Lots of new goodies to tempt you...

February kicks off with a host of new products and various categories.

First off, a brand new product from Chord Electronics in a new area for them, called Hugo. Hugo is a top specification mobile headphone amp and DAC. Battery powered, it is full HD compatible and sounds amazing. This time it's a small box for a very good reason.

Unboxing:

Full specification:

 

Secondly, Rega's long awaited RP10 turntable. We were mightily impressed with the RP8 as was the rest of the world but oh boy is this a step up? Looks the business too!

Next we have new AV receivers from Anthem. Capitalizing on their successful range last year we have all new and much improved (inc esthetically) models in the form of MRX310 (£1199) and MRX710 (£2199) and (MRX510 £1699) to order.

These, alongside the new Arcam receivers complete are AV Receiver line-up for 2014. Fabulous receivers that also do what so many of you ask for, ie, play music well without unnecessary gimmicks.

 

Lastly. JVC's latest mid-range Projector, DLA-X500. 4K compatible, outstanding colours right out of the box and fully calibrate-able too.

Rega RP10 Here Soon!!(Update, now in and sounding magnificent!!)

I've just hear we will be one of only 20 UK dealers to get our hands on an RP10 this year which should be with us sometime next week. Details are still a bit sketchy but as you can see from the images released you can expect the following:

Skeletal Polyolefin low mass high rigidity plinth as used on RP8

Fitted RB2000 tonearm, their new flagship

Ceramic 'Missile-tip' material used for the main platter

Advanced custom (tuned to the individual deck's motor) outboard power supply in their 'half-box' design.

White mat

£2998 exc. cartridge

£3598 inc Apheta MC cartridge (normally £920)

We're all seriously excited by this new addition. The RP8 has been our most successful deck in their current line-up such is its fantastic performance and we can't wait to hear what more they have managed to offer with the RP10.

More info as soon as we get it.

 

Rega launch Saturn-R and lands in Reading!!

Rega's long awaited Saturn-R CD-DAC Player arrived 5 minutes ago and is straight out of it's box and running in the store-front coupled to the Elicit-R.

Saturn-R

Neat Acoustics loudspeakers arrive at Reading Audio-T

We are very proud to announce the addition on Neat Acoustics loudspeakers to our range.

These beautifully discrete speakers pack a mighty punch whilst remaining true to the music. Uniquely they imbue the warmth and smoothness often associated with much larger designs and make natural partners with Naim and Rega amplifier among others.

IOTA 

Currently we have the tiny IOTA bookshelf monitor, all three of the new Motive SX models, 1,2 &3 as well as the Isobarik bass loaded Momentum 4i, (they’ve taken pride of place in front-of-house, running in over the last 2 weeks and we’re enjoying every minute of them. It’s a hard life I know but someone has to do it!), which are all now fully run-in and on demonstration.

 

MOMENTUM 4i

We are very excited to have Neat here in Reading and hope you will enjoy them too.

 

MOTIVE SX2

MOTIVE SX3 

You can find full details of specifications and finishes available and the rest of Neat’s range here: http://www.neat.co.uk/

There are nice words written about them here and here too.

New 40th Anniversary RP40 From Rega (Special Limited Edition)

We've just taken delivery of Rega's latest turntable. To Celebrate their 40th year Rega have released the very limited edition RP40 (See flyer below for details. Many unique features).

When they say limited they mean it. 2500 worldwide with only 200 for the UK of which 80 have been shipped so just 120 left and Rega say 'when they are gone, they are gone' so don't delay.

We have just received our 2 which will remain boxed. £798.00

Sony KDL55W905 55'' LED TV, The best TV since the Kuro?

Here at Reading Audio T we've always believed in having the very best TV available and I mean that in the singular.

We don't have the space for a whole lot of TVs, we never have had so we are keen to show our discerning customers the very best technology can offer and this season is no exception. 

