Step up in tech with the Award-winning
pioneer music streamer, and you have a system with swagger
Pionner N-50: $750 (Ratings: 5/5)
Rega Brio-R: $720 (Ratings: 5/5)
Tannoy Revolution DC6: $600 (Ratings: 5/5)
Step
up in tech with the Award-winning pioneer music streamer, and you have a system
with swagger
Our next system sees a shift from the
traditional to the technological. The driving force behind this excellent
set-up is Pioneer’s Award-winning N-50 music streamer and it’s packing some
tech bells and whistles. It’s solid, superbly finished piece of kit. The 2.5in
color LCD display is vibrant and clearly displays album artwork, making the
whole unit appear all the more inviting. You can even control it using a
dedicated iOS or Android app. Connectivity includes an asynchronous USB Type B
to hook up to your computer, an optical connection, and the ability to plug in
both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (optional) dongles.
Pionner
N-50: $750
The grunt is provided by Rega’s half-width
Brio-R. Don’t let the amp’s subdued exterior and lack of spec showstoppers (eg
a headphone socket or switchable speaker outputs) put you off. This is a
seriously talented machine and works a treat with Tannoy’s DC6 speakers. And
after a recent price drop, the stylish Standmounters represent sensational
value for money – they are the icing on this stunning system.
Dynamic and in control
Step up to this level, and the layering and
depth of tracks are much improved – the Dual Concentric driver system used by
the Tannoys gives extra focus. Timing is extremely accurate – ass, midrange and
vocals are all integrated seamlessly. Dynamic shifts sound explicit but the
system makes the transitions with an impressive level of care and control.
Drake’s Take Care drives along purposefully and bass notes hit with impressive
solidity and accuracy. The wheels of the track’s undulating bass-line are
greased just enough for it to sound cohesive yet free0flowing. We also tried the
KEF Q300s, another of our preferred speakers at this price-point, but their
sonic qualities don’t really gel with the electronics. There’s an impressive
sense of bass weight but the system sound a little unbalanced – the vibrancy
and energy of the track are lost.
Ella’s rich, refined vocal oozes
class and finesse and this system just feeds off the source material,
displaying a fine sense of confidence
Rega
Brio-R
Enchanting delivery
Swap back to the Tannoys and Ella
Fitzgerals Let’s Fall in Love sparkles and shines. Dainty strikes of piano
keys, crisp and precise percussion and naturals-sounding wind instruments make
for an enchanting delivery. Ella’s rich, refined vocal oozes class and
finesses, and this system just feeds off sense of confidence. And talking of
swagger, Prince’s slickly produced When Doves Cry is handled with aplomb. The
soundstage is pleasingly detailed and focused, with vocals, Kickdrums and
keyboard all precisely placed.
Tannoy
Revolution DC6: $600
It’s an impressive system, and at this
price-pint you’ll be hard-pressed to find fault with it.
Total system price: $2,070
Or try these…
Rega RP3/Elys2: $825 (Ratings: 5/5)
Rega makes some of the best turntables
around, so it’s no surprise we’ve highlighted another of its clan, the RP3. Once
again, simplicity and elegance is the key to the Rega’s design. As with all the
turntables we’re recommending, if the machine is on a level. Dedicated support,
as far away from your speakers as possible (to minimize the effects of any
unwanted vibrations), then you’ll hear the Rega at its very best. Partnered
with the Elys 2, moving magnet cartridge, the RP3 majors in sonic balance and
musical excitement, bringing greater clarity and strong dynamics to your
cherished vinyl.
Rega
RP3/Elys2: $825
Rega RS3: $1170 (Ratings: 5/5)
If you’d rather take a floor-stander over
the DC6s, these are actually your best bet for a balanced system. They might be
only 80cm tall, but they look good and, importantly, will sing sweetly. Each
cabinet houses three drivers: a forward-facing tweeter and midrange driver, and
a side-firing 13cm bass unit. We’d urge you to experiment with the positioning
– the bass drivers can fire outwards or inwards. The former offers a widely
dispersed soundstage, but we prefer the latter as it helps bring more solidity
to the sound.
Rega
RS3: $1,170
Triangle Color: $705 (Ratings: 5/5)
Switch from the Tannoys to these Triangle
speakers and you’re getting a new sonic flavor. It’s fair to say these
flame-red speakers approach music from a different angle, but it’s an enjoyable
one nevertheless. Bursting with energy and excitement, the Colors conjure up a
spacious and broad soundstage, boasting impressive scale and dynamic thrust.
Enthusiastic too, but the treble walks a fine line between crisp and sharp. We
wouldn’t recommend partnering with bright-sounding electronics. The Triangles
might seem a left-field option, but they work very well in this package.
Triangle
Color: $705
