April 2022

Bass Loading And Comments About Our Reviews
Many readers were driven to comment on our coverage of the Lenco LS-55.
Editorial By Noel Keywood

  Last month I could not help but talk about Tannoy Westminster loudspeakers, large horns you could live in they were so big. This month we have another unusual design, an isobaric – used by NEAT in their Majistra stand mounter. It's not as big as a Westminster for sure, only room for mice inside, but it is different and – perhaps – better as a result.

Not many manufacturers use this bass loading principle. It's costly and you can't see it, so no visual kudos in the showroom. Internally the cabinet is complex and not suited to automated build techniques. Going some way to explain price, since this is no budget box. NEAT also include a ribbon tweeter, known for excellent treble sound quality. You can read about this unusual loudspeaker on p10.

Rega recently announced System One, a system in a box for vinyl beginners. With the market moving into a revival frenzy that has never been seen before, it is perfect timing. This frenzy is also going on elsewhere, notably Japan, where they have a long history with the LP (unlike China for example). So there's competition. Just how well will Rega negotiate this situation – in the UK and overseas? Find out on p66 where we take a close look at System One.

Many readers were driven to comment on our coverage of the Lenco LS-55 turntable in February 2022 issue, especially its use of a budget ceramic cartridge. On p73 we look at two budget moving magnet cartridges that offer better results at very low cost. You don't have to spend a fortune for good vinyl sound quality, nor grind the grooves with a cheap Chinese ceramic.

And it goes on... Triangle (France) introduce a budget all-in-one system entitled AIO that optionally comes with a turntable. This is a Wi-Fi connected loudspeaker that streams from 'net sources like Spotify and is app controlled. See what we think of these active loudspeakers on p38 and the turntable package on p42.

Vinyl won't let go. It's like an audio octopus. I hope you enjoy this issue where its tentacles spread wide!

— Noel Keywood
Editor, HiFi World

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