We've just added a review for the Naim NDX network player to the Audio T website:
"A fantastic high end network player which can take on even the best silver disc spinners, including Naim's, and deliver music of the highest quality to satisfy even the most critical listener. Adding a Naim Hi-Line, Powerline, DAC and XPS2 or 555PS will yield even better results."
Got an iPad or iPad2?
Apple iPad 2
Then potentially you have a free(ish) streaming client. With the addition of the Apple Camera Connection Kit you can hook up your iPad to an Audiolab 8200CD or 8200CDQ via their USB input and not only play the music on the devise’s iPod feature (note: this doesn’t work with any iPhone or iPod as the CCK is not compatible…as yet anyway) but with the use of a UPnP client app (the best one I‘ve found is Plug Player (£2.99 from the App Store. There are some free ones but they're not so good), can be used to stream from a server, be it a computer or from a NAS drive with a built-in UPnP server, I use a Western Digital My-Book which has Twonky Media built in.
Western Digital My-Book NAS drive
Once connected, one simply uses the Audiolab’s remote to change track, pause and stop.
However if one installs Plug Player into an iPhone or iPod touch as well, then these will operate the Plug Player app in the iPad, giving one a full touch-screen remote with full functionality, cool!
Rega DAC
This is of course not limited to the Audiolab players. It works with any DAC or CD player with an USB input such as the awesome Rega Isis and Isis Valve and their latest addition, the Rega DAC
Simon
What Hi-Fi? has had it's hands on the new Panasonic TX-P50VT30 50" 3D plasma screen and like it as much as we do!
Awarding it their highest 5 Star rating in the July edition's 'First Look' section, they say 'Images are terrifically solid and deep and there's a lovely vibrancy to colours'
Their final verdict? 'A formidible 2D and 3D picture performer, this could be the best plasma TV we've tested to date'.
Pick up the latest What Hi-Fi? magazine to read the full review, or check out our Panasonic dealers for an in store demonstration.
You can also book your demonstration online through our Online Store.
We've just added a review for the Arcam FMJ BDP100 Blu-ray player to the Audio T website:
"Without doubt one of the best Blu-Ray players available. With the added bonus of being a very decent CD spinner as well."
We've just added a review for the Arcam Solo irDock iPod dock to the Audio T website:
Myself and Frank, my Saturday sales, both had a fantastic day down in sunny Southend-On-Sea on Monday to visit Rega HQ. This gave us the opportunity to see their business in full swing and to get some sneak previews of new and forthcoming products.
I have been on many such visits over the past years but what struck me, especially in the current economic climate, was just how busy these guys were. Amazingly they were pretty much at full capacity across the range of products, 120+ RP1 turntables per day alone!
As one would expect, the DAC was being produced in large numbers too seeing as it's had such great press internationally. Naturally I expect the same with the soon to be released BrioR integrated amplifier which matches the new design introduced by the DAC. There will be others in this range but I'm not permitted to say anymore at the moment.
Rega finds themselves constantly rearranging the manufacturing space of their facility to cater for the newfound demand for their products such that they now have eight people alone just to build tonearms.
But what I wasn't expecting was just how much space was needed to meet the demand for the two Isis CD players and the Osiris amplifier. There was upwards of a dozen pieces under construction including a couple in the yet to be announced silver option, yes you heard it here first!
Frank and I would like to extend our thanks to Simon and Rob for interrupting their busy schedule to spend the day guiding us through the whole process of their manufacturing from goods-in to goods-out and all point in between.
We've just added a review for the Cyrus Streamline all-in-one streaming system to the Audio T website:
"The Streamline has a really punchy and upfront presentation. It's very straightforward to set up and is pretty much plug and play. As a stand alone product we'd recommend it."
We've just added a review for the Cyrus Streamline all-in-one streaming system to the Audio T website:
"The new kid on the block amongst high end streaming audio players, the Cyrus Streamline stands up to the performance of its competitors. The n-remote is unique to Cyrus and gives you full control. If you want to try it out, come and visit us - we also have the Naim UnitiQute for a side by side comparison."
