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.

Spendor A5R Floorstanding Loudspeaker

The new Spendor A5R is the replacement for the original A5. It has benefited from technical improvements developed during the design of the High End D7 loudspeaker. 

The new 15cm bass driver utilises an advanced polymer cone and an ultra light Kevlar piston to give ultra fast and seamless bass/mid performance. High frequencies are produced by a newly designed 22mm wide surround dome tweeter utilising fluid cooling.

The A5Rs have a sealed cabinet so it doesn't suffer from many of the problems associated with a reflex cabinets and allows easy placement of the speakers in virtually any room.

The cabinets have been significantly improved from the A5 and now offer asymmetric bracing and a new dynamic damping system. By isolating the front radiating surfaces from the rear surfaces the A5R has managed to remove the effect of bass smearing often associated with smaller floor standing loudspeakers.

On listening all of these improvements that have been made are clearly apparent. Bass is tight, deep and very tuneful. This integrates seamlessly with the open and detailed midrange. Coupled with the 22mmm fluid cooled tweeter that offers a sweet and highly detailed top end.The A5Rs really are a significant improvement over the original A5.

Specifications

Type 2.5 Way Floor Standing

HF Unit 22mm Wide Surround dome with Fluid Damping

MF/LF Unit 150mm ep77 Polymer Cone

LF Unit 150mm Kevlar Composite Cone

Sensitivity 87dB for 1 Watt at 1 Metre

Impedance 8 Ohms

Power Handling 150W (Unclipped)

Cabinet Size 830mm x 165mm x 250mm (H x W x D)

The A5R is available in the following real wood veneers:

Black Ash, Cherry, Light Oak and Dark Walnut.

These speakers are available for demonstration. If you are looking for a compact floorstanding loudspeaker with exceptional performance the A5Rs are a must listen.

Spendor Loudspeakers are also available at our Cardiff store.

Monitor Audio Gold 50's are worth their weight in Gold.

And a little bit of silver as well.

Ahh... that will be the Pureflow® Silver internal cabling.

The new Gold 50's from Monitor Audio.

Now on demonstration at  Audio T Manchester.

Here are some highlights from the Monitor Audio website.

• C-CAM® (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) ribbon transducer design – providing extension to a class leading 60KHz

• HiVe®II port technology for better transient response and tighter bass

• New C-CAM RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) bass/mid-range driver

• Single bolt through driver fixings for improved bracing, rigidity and driver/baffle de-coupling

• Die-cast alloy terminal panel arrangement with high quality bi-wire terminals and high end spade type link cables

• Pureflow® Silver internal cabling

• Selected premium quality wood veneer or high gloss lacquer finishes

• Rigid 20mm MDF construction throughout, employing radial and cross-bracing techniques for high rigidity resulting in low cabinet colouration

• Invisible magnetic grille fixing provides clean visual styling when used with the grille off.

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 (closed on Sunday's throughout August 2015)

New Bronze from Monitor Audio arrives at Brentwood

We've just taken delivery of the new Bronze series speakers from Monitor Audio

They're currently being run in, but even fresh out of the box they're sounding quite special.

With all new C Cam drivers they not only sound better than their predecessors, but they look a lot sleeker as well. There is also a new white finish to give a wider choice to match your interior decor.

Definitely worth a listen, so come on in and we'll see you soon

Paul, Francis and Boswell Bear

Chord Co Cables & Dynaudio Focus XD evening update

Looking back on our musical evening, I think I can say that a good time was had by everyone, certainly it was encouraging that so many people stayed on afterwards, chatting and listening to more great music.

John McDermott was the lucky winner of the Chord Cadenza

Dynaudio have left the Focus XD's with us for a short while. If you would like to have a listen, just let us know.

Two new speaker ranges arrive! Monitor Audio Bronze and Rega!

This week we have been doubly excited at taking delivery of new speakers from both Monitor Audio and Rega!

