Chord strikes the right notes with system upgrade options

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

Cabling and other hi-fi ‘ancillaries’ like power distribution, isolation equipment and such like are viewed by some as snake oil – a case of marketing hype over real-world substance.

Those fortunate enough to have access to quality hi-fi products know different.

So when the chaps from Chord Company dropped by the Portsmouth store earlier this month with some goodies for us to listen to we piled eagerly into our demo room to try them out for ourselves…

No Noise Here

First up was the English Electric EE1 Network Noise Isolator (English Electric is a Chord Company brand). The EE1 is a palm-sized £250* box that is designed to block low frequency digital noise and reduce high frequency chatter.

We slotted it into our premium demo system comprising Naim NSS 333 streamer, NAC 332 preamp, two NAP 350 mono power amps and an NPX 300 power supply unit running into a pair of Dynaudio Confidence 50 floorstanding speakers. The EE1 sat between our English Electrics 8Switch and the NSS 333.

The EE1 improved clarity and definition. We’re certainly not talking night and day but for £250 it made a strong case for itself in terms of tidying up the sound.

It’s Burndy Time…

The next items for testing were Chord’s new Chord BurndyX power cables. At £2,765 for the pair these are significantly cheaper than the Chord BurndyT cables at £5,530.


We removed the EE1 and we listened first with the Naim-supplied Burndy’s. Could swapping a £2,765 pair of BurndyX power cables really make any meaningful difference to this £60,000 plus system?

Oh yes. It was immediately apparent that there was a lot more detail across all frequencies. Perhaps less expected was the obvious increase in the size of the soundstage, both in terms of width and height.

We were more than a little impressed that a pair of power cables could make such a difference. The Chord guys told us to think of the cables as another component. This takes a bit of effort, mainly because they aren’t a box filled with electronics. But when you think of the know-how that goes into these cables it begins to make sense.

Every BurndyX cable is hand built to order and uses multi-stranded silver-plated OFC conductors with high-density, silver-plated braid and foil combination HF shielding. The BurndyX uses cross link polyethylene (XLPE) insulation while the more expensive BurndyT use Taylon®. Both are terminated with their unique, crimped Choralloy™ plated connector pins.

As an immediate and significant upgrade to a medium-to-high-end Naim system it is hard to overlook the BurndyX.

PowerHAUS

Next up was the Chord Company PowerHAUS P6 Mains Distribution block fitted with the Chord Clearway power cables. We switched to a second system comprising a Naim Supernait 3 and CD5si, still running through the Dynaudio Confidence 50, if only because they weigh 50kg apiece and moving them takes a bit of time.


This entry level unit from Chord is still a pretty substantial block that majors on the quality of its internal wiring and the attention paid to its earthing utilising the company’s ARAY technology.

The sound grew with the £600 PowerHAUS P6 (the optional Clearway power cables are £130 per metre) wired in, delivering improvements in bass response and sound stage. The sense was that there was just more clean power on tap with the P6 which helped the Naim amp and CD player dig deeper.

In our opinion, all three items made a good case for themselves with the BurndyX delivering the most noticeable sonic improvement. To our ears at least, and in our systems, the performance of all three products more than justified their respective price tags.

It just goes to show, not everything is all marketing hype. There is a lot of substance to these products, so why not try them for yourself? Please give us a call and book a demonstration…

Thanks for reading.

Alan, Luke and Stephen - Audio T Portsmouth

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

A Quantum Leap Through Sound - Leema Acoustic's New Quantum Series Amplification

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In this month’s article, Matt from Audio T Cardiff leaps into the fantastic new Quantum amplification pre and power system from Leema Acoustics and takes a deeper look (and listen) to see what makes it fantastic value for money and a big combination tick…

My journey with Leema started not long after I joined Audio T, almost two and half years ago (my how time flies when we’re having fun!)

I listened to what I consider to be one of the best integrated amplifiers I have ever heard in a Hi-Fi system and quickly became one of my favourite two channel amplifiers in existence the Tucana II Anniversary. Going back over a year ago I wrote about this wonder of an amplifier, and at that time I was writing about the Tucana I was introduced to the pre production Quantum range at a Leema event we had in our store. The system comprised of the Positron streamer, the Electron CD player and the two components I am focusing on today, the Neutron preamplifier and the Graviton power amplifier. I remember being completely mesmerised by the sound of this new combination we had for our Leema event, and thinking at the time I can’t wait to get my hands on this fantastic kit.

LEE Taylor at the Leema Event Cardiff August 2023

Fast forward to the summer of this year where we had a pre launch event with Leema Acoustics to showcase the new quantum range. At this time I got my chance to meet the man himself, Mr Lee Taylor, and talk about his pursuit in sonic perfection. As he said to me, “You get out of a system what you put in, and perfection is not worth rushing as we all know it’s better to take your time and get things right”.

Perfection is what I personally feel about the new Quantum range, but we’ll get to that in a sec…

From talking with Lee, I think about the advice my Dad gave me many, many years ago about music and how it should sound. Lee seems to be on the same wavelength. We want music to be played more honestly, you want to hear those finer details in music, both good and bad (sometimes imperfection is perfection) as well as a great sound stage. No matter what source is feeding into the preamp, as we know the source is important, but arguably the amplifier is the heart of the system, breathing life into the sound we hear through the speakers.

Exciting times are afoot…

After what seems like a long time we have received our eagerly awaited delivery of our first Neutron preamplifier and our Graviton power amplifier. I can defiantly say they are worth the wait.

Now I get to do one of my favourite things, which is to get the equipment home and put it to the test, as there’s nothing like your own surroundings to get to know new Hi-Fi components.

Quantum Range Neutron Preamplifier

neutron preamplifier rear panel

Before I talk about my setup and how it sounds, let’s look at a few tech specs on Leema’s great power combination. Starting of course with the Neutron preamp. The preamp benefits from both balance and unbalanced inputs as well as RCA and XLR outputs to connect the power amplifier. The Neutron also has a rather good switchable moving magnet moving coil phono stage which comes out of Leema’s essentials range. It also has a very capable Wolfson digital to analogue converter (DAC) onboard.

Quantum Range Graviton Power Amplifier

leema graviton power amp rear panel

Now onto the Graviton power amplifier. The Graviton offers 150 watts into 8 Ohms, doing the maths the lower the impedance of the the loudspeaker the more efficiently it will allow the signal to pass, and in this case more watts into 4 Ohm rated loudspeakers. This power amp is a true class AB design with its oversized toroidal transformer. It also benefits from both balanced and unbalanced inputs as well as two sets of speaker terminals, which means you can run two sets of speakers if you need to.

System Configuration

Before settling down for a listen to this fantastic amp combo I will give you a rundown of all the equipment used in my setup.

dynavector 10x5 cartridge

Extreme - SIX

Demo Music Used

Now let the listening commence…

Vinyl

clutch - earth rocker

  • Extreme - Other side of the rainbow

Album: Six

  • Clutch - Gone cold

Temple of the dog - temple of the dog

Album: Earth rocker

CDs

  • Temple of the dog - Hunger strike

Album : Temple of the dog


After a good long warm up of the pre and power combination, the fun begins. Starting with the vinyl side of things I’d say this is where this pre and power combination really shines for me. Each Track sounds big and open with a wide sound stage. Instruments such as the Extreme track with Nuno Bettencourt’s twelve string guitar really chimes, and when the rest of the band comes in it doesn't sound messy. There’s perfect separation between vocals and instruments. On the Clutch track there’s a-lot of reverb and space in the track and I could definitely hear and feel more emotion in Neil Fallon’s voice.

On the CD side of things using the Neutrons DAC this didn't disappoint. The Wolfson DAC has more of an analogue feel to it, clean yet has that layer of warmth to it. The Temple of the dog track Hunger strike when it really gets going half way through with Mike McCready’s big riff, you can hear him really pushing his amp and really sounded how a Fender Stratocaster through a Marshall stack should. In short Quantum really performed well. This pre and power combination definitely controlled my Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers and they are not the easiest to drive.

Leema has their own sound right from the Constellation range like the Tucana, Pyxis and Hydra. Sonically the Quantum pre and power combination sounds closer to the Pyxis & Hydra pair than Leema’s previous ranges of amplifiers, supplied at a fantastic price point too. The Quantum has definitely made that dream of owning a pre and power set up less of a dream and more of a reality, without breaking the bank.

If this has piqued your interest, then why not pop in for a demonstration and let me know what you think of the new Quantum pre and power.

Thanks for reading

Matt, Nick and Kerrin - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Leema Acoustics can be found at the following Audio T stores

Welcome to the future of Naim separates - the 300 New Classic series

/ Audio T Brighton/

Hi folks and welcome to this month’s blog from Audio T Brighton. In this month’s edition we will be reviewing the next chapter in the future roadmap for Naim Audio products - the 300 series including; the NSS 333 streamer/DAC, the NAC 332 pre-amplifier, the NPX 300 power supply and last but not least, the NAP 350 monoblock power amplifiers.

After the successful release of the 200 series of products from Naim in January 2023, the future framework of separates has finally been realised via its latest 300 series components.

Let’s have a look...

Introducing the 300 series...

naim 300 system partnered with linn lp12 klimax & atc scm50’s

Here at Audio T Brighton, we are proud to announce that we have taken delivery of the latest Naim 300 series hi-fi system. To say we have looked forward to this happening would be an understatement. In the following few sections of this blog we’ll break down the individual components of this system to see what they bring to the party. Without giving too much away at this stage, you’ll definitely want to party upon receipt of a system like this.

Naim NSS 333 streamer/DAC...

The Naim NSS 333 streamer/DAC is Naim’s latest standalone streamer, offering the newest power management and DAC architecture.

A natural successor to the established Naim NDX2 streamer, the NSS 333 streamer incorporates Naim’s latest reworking of a modern classic, with enhanced output offerings via balanced connections as well as the traditional single-ended RCA and DIN outputs to satisfy old-school Naimees.

Sporting the same visual design as the 200 series, the NSC 333 is fully upgradeable with NPX 300 power supplies, which conveniently simplifies the myriad of different power supply options Naim had available with their earlier hi-fi offerings.

naim nss333 streamer inside

Upgrades to the NSS 333 are additionally more nuanced than previous generations by having the option to use a *separate NPX 300 power supply on each of the digital and analogue sections. An extra box, but Naim have always been renowned for allowing their users to run upgrades by adding extra power supplies to their components; think HiCap and SuperCap for those familiar with the brand, the difference being that only one type of power supply is available this time, the NPX 300. Far less confusing and user friendly, I must say!

  • We must point out an E.U. legal caveat with running two separate NPX 300’s on a NSS 333 streamer - it will disable the energy saving 0.5W standby mode when used this way, so you will need to turn the units off to save energy when not in use, which to be fair, you won’t feel like doing that often because you’ll be too busy listening to music!

Naim NAC 332 preamplifier...

The NAC 332 is the latest generation of analogue pre-amplifiers from Naim. A significant step forward for Naim, the NAC 332 is a self-powered pre-amplifier, allowing for standalone use, somewhat of a step off the beaten track for Naim, who traditionally have required a separate power supply to enable their hi-end pre-amps to function at all.

This simplifies matters a lot, reducing box count, whilst still offering a superb level of performance and yet still allowing user upgrade with an NPX 300 power supply if desired. The same caveat applies to the use of two separate power supplies mentioned above, in order to meet EU energy saving regulations.

inside the naim nac332 pre-amplifier

Naim NPX 300 power supply...

