Monthly Archives: March 2017

High-End Headphone Hustle

Sennheiser HD800s, Focal Elear, HiFiman XV2. Moving coil or planar? Which is the best set of high-end headphones? I called into Audio Affair in Birmingham to answer those questions, and to hear the differences with my own ears.

As I was to find, every set of headphones has its own sonic character, its own strengths and weaknesses and design quirks which may be loved or loathed equally from person to person.

So join me, won't you, on my adventures into the world of High-End

Here at The Audio Affair Blog, we've recently been giddy about all things Devialet. We've looked at The history of the French audio mavericks, the technology behind their products, and taken a look at the remarkable Phantom wireless speaker. If you've not read those blogs yet, head over and have a read, as they cover a lot of the background behind today's blog subject, The Devialet Silver Phantom.

Having already covered much of the background behind the Phantom range, today's blog will focus

In the history of hi-fi loudspeakers, there are certain models which have blurred the lines between the worlds of Hi-Fi and professional monitoring: the BBC LS3/5a, the B&W 801, the Yamaha NS10 are all loudspeakers which have been embraced by recording engineers and Hi-Fi enthusiasts. Today's blog looks at another famous example - The Acoustic Energy AE1.

The Acoustic Energy AE1 has been around since the late 80s. A compact, two way speaker, it introduced the concept of the 'high quality miniature',

Need a pair of bookshelf speakers on a budget? Looking to build your first 'proper' Hi-Fi system? Upgrading the clunkers which came bundled with your all-in-one system? Seeking a solid performer for a spare room?

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these, the answer is (and has been for over 30 years) The Wharfedale Diamond.

For today's Blog we'll be looking at the Wharfedale Diamond 225.

DIAMOND GEEZER

Introduced over 30 years ago, The Wharfedale Diamond range was, and still is, a speaker which punches

The marketplace for audiophile headphones is broader than perhaps it ever has been. Today's headphone shopper is confronted by a plethora of brands, technologies, aesthetics and price points. It could all become rather confusing. Allow us, at the Audio Affair Blog, to suggest to you the Meze 99 Neo Headphones for your consideration.

The Meze 99 Neo Headphones offer a unique propostion: hand made, artisinal headphones at a price point lower than many mass-produced rivals.

Interested? We thought you

The History of Hi-Fi is notable for being driven by the visions and aspirations of mavericks. Those who sought to better the world of audio through their own obsessions and passions. It's probably fair to say that no Hi-Fi company in recent times have been more maverick, more daring, more visionary and more passionate than that of Tech Start-up Devialet.

You may already have heard of Devialet; Their products have received reviews and accolades from dedicated Hi-Fi press, and unusually - main-stream

Focal Redefines standards with the Focal Utopia

Focal are a French audio company, with a respected history of high-end audio. Specialising in loudspeakers and headphones, Focal loudspeakers can be found in some of the world's best in-car audio systems, and in the homes - and on the heads of some of the most discerning hi-fi enthusiasts.

Today's blog looks at the Focal Utopia headphones, Focal's 'flagship' model in the range. These sit above the Elear to complete Focal's line of premium, open back

The Devialet Phantom, a bold vision of the future?

It's rare to come across truly revolutionary designs in the world of audio. When a new approach to hi-fi comes along, such as the Devialet Phantom, it pays to take a closer look. For this Blog review, we'll be taking a look at the 'entry level', 750w Devialet Phantom. Make no mistake though, with a price tag of £1390 there's nothing remotely entry level about the quality and design of this wireless speaker. Sitting above it in the Phantom range are

Ruark prove small is beautiful with the MR1 Mk2 Active Speakers

Whilst we may all dream of and idolize full-size 'big-box' Hi-Fi, domestic realities can often demand something rather more modest. Thankfully, small size doesn't have to mean small on features or small on sound quality, as Ruark prove with the Ruark MR1 Mk2 Active Speakers.

Smaller in size than a traditional 'bookshelf' speaker - Ruark refer to the MR1 Mk2 Speakers as Desktop Speakers. Available in what Ruark refer to as soft grey

Core Blimey - Have naim produced the ultimate music server?

For most hi-fi listeners, digital audio will form the backbone of their home hi-fi setup. No longer is the Compact Disc the sole digital source for home listening; many listeners wish to integrate internet streaming, internet radio, Bluetooth devices, and digital files alongside traditional physical media.

Naim’s ‘uniti’ series of products, follow naim’s mantra of “Simpler hi-fi sounds better”. Effectively a 21^st century answer to the