Monitor Audio's Bronze range has always represented great sound quality and finish at very realistic prices but the new Bronze range has set the bar even higher with all new drive units taking technology and design elements from the more expensive, Silver, Gold and even Platinum ranges.

We have Bronze 1, £230, Bronze 2, £280, Bronze 5, £550, Bronze 6, £700 and Centre, £160 all available for demonstration.  

Bronze 6 in Rosemah finish is currently being run in and already sounding stunning in our dem room.  It's an incredible amount of speaker for £700.00, both physically and musical performance.  Very punchy fast bass with no overhang and a detailed and sweet top end.  

If you are looking for a bit of a bargain we still have one demo pair of oak BX1 available for £159.00.  Not quite as good as the new Bronze 1 but at £71.00 less, still a great speaker at a budget price.

We also have one demo pair of black BX5 left priced at £399.00.  It's a massive £100 off and £150.00 less than the new Bronze 5.

From Rega we have received our new RX1 stand mounter and RX3 floor stander with RX5 due soon. These new speakers are a big step forward with bass/mid drivers and superbly finished new heavier cabinets with much cleaner looking grilles.  

Our demo RX1 in walnut looks superb...

...as does our RX3 in cherry.  It's a light enough finish to complement oak or Maple furniture too.

The price points are higher than the previous RS range, reflecting the substantial improvement in drive units, sound and build quality.  RX1 is £798, RX3 is £1298 and RX5 is £1698.  Black Ash finish is also an option along with Walnut and Cherry.

Those with an eye for a bargain may be interested in a chance to snap up our last demo pair of RS3 in Cherry for £619, a massive saving of £159 on the original price of £778 and less than half the price of Rega's new first floorstander, the RX3!  The cabinets are unmarked and we have the boxes.

Whether you want to grab yourself some bargain ex-demo speakers or listen to new models from Rega or Monitor Audio plus any other delights in store, we hope to see you soon. 

Alan and John

Audio T branches that stock Rega are: Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Swansea, Swindon

Audio T branches that stock Monitor Audio are: Brentwood, Cardiff, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston,Reading, Swansea, Swindon 

PMC Golden Ticket!! Your Chance To Win Back The Purchase Price Of PMC's Twenty Series Speakers

A Golden Ticket will be handed to each person who purchases any twenty series product from Audio T Manchester, between 1^st June and 31^{st August}.

Chromey's got his.

After registering your speakers online and entering the details of the store and sales person who served you, your name will go into a random draw for that month.  

Draws will take place in June, July and the end of September, with the lucky winners receiving the purchase price of their speakers from PMC.

Seriously?? Thats a cracking opportunity on offer from PMC , especially for those in the market for a pair of PMC speakers. 

Just remember to fill out your Golden Ticket. 

 

Call us on 0161 8398869 to arange a demonstration or email us at manchester@audio-t.co.uk

PMC Twenty series.

PMC Golden Ticket Compettion Runs Again!

Could your new PMC Speakers cost you nothing?

PMC are once again running their "Golden Ticket" competition where the lucky winner could win back the purchase price of their speakers!

During June, July and August a Golden Ticket will be given to everyone that purchases a new pair of PMC Twenty series speakers. Simply fill in the form and you will be entered into the prize draw for that month. Yes - there is a prize draw for each month the competition runs making your chances that much better.

If you are thinking of a new pair of Twenty series speakers, now could be the best time to buy!

New Q Acoustics 3000 Series Loudspeakers

We have just taken delivery of selected models of the new Q Acoustics 3000 series loudspeakers.

Q Acoustics 3010

The new 3010 compact loudspeaker is a totally new loudspeaker from Q Acoustics.

Utilising the new 2 in 1 concentric ring dome tweeter and the Aramid fibre/paper cones for te bass/mid driver. These coupled with a strong lower resonance cabinet the 3010 really does set a new standard for a speaker at this price.

On listening we have found the 3010 to give a significant improvement over previous models. The top end is silky smooth, detail is exceptional and for the cabinet dimensions the bass response is truly excellent.

