THE HI–FI HEADLINES
NEWSLETTER No.258
The current extraordinary interest in everything vinyl continues to produce some very high quality and interesting new products, and few are as intriguing as the new Holbo MkII Airbearing turntable system. The concept of a frictionless turntable mechanism is the holy grail of turntable manufacturers, and Holbo are not the first to produce a contactless motor mechanism. However, to the best of my knowledge they are the first to manufacture an air bearing platter and combine it with an air bearing tangential tone-arm.
This is a very impressive T/Table, and well worth the $12,000 asking price. In fact, when renowned reviewer Ken Kessler reviewed the Holbo (and this was the MkI version) he made much of the price, calling it ‘almost inexplicable’. His closing comments were ‘Perhaps I am recommending this for what some may consider the wrong reasons – value for money – but there is no denying that getting all this tech, and so well executed, at this price is irresistible………..the Holbo Airbearing combo is a gift.’ The review was done in the UK, where the Holbo sells for more than it does in Australia!
Many companies are now recognising that it is difficult to integrate a stack of electronics into the modern living room – and many are producing very high-quality single box solutions, as evidenced by the Naim Unity Series and the excellent NAD M33. NAD have just released a budget version of their streaming amplifiers –
the C700. This is a compact, relatively inexpensive, just-add-speakers solution for anyone looking for a good quality, versatile and compact system.
The C700 is a high-resolution streamer with an 80watt/channel amplifier. It has multiple digital and analogue inputs for external devices, with the interface based on their excellent BluOS ap. The BluOS system will also allow you to add additional wireless speakers in other areas of your home. $2,599.
Still on the subject of compact we have set up a system comprising of the Project Primary E T/Table and Triangles
excellent LN01a active speakers in our showroom. Compact, simple to use and well-priced. Selling for $1,450 this package is a great introductory system for anyone wanting to get into a quality vinyl-based system without spending a fortune. If you have the opportunity, drop in and have a listen – you will be impressed at the price.
One obvious shift in our industry over the last two decades has been the recognition that not only must an audio system sound good, but it must also fit into a modern décor – which is more streamlined and uncluttered than days gone by. Many manufacturers recognise this and are producing product that if is more aesthetically pleasing, without compromising on sound. A recent example of this is B&W’s latest release – the new ‘Blue’ 700 signature
range. Firstly, let’s get the important consideration out of the way first - these speakers actually sound better than the standard model. Secondly, they are gorgeous to look at – finished in a discrete midnight blue metallic finish.
These are an excellent sounding speaker that will complement the décor of almost any living area. And if timber finish is still your choice – the 700 Signature series is still available Datuk Gloss finish.