March 27, 2026

Listening Lab: Meze Liric II Closed-Back VS Meze Poet Open-Back

March 27, 2026/ Audio T Southampton/ Southampton

Welcome one and all to another Audio T Southampton blog. This month, I’ve explored two fantastic pairs of headphones to compare against each other: the Meze Liric II and the Meze Poet. So let’s dive in and see what I discovered…

The Prologue

Before we begin, I want to lay out both how and why I listened to these headphones. Sheer interest and curiosity drove my reasoning, particularly since both models sit at the exact same price point.

My main line of thinking was: “If both of these are the same price and created by the same manufacturer, can this answer the question of which type of over-ear headphone is best?” And suffice to say… it didn’t. I loved both of these headphones equally, though for different reasons that we will explore later in this blog.

That was the why. As for how I listened to them (other than simply putting them on and playing music), I used the following equipment:

Source: Bluesound Node N132 Streamer – £499*
Amp: Rotel DX-3 Headphone Amplifier – £,1399*
Cable: Black Rhodium Calypso RCA-RCA 1m – £500*

I chose all of these units because they synergise incredibly well together. The streamer is a great unit for the money, offering a high level of quality for what you pay. The RCA cables were excellent and transported all of the information flawlessly, whilst the Rotel provided the drive and control needed to make both pairs of headphones truly sing.

Now, without much further ado, let’s have a look at…

Musical Words

The Meze Liric II (£1,899*) headphones are a closed-back isodynamic pair of cans. Closed-back headphones get their name from the sealed outer cups (where the driver is housed), which provide some passive noise isolation, lower sound leakage, and a more personal listening experience. Meanwhile, the isodynamic design delivers even drive across the diaphragm, meaning greater accuracy and lower distortion.

The first track that I listened to was Beat It by Michael Jackson – a phenomenally well-recorded track with loads of detail embedded everywhere you listen: up above, down below, and even to the sides.

Immediately, I noticed that the headphones had a fantastic soundstage, making them sound super open and engaging to listen to. Furthermore, the sound of MJ’s voice was crisp and clear, elevating that feeling even more. From there, I put on Sixteen Tons by Geoff Castellucci, a largely vocal track with background instrumentals added in for texture. Geoff’s voice was full of emotion and character, reinforcing my initial impressions from Beat It.

The next track on my list was Inferno by Hedegaard, a techno/electronic track with aggressive bass and loads of detail hidden throughout – electric crackles and blips flitting across the soundstage, all of which the Liric II picked up on with ease. The bass was extended and almost epic in proportion, like listening to a stereo system with a small subwoofer added in.

Track #4 was a personal favourite of mine: Mexicana by Opal Ocean, a fast-paced acoustic guitar track. The Liric II picked up on each guitar string being plucked, although there were a few sections where they slightly struggled to keep everything perfectly separated. Still, this track further cemented the fact that these cans have a fantastic soundstage, and it definitely put a grin on my face.

The final track was Our Love by Coheed And Cambria, an expansive piece with incredibly detailed vocals that almost ‘scream’ at you with raw emotion. Once again, these headphones handled it like a dream, allowing me to close my eyes and let the music take over.

Vocal Musician

Now it’s time for the Meze Poet open-back isodynamic headphones (link is placeholder, unit not on web). Much like their siblings, they feature isodynamic technology; however, they use an open-back design. Open-back headphones (like these) have ear cups with a perforated or mesh exterior, allowing for an easier drive and a more open sound (hence the name), at the expense of sound leakage that may disturb those around you.

As before, I started with MJ’s Beat It, and immediately noticed how much more open the soundstage was. It was incredibly expansive and wide, with a level of depth that the Liric II didn’t quite achieve. So far, so good.

Something interesting happened when I put on Sixteen Tons. I noticed the Poets had a much lighter, airier sound than I was expecting. Whilst this works brilliantly for fast-paced tracks with lots of intricacies, tracks like this felt slightly lighter overall, especially as the bass didn’t have the same level of extension as the Lirics. That’s not to say there was no bass – just a little less of it.

That said, Geoff’s vocals were super crisp and clear, and you could hear more of the natural resonance in his voice as well.

Back on track, Inferno was great fun to listen to. Whilst it features a deep, expansive bassline that the Lirics excelled with, the Poets provided a clearer and more concise presentation, making the intricate details stand out that bit more.

Mexicana was simply phenomenal. The guitar strings that were already noticeable on the Lirics became even more pronounced on the Poets, making the fast-paced track feel almost alive. I found myself closing my eyes while listening, and I could almost picture being in the recording studio, watching Opal Ocean perform right in front of me. Truly mesmerising.

Finally, Our Love was another interesting experience. The low-end presence wasn’t quite as prominent as with the Lirics, but the vocals had a sharper, clearer edge which brought them further forward in the mix and, in turn, made the track even more engaging (in my eyes).

Closing Thoughts

This blog was incredible fun for me to write. I already listen to headphones a lot – in fact, every day – and the experiences I’ve had with the Meze Liric II and Poets were nothing short of eye-opening. I’ve heard great headphones before from many different brands, but these felt like a step beyond.

Whilst I can’t say which set is better, as they are designed for slightly different uses, I can say that the Poets spoke to me (pun intended). I love bass, but I personally find a more balanced and open sound to be more rewarding in the long run.

If you would like to listen to these headphones, or indeed any others, please give any of our stores a call and we’ll be more than happy to help.

As always, see you next month.

Thanks for reading

Tiago, Wayne & Nick - 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…

Meze Audio can be found at the following Audio T stores

March 27, 2026

Super Tweeting The FYNE way

March 27, 2026/ Audio T Cardiff/ Cardiff

Fyne-tuning those hidden high frequencies in our systems with one of the hi-fi industry’s hidden gems: the S-Trax tweeter, made by those damn fine people at Fyne Audio.

In this month’s blog, Matt—your favourite hi-fi enthusiast and all-round music nerd—focuses on yet more hidden information in music, this time in the treble frequencies. And how do we Fyne-tune this? We hear you ask… well, grab yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s read along with Matt and see where we end up.

Greetings to all of you wonderful people out there in the big wide world of hi-fi. It’s me again, Matt, here on yet another quest to find hidden information in music. This time, as my blog’s title suggests, I’m listening for that sometimes hidden and lost information in those treble frequencies. Especially with more laid-back loudspeakers accompanied by vintage amplification, sometimes those finer details can be lost—despite the equipment sounding absolutely phenomenal. In my system’s case, I would say the finer details are very much there, especially with the Cyrus and Spendor D7 combination. You could say it wouldn’t need any help with those finer details on the treble side of things.

So, this brings one big question to light: is there any way I can improve the upper-register details with my personal hi-fi system?

So you may be thinking, what has piqued my interest in this side of hi-fi? Well, it started with a visit from Nick, our sales representative from Fyne Audio, who brought a lot with him—a few wonderful loudspeakers from Fyne’s new range. Along with the speakers, he brought a pair of Fyne’s S-Trax super tweeters. I knew Fyne had been making super tweeters since 2024 with their original flagship SuperTrax, but the super tweeter goes back further than we think, so let’s look into a little history—I promise I’ll keep it short.

There have been a great many super tweeters over the years, mainly within loudspeakers, such as the Coles super tweeter, which was used primarily in British studio monitoring speakers going back to the 1960s—especially Spendor’s original BC1 monitor speaker. A few companies followed suit, such as Decca, Klipsch, and Lowther, but the first stand-alone super tweeter didn’t come around until the ’70s with Decca’s ribbon-based design. This meant you could add this piece of kit to your speaker of choice and improve its performance. Moving fast-forward in time, companies such as Tannoy—and now Fyne, of course—have advanced and improved the design of the stand-alone super tweeter, making this adaptation to our speakers easier and, dare I say it, more desirable.

What is a Super Tweeter?

As we know, the conventional tweeter within our loudspeakers is forward-firing only, whereas the stand-alone super tweeter is open to the room. This changes the performance of our loudspeakers, giving the sonic impression of more openness and airiness in the treble frequencies—often extending these frequencies up to 50kHz, which is seldom heard in any production loudspeaker. Also, adding a super tweeter can improve the time alignment of a speaker. In so many words, by adding a super tweeter, you are adding more detail to your listening experience, even changing the whole soundstage and presentation of the piece of music we’re listening to.

Before I talk your ears off about the changes I heard in my system’s performance when adding the S-Trax super tweeter, let’s talk a little about Fyne Audio’s history.

Who Are Fyne Audio?

Fyne first came to life as a speaker company back in 2017, established by Tannoy’s former management team, including Dr Paul Mills, who is a true innovator when it comes to loudspeaker design. He’s been one of the hi-fi industry’s most respected figures since the ’90s. Paul and the team at Fyne have certainly injected their passion into every loudspeaker and super tweeter they’ve built. This passion and attention to detail certainly show when it comes to the S-Trax super tweeter.

Before I talk about my listening experience, let’s go over a little of the spec for the S-Trax super tweeter:

Sensitivity: Suitable for loudspeakers up to 98dB sensitivity
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Frequency response: 16kHz–50kHz (-6dB typical in-room)
Drive unit complement: 25mm (1”) magnesium dome with neodymium magnet
Crossover type: 3rd-order high-pass at 16kHz, Cryolite-treated
System adjustments: ±4.5dB from normal setting
Made proudly in Scotland.

The Listening

With my amplifier all warmed up and the S-Trax super tweeters linked to my Spendors—and of course, a fresh pot of coffee brewed—I’m ready to rock. So let’s sit back and talk about what we’re hearing with these marvels of Scottish engineering set up with my speakers.

Before I settled down to listen to my records of choice, I took some time to set up the super tweeters for optimum performance—positioning them correctly, aligning them properly, and adjusting the gain dial on the top of both tweeters to match the output of my Spendors as best I could. So with everything set, I can now settle down and tell you about everything I’m hearing—and more importantly, how they changed the performance of my hi-fi listening experience.

What albums and tracks did I use, I hear you ask?

Artist & Album: Alice In Chains – self-titled final studio album with Layne Staley (reissued on vinyl)
Original release year: 1995
Track: Heaven Beside You

Artist & Album: Rush – Signals (vinyl, 1982)
Track: Subdivisions

Artist & Album: Zakk Wylde – Book of Shadows II (CD, 2016)
Track: Sleeping Dogs (featuring Corey Taylor)

fyne audio s-trax super tweeter installed on matts spendor d7

Now, with everything settled—and after pre-listening to each track before adding the super tweeters—I’m familiar with how everything sounds in terms of instrument placement and overall performance.

First up, Alice In Chains’ track “Heaven Beside You.” With the super tweeters in play, I could hear more openness in Layne’s vocals, as he sits more in the alto range. There was also more texture and subtlety in Kinney’s cymbals, and more definition and feel to Jerry Cantrell’s Soldano amplifier.

Moving on to Rush’s track “Subdivisions”—all I can say is wow. This track, in particular, really showed off what the S-Trax can do. Right from the off, Geddy Lee’s synthesiser had more openness, and there was a greater sense of space around Neil Peart’s drum kit.

On to my favourite track of the evening: Zakk Wylde’s “Sleeping Dogs.” This track really opened up, with more space and breath between the vocals and better definition in Corey’s backing vocals. But what really shone for me was Zakk’s lead guitar tone—better separation, more space, and clearer articulation of the notes played.

Conclusion

So, what can I take away from this experience—and would I buy one?

