The new Naim Mu-so Qb is a true feat of sound engineering. Housed in a small glass filled polymer cabinet the five driven drive units have been aligned with specific angles and offsets to create perfect left / right dispersion of the sound to create an exceptional stereo image from such a small box.
Read MoreNew to the Cheltenham store are the Audiolab 8300CD Player and the Audiolab 8300 integrated amplifier.
Read MoreTo coincide with the arrival of the new Focal Sopra N1 and N2 loudspeakers we will be holding a music and Hi-Fi listening event on the 10th December in conjunction with Focal and Naim.
Read MoreSince the introduction of the original R4 in 2008 it quickly became regarded as one of the finest 'All in One' music systems available.
Read MoreThe new Spendor A5R is the replacement for the original A5. It has benefited from technical improvements developed during the design of the High End D7 loudspeaker.
The new 15cm bass driver utilises an advanced polymer cone and an ultra light Kevlar piston to give ultra fast and seamless bass/mid performance. High frequencies are produced by a newly designed 22mm wide surround dome tweeter utilising fluid cooling.
The A5Rs have a sealed cabinet so it doesn't suffer from many of the problems associated with a reflex cabinets and allows easy placement of the speakers in virtually any room.
The cabinets have been significantly improved from the A5 and now offer asymmetric bracing and a new dynamic damping system. By isolating the front radiating surfaces from the rear surfaces the A5R has managed to remove the effect of bass smearing often associated with smaller floor standing loudspeakers.
On listening all of these improvements that have been made are clearly apparent. Bass is tight, deep and very tuneful. This integrates seamlessly with the open and detailed midrange. Coupled with the 22mmm fluid cooled tweeter that offers a sweet and highly detailed top end.The A5Rs really are a significant improvement over the original A5.
Specifications
Type 2.5 Way Floor Standing
HF Unit 22mm Wide Surround dome with Fluid Damping
MF/LF Unit 150mm ep77 Polymer Cone
LF Unit 150mm Kevlar Composite Cone
Sensitivity 87dB for 1 Watt at 1 Metre
Impedance 8 Ohms
Power Handling 150W (Unclipped)
Cabinet Size 830mm x 165mm x 250mm (H x W x D)
The A5R is available in the following real wood veneers:
Black Ash, Cherry, Light Oak and Dark Walnut.
These speakers are available for demonstration. If you are looking for a compact floorstanding loudspeaker with exceptional performance the A5Rs are a must listen.
Spendor Loudspeakers are also available at our Cardiff store.
After Extensive listening we have added some exiting new products to our already extensive range at the Cheltenham branch. These have all been chosen purely on the basis of sound quality and to address where we felt we had gaps in our existing range.
Unison Research Simply Italy Valve Amplifier
We have always wanted to offer the valve experience without the need to spend multiples of thousands of Pounds. Enter the Unison Research Simply Italy Ultra Linear Single Ended Class A 12 Watt Integrated amplifier.
The Simply Italy utilises ECC82 valves on the pre amplifier / driver stages and EL34 valves on the output stages. The amplifier also incorporates a new "Quasi Dual Mono" power supply allowing extremely low cross talk and low distortion.
The Simply Italy really does offer the valve experience without the usual mind blowing price tag. It offers an exceptionally open and detailed sound, pinpoint imagery and surprisingly tight and tuneful bass for such a modest output.
Technical Data:
Output Power - 12W Per Channel (Approx.)
Negative Feedback - Switchable 5dB or 1.8dB
Inputs - 5 x Line Level
Valves - 2x ECC82 (12AV7) 2 x EL34 (6CA7)
Dimension - 26 x 35 x 19cm
Unison Research Unico Nuovo Phono Amplifier
For those that want the Valve experience but also want exceptional power delivery we now offer the Unison Research Unico Nouvo.
The Unico Nouvo is a hybrid integrated amplifier based on a single triode per channel design. It Utilises 2 x ECC83 valves in parallel configuration. The output devices are fed by a symmetrical current image stage, the outputs themselves are powered mosfets. This offers a more valve influenced sound, greater channel separation and enhanced musical detail.