To mark PMC's 20th anniversary, PMC have annouced today that all their passive speakers will now have an extended 20 year warranty.
This is quite a massive warranty and unheard of before in the speaker market, but unsurprising from PMC who have long had a tradition of high quality manufacturing and quality control. Indeed, PMC themselves say:
"Designing and assembling all <our> loudspeakers at <our> own facility in Luton enables <us> to keep a very tight contol on <our> quality procedure. Every single component that is used, from the smallest resistor or capacitor, to the drive units, which are built or specified to PMC's designs, through to the loudspeaker cabinets, <are> rigorously tested before being passed for use in the products."
With this level of control, plus with the usual high quality of sound we have come to expect from PMC, it's no surprise that PMC continues to go from strength to strength.
Check out PMC at one of our dealers today!
We've been enjoying the Cyrus Streamline in store since it first arrived on our 'doorsteps' back in early April, but since the latest issues of What HiFi and Home Cinema Choice have hit the shelves, it seems customer interest has picked up in this class leading product.
What HiFi describe the Streamline as "...wonderfully open and inviting...a stunning level of detail. Instruments and vocals are beautifully layered and music sounds fluid yet unhurried...". They give it their highest accolade of 5 stars, and point out something that we have already been debating in store - which is the ultimate winner between the Naim UnitiQute and the Cyrus Streamline? Sounds like a challenge to throw to our stores...
HiFi Choice are no less exhuberant about the Cyrus Stream XP, and certainly believe the n-remote to be THE product to own - it's rare that a streaming product pays so much detail to the controller, often relying on you to squint at a small display several feet away. The n-remote shows everything you need on it's colour LCD screen.
HiFi Choice give the Stream XP an overall rating of 4 and a half stars, with very little negative to say about the unit it seems that this will too be one of their class leaders.
So, it seems there is little doubt, if you are looking at high quality music streaming, then add the Cyrus Streamline to your list. You can read the full reviews in the latest editions of What HiFi and HiFi Choice, or visit one of our Cyrus dealers for more information and for an in store demonstration.
And watch this space for head to head reviews against the Naim UnitiQute!
Come along to our vinyl roadshow, bring some friends and some of your favourite albums and hear how they really sound on a selection of the finest Rega turntables including the p7 and 93/24 (gloss).
Our own staff and a representative from Rega will be on hand all day to answer your turntable related questions and Gloucestershire’s finest record store, Vinyl Vault, will have a range of rare and classic albums available for purchase!
It all takes place at our Cheltenham store at 38 Winchcombe Street on Saturday 11th June…
The Rega RP1 turntable is the only turntable I have heard, at it's price point, that does not embarrass itself played through a £20,000 Hi-Fi system. It's plug in and play and comes in white to match your Apple kit. (also available cool grey and silver)
Its been a busy time at Audio T Reading, what with the merger and all but I thought it time to inform you as to what is new here in our product line-up.
Audiolab. There have been many changes to the Audiolab range over the years but until recently little had really changed in the technical side of the designs. Basically just updates and price repositions and of course business ownership.
Audiolab re-enter the ring with a wholly new range of products but retain their core identity in their physical form. And boy have they hit the ground running? Right from the off we were impressed with their newfound performance in both the amps and CD players. No wonder they’ve received such great press, most impressive comeback I’ve ever seen!
Full range on demo now.
Naim Audio. You can always count on Naim coming up with new and exciting products and they’ve gone and done it again. Never to be out-done or sit back on their laurels, Naim now offer a comprehensive range of streaming solution products for those that want the ease of use without the usual performance losses. These include the original NaimUniti all-in-one player with CD play, the UnitiQute minus the CD play, NDX high-end streaming player, UnitiServ server and the HDX server-player. There is something for everyone.
All but the UnitiServ now on demo
Rega. Rega have been quiet in recent times with regards new product but that’s all now changing!
A whole new range of entry-level components has started to leave Rega Towers. First we had the award winning RP1 turntable. Then the bargain priced DAC and soon we’ll have the all-new BrioR integrated amp. There are more additions coming soon but they’re embargoed at the time of writing this!!