The S-Trax, I have to say, is a very interesting addition to most loudspeakers, and I definitely feel that it makes a significant change to the overall soundstage and performance of my system, giving it more openness in the treble frequencies. I really do feel the S-Trax super tweeter would shine best with a more laid-back loudspeaker, improving time alignment and the overall soundstage.

I would highly recommend trying these out in your own system—or why not book yourself in for a demonstration and let us know what you think?

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. As always, it’s much appreciated.

Matt Aaron - 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…

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

March 27, 2026

The New Quad 3 Amp and 3 CDT - Now at Audio T Cheltenham

March 27, 2026/ Audio T Cheltenham/ Cheltenham

Quad are one of the hi-fi world’s most iconic brands, with a heritage that stretches back decades and a reputation built on doing things properly rather than following trends. That legacy of thoughtful engineering and understated design is exactly why new Quad releases still carry a bit of weight.

Things are getting particularly interesting right now with the recent release of the 3 CDT to partner the 3 Amp, which has already been turning heads since it landed a few months ago. There’s something quite appealing about a brand doubling down on a proper, no-nonsense CD-based system in a world that’s gone almost entirely streaming-focused.

Here in Cheltenham, we have just taken delivery of one of each, and it feels like the final piece of the puzzle has arrived. Naturally, we’re keen to get them fired up and see whether this compact pairing can live up to Quad’s reputation — and more importantly, whether it delivers where it really counts: the music.

We have been huge fans of the Quad 3 amp since it was released. Now we are really looking forward to hearing what the brand new 3 CDT can bring to the party.

Quad’s Philosophy

The build quality is just lovely and, in a strange way, I feel that it has both a dual retro and futuristic quality that sets it apart from any of the competition at the moment. The Quad 3 CDT is a dedicated CD transport designed to deliver uncompromising digital performance in its purest form. Crafted as the natural companion to the 3 Amp, this new model embodies QUAD’s philosophy of “the closest approach to the original sound.” By focusing solely on the mechanics of disc retrieval and data integrity, the 3 CDT strips away unnecessary circuitry to achieve class-leading accuracy, ensuring that every note is reproduced with absolute precision.

At the heart of the 3 CDT lies a high-precision CD mechanism and custom-designed CD servo control system, delivering exceptional disc reading accuracy and stability. Every detail of the laser assembly and servo control system has been optimised to minimise read errors, jitter, and distortion, preserving the integrity of the original CD signal. It has a drawer too… not one of those slot-loading mechs. Its sole task is to deliver a pristine signal — exceptionally clean, with minimal interference or unwanted processing. This singular focus ensures the highest fidelity connection to the 3 Amp’s state-of-the-art DAC, unlocking the full musical potential encoded on every disc.

Critically Acclaimed

Just like its critically acclaimed sibling, the new QUAD 33 – the 3 Amp’s industrial design is a subtle nod to the past. It features the same signature orange-lit LCD strip as the QUAD 33, for intuitive function feedback, with settings, parameters, options and source selections all visually represented. Users can customise the backlight brightness — or turn it off entirely — to suit their environment or preference. Classic orange accents echo the aesthetics of the legendary QUAD 33. At the same time, the tactile row of digital encoders provides precise control over volume, source selection, balance, bass, and the renowned QUAD ‘Tilt’ control, allowing for fine-tuning of the audio spectrum without adding artificial colouration.

Lets Play Some Music

Now we’ve got all that technical bumf out of the way, we can get down to my favourite bit, which is finding out what it sounds like. And I can tell you that I have been very pleasantly surprised. I will freely admit that I was not expecting this level of detail retrieval. First on the playlist was the totally awesome prog rock epic that is “Natural Selection” by US band Lands End. This album has amazing production qualities and quite possibly the best recording of a drum kit you are ever going to hear. The Quad combination held the combined drum and bass guitar rhythm section rock solid, while all around guitars and mellotron are swirling in free space. I know that I have recommended this CD in some of my previous blogs but seriously, if you like/love prog rock and like things a tad spaced out with a stunning bottom end (ooer), then you owe this album a listen… it is a bona fide classic of the genre!

one of the all time great prog albums imo

The Quad pair made such a great sound with the Lands End CD that I decided to play another one of my all-time prog rock favourites… Rockpommel’s Land by German band Grobschnitt. An album that boasts on the back cover that it was recorded with the help of Krautrock legend Conny Plank using a fully dBx-ed MCI 24-track recorder running at 30ips on four AGFA PEM468 Professional type 2 tapes, and that therefore it deserves to be played LOUD. Boy are they right! The Quad combo delivers speed, timing, dynamics, detail, bass slam and total three-dimensionality, making the music a joy to listen to.

Summing Up

Summing up my experience with the 3 Amp and 3 CDT, I have to say how wonderfully they work together and that they punch way above their weight. I can understand now how they have been the recipients of so many great reviews already. I was knocked out by the ability of the Quads to sound equally adept whether they were being played loud or quiet. They also score huge amounts of bonus credibility points because they look so darned cute too! If you are in the market for a sub £2k CD and amp system, look no more… your perfect system may well have arrived.

Oh!… before I forget… the amp has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity which enables seamless streaming from smart devices too. It boasts support for the aptX HD codec, so you can enjoy 24-bit hi-res audio over Bluetooth without compromise. Truly a retro heritage delivering a modern solution.

Many thanks for reading

Andy - Audio T Cheltenham

And if any of the equipment mentioned here has sparked your interest, your local Audio T store will be more than happy to help you explore further.

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

Quad can be found at the following Audio T stores

March 23, 2026

Fine Sound from Fyne Audio: Fyne Audio F501E Review

March 23, 2026/ Audio T Swindon/ Swindon

If you’ve been to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show over the last few years, you’ve probably seen (and heard) Fyne Audio. It’s safe to say they’ve been building a bit of a following. And now they’ve now started appearing in Audio T stores, which is great news for anyone who’s been curious but not had a chance to properly sit down and listen.

We’ve recently had some time with the F501E floorstanders here in Swindon, and for the money, they’re doing a lot right…

A brief history:

Fyne Audio may have launched in 2017, but its roots run deep—right back to one of the most influential names in loudspeaker design: Tannoy.

Founded in 1926, long before “hi-fi” was even a term, Tannoy became synonymous with public address systems—so much so that the name itself entered everyday language. But beyond PA, their real legacy lies in innovation.

In 1940, Tannoy introduced the Dual Concentric driver, a design that would go on to define studio monitoring for decades thanks to its coherence and imaging.

Fast forward to 2015, when Tannoy changed hands and manufacturing direction shifted. Rather than follow that path, a group of key engineers and designers chose to start fresh. The result was Fyne Audio—named after Loch Fyne in Scotland.

Free from legacy constraints but armed with serious experience, they set out to refine and rethink loudspeaker design. Not reinventing the wheel—but making it roll better.

Key Technologies

Isoflare

At the heart of many Fyne designs is the IsoFlare driver. In simple terms, it places the tweeter in the centre of the mid/bass cone, so sound radiates from a single point.

Why does that matter?
Because your ears don’t have to “piece together” different frequencies arriving from different places. The result is more natural imaging, better focus, and a soundstage that holds together even when you’re not sat dead centre.

BassTrax: Flexible Placement, Cleaner Bass

Bass can be tricky—especially in real rooms. Fyne tackles this with their downward-firing BassTrax system.

Basstrax. showing air dispersion characteristics

Instead of firing bass out the back or front, it’s directed downwards and dispersed evenly. The twin-cavity design also helps reduce unwanted turbulence and standing waves.

In real-world terms?

Less port noise
Tighter bass
Far less fuss about where you place them

They’re noticeably more forgiving than most floorstanders at this price.

FyneFlute: Small Detail, Big Difference

Around the edge of the driver cone, Fyne uses a variable geometry surround they call FyneFlute.

It’s not just for show—it helps control unwanted resonances and reduces colouration. That means what you hear is cleaner, more accurate, and less “boxy”.

F501E bass unit, showing fyneflute driver surround

The F501E

Design & Build

The F501E is a 2.5-way floorstanding speaker with a clean, understated look. Available in Black Ash finish.

Key technologies:

IsoFlare point-source driver (tweeter sits in the mid driver)
BassTrax downward-firing port for easier room placement
Solid, substantial MDF cabinets.

How Do They Sound?

Balanced, Engaging, and Easy to Enjoy

The first thing that stands out is how well-balanced these speakers are. They don’t lean overly warm or artificially bright—they just sound right.

The bass is punchy and controlled, with more depth than you might expect at this level. Crucially, it avoids that bloated, one-note character that can creep in with budget floorstanders.

Midrange: Where the Magic Happens

Vocals come through clearly and naturally, with a sense of space around them. Instruments are easy to pick apart, even in busier tracks.

It’s the kind of presentation that lets you relax into the music rather than analyse it—always a good sign.

Treble: Detail Without Fatigue

There’s plenty of detail up top, but it’s delivered smoothly. No harsh edges, no forced brightness—just a clean, extended treble that holds together over longer listening sessions.

Soundstage & Imaging: A Real Strength

This is where the F501E really punches above its weight.

Thanks to that IsoFlare driver, you get a wide, room-filling presentation with precise placement of instruments. It doesn’t collapse if you move off-centre either, which makes them far more usable in everyday living spaces.

Final Thoughts: Serious Value Done Right

At under £1,000, the F501E makes a very strong case for itself.

You’re getting:

A cohesive, immersive soundstage
Tight, controlled bass
Flexible placement in real rooms
A speaker that works just as well for films as it does for music

No gimmicks. Just well-executed engineering and a sound that’s easy to live with.

Verdict

The Fyne Audio F501E is one of the easiest recommendations in this price range right now. If you’re looking for a floorstander that delivers proper scale without demanding a perfect room or system, this should be high on your list.

Thanks for reading — we look forward to welcoming you in store soon.

Jon and 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.

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…

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

March 12, 2026

Rega Mercury & Solis - An Intergalactic Journey to Stellar Sound!

March 12, 2026/ Audio T Brighton/ Brighton

Hello everyone! Welcome to the March blog from Audio T Brighton.

This month, I’m following up on an earlier promise to enlighten you on the sonic qualities of the recent Rega pre/power combo — the Mercury preamp and Solis power amp. Now we’ve had a bit more time to enjoy them with different bits of kit, we’re able to share our thoughts on this wonderful pre/power combo.

Spoiler alert: they’re stellar!

Shooting for the stars with the new Mercury/Solis combo

Rega has always been the "go-to" for many of our customers starting their hi-fi journey with a Rega Planar 1 or a Rega Brio, but this new duo is something else entirely. We’re talking about Rega moving into the high-end "otherworldly" territory, and boy, have they made an entrance and really released a “shoot for the stars” set-up.

Straight out of the box, the Rega Solis Power Amp is a beast, weighing in at nearly 25kg, so mind your back if you’re setting this up at home! The Rega Mercury preamp is equally impressive, feeling incredibly solid with its discrete symmetrical design.

Six Sanken 130W, 15-amp multi-emitter output transistors per channel are used in a “triple” high-current output stage, enabling the Solis to drive even the most awkward speaker systems with ease, with a quoted 168W into 8 ohms and 305W into 4 ohms. Dual transformers, high-quality ICEL polypropylene capacitors and HTR non-inductive resistors in the signal path give this amplifier the quality to be an “end-game” option for music lovers and hi-fi aficionados alike.

