KEF Reference 5 arrive at Audio T Manchester (for a limited time only)

Audio T Manchester are proud to announce the missing link in our Fleetwood Mac Classic Album Evening.

What follows is a short picture diary of the boys from KEF unboxing and setting up the new Reference 5,

Big Ron and Jonathan from KEF carted these beauties over from Maidstone HQ Kent. 

 

Beautifully presented accessories.


Attention to detail?? Even the spikes and feet are specifically designed for acoustic improvements.

Audio-T Manchester are to proud present.

For the first time at a Hifi retailer in the UK. (for a limited time only)

The All New KEF Reference 5. 


 

Dave listens intently.

Not the ideal position for speakers but all our new arrivals land on the shop floor demo area for all to see. 

A few words from KEF.

REFERENCE 5

Magnificent is the only word.

KEF’s passion for perfection embodied in a tall three-way floorstander that aligns four powerful, extremely linear 165mm (6.5 inch) bass drivers – two above and two below KEF’s latest 125mm (5 inch) MF/HF Uni-Q array, with the sensational new 25mm (1 inch) vented aluminium dome tweeter at the acoustic centre. Lows are reproduced with consummate agility and control, fluidly integrating with the Uni-Q output to create an all-enveloping soundfield of spine-tingling accuracy and depth. For music or film, it reveals subtleties you’d never noticed while gripping your emotions with the full power of the performance.


THE REFERENCE: the standard by which others are judged, and to which they aspire.

The perfect reproduction of recorded sound is what KEF's legendary Reference Series has always stood for. And after 40 years of continuous development, the Reference has earned its name as the yardstick of high-end acoustic engineering.

If you're a perfectionist when it comes to enjoying movies or music, it's the one name that towers above the rest.

The Reference. It speaks for itself.
 

A description was needed to convey the idea that every loudspeaker is subject to scrutiny at all stages of assembly, culminating in a final test comparison with a laboratory-maintained reference standard. So the method became the name: Reference.”

- Laurie Fincham, Engineering Director 1968-1991
 



 

 

Technical Specifications. Click  here

 

The KEF Reference 5 will used at our first Classic Album Evening at Audio T Manchester


Platinum plated binding posts.

 



Come along to our Manchester store and take a peak at what could turn out to be a 
true speaker design classic. 


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

A Brief Encounter,The Rega Elex-R pays a quick visit to Manchester.

UPDATE!! Great news...Rega Elex-R now on permanent demonstration at Audio-T Manchester.  

Paul Darwin from Rega introduced us to the new Elex-R today, the latest intergrated amplifier from our friends in SouthEnd-On-Sea.

It was only a whistle-stop tour and Paul had to jet off around the country with the Elex-R in tow.

So here, for the first time anywhere in the world, is a quick, short, sharp review of Rega's newest product.

We actually had the amp over night to run it in and the following morning tested the Elex-R against the lower priced Brio-R from Rega.

Compared to the Rega Brio-R, the Elex-R was more detailed and open, pace and timing was much improved over the Brio-R.

There was also much better control of the speakers, in this instance the Rega RS3's. Tighter and deeper bass and more bite at the top end.

Daba Toure and Skip Mcdonald's album sounded huge and wide, yet everything was refined and subtle at the same time.

So overall, we were very impressed with our very brief encounter. Hopefully our demo unit will be with us very soon.

Looks like our Naim Nait 5si finally has some competition and even though the Elex-R is a kind of hybrid love child of the Brio-R and Elicit-R, it's sound is more a kin to the Elicit-R.

And of course we had to take the lid off and take a look inside...

Terry Bateman, Rega's head designer, likes to personalise pcb's with little reminders of days gone by.

Here is one to bring back some memorys, an absolute hifi classic. You've done it again Terry!!.Nice one.

The output stage is the same as the Elicit-R. 

A clearly larger transfomer than the Brio-R.

Looking good there Chromey, looking good.

 

We are hoping to get our hands on our very own Elex-R in a few weeks time. Just keep an out on our website our check out our blog for any updates. 

 

See you soon.

Munir

 

Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

Turn Up for A Tune Up For Your Turntable Here.

 

Reinvigorate your music listening by giving your turntable some TLC from Audio-T Manchester, whether you need a full service and set up, a new cartridge and drive belt or just a stylus cleaning brush, you can hear your record collection as never before.

