The Audio Appraisal Reference Hi-Fi System
The Audio Appraisal reference system. This post will be updated to reflect future changes and kept as a historic reference to log the equipment used to create these reviews.
Musical Fidelity M6 Vinyl Phono Stage Reviewed
Switchable inputs, plenty of adjustment, accurate RIAA equalisation and a neutral sound.
Musical Fidelity M6sPRX Power Amplifier Reviewed
sonically neutral, untroubled by challenging or variable loads and able to push just about any speaker to high levels with ease.
2 Musical Fidelity M6sDAC Digital To Analogue Converter Reviewed
a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built digital converter with exceptional measurements, able to lay claim to equally exceptional performance.
Audio-Technica AT-LP5X Direct-Drive Turntable In-Depth Review
For those looking to play records to a high standard with minimal fuss and an easy upgrade path, the LP5X is hard to fault. It's not the be-all and end-all direct drive deck. But it looks perfectly respectable, sounds great out of the box and has a lot of modding potential.
1 Fyne Audio F500 Standmount Speakers Reviewed
An innate musicality that will delight, whatever you play.
Active Up2Stream Plinths for the CHN-50 Speakers
These plinths finish the CHN-50 project off nicely, resulting in a compact active system capable of exceptional performance.
1 DIY Bookshelf Speakers With MarkAudio CHN-50 Drivers
Intrigued by the potential sonic advantages of a full-range driver, and spotting the introduction of a new kit by British driver manufacturer MarkAudio, I decided it was time to give one a try.
6 Musical Fidelity M8sPRE Preamplifier Reviewed
audibly and measurably linear from input to output, with near-perfect volume control and no superfluous features. I’m pleased to have an M8sPRE amidst my system.
Service Spotlight: Custom Cables From Designacable
a UK-based company providing a massive range of custom made audio and video cables for musicians, studio, stage, cinema and broadcast, essentially any sector of the pro audio, installation or domestic hi-fi market.
Hypex NC400 DIY Class D Amplifiers Build & Review
no-nonsense amplifiers with breakthrough technical performance and stunning sonics, some of the best amplification you can buy at any price.
Fyne Audio F303 Floorstanding Speakers Reviewed
Plentiful dynamics and detail, huge scale and excellent imaging make this another excellent speaker in Fyne’s F300 range.
7 Audio-Technica VM500 / VM700 Phono Cartridges Reviewed
cracking carts for the money, continuing a logical reshuffle and welcome refresh of AT's cartridge line.
4 Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Review & Comparison With Original CXN
As the old adage goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. I’m pleased to see Cambridge taking this to heart in designing the CXN V2.
19 Pro-Ject VC-S2 ALU Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine Reviewed
another evolution of Pro-Ject’s excellent vinyl cleaner line. The two new models bring more welcome improvements to what was already a top-class product.
2 Spin Care Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine & Vinyl Accessories Reviewed
the performance of the Spin Care leaves nothing to be desired. It leaves records gleaming both visually and sonically. At just £39.95, it’s an extraordinarily cost-effective investment for those getting started, or for those looking to clean their collection on a budget.
Edifier H880 Headphones Review
Another gem from Edifier. They’re more comfortable than the H850 and for sheer enjoyment are a better listen, though those looking for more accurate monitoring will want the H850.
Musical Fidelity M2scd CD player Review
The Musical Fidelity M2sCD partners high-quality CD mechanics with one of the best CD servo systems on the market, adds a fine DAC and well-designed power supply and wraps the lot in a smart, solid enclosure.
Musical Fidelity M2si Integrated Amplifier Review
The M2si is a fine demonstration of what a reformed brand can produce from the get-go.
Will An Audio-Technica AT-LP60 / AT-LP60X Turntable Damage Your Records?
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60 is without doubt one of the best-selling budget turntables to date, and the newly released AT-LP60X is sure to follow. But will either turntable cause undue damage to your records?
3 Repairing an Audio-Technica AT-LP60 With a Failed Motor
A couple of years ago I tested a GPO Stylo which was at the time one of the cheapest turntables available on the market. It was suggested that I repeat the test with an Audio-Technica AT-Lp60, arguably one of the best-selling budget turntables.
Yamaha HS-8 8″ Active Studio Monitor Speakers Reviewed
If you can accommodate them, you’ll achieve excellent mixes which translate well to consumer devices and pro audio alike.