Dynaudio, Marantz and Bluesound take over Audio T Oxford

Sadly, due to the Omicron variant, there will be no Bristol Hi-Fi show this year. Instead, Audio T will be running a series of branch based shows hosting some of our favourite brands.

Here at Audio T Oxford, we will have offerings from Marantz, Dynaudio and Bluesound. These will be shown in our demonstration room and on the shop floor; over both the 25th and 26th February.

What you can expect here in Oxford

Firstly, one lucky visitor will receive an amazing prize of a Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless speaker, worth £699! So how you do you win? Simply come along and join us! We’ll also have a host of exclusive promotions and discounts on almost all products in store.

Demonstration room

Marantz flagship SACD player, and arguably the best one box CD player money can buy; the SA10.

Marantz Model 30 amplifier. This gorgeous integrated amplifier sits near the summit of what Marantz can offer.

Dynaudio Contour 30i speakers. Reassuringly expensive and absolutely fabulous sounding loudspeakers, that are of a manageable size for most UK rooms.

Shop floor

Marantz SACD 30 SACD player: Using trickle down technology from Marantz’s flagship SA10. This state of the art SACD player also allows for streaming connectivity.

Following on, from the luxurious Model 30; we will have the first public viewing of the Marantz Model 40n streaming amplifier. This brand new, just attach speakers amplifier has all the connectivity that you could possibly wish for, including multiple streaming sources, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, ARC and a moving magnet phono stage.

Dynaudio Contour 20i speakers. Everything that you could possibly hope to expect from a premium loudspeaker, in a compact box.

Also on the shop floor, we will have the versatile range of streaming products from Bluesound:

Bluesound streaming products are easy to use, have a great App, but most importantly, sound fantastic!

Bluesound Node streamer.
Bluesound Powernode streaming amplifier.
Bluesound Vault 2i ripper/ streamer.
Dynaudio Emit 10 speakers

Be sure to Contact us to book your FREE appointment. We look forward to seeing you in store.

Thank you for reading.

Andrew and Jon - Audio T Oxford. 

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

---

Dynaudio can be found at the following Audio T stores -

BRIGHTON

BRISTOL

CHELTENHAM

ENFIELD

MANCHESTER

OXFORD

READING

SOUTHAMPTON

SWANSEA

SWINDON

---

Marantz and Bluesound can be found at the following Audio T stores -

BRIGHTON

BRISTOL

CARDIFF

CHELTENHAM

ENFIELD

MANCHESTER

OXFORD

PORTSMOUTH

READING

SOUTHAMPTON

SWANSEA

SWINDON

---

Bass Culture - REL’s formidable S/510 S Series Subwoofer

Many a Home Cinema fan will remember adding a first subwoofer to their burgeoning system to discover that even a first-step, wallet-friendly subwoofer, surprises it's new owner; bringing so much of the presence, attack, and drama, that the full range of surrounds, couldn't quite achieve on their own. A subwoofer is key to experiencing the depth and the impact, inherent in any good movie soundtrack and essential if you're watching the next all-conquering blockbuster. While we all naturally assume the primary role of a sub’ is as a home cinema essential, what never ceases to surprise are the benefits that the right subwoofer can bring in transforming a two channel system, and when we say the right sub', we don't just mean a REL, but a REL equipped with the Hi-Level connection.

The REL S - 510

Originally designed by Richard E Lord (hence REL) for two channel application, in order to improve the frequency response, which even the largest floor-standing speakers couldn’t quite manage. The use of a subwoofer equipped with a Hi-Level connection delivers benefits for both music and movies, delving deeper into the bass frequencies that the main speakers cannot resolve, but just as importantly drawing out fine detail, buried in the mix and smoothing the upper frequencies too. The right REL sub really does bring tangible benefits. 

If you are an avid reader of our Blogs, the subject of REL subwoofers are a familiar topic. If you would like a clearer understanding of the concept of REL's Hi-Level, then my colleague Stefan's (Audio T Swindon) T-Series blog is valuable additional reading - Read it Here

Whilst Stefan's previous Blog post was focused on the T-Series range, our focus is on a range above and specifically the  Rel S/510. This was used to fantastic effect when Rob Hunt, REL's Managing Director, paid us a visit for a superb event just before Christmas. We focused on the benefits to be brought to a two channel system. We demonstrated the S/510 in conjunction with the Carbon Special, ostensibly to illustrate the benefits that pressurising a room with two subwoofers can have, but also because Rob brought it with him and it is a true beast of sub'!

For the event we generously partnered the S/510 with the Naim's ND 555 (with just the one 555 PS)! An evergreen favourite, the Naim Supernait 3 and a recent addition to Oxford profile, Spendor's superb Classic 2/3. This is very much in the mould of the BBC monitors of old, but with recently developed and improved drive-unit materials, coupled with a traditionally thin-walled cabinet. These carefully developed improvements have proved to make a classic, that is in every sense, even more accomplished. There is pace and delicacy in equal measure, holographic soundstage and fine detail is clearly presented, without ever sounding bright. The 2/3’s quoted frequency range is 35hz to 25khz. Yet even with such comprehensive specifications, the benefits of adding the S/510 are obvious. 

The S-510 was launched almost two years ago and has been a favourite of ours at Audio T Oxford since it arrived with us. A big step forward over the previous iteration, the S/510 is powered by a 500 watt amplifier, driving a 10" active driver, which in turn is partnered with a 12" passive radiator. The brief, Rob explained, was simple; a stronger bass output between 20 - 35hz. There is no question, that this design goal has been met and that the Rel S/510 delivers!

I have included a screen-capture above of Rob's carefully selected playlist, covered are a wide range of genres; from perennial favourites, Simon and Garfunkel's “The Sound of Silence”, to a gravel-toned cover of the same. Some beat heavy and some more esoteric electronica were also added to the mix, forging through to some beautifully composed and recorded piano music. Even Brit Pop stalwart Noel Gallagher made an appearance with some rock tinged throaty singing.

With every track the S/510 delivered the bass extension that you would expect, coupled with greater separation, clean and clear treble and a richer mid-range. Adding the S/510 confers a genuine refinement to the sound that your speakers can deliver. Nils Frahm's piano appeared to have been struck with a greater force and intensity and the decay was much more natural. The harmonies on the “Sound of Silence” were more distinct, seemingly sweeter, with the vocal pushed further forward into the mix, allowing you to listen with greater focus on the voices. The complexities within a track’s composition where more clearly exposed and, as you would expect, the bass was sumptuous.

