Chris Marten’s summary of the iFi retro which makes his list of true value in high-end audio.
“a nearly ideal merger of both New School and Old School concepts in high-end audio–quite possibly one that makes for a ‘best of both worlds’ solution….In the New School quadrant, the Retro system’s Stereo 50 integrated amp incorporates essentially all of the functionality of iFi’s impressive iDSD Micro DSD/DXD/High-Res PCM-cable DAC, headphone amp, and preamp, plus all of the functionality of iFi’s very cool iPhono Micro MM/MC phono stage, and aptx Bluetooth support. Then, in support of Old School values and design methods, the Stereo 50 integrated amp features a 25Wpc valve-powered amplifier section, styling reminiscent of a vintage era Marantz preamp or amp, and a lovely laminated Bamboo outer enclosure….Completing the package are a pair of iFi-designed LS3.5 mini-monitors (note how the name makes nodding reference to the classic BBC LS3/5A compact monitors), which feature silk-dome tweeters, a “super light” 4.5″ natural paper cone-equipped mid-bass driver, and a minimalist crossover. The LS3.5 is said to be a time-aligned design that provides a “perfectly coherent sound” between the tweeter and the wide bandwidth mid-bass driver. Like the Stereo 50’s enclosure, the LS3.5s’ enclosure are mdoe of laminated bamboo, which is stiff, light, and beautiful to look at.
Thank you Chris Martens of The Absolute Sound!
Be sure to look out for the iFi Retro! Coming soon….
