Welcome
Welcome to the 51st issue of our newsletter, which looks back at reviews and new music from the previous month, and looks forward to more audio products coming to hifiandmusicsource.com. This one’s a bit delayed due to family holidays, but it features news of a world-first review. The review in question is the first review of Audiolab’s Flagship 9000 Series, featuring their new 9000Q and 9000P pre- and power amplifiers with the 9000N streamer and the 9000CDT CD transport.
New Reviews
Naim Audio CI-Uniti 102
It has been a quieter month, as mentioned, with holidays, it was rather hot after all. Nonetheless, over the past month, we have reviewed the two-channel, Class D, Naim Audio CI-Uniti 102 streaming integrated amplifier, designed for custom install use. The 102 features independent stereo RCA outputs (one line-level, one pre-out) for use with subwoofers, sub-zones, or even a headphone amplifier. The power amplifier is rated at 150W at 8 ohms, with a claimed gain of 29 dB. Despite being designed for custom install, it proved to be a stellar performer at a very attractive price. We said;
This CI-Uniti 102 is punching miles above its price point, and I think it is a secret winner.
And we concluded;
…this is an absolute two-channel bargain if you want the modern Naim sound
Lindy BNXe wireless ANC headphones
The Lindy BNXe wireless ANC headphones were reviewed this month. Essential TRAVEL-wear, these headphones build on the impressive BNX range at highly competitive price points, offering quality audio output and the latest technology. We concluded;
Lindy, everyday quality, at a crazy price, with crazy good performance
Elipson Prestige Facet II 24F floorstanding loudspeakers
We also reviewed the impressive Elipson Prestige Facet II 24F loudspeakers, a 3.5-way design with a new matte finish, and a redesigned cabinet featuring a 25mm soft dome tweeter. It proved to be easy to drive and a lovely vocal loudspeaker that would suit the album listener for long listening sessions/evenings. We concluded it was;
A hugely accomplished dynamic loudspeaker with depth and excellent resolution.
Coming Up
We have several reviews scheduled for release in the coming weeks. John Pickford has landed an exclusive from Polish new entrant Unitra. He will be looking at their new CD player and integrated amplifier.
Ian will be receiving the updated QUAD33, 303 combination in both stereo and monoblock configurations, and I will be reviewing the gorgeous Norwegian Arendal 1723 Monitors with a new Naim NAP 250 and the above Audiolab 9000 Series stack.
There are a few other reviews in the pipeline too, notably a stereo pair of REL T/9x SEs in a Lamborghini orange finish. Look out for this one, they are aurally out of this world.
New Music
There’s always time for new music, and this month, Jack and Daisy released their first EP, Barcelona (In The Rearview). Dave Stewart has produced this release, and it builds on Jack and Daisy’s easy-going acoustic summer vibe. Their cover of The Times They Are A-Changin’ started things off for them on YouTube.
This editor has also enjoyed Gwenno’s introspective release, Utopia and Paul Weller’s Find El Dorado, a collection of his favourite songs. I will be eager to hear David Byrne’s new album based on his latest release, She Explains Things To Me.
Following the Audiolab 9000 Series review, there is still a lot of Led Zeppelin in the air.
Further Reading