It never ceases to amaze how much of an improvement a REL can make and with the enormous benefits that Hi-Level brings, a  REL S, or T Series subwoofer is a fantastic way to improve your whole system.

We have the outstanding S/510 available for demonstration (along with the T series range) at the Oxford store and we would be very pleased to show you what adding a REL with Hi-Level can do for your Hi-Fi or Home Cinema.

Thank you for reading.

Andrew and Jon - Audio T Oxford. 

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

REL can be found at the following Audio T stores

• BRIGHTON

• BRISTOL

• CHELTENHAM

• ENFIELD

• MANCHESTER

• OXFORD

• PORTSMOUTH

• SOUTHAMPTON

• SWANSEA

• SWINDON

• ONLINE STORE

• READING

THE LATEST FROM BLUESOUND - THE NODE 3

The Bluesound Node, a staple of any good Hi-Fi shop and show floor, has recently had an upgrade. With the little streamer being of respectfully high quality already we were curious to see whether the promise of a new DAC and processor really made enough difference to justify the latest iteration of an award winning streamer.

The Specification

Upgrading from the 1GHz ARM CORTEX A9 processor to the new Quad-core 1.8GHz ARM CORTEX A53 processor, Bluesound promised a smoother experience while streaming, allowing the overall experience to be uninterrupted, even when listening to the highest quality audio. Speaking of high quality audio, the DAC has gone from 32-bit - 192kHz to 32-bit - 384kHz, to allow for fully unfolded MQA audio (Master Quality Authenticated). Another feature of the new Node is the inclusion of an eArc slot, allowing for easy connection to a TV, something we feel is is always a welcome addition.

A touch screen panel has replaced the five button interface on the top, which allows for quick access to 5 preset options that can be linked to things like radio stations or playlists, a volume slider, a play/pause button and a network connection indicator light. A small quality of life change that I highly appreciate is how the ethernet port does not flash when a cable is plugged into it, as it did on the Node 2i, so there is no longer an annoying orange light flickering away in the background to distract me.

But the big question is…

Does it sound better? In short, yes! My personal setup is not ideal. Like many homes, the room is small and square, but it is easy to tell when something in the sound changes, as my distance from the speakers can only be described as intimate. Hooked up to a Yamaha amplifier I inherited a number of years ago, and a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 10’s, I listened to songs I knew well and knew how they sounded in my room, Petals by Tops, Cool for a Second by Yumi Zouma and Les yeux ouverts by Enzo Enzo to name but a few.

Canadian indie rock band, tops

When playing Petals on the old Node 2i, the bass guitar ran the risk of becoming almost too overpowering if the volume was cranked up to an enjoyably loud level. However, I didn’t experience this issue with this new and improved Node 3. The jazzy, finger style bass becomes more controlled and instantly fits in with the rest of the mix as a whole, rather than a competitive solo instrument.

Whenever I’m in the mood and feel like transporting myself to some French jazz bar, I like to put on a bit of Enzo Enzo. The new Node 3 helped me do that perfectly. The sound stage and positioning I found during her rendition of Les yeux Ouverts makes the performance feel incredibly natural, as if you’re right in front of the stage. This is in no small part to the exceptional production of this track. To be fair, the listening experience with this track wasn’t too dissimilar on my old Node 2i, but I did find that songs that aren’t MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) are enhanced to new levels by the Node 3’s new and improved engineering.

Yumi Zouma’s, Cool for a Second, was able to fully showcase its chilled-out, clean, dream pop production without any restrictions thanks to the Node 3’s MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) unfolding technology. The New Zealand, alternative Pop quartet are a fantastic band to listen to when determining the clarity of a system due to their beautiful compositions of subtle synths and real instrumentation. Definitely one to check out.

BluOS Controller App

The BluOS controller interface is one of the easier applications to use from the plethora of options available in the industry. It is considered to be so sturdy that other manufacturers have taken to use it with their own products, such as as the brand new Roksan Attessa. This means you can actually use devices from different manufacturers in one complete multi-room system. Very clever!

As with many other apps, it gives you access to any drives of saved music libraries you may have, as well as a good selection of streaming services such as Qobuz and Tidal, meaning you’ll never be short on choice for what you can listen to.

In Conclusion

At its price point, the Node 2i was considered to be one of the best streamers you could buy. I think it’s safe to say that the Node 3 will continue that trend by doing everything that the Node 2i did so well, but better, and with several improvements on top of that. If you take all of this in to consideration, it really is a justified upgrade.

Please feel free to Contact Us to schedule a demonstration either in store or at home.

Andrew, Jon and Luke - Audio T Oxford

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Bluesound can be found at the following Audio-T stores

• BRIGHTON

• MANCHESTER

• ONLINE STORE

• PORTSMOUTH

• SWANSEA

• SWINDON

DYNAUDIO EMIT 10 - A REVAMP ON A FIRM FAVOURITE

Dynaudio speakers have been a popular choice at our Oxford branch. So much so, that each member of the team have, at some point, owned a pair whilst on our Hi-Fi journey. So, as I’m sure you’ll understand, we were very excited when Dynaudio announced the latest addition to their range.

The replacement for the very recently discontinued Emits, Dynaudio's entry level speaker range, were announced just a few weeks ago, so it was a genuine surprise to receive (quite unexpectedly and so quickly) our brand new demonstration pairs of the new Emit 10 stand-mounts and Emit 30 floor-standing speakers, late last Friday afternoon. The Emit 10s, the focus of this blog, are priced at around £630* a pair and are available in the standard Satin Black or White, but also a more contemporary Walnut Wood finish. Both the Black Satin finish and the Walnut Wood have a beautifully machined and finished, matt black front baffle with the white baffle naturally being white - as you might expect!  

Our demo set arrived in the Black Satin finish and as with the stylish front baffle, the vinyl wrap has been applied with care and attention to detail. The fit and finish is exemplary and under the right light, the black wrap shimmers, yet to the touch it is clear this is a robust finish. The first impression is one of a carefully designed and well made product, there is a real sense of perceived value with this new iteration. Despite being the entry point to the extensive Dynaudio range, the new Emit range also offer a significant step up over the outgoing models; and this is no small feat as the original range were multiple award winners, and a long term favourite to us here at Oxford. Whilst the outgoing Emit M10 were a serious bargain for just around £500, these replacements are a definite step over and above, and for such a small price increase, a genuinely delightful surprise.