The Naim NPX 300 power supply was the first of the 300 series components released back in January 2023. As part of Naim’s new range of components in the 200 series, the NPX 300 was the first of the 300 range but hinted at what was to come. The streamlined power supply range on offer from Naim means that the complexities of the old Classic components power supply upgrades no longer exist and the NPX 300 works just as effectively with both the 200 and 300 series equipment.

naim npx300 power supply internals

Naim has always considered their power supplies to be fundamental to enhancing sonic performance and the NPX 300 follows on in their design philosophy very nicely, with clearly audible benefits in all implementations of 200 or 300 series systems.

Naim NAP 350 monoblock power amplifiers...

Naim’s latest offering in amplification comes from an update of their famous and coveted NAP 135 monoblock amps from the 1980’s.

inside the naim nap350 monoblock power amplifier

The Naim NAP 350 is a pure class-AB linear amplifier, running from fully regulated DR power supplies producing 175W into 8 ohms and 345W into 4 ohms. It can deliver peak power of up to 1.7kW to drive impedance dips of complex speaker crossover networks, offering unparalleled performance in the range and a significant step on from the Naim NAP 250 stereo power amplifier released at the same time as the NPX 300 power supply.

Naim 300 system as a whole...

The 300 series components by Naim are a re-imagining of the old Classic systems known to Naim fans. They offer a modern twist on established products, with slick operation, efficient running and class-leading sonics with Naim’s famous reliability, after sales servicing and traditionally high residual values.

Naim that tune...

One of the defining qualities of Naim systems over the five decades of their existence and a reason for their customers returning for more, is their ability to play a tune.

The 300 series has a more modern sonic flavour, albeit not the same as older Naim systems, but it hasn’t lost the musical flow, PRAT and dynamics of old, achieving a cleaner, more detailed, resolved and spacious presentation than of yore.

I’m sure Mr Vereker would approve...

Julian Vereker, founder of naim audio

We are confident that Julian Vereker, the founder of Naim Audio, would be satisfied to find the sound of the latest 300 series converging towards his playback ideals and, should he still be alive today, a fitting culmination to 50 years of his design philosophy.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so get in touch to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

SUMIKO Has Landed at Audio T Southampton

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Here at Audio T Southampton, we like to think we have a pretty good knowledge of the brands available in the Hi-Fi market, but once in a very rare while, we’re caught off guard and get introduced to something completely new…

We first came across SUMIKO here in the Southampton store when a customer walked through the door and asked if we could supply them with one of their cartridges. We were initially a bit taken aback as we had not heard of SUMIKO before, but boy are we glad we do now.

We were intrigued by this ellusive brand and ordered in three products from their range - Two moving magnet and one moving coil.

I went out to a customers house with the Blue Point No3 Moving Coil model in hand to put it up against his current cartridge on his Michell Gyrodec. It’s safe to say that the SUMIKO blew his cartridge away! I was amazed at how much detail and depth it had in comparison. It changed the whole soundstage of his Gyrodec. It sounded much more open and you could hear every note cleanly. We tried a few different albums from Elvis and The Beach Boys to classics like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon and Dire Straight's’ Brothers In Arms.

I left the customer with a new cartridge and huge smile on his face, and in all honesty, I couldn’t hide my large grin either.

I have since tried different SUMIKO cartridges on a few different turntables in store, and each time I am amazed at the way it breathes new life into each one!

A brief history of SUMIKO

For over 40 years, SUMIKO have provided an array of phono pick-up cartridges to discerning audio enthusiasts around the world. Boasting a portfolio of products that touches all price points and technologies.

David Fletcher with “the arm”

SUMIKO was founded in 1972 in Japan by three people, notably of which was American theoretical physicist David Fletcher. Before he co-founded SUMIKO he used to work for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, working on various different research projects. Unfortunately David Fletcher passed away early into 2021 at the age of 81.

Fun Fact: SUMIKO was named after one of the founders' wives.

MDC 800 Tonearm and Talisman A Cartridge

In the early days of SUMIKO they used to provide two services; the first being the import side of the business with introducing new and different brands to North America, ranging from Koetsu, Grace and many more. The other aspect of SUMIKO company is what they are primarily known for these days; that being, their spectacular cartridges, starting with the Talisman MC cartridges of which there were four: A, B, S and the Virtuoso. Another one of their founding products was the MDC 800 Tonearm, appropriately nicknamed "The Arm".

The RAINIER MM and Palo Santos MC Cartridges

Nowadays SUMIKO focus on their range of cartridges, with them now producing two different ranges, from the Oyster Series featuring the Rainier MM cartridges, all the way to the phenomenal Reference Series and the stunning Palo Santos Presentation Moving Coil Cartridge.

It really is a travesty that SUMIKO is not as well known here in the UK as they deserve to be. Superb quality at a lower price than a lot of their competitors. For us it was a no brainer to start stocking these and absolutely sing their praises.

If you’re interested in hearing one of these great cartridges or want to know more about their range please don't hesitate to give us a call and arrange a demonstration.

Thanks for Reading

Wayne - Audio T Southampton.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

SUMIKO can be found at the following Audio T stores

From Cardiff to Salisbury - A Road Trip To Naim HQ

/ Audio T Cardiff/

This month’s blog sees Matt from Audio T Cardiff take a road trip over to Salisbury to visit Naim’s base of operations, take a tour around their factory and meet with one of the leading British Hi-Fi companies…

Naim HQ

Start of factory tour

On my long and winding journey through the wonderful world of Hi-Fi there has always been one brand for me that stands out from the crowd and represents phenomenal build quality, stunning looks and outstanding performance. The brand in question? You guessed it… Naim.

Recently, I had the great honour and opportunity to take a road trip over to Naim’s main base of operations in Salisbury and take a tour around their truly mind blowing factory, all whilst accompanied by Naim’s brand ambassador, Mr Jason Gould.

Naim Audio 50th Anniversary

This year, myself and Naim both share a milestone birthday within months of each other, we were both born in 1973 so I can say it was a bit of a birthday treat for me to visit the wonderful people at Naim.

Speaking of 50th birthdays, Naim has released an amplifier marking this landmark anniversary, the Nait 50 which I am very much looking forward to listening to.

naim nait 50

Interesting sidenote, one of the most important and influential albums in progressive rock was released in 1973. I’ll give you a clue, it has a prism on the cover.

Naim History

Before I take you on a bit of a virtual tour, let’s take a trip back in Hi-Fi history, to where it all started at Naim and talk a bit about their founder, Julian Charles Prendergast Vereker MBE.

Julian was very much a man after my own heart. A music enthusiast and an engineer, not to mention he was also a racing driver (I just love to watch the sport mainly). Julian retired from motor racing in his early 20s. He then went on to work for well known automotive racing modification companies such as Janspeed. Julian, like myself, also had a great interest in cycling and had a hand in designing the folding bicycle with Brompton Cycles, which are still very much around today.

Being a self taught engineer, he was able to turn his hand to anything. Julian was dissatisfied with the performance of the amplifiers & speakers of the time. So, armed with his true entrepreneurial spirit he decided to follow his passion for music and attempt to recreate the perfect performance in our living rooms. This led him to found the Naim Audio visual company in 1969.

A few years later he came up with amplifiers such as the original chrome bumper Naim Nap 200 power amplifier which was brought to the world in 1973. Many years on, Naim as we know it has very much evolved since the late 60s, but walking around the factory I could feel that Julian’s influence and passion is still very much there, ever pushing the boundaries of Hi-Fi, bringing us closer to true perfection in sound.

The Factory Tour

As you’d expect, our tour started at the front entrance, then led into a stunning demonstration room where we met our guide, Jason Gould.

Jason walked us through the factory to where the 500 series and flagship Statement series are made (as they say, it’s better to start at the top.) Jason then proceeded to tell us all about the design and production processes and how Naim decouple components away from the chassis and outer casing to prevent noise…

naim statement pre amp rear panel de-coupled

Staement pre amp internal

The input and output section of the Naim Statement pre-amp is fitted within a faraday cage to help with interference. There is aerospace technology in the case, it’s more outer space technology involved here with how the input and output circuits are decoupled. The circuit boards are mounted in a frame with suspension inbuilt, something normally seen in satellites. Jason was telling me this is where the aerospace technology really comes in to it and other design aspects of Naim such as aircraft grade aluminium used in things like outer casing.

The Classic Range

As you can see from the photos below, there are various stations where each component is meticulously built, ready for the next phase. Every unit is tested rigorously. As we know, soak testing involves putting a system through its paces with a typical production load, over a continuous period. In this case, powering each component on and off. This process is done to make sure when we receive our fantastic new equipment, it is fault and worry free.

A really interesting part of the production process is that they have prebuilt examples of every amplifier, CD player etc with transparent outer casing on them to show each technician where each board wire and component is positioned and decoupled from the chassis and outer casing. Each amplifier and product gets the same love and attention to detail. For instance one of the examples I looked at was a Nait XS3 and it was really interesting to see how everything was positioned inside the chassis.

A Whole Lotta’ Shakin’

naim factory cable shaker

No Naim factory tour could be complete without checking out the infamous Naim cable shaker.

As Jason said, there’s no scientific explanation behind this process but when a cable is manufactured it is highly taut when it is pulled from the reel and put through its manufacturing process. The machine is built to shake all of that tension out of the interconnect cables. This helps with decoupling, as a taut cable can become microphonic. Jason explained that if you put a non shaken cable and a shaken cable side by side in a demonstration you would chose the shaken one every time. In fact, a shaken one will be nice and loose and easier to dress i.e. it won’t be unruly behind your Hi-Fi system and looks a lot tidier.

Walking around this facility definitely shows there is so much passion for every product in Naim’s range from the Nait 5Si right up to Statement Series. You are truly getting sonic and build perfection at all levels. From the design process right through to manufacturing, even down to how every item is shipped out.

New Classic 200 & 300 Series

focal grande utopia

Once we had seen how everything was made, Jason led us back to the demonstration room where we sat down for a listen, or you could say a sonic tour for the ears through Naims’ new classic series.

I am already very familiar with some of the New Classic series. The New Classic 200 series is on demonstration in our Cardiff shop.

Naim has always blown me away with their level of sound quality and detail. Jason proceeded to take us through 200 series from the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier & NAP250 through a pair of rather magnificent Focal Utopia Scala Evo floorstanding speakers. Sonically, as I have found previously with this system, it performed above and beyond my expectations. Great sound quality teamed with good separation in the music. Next the NPX 300 power supply was added to the preamplifier. This change brought the system to a whole new level! I would describe it as more open and energetic, the sound stage is transformed but I have a funny feeling what’s coming next will change all of this…

Earlier in the day, when we first met up in Naim’s bespoke demonstration room, the thing that caught my eye immediately was the New Classic 300 series. I thought to myself, “I’m in for something rather special today”.

This moment is what it’s all about for me. As I have said before, it’s about live sound with me, thinking back to when I was younger closing my eyes to picture where everyone is positioned on the stage. This rings true for what’s coming next…

We started with the NSS 333 streamer the NAC 332 preamplifier and of course the NAP 350 mono block pair. What can I say apart from “buckle up, the ride is about to begin”. Naim has always blown me away, and in the case of the 300 series, the have excelled themselves. A really big step up in power and performance. For instance you could hear the breath of the singer on the microphone and so much more detail on things like reverb and decay of piano notes. Next up, a NPX 300 was added to the streamer. This brought better separation in instrumentation and more of a natural sound in vocals, but I feel the best is yet to come.

