Fell Audio, a fresh face in the hi-fi scene, is making waves with its new range of audio equipment that offers British craftsmanship at an affordable price.
Founded by the Tyson family in Cumbria, the brand combines decades of experience from the well-regarded Peter Tyson retail group with a passion for high-quality audio. With its new Fell Amp and Fell Disc, this upstart is setting out to disrupt the dominance of overseas-built products in the entry-level hi-fi market.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment you unpack the Fell Amp and Fell Disc, it’s clear that these products are built with a meticulous eye for design and detail. The aesthetic draws inspiration from the golden age of hi-fi, with sleek retro-modern styling that looks as good as it sounds. The Fell Disc features a classic dot matrix display paired with minimalist capacitive-touch controls, which is not only visually appealing but also intuitive and modern. The Fell Amp’s clean, functional design is complemented by a luxurious capacitive-touch interface and a volume control that lights up in a cool, dynamic LED display.
Beyond looks, the build quality is exceptional. Proudly designed and manufactured in the UK, these products have a sturdy, well-made feel. The Fell Amp delivers an impressive 89 watts of power, housed in a solid, yet elegant frame. This level of craftsmanship gives the system an edge over many overseas-made competitors, particularly in the entry-level market where low-cost often means compromising on durability.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound, Fell Audio doesn’t disappoint. Both the Fell Amp and Fell Disc are designed with a focus on delivering a natural, authentic listening experience. The Fell Amp, in particular, stands out with its Class D amplification, delivering power and control, while preserving an impressive dynamic range. Whether you’re powering small bookshelf speakers or larger floorstanders, the Fell Amp handles musical peaks and troughs effortlessly, maintaining clarity and punch.
The Fell Disc CD player performs admirably, offering crisp, high-resolution audio through its premium ESS ES9018 DAC. Its ability to handle CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats with ease makes it a versatile option for music lovers who still cherish physical media. Whether you’re playing commercial CDs or homemade mix discs, the sound quality is exceptional for its price point. Additionally, the CD player boasts convenient features like repeat play, random play, and a dimmable screen, making it both user-friendly and practical.
Practical Features and Connectivity
Fell Audio has thought of everything when it comes to usability. The Fell Amp is packed with useful features like Bluetooth aptX HD for high-quality music streaming, a turntable input with an integrated MM phono preamp, and multiple RCA inputs for connecting legacy hi-fi devices. The inclusion of optical and coaxial digital inputs, powered by the high-quality ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC, elevates the amp’s versatility, allowing for superior digital sound from devices like games consoles and set-top boxes.
For those who enjoy private listening, the Fell Amp includes a headphone output, perfect for late-night sessions or personal enjoyment. The Fell Disc also delivers flexible connectivity options with both stereo analogue RCA and digital outputs, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with other audio systems or existing DACs.
Affordability and Sustainability
At £499 for the Fell Disc and £599 for the Fell Amp, these products strike an excellent balance between price and performance. Fell Audio positions itself as a high-quality, affordable alternative to mass-produced, overseas-made hi-fi systems, offering an unparalleled value proposition for first-time audiophiles and seasoned music lovers alike.
Sustainability is also a key focus, with all packaging made from recyclable materials and products designed with repairability in mind. The company sources many of its components locally to reduce its carbon footprint, and even the internal packing foam is recyclable, reinforcing Fell Audio’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Fell Audio’s debut offering is nothing short of impressive. With the Fell Amp and Fell Disc, the company has successfully blended affordability, exceptional build quality, and superb sound performance into a compelling package. Whether you’re just starting your hi-fi journey or upgrading your existing setup, Fell Audio presents a strong case for being your go-to brand for entry-level audio equipment. Backed by a generous five-year warranty and a focus on UK-based manufacturing, these products are an exciting, sustainable choice for music lovers seeking a superior audio experience without breaking the bank.
In a market dominated by overseas manufacturing giants, Fell Audio is a refreshing reminder of what British craftsmanship can deliver at an affordable price.
The Fell Disc (£499) and Fell Amp (£599) are available (UK only, initially) from Peter Tyson online, in-store and via telesales, from Amazon, and also via the Fell Audio website here.
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