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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£583.33Ex. VATThe QUASAR phono stage delivers improves vinyl playback, featuring a dual-mono design, two-stage RIAA equalization, and gold-plated RCA terminals for pure signal transmission. With optimized gain adjustment and an external power supply to reduce interference, it ensures crystal-clear sound. Compatible with any line-level amplifier, it supports long interconnects effortlessly. Upgrade to the Q-PSU power supply for even better performance. Enhance your turntable setup with this high-performance phono preamplifier. -
£415.83Ex. VATThe Hana EL is a low output moving coil cartridge featuring a synthetic elliptical stylus, rigid aluminium cantilever, and low-resonance body. Offering 0.5mV output and superior trackability, it delivers transparent, high-fidelity sound—perfect for audiophiles seeking quality performance at a competitive price.
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£374.17Ex. VATThe dorpo X3 8K Smart Media Player brings next-level entertainment with true 8K decoding, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos for exceptional picture and sound. Powered by the Amlogic S928X-K processor, it offers fast performance, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. With full Blu-ray support, versatile media compatibility, and an intuitive Funplay UI 2.0, the X3 delivers a premium home theatre experience like never before.
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From£208.32Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio TEMPO DX RACK is a specialist audio rack co-developed with Audio Bastion, featuring a patented X-shaped isolation architecture, stainless-steel positioning cones, and modular tool-free construction designed specifically for Matrix Audio component systems. -
£57.50Ex. VATThe Pro-Ject Align-IT DS3 Cartridge Alignment Tool simplifies the process of aligning turntable cartridges with its innovative design that traces the entire tonearm path. Offering three alignment geometries to suit different listening preferences and compatible with various turntables, it ensures precise alignment for optimal vinyl playback quality.
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£1,165.83Ex. VAT64 Audio's Solo reimagines the standards of full-range sound in portable high-end audio, covering the entire sonic spectrum with a single planar driver. As the latest evolution in their legendary tia™ line, Solo takes inspiration from the pioneering design of Fourté, Trio, and Duo. To tackle the challenge of tuning a single driver, 64 Audio has paired a traditional electronic filter with the world's first Helmholtz resonator in an in-ear monitor (IEM). -
£999.17Ex. VATThe Hana ML Moving Coil Cartridge delivers enhanced sonic precision with a Micro-Line stylus, cryogenically treated internals, and a low-resonance Delrin body. With 0.4mV output and premium copper wiring, it captures fine musical details with low distortion. Includes 2-year warranty and replacement service. -
£540.83Ex. VATThe dorpo X300 is a high-performance 8K UHD media player powered by the Amlogic S928X-K processor. With Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10+, it delivers lifelike visuals and immersive sound. Featuring a robust aluminium build, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 24TB HDD bay, it’s perfect for serious AV enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance, smart media organization, and stunning 8K playback. -
From£224.99Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio TEMPO DX RACK is a specialist audio rack co-developed with Audio Bastion, featuring a patented X-shaped isolation architecture, stainless-steel positioning cones, and modular tool-free construction designed specifically for Matrix Audio component systems. -
£112.50Ex. VATThe Pro-Ject Align-IT PRO High-Precision Cartridge Alignment Tool offers a revolutionary workflow, ensuring fast and precise alignment for optimal vinyl playback. With its Baerwald geometry and compatibility with Pro-Ject turntables and other manufacturer's models, it's the essential tool for both beginners and seasoned audiophiles seeking unparalleled accuracy in their analog setups.
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£3,332.50Ex. VATThe Final D8000 DC, or "Da Capo," is a complete redesign of Final’s flagship headphones, incorporating years of expertise and advanced technology. Featuring a re-engineered Air Film Damping System (AFDS) planar magnetic driver, it provides improved transient response, reduced distortion, and exceptional sound clarity. The D8000 DC delivers an immersive soundstage, making it perfect for audiophiles who demand precision and detail in their music. -
£327.50Ex. VATThe NPA20ANA Networked Power Amplifier provides 2 x 10W stereo or 1 x 20W mono output at 4 or 8 ohms. It supports PoE/PoE+ power, balanced/unbalanced inputs, and audio delay correction for perfect lip sync. With daisy-chain capability, 31-band DSP EQ, and multiple control options, it’s ideal for small rooms, meeting spaces, or voice enhancement. Compact yet powerful, it’s the perfect solution for efficient, high-quality audio delivery.