Following on from the Rega Brio Mk7, Elex Mk4 and Elicit Mk5, Rega has also included an onboard DAC in the Mercury. Now, some purists might raise an eyebrow, but Rega has used legacy Wolfson DAC chips. They aren't the newest "spec-sheet" winners, but they have a natural, organic "musicality" that just fits the Rega house sound perfectly. The Rega Mercury preamp also includes a USB input, along with the usual SPDIF coax and optical inputs, so computer audio users can also add this preamp to a high-end system if desired.

We have listened to a number of Rega amp-based set-ups to good effect at our Audio T Brighton branch, and we’ll discuss these now.

System 1

Rega Mercury/Solis
Bluesound Node Icon
Chord Qutest
ProAc Tablette 10 Signatures
REL S550 subwoofer

We initially started to listen to this system with a Rega Aethos amplifier. Now this is our go-to integrated when we need power and clarity, and really want to hear what a system can do, but the diminutive ProAc Tablette 10 Signature, albeit good in this arrangement, really responded to the Rega Mercury/Solis combo’s added control in the upper mids and higher frequencies, and allowed the REL S/550 sub to take over where the Tablettes dared not go!

What transpired was really quite remarkable, producing one of the most musically involving systems we’ve ever heard in the shop. The transparency, detail and dynamics brought tears to the eyes and goosebumps to the back of the neck — not something many set-ups can do!

System 2

Rega Mercury/Solis
Bluesound Node Icon
Chord Qutest
ProAc Response D20R
REL S550 subwoofer

Our system 2 in this test replaces the small speaker plus sub combo with a more traditional floorstanding speaker set-up.

This combo also proved to be sublime, with the ProAc Response D20R offering an equally satisfying sound, albeit with some key differences. The D20R’s really go deep in the bass, meaning a sub isn’t as necessary. Where these speakers shine is in their top-end performance, with the ribbon tweeter really excelling in the reproduction of the treble. The Rega Mercury/Solis combo allows vocal inflections and subtle cymbal hits to be reproduced with dynamics and breathtaking clarity, and this really needs to be heard to be believed.

In summary

The Rega Mercury preamp and Solis power amp combination is an absolutely stellar pairing and somehow fitting of their respective names, in that they sound out of this world!

Of course, this is our opinion, and it is essential for you to form your own opinion by giving us a call and booking a demonstration to hear for yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Adey, Jake, Kevin and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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…

Rega can be found at the following Audio T stores -

March 05, 2026

High Fidelity For Under £10k: Assembling The Ideal CD System

March 05, 2026/ Audio T Southampton/ Southampton

Hello fellow hi-fi enthusiasts, and welcome to another blog from Audio T Southampton…

Last year, I wrote an article about systems under £10,000 that focused on one source: turntables. This time, we’re turning our attention to CD players — one of the “Big Three” sources. So, without further ado, let’s dive in…

What This Series Is All About

Before we begin, I’d like to briefly explain the purpose of this blog series. Many of our customers ask for help building a new system, usually with a planned budget in mind.

These blogs are designed as a guide to what to look out for and what I would personally recommend, chosen based on a few key factors:

Build quality
Sound quality
Sound signature that complements partnering equipment
Usability
Aesthetics

Of course, no single CD player will tick every box perfectly, and I always recommend trying multiple options to suit your needs and preferences.

Choosing Your Source: CD Players Around £2,500

Cyrus Audio

Let’s kick things off by taking a look at some CD players, focusing around the £2,500 mark. While there are some fantastic options available, one jumps out at me straight away: the 40 CD Player (£2,549)* from Cyrus Audio.

Released in 2024, this CD player represents a milestone for Cyrus. Sporting a modernised design, a high-quality 3.5” TFT colour display, and new digital technology built around the legendary ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC, it’s a clear step up from the previous CDi-XR.

It delivers superb detail, control and musical engagement — exactly what you’d expect at this level.

Lyngdorf

For our second option, I’ve selected the excellent Lyngdorf CD-2 (£2,600)*.

When I first heard this CD player, I was thoroughly impressed. It provides a balanced, clean presentation that almost elevates CD performance to another level. Featuring a pure-audio CD mechanism and a specialised D/A converter based around the excellent Wolfson WM8740 chip, it’s a superb addition to any mid-range system — and a perfect fit for our needs here.

The Beating Heart: Amplification That Drives the System

Now that the brains of the operation have been selected, let’s look at the muscle: amplification. No system works without it, and choosing the right amplifier (or pre/power combination) is critical.

Rotel

After extensive testing, I’ve chosen two options. The first is the mighty Rotel RA-1592 MkII (£2,599)*.

Delivering a rated 200W into 8 ohms of pure Class A/B power, this amplifier is seriously capable. It features robust build quality, easily accessible inputs, tone controls and a wide range of connectivity — allowing it to integrate seamlessly into most systems. With this level of power on tap, it won’t struggle to drive almost any speakers you pair it with — believe me, I’ve tried!

ATC

For the second option, I’ve chosen the SIA2-100 Integrated Amplifier (£2,600)* from ATC.

With a rated 100W into 8 ohms of Class A/B power, this compact integrated amplifier comfortably drives sizeable speakers thanks to its MOSFET output stage. It also features a high-quality AKM 32-bit DAC capable of up to DSD256 via PC USB (DSD128 on Mac) and up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM.

Not only will it do your digital sources justice, but it will also drive your speakers with authority — all from a three-quarter-width chassis.

Giving the System a Voice: Speaker Choices That Shine

Now it’s time to discuss the most exciting part of any system — the speakers. With dozens of brands under my belt, narrowing it down to just two pairs wasn’t easy. However, after a lot of deliberating (and listening), here are my chosen two.

PMC

We’ll start with the all-new Prophecy1 (£2,575)* from PMC.

Released in 2025, the new Prophecy range has received glowing reviews worldwide. The Prophecy1s are among my favourite standmount speakers. Featuring PMC’s acclaimed ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) technology, they deliver a level of bass that is remarkably impressive for their compact dimensions (H: 400mm, W: 165mm, D: 260mm).

Dynaudio

The second pair I shortlisted are the Dynaudio Evoke 30 (£3,050)*.

Released in 2018, the Evoke range includes multiple models, but for me, the Evoke 30s stand out. Despite their relatively slim proportions (especially compared to the 50s), they offer a wonderfully rounded and balanced sound, with enough bass weight to keep things engaging.

Dynaudio Evoke 30 Floorstanding Speakers

With a rear bass port for easier room integration and power handling up to 200W, they pair beautifully with our chosen amplifiers.

The Unsung Heroes: Cables That Complete the Chain

Chord Company

Now for a vital, and often overlooked addition to any system — cables. To keep things aligned with the previous blog, I’ve chosen the ShawlineX range from Chord Company.

A 2.5m run of ShawlineX speaker cable (with terminations) will cost £368*. I would also recommend a pair of ShawlineX 2RCA–2RCA interconnects for your CD player, starting at £250* for a 0.5m pair.

They provide excellent clarity, cohesion and timing — helping to tie the entire system together.

Small Upgrades, Significant Gains

Last but certainly not least, let’s look at a few upgrades you can add to get the very best from your system.

IsoAcoustics

In the previous blog, I recommended the IsoAcoustics Orea Isolation Feet, starting at £45* each — and I still recommend them here.

Placing them beneath your component’s feet helps to further isolate vibration, allowing for a cleaner, smoother sound.

Chord Company

The next addition I recommend is power conditioning — this time choosing the PowerHAUS P6 (£650*) from Chord Company.

By cleaning the power entering your system (especially when paired with Clearway Power Cables), you can significantly improve overall clarity and control. The PowerHAUS P6 also acts as protection against power spikes, safeguarding your equipment.

IsoTek

The final upgrade I’d recommend is the IsoTek V5 Syncro Uni 16 DC Blocker (£695)* from IsoTek.

This device incorporates DC-cancelling electronics that rebalance the mains sine wave, dramatically reducing transformer hum and vibration. The result is a noticeably cleaner, more refined presentation.

For best performance, plug this directly into your mains supply, and then connect your power conditioner (such as the PowerHAUS P6) into the V5 Syncro Uni 16.

The Final Result: A System Built to Be Enjoyed

And with that, we can now sit down in front of our new CD system, spin a disc and relax. Every component was chosen because it works brilliantly in combination, creating a superbly balanced and engaging sound — no matter which configuration you choose.

Thanks for reading

Tiago, Wayne & Nick - 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…

March 03, 2026

Meze 109 PRO: The Open-Back Headphone That Sets the Benchmark

March 03, 2026/ Audio T Bristol/ Bristol

A new and welcome feature of this year’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show, tucked away in the Bristol suite, was the HEA Distribution Headphone Bar. Where else can you test and evaluate so many pair headphones? It’s an area away from the bustle, almost surreal for those who haven’t experienced it. Walking in is like stepping into a library—faint background hum, studious expressions, and complete focus. Then the illusion bursts when some newbie shouts, “These are good, aren’t they!!” — greeted immediately by frowns, raised eyebrows, and shakes of heads.

For me, the standout is the impressive Meze lineup, now fully matured and a staple of the Bristol Hi-Fi Show…

History

Meze has grown from strength to strength since its founding in 2011 by Antonio Meze in Baia Mare, Romania. They’ve never been content with making run-of-the-mill headphones.

“At the core of it all, music is an expression of emotion, a celebration of life, and a token of everlasting memories. Every part of the 109 PRO, from the premium materials we used to the intricate engineering, embodies that same emotion our favorite music makes us feel.”
— Antonio Meze, Lead Designer and Founder of Meze Audio

Launched in 2022, the Meze 109 PRO redefined what a sub-£1,000 open-back headphone can be. Even today, it remains the benchmark that everyone strives to beat.

The Meze 109 PRO Build

The 109 PRO features a 50mm dynamic driver made from a carbon-fibre reinforced cellulose composite. Its W-shaped dome is incredibly lightweight, held in place by an ultra-thin, 22-micron beryllium-coated semicrystalline polymer.

The diaphragm sits in a high-precision aluminium frame paired with a neodymium magnet. The design and attention to detail are exceptional for this price point. Walnut wood, cast zinc, manganese steel, and vegan leather complete the build, resulting in a lightweight, comfortable, and highly durable headphone.

All Meze headphones are built to last—they can be deconstructed, and virtually every part is serviceable or replaceable.

Reading reviews since 2022, I struggle to find a negative one. Many enthusiasts consider them an open-back benchmark, praising their openness, air, and precision. The only minor critique is a slightly warm tone. One word that keeps coming up? “Musical.”

“Musical” is vague. There are other descriptors like “impactful” bass or “dynamic” tone, but these hardly convey the experience. It’s like calling a car “fast” or wine “winey.” Scores and stars can’t fully communicate it either.

Setup & Listening

At the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the Meze 109s were paired with an Astell & Kern player (I forget the exact model, but the full range of A&K players was available).

image: Meze and Astell & Kern - perfect match

At Audio T Bristol, our headphone area features a WiiM Ultra in fixed output, USB out to a Chord Hugo 2, with software options via Wiim, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, or Roon Endpoint mode using our FLAC library on an Innuos Stream 3 media server. The Chord Hugo 2’s headphone amp with both 6.35mm and 3.5mm outputs makes the setup effortless.

We tested using the Audio T Bristol Hi-Fi Experience Playlist on Qobuz. Immediately striking was the sound staging, openness, and space between instruments. Transients were beautifully etched without being harsh. There is a slight warmth, but it’s subtle—likely a counterbalance to the overly bright trend—and can be adjusted via standard or parametric EQ if needed. Lower octaves have plenty of texture and presence.

