December 15, 2021

FROM PORTSMOUTH TO GLASGOW - A LINN FACTORY TOUR

December 15, 2021/ Portsmouth

When you think of Scottish musicians, you may conjure up such artists as Annie Lennox, Simple Minds or even Franz Ferdinand. But whether you intended to or not, it’s more than likely that your mind has already been invaded by those sulky twins, Craig and Charlie Reid, better known as The Proclaimers. The earworm has already been planted and your belting out lyrics from their best known number “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”… Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Ironically though, 500 miles is roughly the distance from Portsmouth to Glasgow. The very same trip that we took whilst on a golden opportunity to visit Linn…

Once we arrived at the factory, it was straight to business, lunch orders. The most important part of any event. Once those lunch orders were placed, and the hungry stomachs were addressed, it was time to delve into the beating heart of Linn.

Linn was founded when Ivor Tiefenbrun went into his local audio shop to buy himself the best home music. When he got home however, he wasn’t satisfied with the quality. The music wasn’t toe tapping and the soul was lacking. So he boxed up his newly purchased equipment, took it back to the audio shop, and was told he needed bigger speakers. He got home with these bigger speakers, to find the sound was better, but not better enough. After a few rounds of this he had the best system that the shop could provide, and still wasn’t finding the music engaging enough - It still wasn’t moving his feet!

So, being an engineer by trade, Ivor decided to start experimenting with his equipment for the best sound. Rotating speakers, moving the amp and other equipment around the room. Finally he found the sound he was after by placing the turntable outside the listening space and in his hallway. He found that this meant he could isolate any external vibrations the speakers cause that would interfere with the turntable. This gave him the quality in the music source he was looking for.

This was against the thinking of the time. Surely with a system the speakers produce the sound, thus are the most important component? Ivor may have very well struck gold with this concept. The source is arguably the most important part of the signal chain. If something is bad going in, it will inevitably be bad coming out.

This started a thesis in his head, an idea to design his own turntable from what he had learned. The aim was to improve the turntable to be as perfect a source as possible.

Thus the creation of Linn Audio and their LP12 Turntable.

The Linn LP12

The LP12, now being a turntable with over 40 years of design behind it, allowing the model to be the near pinnacle of turntable engineering. Streamlined through the years to include only what it needs to sound the best to your ears, all stemming from that concept that inspired Ivor originally, “rubbish in, rubbish out”.

But wait, the turntable isn’t the true source? The record you place on the turntable is the true source? So to support his new turntable design, Linn Records breathed its first breath.

These roots still hold strong today. There is a sense of quality in even their simplest ideas which brings so much life to not only their products but the atmosphere they choose to create.

The Factory

me and agamemnon (From the online store) styling the latest linn fashion

The idea of bringing us up to Scotland was to open the curtain on their company, to show why they have been successful in the Hi-fi industry for so long. So once we don our fabulous Linn lab coats, it was time to explore.

The factory itself was originally designed in the 1980s by The Richard Rogers Partnership (of Millennium Dome fame) to stand as a state of the art modern facility. Since the 1980s it has gone through a range of additions to bring it into the modern day, but still with the original design at its heart, much like the company itself.

We were shown through the whole process of manufacturing their products, from the humble beginnings of machining sheet metal, the circuitry, the final assembly, to the export of the products. This detail walkthrough enabled us to see the energy that is poured into each step of the process to enable you to bring a little bit of Hi-fi history into your everyday enjoyment of music. Not only that, they rigorously test the products throughout with different aspects of quality control and measuring. Ultimately meaning the product you receive is one they know you will love, one they are proud to put their names on.

Linn Service reference units to compare any repairs to to ensure your product works as intented

When it comes to servicing their products, the data they collect during the manufacturing process gives them a unique insight in the unlikely event that a problem arises. So when it comes to supporting their products, Linn have your back.

And all in all that is the recurring theme around the Linn factory, a very welcoming magical place where the focus is on the people. This is the way all Hi-Fi brands ought to be, music and music systems are a very personal thing, so it made sense to me that at Linn I had the feeling of a chocolate factory or a village in the North Pole.

Talking about the mythical feeling feels suitable as with Linn comes a whole history, with both customers and those who work there. It was mentioned how tone arms made by certain employees at the factory have ascended to legend as they are said to have a superior sound to them, a love letter to the hand made nature of the products.

Furthermore we discussed the heritage that can come with a Linn turntable. The LP12 design has been adjusted and changed in a way that allows any LP12 to be updated to current specification, meaning there are some cases of turntables being passed down a generation or two while still being upgraded to the standard of the modern Klimax LP12.

So all in all, we got a lucky chance to have a look around the heart of Linn and talk to some of the people in charge who keep it beating for the love of music and the goal to pass that down and share it.

Thanks for reading

Jake, Nick and Luke at - Audio T Portsmouth

Linn can be found at the following Audio-T stores

September 01, 2021

MONITOR AUDIO GROUP – A FAMILY DAY OUT

September 01, 2021/ Portsmouth

It’s safe to say it’s been a long old time since I’ve been to a hotel to listen to the latest innovations in Hi-Fi - February 2020 at the last Bristol Hi-Fi show to be exact! So, when I received an invite from the Monitor Audio Group to do just that, I jumped at the chance. So, off I headed to leafy Surrey, to the rather prestigious Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot.

For those of you unfamiliar with the newly rebranded, Monitor Audio Group, this comprises of –

Monitor Audio

First founded in 1972 in Taversham, near Cambridge. Iranian engineer, Mo Iqbal, sought to create a world leading brand of Hi-Fi speakers. Fast-forward 40 years and Monitor Audio is regarded by many as one of the leading manufacturers in the industry with an emphasis in innovation for both Hi-Fi and Home Cinema applications.

Roksan

THE XERXES TURNTABLE THAT KICKED THINGS OFF IN 1985

Acquired by the Monitor Audio Group in November 2016, Roksan was first founded in 1985 by graduates of the University of London, Imperial College London and Queen Mary College, Tufan Hashemi and Touraj Moghaddam. Forged in the fires of Moghaddam’s dissatisfaction of the Hi-Fi systems available at the time, the pair formed a formidable British Hi-Fi company, choosing names for the brand and their products that celebrated the mythology of their Persian heritage. The name Roksan itself is derived from the name of Roxana, daughter of the Persian King Darius. Not surprisingly many of Roksan's product names have references to names of cities, places and famous people of Persia. One such product was the Xerxes Turntable which launched the company to success. Soon after, the company poured their expertise into amplification and digital sources.

Blok

And finally, Blok. Acquired in April 2019, Blok is the manufacturer behind the stylish STAX range of Hi-Fi furniture. Whilst they can’t be grain matched, they can in essence be colour matched to the Monitor Audio speaker range. These are set to be with us in the near future, so if you’re interested in the Blok range, contact your local store for more information.

So, after a quick meet and greet, a coffee and a very welcomed bacon bap; we found ourselves in the “Windsor” suite, decked out with selected kit from the Monitor Audio Group. Before we could listen to the goods, we first had to find out what made the seventh generation of the Silver range so special…

MONITOR AUDIO SILVER 7G

Looks aren’t everything…

It’s not the most popular opinion, but Hi-Fi speakers are as much a piece of furniture as the racks that your records & CDs reside in, so it’s important that they look as good as they sound. Before getting in to the technical nitty-gritty of the speakers, let’s take a moment to appreciate the aesthetics at play here –

The Silver Series 7G have adopted a contemporary, crisp edge design. Not only has this allowed for a sharper look, it has also allowed the introduction of two new, real wood veneers: Natural Walnut and Ash*. It’s rare to find real wood veneers on a speaker of this price point, so this is a nice touch. If the real wood veneers aren’t your thing, you also have a choice of Satin White, Gloss Black and Black Oak – A colour for pretty much every listening space.

(*The Silver AMS 7G and FX 7G will only be available in High Gloss Black and Satin White)

To compliment the slick choice of finishes, Monitor Audio have also introduced new driver trim rings that are painted to match the tweeter rim and give a more balanced visual appearance, by reducing visibility of the rubber driver surround.

And finally, a feature of both function and design – The new outrigger foot system. These new feet are made from moulded ABS and feature a spun metal trim, developed for improved stability. They also have a new locking foot designed to work on both carpet and hard floors.

The technical nitty-gritty…

For years, Monitor Audio have brandished their Rigid Surface Technology (RST) woofers as a trademark of their look. These iconic, silver drivers are now in their second incarnation, derived from the Gold 5G’s RDT (Rigid Diaphragm Technology) development. The composite of the ceramic-coated aluminium magnesium (C-Cam) is considered by Monitor Audio to be the best material to improve the tensile strength of the cone, while being light enough to move quickly, giving the speaker the ability to translate the music accurately. Unlike previous versions of the Silver range, which featured the original smooth RST drivers; the RST II is complimented by a hexagonal dimple pattern, which allows it to handle the higher frequencies at an optimal level.

As if improved drivers weren’t enough, Monitor Audio have taken the opportunity to improve the performance of the speakers as a whole and given the crossovers a new lease of life.

Rather than just look at the crossover merely as an electrical component, Monitor Audio approach them as an acoustic requirement that should complement the drivers, even if it means using non-mathematical methods and splitting the frequencies in a non-symmetrical manner, as long as it benefits the tonal balance, phase and musicality of the speaker.

One thing that really came across in the presentation is that Monitor Audio are producing speakers that are really designed to allow the listener to get the most out of their musical experience.

ROKSAN ATTESSA

I’ll be completely honest with you. Roksan is not a brand that I’ve had a lot of experience with, so it was a good opportunity to learn about the brand and the new Attessa range. Something that I instantly liked about the range was how limited it was. Some brands release a product line with numerous iterations and combinations that is almost impossible to navigate, well not this one! The moderately priced Attessa family consists of a turntable, CD transport, integrated amplifier and streaming amplifier. The turntable is available in satin white or satin black, and the other components of the system come in either silver or black… And for possibly the first time in a very long time, I found myself preferring the silver finish over the black!

Both the Attessa’s integrated amplifier and streaming amplifier are not short of inputs. Both feature a dedicated MM Phono stage plus two more line level analogue phono inputs, accompanied by four digital inputs (two coaxial & two Toslink). There isn’t much more you’d want, especially if you’re planning on sticking with the rest of the range. As to be expected, the CD transport features a solitary coaxial digital output.

Now, I just want to talk about the turntable for a second… Some record players feature an optimised hardwired audio cable, others give you phono outputs to pick and choose your own aftermarket cables. The Attessa Turntable does a little of both. Whilst it does have the option for aftermarket cables, Roksan have paired it with a dedicated phono cable which they claim provides the optimum quality of musicality. “So why not just hardwire that cable?” - Well, the turntable features a built in Moving Magnet switchable phono stage (active/passive) that allows you to run to line level outputs or even active speakers. Very cool! There are a whole host of technical features that make this turntable impressive, you can find out more here.

