March 05, 2026

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

March 05, 2026/ Audio T Southampton/ Southampton

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

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

What This Series Is All About

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

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

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

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

Choosing Your Source: CD Players Around £2,500

Cyrus Audio

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

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

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

Lyngdorf

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

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

The Beating Heart: Amplification That Drives the System

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

Rotel

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

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

ATC

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

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

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

Giving the System a Voice: Speaker Choices That Shine

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

PMC

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

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

Dynaudio

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

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

Dynaudio Evoke 30 Floorstanding Speakers

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

The Unsung Heroes: Cables That Complete the Chain

Chord Company

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

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

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

Small Upgrades, Significant Gains

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

IsoAcoustics

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

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

Chord Company

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

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

IsoTek

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

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

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

The Final Result: A System Built to Be Enjoyed

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

Thanks for reading

Tiago, Wayne & Nick - Audio T Southampton

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

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

March 03, 2026

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

March 03, 2026/ Audio T Bristol/ Bristol

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

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

History

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

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

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

The Meze 109 PRO Build

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

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

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

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

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

Setup & Listening

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

image: Meze and Astell & Kern - perfect match

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

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

Highlights from the playlist include:

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

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

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

Thank you for reading,

Justin, Paul & Max

If you have any questions about the Wiim Ultra, Bluesound Node or Bluesound Icon featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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

Meze can be found at the following Audio T stores:

February 26, 2026

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

February 26, 2026/ Audio T Swansea/ Swansea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading.

Adrian – Audio T Swansea

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

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

Audioquest can be found at the following Audio T stores

February 26, 2026

Why the Bristol Hi-Fi Show Still Reigns Supreme

February 26, 2026/ Audio T Cheltenham/ Cheltenham

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

Chicken Pie

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

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

Golden Pig

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

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

Cupkakes on Saturday Morning from HiFi Pig

Cupcakes

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

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

Yacht Rock With Audio Note

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

Neat Acoustics

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

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

Rega P6 RS Edition

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

Mean And Moody

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

YO! Sushi

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

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

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

Many thanks for reading

Andy - Audio T Cheltenham

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

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

February 25, 2026

Top Picks from the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026

February 25, 2026/ Portsmouth

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

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

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

Heavenly Hegel

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

Dynamic Dynaudio

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

Astonishing ATC

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

Musical Meze

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

Precious Prophecy

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

Wowed by WiiM

Wiim sounds and sub will put a smile on your face

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

And something different…

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

February 24, 2026

DALI Sonik Loudspeakers Review. A sonic treat.

February 24, 2026/ Audio T Swindon/ Swindon

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

A New Chapter for DALI

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

The Engineering Behind Sonik

Sonik speakers incorporate several upgrades over Oberon.

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

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

Why SMC Matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

High Frequencies, Done Properly

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

Cabinet Design: More Than Just a Box

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

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

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

Looks That Fit Modern Living

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

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

Where Sonik Sits in the Range

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

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

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

Listening Impressions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

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

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DALI can be found at the following Audio T stores -

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

February 16, 2026

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

February 16, 2026/ Audio T Brighton/ Brighton

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

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

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

Quad 33 Preamp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

quad 3 integrated underneath the quad 33/303 combo

Quad 303 Power Amplifier

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

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

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

So, How Did the Pairing Sound?

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading.

Adey, Jake, Kevin and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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Quad can be found at the following Audio T stores

Wharfedale can be found at the following Audio T stores

Neat Acoustics can be found at the following Audio T stores

February 12, 2026

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

February 12, 2026/ Audio T Reading/ Reading

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

February 12, 2026

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

February 12, 2026/ Audio T Reading/ Reading

January 28, 2026

Qobuz: The High Fidelity Music Streaming Service

January 28, 2026/ Audio T Swansea/ Swansea

A Different Kind of Hi-Fi Upgrade

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

What Makes Qobuz Different?

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

you too could pretend you’re living in a forest

Built for Proper Hi-Fi Systems

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

An Ethical Approach to Streaming

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

will this blog tip you over into trying qobuz?

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

Who Is Qobuz For?

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

— Qobuz’s CEO, Denis Thébaud

Subscription Tiers Explained

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

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

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

Conclusion: Streaming That Respects the Music

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

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

Thanks for reading.

Adrian – Audio T Swansea

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

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January 28, 2026

McBluesound Double WiiM’er Stream Off

January 28, 2026/ Audio T Bristol/ Bristol

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

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

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

First Bite: WiiM Ultra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very impressive, especially at its price range.