The 3010 is highly recommended for Hi-fi use and can also be integrated with the 3090C centre loudspeaker and 3070S sub woofer for home cinema use.

Available in the following finishes:

Matt Graphite, American Walnut, Black Leather, High gloss black or white.

They are ideal for Stand mount (dedicated stands are  available) or shelf mounting. If wall mounting is required a dedicated wall bracket is also available.

Q Acoustics 3050

Again the 3050 utilises the new 2 in 1 concentric ring dome tweeter and is coupled with two 165mm Aramid fibre/paper cone bass drivers.

This large floorstander delivers exceptional bass extension and midrange openness coupled with an astonishingly smooth and open high frequencies.

The 3050 is an ideal speaker for larger rooms and when high sound levels are required.

Available in the the same high quality finishes as the 3010.

Again the 3050 is an ideal speaker to intergrate into a home cinema system.

Both speakers are now available for demonstration.

The Q Acoustic brand is available from the following Audio T Stores:

Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Online, Portsmouth, Preston, Swindon

N.B. Demo stock varies from store to store, so please call ahead first to check availability before travelling. 

Musical Fidelity Merlin System so good we put it in the window!

Musical Fidelity have come up trumps with this little system. With vinyl sales increasing daily this is a perfect way to have a compact multi format starter system with real quality for only £1300

The individual components are available separately, but there is a price saving of £200 if bought as a system.

The system comprises the Roundtable turntable, the Merlin amplifier, and the Merlin loudspeakers.

As you can see the turntable is beautifully built, comes complete with an Audo Technica Cartridge, and sounds really good, it has some clever design features which all add to the aound quality, like placing the units centre of gravity at the bearing.

The little Merlin amplifier really punches above its weight, both in sound quality and available features.

There's a reason why Musical Fidelity call this a "multi format system" not only does the amplifier have a quality phono input, it also has 24/192 DACs built in, AptX bluetooth, quality headphone amp, and an ADC so that you can convert the vinyl signal for ripping......Oh and it makes a really good sound too

Last but not least are the little (yes that word crops up a lot with this system) Merlin Speakers, they have a sculpted baffle, which you can see here behind the grille, which produces a very wide dispersion soundfield making the system sound much bigger than would be expected. It is a truly surprising performance from such a small enclosure.

All in all this system sounds great, looks great, and most importantly is fun to listen to: so get up in your loft, rescue those old LPs and get yourself a Merlin system.

Paul, Francis and Boswell

Evolutionary and Revolutionary, Q Acoustic's new 3000 series are coming soon!

The 3000 series sets new standards with its luxurious finishes, beautiful styling and amazing sound, all at an affordable price. So whether you're building a Hi-Fi or surround sound system the 3000 series is without a doubt one of the best places to start looking.

The new series starts with the ultra compact 3010 bookshelf speaker, shown below in the leather effect finish with 25mm concentric ring dome tweeter and 100mm Aramid fibre/paper bass driver.

The 3020 bookshelf / standmount speaker follows, again benefiting from the new concentric ring dome tweeter and Aramid fibre/paper bass driver, but now a 125mm drive unit is used allowing for a "full range" performance to be achieved. Shown in gloss black below.

The flagship speaker in the range is the 3050 floorstanders, shown in American Walnut. Twin 165mm bass drivers are used to deliver rich immersive bass weight & scale whilst improved cabinet construction means you hear a controlled & precise performance. The 3050's really are an audiophile bargain!

The fun doesn't stop there though, the 3090c centre channel & 3070s Subwoofer can be used to complete an explosive surround sound movie system.

Coming soon...

Thanks for reading

Audio T
159A Chase Side
Enfield
EN2 0PW
Tel: 0208 367 3132

Bowers & Wilkins CM6 S2's arrive at Audio T Enfield

B&W's new CM series 2 range gains another rather special speaker. Much like the CM10's, the CM6 S2's share technologies used in B&W's 800 diamond series to elevate their performance to new levels.