Lastly, an NPX 300 was added to the preamp. This changed everything! If you have ever heard the term “the speakers have disappeared and got out of the way” this is the perfect example. At this point it really felt like there was a live band in the room (in a good way of course). Instruments such as bass guitars and electric pianos sounded more real and vocals again sounded as if you were in a sound studio, listening to the vocals isolated for the first time. To say I was impressed with the New Classic 300 Series performance is an understatement, it left me lost for words! I’m seriously thinking of saving up for this setup

Today wasn’t just about Naim’s fantastic equipment. We got to meet some of the wonderful staff, engineers and designers, such as Mr Steve Sells who as many will know is the man behind many products, most notably the Statement range. I also got to meet Ian, who looks after customer orders and is also a very good friend with one of my favourite classic rock frontmen, Mr Paul Di’anno. He was the original frontman for Iron Maiden before Bruce Dickinson.

Not Just 200 and 300

No matter where you are in Naim’s range of products, you are part of a sound that started back in 1973, but much improved as time has gone on with the likes of the Mu-So range, Uniti Series, to the Nait 5Si all the way up to the Statement, Naim has achieved near perfection on all levels but they are always improving on things all the time. I can certainly see Naim on the horizon for me in my own system maybe the all new NVC TT phono stage.

Although I spent a day with these wonderful people, I think if they hadn’t said it was time for us to go home I think I would have been there all night listening to there fantastic equipment.

Why not book yourself in for a demonstration at your local Audio T and listen for yourself.

I’d like to say a big thank you to the guys at Naim for putting up with me for the day, especially Jason Gould, Darren Woodyatt, Steve Sells and Tom Goodridge.

Thanks for reading

Matt, Nick and Kerrin - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Chromey Screams XRRRRRR!!!!!!! - (Sorry, He Streams Cyrus XR)

/ Audio T Manchester/

Cyrus have a long history with their small format British-designed & built audio equipment, in fact, 2024 will mark the brand’s forty year anniversary of innovation and superb sound quality. The first Cyrus amplifier was quite revolutionary at the time, and offered giant-killing performance for a very modest cost, and set the mould for the style of the die-cast enclosure.

Chromey investigates the stream XR this all hallows eve.

There is quite a lot within the compact and now rather iconic diecast 75 x 215 x 355 mm enclosure, as well as an in-built ESS based 24 BIT DAC, the unit offers two digital inputs and a fixed or variable analogue output, allowing one small compact unit to drive a matching Cyrus power amp, or even a set of active loudspeakers, for a truly minimal high-end system. Streaming control is based around the popular BluOS, now in the latest 4.0 version; a highly smooth operating system, which as well as supporting multi room audio at the full 24 BIT 192KHz lossless resolution, network streaming, and internet radio, it also supports all of the popular streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify and dozens of others, as well as Roon, Apple Airplay2 and MQA decoding.

Soft touch control.

Existing Cyrus owners will be the first to notice the subtle style changes to the iconic die-cast case. The smooth finish is complimented by eight smooth soft-touch controls, which include basic functions such as power and volume control. A comprehensive LCD display shows the status of the unit’s operation. At the rear analogue outputs are complemented by two digital outputs and two digital inputs, one of each standard type SPDIF coaxial and Toslink optical. The digital inputs allow the streamer to operate as a preamp for any other digital source, DAB tuner, CD transport, TV sound, DVD, Bluray etc. In addition to the IEC power cable, a connection is provided for the latest PSU-XR, an upgrade on the well known and highly popular PSX-R power supply. A USB connection and RJ45 local area network connection are provided as well as the internal high speed 5Ghz Wifi. To sync functions, there is also the Cyrus MC bus connections.

Cyrus claims that the latest XR series of audio products are the manifestation of over a decade’s accumulated technology and development knowledge. There is no shortage of innovation under the skin of the Stream-XR, with particular attention paid to the detail of every component that lies in the audio path. The DAC output stage of the Stream-XR features the 2nd generation of the award-winning QXR DAC, which includes a high-speed analogue buffer audio stage. The QXR DAC design is based on the ESS ES9038Q2M chipset, which has had every component analysed by the Cyrus engineering team, coupled with the layout being fully optimized to tune the DAC to achieve the highest possible performance. The result is a DAC that claims to reconstruct the original analogue signal with incredible accuracy and precision, revealing layers and depth to the music.

The new cyrus casework has chrome feet!!!! Put those back chromey!!!

The sound is incredibly analogue sounding and spacious, and what is more, can be transformed to an even higher level with the aforementioned PSU-XR. The original 1980s PSX supply was quite a simple, if powerful power supply. The PSX-R offered a big improvement in sophistication, but the new PSU-XR is in a different much higher class. A large audio-grade toroidal transformer with fifteen separate windings, ground-isolated regulation circuitry and separate output power and ground returns in the umbilical connection cable minimise electrical noise in the multiple power feeds to the Stream XR. No less than five separate regulated supplies are provided, and the entire supply is intelligent, featuring its own microprocessor to control it. This unit offers a serious upgrade on the already very high standard set by the standard Stream-XR.

Forty years ago, when Digital Audio was in its infancy, and the highest resolution was a lowly 16 BIT signal, Cyrus was already pushing digital audio sound quality boundaries, just as it is doing today with the latest Stream XR and PSU-XR, their strong legacy continues. We invite you to audition these latest high-end streamers at Audio T. And as a plus for any owner of the earlier generation of pre-BluOS Cyrus streamer, an upgrade path is on offer for a limited time. Find out more here.

Now on demonstration at Audio T Manchester. Book your audition now.

Thanks for reading

Haden - Audio T Manchester

Come along and speak to Munir, Dave and James at the store to arrange a demonstration.

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The Audio Note CD 2.1x/II - A CD Player that Elevates the Red Book Standard

/ Audio T Oxford/

There are some people that live in the belief that CD is a dead format, whilst others are constantly building on their treasured collections and want to find a replacement should their faithful player go down and cannot be repaired. If you’re anything like myself you will use streaming services to decide whether you like the music before committing to buying the CD or vinyl.

Many who still buy CDs will often rip their purchases to a server (as do I). Personally, I haven’t used a CD player at home for some time. However, I have been fortunate enough to have access to some significantly good players, but somehow something was missing for me; whilst sometimes impressive, the playback didn’t sound “real” and lacked musical flow.

Yet another CD Player, right?

Audio Note (UK) CD 2.1x/II

The Audio Note approach to CD Players is somewhat different. Importantly, they have an axiom in the design and development of all their equipment, that it must serve the music. The Brighton based manufacturer take Red Book CD players very seriously as a music source, believing they are still the best home digital source.

What’s it all about then?

The CD 2.1x/II Red Book CD Player is the second in a ladder of the five Red Book CD players offered by Audio Note. As usual they’ve applied their vast wealth of experience and research, to produce their own take on how CD play should best be implemented.

So, what is the recipe that Audio Note use? 

Important, careful voicing and having a deep understanding of what is going on 'under the hood', using minimal processing, no oversampling and no digital or analogue filtering, to achieve a very articulate voice, the fundamental reason why many tracks flow so well from their products.

The CD 2.1x/II is essentially a component upgraded version of the CD1.1x, equipped with better custom produced Audio Note parts. The CD 2.1x/II was engineered around an economical version of Philips DAC IC, the TDA1543 (which dates back to the 1980s), and the Philips L1210 CD mechanism. The output stage is designed around the very musical 6111WA miniature double triode (valve), and an improved selection of bespoke components are used to raise the CD2.1x/II's specification; Audio Note 0.5W and 1W tantalum resistors, AN standard electrolytic capacitors, and AN copper foil coupling capacitors.

So, 16bit/44 hz CD replay, done thoughtfully and properly. This is how Audio Note view the equipment serving the music – good engineering and materials selection, thinking outside the box and applying learned solutions, and critical listening in voicing the product, to sound well rounded, insightful, and musical and as close to real life as possible. Audio Note’s intention is to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD. 

What does it actually sound like? 

Even early in our listening it was apparent that the Audio Note CD 2.1x/II Red Book CD player was musical and natural sounding. When it became fully run in we realised that there is a lot more music waiting to be discovered in those Red Book CDs.  

We transitioned from just hearing the CD sound into listening to the music instead, now receiving the emotional sweep of the music in all its complexity, without any sign of sterility. A surprising musical journey and one that re-defined expectations. With the CD2.1x/11 the music was more real, everything had a proper shape and timbre, insight into musical interplay became apparent, as did dynamic contrasts. The music had more feeling, emotion, and reality – with immense listening satisfaction and an analogue naturalness.

We covered a wide range of genres of music including Dub, Americana, Rock and Classical.

It appears to be the case that there was nothing really wrong with CD all along, but sometimes CD players are not all they could be. Audio Note have found the magic. 

Summary 

The CD 2.1x/II is an exceptionally good player in its own right and deserves to be heard, with any equipment.

It really comes into its own in a full Audio Note System, in this case comprising the Otto Phono SE Signature SE or Cobra valve amps, and the ANK-/SPe speakers. A wonderful and immersive way to listen to music.

 Available for demonstration now, come and have a listen!

Thanks for reading.

Rob & Jon - Audio T Oxford

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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Audio Note can be found at the following Audio T stores:

 

The New Neat Mystique Classic loudspeakers land at Audio T Cheltenham

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

New loudspeakers from Neat Acoustics don’t come along all too often but when they do, they tend to be something rather special and the brand new Mystique Classic definitely do not buck that trend!

Good Looking and room friendly too

The Neat Mystique Classic are named in homage to the original version which was available between 1994 and 1997. This new version is a small floorstander measuring just 78cm tall and weighing in at 10kg each. Featuring the 134mm driver from Neat's Motive range and the superb AMT tweeter, used across all three Classic models. To add some extra low end extension, the cabinet is ported through the base, which is raised above a plinth by four aluminium spacers.

That superb cobnination of AMT tweeter and Doped paper bass driver

I think that the real star of this show is that amazing AMT tweeter. It gives the Mystique a wonderful open and airy top end that does that rare thing in the loudspeaker world of sounding both smooth and detailed. All too often you get one but not necessarily the other! That bass-mid driver is the latest version of Neat’s own 134mm R3 doped paper cone unit, and in conjunction with the downward firing port the bass response of the Mystique Classic is truly surprising. I seriously do not know of another loudspeaker at this price point that can go this deep without resulting to being overly boomy.

this is where the reflex port is hidden

The rear of the speaker sports a pair of chunky gold plated terminals, that will accept bare cable, spades or banana plugs. These are mounted nice and low to the ground, so you don’t have to accommodate longer cable runs.

Internally the crossover uses very high quality low tolerance air core inductors and polypropylene capacitors, hard-wired to minimise disruption to the signal path. Good speaker cable is used throughout to connect the crossover to drive units. This is not always the case with what purport to be top notch loudspeakers, and it is the small details like this that set Neat Acoustics above the competition.

Here at Audio T Cheltenham, we’ve found that the Mystique Classic gives a stunning presentation of scale, which suggests a far larger and also far more expensive speaker. The bottom end extension goes down to 35hz, which is really rather good for any loudspeaker let alone one this small. The compact and elegant cabinet can be placed easily in most domestic situations. They are great with a wide range of supporting systems, from the relatively cheap to the positively top-end, and do not disgrace themselves in any of them. So what’s not to like!

