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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From£2,416.67Ex. VATIf you’re looking for a top-of-the-line audio device that has cutting-edge features and an intuitive user interface, the Gold Note DS-10 PLUS Streaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier is the perfect choice. With its state-of-the-art DAC and network streamer, line preamplifier, and headphone amplifier, the DS-10 offers you the highest audio quality and limitless possibilities of high-resolution music. The DS-10 also has three different profiles so you can tailor the sound to your preferences and the convenient control options make it easy to manage the device. Get ready to experience unprecedented listening pleasure with this exceptional audio device.
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£524.17Ex. VATIf you are in need of an advanced audio solution for a commercial or residential AV installation, the Blustream NPA70DA Dante Networked Power Amplifier is the perfect choice for you. This amplifier offers an array of features and benefits, including a 2 x 35W digital amplifier (1 x 70W mono) or 70V/100V hi-level constant voltage output and Dante audio integration.
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SALE£118.74 £124.99Ex. VAT ✓ Save £6.25
With its solid steel base, adjustable isolation spikes, and plethora of height options, the Atacama Ensign CC01 Centre Channel Speaker Stand is the perfect solution for your home theatre setup. This reliable stand ensures that you can easily optimise the position of your centre channel speaker for maximum sound quality. Furthermore, the stand's adjustable isolation spikes make sure that your delicate floor covering won't be damaged while you enjoy the best possible sound. Perfect for any home cinema or surround sound system, the Atacama Ensign CC01 Centre Channel Speaker Stand is the best choice for all your audio needs.
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£258.33Ex. VATThe Nordost QNET Stand is a must-have for anyone looking to take the performance of their QNET Network Switch to the next level. With its impeccable design, it is sure to provide listeners with a noiseless digital experience, allowing them to enjoy the music even more.
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From£999.17Ex. VATThe NuPrime DAC-9X is an ideal choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who are looking for a high-performance DAC and headphone amp. It offers exceptional audio quality, with PCM 384K, DSD256 & MQA decoding capability, a 32-bit/768kHz ESS SRC IC chip, and ultra-low jitter and distortion.
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£1,915.83Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T Transportable Headphone Amplifier is the perfect choice for audiophiles looking for the highest quality sound in a compact and portable form factor. This device is equipped with a powerful ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC and headphone amplifier, 4 levels of gain, a dual-tube applied Triple Amp System, and a host of connectivity options to easily connect it to external audio devices.
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£1,583.33Ex. VATThe Moon 250i integrated amplifier by Sim Audio delivers powerful, organic, detailed and well-controlled sound every time. As expected, with the success of all Moon products, this integrated amp is versatile to use, boasts an excellent build quality and has a sleek, modern design making it an all round exceptional price-to-quality ratio.
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£58.33Ex. VATThe LH-2000 is a basic high quality headshell designed specifically for HiFi applications. Providing a clean, minimalist aesthetic, the LH-2000 is great for a wide variety of cartridges, e.g. the 2M Series.
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£87.50Ex. VATThe LH-6000 is a high quality headshell is recommended for the MC Windfeld Ti and the Cadenza Series. Its rounded front portion facilitates proper mounting and compliments each of these cartridges.
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£20.83Ex. VATThe Ortofon Record Brush is a must-have accessory for any music enthusiast! The Ortofon Record brush safely and effectively removes dust and dirt from the record surface without scratching.
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£112.50Ex. VATDS-3 is a new lightweight compact digital stylus pressure gauge model. The DS-3 is a miniature ultra precision non-magnetic instrument that tunes your tonearm to the highest possible degree.
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£11,665.83Ex. VATThe Melco N1-S38 digital music library is a must-have for all audiophiles looking for the ultimate in audio performance. Its specially selected 3.84 TB SSD drive, high-quality positive-click front panel buttons, crystal-clear OLED display, 5x USB 3.0 ports and external 10 MHz clock connection are all designed to ensure unparalleled sound quality.