With expert knowledge on cartridge and phono stage selection we can give genuine advice to help you optimise your set up.

Pop in and talk to Dave,Mike,Munir or Kevin

 

Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

 

Valhalla awaits those who ride with the Valkyries...

...well musical valhalla at least.

Introducing the new Aedle VK-1 Valkyrie.

 

Now, the headphone market is absolutely bursting at the seems at the moment and it always seems like another copycat headphone brand pops up everyday, and that's no over statement.

But then a company comes along that bucks that trend and comes up with something truly original.

Aedle have done just that with new VK-1 Valkyries, with genuine lambskin leather ,manganese steel and liquid silicone to name but a few exotic materials.

As you can see the fit and finish is second to none and the design and styling is beautifuly realised.

But all this would seem a little pointless were it not for the great sound quality and comfort produced by the VK-1.     

 

Well then, what do they sound like??

Actually, very good.

Rich and full sounding with lots of detail would be fair a description. Heres what CNET think.

The midrange with the VK-1 is fantastic and the bass although not very deep is lean and precise. Check out Hedfonia's review.

So overall, the opinion from ourselves is positive, we like them. Even AV forums like them.

Each of the VK-1 aluminum parts are sculpted one by one in a virgin aluminium ingot. 

Handsewn genuine lambskin leather for headband and cushions.

 

All presented in a handsome quilted case. 

 

The Valkyries are on demonstration at our Manchester store.

So pop over for a test drive if you fancy something fresh for your ears.



Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

 

Bowers & Wilkins P7 headphones... reviews from the web.

You may already be familar with the Bowers & Wilkins P7s, however, we just wanted to remind you of what the "world wide web" has to say about them.

So what follows is a selection of links to various publications and magazines who have reveiwed the B&W P7s.

Of course our obligatory product photos with Chromey are a must...so sit back and enjoy. 

Click here to read some reviews from our very own customers.


Engadget.com love them.


The New York Times love them.


Forbes magazine thinks the P7s are fantastic headphones.


Pocket Lint gave them 5 Stars!!

Super comfortable ear cups...

Wired thought they had excellent sound.


Don't forget, we have the B&W P7s ready to demonstrate at our Manchester store, so come along for a listen and see if they live up to the hype.

 

See you at the store.


Munir


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 


 

 

Bowers & Wilkins 600 series 2014 range now at Audio T Manchester.

The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series.


 

The New 600 Series Tweeter with it's new Decoupled Double Dome tweeter (no double entendre intended).

The Double Dome comprises an extremely thin and light aluminium dome, as seen below.

The entire assembly is decoupled from the cabinet,reducing unwanted vibrations.

The result? A more natural, spacious sounding tweeter.

 

Pull yourself together Chromey!! and stop showing off. Goodness!!!  

 

We have the 600 series ready to demo at your convenience.

Kevin,Dave,Munir and Mike will be there to help.

Just call in to Audio T Manchester to arrange a demonstration.



Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

The Ceramic Revolution?? Oh yes, and it's called a Rega RP10.

The Rega RP10 in Audio T Manchester.


 

RB2000 tonearm.

The RB2000 uses the latest award winning Rega arm tube. Each one which is meticulously hand polished (keeping mass to an absolute minimum) and has been completely redesigned to redistribute mass and further reduce stresses and resonances. This advanced design tube increases the stiffness and rigidity of the overall assembly whilst reducing stress on the bearings even further.


The Apheta cartridge. Mounted on the RB2000.


Super flywheel effect ceramic platter

Yep..thats right, the words "super and fly" a la Curtis Mayfield are used to describe the RP10. Say no more!!!

The RP10 uses a custom ceramic flywheel effect platter. The platter is produced from ceramic oxide powder which is compressed, fired and diamond cut to ensure perfect accuracy and flatness across the surface. The new platter features a modified construction over the previous P9 version with improved coupling to the sub platter.

Skeletal plinth design with polyolefin foam core, which is created using nitrogen bubbles, all of which are the same size, just like a pint of Guiness.

Controversially Rega has always researched methods of producing light but stiff and rigid plinths. The technology is simple: unwanted noise at microscopic levels is developed by the turntable motor and main bearing. The plinth can also pick up airborne vibration from the music. From the beginning in the 1970’s Rega pioneered the use of a stressed skin structure for the plinth. This uses two layers of phenolic resin with a lightweight particle or fibre board sandwiched between the skins. This technique has been used in many applications where stiff, light structures are needed such as an aircraft wing or a Formula 1 chassis.