We mustn’t forget the awesome Isis CD player and its brother the Isis Valve and the equally impressive Osiris 162w Integrated Amplifier. They may be £6K each but they take on alternatives 2-3 times these prises. Oh, and the offer a £1000 off when you buy both, even if you buy the second later on!
I’ll announce the new products as soon as they arrive. Keep an eye on our home-page too.
We've just added a review for the Naim NDX network player to the Audio T website:
"A terrific new product from Naim that truly delivers fabulous performance and has the option to upgrade with the addition of the Naim DAC and a power supply."
We've just added a review for the Rega RS7 speakers to the Audio T website:
"The Rega RS range of loudspeakers are well liked by us here in Brighton, and by our customers. From the 2 way bookshelf RS1, through to the 3 way floorstanding RS3, RS5 and RS7, they are coherent and well integrated, and suited to positioning close to a wall, which is often a benefit."
Click here to see the review along with product pictures and further information.
We've just added a review for the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable to the Audio T website:
"The legendary Linn Sondek LP12 turntable performance has once again moved on with the introduction of the improved Radikal power supply. Existing Radikal owners can upgrade with the new power supply and gain a very worthwhile improvement. Come and listen for yourselves."
We've just added a review for the Naim Ovator S-400 speakers to the Audio T website:
"The new Naim Ovator S-400 is proving to be a very popular addition to the Naim loudspeaker range with our customers, and us too. We predict that with it's elegant looks, reasonable size and wide compatibility that it is destined for greatness."
It's been a busy few weeks here at Southampton Audio T - in preparation for our PMC & Bryston event (between Tuesday 31st May and Tuesday 14th June), we've gone through all our PMC's to reaquaint ourselves with this great range of speakers.
You can read our reviews below, and of course find out all you need to know about them at the same time, including booking a demonstration.
As always, feel free to contact us through the web site or directly at the store if you have any further questions on PMC, or anything else that interests you!
Read our PMC DB1iM-Ci speaker review here: "...the ideal centre speaker to match...PMC speakers..."
Read our PMC FB1i speaker review here: "...remarkably sweet and transparent..."
Read our PMC OB1i speaker review here: "...truly dynamic bass and a transparent mid range..."
Read our PMC TB2+M-Ci speaker review here: "...even punchier than the very capable DB1iM-Ci..."
Latest PMC News! To mark the 20th anniversary of the company all passive PMC loudspeakers are now covered by a 20 year warranty! This outstanding commitment to PMC owners reflects the exceptional attention to detail and quality control that the company applies from design through every stage of manufacture and testing for all of its product range. PMC customers can rest assured that they are not only enjoying the very best in audio quality but can also have total confidence with their 20 year 'platinum warranty'.
Save up to £650 on hese three package deals - but act fast as these offers will only be available until the end of this month.
When purchasing either the Pioneer VSX-LX53, SC-LX73 or the SC-LX83, you can purchase a Pioneer BDP-LX54 3D Blu-ray player at the same time for half the price.
With the substantial savings we aready have on these receivers, you can save huge amounts - click below to see the full offers:
Buy the Pioneer VSX-LX53 with the BDP-LX54 for £1,098 - save £500
Buy the Pioneer SC-LX73 with the BDP-LX54 for £1,348 - save £550
Buy the Pioneer SC-LX83 with the BDP-LX54 for £1,748 - save £650
These offers are only available to collect from one of our stores and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
I have just had a chance to have a good listen to these. Now, I was always a fan of the old 99 series but these are a real improvement, building on all the old strengths (naimly sweetness and control) with a nice extra dollop of detail and drive.
You can read my review on the Quad Elite CDS here, or browse the entire Quad Elite range by clicking here.
At Audio T we're always excited to share with you our thoughts and musings on the latest and greatest Hi-Fi and home audio! Our blog features news and reviews from individual stores and occasional blogs from HQ; select your nearest store from the list below to find out what they've been up to.
