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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Meze Audio
Meze Audio Dual Mono 3.5mm PCUHD Premium Headphone CableSKU: Meze Dual Mono Silver PCUHD
From£207.50Ex. VATThe Meze Audio Dual Mono 3.5mm PCUHD Premium Headphone Cable is a hand-braided upgrade for Meze headphones with dual 3.5mm sockets, in copper or silver-plated Furukawa PCUHD, with your choice of termination and length. -
£4,500.00Ex. VAT
The 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.
Power Jitters are available in UK, Shuko and US Plugs.
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£541.67Ex. VAT
The Gold Note PSU-5 external power supply is dedicated to the PH-5 phono stage. If you are looking for a way to upgrade the performance of your Gold Note analogue system and get the best possible sound from your vinyl records, then the PSU-5 is an ideal solution.
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SALE£259.96 £325.83Ex. VAT ✓ Save £65.88The 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 offers integration options with various setups, this version includes the speaker cable riser. -
£291.67Ex. VATThe Heed Questar MC Phonostage delivers exceptional vinyl playback with dual-mono architecture, two-stage RIAA equalization, and optimized gain adjustment for improved clarity. Built in a shielded steel chassis with gold-plated RCA terminals, these phonostages ensure pure signal transmission. An external power supply reduces interference, with an optional Q-PSU upgrade for enhanced performance. Ideal for audiophiles seeking high-end sound quality in an accessible, easy-to-use package. -
£332.50Ex. VATThe Astell&Kern AK HC5 Portable USB DAC delivers flagship-grade sound in a compact form, featuring AKM’s AK4499EX DAC, High Driving Mode, advanced noise suppression, and balanced output for high-resolution listening on phones, tablets, computers, and consoles. -
Meze Audio
Meze Audio Dual Mono 3.5mm Copper PCUHD Premium Headphone CableSKU: Meze Dual Mono Copper PCUHD
From£207.50Ex. VATMeze Audio Dual Mono 3.5mm Copper PCUHD Premium Headphone Cable, a hand-braided upgrade cable using Furukawa PCUHD copper conductors, delivering tighter bass, improved imaging, and a fuller, more musical presentation from compatible Meze headphones. -
£229.00Inc. VATThe iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 Balanced Desktop Headphone Amplifier combines cutting-edge xMEMS micro-speaker technology with tailored EQ modes for Gaming and Movies, delivering exceptional clarity and immersive sound. With up to 2,000mW of power and premium components, it offers audiophiles and gamers alike a superior audio experience in a sleek, modern design.
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£1,000.00Ex. VATThe Gold Note PST-10 Power Supply enhances turntable performance by minimizing electrical noise and interference, resulting in clearer sound and better audio detail. It features high-quality components and a design that ensures optimal performance and future-proof compatibility with upgrades.
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From£207.50Ex. VATThe Meze Audio Mini XLR PCUHD Premium Headphone Cable is a hand-braided upgrade for the Empyrean, Empyrean II, Elite and ARTA, in copper or silver-plated Furukawa PCUHD, for firmer bass and finer detail. -
£249.17Ex. VATThe iFi Audio ZEN Blue 3 Hi-Res Wireless Bluetooth DAC combines wireless connectivity with lossless CD-quality audio transmission and audiophile-grade circuitry, offering a premium Bluetooth experience for your Hi-Fi system. With three operation modes, a balanced line output, and the latest Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless codec, it ensures superior sound quality and versatility for any audio setup.
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SALEPlixir
PLiXir Elite BDC Power Supply 19V 4A - Special Offer - Black November DealSKU: PLiXir Elite BDC 19V 4A
£566.66 £708.33Ex. VAT ✓ Save £141.68The Elite BDC (Balanced Direct Current) Power Supply by PLiXiR benefits from two stages of regulation- an open-loop first-stage and a closed-loop feedback second stage. This means that the Elite BDC can scrub noise out of your power source, helping your hifi setup sing.
Please note: the 5V/2A version comes with a micro-USB adaptor, making it suitable for use with units like the Chord Qutest.
