The Spendor D7's Reveal Some Hidden Depths.

Having listened to the Spendor D7's for many months we can certainly say that they deliver music in a fresh vibrant realism that many speakers cannot match at this price level. No doubt this is mostly due to some important innovations at Spendor.

Spendor's humble beginnings go back to the mid sixties. At the time speaker development work at the BBC had advanced to a stage that was beyond the capabilities of the available paper pulp coned drive units. So it was decided to experiment with various plastics. Here is an excerpt from the journal of the founder of Spendor, Spencer Hughes (1924-1983:

"My part as a laboratory technician in the operation, was to do most of the actual work both on the plastic investigation, and development of the LS5/5. With that experience I decided that it should be possible to make a loudspeaker from scratch in the home environment. With the aid of our electric fire, a compressor working in reverse and an old iron bedstead, the first vacuum former was built. Bins full of malformed cones were produced before any measure of success was achieved and the first 8 inch unit was produced. This turned out as the first commercial 8 inch bextrene driver and still arguably one of the best."

Spendor continue to explore new formulations and the D7 is no exception, the bass mid range cone being made of copolymer with the bass only unit employing Kevlar reinforced skins on a lightweight core.

The new LPZ tweeter is also rather special. Built around a stainless steel front plate that forms an acoustic chamber in front of the diaphragm which in turn equalizes the sound wave and provides a symmetrical pressure environment so the tweeter actually operates in a balanced linear mode. This coupled with the other drivers give an honest portrayal of the music being played with vocals and instrument timber being remarkably neutral.

The photo above shows the Linear Flow port. Designed to work with the dynamic damping and looking somewhat like an aeroplane wing, assures the smooth flow of air both in and out of the cabinet. This is tuned to a low 27Hz which reduces port distortion and gives a practical in room bass extension down to 30Hz.

With a nominal impedance of 8ohms and a sensitivity of 90dB/W they are an easy drive for any amplifier and will also be well suited to valve equipment. We have been listening to them with the new Nytech CP202/CPA402 pre-power combination (more on these in the next blog) and it has been magical.

Last but not least is the rigid plinth and spikes mountings situatated on all four corners, ensure the D7's have a stable and sure footing. 

So pop  in with your favourite music and have a listen.

Spendor is a speaker brand that is also available at our Cheltenham store.

The Pro-Ject Essential II Goes Digital !!

The hugely successful and award winning Essential II has had a "digital" face lift. The Project Essential II DIGITAL aims to be one of the first turntables that can be connected to almost any modern home entertainment system.

The £309 Essential II stands out of the crowd thanks to its high quality gloss finish and the "Digital" logo emblazoned on the plinth.

A new phono stage based on the Project "Phono box" designs delivers a superb performance from the fitted Orfofon cartridge. This brand new integrated phono stage gives the option of either phono line level or the 24bit/96kHz optical output.  The Optical output uses a high quality Analogue-Digital Converter (ADC) to send a clean, uninterrupted signal to any digital hub. So whether listening to music through a soundbar, an AV receiver, a DAC, a digital pre-amplifier or a multi-room system with different input options - the Essential II Digital should fit in flawlessly. 

The low voltage motor with the perimeter platter drive has been retained from the original Essential II. You get a heavy MDF platter and the Ortofon OM5E cartridge.

Also retained is the high quality 8.6in aluminium tonearm with its traditional anti-skate device and damped lift/lower devise. The low vibration motor and silicone rubber drive belt ensure a clean and precise sound.

All in all another award winning design. Project have taken a traditional turntable and revolutionised it for the modern digital world. A versatile turntable at a bargain price. Pop in for a listen.

Save Up to £200 on Audiolab Hi-Fi at Audio T Cardiff

It's that time of year again that we are rotating our demonstration stock and this time it's the turn of Audiolab. This means some fantastic savings on near-mint CD players, Amps and a DAC.

First on the list is the 8200CD player above. While most CD players are designed purely for CD playback, the award winning 8200CD has been created with flexibility firmly in mind. Their architecture is perhaps best described as a ʻDAC + CDʼ, rather than as a CD player in the traditional sense. The DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) is the cornerstone of their design, which is why Audiolab has chosen the Sabre 32-bit audio DAC from ESS Technology to carry out D-to-A conversion.