Whilst on the surface, these seem like your run of the mill Hi-Fi boxes, beneath the chassis lurks some rather clever tech. The whole system can be used with with Roksan’s very own application, MaestroUnite. This clever software package will allow you to control your complete Roksan system as a whole, but will also automatically perform any firmware updates or bug fixes that you may have not known about unless checking the site. This is something a lot of manufacturers could benefit from. Not only does this work on smartphones and tablets using Android or iOS, but also on PC and Apple computers.

When it comes to the Attessa Streaming Amplifier, you’ll find the integration of BluOS™ technology. A tried and tested method brought you from the people behind Bluesound. This Premium Multi-Room Audio Technology allows you to not only stream from Roksan to Roksan device, but ANY product that utilises the same software. So for example, if you had a Bluesound Pulse 2i wireless speaker in other rooms of the house, you could stream the same music across the house… Great for parties!

Evidently the list of manufacturers using this application is growing. And what is even more impressive is if you use the turntable input on the streaming amplifier, you can then stream that record around your house with ease.

Right, enough tech jargon for one blog…

The proof is in the listening…

After a quick coffee break, it was time to get to the good stuff. Using the Attessa streaming amplifier as our source with a bespoke Tidal playlist curated by Monitor Audio (scroll to the bottom to find out more), we set through the Silver 7G range of stereo speakers from the 50 right up to the 500.

As you’d expect when ascending through a range of speakers, the musiciality, detail and clarity all improve with each step up. Bass response and sound stage are the most noticeable improvements. That being said, even the performance of the smallest member of the family, the Silver 50 7G, exceeded expectations considering it was working in a location well outside of its intended space.

The real winners of the day for me were the 300 and 500 7G. You can’t beat a big pair of floorstanders. They particularly shone with the track Uprising from Muse. Whatever your take on that band, it’s a great track for testing not only bass response of a speaker, but also how they deal with complex midrange arrangements.

Sadly we weren’t able to listen to the full range of the Silver 7G and missed out on the AV applications, which is a shame as the new AMS 7G and FX 7G look like they’d be an incredible addition to any home cinema system.

As with any Hi-Fi system, beauty is in the ear of the beholder! We strongly advise getting yourself to one of our stores to book a demonstration.

Thanks for reading -

Brad - Audio T

Be sure to follow Audio T on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with everything going on in our stores.

Monitor Audio can be found at the following Audio-T stores

Roksan can be found at the following Audio-T stores -

Demonstration Songs

Streaming Demonstration Playlist

Cara Dillon - False, False
Paul Simon - 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Christine and the Queens - No Harm is Done
Billie Eilish - When I was Older
SHAED - Trampoline
Saycet - La Revolution
Nitin Sawney - Homelands
Cleo Sol - Why Don’t You
Janelle Monáe - Make Me Feel
The XX - Together
Billie Black - Black & White
Beyoncé - Partition
Quincy Jones - Soul Bossa Nova
Sevdaliza - Human
Dominique Fils Aime - Strange Fruit
Dennis Edwards - Don’t Look Any Further
AC/DC - Back in Black
Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way
Muse - Uprising
The Who - Eminence Front

You can listen to Monitor Audio’s playlist of streamed tracks on Tidal Here.

Vinyl Demonstration Playlist

Madonna - Like a Prayer
Donald Fagen - New Frontier
Yello - New Frontier
Sade - Smooth Operator
Cigarettes After Sex - K

June 29, 2021

THE ALL NEW REL TX SERIES

June 29, 2021/ Portsmouth

As many of you may know, REL are a company that specialise in subwoofers and subwoofers alone. For them, this is a passion. They are on an endless mission to redefine their creations and like many manufacturers in the world of Hi-Fi, are constantly aiming to achieve perfection.

REL Series T - Where ‘’T’’ stands for Tasteful!

REL’s main idea behind the ‘’T’’ series, was to create a range of subwoofers in such a way, that not only they could look stylish and delicate enough to fit in almost any home, but to also offer the right model for the right space. And if you ask me, they deliver in spectacular fashion.

REL’s latest entry to the family, the “T/x” range is set to be a huge improvement on its award winning predecessor, as well as offering an affordable alternative over their flagship ‘’S’’ series.

Let’s go over their latest entries and get ourselves familiarised with the subs.

REL T/5x

“Perfect for small and medium rooms, T/5x seats perfectly into any décor. Floor-firing is part of its secret; bass energy strikes the floor and spreads uniformly throughout the space making it perform like a larger model.

Slightly larger in volume than its predecessor, it actually appears to be smaller due to subtle design changes to minimize it’s visual presence. Finally, 5 hand polished coats of lacquer, in your choice of High Gloss White or Piano Black, add lustre to the softly rounded cabinetry.”

— REL Acoustics

The REL T5i had always been a firm favourite at Audio T Portsmouth, so we couldn’t wait to put this latest incarnation to the test. Needless to say, it really delivers!

We’d consider it to be the perfect subwoofer for most small rooms. It gives an extra level of performance that you may be lacking from your existing loudspeakers, but didn’t even know.

The undercarage of the t5x — The UNDERCARRIAGE of the t5x

A common misconception is that a subwoofer will just add extra bass to your system, but what it does is expand the sound stage not only horizontally, but also vertically, creating extra depth and detail to your listening experience.

We paired the REL T/5x with the Naim Uniti Nova streamer amplifier and the ATC SCM7 loudspeakers. By no means an “entry-level” system, but one that we know well.

Using TIDAL hi-res streaming service through the Naim App, we auditioned Uncle Lucius – Keep The Wolves Away track as a reference. We find it’s a brilliant test piece due to it’s fantastically mixed performance of bassy lows and detailed highs.

We started our listening experiment without the subwoofer and then, whilst the track was in full swing, we flicked the switch... Words cannot describe what I felt when I started listening to that big floor tom resonating around the room. Bass was travelling around the space so smoothly and discreetly, giving the experience of an actual live stage performance. You wouldn’t expect such an influence on the overall sound experience out of an 8’’ driver, however due to the floor-firing process the sub just gives it a warmer; and at the same time punchier approach.

Like I said before, this was not an entry-level setup, so to experience such a difference in performance with the inclusion of a subwoofer makes you think what you could achieve with lesser systems.

REL T/7x

“T/7x is, without reservation, one of the most-balanced REL’s of all time. T/7x manages to make it all seem easy. Quick and delicate for a perfect blend, it can pound out exceptionally deep, tuneful bass that belies its size and plays louder than most will ever require.”

— REL Acoustics

no, this isn’t a wood finish. that’s the incredible gloss black reflecting our wooden wall.

This is where things start to get a little bit more serious. With the T/7x we still get the same 8’’ floor-firing driver, but it is accompanied by an additional forward firing 10’’ passive driver. This combination delivers a clean and a well timed performance.

We conducted the same method as we did with the T/5x. Again, with the Naim Uniti Nova streamer, the ATC SCM7 loudspeakers, using the same track to give both subwoofers an equal comparison. As before, we were stunned by the precision and detail of the sound. The way this subwoofer hugs the surroundings is beyond any words. So much deeper than it’s ‘’little brother’’, making a clear statement: this is one of the best, medium-scaled subs if not the best in it’s category. It filled the room with a deep sound, however leaving enough room for the rest of the frequencies to breathe, making it an incredible listening experience.

REL T/9x

“The job of any range topper for REL is to deliver more of everything, particularly output and dynamics. The 9x is no different in this regard, as it delivers the goods in both music and theatre applications. 9x, however, delivers a level of intimacy, clarity and speed that means there are no longer trade-offs between the sonic balance of smaller models weighed against the power and scale of a model 9.”

— REL Acoustics

As REL say themselves, the T/9x delivers more of everything. It basically does everything that the T/7x is capable of, just bigger and better, with its 300W output. So we put the T/9x to the test, however, we didn’t feel that the size of our demo room allowed us to witness it’s full potential as a Hi-Fi sub. This time, we decided to connect the T/9x to a home cinema setup, just to see what we could get from some dramatic action sound effects. It’s safe to say it delivered a full, punchy, vivid sound that easily filled our room without having to turn the volume up high. I really wish we could have had the opportunity to give it a go in a larger room and explore its full capability.

Our Verdict

An overall impressive experience. We enjoyed every little bit playing around with these three subs, tweaking the crossover knobs to effortlessly find the sweet spot, or fine tuning the hi/low level knob which would provide a more colourful approach on the bass.

All three subs performed beyond our expectations. Any one would be an incredible addition to any Hi-Fi or Home Cinema set-up. The only real factors to consider when choosing which one you’ll go for is room size and budget. I’d would strongly recommend to anyone looking to buy a subwoofer, to book an appointment and have a listen.

Thank you for reading - Aga, Luke, Jake and Nick - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on in store.

REL can be found at the following Audio-T stores

April 16, 2021

REGA, HOW HIGH CAN THE KYTE FLY?

April 16, 2021/ Portsmouth

Generally speaking, Rega is a manufacturer known for a series of outstanding products. They have carved their way into the hearts of many audiophiles by questioning the status quo of Hi-Fi development, whilst also creating products to fulfil all price points. The Kytes are Rega’s latest addition…

“A lifetime of musical enjoyment at an affordable price” is Rega’s tagline for these modestly priced speakers. I think it’s safe to say that a lifetime is a pretty long time, so how do they achieve this?

Some may argue that Rega as a company put a lot of emphasis on their research and development as opposed to spending their time and budget on marketing. It’s a case that they let the product speak for itself. That’s no surprise with co-founder & owner, Roy Gandy at the helm. A man with a passion for music and engineering.

“If I was born with a talent, it is the intuition to recognise when something is wrong and the impulsiveness to correct it or search for what is right.” - Roy Gandy

Perhaps if we re-examine the tagline, “A lifetime of Musical Enjoyment...”, it’s not referring to the life expectancy of the product, but the man behind the design and what has gone in to the making of this product?

LET’S GO FLY A KYTE…

So let’s take a peek at Rega’s newest and most affordable loudspeaker, The Kyte.

First announced at the 2020 Bristol Hi-Fi Show, The Kyte’s were set to feature in the yet to be released, System One bundle alongside the IO Amplifier and multi award winning Planar 1 turntable. However this is expected to be due later into this year. Until then, the speakers are available as a stand alone product and sitting at the comfortable price point of around £500.

Let me tell you, I for one feel that Rega have worked their fingers to the bone with these loudspeakers. Featuring their newly designed ZRR high frequency unit paired with a Rega MX-125 bass-mid driver carefully fitted into a phenolic resin cabinet.

Yes, you heard that correct! These speakers feature a plastic resin cabinet. This is something all to familiar in the world of pro music and studio monitors, but something we very rarely see in the Hi-Fi world. The black injection moulded cabinets are supported by ceramic plates/cross bracing which reduces the resonance of an already rigid cabinet. For those who aren’t up on your physics, the idea behind this is the reduction of any unwanted resonance of the cabinet that is naturally generated through the movement of the speaker drivers. That’s the theory anyway, but what is it like in practice?

Put simply, they are excellent! If you remove any misconvienced preconceptions that you may have against plastic cased speakers and give the new Rega Kytes a listen, I think you’ll you will be pleasantly surprised. What Rega have created is a speaker that performs well outside of its budget.

