Hi-Fi Choice - May

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Hi-Fi Choice employs the most rigorous test and measurement regime in the business. Here’s how we do it... Unique group tests Our Group Tests are supported by rigorous and exhaustive listening tests carried out by experts REFERENCE SYSTEM SOURCES Questyle QP1 R, FiiO X3 II, Apple iPod Classic HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER/DAC Chord Hugo, Oppo HA-2 HEADPHONES GROUP TEST THE PROCESS OF reliably auditioning six headphones isn’t as straightforward as conducting a single standalone review. Each model is connected, with its supplied cable, to a headphone amplifier and run-in for 24 hours before any comparative listening takes place. Levels are set by placing both earpads over an SPL meter while a pink noise signal is generated. The background noise level of the room is also checked for consistency. This done, the listening test programme is carried out using two different headphone amplifiers and DAPs to build a picture of performance. Headphones supplied with a choice of cables are listened to with each cable fitted in turn. The testing period takes place over several days. Numerous tracks are listened to, but the sessions focus on four albums chosen to provide a variation of musical styles, recording quality and sample rate. Each track is played several times until a definitive picture of the headphone’s sound quality is obtained. Two types of headphone are on test, open and closed back, with each having their own relative merits and weaknesses. Open-back models tend to be more spacious sounding, while closed-back ones have tighter bass and better isolation from external noise. All models on test are over-ear designs – widely considered to be the most comfortable – and principally for indoor use. TEST MUSIC WHIPLASH Original Soundtrack Overture 16/44.1 FLAC CARLOS SANTANA Blues For Salvador Blues For Salvador 16/44.1 FLAC ROBERT LEN Fragile Brazilia 96/24 FLAC BLIND LISTENING TESTS This crucial process is very carefully controlled so that we get reliable and consistent results in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our listeners must not feel that they’re being tested, despite being unaware of the brand or price of the products they are auditioning. The session begins by setting the volume level to an agreed point, one that all three panellists feel comfortable with, yet that is high enough to make differences easily discernible. Then the choice of music is agreed – it needs to be familiar, but also well recorded and of sufficient variety to give meaningful listening comparisons. The chosen selection of music is played, and the panellists are encouraged to discuss their impressions of the sound of the product. This is then repeated, and periodically the panel listens to earlier products for reference purposes. The consensus, or otherwise then forms the basis of our sound quality section. At the end of the session, there’s a final debrief when panellists discuss their findings. It’s an exhaustive process, but carried out in this way is free from prejudices based on brand, price or appearance, while the different sensitivities of the listeners help to round out the analysis in order to make it more widely applicable. PAT METHENY GROUP Imaginary Day Imaginary Day 16/44.1 FLAC 22 MAY 2016
Designed for listening The new CM Series loudspeakers are undoubtedly beautiful, capable of gracing any room with their clean lines and highquality finishes. But as with all Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers form must follow function, and thanks to our Decoupled Double Domes and tweeter-on-top technology you won’t believe how beautiful your music can sound. bowers-wilkins.com Decoupled Double Dome tweeter
Page 1 and 2: Talent scout VPI’s Junior package
Page 3 and 4: INTRODUCTION PASSION FOR SOUND Welc
Page 5 and 6: 50 VPI Scout Jr TESTED THIS MONTH
Page 7 and 8: for IAG said: “The Z Series is th
Page 9 and 10: NU-VISTA 800 AMPLIFIER State of the
Page 12 and 13: AUDIOFILE Webwatch Andrew Simpson c
Page 14 and 15: SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM DIRECT DEBI
Page 16 and 17: AUDIOLAB IN-DEPTH M-DAC+ £800 Seco
Page 18 and 19: IN-DEPTH AUDIOLAB M-DAC+ £800 devi
Page 20 and 21: Future music Totally equipped for t
Page 24 and 25: HEADPHONES £220-£350 Head rules h
Page 26 and 27: Everything you need. Nothing you do
Page 28 and 29: Enjoyed Worldwide. “The Sigma SSP
Page 31 and 32: HEADPHONES £220-£350 GROUPTEST Me
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Page 40 and 41: £249 OR LESS 5 YEAR WARRANTY NEW
Page 42 and 43: MING DA EXOTICA DYNASTY DUET 300 PL
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Page 47 and 48: TANNOY MERCURY 7.2 £230 REVIEWS Me
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Page 51 and 52: VPI SCOUT JR £1,650 REVIEWS Settin
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Page 59 and 60: ONKYO TX-8150 £549 REVIEWS CONNECT
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LETTERS M A D E W I T H KIMBER KABL
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HI-FI WORLD SUPPORTING BRITISH MANU
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VERDICT £ “Meet the Hana twins..
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Super Size Sound End user’s exper
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HI-RES MUSIC SERVER | PLAYER | STRE
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‘The Audiobarn is an impressive p
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OPINION All white on the night Musi
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RETRO through specialist hi-fi deal
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BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM ASTELL&KERN/AUDEZE
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BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM ASTELL&KERN/AUDEZE
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LABELLED WITH LOVE Small Faces The
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HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 10/03/2016 1
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MUSICREVIEWS Chris Rea La Passione
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MUSIC LEGENDS BOB DYLAN Bob Dylan V
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MUSIC LEGENDS BOB DYLAN Dylan (1973
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CARTRIDGES £250-£395 Needle craft
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MINITEST CARTRIDGES £250-£395 Gol
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HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOUND & VISION IN
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Quality-Performance-Value-Service
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GROUND-BREAKING TOWNSHEND SEISMIC P
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Call: 0845 6019390 Email: choice@2n
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INTERVIEW COLLEEN MURPHY For the lo
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COMPETITION WIN: Geneva AeroSphère
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Reader Classified ads www.hifichoic
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Missed an issue? Have you missed a
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HFC_A4_Ad_blank.indd 1 22/5/14 11/9
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All About The Music Digital & Analo
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IT TOOK 400 YEARS TO CREATE THIS CA
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