Audiolab & Monitor Audio Day!

Join us on Thursday 20th of November as we demonstrate the performance & versatility of Audiolab electronics & Monitor Audio speakers.

If you're looking for a high quality DAC, Headphone amplifier or Pre amplifier we'll have the Audiolab Q-DAC & M-DAC both on demonstration providing sweet sounds through a variety of headphones.

 For a smart but sophisticated streaming system, we urge you to listen to Monitor Audio's Airstream A100 partnered with Monitor Audio's Mass 10's & Mass W200 subwoofer.

Serious Hi-Fi doesn't have to mean big electronics, consider the M-DAC with the M-PWR powerful enough to drive Monitor Audio's Bronze BX5 floorstanding speakers!

Keep things simple with Audiolab's 8200CD & 8200A for classic Hi-Fi sound quality with Monitor Audio Silver 8's.

Step up to a Pre/Power combination the 8200CDQ & 8200MB's for a huge leap in performance, partner this with Monitor Audio's GX300 floorstanding speakers for awesome scale and musicality.

 

The fun begins on Thursday 20th November from 3pm and goes on till 8pm.

Everyone who attends will get the chance to enter the prize draw to win a Audiolab & Monitor Audio product.

Myself, John & Jason look forward to showing you all of these wonderful systems on the day.

Best Wishes

Simon

Audio-T
159A Chase Side
Enfield
EN2 0PW
Tel: 0208 367 3132
Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

PMC Twenty 26 now demonstrating at Audio T Manchester.

The latest edition to the award winning Twenty series...

...and as soon as Chromey puts the link bar back, we can continue...ahem..with the blog...thank you.

The pinnacle of the Twenty Series...

The Twenty 26

A quick quote from PMC...

...the Twenty 26 delivers finesse,delicacy and musicality...

The Twenty series tweeter (above) is the only remaining component from rest of the Twenty series and rightly so because we love how the 21,22,23 and 24's perform.

There is however, a brand new mid range unit (below) and an all new bass driver. 

This quote from PMC makes absolute sense as regards to the new mid range unit and bass unit combined.

"an added ability to convey huge dynamic impact and the sheer scale of any musical performance"

Hmmmm...twin exit ports for the transmission line?? Read on.

Due to the high pressure transmission line within the Twenty 26 they use a larger exit to avoid turbulence and unlike ported enclosures the ATL produces a wide range of frequencies picking up from where the bass driver rolls off all the way down to 25hz.

You can clearly hear this in action as the Twenty 26 can pressurize our large shop floor area with ease.

I mean these speakers are seriously good fun and we intend to prove that at our next Classic Album Evening on the 9th September, yes that's right, the new Twenty 26's  will be our speaker of choice for our 2nd Classic Album Evening. (please be aware though, seating will be limited so book early)

We intend to furnish our readers with a little more information on how the PMC 26's sound over the coming months so watch this space for any updates on how they hold up with

some of our Rega, Naim and Linn amplifiers. Happy days!!!

Our PMC Twenty 26's are in the store now and playing.

Come along and ask a member of staff for a demo. 

See links for more info:

PMC

Twenty 26

See you at the store.

Delicious Things and Reduced Prices

We've had a few new additions to the dem room in the form of Chord Electronics

Their CPA2500 pre amp and SPM1050 power amp are making beautiful sounds with our Focal 1028be floorstanders. Amazing clarity and impact seem to be the hallmark of this combination without ever losing sight of the music itself. 
The Electra 1028 from Focal is one of our favourite speakers:

and the good news is we have this pair to sell ex-demonstration reduced from £5330 to £4530!

We also have the electra Subwoofer reduced from £2714 to £2171, and the SR surround speakers reduced from £3450 to £2760. If you're interested in all three we could produce a great package price for you as well.

Come on in and have a look and a listen.

Focal Aria 948 Speakers - May The Flax Be With You

Well it is that time of year again when you have a little more time to play with some of those new toys you had in when things were busier.

Enter the Focal Aria 948, a Naim Superuniti and an iPad accessing our Naim HDX cd collection. Our first impressions, even before hitting the play button, were these speakers mean business. We felt the Aria 926 looked impressive but these, a little bigger all round , really do look like they are built for purpose and that being to transport you into a world of 24 hour party people! and if, hopefully, the neighbours are away to rattle their windows into submision.

Saying all of this with whatever music we played they sounded fantastic, bags of detail without any harshness and bass that goes deep but remains firmly under control, in fact the only things out of control were our feet tapping away from track to track, what fun! this is a system we all felt we could happily live with.