Like many people in their early 20s, I hadn’t grown up with records being the go-to format for music listening. I had traditionally always used streaming or CDs for musical playback. As such, I’m fairly fresh in to the world of record collecting.

After several hours, I found myself fully immersed in the listening experience, falling in love with my records for what felt like the first time. I had pretty much assembled my own Rega One bundle as I paired the speakers with the new Planar One in Matt Black finish and the Rega IO.

I used the Kyte’s in my room on the isoacoustic aperta isolation stands

At first, the speakers threw me off a little. The plastic finish gives them an uninspired look for the most part, however, the saving grace being that this does fit in with the sleek modern design. Putting the aesthetics aside, after two or three records, I was hooked! The Kyte speakers are unassuming but boy do they sure fly high!

The Rega Kytes speakers are a well rounded speaker, not so soft in the top end that it becomes dull, nor too exaggerated to the point where it becomes harsh to your ears. They have nailed a position in the acoustics zenith.

This balance is played off well for the overall tone, as the detail you receive is comparable to high budget speakers.

Now, as I already mentioned, I am younger than the average Hi-Fi enthusiast. And with only having two decades under my belt, there comes a different attitude and feeling towards Hi-Fi technology. It’s not like I was raised in an era where music had restricted releases in the shops or on the radio. I’ve grown up in an age where music is readily available through Youtube or Spotify. I certainly don’t have vivid memories of running to the local record store for the latest release, nor a nostalgia when it comes to the anticipation of placing the stylus on a brand new album for the first time. These experiences are a recent discovery for me. Whilst enjoyable, it does make me feel as if my relationship with music could have been possibly different growing up. But hey, they do say “You’re never too old to start”.

A NEW VINYL AGE?

Did you know that 2020 was the first year vinyl officially outsold CDs since the 1980s? There is an increasing number of younger people exploring this physical format and learning to love music in a new way. But are they falling in love with it in the right way.?

After talking to friends and seeing posts on social media, I’ve noticed that a lot of other young record collectors are accessing the format of vinyl through all-in-one record players, not dedicated Hi-Fi systems.

Often these “one box ” jobs will have the functionality to play both 45 rpm and 33 rpm records at a reasonably loud volume - but often they have the drawback of sounding pretty awful. As if your favourite vinyl was recorded with something a little tike my first walkie talkie. But it isn’t very surprising that so many people go for them when you can pick up one up for under £100. These purely convenient music destroyers are made to be cheap and affordable instead of bringing your music to life and getting the most out of vinyl records.

I think it’s safe to say that they are not doing the playback of your favourite feel good music any justice!

So what’s the alternative to these boxes of doom? Well, on the subject of Rega we’ve already discussed the System One bundle which is due to arrive later this year. Obviously, the entry-level Planar 1 turntable price point doesn’t go as low as the previously mentioned budget record players, but when you consider the engineering that goes in to Rega products, not to mention the fact that they are handmade in England out of top notch components, it’s not really surprising. That being said, it’s not like it breaks the bank either!

I’ve added these points to my review as I did indeed fall in love with my records properly for the first time. I found the urge to explore the vinyl I have collected, even going back through them a few times to enjoy each one again.

We currently have two Rega bundles featured on our site, including everything you will need to enjoy your records at an all inclusive price.

Rega Planar 1 Bundle

Rega Planar 2 Bundle

Thank you for reading - Jake and Nick - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on in store.

Rega can be found at the following Audio-T stores

January 22, 2021

KEF LS50 - DOES META MEAN BETTER?→

January 22, 2021/ Audio T/ Portsmouth

Imagine it, you are living in 1961 with clear disappointment in the way music sounds. Will you stand down? Raymond Cooke didn’t, and that is what this passion that lead to the creation of countless innovations in speakers, including the KEF LS50 Metas.

LS50 Black edition VS Ls50 Meta Mineral White

KEF (named after Kent Engineering and Foundry) has one sole purpose - to listen to music without compromise. That is what Mr Raymond Cooke believed in when he started the journey. Inspired by his love of music, he made it his goal to fill rooms with music as it was made to be heard.

There are two types of music lovers in the HiFi world. Those who would hike a large valley to experience the world through a clear stunning transparent window, and those who are looking for an exciting experience - The listening equivalent of a thrill-seeker who jumps in any roller-coaster or throws themselves out of a plane to skydive.

They are both enjoyable and valid ways to listen to music, but KEF believe in combining those valley views with a ride a few dB away from a adrenaline rush.

They’ve proven this time and time again, with their top end reference series as well as dedicated studio monitors engineered for recording professionals (We have sold a pair or two to recording engineers local to Portsmouth).

But they are far from bland. KEF’s LS50s have been a statement to the HiFi world for 11 Generations of models. They offer you the music as the artists pictured it, as the artists imagined it. But with the changing times the 12th generation has entered the picture, the LS50 Meta. But does Meta mean better?

So what is Meta?

Meta stands for Metamaterial, a substance that exists to contain no acoustic traits seen by any natural material. KEF implemented Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Meta as a type of acoustic treatment to reduce up to 99% of unwanted sound bouncing created from the back of the driver. In short, they have managed to reach new levels of clarity, having reduce the Mid-Band total Harmonic Distortion to a low of 0.07%. This means your ears can enjoy a immersive experience with even more clarity throughout the frequency spectrum. Which, in turn, has helped balance out the bass frequencies, an issue that has been noticed with its predecessor.

Sounds like some sort of Sci-Fi voodoo to me! luckily KEF have given it a more indepth look in this video here.

Our shop elf got to choose the shop speakers over the christmas period

The LS50 Metas have set a new precedent in speaker technology, especially in being an affordable high end bookshelf speaker. KEF also have the benefit of very few competitors a similar price range.

The KEF are a master-stroke of balance to compliment a wide range of music, with a dash of excitement to make you want to listen more and more.

So let’s sum this up

The KEF LS50 Metas are a great option to consider when thinking about upgrading your speakers, and would integrate well in a wide range of home systems. The well balance nature of the speakers offers a versatility when it comes to pairing with almost any amp. They’re not afraid of performing in a larger room with their surprising bass response.

The New LS50 are currently available in four finishes - Carbon Black, Mineral White, Royal Blue and Titanium Grey.

Thank you for reading - Jake and Nick - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with what’s going on in store.

KEF can be found at the following Audio-T stores

December 09, 2020

HI-FI OR SCI-FI? NURASOUND - THE FUTURE OF HEADPHONES

December 09, 2020/ Portsmouth

When looking at a new manufacturer or new product release I find myself in one of two possible mindsets… Either, I’m as giddy as an excited child on Christmas morning, eagerly awaiting their latest toy - Or, I’m a cynical old fart asking “Why bother, surely we have enough of those already” … Often the latter comes to pass with products where the market is already oversaturated with well-established, industry standards that we all know and love. Now on occasion I’ll start with my dreary, negative outlook, only for it to be washed away by a surprisingly refreshing product. I found myself doing just that with my review of Jern Speakers, and now we have NuraSound…

Established in 2016 as the brainchild of medical doctor and auditory scientist, Dr Luke Campbell and electrical engineer, Dr Dragan Petrovic. Inspired by Dr Campbell's research, the duo set out to answer a single question, "What if each of us could hear music perfectly tuned to our unique hearing?". What they didn’t realise at the time is that over the course of the following two years, the pair would find themselves reinventing headphones as we understand them.

In 2018, NuraSound launched what transpired to be Australia’s largest-ever Kickstarter campaign, raising approximately £1.35 Million, which allowed the two doctors to bring their two models to the market. The flagship Nuraphone: a ground-breaking in-ear/over-ear hybrid, noise cancelling, wireless Bluetooth headphone. And the Nuraloop: An ergonomically designed pair of noise cancelling, Bluetooth earphones durable enough for active use.

So how does Nura technology work?

Once you’ve downloaded the free dedicated Nura app, your chosen product plays a range of tones and sine waves into the ear and then measures the impulse response created by the inside of your ears. This returning sound is called the Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) and this tiny signal originates in the cochlea and vibrates the eardrum, turning it into a speaker and playing sound back out of your ear. This sound is about 10,000 times smaller than the sound that went in, yet encoded within the returning soundwave is vital information about how well your ears perceived what went in. Both models use an extremely sensitive microphone to detect and measure this returning sound wave, and a self-learning engine built into the app to create your bespoke profile. This process is all automated. No buttons, knobs or a working knowledge of auditory science required. The whole process is complete in around 60 seconds.

Once the Nura app has created your hearing profile it sonically shapes and equalises your music playback so that it perfectly matches your hearing and delivers a tailored listening experience to get the most out of the music you love!

So that’s the “How” out of the way. Let’s take a look at the products themselves...

Nuraphone

I must admit, on first inspection of these headphones I was a little concerned with how far the inner ear section stuck out from the cup and felt I was in for an Alien-like probing of my ear canal! Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the headphones. I also admire the sturdy charging port design as well as the inclusion of an analogue cable with a 3.5mm jack allowing you to use these with your existing Hi-Fi system.

On to the set-up. Downloading the app was a fairly painless experience, even with the obligatory firmware update you come to expect from a “fresh out of the box” product.

(It is worth noting that the headphones did require charging before I could use them. I know some products come out of the box fully charged, so I thought this was worth a mention).

Once the firmware had updated, I eagerly moved on to setting up my listening profile. The first part of this is a series of sounds sent through the ears to test the fit of the headphones. This wasn’t exactly straightforward as the “Seal” my ears were creating wasn’t very stable. After several attempts of trying to improve this by adjusting the headband and positioning of the cups, the app suggested moving on… So, I did. Following the test for the seal comes the measurement of the impulse responses of your ears. This cacophony of sine waves transported me back to any given 60s or 70s Sci-Film. You know the part where a computer or robot is trying to work something out and this action is portrayed by a jumble of random tones and notes? Yep, just like that!

From here, a preselected piece of very well produced music is played for you without any of the adjustments in what is known as a Neutral setting. Then, with a click of the button in the app, your personalised listening experience is brought to life. You also have the chance to play with the Immersion Mode – an adjustment of low-end resonance designed to recreate a live listening experience.

Now, whilst I was impressed with the sound being played back at me, I wasn’t blown away! This was supposed to be the listening experience of a lifetime and yet I found it was only marginally better that the wireless noise cancelling headphones I had previously sampled from the already crowded marketplace. Undeterred, I continued to listen, assuming that like a new pair of glasses there would be an adjustment period.

After about an albums worth of listening I found that the inner part of my ear was really starting to hurt. I had assumed that the Large ear bud already fitted on the Nuraphone would be the correct ones due to nature of my oversized head (believe me, buying hats is a nightmare!) Out of sheer curiosity, I removed the Large offending rubber earbuds of pain and replaced them with the included, less offensive Medium size bud (There is also a Small size included should you need it). The fit was instantly better and far more comfortable. So, I thought to myself “Perhaps I had best redo the whole thing over?” Whilst sitting in unadulterated anticipation, I found myself as giddy as the proverbial child on Christmas morning, eager to see what elusive wonder lies beyond the wrapping paper… I gently proceeded through the testing process and arrived at the listening stage of the experiment. The Neutral experience was already better than previous, I clicked on the Personalised button and… BANG! There it was! The experience that had been promised. I could feel a shiver of excitement run down my spine as the hairs on my arms stood to attention and my hearing was transported to a whole new dimension. Songs that I had listened to a thousand times before had come to life in a way never before experienced to my ears. It’s an experience hard to explain… It’s like going from standard TV to HD 4K.

