In this month’s issue of UK publication Hi-Fi Choice Magazine, Editor Lee Dunkley got to grips with Novafidelity’s X45 Reference Streamer and DAC, a title which - by HFC’s own admission - almost sells the versatility of the product a little short!
Dunkley gave a comprehensive over view of the product’s compatibility, analogue and digital ins and outs, as well as its 'somewhat daunting’ multimedia storage, music streaming and MQA support capabilities.
For testing purposes, a few well-chosen supporting products from the likes of Melco and Musical Fidelity were utilised for additional network server and integrated amplification duties respectively. Dunkley was notably impressed with the consistent experience across Novafidelity’s array of supported sources:
Whether it’s a radio station from Airable Internet Radio’s streaming service or hi-res content played from a networked drive, it has plenty of punch and detail to make me sit up and listen.
Dunkley also commented on the X45’s impressive build quality at its price point, but was particularly taken with the flexibility and control offered by Novafidelity’s X Music application for iOS and Android:
Navigating through the comprehensive menus using the app is glitch-free and the X45 quickly accesses its onboard music as well as my own networked content.
The slick music library accesses tracks from the networked Melco just as quickly as from its own internal HDD storage, and the sound is instantly appealing!
SCV's very own Matt Esau was also featured in Dunkley’s article to provide extra insight on the X45’s place in Novafidelity’s broader range, and the specific audience best-placed to benefit from an X45 in their home streaming set up.
Summing up, Dunkley praised the versatility of the X45 and proudly presented the product with the magazine’s prestigious ‘Recommended’ seal:
There’s no denying that this is a remarkably capable and flexible unit. There once was a time when do-it-all music solutions would have meant certain compromises, usually in terms of sound quality, but the X45 sacrifices nothing. It’s easily the most complete and futureproof digital music source I’ve spent time with, and so comes highly recommended.
For more information on the Novafidelity X45 check out our product page for a rundown of all features and specs.
Find out more about Hi-Fi Choice’s October issue here.