In this configuration the amplifier is powerful enough to drive speakers to very high levels an still offer the sound quality only normally achieved by more expensive esoteric valve amplifiers.
The Nouvo offers four line level inputs, a Switchable MM/MC phono stage, pre amp output and line level tape output.
Technical Data:
Output Power 95W RMS 8 Ohm
Input Stage Pure Class A, Parallel Tube Design, 2 x ECC83 (12AX7)
Output Stage Dynamic Class A, Power Mosfet
Dimensions 43.5 x 9.5 x 43cm
Quad S1 Bookshelf Loudspeakers
We are constantly asked for a small loudspeakers that offer the performance of larger floor standing loudspeakers in a small room. Enter the Quad S1 Loudspeaker.
The Quad S1 stands just 285mm tall. It incorporates a 100mm bass driver and a bespoke ribbon tweeter.
The ribbon tweeter is an up to the minute design utilising the latest techniques and materials. Ribbons have always had the reputation of being delicate and easily overpowered. The ribbon developed by Quad is made using a sandwich construction that is fully immersed in a powerful magnetic field so that it accomplishes the dual role of being voice coil and sound radiator. This makes it robust enough to handle very high powered amplifiers and still offer an exceptionally open and detailed sound.
The ribbon tweeter is coupled with a 100mm Kevlar coned bass / mid driver carefully tuned to a rearward firing reflex port.
The cabinets use a sandwich construction of alternative layers of MDF and HDF to reduce panel resonances to below the audible level.
Technical Data:
Tweeter - 12 x 45mm True Ribbon
Mid / Bass Driver - 100mm Woven Kevlar Cone
Sensitivity - 84dB
Recommended Power - 25 - 100W
Nominal Impedance - 8 Ohm
Frequency Response - 58Hz - 20kHz
Dimensions - 285mm x 156mm x 270mm (H x W x D)
N.B. Quad and Unison Research products are available from a select number of Audio T Stores, so as always we would recommend you call your nearest store before travelling or check the brands page for more details.
With the resurgence of vinyl records we have put together what we consider to be an outstanding entry level plug and play system. Everything is provided with the system (No phono stages, interconnects, etc) all you will need to add is suitable lengths of speaker cable.
The system comprises of the Project Elemental 'What Hi-fi 5 Star' award winning turntable partnered with the Pioneer A20-K 50W integrated amplifier and the Wharfedale Diamond 210 bookshelf loudspeakers.
On listening to the system we have found it to offer outstandingly good sound quality for the Financial outlay. The treble is clean and detailed, the midrange is extremely open with an excellent sound stage and the bass extension belies the diminutive size of the Wharfedale loudspeakers.
The system (Excluding loudspeaker cables) comes in at a very affordable cost of £488.90 Including VAT.
Here is an Overview of the components. (We have also given possible upgrade options for each component to improve on what is already an exceptionally well balanced system).
The Elemental is a true plug and play turntable, no adjustment is required for the tracking weight or anti-skating as they are pre adjusted. All that is required is to remove it from the box, remove the bearing guard, locate the belt around the platter and remove the stylus guard. One more thing, place a record on the platter and your listening to music.
Features:
Belt Drive with low vibration DC motor
Factory fitted Ortofon OM5E cartridge
8.6" ultra low mass Tonearm with straight arm tube
Gold Plated RCA contacts & cartridge pins.
Upgrade Options:
Project Debut Carbon or Rega RP3 with Elys2 Cartridge
Pioneer A20-K Integrated Amplifier
The Pioneer is a 50W + 50W amplifier utilizing symmetrical circuit design and offering class leading sound quality at its price. It has a brushed aluminium front panel, bass and treble controls that can be overridden with the 'Source Direct Button'. Multiple inputs are provided and in addition there is the ability to drive two sets of loudspeakers.
Features:
50W + 50W (4 Ohm, 20Hz - 20 kHz)
Phono MM Input
Remote Controls with motorised volume control
Upgrade Options:
Marantz PM6005 or Rega BrioR
Wharfedale Diamond 210 Loudspeakers
A small 2-way bookshelf loudspeaker utilizing bass reflex loading. Available in Black, Walnut, White and Rosewood.