It’s probably worth noting that I’m listening to the Nuraphone as I write this… I’m actually having a little difficulty separating myself from them.

As well as the exciting new performance of audio playback, the Nuraphone boast a comfortable yet sturdy design. With two assignable buttons (four if you include the double-tap feature), These are truly a headphone designed for the individual. So how does the younger brother fair up…

Nuraloop

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Having had the experience of the previous headphones, I had the gift of hindsight to aid me in the set-up. First thing I did was try the different sized buds to ensure the best fit. Funnily enough, this time I found the preinstalled size to be the best fit. From here, the initialisation was a breeze. Unsurprisingly, the earphones had to be charged and a firmware update was hiding in wait. Unlike the Nuraphone’s USB-type connection, the Nuraloop have a very cool magnetic connection for the power and analogue cables. These earphones are clearly designed with a more active/sporty user in mind, with their sweat resistant construction and 16+ hour battery life, they are perfect for the avid runner or gym user that still wants to listen to music in an outstanding fashion.

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Now whilst I am incredibly impressed with these earphones, there is one minor set-back. Do you remember I said that I have an oversized cranium? Well, as embarrassing as it is to admit, due to the connecting cable these earphones are a little snug on the back of my head… Whilst they still sound out of this world, the experience is slightly marred by the fit. But hey, I’m the minority here and I doubt it will even be an issue for many of you out there.

Much like its older sibling, the Nuraloop benefit from assignable soft touch controls as well as a dial feature around the buttons to control volume and level of noise cancellation. These truly are the Hi-Fi earphone for the audiophile on the go.

After all, business giants, Forbes Magazine described them as “the last earphones you should ever buy”.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say, that without a shadow of doubt, that these are possibly the best headphones I have ever listened to! It is obvious that this was a real labour of love for Doctors Petrovic & Campbell. The detail and precision that has gone in to developing this technology is truly incredible. Subtle features such as the assignability of controls is just another step towards distancing themselves from other market competitors. I’m a big fan off the auto on/off feature that detects when the headphones are being worn. And hey, any headphones that say “Welcome back Brad” when I put them on is a winner in my books.

Now I know everyone’s listening preferences aren’t the same, and everyone has different tastes, so these probably won’t be to everyone’s liking, so don’t just take my word for it. Why not get in touch with your local store or if you want to take the plunge, you can order online for delivery right to your door.

Brad Tyler - Audio T Media & Online Manager

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October 29, 2020

CELEBRATING 110 YEARS OF DENON WITH THE LIMITED EDITION DCD CD PLAYER AND PMA AMPLIFIER

October 29, 2020/ Portsmouth

Denon, a name that has always aligned itself with creativity and innovation is celebrating its 110th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in Japan in the early 20th Century, the company quickly found itself marching towards becoming one of the biggest innovators in creating the way we listen to music today.

The company was originally established in 1910 as part of Nippon Chikuonki Shokai (Japan Recorders Corporation), a manufacturer of single-sided disc records and gramophones. They later changed their name to Denon in 1930.

From their very inception, Denon have contributed to countless advancements in the field of Hi-Fi.

In celebration of their 110 years on this planet they have released the A-110 Anniversary Series. The PMA-A110 Amplifier, the DCD-A110 CD Player, the DL-A110 Stylus and the AVC-A110 Audio Visual Amplifier.

How do they fair?

Well, if you’re not tempted by their sleek design and gargantuan stature, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is some substance behind the style!

Here at Portsmouth, we’ve been lucky enough to be nominated as the the flagship store to hold the demonstration PMA-A110 Amplifier and DCD-A110 Super Audio CD Player models, and I had the privilege of opening them for the first time. So here are my initial feelings and thoughts on the matter.

It was clear to me from the get go that Denon wanted to to celebrate their triple digital anniversary in a BIG way. The weight and size of the boxes was the first indicator as well as the first glimpse of the stylish Silver Graphite which will no doubt become synonymous with these iconic monoliths of sound - Even the remote control is a thing of engineering beauty, with the most satisfying buttons in the industry! This handheld wonder features a stainless steel construction which feels solid and hardy.

You can feel the quality that radiates from these units. Proudly made in Denon's home factory, Shirakawa Audio Works in Shirakawa, Japan.

PMA-A110 Stereo Amplifier

The Denon PMA- A110 anniversary amplifier is a culmination of 110 years of audio heritage and a pinnacle of the engineering that featured in all the PMA series that preceded it.

Powered by Denon’s patented Advanced Ultra High Current (UHC) single-push-pull circuit power amplifier, the PMA-A110 integrated amplifier delivers 160 Watts of power-per-channel. The A110 amplifier features a two stage amplification system- a variable stage preamp and a separate power amplifier. The A110 features two transformers facing opposite directions to cancel out any mutual magnetic interference.

Designed to please the most discerning audiophile, this amp is an obvious choice for listeners who want to build the 2-channel Hi-Fi system of their dreams.

There are a whole host of functions to play with when it comes to audio quality. You can truly feel Denon’s love of musicality in the features. The unit features two modes that disable any digital component in the signal chain to give you a true analogue experience. Unlike a lot of contemporary amplifiers you’ll find a stereo balance and EQ controls, so you can have the flexibility to achieve the sound that suits you and your space. But perhaps you want to reference the music just how the engineers intended? Well, with the tap of a button you can easily switch to “Source Direct” to completely bypass any adjustment controls. At the end of the day that is what the PMA-A110 truly achieves - An amplifier that perfectly blends traditional analogue technology with the precision and detail you’ve come to expect from modern digital Hi-Fi.

This is apparent in the specifications: a total harmonic distortion of 0.01%, and the impressive four PCM1795 DAC configuration.

While this amplifier is a feat of engineering, it doesn’t appear to have smart features that we’ve become familiar with in other consumer amplifiers. Obviously Denon felt it necessary to focus more on the quality of the audio rather than adding any extras such as music streaming capability. It is a no-nonsense approach to using modern manufacturing to make it sound the best it can. And boy does that come across when putting it through its paces!

How about the DCD-A110 CD Player?

The DCD-A110 Super Audio CD Player is the perfect pairing for the PMA- A110. It features the same stunning finish as well as one of the smoothest CD tray’s I think I’ve ever seen! Much like it’s amplifier counterpart, it features a quad PMC1795 DAC configuration that acts as the dedicated processors for the player, so the quality marries perfectly with the amp to allow the two to perform in beautiful harmony.

In the modern age of Hi-Fi you can’t move an inch without running into players with integrated streamers or Bluetooth functionality. But the DCD-A110 stands out as a unit that gives CDs the attention they deserve. Some might argue that it would have been nice if Denon had included some of these additional features or even a digital input to make further use of the power inside the four DACs, however, I think it’s important to stress you’re not paying for bells and whistles. This is a unit that does exactly what it says on the tin - A exquisite CD player at the up-most top of its game.

With features similar to that of the PMA-A110 including a Pure Direct feature to turn off the digital display and the digital audio outputs to remove any interference that could impact your experience, this is a formidable system.

In conclusion, the only downside of the anniversary series I can see is the accessibility. With its premium price tag it won’t be a viable option for everyone, but if you’re in the market for some serious Hi-Fi then look no further.

Jake, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Denon can be found at the following Audio-T stores

Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration today!

September 28, 2020

Introducing the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary.

September 28, 2020/ Portsmouth

A recent release in the wonderful world of speakers is the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Anniversary Series to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the original 600 speakers.

With the quality of sound you have come to expect from Bowers & Wilkins, but with upgraded crossovers and decoupled double dome tweeters, for the most clear listening experience possible for the anniversary. Not to mention the cosmetic upgrades to them.

Before we talk about our verdict on how they sound let’s have an overview of the history.

1966, Worthing, England. John Bowers started out building speakers systems in his electronics workshop. This grew into Bowers starting his own speaker company, after a hefty investment of £10,000 from a satisfied customer! This grew into the company experimenting with speaker designs to push forward the capabilities of audio from the domestic monitors in the 1970s to setting up the SRE (Steyning Research Establishment) in 1981.

Bowers and wilkins: domestic monitors, the start of their venture into home audio! read more at :https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-gb/our-story

The first 600 series came about in 1991, as a successor to the already established series of home monitors. It was a series that made quality audio even more accessible in a domestic environment, at an affordable price point, helping create what the HiFi industry is today. Designs like the original 600 series gave more of a focus on the the music lover’s home, instead of a professional studio environment. That is why we join Bowers & Wilkins in celebrating this milestone.

“But what about the speakers?” you might ask, that’s why you clicked on this blog after all.

The sound quality captured in the 600 series is outstanding- the clarity is comparable to speakers at a higher price point. This was surprising due to the seemingly minor changes for this anniversary edition - but those little changes make these a top competitor for their respective price points.

Initially the bass that can be produced from the Floor Standing 603 speakers made me need to catch my breath. I assumed there was a subwoofer in the system with them. I was wrong, it was all the 603s work!

From testing the 603s I went straight to warming up the 607s. I wanted to to dive into the comparison between the models. I went into testing the 607s with a pinch of salt as they are dwarfed by their big sisters, but I was wrong to do so. The 607s are the perfect speaker if you have a smaller room. They held their own in our larger demo room, which I think says a lot about the quality of the audio reproduced by them. Most speakers of this size will typically begin to suffer in this kind of environment, however, the 607s held up (albeit with a slight blur of clarity between the bass and mid-range in comparison with the more expensive models).

The 607s have a wide frequency response and great clarity, most noticeable in the crisp detail in the midrange and the high frequencies - making these small speakers an impressive thing to hear.

Introducing the 606s. If you find you have the room size for a bigger pair of speakers, but without the space for floor standing models then the 606s are for you. The slightly larger size of the 606s mean they don’t fail to fill up a room They are a favourite as our shop floor speakers to ‘warm them up’ (we just really like them to be honest).

Our first demonstration model of the 606s did kick up quite the riot in our store. The new Oak finish for the 600 series is flawless. Our 606s featured this finish, with an Oak styled veneer (a stunning shade) mixed with the white face. The contrast between the two creates a balance that I can only describe as full eye candy. Although for the 603s we do prefer the finishes in black or white, as we think the black speaker cones don’t fully mix with the white panel - but of course that is a personal preference, how may feel otherwise.

Overall we tested the speakers with a wide range of music, varying from The Cinematic Orchestra and Oh Wonder to Rollings Stones and Metallica to Jon Hopkins and the Bass Mekanik! We choose a range of different styles to reflect a range of different listening to see how they hold up. The speakers as a whole reflected a performance higher than their respected price points - in the worlds of the great Joe Reed. ‘A whole load of speaker for the price.’

It feels that Bowers and Wilkins didn’t just hit the nail on the head with this series - they may have made nails obsolete! They have offered a quality speaker that is available at a range of price points that ultimately benefits the Hi-Fi industry with a further sense of accessibility to crisp balanced plain old good sounding Hi-Fi.

