Fyne tuned
Hi-Fi Choice|February 2021
David Vivian wonders if a hot-rodded version of Fyne Audio’s original floorstander has the required sonic change of gear
David Vivian
Fyne tuned

A young loudspeaker company can dream of endless innovation, but it can’t hope to roll out freshly designed new products forever. With proprietary tech, model span, and price boundaries established, there comes a point where the potentially open-ended process of evolution begins. For Fyne Audio, the launch in 2020 of the F502SP we’re reviewing here was its very own ‘return to go’ moment.

From a standing start in 2017, the fledgling operation, formed by key personnel from a recently bought-out Tannoy, hit the ground running and extended its portfolio to seven model lines in under two years – remarkable, and certainly enough ‘all pockets’ breadth to stand comparison with veteran British rivals like B&W, KEF, and Monitor Audio.

Echoes of Tannoy were, perhaps, inevitable and nowhere better illustrated than the point-source IsoFlare driver that has been utilized in the F500-series from the beginning. The series designs also showcased an advanced type of downward-firing BassTrax ‘tractrix’ bass refl ex-port, the name referencing a mathematically derived, cone-shaped diffuser that outputs more evenly than a conventional port and is less fussy about speaker positioning.

This story is from the February 2021 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2021 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HI-FI CHOICEView All
Old boys network
Hi-Fi Choice

Old boys network

As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
DESTINATION: LEITH
Hi-Fi Choice

DESTINATION: LEITH

Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2023
Core values
Hi-Fi Choice

Core values

Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
Forty something
Hi-Fi Choice

Forty something

Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
One for all
Hi-Fi Choice

One for all

German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
Three for all
Hi-Fi Choice

Three for all

The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2023
All in one
Hi-Fi Choice

All in one

DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
Wooden wonder
Hi-Fi Choice

Wooden wonder

Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
System matching
Hi-Fi Choice

System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2023
Game on!
Hi-Fi Choice

Game on!

At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023