Gaggia Naviglio
No, Gaggia has not started making single ended triode espresso machines, nor is the Naviglio a network streamer. It is a bean to cup coffee machine and our excuse for reviewing it on this site is that even hi-fi reviewers need more than pace rhythm and timing to keep us awake sometimes. Neither am I […]
Vertere + FM Acoustics + PMC = OMG
Jason Kennedy checks out a rather special system at Vertere Acoustics and gets more than a little blown away. Vertere’s infectiously enthusiastic Touraj Moghaddam encouraged me to visit his west London HQ recently, spicing up his invitation by mentioning that he had some FM Acoustics amplifiers in the system. That was enough, FM Acoustics is […]
What bag?
Choosing a camera bag seems to embody all the frustrations of selecting equipment with little of the fun. When I joined the digital photography age I no longer needed or wanted to tote a kitbag with two bodies, half a dozen lenses and all the paraphernalia of film photography. What I needed was a more […]
What mat?
We have noticed a trend that should be encouraged. Who makes the best audio (or cycling) related beer mats? At present Gearbox Records has it.
Bespoked handmade bike show 2014
April 11th saw the arrival of the Bespoked Handmade bike show in the Olympic velodrome, London. Here were gathered bike builders old and young with a selection of exquisitely executed machines to tempt the likes of me. I ride a carbon fibre mountain bike but have a penchant for a finely crafted steel frame, if […]
Which Ethernet Switch
Editor’s note: Rene’s last piece on Ethernet cables whipped up quite a response, it would seem that there are those who’d rather these things all sound the same. However if it were just ones and zeros then we would indeed have had ‘Perfect sound forever’ back in 1982. As it is file streaming is widely […]
Tord Gustavsen Quartet live in London
I don’t like saxophones but have to admit that Tore Brunborg brings considerable range to Tord Gustavsen’s Trio. He has been in the band for some time now but this is the first time I’ve caught them, and have to say that it was better than expected. Better than the new album sounds at home […]
Naim Statement first impressions
Naim has pushed the boat out big time in Vegas. At £125,000 Statement is the most extreme amplifier it has ever made and I suspect the most expensive British amplifier currently available. But, crucially, it sounds so good and is built with so much precision and attention to detail that it almost seems like a […]
Chord Company Sarum Digital Tuned ARAY
Chord Co’s Tuned ARAY interconnects are intriguing cables, they have the ability to turn a dense, messy recording into musical performance. This is not something I have encountered with any other cable and proves that this part of the system is equally as important as the source, amp and speakers, possibly more so. At £1,600 […]
Longdog Audio VDT1
The Longdog VDT1 (£3,650) may look like A.N. other DAC but under the subdued, precision casework lies a veritable humdinger of a converter. I won’t go into much detail as the full review is destined for another publication, but this is such an enjoyable, entertaining and downright musical piece of kit that I couldn’t keep […]
Audiojumble 2013
Tonbridge Audiojumble an essay in images by Tom Ullmann. Above Tannoy Monitor Gold and Lancaster cabinets, £1,750 the pair. Marantz 10B, legendary FM tuner, £2,000 QUAD II and Leak Stereo 20, the definitive British classics There aren't enough namesake products around anymore Sensible choice of tubes but […]
Manufactum
There are two reasons to visit Munich and one of them is the shop Manufactum which is truly one of the most inspiring retailers that I know of. The small selection of mobile phone shots on this page will hopefully give you some idea why. It is not only a hardware shop but a small […]