Rafe Arnott

Going out shopping for new music was easy when all we did was buy vinyl or CDs. Record stores have a ‘New Releases’ section clearly marked, so finding the latest music was a no-brainer. You walked in and looked around. Not so online.

A simple box that is simple to use will always be a delight in the world of high fidelity. This is doubly true when it comes to digital front ends as opposed to analog – because I think there’s a preconception that digital is easy.

I’ve discovered over the years at hi-fi shows that there’s an inviolate gravitional pull into a room when you see the hosts are using gear you own.

Some demonstrations at hi-fi shows are politely interesting, some are confusing and some are eye (ear) opening. It all depends on your particular bent to sound and whether you’re open to having an open mind – not something many audiophiles I’ve encountered seem particularly interested in.