PMC & Bryston Event

Between Tuesday 31st May and Tuesday 14th June we will be hosting a PMC and Bryston event at our Southampton store. You will have the chance to listen to a wide range of PMC speakers including the amazing Fact 8 and Fact 3 and the very special PB1i Signatures partnered with a range of Bryston electronics in both stereo and home cinema configurations.

A PMC representative will be here on select dates, including the 31st May,  to answer any PMC speaker or Bryston enquiries.  Further dates will be confirmed soon.

This is a great opportunity to hear some of the very best British speakers and the cream of Canadian electronics. The event is on for two whole weeks so there will be no excuse for missing it!  

As if all that isn't enough there will be the chance to enter a prize draw to win a pair of the fantastic DB1i loudspeakers which retail for £1049.95!

I look forward to seeing you in store very soon,

Alan

Naim updates the Apps for the n-Stream and n-Serve

Naim’s control applications, n-Stream and n-Serve, have been updated to be compatible with iPad alongside the currently supported iPhone and iPod touch.

Using customer and retailer feedback Naim’s team of dedicated software engineers have introduced several new features to the n-Serve and n-Stream control apps and made them compatible for use with iPad.    

n-Serve - what's new?
The n-Serve app controls Naim’s server products: the HDX and UnitiServe hard disk player / servers and NS01, NS02 and NS03 NaimNet music servers. As well as being updated to operate as a native app on iPad, n-Serve now has the following features across all three Apple platforms, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad: 

· Cover art support – n-Serve now displays cover art from hard disk player/server and users can scroll through album tiles.
· New search functionality – Full search capabilities added.
· Extended metadata – Extensive new data available for tracks and albums.
· Cache database – Music collection can still be viewed on the app even when out of range of hard disk player / servers. This means a music library can be checked when in a record store or out with friends. 
· Playlist reading – Playlists created on the desktop client, web browser interface or on the server itself can now be read.
· Select by device – Individual devices or shares on the network can be selected. 

n-Stream - what's new?
The n-Stream app is used to control Naim’s streaming products: the NDX network player and UnitiQute and NaimUniti all-in-one players. n-Stream has been updated to include a new layout native to the iPad and now has extra support for cover art, giving the user the ability to scroll through cover art tiles. 

The n-Stream app fully supports Naim system automation, a significant feature of the NDX. Once enabled, the app can control system volume, inputs on the preamplifier or integrated amplifier as well as Naim DAC inputs and CD control. 

You can download the apps by following the links below to the iTunes App store:

n-Stream Download
n-Serve Download

Linn announces 5 year warranty across the range

Linn Products, available from our Brighton store, have recently announced that a 5 year warranty is now standard across the whole range.

From 1st May 2011, customers will automatically receive a 5 year parts and labour warranty on all new products as standard*, making Linn’s warranty policy the most comprehensive and accessible in the market.

What’s more, as a gesture to customers who have purchased a new product within the last 5 years, we will automatically apply the balance of warranty remaining in line with the new policy, for example, a product purchased in 2008 but not registered will now automatically have 2 years of full parts and labour warranty remaining.

The new 5 year warranty is also fully transferrable between owners, so a second hand product will still be covered as long as it is still within the warranty period and the product remains in the territory in which it was first purchased.

Make sure you tell your customers about Linn’s new Warranty policy.  Customer-facing communications, including the Linn website, will be updated by 1st May to reflect the above changes.

Terms and conditions apply, please visit the Linn website for more details. 

Rega announces Rega Brio-R amplifier

Hot off the press, Rega have just announced the launch of their latest addition, the Rega Brio-R amplifier.

Built to Rega's usual high standards, the Rega Brio-R looks to be a big step forward for the ever popular Rega brand. With an entirely new casework, the changes are far more than just external, with significant upgrades internally.

The output amplfiier is entirely new, and power supplies to the circuits are improved. The phono stage has been reworked to improve the sound quality in line with the improvements in the ever popular Rega Planar turntables.