"Now thats whats you call polished to perfection" so sayeth the wise Chromey. 


The motor drives the CNC machined pulley, sub platter and hub-bearing assembly via the twin belt drive. Each motor is individually hand tuned to its own custom power supply in the factory to minimise vibration, motor noise and ensure optimum performance.

How does it sound ?

"At the moment I have only tried the RP10 with the Rega Apheta, which gives a huge soundstage and very fast sounding with no bass overhang . After a few records I felt I could listen to this combination all night! and thats what happened. Detail just poured out of the speakers. Would I sell my current turntable for this ?  possibly"


The Rega RP10 on display and demonstration at our Manchester store.

Please feel free to call in and ask Dave,Munir,Mike or Kevin for a demonstration.

 

Thanks.


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30


 

 

 

An old classic plays a lovely tune on the latest and greatest.

The Classic.

Dynavector 20X2L.

 

The latest and greatest.

The Rega RP8 / RB 808.


 

Our Dynavector 20X2L mounted on RP8 RB 808 combination.


 

In a meeting of old and new, this particular combination forms a formidable partnership. 

Coming across as completely natural and detailed the 20X2L delivers big soundstages with aplomb.  

As it stands this combination would cost £2167, and quite frankly, it's worth every penny.

 

It's set up and playing on our showroom floor, you won't miss it when you come in.

Just give Dave, Munir, Kevin or our Mike a shout when you pop in. 


Thanks

Munir

Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

The Dark Knight Returns...

...gold and silver options also available. 

 

Yamaha returns to form with the new Pre/Power surround behemoth...

...and we are pleased to announce the new Yamaha CX5000/MX5000 combination, now on permanent demonstration at our Manchester store.

Home Cinema Choice magazine recently gave the CX/MX duo "reference status" no mean feat as the previous Yamaha DSP-Z11 held that moniker with many audio visual publications.



Yamaha also utilise the H-frame to strengthen the chassis with a fifth foot to keep everything stable.

The fifth foot, clearly visible below, helps to stabilise the huge transformer which is positioned right above it.

 

 

The MX-5000 power amp with it's top off. As you can see the large toroidal transformer and the high capacity (27000uf) block capacitors are positioned close to the centre. 


Reference standard build quality.

The brushed aluminium side panels look absolutely gorgeous.


You can maintain nightvision via the backlit remote.  


 

Need more info ? Check out the links below.

Audio T

Yamaha UK

Really want the low down on this behemoth, come along to the Manchester store for in depth product advice and a demonstration.

Call or email Munir,Kevin,Dave or Mike to book a slot.


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sony 4K Projector Event Coming to Audio T Manchester.

On Thursday 5th December our Manchester store will be showcasing the brand new Sony VPL-HW500ES. 

We will be hosting an all day event from 9:30am till 5:30pm and we will be demonstrating true 4K footage.

Sony will be bringing along their dedicated 4K media player which is able to show true 4K.

The VPL-VW500ES can show up to 60 frames per second in 4K. It’s the new 4K industry standard and is much higher than the earlier 24p. The result is a smoother image with superior colour and realism.

Drawing on optical technology developed for the VPL-VW1000ES, Sony have achieved both high brightness (1,700 ANSI lumens) and high contrast (200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) in the VPL-VW500ES. So, you’ll see crystal-clear, bright, detail-packed images – even in well-lit rooms.


Now, to add a lot more excitement to what will no doubt, already be a truly cinematic experience , we are introducing the new pre/power Yamaha CX-A5000 & MX-A5000 AV surround amplifier.

This behemouth will power the KEF R Series R900 AV package.

The MX-A5000 discrete structured 11-channel Power Amplifier.

The CX-A5000.  ESS 9016 DACs for all channels including front and rear presence channels.

The ever popular KEF R Series.

We will be hooking up the R900s as the fronts, the R600 center and R800DS and R100s as rears...

...and the KEF R400b will take care of the bass.


Although there is no need to book an appointment, it would be helpful for us know the numbers interested in attending so if you could drop us a line on the info below it would be most helpful.

Thanks.

Munir, Kevin, Dave and Mike.

Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

Jony Ive & Marc Newson love the design of the Rega RP8

18 of the Best Designs of All Time, Picked by Jony Ive and Marc Newson.

