THE HI– FI HEADLINES
The NAD 3020 – released in 1978 – was the largest selling amplifier in history. The reason was simple – it was an exceptional performer at a budget price. We are predicting that their recently released C338 amplifier will prove to be a similar hit.
Rated at 50 watts RMS/channel and selling for $ 999, this is first and foremost a very good sounding Occasionally we come across what we consider to be a remarkable buy, and the Yamaha Restio
ISX-803D is exactly that. This is a great sounding free-standing audio system that includes FM and DAB+ radio, CD, USB input, Bluetooth, alarm, amplifier and a two-way four-driver speaker array in a very attractive package. This unit is now in its third generation, and when initially released it sold for $999. It was amplifier. However its feature set is just as impressive. The C338 includes a phono stage, both analogue and digital inputs, and a subwoofer output. There is a high quality headphone amplifier, plus it has Bluetooth and is Wi- Fi enabled, providing access to Spotify Connect, internet radio etc. It is also the first amplifier to have Chromecast on- board. It has a dedicated TV input,
later repriced at $799, and at that price represented exceptional value. We are now selling the ISX-803D for $499.
This unit comes complete with the floor-stand, and there is the option of a wall-mount bracket.
I challenge anyone to find a unit that sounds this good, looks this good, has this many features and is this well built for this amount of money! The ISX-803D at this price is an exceptional buy. and a learning remote control. There is also an intuitive app available for control via your smart devices.
For anyone considering putting together a moderately priced Hi-Fi system that sounds exceptionally good and has all the modern requirements, this supremely capable amplifier will be hard to go past and may well go on to become a modern classic. While on the subject of value we have recently added another brand to our line-up which I am sure most are not familiar with. German cable manufacturer Inakustik has been plying its trade since 1977. Why it has taken so long for this brand to reach Australia is a mystery to us. It is a very comprehensive and high performance range, competing with the very best on the market. The range is extremely well priced – considerably below the competition, and as most models are still made in Germany the quality of manufacture is first class. Their collection includes speaker cable, interconnect cables, some very good accessories and even a limited range of CDs (with vinyl to follow). This is a brand you will hear a lot more of in the future.