The provision of digital inputs – optical, coaxial and USB – means the 8200CD can be used to deliver top-quality sound from all kinds of digital sources, including audio files from computers and other media devices. Thus, all music benefits from the superb sound quality produced by the playersʼ DAC and discrete Class A output stages.

This player normally retails for £799 now only £599.00 a saving of £200.00

Next we have the fabulous 8200A. This integrated amp is the result of elegant, unfussy engineering of the highest quality. Clean lines and firm, responsive controls ensure it is a pleasure to use, while the amp’s internal design delivers exceptional sound: fast, clean and detailed, a performance perfectly in balance from deep bass to soaring treble. No fuss, no frills. Just Pure engineering excellence for an impeccable user experience – that is the Audiolab 8200A, in nutshell. 

Normally £749.00, now only £569.00, a saving of £180.00

Then we have the 8200CDQ.  The 8200CDQ adds full preamp functionality whilst maintaining the same chassis size as the 8200CD. The existing digital inputs are joined by three line-level analogue inputs, providing source selection and volume control in the analogue domain. The preamplifier section is fully balanced and all analogue input signals are converted to balanced form, helping to reduce distortion and noise. Class A gain structures are present throughout, and users may choose between preamplification in the analogue or digital domain in respect of the digital inputs. In addition, the 8200CDQ adds a direct-coupled, discrete, Class A headphone amplifier, accessible via a socket on the front panel.

Normally £999.00, now only £799.00, a saving of £200.00

The 8200P is a classic Audiolab two-channel power amplifier, with a sound as clean and crisp as its minimalist exterior. Its pedigree is impeccable, descended from a range of amplifiers revered throughout the world for their unerring ability to perform at the highest level.

Delivering more than 100W per channel with a peak output of over 40 Amps, the 8200P is capable of driving even the toughest of loudspeakers with sure-footed authority, combining Audiolab’s class-leading neutrality with an unerring ability to engage the listener throughout a musical performance. When listening to the 8200P, what you hear is the music – pure and unadulterated, with detail and dynamic range fully intact.

Normally £649.00, now a bargain at £499.00 saving you £150.00

and last

And last but not least the Q-DAC and M-PWR. 

Get the best out of your digital music collection with Audiolab Q-DAC. Developed on Audiolab’s famous award winning M-DAC platform, Q-DAC offers the sound quality that made M-DAC the most highly regarded Digital to Analog Converter in its field, but achieves it with simpler functionality.
At the heart of Q-DAC is the extraordinary ESS Sabre DAC chip, an 8 channel 32-bit processor that excels in handing the full bit depth and ultrasonic extension of high resolution audio files with incredible precision and accuracy.
To that amazing DAC Audiolab’s engineers have added a fully asynchronous interface coupled to a minimum jitter Master Clock system that ensures freedom from the undesirable side effects of jitter.
Q-DAC also retains the digital pre-amp and headphone amp functionality marking it one of the most versatile DAC’s on the market. With Q-DAC Audiolab has added yet another industry leading DAC to its stable of digital products.

Was £399.00, now only £249.00

Now what do you connect it to? Audiolab M-PWR of course!M-PWR is a brand new amplifier design from Audiolab that delivers finesse and power in a compact size. It is housed in a beautiful extruded anodized aluminum case that matches the same width and depth of Audiolab’s award winning M-DAC, and Q-DAC. M-PWR takes both Unbalanced and Balanced inputs and drives your speakers with 40+40 Watts of high performance, ultra low distortion power output all from a neat package that takes up minimal room on your desktop or shelf.

Was £499.00, now only £399.00, saving you £100.00

We have only one of each of these in stock so hurry and grab yourself a bargain!!

Installation of ARCAM FMJ AV950 & UDP411

A quick peek at a recent installation for a customer in Cardiff replacing Linn processor and disc player with the latest ARCAM FMJ AV950 processor and ARCAM FMJ UDP411.

The customer also chose a new home for all their lovely electronics in the shape of the very impressive Atacama Evoque Eco 60/40 rack.

This easy to assemble unit looks fantastic with its sustainable bamboo shelving and glossy black legs. Its design is elegant yet solid and sturdy. 

Above are the early stages of installation showing the AV950 processor.

 Below is the next step including UDP411.

The customer is currently running the B&W 805 speakers, bi-amped using  two Linn power amps. The intention is for these to be replaced in the near future with up to date Arcam FMJ P49 2 channel power amplifier and the not yet released 3 channel version.