Highlights from the playlist include:

Francine 13 by Queen Mary
Haydn: Piano Trios Nos. 24, 25 "Gypsy Rondo", 26 & 27 by the Florestan Trio
Chameleon by Trentemøller
Rescuing Sarah from The Lost World: Jurassic Park (Original Motion Picture Score) by John Williams, courtesy of Paul Cowgill

This is a headphone where time seems to evaporate. It’s an easy listen with abundant detail and tenability. The Chord Hugo 2 DAC filter settings were easy to distinguish, with neutral being the standout. The Meze 109 PRO is one of the most comfortable headphones you’ll find, with perfect weight and fit. At this price, they’re hard to beat.

As always, the decision comes down to your personal preference—the sound that best conveys the “flavour” of musical intent you enjoy, not what a reviewer, Hi-Fi magazine, or even a shop says. Come in and audition for yourself.

Thank you for reading,

Justin, Paul & Max

If you have any questions about the Wiim Ultra, Bluesound Node or Bluesound Icon 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…

Meze can be found at the following Audio T stores:

February 26, 2026

When Cables Disappear: An AudioQuest Demonstration at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026

February 26, 2026/ Audio T Swansea/ Swansea

AudioQuest was founded in 1980 by William E. Low and is based in Irvine, California. It has offices in the Netherlands and distributes its products to approximately 65 countries across the planet. The first hi-fi system I bought upon entering the workplace in 1993 had AudioQuest interconnects and loudspeaker cables stringing it together. We’ve had an on-off-and-back-on-again relationship ever since. AudioQuest UK has been a mainstay of the Bristol show for many years now, most recently led by the inimitable Toby Allen, late of our very own Audio T Bristol store. His product demonstrations have always been interesting, informative, and intelligently thought through.

This February’s was no exception. Citing AudioQuest’s enormous catalogue of products, Toby explained that rather than attempting to showcase inventory, he was going to illustrate AudioQuest’s own premise: that cables should have no discernible character of their own, but instead act as a clear glass — if not a wide-open — window onto the music your system is attempting to reproduce.

Referencing the 17th-century medical clinician Thomas Sydenham’s noble aphorism, “Primum, non nocere” — more famously, “First, do no harm” — Toby led us through a concise, amusing, and illuminating demonstration of what cables can do, and more importantly, what they should not do to one’s hi-fi.

the audioquest vodka ethernet cable. an….idiosyncratic nomenclature that’s for sure.

the audioquest blizzard power cable. all the higher-end AQ power leads are named after inclemant weather. i don’t know why, i just work here man.

the monsoon power cable ‘brings the rain’, which i understand in american parlance means ‘good times’. how very chic.

the audioquest thunder power cable - it goes all through the night according to prince, and we’re not about to gainsay him now, are we?

the audioquest diamond usb digital interconnect. probably the most remarkable interconnect i’ve ever heard. digital files are all zeroes and ones so cables shouldn’t make a difference, right? wrong. so very, very wrong.

Keeping the loudspeakers, electronics, power conditioning, and signal cables the same, Toby changed only the speaker cables. The system comprised:

AudioQuest Vodka Ethernet cable
AQ Niagara 3000 power conditioner with AQ Blizzard power cord
AQ Monsoon power cable to an Innuos Stream3 stream/server
AQ Thunder power cable to a Heed Lagrange S digital integrated amplifier
AQ Diamond USB A-B digital signal cable from the Stream3 to the Lagrange S
Variable AQ and generic speaker cables from the amplifier to a pair of:
Acoustic Energy Corinium loudspeakers

the niagara power conditioner. it’s remarkable the improvement in sound quality it makes. just don’t call it niagra, like the waterfall.

the innuos stream 3 stream/server media player. a remarkably clever and very fine-sounding piece of digital electronics indeed.

the budapest-based heed lagrange s integrated ampifier with optional dac module - which is the modestly-priced dac toby used in the demo. a wonderfully weighty, meaty yet delightfully sophisticated sound. hitherto i’d heard only their phono stages and headphone amplifiers, which are excellent.

acoustic energy corinium loudspeakers in tectona wood veneer, (which is a new one on me). brilliant speakers, the top of acoustic energy’s range and compared to a great many other speaker marques at the show, rather reasonably priced. superb value for money.

Beginning with a generic £10/m heavy-gauge, twin-axial stranded copper wire, Toby explained that this type of cable was first introduced to a breathless audio world by Monster in 1979. It was designed to improve audio quality over the standard lamp cord that was in common usage at the time. Developed in a San Francisco garage by Noel Lee, it was marketed as offering lower resistance and better conductivity than basic household wiring.

Toby cued up “The Black Messiah (Part 2)” from George Duke’s 2002 live album Face the Music via Qobuz (see last month’s blog).

The track opens with an MC introducing Duke as a Capricorn (!), followed by enthusiastic applause before launching straight into a drum strike and a gloriously meaty bass guitar slap. Brass joins, momentum builds, and we’re swept into an extended intro before Duke enters the fray. It all sounded thoroughly enjoyable. The soundstage was fulsome, high, and wide — more than acceptable given the humble cable in use.

Swapping to AudioQuest’s Slip 16/2 cable (£6/m), we heard an immediate improvement. Everything sounded crisper, with greater dynamics, better depth, and noticeably improved flow. Cheaper and better — always a satisfying outcome.

a computer rendering of audioquest’s slip 16/2 speaker cable. for the life of me couldn’t find an actual photo. not that it’s desperately interesting-looking.

Next came a surprise: a £20/m multi-stranded, silver-plated copper cable widely available on the market. Expectations were high. The reaction, however, was not. The presentation became strangely bloated and subdued, as though the music had retreated into the shade. Timing suffered. Energy evaporated.

“You’ve broken it!” one wag was heard to say.

“Don’t worry,” Toby replied with a grin, “I’m about to fix it with this…”

Out came the AudioQuest Rocket 11 speaker cables (£20/m).

the audioquest rocket loudspeaker cable with cutesey rocket-liveried trousers. Although being from across the pond audioquest pronounce it ‘pants’.

Fix it indeed. The track snapped back into focus — lively, rhythmic, and expansive. The soundstage gained height, width, and depth, while the groove returned with infectious confidence. The bass guitar, in particular, sounded superb: punchy, agile, and propulsive. Smiles spread across the room. Heads nodded. Relief was palpable.

For his pièce de résistance, Toby connected the £4,800 per 3m pair AudioQuest Braveheart cables, simply to demonstrate what the system could achieve with minimal perceived constraint.

audioquest’s braveheart loudspeaker cable. that open window we’ve been talking about.

Final Thoughts

What struck me most was not the scale of the differences — though some were far from subtle — but the nature of them. When things went wrong, it wasn’t a matter of frequency balance or hi-fi fireworks. It was timing, coherence, and musical intent that suffered. The system still made sound, of course, but the performance felt strangely disjointed, as if the musicians were no longer quite listening to one another.

When things clicked back into place, the effect was instantly recognisable and oddly reassuring. Rhythm locked in, phrasing made sense again, and the illusion of real musicians playing in a shared space returned. No drama, no exaggeration — just music behaving as music should.

Vinyl lovers will recognise this phenomenon immediately. Swap a cartridge, alter a setup parameter, or introduce an ill-suited component and the same thing happens: the tune falters long before the tonal balance does. Pace, flow, and that difficult-to-quantify sense of “rightness” are often the first casualties.

Perhaps Sydenham’s centuries-old medical wisdom is more applicable to hi-fi than it first appears. Before adding character, flavour, or enhancement, the priority is surely to avoid harm. Preserve the signal, respect the performance, and let the recording speak for itself.

Which, in the end, is exactly what the best systems — and the best cables — seem to do.

If you’ve never attended, make a note in your diary now: the next Bristol Hi-Fi Show takes place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February 2027.

Thanks for reading.

Adrian – Audio T Swansea

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…

Audioquest can be found at the following Audio T stores

February 26, 2026

Why the Bristol Hi-Fi Show Still Reigns Supreme

February 26, 2026/ Audio T Cheltenham/ Cheltenham

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show has long been a fixture in the calendar for anyone with even a passing interest in good sound, and the 2026 event proved once again why it continues to draw such a loyal crowd. With a packed hotel, buzzing demo rooms, and the usual mix of familiar faces and fresh discoveries, this year’s show delivered exactly what it should — great music, great systems, and plenty of memorable moments. Here are a few of the things that stood out for me over the weekend…

Chicken Pie

This year's Bristol Hi-Fi Show (organised by Audio T, just in case you missed that bit) has to go down as my favourite one yet. So much great equipment to see and listen to, so many great people to talk to, and so many chocolates to eat (one of the perks of working on the trade and information desk!). And that chicken pie in the restaurant is to die for!

One of my personal highlights was getting to meet and listen to the radio and TV legend that is Bob Harris… yes, that Bob Harris from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 2 fame. Such an interesting talk, peppered with stunning musical interludes courtesy of the Dynaudio hi-fi system in their demo room. Bob’s account of life with David Bowie and Marc Bolan pre-fame was gloriously told in his ever-enthusiastic, super silky-smooth spoken voice. I didn’t want it to end! Thanks, Bob!

Golden Pig

Amongst many musical highlights was a twenty-minute session in the Cyrus demo room in the Executive Lounge. This has been a notoriously tricky space to make a good sound in, but this year, with a system made up of the very new 80 streamer/amp, Kerr Audio loudspeakers atop Townshend speaker stands, and streaming music from Qobuz, they produced the sound of the show.

It wasn’t only me who thought that, as they won the coveted Golden Pig award for Best Room at the Show, as presented by the lovely Hi-Fi Pig people (they have a totally wonderful online magazine… so look them up).

Cupkakes on Saturday Morning from HiFi Pig

Cupcakes

Talking of Hi-Fi Pig, another of the show highlights is their Saturday morning giveaway of gluten- and dairy-free cupcakes to the early arrivals in the queue.

We were also very proud to give a big plug to Linette Pig’s Women in Hi-Fi Bristol Show Meetup… hope it went well!

Yacht Rock With Audio Note

I also had a great twenty-minute session in the Audio Note room, where they were showing their amazing newly updated Oto SE 35th Anniversary valve amplifier. A system that gave the Cyrus room a jolly good run for its money. I also fell in love with the beautiful Full Sail album by Loggins and Messina… I am a sucker for a good bit of Yacht Rock, and this is a proper gem! Great music and beautifully recorded too. We spent more time talking about music than we did about the hi-fi, which is a good thing (I think?).

Neat Acoustics

I have a lot of time for Neat Acoustics, who unveiled the brand new version of the super-cute Iota Alpha floor-standing loudspeakers.

These little marvels sound way bigger than they look and really do manage to throw a sound up and out into the room. They look very similar to the old model but actually are much upgraded and sound rather super.

Rega P6 RS Edition

Another star at the show came in the form of the (so) new (it’s not out yet) RS version of the Rega P6 turntable, which was sounding particularly sublime in the Rega room. Can’t wait to get this one in the shop — I think it is one of the sweet spots in the range.

Mean And Moody

I rounded my exhibitor visits off late on Sunday afternoon with a visit to the Acoustic Energy room, where they were demoing the new 40th Anniversary AE1, which has recently become my very favourite bookshelf speaker for reasonable money. They did not disappoint, either looking mean and moody and sounding sweet, detailed, and totally three-dimensional. No wonder they are selling really fast.

