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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
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
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.
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”.
“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 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.
it’s a grand day out.
‘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.
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
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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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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WiiM and Bluesound can be found at the following Audio T stores:
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.
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.
Chord Signature X tuned array
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.
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.
Chord Epic X Speaker Cable
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
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.
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.
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.
Chord Epic Digital RCA
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.
Chord Epic X RCA Interconnects
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.
Chord Signature-XL Speaker Cables
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
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Chord Company can be found at the following Audio T stores
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Hegel can be found at the following Audio T stores
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.
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!?
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.
Just beautiful!
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.
comforting Glow 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!
VU Meters too!
inputs And Outputs
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.
chunky binding posts
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!
The remote control
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.
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
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 -
If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.
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Advance Paris can be found at the following Audio T stores
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.
Spendor BC1’s
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.
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.
Spendor A4.2 and A7.2
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.
Spendor’s key technical enhancements include:
rear view
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.
Grills on
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Superb cabinetry
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
Acoustic Energy are the latest speaker manufacturer to produce an anniversary edition of one of their classic units from yesteryear. But does reworking the past always pay dividends?
The fact that so many hi-fi manufacturers have such long and illustrious heritages provides them with rich pickings when it comes to which of their classic products deserves the anniversary relaunch treatment.
In recent years, the Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary turntable, Dynaudio Special 40s speakers, Triangle Magellan 40th Anniversary speakers and the Wharfedale Linton speakers are all successful products that draw on the proud heritage of these manufacturers.
The new Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary speakers in gloss walnut
Not to be outdone, Acoustic Energy recently launched the AE1 40th Anniversary standmount speakers. These little speakers are based on the hugely successful AE1, which were launched in 1987 and helped establish the company’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality speakers.
The original AE1 delivered a scale of sound, dynamics and bass that, as very compact speakers, they really had no right to possess. The AE1 redefined expectations of what high-quality bookshelf speakers could do and influenced small speaker manufacture for decades to come.
Their aluminium drivers, ultra-rigid cabinets and high power-handling capabilities gave them a detailed, fast sound. Their flat response rate made them sound like studio monitors, with breathtaking clarity.
The original AE1 speakers were launch in 1987
It’s a brave move to mess with such a legacy. But it is safe to say that, in the AE1 40th Anniversary, Acoustic Energy have produced another gem.
In Portsmouth we have been listening to the AE1 Anniversaries for a few weeks now and are mightily impressed. In demos they have performed well, with customers universally impressed and even surprised by their sonic talents.
Such is our confidence in the £1,499 AE1 Anniversaries that we have included them in demos against speakers costing considerably more, even twice as much.
The AE1 40th Anniversary speakers also come in gloss black
The detail and the genuinely surprising dynamics from these little boxes is compelling, as is their ability to disappear, leaving just a wide soundstage. They are fast and agile, just like the originals, and this gives them an inherently toe-tapping, musical presentation.
Bass is exceptionally tight and fast and, while there are obvious limitations to how low a speaker of this size can physically go, you never get the feeling the bass is lacking. It is just superbly integrated.
The phrase giant killers is over-used, but we think it is a fair tag to apply to the AE1 Anniversaries.
To an extent, yes. The AE1 Anniversaries differ considerably in terms of components and construction from the originals.
The key updates are:
A bespoke 29mm aluminium dome tweeter with a larger voice coil. An improved rear chamber increases dynamic range and lowers distortion.
An upgraded mid/bass driver with a 125mm spun and hard-anodised aluminium cone. This delivers a greater radiating area, higher efficiency, and stronger control than the original.
A new low-order crossover, inspired by the luxury “Signature” model, uses premium components for a natural midrange, punchy dynamics, and musicality tailored more for modern home listening than strict studio neutrality.
Improved cabinet construction with ten layers of high-gloss or walnut veneer finish, a cabinet stiffened with RSC™ bracing, which is designed to replicate the tonal properties of the old concrete-lined designs without the weight.
New components mean upgraded performance while retaining the original character
Acoustic Energy’s engineers are said to have approached the Anniversary project like conservationists, seeking to preserve what made the AE1 great while improving what could be improved. Yet the over-riding mission was to preserve the essential character of the original.
The result is a loudspeaker that balances the essential character of the original AE1s with the uprated performance that has become possible thanks to almost 40 years of technological development and know-how in speaker construction.
Early reviews and accolades for the AE1 40th Anniversary Edition reflect its success in walking that tightrope between past and present.
The Ear’s Editor’s Choice Award praised it as “a magnificent love letter to the original,” noting that it still behaves like an AE1 but with enhanced performance that invites you to play your music louder and longer.
Hi-Fi News called the speakers “Outstanding,” highlighting their combination of speed, articulation, and room-filling capability in a compact form factor.
These views chime with our opinions here in the Portsmouth store. Acoustic Energy seem to have not only rebooted a near 40-year-old hi-fi classic but, in doing so, may well have created a new classic.
While raw numbers don’t tell the whole story, they underline how serious this speaker is:
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 45 kHz (+/– 6 dB)
Sensitivity: 87 dB/m/2.83 V
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ω
Power Handling: 150 W
Drivers: 29 mm tweeter & 125 mm aluminium mid/bass
Cabinet: RSC™ braced with twin reflex ports
The AE1 40th Anniversary are up against stiff competition like the spendor A1.2 speakers
The market for very small standmount speakers tends to be dominated by entry-level products offering good quality sound for reasonable prices.
The AE1 Anniversaries are certainly not entry level. At £1,499 they compete with some serious standmounts like the ATC SCM11, Bowers & Wilkins 707 S3 and 706 SE Anniversary, Monitor Audio Gold 50 6G and Spendor A1.2, and even some floorstanders like the DALI Opticon 6 Mk2 and the Monitor Audio Silver 200 7G.
In our experience they easily hold their own against similarly priced competition and, as our customers have testified to in demos, even against speakers costing many hundreds of pounds more.
The AE1 40th Anniversary speakers are available to demo now at the Portsmouth store. To arrange a demo, pop in, email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk or call 02392 663604.
