Tangent CD II CD Player,Black

Product Information

The amp is rated at 25 Watts into 8 ohms and 50 Watts into 4 ohms, and it all sounds hefty enough if the speakers are well matched. The specs don’t indicate harmonic distortion or how flat the frequency response measures. No matter, the design seems competent, so the target audience are getting what they pay for – a small, versatile, fun and affordable amp. Due to the UK leaving the EU, some of our delivery partners have changed the way we ship to international and offshore destinations. This means that for the time being we are unable to ship items to these locations.

Since its launch in late 2018, the Ampster BT II has proven to be very popular. It’s a compact mini-stereo amplifier that can be used within a larger, modular hi-fi system if you include the CD II and Tuner II, both of which are available separately. Compact, stylish and sparkling-sounding, the Tangent CD II is the perfect CD player for enjoying your disc collection. There are, of course, other very good compact speakers around, and certainly some quite highly regarded candidates by Proac and Harbeth that would challenge the little Spektors. But on a price versus performance basis there is really no contest. Invoking those brands in my comparisons should let the reader know that I take these baby DALIs seriously. You even get colour choices.The supplied remote control doesn’t just operate the CD player, it also controls a full tangent system, including amplifier and tuner – making the full Tangent system every bit as convenient as an all-in-one system. Finally, as a test of flexibility, I dismantled the system and set it up again in my TV room where I ran the optical out from the TV into the Ampster. The results were as expected. The DALI/Tangent combo did a fine job as a 2.0 TV set up, and I could see lots of people integrating it into a modest media room installation, and adding a small powered subwoofer too. The metal casework feels solid and the rear inputs are sensibly arranged and complemented by a sturdy set of binding posts. You get a system remote that works well and is usefully non directional. Pairing a device by Bluetooth is simple and proves entirely stable throughout testing. Beyond rhythmic capability, the most notable attribute it consistently brings to material is tonal realism. Voices are very impressive. There’s no unnatural emphasis that makes them feel separated from supporting instruments, but they always come across as distinct and the focus of attention. Other standard challenges like piano notes and strings come across well and sound right.

There’s a single pre output for a subwoofer and a USB-A port for charging a phone or running a USB-powered device. As well as its ability to power on and off automatically, Tangent has gone to considerable lengths to ensure that the Ampster can be controlled when not in line of sight. An IR extension cable is bundled and can be attached to the rear and will automatically power up when it detects an incoming signal on the Aux input. The second generation of Tangent’s Ampster BT amplifier offers streaming via Bluetooth or you can connect your device using an AUX cable. Digital and analogue line inputs, a sub-output and USB charging ports are also provided. Channeling 2 x 50W of power per channel, inputs and outputs can be found on the rear. Connections include RCA line-in, sub-out, external IR, 3.5mm aux, optical-in, USB charge port and speaker terminals with a Bluetooth receiver extending out. There’s also an on/off switch for disconnecting the BT II from the mains. Bluetooth is of the aptX variety.There is a surprising amount of headroom available from the 25W Class D output, but the performance starts to harden up a little at higher levels. The Bluetooth connection can also be momentarily upset by incoming phone notifications. Remote Control: Navigate your music library with ease and adjust settings from anywhere in the room with the included remote control, adding convenience to your listening experience. The Tuner II is a radio with access to FM/DAB/DAB+ stations. The Tuner has a discrete antenna, which is detachable to allow you to connect an external antenna.