Both drive-units have been significantly improved, with the mid-range/bass Driver utilising a double-stacked magnet assembly which delivers stronger mid-range performance with improved dynamics as well as a significantly deeper bass response than the specs imply, or that should be realistically expected from a speaker at this price point; particularly from such a diminutive cabinet. But that is not the best of the improvements Dynaudio has undertaken with this new range. The new Emits sport the Cerotar tweeter which was developed for the Evoke range, the next step up the Dynaudio ladder, delivering much more refinement and fine detail.

As it was a Friday afternoon, any distraction is a welcome one and as this was an unexpected delivery, we didn’t need too much persuasion to dispense with the admin and we didn't wait for a second to unpack the Emit 10s. As we had a suitable set-up left over from our opening demo of the day, they were quickly slotted in to a novel system, comprising the new Bluesound Node as source, a Quad QC24 Pre-Amp and the Quad Artera Stereo, a potent power amplifier with more than enough juice to control the Emit 10. With just a few moments allocated to the set-up, we went headlong into a good hour of listening and cutting straight to the chase, what a speaker. Straight out of the box and the sound was beyond impressive, particularly when we reminded ourselves of the cost. I've already alluded to the surprising bass response but these new Emit 10 speakers image well, expose fine detail and with that Cerotar tweeter in effect, they deliver a warm yet sonorous vocal regardless of the track that was chosen. Naturally the Quad Pre and Power aren't really price commensurate, and are less likely to be partnered with these speakers. So we thought we would try something much more appropriate and slotted in the ever-popular Rega Brio, a far more natural partnership and one that I think may well be frequently paired with the new Dynaudio in the future. Any reduction in performance was far from obvious. Maybe a slightly reduced stereo image, but no less sparkle to the performance and the bass was still as present and as apparently impressive as before the change. However, closing time caught up with us quicker than we had anticipated and while these new Emit 10 speakers were proving to be a serious distraction! It was time to close for the day so we set the Node to a random radio station - a junglist heaven of some description - and gave the Emit 10s a 16 hour run-in overnight.

Arriving the following morning, even before we had made the tea, we sat down again for a further listen, and as you might expect, the Emit 10 demonstrated they are capable of doing more of everything they had indicated they could the day before. Same full bass but with a more relaxed mid-range and a clearer and smoother top-end. I have no doubt that these speakers will just keep getting better and better once they’ve exceeded the average run-in time of 30 plus hours. I've got a sneaking suspicion these new Emits will be a very popular range, bringing a level of performance and refinement you rarely find at this price point.

While we have concentrated on the Emit 10s, very much in the context of a stereo set-up, the new Emit range comprises of five speakers with as much focus on home-cinema as stereo application. This new Emit range comprises five speakers with dedicated centre speaker, the Emit 25 Centre, a larger stand-mount, the Emit 20 and two floor-standing models. The Emit 30, a slim floor-standing speaker and the larger Emit 50. If these are even half as good as our first impressions of the 10s, this will be a range of speakers absolutely worthy of auditioning.

We now have the Emit 10s on permanent demonstration at the Oxford branch. And as I mentioned at the beginning of the blog-post, the Emit 10 were also delivered with our demo pair of the smaller floorstanders, the Emit 30.

Please feel free Contact Us to schedule a demonstration either in store or at home.

Andrew, Jon and Luke Audio T Oxford

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Dynaudio can be found at the following Audio-T stores

• BRIGHTON

• BRISTOL

• CHELTENHAM

• MANCHESTER

• ONLINE STORE

• OXFORD

• PORTSMOUTH

• READING

• SOUTHAMPTON

• SWANSEA

• SWINDON

(*Please Note: Any prices mentioned are subject to change)

The Marantz SA12 Special Edition SACD Player with a very special DAC.

As fringe benefits go, its tenuous at best to suggest that the lack of customer demonstrations during this lockdown has allowed us to be a little more than indulgent when borrowing our branch stock, but if there is a silver-lining to our current situation, then this must be it!

Currently I’m using a Bluesound Node 2i in my system at home, which is a superb product in every way. It offers an exceptional interface with the BluOS - operating system - and a very capable DAC, that is even more impressive when you figure in a price of around just £500; simply put the whole package makes streaming a joy.

Having had a Bluesound Node 2i in my system at home for nearly two years, I haven't been able to resist the temptation to try and improve the performance of my principal source component and as the operating system is such a joy to use, upgrading the DAC was the obvious step. I have only tried a couple of alternatives in the past. Naturally the Chord Qutest was my first thought, and, as you would expect, the improvement is a definite step forward. A worthy audition if you are considering a DAC upgrade yourself. The other DAC I tried was the Audio Note DAC 0.1x which offers a valve infused output stage. I must admit that this was the immediate appeal, as it was clear the Audio Note would offer a very different flavour. In comparison the Node 2i has a crisp and dynamic delivery and without being side tracked too much, the upper register was beautifully realised, with a clean and transparent vocal and a beautifully realistic appraisal of the instruments, even if the Audio Note is restricted to decoding at only Red-Book standards. Both DAC's offered something worthwhile, but news of what really read like a whole new concept in DAC technology has been to difficult to resist and so I did a little bit of lobbying to arrange an early demonstration unit when the SA12 Special Edition came to our shores. The amplifier the PM12 Special Edition and SA12 player were Japanese only models initially.

The upper echelon of the Marantz range are always an exciting proposition. Build quality is always exceptional, the fit and finish equally so and a little look under the hood shows the plethora of lessons learnt from the design of products past, with those lessons rigorously re-applied to ensure the best sound possible. As indicated earlier, my principle interest in the SA12 Special Edition, was the "fancy" DAC, and I will mention more of my thoughts in a few moments. As a CD player, naturally with the capacity to play Super Audio CD’s, you will see much more than faint echoes of the range topping SA10, that priced at £6000; which is literally double the price of the SA12. While the SA12 can't offer you the exacting copper casework specified for SA10, or benefits such as balanced XLR outputs, the execution is very similar. The DAC architecture is based on the same concept, and while component parts will differ and the output stages may as well, think of the SA12 as the baby brother to a masterpiece. No where is this quality more obviously illustrated than the CD mechanism. It is smooth and assured, making barely a sound as it opens and closes, the surest sign of the attention that has been lavished on this premium disc-spinner. "It's got a great action" and you would absolutely be forgiven for marvelling at the mechanism, even if you’re not planning on using the transport; just as I secretly might have done!