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…
Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores
Hello everyone, Happy New Year and welcome to the January blog from Audio T Brighton. This month, we’re looking at ways to energise your home sound system, with a closer look at two speakers from the Acoustic Energy range — a blast from the past in the 40th Anniversary AE1 standmounts, and a modern budget marvel, the AE120² floorstanding loudspeakers.
Let’s dive in and see how they fare with a selection of source electronics and amplifiers available here at Audio T Brighton…
40th anniversary acoustic energy ae1’s
Before we get into the technical and sonic qualities of these little marvels, let’s first admire the gloss walnut finish of the AE1 40th Anniversary Acoustic Energy, because it really is love at first sight. It’s not often you can say that about hi-fi speakers — they really are something to behold.
The only real drawback is that they do attract fingerprints, which isn’t surprising given the high-gloss finish, especially when you keep taking them on and off the dem stands for listening sessions.
A couple of years ago, one of our customers brought in a pair of the original AE1s and, despite them “knocking on a bit”, I was impressed with their dynamics and musical qualities. They also worked well in our listening space, something not all ported speakers manage.
The dimensions and appearance of the 40th Anniversary AE1 will be familiar to owners of the originals, but there are differences in the modern design. Many of the original components are no longer made, so Acoustic Energy has recreated the AE1’s acoustic signature using modern materials and construction techniques.
The 29mm anodised aluminium, ferrofluid-cooled tweeter and 125mm mid/bass driver are housed in an RSC cabinet material, derived from Acoustic Energy’s high-performance Corinium range. This differs significantly from the concrete-lined originals, but the goal remains the same: to recreate the sound characteristics that made the AE1 so special.
Acoustic Energy has largely succeeded. Even if you’ve never heard the originals, you’re likely to be astounded by the refined, dynamic and cohesive performance of this beautifully executed mini-monitor.
Rather than list extensive specifications, here.
Small monitors with moderate to low sensitivity typically require a muscular amplifier, and the AE1s are no exception. We tested them using both the Rega Elex Mk4 and Rega Aethos integrated amplifiers, partnered with a Bluesound Node Icon streamer.
As expected, the Rega Aethos provided a clear step up in performance, demonstrating just how resolving the 40th Anniversary AE1 are. They reward listeners with greater refinement, clarity and authority when given higher-quality amplification.
acoustic energy ae120 floor standers
The Acoustic Energy AE120² are the flagship model in the 100 Series and feature a true three-way design, sitting alongside the AE100² and AE109².
For the money, they’re impressively solid and reassuringly heavy. The design incorporates a 25mm fabric dome tweeter, a 130mm paper cone midrange driver, and twin 130mm paper cone bass drivers. Crossover points are set at 300Hz and 2.7kHz, with a frequency response spanning 39Hz to 26kHz.
With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 89dB, the AE120s are an easy load for most amplifiers — certainly easier to drive than they are to lift, at 19kg each. A detailed specification sheet is available here.
So how do they sound? If we’re being honest, we’ve never been huge fans of sub-£1,000 floorstanders. Too often they can sound coloured, boomy or overly forward. At this price point, customers are usually better served by standmount speakers on quality stands, where cabinet colouration is easier to control.
That’s why the AE120² came as such a pleasant surprise.
What we heard was a sound largely free from the usual colourations, offering a lively, balanced and engaging presentation. Bass extension was impressive without being overblown, and the treble was open and well judged.
Despite being easy to drive, better amplification still pays dividends. We achieved excellent results using our Rega Planar 3 with ND3 cartridge and the Bluesound Node Icon, paired with both the Rega Elex Mk4 and our go-to amplifier, the Rega Aethos. Even a “low-powered” Naim Nait 50 we had to hand sounded superb.
All things considered, the Acoustic Energy AE120² deliver impressive sound quality and outstanding value in the sub-£1,000 speaker market.
As always, 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…
Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores
Rega can be found at the following Audio T stores
Bluesound 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
rob noble from rega conducting the event’s proceedings
The new Rega Mercury pre-amplifier and Solis power amplifier combo finally arrived in our Bristol store in late November.
First announced nearly two years ago and previewed at this year’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February, the much-anticipated arrival suffered a series of delays as the amplifiers went through further fine-tuning before finally entering production.
Bristol hi-fi enthusiasts were fortunate to get an early preview of the new amps in November, thanks to Rob Noble and Simon Webster from Rega and Audio T Bristol.
rega mercury pre amplifier : 1- xlr input, 5 - rca inputs, digital inputs - 2optical, 2 coax & usb in
The main development objective for the Mercury was to create a no-compromise audio pre-amplifier. Hand-crafted to reveal the true potential of your hi-fi system, the Mercury features an ultra-low noise floor that delivers exceptional dynamic range. Like the Solis, the Mercury pre-amplifier is the culmination of almost four decades of Rega electronics engineering experience in solid-state amplifier development.
Engineered to drive the most demanding loudspeakers, the Solis is the perfect partner for the Mercury pre-amplifier. Rega’s engineering team has spent the last four years obsessively developing and fine-tuning the circuit to create the most engaging and accurate performance possible.
Using a separate chassis for the pre-amplifier and power amplifier allows the low-voltage, sensitive circuitry to be isolated from the high-current power-amplifier circuitry. This reduces interference between the two, resulting in a less noisy signal path and a cleaner overall sound. A route into Rega Reference amplification is also available by pre-out from the Rega Aethos stereo power amplifier.
On a rainy Thursday evening, we convened at the impressively named Bristol Aeroplane Company Welfare Association — or the BAWA Leisure Centre, as it’s known to locals.
The Mercury and Solis were paired with Rega’s Naia turntable fitted with the Aphelion 2 cartridge and Rega Aura phono stage. This was, essentially, a full Rega Reference-level system, partnered with ATC SCM50 floorstanding loudspeakers (the tower version with passive crossovers) finished in Pippy Oak. We deliberately chose these speakers as they represent a difficult load for any amplifier to drive, yet are hugely rewarding when driven correctly.
Full Rega Reference system
Audio T Bristol’s Justin opened the evening with an “Are you eager for Rega?” pun — one that should probably land him in the punitentiary (if Justin can get away with it at an event, I can get away with it in a blog).
