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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£40.83Ex. VATThe B&W plate adapts the GAIA I to the Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus and Diamond series speakers. The ball-casters are removed and replaced with the B&W plate which provides a threaded hole for the appropriate stud to screw into.
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From£829.17Ex. VATThe 2go streamer/server transforms the abilities of the Hugo 2, adding both Ethernet and wireless streaming, plus 4 TB of microSD card storage to the award-winning DAC/pre/headphone amp
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£266.67Ex. VAT
The ASB-2 ion is a revolutionary static eliminating brush incorporating the world's only core-and-sheath composite conductive acrylic fibre “COREBRID TMB” developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.
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£332.50Ex. VATThe ZEN Stream by iFi Audio is the latest addition to their ZEN series, this time focusing on streaming. Designed to be used in conjunction with a DAC, the ZEN Stream allows any WiFi-connected device to act as a remote control- meaning that you can stream high-resolution music from your PC/laptop, mobile phone, or Smart TV. You can stream directly from apps like Spotify or Deezer, or use service-specific modes (like the one for streaming Tidal Masters)- whatever your streaming needs, the ZEN Stream has you covered! -
SALEEntreq
Entreq Micro Kit - Ground Box and Cable - Black November DealSKU: Entreq Micro Kit
(2 reviews)£119.96 £150.00Ex. VAT ✓ Save £30.04The Micro Kit by Entreq is refined version of the Primer box which used to be provided with Primer Pro cables. While supplied with a 1.1m 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable and RCA adaptor as standard, you have the choice of USB, RJ45, Spade, XLR male & female, UK or EU Schuko adaptors at no extra cost. -
SALE£126.66 £133.32Ex. VAT ✓ Save £6.67For those that need a speaker stand for a centre channel speaker, the Atacama Ensign CC02 is a great choice. Not only does it have 6 height options, but it also comes with gel pads to protect the base of the speaker and prevent it from slipping. The stand has adjustable isolation spikes which can be tilted when necessary. With a maximum weight capacity of 25kg, the CC02 can handle heavier speakers as well. Finally, the stand is available in 3 different colours, so you can easily match it with your home decor. So, if you're looking for a quality centre channel speaker stand, look no further than the Ensign CC02.
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£282.50Ex. 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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£33.33Ex. VATThe Ortofon Test Record is equipped with special test signals that have been specifically developed for analysing cartridge performance and its interaction with your tonearm and turntable. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your system's capabilities. But before testing your cartridge, it is essential to ensure the functionality of your HiFi system, and the Test Record provides instructions for this as well.
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From£499.96Ex. VATThe Record Doctor X Dual-Sided Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine revolutionises vinyl care with its fully motorised design, simultaneous dual-sided cleaning, and powerful bi-directional rotation motor, providing a thorough clean in just two rotations per side. Its compact size, included accessories like the Record Doctor Goat Hair Brush, and quick, easy operation make it an essential tool for enhancing sound quality, prolonging the life of your LPs, and protecting your valuable vinyl investment.
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£16.67Ex. VATElevate your audio experience with Pro-Ject Damp-IT Damping Feet, crafted from high-tech TPE to effectively prevent the transmission of mechanical vibrations, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality for your speakers, turntables, and amplifiers. Enjoy a cost-effective sound upgrade without compromising on performance, compatible with a wide range of audio components and capable of absorbing frequencies from 20 to 500 Hz.
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From£20.83Ex. VATElevate your vinyl listening experience with the Pro-Ject Record Puck E, a precision-engineered accessory designed to stabilise records and optimise sound performance. Available in two stylish finishes, it reduces vibrations, enhances playback, and protects your vinyl collection, ensuring every note is delivered with unparalleled clarity and depth.
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£140.83Ex. VATThe WiiM Pro Music Streamer offers seamless setup and unrivalled sound quality with its advanced DAC, supporting various music services and local files. With multi-room capabilities, precise audio synchronisation, and customisable EQ options, it delivers a superior streaming experience for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