YO! Sushi

To sum up my little overview of the Bristol Show 2026, then, I can only say that in between visits to Rough Trade Records and YO! Sushi takeaways, I had a great time. If you love hi-fi and you love music even more, there is so much to see and do here, so many great people to meet and talk to, and so many great hi-fi systems to listen to.

It’s good to know that the hi-fi world is still alive and kicking, with exhibitors and visitors of many differing ages, genders, and nationalities making the Bristol Show THE must-visit show of the year!

Make a note in your diary now because the next Bristol Hi-Fi Show is booked already and takes place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February 2027.

Many thanks for reading

Andy - Audio T Cheltenham

And if any of the equipment mentioned here has sparked your interest, your local Audio T store will be more than happy to help you explore further.

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

February 25, 2026

Top Picks from the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026

February 25, 2026/ Portsmouth

Alan, from our Portsmouth shop, shares some of his favourite moments from this year’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show has long been a cornerstone of the UK home audio scene, and this year’s event once again proved why it remains such an important date in the calendar. What many visitors don’t realise is that the show is actually owned and operated by Audio T — something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s an event built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and after spending the day there purely as a visitor rather than working the show floor, I was reminded just how special it really is.

With so much outstanding equipment on demonstration, it was impossible to experience everything in the time available. Instead, I decided to highlight a handful of personal favourites — the products and systems that genuinely stopped me in my tracks.

Heavenly Hegel

In this demonstration, a Hegel H400 was driving a pair of Amphion Argon 3X standmount speakers. It was a relatively near-field listening experience, with the speakers positioned perhaps seven feet from the listening seat. Nonetheless, the soundstage was superb, with a beautifully judged vocal presentation. Bass performance was satisfyingly weighty, lending real authority without ever becoming overbearing.

Dynamic Dynaudio

Dynaudio’s customary “black box” listening room never disappoints. During my visit, a pair of Contour 20 Black Edition speakers were partnered with a full Naim 500 system. The result was a wonderfully composed yet powerful sound — detailed, engaging, and effortlessly musical. Having previously heard the Contour 20 BEs in the Portsmouth store, it was fascinating to hear what they could achieve with such a formidable front end.

Astonishing ATC

The stunning EL50 Anniversary active speakers immediately command attention, not only sonically but visually thanks to their gorgeous wood veneer finish. Fed by an ATC SCA2 preamp, the system delivered an impressively lifelike performance. Jazz recordings sounded utterly convincing, with instrumental timbres rendered with striking realism. Imaging was equally compelling, making it easy to pinpoint musicians within the recording.

Musical Meze

The new Meze Strada headphones were a standout surprise. The pair I auditioned appeared to be connected to an Astell & Kern AK380 Copper digital audio player. The presentation was detailed yet smooth, with a refined and natural tonal balance. Being closed-back, bass was punchy and controlled without any sense of exaggeration. After several tracks, I realised I had completely lost track of time — always a good sign.

Precious Prophecy

Upon entering PMC’s larger listening space, the Prophecy 1 speakers initially appeared almost modest in scale. Any doubts quickly vanished once the music started. Driven by a Bryston Bi-200 integrated amplifier, the system produced a remarkably full and authoritative sound. Low-frequency performance was particularly impressive for speakers of this size, while the midrange and treble were beautifully resolved.

Wowed by WiiM

Wiim sounds and sub will put a smile on your face

WiiM built its reputation on delivering excellent-value streaming solutions, but hearing their newer speaker range was genuinely eye-opening. A stereo pairing of the WiiM Sound Streaming Speaker and Sound Lite Streaming Speaker, supported by the WiiM Sub Pro, produced an energetic, room-filling performance. It may challenge traditional expectations of “proper” hi-fi, but the sheer enjoyment factor was undeniable.

And something different…

Era Acoustics was a completely new discovery for me. The brand is currently focused on a single product — the XTL Transmission Line Speaker — and it certainly makes a statement. The Cracker Gold finish stood out immediately in a sea of more conventional designs. Sonically, the speakers offered an open, articulate presentation with impressive detail retrieval.

Another visually striking encounter came courtesy of Canor Audio. The Slovakian manufacturer’s components have a distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic, complete with bold dot-matrix displays. A brief listen to the CD2.10, Verto D4S DAC, and Virtus 14S amplifier suggested performance that matched the visual flair — spacious, clean, and highly engaging.

Final Thoughts

Events like the Bristol Hi-Fi Show serve as a powerful reminder of the creativity, engineering, and passion that continue to drive this industry forward. Whether you’re deeply invested in the hobby or simply curious about what’s possible, there’s nothing quite like hearing great systems properly demonstrated.

If you’ve never attended, make a note in your diary now: the next Bristol Hi-Fi Show takes place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February 2027.

And if any of the equipment mentioned here has sparked your interest, your local Audio T store will be more than happy to help you explore further.

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

February 24, 2026

DALI Sonik Loudspeakers Review. A sonic treat.

February 24, 2026/ Audio T Swindon/ Swindon

After eight very successful years, DALI’s long-established Oberon range of loudspeakers has now been discontinued. The Oberons became well known for offering excellent value and strong performance in both hi-fi and home cinema systems, but all good things must come to an end. Replacing such a respected range is no small task.

A New Chapter for DALI

Introduced this month, the new Sonik series arrives as the evolution and successor to Oberon, featuring more advanced technologies derived from DALI’s higher-end ranges, including KORE, Epikore, and Epicon.

The Engineering Behind Sonik

Sonik speakers incorporate several upgrades over Oberon.

Sonik models use improved SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) magnets and refined Clarity Cone drivers. These technologies, adapted from higher-end designs, aim to reduce distortion and improve overall clarity.

Inspired by KORE technology, Sonik bass and midrange drivers feature Clarity Cone™ paper and wood-fibre cones that are lighter yet more rigid.

Why SMC Matters

First introduced in 2012 with the Epicon series, SMC (Soft Magnetic Composite) is a coated, magnetic, granular material offering a highly unusual combination of very high magnetic permeability and very low electrical conductivity.

Because SMC is a granular composite, it can be formed into almost any shape, including components used within the driver magnet systems of many DALI speakers.

SMC reduces many of the common braking effects associated with iron, improving the free movement of the voice coil. Effects such as hysteresis, eddy currents, and frequency non-linearity — all contributors to unwanted distortion and colouration — are significantly minimised.

A ferrite ring surrounds a hybrid iron-SMC™ pole piece, placing SMC directly within the voice coil’s working zone. This minimises hysteresis and eddy currents, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed, and more relaxed midrange.

With increased rigidity and superior resonance control, the Clarity Cone ensures a coherent and natural handover between drivers. The result is a more realistic, less coloured upper midrange and a seamless transition to the tweeter.

You can find out more about DALI’s patented SMS here.

High Frequencies, Done Properly

Sonik features a newly developed 29mm ultra-light soft dome tweeter (and, in larger models, a hybrid tweeter system), delivering wider bandwidth, smoother integration with the woofer, and improved dispersion compared with the Oberon range.

Cabinet Design: More Than Just a Box

Sonik cabinets have been redesigned with greater internal bracing and improved structural rigidity. This is more important than it might first appear, as unwanted cabinet resonance is a major contributor to coloration and smeared bass in loudspeakers.

By reducing enclosure vibration, Sonik allows the drivers to operate with greater precision, particularly at higher volumes where cabinet interactions typically become more audible. The result is bass that feels cleaner, tighter, and more controlled rather than simply heavier.

DALI has also refined the port design, helping to improve low-frequency efficiency while minimising turbulence and port noise. In real listening terms, this contributes to a more composed presentation with better definition and less boom.

Looks That Fit Modern Living

Sonik introduces updated, modern styling, including magnetic grilles, aluminium accents, and new finish options.

These design changes reflect Sonik’s shift toward both performance and lifestyle appeal.

Where Sonik Sits in the Range

Prices within the Sonik range start at £449* for the Sonik 1 and extend to £2,199* for the flagship Sonik 9, positioning the series firmly within the attainable performance category.

What makes Sonik particularly interesting is not simply where it starts, but what it delivers at each level. Many of the technologies found here — including SMC magnet systems and Clarity Cone drivers — are derived from considerably more expensive DALI models.

This means Sonik is not merely replacing Oberon in price, but pushing noticeably closer toward the performance characteristics of DALI’s higher-tier loudspeakers, making it a compelling option for both new system builds and meaningful upgrades.

Listening Impressions

There’s certainly a fair amount of technology behind Sonik, but the real test is always in the listening.

Fortunately, we still had a pair of Oberon 1 available for direct comparison with the Sonik 1.

Partnering both speakers with a Rega iO amplifier and a Bluesound Node Icon streamer, I played a selection of familiar tracks.

Playing Dukes Place by Louis Armstrong, the Soniks immediately demonstrated noticeably improved clarity and greater dynamic expression.

Switching to Californian Soil by London Grammar — an incredibly demanding test for any speaker — revealed lower perceived distortion and tighter bass performance from the Sonik 1s.

One of my personal reference tracks for assessing soundstage and imaging is Ballad of the Runaway Horse by Rob Wasserman and Jennifer Warnes. Here, the Sonik 1s produced clearer highs and a wider sweet spot. In practical terms, this makes achieving optimal speaker placement even easier.

Final Thoughts

The Sonik range builds confidently on the Oberon legacy, introducing meaningful upgrades in drivers, magnet systems, cabinet construction, and tweeter design. The result is a presentation that feels more transparent, dynamic, and engaging, while remaining firmly positioned within a sensible budget.

Thanks for reading — we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Jon and 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.

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…

DALI can 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

February 16, 2026

Strengthen Those Quads! A Review of the Quad 33/303 Pre-Power Combo

February 16, 2026/ Audio T Brighton/ Brighton

Hello everyone, and welcome to the February blog from Audio T Brighton. This month, we’re looking at ways to strengthen your Quads. Now, I’m not a qualified medical practitioner, but I’m pretty sure this is sound advice (pun intended) for anyone — whether medical or, in this case, audio advice.

The products in question — the Quad 33 preamp and its matching Quad 303 power amp — have been around for a little while. Hot on the heels of listening to the new Quad 3 integrated amp, we recently had the chance to audition the updated version of this retro classic pairing, well known in the 1970s along with other famed products like the Quad ESL57 electrostatic speakers, which, incidentally, also have an up to date version.

Let’s unlock the audio door on this Quad 33/303 pre-power remake and see if it sounds as authentic as it looks.

Quad 33 Preamp

Before we dive into the audio performance and technicalities of the Quad 33 and Quad 303 system, let’s take a moment to admire the “retro orange” finish that this Quad combo has recreated. It certainly looks the business when lit up.

The retro look, feel, and sound are all the rage at the moment. Although I’m unsure of the origins of this trend, it may have something to do with the resurgence of vinyl playback. Either way, the retro aesthetic certainly gets our approval with regard to the Quad 33 and Quad 303 — it looks very fetching.

Running through the specifications of the Quad 33 preamp, the first thing to note is the lack of digital inputs. Personally, we feel this isn’t a disadvantage sonically, as internal digital circuitry often offers input flexibility at a sonic cost. It is very difficult to shield against noise ingress between digital and analogue circuits, with the most effective remedy often being physical distance between components, owing to the inverse square law. The distance between components and circuitry inside the Quad 33 is naturally limited due to its compact size.

If you require digital inputs, you could instead consider one of Quad’s sibling setups — the more affordable Quad 3 integrated or the premium integrated amplifier, the Quad Platina. Better still, an external DAC partnered with the Quad 33/303 would be an excellent solution.

