Hi Fi News

Although this month’s cover is dominated, quite rightly, by Monitor Audio’s remarkable Hyphn loudspeaker [another ‘World Exclusive’ for Hi-Fi News readers, see p38], we have another product that wears its technical intrigue on a less flamboyant sleeve. Moreover, just like the Halcro Eclipse Stereo amp featured last month, it reinforces the maxim that sound quality cannot be defined by one or two mind-boggling specifications. The MK2 version of PS Audio’s DirectStream DAC [p46] suggests that any preconceived ideas about the ‘sound’ of digital filters should be treated with caution. At one extreme, some audiophiles will accept nothing less than no digital filtering/upsampling at all, but these so-called NOS DACs inevitably suffer from stopband aliasing effects and, typically, audioband distortion as a result. On the other hand, while the most common…

Priced £64,998 in black anodised aluminium or £78,998 in titanium-plated finish, the Helix One Mk3 is the flagship turntable from Australia’s Döhmann Audio, the latest marque to join UK distributor Absolute Sounds’ ‘artisan audio collection’. Featuring an FEA-optimised platter with a ‘specific mix of elements’ custom-made in Switzerland, and ‘mechanical crossover network’ said to dissipate HF vibration, the deck has been designed by company founder (and ex-aerospace engineer) Mark Döhmann with a focus on resonance control. ‘Negative-Stiffness Mechanism’ (NSM) technology benefits the Helix One Mk3’s vibration isolation platform, while the substantial chassis, with carbon fibre top plate, has a resonance-tuned suspension. Total weight is 76kg, split between the main chassis and power base, which houses motor control software and power supply electronics. Push-button speed control (33.3/45rpm) is married to automatic…

Slotting between Q Acoustics’ entry-level 3000i models and its top-flight Concept range [HFN Apr ’22], the new 5000 series features a bookshelf, a stand-mount and two floorstanding models, and debuts a new ‘C3 Continuous Curved Cone’ bass/mid driver design, engineered to reduce harmonic distortion and improve midrange/high-frequency integration. Technology leveraged from the Concept series includes point-to-point cabinet bracing, Helmholtz pressure equaliser tubes in the 5040 (£999) and 5050 tower models, and tweeter units hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated from the machined-acrylic baffles. Other prices are £399 (5010 bookshelf) and £599 (5020 standmount). Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood and Holme Oak finishes are available. Q Acoustics, Herts, UK, 01279 501111; www.qacoustics.co.uk…

POCKET ROCKET Astell&Kern has a new portable DAP in its mid-range A&norma series. A successor model to the SR25 MkII, the £799 SR35 includes a quad-DAC architecture using Cirrus-Logic devices (handling 384kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512), plus the ‘New Generation AMP’ technology of the brand’s high-spec A&ultima models. Onboard 64GB storage can be expanded to 1TB via a microSD card, and 3.5mm unbalanced, and 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced headphone connections are supported. www.astellnkern.co.uk AURIS DECK ARRIVES Offered in black, grey or red finishes, Auris Audio’s belt-drive Bayadere 3 turntable sells for €4999, packaged with both a W9 tonearm and outboard EON PSU. The deck features an aluminium/Kerrock platter running in a stainless steel/bronze bearing, has manual 33.3/45rpm selection and adjustable feet. A flagship Bayadere 5 model will follow. www.aurisaudio.rs…

Danish manufacturer Copland has added to its integrated amplifier stable with the CTA407, an all-analogue tube design with built-in MM/MC phono stage, priced £6500. Supplied with two pairs of 6550 output valves, but able to automatically adjust for use with KT88/KT120/KT150 tubes, the amp claims 2x50W, and is said to operate ‘mostly in Class A’. Speaker outputs are offered via 8 and 4ohm taps, while input connections (all on RCAs) include four line-level, phono, and a tape loop. In a departure from what the brand calls its usual ‘luxurious puritanism’, the CTA407’s front panel – with source selection and motorised volume control – features status LEDs to denote tube biasing and system operation. There are 40 LEDs in total, but these can be switched off if desired! Copland, Copenhagen, Denmark,…

Tickets are now on sale for the UK’s original and uniquely-positioned high-end audio show. The UK Hi-Fi Show Live aims to ‘take the hotel out of hi-fi shows’ by presenting the cream of world audio in a true event destination worthy of the equipment on demonstration. All the cover stars and exclusives featured throughout the year in Hi-Fi News will be on display for audiophiles to experience for themselves. World premieres from the most regarded hi-fi marques are planned for late September at the home of Royal Ascot, also providing a unique opportunity to explore the vast architecture of this iconic venue. Visitors can also browse the largest record fair attempted at a UK show and indulge at the Grandstand’s finest bars and restaurants. www.hifishowlive.com…