All Neat Classics are available in Natural Oak, Textured Black, American Walnut and Satin White. The Mystique is available now from £2,475* (Black & White) to £2,595 (Oak and Walnut).

The Neat Mystique Classic are currently available for demonstration at our Cheltenham store call them on 01242 583960 for a chat.

Thanks for reading.

Andy, Jon and Farid -

Audio T Cheltenham Store.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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Neat Acoustics can also be found at the following Audio-T stores

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it... The Rega Naia Event at Audio T Swansea

/ Audio T Swansea/

REGA NAIA LISTENING EVENT - 2ND TO 4TH NOVEMBER

Sitting here typing this I should be getting really excited about our upcoming Rega Listening event where we will be showcasing the eagerly awaited Rega Naia Turntable, but I have some reservations… Serious reservations. Allow me to elaborate…

Going back to the mid ‘80s when I bought my first turntable - the famous Dual CS505/3 (bought from this very establishment) the slippery slope of Hi-Fi ownership had started. A few short years later I started working for Audio Excellence, as it was then, and quickly came to realise that I was that “kid in a candy store”.

Over the years the upgrading and playing around with my system led me down the path of owning lots of different amplifiers and speakers from Musical Fidelity, Trio, Albarry, Linn, Naim, Dynaudio, Spendor… the list goes on. But after a short ownership of a Pink Triangle LPT turntable I made the change to owning my first Linn LP12. Upgrades came over time including the Lingo, Ekos tonearm and then the Naim Aro tonearm, which I think was the star of the show when it came to LP12 mods - I absolutely loved it!

Fast forward several years and we were starting to sell a lot more of the higher end Rega turntables, which were catching my ear so to speak, in particular the Rega Planar 10 when it was released. Looking back this was the first turntable that made me question if I would one day change from the LP12. Towards the end of 2019 the Planar 10 arrived with us but of course the pandemic put the brakes on things for quite a while. Later in 2020 when we had the chance to demo the new Planar 8 and 10 I was getting quite taken with them the more and more I heard them, so… I decided to take the Planar 8 with Ania Pro cartridge home to try out. It didn’t take long for me to decide I wanted one, about 20 minutes I guess. I lived with it for a few days before bringing it back to the shop and plugging my LP12 back in. Playing the Linn afterwards I really did miss the Rega, whilst the Linn was everything you would expect it to be - musical, engaging and so on, it was just to me the Rega had that something extra that the Linn didn’t give in my system - a bit more Bruce Forsyth compared to Jeremy Paxman would be one way of describing it.

Not to ramble on… The plunge was taken and I was very happy with my new Rega Planar 8 with Ania Pro cartridge and Aria Phono stage, until… I started doing more demos with the Planar 10 - blimey it’s good! Somehow I resisted the temptation to take it home for quite a while, but in a moment of weakness I took our demo model home for the weekend and (as the children say) OMG!! It was simple - I had to have one. Very shortly after this I was booked for a demo of the P10 with one of our old standing customers, and after telling him how much I enjoyed it at home he asked “how come you haven’t got one then good boy - cos I’m gonna ‘ave one” in his very deepest Welsh Valley accent. I ordered mine at the same time I ordered his. Once it had arrived and was all run in I was over the moon. It was getting used far more than I had used the Linn, finding myself playing records for hours on end, and re-discovering parts of my older collection. I found myself buying a lot more records as well as I was enjoying it so much.

I even started having themed evenings, for example: a Facebook post reminded me it was the anniversary of the death of Stevie Ray Vaughan so that evening it would be all SRV. Record Store days have always been an expensive day for me as those of you that follow our social media will know. After a new turntable and many many LPs my wallet was getting a hammering!

But, my dilemma doesn’t stop there. I was very kindly offered a loan of the Aphelion cartridge, which I reluctantly accepted given my previous. It sat at home for weeks before I plucked the courage up to fit it to my Planar 10. As you can guess, it was amazing. I only played a few albums before I returned to my Apheta 3 as I really didn’t want to be hankering after this amazing cartridge as well.

Just when you think you’re all done, Rob (our Rega representative) drops the bombshell: “we’ve got something coming out that you’re really going to like, so hang fire with the Aphelion but I can’t tell you any more at this stage”. It wasn’t long before we were at the Bristol Hi-Fi show and I made a beeline to the Rega room before the show opened in the morning, there to greet me at the door was Rob who just pointed around the corner with a grin on his face… and there it was: the test model of the Naia in a full perpex case so nobody could even touch it. This was the only working model that all test data was being taken from. In a way I was glad it was not playing as I resigned myself to the fact that what you don’t hear you don’t want.

The Rega Naia on display at the bristol hi-fi show 2023

“The Rega Naia turntable is the result of years of painstaking development which was used to create the now famous ‘Naiad’ test bed turntable. The Naia takes the best of this development and technology and transfers it into a production ready version without compromise. The Naia is packed with ground-breaking features, materials and technology developed by Rega over many years to reach new levels of vinyl replay.”
— Rega Press Release

And now I find myself reluctantly excited to hear the Naia for the very first time along with you on November 2nd, when we will have the Naia in-store for a special weekend. Kicking things off with a listening event with Rob Noble of Rega, who will be with us to tell all about the evolution of the Naia, you will also have the chance to have your own private listening session on the Friday and Saturday. This means that I will have to listen to it even more with you. So please do come along on the Thursday to meet Rob and learn all about what I’m sure is going to be one very special turntable, but do be warned that if you do book a listen on the Friday or Saturday then don’t expect me to stay in the room with you all the time, I may take a very long time to make a cuppa, or have to write an email veeeery slowly to avoid the… “temptation”. And please don’t ask me when I’m going to get one… Please…

In all seriousness though, it’s not that often that we get so excited about a new product, and hope that you will be able to come along and be one of the very first people to hear this new bench mark from Rega.

If you would like to attend the event on Thursday, Rob will be with us from 3pm until 8pm. And if you would like to book an appointment for a 45 minute listening session on either the Friday or Saturday, then please either call us - 01792474608 or email us - swansea@audio-t.co.uk to book. We look forward to seeing you.

Thanks for reading

Nic – Audio T Swansea

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The Three Musthears - All for one and All-In-One for all!

/ Audio T Bristol/

Join us for a swashbuckling adventure with heroic bravado and flamboyance as we review the Athos, Porthos and Aramis of All-In-Ones. But who will be crowned the most chivalrous - defending gallantry the fair virtues of Hi-Fi. (Dumas will be turning in his grave at this punning,)

When space is at a premium or aesthetically you want great sound with minimal fuss, then either you place speakers in your ceilings or walls or you take a look at the All-In-One offerings. These combine source amplification and speakers into one unit. Visually, they are statements, like a fine piece of artisan furniture.

We have the Sonus Faber Omnia, the new Ruark R410, the Naim Mu-So 2 and, the D'Artagnan of the bunch, Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin.

Sonus faber Omnia

First century BC, poet Virgil of Rome coins the phrase , “Omnia vincit amor”, which translates to “Love conquers all”. You can imagine the designers at Sonus Faber pouring over the lines of this beauty. Underneath, seven interior speakers, 490 watts of power with HDMI input, analogue, turntable and Ethernet. This is essentially a fully loaded wireless speaker - Roon Ready, Spotify connect and Apple Airplay. What this manages to pull off is the sleek Italian flare with more than a hint of Sonus Faber sound signature.

Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation

This one almost needs no introduction as it has been the go-to Hi-Fi All-In-One solution for many years. Marc Phillips over at PTA (Part-Time Audiophile) recounts how the Mu-So changed the way he listens to music by introducing him to the world of infinite radio stations and streaming. Now in its second generation, the Naim Mu-So 2 is a slick, modern looking affair with its transparent base, white gentle hue of uplit Naim logo and geometric twisted wave fascia. The exquisite feel of the volume control has the feel of no expense spared. Also there is the now well established Naim App.

Ruark R410

With a look and feel of a 1960s stereogram with fluted walnut finish, Ruark have boldly taken the “part of the furniture” cue to another level. In 2021 they even partnered with Linley, the quintessentially British furniture craftsmen for a limited edition R5. Designed to be seen, engineered to be heard is the mantra here. This is certainly the first impression. The sound inviting and controls feel well made.

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin

When does a All-in-one become a wireless speaker? When there are no inputs other than bluetooth or Wi-Fi and that is the case here, but this is the Porsche of wireless speakers with a thumping sound.

Casting our mind back to 2007 when iPod docks ruled the digital music scene and Spotify was a twinkle in Daniel Ek’s eye, B&W (famed for pushing the boundaries of speaker technology), burst onto the scene with the Zeppelin - still iconic now and updated to be the ultimate wireless speaker

Aesthetically, it's beautiful. The shape may take some getting used to, but the combination of stainless steel diffusely lit plinth and matt black makes the design look like a piece of modern art on display at the Tate.

In comparison

Let’s compare features:

In summary

For slamming foot tapping fun, the B&W Zepplin is a stonking performer. More style and more connectivity the Omnia really is sleak and understated. The Naim’s app, multi-room capability, synchronicity with full Naim systems and really wide stereo image - perfect for a modern kitchen diner. The Ruark feels it would be at home in the living room, perhaps under a TV. Connectivity is a little up on the competition and looks modern retro.

The All-In-One class has really come a long way in recent years and the current cream of the crop have something for everyone to fit with our modern lives. Whatever your flavour of Hi-Fi, Audio T is here to help!

Thanks for reading.

Justin, Max & James - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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Acoustic Energy step up with the new Corinium range

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

Acoustic Energy recently treated the team at Audio T Portsmouth to a preview of the newly-launched Corinium floorstanders.

They made a big impression, and not just because they weigh 40kg a piece! Their sound and build quality mean these £6,000* speakers (£7,000 with the British racing green finish) bring something different to the speaker party.

These are a step upmarket for the Cirencester-based team - the next nearest speaker in the range is the AE520 at £3,650 - and the Coriniums reveal a more sophisticated sonic character. Corinium is the former Roman name for Cirencester, by the way.

Mat Spandl, AE’s Managing Director and Acoustic Engineer, said: “We tried to make the sound faster and more dynamic”.

“The Corinium have a much lower level of colouration than many of our speakers. It makes them sound more open and transparent.”

Have they succeeded?

Yes, and then some. For sure the Coriniums still have, what is to our ears at least, the signature AE sound which is full-bodied, smooth and non-fatiguing.

But there is subtlety and insight too. The soft dome tweeter and carbon fibre mid sit a fair distance from the twin bass units located at the bottom of the speaker. The whole unit is raked backwards thanks to the floor spikes which are longer at the front than they are at the back.


“We wanted to improve the timing of the speakers,” explains Mat, “so there is a larger gap between the bass and the mid-range.”

“The bass provides the foundation for the mid and the tweeter. We have also worked on the mid range to get it to decay quickly so we have that fast sound.”

Listening to Taylor Swift’s Exile (Folklore, 2020) in the Audio T Portsmouth demo room, both Bon Iver and Swift’s voices are beautifully and richly rendered. Muses’ Super Massive Black Hole showed a different side to the speakers’ character presenting the track’s thunderous driving rhythm, with plenty of low bass welly, which allowed Matt Bellamy’s vocal to soar clear.

Track after track the vocals particularly impressed. Levels of detail and sound staging were impressive too.