From there, it was all uphill. Rob gave a brief introduction before we moved swiftly on to the listening session. As always, Rega does things differently. While many manufacturers spend a large portion of these events explaining the arduous journey to find the perfect capacitor, circuit layout, or engineering solution — fascinating though that can be — Rega cuts straight to the finale: “Take a listen — this is superb.” That confidence in their vision and performance is what sets them apart. They know music, they know development, and they know how to make a great-sounding amplifier.
The opening track, She Caught the Katy from The Blues Brothers soundtrack, instantly impressed. The punchy, controlled yet aggressive brass entrance was especially noteworthy and set high expectations for the rest of the evening.
Next up was a go-to test for natural vocal reproduction. Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega showcased the Rega’s mastery of reproducing subtle, warm, breathy textures with real finesse. Very impressive.
Moving on to orchestral music, Martin Brabbins’ version of Elgar’s Nimrod emphasised the smoothness of the string section and demonstrated the amps’ command over shifts between low- and high-level dynamics.
At this point, Rob decided to attempt something rarely tried at a hi-fi demonstration: a track by 1980s rock/pop icons Dire Straits. What next, we wondered — Pink Floyd? Sadly, no. Instead, You and Your Friend was the track of choice, and thankfully not an obvious one. Once again, the Rega combination came up trumps, blending drive with subtlety and delivering Knopfler’s guitar with spine-tingling effect.
The final selection was Walking in the Rain by Grace Jones. The Rega transported us straight into a sleazy eighties club vibe, with firm control over the period synths and drum machines, and Grace’s voice sitting seamlessly within the mix.
She Caught the Katy – The Blues Brothers
Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega
Luka – Suzanne Vega
Wish I’d Never Loved You at All – Johnny Adams
I Guess I’ll Hang Out My Tears to Dry – Dexter Gordon
Nimrod – Elgar
Emmylou – First Aid Kit
You and Your Friend – Dire Straits
Générique – Miles Davis
Table for One – Courtney Marie Andrews
On the Streets of This Town – Steve Forbert
Walking in the Rain – Grace Jones
Bonny Light Horseman – Bonny Light Horseman
Institutionalised – Kendrick Lamar
Chemical – Ghost Dubs
Rose Rouge – Jorja Smith
The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Since the event, Audio-T Bristol has had the Mercury and Solis on demonstration, giving us time to really explore their capabilities. We believe this is one of the finest pre/power amplifier combinations currently available in the store. At its current retail price, it sets a new benchmark for amplification at any level.
A fascinating and refreshingly different evening with Rega.
Paul, Justin & Max - Audio T Bristol
If you have any questions about the Rega Reference Mercury & Solis 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…
Rega can be found at the following Audio T stores
This month, Matt from our Cardiff store — Hi-Fi enthusiast and all-round music nerd — talks about a recent event he organised with REL Acoustics at one of Cardiff’s most prestigious venues, Llanrumney Hall. The aim was simple: to showcase REL’s all-new Serie S subwoofers, in this case a stereo pair of S/850s. Over to Matt.
Hi there to all you music lovers and Hi-Fi fans. It’s me again, talking about one of my favourite things to do in this industry: organising events that let me share great music, great systems, and the products that genuinely excite me. This time, it was all about low end — proper, controlled, musical bass — and in my book there’s no better brand to demonstrate that than REL Acoustics, especially with their new Serie S subwoofers.
Earlier this summer I was thinking about running another event, but wanted to do something a little different — somewhere outside the usual demo room environment. The idea for Llanrumney Hall came about through a bit of chance: my youngest son’s drum teacher has a recording studio on site. While my son was in a lesson, I got chatting to the hall’s manager, Kath Hinton, about the possibility of hosting a Hi-Fi event there.
Kath showed me the Kemeys Room, named after one of the families who previously owned the mansion, and that was that. It was perfect. With the festive season approaching, it felt like the ideal venue: atmospheric, historic, and a genuinely exciting space for a serious sonic demonstration.
Llanrumney Hall
Llanrumney Hall dates back to around 1450, with roots that trace even further to a chapel from 1066. That makes the current structure over 570 years old — a remarkable setting for a modern Hi-Fi system.
If you’re interested in the history of this beautiful venue, Llanrumney Hall has a brilliant website that’s well worth a look.
With the venue secured, it was time to put together a system worthy of the space. The obvious starting point was REL’s new Serie S range, and the obvious person to call was our good friend Rob Hunt, sales manager for REL. Rob kindly agreed to attend the event, talk through REL’s philosophy, and bring along a stereo pair of the all-new S/850 subwoofers.
With bass duties covered, the rest of the system came together as follows:
Cyrus and rega electronics
Sources: Cyrus Audio 40 CD player and 40 Stream, with power supply
Amplification: Rega Research Mercury pre-amp and Solis power amp
Loudspeakers: Acoustic Energy Corinium floorstanders
Cabling: A full Chord Company Signature loom — interconnects, speaker cable, and power
Once everything was in place, it was time for careful positioning and fine-tuning. Rob worked his usual magic with set-up, using his trusted reference tracks to dial everything in. Running a system of this calibre — especially with a stereo pair of subwoofers — in a room of this size takes patience, but the results were absolutely worth it.
Before diving into the music, it’s worth clearing something up: subwoofers aren’t just about big bangs and explosions. In a two-channel system, a properly integrated subwoofer does far more than add weight at the bottom end. It frees up the main speakers, improves clarity through the midrange and treble, and expands the soundstage.
REL’s story has always been rooted in this idea. Founder Richard Edmund Lord (yes — that’s where REL comes from) was frustrated by how little information conventional loudspeakers could reproduce in the lowest frequencies. A fan of organ music, he knew how difficult those notes are to recreate convincingly at home, so he set out to solve the problem himself. The rest, as they say, is history.
