Take a near-legendary source, add two
modern masters and savor the delicious results
Audiolab 8200CD: $1,200 (Ratings: 5/5)
Heed Audio Obelisk SI: $1,935 (Ratings: 5/5)
Tannoy DC6T SE: $1,500 (Ratings: 5/5)
Take
a near-legendary source, add two modern masters and savor the delicious results
The front end in this combo is headed up by
the formidable Audiolab 8200CD disc-spinner. A What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
multi-Award-winner, the 8200CD is some machine, capable of outclassing and
outperforming maybe even embarrassing – players costing four figures. This
level of performance, combined with excellent build quality and a thoughtful
feature set, makes the Audiolab one heck of a bargain.
Audiolab
8200CD: $1,200
A spread of digital inputs and a brilliant
built-in digital-to-analogue converter negates the need for investing in an
additional source such as a TV or laptop computer straight into the Audiolab.
We’ve found the 8200CD works wonders when partnered
with the Heed Audio Obelisk SI. This stereo amplifier has been something of a
revelation, and one of our stereo finds of the past 12 months. An unassuming
unit, it doesn’t necessarily feel the money’s worth (although the white finish
looks rather smart), but sonically it trounces mots rivals at this price-point.
Heed
Audio Obelisk Si: $1,935
The Tannoy DC6T SEs certainly show their
appreciation for the Heed electronics. A special edition version of Tannoy’s
standard DC6 floor-standers, they produce a dramatic lift in performance over
the originals and just sound scintillating.
Push the system with something really
demanding, such as Nitin Sawhney’s Breathing Light, and it has no trouble
finding the right gear
Tannoy
DC6T SE: $1,500
Spin Lana Del Ray’s This is What Makes Us
Girls and her trademark Nancy Sinatra-esque vocal sounds expressive and
dramatic. The speakers use the same Dual Concentric driver system found on the
DC6s (System 2), so the track sounds focused and direct. The echo around her
voice is distinct and detailed while the rest of the track flows along
effortlessly.
Ludovico Einaudi’s Fly sounds wonderfully
dynamic and graceful. The composer’s piano play sparkles and shines, and the
system displays a fantastic sense of realism. Each strike of the keys connects
with the listener as if he were playing right in front of you.
Agile, weighty bass
Push the system with something more
demanding, such as Nitin Sawhney’s Breathing Lihgt, and it has no trouble
finding the required gear. You’re wowed by the speed, weight and Egility of the
system’s bass. There’s a lot to take in across the frequency range, from the
deep, flitting bass-line to the snappy, crisp highs. The trio deciphers it without
over analyssing the track and robbing if of any of its attraction.
And if you’re looking to upgrade down the
line, Heed has a ready-made optional outboard power supply ($1095) in its
portfolio. Plug this into the system and performance goes up a notch. There’s
extra scale and punch to proceedings: the Tannoys sound even more responsive
and pack a heftier punch. This really is a beautifully rounded set-up.
Total system price: $4,635
Or try these…
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6: $1,050
(Ratings: 5/5)
Cambridge Audio was one of the first Hi-Fi brands
to make the move toward music streamers, and the Stream Magic 6 is the
company’s finest model to date. It boasts the added flexibility and
functionality of being a DAC and digital preamp. Music can be streamed
wirelessly or over wired Ethernet connection, internet radio services and
podcasts are easily accessible, and there’s also optional apt X Bluetooth
streaming. The Cambridge sounds precise, capable of digging up oodles of detail
it’s captivating whether you’re listening to compressed rips or higher
resolution, CD quality files.
Cambridge
Audio Stream Magic 6: $1,050
Rega RP6 exact: $1,500 (Ratings: 5/5)
We realize we’ve included Rega turntables
with all our systems so far. This isn’t out of laziness; it just so happens
that Rega’s consistently high standards of sound quality run right through its
range. The RP6 turntable fitted with the Exact cartridge is a superb machine
and one that wouldn’t sound out of place in our most expensive system. The
package’s engaging sound and wide-ranging dynamics make it a real treat to
listen to, and it works effortlessly well with its Audiolab and Heed partners.
Rega
RP6 exact: $1,500
KEF LS50: $1200 (Ratings: 5/5)
The Tannoys work extremely well with this
system, but we’d urge you to listen to this combination with the LS50s in
place. The striking Rose gold Uni-Q driver (where a tweeter is positioned
within the mid/bass driver) gives the speaker visual presence, but it’s the
quality of sound that will really grab your attention. For speakers that are
just 30cm tall, these KEFs produce an impressive amount of bass. It’s all
quality too, as is the fantastic level of detail and sense of scale that they
produce. The LS50s really need to be heard to be believed.
KEF
LS50: $1,200