We are operating an appointment only system during these difficult times. So why not book a demo to listen to these beautiful speakers today? Our demo rooms are waiting!

Jake, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Bowers & Wilkins 600 Anniversary Series are available in all Audio T Stores.

July 30, 2020

JERN SPEAKERS - WELCOME TO THE IRON AGE OF HI-FI!

July 30, 2020/ Portsmouth

In terms of brands and models available, speakers are arguably one of the most overly saturated fields in the world of Hi-Fi. So to come on to the scene as a relatively new name in the industry, you have to able to bring something revolutionary to the table... Are Jern the company to do just that?

Founded in 1975 by engineering graduate Holger Dissing, Dansk Skalform; the group behind Jern, is best known as a reputable casting company for the automobile and machinery industries, working with the likes of Rolls Royce, Porsche, McLaren, Audi and many more. So how did they find themselves in the Hi-Fi trade?

Today the company is run by Søren Dissing, son of founder Holger Dissing. One day he thought to himself, “What would happen if a loudspeaker was moulded out of one solid piece of iron?” From here, Søren and his team got to work to produce a loudspeaker prototype that comprised of the finest quality cast iron using skills laid out by his father decades before. And there you have it, Jern Speakers was born.

SO WHY GREY CAST IRON?

If we get in to the nitty-gritty of the physics behind speaker construction, it is a fact that all solid materials resonate when they are excited by vibrations. When a speaker cabinets resonates, it continues to “sing” each note long after the next note begins. Sonically it is very confusing to listen to and creates ghost frequencies that aren't actually on the original recording and are often out of tune with the source material. To counteract this, varying manufacturers adopt different methods. Some use elaborate internal bracing, even on those with inner aluminium shells; Others will use foam or inert filler within the cabinet to deaden the vibrations.

Did you know that “Jern” is Danish for “Iron”?

The truth of the matter is nothing will completely stop vibrations travelling through the cabinet, but grey cast iron can effortlessly and naturally do what the other materials strive towards. It has been proven to be ten times more effective than wooden cabinets and up to one hundred times better than aluminium in reducing vibrations. It is so effective as a dampening material that legendary grand piano manufacturers such as Bechstein, Steinway and Bösendorfer use grey cast iron for their piano frames as it doesn't add any resonant frequencies to the notes being played.

IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS

They look like something designed by H R Geiger for the film ' Aliens'.

Whilst the curved exterior of these cast iron speakers is smooth, some of the real magic happens internally. The inner walls of these loudspeakers are lined with hexagonal domes designed to break-up any internal standing waves that would otherwise compromise the performance of the drivers. This CDS (Cast Dome Structure) technology creates a completely neutral cabinet and is vital to the Jern Sound.

Now Some of you might be asking “Brad, what does a moulding company know about Hi-Fi?”... Well, let’s find out! Jern have sent me a pair of their Model 11 speakers to listen to and put through their paces...

On first inspection I didn't feel like I was just removing another pair of speaker from their boxes. Instead I felt like a curator removing a valuable piece of modern art for my galleries latest exhibition. These things look stylish and slick, but boy are they heavy! Although the Jern Model 11 have a flat base, the best option is to use the included ring to stand them on. This simplistic accessory not only creates isolation between the speaker cabinet and the surface it sits on, but it also allows it to be tilted backwards, forwards and side to side to truly manipulate the soundstage and pinpoint the sweet spot no matter where you are in the room. But there is no denying there is an artistic look to their shapely design.

Armed with my playlist of trusty “go-to” songs for such an occasion, I was able to really put the Model 11's through their paces. For a speaker of this size there is always the expectation that there will be a lack in bass response, but this was not the case. Every track I threw at them did not disappoint. Now I'm not saying they wouldn't benefit from a subwoofer in the long-run, but it certainly isn't an immediate requirement like some models out there. Equally, some speakers of this size can come across as being trebly or too pronounced in the mid-range, again this wasn't the case. The Jern Model 11's have impeccable separation and detail within the sound stage that it's almost like you're not listening to speakers at all, you're completely submerged in the music.

As a side note, if you want to really test the bass response of a pair of speakers, I would suggest Billie Eilish's “Bad Guy”. Although it's not everyone's cup of tea, it is undoubtably a well produced track with some truly unparalleled sub harmonic bass parts.

at one point a passing light meant that the SPEAKERS had this glow about them like a terrifying alien russian doll!

Whilst sat in our demo room listening away, the thing that really struck me is how effortlessly they make the whole listening experience have a more enjoyable feel about it. I find myself no longer analysing the response of the speaker, but instead I'm lost in the music and that is something I think is incredibly special about these particular loudspeakers. It's like they make you fall in love with music all over again. On several tracks I literally felt shivers down my spine!

There are so many factors that attribute to the outstanding performance of these speakers, so much so that I could probably write two or three blogs on the cabinets alone. But alas we must conclude. So heres a rundown of the Pros and Cons -

Pros -

Compact size in relation to sound stage and bass response.
No bass reflex ports mean you can place them pretty much anywhere.
Grey cast iron cabinet means you hear only the sound waves from the loudspeaker driver
Made from recycled materials.
Compete far beyond their price point - Easily worth every penny.
One of the best speakers I've ever heard!
Dedicated, stylish tripod stands available in Oak or Walnut for an incredibly contemporary look. There is also a dedicated flood stand available.

Cons -

At 12kg each, some might find them to be too heavy for wall mounting or putting them on shelves... And certainly don't drop them on your toes when setting up!
Due to the materials used, the range is limited to four finishes – Polar White, Casting Grey, Nordic Black and Fine Red. (Personally, I'm a huge fan of 'Casting Grey', and as this is purely cosmetic, I'm not sure if it's fair to class it as a 'Con')

So, in summary, I absolutely love these speakers! The design, the sound, performance, Everything! I don't think I've ever heard a speaker perform with such conviction... So much so that I think I'll be ordering a pair for myself! But why take my word for it? Come in and have a listen for yourself!

Should you want to have a listen or want to discuss them further, be sure to drop us a line or pop in to your local Audio T store.

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

JERN Loudspeakers can be found at the following Audio-T stores

July 02, 2020

A Naim to Remember - A Visit to the Naim Factory

July 02, 2020/ Portsmouth

On a cold, yet sunny morning in November of last year, I hit the road and embarked on a journey to the medieval city of Salisbury, Wiltshire. Situated a mere 9 miles south of the mystifying ancient circle of Stonehenge and home to the iconic 13th Century Cathedral and its 123m tall spire, Salisbury holds another wonder within its city limits... Naim Audio.

Founded in 1973 by British born engineer, Julian Vereker, Naim Audio have been an industry leader in high-end audio equipment for the past 47 years.

The Visionary – A Brief History of Julian Vereker

Julian Charles Prendergast Vereker, MBE (7 May 1945 – 14 January 2000)

Born in Oxford in 1945, Julian Vereker demonstrated a flare for engineering from an young age. Whilst his early ventures centred around the world of motorsports, and a brief albeit successful career as a race-car driver, it wasn't long until he focused his attentions towards audio. Through a personal passion for recording his friends bands, Vereker began to develop and design his own equipment as he was unhappy with the quality he was getting from the products available at the time.

Image from iOS copy.jpg — Unknown to many, Vereker was instrumental in creating Brompton Bicycle, a start-up company credited as inventing the folding bicycles.

From here Vereker founded Naim Audio Visual in 1969. Its first product was a unit capable of switching 30kW of lighting on and off in time to music. The following year, he released his first professional audio product the M10.2 mixer. In 1971, Naim Audio Visual produced its very first amplifier, although initially it was made on demand for friends and acquaintances. Following on from this success, Vereker won a contract to supply Capital Radio with new amplification in 1973, thus Naim Audio was born. And the rest they say, is history...

Despite Naim's merger with French speaker company, Focal, in 2011 - the vast majority of their catalogue is still made in the UK, and I was fortunate enough to take a tour of the factory.

The first thing that struck me about my visit to Naim was how fetching I looked in a light blue lab-coat...

No, but seriously, the first thing that hit me was that Naim's organisation isn't some lifeless conveyor belt of mass production like you'd expect to find in a factory.

The whole operation has more of a family business vibe to it, with a very relaxed and happy atmosphere throughout the building. Its obvious that all of the engineers love what they do and are truly passionate about their craft.

Our host for the factory tour, Mark Raggett, joined Naim at the age of 19 and has worked in most areas within the business. This was instantly apparent in his encyclopedic knowledge of the company and all of their products.

Mark Raggett, International Product Training Manager, Has over 25 years experience with naim

Mark shows us the inner workings of the flagship, naim statement system

Most of you will know that each Naim product is manufactured to extremely precise level, but what you may not know is in-depth this goes. Every cable within each product has been designed to such a level that the engineers have tested whether or not the sound benefits a cable being straight, coiled or bending around the chassis. This is then replicated in every finished product.

Every product made in the naim factory has a master model which each engineer must replicate every single time.

Newly built products ready to hit the QC area of the factory

Unlike a lot of manufacturers, Naim make their products to order. You won't find shelves of boxed stock sat there waiting for someone to buy one. I think this really emphasises the level of quality you are purchasing when you invest in a Naim product.

The legendary naim “snake shaker” - This machine puts every naim DINN cable through its paces before it leaves the factory.

The tour was concluded in the newly refurbished demonstration room.

Here we were able to listen to the full range of naim products and the difference between models.

I genuinely found the whole tour to be fascinating! Every part of the operation is meticulously run, and the same care and precision is present throughout each step of the manufacturing and quality control process. If you ever get the opportunity to go to this Willy Wonka's factory of audio delight, then do it!

Should you want to discuss Naim or demo any of their products, be sure to get in touch with us.

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on whats happening in the Portsmouth store by following our Instagram and Facebook

Naim is available in all Audio T Stores.

March 26, 2020

Ex-Streaming-ly Good Entertainment! An Overview Of Video Streaming Services

March 26, 2020/ Portsmouth

Being in my early thirties, I remember a time when the only choice of viewing in our household was the four main terrestrial channels or a good old VHS that had to be rewound just enough to ensure you get to the start of the film, but not so far that you hit the beginning of the tape and had to endure the same four trailers for the tenth millionth time... It became a subtle art! Or, and this was a very special occasion, we would take a trip to Blockbusters to pick up the latest release.

Fast forward to twenty years (see what I did there?) and the world would never be the same again...

Netflix, originally founded in 1997 as a mail order DVD rental service, are attributed as being the driving force behind the streaming movement from 2010, although they weren't the first service available...

AMAZON PRIME

First released in the US as Amazon Unbox in 2006, the now household name, Amazon Prime, started its journey as an ever expanding and evolving video streaming service that as of January 2020 boasts over 105 million users worldwide. It wasn't until 2011, when Amazon acquired Love Film that it brought its streaming services to the UK and Ireland.

I think it's safe to say that Prime was very much playing second fiddle to its competitors until at least 2015 when the company started producing critically acclaimed shows such as Sneaky Pete, The Man in the High Castle and Mr Robot – From here on out, the general public started taking more stock in this late-bloomer of a brand.

