I hope the editors here don't mind me making a few comments on some of the reviews and articles in other mags this month. I am not concerned with the publications just the products;
Hifi+ just made Kef's iQ9 one of their products of the year. Having just again had a surprise re-union with the smaller iQ7 I can understand why. Good coherence and a quality treble, imaging and a lack of boomy bass so common amongst many floorstanders, even expensive ones, are some of the praises the magazine quoted. The smaller 7's also sound exceptionally natural and detailed. Lower frequencies are a bit timid but clear and delineated with appropriate amp and source so they benefit from a sub but other than that they are an absolute bargain at £300. Look good too.
HifiChoice just made the Arcam FMJ38 the top product in its respective category of amplifiers between £1k and 2k. I have to admit I am a bit surprised even though I know the publication has had reviewed their (Arcam) products favourably for some time. As I am off work today I thought I refresh my memory and had a quick listen to the amp with the matching top Arcam player and a pair of B&W CDM7's. What can I say? Capable, safe, reasonably detailed and perhaps good looking but best amplifier up to 2k? - That's some verdict and I for one, like I said, am astonished. Say no more.
Their saving grace is that in the same awards issue they give the CA840A v2 top spot up to 1k. Totally agree but to say the FMJ38 is the better amplifier (quote ' ... quite simply, one of the best amplifiers around! ') is questionable, very. Still, we all like different things and I'm sure many will be happy with it ...
Same magazine and they made CA's DacMagic product of the year. Having one here right now I am not surprised. Its no giant killer but sounds lovely and is more than useful with all its connection options.
Anything you read and feel like commenting on?
Hifi+ just made Kef's iQ9 one of their products of the year. Having just again had a surprise re-union with the smaller iQ7 I can understand why. Good coherence and a quality treble, imaging and a lack of boomy bass so common amongst many floorstanders, even expensive ones, are some of the praises the magazine quoted. The smaller 7's also sound exceptionally natural and detailed. Lower frequencies are a bit timid but clear and delineated with appropriate amp and source so they benefit from a sub but other than that they are an absolute bargain at £300. Look good too.
HifiChoice just made the Arcam FMJ38 the top product in its respective category of amplifiers between £1k and 2k. I have to admit I am a bit surprised even though I know the publication has had reviewed their (Arcam) products favourably for some time. As I am off work today I thought I refresh my memory and had a quick listen to the amp with the matching top Arcam player and a pair of B&W CDM7's. What can I say? Capable, safe, reasonably detailed and perhaps good looking but best amplifier up to 2k? - That's some verdict and I for one, like I said, am astonished. Say no more.
Their saving grace is that in the same awards issue they give the CA840A v2 top spot up to 1k. Totally agree but to say the FMJ38 is the better amplifier (quote ' ... quite simply, one of the best amplifiers around! ') is questionable, very. Still, we all like different things and I'm sure many will be happy with it ...
Same magazine and they made CA's DacMagic product of the year. Having one here right now I am not surprised. Its no giant killer but sounds lovely and is more than useful with all its connection options.
Anything you read and feel like commenting on?