Fit and finish were excellent, allowing these speakers to rock a classy aesthetic that is in accordance with their price point. We demoed the British racing green model which are available to order at £7,000. It takes 14 coats of paint and lacquer to achieve the lustrous metallic finish, which certainly contributed to the upmarket look. If green isn’t your thing (and you don’t want to spend an extra £1,000) then standard finishes (at £6,000) are Tectona (a bit like teak), and matt black and white.

The front baffle is 6mm thick aluminium. There are twin ports at the rear – a vertically aligned rectangular bass port and a small circular mid port.

Acoustic Energy have done a great job with the Corinium which take the AE range firmly into solid upper mid-range floor stander territory. They offer something different to other players like Spendor, PMC, B&W, ATC, Dali, Dynaudio and Sonus Faber.

Expect to see Coriniums available for demo at Audio T stores very soon!

Thanks for reading.

Alan, Luke and Stephen - Audio T Portsmouth

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A Modern Micro-System - The WiiM Pro streamer and Ruark MR1 Active Speakers.

/ Audio T Brighton/

“Micro-systems are so last year!”

Hi folks, this month we are looking at a modern alternative to an old stalwart of yesteryear - the ubiquitous micro-system. Using a WiiM Pro streamer or the newer WiiM Pro Plus and a pair of active Ruark MR1 speakers, we are going to look at a twist on the old micro-system option.

The venerable micro-system has been the vanguard of the student dorm for many a year, but as with all older technologies, we must adapt and move forward with the times whilst maintaining an eye on the purse strings, especially for the cash-strapped student or for that matter, most savvy members of the public!

WiiM Pro streamer and Ruark MR1 speakers

wiim pro streamer & ruark mr1 mk2 active speakers with a rega planar 2 turntable

As can be seen in the picture above, the WiiM Pro or WiiM Pro+ can be integrated into a small, but flexible home system with the Ruark MR1 Mk2 active speakers. Additionally, a Rega Planar 1 or Rega Planar 2 with a Rega A2D or Rega Fono MM phono stage can be used into the line(RCA) inputs on the rear of the WiiM Pro. A Rega Planar 1 Plus adds even easier integration with its built-in phono stage.

Let’s have a closer look at what each of the individual components offer in facilities and sound:

Ruark MR1 Mk 2 active speakers...

The Ruark MR1 Mk2s are a very dinky set of speakers indeed. Offering a big sound out of a small package, with a built in optical DAC input and 3.5mm analogue jack, along with a subwoofer output, these little marvels can really belt it out! All you need is a source signal, which can come from: a mobile phone via bluetooth, or as in our use case, digital input via our WiiM Pro or WiiM Pro+ streamer and a 3.5mm analogue via an adaptor cable for turntable/CD player playback. A separate CD player can also be used via the analogue/optical inputs and we would urge you to read our blog on Marantz CD players should you want advice in that direction.

the ruark MR1 mk2’s are a worthy t.v. speaker upgrade

Designed primarily as desktop speakers, the Ruark MR1 Mk2s can be utilised in an office/bedroom system or with a TV via its optical DAC input, remembering that built-in subwoofer output can also be taken advantage of when watching movies. The only real limitation is the length of the supplied cable that connects the two speaker together allowing for use as a stereo pair.

With a sound that belies its size, the Ruark MR1 Mk2s have a lot to offer sonically, with a built-in functionality that gives some great options for a small room and when partnered with a WiiM Pro or WiiM Pro+ and a Rega turntable with a phono stage, the choice of analogue or digital playback options make this system a compelling choice.

And for those of you wanting to build on the already impressive sound of the MR1 should check out the all new Ruark RS1 Subwoofer.

WiiM Pro and WiiM Pro+ streamer...

wiim pro streamer

A relatively new product to Audio T, the WiiM Pro and WiiM Pro+ streamers offer an entry level price into the world of streaming without an entry level performance or functionality.

What’s the difference?

The WiiM Pro+ streamer with remote is a brand new product and the WiiM Pro is a well establish budget streamer that has received a whole host of plaudits from the press, not only because it is a true budget device but also that it offers a high performance to price ratio.

Other than the included remote control, visually the differences between the two are small to non-existent, but the manufacturers are keen to point out the sonic enhancements offered by the WiiM Pro+ over the WiiM Pro “under the hood”

wiim pro v wiim pro+

You can buy it on a WiiM...

Apologies for the dreadful pun, but this little marvel offers so much bang for the buck I couldn’t help myself.

The user input functionality, as I outlined earlier, is really quite something. This allows one to put together a really well featured system that is affordable and packs a quart into a pint-pot sonically!

Taking a look at the rear of the WiiM Pro or WiiM Pro+, connection choices allow for both analogue or digital, input and output. This may not sound like a big deal, but it allows the WiiM Pro or WiiM Pro+ to act both as a streaming source and a pass through component for connection to external devices like a Rega Planar 1+ or Marantz CD6007 using wired connections and its bluetooth facility allows Apple or Android mobile devices to connect as well, if you wish.

WiiM Pro and Pro+ app functionality...

The WiiM app is available from the Apple iOS store or Google Play store, depending on your mobile device. It is sufficient to say overall operation is intuitive, slick and easy to use, even for an old-boy like me. Connectivity is extensive and you can even set-up an Alexa to voice control your music playback.

My experience with setting up streamers over a network usually points to using wired connections where possible, however, so long as your wireless network isn’t flaky, you shouldn’t have an issue with the WiiM Pro because everything went smoothly when we set it up in our Brighton Audio T shop.

So what does the system sound like?

Well, for a system priced at the budget level, the sound quality is really rather good. Whether through the WiiM Pro’s internal DAC or via the Ruark MR1 Mk2s optical input, using its internal DAC, audio quality is wholesome and musical with good detail and clarity, offering remarkable sound for the pound!

A wealth of connectivity options allow for more choices than you can shake a stick at. Our primary streaming source listening is via Qobuz, which we have found gives the best sound quality, outside of playing ripped files via our Naim Uniti Core on our internal network.

Hooking up a Rega Planar 3 turntable with an Audio Technica VM95ML moving magnet cartridge, feeding a Rega Fono MM phono stage and outputting into the line input on the WiiM Pro, feeding the Ruark MR1 Mk2s, allowed vinyl playback to be enjoyed with similarly good results.

Summing up, the system outlined allows for the connection of multiple digital and vinyl sources and the whole world is your oyster if you include streaming services and internet radio on vTuner, all for not a lot of money. With Christmas just around the corner, this is a fine budget system to think about purchasing for your friends or family and we’d encourage you to be quick because unsurprisingly, the WiiM Pro and WiiM Pro+ are proving to be a popular product given its bargain price/performance ratio.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so get in touch to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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PMC Prodigy Series – Twins In Their Promise.

/ Audio T Swindon/

Who are PMC?

PMC’s own story begins in the early years of the 90s with the unwavering aim of providing a very high standard of engineering present in all their products and, in turn, matching this aspect with a true and faithful reproduction of music in both personal and commercial applications.

PMC’s reputation as a noteworthy manufacture of loudspeakers has been fairly and justifiably won, as any of the numerous testaments, awards and appraisals that are available to view and read on their website will confirm.

Further to this, PMC provide a chronological history of notable dates and events in the company’s journey for the interested spectator to view at their leisure, here.

To list the extent of this validation in its entirety in this blog would be slightly superfluous and detract from its primary focus, which concerns the 2023 release and launch of the Prodigy range of bookshelf and floorstanding speakers; a range that PMC offer with the aim of them fulfilling the role of an entry point into the brand for customers, whilst retaining the sonic characteristics and integrity that the company is built upon.

Brother Against Brother – One Sound Versus Another.

PMC have maintained and continued with the two design principles synonymous with their name in the development and construction of the Prodigy series, principles which are featured in all of their product ranges, both consumer and professional.

The principles are their ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) loudspeaker enclosure and the use of Laminair flow, a concept visible on the front ports, which controls any variations in airflow outputted in the form of turbulence, which ultimately affects the clarity and precision of the lower frequency range by adding unwanted noises.

It should also be noted that the same tweeter that is used in the studio range of Result 6 monitor speakers is present in the Prodigy range, to further ensure the same sonic characteristics are replicated.

Anything You Can Do - I Can Do Greater… Then Please Demonstrate.

Both the Prodigy 1 and Prodigy 5 have an authenticity and straightforward approach to any genre of music played through them, an aspect that I am particularly glad to see carried over when listening to classical pieces/recordings, as many speakers have a tendency to not be very kind to older, more historic recordings by displaying and drawing attention to the inherent flaws.


The increased enclosure size of the Prodigy 5 lends them well to electronic tracks with the depth and timing of the low frequencies being handled and controlled accurately. This is not a slight on the Prodigy 1 in their presentation of electronic tracks, more the fact that the Prodigy 5 naturally and physically benefit from the increased cabinet size when being asked to cope with heavier dynamics.

Driven with the power of Rega’s Aethos amplifier, the Prodigy 1 deliver a sound more powerful and robust than their dimensions would suggest on paper.

This confident presentation of low to midrange performance, coupled with a clear delivery of high frequency information that is neither too harsh nor too abrasive, (with much thanks in part to the tweeters that are used in higher product lines as mentioned previously), makes both of the options in the Prodigy series worthy contenders to take note of when considering which speakers to choose in your home set up.

Closing Thoughts - Sibling Rivalry Averted.

The Prodigy series are a set of very accomplished loudspeakers; competent and faithful in carrying out their design aims; both are available in a silk matt black finish, so take care of those stray fingerprints.

If this account of their performance has piqued your interest, then give us a call at Audio T Swindon and book a dem to hear how your choices of music are handled by PMC’s latest offering.

Thanks for reading

Josh & Andy - Audio T Swindon

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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PMC can be found at the following Audio T stores

Great Hi-Fi Suggestions for Listening at Low Volumes

/ Audio T Reading/

Greetings from Audio T Reading. It’s happened more than a few times now… The demo room is all set, the hi-fi system has been nicely warming up ready to rock and roll, the customer has arrived with their favourite tracks looking forward to auditioning some great gear, and we are all set to put the system through its paces and get the room bouncing… sweet! Here’s the moment we’ve been waiting for… the customer reaches for the volume knob, and we’re excited by the prospect of more luscious sound engulfing the room… But wait, what’s happened here? The volume dial has scurried anticlockwise, it’s now so quiet I can hear my tummy growling (shouldn’t have skipped breakfast), and the customer is leaning forward diligently assessing a gamut of sonic characteristics at a singular decibel!

Ok… light-heartedness aside, it was more like 40 decibels, though we were still very much listening at a low volume, definitely below the level of say regular speech (typically 60 decibels). So why would an audio enthusiast want to invest in a high-quality audio system for listening at low volumes? Well, maybe it’s because auditioning is only possible later in the evening? Or perhaps it’s for background or focussed listening while working at home or in an office? Or it could just be that an individual has more sensitive hearing? Whatever the reasons, we understand that low-volume listening need not equate to a loss of enjoyment for someone who has this requirement, and we would like to share some insights as to what we find makes a system engaging at low volume, with examples of equipment that can help to deliver in this regard…

The BLuesound NoDE X

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL – A SUITABLE SOURCE

To begin with, when listening at low volume, it’s essential that the source equipment, i.e. the digital streamer, turntable, CD player, etc. has the ability to pick up as much detail and as little noise as possible from the source media, e.g. the music file, vinyl record, CD, etc. It’s also important that this detail is conveyed in an energetic fashion. At low volume, we’re not looking for equipment that presents in a laid-back a manner. It needs to have that get-up-and-go factor. The Bluesound Node X is a great example of a digital music steamer that delivers plenty of detail with a sprightly approach. It’s improved on-board digital-to-analogue convertor (DAC) renders a livelier, quieter and more incisive sound than the DAC in the standard Bluesound Node, which is noticeable even at those near inaudible levels. For turntables, there are two that jump to mind at different price points; The Rega Planar 2 is an enthusiastic performer – it never feels like it’s holding back, despite it coming with the entry Rega Carbon cartridge, and its musicality doesn’t seem to break down at low volume. Further up the ladder, the Rega Planar 8 is one of the ultimate diggers of detail. Whether teamed with an Ania Pro moving coil cartridge from Rega’s own stable, or when mated with an IQ3 high-level moving magnet design from Audio Note, its inherent nature is to prepare every record for an invasive inspection and not let any musical passage go unchecked. Even at background noise levels, it can be heard achieving this feat. For a CD player, we can put forward the Marantz CD6007. Its presentation can be considered a touch ‘V-shaped’, meaning that there is some emphasis on the higher and lower frequencies in the range. However, this characteristic is a boon for low-level listening, as at lower volumes our ears detect the high and low frequency extremes much less than the rest of the audio spectrum.