Bluesound Monday

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

Bluesound Node Performance Music Streamer

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

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

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

Supersized Sound

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

Bluesound Node Icon Reference Music Streamer

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

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

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

Bill Please: The Verdict

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

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

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

Paul, Justin & Max - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about the Wiim Ultra, Bluesound Node or Bluesound Icon featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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

January 27, 2026

The Path to Cable Enlightenment: My Journey with Chord Cables

January 27, 2026/ Audio T Cardiff/ Cardiff

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every detail matters

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

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

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

Let’s Put My Cable Theory to the Test

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

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

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

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

Chord Epic ARAY interconnects
Epic X speaker cables

…to compare with my current cabling.

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

Starting the Listening Session

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

Music Used:

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

Current Cables in My System:

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

Cable Swaps and Performance Changes

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

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

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

Stepping It Up – Chord Co. Signature

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

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

Takeaways from the Sonic Experience

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

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

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

In Conclusion

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

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

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog -

Matt Aaron - Audio T Cardiff

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

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Chord Company can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 26, 2026

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

January 26, 2026/ Audio T Manchester/ Manchester

There is something quietly stubborn about a CD.

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

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

The Viking Makes Landfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading.

Munir, James and Dave - Audio T Manchester

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

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

Hegel can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 24, 2026

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

January 24, 2026/ Audio T Cheltenham/ Cheltenham

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

Don’t Miss The Zeitgeist

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

Critical Listening

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

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

The Power of Valves

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

Greatness And Perfection

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

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

Inputs and Outputs

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

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

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

Specifications

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

The Stuff At The End

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

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

Many thanks for reading Andy, Jon and Farid -

Audio T Cheltenham Store.

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

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

Advance Paris can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 21, 2026

Spendor A Series Mk2: When Refinement Really Matters

January 21, 2026/ Audio T Swindon/ Swindon

A brief history of Spendor

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

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

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

The new A Series

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

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

Design & build quality

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

Improvements

Spendor’s key technical enhancements include:

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

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

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

Sound quality

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

Bookshelf model: A1.2

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

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

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

Flagship: A7.2

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

In a nutshell

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

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

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

Spendor can be found at the following Audio T stores

January 16, 2026

Back to the Future with the Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary speakers

January 16, 2026/ Audio T Portsmouth/ Portsmouth

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.

Out with the old?

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.

Rave reviews

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.

Specs at a glance

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

Conclusion

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

January 13, 2026

Energising Your System for 2026: Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary & AE120² Loudspeakers

January 13, 2026/ Audio T Brighton/ Brighton

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…

Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary

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 AE120² Floorstanders

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

December 19, 2025

THE REGA HAS LANDED - Mercury & Solis Touch Down in Bristol

December 19, 2025/ Audio T Bristol/ Bristol

IMAGE: Rega Event introduced by Rob Noble — rob noble from rega conducting the event’s proceedings

Cue the Fanfare…

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.

IMAGE: Rega Mercury Pre Amplifier — rega mercury pre amplifier : 1- xlr input, 5 - rca inputs, digital inputs - 2optical, 2 coax & usb in

Rega’s official introduction to the Mercury.

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.

And the Solis.

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.

The Event

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.

Image: Eager for Rega. The Great Inspection

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.

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.

Full Playlist

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

In Summary

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

December 19, 2025

An evening with REL Acoustics rumble at Llanrumney Hall

December 19, 2025/ Audio T cardiff/ Cardiff

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.

Why Llanrumney Hall?

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.

A quick bit of history

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.

Building the system

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:

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.

It’s not all about bass

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.

The evening itself

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.

In conclusion

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

December 19, 2025

Small Gifts, Big Smiles: The Perfect Stocking Fillers for Vinyl Lovers

December 19, 2025/ Cheltenham

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.

Protect Their Vinyl: Better Record Sleeves

Nagaoka Anti-Static Record Sleeves

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.

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

Goldring Exstatic Anti-Static Inner Sleeves

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.

A pack of 25 sells for £24.95*, and they’re a brilliant solution for anyone gradually refreshing an older record collection.

Essential Turntable Tools Worth Gifting

Pro-Ject Measure it E – Stylus Tracking Force Gauge

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 – Record Cleaning Brush

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 – Carbon Fibre Stylus Brush

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!

A Simple Upgrade Every Record Deserves

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

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