There has also been the inclusion of a dedicated remote control system. The design means that, unlike most amplifiers, the remote control functionality does not impinge on the sound quality by isolating the circuits and providing it it's own dedicated power supply.

No news yet on when we can expect to see the Rega Brio-R, but please contact our Rega dealers for more information on this upcoming product.

Vita Audio announces upgraded R4i system

We've been big fans of the Vita Audio R4 for some time, and over the years we've seen other models in the Vita Audio range get upgraded, so it comes as no surprise to find out that the R4 has been upgraded to the new Vita Audio R4i.

So what's the differences? Well, they aren't huge, possibly because the R4 already managed to squeeze so much in at the price, but as the R4i is the same price we can't complain!

Firstly, there is the addition of DAB+ to the existing DAB tuner. This won't make a huge difference to most of us, but it's the internal upgrades which are more appealing. There have been tweaks to both the audio circuitry and the CD suspension -  both of which have improved overall sound quality. Less exciting is an upgrade to the power supply to meet (and exceed) EU regulations.

The end result is an improvement - not vast, and unlikely to be noticed unless you are doing a side by side comparison, but an improvement none the less - and as mentioned earlier, as we aren't paying any more for those improvements its a good thing.

The R4i still has all the same features that drew us to the R4, including a CD player, iPod dock and USB/Aux inputs - plus there will be a special edition model (pictured above) in a sparkling graphite piano lacquer. If you were lucky enough to see it at the Bristol Sound & Vision Show, you'll know it looks pretty special. Expect to see the special edition around May or June.

Finally, with the announcement of the R4i we have some great deals on the Vita Audio R4 to clear our remaning stock - don't forget to check them out!

Sonos announces Controller for Android

Big news if you love Sonos - they have just announced that they are launching their Sonos Controller software for Android.

For those of you not familair with Sonos, it's a mutli room audio streaming device. Or put simply, have music in any room you want wirelessly. The Sonos system is controlled by...well, the Sonos Controller, which comes in many different forms.

First, there is the Desktop Controller - a simple to install application that you can put on your PC or Mac. However, most of us don't want to fire up our laptop just to change a tune, so Sonos came up with the CR200 controller, a dedicated hand held wireless controller with a full colour touch screen. This have the flexibility to take your music with you anywhere, but buying a dedicated device comes at a price.

Two years ago however, they launched the free iPhone application, and suddenly Sonos became a lot better as you could use your iPhone (or iPod Touch) to control your system. And now - the Android application! We can't wait as this is going to open Sonos up to a whole new audience, and with the simple process to link your handset to the nearest Sonos system, controlling your world will become a lot easier.

Check out this article from Sonos to find out more, and to view a video of the application. You can also register here to find out when this application is available.

KEF has a fantastic month - three great reviews!

KEF are always keen to provide the best in speakers that they can, and it was great to hear from them today regarding the fantastic reviews on some of their latest products.

First up is the KEF T105 surround speaker system. For those of you not yet familiar with it, the T105 was launched recently and has found it's way into many of our stores, where it is being enjoyed by staff and customers alike. It's ideal for those seeking the best in cinema sound whilst keeping the speakers small. With five satellites at only 35mm deep that are easily wall mounted, it blends well into any home and yet still delivers the full cinema experience.

What Hi-Fi? have got hold of it, and were equally impressed, awarding the system their best rating of five stars. Fantastic news for KEF, and reassuring for anyone interested in purchasing them.

Equally, Home Cinema Choice were impressed by the T105's bigger brother, the KEF T205 surround speaker system. Using the same technology as the T105, the T205 uses three larger front speakers to deliver a bigger sound - so if your room is a bit larger, or you just want more impact, the T205 delivers it. Home Cinema Choice also gave it their highest five star rating.

