Stello and Auranote
www.aprilmusic.com
The Stello and Auranote products from April Music are extremely well designed and well-made high quality products sitting at the cutting edge between traditional cd replay and the new drive into storing music on computer and hard drive systems.
STELLO CDT-100 CD Transport and CD-100 SIGNATURE upsampling DAC
The upsampling STELLO DA-100 SIGNATURE DAC is a premium audiophile product. It has been very well reviewed and must be on your shortlist if you are after the finest replay possible from your stored music collection. It’s Class A output stage , upsampling ability, and vast range of digital and analogue inputs and ouputs mean this can sit at the hub of your hi fi system for many years to come. The STELLO CDT-100 Transport matches it aesthetically and sonically, if CDs are still currently your main source. A true future-proofed system.
As “SOUNDSTAGE!” said: “…when the combo plays music (via I2S in my listening sessions), I was nothing but thrilled with the result. The CDT100/DA100 Signature combo sounds refined and detailed, and it can be compared against the best out there, whether it’s a one-piece player or separates. The midband is very clear and well detailed, the highs sweet, and the bass range articulate and highly controlled. Imaging is razor sharp, and the ability to project depth, usually the result of high resolution, is superb”
Online Reviews:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/aprilmusic2/stello.html
http://www.soundstage.com/equipment/stello_da100_cdt100.htm
http://hifi-unlimited.blogspot.com/2009/09/third-perspective-stello-cdt100-and.html
The AURANOTE PREMIER Audiophile one-box system
The AURANOTE is an extremely stylish, true high-end, one-box minimalist solution for lovers of music where separate components are not suitable or necessary.
It is beautifully designed by Kenneth Granger, the famous British industrial designer who’s past triumphs include the Parker Pen and the new London Taxis.
Cutting edge connectivity means the Aura note Premier can be linked to any computer or ipod-style device , interface smoothly, and simply play your music!
With one touch it will even convert CDs or radio to mp3 format and transfer them to a memory stick for portable use.
As “Affordable Audio” said when awarding the AURANOTE a “PRODUCT OF THE YEAR” Award :
“After spending a few months with the Aura Note, I do believe it is the successor to the B & O Beogram design of the 1970’s and 80’s. This smallish piece of gear is the first complete sign of the new level of integration of audio. Others have come ahead, but never with the fullness of detail and matching of hardware and software. The Note’s sound quality is right there with other separates that when assembled into a rig at this price range. The built-in amplifier can handle a wide variety of speakers with outright quality sonics. The Aura Note is definitely a member of my Best Of 2008 choices. If you’re looking for a simple, yet elegant solution that produces great sound April Music’s Aura Note may just be the only shopping you’ll need to do for an all-in-one setup.”
April Music are an audio company looking at what products will be made in the future and then manufacturing those products now!
Online Reviews
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue41/aura.htm
http://www.aprilmusic.com/Reviews/Hifiworld_Feb08_Auranote.pdf
http://hifi-unlimited.blogspot.com/2009/10/just-add-speakers-aura-note-music.html