Build quality aside, the DAC is a key element of the SA12 Special Edition and it offers a useful range of digital connections for use with other components, with Coax and Optical inputs, for use with a streamer, and an asynchronous USB-B, when using a laptop or PC. Technically, the DAC is a powerhouse with the USB-B connection capable of decoding PCM and DXD file formats up to 32bit/384kHz, with DSD2.8MHz, DSD 5.6MHz and DSD11.2MHz. The Coax and Optical connections will support files of up to 24bit/192KHz - "Hi-Res" - and this is how I have enjoyed the SA12, via a Chord Clearway Digital coax’ cable from my Nod,e with the digital filter set on filter two, (of two), which has a sharper roll-off and appears ever so slightly more dynamic to my ear. As I have indicated the DAC in this case is something new, taking the digital data from say, a disc and, forgive me for removing a couple of steps in the process to save the column inches, converting from PCM to a DSD style bitstream. This new development in DAC technology is known as Marantz Musical Mastering, or MMM for ease. It has also been referred to as the "DAC that's not a DAC", by one of the principal architects of this radical design. The finer details are still "patent pending", so a more detailed explanation isn't possible, but what I can say is that when it comes to listening, this is a special experience.

There is no escaping the fact that the DAC in the Node 2i is exceptional, and not just for the price point, however, the addition of the SA12 decoding a Tidal stream has been nothing short of superb. To describe the sound in my system leads me to an almost contradictory conclusion, a warmth, very reminiscent of the Marantz sound signature as many understand it to be, yet with a real sense of power and control, which is almost, conversely clean and certainly clear. All the fine detail is clear to hear, vocals are sweet, they are further forward in the mix and the sound-stage, and instrument placement, are very precise. There is a cohesion and warmth, making for a transparent and detailed, easy listen! The bass delivery is rich and warm, as you would expect without ever being woolly and uncontrolled. This is not a one note presentation, even if it is best described as warm, bass tones are easy to discriminate and yet the pace is ever-present and what you have here is tonally rich, never dry and never missing the emotion. Ultimately it makes a piece of music a performance, a real event and yet the player still manages to offer a lovely easy listen with no long-term fatigue. When I am at home now, the stereo is on all day and I stop to sit down and listen properly, much more frequently, a testament to the benefits that a superior source component can do in any system, it's just a shame that as we will be reopening very shortly, the SA12 will have to vacate it’s slot on my rack. It will be missed!

As an aside, while I haven't had call to try the SACD replay with the SA12, I have played several standard CD's and the performance is just as positive an experience as when streaming. The SA12 offers something rather special and is available to hear at the Oxford branch, but equally if you are looking for a top class Integrated amplifier, the matching PM12 Special Edition is just as accomplished. Featuring some very potent Hypex amplifier modules, that have been thoroughly fettled by the Marantz engineering team, both would be worthwhile demonstrations, they are a winning combination.

Thanks for reading. Best wishes and stay safe as the world slowly returns to normal.

Andrew, Jon and Luke - Audio T Oxford

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Marantz can be found at the following Audio-T stores

• BRIGHTON

• BRISTOL

• CARDIFF

• CHELTENHAM

• ENFIELD

• MANCHESTER

• OXFORD

• PORTSMOUTH

• SOUTHAMPTON

• SWANSEA

• SWINDON

INSPIRED RETRO VIBES WITH A POWERFUL DIGITAL HEART - MARANTZ MODEL 30

In the new Marantz Model 30 series there are two models - an Integrated Amplifier which is the focus of this blog entry and the matching SACD30N CD player, which offers SACD and CD playback as well as access to to a very capable DAC and integrated networking with the inclusion of the HEOS streaming platform.

For these two new models, the Marantz design team have have taken a fairly radical departure from the familiar family casework, delving deep into the Marantz archive for design cues that draw upon an incredible history dating back to the 1950s. On first sight I was honestly smitten with this new aesthetic and the perfectly balanced mix of retro and contemporary, that is sure to make this range future objects of desire; with design cues from the original Model 25 and 28. The clean front panel has clearly been carefully considered and the fit and finish is exactly as you would expect from Marantz at this price point, absolutely exemplary. In fact every element has an air of quality about it, from the crystal clear porthole display through to the carefully weighted controls on the front panel. The volume pot offers just enough resistance and the input selector feeds back with each turn, not only by an audible indication that another input has been selected, but by a very precise step that you can clearly feel; and this attention to detail communicates a sense of the special. There is no doubt that this is a premium product.

While features are slim, there is no internal DAC, only five line level inputs, a pre-amp out and power amp in, there is a comprehensive specified Phono Stage with separate Moving Magnet and Moving Coil circuits. The latter offers three settings to accommodate the variable output levels of MC cartridges.

The Pre-amp is powered by a traditional toroidal power supply but the power amplifiers are digital and while I haven't been able to officially confirm, rumour has it that they may well be Hypex modules that the design team have worked a little Marantz magic with to deliver the sound desired. Although I can't definitively confirm that to be the case, despite assurances from my source, I can be more sure of the specs that these digital amplifiers bring to bear, outputting 100w into 8 Ohms and absolutely doubling to 200w into 4 Ohms.

For any in store demonstration, I always think it's best for our customers to be armed with their absolute favourite tracks to really help mark the differences between systems as they refine their choices. Likewise, I started with a few of my favourites and heard much of what I would expect, a familiar percussive rhythm pattern and the sweet, smoothly delivered vocal on Emiliana Torrini's Tookah. The crisp and precise triangle that marks the shift from chorus to verse in Tori Amos' Trouble's Lament, very much as expected, a full-bodied rendition of both tracks. But what was apparent, even minutes in to this listen session is just how engaging the Model 30 integrated amplifier is.

Starting a proper assessment of any component requires a patient listening ear, especially with a Blog post, but I found I was almost immediately distracted by the engaging delivery and was just far more interested in listening; and this is honestly how I spent a very enjoyable weekend.

As a good example, the piano on Trouble's Lament is a beautifully recorded and realised piece that is not lost in the many elements that make up this track. With the Model 30 in play the vocal performance was crystal clear, full of inflection and further forward in the mix than I can recall hearing recently. So, rather than listening to my go-to tracks and looking to analyse a performance I found myself ploughing through Tidal's catalogue and not just listening to the selected track but invariably a whole album.  The more time I spent joyfully listening to the Model 30 amp the more apparent its strengths became.