Finally, not forgetting stereo speakers, the KEF Q300's have recently won the group test in What Hi-Fi? magazine for the best stereo speaker. Our own customer's love this speaker too - check out our reviews section to see what they have to say. Considering the competition, this is a fantastic award - congratulations to KEF from Audio T!

KEF have also let us know that all these speakers, plus many more, will be at the Bristol Show 2011, where you can sit and listen to these and many other speaker packages at your leisure. They are also planning some fantastic offers and deals - we can't talk about them just yet, but we can say that they are absolutely outstanding and it would pay to make a visit to Bristol if you are considering any of these products.

'Stuff' magazine rates its best headphone

As avid readers of all things Hi-Fi, we digest many of the big name magazines to see what's hot and what's not. It came as no surprise to see Stuff magazine's article on the Phonak Audeo PFE 012 headphone. Yes, it's a mouthful and not a well known brand, but Phonak have delivered a classic in ear headphone that we've long considered the ideal upgrade for your MP3 or iPod player.

Stuff magazine have rated the PFE 012 as their 'Hot Buy' - their number one choice for headphones, beating competition from big name brands such as Sennheiser and Bose. They say "[the PFE 012]...digs up bags of detail, deliver sweet vocals and a palpable soundstage...they could easily sell for twice the price".

Considering the strong competition in this large market, these are worthy words indeed, and we can't agree more strongly. Pick up a pair today, or give them a try at one of our Phonak dealers.

Spendor launches two new speakers to their range

Hot off the press, Spendor have announced the introduction of two new speakers to their already formidable range.

 First up is the Spendor A3, a compact floorstanding speaker that uses technology from the Spendor SA1 and A5 loudpeakers to produce what they describe as 'clear natural sound with real low frequency power and scale.'

Second is the S3/5R2 mini monitor, a revised version of the S3/5R speaker which is ideal to use as a rear or surround as part of a home cinema system.

Both speakers will be on display at the Bristol Show 2011, so be one of the first to see them there.

New JVC DLA-X3 & DLA-X7 3D Projectors now on demonstration!

Just arrived! The amazing new 3D projectors from JVC. These are all new models and not a revision of the previous units.

Now that we've had a few hours to play with them, what makes these so so special is that the image looks amazing straight out of the box, a VAST improvement over the HD550/HD950 from last year.

This is especially relevant on the base model, the DLA-X3 as, as with the HD550 before it, it has no CMS (colour management system) for full isf calibration which was a feature of the HD950 and the new DLA-X7. However, the gross colour oversaturation of the old models has gone so they look absolutely gorgeous, straight of of the box, BRAVO JVC!

Contrast ratios are significantly up on last year's models too at 50000:1 and 70000:1 respectively.

Oh, I nearly forgot. These models are of course full 1080p 3D. Although 3D can look quite impressive on a 50'' plasma, it's nothing compared to a 7-8' projection screen. This is REALLY how 3D should be seen and for a limited period, JVC are offering 2 sets of glasses and the 3D transmitter absolutely free.

So there we have it. A JVC 3D 1080p projector with 2 sets of glasses and a transmitter for just £3599.95. That's just £100 more than the HD550. Stunning!

DLA-X7 retails for £6599.95.

And don't forget, until end of January we have our winter sale on so you can save 10% on these prices. That makes the DLA-X3 just £3239.95!!!

Rega Open Day Jan 29th

We are holding a Rega Day on Saturday 29^th January.

During the day long event you can see and hear all the latest products that will be taking over both the store dem-rooms. These products include the new DAC, the amazing Isis and Osiris CD and amplifier combination and the P9 turntable.

We are hearing rumours that their representatives may also bring along with them some secret new product, but we can’t confirm anything on this at this point.

And, don’t forget that any purchases made on the day will still be eligible for the 10% Winter Sale discount!

Update on 2011-01-22 11:47 by Reading

Preparations are well under way for next Saturday's Big Event.

