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

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

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

 

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

 

 

The ever popular KEF R Series

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

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

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

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

Event timings for the day:

12:00pm to 7:30pm


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



 

 

Bowers & Wilkins CM10s Command & Conquer!

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The gap between B&W's 800 Diamond series & CM series just got smaller... The CM10s have arrived!

Seen anything that looks familiar? The top-of-the-range CM10 breaks the mould for the CM Series. Its the only speaker in the CM range to use the extraordinary tweeter-on-top design found in B&W's flagship 800 Diamond Series.

The CM10 also uses a decoupled FST mid-range driver design, born from the 800 series diamond speakers, resulting in some of the most accurate mid-range frequencies we've heard in a long time.

The CM10 goes one better than the previous top of the range floorstander (the CM9) in the bass department too. The use of x3 6.5 inch paper/ Aramid Fibre bass drivers allows the mighty CM10's to play as low as 28hz!   

The combination of these shared technologies provide clear improvements over the CM10's closest sibling the CM9's. Although being a bigger speaker the CM10s reward listeners with a greater transparency  and accuracy, the tweeter on top and decoupled mid-range are to thank for that : )

Book a demo today, or listen at our up coming [Event]

Thanks, Simon

Audio T Enfield

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Audio T & Sony Go To IFA Berlin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starting with reference speakers from Sony.

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

Sony's innovative I-Array tweeter system.

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

Thats birch ply-wood. 

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a quick rundown on the specifications

Push-pull type amplifier

Speaker output – 80w + 80w (1 system)

Equipped with discreet headphone amp (impedance selectable)

Lo: 8Ω and Mid:150Ω 500mW + 500mW

Hi: 3 00Ω 250mW + 250mW

Size: 430 x 420 x 115mm

Weight 17Kg

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

All controlled from a beautifully sleek remote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a quick overview of the specs.

Built-in 40W x 2 Analogue Amplifier

High Quality D/A Converter

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

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

Built-in WiFi

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

vTuner

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

RCA analogue out x1, Headphone x1

Ethernet x1

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

And now into the wonderful world of 4K. 

The amazing 4K 84 inch  KD-84X9005.

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

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

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

The all new Sony 4K VW500. 

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

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

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

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

You'll go blind standing there Chromey!!

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

The Sony portable audio area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auf Wiedersehen fair lady.

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

I need a nap!!!

Pictures and some of the words by Munir.

Contact details for Audio T Manchester.

email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk

Tel: 0161 8398869

Focal Aria 906 and 926.... Coming Soon To Audio T Southampton!

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As if the excitement of our forthcoming movie isn't enough we have more thrilling news!

We are very much looking forward to the arrival of the new Focal Aria 906 and 926 speakers.

We had the pleasure of listening to these superb speakers recently and immediately knew that we had to have them! The Focal Electra range have been long term favourites of ours, so much so that both of us use them at home, and it's great to see similar elegance and build quality at more affordable price points with these new Aria models.  The hi-tech drive units incorporating flax are a revelation too. The sound is fast, very transparent and totally involving. 

Follow the link below for a positive appraisal of the Aria 926.  We totally concur with Andrew Everard's description of these 'gloriously enjoyable speakers'.  

We'll let you know as soon as the new Focals arrive here so you can bring in your favourite tunes and judge for yourselves. See you soon. Read the latest review of the Focal Aria from Andrew Everard here

Bewitching PMC Fact 8 and Bryston System Revisited

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Every now and then we put together a combination of products in the store and are reminded of how the sum of the parts is even greater than the merits of the individual components.

We've been big fans of the PMC Fact 8 since we first heard them over three years ago.  The elegant and beautifully crafted cabinets enhance any domestic environment. Even the most die hard hifi-phobics are won over by the aesthetics of these beauties.

This is not just a case of 'nice cabinet, shame about the sound' though; far from it. The Fact 8 carves a solid three dimensional image out of the air with effortless ease.  The transparency of the sound has to be heard to be believed with the splendid cabinets effectively disappearing.  

The other essential ingredient to this spell-binding performance is our Bryston system. No surprise that it gels with the PMC speakers, as PMC distribute Bryston in the UK, and design their speakers using Bryston amplification, but the BCD-1 CD player, BP26 pre-amplifier and 4BSST power amplfier really make the Fact 8's sing!  

The Fact 8 is an efficient design utilising PMC's Advance Transmission Line which does not need huge power to generate real low end extension but driving them with the 2 x 300 watts of the 4BSST adds a whole extra dimension of control and ease to the sound making the combination totally magical!

Please feel free to share this magic with us. Give us a call to book a listen and come along with your favourite CDs or LPs.  'When the spell is broken' by Richard Thompson seems appropriate, or maybe 'Witchcraft' by Frank Sinatra.... you choose.

 

REL Habitat 1 and Neat Iotas Sub-Sat system

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With so many people put off by the size of some high quality loudspeakers it, the benefits of high quality sub sat systems are often overlooked.

It is however entirely possible to have your cake and eat it! The Rel Habitat and Neat Iota combination is a perfect solution that really should be auditioned, should you want the best of both worlds.

The Habitat 1 is the nearest thing to a revolution in sub woofer design that I have come across in my 25 years in this industry. Habitat 1 is a brilliant new concept that takes sub bass to new levels. Descrete, wall mountable and with a small wireless transmitter so no unsightly cables need be seen. A sophisticated crossover optimises sound for both music and movies. Perfect, deep bass that emanates almost invisibly from somewhere hidden within the room.

Two 6.5" divers and a 10" passive driver provide the bass necessary for this sub woofer to reach down to 25Hz.

The price is just £1299.

