We've been selling the Music Works Reflex mains block and cables for a couple of years, although this may not be obvious, considering the lack of references to it on our site.

In the right context, they are absolutely brilliant but, as with many products, the right context often fails to include Naim Audio. A startling exception to this rule has been when Focal loudspeakers are being used and this synergy has led to some frustration. When it works well, it's really good but when it's bad it's terrible.

Naim have come up with the Powerline mains lead which seems to manage to square the circle and work well with all levels of their electronics and with all manner of loudspeakers and ancillaries. And my word are they popular! The problem is that you often need to group the plugs together, particularly if you want to take advantage of using a Powerline to feed the block.

So far, we have been using our own rewired Olson mains block with an IEC feed or, more often, the dinky little Wireworld Matrix six way block. It has always seemed best to avoid filters and gadgetry but it is very evident that the physical structure of these items is of considerable relevance to the sound quality.

Now we have the mother of passive unfiltered mains blocks. Music Works now offer a 'basic' version of the Reflex Mains block. It retains the star earthing strategy and

the acrylic casework but is fed via a straight-forward IEC socket. It plays along with Naim's philosophy of keeping the interface loose by leaving the mains sockets slightly loose 'n wobbly.

And yes, it really is good. Very much the next level to our existing solutions with a warmer, cleaner, larger and somehow more organic and beguiling presentation. The price? £500.

Signals hi-fi for grown-ups. suppliers and installers of music hi-fi audio stereo system, systems and a/v av products to all areas of Suffolk,North Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire 01473 655171

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