Over the past few years, Amazon Prime has brought some truly incredible shows to our screens with the likes of The Boys - A dark and witty take on the superhero genre. Good Omens starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen and created by the indomitable forces of fantasy writing, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Fleabag - Phoebe Waller Bridge's hilarious and wicked crowning glory, based on her 2013 one-woman stage show. The Grand Tour saw fan's of the infamous presenting trio of BBC's Top Gear return to their usual car-fuelled hijinks. And a surprising personal favourite of mine, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan with its title character being portrayed by the always excellent, John Krasinski, best known for his role as Jim in the American take on The Office.

With a full roster of original material, not to mention a whole host of new releases as well as classic content, most of which is a available in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos – Oh, and did I mention a access to a high-definition music streaming service (which we will cover another time) and a preferential delivery system on purchases made through Amazon. It's no surprise that this streaming service has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. Amazon Prime is available on smart TV, PC, Mac, iOS and Android.

DISNEY+

The newest and probably most anticipated edition to the streaming community is Disney+.

As the Magical Kingdom expands in to a formidable Media Empire with its acquisitions of Marvel, the Star Wars Universe and most recently - Fox Entertainment, it's no surprise that people have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Star Wars - The Mandalorian - courtesy of Disney+

He is bloody cute though! Star Wars - The Mandalorian - Courtesy of Disney+

The service, currently priced at £5.99 per month, or an annual subscription of £59.99 (Prices correct at the time of writing), is streaming all previous releases from Disney's current back-catalogue including Pixar, National Geographic plus its other properties mentioned earlier. The service has already started to dazzle its customers with new content with shows such as Star Wars - The Mandalorian. You only have to be on the internet for 30 seconds before you see a picture of Baby Yoda...

So if you’re a subscriber of other streaming platforms, expect to see fewer Disney releases as they'll be making new residence over at Disney+. But at a fairly competitive price point, 4K HD Ultra & Dolby Atmos ready, AND playback available on Android & iOS, I think it’s safe to say that this will become a quick family favourite... As a huge Marvel nerd, I might just go register myself!

NOW TV

Some of you out there might question the validity of Now TV's streaming service status due to the fact that it is merely a subsidiary of the Sky Group. Well to those naysayers I say, “Nay”! Founded in 2012, Now TV was widely accepted as a successful alternative to Netflix, probably because if you're anything like me and you don't want to be locked in to a lengthy contract on Sky but be able to gain access to some top quality shows and films, then it works pretty well!

Unlike the other services on this list, Now TV technically doesn't make its own content as it drip-feeds through from Sky TV, HBO, AMC, MTV and Comedy Central to name but a few.

For many people, Now TV (or Sky) is the only way to access favourite shows such as AMC's The Walking Dead, which is now set to conclude its 10th series with season 11 due next year... (I think I gave up half way through season 8...)

It’s sad to say goodbye… Modern Family - courtesy of abc

On reflection, I think one of my all time favourite shows to grace Now TV would have to be ABC's hilarious sitcom, Modern Family, which is soon to comes to its end after 11 hilarious years of relatable comedy… I may have just binged the last 10 season in two weeks… *looks awkwardly around the room*

Although Now TV is available on iOS, Android, through games consoles and the Smart Stick on HD, should you want the 4K Ultra HD experience, you need to purchase the additional Smart Box.

APPLE TV+

Being the brainchild of of the tech giant Apple and having only debuted in November 2019, I find it personally surprising to find that this is probably the least coveted subscription package on this list.

Apple TV+ and its original content is available through Apple's website as well as their own TV app, which as of last year expanded its availability to compatible smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV devices, with further plans to expand availability again in the near future.

Now as I mentioned before, Apple TV+ is yet to find its foothold in the market, which is unexpected given the acting calibre that graces their original material – Take The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon for example, not to mention the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie in The Banker. Perhaps it's just early days for Apple and they'll find their niche. Let’s just say that they are one to watch.

NETFLIX

As the only streaming service on this list to have spawned a popular colloquial saying for promiscuous relationships among millennials, I think it's safe to say it needs no further introduction...

With over 167 million subscribers worldwide, a wide range of your favourite films & series and arguably some of the best and most critically acclaimed originally produced content available, Netflix is a solid choice for anyone looking for the best subscription offer for them.

With an ever-growing selection of 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos enabled programming, iOS & Android playback, and access through most games consoles and smart TVs and subscriptions starting from £5.99 a month, it's not really surprising that it's considered to be one of the most popular choices from this list.

Blockbuster Store - Square.jpg — A little known fact…

In 2000, Netflix approached Blockbuster and offered them a partnership that would see Netflix rebranded as Blockbuster.com and deal with the online side of the once proud rental giant. This $50m dollar was declined, and today the company has a net value of $20 billion... I bet someone is kicking themselves over that decision!

Stranger things - season 3 - courtesy of netflix

If there was one show that I would use as a reason to subscribe to Netflix, we would have to travel back to the 1980s to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana... Stranger Things, a Netflix original science fiction/horror, is by far one of the best shows to grace the screen in the past 10 years. Created and directed by the Duffer Brothers, it is a perfect homage to the likes of Steven Spielberg, Stephen King and John Carpenter. The production values are faultless. With authentic props and a soundtrack that teleports you back 40 years. Accompany this with a solid cast of exceptionally talented child actors, some now famous names such as David Harbour, plus a career revving performance from veteran child star, Winona Ryder – I urge you, if you haven't already watched this show, go binge it right now!

So there we have it. Which of these services do you use? Are there any we've missed that are worth checking out? Leave your comments below or contact us directly.

Should you want to upgrade your home cinema system and get the most out of your streaming service; whether it be a new TV, a projector, a soundbar or a 5.1 surround sound system, be sure to get in touch with us -

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

We stock a wide range of Home Cinema & Audio Visual Systems at all Audio T Stores.

March 18, 2020

HEOS by Denon & Marantz – The Home of the Future, Today!

March 18, 2020/ Portsmouth

If you were to believe science fiction films and TV from the 60's through to the 90's; here in 2020 we should by now all be commuting to work in flying cars and enjoying our meals in pill-form as well as a plethora of other laughable and inaccurate predictions. But let’s just step back and take a second to think about the ones that did come true...

Back in 1966 Star Trek gave us a glimpse into the future with mobile communication devices that neatly fit in to our pockets as well as the humble yet futuristic automatic doors that graced the starship Enterprise. In 1968, 2001: A Space Odyssey, wowed us with a type of video communication which is akin to Skype and Facetime. And even in James Cameron's 1984 classic, Terminator, he terrified us with faceless military drones that are now commonplace on the modern battlefield. But let’s focus on Star Trek – The Next Generation for a moment. First aired in 1987, it was a regular occurrence within every episode to see the crew asking the ever-present computer for answers to questions or requesting that it turn on the lights, or even play a piece of their favourite music... Today, we just call that computer Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant! So it comes as no surprise that the world of home entertainment has been swept-up in the latest of these eerie predictions from pop-culture of yesteryear, and what better way to get involved than with HEOS from Denon & Marantz.

HEOS, (Home Entertainment Operating System), is a wireless music system that allows you to effortlessly control all of your music throughout your home with the free app on your smartphone, tablet or even your voice when used with Amazon Alexa... That's right, YOU can be the Captain! Let’s have a look at how this all works…

HEOS – The App

Available for free on iOS, Android and Kindle, HEOS gives you all the options you'd want and all the access you'd need to wirelessly stream from your favourite cloud-based sources such as Spotify, TIDAL, SoundCloud and Amazon Music to name but a few. You can also listen to tracks directly from your smartphone, tablet or USB drive. All of this is possible by connecting your HEOS app and applicable products to your home network.

So let’s take a look at a few of the products that will allow you to access this remarkable system in your home…

Denon Home Series Speakers

Possibly the easiest and most affordable way to turn your house in to the home of the future is with the Denon Home series. Available in three models, these fairly new arrivals to the scene were a very popular choice at the Bristol Hi-Fi show. With their sleek and stylish design, available in either black or white, these speakers offer a powerful and detailed soundstage. Let me introduce you to the range -

Denon Home 150

The younger sibling of the current trio offers a 3.5” woofer and 1” tweeter combo, making it small but mighty. This little speaker is perfect for your living room, but will equally look great in your kitchen or bedroom!

Denon Home 250

Working on the same speaker configuration but double the speaker count (plus a passive bass port), The Home 250 offers quad amplification giving the optimum amount of power so you get the best sound quality available from such a compact unit.

Denon Home 350

This exploded view shows off the home 350 in all of its glory

The Home 350 is the flagship model of this family and truly brings the performance to another level. Boasting six channels of amplification, powering two 6.5” woofers, two 2” mid-range drivers and two 1” tweeters.

This amazing speaker would take pride of place in any lounge or living room.

Each of these fantastic speakers feature three quick select buttons for your favourite stations, have 3.5mm auxiliary inputs for direct connectivity, work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2.

As it stands, voice control is available with use of a third-party device enabled with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. Each of the Home series has an integrated microphone, with voice assistant to be added later this year via a firmware update, making it a very attractive alternative to Sonos.

To sum things up on the Home Series, I think the thing that I love about these speakers, aside from the excellent sound quality, is that they can be used as a single stand alone option or added to an existing HEOS enabled system.

Denon AVR-X3600H AV Receiver and Streamer

Now for those of you that love your films and are looking to turn your living room in to your very own cinema whilst taking advantage of the full capabilities of streaming your music at home, the Denon AVR-X3600H AV Receiver is the one for you! Providing a hefty 9.2 surround sound option, you will find yourself fully immersed in whatever you're watching.

Not only is this AV Receiver impressive sonically, it also hosts a multitude of inputs, making it the central hub of your home entertainment system. With enough HDMI inputs for cable TV, games consoles, DVD and Blu-ray players as well as 4K and eARC – This Enhanced Audio Return Channel (or eARC as it is known) is a feature found in most HDMI 2.1 connections. But what does it mean for you? Well, the biggest advantage of eARC is a huge boost in bandwidth and speed of data transfer. This allows you to send higher-quality audio and picture from your TV to the receiver.

You don't have to go full 7.2 with your set-up. This will work work perfectly in a 5.1 or even 2.1 should you want to start out slow. And if you find the prospect of setting up that many speakers a bit daunting, Denon include a microphone to use with their Audyssey room calibration tool to ensure you get the best sound out of the system for your listening space.

On top of all this; thanks to a recent firmware update, you can even transmit the sound to your Bluetooth headphones. Giving you the option to utilise the AVR's capabilities without disturbing the rest of the family. This update is available on Support for selected Denon AVR´s (AVR-X1600H, AVR-X2600H, AVR-X2600HDAB, AVR-X3600H, DRA-800H) and Marantz AVR´s (SR5014, SR6014, NR1510, NR1710, NR1200).

Marantz PM7000N Integrated Network Amplifier

OK, so wireless speakers and AV receivers aren't your bag. You like simplicity, but you also crave quality... No problem. We've got you covered!

