This system has both substance and style. The sound has a relaxed, easy charm and insouciance; that unexaggerated naturalness allied to a smooth, clear, well-balanced tonality - no rough edges, no harsh jagged corners. Yet also, there`s immediacy, clarity and separation. The music sounds clear, open, neutral - and very true to life. Sampling the Unico CDE cd player before setting up the system, it sounded deliciously smooth and homogeneous with a silvery-sharp musical presentation; immaculately clean and groomed.

 UNISON RESEARCH UNICO CDE triode-valve cd player in silver aluminium  £2195

The Pathos Classic One - now in MkIII guise - has long been a favourite integrated amp amongst those with an eye for performance and value.

Overall, the system delivered impressive clarity and separation, but not at the expense of tonal smoothness and integration. The sound was detailed and open, yet tonally sweet, well-balanced, neutral and seamlessly integrated, almost regardless of how close you sat to the speakers.

With a speaker company called Opera making a model named after the Diva of Divas, it would be highly remiss not to sample at least a Maria Callas recording. Starting with Bizet`s Carmen, Callas` voice was recreated with crisp articulation, while subtle colouring of the words sounded remarkable - the system was equal to the challenge. Hearing Callas singing Tosca reconfirmed how great the performance was, and how good this system is at reproducing vocal music. The closing few minutes of Tosca were thrilling beyond belief, and the clarity of the sound - its sense of space and depth and the way it conveyed the music`s passion and drama was remarkable.