Not content with this though we swapped the Superuniti for a Naim NDX, 202 pre amp and 200 power amp, one word, WOW! and we had to stop ourselves just to keep from continually turning it up.

These are fantastic speakers, ones that really respond to system improvements and even though they are on the larger side they will work very well in the average size living room but if you are able to use them in a bigger room with more space around them, I'd suggest you hang on tightly to your hat and any small pets that are in the room with you.

Come in and have a listen.

Focal-JMlab Maestro Utopia.

An invitation to meet the Maestro.

Focal speakers have for a long time been one of our favourites here at Bristol and Focal have not been quiet in developing innovative technologies for us to get our teeth/ears into. For instance we love the new 900 series with their Flax speakers or the popular Electra 1028be with it's sweet sounding beryllium tweeter and dynamic W cones. The technologies built into these speakers like most manufacturers trickles down from the speakers at the top of the range. Enter the Maestro.

One of four speakers in Focals Utopia range and is one of the most sophisticated they produce. Standing almost 1.5m tall and almost half a metre wide they are quite imposing but look fantastic. As their name suggests they don't just play the music but direct the performance in a way that invites the listener in. These speakers really are special and demonstrate admirably why Focal are known as one of the worlds top speaker manufacturers. We have them here at Bristol for evaluation on our main system in the shop. They are sounding great on our Naim NAP300 with an NDS/555 combination as the source and would love to have you guys come and hear them for yourselves.

GoldenEar Aon 3 and Triton Seven

New to the Cheltenham Branch.

We have just added two new speakers to our extensive range. The award winning GoldenEar Aon 3 Stand mount loudspeaker and the GoldenEar Triton Seven floorstanders.

Both speakers feature a high velocity folded ribbon tweeter offering exceptionally smooth and detailed presentation of the high frequenies and an almost holographic sound stage.

GoldenEar Aon 3 are an extremely compact high performance standmount loudspeaker. They utilise a cast basket 7" Bass/Mid driver. This is complimented by a single side firing 8" planar low frequency passive radiator in a dynamically balanced configuration. This properly loads the Bass/Mid driver giving an extremely open mid range and remakably extended bass for such a small enclosure.

GoldenEar Triton Seven uses a highly advanced bass loading technology. Mid/Bass is handled by two 5.25" cast basket drivers coupled to two 8" side firing sub bass radiators. Coupled with the folded ribbon tweeter the sound produced by these speakeers really does belie their size. They have all the upper mid qualities of the Aon 3 but also offer fantastic bass extension that really enhances the listening experience, particulalry large scale classical and Rock Music.

Both loudspeakers are now available for demonstration.

Specifications:

Aon 3

Frequency - 38Hz to 35kHz.

Efficiency - 90dB

Impedance 8 ohms

Recommended Amplifier 10 to 250 Watts

Dimensions 229mm W, 299mm D, 356mm H

Triton Seven

Frequency - 29Hz to 35kHz

Efficiency - 89dB

Impedance - 8 ohms

Recommended Amplifier 10 to 300 Watts

Dimensions 267mm W, 386mm D, 1010mm H

Bowers & Wilkins 600 series 2014 range now at Audio T Manchester.

The Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series.

The New 600 Series Tweeter with it's new Decoupled Double Dome tweeter (no double entendre intended).

The Double Dome comprises an extremely thin and light aluminium dome, as seen below.

The entire assembly is decoupled from the cabinet,reducing unwanted vibrations.

The result? A more natural, spacious sounding tweeter.

Pull yourself together Chromey!! and stop showing off. Goodness!!!  

We have the 600 series ready to demo at your convenience.

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

Just call in to Audio T Manchester to arrange a demonstration.

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

Sleeker, better sounding B&W 600 S2 range arrive.

The popular award winning B&W 600 series loudspeakers have been replaced by the all-new 600 S2 range.

Sleeker in design and with a better finish, all model incorporate the new Decoupled Double Dome tweeter that graces the CM9. 

This makes them the most technically advanced 'affordable' loudspeaker range currently available and probably the best sound too.

All models available in either black or white finishes.

B&W's new 600 Series now on demonstration!

We have just taken delivery of our demonstration set of the new B&W 600 Series! More info & pics to follow watch this space...

Bowers & Wilkins have refreshed their award winning 600 series. By injecting technologies found in the CM10's & PM1's the new 600 series are the new force to be reckoned with. That's not all thou, the new 600 series adds a number of its own technological advancements.