I can now inform you that we now have the Isis Value here. This variant of their top CD Player features a valve analogue stage and sounds quite different from is brethren. In fact is sounds absolutely gorgeous and really must be heard.

Confirmed products for demo:

DAC, Isis, Isis ValVe, Osiris, IOS Saturn, Apollo, Elicit, Mira3, Brio3, P9, P7, P5, P3-24TT, P3-24, RP1, RS7, RS5, RS3, RS1, EAR.

Unconfirmed but hope they can bring:

RP3, New Brio, New Apollo, Reference Phonostage.

FINGERS CROSSED!

Simon

Chord introduce their latest HDMI cable

Chord HDMI cables have long been regarded as some of the finest to use with the latest technology. Their latest cable is the upgrade of their existing Active Silver Plus cable to the latest HDMI version 1.4

This new version brings it in line with all the latest technologies, supporting ethernet and audio return, as well as supporting all the latest video formats such as 3D Blu-ray. You can see Chord's news release by clicking here.

The cables should be hitting our stores soon and as always you can order them now from our online store, but don't forget to check out the previous 1.3b version of the cable; still capable of everything apart from 3D Blu-ray. We are now selling them from at least 20% off so check here before stock runs out.

Rega Isis & Osiris

Thursday, 8 April 2010

Isis and Osiris

We are proud to announce that we now have on demonstration the new Rega Reference products, namely the Isis CD player and the Osiris integrated amplifier.

You know, once in a while a product, not just a HiFi model, comes along and stops you in your tracks. Where the design is so arresting that you can’t help but take notice. It’s happened to me on a number of occasions in the past. The Linn CD12, Apple iMac & iPhone, Audi TT, Lotus Elise MK1 to name a few, though to be honest I’m struggling to think of many more but now you can add one, no make that two more, these two Regas.

People often say there are things you must own, use or do before one dies and you guessed it, I think these are two products that fit the bill, such is their performance. You see, like the above mentioned, these are no superficial trinkets, they are the real deal, top drawer high-end HiFi at, and he’s the best bit, real-world prices, well compared to most that is claimed to be high-end.

Yes, nearly £6000 each (£11000 for the two if bought together) is a lot of money in anybody’s book but in typical Rega fashion, they truly represent a bargain in this end of the market, both in performance terms and build quality. They are both housed in solid anodised machined billet aluminium casework, the Isis weighing in at 19Kg and the Osiris an impressive 25.6Kg Be it sound or build quality, no-one will ever accuse them of being light-weight! Full details can be found at www.rega.co.uk

This is a total departure from Rega’s usual market area and I was as surprised as many have been by their introduction so one has to ask who are they aimed at? Someone upgrading through the Rega range?, probably not, though you could do no better. Someone looking for a true high-end solution in two gorgeously designed units rather than multiple boxes, add-ons, tones of cabling etc, most definitely. Now one can down-size if that’s what’s asked, without downgrading!

Put simply, we all love the way these two sound. They have that rare combination of effortlessness and dynamic drama. They excel with all music genres from the purity of classical to heavy rock and all points in between. I’ve especially been enjoying choral music through them and as you can see from my profile, this is not my usual taste. I guess that’s what I like best about them, they broaden your musical horizons.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we will be running an open day on the 26th May 2010. This will take place at the Reading store and will include a Rega turntable clinic and prize draw for a Rega product! Details to follow so watch this space.

Simon

!!STOP PRESS!! SENNHEISER HD800 ON DEMO!!!

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

Yes it's been exactly one year since I heard the HD800s when launched at our Bristol show and today we have a pair on demo!

You've read all the reviews no doubt and you'll be expecting 'the best headphones in the world' as many have claimed. I can tell you they sound absolutely amazing, like no headphone I've ever heard and now you can finally hear the BEFORE buying them.

Permanently on demo so bring along some music and have a cup of tea and enjoy.


