Super Natural Audio (SNA) proudly states, "Our core mission statement is 'Music as it is supposed to be heard'." SNA says it offers "bespoke boutique solutions for state-of-the-art sound in the home". Moreover, this is achieved at realistic direct-sale prices. The brands represented are Super Natural Audio (SNA), CML Music (incorporating Etude Loudspeakers UK and Curvi HiFi), Clipaudio, and Lucas Audio Lab.

At The UK Audio Show, held at Staverton Park Hotel over the weekend of October 5-6, 2024, Super Natural Audio will launch its own SNA DAC-Pre, an entry-level integrated digital-to-analogue converter and full analogue line-level preamplifier. The digital section has USB, SPDIF (coaxial) and Toslink (optical) inputs. It utilises a pair of the latest AKM DAC chips in dual mono implemented in the non-oversampling (NOS) configuration. This supports hi-res audio up to 32  Bit / 768 kHz PCM and Quad DSD. The output of the DAC is fed into the line driving section, which has three line-level inputs.

The line driver is based around an ECC88 dual triode valve (one per channel) and has a cathode follower output and plenty of gain to match any power amplifier or active loudspeaker system.

This new DAC-Pre combines the essential elements of the highly regarded SNA DAC and the SNA line-level preamp at a considerably lower price than the separate items. All the SNA electronics are point-to-point wired (valve electronics only) and handmade to order. The sale price will be £995 (direct sale only).

CLIPAUDIO

We have met earlier versions of the New Nine-Wave tonearm, a revolutionary twist on a classic double gimbal bearing S-shaped unit. Here, the second bend in the vertical plane makes the stylus tip coincident with the gimbal centre, which, we're told, improves tracking. Additionally, the bearings are a unique multi-material design.

Meanwhile, the Dolomite turntable has been in development for 25 years. Its suspended design utilises adjustable elastomer band suspension in conjunction with tuneable silicone fluid damping. The chassis and sub-chassis are machined and hand-polished 20 mm cast acrylic (options of white, black or clear), and the platter is machined from 45 mm clear cast acrylic. The 61 mm diameter bearing housing is machined from bronze; this effectively mass-loads the suspension and eliminates bearing noise.

An AC synchronous motor with flat belt transmission has been selected for optimal sound quality. The motor PSU and one-touch microprocessor speed controller are housed in a bespoke contoured polished white (or black) acrylic box, complementing the turntable aesthetics. The maker claims the Dolomite / Nine-Wave system "offers a new level of unforced realism and musicality from a re-imagined combination of classic ingredients," handmade in the UK.

The Dolomite / Nine-Wave system sells for £5,000 (direct sale only)—the price includes set-up with a buyer-supplied cartridge. The Dolomite and PSU alone sell for £4000, and the Nine-Wave alone sells for £1,500.

CML MUSIC / CURVI

Regular readers might recall David Price's review of the Curvi Mk1. Chris Liauw has further refined his design for the Mk2, which will be demonstrated over the weekend alongside the Etude 5.

The Etude 5 (below) has the unenviable goal of being "a loudspeaker with a narrow frontal form factor which has a similar acoustic presentation to a full-range electrostatic or planar magnetic design."

The speaker is based on a directly driven linear array of four 85 mm balanced mode radiator (BMR) drive units, which is augmented in the low bass (below100 Hz) with force cancelled 200 mm bass units and in the high treble (from 6 kHz) by a 25 mm ring radiator tweeter. The BMR array and bass units share the same transmission line – the manufacturer's Common Time Base Transmission Line concept. The cabinet is finished in real piano lacquer applied by Shackleford Pianos of Macclesfield. The BMR drive units are mounted in a stainless steel / layered multi-material damping / CNC machined aluminium sandwich baffle insert.

The Etude 5's sale price is £10000/pair—direct sale only—including dedicated van delivery, installation, and set-up in the client's listening room (UK only). A pair of Curvi-BMR Mk2 loudspeakers will be on sale for £4,000.

LUCAS AUDIO LAB

Finally, Lucas Audio Lab will provide their superb Lucas Domansky Music Server (LDMS—the Minimax model with the range-topping hybrid PSU).

This will be the front end of a state-of-the-art streaming system.

Find them all in Room: Syndicate 35.

Visit The UK Audio Show for more information