Features:
100mm Woven Kevlar Bass Driver
25mm Soft Dome Tweeter
86dB Sensitivity
15- 75W Recommended Power Handling
Frequency (+/- 3 dB) 68Hx - 20kHz
Height 232mm, Width 143mm, Depth 170mm
Upgrade Options:
Wharfedale Diamond 220 or Wharfedale Diamond 230
If you want to resurrect your record collection and hear your old vinyl in all its glory this affordable system really will make you appreciate the quality that can be achieved from old and new records.
This system is available for demonstration in branch, we look forward to seeing you.
Jon and Farid
We have just taken delivery of selected models of the new Q Acoustics 3000 series loudspeakers.
Q Acoustics 3010
The new 3010 compact loudspeaker is a totally new loudspeaker from Q Acoustics.
Utilising the new 2 in 1 concentric ring dome tweeter and the Aramid fibre/paper cones for te bass/mid driver. These coupled with a strong lower resonance cabinet the 3010 really does set a new standard for a speaker at this price.
On listening we have found the 3010 to give a significant improvement over previous models. The top end is silky smooth, detail is exceptional and for the cabinet dimensions the bass response is truly excellent.
The 3010 is highly recommended for Hi-fi use and can also be integrated with the 3090C centre loudspeaker and 3070S sub woofer for home cinema use.
Available in the following finishes:
Matt Graphite, American Walnut, Black Leather, High gloss black or white.
They are ideal for Stand mount (dedicated stands are available) or shelf mounting. If wall mounting is required a dedicated wall bracket is also available.
Q Acoustics 3050
Again the 3050 utilises the new 2 in 1 concentric ring dome tweeter and is coupled with two 165mm Aramid fibre/paper cone bass drivers.
This large floorstander delivers exceptional bass extension and midrange openness coupled with an astonishingly smooth and open high frequencies.
The 3050 is an ideal speaker for larger rooms and when high sound levels are required.
Available in the the same high quality finishes as the 3010.
Again the 3050 is an ideal speaker to intergrate into a home cinema system.
Both speakers are now available for demonstration.
The Q Acoustic brand is available from the following Audio T Stores:
Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Online, Portsmouth, Preston, Swindon
N.B. Demo stock varies from store to store, so please call ahead first to check availability before travelling.
Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the ground breaking Chord DAC64 Chord Electronics introduced the 'Hugo' mobile Digital to analogue converter / Headphone amplifier, one of the most advanced 32 Bit DACs they have made.
The Hugo can be used both as a portable Headphone Amplifier / Digital Analogue Converter or as a reference stand alone Digital to Analogue Converter in an existing Hi Fi system.
The Hugo offers advanced connectivity and uncompromising play back cabability.
Inputs:
Optical TOSLink - 24-Bit / 192 kHz capable
RCA Coaxial - 24-Bit / 384 kHz capable
Driverless USB - 156-Bit / 48 kHz capable (Designed for Tablet / Phone)
HD USB - 32-Bit / 384 kHz and DSD128 (Designed for Computers and Laptops)
Note - On PC (Vista, Windows 7 & 8 the supplied driver needs to be installed for playback of music up to 384kHz and DSD64/128)
Bluetooth A2DP aptx wireless
Outputs:
2 x 3.5mm Headphone Sockets
1 x 1/4" Headphone Socket
Stereo RCA Outputs (For connection to a static HiFi system)
The Hugo has a built in battery for music on the move, with a full charge (Approximately 2 Hours) the Hugo will give 10 hours of playback time.
The Hugo is built to last. the case being made from precision machined aircraft grade aluminium.
Listening has proved the Hugo to offer outstanding performance for such a compact box. Headphone listening takes on a new experience. The sound is akin to plugging your headphones into an exceptionally high end HiFi system.
Using the Hugo as a stand alone Digital to analogue converter in an existing Hifi system is quite astonishing. It really does perform to a standard of many DACs costing a considerable amount more. Being a user of a DAC64 for many years the hugo easily achieves the outstanding sound quality expected and offers the convenience of portability.
Now available in the Cheltenham store, a demonstration is strongly recommended.
