November 2020

From The Editor....
What's Within This Issue Of Hi-Fi World
Editorial By Noel Keywood

  People expect a hi-fi system to sound large and impressive – meaning panoramic sound stage and thunderous bass – that enveloping quality of power able to move physical objects! Not something you get from headphones. And KEF's loomingly large R7 Reference loudspeakers reviewed on p10 do just this. With relaxed ease. Founded in 1961 by the famed Raymond Cooke – who together with senior engineer Laurie Fincham told me a thing or two about loudspeaker engineering! – KEF set the stage for properly engineered loudspeakers through the 1970s. They continue that mission today with products like the R7 that quite obviously stand out in their massive ability. I hope you enjoy our insight into these loudspeakers.

Talking of yesterday, good to see another budget turntable from Pro-Ject, able to spin analogue LP in all its old glory. Our review on p83 picks out the fact that modern materials and design techniques move the technology ahead: old glory yes, old fashioned sound no. Rather a bright new look at sound from LP that truly digs out the detail, rather than softening it. This is LP as it stands today, which with quiet vinyl and modern cutting lathes (often updated old ones!) is popular with the music business as well as audiophiles, and also with those who want to get closer to natural analogue sound free from digital distortions. At the price, the Debut Carbon Evo is a great starter package.

Rega are another UK brand name with heritage similar to KEF. Extraordinary in some ways that they successfully leveraged the design of a great tonearm, the RB300, to become one of Britain's premiere hi-fi brands. On p36 Chris Frankland spends time with the latest Rega Aethos amplifier that came highly recommended by his friendly local dealer. Chris knows Rega products well and brings his long experience to a review that I hope you find informative. No Press Release regurgitation here, solid insight instead.

Mustn't forget digital! And Melco. Their latest high-end hard drive music server, the N10 reviewed on p61 magically delivers lovely digital. Expensive yes, but also impressive.

I hope you enjoy what this month's issue brings you, from yesterday and today. 

--- Noel Keywood, editor.

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