Clearly this is a powerful amplifier but it has the capacity to get the emotional nub of a track, it conveys the delicacy, the subtlety of Barber's Adagio and hammers out Squarepusher's Numbers Lucent with all of the texture intact and absolutely no loss of pace. There's also detail aplenty and this amp is very adept at drawing it out, even when faintly recorded and residing in the background, but it never does so at the expense of the presentation, the delivery is always coherent, dynamic and full of emotion. This amp digs deep with bass realised in spades when its present in the recording, and if your speakers are similarly talented, you are in for a fine time. This is a fantastic amplifier, powerful and controlled and able to delve in to the heart of a song and offer up the emotional core.

I would wholeheartedly recommended an audition of the Model 30 if you are in the market for a new amplifier. Both items are available for demo, just be sure to call your closest branch to arrange a genuinely rewarding experience.

Andrew, Jon, Luke and Adrian - Audio T Oxford

Be sure to keep up with all that is going on at Audio T Oxford by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Marantz can be found at the following Audio-T stores

• BRIGHTON

• BRISTOL

• CARDIFF

• CHELTENHAM

• ENFIELD

• MANCHESTER

• OXFORD

• PORTSMOUTH

• SOUTHAMPTON

• SWANSEA

• SWINDON

The Brand New Denon AVC-X 4700H - See What the latest AV Amplifier has to offer!

Here is the new Denon AVC-X 4700H, which offers a 9.2 200w per channel setup and gives you access to Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced audio and 8K/60Hz 4K/120Hz visuals. HDMI 2.1 is also supported on one input. With a total of 7 hdmi inputs it is more than capable of supporting a larger setup of blu-ray players, games consoles and TV boxes. Dynamic HDR, HDR10+ and eArc mean you will get the excellent picture quality you want in order to enjoy the films you watch and the games you play. 

Accessibility from a phone or tablet is easy and vast, with the inbuilt HEOS allowing you to stream high quality audio from services like Tidal or Amazon Prime Music. Airplay2 is a welcome feature for any Apple user, plus the 4700H is Roon tested and is compatible with Bluetooth. For the analogue music lovers the Denon has a phono input, a tuner input and 5 other assignable analogue inputs. Audyssey, helpful if you have a room with a less than ideal arrangement, works well and can help improve the sound quality when used correctly. The 4700H is also voice assistant compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, so no matter which one you use the Denon will have you covered.

The design of the front panel is sleek and minimalistic, with just the input selection, volume, power button and screen visible. There are some quick select options, including USB and a headphone jack, hidden behind a front panel for easy navigation, for those times when you can’t seem to find the remote. The unit itself is solid and feels well built, but is a little lighter compared to other AV amplifiers, making installation and any future rearrangement a bit easier on the lower back.    

Denon has a long history in Hi-fi dating back over a century, they pride themselves on the quality of their work, this shows in how their products improve year after year. They are usually among the first to implement new technology, as shown by the addition of 8k to their newest range of AV amplifiers, and having it work seamlessly straight out of the box. 

The setup step by step guide is very helpful and straight forward and walks you through every aspect, even including how to strip the speaker cable. This makes it accessible to newcomers starting their very first home cinema. Speaker configuration, distances and levels are quick and easy to set, so you can be sure you get the best sound from all your speakers. Pretty much everything is customisable, from how bright the front display is, the names of each of the inputs, to the EQ of the speakers. 

Listening to Tidal through the Heos app was not only simple but it also sounded really good. Without the need to drive a centre or surround speakers the 4700H becomes a very powerful stereo amp, capable of driving even some less than forgiving speakers. With a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 30’s attached, the price difference being a concern, I was expecting a sound that was lacking in cohesion and range, but I was delighted to hear that Solange’s ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ had clear, melodic vocals and an impactful but controlled bass. The phono input is adequate, but add on an external phono-stage matched to your turntable and it will finish the package off beautifully. In terms of surround sound with movies, we set up a Monitor Audio Silver and Rel 5.1.4 system,and it sounded marvellous. Voices were clear, soundtracks weren’t overpowering and with the atmos speakers turned up slightly the overhead effects during action sequences were exciting and added so much to the overall experience. Finish it off with a good sub, or two, and you can have an excellent home cinema experience without breaking the bank or compromising on quality. 

The Denon AVC-X 4700h and the other’s in the range are available at all Audio-T branches. If you would like a demo of this or any other of our selected products make sure to drop us an email or give a ring to book your appointment.

Jon and Luke - Audio-T Oxford

Make sure you keep up to date on what’s happening at the Oxford Store by following our social media on Instagram and Facebook

The Rega IO, small but feisty.

When the IO came in I was excited, as a fan of pretty much every Rega product I’ve heard so far, I couldn't wait to hear what their newest toy could do. With a Planar 2, Apollo CD and a pair of Quad S1 speakers to complement it, I grabbed some of my favourite albums and made myself comfy. 

I thought that I should do a comparison with the Brio. I’ll be honest, this is where you can see why the Brio is more expensive, because just like Liam Hemsworth it just can’t quite compare with it’s older and bulkier brother.

The sound stage was smaller, bass notes were more muddy, harmonies blended together and the music overall just felt less alive. It had been a couple of hours by this point and after my fourth listen of Black Magic Woman by Fleetwood Mac I was ready to give up, was I just expecting too much? I left to have some food and after returning less hangry and fully hydrated, I had the bright idea to stop comparing it. 

This is when the IO truly came to life, now that I wasn’t swapping everything over every thirty seconds the minor grievances I was listening so hard for faded away. The pure joy that comes from listening to tracks, like Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon by Queen, as it’s allowed to flaunt it’s short but sweet bubbliness, had me tapping my feet and singing along. The IO may not sound technically perfect but it has plenty of character that shines through once you give it the opportunity, voices are clear and if you close your eyes you can pinpoint each individual aspect of most tracks. 

The explosion of colour and flavour that poured out of Michael Jackson’s P.Y.T caught me off guard, I couldn’t understand how such a small piece of hardware could produce such personality, reminds me of a joke relating to the importance of size, but it escapes me. With it being an analog amp there is no messing about with internet connections and apps. You simply put it down, plug it in and play until the cows come home, or at least until you get told to turn it down, it just works.

