Custom Design Discrete Inert Hi-Fi 4 review

Encourages a finger-snapping delivery from our system, but rivals offer better support and punchier, subtler performance Tested at £300

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Encourages a finger-snapping delivery from our system, but rivals offer better support and punchier, subtler performance

Pros

  • +

    Encourages a fast and nimble performance from our kit

  • +

    Looks neat

Cons

  • -

    Fiddly to assemble

  • -

    Gives a less detailed, weighty and punchy presentation than rivals

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This Custom Design rack certainly lives up to its ‘discrete’ tag. The neat, slim build will appeal to many, but the shelves – made from damped aluminium – feel a little flimsy next to the wooden slabs of rivals.

Performance

We want reassuring heft. Assembly takes some work, too: the instructions are not very clear. We do some head-scratching to figure out which bits go where.

With our usual reference system on board, the sound is tight, fast and nimble. The system’s top end shines, but the rack seems to hamper our set-up’s capacity to deliver deep, punchy bass. We want more weight in terms of a more rounded and detailed performance from our system. John Williams’ orchestral theme to Jurassic Park sounds a little light on texture and detail here, and dynamically it feels a little muffled, too.

Verdict

The Custom Design allows our kit get the rhythmic structure of a song right, but at the expense of its subtleties.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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