Hi-Fi Essentials
Hardware and treatment for a system you already own: headphones, DACs, amplifiers, streamers, isolation, racks and grounding. The next purchase after the system exists.
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This is the upgrade section rather than the starting point. It assumes you have a system, know roughly what it does well, and want to work out what to change next.
The order that usually works starts with the mechanical foundation. A rack that resonates undermines everything sitting on it, so proper support and isolation come first. Then the source, because nothing downstream can recover what a poor source has already lost. Then the electronics, and last the treatments that sit around the edges of a system, such as grounding.
Some of what is here is uncontested. Speaker stands, isolation feet and a rigid rack do measurable and audible things. Other categories, grounding in particular, divide opinion sharply, and we say so on the pages where that applies. What we will not do is recommend something we have not heard, or call a component essential when your system does not need it. Tell us what you are running and what you want to improve, and we will give you a straight answer.
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Focal
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Bluetooth® Active Noise Cancelling Headphones (Dune)SKU: Bathys Dune
(1 reviews)£582.50Ex. VATIntroducing the best-selling Bathys Bluetooth headphones now in a sand/silver colour! With this luminous, warm finish in the colours of sand and silver, the headphones are transformed into a genuine fashion accessory. Featuring the same design and made from the same materials, the Bathys headphones have been revamped with this light and elegant version, down to the smallest detail like gold-coloured aluminium rings.
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£666.67Ex. VAT
For those seeking to enhance their HiFi system's performance, opting for the Quadraspire SV2T HiFi Rack is the key. This choice promises a reduction in resonance, a lower noise floor, and an expanded soundstage, all contributing to an elevated HiFi audio experience. Quadraspire takes pride in its British-made HiFi racks, each meticulously engineered for sound excellence. Every component of the rack is thoughtfully designed to elevate audio performance, ensuring customers enjoy an exceptional HiFi experience.
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£111.67Ex. VAT
One of the most important factors in achieving optimal sound quality is the placement of your HiFi. Placing your equipment on a Quadraspire QPlus Support will significantly improve its performance. These supports are made with the same materials and design principles as Quadraspire racks, ensuring top-notch quality and effectiveness.
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£4.17Ex. VATThe Ortofon Cartridge Tool ensured tangential alignment which means that the cantilever, and thus the stylus, will be properly aligned with the record grooves throughout the entire length of the record. By aligning the cantilever instead of the cartridge body, you can achieve the desired result of minimum tracking error for improved sound quality.
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£45.83Ex. VATLW-7N is the hybrid lead wire made of ultra high-purity copper wire of 7N and 6 N. As there is no foreign particle other than copper 7N (99.99999 % purity) in the wire, the musical signal can be transmitted without any noise. The end of the wire is fastened by a rhodium-plated terminal.
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£999.17Ex. VATOne of the standout features of the ST-70 is its use of high-quality Lundahl™ transformers, surrounded by specialised mu-metal shielding. This combination ensures that every detail in a complex array of notes is reproduced with absolute purity, free from internal and external sources of interference. The result is an incredibly quiet and revealing transformer that will impress even the most critical listeners.
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From£8.32Ex. VATThe Campfire Audio Breezy Bag Micro is a compact mesh bag designed to protect your Campfire Audio IEMs on the go, featuring a dual-chamber design to prevent earphones from knocking into each other for better organisation and protection. Its soft mesh material ensures ventilation and protection from external elements, while a reliable draw-string cinch keeps your earphones secure during travel, making it an essential accessory for those who prioritise safeguarding their valuable audio investment.
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£16.67Ex. VATThe Pro-Ject Measure-IT E Electronic Stylus Balance offers precise measurement of stylus tracking force up to 5.0 grams in 0.01 gram increments, reducing stylus tip wear and enhancing sound quality. With its user-friendly design, including a 4-digit LCD display and auto calibration function, it's an essential tool for vinyl enthusiasts looking to optimise their listening experience.
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£37.50Ex. VATElevate your vinyl listening experience with the Pro-Ject Measure-IT DS Universal Stylus Tracking Gauge, designed to work seamlessly with any cartridge and tonearm combination for precise tracking force measurements. Factory calibrated for accuracy, it features a non-magnetic scale surface ideal for MC cartridges, auto-off functionality, and a backlit LCD screen for easy readability, ensuring streamlined setup and optimal sound quality.
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£95.83Ex. VATElevate your vinyl listening experience with the Pro-Ject Signature Record Puck, which ensures a secure fit, reduces vibrations, and optimises playback for even warped records. With its felt mat underside protecting labels and delivering a noticeable sound improvement across all turntables, it's an essential accessory for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
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From£8.33Ex. VATEnhance your vinyl listening experience with the Pro-Ject 10 and 12 Inch Felt Mat, ensuring a smooth interface between your records and turntable platter while resisting slip for uninterrupted audio performance. For an even greater upgrade, explore Pro-Ject's cork and leather mats, offering enhanced sound quality and performance compared to traditional felt designs.
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From£70.83Ex. VATThe Pro-Ject Cover-IT Turntable Protection Covers offer crystal-clear acrylic protection for turntables, shielding them from dust and environmental threats. Compatible with a wide range of turntable models, these covers provide universal coverage and ensure your equipment remains in pristine condition for uninterrupted music enjoyment.