The Chord Electronics Anni

TURNING UP THE SILENCE – EAGER AMPLIFICATION

The requirement for good amplification for low-volume listening seems a bit illogical. But it’s more the quality of the amplifier that’s important here rather than outright quantity. To ensure an excellent sound at lower volume, an amplifier needs to demonstrate the attributes of clarity (to pass all of that detail from the source), exceptional grip and drive at lower output, and the ability to control the loudspeaker cones even when the volume knob has barely ventured clockwise. Despite this all seeming good on paper (or on screen), and irrespective of appealing product specifications, experimentation with different amplifier and loudspeaker combinations will pay dividends here to see what works best – pairing is as much an art as it is a science.

With this said, here are some recommendations for integrated (combined pre and power) amplifiers that, in most scenarios, seem to have what it takes for delivering the sonic goods at low volume; At an entry point look no further than the Rega IO. Even given its chocolate box sizing, the IO’s eagerness and agility ensure that music is imparted with an energy that gets itself noticed, including with the volume dial barely turned up. Raising the stakes, it’s hard to overlook the futuristic Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 all-in-one player – its amplification stage is an efficient and powerful, fully-digital, design that demonstrates excellent control, even with trickier loudspeaker loads. It also houses an impressive suite of digital processing for fine-tuning the sound, so all-in-all the TDAI-1120 is blessed with an ability to sound as superb as you want it to at any volume.

To round things off, here’s a little gem that might surprise a few – The Chord Electronics Anni. It’s a tiny yet potent headphone amplifier that can also drive compact loudspeakers with aplomb. Its presentation is clean and open, and in high gain mode the Anni is a beguiling and immersive low-volume performer. Its diminutive size makes it one of the neatest, table-top, speaker-driving solutions in existence. And for a killer desktop listening experience, try the Anni with a WiiM Pro Streamer and a pair of little Quad S-1 speakers… it’s nearfield nirvana!

The Audio NotE AX ONE/II

BE SENSITIVE – LIVELY LOUDSPEAKERS

To complete a system that truly sings in the silence, it’s important to find loudspeakers that behave in a sensitive and efficient manner, ones that appear to “come alive” with very little input and a pair that effortlessly, at low-volume, present all of the key attributes – imaging, soundstage, transparency, timing, etc. – that make listening an immersive and entertaining experience. If a loudspeaker’s cones and domes are low in mass and can be moved fast, there’s a good chance they’ll whisper in a wonderful way.

While product specs can, to some extent, assist with identifying speakers that are easier for amplifiers to drive, in reality it’s more beneficial to get hands-on (and ears-on) with trialling various amp and speaker pairings to hear which ones hit the sweet-spot at those diminishing decibels. This is where our expertise comes in… we can’t get enough of conducting these trials and rejoicing in those eureka moments when we find another winning combo.

So here is a selection of speakers that float our tranquil-listening boat at Audio T Reading; The Dali Spektor 2 are great value compact communicators - their light drive units mean they need very little to get them going and they sparkle on the end of a Rega IO. Stepping into “higher-fi”, the Acoustic Energy AE500 speakers amaze with their ability to sound detailed and transparent at low volumes. Whether hooked up to a full and warm sounding Rega Brio or connected to the detailed and open Lyngdorf TDAI-1120, the neutrality and ease-of-driveability of the AE500 ensures they’re a friend to many amplifiers.

For something quite special, it has to be the Audio Note AX One/II. We raved about the highly informative presentation of this magical monitor in a previous blogs of ours (please click here to read). Literally everything we praised about them is delivered by the bucketload at low volume too. For an amp to partner the AX One/II, we can fully recommend the exuberant Audio Note Cobra. It’s a formidable pairing, and the sight of glowing tubes while listening at a low level makes for a cosy, close to therapeutic, experience. Who needs a spa day?

And finally, let us draw attention to a floorstanding design in the form of the Spendor A2. These slim and splendid towers have a wide-open sound that is highly communicative and standmount-esque when it comes to imaging. Like most of the Spendor range, the A2 are easy to drive placing these among the top performers at lower volume levels. To hear them at their softly spoken best, we would point you in the direction of the Rega Elicit Mk5 amplifier or the Naim Uniti Atom streaming-DAC-amp. The latter makes for a great all-in-one system if minimalism matches your longing for excellent audio, even with that work-of-art Naim Uniti volume wheel spinning anticlockwise.

CAN YOU PLEASE TURN THAT DOWN – AND ENJOY

There are many ways, at a range of price-points, and for a whole host of use-case scenarios that a hi-fi system can be tailored to fulfil your desire to enjoy listening at low volume. It’s worth mentioning that while all of the equipment listed here possess the skills to murmur with magnificence, they are all equally grand sounding should the need arise to crank the volume to more invigorating levels. If you’d like to know or investigate more into a vast range of equipment blessed with the talent to take things down a notch, then please do get in touch with your nearest Audio T store. Our teams are continually tinkering to find great sounding hi-fi combinations and we’d be delighted to share our findings with you.

Thank you for reading. Rishi and Gareth – Audio T Reading

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

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First look at the all-new Ruark R410

/ Audio T Oxford/

Ruark have a long and successful history of producing high quality all in one systems: After a three-year gestation period (which exceeds even that of an African elephant); the Ruark R410 is a new addition to the Ruark line up. I would say that it was the latest addition but the even newer RS1 Subwoofer (available as an upgrade to all Ruark products) has since taken that spot…

What do we have here?

The design of the R410 can only be described as absolutely stunning; a modern take on 70’s styling, with a certain touch of Bang & Olufsen about it. It is certainly a big step forward from the Ruark products of old. I would imagine that owning R410 is likely to garner a lot of compliments from your friends and neighbours! 

Features.

Available in two finishes (walnut and grey) and engineered from sustainable wood veneer, featuring handcrafted grilles, with a portrait digital display designed to imitate a smartphone. 

The solidly built Bluetooth remote feels great in the hand and mimics the Roto Dial controller that is built into the top surface of the R410. The R410 is similar in size to the all-conquering Naim Mu-So 2nd Gen but with a very different aesthetic. 

Internally a 120 wpc class D amplifier drives the speakers in the cabinet, these incorporate new design mid / bass units and feature silk tweeters (shared with the awesome Ruark MR1’s). The frequency range spans 35Hz to 22kHz. 

The R410 will likely be used most often as a streamer and in this regard, it is well equipped; with inbuilt Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Apple Airplay, Chromecast and Bluetooth are also available, as is the ability to browse and stream from other devices on your network. FM / DAB and DAB+ and internet radio are also included.

Physical connectivity has most definitely not been forgotten; optical, line level, turntable MM preamp, USB inputs plus HDMI (e)ARC connections are all present. 

What isn’t provided? Not much to be honest: Ruark have moved away from using a dedicated Phone app in favour of casting and I can see why that would make sense for them. Roon is also not an option. Lastly, there is no headphone socket, not that you often find them on this sort of product.

So how does it sound?

After some experimentation we settled on the ‘Stereo +’ DSP setting and then put it head to head with the Naim Mu-So. 

Naim Mu-So 2 and Ruark R410

Playing ‘Walk on the wild side’ by Lou Reed, the Naim definitely exhibited more bass heft and extension with the iconic walking double bass but the Ruark was the more open, detailed and light of foot and whilst the bass did not have quite as great depth, it was certainly more tuneful. The Ruark also had the ability to widen the soundstage outside of the confines of the cabinet (something that most one box solutions are incapable of). 

Listening to the fantastic recording of ‘Just a little lovin’ by Shelby Lynne on Tidal, the two systems really were chalk and cheese. The Naim favouring a warmer, darker presentation, whilst the Ruark presented a more airy view of the recording. We also thought that the Ruark has the edge with the vocals.

Conclusions.

The Naim Mu-So has always been the previous “shoe in” as the best in class, now with the arrival of the Ruark R410 has the status quo changed?

Which is better will come down to individual taste, but as examples of luxury integrated music solutions it’s now great to have that choice!

Available for demonstration now, come and have a listen!

Thanks for reading.

Rob & Jon - Audio T Oxford 

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A Phoenix from the flames - the INNUOS PhoenixNET audiophile internet switch.

/ Audio T Brighton/

An often touchy subject, especially on certain internet hi-fi forums where debate (that’s a polite way of describing it) carries on like a proverbial juggernaut, network switches polarise opinion as much as many a political, religious or ethical discussion in the mainstream press…

Not wanting to throw petrol onto the fire, I will seek to present our point of view on the topic as a whole, but with an emphasis on enlightening you about a top-quality product from the Innuos stable, the PhoenixNET audiophile network switch.

Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile switch

innuos phoenixnet in silver

The PhoenixNET audiophile internet switch is manufactured by Portuguese hi-fi specialists Innuos, established by husband and wife duo, Nuno Vitorino and Amelia Santos in 2009.

Innuos have made a name for themselves in the audiophile community over the last decade, by providing high-end music streaming solutions for music lovers wanting to go beyond the traditional cd players of yore. Indeed, their Innuos Statement server/ripper has received high praise in the upper echelons of the audiophile community, where ultimate playback sound quality is concerned. The trickle-down knowledge from developing a system such as this has allowed the development of several additional products in their range. One is the Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile switch and the other the Innuos PhoenixUSB re-clocker, both of which have received exceptionally positive feedback from the community.

So, what is the Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile ethernet switch all about?

Quoting from the Innuos website, the primary design criteria are to:

1. Minimize Network Switch Noise

  • Simpler 100mbps network switch chip results in lower operating noise floor compared to Gigabit

  • Network switch chip with no internal switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages supplied by internal Statement-grade linear power supply with independent ultra-low noise regulation.

  • Massive individual Network Isolation Transformers to further isolate from noise coming from router or connected devices

  • Just the right amount of Individually shielded, high quality ethernet ports soldered directly to the board with no ethernet activity lights as blinking leds introduce considerable electrical noise.

  • EMI absorption at the right places so that interference produced can be captured before influencing other components.

2. Increase Clocking Precision and Stability

Using the same 3ppb 25 MHz OCXO oscillator as used in the Statement, individually powered by its own linear power supply and connected directly to the network switch chip, avoiding precision losses from using external master clocks.

3. Provide Pristine Power to the Components

Two independent STATEMENT-grade linear power supplies with Mundorf Caps to power individually the OCXO clock and the mainboard, keeping the power path short with less opportunity for EMI contamination.

