Top Audio Video 2011

Music First Audio’s Baby Reference passive preamplifier (£6000) is a rather fetching compromise for those who can’t stretch for the full-blown, £9000 Reference on which it is based. The sacrifice is features and facilities, rather than absolute performance, as it uses the same TX102 Mk IV transformers as the Reference, only with 23 taps rather than the full model’s 45. Also absent is a dedicated transformer-isolated auxiliary or tape output, and the casework is of a more basic design, but it's still delightful to handle and operate. Remote control is available as a £720 option, rather than supplied as standard.