In October 1972, The Matsushita Electric Company, more commonly known today as Panasonic, launched a new mid-priced hi-fi turntable under its Technics brand. Its specifications could be matched only by the SP10, the world’s first direct drive turntable introduced just 2 years earlier by the same company, a turntable that had quickly become the standard for broadcast and recording applications. This turntable was, of course, the Technics 1200. Beginning with the MK2 iteration introduced in 1978, the Technics 1200 was the turntable that played a definitive roll in the birth of the modern DJ, extended disco mixes and the development of hip hop.
LP Gear CF3600LE Cartridge Review
Based on Audio-Technica’s AT3600 cartridge, LP Gear’s CF3600LE adds a carbon cantilever and an elliptical stylus to achieve outstanding results.
A Guide to Turntables and Vinyl
If you’re purchasing a new or used turntable or looking to get the best from the equipment you have, this extensive guide will show you the important things to consider when choosing a turntable, how to set it up correctly, and how to care for your records.
Reloop HiFi TURN 3 USB Turntable Review
Reloop are one of the biggest names in the DJ market. The TURN 3 is the first product to be launched under their new Reloop HiFi brand. This £350 turntable features a smart finish, a few welcome convenience features and an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge.
Cambridge Audio 851N Streamer Review
One of the most feature-packed streamers on the market today, with an uncoloured, neutral sound.
Cambridge Audio SR10 Stereo Receiver Review
A true nod to the good old days of analogue, though thoroughly modern in both style and function. Everything a stereo receiver should be, with no unnecessary digital bells and whistles to complicate and clutter the design.
Apple removing the Headphone Jack is a Good Thing
On September 7 2016, Apple announced the iPhone 7 confirming that the company had taken the decision to remove the 3.5MM headphone jack from their smartphone. However, the 3.5MM jacks’ demise may actually be a change for the better, and here’s why.
Audio-Technica AT150SA Review
If you’ve been holding out, waiting to see whether the 150SA attains the awards and commendations of its predecessor, look no further. If you’re desperately searching the market in an attempt to uncover an AT150MLX, I’d suggest you simply opt for the AT150SA instead. The AT150SA may just be one of, if not the best moving magnet cartridges on the market. Highly recommended.
Acoustic Energy Aego3 Review
Despite their minor deficiencies, the Aego3s will delight anyone serious about their audio.
Yamaha NS-BP401 Review
A beautifully crafted pair of speakers with a neutral but likeable sonic character.
Yamaha A-U670 Review
It may look like an integrated amplifier in its simplest form, but Yamaha’s A-U670 packs not only a highly efficient class D amplifier but also DSD-capable DAC into its compact casework.
Yamaha MusicCast WX-030 Review
The Yamaha WX-030 is a desktop speaker incorporating advanced streaming capabilities and compatible with the Yamaha MusicCast multi-room audio system.
Yamaha MusicCast CD-NT670D Review
Part of the MCR-N870 mini hi-fi system, the yamaha MusicCast CD-NT670D is a CD player, streamer and tuner combined which is capable of connecting to yamaha’s MusicCast multi-room audio system.
Vinyl Passion Dust Buster Stylus Cleaner Review
A cost-effective and safe solution to keeping your turntable stylus in optimal condition.
Rega Saturn-R Review
If you’re after an analogue sounding CD player / DAC and its eccentricities and build quality foibles don’t phase you, the Saturn is a fine CD player and worth an audition.
Arcam rHead Headphone Amplifier Review
Arcam’s rHead is a true linear class A headphone amplifier with an impressive specification, boasting a hefty power output able to drive the most demanding headphones with ease and incorporating some of the clever technology found inside the flagship A49 integrated amplifier.
Arcam irDAC-II Review
Continuing on from the success of the previous irDAC, Arcam’s new irDAC-II is a high-resolution DAC and headphone amplifier and bluetooth streamer housed within a slim and stylish chassis. Yet again Arcam impress with a product that represents superb value for money, incorporating the very best technology and offering up a top notch musical performance.
Pro-Ject VT-E Vertical Turntable Review
Pro-Ject’s VT-E is the latest vertical turntable on the market and the latest addition to the Austrian firm’s extensive turntable line. Not only is it just plain cool to look at and display, not to mention a great conversation piece, it remains a functional turntable that holds up well against the competition, sounding as good as anything else at this price.
Retro Review: Realistic LAB-2100 Turntable
The LAB-2100 is a well engineered turntable with few gimmicks and a carefully considered compliment of features. Sound wise however it doesn’t match its closest competitors, falling short of the later offerings from the likes of Technics and paling in comparison to the models from their heyday. That said it’s still a fine piece of engineering, an interesting conversation piece, and it’s ideal for those who prefer convenience over sound quality.
Scouring Charity Shops For Used Vinyl
After the initial expense of buying a quality record deck, the newbie vinyl enthusiast will doubtless be wanting to build up his or her record collection quite quickly. The good news is that this needn’t be expensive. The purpose of this article is to provide a few tips for those scouring charity shops, used vinyl stores and the like, in search of hidden gems.