MANUFACTURER

NEODIO Origine B2: The Essential System Optimizer

ACCESSORIES, MANUFACTURER, NEODIO, TESTS, TYPES

Released at the end of 2015, B1 quickly became a key element in the arsenal for optimising our hi-fi systems. But in 2017, Stéphane Even went back to the drawing board and re-launched research to improve his process. Five years later, he has identified an essential element: the behaviour of the water molecule has a strong influence on the perception of sound reproduction. According to him, B1 solved 90% of the problem and now, with Neodio Origine B2, the effect is much stronger.

ESPRIT Beta G9

CABLES, ESPRIT, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TYPES

With over 20 years’ experience behind it, Richard Cesari continues to develop its Esprit cable ranges with the recent arrival of the Esprit Beta G9 series. This 9th generation is even more advanced than its predecessor, particularly in terms of noise and interference reduction, for ever more developed musicality and ever more realistic sound reproduction, as already demonstrated by the brand’s second line, called Beta.

ATOLL SDA300 Signature: Ultimate All-In-One Hifi Device

AMPLIFIER, ATOLL, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TYPES

Previewed at High End 2022 in Munich, the brand’s all-in-one Atoll SDA300 Signature simply combines in a single device an integrated amplifier similar to the IN300 and a network player-converter based on the ST200 & ST300 Signature. Identical to the SDA200 Signature in terms of the front panel and rear panel connections, the newcomer really evolves on the inside, mainly in the amplifier section, with the aim of rediscovering the sound characteristics and vigour of the 300 series!

SOLIDSTEEL S3: Discreet, Classy Hi-Fi Racks

ACCESSORIES, Hot, MANUFACTURER, SOLIDSTEEL, TESTS, TYPES

With 32 years’ experience behind it, Italian manufacturer Solidsteel continues to improve its ranges of furniture, always discreet and very classy visually, although their main characteristic remains that of supporting the best hi-fi components with the greatest possible stability. Divided into two series, S and Hyperspike, the hi-fi shelving range starts with the S2, followed by the superior Solidsteel S3, the latter favoured by music lovers and the focus of this issue.

OCTAVIO Stream: The French Eco Friendly DAC

DAC, MANUFACTURER, OCTAVIO, TESTS, TYPES

A network player made in France? That was enough to intrigue us. Because while our teams are fond of high-end DACs, exceptional CD transports and high-resolution portable music players, we are above all driven by a passion for beautiful sound. Octavio, a young French start-up that also intends to make its mark thanks to Octavio Stream, no doubt shares this passion. So here we have a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile network player that we couldn’t wait to try out!

LUXMAN L507Z: Legendary Amplifier

AMPLIFIER, Hot, LUXMAN, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TYPES

With the latest energy standards, the legendary Japanese brand Luxman was in danger of no longer seeing its Class A amplifiers pass the test benches. So it went ahead and redesigned the architecture of its Class AB products, to get as close as possible to the sound...

TOTEM Tress: The Ultimate Affordable Hifi Cables?

LOUDSPEAKERS, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TOTEM, TYPES

Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer Totem also has a number of accessories in its catalogue, including the TOTEM Tress, priced at €29 per metre. Despite the low price, the simple design using quality materials produces a sound that is far better than expected across the...

HIFI ROSE RA180

AMPLIFIER, HIFI ROSE, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TYPES

A young South Korean brand discovered through its network servers, HiFi ROSE is launching its HIFI ROSE RA180 integrated amplifier, whose two main features - using class AD and enabling bi-amplification - provide real added value, as well as delivering considerable...

DIPTYQUE AUDIO Reference: Wonderful and Musical

LOUDSPEAKERS, DIPTYQUE AUDIO, MANUFACTURER, TESTS, TYPES

A year ago, the Montalban-based manufacturer brought us its DP 107, a wonderfully musical loudspeaker in a relatively small footprint. It was a breath of fresh air for isodynamic speakers. But Diptyque was already working in secret on a new uncompromising creation....