Welcome to the October 2024 Newsletter #43. The newsletter focuses on this month’s new reviews, music, and videos and looks forward to the coming period.

One of the highlights of this month has been spending an entire day with Byron Thompson of MBS Audio Optimisation. It brought home the idea that improving ancillary pieces around a decent HiFi system is just as valid as buying a new box, like a DAC, and it was a very thought-provoking day indeed.  It was triggered by my ongoing upgrade journey with the older Naim Audio Classic equipment instead of buying the New Classic equipment, which is unaffordable for me.

New Videos

We have made a couple of interesting videos this month. The first is from the UK Audio Show held in Staverton; the video link is here.  We have also made a video on the Kudos Audio Sigao external Crossover.  This unique equipment enables any dual amplifier technology to drive Kudos Audio speakers in active configuration.  In this case, we have a pair of Titan 505 loudspeakers driven by a pair of Moor Amps Angel 6 power amplifiers.  The video is here, and the review will follow.

Kudos Audio Sigao Crossover

In the video, we conclude;

…the Sigao (makes active loudspeakers) accessible, and it is breathtaking…

New Reviews

The cabinet has a Lute shape, designed for an immersive listening experience

This month, we have new reviews of the very beautiful floorstanding Sonus faber Sonetto III G2 loudspeakers.  We said in the review;

Performance, most importantly, matches the good looks…

MOON North Collection

We have also reviewed the Highly Recommended Moon North Collection 681 Network Player/DAC and 641 Integrated Amplifier.  The units offer perfect symmetry across a HiFi system, and we concluded;

…there is a feeling with MOON of tightness and grip and of utmost high-end quality.

MOON North Collection BRM-1 remote control

We also commented on the BRM-1 remote control;

Without hyperbole…the BRM-1 remote control is the single most beautiful remote in HiFi history

FiiO K11 R2R (Top) with SR11

Another really nice review this month was on the FiiO R11 headphone amplifier, shown above, with the matching SR11 streamer.

Melco N100 Media Library

Also up this month is a summary of the Melco Journey we have taken here at HF&MS over the last few months; this is a very high-quality source, and the story extends to the integration of the ADOT media conversion technology with the Melco switch and library and the introduction of the PlixiR Statement power supply.

A Melco Journey featuring Melco Audio, ADOT and PlixiR Statement

Coming Up

This month, we will review the Marantz MODEL 50 & CD50n, a matching integrated amplifier with a streaming CD player at a competitive price point.  As mentioned, the Sigao Crossover review is also coming this month, as are a couple of iFi Audio products: the iFi Audio ZEN Blue3, which is an AptX Lossless Bluetooth receiver and transmitter and the iFi ZEN Phono 3, which is in daily use now and was first seen at the North West Audio Show this year with a Linn Sondek LP12.

I’m also hoping to receive the new Eversolo AMP-F2. Would it be the perfect partner for the Eversolo DMP-A6?

New Playlists

Our reviews have yielded a few new Playlists as follows;

MBS Audio Tidal Playlist

Sonus faber Qobuz Playlist

MOON North Collection Qobuz Playlist

FiiO FA19 Qobuz Playlist

New Music

Following the sad news about Liam Payne, new music has paused whilst we revisit Liam Payne’s too-brief catalogue.

The Smile released another new album this month. I’m calling it their Hail to the Thief moment, as it is quite an interesting listen.

The new music I will be catching up with will be the new releases this month from the excellent Courteeners and Razorlight.

Pink Cactus Café – Courteeners