Welcome
Welcome to Newsletter #58 for April 2026. Here’s a roundup of the latest news and reviews from the world of HiFi since the last Newsletter, which you may have missed. The Highlight of the last month has been the iFi Audio iDSD Phantom, a fine reference streaming DAC.
New Reviews
IFi Audio iDSD PHANTOM – Review by Simon Wilce – 17 March 2026
The iFi Audio iDSD PHANTOM unites;
• a reference-class DAC;
• an ultra-resolution streamer;
• a powerful headphone amp into one box.
It is a simple reference class statement from iFi Audio.
IFi Audio iDSD PHANTOM Highlights
Titanic Audio Anchor Plate Isolation Platform
Chris Baillie reviewed the Titanic Audio Anchor Plate last month, noting how much more spacious the music sounded when he listened to SAULT’s Chapter 1 via Qobuz. Before Bristol, we decided it might be useful to place the plate under the Michel GYRO SE, resident here at HF&MS, which has a Rega tonearm and Exact cartridge (located in the upper-middle of the old cartridge range), paired with the FONO MM phono stage.
Results have so far been surprising, with the plate clearly removing the nominal residual motor noise and enhancing the soundstage favourably; however, it is quite clear that my cartridge is the weakest link, as they say, presumably due to age, and the review is being pursued. In the meantime, here are Chris’s highlights.
Titanic Audio Anchor Plate Isolation Platform Highlights
A&ultima SP4000 – Review by Simon Wilce – 25 February 2026
At the end of last month, we reviewed the A&ultima SP4000, which features a true Quad‑DAC Octa-Circuit Architecture, pairing four AK4191 digital processors with four AK4499EX DACs. You may have missed the review, as there was a March Newsletter hitch.
Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 Highlights
Majority Audio – 3 March 2026
Majority Audio has announced the launch of a comprehensive soundbar lineup that includes their Bowfell Halo Atmos flagship surround sound system. Wireless satellite speakers provide rear-channel detail, while the wireless subwoofer fills the room with bass.
Audio Show Deluxe 2026
The Audio Show Deluxe 2026 at Whittlebury, near Silverstone, was a joy to attend this month. The highlights are here. Personal highlights included the official availability of the Node Audio Atom loudspeakers and the debut of the Moor Amp Angel 4 MkII.
Coming Up on HF&MS
There are some very exciting reviews coming in March, which include an upcoming piece with Naim Audio, where we explore further upgrade options if you have Old Naim Classic equipment and you’re aspiring to the New Classic range.
Hopefully, finally, there will be a review of the Naim Audio Custom Install CI-NAP 108 8-channel AV amplifier. Chord Company has loaned a bundle of ShawlineX interconnects for the piece.
Additionally, we will be getting a first listen to the new Connected Fidelity Unity Wirewound power cable. We have also just received the Triangle Capella 2 Active loudspeakers, and Ian will be reviewing the new Acoustic Energy AE1s shortly. Finally, there will be a look at the Dorpo X3 8K Smart Media Player in conjunction with the above Naim CI NAP 108.
New Music
The new album from Harry Styles is called Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. It is very nicely produced, but a fraction strange, but nevertheless interesting.
Another great album to look out for at the moment is by Olive Jones. Titled For Mary, this album is delicate and intimate and again, presented well in 24-bit on Qobuz.
Always interesting. Mitski’s new album is worth a listen, too. It is different, weird, orchestral, and fun.
Here are a few standout tracks I’ve stumbled across whilst listening to music in the last month or so, from David Byrne, Arooj Aftab, The Cure and Gorillaz.
Further Reading