 Installation complete.

Saturday 18th April, Record Store Day.

Saturday April 18th is Record Store Day 2015, and we at Audio-T Cardiff will have some great offers for this year’s event. You might also be aware that to celebrate and commemorate this event, Rega have designed a limited edition turntable to go on sale on the day.

What you will not be aware of perhaps, is that Rega have had plinths signed by participating artists and these are to be built into RSD 2015 turntables and distributed at random across the 500 they have built. They are bound to become sought after collectors’ items and show how important RSD is to musicians, Hi-Fi retailers, independent record stores and record labels.

Rega have manufactured 500 units of these very limited RSD/REGA turntables.
Thirteen units have been exclusively signed by some of the participating artists.
12 of the signed turntables will be secretly shipped in amongst the 500 units and all 500 will be security sealed. We will have three of these turntables available for sale on the day. Will yours be signed?

These are the signatories. 

Chrisse Hynde, Georgie Fame, Gaz Coombes, Gorgon City, Liam Gallagher
Mark Knopfler, Pete McKee (To be auctioned for charity by RSD's partner WarChild)
Pulled Apart by Horses, Peace, Royal Blood, Simple Minds, Suede, Tim Burgess. 

Nytech Audio will also be offering a 10% discount on their superb phono stages, the CDP112MM and the CDP112MC. 

We will also be offering FREE gifts with every Project turntable bought on the day. Purchases up to £300 will qualify for a Project Brush-IT and a Clean-IT. Purchases over £300 will qualify for a Spin Clean Washer System Mk2.

Among the many turntables on display and demonstration will be the striking Project RPM1 seen here in a vibrant red colour. Pop in with your favourite vinyl and have a listen.

Un-boxing the Nova Fidelity X40 Music Server, Streamer and CD Ripper

New in the Cardiff Audio T shop the exciting Nova Fidelity range. "World class, high resolution digital audio."

In this months blog we are un-boxing the fantastic NF-X40, Music server with database, CD ripper and network streamer.

The X40 supports up to 4TB of hard disk space and solid state drives.

This wonderful piece of kit can be your easy introduction to streaming high resolution audio. If you're afraid of computers or are just setting up streaming music for your HiFi then this is a great option for you.

Due to the self contained hard disk the X40 is fool proof giving the facility to rip your existing CD collection as well as archiving your vinyl straight to the internal storage.

Supporting many file types including HD Audio up to 32Bit, DSD, DXD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC and AIFF using the Sabre32 digital to analogue chip. This teamed with a high quality analogue output in both balanced XLR and RCA the X40 makes for a great addition to any HiFi.

Our first impression of the X40 was of its extremely solid build. Consisting of a rugged, solid aluminium front panel with large easy to view screen and comprehensive remote and yet it's not difficult to use. 

As you can see from the back panel, the X40 is versatile. Phono input, line input, optical and coaxial digital inputs alongside digital outputs and balanced analogue outputs. The unit can be wired to your network or if you purchase the WiFi adaptor this can be fitted to the USB host 2.0 for easy wireless connection to your network.

Easy to change/upgrade hard disk that supports up to 4TB 3.5" and 2.5" SATA hard disk drives, not forgetting SSD (solid state drives).

Displayed is the 5inch full colour TFT LCD screen. Need a bigger screen? Look no further, the X40 has HDMI video output so you can connect to TV or monitor to help you navigate/manage your music library.

As previously mentioned, if you are not confident with managing your music through your computer the Nova range is for you. Quick, easy ripping of your CD collection. The process consists of loading the disc, waiting for the X40 to read the information and then pressing the command for Rip. Within minutes the X40 will accurately rip and store the music for you. 

Job done!

To top it all, the dedicated phono input allows you to archive your vinyl with ease.

We are very impressed with this unit and the X40 is definitely the jewel in the crown of the Nova Fidelity family.

***The Nova Fidelity X40 is available at other branches of Audio T - check store for details*** 

NAIM HiCap DR On Demonstration in Cardiff Audio T

COMPACT BUT COMMANDING!

Naim HiCap DR power supply is now on demonstration in the Cardiff store.

Come and here the difference this upgrade makes to the Supernait 2.

The latest HiCap DR now features the DR circuitry, Discreet Regulator Configuration.

