Campfire Audio Iris Review

July 12, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.headfonia.com/campfire-audio-iris-review

Overall, the Iris offers a level of presentation and accessory quality that exceeds what is typically found at this price point. The inclusion of two cables alone adds considerable value, while the leather carrying case reinforces the feeling that the Iris is designed to deliver a premium ownership experience rather than simply meet a price target.

Simaudio MOON 371 integrated amplifier Review

July 12, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.hifinews.com/content/simaudio-moon-371-integrated-amplifier

Simaudio kicks off its Compass range with a high-quality take on the do-it-all integrated. The MOON 371 is generously specified with its connections, from Roon to MM/MC phono, but this user-friendly nature goes hand-in-hand with a mature sonic delivery that combines clarity and insight with dynamic flair and heft. A thumbs up for the amp’s styling too – although the MiND app could do with a refresh.

ARENDAL Review

July 12, 2026 § Leave a comment

Matrix Audio MS-1 Streamer + DAC Review

July 12, 2026 § Leave a comment

Aurender N50 streamer/music library Review

July 10, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.hifinews.com/content/aurender-n50-streamermusic-librry

Three boxes just to drive digits into a DAC? Yes, and it works brilliantly. Combining Aurender’s super-slick operating system and app, the N50 has the capacity to compel a vivid, dynamic and thrilling sound from your choice of outboard converter. Just make sure to budget the extra for internal storage, and you won’t go wrong with what is an excellent keystone for a state-of-the-art digital music system.

DALI Sonik 9 loudspeaker Review

July 10, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.hifinews.com/content/dali-sonik-9-loudspeaker

Slotting between the 1970s-tinged funk pieces from Holmes on the Out Of Sight soundtrack album are some classic American and Latin jazz and swing recordings. The Sonik 9s sounded right on form with Mongo Santamaria’s cover of Herbie Hancock’s ‘Watermelon Man’, where lush bass and keyboards were set against more urgent-sounding and textured trumpet sounds.

And Dean Martin singing ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ was perhaps even better, as the speakers’ three 180mm drivers ensured a deep reach to the bass and trombone, and the big band percussion was delivered with panache. But there to be heard were smaller, softer details – including smooth strings and woodwinds – to cement the Sonik 9’s all-round appeal.

Hi-Fi News VerdictWith its Clarity Cone drivers, Hybrid Tweeter module and more, the Sonik 9 shows DALI has a clear idea of how to maximise its in-house technologies. Riffing on ideas from the KORE flagship and other ‘step-up’ siblings, this top model in its new affordable series is a fine introduction to the brand. Performance is superb, particularly in terms of bass weight and dynamics, while the styling is sleek and modern

Campfire Andromeda 10 Review

July 10, 2026 § Leave a comment

Triangle Solstice 3 Review

July 10, 2026 § Leave a comment

Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000 digital audio player Review

July 8, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.hifinews.com/content/astellkern-aultima-sp4000-digital-audio-player

Like many of the 12 tracks on the album, this is a sophisticated production with subtle use of layers and overdubs that you might not notice when listening on a less insightful system. But that was not the case here, with the SP4000 providing a clear picture through the T+A amp and speakers, smartly lifting the xylophones from the main melody and brass backing. It’s a typical oddball composition from Byrne, and I didn’t feel shortchanged hearing it in this way.

There was again a palpable sense of resolution during the militaristic but cheerful ‘III.The March Of The English’ on Akademie Für Alte Musik Berlin’s Paul Wranitzky: Symphonies album [Deutsche Harmonia Mundi; 96kHz/24-bit]. The woodwinds appeared full of character, the flute particularly light and nimble. At the same time, the ‘cannon shot’ effect from the bass drum had real force and impact. Yes, the mighty power reserves of the PA 3100 HV amplifier were key to this dynamic highlight, but as a source A&K’s SP4000 certainly delivered the goods.

Nagra PREAMP II-S preamplifier Review

July 8, 2026 § Leave a comment

https://www.hifinews.com/content/nagra-preamp-ii-s-preamplifier

Even for an audio veteran of 50-odd years’ standing, surprises still occur. The PREAMP II-S emerges as one of the most ideally balanced exemplars of transistor-biased tube technology that I can recall, certainly at its price. Were I well-heeled and in need of a control unit, unwilling to forsake my full-on valve leanings, this would force a rethink. It’s warm, open and as silent as needs be. It just may be Nagra’s new ‘sweet spot’.