HIFICRITIC Volume 13 Number 4 October / November / December 2019

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HIFICRITIC October / November / December 2019

Reviews & Articles Within This Issue
2 Editorial: As We Close 2019, HIFICRITIC Plans For A Fascinating 2020
Editorial By Martin Colloms

Page 4: Stan Considers Microphony And Electronic Component Quality
Article By Stan Curtis Of HIFICRITIC
We largely take it for granted that each generation of amplifiers will be audibly superior to those that came before even when occasionally they aren't. From my viewpoint as an erstwhile designer I do sometimes find myself doubting some of the claims when I can't find the evidence to substantiate a claimed improvement whilst applauding the efforts of designers who have spotted and solved a problem we old codgers missed or chose to ignore.
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6 Finkteam Borg
The German-based team behind many an acclaimed speaker unleashes its own consumer model. Martin Colloms listens.

13 The UK Show Live
A new venue, a different atmosphere and more exhibitors: Ed Selley reports from Ascot, and comes away impressed.

16 Passing Notes 9
Julian Musgrave sets himself the task of finding differences between interconnects – not that he's actually sure there are any.

19 Eclipse TD-510z And TD-520
Martin Colloms considers the manufacturer's 'timing is everything' approach, and asks whether adding a subwoofer helps or hinders.

24 dCS Bartok
With technology derived from further up its maker's range, does this newly-affordable DAC/streamer delight Rafael Todes?

26 Wireless Speakers
We've come a long way from little plastic Bluetooth boxes – so is it now time to take wireless hi-fi seriously?

28 Bowers & Wilkins Formation Audio, Duo And Edge
The Bowers & Wikins system is certainly ambitious – but does it deliver? Andrew Everard listens across the range.

31 KEF LSX
The smaller version of the company's LS-50 Wireless is colourful, more affordable and even more advanced.

HIFICRITIC Volume 13 Number 4 October / November / December 2019

32 Naim Mu-So Qb
The ideal 'kitchen speaker' for owners of Naim's network music players and systems – or is there more to it than that?

40 ELAC Navis ARF-51
Straight from the German company's US design lab, the active floorstanding speaker able to go wireless at the flick of a switch.

36 Gato Audio DIA-250S NPM
Take a fine amplifier, upgrade it, add a network module – and then lop 40% off the price. What's not to like?

38 Spendor D 92
Chris Frankland finds himself captivated by this new floorstanding design.

40 The Lowdown On Subwoofers
We've probably all heard subwoofers thundering away in home cinema demonstrations, but Keith Howard says making them play music is trickier.

44 Rega RP10
Replacing the acclaimed Planar 10, this new arrival wins over Jason Kennedy with its design, technology and performance.

Page 47: icOn4 AVC (Autoformer) Passive Preamplifier
Life-Changer Audio icOn4 passive preamplifier.
Review By Martin Colloms of HIFICRITIC
Andrew Harrison recently reviewed two passive preamplifier/control units, namely the earlier series Life-Changer Audio icOn2 earlier this year (HIFICRITIC Vol 13 No1) and also the Bespoke Audio Company Pre-amplifier in (Vol 13 No2). Now a new and even more interesting version of the icOn series from that irrepressible designer and manufacturer Pál Nagy.
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48 Pro-Ject Classic Evo
The revised version of this familiar-looking turntable should have plenty of potential – if only Andrew Harrison manages to find one that actually works properly.

50 Manfred Eicher
In the first of a two-part feature, Mark Prendergast examines some of the myths and legends surrounding the founder of ECM, as his label hits 50.

54 Jazz Music
If it's happening in jazz, you can be sure Greg Drygala has an opinion!

56 Classical Music
The very best of the latest classical releases, from Coates to Strauss, reviewed by Colin Anderson and Andrew Mellor.

58 Secondhand Stars
Steve Harris examines his recent 'pre-loved' vinyl buys, and sorts the diamonds from the dross in his expanding collection.

60 Sound Stage
The designer of our cover star on why sometimes the old ways are the best.

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