Ruark R410

Welcome to Newsletter #39 looking back at May 2024 and forward to up-and-coming reviews.  This month has seen the purchase of a new solidsteel HiFi Rack via the terrific Mian Distribution, so many thanks to all concerned.  The choice was made after being extremely impressed with solidsteel in the magical Serhan Swift Mu2 Mk II loudspeaker review.

New Reviews

This month has seen a review of the all-in-one Ruark R410.  It is a bit like a radiogram, with a lovely portrait screen, it even has a MM Phono stage. We particularly enjoyed the rechargeable RotoDial remote control with the R410. Of the unit, we said;

A premium room-filling All-In-One luxury solution that is a brilliant bit of kit that does everything you’d expect of it.

Focal Aria Evo X glass top

Also reviewed this month were the Focal Aria Evo X floorstanding loudspeakers, they were reviewed with the new Naim 200 Series.  We said;

The soundstage is wide and full and very engaging.

We noted the smooth midrange and;

…female vocals are extremely engaging with the likes of Norah Jones, Lady Blackbird and Diana Krall….

One of the highlights of the month has been the ‘Editor’s Pick’ iFi Audio GO Bar Kensai edition.  We concluded on this portable headphone amplifier;

…GO Bar Kensei has a stunning soundstage, it is authoritative, and it has a sparkling presentation, it is hard to fault on the move…

The GO Bar was quite spectacular and proved the point with the stunningly laid-back Sendy Audio Peacock headphones which were incredibly comfortable and long listening.

We have just published our review of the ‘Outstanding’ new Auralic VEGA S1, their latest ‘entry-level’ streaming DAC. We concluded on the VEGA S1;

… it is the clean, crisp resolving sonic signature that sets this VEGA S1 apart at this price level…

Auralic VEGA S1 with external PSU

In the review we commented;

Sonically, this is magic… the VEGA S1 is effortless with the Angel 6 power amplifier.

Of course, it was Munich this month, the Munich launch Round-Up is here.

Coming Up

Volumio unveils Motivo

Next week, we will have a review of the Volumio Motivo, this is a new concept in streaming headphone amplification with a large screen and very flexible streaming front end.

Also on review this month is the Node Audio SS-1 support system, designed to remove mechanical vibrations and refocus magnetic fields.  This beautiful design is from the guys who brought us the stunning Best of 2023 Hylixa Signature loudspeakers.  So far I have had the SS-1s under the Chord Electronics Hugo 2 with impressive results, the same with the iFi Pro iDSD and under the Aualic VEGA S1 streaming DAC.

Node Audio SS-1 Cable Riser

There is a straight SS-1 for electronics and also a cable riser. I’ll put the SS-1 cable risers under the Tellurium Q Ultra Black II loudspeaker cable in due course, hoping for good things.

Also coming up will be a review of the stunning new Auralic VEGA S1, their latest ‘entry-level’ streaming DAC.

There will also be a piece about how to upgrade your old Naim Classic equipment after the review of the new Classic NSC 222 and the new NAP 250. This follows after this reviewer’s frustrations at being unable to afford the new stuff but finding a few upgrades makes a good deal of difference, like the Chord Company BurndyX upgrade.

Hopefully, finally, the iFi GO Pod review will follow too as I’m now wearing them on walks with impressive results.

Don’t forget the North West Audio Show this month on June 22/23, we’ll be there on Sunday with a close look at the show.

Paul Weller, 66

New Music

There’s been some great music around, notably from the Modfather, Paul Weller, with his new album 66.  On repeat at the moment.  We’ve also been listening to a bit of Dua Lipa this month and watching RAYE at the Radio 1 Big Weekend. Finally, after the slight disappointment of her last album (Love in Exile), I’ll be looking forward to Arooj Aftab’s new album, Night Reign, out this Friday, May 31st and hoping for a Vulture Prince moment.