For me, it’s all about recreating the feel of live music — the scale of a guitar amp, the physicality of a drum kit, even the breath on a microphone. With today’s technology, and with the right subwoofer integration, that goal is more achievable than ever. I’ll admit it: I’m a convert.
acoustic energy corinium & rel s/850
With customers settled in, tea and coffee flowing, Rob kicked things off by talking through REL’s history and the thinking behind the new Serie S range. He explained subwoofer matching, room interaction, and demonstrated just how much difference correct set-up makes.
Then came the music.
We started with J.S. Bach’s Toccata in D, a nod to Richard Lord’s love of organ music. First, the track was played with no subwoofers — already impressive. Adding one S/850 brought extra texture and definition to the lowest notes, and with the second sub engaged the soundstage opened up dramatically. The scale and depth were genuinely startling.
Another standout moment was Magic Bus from Live at Leeds by The Who. With both subwoofers running, the track took on a real live energy. Hand percussion, vocals, and — most memorably — the sheer size of Pete Townshend’s guitar sound filled the room. Eyes closed, it genuinely felt like a Hiwatt stack had appeared in Llanrumney Hall.
Acoustic energy coriniums & Rel s/850
Sonically, the event was a knockout. The room, the system, and especially the stereo pair of REL subwoofers worked together beautifully. But more important than any piece of equipment was the chance to connect with everyone who came along and to see how much enjoyment the system brought.
As for whether I’ll be adding a subwoofer to my own system — absolutely. It won’t be an S Series, but a REL T/9x SE is firmly on the horizon, ideally in French Racing Blue. And yes, there will be another event at Llanrumney Hall in 2026. It may involve a certain brand whose amplifier and phono stage I already own… you guessed it: Cyrus Audio. Watch this space.
Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read.
Matt Aaron
Audio T Cardiff
REL can be found at the following Audio T stores
We all know that feeling when you get that lovely shiny new record home from the shops and, horror of horrors, it comes with one of those awful clingy cardboard inner sleeves. The kind that only reluctantly gives up its vice-like grip on the vinyl inside, with a copious amount of blowing and twisting that’s only really possible if you have three hands!
It’s one of those little frustrations that every record collector recognises instantly—and thankfully, it’s one that’s very easily solved.
Coming to the rescue of any erstwhile record collector are the Nagaoka Anti-static Record Sleeves. These slip neatly inside the existing sleeve and provide an extra layer of protection, while their anti-static properties help stop records from attracting dust and picking up scratches.
Nagaoka Inner Sleeves
They’re ideal if you want to keep original artwork and sleeves intact but still give your vinyl the care it deserves. They come in packs of 50 for £25.50*, making them a genuinely affordable upgrade for any collection.
Close up of the Nagaoka Inner sleeve in action
Next on the essentials list are the Goldring Exstatic Anti-static Inner Sleeves.
The Goldring Exstatic sleeves are a little different to the Nagaoka’s in that they combine the anti-static lining with an outer paper former. This makes them perfect as a full replacement for old, knackered sleeves that are falling apart, torn, or simply past their best.
Goldring Exstatic Sleeves
A pack of 25 sells for £24.95*, and they’re a brilliant solution for anyone gradually refreshing an older record collection.
Total Protection
Pro-Ject Measure it-E
Adjusting the tracking force on a cartridge by eye (or guesswork) is never a great idea, and having it spot-on extends stylus life and improves sound quality. The Pro-Ject Measure it E is an electronic stylus balance that measures tracking force up to 5g with a clear digital display and supplied calibration weight, making precise setup dead simple—even for beginners. At £20*, it is the perfect for anyone who’s ever asked “Is that too much pressure?”
Pro-Ject Brush it
A basic but often overlooked tool, the Pro-Ject Brush it is a carbon fibre record cleaning brush that removes fine dust and helps reduce static before each play. That keeps records sounding clean and quiet, and it’s a tiny ritual that makes playing records more satisfying each time. Yours for the princely sum of £10!
Pro-Ject Clean it
If they already have a record brush, the Pro-Ject Clean it stylus brush is the companion accessory every collector should own. The thousands of fine carbon fibres gently sweep away dust and deposits from the stylus tip, keeping it cleaner for longer and helping maintain clear, accurate playback for just £9!
Taken together, these sleeves and accessories cover all the basics of good vinyl care. The Nagaoka and Goldring inner sleeves protect records from dust, static and wear, while the Pro-Ject Measure it E makes sure your cartridge is set up exactly as it should be. Add in the Brush it for a quick clean before every play and the Clean it to keep the stylus in top shape, and you’ve got a simple, affordable toolkit that genuinely makes a difference to how records sound and how long they last.
I use all of these myself and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. They’re practical, sensibly priced, and actually useful — exactly the sort of stocking fillers that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer. The record collector in your life will appreciate them every time they pull an album from the shelf and drop the needle.
Thanks for reading. We always keep all of these items in stock here, so please feel free to pop in and pick some up.
Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham.
If you have any questions about the items 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…
*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
Let’s be honest: audio gifts can be a minefield. Too cheap and it’s instantly forgettable… too complicated and nobody uses it. So here are three genuinely solid systems that hit the sweet spot for Christmas. Proper sound, easy to live with, and all at a sensible budget.
Whether you’re buying for a music lover or someone who’s ready to step up from a small Bluetooth speaker, one of these will land perfectly under the tree.
1. Ruark MR1 Mk3 Bluetooth Speakers (£399*)
Best for: desks, kitchens, bedrooms, lounges. For anyone who wants decent hi-fi product with minimal fuss.
• Compact desktop Hi-Fi with surprisingly big, balanced sound.
• Bluetooth with aptX HD for high-resolution wireless streaming from phones/tablets.
• Built-in phono stage (MM) — plug a turntable straight in, no extra box required.
• USB-C for high-res playback from laptops
• Multiple wired inputs: optical/analogue combo makes it easy to connect TVs or media players.
• Subwoofer output — add bass power later if needed.
• 25 W per channel Class D amplification with silk dome tweeters and long-throw woofers for rich, controlled sound.
• Compact handcrafted cabinets in Walnut or Charcoal finishes
Warm, clear sound that’s enjoyable at both sensible and quiet listening levels. Ideal for everyday radio, playlists, podcasts or background music. Great step up from a cheap Bluetooth box.
