Fun retro design meets serious sound quality, with the highly versatile Fosi Audio MC351.
Ideal for many uses The Fosi Audio MC351 is a compact amp with built-in DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). Its small size makes it ideal for desktop audio, yet it also makes a great device for boosting your TV’s sound, or for using with compact hi-fi speakers within a bookcase or tabletop hi-fi system.
Powerful stereo sound It might look small and dinky, but this compact retro amp packs quite a punch. Using Texas Instruments TPA3255 Class D amps, it outputs an impressive 165 watts per channel (with 4 ohm speakers). That’s enough to drive even the least efficient speakers to room-filling volume levels.
Dedicated subwoofer channel for boosted bass As well as offering powerful stereo sound, the MC351 is unusual in taking this further by offering a dedicated, powered subwoofer output. Featuring its own 350 watt amp, the powered subwoofer option means that you can use a more cost effective passive subwoofer for bass duties, rather than needing an active one with built-in amp. If you’d prefer to use an active subwoofer, or even a larger power amp, there’s also a 3.5mm pre-amp for low level audio output.
Adjust the sound to suit For sound that’s precisely tuned to your preferences, the MC351 features dedicated bass and treble controls. You can use these to optimise your speakers’ performance, reducing excessive brightness or dialling up the bass.
Digital connections for your Smartphone, PC and CD With no fewer than four different types of digital input, the MC351 has every base covered. Wirelessly enhance your smartphone or tablet’s sound by connecting to the Bluetooth input. For a laptop or desktop boost, use the USB-B socket. Other devices, such as a CD player, network streamer or set-top box can all be connected via the optical and coaxial digital inputs.
Analogue input Complementing the wide range of digital inputs, this compact amp from Fosi Audio also features an analogue RCA phono input. This is perfect for a turntable (with phono pre-amp fitted or added) or an older CD player without a digital output.
Warm, retro style Neat and easy to accommodate, the MC351 is far from bland. With its illuminated VU metre and vibrant orange volume knob, the retro design adds a splash of fun to the smooth good looks.
Amplifier all your music sources, in style, with the Fosi Audio MC351.
Compact speaker legends don't get much bigger than the Wharfedale Diamond 9.0.
The original small hi-fi speaker Launched in 1982, the iconic Wharfedale Diamond speaker range is now in its fourth decade. All those years ago, it was the Diamond speaker that proved, for the first time, that excellent quality sound could be achieved from a small, budget speaker. Since then there have been dozens of imitators, but the Diamonds remain amongst the best of the breed.
Solid construction The cabinet isn't just compact, it's also very solid. This combination gives the Diamonds an extremely accurate sound quality as the cabinet doesn't flex or vibrate. Equally impressive are the drive units. A soft dome tweeter gives the clarity and smoothness of sound you'd expect from a more expensive speaker, while the woofer cone uses a carbon fibre type weave to offer extremely taut and responsive bass.
Surprisingly powerful With a front port, these bass reflex speakers are punchier than you might expect and in no way could they ever be described as tinny. Over all, they may be small but the sound is grown-up, with excellent staging, realism and surprisingly powerful.
Hi-fi connections It's not just the major aspects of the design that Wharfedale have got right, it's the details, too. Proper 4mm banana sockets will accept thick cable and offer the best type of connection. Threaded sockets at the rear make for secure and easy bracket attachment.
For superb-sounding, top value compact speakers, the Diamond 9 remains a gem.
