Recent content by nopiano

If you post a picture we can identify it, but iirc most Shure have the model number clearly shown on the stylus, e.g. 95ED or similar. They stopped making cartridges about five years ago, which knowing my memory means it was more like 10! In any case, the stylus would probably need replacing...

Yes, they’ve had a stand for 2 or three years at least. Charmingly French!

The French origins of Qobuz are far less obvious these days, but you might appreciate them nevertheless. I’ve lost track of when I joined but it was pretty much when they began. I tried Tidal a couple of times, but definitely no better for my tastes, and I couldn’t care less if I ever heard...

Yes, every year I think “surely they’ll update it”, but it’s almost retro now, as you say. As a bit of a fan of the brand I now see it as part of the charm. But realise it’s a bit odd, all the same. Similarly, the metal grilles on the entry series are a bit ‘Marmite’ but I was very grateful...

Oops! 😬 Glad you’re delighted, seriously! 😃

I haven’t seen any technical lab reviews yet, if that’s what you mean. I guess those may well appear in Stereophile, Hifi News or similar in due course. I somehow don’t think you’d be persuaded even if they were ‘perfect’! Obviously the bluff boxes may not be to everyone’s taste but they are...

Yes, check which model you’re getting, as the original should be handsomely discounted.

Beer tokens are acceptable! 🍻🍺😉🤣😎

Yes, that’s the key point isn’t it? Certainly, the active ATC SCM40 pair was significantly preferable to the passives I heard when a pal used the Audia Flight FLS10 (about £9k at the time) with his passives. He had actives on loan at the same time. Today the passives are £4,750 and the actives...

You could, but it’s a slightly off-piste comparison! I could spend less than the Stellias on an Amazon Echo, and spend the balance on beer! 😉🙃😎

Unfortunately, taking a random aspect of a design and focussing on it doesn’t help you at all! And you have the subjective value that you attach to the appearance too, in what sounds like a significant part of your home. If they were tucked away in a music room that might matter less? Any...

I was just reading about the newest AE309-2, which might be a suitable update for you, at about half the price of the French handmade models. Obviously a larger manufacturer who outsources to China can be much keener on price, but you lose the cottage industry feel. Only you can know what suits...

30 days to try the Illumine, and they publish proper specs too. Seems like it might be worth a try. However, as others have said, it’s far better to put in some listening, maybe a day trip to the city, or a weekend in Paris?!

Ben, it all means something, really, but you are some way off at the moment. Sorry if that sounds rude, as it’s meant kindly. I’ll try to explain some parts without too much detail. Human ears can tell differences of 1dB but that is irrelevant here. You adjust the volume to suit the recording...

No surprise for me that these brilliant active speakers get 5 stars all round! They were one of the best sounds at the recent North West Show at Cranage, and were connected in the usual modest fashion that ATC adopt. No hosepipe cables or ostentatious stands, just a simple rack with their...