The Sony KDL55W905 is the flagship of their range after the 4K TV, indeed it has the same if not better picture than that for 1080p content which of course if the highest native resolution available at present of course.

With a few minor tweaks to the settings this TV gives the best non-calibrated picture we've ever seen with the deepest blacks and accurate colours from an LCD yet, yes you get the fantastic '3D pop' like the best plasmas. By that I mean depth of field rather than full 3D with glasses which it also does superbly well AND has 4 pairs of lightweight comfortable active glasses included, bravo Sony!!

Available in 40'', 46'' & 55''

Still not convinced? Then check out AVForums rave review of the 40'' version

...and their short video review:

Audio-T Reading 'Diversify'...a little.

Following the success of our Vinyl Roadshow back in June we proud to offer customers a range of 180g audiophile vinyl releases from Diverse Vinyl in Newport, South Wales on their own label, Diverse Records.

These very high quality records are manufactured form the world renowned Pallas pressing plant in Germany with the exception of the Cowboy Junkies Nomad Series which are pressed at he equally impressive Industry Records in Holland.

Come in and browse.

All titles cost £20 for Single albums  and £25 for doubles.

Totem Dreamcatchers with Sonos Connect Amp

Once in a while you come across a combination of Amp and Speaker that really works wonderfully.

We've hit upon that very same thing!

Got a Sonos Connect Amp (or ZP100/120)? Wondering what speakers to add?

Well, it just so happens we have here in Reading.

Totem Acoustics have been making some of the best speakers out there for some years and their entry-level model called the Dreamcatcher carries on that proud tradition. If you're looking for a small enclosure with a big sound, look no further.

Totem Dreamcathers are available in a number of finish options, Black or Mahogany at £599.00 per pair. Cherry (pictured) and Maple are priced at £699.00 per pair.

Just in time for the Saturday's Vinyl Roadshow

Unboxing the all new Rega ELICIT-R integrated amplifier. We'll be running it solidly to prepare it for Saturday's event. First listen is very promising and a review will follow. Better still, pop in for a listen and check out Diverse Vinyl's stock!

No indication on the box that this thing weighs a ton...

...just as well the packaging is tough then.

Much improved remote in the form of the Solaris.

Looks promising.

Seriously solid build, mind your toes!

At 105w into 8 ohms and a whopping 162w into 4 ohms, expect and equally solid performance.

Keep an eye out for our thoughts soon.

Simon

Vinyl Roadshow Coming To Reading Audio T June 29th 10-4pm

I'm delighted to announce that the next "stop" of the Audio T Vinyl Roadshow is here in Reading.

Our good friends from Diverse Vinyl will be here with a huge selection of the best and latest LP re-issues for you to browse through and buy, don't tell my wife!!

The day will also be in conjunction with Rega Research who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and we'll have all their latest goodies including RP1,RP3,RP6 & RP8 turntables, the new Elicit-R integrated amplifier and Aria phonostage as well as the full Reference CD, Phonostage, Amplifier and Speakers!

Why not bring a well known record with you or one that you have bought on the day and hear what we can do for you?

The event takes place on Saturday June 29th between 10am and 4pm.

Sneak Preview of New Rega Elicit-R & Aria

Two days ago we had a quick to listen to the new Rega Elicit-R 100w integrated amplifier and the Aria MM/MC phonostage. Initial impressions are extremely good.

The Elicit sounded really muscular yet refined and will probably drive just about any speaker it's ever likely to be partnered with.

The Aria clearly showed it had a lot in common with their Reference Ios so massive step up from the Phono MM. Most significantly though this is a MC phonostage configurable to suit any MC cartridge but with a dedicated setting to match Rega'a awesome Apheta MC cartridge. We listened to it with the RP8/Apheta turntable and was fabulous. Both the Aria and the Reference Ios really show what the Apheta is capable of.

I'll post a lot more when they arrive.