The HiCap was updated in 2012 after a two year project to develop a new discrete regulator for Naim power supplies. Improvements have been made to the wire routing, mechanical decoupling and the internal layout. These changes amalgamate to make the music more involving and without a doubt more enjoyable.

Offering two 24v power outputs and delivering Naim’s best ever standards in a compact, low-noise power supply, this is needs to be heard.

After many hours now of listening to the HiCap on the Supernait 2 we can safely say that this is a must if you are looking to make major improvements to delivery and musicality in your Naim system.

Its not just the Supernait2 that will benefit from this upgrade. When added to the NAIT XS, NAC 152XS, NAC 202, NAC 282, StageLine, SuperLine, HeadLine or NAT05 XS you should expect a big step in your HiFi performance. We guarantee this upgrade will get your foot tapping.

A Happy Sonoro New Year from Audio-T Cardiff

Brand new and just in for 2015 we have a range of SONORO products. Starting with the DAB/FM radio boasting a functional design features especially for the bedroom, this compact music system will delight you with its superb sound and smart looks. Fall asleep or wake up to music from your favourite radio station, USB connection or even Bluetooth from your smartphone. Its dual alarm function with let you have that extra lie-in at the weekends. Available in a range of colours, it boasts a battery back-up, snooze function and remote control.

The next model in the range has the same functions as the above but adds a CD player. Again ideal for the bedroom with the up firing speaker providing 360 degree room filling sound.

Topping the range we have the Stereo Music System. With powerful sound from its two-way speaker system and high performance sub-woofer the Design Music System provides the perfect soundstage for any event. It boasts room filling sound from its CD player, DAB/FM radio or while  streaming via Bluetooth. Perfect for any music lover and available in a range of colours to suite any decor.

All the above models are in stock at the Cardiff store, so pop in and have a listen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Nytech Audio is Back and it's Made In Wales

Nytech Audio, world renowned in the 70s and 80s for producing quality British HiFi at affordable prices with a ‘musical’ sound, is back in business thanks to Phil Balaam, a former Nytech Test Engineer.

The original Bristol-based Nytech Audio went out of business in the late 80s, and it's now their aim to follow the core beliefs of the original company by manufacturing quality HiFi products at affordable prices, achieving good sound quality by careful design, attention to detail and years of experience.  

They are proud of their no assembly line approach, with all equipment being hand built from start to finish by the same engineer.

Nytech Audio believes in good customer service and offer continuing support not only to any new equipment purchased, but also to that built by the original Nytech Audio and Ion Systems.

Nytech Audio is based in Ystrad Mynach in South Wales.

An original CA252 integrated amplifier many of which are still in use today around the world.

Audio-t Cardiff are excited to be associated with Nytech Audio and we are happy to report that these little new amplifiers have a great deal to offer. It only takes a few minutes to forget that you are listening to a Hi-Fi system and just immerse yourself in the music. 

The CP132 pre-amp is the heart of the system. It simply switches between line level 4 analogue sources, adjusts the volume, and switches the power amps on and off.

The four inputs can be renamed to source names of your choice (16 characters max). 

The CP132 pictured above with its matching power supply

It can also be used to power ancillary equipment like the CDP112 phono stage or CHA101 headphone amplifier (both coming soon)

The CPA401 Power amplifier is a mono power amplifier (so you will require two for stereo).  Power is controlled by the CP132 pre amp or other Nytech control systems.

A special input lead is also available for users who wish to use the CPA401 with other equipment, it turns the power amp on whilst connected overriding the power control.

Rated at 40W RMS into 8 ohms - 75W RMS into 4 ohms these little amps are happy to drive most loudspeakers. We paired them up with some Spendor A6R floorstanders for some magical results giving a strong, spacious open and musical sound. This charming little package certainly gives you a taste of high end at mid-fi prices.

We have these on demonstration at our Cardiff store, so why not pop in and have a listen.

STOP PRESS : Meet the Manufacturer Day at Audio-T Cardiff.  Nytech Audio will be at our store on Saturday 13th December, so pop along and have a listen to these fine products and have a chance to meet and chat with Phil Balaam

Dolby Atmos Demonstrations

Dolby Atmos has arrived in Cardiff Audio T just in time to take shelter from the pelting rain. 