2. WiiM Sound Smart Speaker (£299 each)
Best for: small to medium rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or offices. Great streaming functionality in a flexible and modern speaker system that can be expanded.
• Compact body, 100 W output for room‑filling sound without a huge box.
• Hi‑Res streaming up to 24‑bit/192 kHz, above basic Bluetooth quality.
• Built‑in room correction plus app EQ, to optimise speaker performance.
• Wide service and multi‑room support: Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA and more. Works with many streaming ecosystems without need for additional wires.
• Touchscreen control for phone‑free use; shows art and track info at a glance.
• Balanced, deep bass and lifelike treble from a compact cabinet, built to sound bigger than it looks.
Strong, modern solution with minimal setup. Great standalone speaker today; add a second unit to create a stereo pair or for a wider multi‑room system.
3. WiiM Amp Ultra + Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 (£499 + £279)
Best for: a tidy and compact hi‑fi system for living rooms, lounges as well as small, medium and even large bedrooms. Serious sound without racks of kit.
• 100 W per channel amplifier with more power available for lower‑impedance loads; enough headroom for bookshelf or many floorstanding speakers.
• Built‑in RoomFit calibration and app EQ—simplifies setup and improves sound in rooms.
• Premium ESS Sabre DAC handling top‑tier hi‑res files, future‑proofing quality from digital sources.
• Broad streaming support including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Chromecast and more; works with internet radio and DLNA. Covers almost every service people use.
• Multiple inputs and outputs: HDMI ARC, optical, analogue line, plus subwoofer output, so it becomes the centre of a small AV or Hi‑Fi setup.
• Touchscreen for direct control and info at the box.
• AE100 Mk2 speakers: compact but designed to deliver real scale, with a slot‑port for smoother, tighter bass control Compact size, easy placement and most importantly great sound.
• True bookshelf design that punches above its size, ideal for smaller rooms or desks yet fully satisfying as a main system.
Massive step up from tiny one‑box speakers without becoming huge or complicated. Plug‑in streaming, room tuning, and a proper amplifier in one device and speakers that won’t overwhelm space yet deliver lively, controlled sound. A combo that’s ready now, expandable later with a sub or more rooms. Excellent Hi‑Fi value.
Thanks for reading.
Dan, Rishi & Gareth - Audio-T Reading
If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to contact us.
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, Ruark & Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores
If you’re looking for a genuinely thoughtful gift for a music lover this Christmas, headphones are hard to beat — and Meze Audio should be firmly on your radar. Beautifully made, sensibly priced, and consistently enjoyable to listen to, Meze headphones strike a rare balance between design, comfort and sound quality. Whether it’s a first step into quality headphones or an upgrade to something more refined, there’s a Meze model that fits the brief.
99 neo, 99 classic and 109 Pro
Meze Audio are a relatively young headphone manufacturer, founded in 2011, though the project began a couple of years earlier, around 2009. Founder and lead designer Antonio Meze was experimenting with headphone design and materials — notably wood — in pursuit of better sound and more considered aesthetics than many mainstream offerings of the time.
The entry point into the Meze over-ear headphone range.
In 2015, the brand’s first major breakthrough came with the launch of the Meze 99 Classics, following a successful Indiegogo campaign. Developed entirely in-house, these headphones won multiple awards and helped firmly establish Meze as a serious headphone manufacturer.
99 Neo
Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, rapidly establishing itself as a major player, offering a broad range of headphones and earphones — from approachable dynamic models to flagship planar magnetic designs.
The Meze 99 Neo deliver a warm, engaging and punchy sound, with a strong bass presence. They are lightweight, well engineered and extremely comfortable, making them ideal for prolonged listening sessions.
They’re also easy to drive: with low impedance and high sensitivity, they work well straight from phones, laptops and dongle DACs, without the need for dedicated amplification.
The next model up.
The 99 Classics build on the strengths of the Neo, but with a noticeable step up in refinement.
Key benefits of the 99 Classics over the Neo include:
A more natural and balanced tonal signature, with tighter bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange, resulting in clearer vocals and instruments
Improved detail and overall resolution
99 Classic
While the Neo has a looser, slightly rougher low-end emphasis for a punchy feel, the Classics offer bass that is better controlled and more integrated, helping to reduce muddiness through the lower mids.
The Classics also feature real walnut wood earcups and higher-end finishes, which many owners appreciate for both aesthetics and tactile quality.
Overall, the tuning of the Classics leans towards a smoother treble and a more coherent, well-resolved midrange.
The open-back step into true high-fidelity listening.
The Meze 109 Pro are premium open-back over-ear headphones designed for high-fidelity listening, combining a rich, engaging sound with refined build quality.
109 Pro
They offer a balanced yet expressive tuning, with detailed mids, extended treble and controlled bass, delivering clarity and emotional weight across all genres.
Thanks to the open-back design, the soundstage is wide and spacious, with precise imaging that allows instruments and vocals to breathe naturally.
With a low impedance of around 40 ohms, the 109 Pro are generally easy to drive and pair well with phones, DAC/amps and portable sources.
Build quality is excellent, with elegant construction using walnut wood earcups, zinc-manganese steel components and velour ear pads — all premium, durable materials.
A self-adjusting headband and plush padding ensure excellent comfort, even during longer listening sessions.
Meze headphones are an excellent choice for music lovers who want an immersive, engaging listening experience, paired with premium materials and thoughtful design. Whether closed-back or open-back, portable or home-focused, they offer superb sound quality without losing sight of comfort and practicality.
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…
Meze Audio can be found at the following Audio T stores -
With Christmas fast approaching, finding the ideal gift for the audiophile in your life can feel daunting—especially if the terminology is unfamiliar. To make things easier, we at Audio T Southampton have curated a selection of excellent, stocking-friendly upgrades that deliver genuine performance benefits:
First on Santa’s list is the superb English Electric EE1 Network Isolator. Supplied with a clear setup guide and a complimentary 0.75m Chord Company C-Stream Ethernet cable, the EE1 offers an elegant way to enhance the quality of an ethernet connection—provided the streamer is running via a hard-wired network input.
