Hi-Fi News Magazine December 2013 Edizione posteriore

As enthusiasts we always want the inside track on the ‘next big thing’, that rare new amplifier or USB DAC only seen at hi-fi shows but never independently reviewed. That’s where Hi-Fi News steps in, as with Linn’s five-way Akubarik floorstanders [p26] and the fabulously esoteric ‘Ultimate Signature’ version of Metronome’s Kalista CD transport and Nausicaa USB DAC – our cover star this month and reviewed in detail on p20.

The law of diminishing returns bites especially deeply at these stratospheric prices which is why we typically ‘ground’ ourselves with rather more affordable, real world equipment for our group tests. The range of phono stages tested from p43 is illustrative of the diversity and sheer quality of what’s on offer without breaking the enthusiast’s bank. In addition, we are now celebrating hi-fi’s more attainable heroes every month with a full, three-page Hi-Fi News review. Our new section, Budget Esoterica, turns the spotlight on affordable products that will build into some very fi ne audio systems indeed. The search begins on p62.

Paul Miller - Editor