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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£1,041.67Ex. VATThe Gold Note CD-5.2 is a CD player and DAC featuring an AKM AK4493 converter, fully balanced XLR and RCA outputs, gapless playback, and a black anodised aluminium chassis, with optional external power supply support for enhanced performance. -
£3,332.50Ex. VATThe Audeze LCD-5s are flagship open-back planar magnetic headphones featuring SLAM™ acoustic technology, ultra-low distortion drivers, and lightweight magnesium construction, delivering reference-level transparency with powerful, lifelike musical impact.
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£18.75Ex. VAT
Upgrade your vinyl listening experience with the Pro-Ject Cork-IT Turntable Mat, designed to eliminate static interference and dust buildup for pristine sound quality. Its innovative cork construction dampens resonances, reduces noise, and ensures optimal contactivity, making it a must-have addition for any turntable enthusiast seeking to enhance their audio experience.
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£2,249.17Ex. VATExperience immersive, high-fidelity audio with Astell&Kern's LUNA IEMs. Featuring a 13mm planar driver and titanium housing, LUNA delivers stunning detail, wide soundstage, and long-lasting comfort which is perfect for audiophiles looking for true sonic precision.
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£415.83Ex. VATThe 64 Audio Aspire 2 is a two-driver universal IEM combining a dynamic driver with a balanced armature, featuring Apex Core pressure relief and Helmholtz Resonator tuning for bass-forward, fatigue-free monitoring. -
£2,079.17Ex. VATThe Matrix Audio NA-1 is a pure Class A headphone amplifier and preamplifier featuring a fully discrete balanced circuit design, ALPS motor-driven volume control, and balanced XLR, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm headphone outputs, suited to both headphone listening and active speaker systems. -
£29.17Ex. VATEnhance your vinyl playback with the Pro-Ject Cork & Rubber-IT Turntable Mat, meticulously crafted from a blend of cork and rubber for optimal acoustic control and anti-static properties. Available in 1mm and 3mm thicknesses, these mats cater to all turntables, reducing noise and static load while elevating your listening experience.
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£290.83Ex. VATThe 64 Audio Aspire 1 is a single dynamic driver universal IEM designed for musicians and performers, featuring Apex Core pressure relief and a Helmholtz Resonator for balanced, fatigue-free monitoring with deep bass and a wide soundstage. -
£37.50Ex. VATElevate your listening experience with the Pro-Ject Leather-IT Turntable Mat, offering superior sound quality by damping resonances and reducing static buildup compared to traditional felt mats. Compatible with all turntables, its innovative design of leather and cork ensures clearer sound reproduction and fewer distractions from dust, making it a cost-effective upgrade for audiophiles.
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£2,499.17Ex. VATThe XIO by Astell&Kern and 64Audio blends advanced engineering with bold design for a high-end in-ear monitor that delivers breathtaking sound. Ten premium drivers, including the tia® high-frequency system and TRUE ISOBARIC bass technology, create a spacious, detailed, and powerful listening experience. From airy highs to dense, impactful lows, XIO turns music into a vivid, lifelike performance that sets a new standard in personal audio. -
£16.66Ex. VATThe WiiM Voice Remote for WiiM Pro & Pro Plus Music Streamers revolutionises entertainment with Alexa integration for voice-controlled search and management. Setup is a breeze via the WiiM Home App, offering intuitive one-button control and four customisable preset buttons for seamless audio management.
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£16.62Ex. VATThe Record Doctor Clean Sweep Record Brush offers gentle and thorough cleaning for your vinyl records with its ultra-fine nylon bristles, reaching deep into grooves to remove dust and contaminants. Crafted with an ergonomic design and over 260,000 bristles per brush, it ensures a comfortable grip and maximum cleaning power, enhancing your listening experience with crystal-clear sound reproduction.