Using galvanic isolation, the EE1 filters out unwanted high-frequency interference, dissipating the noise as heat (though it barely warms up in use). The result is a lower system noise floor, allowing vocals, harmonics and rhythmic detail to emerge with greater clarity.
Next is the Chord Company PowerARAY—an unusual but highly effective product. Rather than plugging into your system, the PowerARAY is placed in an unused mains socket, ideally as close to the system as possible.
Employing Chord’s proprietary ARAY technology, it absorbs high-frequency noise carried through the mains before it reaches your components. Cleaner incoming power equals cleaner, more articulate sound.
Our third recommendation is the new Rega Carbon Pro Stylus. Despite its modest price, it is a direct and worthwhile upgrade for the Rega Carbon and the now-discontinued Audio Technica AT91 cartridges. Its bonded elliptical profile allows deeper groove contact, retrieving noticeably more musical information. For anyone with a Rega Planar 1, this is an excellent upgrade path—and if you want proof, take a look at the blog Adrian from our Cardiff store recently wrote.
Rounding off the list is the IsoAcoustics zaZen 1 Isolation Platform—a straightforward, highly effective way to reduce unwanted vibration. It enables key components to perform at their best by preventing external or structure-borne energy from interfering with playback.
Turntables and CD players benefit most from this type of isolation, making the zaZen 1 a smart upgrade for systems where vibration is a performance bottleneck.
And that concludes our festive recommendations. Whether you’re looking to enhance a turntable, streamer or CD player—or simply want a meaningful system-wide improvement—we have a wide range of options available. All products featured here can be demonstrated in any Audio T store, and the Southampton team has each one ready to audition.
If you’re unsure which upgrade will make the biggest difference to your setup, feel free to get in touch or pop into the shop. We’re always happy to talk through system matching, setup fine-tuning, or ways to get more from the equipment you already own. Sometimes the smallest changes can unlock a level of musical engagement that surprises even long-term Hi-Fi enthusiasts.
This time of year is always busy, so if you’re planning an audition or need advice before Christmas, it’s worth giving us a call so we can make sure everything is set up and ready for you. We’re here to help you choose something that feels thoughtful, useful, and genuinely rewarding—whether it’s a simple stocking filler or the start of a bigger journey into better sound.
Thank you for reading, and from all of us at Audio T Southampton, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a restful break, and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the music, enjoy the moments, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
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…
The WiiM Sound is a potentially game-changing product for the US-owned company that made its name with very capable, entry-level streamers. But does this smart speaker have what it takes to challenge market leader Sonos?
The new WiiM Sound is the first smart speaker (streaming and Bluetooth) from WiiM – a company that's best known for its streamers and streaming amplifiers.
And, having had it on test for barely a month, we can confidently say that if you are looking for a smart-speaker alternative to Sonos, then the WiiM Sound should be at the top of your demo list.
WiiM’s strategy has been interesting. They started off with streaming products designed to integrate into traditional hi-fi systems: for instance the Mini in 2021, and Pro in 2022.
The company then started making streaming amplifier products such as the WiiM Amp and Amp Pro. They have since released the Ultra, the Amp Ultra and the Vibelink integrated amp designed to work with the WiiM Ultra.
The WiiM Sound marks a new stage in that strategy. Having started with products designed to work with traditional hi-fi systems, the WiiM Sound is aimed squarely at the multi-room, smart-speaker market that Sonos products have dominated for so long.
Bluesound, arguably WiiM’s closest competitor in terms of its current product range, already has the Pulse 2i and Pulse Flex 2i. And then there are complete all-in-one streaming systems from Ruark, among others.
The WiiM Sound is therefore up against some very accomplished opposition.
The question is: does the WiiM Sound offer enough in terms of features and, importantly, sound quality to make a case for itself?
Supports hi-res playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz
A 4-inch long-throw woofer and dual tweeters
Peak output is around 100W
A 1.8-inch touchscreen that can display album art, track info, source switching, custom wallpaper and clock faces
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, 3.5 mm Aux input
Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA, Google Cast, Alexa Cast, Roon, LMS among others
WiiM’s user-friendly control app
Multi-room and stereo capabilities
AI RoomFit™ on-board room correction, 10-band graphic and parametric EQ
Available in black or white finishes; wall-mount ready
Wiim Sound
What immediately sets the Sound apart from competitors like Sonos is the presence of the circular touchscreen. This is both functional – allowing you to pause, play and skip tracks – and fun, allowing the display of album artwork and standby wallpaper.
Although room correction is hardly new to products like this (think Sonos Trueplay), we found AI RoomFit worked well to tailor playback in our largish showroom.
Like most smart speakers, the WiiM Sound can easily be connected to many music apps. However, it is worth noting that it does not have an always-on microphone like, for instance, the Sonos Era 100. This means that if you want to voice-control the Sound via Amazon Alexa, then you need to do so via the WiiM Voice Remote (supplied), an Alexa-enabled device like an Echo, or through your phone.
However, the Sound does support high-res files up to 24-bit/192 kHz. That beats most Sonos products which top out at 24/48.
Of course, whether you will be able to hear the extra information on a 96/192 file played on a WiiM Sound compared to a 24/48 track on a Sonos product is another matter.
Which neatly brings us on to…
Straight out of the box the WiiM Sound sounded well-balanced. Listening to Qobuz over Wi-Fi, with the EQ off, the bass was well judged and the mid-range and treble nicely balanced with no frequency band dominating.
Turn on the bass boost (there are lots of EQ options) and the Sound starts to sound a little more like Sonos units, which tend to have bass-heavy presentations. Some may feel that, on certain tracks, the WiiM Sound benefits from bass boost just to give a fuller presentation, particularly in larger listening spaces.
Sonos Era 100
There is an appealing openness and naturalness to the Sound’s presentation of the mids in particular that, to our ears at least, outperforms units like the Sonos Era 100 and Move. Playing acoustic or classical music on the Sound reveals the unit’s mid-range strengths, with things like vocals, strings, brass and pianos recreated with surprising fidelity for a smart speaker.