Simon

Mains: part 1

Friday, 12 February 2010

MusicWorks Reflex Lite IEC

We at the Reading store have been fans of MusicWorks mains products for many years now, in particular their Megablock 6 way mains distribution block. It’s design was simple yet most effective. Ignoring the trend by some to incorporate any form of mains filtration, it was largely made from third party components and ‘tweaked’ by way of removing all ferrous metals and crucial to its design, star earthed. The sonic benefits were obvious to all who heard it and was reasonable priced at about £200. If it had drawbacks, it was rather long, being 6x switched sockets mounted inline, and nothing if not purposeful in its design.

A little while ago MusicWorks decided to totally redesign the whole thing from scratch, to produce what one must agree is a most elegant solution.
The new models, ( there are a number of variants including deep cryogenic treating ), are now housed in a beautiful layered acrylic form to control unwanted vibration ( a material know for such properties ). As one can see from the photo, gone is the inline form, now it’s a more easily accommodated 3 by 3 layout and the sockets are now un-switched. Retained of course is the crucial star-earthing arrangement.

At a starting price of £400 for the Reflex Lite IEC model, (having no mains lead attached allows one to using a matching lead to the ones used for the components) we were a little concerned as to its new price point and the impact it would have on sales. We shouldn’t have been. This has proven to be our fastest selling mains product ever such is the improvement in performance over the Megablock and all others now I come to think of it.

The look of disbelief on our customer’s faces when we demo it says it all really, often transforming the sound of what is already top-notch equipment as well as working its magic on more affordable components.

But hey, don’t take our word for it, why not take one for a no obligation home demo in your own system and hear it for yourselves.

NOW ON PERMANENT DEMO INSTORE OR FOR HOME LOAN BY APPOINTMENT.

Simon

Fabulous NaimUniti

Now On Demonstration

Well, after a long wait, the NaimUniti arrived yesterday. After rushing to get it un-boxed and powered up, I was determined to see how intuitive the set-up procedure was so I decided to attempt it without the manuals.

Five minutes later I had it connected to our network and sitting back and enjoying streams via the Mac and listening to internet radio using its iRadio feature.

Wow, I have to say it is the best I've ever heard internet radio, on anything! Classic FM and Radio 4 sounded more like a DAB transmission, mightily impressed.

Comparing the streams from iTunes to a CD loaded in the drive bore similar enthusiasm.

I have to say though, I still can't see how they can offer all of this functionality and maintain they're audio quality at the price, time to have a chat with the wife!

NaimUniti will be on permanent in-store demonstration, so why not pop in for a quick listen and play or if you prefer, book a demo.

This is going to prove to be this summer's No.1 attraction.

Simon

STOP PRESS! HD750 Firmware update now on demo!

Wednesday, 15 April 2009

I'm pleased to announce that we have had our HD750 updated with the latest firmware which enables it to be ISF calibrated perfectly and is ready for demo.

Now that we've had the time to play further with these amazing projectors and fully calibrated them, they are proving to be among the best we've ever seen, especially the HD750, indeed I bought one!

They truly have made high-end front projection most affordable!

Simon

March 2009 News

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

New products have been arriving thick and fast from most of our top suppliers. They include:

Naim Audio have been particularly busy this past few months. First our new ‘reference’ Phonostage, the Superline which left us speechless such was the level of it’s performance. To complement their superb interconnect, the Hi-Line, Naim have introduced the Powerline mains lead which if anything makes a larger improvement than that from the interconnect which came as something of shock to us all. Feel free to book a lone if you think you need convincing.

As I write this I’m listening to Nam audio HDX Hard-Disk Music Player and what a great product it is too. Clearly aimed at those who want to reduce the clutter of 100’s of CDs. It features their own CD ripping engine and as you’d expect from Naim, it’s a true audiophile product rather than the usual compromise one has to suffer for the sake of convenience. Full details on the Naim webpage.