And the spectacular Rega RP8 is one of them. Well done Rega.

Wired have posted an article asking Jony Ive (the Apple design guru) and Marc Newson to pick some of their favorite designs.

See the link here.

 

And just a quick reminder, we actually have the amazing Rega RP8 on display and demonstration at the Manchester store.

Please feel free to call in anytime and have a listen.


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

 

Wot No Phase Cap????......

 

Monitor Audio have just updated the ever popular Silver series, now replacing the "RX" moniker with "Silver" as the new model name.

 

As you can see, one of the key changes are the removal of the phase cap. 

Monitor Audio's new drive units use a new rigid surface technology (RST),Ceramic-Coated Aluminum/Magnesium (C-CAM®) drivers, which seem to elimate the need for a phase alignment cap.

 

Our initial reaction to Silver series is very positive. The new drive units sound much more detailed than the RX series.

They also have very quick response times, resulting in sound that is much faster than its predecessors. 

They look great too.

The Silver 1 in gloss black.

The Silver 2 in black.

The Silver series sub in walnut.

We have a range of Monitor Audio Silver Series on demo at our Manchester store including:
Silver 1
Silver 2
Silver 6
Silver 10
Silver Center
Silver Subwoofer
Please feel free  to contact the store and arrange a demonstration.
Audio-T Manchester
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

Focal & Naim Come Together for an Exclusive Offer.

Naim have teamed up with their partners, Focal, to offer customers in the UK a special introductory price on the new Focal Aria 906 and Aria 926 loudspeakers with their award-winning NaimUniti 2 all-in-one player.

Both the floorstanding Aria 926 and the more compact Aria 906 are perfect partners for the NaimUniti 2. Together they can create a simple, stylish music system which will deliver high-end sound quality from your network, digital music sources and CDs.

Focal Aria 926 on the left and the Focal Aria 906 above.

Naim Uniti below was revitalised and relaunched as Naim Uniti 2 in 2012.

With a new 70W integrated amplifier (NaimUniti 50W) the NaimUniti 2 can accommodate a wider range of loudspeakers and fill even larger rooms with the extra power. It also a boasts an entirely new CD player section, with improved tray, clamping mechanism and the new Burr Brown PCM1793 DAC.

The new inverted dome TNF tweeter on the Aria 926 and Aria 906. Check out Focal's spec sheet here.

Flax cones are designed and manufactured in France, from french flax fiber. 

France is the main cultivator in Europe of fiber flax, principally in Flanders, Picardy, Normandy and the Pas-de-Calais region. French flax is considered the best in the world.

Take a look at Focal's website here for more information on this new cutting edge material know as Flax.

Fit and finish from Focal on the Aria range is really quite special considering the price.

That's leather on the front and back!

The mirrored glass top plate completes the high quality finish of the Aria


The following system offers are available for a limited period from Audio T Manchester.

 

System Offer 1                                           

NaimUniti 2                  £2,795                    

Aria 906                       £898 (gloss black)                      

Normal system price     £3,693                    

OFFER PRICE              £2,995                    
 

System Offer 2

NaimUniti 2                  £2,795  

Aria 926                       £1,998 (gloss black)

Normal system price     £4,793

OFFER PRICE              £3,995

 

System Offer 3

NaimUniti 2                  £2,795   

Aria 926                       £1,798 (walnut)

Normal system price     £4,593

OFFER PRICE              £3,795

 

System Offer 4

NaimUniti 2                  £2,795   

Aria 906                       £758 (walnut)

Normal system price     £3,553

OFFER PRICE              £2,855

 

 

Audio-T Manchester
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

Anthem to launch new MRX AV Receivers at Audio T Manchester.

On Thursday 24th October, Anthem will be at Audio T Manchester to showcase their newly released MRX recievers. Anthem's Technical Sales Manager Tom Garrett will be here to answer any questions regarding the new line up of AV receivers.

Using our dedicated AV room, you will get a chance to listen the new MRX710 or MRX510 reciever along with the KEF R Series and if the outgoing Anthem MRX amps are anything to go by the new range should absolutely sing in our demo room. 