The flip side of the reduced digital connectivity on the Quad 33/303 combo is the inclusion of both MM and MC phono stages, along with balanced connections.

The Quad 33 preamp retains much of the functionality of the Quad 3 integrated. In particular, Quad’s use of the Tilt tone control remains an interesting and distinctive implementation. I’ve written about the Quad 3 and the Tilt function at length in a previous blog.

For full details on the Quad 33 preamp, you can visit the Quad website.

quad 3 integrated underneath the quad 33/303 combo

Quad 303 Power Amplifier

A perfect partner for the Quad 33 preamp, the Quad 303 power amplifier is rated at 50W per channel into 8 ohms and a healthy 70W per channel into 4 ohms. While fairly faithful to the original design, newer components and refinements have allowed the current model to be far more resilient when driving challenging speaker loads, with up to 10 amps on tap if needed.

When running a pair of Quad 303s, an additional feature is the ability to operate them in bridged mono-block mode via a rear-panel switch. A bridged pair can deliver 140W into 8 ohms (170W into 4 ohms), providing greater ease and authority with less sensitive speakers.

For more detailed information on the Quad 303, please refer to the Quad website.

So, How Did the Pairing Sound?

It is fairly apparent — at least to our ears — that the design remit of the Quad 33/303 stays very close to the spirit of the original 1970s models. This makes complete sense, especially when authenticity is the goal, not just visually but sonically as well.

The Quad 33/303 pre-power combo delivers what we would describe as an easy-going, good-natured sound. Unsurprisingly, given their shared design and manufacturing heritage under IAG, the pairing worked beautifully with our Wharfedale Lintons. The result was hours of unfatiguing listening, without over-emphasising detail or introducing the digital glare that can sometimes creep into modern recordings.

Not all amplifiers manage this at this price point, with some systems having a tendency to shout, “Here I am!” If a more laid-back presentation isn’t your preference and you want something with a bit more energy, the Quads also paired well with our Neat Petite Classics, which extracted extra zest and liveliness from recordings.

To conclude, the Quad 33 preamp and Quad 303 power amp represent a gorgeous rendition of a 1970s classic, both visually and sonically. They come highly recommended, particularly when properly matched within a system. As always, we strongly encourage customers to listen before buying, as component synergy remains critical to building a long-lasting and satisfying system.

As the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating — so get in touch to book a demonstration and hear them for yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Adey, Jake, Kevin and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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…

Quad can be found at the following Audio T stores

Wharfedale can be found at the following Audio T stores

Neat Acoustics can be found at the following Audio T stores

February 12, 2026

AV receivers in 2026: Inside the Marantz Cinema Series (Part 2)

February 12, 2026/ Audio T Reading/ Reading

In a world of soundbars and shortcuts, the Marantz Cinema Series proves that proper home theatre is very much alive. Combining luxury design, modern usability, and the unmistakable Marantz sound, these AVRs deliver a cinematic experience that’s as emotionally engaging as it is technically impressive. This guide takes you inside the Cinema range, from slimline entry points to true flagship performance.

February 12, 2026

AV receivers in 2026: Inside the Marantz Cinema Series (Part 1)

February 12, 2026/ Audio T Reading/ Reading

January 28, 2026

Qobuz: The High Fidelity Music Streaming Service

January 28, 2026/ Audio T Swansea/ Swansea

A Different Kind of Hi-Fi Upgrade

In a change from the usual programme of delighting in bright, shiny new hi-fi equipment, this month I thought I’d talk about a music streaming service provider — specifically, one of our valued Bristol Hi-Fi Show partners: Qobuz.

What Makes Qobuz Different?

Pioneers in delivering high-quality sound since 2007, Qobuz is a 100% French platform which offers “all music lovers an intimate and enriching experience”. Qobuz gives access to a wealth of content: more than 100 million tracks available in both Studio Quality/High-Resolution (24-bit/192kHz) and CD-quality (16-bit) formats, plus exclusive editorial content written by their in-house team and expert guests. Qobuz is, hitherto, the only platform on the planet to offer both streamed and downloadable music in 24/192. A customer myself, I can attest to it sounding terrific on my home system(s) and within the privacy of my own skull on the train via my lovely Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earphones.

you too could pretend you’re living in a forest

Built for Proper Hi-Fi Systems

Qobuz partners with many of the biggest hi-fi brands around, including Arcam, Audiolab, Ayre, Bel Canto, Bluesound, Burmester, Denon, Dynaudio, Hegel, Innuos, Linn, Luxman, Lyngdorf, Marantz, McIntosh, Monitor Audio, Naim, PS Audio, Rotel, Ruark, Samsung (!), Technics and WiiM via their Qobuz Connect system. Naturally, Qobuz is available on PC, Mac, web player, and iOS and Android apps. As we go to press, Qobuz is available in 26 countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

An Ethical Approach to Streaming

Qobuz is widely considered one of the more ethical music streaming choices due to its focus on fair artist compensation (it publishes transparent artist payout rates), high-quality audio for its customers, and a commitment to music-only content without “the distracting noise of podcasts”. All killer — no filler, as the young folk are fond of saying.

will this blog tip you over into trying qobuz?

Its human curation process dispenses with algorithms that might skew the company’s focus away from upcoming artists in favour of established acts with a strong social media presence — something that happens on many other platforms. This makes Qobuz a strong alternative to the “major” streaming services. Notably, it also eschews the free-tier model that very often reduces artists’ revenue to near zero. Indeed, one notable rival provider has actually de-monetised its less popular tracks, dooming many musicians to essentially working for free. Qobuz emphasises supporting musicians directly, positioning itself as a “digital record store”.

Who Is Qobuz For?

“Qobuz targets audiophiles and music lovers who love a particular genre of music. Only about 25% of our subscribers opt for the entry-level offer – compared with 40% for our mid-range offer and 35% for our ‘prestige’ offer... Our audience is also older than our competitors.”

— Qobuz’s CEO, Denis Thébaud

Subscription Tiers Explained

Qobuz currently offers two grades of subscription: ‘Studio’ and ‘Sublime’. Starting at twelve quid a month (even less if you buy a year’s subscription, and only £5.99/month if you’re a student), Studio gives the client access to the full suite of 100 million+ ad-free 16- and 24-bit music tracks, editorial content, and offline listening — a feature I have found invaluable on journeys through areas with sub-optimal mobile broadband. My daily commute, for example. Multiple-user accounts come in at around £16.99/month.

‘Sublime’ has all of Studio’s features but, for an extra £3 a month, offers discounts on downloads of up to 60%. Very useful if you plan on buying music to keep on a hard drive somewhere. In my experience, this can sound distinctly superior to music streamed from a remote server in real time, despite Qobuz's higher-than-average server quality. Very often, a 16-bit album stored on a server at home (such as the excellent Innuos Stream 1) will sound better than the same album in 24-bit streamed from elsewhere. If you’ve never heard music streamed from a local server, I heartily suggest asking Innuos about it at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

You can find them at Stand 7a on the Ground Floor — prepare to be impressed. Once you’ve done that, trip across to Qobuz at Stand 15 and cadge yourself a free 60 day trial. Your ears (and perhaps your conscience) will thank you.

Conclusion: Streaming That Respects the Music

In a world where convenience often trumps quality, Qobuz feels like a service built by people who still sit down and properly listen. It respects the artists, it respects the recordings, and — crucially for us lot — it respects the hi-fi systems we’ve invested in to bring music to life at home. Whether you’re discovering new releases through expert editorial, revisiting old favourites in proper high resolution, or building a personal download library to squeeze every last drop of performance from your system, Qobuz offers a more thoughtful way to stream.

If you haven’t tried it yet, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show is the perfect excuse. Have a listen, start a trial, and see what happens when streaming is treated as part of the hi-fi chain, not just background convenience.

Thanks for reading.

Adrian – Audio T Swansea

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…

January 28, 2026

McBluesound Double WiiM’er Stream Off

January 28, 2026/ Audio T Bristol/ Bristol

The full meal deal! All these devices come with chips because if they came fried they wouldn’t work. This month I am looking at the pick of the bunch for fast, convenient access to millions of tracks. Just one tap and swipe away from your music heaven.

image: featuring the Bluesound Node, Wiim Ultra and Bluesound Node Icon

When streaming became a thing, people said, “Ah, but CDs are better.” When CDs came out, “Ah, but vinyl is the best.” I have always wondered — what happened when vinyl came out? Did people say, “Ah, but gramophones with shellac and wax cylinders are the ultimate”? Love it or hate it, streaming is here to stay. How will they stack up against each other? (Not in the burger sense.)

First Bite: WiiM Ultra

The WiiM Ultra has an HDMI ARC input, which I used to input my TV. I decided to try the Ultra's built-in DAC for my Marantz, and as the Ultra doesn't have a coaxial input, I used the optical input for this.

The WiiM app is very user-friendly, although the phone app works much better than the laptop app, which is more awkward to navigate and appears to be missing some features that are on the phone app.

The WiiM has a screen and, as I'm used to checking track number and information when listening to CDs, this is definitely a bonus. It's also useful for checking which input is being used and can be customised to name the current source playing.

image: Wiim Ultra rear view with connections — WiiM ultra feature set: inputs = line In, phono in, optical in, hdmi arc; outputs rca, optical,coax,usb, headphones, two way bluetooth, roon ready, linkplay, spotify/tidal/qobuz connect

I began by streaming the overture from Bear McCreary's score for The Cloverfield Paradox and was instantly impressed with the sound. The brass and percussion hits that open the piece came across with the power they should. Bass was tight and rich, the string ostinato that follows flowed smoothly but still had punch, and the electronic embellishments sparkled. The stereo placement was excellent and detailed, showing off the closely miked recording to great effect.

Next, I moved on to Show Me How to Live from Audioslave's eponymous first album. Tom Morello's guitar entrance had the wow factor it should, with Chris Cornell's vocals standing out without getting lost or being too isolated. The distortion used over his vocals in the chorus is always a bit of a challenge: if a system is too bright it can sound grating; if it's too warm it can lose impact. The Ultra, like Cornell, hit just the right notes.

Both the Samsung and the Marantz benefited from the WiiM's DAC, although the CD player's improvement was not a game changer.

The Ultra has a reputation for being on the brighter-sounding side but, as my system is on the warm side, I didn't hear this at all and they complemented each other nicely.

I've always been sceptical about EQing. I prefer to listen to the sound of the equipment as the maker intended. The Ultra comes with RoomFit, which tweaks the EQ to, um, fit the room. I used the microphone on an iPhone 17 to set up and was pleasantly surprised. It definitely improved the sound, adding slightly more focus and finesse.

Very impressive, especially at its price range.

Bluesound Monday

Next up was the Bluesound Node, slightly more expensive than the WiiM but still in the same ballpark.

Bluesound Node Performance Music Streamer

The Node has similar inputs to the WiiM, so the setup was the same. One instantly noticeable omission, though, was the lack of a screen. The app is just as easy to navigate and the laptop app is much closer to the phone app than the WiiM equivalent. One irritating quirk is that if you choose a track from partway through an album, it plays the track on repeat rather than moving on to the next track. The only way around this is to play the album from the beginning and then skip through each preceding track to get to the desired one. A bit of an inconvenience if you want to start at track twenty.

bluesound node 4 feature set: inputs = analog In, optical in, hdmi arc, usb in; outputs = rca, sub out optical,coax,usb, headphones, two way bluetooth, roon ready, spotify/tidal/qobuz connect

Compared to the WiiM, the Node has a much warmer sound, which didn't sit well with my system. The Cloverfield Paradox overture lacked the attack and transparency heard from the WiiM, with an overall muddiness marring the listening experience. Cornell's vocals on Show Me How to Live suffered especially from this, losing all the sting of transients that the WiiM demonstrated.