New to the Cheltenham Branch is the Nova Fidelity X40.
The X40 is a high resolution music server, ripper and network streamer. Utilizing a world class DSD Sabre ES9018K2M reference DAC. The X40 supports a full range of high resolution audio formats including DSD64, DSD128, DXD, PCM up to 32 Bit/384kHz nad HD WAV/FLAC (24 Bit/192kHz).
Other Features Include:
Built in Phono stage; Play and Record directly to the X40 via the built in phono stage (Sample rate up to 192 kHz when Recording).
High Quality Balanced and Unbalanced outputs.
High Resolution Digital Inputs (24Bit/192kHz)
Stream and import music over the network - Import music from PC/NAS/I-Tunes over your wired or wireless network.
Stream music to systems such as Sonos.
Up to 4TB of storage available. (Our demonstration model has a 2Tb hard drive that is capable of storing up to 5000 CDs)
Exchangeable Hard Drives.
Internet Radio and FM Tuner built in.
Can be Controlled via Smart Phone or Tablet (Via free UPNP App)
Can be connected to the NET via wired (Ethernet Connection) or wireless via the optional USB dongle.
User Interface can be displayed on the front panel full colour screen or can be viewed on a conventional TV via the HDMI output.
Exceptional build quality.
Create and maintain playlists.
That's the technical bit which is all very impressive but what really made us take notice of the X40 was how simple it is to setup and use.
CD playback is as simple as selecting the album from the graphic user interface. Simply select the album artwork and select play.
CD ripping is the easiest and most intuitive we have come across. Simply load the CD into the X40, select CD Ripping, Select the Ripping Format (We use WAV), Select where to get the art work from (We use Google) and press OK. It really is a simple as that.
Obviously the most important aspect of the X40 has to be the sound quality. It is exceptional for a product of this specification and cost. We have ours running through a Naim NAC202 Pre Amplifier, Naim NAP200 Power Amplifier and a pair of Neat Acoustics SX1 Loudspaekers. It really is on par with high quality audiophile CD players.
One of the biggest benefits we have found is using the X40 as a NAS for our Sonos system. You just tell the Sonos to see the X40 as an external storage device and all the music Ripped to the X40 is available on the Sonos sytem.
When it comes to Playing and Ripping CDs either directly to a hi-fi system or as a storage device to stream to a wireless music system it really is an excellent sulution.
Available in store for demonstration. We are really that impressed we would strongly urge you come in and have a listen.
Jon & Farid
The Cheltenham branch have just added Neat Acoustics loudspeakers to our extensive line of loudspeakers.
After extensive listening we now have the following models available for demonstration.
The Neat Iota delivers a performance that belies the incredibly small dimensions (h,w,d - 130 x 200x 165mm). Being designed to be used very close to the rear wall they are ideal for locations such as bookshelves, desk tops, etc.
The 2.6L cabinet incorporates a 100mm bass driver and a 50mm vertical planar magnetic ribbon tweeter offering unbelievable bass performance and an exceptionally detailed top end. Due to the diminutive cabinet dimensions and the ribbon tweeter the sound stage is almost holographic.
Available in Satin White, Satin Black, Flame Red, Zinc Yellow and Ultramarine Blue
The SX3 is a small stand mount loudspeaker designed for smaller spaces or as a rear speaker in multi channel installations.
They incorporate a 25mm inverted anodised aluminium tweeter normally found in much more expensive high end loudspeakers.
In spite of its compact dimensions the MX3 surprises with its astonishing bass extension and beautifully open mid range. The Inverted dome tweeter produces incredible detailed for a speaker at this price.
At only 76cm tall this is one of the most compact floor standing loudspeakers available.
This is a two way design with the bass driver and inverted anodised aluminium tweeter operating in separate enclosure within the cabinet. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom of the cabinet and is vented through a sculptured MDF plinth. Even when the loudspeakers a located near a rear wall the bass is still controlled and extended.
For a floor stander of such small dimensions the SX2 offers astonishing bass, very open midrange and a smooth detailed top end.