This diminutive, 3kg integrated amp has an output of 30 watts into 8 Ohms with 3 analogue inputs and a 3.5 mini jack for headphone users. The inputs include a MM phono, which is of great quality as per usual with other Rega amps, and two line level inputs. Build quality feels generally solid plus it’s small size and economical design means it will fit into any setup quite happily. Overall the IO will not disappoint and is well worth it’s £379 price point, if you are new to hi-fi and looking for an affordable entry point or looking for a smaller secondary system.      

Audio T Oxford Customer Naim Factory Visit

Naim welcomed a number of our Naim owning customers to their factory on Friday 13 March. The tour was presented by the ever brilliant Jason Gould, a man with endless enthusiasm, belief and a true passion, for this most prestigious brand.

It was a great opportunity for our Naim customers to see how their products are designed and built. 
I think it is safe to say that they were all most impressed with the obsessive care and attention taken by Naim, to ensure that all of their products sound as good as they possibly can, and are built to the highest quality.

The legendary Snaic shaker!

The day finished with a demonstration of the ND555 Network Player, playing through their flagship Statement amplifier, driving a pair of Focal Scala Utopia speakers.....Wonderful!

A full Statement system

Audio bliss!

Naim Hi-Fi products are available from all branches of Audio T.

Rega P3, 24 Volt Motor Upgrade At Audio T Oxford

This 30 year old Rega P3 was bought in with a failed motor. After discussing the various options with the client, it was agreed that it would be a good opportunity to replace the old motor with the new improved 24V version.

The new motor is far smoother running than the original and because vibration is the enemy of turntables, it results in a lower noise floor and gives greater detail and dynamics. We also replaced the standard belt with the high performance version for better pitch stability.

The old motor and circuit board, prior to removal.

New 24 volt motor and circuit board.

The previous motor has been removed. The new one is ready to be installed. There’s no margin for error when placing the new motor in place!

Nearly finished.

Protective cover in place.

Lubricating the bearing.

Lastly, before playing, we check the alignment and weight of the cartridge.

The finished turntable now sounds better than when it was first purchased. The customer loves it!

Servicing A Linn LP12 Turntable At Audio T Oxford

With the current resurgence of both vinyl and turntable sales, we now see many customers who want to rejuvenate their classic Linn or Rega turntables.

Recently we had a client wishing to get the most of his large record collection. He bought in his elderly, early 1990’s Linn LP12, for us to service.

We hope you might find the work that this entailed interesting.

Levelling the Linn jig. If this is not done correctly, you will never be able to set up the turntable.

Ready to start work. Base board removed.

Ensuring chassis bolts are completely vertical. This is vital for a correct setup.

Replacing the bearing oil.

Refitting the inner platter, using gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Checking on belt orientation.

Checking on tonearm collar fit and alignment. While the tonearm is out, we will check its bearings.

Setting the correct ‘bounce’. An LP12 should have a nice, pistonic bounce, with a steady, even decay.

Setting the speed, using a strobe.

Setting the correct weight for the cartridge.

Checking cartridge alignment.

The finished turntable, now playing at its optimum, with added pep, life and soul.

If you own a Linn, we can service and also advise on the numerous upgrades that are available to further boost the sound quality.

New Rega Aethos Amplifier At Audio T Oxford

We first saw the Rega Aethos integrated amplifier at our Bristol Show in 2019. There had been a lot of talk for sometime, about a Rega amplifier that would be priced to sit between the existing Elicit and Osiris models. It was purely there as a visual exhibit and not for demonstration.

I was immediately impressed by both the styling and build quality. I can never resist seeing how heavy products are, as I (sometimes erroneously) equate weight with quality. This thing weighed a ton. I was then told that it had no transformer inside! How heavy must it be with one? The answer, is nearly eighteen kilos!

After a long wait (or heavy weight), the Aethos amplifier is now available and we have a demonstration unit in store for you to listen to.

So, what is it like?

This thing is a beast of an amplifier, far more powerful than the quoted 125 wpc would suggest. I doubt there are many loudspeakers out there that it cannot drive, easily. It is enormous fun to listen to: capable of tremendous bass and punch and yet agile and delicate when required. A truly enjoyable listen, that really grabs you on an emotional level.

If you are a headphone user, you are in for a treat! Rega have gone to town on this feature and it is better than many, not inexpensive headphone amplifiers that I have tried. Maybe it is so good so as to justify the omission of a phono pre amplifier? Rega’s logic is that; if you have an Aethos, you would probably partner it with a Rega Planar 6 (or above) turntable and that turntable would most likely be fitted with a moving coil cartridge. I suspect also, that it would also be quite difficult to implement a decent phono stage satisfactorily, inside the casework.

If you would like to hear this phenomenal Rega amplifier, please get in touch with at Audio T Oxford.

Rega Hi-Fi products are available from all branches of Audio T.

Linn Training In Glasgow For Audio T Linn Dealer Staff

On a sunny but cold November morning, a number of Audio T staff arrived at the beautifully landscaped Linn factory. It is set into a hill in a very picturesque suburb of Glasgow, called Eaglesham.

The purpose of the trip was two fold: Firstly; to have a look around their very impressive factory. It has to be said that the people at Linn are true engineers. Secondly; To train some (and refresh the rest of us), with the skills needed to either build or service the legendary Linn LP12 turntable.

Contrary to some opinions out there, no special mystical or magical skills are required. As mentioned previously, Linn are an engineering company, with a passion for both music and the best means of reproducing that music.

The LP12 is a precision made machine, and a rather wonderful one at that! What is required to get the best out of this turntable, is a fully trained skill set along with the correct tools and equipment. Something that we have in Oxford and most of the other Audio T stores.

If you would like your Linn updated or serviced, or if you would like to listen to the latest incarnation of this classic turntable, please feel free to either call or email us and we will be delighted to help.

Linn Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Swindon

The Deconstruction (No pun intended) Of Queen's 'Somebody To Love' Used By A Customer Choosing His New HiFi.

The other day, we had a customer, who happened to be a both a huge Queen fan and an ardent drummer. During conversation, he admitted that when listening to music, he always tuned into and appreciated the drums. if the drums weren’t doing it for him, then the system didn’t either!