4. Minimize Vibration on Components

Vibration was managed at 3 levels: Anti-Vibration feet tuned to the resonant frequency of the chassis, top cover treatment to convert vibration captured from sound waves into small amounts of heat and sturdy RJ45 ports with silicone connection to the chassis.

innuos phoenixnet interior

Innuos PhoenixNET switch - what you need to know...

Here at Audio T in Brighton, we have been using a regular internet switch for years, a dependable Cisco 2960, primarily because of the large number of devices requiring an internet connection and the reliability of wired connection over multiple wireless connections.

More recently, the Cisco 2960 developed a fault and was replaced by an English Electric EE8 switch. The three of us noted a change in the sound, some beneficial, some not, but this isn’t a review of them so onto the next part of the story.

We then took in a demonstration Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile internet switch and the moment we connected it up, the three of us here at Brighton Audio T, looked at each other in astonishment because the improvements were that marked.

As the days have passed with our Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile internet switch, the sound has continued to improve as the power supply and OCXO clock have stabilised.

Let me explain this stabilization process some more. According to Innuos, the OCXO clock will improve after powering up because part of its design includes a cutting-edge oven-controlled crystal oscillator reaching a perfect operating temperature during several hours/days of operation. The 3 parts per billion accuracy of the OCXO fitted to the Innuos PhoenixNET is just one of the benefits of running this switch in your streaming hi-fi system and matches the specification of the Innuos Statement, their top performing product. The re-clocking done by the switch affects the timing of the digital signal, allowing your DAC to have an easier job when doing its conversion into an analog output signal, or at least that’s the theory and certainly borne out in our listening sessions.

We have many hi-fi systems on demonstration here at Audio T in Brighton and those that require network connectivity have all benefited from the Innuos PhoenixNET being included in the system. The only real downside to the Innuos PhoenixNET is that it only has one input and three outputs, limiting the number of ethernet devices in a simultaneously connected system. Not the end of the world really, just requires some additional unplugging of ethernet cables and for most people, the one input/three outputs may be sufficient, unless your home is like an Audio T hi-fi shop.

innuos phoenixnet image showing its single input & 3 output rj45 ethernet sockets

As mentioned earlier in the blog, special attention has been given to reducing noise and interference in the design, with high quality sockets to reduce electromagnetic interference, EMI and specially tuned feet to reduce the negative sonic effects of microphony. The Sean Jacobs DC3 based linear power supply includes Mundorf capacitors and shorter signal paths, all designed to stabilise power supplies serving the internal components, in order to reduce digital noise coming in/out of the switch.

Let’s get personal...

I am fortunate enough to own a rather nice Naim system of my own, consisting of: Naim Uniti Nova used as a preamp into a Naim NAP250DR power amp and Proac Tablette 10 Signature speakers with a REL Stampede subwoofer.

I was so enamoured by the benefits of the Innuos PhoenixNET audiophile network switch whilst it was in store, I had to try one myself at home.

I’ve only had the Innuos PhoenixNET at home for a short time, but after hearing the benefits it brought to streaming via Qobuz and a Naim Uniti Core in our Brighton Audio T shop, using several Naim systems, including a fully specified 500 system, a recent 200 series Naim system and other various streaming devices, I was optimistic, to say the least.

My own Naim system has been transformed in so many areas since the introduction of the Innuos PhoenixNET.  Personally, I have long believed that noise transferral, whether through mains or interconnect/Ethernet cables, has a detrimental effect on sound quality, especially in 3d spatial cues, tonality, transparency, clarity, micro-dynamics and overall musicality. The further down the hi-fi rabbit hole one ventures, for every answer come more questions, but that’s part of the fun!

Depending on your system, to varying degrees these are all audible, but not really that measurable, except with our ears! This is one of the main reasons detractors argue that internet switches cannot make a difference to the sound, because they can’t measure the effects easily, or that differences are at a level we cannot hear anyway. As I have mentioned before, the effects are quite audible, to our ears!

Quite frankly, the Innuos PhoenixNET ethernet switch is like a power supply upgrade, only to realise, it sort of is a power supply upgrade and so much more.  We’re treading new ground when it comes to digital noise suppression knowledge and the Innuos PhoenixNET polishes the floor very nicely indeed!

I also think there is the potential of quite a lot more experimentation to be done in acquiring the optimum sound balance in a hi-fi system with ethernet switch implementation, different types of power supply, be it SMPS or LPS, mains supply/filters and mains cables. On that note, we strongly recommend the use of Naim Powerlines or Naim Powerline Lites to supply your hi-fi components, especially those from Naim.

I remember when I first got into hi-fi, the old adage of, “Rubbish in, rubbish out!” being used all the time when considering a turntable system and I see and hear no reason why this shouldn’t apply to digital front-end systems as well. You cannot get more source orientated than a digital signal being fed from your router, via an ethernet switch, to a streamer/DAC, so perhaps it shouldn’t be so surprising that the Innuos PhoenixNET switch is so effective after all.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so get in touch to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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Naim Phono NVC TT & NPX TT makes Chromey vinyl happy.

/ Audio T Manchester/

Back in around 1990, CD music sales bypassed both vinyl record and audio cassette sales for the first time. Hi-fi systems adapted to the change, in what at the time appeared to be the slow, and terminal decline of the vinyl record, which had been first conjured up by Emilie Berliner way back in 1881...

For those that don’t know - Turntable replay requires some rather special treatment by an amplifier's electronics. A cartridge and stylus can be thought of in the terms of a 'mini dynamo', the music is reproduced by the stylus tracing the three dimensional groove in the vinyl. The stylus connects to the cartridge's coils or magnets, which are located within the cartridge body. The stylus movement in the record groove creates a movement between these micro sized magnets and the coils, and a really small electrical signal is generated at the cartridge’s output. Special electronics are required to boost this super tiny signal to what might be called a 'line level', a level similar to the output of a CD player or DAC. In addition to this tiny signal that an amplifier’s phono stage has to deal with, there is the added complexity of the RIAA curve.

RIAA equalization is a form of pre-emphasis on recording and de-emphasis on playback. When a record is pressed at the recording studio, the bass frequencies are reduced by a really significant level. Without this, the bass frequencies would be near impossible to physically cut on to the record, this requires our amplifier to boost up the bass frequencies on playback to attain a flat response. However, there are two parts to the RIAA curve, in a bid to reduce both record noise and to ease the cutting of a record, treble frequencies are boosted when the record is produced, and need to be reduced when played back.

From around 1990 onwards, the majority of amplifiers tended to be designed without an inbuilt phono preamplifier. In some cases it simply wasn't needed if you had no turntable, and where it was needed, a new market in separate phono preamplifiers was created.

Naim Audio also took this route, and with the current vinyl revival showing no signs of slowing down, we now have this new phono preamplifier as part of the new classic range. The new NVC TT phono preamplifier comes in a traditional cast aluminium case, and is currently the smallest box within the new Naim classics. The quality of build is exemplary, the quality of the enclosure’s machining and anodising is superb, with a perfectly black perspex fascia, embellished with an illuminated, dimmable, Naim logo.

At the rear of the new NVC TT are all the connections and configurable switches. Two separate inputs are provided for MC (Moving Coil) and MM (Moving Magnet) with a switch providing selection, and a further switch offering up a choice between gain settings for MC cartridges. Next along are a pair of RCA outputs, for non-Naim gear, and Naim's recommended DIN connection (for all of their amplifiers). The connection for a power supply is to the side of this, which also allows the unit to be powered from a suitable Naim pre-amplifier, with one simple multi-pin connection for both power and audio. It is here that the dedicated, matching power supply, the NPX TT, can be very simply fitted as an upgrade for Naim users, or for any listeners using other than a Naim main or pre-amplifier. Just below the output connections are a pair of multi-position switches that vary the resistive and capacitive load presented by the amplifier, to fine-tune to any cartridge needs. Very comprehensive adjustments can be made.

Both preamplifier and power supplywere developed as part of Naim's limited edition turntable; The Solstice. However, this is the first time these exciting new products have been available on their own.

Moving coil and moving magnet cartridges have different needs. A moving magnet cartridge features larger fixed coils to pick up the magnet's subtle movements to generate the signal; the moving coil cartridge has the magnet fixed, and a micro sized miniature coil generating output. The micro sized coils require a lower 'load' from the pre-amplifier, and require much more amplification. By offering separate inputs, Naim can offer the best for both types, and compromise neither. A typical 'MM' cartridge produces 5mv, or 0.005 of a volt. An MC cartridge 5 microvolts, or 0.0005 of a volt! You can now see why a substantial power supply with robust regulation are required and supplied by the Naim design. Electronics are complex things; the cheapest way for a manufacturer to produce phono preamp is to purchase a simple IC integrated circuit. With this, of course, you are at the whim of the IC manufacturer; mass produced and cheap doesn't really suit the remit of a state of the art phono stage, and of course Naim do not go down that route. Fully discrete components are used to a bespoke and newly developed Naim design, using high end audiophile grade components.

The tech specs of the unit are truly impressive. Distortion is lower than 0.005% with a high 84 dB signal to noise ratio, helping produce a transparent and clean clear sound. The RIAA curve is reproduced with incredible accuracy, only deviating by the most tiny 0.1dB.

Of course with the resurgence of high end audiophile turntables and the increase in fidelity and design, this level of performance is needed The tiny information in the grooves has never been so accurately tracked. So the accuracy, quietness and cleanliness of the new Naim phono pre-amplifier can further resolve the most minute of details, enhancing our musical enjoyment.

The natural partner for the new unit is the New Classic range, and in store we connected it up to the NSC 222 streaming pre-amplifier and new classic NAP 250, driving Dynaudio Confidence loudspeakers. Turntable was a Linn LP12 Selekt fitted with an Arko arm and a Kendo cartridge (Moving Coil). A pretty cool, state of the art design, and a classic natural partner for the Naim. A classic system. So our auditioning began...

A classic system deserves some classic vinyl. Bob James album “Two”, produced in 1975 by the famous Rudy Van Gelder at his Englewood Cliffs Studio in New York. An early example of early complex multi-tracking and multi-layering of sound. This is a huge sounding recording, but subtly controlled in its dynamics. The 'TT phono stage placed in the above system reveled in displaying every level and layer of this recording. It wasn't forced, it wasn't emphasized. Bob James's keyboard work stood out cleanly from the complex and layered background. We played this album twice, once with the device powered from the '222 pre', and then connected to the NPX TT power supply. It was immediately apparent this power supply provides an incredible jump in performance, maxing out every parameter of the 'TT's performance.

Jumping forward some 40 years with our records, and a much more modern take on a jazz recording, Badbadnotgood (with Ghostface Killah) Sour Soul is, of course, far more dynamic and far more modern than Bob James.. a soulful trip-hop recording. The dynamics absolutely popped with the Naim phono pre-amplifier. Channel separation is huge, dynamics are huge. Bass extension, clarity, and weight are better than most digital sources. The absolute lack of background noise and the ultra-low distortion really let the music from the vinyl flow. No rose tinted vinyl spectacles here, this is modern state-of-the-art sound. Traditional Naim precision of rhythm and timing, but with a more up-to-date musical presentation, empowered with huge detail resolution.

These are wonderful products, designed for those seeking the very best in their vinyl experience. Naim have taken both technical and subjective performance to another level. For the few who can choose, an audition is highly recommended.

