Remarkable Hi-Fi Finds for the Curious Listener

The Rega Elicit MK5 is a classic integrated stereo amplifier with a notably broad feature set for a two-channel system.

Its 105 W per channel rating into 8 ohms is joined by a built-in moving magnet phono stage, a Wolfson-based DAC circuit, headphone output, four RCA line inputs, and optical and coaxial digital inputs.

The source also highlights FET circuitry in the preamplifier section derived from Rega’s Aethos amplifier, Sanken output transistors, an Alps volume potentiometer, and thermal cut-out protection.

Yamaha’s Aventage RX-A8A, RX-A6A, and RX-A4A are positioned as premium AV receivers with 11, 9, and 7 amplification channels respectively.

The supplied material notes support for HDMI 2.1, Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and other features, while also pointing out that Yamaha was investigating defective HDMI 2.1 chip issues in its current receiver line at the time of announcement.

That makes the range relevant for immersive home-theater systems, but it also underlines the need to verify HDMI 2.1 functionality for the exact unit under consideration.

The Tron Nemesis RIAA is a highly specialized low-noise tube phono stage built around a purist circuit approach.

The design uses a short signal path, four D3a pentodes in the amplifier circuit, and four 7Y4 rectifier tubes in a separate power module.

The power supply is unusually substantial, with eight mains transformers, choke regulation, smooth tube voltage startup, hand-wound transformers and chokes, ceramic tube sockets, OFC copper internal wiring, WBT RCA connectors, and passive RIAA correction. Its two chassis weigh 60 kg combined, making it the most physically imposing analog component in this selection.

The Pro-Ject Debut Pro builds on the Debut Evo concept while adding several notable refinements.

Its hybrid carbon-metal 8.6-inch tonearm uses an aluminum inner layer for damping and noise isolation and a carbon outer layer for rigidity, according to the company.

The arm offers azimuth and VTA adjustment, helping users accommodate different cartridges and mats. The deck also includes the Pick-It Pro moving magnet cartridge developed with Ortofon, while the MDF plinth, separately mounted motor plate, thermoplastic elastomer spacers, and adjustable metal feet point to a design focused on isolation and setup flexibility.

The Pro-Ject Power Box S3 Phono is a compact external power supply intended for vinyl systems, especially Pro-Ject components such as the Phono Box DS3 B and Phono Box S3 B phono stages.

It provides two output lines: 18 V DC for a phono stage and 15 V DC for a turntable.

The unit follows the Box Design format, using a small aluminum case available in silver or black, while its high-voltage supply is external rather than built into the main chassis.

The Lina Network DAC update expands dCS’s headphone-system DAC with new control and processing options.

Version 2.0 adds two new Mapper settings, allowing the Ring DAC to operate at double speed at 5.6 or 6.14 MS/s, while preserving the option to use the original dCS Mapper.

It also adds DSD128 upsampling for PCM audio, four new PCM filters, an additional DSD filter with smooth roll-off and smoother phase response, and balance control. The update is described as free system software for the Lina Network DAC.

The iFi NEO iDSD 2 is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier with an unusually broad wired and wireless brief.

The source highlights Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless support, PCM processing up to 32-bit/768 kHz, support for all DSD levels, and a four-channel chip with separate processing of PCM and DSD.

Its headphone amplifier is rated at 5,550 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced Pentaconn output, and the unit includes USB-B, four optical and coaxial digital inputs, a 3.5 mm analog input, a two-inch color TFT display that adapts to orientation, app control, and an aluminum remote.

The Topping DX5 Lite combines DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier functions.

Its DAC section uses dual ESS ES9068AS chips, with an XMOS XU216 processor handling USB input.

The unit supports PCM up to 32-bit/678 kHz and native DSD512 over USB, while optical and coaxial inputs are limited to 24-bit/192 kHz. Bluetooth support includes LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX LL. For headphones, the NFCA amplifier section provides 6.35 mm and four-pin XLR outputs, and the variable output allows connection to an external power amplifier or powered speakers via RCA or XLR.

The Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl is a flagship phono stage built around nuvistor tubes in the phono amplifier circuits.

It is unusually flexible for cartridge users, offering five inputs, each compatible with both MM and MC cartridges.

It supports RIAA and RIAA/IEC correction, with stated gain levels of 90 dB for MM and 88 dB for MC. The inputs include capacitance adjustment from 50 to 400 pF and load adjustment from 0.1 to 47 kΩ, while outputs include RCA at 300 mV and balanced XLR at 600 mV. The full-size aluminum chassis is described with thick walls, side heatsinks, and decoupling cones with thrust bearings.

The GUSTARD H26 is a desktop headphone amplifier built around a fully symmetrical class A circuit.

Its output stage uses eight pairs of selected transistors, while the preamplifier section uses two LME49720 op-amps.

Volume control is handled by a resistive matrix, and the power amplifier can be switched off so the unit can operate as a pure preamplifier. The power supply uses two custom 50 W toroidal transformers, one per channel, with Nichicon capacitors in the filter. Headphone outputs include 6.35 mm unbalanced, 4.4 mm balanced, and four-pin XLR, with maximum output power stated at 6000 mW into 32 ohms at normalized distortion.