Supersized Sound

So, given the change in sound, I decided to up the game and introduce Bluesound’s higher-end Reference Music Streamer, the Node Icon. This comes in at over double the price of the WiiM Ultra, but if you ask me, it's money well spent.

Bluesound Node Icon Reference Music Streamer

The Icon has a screen so, aesthetically, I preferred it straight away to the standard Node.

Sound-wise, everything improved, with the Icon taking the whole system to a higher level of audio. Bass was more prominent but kept its definition, and the detail was much cleaner. A pleasure to listen to and definitely the best of the three streamers.

bluesound node icon feature set: inputs = analog In, optical in, hdmi arc, usb C, USB A; outputs = rca & XLR, sub out optical,coax,usb, headphones, two way bluetooth, roon ready, spotify/tidal/qobuz connect

Bill Please: The Verdict

The lesson learnt from this experiment, apart from the obvious — the higher the budget, the greater the potential sound quality — is that system matching matters just as much as the individual components. The WiiM Ultra impressed with its clarity, detail, and value for money, but in an already bright system it could tip things a little too far. The Bluesound Node, on the other hand, brought a warmer, fuller balance that may suit brighter setups better, even if it didn’t gel in mine. Step up to the Node Icon and everything moves up a level again, delivering a more refined, powerful and complete presentation — but, as always, at a price.

The real takeaway is that great hi-fi isn’t built from a checklist of five-star products. It’s about synergy. Components that shine on their own don’t always sing together, and sometimes the “lesser” option is actually the better choice in the right system.

Here at Audio T, our staff have experience with a wide range of equipment and can help find the best combination to suit both your system and your budget. And, as always, listening before buying is the best advice that can be given.

Paul, Justin & Max - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about the Wiim Ultra, Bluesound Node or Bluesound Icon 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…

WiiM and Bluesound can be found at the following Audio T stores:

January 27, 2026

The Path to Cable Enlightenment: My Journey with Chord Cables

January 27, 2026/ Audio T Cardiff/ Cardiff

The path to cable enlightenment is never easy but well worth it…

This month, Matt is very much back on the cable side of things in his own Hi-Fi system, exploring how much difference speaker cables and interconnects can make. The goal? Making our Hi-Fi sound more musical while bringing those finer details to light without being fatiguing.

And the cable brand in question this month is one of our favourites—see if you can guess. That’s right, it’s The Chord Company cables. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and read along with Matt—we’ll see where we end up.

As many of you have followed my blogs over time, you’ll know my long and winding journey through the wild world of Hi-Fi & audiophilia has been quite fun. But there have always been small tweaks along the way, trying to bring the most detail out of my music without tiring my ears—essentially, making it more musical.

On the fine-tuning side, I always find myself wanting to improve, and one area I keep returning to is how my equipment is connected and which cables complement my system best sonically.

So this month, I decided to take a deep dive into all things interconnected. As mentioned, the cable brand I’m focusing on is one of my favourites: The Chord Company. Before I get into the details of the cables and my findings, let me take a moment to talk about what drives me—and all of you wonderful music enthusiasts—on that never-ending quest for detail in music.

Every detail matters

A few weeks ago, a good customer of mine asked a very interesting question about a piece of music we were playing while I was demonstrating a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers in our demonstration room. The track in question was Tenement Time by the legendary indie guitarist Johnny Marr.

The question arose when my customer heard something in Johnny’s guitar tone he had never noticed before. What our customer and I heard was, as I explained, Johnny using a Fuzz Face guitar pedal through his Fender Twin Reverb amp along with his Fender Jaguar to get that brutal effect that filled the track out in the chorus section of the song.

Talking to my customer about this track and the effects gear musicians use sent me on a bit of a journey back into my past and the questions that should be asked about music. As I mentioned earlier, what makes us want to uncover this hidden information in music is the seemingly endless quest to find it.

Let’s Put My Cable Theory to the Test

Back in November last year, Ian, our sales representative from The Chord Company, kindly loaned me:

Chord Co. Signature Tuned ARAY RCA interconnecting cables
A pair of Signature Reference speaker cables

This was for our big REL subwoofer event (you may recall my December blog). After the event, I spoke with Ian about listening to my own Hi-Fi with these cables.

I hadn’t yet had the chance to listen to a system in isolation with the Chord Signature range, so I took the opportunity to test them at home. I also brought home:

Chord Epic ARAY interconnects
Epic X speaker cables

…to compare with my current cabling.

Like any component in a Hi-Fi system, how we connect each component impacts the sound. It’s very personal. What one person loves, another might reject. My system has changed over the last four years, and as you know, tastes in Hi-Fi and music differ widely, just like the brands of sources, amplifiers, and speakers we choose.

Starting the Listening Session

I had a fun evening ahead: coffee on, vinyl & CDs ready, and all set to enjoy the music. But first, the starting point: what was already in my system, and what music would I use?

Music Used:

Big Wreck – The Rest of the Story (2025) on vinyl | Track: Believer
The Black Crowes – Amorica (1994) on vinyl | Track: Wiser Time
A Perfect Circle – Thirteenth Step (2003) on CD | Track: The Outsider

Current Cables in My System:

Cyrus 40PPA phono stage → 40 Amp: Chord Cable Anthem Reference RCA cables
Cyrus CD player → 40 Amp: Ricable Magnus coax cable
Speakers: Ricable Magnus speaker cables

Cable Swaps and Performance Changes

1. Phono Stage RCA Swap:
Swapped Chord Anthem RCA for Chord Epic ARAY RCA. Very similar sound to Anthems, with slightly brighter treble. Noticeable on Big Wreck’s Ian Thornley vocals.

2. CD Player Coax Swap:
Swapped Ricable digital coax for Chord Epic ARAY digital coax. Massive improvement—A Perfect Circle track had more presence, especially Josh Freese’s drums, capturing their dynamic feel.

3. Speaker Cable Swap:
Swapped Ricable for Chord Epic X (silver-plated copper). Big change: mid-frequency detail improved significantly, revealing details I hadn’t noticed before.

Stepping It Up – Chord Co. Signature

Phono Stage & CD Player: Swapped RCA & coax to Signature ARAY. Massive improvement, particularly on vinyl. The Black Crowes – Wiser Time: Rich Robinson’s ’63 Gibson ES-335 sounded more open, with richer slide guitar textures from Marc Ford.

Speaker Cable: Swapped to Chord Signature Reference. Favorite moment: The Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz – guitars defined, soundstage bigger. Couldn’t stop listening.

Takeaways from the Sonic Experience

As always, once you’ve heard something you can’t un-hear it—whether it’s good or bad. For me, this evening of listening was a real eye-opener, not just in terms of sheer sonic detail but in how much the right cables can enhance the experience of music. The Epic ARAY interconnects brought a subtle clarity that made me notice things I’d heard countless times before but never quite appreciated—the way Josh Freese’s drums breathe, the texture of Marc Ford’s slide guitar, even the natural decay of notes on the piano. And the Signature Reference speaker cables? They were the real revelation. Suddenly, the space around the instruments felt more tangible, more alive. There was a sense of presence, of being in the room with the musicians, that had previously felt just out of reach.

I think the biggest takeaway here is how personal it all is. What I love about my system might not be exactly what someone else would prefer, but for me, these cable swaps reinforced that every component, every link in the chain, and every choice we make matters. It’s not just about chasing ‘better’ sound; it’s about listening with intention, noticing the subtleties, and enjoying the musicality without fatigue. It also reminded me of the sheer fun of experimentation—how rewarding it can be to try something new, to hear a familiar track in a new light, and to discover those little details that make you smile, lean forward, or even laugh out loud at the cleverness of a riff or the punch of a drumbeat.

For anyone out there wondering whether it’s worth experimenting with cables, my advice would be: absolutely. If you’re curious, if you love detail, if you care about nuance and musical expression, give it a go. Try different combinations, explore what works for your system, and don’t be afraid to hear something differently. And if you’re lucky enough to get access to a cable library like The Chord Company’s, it’s like having a playground of possibilities at your fingertips. Each swap, each comparison, teaches you a little more about your music and your system—and that’s what makes the journey so endlessly rewarding.

In Conclusion

Cable enlightenment isn’t about chasing perfection or an elusive ‘holy grail’ sound—it’s about discovery. It’s about the thrill of hearing something familiar in a new way and the satisfaction of understanding how each component, no matter how small, contributes to the whole. For me, this journey with The Chord Company cables has been a reminder that attention to detail matters, and that sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

So, whether you’re an experienced listener or just starting to explore the world of Hi-Fi, I encourage you to lean in, listen closely, and have fun along the way. Experiment, explore, and above all, enjoy the music—because that’s what it’s all about. So contact your local Audio T today to arrange a demonstration either in-store or at home with your own set-up. And who knows? You might just discover a detail, a nuance, or a soundstage that changes the way you hear your favourite tracks forever.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog -

Matt Aaron - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about the event 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…

Chord Company can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 26, 2026

The Viking throws the "Redbook" at Chromey and sets a standard - Hegel Viking Reference CD Player

January 26, 2026/ Audio T Manchester/ Manchester

There is something quietly stubborn about a CD.

In an age where music has been thinned into data — summoned, skipped and forgotten in seconds — the compact disc insists on still being relevant. In the era of vinyl, it still has weight. It clicks into place. It asks for a small ritual: opening the case, reading the liner notes, pressing play. That ritual slows us down and, in doing so, restores intention to listening (just like vinyl).

Now, the Viking Reference CD player from Hegel helps that cause by adding an exquisite extra dimension to playing a disc through a great hi-fi system.

The Viking Makes Landfall

From the moment you unbox the Viking, it strikes you as a very slick piece of kit. The design is clean, elegant, and free from gimmicks. It has a slot-in mechanism that is beautifully executed; CDs load smoothly and the chassis feels reassuringly solid. The casework is almost void-like, with its deep black finish. That may sound unusual, but the unit simply disappears into the background under subdued ambient lighting.

Hegel has matched the styling to its P30A/H30A amplifier line, which gives it a natural cohesion if you’re using their ecosystem.

The Book of Red — what’s this, you say?

CD players themselves encourage patience and focus. Unlike phones, they do not buzz with notifications or tempt you into endless scrolling. You listen to an album as a whole, in the order it was meant to be heard. Songs are no longer isolated content units; they become chapters in a larger story.

This kind of listening fosters memory. You remember where you were when track seven played. You associate albums with seasons of your life.

The Hegel Viking makes the point that the Red Book standard is the purest way to listen to CDs, without any so-called file format distractions. Its sole purpose is to play CDs with no upsampling to a higher digital rate — just “bit-perfect” native Red Book playback.

For some purists, this is a major plus. For others, it may be less appealing if you’re hoping to “stretch” or process your digital content. There is no format flexibility: no DSD, SACD, MQA, high-resolution PCM (above 44.1 kHz), or streaming features. If you want a “one box to rule them all” source, this isn’t it — but it does know how to spin a CD perfectly.

Around the back, there are balanced XLR outputs, unbalanced RCA outputs, and a BNC digital output for those who want to use the Viking as a transport.

The chassis is mounted on three feet; this tripod design helps keep the Viking planted. The feet themselves are based on those supplied with the hefty H600.

