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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Where to spend next
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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£3,241.67Ex. VATThe Lindemann Musicbook Combo All-In-One Music Player offers audiophile-grade streaming, CD playback, and headphone amplification, with features like DSD conversion and multi-room capability for an immersive listening experience. Its intuitive app control, powerful headphone amp, and seamless integration of analog sources make it a versatile centrepiece for any hi-fi system.
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SALE£243.29 £304.17Ex. VAT ✓ Save £60.88The SS-1 Module is a high-end isolation foot designed to enhance the audio experience by reducing unwanted noise, managing local magnetic fields, and controlling mechanical vibrations. It is suitable for placement under hi-fi components and speakers, engineered to create a cleaner environment for audio equipment, thereby optimising its performance. The SS-1 cable riser can provide significant clarity improvements by minimising electromagnetic interference between cables which could further improve system performance. The module included is the power cable riser, this design accommdates large power cables, or very large speaker cables. This enhances the effects the SS-1 gives to cables.
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£332.50Ex. VATThe iFi Audio ZEN Stream 3 is a third-generation hi-res network audio streamer supporting PCM 384kHz and DSD256, featuring K2 Technology, femto-precision clocking, and the iFi Nexis app for wireless audiophile streaming.
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£649.00Inc. VATThe 64 Audio Aspire 3 is a three-driver universal IEM combining a dynamic driver with dual balanced armatures, featuring Apex Core pressure relief, Waveguide tuning, and LID technology for balanced, fatigue-free professional monitoring. -
From£249.17Ex. VATThe Campfire Audio Time Link is a six-conductor modular IEM cable combining high-purity copper and silver-plated copper with swappable 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C DAC terminations including a Cirrus Logic Master HiFi DAC for versatile, high-resolution playback. -
£15,500.00Inc. VATThe MOON 390 is a multi-function crossover type product that has the function of a modern network player, DAC, preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and phono stage. Roughly, it combines the feature set of both older model 350P and 380D and adds further. Another point of view: it can be seen as an All-in-One without a power amplifier. Still, it will be pricier than Moon's All-in-One ACE as it is of a higher pedigree and higher performance level. The 390 was the first new product to benefit from MiND 2 streamer technology.
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£600.00Inc. VATThe Power Jitter's are subjected to QSA's propietary quantum techniques utilising both MMAT and MAT technology. These processes dramatically improve phase detail, this encompasses a whole host of sonic benefits: more low level information, better and more seperate harmonics, complicated musical passages rendered with more intelligibility, plus improved bass detail and slam and finally an overall sense of ease and naturalness even at high listening levels.
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£1,082.50Ex. VATThe iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier stands out as a top choice for audiophiles, offering powerful output and lossless Bluetooth support, making it ideal for both home and mobile setups. With features like xMEMS technology for enhanced performance, versatile power modes, and advanced technologies for pure sound, along with customisable design elements for convenience, it delivers an unparalleled listening experience whether powered by battery or mains.
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£4,666.67Ex. VATThe Gold Note PH-1000 Lite is a high-end MM and MC phono stage/pre-amplifier that offers extensive customisation options, including 18 EQ curves with an "enhanced" function for superior sound dynamics and musicality. It features three independent inputs, fine adjustments for capacitance, load, and gain, and a headphone output, all housed in a precision-machined aluminum chassis, ensuring top-notch sound quality and user control.
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SALE£199.12 £249.58Ex. VAT ✓ Save £50.46The SS-1 Module is a high-end isolation foot designed to enhance the audio experience by reducing unwanted noise, managing local magnetic fields, and controlling mechanical vibrations. It is suitable for placement under hi-fi components and speakers, engineered to create a cleaner environment for audio equipment, thereby optimising its performance. The SS-1 offers integration options with various setups, including carpet spikes and spider racks, making it compatible with multiple components. -
From£40.83Ex. VATThe Meze Audio 2 Pin Silver Plated IEM Cable is a braided SPC replacement cable offering improved transparency, detail, and a lower noise floor, with a 0.78mm 2-pin termination and 1.2m length. -
NEWNuPrime
NuPrime LPS-212 12V Linear Power Supply - Special Offer - Black November DealSKU: NuPrime LPS-212 Special Offer
£299.12 £374.17Ex. VAT ✓ Save £75.04The LPS-212 by NuPrime is an excellent 12V power supply for low power devices like DACS and streamers, featuring two DC outputs (one rated 12V/2A and one 12V/1A). The LPS-212 benefits from a fanless design which aids its low-noise performance, and comes with a DC to micro-USB adaptor to boost its compatibility with your audio equipment.
