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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£266.67Ex. VATOne 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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£683.33Ex. 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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SALE£541.66 £665.83Ex. VAT ✓ Save £124.18
An all-new design, state-of-the-art specifications and a sound that soars – iFi’s NEO iDSD hi-res DAC/headphone amp is every music lover’s perfect housemate
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£41.67Ex. VATThe QC and QX7 floor protectors are machined from solid stainless steel, providing not only an elegant and sleek design but also ensuring durability and stability. These protectors not only safeguard your floor from the weight of your rack or speakers but also further enhance the sound performance of your system.
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£133.33Ex. VATThe QC and QX7 floor protectors are machined from solid stainless steel, providing not only an elegant and sleek design but also ensuring durability and stability. These protectors not only safeguard your floor from the weight of your rack or speakers but also further enhance the sound performance of your system.
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SALE£495.79 £704.17Ex. VAT ✓ Save £208.38Equipped with an analogue volume control and a headphone amplifier, the Limetree USB-DAC offers a seamless and versatile integration into your existing system. The rotary knob control and included remote make it easy to use and adjust, allowing for a smooth and efficient music listening experience.
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£140.83Ex. VATThe new 2MR range of cartridges boasts all the features of the standard 2M range, but with a reduced ride height, making it compatible with popular tonearms and turntables that require a lower-profile cartridge.
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£70.83Ex. VATThe new 2MR range of cartridges boasts all the features of the standard 2M range, but with a reduced ride height, making it compatible with popular tonearms and turntables that require a lower-profile cartridge.
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£749.17Ex. VATOne of the most impressive features of the NEO iDSD 2 is its powerful headphone and line outputs, providing a whopping 5 times more power than its predecessor. With a maximum output power of 5,551 mW, it surpasses even dedicated headphone amplifiers, making it the perfect choice for high-demanding headphones. The headphone section has also seen significant improvement, as it integrates a Diablo headphone circuit, resulting in an exceptional listening experience.
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£182.50Ex. VATWith dual output options of 3.5mm and 4.4mm, the AK HC4 is compatible with a wide range of IEMs and headphones, making it a versatile choice for different listening preferences. The AKM AK4493S DAC ensures true Hi-Fi sound, bringing the level of audio excellence that is synonymous with Astell&Kern's digital audio players to this USB DAC. Additionally, the inclusion of Digital Audio Remaster technology further elevates the listening experience, ensuring every detail of the music is captured and delivered to the listener.
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£415.83Ex. VATThe new 2MR range of cartridges boasts all the features of the standard 2M range, but with a reduced ride height, making it compatible with popular tonearms and turntables that require a lower-profile cartridge.
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£14.58Ex. VATOne of the key benefits of the Ortofon Maintenance Set is that it extends the life of your phono cartridge. By regularly cleaning and correctly installing your cartridge, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity.