The OLED display is subtle and traditional in design. It was chosen for low noise — and it looks pretty cool too.

Time to light a fire, make merriment and listen to the music

An internal master clock system in Hegel’s SoundEngine reduces jitter, along with a dedicated drive and laser assembly. These are the elements that, in theory at least, separate more ordinary CD players from high-end ones.

The sound is detailed yet never harsh when compared to older or less well-designed CD players, which can emphasise “digital glare” or brightness. Hegel’s Viking retains detail but presents it with a more analogue-like balance.

A brilliant aspect is the bass: articulate and well-controlled, never booming, bloated or overemphasised. It carries convincing weight and clarity in the low end throughout your listening sessions.

Imaging and soundstage are also strong points. The precise placement of instruments and voices creates a convincing sense of depth.

Perhaps most poignantly, CDs represent a bridge between generations. They are modern enough to feel familiar, yet tactile enough to feel human. They can be gifted, borrowed, handed down and rediscovered on a shelf years later. Scratches and worn cases become evidence of love and repetition, not flaws to be hidden.

CDs — and the Viking CD player — remind us that music is not just something to consume. It is something to keep, care for and return to. In their quiet persistence, they offer a gentle resistance to disposability, asking us to listen not more, but better. The Viking ensures your CDs are truly being played at their best.

Thanks for reading.

Munir, James and Dave - Audio T Manchester

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…

Hegel can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 24, 2026

Advance Paris A8 APEX 30th Edition – Now in Audio T Cheltenham

January 24, 2026/ Audio T Cheltenham/ Cheltenham

Born in 1995 from the dreams and passions of music lovers, Advance Paris has always pushed the limits of high-fidelity audio. From the beginning, their goal has been to provide uncompromising sound quality at accessible prices, and their journey has been marked by innovation and dedication to the art of music reproduction. Their amplifiers, CD players, preamplifiers, speakers and more are not just products; they are chapters in a sonic odyssey. With a touch of elegance, they deliver music that stirs the soul, along with innovations that continue to redefine the listening experience.

Don’t Miss The Zeitgeist

There seems to be a surfeit of anniversary celebration products around at the moment, and not wishing to miss out on the zeitgeist, here comes the all-new Advance Paris A8 APEX 30th Edition. Here in Cheltenham, we have first dibs… how does it perform!?

Critical Listening

I left the A8 APEX on for a couple of days and nights to help run it in before any critical listening took place, and chose to partner this good-looking amp with the totally amazing Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary loudspeakers and the Rega Planar 6 turntable.

The AE1s and the Planar 6 are products that I know well and would make it obvious as to the abilities of the A8 APEX. From the very outset, with the very first album I put on the platter of the P6, it was instantly apparent that here we have an amp that (no doubt due to the valves in the preamp stage) sounded smooth and warm.

The Power of Valves

Now, sometimes smooth and warm can equate to dull and boring, but not here! The combination of the warmth of valves in the preamp stage allied with the grunt of transistors in the power amp stage offers outstanding musicality, exceptional dynamics, and faithful, vibrant sound reproduction. Truly immersive!

Greatness And Perfection

Trying (and quite probably failing) to avoid all those usual thorny old hi-fi clichés, the A8 APEX really does not get in the way of the music signal. Detail and definition are present in abundance, as are subtlety and nuance. Soundstaging is vast and thrilling (according to my notes made while listening). A particularly neat party trick of the A8 APEX is its ability to render front-to-back depth in truly cavernous style, although this is quite possibly also partly due to the greatness and perfection of the Acoustic Energy AE1s!

This is one of those rare amplifiers that will have you playing music you think you know inside out, only to reveal tiny nuances you’ve truly never heard before. A touch of the high end, but without having to fork out high-end money. How good is that? Oh, and I am a sucker for a nice pair of VU meters too.

Inputs and Outputs

There are plenty of both analogue and digital inputs and, thanks to the inclusion of the HDMI eARC input, the A8 APEX connects directly to your TV for easy operation. The CEC function ensures synchronisation, so when you switch on your TV, the amplifier also switches on, and the volume can be controlled directly from the TV remote… genius!

There is also an optional A-BTC plug-in Bluetooth receiver, so you can establish a high-quality audio link between the A8 APEX and your phone, tablet, or computer.

A nicely laid-out remote control completes the package and ensures that the A8 APEX is both a joy to use and a pleasure to listen to.

Specifications

Output power 8Ω 2 x 76 W RMS
Output power 4Ω 2 x 110 W RMS
Frequency response 20Hz - 80 Hz
Distortion 0.03% (52W)
Signal-to-noise ratio 100 db
DAC ESS9018
Mains voltage 115/230 V 50/60Hz
Width 430 mm
Height 132 mm
Depth 363 mm
Net weight 9.4 kg
Gross weight 12.5 kg
Tubes ECC81 / 12AT7

The Stuff At The End

So, after spending time with the Advance Paris A8 APEX 30th Edition, what’s the verdict? Simply put, it’s one of those special amplifiers that makes you want to listen to music for the sake of listening itself. It combines warmth, power, and precision in a way that feels effortless, letting the recordings breathe while revealing every subtle detail you might never have noticed before. Whether you’re dipping into familiar albums or discovering something new, it has a way of making everything feel immediate, alive, and utterly engaging. Add in the thoughtful connectivity, the ease of use, and yes, those satisfyingly glowing VU meters, and you’ve got an amplifier that’s as much a pleasure to live with as it is to listen to.

In short, the A8 APEX doesn’t just play music—it invites you to rediscover it, to hear it afresh, and to fall in love with it all over again. If you’re in Cheltenham (or one of our other Audio T stores), it’s absolutely worth taking the time to experience it for yourself. Trust me, it’s the kind of amp that makes you want to hit play, sit back, and stay there for a while.

Many 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.

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…

Advance Paris can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 21, 2026

Spendor A Series Mk2: When Refinement Really Matters

January 21, 2026/ Audio T Swindon/ Swindon

A brief history of Spendor

Spendor was founded in the late 1960s in England by former BBC engineer Spencer Hughes and his wife, Dorothy. The company name comes from combining “Spen” and “Dor.” Spencer brought expertise from his work in the BBC’s sound engineering department, where research focused on accurate, uncoloured audio reproduction.

The company’s first major product was the Spendor BC1, developed from research into new materials (such as Bextrene for speaker cones) and designed to achieve high fidelity within a compact form. The BC1 quickly became a reference loudspeaker for broadcasters and studios worldwide.

In addition to its own models (BC1, BC2, BC3, etc.), Spendor also built the BBC LS3/5A under licence — a small professional monitor with a reputation for natural, transparent sound.

The new A Series

There has been quite a wait for the replacement of the much-loved and very successful A Series. At long last, they are now arriving in store. Spendor positions the range as true high-fidelity speakers: expressive yet controlled, with build quality and sonic traits aimed at serious music lovers.

Spendor’s A-Series Mk2 is a complete refresh of their acclaimed A-Line loudspeaker range, designed and built in the UK with refined engineering that improves clarity, neutrality and musical engagement across the line-up. The range now consists of compact bookshelf and floorstanding models, encompassing the Spendor A1.2, A2.2, A4.2, and A7.2.

Design & build quality

Visually very similar to their predecessors, the Mark 2 models all share a refined aesthetic: slim, understated cabinets with premium finishes such as Oak, Walnut, Black Oak and Satin White. The design is modern yet timeless and fits easily into most living spaces.

Improvements

Spendor’s key technical enhancements include:

New tweeter and mid/bass designs.
Constrained-layer damping using Sorbothane to reduce unwanted vibrations and cabinet resonances.
Upgraded internal bracing for greater structural rigidity and a lower noise floor.
Port-tuning refinements on the floorstanding models for tighter, cleaner bass.
Refined crossover networks for seamless driver integration.

These improvements make the speakers cleaner, more open and more musically coherent than their predecessors.

All of these engineering changes translate directly into what really matters: how the speakers sound.

Sound quality

Across the range, the A-Series possesses a natural tonal balance, with captivating clarity and an engaging presentation. Music is articulate and rhythmic — not overly analytical or cold.

Bookshelf model: A1.2

The A1.2 is the most accessible model and shines for its size, producing room-filling sound with controlled bass, a smooth midrange and extended highs. It’s relatively easy to drive and stays musical even when positioned near walls or in smaller rooms.

Mid-range floorstanders: A2.2 & A4.2

The A2.2 brings tighter bass and enhanced clarity, while the A4.2 introduces a new, larger soft-dome tweeter and refined crossover that collectively provide improved high-frequency openness and detail resolution.

Flagship: A7.2

At the top end, the A7.2 delivers strong dynamics, deep, controlled bass and a broad soundstage. The redesigned port and tweeter help deliver impact and refinement without harshness.

In a nutshell

The new A-Series offers a balanced, musical sound that favours enjoyment over artificial brightness.
Excellent build quality and engineering, with vibration control and acoustic improvements across the range.
Versatile pairing — they work well with modest power amplifiers and a wide variety of sources, from vinyl to digital.
An elegant aesthetic suited to modern living environments.

Conclusion

The Spendor A-Series Mark 2 represents a thoughtful and musically rewarding update to an already well-regarded line-up. With improved internal engineering, refined tonal balance and designs that suit both compact and larger setups, they continue Spendor’s reputation for natural, expressive and highly enjoyable loudspeakers.

As my colleague Andy exclaimed upon first firing up the A7.2s: “I just love Spendor!”

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Jon and 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.

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…

Spendor can be found at the following Audio T stores

Audio T Blogs

The Prologue

Musical Words

Vocal Musician

Closing Thoughts

Quad’s Philosophy

Critically Acclaimed

Lets Play Some Music

Summing Up

A brief history:

Key Technologies

Isoflare

BassTrax: Flexible Placement, Cleaner Bass

FyneFlute: Small Detail, Big Difference

How Do They Sound?

Final Thoughts: Serious Value Done Right

Verdict

Shooting for the stars with the new Mercury/Solis combo

System 1

Rega Mercury/Solis

Bluesound Node Icon

Chord Qutest

ProAc Tablette 10 Signatures

REL S550 subwoofer

System 2

Rega Mercury/Solis

Bluesound Node Icon

Chord Qutest

ProAc Response D20R

REL S550 subwoofer

In summary

What This Series Is All About

Choosing Your Source: CD Players Around £2,500

Cyrus Audio

Lyngdorf

The Beating Heart: Amplification That Drives the System

Rotel

ATC

Giving the System a Voice: Speaker Choices That Shine

PMC

Dynaudio

The Unsung Heroes: Cables That Complete the Chain

Chord Company

Small Upgrades, Significant Gains

IsoAcoustics

Chord Company

IsoTek

The Final Result: A System Built to Be Enjoyed

History

The Meze 109 PRO Build

Setup & Listening

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pie

Golden Pig

Cupcakes

Yacht Rock With Audio Note

Neat Acoustics

Rega P6 RS Edition

Mean And Moody

YO! Sushi

Heavenly Hegel

Dynamic Dynaudio

Astonishing ATC

Musical Meze

Precious Prophecy

Wowed by WiiM

And something different…

Final Thoughts

A New Chapter for DALI

The Engineering Behind Sonik

Why SMC Matters

High Frequencies, Done Properly

Cabinet Design: More Than Just a Box

Looks That Fit Modern Living

Where Sonik Sits in the Range

Listening Impressions

Final Thoughts

Quad 33 Preamp

Quad 303 Power Amplifier

So, How Did the Pairing Sound?