HQA (for High Quality Amplifier) is the first power amplifier to be marketed by Neodio. It is based on the technology developed for the TMA integrated amplifier. Its circuitry is based on innovative feedback, guaranteeing very low levels of distortion as well as a very wide bandwidth (1Hz to 300KHz) but without the shortcomings often attributed to feedback. Its construction is based on tried and tested Neodio recipes: rigid, damped chassis, 6mm PMMA rear panel, machined Delrin feet, layout designed to reduce electro-magnetic interference, high-quality, low-mass connectors, Neodio Fractal-type cabling. This product is aimed at all audiophiles who have a quality source with volume control, such as a streamer/dac for example. Sound quality is a priority for Neodio. When you listen to it, the HQA is extremely transparent, with a communicative energy. Its technology and comfortable power handling of 2x80W at 8 ohms mean that it is capable of driving speakers with a reputation for difficulty. HQA is part of Neodio’s Blue Program, with French manufacture, a design that facilitates repairs and a 10-year guarantee to the first buyer. Retail price: €4,600
Vertere’s new high-end tonearm is designated the SG-II PTA, as it looks—at a brief glance—similar to the SG-1 PTA tonearms. However, looks can be deceiving, as the SG-II only shares three parts with its junior siblings: the fine tracking force weight, the lift lower mechanism, and the silicon nitride triple bearing assembly. The SG-II-PTA HB will sell for £13500, €16998, and $16995. It will be available from July.
Vertere customers worldwide have called for a tonearm they feel more matches the SG-1 and RG-1 record players. Although the words from the launch of the SG-1 PTA tonearms three years ago are still almost correct: “The Vertere Super Groove Precision Tonearms utilise a combination of quality materials, including roll-wrapped carbon-fibre, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, brass and silicon nitride. Its unique bearing design and versatile anti-skate adjustment make it an ideal partner for the highest quality cartridges and turntables”. Never one to back down from pressure, Touraj set himself a target of a new tonearm with the performance approaching that of the Reference tonearm but something more affordable. T added Tungsten Carbide and removed brass from the bill of materials but, in the process, changed almost everything. The SG-II must be heard. It is just massively better than its older siblings.
The German manufacturer is offering a limited edition of its largest cable support model. The Rocket XL Granite is available as a set of 2 for €29.99 or as a set of eight for €1029.99. The finish is magnificent, with a powder coating to great effect.
It was only a matter of time until CH Precision applied its considerable expertise and experience in the digital domain to filling out the 10 Series with digital audio components. The wait is over and the results don’t disappoint. Embodying all of the familiar facets that deliver the unique combination of performance, versatility and longevity that set CH components apart, the C10 isn’t short on innovation or ground-breaking engineering.
Dedicated high-performance DAC – no volume control or analog inputs.
Twin-chassis product with massive, dedicated, ultra low noise power supply.
Mirror-topology with four discrete, galvanically isolated ‘power zones’ each with its own, highly regulated DC supply.
Native DSD, MQA and high-res PCM compatible.
All-new DSQTM Phase Array DAC architecture. o 16x PCM-1704 R2R DAC chips with substantial DSP. o Sequential processing delivers a sample rate of 64x Fs (2.8224/3.072MHz) o 3rd Order Sallen-Key Bessel low-pass filter reduces 20Hz-20kHz propagation delay to less than two femtoseconds.
User defined output level (1, 2.5 or 5V) and local/global feedback.
Upgradable to C10 Mono with addition of second power supply.
Matching T1 clock available in 10 Series chassis (T10).
Although the C10 relies on the proven performance of the DSP-based, PEtER Spline Filter Algorithm, with its exceptional time domain characteristics, it is paired with an all-new DAC architecture, the DSQTM Phase Array. This employs 8 R2R DACs per channel in a dual differential topology, committing four DACs to each phase of the signal. The incoming samples are distributed sequentially, the first DAC receiving samples 1, 5, 9 etc, the second samples 2, 6, 10 and so on across the four chips. Such complex processing demands incredible accuracy and stability within the entire digital to analog environment, from clock to software to low-pass filter and power supply. It’s a challenging proposition, but the results are spectacular. The remarkable processing speed delivers unprecedented resolution or harmonic and musical information, while the time domain demands translate directly to the musical reproduction, with a clarity, organisation and rhythmic integrity that no conventional DAC can match. One unexpected bonus of the C10’s complex power distribution and segmented power supply is that the upgrade path to C10 Mono is considerably simpler: just add a second C10 power supply. A single step that’s both easier, more practical, more space efficient and more cost effective than the ‘base camp plus five stages’ to the C1.2’s six-box Everest. Of course, the C10 incorporates the improved mechanical grounding system employed on the other 10 Series products and is available in the same choice of three different finishes. But add to that the configurable input options, output level and global feedback and the C10 can be matched to any digital source and any high-performance pre-amplifier. You can even order the T1 Time Reference master clock in matching 10 Series casework – designated the T10. But the icing on the cake is the performance. The performance that’s captured on the disc or file you are playing. The L10 and M10 broke new ground when it came to system matching, natural musical reproduction and communication, bringing listeners closer to the original event than ever before. The C10 delivers the same advantages in the digital domain – and delivers them that much closer to the front of the system, so that you enjoy the benefits at every stage thereafter. Digital recordings have never sounded so natural, so intimate, so like life or so like people.
Prices vary with country, but the US dollar and Euro prices are as follows: C10 DAC/Converter ……………………………………. from US$91,000 (w/out tax) / €91,000 (TTC) C10 Mono Three Chassis True Monaural DAC . from US$127,000 (w/out tax) / €127,000 (TTC) T10 Time Reference 10MHz clock………………… from US$24,700 (w/out tax) / €24,300 (TTC)
The Streamer comes in a chassis that is the size of the legendary Nagra VII. Just as the Nagra Classic line form factor was derived from the Nagra V and our HD line of products from the Nagra VI, the Streamer had to compliment the form factor of our best digital recorder, the Nagra VII.
The chassis of the Streamer is compact yet massive – precisely CNC machined from a solid billet of aluminum. It is rugged and rigid. It was designed to be as large as necessary but no larger. As a result, it allows for efficient placement on often equipment filled racks where space is a premium. This Streamer’s footprint allows it to be installed close to your IT equipment and to be connected to your DAC by the means of a long optical cable.
The Streamer features: • Tidal connect – you can stream directly from Tidal app • Spotify connect – you can stream directly from Spotify app • QOBUZ through mConnect control app (free and available for Apple and Android tablets or phones) • vTuner (access to thousands of radio stations) • Roon ready (in progress, not yet available) • Airplay 2 (for Apple devices) • UPnP / dlna for local files
You can also play files directly from a USB key or a USB hard drive. The Streamer connects to your network with an RJ45 cable. In terms of output, it features an N-Link ouptut for Nagra DACs (using a customer supplied optical fiber) as well as SPDIF connection for other DACs.
The Streamer comes with its own external power supply. You can further improve its sound quality by using a Nagra ACPS, MPS or a Classic PSU 12 V power supply.