The SX1 utilised a two and a half way configuration. The tweeter and bass mid driver operate within their own sealed enclosure. The sub bass is housed separately in a reflex tuned enclosure below and is vented via a sculptured MDF plinth.
Again the 25mm Inverted anodised aluminium tweeter is used offering exceptional detail. With the inclusion of the Sub Bass driver the SX1 manages to accurately produce genuine low end bass performance.
The Neat SX range of loudspeaker are available in Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak and Satin White.
A demonstration is highly recommended.
On Thursday December 11th we will be holding a REL Acoustics and Project open day. Representative of both companies will be on hand to answer any of your questions.
We will be demonstrating the benefits of a REL sub woofer in a conventional Hi-Fi system in our upstairs demonstration room. The REL Subwoofer will be using the Long Bow Wireless transmitter. This offers wireless connectivity with no compromise in sound quality.
In our downstairs demonstration room we will be demonstrating the stunning new Dolby Atmos Home Theatre system (See Previous Blog) utilising two REL Sub woofers and nine surround speakers in Dolby Atmos 7.2.2 configuration.
The systems being used will be as follows:
Upstairs Hi Fi Demonstration Room
Downstairs AV Demonstration Room
This promises to be a highly enjoyable and informative day.
Tea and Coffee will be in abundance (Maybe even biscuits)
We look forward to seeing you on the 11th December
Jon & Farid
Conventional Dolby 5.1 and 7.1 surround has always had the restriction that the sound is mixed into channels to create the sound track. An example being that if the starship Enterprise flies from the front bottom of the screen and goes over you head the sound can only be mixed into channels to give you the impression of front to back movement.
Dolby Atmos is the first audio format to be based on objects rather that channels. In Dolby Atmos any sound (e.g. The Enterprise) can exist as an independent object free from channel restrictions. It can be placed anywhere in the room including overhead.
This is achieved with the use of a Dolbt Atmos enabled receiver and multiple surround speakers. Dolby Atmos is compatible with 5.1 and 7.1 systems but it really does come into its own when used with multiple speakers.
In our demonstartion room we are using the system in 7.1.2 configeration. This equates to:
7 - Font Left/Right Speakers, Centre Speaker, Rear Left/Right Surround Speakers and Rear Left Right Back Surround Speakers.
1 - Sub Woofer
2 - Left Right Centre Middle Height Speakers. (A pair of in Ceiling Focal Custom IC108)
We are using the Pioneer SC-LX88 AV Receiver and a Focal speaker package with a REL S2 Sub Woofer.
The sound experience we are creating in our demonstration room is beyond anything that we have experienced before.
At present we are using a Dolby Atmos demonstration Disc, But Atmos encoded discs are immanent and should be with us soon.
We really would recommend that you come into the shop and experience this amazing ground breaking movie experience.
We have now taken delivery of the new Quad Vena. The Vena is a neat one box package that provides 2 x 45 watt amplification to play back your music through a pair of loudspeakers or via the high quality inbuilt headphone amplifier.
The Vena offers analogue, digital and USB inputs. You can also stream any stored music from a blue tooth enabled device via the on board Aptx codec for CD quality music over wireless transmission.
The Unit is supplied with high quality credit card size remote control.
On initial listening we have found the Vena to offer a very clean open sound with no hint of aggressiveness. The high frequencies are very smooth and detailed and the bass is deep and tight. Wireless music via the Blue tooth receiver is exceptionally good for a product at this price. In fact the Quad Vena coupled with a Blue tooth device such as an Apple I-Pad or Android tablet and a suitable pair of high qulity loudspeakers makes a highly capable compact and easy to use music system that you can operate from the comfort of your seating position.
Specifications
Available now for demonstration.
On Saturday the 6th September from 10am until 4pm we will have Diverse Vinyls pop up record store in the Cheltenham Branch.
Paul from Diverse will be bringing a range of records from Audiophile pressings, rare vinyl and many popular pressings for you to bowse and buy.