Simon

Sennheiser's Exquisite HDVD-800 Headphone Amplifier/DAC

We are delighted to announce becoming a Sennheiser CLUB ORPHEUS dealer and the introduction of Sennheiser’s latest ‘must-have’ product for all prospective or existing owners of their ground-braking HD800 headphones.

The new HDVD-800 Digital Headphone Amplifier is custom designed to exactly match the characteristics of the HD800 (also compatible with HD700 & HD650) 

As you can see from the pictures this is a thing of real beauty. Housed in an exquisite extruded aluminium case with a see-through window showing off the high quality components and a proper potentiometer within. All bathed in a soft blue glow from the internal LEDs.

 

Of course this isn’t just a headphone amp but also a high quality 24bit/192KHz DAC featuring a Burr Brown chip-set. With multiple inputs both digital/USB and analogue it has a multitude of applications be it from a computer, a hifi system or direct from any other digital source. (See Sennheiser’s release notes and specifications below).

The HDVD-800 can also be used as a high-end sound card for your computer and output to a power amplifier via its balanced rear outputs.

Now, we always thought the HD800 were the finest headphones ever made (as did most of the press when they were launched a couple of years back) but frankly we had no idea they were this good.

I have never heard any headphones sound so natural and uncoloured before. So effortlessly dynamic yet lacking any harshness or edginess, they now sound incredibly spacious and musically compelling.

HDVD800 and HD800 are available exclusively from CLUB ORPHEUS dealers  

Why buy from a Club Orpheus member?

Exclusive access to our very best products

The confidence that you are buying from an approved Sennheiser specialist

Extended warranties on selected Sennheiser products in the Club Orpheus range

First-class dedicated customer service

Priority product support

Demonstration facilities with unparalleled expertise

STOP PRESS!

We just heard from Sennhesier yesterday they are to introduce a BALANCED output lead (to replace the existing lead provided with the phones) for the HD800, HD600 and HD650 (all different to suit each headphone) to take advantage of the amp’s balanced headphone output option. We were informed it’s a huge step up in performance. Can’t wait!

So taken are we with this that we now have it permanently wired up on demo so just pop in to experience headphone nirvana!

Simon

From Sennheiser UK:

Overview

With Sennheiser’s HDVD 800, sound is perfect. The HDVD 800 is able to connect with digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital/analog converter (DAC) that converts digital audio data into analog signals with a resolution of 24 bits and a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz. This enables the HDVD 800 to transmit the entire frequency spectrum of high-end audio sources without any loss of frequencies. 

In addition to the symmetrical inputs, the HDVD 800 also has an asymmetrical input socket; incoming signals are symmetrized before further processing takes place. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR (AES/EBU) input, optical and coaxial (S/PDIF) digital inputs or USB. All digital inputs accept signals up to 24 bit at 192 KHz*. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this high-end, solid-state amplifier harmonize perfectly and deliver an ultimate acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.

Features

0.D/A transducer for all common formats up to 24 bit / 192 kHz

0.D/A transducer can be used for CD and DVD players

0.AES/BU, S/PDIF, USB inputs

0.Symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog inputs

0.Symmetrical output

Sockets for four sets of headphones (two of which symmetrical)

 

Technical Data

Technical Data and Specification of HDVD 800

Article No. 505590

Dimensions	(W x H x D): approx. 216 mm x 55 mm x 324 mm
Frequency response	0.3 Hz to 100 kHz (-3 dB)
THD, total harmonic distortion	< -110 dB (1 kHz / maximum gain)
Weight	2,2 Kg
Audio input	Analogue input XLR-3 : Max. input voltage 20 dBV / Input impedance 10 kOhm
	Analogue input RCA: Max. input voltage (eff) 14 dBV / Input impedance 10 kOhm
	Digital SPDIF (RCA): Max. sampling frequency 192 kHz /AES3-compatible) / Max. resolution 24 bit
	Digital SPDIF (TosLink): Max. sampling frequency: 192 kHz (AES3-compatible) Max. resolution: 24 bit
	Digital AES/EBU (XLR-3): Max. sampling frequency: 192 kHz (AES3-compatible) / Max. resolution: 24 bit
	USB (USB-B) USB standard: USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 USB audio class: USB Audio 2.0
Power consumption	9 W
Input voltage range	100 - 240 V AC / 50 - 60 Hz

Naim CD5Si CD Player

Naim's new entry-level player has arrived at our store in Reading!

