Page 3 - Monthly Archives: November 2014

There aren't many artists out there who are as consistently iconic as Bob Dylan. Whether they loved his voice or hated it, his lyrics and cultural impact meant he was widely regarded as one of the voices of a generation (if not the voice) in the 60s and 70s, and seeing as this albums release in 2006 saw him as the oldest living person to have an album enter the billboard charts at #1 - with Dylan being 65 at the time. This highly anticipated album has since been recognised by Rolling Stone Magazine

It’s a long standing dream in the pursuit of real hi-fi: the separation of a system into it’s basic components. Every unit serving a singular function, resulting in minimal interference from power sources – and the highest fidelity you can manage.

However, actually compiling an entire separates system can be a little daunting, especially if you consider how many variables (makes, models and brands) that can attribute to the overall effect. Having several different units that were designed and built

Which album spent the longest period of time at No.1 on the Billboard charts? If you're answer is Michael Jackson's Thriller, then you'd be close. Would you believe me if I told you that it is actually the West Side Story Original Soundtrack (1961) that holds the crown would you believe me?

Well, it's the truth! Whether or not it counts (it's frequently contested on the grounds that West Side Story was listed on a chart for stereo albums only at a time when many albums were recorded in mono)

Never underestimate the power and importance of a soundtrack, for the soundtrack can be what the film is ultimately remembered for. The Maze Runner was released earlier this year (2014) and was a surprising box office and critical success, being singled out as an excellent example of a teen novel-film adaptation (and let's face it, there are a lot of them) owed largely to the outstanding performances from cast members, the film's ominously dark tone and  its accompanying soundtrack.

The soundtrack

Vinyl. Some say it's had it's heyday, but we're seeing an ever increasing surge in vinyl sales which suggests quite the opposite. And it's not just us - record companies are pushing out more and more new albums on this medium. You can almost guarantee that a new album with any major or medium-sized record label will also be available on LP. Why, you ask? Well, for the purists! You cannot beat the sound of vinyl. A great record with a deck can - in my humble opinion - destroy a similar priced

We have found, time and time again, that poor cable quality can be responsible for a whole host of problems in both the audio and visual worlds. Many are sceptical about whether or not hi-end cables can really make a difference - hut we assure you, they do. So much so that we (and many other experts) always recommend spending between 5-10% of the value of your hi-fi on cables to match. It may sound a little steep, but you wouldn't believe just how much of a difference they make. We have a full set

It's David Bowie... but not quite as you know him. When you hear the name, the image of sparkling skin tight suits, elaborate make-up and progressive, experimental pop rock springs to mind. And maybe the riding of a tiger into a lightening storm. He conjured some strange images does Bowie. But less know him for his acting abilities - unless you count his appearance as the Goblin King in Labyrinth (which you absolutely should). With that in mind, this is a Bowie LP with a difference.

This is a classical

Who doesn't love a good cover album? Many of the songs you know and love, re-imagined and repackaged so you can rediscover that classic in a whole new way. Elvis Costello's Kojak Variety is a vinyl album chock full of covers of classic rock and blues tunes, by the legendary British pub rocker.

Costello himself has become a household name since in his many years on the circuit, owed to being pinned by Rolling Stone Magazine as releasing three of the 500 Greatest Albums of all time, a Grammy and

Study the image above. What do you see. Yes, it's a comfortable and contemporary living space, or at least an art director's impression of one. But what else is there? Do you see the hi-fidelity surround sound system? No, it's not what's missing - it's right there, disguised quite cunningly as a television stand.

Do you see it now? That unassuming box is a soundbase - for those who can't quite fit in a soundbar. Or simply don't want to! The soundbase is the cousin of the ever popular soundbar, and

You've probably heard of the Naim Mu-So by now. It was creating shockwaves in the hi-fi realm long before it was even released (the number of back orders we had to wade through once it was released was insane), and it scooped several prestigious awards before the public even got a sniff. But have you ever wondered what is is that makes the Mu-So so special?

Those who have the answer to that question, of course, are those who have experienced the Mu-So for themselves: it's all about the sound. Yes,