Hi-Fi News Magazine - April 2021

In this issue

"Are you a one-brand audiophile or are you tempted to ‘mix it up’ and combine seemingly disparate products in the quest for a sound that’s mightier than its parts? Judging by our postbag, and bearing in mind that our in-depth reviews predominantly focus on singular items, a pre/power combo or perhaps a turntable with arm and cartridge, then, yes, I’d hazard a guess that most of us are enjoying great music from a diverse pool of separates.Naturally, the investigative reviews you enjoy in Hi-Fi News are also informed by, and help inform, the performance of one component with likely partners. For example, the combination of Melco/dCS front-end with Constellation amplifiers and B&W 800 D3 floorstanders – all very solidly-engineered and fine- sounding in their own right – is significantly more harmonious when they pull together as a complete system in the HFN listening room.
So the ‘art’ of system matching is perhaps something we should celebrate more enthusiastically. To start the ball rolling, this month we have a truly ‘artisan’ system from two ostensibly contrasting brands, separated by geography, but joined by a common passion. Our story begins on p40. "

Hi-Fi News Magazine Description:

Since its launch in June 1956 - two years before the commercial realisation of stereo - Hi-fi News & Record Review has been delivering insightful reviews of the key products and technologies that fire the passion of listening to music on the very best equipment available to the enthusiast. Every issue, we deliver uniquely in-depth analysis and opinion on high-end audio and AV equipment, including the best in vinyl replay and iconic vintage gear from the early days of audio. It is essential reading for anyone passionate about sound.