Recent weeks saw the introduction of the new Nait XS, their latest member of the Nait family of integrated amplifiers. The Nait XS boasts DNA from their flagship integrated, the Supernait but in a 5 series case and what fun it is to listen too. It's no wonder the press love it so much!

And if that wasn’t enough, this year’s Bristol show saw the world premier of the NaimUniti, a one box music player featuring CD, 50w Amp, DAB/FM tuner and internet radio plus you can connect it to your home network to share music files. All for just £1995.00.
They also premiered their new standalone DAC, which sounded great when added to the HDX. We hope to see that in the summertime.

Cyrus too have been busy, introducing their best CD Players yet in the form of the CD6SE, CD8SE and CDXt transport. They spent countless months developing the new CD engine, the result of which has taken their award-winning players to another level.

Last year I mentioned Arcam’s forthcoming AVR600 AV Receiver and I’m pleased to announce that they are just beginning to ship, we are expecting ours any day soon. This promises to be a top seller for our most discerning customers, a true audiophile AV receiver, no longer will one have to trade 2 channel sound quality for 5.1 thrills.

If there is something positive to be had from the current economic situation, it is that these technology based companies have to be really competitive and we all benefit from the fruits of their labour.

Simon

Keith Monks Record Cleaning Machine is back!

Thursday, 9 October 2008

We are very pleased to announce, after a very long break, the return of our record cleaning service. For the past few years our Keith Monks cleaning machine has been playing up and we had to cease this service but luckily for us Steve is an engineer and he was tasked in finding the fault which turned out to be a ever so slightly pitted ball bearing.
Being American made, the bearing size was non-standard but Steve managed to track one down and now it’s all up and running.

So now it’s time to dig out those precious records and we’ll return them to their former glory (condition permitting) in the way only a Keith Monks record cleaning machine can!

We’re expecting a large take-up and being quite time consuming, would you please book in advance for quantities of more than ten records

£2 per disc including a new antistatic sleeve, (original returned). 

Panasonic PT-AE3000E has arrived!

Saturday, 15 November 2008

It was this time last year when Panasonic released the ground breaking PT-AE2000E 1080p HD projector and I distinctly remember thinking ‘this could not be substantially be improved upon at the £2000 price point’, well I don’t mind being wrong on this one.

Enter the new PT-AE3000E. Outwardly almost identical but the picture, well, how do they do it? Like many, I take the specs with a little scepticism but the results are nothing short of amazing especially considering it’s only £199 more than last years model.

The headline grabbing new feature is ‘LENS MEMORY’ which allows the users of 2.35:1 screens the ability to zoom the image to fill such a screen and then zoom back for a 16:9 with a single press of a button whilst retaining focus, clever.

This will appeal to the many videophiles amongst you but for me the best bit is ‘FRAME CREATION’. Not to get too technical, (there’s plenty of info on this on Panasonic’s own and many other sites) this is where the projector interpolates additional frame/s to produce smoother motion. Don’t think this is just some sort of gimmick just for action movies, no the improvement in retained detail with any motion is awesome and makes the whole experience that more relaxing and enthralling.

Like the PT-AE2000E, the PT-AE3000E has ‘SMOOTH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY’ to give a totally non-pixelated image alongside perfect colour balance in Colour 1 mode, and Hollywood approved colour in Cinema 1 mode but due to the improved light path it has far better blacks, more saturated colour and an overall brighter image, it’s more 3 dimensional and, well, the images just seem to pop off the screen.

Well done Panasonic you’ve done it again. The PT-AE2000E was our best selling projector last season and I expect the PT-AE3000E to do even better.
Oh well, off to the dem room for some more ‘testing’. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it!

It’s now in stock so please call us if you would like to arrange a demo of this wonderful addition to our range.

Hopefully by this time next month we should have the new JVC flagship projector the HD750 at £5500. We saw a pre-production unit a month or so back and, well, it was just jaw dropping. I’ll save the details for another posting when we receive our demo unit. Personally I can’t wait.

Simon