Australian Hi-Fi Magazine May / June 2022

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Australian Hi-Fi Magazine May / June 2022

Since 1969, Australian Hi-Fi Magazine has kept audiophiles up to date on all the latest advances in audio technology and the hi-fi components available to enjoy music. All equipment reviews and music reviews are written by professionals who are experts in their respective fields, and are checked for accuracy by experienced sub-editors. Every audio component reviewed in Australian Hi-Fi Magazine is also independently tested by a NATA-certified test laboratory, whose test results and graphs are published with each review, together with a detailed technical analysis of those results.

Australian Hi-Fi Magazine also maintains a complete database of all Australian and New Zealand distributors of hi-fi equipment, along with updated listings of the brands they distribute. Australian Hi-Fi Magazine is published six times a year and on sale at thousands of news agencies throughout Australia and New Zealand, as well as being available in selected audio stores across the country plus International mail and online.

Our Front Cover: Rowland's simply gorgeous Continuum S2 amp had to take centre stage this month, but JBL's beautifully blocky surround set and Silent Angel's small-but-versatile Munich M1 also sated our eye candy cravings.

Editorial
6 Editor's Lead-In
After more than 40 years at the helm, Greg Borrowman is stepping out of the Aus Hi-Fi ed's chair to go a-roamin'... but fret not, as this goodbye is not a final farewell.

Features
8 Audio News
Velodyne Impact X 10 & 12, Epos Adapt 660 AMC, Sony NW-WM1ZM2 & NW-WM1AM2, McIntosh MA8950 & MA9500, Sennheiser IE 600, B&W Atmos soundbar, Steinway Lyngdorf Model A, Sonus faber Omnia, Holbo Air-Bearing deck & arm, Dali Katch G2, Dali Equi, Mission 770, KEF LS60, iFi Zen Air, Wilson Audio LÕKÕ, Samsung 2022 soundbars, and more....

Equipment
26 Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 Amplifier
An "outstandingly good" integrated that's as pleasant to interact with as it is listen to. A true object de art from the Colorado Springs-based company (and yes, man himself).

36 JBL Synthesis HDI 5.1 Surround System
Promising blockbuster scale and authority, this sextet of cinema speakers from JBL's modular range is a maestro at delivering not only movies but music too.

38 Elac Vela FS 407 Loudspeakers
We get to the bottom of why these classic German floorstanders have not one but two bass reflex ports in their design. A mystery solved, after which we give them the full labs runthrough.

45 Rode NTH-100 Wired Headphones
The world-renowned Aussie mic-maker has jumped into the headphone market, producing a surprisingly affordable set of pro over-ears cans.

56 Silent Angel Munich M1 Streamer
A most charming example of 'honey-I-shrunk-the-hi-fi' components, this desktop-friendly music streamer has an impressive CV that far belies its dinky dimensions.

62 Hi-Fi Primer
In the first of our new regular guides features, we uncover some of the elements that might be messing with your hi-fi sound – and how to fix them.

Music
68 New Music
Paul Weller has been seduced by the prospect of giving his songs an orchestral makeover for his latest live album, while Copenhagen rockers Volbeat mix metal, punk, psychobily and melody in their best album in ages.

69 Re-Issues
Another year, another Pink Floyd reissue – only this one (a 2019 reworking of A Momentary Lapse) is in 360º reality audio! A 40th anniversary remaster of the Stones' Tattoo You includes nine unheard tracks, too.

70 Top Picks
Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers' unashamed cheekiness and magnetic chemistry shines through on Wet Leg's eponymous debut, and jolity is also rife in Bugs' jangly brand of happy emo with an ocker accent.

Esoterica Section
48 Interview
Chord Electronics' digital design consultant Rob Watts is the man and mastermind behind some of the best DACs ever made. But how did he get there and what makes him tick? We put him in the interview chair to find out.

50 High-End Review
How long has it been since you saw an amplifier with tape monitor and mono/stereo switches? If the answer is 'too bloody long' and you're a fan of old-school design (and, incidentally, the Breakfast at Tiffany's theme song), prepare to be marvelled by a superb Swedish creation....

59 Dealer Visit
Sydney's newest dealer wants to put the music front and centre, promising well-matched components for both budget buyers and top-shelf tastes.

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