The award winning Marantz PM7000N is considered to be one of the best integrated amplifiers in its price bracket, and that's without even mentioning its streaming capability. Listening to this model, it is as though Marantz have poured their 65 years of hifi experience directly in to this powerhouse of audio giving it the most musical sound. The PM7000N is certainly not short of connectivity. Equipped with four analogue inputs as well one analogue output, plus a high quality MM phono stage which allows you to connect your turntable directly without the need of additional boxes. You'll also notice it features a USB-A input for high resolution audio files, one coaxial and two optical digital inputs should you want to connect your TV. The digital boards are shielded and can also be completely switched off independently using “Pure Modes” to avoid any interferences that might hinder the listening experience of you audiophiles out there.

This extremely well built unit is an excellent choice of amplifier to take centre-stage in your home set-up. Throw in the HEOS capability and you have yourself a formidable audio system. There’s a reason this thing won best Hi-Fi under £1000 during the last What Hi-Fi? Awards.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and live that Jetson's lifestyle!

Should you want to see any of these products in the flesh, or want to discuss them further, be sure to give us a shout or pop in to the shop.

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

All of these Denon & Marantz products are available in all Audio T Stores.

March 05, 2020

Five Fantastic Accessories To Get the Most Out of Your System

March 05, 2020/ Portsmouth

Here at Audio T Portsmouth we've been having a good old natter, discussing the accessories that we feel have made a big difference to our own set-ups or those we've tried in store. Whether you're looking to build and improve on your own Hi-Fi/AV system, or you want to buy a gift for that beloved Hi-Fi enthusiast in your life, here we have for you our Top Five Fantastic Accessories to help you get the most from your system!

So come with me now on a journey of discovery as we look at five products that you may have seen, you may have not, but we assure you they can make a big difference!

Pro-Ject VS-S2 ALU Record Cleaner

OK, I know what some of you are saying - "But Brad, I don't play records, this is completely irrelevant to me!" Well, to that I reply - "Get in to records, they're awesome!”

You don't get the same experience from any other medium. There's something about the whole tactile experience. Removing it from the sleeve, placing it on the turntable, enjoying the whole album without skipping a track, appreciating the sleeve and artwork... It's obviously a love affair of mine.

But if that doesn't sway you, then skip to the next product.

I was only introduced to the world of professional record cleaners when I joined Audio T last year. I think it's safe to say that we've all seen those £30 cleaners that seem to just spin the record vertically in a small bath of liquid... Now, my only thought here would be that I wouldn't want to get in a bath after a load of other people have been in there, so why would I put my records through the same thing?

The VS-S2 ALU is the latest in the range of pro-ject record cleaners

The Pro-Ject VS-S2 ALU record cleaner is by far one of the best cleaning solutions within its price-range.

The concept is simple: The record sits on a platter and is kept in place by an aluminium screw-on clamp (which also protects the records label from any excess cleaning fluid), you apply said fluid to the surface of the record and spread it out evenly with the provided brush. Move the robust, metal vacuum arm in to place over the record, turn on the motor and the extremely powerful vacuum. The record spins and the vacuum sucks! Your record should be clean in one or two rotations, but the Pro-Ject VS-S2 has a bi-directional motor, so you can give it a spin in each direction to achieve the best result.

As for the fluid itself, Pro-Ject offer the Wash-IT concentrate series, which is not only eco-friendly but also non-alcoholic, so it won't corrode your records - plus it reduces the vinyls static charge, so it will protect the record and stylus and significantly reduce wear.

Brad Tyler (Large).jpg — “I’ve used this machine to clean records that I’ve owned from new and noticed a HUGE change in the depth, quality and clarity of sound! An absolute must have for the hardcore vinyl users out there”

Now, I'm not saying this is made for every vinyl enthusiast. If you've got 20 to 30 records, it's probably not an accessory on your wish-list. But, if like me you have hundreds (if not thousands) of records, then it’s a worthwhile investment!

Audioquest RCA Jack Noise-Stopper

One of the things that Mark (our illustrious Website manager) suggested is the Audioquest Noise-Stopper Caps. Certainly not the most expensive accessory on this list, but possibly one of the most overlooked ones out there that can resolve an issue that you didn't even know you had.

You may not realise it but we are continually surrounded by Radio Frequency and Electromagnetic Interference (RF/EMI Interference). These fairly innocuous waves have a nasty habit of entering our equipment through unused connections and negatively affecting the clarity and dynamics of our Hi-Fi or AV set-ups. The best solution to stopping this, is to cap all of your unused inputs. Audioquest make a range of these caps, from the RCA Jack (pictured) to XLR, HDMI, USB and RJ45 Optical.

When Mark implemented these on his own Denon AV amp at home, not only did it drastically improve the noise floor and clean-up the signal, but he also found that it improved the general quality -

Mark Henley (Large).jpg — "This rather simple solution turned the sound of my generic AV set-up in to that of a more of a refined stereo amp. Everything became more focused, less hazy, and far more detailed. There was also a noticeable difference in the sound-stage that I just didn't expect".

Considering you get 10 caps for around £40, this is definitely worth trying at home, regardless of whether you're solely Hi-Fi or AV... Give it a go and let us know your thoughts.

one of the most cost effective solutions on our top five list.

Naim Power-Line Lite IEC Mains Cable

Naim Audio have been a powerhouse in Hi-Fi since its founding in 1973 by renowned engineer, Julian Vereker. Known for pushing the boundaries of “The norm”, the British company has always been at the forefront of innovation. Now, when it comes to fans of Naim, they don't come much bigger than our fabled store manager, Nick.

With almost 45 years worth of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, Nick has been in the business almost as long as Naim. So, if he suggests something... I tend listen to what he has to say! With Nick being the ultra Naim fan that he is, I wasn't surprised when he recommended a Naim product as his accessory of choice.

I think it's safe to say that we've all heard the expression “Your signal chain is as strong as its weakest link”, but I think that what a lot of us don't seem to appreciate is that this includes EVERY link, even our power cables!

Derived from the industry-standard Power-Line and using the same de-coupling techniques, the Power-Line Lite was developed at the same time as the UnitI range from Naim.

Featuring a high-gloss floating cable retainer, Thermoset resin case and floating pins within the case for superior electrical contact, the Power-Line Lite will improve the quality of your AV or Hi-Fi, regardless of the manufacturer.

Nick Chapman (Large).jpg — “It's a great solution to improve the musicality of your set-up without spending too much money. The self-aligning pins reduce the floor noise and improve the quality of the sonics.”

So, on Nick's recommendation I found myself in a bit of a comparison challenge. Whilst the differences are subtle in some cases, there was definitely an improvement in bass response, added clarity in the treble, and it generally opened up the soundstage. Definitely one to try if you want to get the best your system.

Audioquest Vodka Ethernet Cable

This is one for all of you streamers out there!

Having been with Audio T for 20 years, Joe shines out as our resident AV nut. His accessory of choice was one that he found to make a huge difference on his own system at home.

Arguably one of the most controversial subject matters when discussing interconnects is the humble digital cable. All you have to do is look up any Hi-Fi blog and you'll see most people saying that “digital is digital”, and “How can a cable make the difference?”, well to those naysayers I say “Give it a go for yourself! It REALLY does make a difference”.

A major contributing factor to the degradation of a digital signal is strand interaction within the cable itself. This is one of the biggest sources of distortion. Audioquest tackle this by using solid, 10% silver conductors which completely remove any possibility of that pesky strand interaction, giving you a more involved, cleare and dynamic sound.

As you can see, this is a seriously industrial connection.

In the words of Audioquest - “Superior conductor metals minimize distortion by having fewer grain boundaries and less impurities (such as oxides) at those boundaries. Solid High-Density Polyethylene (PE) insulation helps maintain critical signal-pair geometry.”

Joe Reed (Large).jpg — *“When it came to switching over to the Audioquest Vodka, I noticed an instant improvement in the sound-stage and sonics. Everything became bigger with much more detail and presence”*.

Even our customers don't have a bad word to say about it on our online reviews.

IsoAcoustic Gia / IsoAcoustic Aperta

I’ll admit that this may be cheating, as I’ve already published a blog post on how I feel about the IsoAcoustic stands, that said, I cannot stress to you enough what a difference these made when I’ve used them in store! The fact that they have products like the Gaia for floor-stander users, as well as the Aperta for bookshelf speakers, means that everyone can get onboard.

Three GAIA models tuned and optimized for each weight range

A lot of people may assume that isolation will give them a tighter bass response. What they may not realise is that the IsoAcoustic options shown here, also have an amazing ability to open-up the soundstage and create fantastic clarity in the upper-mid frequencie. This allows for better isolations of instrumentation and vocals.

The aperta doesn’t only elevate and isolate your speaker, but also allows you to angle vertically.

Should you want to see any of these products in the flesh, or want to discuss them further, be sure to give us a shout or pop in to the shop.

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on whats happening in the Portsmouth store by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

All of these products are available in all Audio T Stores.

January 28, 2020

The Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker Is it Set To Rise Or Remain in the Ashes?

January 28, 2020/ Portsmouth

With the advent of streaming firmly cemented in the homes of countless music lovers, manufacturers everywhere are looking to improve the quality and capabilities of their products to keep up with the high resolution audio provided by the likes of Amazon Music and Tidal. But what if you didn't want to change your streamer? What options are actually out there? The answers are few and far between, but Innuos just might have something of interest.

*Innuos developed the Phoenix by replicating technology found in their flagship model, the Statement, which retails around the £10k mark.*

The Innuos Phoenix USB offers three separate components all in one sleek unit. A USB regenerator, a linear power supply (which means mains power is supplied to the transformer via input filtering and helps to eradicate mains-borne noise) and an external master clock with its own linear power supply.

How does it work? The Phoenix reclocker takes the USB signal from any source and completely regenerates it to an extremely high-precision signal to feed into your DAC by re-clocking it and allowing it to perform at its best. For those of you who aren't aware, re-clocking is a technique of rounding incoming data to match with generated clock signal from a new source, reducing random data jitter.

We were lucky enough to have the guys from Innuos visit us in the Portsmouth store with the pre-production model in hand, so we were quick to set it up and had a play. Whilst some products when added to an existing set-up make a subtle difference, the Phoenix is a powerhouse of change.

Personally I was shocked as to how much depth and detail the re-clocker was able to bring to what you assume is already a pristine digital sound. The first thing that really hit me was the effect it had on increasing the soundstage, not only in width but also height – Things got way bigger! Secondly, but arguably more important, was the change in clarity and separation in the music – you could really pinpoint each instrument in the mix. It also gave a depth of sound that was akin to making a 2D image 3D.

We demonstrated the Phoenix with several different streamers from different manufacturers at varying price ranges and found it made the same difference on each one.

I think that it's safe to say - Much like its namesake, the Phoenix is a thing of pure magic.

We'll hopefully be seeing stock of the Phoenix towards the end of February, but if you can't wait until then Innuos will be showing off this box of tricks at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in the Portsmouth store by following our Instagram and Facebook

Innuos products are available at all Audio T Stores.

November 04, 2019

It's Time To Take A Stand On Isolation! Let’s Have A Look At What IsoAcoustics Have To Offer.

