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.

It’s more straightforward in how it goes about its business – more clinical than musical – but it achieves a good degree of balance through the frequencies. The lush tones of Eden from Beale Street aren’t as emotive or grand as you’d like, but it’s still capable of sweeping you away with its detail. While it isn’t the heftiest of presentation, it never strikes me as being insubstantial either. You should buy the Tangent Ampster BT II if…The Ampster BT II is a fairly easy piece of hi-fi to tame, with the choice of using the supplied remote or the volume/selector button on the unit itself. I also used a low-powered tube amp when I first set them up, my Unison Research ‘Simply Italy’, and it could drive them to ear splitting levels. From the first notes that issued forth I knew they were going to be amazing and I was frankly flabbergasted at how much good sound was issuing from these tiny boxes. I’d found instructions on the web from Mac expert Kirk McElhearn, on how to rip a CD to a single file using iTunes. It’s one of those hidden features that has been there since the year dot, but I’d never needed it until now; why would I?

I strapped everything together and set the units up on an equipment table (see photo). I placed the speakers flat on the equipment stand about 4.5 feet apart and at knee high level. From a purist’s viewpoint this is not ideal, but it is a mini-system after all and many potential owners will set it up this way – for example in a student’s dormitory, or in a bedroom system or an office. Some compromises are often going to be necessary. 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. 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. Tangent Audio has released a new and improved version of its compact Ampster Bluetooth amplifier. A new matching CD and Tuner have also been designed. 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.Initially using the Bluetooth connection and running into Polk’s Signature S15e speaker, the Ampster BT II sounds extremely good. A Tidal stream of The Cinematic Orchestra’s A Caged Bird/Imitations Of Life has pleasing energy and impact. The Tangent works well with the Polk’s naturally upbeat presentation and combines to produce a performance that’s weighty enough to convince but never at the expense of struggling with the timing of more complex compositions. On its own it’s a receiver for your Bluetooth sources and can be hooked to any good-quality hi-fi speaker of your choice.

DALI Spektor 1: Two way, Bass reflex, Rear ported, 59 to 26,000 Hz frequency range, 83 db sensitivity, 6 ohm impedence, cross-over frequency is 2100 Hz, Size is 237 X 140 X 195 mm, Weight 2.6 Kg., Recommended amplifier power 40-100 watts.The CD II player is also a fine candidate for comment, whether through the optical cable or the RCA outs. It is a dead simple player. Instead of a drawer or tray it has a slot feed that grabs the CD and pulls it into the player and then registers it and begins play. I generally prefer slot loading devices to trays. While not weighty, the remote feels good in the hand and is big enough not to get lost easily. Button presses are responsive, and despite the number of buttons on the remote, they’re spaced out well – misplaced presses will be few and far between. 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 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. Tangent’s CD II is a multi-format disc player that’s compatible with “all current CD formats” (including home made MP3 files) and with both digital optical and regular line-outputs.