WiiM Sound also comes in White
The WiiM unit has an impressive soundstage for a single-box unit, projecting the music beyond the confines of the compact body. Of course, it’s not the same expansive sound that you would get from a Hi-Fi separates system, but the WiiM gives more depth and width to music than you’ll hear from some other smart speakers on the market.
Our demo WiiM Sound does a pretty good job of filling the Portsmouth shop, even at 50 percent volume. We haven’t heard a stereo pair of WiiM Sounds yet, but we can only assume they will sound even better and more engaging than a single unit.
In our opinion the new WiiM Sound elbows its way effectively towards the front of the queue in a market dominated by Sonos.
It has appealing functionality, not least the touch screen and high res playback. To us it sounds more detailed and open than many equivalent Sonos units.
It may not deliver quite the amount of bass weight delivered by bigger Sonos units but that is not necessarily a bad thing as it contributes to the Wiim’s more open sound, and mid range strengths.
The Sound’s build quality looks good and we like the fabric covering the speaker’s central section.
The new WiiM Sound firmly stakes its claim in a market long dominated by Sonos. With its touchscreen, high-res playback, and intuitive app, it sounds more detailed and open than many comparable Sonos units. While it may not match the bass weight of larger Sonos speakers, this actually enhances its open sound and mid-range clarity. Build quality is solid, with a stylish fabric-covered central section, and the speaker performs well as a stand-alone unit, in stereo pairs, or as part of a multi-room setup.
Sonos will no doubt be watching closely, as the WiiM Sound marks a significant challenge, with more products from WiiM on the horizon. The WiiM Sound is available to demo in the Portsmouth store — pop in, email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk or call 0239 266 3604.
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…
WiiM can be found at the following Audio T stores
Hello everyone, and welcome to the December blog from Audio T Brighton! The Christmas party is almost upon us, and to celebrate the upcoming festivities, we’ll announce a pre-Christmas event to wet your appetite and get those digestive juices flowing, ready for Christmas dinner. You never know, hearing what we are demonstrating on 10th December at our Audio T branch in Brighton, we may deliver a Christmas present fit for any and many a future Christmas party!
Before we get to the main act, it may be worth reminding everyone that Rega have been supplying electronics at all price budgets for quite some time, including the amplifiers: Rega IO, Rega Brio Mk7, Rega Elex Mk4, Rega Elicit Mk5, Rega Aethos and Rega Osiris.
Rega have established a reputation for turntables during their 50+ year tenure, but their electronics have steadily built up a following alongside. Rega amplifiers offer both good quality phono stages and onboard DACS, on the entry to mid-level range. The outstanding musical qualities of Rega amps are clear to hear, with natural dynamics, good clarity, and timbre being strong points, along with strong performance to price ratios at every level.
As always, we recommend visiting our store to listen to your Rega choices along with matching components that marry well together!
rear of a rega isis - a darth vader lookalike if we ever saw one!
By means of an introduction to the stars of the show, I thought an image of the rear of a Rega Isis CD player would set the scene for this blog and our upcoming event, here at Brighton Audio T on Wednesday, 10th December. You can read more about this wonderful CD player in my previous blog here.
Rega’s launch of the Rega Mercury pre-amplifier and Rega Solis power amplifier, which will be on demonstration, along with the Rega Isis CD player, and Rega Naia/Aphelion 2MC turntable, at our launch event on 10/12/25, gives you the chance to hear the pinnacle of Rega’s amplifier technology development - indeed a mouth watering prospect and one you are most welcome to attend and find out for yourselves. Ring us on 01273 609431 or email: brighton@audio-t.co.uk
rega isis, mercury & solis
A more detailed and extensive blog will be forthcoming, but in order to get the message out in good time for our Rega Event on Wed, 10th December between 2pm - 7pm at Audio T in Brighton, we’ll give a few tasters of what we think of this new combo as a heads-up!
The Rega Solis, delivering 168W into 8ohms, is an absolute power house with a smooth, mellifluous, yet dynamic delivery, allowing the Rega Mercury’s natural detail, textural and analogue qualities to shine through, all presented in an effortless manner. The Rega Naia turntable with Aphelion 2 MC cartridge, into a Rega Aura MC Phono stage and Rega Isis CD player are first-class sources, allowing Rega’s latest pre/power combo qualities to flow with aplomb.
To be honest, the only way to appreciate a system of this quality is to come and hear it for yourself, so give us a bell and let us know you’re coming on the day.
Thanks for reading.
Adey, Jake, John, 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 -
Black Friday has landed once again, and the Bristol team has been busy digging through the mountain of offers to pull out the real gems — the pieces of kit we genuinely rate, use, and get excited about. With so much noise around this time of year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but that’s where we like to step in. Think of this as your shortcut to the good stuff.
Whether you're thinking about upgrading your system, adding something new to the mix, or finally making the leap on a product you've been eyeing for months, we've put together a shortlist that represents proper value. These aren’t random discounts — they’re the items that made us stop, listen, and say, “Yep… that’s one worth talking about.”
From big, room-filling floorstanders to flexible streaming hubs and powerful all-in-one solutions, this year’s picks from Max, Justin and Paul cover a great spread of what’s possible. If you want strong performance without the usual price tag, you’re in the right place…
Was £3,650 - Now £2,599 - Save £1,151
At one point, these were Acoustic Energy’s flagship speakers. The AE520 features two dedicated 125mm midrange drivers, three low-frequency drivers, and a 25mm tweeter — all fashioned from carbon fibre to provide perfect tonal matching across the frequency range. That’s 10 drivers in total, beautifully designed and finished, delivering a foot-tapping, awe-inspiring presentation with impressive control.
Was £5,580 - Now £3,299 - Save £2,281
The Swiss Army Knife of the hi-fi world — stream everything, connect anything. Linn’s network music players are flexible, future-proof and designed for serious performance. From high-resolution albums to movie soundtracks, it’s all at your fingertips. Introducing the Linn Selekt DSM…
Connectivity is extensive: Wi-Fi or wired internet connection, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, USB, two TOSLINK inputs, two coaxial inputs (one of which can be configured as a digital line output), plus Linn’s own Exakt Link. Moving to analogue duties, you get one pair of RCA inputs, a moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage, and the option to expand further — that blank plate next to the analogue stages can house the five-input HDMI module when the surround option is installed.