I’m a big fan of radio or TV programmes that ‘dissect’ classic (normally) rock tracks and I love to hear how they were created and assembled. It occurred to me, that it might be a useful exercise to listen to how exactly Roger Taylor plays the drums. It is, however the only time that I have listened to one such piece as part of a customer demonstration

Christian James Hand is a Californian DJ who does just that. He runs a whole series of radio programmes that analyse classic rock tracks and one of these looked at the composition of ‘Somebody to Love’ (Freddie’s favourite Queen song). We listened, in isolation, to Roger’s hard hitting, repetitive bass drum beats, ending with that great crescendo and used this as a reference point for when listening to the track as a whole.

We started off with a mid-price Japanese separates system but this just wasn’t cutting the mustard. After a couple of changes, we decided to up the budget and focus on a system that really majors on timing: Settling on the new Naim Nait XS3 amplifier with the Naim ND5 XS2 Network Streamer as a source, accompanied by Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers.

Wow! suddenly the separation of each instrument became clear, but with all of them (along with Freddie’s amazing voice), both gelling and timing perfectly. For the customer, it was a revelation, and one that he could not do without. The system is now ordered and waiting to be installed in his home.

Whether you are a musician or not, you may well find Christian Hand’s programmes interesting. Please click on the link to hear how the song that we used, sounds, when it is stripped down to its very bare essence.

Naim Hi-Fi products are available at all branches of Audio T

Dynaudio loudspeakers are available at the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Cheltenham, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

The Flagship Marantz PM10 Amplifier and SA10 CD Player

It is interesting to note, that whilst most Hi-Fi manufacturers are reducing the numbers of CD players that they produce, Marantz still totally support and indeed embrace the format!

The SA10 is proof in the metal and is probably the best disc player that money can buy. Capable of playing CD’s, SACD’s and DVD-R’s and equipped with fully balanced outputs and a high quality DAC for other digital sources, this machine is possibly the finest player that we have ever heard (we would love to compare it to the Naim CD 555). if you think that CD’s are dead, then this might be time to think again!

To accompany this beautiful player, Marantz have produced the equally stunning PM10 amplifier. Whilst technically an integrated amplifier; in reality, inside the box, it is a dual mono pre-amplifier with two monoblock power amplifiers. Capable of 200wpc into 8 ohms and doubling to 400wpc into 4 ohms, there will be few loudspeakers that the PM10 will not be able to drive effortlessly.

So how does this combination sound?

Hooked up to some reassuringly expensive B&W loudspeakers, listening to a wide variety of music, the sound quality is exceptionally refined, detailed and smooth. The bass drive is totally effortless, the noise floor, inky black. We were struck also, by how good the sound staging was. Listening to one particular drum solo, it was possible to place every drum and cymbal that was struck, incredibly impressive.

If you would like to hear them for yourself, please just give us a call.

Marantz Hi-Fi products are available from the from branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

Linn Selekt DSM. The Ultimate One Box Hi-Fi Solution?

More than 20 years ago, Linn produced, what was probably, the first high end all in one system’. The Linn Classik Music. Priced just short of £1000, it was a tremendous sales success.

Over the following years, Arcam and then Naim took over this mantel, however, Linn are now back, with a product aimed at the very edge of what is capable from a one box system. The Linn Selekt DSM.

Priced from £4000 for a source only version, increasing to £6750 for the top specification Katalyst DAC enabled, stereo integrated model, it represents a serious investment. The sound and build quality, however, more than justify the price.

Gorgeous in appearance and solid in build, the Linn Selekt DSM possesses a cut glass multi-functional dial (that glows when approached). It can also be App or remote controlled, whatever your preference may be.

A look to the rear and you will notice the modular input/output construction. This is a product that is designed to be future proof and easily upgradable (both DAC upgrades and multi-channel surround amplifier units are available at present). This is a very well thought out design.

As well as being a top end streamer, it is supplied with a plethora of inputs (including very high quality MM and MC phono stages). Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz are embedded and it is also Roon enabled.

Linn offer a very effective room correction facility called ‘Space Optimisation’. Unlike other systems, which use a microphone to measure the room, with Linn, you enter the room dimensions and construction. The end results are that, with the loudspeakers in their optimal positions, they will sound their absolute best. Alternatively, the loudspeakers can be moved to a sub optimal position and still sound amazing!

Partnering up the Linn Selekt DSM with a good pair of loudspeakers (we tried the new Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers). The sound quality is amazing, tremendously detailed, clear and punchy. If you are a lover of classical or jazz music in particular, then this machine will absolutely excel!

If you would like a demonstration, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at Audio T Oxford.

Linn Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Preston, Swindon

New Dynaudio Evoke Loudspeakers at Audio T Oxford

Dynaudio have now launched the Evoke series: This brand new, five speaker range, takes advantage of technology from their ultra-high-end Confidence models.

The sound has been optimized at Dynaudio’s, state of the art Jupiter lab. You really need to listen to them, to hear how good they sound!

Dynaudio Evoke 20. Blonde Wood

The Cerotar tweeter is a totally new design, heavily based upon that of the money-no-object Confidence series. The Esotec+ woofers, feature improved magnets and surrounds, that improve both frequency response and low range dynamics.

Dynaudio Jupiter array

Every single part of the speaker design has been addressed: Solid build, finish and quality, all go part and parcel, with these exceptional loudspeakers.

These new model Dynaudio Evoke speakers, in comparison to their (already fine) predecessors, have a deeper and tighter bass, with a more communicative and open treble.

Dynaudio Evoke 30. Walnut Wood

We have the Evoke 20 standmount and Evoke 30 floorstander available for demonstration. If you would like to hear these great sounding loudspeakers, then please call in or contact us at Audio T Oxford.

Denon DM41 - An Introduction To Hi-Fi & A Fully Featured Alternative To A Soundbar.

While Denon's DM41 has been around for a little while now, it remains as popular as ever and is the latest iteration in long line of Award winning compact Hi-Fi products from Denon.

Offering a wealth of features and connectivity, coupled with strong amplification and tucked in a box no larger than the footprint of a A4 piece of paper, the DM41 is perfect if space is at a premium. But it most beguiling feature is it’s capacity to offer a genuine taste of sonic benefits, and the enjoyment to be had, from a separate’s Hi-Fi system; it's a fantastic way to start your Hi-Fi journey.

