HIFICRITIC Vol 09 No 3

We packed a great series of reviews and articles into the latest issue including a fascinating loudspeaker design discussion of enclosure effects and their analysis by Keith Howard. Packed with reviews we have the amazing Arcam FMJ A49 and equally amazing irDAC, plus the in depth conclusions and highly contentious scores for the NAIM flagship Statement Pre –Power. The disappointment over the Vertex Aletheia DAC in the last issue is replaced by joy as a manufacturing error is discovered and corrected. We cover the LINN room correction for independent loudspeakers using the top of the line Klimax DSM with LINN Solo amplifiers. John Dawson , founder of Arcam is interviewed while Ole Christensen’s (ex Gamut) custom install high end work is scrutinised by Steve Harris. Two new HIFIMAN headphone are examined, one inexpensive and one expensive and the flagship headphone amplifier from McIntosh is also assessed by ‘Critic newcomer Jose Victor Henriques. A bamboo needle cartridge is checked out by Paul Messenger ( Miyajima Madake) who also covers two UK built all metal loudspeakers by MBA.

A favourite technology for Paul, he covers another full range driver speaker design, this time from Finland, namely the Existence ‘Euphoric’. Spendor’s new sealed box A5R is reviewed in full.

And there are classical rock and jazz music reviews and supplementary features to enjoy.