We will have two Hi-Fi systems available for you to listen to your new purchases or potential purchase. Downstairs we will have a basic level system featuring Rega RP3 Turntable, The new Rega Elex R amplifier and Spendor A3 Loudspeakers and in our upstairs dedicated Hi-Fi listening room we will heve an oustanding Hi End system comprising of the Clear Audio Master Innovation Turntable, The new Primare Series 60 Pre / Power amplifier and the Spendor A9 loudspeakers (Approximate value £50K).
In our downstairs audiovisual demonstration room we will be playing the Arcam AVR750 AV Receiver through the new Q-Acoustics Concept 40 Loudspeakers, Q Acoustics Centre and Rears and the new REL S5 wireless Sub Woofer. The image will be provided by the Epson EH-TW9200 Projector.
We will also have the team from Isotek on hand to discuss and demonstrate their power management products.
*If you want to bring in your turntable in for a service Jon is offering 10% off Servicing and Accessories on the day.
About Diverse Records
Read more about Diverse Vinyl and their own Record Label, Diverse Records
Paul from Diverse and Jon and Farid from Audio T look forward to seeing you on Saturday 6th September.
Following on from the Rega Brio-R and the Rega Elicit-R Amplifiers Rega have now introduced the new Elex-R Intergrated Amplifier.
The Elex-R has been designed to offer exceptional performance for the money. It has an array of inputs including a very high quality moving magnet phono stage and pre amplifier out for the addition of an external power amplifier, sub woofer, etc.
However to achieve the highest quality signal path Rega have omitted superfluos gadgets such as tone controls and headphone output. (If using headphones on an amplifier of this quality the amplifier deserves the addition of an extrenal headphone amplifier such as the Rega Ear 2012 - See below).
On listening to the Elex-R we have found it to be powerful (72.5 watts into 8 Ohms) and extremely controlled. The mid range is very open and there is no hint of hardness on the top end.
The Elex-R has a similar character to it's baby brother the Brio-R but takes the musical experience to the next level.
For more informatio see the Link to Regas web site below:
http://www.rega.co.uk/elex-r.html
Available now for demonstration.
PSB have been producing loudspeakers for the last forty years. This is their first foray into the headphone market and they are worth shouting about. (Not that you will hear it as they are a fully enclosed design with active noise cancelling built in).
They also have the added advantage of a built in headphone amplifier. Not only does this in many cases significantly improve the sound quality of the headphones as in overides the amplifier in the source (be it a phone, I-Pad, etc) it also extends the battery life of the listening source e.g. your phone or music player.
As an example, you may be on a long haul flight when you get half way across the Pacific and your phones die....No more music! With the PSB's amplifier activated the power is not being taken from the phone itself but the internal amplifier - Music all the way! (Remember to take some spare AAA batteries). And with noise cancelling activated the only sound you will hear is the music. Not the music with with a couple of jet engines in the background.
Sound Quality - Yes the headphones have the facility of an on board amplifier and noise cancelling but the main reason we strongly recommend these headphones is their stunning sound quality. They produce exceptionally deep powerful bass, a stunningly open and transparent midrange and a beautifully smooth and detailed top end. They play rock music as though you were 40 feet from the front of the stage or a string quartet as though you were sitting in a beautiful Georgian sitting room.
Whether you are travelling or listening on a high end hi-fi system with a dedicated headphone amplifier these headphones are a must listen.
Highly Recommended (And they got 5 stars in What Hi-Fi) and you can read their review here
Read what more about the product and what other customers have to say here
New to the Cheltenham Branch.
We have just added two new speakers to our extensive range. The award winning GoldenEar Aon 3 Stand mount loudspeaker and the GoldenEar Triton Seven floorstanders.
Both speakers feature a high velocity folded ribbon tweeter offering exceptionally smooth and detailed presentation of the high frequenies and an almost holographic sound stage.
GoldenEar Aon 3 are an extremely compact high performance standmount loudspeaker. They utilise a cast basket 7" Bass/Mid driver. This is complimented by a single side firing 8" planar low frequency passive radiator in a dynamically balanced configuration. This properly loads the Bass/Mid driver giving an extremely open mid range and remakably extended bass for such a small enclosure.