 

Enhancements to GEN 2, at a glance.
Superb high-quality amp performance includes Anthem’s Advanced Load
Monitoring to keep a constant eye on output.
ARC 1M, an enhanced version of Anthem Room Correction ensures the
speakers’ award-winning sound isn’t lost in a less-than-perfect room situation.
Outstanding power – 7 channels in MRX 710 and MRX 510;
5 channels in MRX 310 (see Technical Specs section for power output).
More HDMI inputs! 7 + 1 = 7 rear inputs and one front-panel input on
MRX 710 and MRX 510. 7 rear inputs on MRX 310.
Dual HDMI outputs.
4K Upscaling and Pass-Through.
HDMI Audio Return Channel.
Faster HDMI switching.
Up to 20 input configurations.
Software updates via the USB port.
More robust control: IP and RS-232 control drivers for full integration
with automation.
Remote control apps for iOS (Apple) and Android.
Larger, easier-to-read on-screen menus and improved status displays.
Dual speaker configuration.
Speaker crossover now adjustable in 10-Hz Increments.
Optical, coaxial and analog inputs send 2-channel music to Zone 2.
Bi-amp the front Left/Right speakers with MRX 710 and MRX 510.

 

 

The ever popular KEF R Series

Anthem have chosen the KEF R Series as their speaker package of choice.

We are still waiting for the new Anthems to arrive at Manchester so can't wait to listen to them on the 24th October.

Keep your eye on our blog and we will keep you posted on any updates on Anthem's new receivers.

So make note in your diary for the 24th October 2013.

Event timings for the day:

12:00pm to 7:30pm


Audio-T Manchester
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30



 

 

Sennheiser Meets Chromey Meets Orpheus At IFA Berlin.

As we were in the land of Sennheiser, we thought we would pop in for a brew and a bratwurst.

The Sennheiser Momentum-On in Pink. Now matching the new iPhone 5C.

The Sennheiser Momentum-On in Green, also matching the new iPhone 5C.

The Momentums were causing quite a stir amongst the public. With colour being the theme of the day at Sennheiser, the public had a chance to listen to a pair of Momentum-Ons and have their portrait done (in colour) all courtesy of Sennheiser.

Check out the full range of colours here.

Just when we thought we'd seen it all...we spotted this. Yep!! thats a Sennheiser Orpheus HEV90 headphone amp you are looking at below.

This legendary beast is the stuff of folklore as far as headphones amps are concerned. This beauty isn't available anymore but it can still wow the headphone enthusiasts in a crowd.

Cue a series of photos with Chromey and the mighty Orpheus.

A quote from Stereophile magazine "If looks could kill the Orpheus would be deadly" how true. 

Careful Chromey, you know there were only ever 300 Orpheus amps produced back in 1991 and they now change hands for almost twice the original price. 

 

The six visible vacuum tubes covered with shiny tube shields make it look like something out of a Star Wars movie. Well thats what Chromey tells me.


 You can call me Hal.

The red LED pulses gently until the amp reaches optimum running temperature...and then...musical heaven!!


Now just in case you are wondering why there are no headphones visible in these shots, specifically the HE90s,  well thats because they were being used by a gentleman just out of shot and I didn't want to disturb him or use him in the blog without his permission. So maybe the next time we get close to the Orpheus I'll snap some shots for you.

Cue more shots with Chromey and the king of headphone amps.


 


Just to to let you know, we are a Club Orpheus dealer and we have the latest Sennheiser HD800, HD700 and the HDVD800 headphone amp on demonstration at our Manchester store.

Now, the delectable Orpheus may have been the king of old but theres a new master in town.

The Sennheiser HDVD 800. Always on, and ready to dem at our Manchester store.


Thanks for stopping by.

Munir

Contact us on 0161 8398869 to book a demonstration.

We Just Couldn't Wait For Yamaha's New High End CX-A5000 | MX-A5000 To Arrive In Manchester...

...so we headed out to Yamaha's stand at IFA Berlin to take a look for ourselves...

...and we were very impressed. 

 

The MX-A5000 discrete structured 11-channel Power Amplifier.

 

In addition to 11.2 channel output and 5 channel Bi-Amping other configurations are possible.

The CX-A5000.  ESS 9016 DAC for all channels including front and rear presence channels

I wouldn't stand there if I were you Chromey!!

We are expecting our CX-A5000 and MX-A5000 to arrive shortly, expect a follow up blog after we've put it through its paces in our very own dem room.

Watch this space.

Audio T Manchester.

Tel:  0161 8398869

Thanks.