November 04, 2019/ Portsmouth

One of the more commonly heard statements that leaves the lips of our loyal customers when discussing their Hi-Fi is “I’m happy with my speakers, but…”

Now, many people may think that the next step might be to look at changing the amplifier, the sound source or perhaps adding a subwoofer to improve things. Whilst these are all good options, they’re not the only ones to consider…

Whether you’re rocking a pair of mighty floor standers or the humble bookshelf equivalent, there is something to be gained from the inclusion of an isolation solution, and luckily for you, IsoAcoustics have got lots of options for you to consider.

Since 2012, IsoAcoustics have been at the forefront of acoustic isolation solutions, working at improving the sound quality within professional audio market (recording and production studios) and for the consumer home audio market.

So what do they do? Well, if you were to assume that the implementation of an isolation stand would give you tighter bass response, then you would be correct! But, it might shock you to know that they also greatly improve the upper-mid frequency response to give you a noticeably enhanced clarity and openness.

Don’t believe me? Why don’t you contact your local store to book a demonstration? Let’s have a look at the range….

The GAIA Series

Available in three different sizes to ensure the best fit for your speakers - GAIA I, II and III

Designed to replace the existing spike or rubber foot of your floor standing speakers, the GAIA are a carefully engineered master-stroke. The patented design allows the speaker to resist lateral movement and oscillations whilst maintaining alignment with the ideal listening position. Any internal reflections from the hard supporting surface are attenuated resulting in greater sound clarity and openness. You can read more on the GAIA series as well as watch some original videos here.

“When a speaker is placed on a hard surface, secondary internal reflections result. Any artifacts of this smear found in the stereo image is perceived to be in the center, causing the sound stage to collapse. The GAIA series of isolators eliminates this smear resulting in a larger 3-dimensional sound stage.”

The Aperta Series

Available in a modern aluminium finish or classic black, as well as three different sizes, the Aperta is the best option for any bookshelf speakers whether they sit on a stylish living room sideboard or dedicated speaker stands. Not only do these patent designs give you the separation and acoustic isolation you’d expect from a bespoke stand, but they also allow you to adjust and angle the speakers to ensure that you are firing the sound to the best listening position possible. The patented IsoAcoustics isolation stand Aperta, which means ‘open’ in Italian, allows the speakers to float, eliminating reflections from being conducted back into the structure that create bass smear and resulting in a lack of clarity and openness. Trust me, you will hear the difference immediately.

Which option is best for me?

The fine folk at IsoAcoustics have even created a handy calculator for you to see what is the best choice of isolation for your speakers here.

But, “Brad! I’ve already isolated my speakers. Is there anything else you can show me from IsoAcoustics?” I hear you cry! Well, luckily for you, the answer is yes. Perhaps you want to up your isolation game on your audio components or turntable? Well then you should look at the stylish Orea Series. “But Brad, my turntable is my pride and joy! I love it more than I could have ever thought! Is there anything dedicated for it that is better than the sleek Orea?” - Never fear, IsoAcoustics have you covered yet again! They say that no man is an island, but they didn’t say anything about your turntable. Feast your eyes on the aptly named Delos - The Floating Island. I think it is safe to say that these products are so mammoth that they need a blog dedicated just to them… Perhaps next month we’ll have something for you… Stay tuned to find out!

In the meantime be sure to follow the Portsmouth store on Instagram and Facebook for more original content, and don’t be afraid to message us with your suggestions and comments.

IsoAcoustics isolation products are available from all branches of Audio T and are available to buy online. You can also ask to try them out in your own system before you buy, using our home loan service. Call or ask in store for details.

October 04, 2019

The Rega Has Landed! NEW Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3 At Audio T Portsmouth Now

October 04, 2019/ Portsmouth

Ladies and Gentlemen, the wait is over. You can now come in to our Portsmouth store to experience the new Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3 cartridge ahead of the dedicated launch event next month.

The Rega planar 10 on display in the portsmouth store

The eagerly awaited Rega Planar 10, inspired by the Naiad, possibly their most definitive turntable, is now with us. Rega decided early on that instead of an evolution of the previous RP10, the new Planar 10 was to be developed and engineered to encapsulate the essence of the Naiad at a more affordable price.

The PL10 boasts a new RB3000 tonearm which implements an enhanced, low mass, precision bias housing, complimented by a central hub bearing assembly with improved mechanical integrity. All of this brought together by the new Apheta 3 cartridge using Rega’s most advanced "Fine Line" diamond profile.

…But don’t take our word for it…

Should you want to come down and talk to the fine folk from Rega as well as peruse the latest offerings from Diverse Vinyl, the official launch roadshow will be in our store on Saturday 16th November

Rega-&-DV-Portsmouth-poster-2019-A1_2UP.jpg

Click here or the poster above to reserve your place or come along on the day!

We look forward to seeing you in store!

Brad, Nick and Joe - Audio T Portsmouth

Be sure to keep an eye on whats happening in the Portsmouth store by following our Instagram and Facebook

Rega products are available in all Audio T Stores.

July 11, 2019

We're The Terminators! Chord Company Cables And Ohmic Speaker Plugs

July 11, 2019/ Portsmouth

We’ve bought a fancy new crushing machine from the Chord Company so we can terminate Chord cables with the new Ohmic plugs in exactly the same way as they do it at the Chord factory.

In the past Chord banana plugs were always soldered on with silver solder, but they recently brought out the Ohmic plugs that need to be crimped onto the cable, so I thought I’d do a blog going through the process of putting the plugs on.

First we assemble the tools.

The first stage is to strip back a section of the outer cable including the all important screen to reveal the the inner cables. It’s possible to use a knife and some fine wire cutters but our special tool is does a neater job and is much quicker. You just clamp it on and spin it around a few times.

Next slide on the special Trousers!

After the trousers have been fitted, the dielectric needs to stripped back to reveal the bare cable. Again we use a cable stripping tool, being very careful not to take off any strands of cable otherwise the plug can fall off.

Now comes the fun part, crimping the plug on with our fancy machine.

Pop the cover on the plug, and bingo!

All Chord Co loudspeaker cables up to Epic XL can now be terminated in the shop costing £92 a pair, plus the cable of your choice sold by the meter. We will happily change the plugs on your existing Chord cables as well, so don’t sell yourself short(s) with pants connections, take advantage of the great strides in cable technology! Groans….(Ed).

Chord Co cables and interconnects are available from all branches of Audio T.

April 05, 2019

New Ruark R5 Lifestyle Music System With Rega Planar 2 And A Goat

April 05, 2019/ Portsmouth

Yes that's right a Goat. We have been experimenting with the phono stage in the new Ruark R5 just to see if it really can do everything really rather well, or if we could find a chink in the armour.

As in Preston’s wonderful blog on the arrival of the R5 and its many features, it is a hugely versatile and a great sounding system as one would expect from a Ruark product. However, we know that built in phono stages can be can be of variable quality, so we thought we would put the Ruark through its paces.

The circular remote takes a short time to learn how to navigate but very pleasant to use when you have.

We felt the Rega planar 2 (with Carbon cartridge) was a suitable match as you could hear the difference between the Planar 1 and the 2 quite clearly. We did try the Planar 3 but didn’t feel you where getting the best out of it.

After a short listen we had a quick play with the sound settings to a) see how easy it is and b) to find out how much more we could pull out of the system. It was super easy and you can make the changes during playback making things fast and efficient. We switched off 3D sound, switched loudness on and kept bass and trebile level. This seemed to give the overall sound presentation more openness and clarity, allowing more control in the room. Of course this can differ from room to room, and the surface upon which the R5 is placed will play a role in how the system sounds.

Then we cranked the volume and enjoyed some Goat!

So, why do I keep saying Goat. Well Goat are a Swedish Alternative/Experimental group, who formed in 2012. Their main genres are various types of rock such as experimental, psychedelic and hard sort of world music (that being the name of their debut album). I often get asked by customers if I have come across anything new and a bit different, well Goat fits that bill. The album is very well produced, open and a good system test. Certainly worth a try.

After listening to two of the four discs at various volumes we decided that the built in phono stage is certainly not a chink in the armour but another strength.

In conclusion, much as expected the Ruark R5 is an all-round fabulous portable music system bringing stylish, compact quality and great sound into the home.

We look forward to seeing you in the Portsmouth branch so can can hear it for yourself. If a home demonstration is required that can also be arranged.

Nick, Joe and James

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

February 01, 2019

Rega, QUAD and Spendor Hi-Fi System Focusing On Vinyl And CD!

February 01, 2019/ Portsmouth

We realise that not everyone wants to stream their music, some people like to keep it simple with CD and Vinyl. With this in mind we put together a quality mid range system (Under £4000 excluding cables) for a small to medium room that sounds great and focuses on more traditional formats.

The honest shot showing the connecting cables!

Starting with the hub of the system, we have the Quad Artera Solus. The Solus is an amplifier / CD combo in the very high quality Artera casework giving it a really solid, hefty feel.

For our record spinner we chose the latest version of the iconic Rega Planar 3 with Elys cartridge and the Rega Fono MM phono stage. The Planar 3 is available in Black or White as well as the Red finish shown below, and without cartridge if you would prefer to choose your own.

And last but not least, one of the most compact floorstanding speakers we have, the Spendor A2 in black. The Spendor’s are also available in Dark Walnut and Natural Oak. White is available at a premium. Grills are available as an optional extra.

We tried several pairs of speakers with the system and liked the Spendor’s the most. Although they struggle to fill a big room, the combination of subtlety and a very natural musical presentation won us over against some of their bigger rivals.

Although this system is excellent with CD and Vinyl it does have potential to expand. The Quad Solus does have Bluetooth if you want to dip your toe into the streaming world. It also has digital inputs, and analogue outputs for the Quad Artera Power amplifier for a bigger room / speakers.

Feel free to come in and have a listen. Thanks for reading Nick, Joe & James - Audio T Portsmouth.

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

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

Spendor Loudspeakers are available from the following branches of Audio T: Cardiff, Cheltenham, Portsmouth, Swindon

January 09, 2019

Cute KEF LSX Wireless Speakers

January 09, 2019/ Portsmouth

After the success of the wireless LS50, KEF have released a smaller, less expensive model called the LSX, and at £1000 they are a very attainable price.

Available in a range of funky colours including Red (pictured above) Green, Blue, White and Black.

They have most of the functionality of the LS50 wireless but have the advantage over the LS50 of not needing the ethernet cable joining the two speakers, making them wireless other than the mains cables.

You have the option of directly connecting other devices via an optical or analogue cable, and you can also add an active subwoofer for extra bass if you wish. The wireless options include Bluetooth, Tidal and Spotify streaming and playing from a UPNP hard drive.

You use the same combo of apps as the LS50 wireless. The KEF Control app is for setting the speakers up and changing inputs, and the Stream app for playing UPNP, Tidal or Spotify.

The LSX sound surprisingly full, especially considering their compact size. Why not come in and have a listen and judge for yourself.

Thanks for reading. These and KEF loudspeakers are available for demonstration at Audio T Portsmouth and the following branches of Audio T: Brentwood, Bristol, Cardiff, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

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