Thanks for reading

Haden - Audio T Manchester

Come along and speak to Munir, Dave and James at the store to arrange a demonstration.

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Audio T Cheltenham Goes Proper Retro With The We Are Rewind Cassette Player

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

This little cassette player is just sooooo much fun I just had to make it the subject of this month’s blog article. And hey, it was a great excuse to dig out some of those old cassette tapes once again! I decided to team it up with the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4 headphones just for good measure as I have been an admirer of the Sennheiser range for a long time and they never disappoint.

An eyecatching yellow box of delights

What’s In the Box?

This little beauty is obviously designed to tap into our current fetish for all things retro and in particular all things analogue and with sales of audio cassettes increasing every year since 2012 French company We Are Rewind have hit upon a little slice of genius here with a product that is well built, tactile and so easy to use. Featuring 12-hour lithium batteries, Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and a premium aluminium case just like the best old-school cassette players, this player features fast forward/rewind buttons, a headphone output, a volume control and an audio input so you can create your own mixtapes. Remember how much fun that was? Not only the giving of a personal selection of current favourites on a personalised tape, but receiving one too!

And this is inside the box

The Perfect Match Up

Now this player/recorder does not come supplied with headphones, but that is most definitely a good thing. Because it means that you can pair it up with an existing pair you may already own, or you could chose to match it up with a nice shiny new pair, such as I have done here with the rather lovely and very versatile Sennheiser Momentum 4s . These have the option of being wired (for the proper old skool approach) or you can connect up to the We Are Rewind via Bluetooth, if you want to feel a little more modern.

More exiting boxes

Daydreaming

I tried the pairing of Momentum 4s and We Are Rewind both wired and Bluetooth with the Adaptive Noise Cancellation turned off. Pure sound quality wise the cabled option was the best, so the bulk of my listening was done this way.

timeless Shoegazy lovelyness from Sonic youth

I will admit that I was prepared to be a tad disappointed with this Sonic Youth album, as my tape was bought when it was first released in 1988, but it was actually very good for a tape that is 35 years old. It succeeded in drawing me in to the music with a nice open soundstage with plenty of detail. Widely considered to be their watershed moment, the album catapulted them into the mainstream and proved that indie bands could enjoy wider commercial success without compromising their noisy artistic vision.

More recently, Daydream Nation has been recognized as a classic of its era: Pitchfork ranked it #1 on their “100 Greatest Albums of the 1980s”; Spin listed it at #13 on their “125 Best Albums of 1985-2010”. Daydream Nation was one of 50 recordings chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry in 2006 and it was voted "One of the Greatest Albums of All Time" by Rolling Stone. So if you have never played it perhaps you should!

The Red Shoes

The red shoes by kate bush

Next on the playlist was The Red Shoes By Kate Bush. Highly praised on initial release, The Red Shoes is a total masterpiece, an album of heartbreakingly beautiful ballads. It was quite possibly her most personal collection of songs to date, yet also her most accessible. The majority of the songs are linked by a palpable sense of loss, in particular the loss of love and loved ones.

It’s More Fun To Compute!

a groovy combination and perfect for travelling with too

This was quite possibly the most fun I have had whilst researching for one of my blogs, and everyone we show this to loves it as well. There are three different colour options available. Those being Serge (orange) as our demo model, Kurt (blue) and Keith (grey).

This pairing would also make an ideal travelling companion, as the Sennheisers come with a sturdy travelling case and fold up very neatly. They also boast a playback battery charge of up to 60 hours too!

If your interest has been piqued and you would like a listen to the amazing We Are Rewind for yourself then please feel free to contact us at Audio T Cheltenham. The kettle is always on and we always have a plentiful supply of biscuits too!

Thanks for reading…

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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The love of music never dies - A 94-year-old’s upgrade to Naim and ATC

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

A lifelong love of orchestral music has fuelled nonagenarian Richard Stickland’s passion for hi-fi.

As the proud owner of a stunning new Naim 200 Classic Series system running through ATC SCM40 speakers, all supplied and installed by Audio T Portsmouth, Richard was happy to share his hi-fi and musical journey with us.

Most hi-fi enthusiasts can point to defining moments in their lives when they were ‘bitten’ by the hi-fi ‘bug’ - the moment when they glimpsed the possibilities of high fidelity music reproduction. For Richard, 94, his enthusiasm for hi-fi is inextricably linked to his passion for classical, especially live orchestral music.

London Philharmonic Orchestra Circa 1940s

Where it all began…

He recounts seeing the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Folkestone as a schoolboy just after World War II. The orchestra had decamped from London during the war and was touring the country almost continuously doing its bit to maintain morale.

“My parents had a gramophone, a wind-up one, and at school I was a member of a society and we used to play gramophone records,” says Richard, who lives in Fareham, Hampshire.

“So I was used to hearing music. But it was the power and scale of hearing a full live orchestra that opened my ears,” says Richard.

As a boy he learned piano and used to play the organ for school services. He retains a particular love of organ music – he is a fan of Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No 3, a piece of music that will show up the sub-bass limitations of most hi-fi systems.

New College, University of Oxford

Richard maintained his interest in classical music throughout his time at New College, University of Oxford, where he studied physics. He played piano for the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. He also saw the great Sir Thomas Beecham’s first concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which he co-founded.

Richard’s first encounter with hi-fi was in the late 1950s when, in his late 20s, he heard Quad’s first Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ESL), which belonged to his mother’s cousin.

“I remember thinking it sounded much better than what I had been used to. But it was a bit weak in the bass,” notes Richard.

Quad’s first Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ESL)

After university Richard moved into engineering and worked for many years on oxygen production systems for Britain’s nuclear submarines. He moved to the Portsmouth area at the start of the 1960s.

His passion for classical music and hi-fi continued to grow.

“I had a six element VHF aerial which ran up beside the chimney. I could rotate it so I could tune into the French classical music station, France Musique, which I enjoyed. I could then play this through my stereo,” says Richard.

“I’ve had many hi-fi separates over the years. I tended to buy separates from different manufacturers. I would read reviews in hi-fi magazines about a particular product and then buy it.”

The CD Revolution

“My wife was always very good about it all. She had the view that if it was making me happy, then she was happy.” Richard admitted however that the advent of CDs in the 1980s did make it easier to ‘smuggle’ new albums into the house compared to larger format vinyl.

THE CD Revolution - Richard has had a Naim CDX for a number of years

He decided to upgrade to his previous system after seeing and hearing the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with his son.

“I came home and put on a CD of the same music we had heard at the concert. It didn’t do full justice to that live orchestral sound,” chuckles Richard.

The next step…

“I mentioned to my son that I was thinking of upgrading and he rather pooh-poohed the idea. After all I had a perfectly decent system.”

“But I arranged a demo of the Naim 200 Classic Series at Audio T Portsmouth. My son drove me and sat in on the demo and, do you know, he was very impressed,” says Richard with a smile.

“He is now considering taking over my old Cambridge Audio system so, yes, perhaps he will yet become a hi-fi enthusiast.”

NAIM NEW CLASSIC 200 Series

Richard’s new Naim system, which was installed in August of this year, comprises of NSC 222, NAP 250 and NPX 300 plus a pair of ATC SCM40 speakers. He retained his existing Naim CDX.

“I am delighted with the new setup,” says Richard. “The new system delivers a much larger scale sound. Although, having said that, I am now considering whether to replace my current subwoofer with two new ones.”

“Audio T have been absolutely wonderful throughout. Luke, the new manager there, has been unbelievably superb and I appreciate all his help and knowledge.”

Richard, a long term customer of Audio T Portsmouth, and of Jeffries Hi-Fi before then, is proof positive of the power of hi-fi to deliver lifelong entertainment and enjoyment.

Happy listening Richard!

Thanks for reading.

Alan, Luke and Stephen - Audio T Portsmouth

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ATC Loudspeakers can be found at the following Audio T stores

The Naim NPX 300 - The Difference Is Not Discrete

/ Audio T Cardiff/

With the new Naim classic range settling in nicely and securing its place within the industry, I thought It’d be the perfect time to take a look at Naim’s optional NPX 300 Power Supply. With the simultaneous release of the NSC 222 and NAP 250 the NPX 300 could easily have been overlooked but its performance demands I take a deeper dive!

What’s in the box?

The NPX 300 consists of eight discrete regulator ‘DR’ modules in a linear power supply configuration, a classic Naim design staple. Although it is no longer labeled as DR the new classic range very much is, lorded as one of the best upgrades you could make to classic Naim kit - We’re glad it’s here to stay. Although the basic idea of the power supply may not have changed from past designs they have brought it into the present with system automation. The power supply will switch on in sync with the NSC 222 and even matches the logo brightness between units automatically.

In terms of setup the NPX 300 is very simple, plug the provided Burndy cables from the NSC 222 into the power supply and disconnect the original IEC power cable and away you go.

The Difference

In terms of sound quality, it’s simply astonishing. As you might imagine, the NSC 222 and the NAP 250 are no slouch but as soon as you wire up the NPX 300 it becomes an entirely different animal. The most noticeable change is a smoothing of the upper registers, a tightening of the bass and an improvement in the instrument spacing. You tend to find this effect in higher quality amplifiers, where the distortion levels drop. It allows and almost encourages you to play at louder volumes, as the normal problems at high levels disappear. It’s only when someone else enters the room to complain about the noise that you realise how loud it really is! It’s honestly a good sign that I’m enjoying a system.

I found during my listening that it improves every genre I could think of. I threw everything at it from Chopin’s Nocturnes to Aphex Twin and Polyphia. Because it improves so many aspects of the sound simultaneously nothing was left out of the improvement. I find the vast majority of our customers are real music lovers who will enjoy almost everything so this is a really important factor.

Test Setup

Naim NPX300

Naim NSC 222 Streamer / Preamp

Naim NAP 250 Power amplifer

Spendor D9.2 Speakers

Naim NAC A5 Speaker cable

Chord shawline XLR Interconnects

Solidsteel S5-4 rack

The Theory

So that we can really appreciate why these changes happen, I’ll go back to the design board. The ‘DR’ modules simply take a voltage from the transformer and ‘regulate’ it to a reliable and steady voltage. What makes it ‘discrete’ is that Naim have taken a standard tiny regulator and blown it out into its base components. This allows them to really control the specifications to their high standards. Typically those ‘tiny regulators’ would cost about 70p but the time and effort that Naim have gone through to redesign and perfect them costs far more. Normally you would try and remove as many unnecessary parts as possible to increase the profit margins. Thats certainly not what Naim do when they install a DR module into a design. They have prioritized the quality of sound!

Casting a glance back to an older XPS DR power supply it’s clear that Naim have updated the DR modules from previous designs. They now have individual regulators for both the positive and negative voltage rails where before they were a dual output. It’s a nice and elegant change that lets Naim have a more modular design, while also reducing crosstalk and noise on the power lines. These regulators are also individually fed via their own rectification diodes and filter caps to create a better level of isolation between each module. What this really boils down to is the refinement of a classic design and that it’s still the same Naim sound and character that we love, just more of it!

I was very skeptical when first trying out Naim power supplies. The first time I heard their 555 PS power supply being added to a NDX2 streamer it literally took seconds for me to realise I was completely wrong. However, there is a problem when I take the power supply out of the system. It’s like splitting a mother and child, they are genuinely meant to be together, the fine picture that the three units paint together, becomes less clear as a pair. It’s certainly very hard to go back…

Thanks for reading

Kerrin, Matt and Nick - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Naim can be found at the following Audio T stores

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