Up and running in our home cinema demonstration room we have the award winning Pioneer SC-LX58 with Dolby Atmos update. 

The LX-58 receiver is fed by the new Arcam FMJ UDP411 universal disc player.

This fantastic combination of electronics is teamed with Monitor Audio Silver 6 front left and right, centre and Monitor Audio Radius speakers as back surround channels.  

Overhead is where the magic really happens, with Dolby entering the next level of cinema experience with the addition of four in-ceiling speakers - two front high and two back high. These are highlighted in the picture below. All these speakers have then been underpinned by two REL subwoofers, the REL T7 and REL Habitat.

This configuration is  pumping out 5.2.4. So that’s five surround speakers as in a normal 5.1 setup with the extra sub woofer and four ceiling speakers. Dolby Atmos is capable of 7.2.4 configuration as well.

Sound comes from all directions including overhead. Specific sounds move around you in multidimensional space, so you feel  you are right at the heart of  the action. This is something that has never been heard before in such detail and depth.

Dolby Atmos is based on audio objects rather than channels. This allows the creators of the content to tell the story more accurately so you can experience the film or music as the artist intended.

This is achieved by being able to place sound above as well as across the channels making action in the scene realistic and precise.

Any sound can now exist as an independent audio object, free from channel restrictions. It can be placed or moved anywhere, including overhead.

We believe that sound plays such a huge part in the cinema experience and Dolby Atmos is the closest to the real deal. This is a game changer so call today to book a demonstration.

Experience an Evening of HI-Res Audio with Simple Audio and Spendor.

Come and join us on Wednesday 22nd October for an evening of high quality audio at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.

Simple Audio and Spendor will be there along with Audio-T to demonstrate a very easy way of streaming music from an external storage device or computer or with Spotify and Qobuz. Also with internet radio built in, the world is your oyster.

Spendor with be showcasing the Splendid D7 and D1 along with ????? demonstrating how good these new Simple Audio Roomplayers really are. Easy to use with the i-device or Android app these players will give you access to high quality audio without breaking the bank!

So come along and join us for a great musical evening. A competition will be run on the night and one lucky winner will walk away with a pair of Simple Audio speakers worth £399. There will also be an opportunity for you to purchase the Roomplayers at a very special price on the evening saving £200 off each Roomplayer. 

 

Advanced Acoustics And Stunning Looks From Geneva

The GENEVA Model XXL combines a powerful home cinema system and a Hi-Fi in one unit. It also provides an elegant support for your TV with additional shelf space for external equipment. Designed to hold up to a 65" television this furniture-grade wood cabinet is available in a choice of white, red or black piano lacquered finishes.

Engineered in Switzerland the XXL is designed to provide optimal sound for speech, music and surround effects so whatever you are listening to, you will have an exceptional sound experience. Seven individually enclosed loudspeakers including a down firing sub are driven by seven digital class D amplifiers totalling 400 watts of power. 

Incorporating FM/DAB and DAB+ digital radio tuners with 6 FM and 6 DAB presets as well as Apple Airplay and Bluetooth connectivity the XXL provides ample choice for your listening needs. 

Here is a close-up view of the high quality drive units of the XXL along with the remote control.

The back panel provides ample connectivity for both digital and analogue inputs including two HDMI. Connecting your TV could not be simpler using just one HDMI cable to enjoy high quality sound from all your favourite programmes. 

Setting up the GENEVA XXL was simple, finding out network and connecting seamlessly in just a few minutes. HDMI cable to the TV and we were ready to go. Sound quality from the XXL is simply stunning. Movie sound-tracks provided a room filling sound with deep controlled bass and clear dialog. Stereo music was equally impressive. We were soon listening to our favourite tracks in CD quality sound streamed from Qobuz using just the app on our i-pad. 

Call in and have a listen. You will be amazed!

Also show in the picture is GENEVA's smallest product, the XS. This travel alarm clock speaker incorporates Bluetooth, DAB, DAB+ and FM radio with touch sensitive controls. Designed on the old fashioned travel alarm clock the unit folds neatly and takes up little space in your suitcase.

  

A Streamer In Disguise!! Arcam airDAC Sounds Great with Qobuz

One of the latest additions to the Arcam range is the airDAC. Not only is this an extremely good DAC in its own right, the inclusion of airPlay makes it a very versatile streamer.