 Even the smallest of the new range the 686 S2 is improved with the use of a new decoupled double dome tweeter, Anti-Resonance Plugs on mid/bass drivers and now a forward firing Flowport.

The next speaker in the new range is the 685 S2's which uses the same technological advancements as the smaller 686 S2's, but equipped with a newly designed 6.5inch woven Aramid Fibre cone bass/midrange drivers which is housed in a larger cabinet to produce a bigger more effortless bass response.

The new 684 S2 is slimmer and more elegant than its predecessor, yet still a step up in performance, by using smaller voice coils on its two 5 inch bass/mid drivers. This means increased sensitivity therefore a more efficient speaker with a greater output.

The HTM62 S2 is the smaller of the two centre channels available which is designed to match all of the speakers in the new range but the 686 S2 & 684 S2 in particular as it uses the same 5inch bass drivers.

The largest & most impressive speaker in my opinion is the 683 S2. B&W quote “outstanding power, accuracy and musicality.” I certainly don't disagree. The 683 S2 is equipped with a double dome tweeter design (found in the CM10s), FST midrange drive units capable of producing some of the best vocal re-production we've heard and the use of dual layer aluminium bass drivers “for a richer , distortion-free bass response.”

 The HTM61 S2 is the perfect match for the 683 S2 as it uses the same 6.5in dual layer aluminium bass drivers, a very similar FST dedicated midrange driver and decoupled double dome tweeter.

Book a demo today!

Audio T Enfield

159A Chase Side

Enfield

EN2 0PW

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.u T

Monitor Audio's New Silver Range Learns New Tricks!

Monitor Audio's Silver 8s turns a new leaf and takes a number of pages from the GX range.

At first glance you'll see the newly designed concave ‘dished’ C-CAM cone drive units much like the GX series.

A first for the Silver range is the introduction of a dedicated mid-range driver which has proven to provide a huge leap forward compared to the previous RX8s, vocals are so much smoother & more controlled!

The improvements don't stop there... Inside, Monitor Audio have upgraded the internal speaker cable to a Pureflow® Silver plated OFC & a high quality three-way crossover configuration, which allows the drivers to be optimised to deliver a better overall performance. To top that off the new Silver range is constructed using a rigid 20mm MDF cabinet throughout, employing radial and cross-bracing techniques for high rigidity and low cabinet colouration.

The new Silver's are ever impressive, incorporating design techniques from the GX range which we feel has allowed the new Silvers to grow up into a more refined & enjoyable speaker range at this price point.

Book a demo today!


Audio-T Enfield

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Ruark MR1 Active Speakers

If you are looking for affordable active speakers then you really should look at these little beauties.

Ruark MR1's are truly versatile speakers, equipped with both line and high quality Bluetooth aptX inputs, plus a subwoofer output for potential upgrades. Using Ruark's own bespoke high quality drive units and class a/b amplifiers, they sound amazing and retail for only £299.

Suitable applications include: HiFi, computer audio, Bluetooth streaming and as an upgrade to your TV audio (either via the line in or your television's Bluetooth output if equipped).

Available in white, black or walnut veneer. A remote control comes as standard and an optional battery pack can be added for truly portable use.

If you want to find more about these speakers please visit the Ruark Audio website.

Or if you would like to see them on our website and read reviews from our customers.

Wot No Phase Cap????......

Monitor Audio have just updated the ever popular Silver series, now replacing the "RX" moniker with "Silver" as the new model name.

As you can see, one of the key changes are the removal of the phase cap. 

Monitor Audio's new drive units use a new rigid surface technology (RST),Ceramic-Coated Aluminum/Magnesium (C-CAM®) drivers, which seem to elimate the need for a phase alignment cap.

Our initial reaction to Silver series is very positive. The new drive units sound much more detailed than the RX series.

They also have very quick response times, resulting in sound that is much faster than its predecessors. 

They look great too.

The Silver 1 in gloss black.

The Silver 2 in black.

The Silver series sub in walnut.

We have a range of Monitor Audio Silver Series on demo at our Manchester store including:

Silver 1

Silver 2

Silver 6

Silver 10

Silver Center

Silver Subwoofer

Please feel free  to contact the store and arrange a demonstration.

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

Classic Album Evenings 2nd & 3rd of December Featuring KEF Blade

Following the success of our eighth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Nights number nine.         

They will be on  Monday 2nd & 3rd of December and once again will be held at the Fusion Room restaurant, 80 Friargate, Preston, PR1 2ED, at 6.30pm 7pm start.

Click the link to find where we will be http://www.fusionroom.co.uk/

We are doing this over two evenings as we know demand will be very high,and we have limited seating available,so confirming via email is essential.