Dave, Munir, Kevin and Mike

Audio T & Sony Go To IFA Berlin.

As many of you may already know, one of the worlds largest consumer electronics shows took place in Berlin,Germany. Sony very kindly offered to take myself (Munir) and Gavin from our Manchester and Preston stores to the Sony stand at IFA Berlin.

We were shown a range of high end hifi products from Sony's now legendary ES range and the latest 4K home cinema projectors and TV's from Sony.

Here's a quick diary of our day at the show.

We arrived at Hall 4.2 on Monday morning at 9.30am... 

...and were promptly whisked away to the inner sanctum. 

Eric Kingdon from Sony UK was on hand to give us a brief overview of the upcoming delights from Sony.

Starting with reference speakers from Sony.

The SS-NA2ES from Sony use custom designed drive units made by Scan-Speak.

Sony's innovative I-Array tweeter system.

Superlative design and cracking build quality is used in the cabinet design.

Thats birch ply-wood. 

The baffle on the SS-NA2ES cabinet is made of Scandinavian birch ply-wood.

The new range of ES Hifi streaming products certainly caught our attention.

The HAP-Z1ES – HDD Audio Player and the TA-A1ES 2 channel amplifier.

The TA-A1ES is the first 2-channel analogue amp Sony has developed since the TA-FA777ES, 14 years ago.

The decision was taken to create an analogue 2-channel separate amp (not digital) in order to provide the best sound quality possible.

Here's a quick rundown on the specifications

Push-pull type amplifier

Speaker output – 80w + 80w (1 system)

Equipped with discreet headphone amp (impedance selectable)

Lo: 8Ω and Mid:150Ω 500mW + 500mW

Hi: 3 00Ω 250mW + 250mW

Size: 430 x 420 x 115mm

Weight 17Kg

I quite like the size of those binding posts, easily accommodating chunky speaker cable like the Chord Epic or Chord Sarum.

All controlled from a beautifully sleek remote.

The HAP-Z1ES from Sony has a range of extra features which establish the device as the highest quality audio player made by Sony.

Music that is stored on a PC can be copied over the network onto the integrated 1TB HDD (this HDD is expandable via a USB socket on the back of the product). It can be controlled with a free app for Android or iOS.

The HAP-Z1ES includes the unique Sony technology ‘DSD Re-mastering Engine’ this technology upscales all standard music files (MP3, AAC, WMV) into DSD files. This results in stunning Hi-Res Audio quality from your entire music collection.

It includes a digital-to-analogue converter (analogue FIR filter) to reduce high frequency noise in DSD signals. FIR filters are ideal for D/A conversion of DSD signals.

The Sony HAP-S1 all in one network player seems to tick all the right boxes.

With ES build quality thrown in, this product could seriously mix it up with other high end brands.

Here's a quick overview of the specs.

Built-in 40W x 2 Analogue Amplifier

High Quality D/A Converter

Will playback,DSD (DSF, DSDIFF), LPCM(WAV,AIFF), FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless, ATRAC, MP3, AAC, WMA music file decode

“HAP music transfer” free app (Win/Mac)

Built-in WiFi

Built-in 500GB HDD (expandable via USB port at rear of product)

vTuner

Opt in x1, Coax in x1, Analogue RCA in x 2

RCA analogue out x1, Headphone x1

Ethernet x1

“HDD Audio Remote” free App (Android/iOS)

And now into the wonderful world of 4K. 

The amazing 4K 84 inch  KD-84X9005.

The new FDR-AX1 4K Handycam. This'll make your home videos look spectacular.

Yep...that's a curved screen. Quite clever actually. Looks like the bods at Sony have been working overtime.

We all know how good Sony's video projectors are, so you can image our anticipation at seeing one projecting in 4K.   

The all new Sony 4K VW500. 

Sony had a projection room set up for visitors to pop in to and take a peek at 4K projection, I kid you not, it was spectacular!!

The VPL-VW500ES can show up to 60 frames per second in 4K. It’s the new 4K industry 

standard and is much higher than the earlier 24p. The result is a smoother image with superior colour and realism.

Drawing on optical technology developed for the VPL-VW1000ES, Sony have achieved both high brightness (1,700 ANSI lumens) and high contrast (200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) in the VPL-VW500ES. So, you’ll see crystal-clear, bright, detail-packed images – even in well-lit rooms.