Was £1,599 - Now £899 - Save £700
The Quad Artera Solus — £1,599 when new — is a combined CD transport, DAC, preamplifier and power amplifier, designed to deliver performance “on par with much more expensive multi-component hi-fi systems.”
You get five digital inputs (two coaxial, two optical and one USB-B), and while the USB-A socket on the rear panel is just for software updates, you also have both coaxial and optical outputs. Decoding duties are handled by an ESS Sabre DAC. There are an additional two RCA line inputs, and you can run pre-outs via XLR or RCA to a power amp if you choose.
The Class A/B power amp delivers a beefy 75W RMS into 8 ohms, backed by an impressive 15 amps of current — more than enough to handle most similarly priced speakers with confidence.
These are only a few of the standout offers we’ve chosen to highlight, but the full list is much bigger. We’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers and plenty more. Click below to explore everything — but don’t hang around. When these items are gone, they’re gone.
Spotted something you like but it’s not listed at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.
Thanks for reading.
Max, Justin & Paul – Audio T Bristol
If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.
If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs—and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…
*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE
Black Friday has rolled round once again, and with it comes that familiar mix of excitement, good intentions, and the annual hunt for something genuinely worth buying. Manchester isn’t exactly shy when it comes to doing things its own way, and our selection this year reflects that spirit nicely — proper deals, on proper kit, chosen by people who actually listen to the stuff day in, day out.
Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your source, adding some muscle to your amplification, or treating yourself to something a bit luxurious for private listening, we’ve put together a trio of offers that really deserve a second look. These are our “Mancunian Candidates” for Black Friday — and they’re cracking deals.
Was £1,700 - Now £949 - Save £751
We wrote a blog on the Marantz's combined CD player and network player last year. Here's a quick recap of what is now, even more of a bargain.
The CD playback comes courtesy of a 32-bit/384 DAC, which gets those digital bits converted to analogue beautifully.
The mechanism for the drawer is super smooth and very quiet, and it feels like an age since we’ve had CD players that can hold a candle to our regular British brands that tend to use manual drawers. Pressing a button and having a drawer present a CD to you in this fashion seems pretty cool again (so the kids tell us).
The CD50’s streaming credentials are underpinned by HEOS — a now-established streaming platform that holds its own against other tried and tested systems. Within the app, you can control streaming services from Tidal, Deezer and Spotify with the potential for more in the future.
Another feather in the cap of the CD50n is the addition of digital inputs on the rear panel. You have a USB DAC for a direct PC/Mac connection for asynchronous file playback, an optical input, a coaxial input and an HDMI ARC connection.
The sound quality? We're impressed! The DAC in the Marantz CD50 comes from a lineage not to be sniffed at. Our Ali Farka Touré Niafunké CD sounded terrific — a nice open sound that wasn’t harsh or digitised, like some CD players can be.
Streaming playback followed suit: the 24-bit playback sounded smooth and refined; there is never a sense that the CD50 is shouting at you, which can leave you fatigued.
We liked what we heard when the price was £1,700, but at £949 it’s a steal.
Was £3,595 — Now £2,374 — Saving £1,221
The Cyrus i9-XR was, until very recently, one of Cyrus's flagship amplifiers — the new Cyrus 40 range being the new kids on the block, usurping it from its throne.
Our own personal experience with the i9-XR has been nothing but positive. The 98-watt Class A/B amplifier delivers enough clout to drive most speakers, yielding a punchy performance both at high and low volumes.
The small form factor really does give the Cyrus i9-XR a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” feel. It has multiple inputs, boasting analogue and digital (including USB), and a cracking phono stage.
The Cyrus i9-XR pops up multiple times in the Audio T Black Friday blogs posted by our stores — John from Brighton and Matt from Cardiff both have it on their lists.
And we think Matt sums it up nicely:
“The i9-XR is a true testament to Cyrus’s years of hard work in amplifier design. This amplifier has become a design classic. Best of all, you can own this amazing amplifier for a fraction of its original price!”
Agreed, Matt — it's a cracker.
Was £699.00 - Now £499 - Save £200
And finally, here's something luxurious. These beautiful headphones are even more of a bargain in the Black Friday deal. We blogged about these a couple of years ago.
The Bathys use aluminium/magnesium drive units assembled in France; the headband cushion is made from leather for comfort, and the yoke that holds the headphones is made from aluminium/magnesium. This all results in a headphone that feels and sounds like a premium, high-end model — and yet is priced at a fair £699, and now at £499!!!
With or without the noise cancellation applied in Bluetooth mode, the Bathys sound full and rounded. Bass notes don’t boom for no reason at all like many outdoor, on-the-go headphones tend to; plus there’s a sweet treble that doesn’t scream at you.
Use them “the hi-fi way,” which is to say via the internal DAC with a USB cable, and you’re upping the ante with the quality of your music. Quieter backgrounds, more space between instruments — an instant upgrade from the wireless option, giving you a truly hi-fi experience akin to high-end headphones we know and love at Audio T, like the Focal Utopias or the ever-popular Sennheiser HD800.
A bona fide deal if ever there was one.
And there you have it — our picks and pics for Black Friday. A CD player/streamer that punches well above its price, an ex-flagship amplifier with attitude, and a pair of headphones that feel like a treat every time you put them on. Not a bad shortlist.
But this is just the start. We’ve got plenty more deals in store, across all sorts of systems and budgets. If you’ve had your eye on something for a while, or you’re thinking about refreshing part of your setup, now is genuinely a good time to come in and have a chat. We’ll happily run through options, fire up a demo, and help you find something that suits how you listen — not just what’s on offer.
Thanks for reading.
Munir, Thomas 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…
*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
At Audio T we're always excited to share with you our thoughts and musings on the latest and greatest Hi-Fi and home audio! Our blog features news and reviews from individual stores and occasional blogs from HQ; select your nearest store from the list below to find out what they've been up to.