Benefitting from some major improvements over the previous model, the CD5Si can rightly claim to be THE player to audition at the £1K price point.

The improvements have had a dramatic effect on the overall performance of the machine, due in no small way to a new transport,DAC/Filter and upgraded power rails.

The end result is a supremely musical and engaging player,particularly when partnered with the Nait 5i integrated amp and suitable speakers.

Book your demo now!

Naim CD5si  £994.95

Keith

Chord Sarum Tuned Aray for Naim users + New Tuned Aray products

Having now had time to fully run-in and assess Sarum Tuned Aray with Naim products I am happy to report that along with many in the industry and on Naim’s user forums, that these are indeed a great match.

5Din - 5Din (for CD players/streamers etc) and 4Din to XLR (for Power Supply – Power Amp) speaker cable and Power Cables offer considerable enhancements over stock cables and those customers of ours who heard them agree!

The comments made in my earlier blog on Sarum TA also apply when using Naim equipment. Please find below.

MORE NEW TUNED ARAY PRODUCTS

Chord gave us advanced information as to the expansion of their Tuned Aray range and I’m pleased to announce their imminent availability.

Yesterday we were privileged to hear first production samples of the all new Indigo and Signature Tuned Aray interconnects. These replace the Indigo Plus and Signature Plus leads and what’s more, at no extra cost! However please note that there will be no upgrade option as is offered with Sarum. This is due to the fact that ALL of the conductors in the new models are different to the older ones.

Admittedly these were straight off the production line with no previous use whatsoever (we await our demo sets in great anticipation so we can prep them fully and understand their full potential) but in my book first impressions often count. 

My very first and most lasting impression is they had a distinct 'Tuned Aray' presentation. Tonally they sounded different to Sarum TA albeit they are unused but the sense of cohesion was there much like Sarum TA and the Indigo non TA were compared it to (fully run in too I should add) sounded somewhat of a mess by comparison.

What this confirmed in my mind is that 'TAing' the Sarum is no lucky fluke or coincidence but a reliable and repeatable design principle that can be implemented to other products.

More listening is need of course but it appears TA cable may be more accessible and suit different systems and budgets.

For the record there will be no Indigo DIN options.

Chord now have three distinct ranges:

1. Tuned Aray (Sarum, Indigo & Signature)
2. Aray (Anthem Reference & Chorus Reference)
3. VEE 3 (Cadenza, Chameleon, Cobra & Crimson)

Chord Electronics Qute HD DAC

DAC technology has come on in leaps and bounds just recently and Chord Electronics have not been slow to bring out yet another digital wonder.

Witness their DAC 64 of some 12 years ago which at the time was a groundbreaking product. Many are still in use today and their latest product confirms that small does not mean small performance.

Enter the Qute HD DAC    

Many of our customers have asked for a DAC which not only provides standard co-axial and optical inputs, but also USB for the increasing use of PC and laptop.

On offer are sample rates from 44.1KHz to 192KHz and is upgradeable for the future

to make it 384 KHz ready.

Performance is top-notch with great energy, insight and resolution. Surely one of the most interesting products of the current digital generation and also looks set to become another classic!

Available in Black or Silver finish       £990.00

On demo now at the Reading store

Keith

Rotel RA-10 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

It’s not often that a product comes along which creates such an appeal, let alone one that is destined to become a budget classic.

Enter the Rotel RA-10 integrated stereo amplifier.

This new product comes from a fine heritage that Rotel are rightly proud of. With products such as the RA-820 from a decade or so ago, the RA-10 continues the tradition.