You'll go blind standing there Chromey!!

At Audio-T Manchester, we plan to demonstrate the Sony VPL-VW500 ES at some point before the end of the year. We are hoping to get our hands on a VPL-VW500ES and make a day of it. Keep an eye on our blogs for any updates. 

The Sony portable audio area.

Sony also wanted to show off the new portable linear PCM audio recorder, which can also read Hi-Res DSD files.

It looks like a pretty serious piece of kit. I want one!!

Our last stop came at the home cinema area where Sony were showing off  the worlds slimmest Sound Bar?

As you can see the claim is real but does it sound any good.

Sony invited us to the dealer area again, away from the crowds and let us listen to the new HT-ST3 sound bar in a quieter room.

It's in the picture below, just in front of the TV, priced at £599.95

It's as good many other sound bars on the market...

...but with one exception. Look how slim it is!! It's shorter than Chromey.

Even Chromey was feeling quite smug. He looks positively gargantuan compared to the HT-ST3.

Ok little guy...ahem! big guy. It's time to go..

As we were leaving, even the staff on Sony stand had to say goodbye to Chromey.

Auf Wiedersehen fair lady.

Right then Chromey!! Your chariot awaits you, and British built as well. You can drive.

I need a nap!!!

Pictures and some of the words by Munir.

Contact details for Audio T Manchester.

email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk

Tel: 0161 8398869

Vinyl Roadshow returns to Manchester........

 

On Saturday 12th October Audio T Manchester will be holding a record store day. Diverse Vinyl will be setting up a record shop right here on our shop floor, giving you the chance to browse through a selection of some of the best 180 gram pressings available and re-issues of classic vinyl as well as a cross section of the rest of their stock. There will also be records available on Diverse Vinyl's own label, Diverse Records.


Rega Research will be here to help and advise you on turntables and to show off the amazing RP8 turntable with the incredible Osiris amplifier. Rega will also be bringing along a pair of RS10 speakers. The Chord Company will supply all the cable needed to connect everything together and will also advise on correct set up using their cables and demonstrate the difference between interconnects.  

 We can also carry out a free health check on your  turntable and offer 10% discount on parts *

*depending on demand, you may have to leave your turntable with us for a few days.

 


See contact list below.

Audio-T Manchester

Diverse Vinyl

Diverse Records

Rega Research

The Chord Company

Alternatively you can contact Dave,Munir, Mike or Kev at the store on 0161 8398869

Treat Yourself To Some R&R with KEF Reference and Rega Reference.

Jonathan from KEF has very kindly loaned Audio T Manchester a pair of KEF Reference 203/2.

Connected to our Rega Reference CD system the 203/2s are sounding exceptional.

Finished in glorious Racing Red using a special piano lacquering technique the KEF 203s do look stunning

Even the binding posts, although out of sight, are impeccably engineered.

The KEF 203s even come with their own luxurious accessory case. Tasty.

Attention to detail is as expected from Reference quality products. 

Remember you can't miss them, there right in front of you as you walk in the front door, just feel free to call in to Audio T Manchester for a demonstration...

..and if you're lucky, you may even spot our Chromey lurking in the shadows.....

Just don't step on the little guy !

 Call Audio T Manchester  on 0161 8398869 for a demonstration.

Dave, Munir, Kevin and Mike will be there to help.

In the meantime here are a few links to whet the appetite.

KEF Website

The Absolute Sound

Ultra Audio

Don't you step on my blue suede.......Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear headphones.

The all new Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear in blue.

 

Blue Alacantara (suede) adornes the headband... 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....and is also used on the cushions for extreme comfort.

As usual from Sennheiser fit and finish is second to none. 

The adjustable headband makes it easy to slide the headphone into a comfortable listening position.

As with most high end Sennheiser headphones the cable is replaceable, should you break or lose it.

So far the consensus is positive with a Freakscore 9.5 out of 10.  

Techdigest have also given the Momentum On-Ears a glowing review.

With a range of colours available, anybody can pick a style to please. 

Remember all the colours are available through our website or you can pop into our Manchester store to take a look for yourself and ask for a demonstration.

Theres also a great little video from Sennheiser promoting the Momentum headphones. 

https://vimeo.com/sennheiserelectronic/momentum-on-ear-headphones

 

Just call in ask Munir, Dave, Mike or Kevin for any help.

See you soon..