GoldenEar Triton Seven uses a highly advanced bass loading technology. Mid/Bass is handled by two 5.25" cast basket drivers coupled to two 8" side firing sub bass radiators. Coupled with the folded ribbon tweeter the sound produced by these speakeers really does belie their size. They have all the upper mid qualities of the Aon 3 but also offer fantastic bass extension that really enhances the listening experience, particulalry large scale classical and Rock Music.
Both loudspeakers are now available for demonstration.
Specifications:
Aon 3
Frequency - 38Hz to 35kHz.
Efficiency - 90dB
Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier 10 to 250 Watts
Dimensions 229mm W, 299mm D, 356mm H
Triton Seven
Frequency - 29Hz to 35kHz
Efficiency - 89dB
Impedance - 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier 10 to 300 Watts
Dimensions 267mm W, 386mm D, 1010mm H
The Ruark R7
Inspired by 60s contemporary design the Ruark R7 combines stunning looks with cutting edge audio technology.
Ruark have combined up to the minute technology into a fine furniture grade cabinet that has been carefully optimised to provide outstanding audio sound quality.
The feature list for this all in one unit is oustanding:
DAB, DAB+ and FM tuners
Dual aerial inputs to allow seperate DAB and FM tuners
Wireless Intenet Radio
Slot loading CD player
Full WiFi capability allows wireless networking and music streamimg
Bluetooth with Aptx (CD Quality Streaming)
2 x 5.5" Dual concentric drive units
1 x 8" Subwoofer
160 watts nominal power
Switchable analogue and digital auxillary inputs
USB Charge port for charging smartphones and tablet computers
Ultra black high contrast fluorescent display
'Radiolink' Rotodial remote control. With RF communication the remote does not have to be aimed at the unit.
The R7 is supplied with spindle legs for free standing positions or puck feet for mounting on an existing sideboard or AV cabinet. You can even mount your TV on top of the R7 and use it as one of the most sophisticated sound bars available.
On listening to the R7 we have found it to offer a full, rich detailed sound no matter what input is selected. Astonishingally it does not sound like an all in one box but gives the impression of of a true hifi system.
The R7 is on permanent demonstration and we would strongly recommend coming into the store for an audition.
We now have the outstanding new Rega RP10 turntable.
A Quote from Rega - 'The RP10 represents probably the biggest step forward in the evolution of Roy Gandy's turntable design philosophies'
Here are some of the design highlights:
Skeletal Plinth design
The plinth design uses a unique stressed skin structure. Two layers of phenolic skins sandwich a feather weight nitrogen expanded foam. Utilising this feather weight plinth structure almost entirely eliminates unwanted noise developed by the turntable motor, main bearing and unwanted airborne vibrations.
The plinth is constructed in a similar way to materials used in the avaition and formula one industries. The plinth has a double brace mounted between the tone-arm mounting and the main bearing where increased rigidity is required. The top brace is magnesium and the bottom brace is phen-lic. These are two of the lightest and stiffest materials available. Because the two materials have different natural resonances they are in effect self damping.
Ceramic Platter
The Ceramic Oxide platter is diamond cut to produce a perfectly flat Round platter insuring a perfect fly wheel effect.
24V Low Noise Motor
The 24V two phase synchronous motor is controlled by the dedicated RP10 PSU supplied. Each motor is hand tuned to the PSU to ensure minimum vibration and motor noise.
RB2000 Tone-arm
The completely redesigned ultra light armtube is meticulously polished to keep the weight to a minimum (Paint weighs a lot). The bearings are hand selected to achieve a perfect match. This proven method increases the amount of detail retrieved from the record surface and allows maximum performance to be achieved from the cartridge.
On listening, the amount a detail retrieved from the record groove is outstanding. The bass is tight fast and extremely tuneful. Stereo imaging is as good as any turntable we have heard. The treble is amazingly detailed and smooth.
We have partnered our RP10 with the Dynavector DV20X2L low output moving coil cartdridge and it is a superb match.
Available in store for demonstration. Upon listening I am sure you will be as outstanded as we are.
At Audio T we're always excited to share with you our thoughts and musings on the latest and greatest Hi-Fi and home audio! Our blog features news and reviews from individual stores and occasional blogs from HQ; select your nearest store from the list below to find out what they've been up to.
