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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£832.50Ex. VATPlease note, this is a pre-order item with the first shipment due in April 2026
The Gold Note PH-5.2 Phono Stage is a high-performance MM/MC phono preamplifier featuring multiple EQ curves, balanced outputs, and an upgraded power supply, designed to deliver low noise, precise setup, and historically accurate vinyl playback.
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From£332.50Ex. VATMeze Audio Mini XLR Silver-Plated PCUHD Premium Headphone Cable, a hand-braided upgrade cable using Furukawa PCUHD copper with pure silver plating, designed for the Empyrean, Empyrean II, and Elite, with enhanced detail, greater depth, and improved channel separation.
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Lindemann
Lindemann Woodnote Solo All-In-One Music PlayerSKU: Lindemann Woodnote Solo All-In-One Music Player
£1,541.67Ex. VATEnhance your music with the SOLO Streaming DAC. Featuring a high-resolution platform, DSD Re-Sampling, and a premium two-stage D/A conversion, it delivers studio-quality sound free of distortion. Its sleek aluminum design houses audiophile-grade components, including the AK4493S DAC chip and a low-noise linear power supply. Compatible with studio master streaming services, the SOLO offers easy control via a user-friendly app, making it an ideal choice for immersive, high-quality playback. -
£1,415.83Ex. VATThe Valkyrie is a high-performance DAC featuring DSD Remastering, Burr-Brown multi-bit DACs, and fully customizable audio enhancements like XBass II, XPresence, and XSpace. With Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX Lossless, it streams CD-quality audio wirelessly. A 20,000mAh battery provides up to 18 hours of playback, ensuring uninterrupted listening. Experience professional-grade sound, whether wired or wireless, with the Valkyrie. -
From£829.17Ex. VATProfono is a discrete high quality analogue turntable cartridge amplifier which is installed before your pre-amp or integrated if you do not have a built in phono stage, or if the phono stage is of low quality.
Unlock the full potential of your vinyl playback. Connect your tonearm cable directly to Profono for enhanced sound quality, improved dynamics, and greater detail. Then, simply link Profono to your preamp or integrated amp via high-quality RCA interconnects for a truly immersive audio experience.
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NEWAtlas Cables
Atlas Zeno 1:2 Custom Headphone Cable - 1.5m 4 Pin XLR to LEMO 2 Pin Ex DemoSKU: Atlas Zeno 1:2 Ex Demo 1.5m XLR 4 Pin to LEMO 2 Pin
£339.50 £424.37Ex. VAT ✓ Save £84.88Atlas Zeno headphone cables are designed to offer a significant upgrade over the cables bundled with even very expensive headphones. Brands typically using 1:2 (cable plugs into both earpieces) connectors include Audeze, HiFiMan, Oppo, Sennheiser, Ultrasone, HiFiMan & Mr Speakers (Some brands may use more than one type of connection depending on model). -
iFi Audio
iFi Audio GO pod Air Wearable Wireless HD Bluetooth Adapter with DAC & Headphone AmplifierSKU: P003827
£207.50Ex. VATThe GO pod Air turns your IEMs into premium Hi-Res Bluetooth earphones with exceptional portability and sound quality. Enjoy broad codec support, intuitive touch controls, and crystal-clear calls powered by Qualcomm cVc. With IPX5 durability, 7-hour playback extended to 15 via a compact case, and a design 40% lighter than its predecessor, it’s built for work, travel, and leisure. Stay connected and experience your music anywhere, without compromise. -
£57.50Ex. VATThe iEMatch4.4 enhances your 4.4mm balanced audio with reduced hiss, clearer vocals, and improved dynamic range. With ultra (-24dB) and high gain (-12dB) modes, it adapts to sensitive IEMs and headphones, delivering cleaner, more detailed sound anywhere you listen. -
From£3,162.50Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio MD-1 and MD-1P Music Streamer Integrated Amplifiers combine high-performance network streaming with powerful Class-D amplification, offering 150W or 300W per channel alongside extensive digital, analogue, and vinyl connectivity in a single-box hi-fi solution. -
£74.96Ex. VATThe RIAA Filter from BlueHorizon offers an incredibly handy solution for burning in phono stages without the need to cause wear and tear to your records or turntable cartridge. -
£83.29Ex. VATThe Vogel's TVM 5705 is a fixed TV wall mount supporting screens from 40 to 110 inches and up to 100kg, sitting just 1.3cm from the wall with a GuidanceSystem, click-lock mechanism, and integrated cable management. -
£500.00Ex. VATQSA proudly announce the newest product in their range of jitters that aim to reduce 'Bottleneck Distortion' - the IEC Jitters. The IEC 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.