The CM6 S2's use a 6.5in woven Aramid Fibre mid/bass driver to deliver extremely accurate & natural sounding mid range. Not only do the CM S2 range sound clean they look it too, with not a single screw or bolt in sight.

The decoupled double dome & on top tweeter design is the finishing touch in creating an effortlessly spacious & natural image.

Rediscover your music as the CM6 S2's dig deeper & reveal more of the subtleties hidden within your favourite songs today.

Give us a call or email to arrange a demonstration

Best wishes 

Simon

Audio T 

159A Chase Side

Enfield

EN2 0PW

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Happy New Year!!

Firstly we would like to wish all our customers, past and present, a Happy New Year.

2014 was a great year for us and our suppliers with a host of fabulous new

products, many achieving awards.

Highlights include:

Two new products from Rega, the Elex-R amplifier and of course their new flagship turntable, the RP10.

Naim Audio introduced their first ever all-in-one music player, the mu-so, by far the best sounding product of its type and already a big success.

They have also now added Spotify Connect on all their network players and Uniti products which also now feature Bluetooth connectivity.

Chord Electronics Hugo has been a true ‘game changer’, a remarkable product which has been applauded the world over. Now available in black.

Chord Hugo, now also available in silver.

Neat Accoustics loudspeakers, especially the Motive range, has proven to be one of our best sellers last year, a perfect complement to our amplifier range.

The Well Tempered Versalex turntable. A truly awesome product thanks to its fresh design and engineering.

 Well Tempered Versalex

So, what can one expect from us in 2015?

Well, firstly we are delighted to announce the introduction to our loudspeaker portfolio of Shahinian Loudspeakers from the USA. These highly exclusive speakers offer a somewhat different perspective from the norm that we know many will enjoy.

We  intend a more detailed blog post soon.

Shahinian Compass 2

Compass 2

Shahinian Arc 2

Arc 2

There are a few other significant announcement coming soon, we’ll keep you posted.

Simon

New at Audio T Cheltenham, Neat Acoustics Loudspeakers

The Cheltenham branch have just added Neat Acoustics loudspeakers to our extensive line of loudspeakers.

After extensive listening we now have the following models available for demonstration.

Neat Iota

The Neat Iota delivers a performance that belies the incredibly small dimensions (h,w,d - 130 x 200x 165mm). Being designed to be used very close to the rear wall they are ideal for locations such as bookshelves, desk tops, etc.

The 2.6L cabinet incorporates a 100mm bass driver and a 50mm vertical planar magnetic ribbon tweeter offering unbelievable bass performance and an exceptionally detailed top end. Due to the diminutive cabinet dimensions and the ribbon tweeter the sound stage is almost holographic.

Available in Satin White, Satin Black, Flame Red, Zinc Yellow and Ultramarine Blue

Neat SX3

The SX3 is a small stand mount loudspeaker designed for smaller spaces or as a rear speaker in multi channel installations.

They incorporate a 25mm inverted anodised aluminium tweeter normally found in much more expensive high end loudspeakers.

In spite of its compact dimensions the MX3 surprises with its astonishing bass extension and beautifully open mid range. The Inverted dome tweeter produces incredible detailed for a speaker at this price.

Neat SX2

At only 76cm tall this is one of the most compact floor standing loudspeakers available.

This is a two way design with the bass driver and inverted anodised aluminium tweeter operating in separate enclosure within the cabinet. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom of the cabinet and is vented through a sculptured MDF plinth. Even when the loudspeakers a located near a rear wall the bass is still controlled and extended.

For a floor stander of such small dimensions the SX2 offers astonishing bass, very open midrange and a smooth detailed top end.

Neat SX1

The SX1 utilised a two and a half way configuration. The tweeter and bass mid driver operate within their own sealed enclosure. The sub bass is housed separately in a reflex tuned enclosure below and is vented via a sculptured MDF plinth.

