Hifidelio - £799


Our Rating: 4.5star.gif

Your Rating:

Rating: 2.4/5 (87 votes cast)


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Review By:
Simon (Brookheather) & Steve-p

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Hifidelio

The Hifidelio sits alongside the Cambridge Audio 640H, as a full music server, rather than a simple streamer

This product doesn't require a computer, it rips music onto its on-board hard disk, getting track information from the internet

It looks the part, sounds excellent and is extremely easy to use via its ipod style navigation system

Connecting to a computer can be done either via wireless or via the on-board network ports (x4) and as such it can play from or stream to itunes, as it runs linux, it can also be hacked to run slimserver in order to stream to a Squeezebox

Support for all main audio formats is included, including lossless, and it is near silent in operation

The only real drawbacks of this are the limited hard disk size and the web interface is extremely limited. Regular updates from Hifidelio are available.

Overall, this is an excellent device, ideal for those who want a full stand-alone solution

  RatingNotes
Price 4star.gif At £799, it is more expensive than the similarly specced Cambridge 640H. Can be bought cheaper from Germany.
Sound Quality 4star.gif Excellent sound quality from this device, very slightly bright, but can be used with a DAC. Silent in operation (no fan noise)
Ease of Use 5star.gif Large screen with easy to use controls which changes to a larger font when playing. Scroll wheel to easily select tracks
Compatibility 4star.gif Supports streaming to UPnP device.Files can be copied across from a PC without extra software Can copy files to an ipod, but unfortunately not to a PC Includes a 4-port ethernet switch and wireless.
Looks 5star.gif Looks superb, like a true hifi component
Audio Formats 4star.gif AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC and FLAC Only lacks WMA support.
Reliability 5star.gif Occasional lock-up when ripping, playing and navigating at the same time, but really needs to be pushed hard.
Networking Support 4.5star.gif
  • 802.11b and 802.11g
  • Built in ethernet switch
  • 128-bit WEP
  • No WAP
Overall 4.5star.gif Arguably the best stand-alone music server available at the moment, but it is expensive. An excellent current feature set improved further from regular software updates.

Advantages

  • Near silent
  • Ipod style operation
  • Good sound quality
  • Runs linux so can be hacked
  • Streams to/from itunes
  • Plays from a connected mp3 player
  • 802.11g and 4 port ethernet switch
  • Regular upgrades
  • Rips copy-protected CD's
  • Gapless playback
  • Fast navigation
  • Rescue CD provided
  • Analogue recording including track splitting/joining.

Disadvantages

  • Price
  • Hard disk size
  • Limited web interface (no track selection)
  • LCD screen is hard to read from a distance
  • Remote codes conflict with Arcam amplifiers
  • No TV interface
  • No PS/2 keyboard port, USB only.

Supported hardware/software

Top

Compatibility

Top
Music Format (Info) Compatible
WAV
yes
AIFF
yes
FLAC
yes
MP3
yes
AAC
yes
OGG
No
WMA
yes
Wireless Method (Info) Compatible
Wireless B
yes
Wireless G
yes
WEP 64
yes
WEP 128
yes
WPA
No
Top
Internet Radio Options Compatible
Operate Without PC
yes
Custom Presets
No
IPv6
No
HTTP Proxy
No
Multicast
No
Clock Radio
No

Comments to date: 2. This is page 1 of 1.

AudioFi   Northumberland-

Posted at 12:12am on Tuesday, November 21st, 2006

Jan, thanks for your comment, I hadn't heard about the 'S' kit, but will certainly check it out.

I'll update the review with your comments

Jan Larsson   Scandinavia-

Posted at 7:47am on Sunday, November 19th, 2006

Actually the PRO version is not quiet. It has a 3.5 harddisk mounted without damping to the box via the circuit board. Everything vibrates. You can buy the 'S' kit for EUR 60 (8 rubber grommets). It silences the machine and since the circuit board vibrates much less it also improves the sound. Entering text data is extremely tedious - you can connect a USB-keyboard but it only accept their own special model at another EUR 60. It sounds like the average mass-produced CD-player after installing the 'S'-kit. With an external DAC in is slightly worse than a Squeeebox with an external DAC. If you can live with this it is in fact a very nice and convenient box. Much simpler than the slimserver approach. And it also works as a normal CD-player, just pop a CD in and play it.



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