The amp features most of the facilities that one would expect to find on a product at this price point. Tone controls are featured which can be defeated along with the ability to switch between two pairs of speakers. Vinyl LP fans are also catered for in the form of a very fine sounding on-board phonostage. Headphones can also be connected from the front panel and there is also a socket to run an MP3 player if you so desire.

So how does it sound?

Exciting, involving and truly musical! Thanks to a well designed power supply that was always a key factor in the formation of any Rotel amp.

It has also garnered excellent reviews in the press and was a What Hi-Fi award winning product in 2012.

http://www.whathifi.com/review/rotel-ra-10 

Available in either Black or Silver finish at £349.95.

Why not come along and have a listen.

Keith

Anthem MRX300. An instant winner!

Without a doubt, our most successful AV product this season has been our latest addition to our line-up, the Anthem MRX300.

 

Designed in Canada, this awesome little receiver packs a mighty punch in a cinema set-up but also is a stonking 2 channel amplifier too , comfortably seeing off the competition at anything like its price point.

It features the most advanced roo EQ set-up software called ARC (Anthem Room Control) of any such product which is provided by a separate CD Rom disc for a PC and includes its own custom calibrated microphone and fully adjustable tripod.

 

 This software requires a minimum of 5 points of measurement (in each of the seating positions for you and your family) as apposed to the usual 1, allowing a far more accurate reading of the room’s tonal properties and the ARC software accurately configures the receiver to correct tonal anomalies. What’s more, the measurements are stored on a PC for easy re-uploading should someone mess with the settings.

 

The unit has full 6 channel discrete pre-amp outputs allowing it to be used in conjunction with an existing 2 channel system (as a 3 channel amp and processor) or as a powerful stand-alone processor

 

All of this for just £1099, we consider this something of a bargain.

Simon

Super Sonos Upgrade!

Our friends at Arcam have been rather busy of late....Not content with producing class-leading products,they have just released an excellent new product in the shape of something rather familiar.

Take a Sonos Connect (or if you prefer,ZP90) and connect the new Arcam SonLink DAC for an instant upgrade to an already great product!

The new DAC has been purpose-built and designed around the Sonos to radically improve sonics ,but at the same time,to cosmetically match too!

Everything is included with the SonLink and within a few minutes,you're up and running (even down to not searching around for a dig link to connect up the DAC...that's included too!)

Keith

On permanent demo at our store now!

New products on demonstration

It's been a long time coming but finally Rega have launched their new and very exciting RP8 and we now have it on demo fited with the mighty Apheta MC cartridge. This all new deck feature a ground breaking skeletal design and all new construction and materials which is a major departure from Rega's previous designs. (see images below).

RP8 can be played either with or without the outer plinth.

Like the RP3 the RP8 comes in two options, with or without a bundled cartridge ( £1600 0r £2200 ). Unlike the RP3 though it's not one of their MM but their flagship MC, the Apheta saving a whopping £400 off the combined price if bought separately!

Simon

Chord Co. Digital Event & Sarum Tuned Aray Update

The timing of the launch of the Sarum Tuned Aray range could not have been better as I'm pleased to announce we will the entire range on demo for our SPECIAL EVENT on the 10th November!

Furthermore, I can now let the cat out of the bag, Chord are updating their entire range with new plugs and in some cases all new cable too. These too will be here for the event.

Coming back to Sarum Tuned Aray, we were treated to a demo on Tuesday last to the mains lead and the RCA pair in the new configuration. To cut to the chase, what listening to them confirmed was that the TA configuration on the XLRs we heard was no fluke or just relevant to the XLR version. ALL TA configured cables benefit in the same way which is staggering to hear, yes even, and indeed, especially the mains lead. I for one would have believed it if I hadn't heard it for myself.

Unfortunately we ran out of time to hear the 5 Din- 5 Din version but having heard the effect the others had have no doubt it will also. We''l have it on the 10th for all to hear!