The streamer contains a 24/96 DAC that supports the formats that you are most likely to use, that is WAV, FLAC and ALAC.

LED indicator lights on the front show clearly which input is selected and these can be conveniently selected with a remote handset.

Here is a view of the back of the unit showing the analogue and digital outputs along with the coax and optical inputs. Next to these we have the antenna and ethernet sockets the the power switch and 12V input.

Everything is supplied in the box to get you going. However we would recommend using higher quality interconnect and digital cables for the best sound quality. Now here's the simple bit to get you listening to CD quality streaming. Connect the airDAC to your Hi-Fi system, download the Qobuz App. from i-Tunes store, select Airplay on your tablet, iPod or iPhone, select your favourite album and just press PLAY. This is a great and inexpensive way to enjoy the superb quality sound that Qobuz provide with their lossless streaming.
 

 

The Blades Perform at the Bay Supported by Project and Audio-T

A classic vinyl evening on a fine summer's evening at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay proved to be a great success. When applying for tickets for the event, guests were asked to name their favourite classic album and the popular choice was Peter Gabriel's "So". On arrival a registration form was completed and was subsequently entered into a free prize draw for a pair of KEF Q100s.

Here we see Alex and colleague from KEF unwrapping the Blades, while Duncan from Henley Designs carefully sets up the Project Signature turntable.

The cartridge fitted to the turntable was the Ortofon MC Anna. Continuing a tradition, Ortofon dedicates this new flagship cartridge to the opera singer Anna Netrebko, a virtuoso whose performance displays a formidable technical arsenal of endless versatility. With the dedication of the MC Anna, Ortofon once again emphasizes the company’s unchanging commitment and devotion to the music and to the purest delivery of recorded sound. Much like Anna Netrebko, Ortofon aspires to provide the ultimate musical experience through a mixture of innovation and technical expertise, combined with inspiration that goes beyond mere thought to reveal true inner emotion.

Ready to perform. The Project Signature turntable placed on an Atacama bamboo rack, along with the Project Phono Box RS and Electrocampaniet pre-amp and Nemo mono blocks. The Blades were connected to the power amps using the new Chord Signature Reference speaker cable. The balanced interconnect used between the phono stage and pre-amp was the Chord Indigo Tuned Array.

The evening started with a presentation by Alex and a short film about the history of the Blades.

Peter Gabriel was played in its entirety in the first half and after a short break we settled down to Side 2 of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" The evening came to a close with the prize draw.

Lucky prize winner Cai Strachan receiving his pair of KEF Q100 from store manager Hefin Jones.

Special thanks must go to Alex Foxon of KEF, Duncan Quemby of Henley Designs and the staff at the Norwegian Church for their kind hospitality.

QED Reference and Signature Interconnects

If you are looking to make improvements to your HiFi then pop in to Cardiff Audio T to hear the new QED Reference and QED Signature interconnct cables. Also available for home loan so that you can spend a couple of days enjoying the cables in your system.

The QED Reference cable gives excellent performance at its price point. Consisting of silver plated oxygen free copper conductors and asymmetrical twisted pair geometry teamed with the gold plated QED Analoc RCA plugs and QED lifetime guarantee.

At Audio T Cardiff our sales team believe this cable is a winner, whether you have a £200 source component or an £800 source component the Reference cable will bring out the best in your electronics!

At its price point this cable has everything you expect and more. Timing is excellent and rhythm is accurate. We hope you will be blown away by its forward, large scale presentation for only *£99.95*

*price correct for 1m cable 17/04/2014*

 The Signature, similar in make up to the Reference, takes things a step further. Inside its jacket this cable features independent dual layer screening. This protects the signal against interference from high voltages and currents.

Instead of the Reference gold plated RCA plugs the Signature boasts rhodium plated RCA plugs and is cryogenically treated. Cryogenically treated, I hear you ask? This process modifies the electrical characteristics of the dielectric material in the cable. This can be heard as better bass with a wider dynamic range and a more 3 dimensional sound stage. 

Priced at *£199.95* this cable gives a more refined sound as you would expect over the Reference cable.

*price correct for 1m cable 17/04/2014*

A Very Important Date For Your Diary

Wednesday 14th May 2014,   Classic Vinyl Evening.

The Venue

The Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.

The Speakers

The KEF Blades.