Click here to watch the video and read more about the Habitat

Neat Iotas deliver amazing performance from a tiny cabinet. they are intended to be used very close to walls or on desktops or bookshelves etc.

The cabinet is well damped allowing the 100mm polypropelene and 50mm ribbon tweeeter to do their thing.

5 colours are available to match almost any decor.

The price is £695 per pair.

Click here to visit the Neat website

If you would like to hear this combination for yourselves we would be most happy to demonstrate them.

Fancy Winning Your Money Back??......

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PMC are coming at you with another sensational promotion.

Purchase any Twenty series speaker between 1st August and 31st October then register it online within 14 days of purchase to be in with a chance of winning your money back!!

They will be announcing winners in September, October and November!!

There are no exclusions to what speaker you buy out of the Twenty Series whether you looking to upgrade your tired speakers to a new set of beasts or have had your eyes on these beauties for a while then this is the time to buy them!!

We have the full range here at Audio-T Brentwood as you can see below, and have facilities to demonstrate the complete range for you also. So bring some music along. Even your current speakers if you want to see what you're getting for your money.... or even free if you're really lucky!

You've got to be in it to win it!

 

New Spendor A6R and D7

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Spendor A6R

The A6R is a major uprade on the original A6 loudspeakers. The new design incorporates a a new 18cm main driver that has been derived from the development of the new D7 loudspeakers. The X-over has been completely redesigned and has a gold x-over network and monoblock construction.

On listening we have found these speakers offer a massive sound stage, sweet detailed top end and excellent bass extension for a cabinet of modest proportions.

A Huge improvement on the old A6. A demonstration is highly recommended.

Spendor D7

The D7 is a completely new design from Spendor.

They incoporate the new LPZ tweeter, a polomer mid bass driver and a bonded Kevlar bass driver.

We have had these speakers in our main demonstration room for over a week now and have found the sound to be very open and detailed with an expansive sound stage. The top is amazingly sweet and intergrates seamlessly with the smooth midrange. The the bass extension is tight and fast and goes down seriously low for a speaker of this size.

The finish on our premium dark speakers is outstanding.

Being a Spendor end user already I am tempted to take these home. When I do I don't think they will be coming back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attention to detail is as expected from Reference quality products. 

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

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

Just don't step on the little guy !

 Call Audio T Manchester  on 0161 8398869 for a demonstration.

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

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

KEF Website

The Absolute Sound

Ultra Audio

Totem Dreamcatchers with Sonos Connect Amp

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

We've hit upon that very same thing!

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

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

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

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

Q Acoustic Concept 20's Are a Hit !!!

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We recently added the new Q Acoustic Concept 20 to our stock profile and if we could sum them up in one word, that word would be "WOW !!".

In polished black or gloss white they are a great modern looking bookshelf speaker that would complement any Hi-Fi system.

 

The sound they produce from a seemingly small box is outstanding, producing crisp open detail, smooth mid's and a low end bass that no speaker that size should be allowed to do, and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that they sell for only £350 as they out perform many other speakers at the same price. To improve the sound even further we used them on the specially designed speaker stands that also completes the stylish look of the whole package.

If you are considering some new speakers then the Concept 20 is definitely one that should be high on your list. Give us a call in Preston to arrange a demonstration or just pop in any time.

For further info check out the Q Acoustics YouTube vid here.

 

Neat Momentum 4i

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We do love our speakers here at Oxford, so you can imagine how delighted we were when we rediscoverd Neat Acoustics last month after a gap of nearly 20 years. I can hardly overstate how great these speakers sound.

We will be keeping a representation of three ranges but at the moment the top model that we hold is the Momentum 4i: Click here to read the Hi-Fi World and Audioreview reviews.

This is a 2.5 way floorstander that is unusual in having integral iso-baric bass units. An 'Ultimatum' bass/midrange drive and Titanium tweeter complete the driver line up.

If you are looking for a fast, detalied, dynamic speaker with wonderful bass then please contact us for a demonstration.

The New Wharfedale Diamond 100's Punch Well Above Their Weight

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Warmth without loss of detail, and exceptional good for long listening periods is how we would describe the new Wharfedale Diamonds.

We thought the last generation of loudspeakers were very good, but the new generation has taken a huge leap in peformance and have redefined the sound you can get for your money.

Regrdless of the model 121, 122, 155 we have found them to be very well balanced and musical.

The smaller standmounts offer impressive base extension for such small cabinets and becuase they are portedat the bottom offer great flexibility of placement, so can be placed up against a wall or in open space. The added bonus is also they work tremendously well in a home cinema set up, particularly when using the matching centre's.

They seem to work on pretty much every amplifier that we have paired them with and we have tried Heed, Naim, Arcam and Rega and all sound top notch.

We believe they offer exceptional value for money as entry level loudspeaker and if you are looking for new standmouts or floorstanders they should be high on your audition list.

We recommend them unreservedly, come and listen and hear for yourself.

 Jon, Farid & Audio Phil

 

 

Music Begins At Forty......

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Pro-Ac Response D Forty R

We are pleased announce the delivery of a pair of ProAc Response D Forty speakers.

For a limited time only, ProAc have very kindly loaned us a pair.

We plan to live with the speakers for few weeks and see what we think.

Early signs are very positive. Hooked up to a Rega Osiris amplifier and the Rega Isis CD they sound very impressive indeed. 

The Pro-Ac ribbon tweeter. It's unique aluminium construction leaves it 'as light as a human hair'.

 

The powered coated aluminium bars at the bottom of the speaker. The side vented enclosure makes it lot easier to position the speaker in any room.

The side vented enclosure makes the ProAc D Forty easy to position.

Please call Audio-T Manchester or email  if you would like to arrange an audition.

 

T: 0161 8398869

Email: Manchester@audio-t.co.uk