Again the 25mm Inverted anodised aluminium tweeter is used offering exceptional detail. With the inclusion of the Sub Bass driver the SX1 manages to accurately produce genuine low end bass performance.

The Neat SX range of loudspeaker are available in Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak and Satin White.

A demonstration is highly recommended.

Standing Room Only For Pink Floyd & KEF Blade 2

A big thank you to all that made our last vinyl evening the most attended to date,over 70 music lovers enjoyed Pink Floyd played through the new Kef Blade 2 speakers.

 The system used was entirely British designed featuring KEF, Arcam, Rega and Chord Cables.

•  Blade 2 in Snow White finish (£16,000).
•  Arcam FMJ A49 Integrated Amplifier (£3,750).
•  Rega RP8 Turntable with Apheta Cartridge (£2,198).
•  Rega Aria Phonostage (£798).

·         Chord Epic Reference speaker cable and Chameleon VEE 3 interconnects (£1,500).

The album played was ‘The Endless River’ by Pink Floyd.

This was followed by the first side of ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ by Pink Floyd.

Other tracks that were played included:

Is There Anybody Out There?’ by Pink Floyd from the album ‘The Wall.

Hey Now’ & ‘Nightcall’ by London Grammar from the album ‘If You Wait

Lullaby’ by The Cure from the album Disintegration

Limit To Your Love’ by James Blake from the album James Blake

Walk On The Wild Side’ by Lou Reed from the album Transformer

Barcelona’ & ‘Listen To The Man’ by George Ezra

Six Blade Knife’ by Dire Straits from the album Dire Straits

Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen from the album Jazz & Greatest Hits

mu-so by Naim makes so much music in Manchester.

Meanwhile Manchester Makes Much Amusing Musings at the mu-so...

And what musings they are, what an amazing product ! 

To all those who question the abilities of "soundbars, music boxes, wireless docks or just plain old glorified ghetto blasters"...

...Naim have your answer in the mu-so. Don't believe the hype?? Think we are blowing hot air?? Not-So...

...come along to our Manchester store and take a look and listen for yourself. 

The mu-so has a six speaker array driven by six digital amplifiers.

"mu-so gives so-much for so-little"

Ahh!! well said Chromey, you know, maybe you should speak to the marketing bods at Naim about that little gem.

Apart from Wifi, Bluetooth and Airplay you also get an optical, a USB and a 3.5mm analogue input.  

The all metal body provides great heat dissipation, the elegant looking heat sink runs across the full length of the body.

The beautifully weighted, machined volume knob is a pleasure to use and is a nod to the gargantuan Naim Statement amplifier.

You can find more info about the mu-so here.

Please feel free to call in and ask the staff at our Manchester store for a demonstration.

REL & PMC Day!

Listen with us on the 27th of November as we partner REL sub bass systems with PMC speakers for the ultimate in cinema & HiFi systems.

We will be getting up close & personal with PMC's Twenty 21's. Although the smallest speaker in the range, there's simply no question over their ability to convey transparent, controlled & detailed performances, which makes it even easier to forget about the speakers and listen to the music. We will also be seamlessly integrating REL's compact S2 subwoofer to offer even greater dept without masking or shadowing the 21's natural character and effortless detail.

PMC's Twenty 22's will be playing on our shop floor, showing that great sound can still be achieved in a real world, untreated & highly reflective environment, which is made to sound even better with the help of REL's T9 subwoofer.

PMC's Twenty 26's, Centre & 24's will be used in our main demo room whilst we use REL's S range subwoofers to lift & underpin the entire system. We have opted to use a REL S5 on each of the front left & right 26's, a S2 under the Centre, and a S3 on the rear 24's, to achieve a "REL 3D" setup! Dolby Atmos may also be shown in this system. We simply can't wait!

Listen & be amazed this 27th of November, the fun begins 3:00 until 8:00.

Myself, John, Jason, Tom & Kevin all look forward to welcoming you to the brilliance of PMC speakers & REL subwoofers.

Best Wishes

Simon

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