The Source

The Project Signature

Further details of this event will be posted on this blog and our website very soon. There will be a competition on the night to win a pair of KEF Q100 loudspeakers.

To obtain your FREE ticket for this event please email KEF at marketing@kef.com

Sennheiser, Audio-T, Verdi And A Night At The Opera!

It's 19th century Paris and Violetta knows she is going to die.She must make the hardest decision of all. Does she live out the final days with the man she loves? Or to save his reputation does she walk away from him and her only chance of happiness? Well if she had to make that decision today she could forget the man and live out her life blissfully listening to her favourite music on a pair of Sennheiser headphones! 

The Wales Millennium Center where music lovers were treated to La Traviata performed by the Welsh National Opera. Members of the audience were given the chance to audition some Sennheiser headphones during the intervals and at a pre-concert reception.

Top of the range HD800's with the HDVD800 headphone amp was connected to a Naim CD5XS and an i-Pod shuffle for comparison of CD quality versus mp3

Close up of the superb sounding HD800. These are individually hand built using the finest materials.

The HD700's and the HDVD600 headphone amp connected to a lap top playing some high resolution files of the WNO's recent recordings. A comparison of a live performance and recorded sound!

  

A close up of the HD700 showing the fine build quality.

The Momentum and Momentum ON were also on display connected to i-pods loaded with a selection of the same music for easy comparison.

A competition was run by Sennheiser and here we see a lucky winner clutching her Momentum ON headphones and a pair of tickets for the performance presented by members of the WNO and Sennheiser.

Don't forget, these headphones are now available at our Cardiff store, so pop in any time for a demo.

AudioPro ALLROOM Air ONE

Now on demonstration in the Cardiff store, the AudioPro Air ONE wireless AirPlay speaker. Its understated design teamed with room filling sound is not to be missed. Unlike many of its rivals on the market the Air ONE is designed to blend into your decor and not dominate the room.

 Audio Pro concentrate on producing quality sound from small enclosures. The unit consists of four drivers, individually powered by dedicated amplifiers using DSP processing that delivers a big sound that is tight in the bass, accurate and room filling.

 Not an "Apple" person? This speaker is versatile with multiple connections available such as USB, analogue 3.5mm and optical TOSLINK inputs. This opens the Air ONE up to HDTV connections delivering hi-fi sound for your high definition broadcasts and catch up TV. This brilliant speaker can also be used offline. It boasts of a WiFi direct function which allows you to bypass your home network and connect directly from any hand held WiFi device such as an Android tablet or HTC phone.

 So..... if you are looking for a discrete wireless loudspeaker with easy set up, great design and superb sound then look no further. Pop in to the Cardiff store asap to hear for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

Cardiff Store Visit Metropolis Recording Studio

Last month PMC kindly invited us to Metropolis recording studio in Chiswick.

The staff from the Cardiff store were given a guided tour of the infamous recording studio and mastering suites. Situated in Chiswick in "The Power House", the old tram ways power station, Metropolis has been the studio of choice for many of the worlds best recording bands and artists from Freddy Mercury to Elbow.

PMC of course have pride of place throughout the building with the two mastering suites sporting the flagship  setup in stunning 5.1. PMC BB5 XBD, active left, centre and right, MB2 XBD active rear. Although labelled as 5.1 this setup is really 5.0, no sub present. The reason for this is the fantastic response of the BB5 XBD speaker which easily delivers the sub frequencies needed for music and cinema. The sub woofer channel however, is still present in the mix, its just routed to the main speakers.

Haydn absorbing the re-mastered 5.1 mix of Elton John's "Rocket Man" in the mastering suite named Dylan.

PMC/Bryston electronics for the BB5 XBD and MB2 XBD.

Top left and right of the image the incredibly live and energetic new PMC 4x10s with digital amplification. This setup is in the live recording studio where the magic is played and captured. "Channel fader envy!" Too many knobs, not enough fingers.

 Award winning mastering engineer Tim Young gives us a brief insight to his working day. From mastering Elbow's "Build A Rocket Boys" to the live 5.1 mix of the French artist Johnny Hallyday.

 Shop manager Hefin taking a closer look at the software and tricks needed as a top class mastering engineer.

Its was a great day of training and a fantastic chance to here some wonderful sounding speakers in their natural environment. Thank you to Tom Barron and PMC for this fantastic opportunity.