When confirming please let us know how many places and what night you will be attending, Monday 2nd or Tuesday 3rd.

The equipment we are using

Speakers                      KEF Blades
Amp                             Yamaha  a-s3000
Turntable                     Rega rp8 inc apheta moving coil cart
Speaker cables             Chord Sarum
                                   Chord Sarum links
                                   Chord Sarum phono to phono

We have decided not play a complete album,but to play a selection of tracks from previous evenings along with others,to show off the speakers.

We are going to start a little earlier, arrive at 6.30pm and start at 7pm

If you are interested in joining us please email the store preston@audio-t.co.uk or call us on 01772 883958 to confirm your place

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you

Ian, Gavin and Andy       

Neat Acoustics loudspeakers arrive at Reading Audio-T

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

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

IOTA 

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

 

MOMENTUM 4i

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

 

MOTIVE SX2

MOTIVE SX3 

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

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

Focal Aria & Naim Uniti 2: News is the French love the English and the English love the French.

The Naim Uniti 2 probably needs no introduction here but in case you didn't know it is a one box Hi-Fi.

It includes a CD Player, a DAB and FM tuner, internet connectivity to stream music and access Internet radio and music files stored on your computer or home network. It can play music from an iPhone /iPad/ iPod or from a USB stick (all this can be done with files up to 32bit 192khz ).

It has digital inputs for TV playstation etc, and has analogue inputs so you can plug in a turntable and it includes a fantastic sounding 70w amplifier.  Oh and did I say it's made in England. In Salisbury, Wiltshire to be precise.

So there's your amp and sources sorted, what about speakers....

Enter the Focal Aria 926/906. Made in France by one of the worlds biggest and most reknowned speaker manufacturers and these speakers are a perfect match with the Naim Uniti 2.

The bass/ mid drivers are made with the inovotive use of Flax (linseed) fibres sandwiched between two very thin layers of glass fibre. This special technique developed for over 5 years has produced a very light very fast driver with ideal properties for a bass/mid drive unit.

The tweeter has its roots in the famous beryllium inverted domes of the very high end focal speakers. Again it's very fast with low distortion, and being focal, very accurate but at the same time enjoyable to listen to.

 

Perfect so far but can we make things even better...

We have a special deal on at the moment which could save you up to £800.

Package 1 - Naim Uniti 2 & Focal 906 two way standmount loudspeaker

Package 2 - Naim Uniti 2 & Focal 926 3 way floorstanding loudspeaker

Just combine the Naim Uniti with a pair of Focals.

There are two speaker models to choose from. The 926 is a floorstanding model and looks very elegant in either black or walnut. It is a three way design and suitable for large rooms. 

The 906 is a standmount and would be suited to small to mid sized rooms.

Both sets of speakers sound excellent coupled with the Naim Uniti 2 but don't take my word for it, book a demonstration and bring along some music, whether it be on CD, your phone, USB stick or even a piece of vinyl, we are sure you will love what you hear.

Click here for more details.

KEF's X300A Goes Wireless!

KEF's X300A gets an upgrade, now wirelessly stream from Android devices using KEF's DMC app & Apple devices using Airplay. While the Hi-Fi purist can still use the mini Asynchronous USB input for use with a computer. 

                                              

KEF use their famous Uni-Q driver array which incorporates a 1" tweeter positioned in the middle of a 5.25" mid/bass driver. A wide, open & detailed soundstage is very much KEF's sonic signature and the X300A Wireless haven't forgotten this either, they sing loud & clear instantly adding to KEF's already strong & expansive product ranges. 

 Not only does each speaker contain two Class A/B Amps! (A 50watt amp used on the mid/bass driver and a 20watt amp used on the tweeter) But they're fed by toroidal transformer power supplies. KEF certainly haven't settled for anything less than the best, all these ingredients scream out serious Hi Fi! 

We really like the size of the X300A Wireless. KEF have really hit the sweet spot between practicality & performance,  their compact size enables these to look at home on most desktop spaces, yet big enough to envelope you in a full range Hi-Fi sound. KEF have also helped over come speaker placement issues by adding an EQ switch (stand or desk) which allows you to control the frequency response, reducing the risk of "bass boom" as being a result of the speakers being too close to a rear wall.

 The KEF X300A Wireless is one of the most tidy, versatile & awesome sounding solutions to use, to achieve the best sound from your computer & mobile devices, that we've had the pleasure of listening to.

Book a demo today!

Audio-T Enfield

Tel:0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

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

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!

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.

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!

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