur 815A integrated amplifi er and 815C upsampling DAC/CD player/preamplifi er models from 2013 to create a full compliment of separates. </p><p>The three models were originally announced at the Munich High End show in May 2013, but with only preliminary details available. We can now confi rm that the Azur 851W power amplifi er utilises an all-metal chassis and is built around the companys proprietary Class XD amplifi cation system, combining Class A and Class AB amplifi cation for superior power effi ciency, which the maker claims runs to 200W per channel into 8ohms or 500W RMS in mono-bridged confi guration.</p><p>The matching Azur 815E preamplifi er replaces the 840E with a more versatile range of inputs including three selectable RCA/balanced XLR inputs geared for high-end sources. A further fi ve RCA inputs are available, plus confi gurable trigger and IR outputs that allow the 815E preamp to fully integrate with the 815W power amplifi er as well as other modern power amplifi ers. </p><p>The last addition to the range is the 851D digital-to-analogue converter, which the maker says extends the </p></li><li><p>MARCH 2014 7</p><p>COMMENT</p><p>BIG BROTHER IS LISTENING TO YOU How does what youre up to when listening to music shape the sort of stuff you like to listen to? Do you, for example, insist on pumping out banging techno when you go for a run, snuggle under the bedclothes with some Morrissey when youre feeling down or let the dulcet tones of Barry White set the tone when youre in the mood for lurrrve? Its certainly a no-brainer to reveal that we like to hear diff erent stuff according to what were up to, but Spotify is giving the idea some serious thought.</p><p>A new feature reportedly being explored by the streaming music service will use special sensors on the listeners body or in their smartphone to measure their heart rate and then use that information to select appropriate music to match what activity the listener is undertaking. The thinking goes that motion, temperature and even sleep patterns could be used by Spotify to </p><p>help provide suggested playlists to suit the mood or activity that youre embarking on. </p><p>As Spotifys product manager for discovery and recommendations Donovan Sung explained: Maybe with motion sensors in phones we can start guessing whether users are running, biking or driving? Maybe the phone has a temperature sensor or a heart rate sensor. We could guess whether the user is tense.. The more we know about you, the better the [recommendation] engine can be. So, in theory you will be able to use Spotify to get yourself pumped up before embarking on an early morning jog or to calm yourself down before going to bed at night. </p><p>Whether or not subscribers to the music streaming service are ready for such intrusion into their life, or indeed if theyre not smart enough to choose music to suit the mood themselves (the Orb is not great for getting yourself in the mood for a big night out and similarly Extreme Noise Terror isnt a great choice for wooing the opposite sex), the idea and the application of the technology involved remains intriguing. You can guarantee Spotify will explore it in great depth, whether or not well see the fruits of this toil remains another matter entirely..</p><p>The Azur 851 Series adds new preamp, power amp and DAC models to the range</p><p>brilliant digital audio handling and upsampling technology of the 851C CD player ready for all your digital sources. The spec sheet details a comprehensive range of digital inputs including coaxial, Toslink optical, BNC coaxial and AES/EBU, plus asychronous USB that can upsample to 24-bit/384kHz using ATF2 (second-generation Adaptive Time Filtering algorithms). Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also supported via the supplied BT100 Wireless Audio Receiver dongle with aptX. </p><p>The full compliment of Azur 851 Series hi-fi separates is available in silver or black brushed-metal fi nishes. Prices start at 999.95 for the Azur 851D digital-to-analogue converter, with the 851A integrated amplifi er, 851C DAC/CD player and preamplifi er and 851E preamplifi er all costing 1,199.95 each. The Azur 851W power amplifi er costs 1,499.95. All models are on sale now and available from your nearest Richer Sounds store, which can be found by visiting richersounds.com.</p><p>The more we know about you, the better the Spotify engine can be </p></li><li><p>AUDIOFILE</p><p>8 MARCH 2014</p><p>RECOGNISING THE TREND for enhancing sound quality from computer devices, Denon is set to launch its DA-300USB DAC. Its the fi rst standalone USB DAC to come from the home entertainment giant and boasts the same Advanced AL32 Processing and 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue technology as found inside Denons fl agship CD/SACD players, says the manufacturer.</p><p>Connected via USB-B from a computer device the Denon claims to support MP3/MP4, AAC, ALAC, WAV and FLAC HD (up to 24/192), as well as DSD fi le formats. There are also three digital (1x coaxial and 2x optical) inputs specifi ed for connecting non-computer sources. The built-in headphone amp outputs to a 6.3mm socket on the front, and a pair of stereo RCAs at the back output to a line-level input on an analogue stereo amplifi er. </p><p>Measuring just 170 x 55 x 170mm (WxHxD) the unit can be positioned either horizontally or vertically (using the supplied clip-on stand), depending on your requirements. Orientation of the display changes with unit positioning.</p><p>British hi-fi brand Quad has unveiled its 9AS loudspeaker as part of its Studio Monitor Series. The new active model is a master and slave configuration that claims to be driven by Class AB power amplification rated at 100W to each speaker negating the need for any external amplification requirements. A two-way bass reflex design, the 9AS claims a new 25mm fabric dome tweeter partnered with a 100mm woven </p><p>Kevlar mid/bass driver. Measuring 152 x 302 x 215mm (WxHxD), the compact speaker suggests suitability for near-field monitoring, and a three-position bass EQ setting is off ered to equalise the bass response for free-standing, shelf and close-to-wall placement options. An optional foot extension is available to tilt the speakers back for desktop installations. </p><p>The built-in digital-to-analogue converter is said to hail from the </p><p>companys Elite range of CD players (shown below) and claims to handle up to 24-bit/192kHz sources. The master unit caters for digital connectivity via asynchronous USB, optical and coaxial inputs, and theres a set of line-level RCAs and a 3.5mm jack socket for hooking up stereo analogue sources.</p><p>Input selection and a swipe volume control can be found at the base of the master speaker unit.</p><p>Denons first DACNew standalone USB headphone DAC aims to upgrade computer music</p><p>PRICE: 329 AVAILABLE: FEBRUARY CONTACT: 02890 279830 WEB: DENON.CO.UK</p><p>PRICE: 600 AVAILABLE: NOW CONTACT: 01480 452561 WEB: QUAD-HIFI.CO.UK</p><p>Quad gets active with 9ASIN BRIEFNAD ROOMFEEL IN-EAR PHONES The VISO HP20 headphones are the first in-ears fitted with RoomFeel technology for a more life-like listening experience, says the maker. Each driver housing is machined from a single billet of lightweight aluminium and fitted with ultra low mass high excursion 8mm drivers for extended bass performance, it continues. They come supplied with five silicone gel tips and a tangle-free cable with in-line Apple-compatible remote control. A neoprene travel case is also included along with a 3.5-to-6.35mm jack convertor, aeroplane adaptor and cable clip. They cost 130 from Apple Stores and Sevenoaks Sound and Vision. NADELECTRONICS.COM</p></li><li><p>The Truth, nothing more, nothing less..</p><p>Ingenium offers the same obsessive design philosophy of our more expensive designs, a ground-up construction engineered for pure audiophile performance. </p><p>The unique skeletal design offers unpara..</p></li></ul>