Denon has been at the right at the forefront of Award-winning compact, one-box solutions for a good 20 years and while FM radio, DAB and CD have always been the mainstay of Denon's previous iterations, consistent improvements and refinements have lead to today's DM41, which now offers a much wider range of facilities. An additional feature for this model is the inclusion of a Bluetooth receiver module, ideal for straight-forward streaming of music from a phone, tablet or laptop. And if wish add a turntable, a single set of RCA’s connections will do the job perfectly, and what’s more, if your turntable has a built in phono-stage, these is no need for any further investment, just settle down and enjoy your vinyl.

The Denon DM41 also offers a neat little solution for enhancing your TV sound, in glorious 2.1, that will offer clarity and dynamics that just can't get from the vast majority of TV speakers. Small enough to slot easily into most TV stands, the real beauty of using the DM41 for TV sound is the inclusion of "sub-out" connection allowing you to experience real impact while watching films and TV and also allowing you to enjoy enhanced detail with both speech and ambient sounds, making even everyday viewing a much more enjoyable experience. Amplification is rated at 30 watts into 6 ohms which should be more than enough power to drive and control speakers to more than acceptable levels in small and medium rooms.

We partner our display DM41 with a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 1 speakers, which, to our ears, an ideal match. But stepping up to the Monitor Audio Silver 50 makes the world of difference, with clearer separation, a more realistic sense of an tone and timbre to instrumentation, clearer vocal presentation and a more rounded and detailed bass output.

The Denon DM41 offers fantastic value for money and also gives a great introduction to the world of Hi-Fi and all of the reward a well chosen components can bring.

Denon Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

Riders On The Stream! Marantz NA6006

If you've been contemplating how best to incorporate streaming into your existing system, without throwing the baby out with the bathwater and starting again, we may just have the perfect solution.

Allow us to introduce the Marantz NA6006. A stand alone network audio player that offers everything you need to enjoy the vast array of title's that streaming services, such as Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify offer, and all without leaving the comfort of your armchair.

A nice, bright, clear display and straight forward front panel controls in matching Marantz casework, a thing of beauty.

Derived from the outstanding ND8006, the NA6006 boasts improved Digital to Analogue conversation, via the ESS Sabre 9016 chip set, offering high resolution audio up to 192kHz/24 bit and DSD 5.6MHz. The DAC, coupled with Marantz’s unique HDAM - High Definition Amplifier Modules are designed to lower the noise floor and provide a wider bandwidth. It starts to sound like an exciting prospect.

The rear panel.

The NA6006 is compatible with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Apple Airplay 2, the Marantz also offers Bluetooth for connection from a phone, tablet or PC.

Control is delightfully straight forward via the free HEOS app, Simply download it to your phone or tablet and you're away. The vast array of Internet Radio stations are readily available via Tune In, and if you have a network attached storage (NAS) device on your home network, your music can be searched, selected and streamed, all from within in the HEOS app. Popular streaming services such as Deezer, Spotify and Tidal all work within the app, ensuring a smooth selection of your chosen artist without frustration.

In addition there are two optical connections, one input and one output (should you wish to use an off board digital to analogue converter (DAC). There are fixed and variable RCA outputs allowing volume to be controlled via the amplifier or via the app. But if you prefer to keep matters simple the NA6006 also comes with a dedicated remote control.

A good, old fashioned remote control makes operation a breeze.

We are are big fans of the Marantz 6006 range here at Audio T Oxford. The amplifier and the CD player both offer a superlative performance, that belies their respective asking prices and after some critical listing it appears that the NA6006 is no exception. 

Marantz NA6006 with Rega’s sublime Brio integrated amp, if Cheeky Mouse had thumbs, he would definitely show his approval

With our evaluation, we choose to use matching Marantz electronics in the 6006 range, coupled to pair Bowers and Wilkins 707 S2’s (an outstanding pair of speakers), priced at £800.  We also used Chord Clearway speaker cable at £10 a metre and the entry level C-line interconnect, also from Chord (just £40 for a 0.5 meter), to deliver an improved performance over the "in-the-box" cable. We started with the Marantz CD6006 SE and then selected the same track via Tidal and what we heard was a tighter bass presentation and a definite sense that the presentation sounded fuller , various elements of the recording we more firmly fixed in the soundstage, it was a genuinely nice surprise. After listening to a few track, we took the opportunity to try another one of our favourite components and swapped out the Marantz amplifier for Rega's Brio. The improvement in presentation was immediately apparent; this is clearly a component that will work well when connected to more exotic equipment.

We have the Marantz NA6006 on display at the Oxford store and we are always pleased to offer a demonstration at your convenience. Contact on 01865 765961 and ask for Chris, Jon or Andrew.

Marantz Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T:

Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

The Majik Of Linn Hi-Fi Products Are Now Available At Audio T Oxford

After an hiatus of 25 years, we are proud to announce that we are now an official Linn dealer at Audio T Oxford.

Linn, based in Glasgow is one of the oldest and most respected British Hi-Fi manufacturers. An engineering firm; building turntables, loudspeakers, amplifiers and digital network music players. Never one to follow the herd, Linn led the development of digital music streaming and network systems.

The iconic Sondek LP12 - (pictured above) has been in production continuously since 1973. Every single Sondek LP12 is made by hand and signed by the person who builds it. Every single Sondek made, has the capability to be upgraded to the latest specification. Our resident turntable Guru, Chris Henry, has been servicing, upgrading and generally fettling them for over 40 years!.

The three ranges are Majik LP12, Akurate LP12 and Klimax LP12.

We are stockists of the Linn Majik DSM, a true one-box two-channel music system (available in black or silver) with a powerful 90W per channel amplifier, 15 digital (HDMI, coaxial, optical ) & analogue inputs, a built-in phono stage (MM) for connecting a turntable, Tidal & Qobuz lossless streams are supported, streaming from a NAS and Internet radio.

The system can be controlled via both iOS and Android apps, a computer desktop option is available too. A remote control for convenience is supplied.

The Linn Majik DSM is a truly versatile system that allows you to connect a turntable, TV, set-top box or a games console - No problem. There are 3 optical, 3 coaxial, 4 HDMI and 4 analogue inputs (one of them for a turntable).

Linn have had years to perfect the control system and the Linn Kazoo control app is well designed and is a delight to use. Choose your source, select your music and play - That’s it.

This is a great music system, at a very reasonable price. Packed full of detail and rhythm. It will make you want to listen to more music. Whether that be your favourite records or to stream your music digitally it’s fantastic!

So come on in and have a listen to one of the best British Hi-Fi brands around!

Linn Hi-Fi Products are available at the following branches of Audio T:
Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Swindon