Standalone digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) like the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus squeeze the maximum sound quality from digital music (including CDs, streamed tracks and more). Digital files played through a decent DAC will achieve significantly superior levels of detail compared to the cheap DAC chips built into most digital kit. To give a brief explanation of how they work; all sound in the “real world” exists as a constantly changing wave of energy. Audio in the digital world is a snap shot of a large number of these changes (usually 44,100 a second), which then has to be converted back to a constantly changing wave before it comes out of your speakers. Quite simply, a better DAC will make sure the wave at the end is as close as possible to the wave at the start. Why not pop in for a demo and hear the difference for yourself?
If you’ve been in the market for a new bit of entertainment equipment–be it a new disc player, a wireless soundbar, an amplifier or even a TV–you’ve probably seen mention of ‘Hi-Res Audio compatible’ or seen a badge stating the …read more
Why should I invest in a headphone amp? Much like the amplifier in your hi-fi, a headphone amp allows you to control the volume of the signal coming from a source into your headphones, but it does far more than …read more
We previously looked at how amplifiers work and why they are the first stop in your hi-fi system. Now we’ll have a quick look at some of the most popular sources you can connect up to get your music into …read more
Over the last few years if you’ve wanted the best portable DAC then there’s a 90% chance you’ve purchased one of Audioquest’s phenomenal Dragonfly range. Not planning to rest on their laurels of outstanding budget units, Audioquest now looks to …read more
Audiolab’s newest DAC packs a big punch from a little package. Headphones… everywhere aren’t they? Free with your mobile phone, available at petrols stations, they just seem to be available anywhere you go. With music on the go becoming the …read more
A deep dive into Chord’s latest standalone DAC. First impressions The packaging gives an idea of the quality to come. The Qutest comes in the top of a robust box, and below is a drawer containing the accessories. Despite its …read more
Looking for a small, low-cost way to upgrade your laptop’s sound? Have a peek at what Cambridge Audio has on on offer… As the digital age of media continues, more and more people are using their computers as their source …read more
Audiolab adds to its award-winning M series with the introduction of the M-DAC MINI, but does this pint-sized newcomer live up to the accolades earned by its bigger siblings? Read on to find out… Upon hearing the news that …read more
Michael from our Bath store explains what makes the Astel & Kern AK70 such a special portable music player. For more info, or to arrange a demonstration, please give your local store a call.
Jon from our Cardiff store tells us all about the Audioquest Dragonfly Red and Dragonfly Black USB DAC/headphone amplifiers. To find out more, why not read our in-depth review, where Chris from our Liverpool store gets hands on with the Dragonfly Red. …read more
