We've just added a review for the PMC Fact.8 speakers to the Audio T website:
"These elegant loudspeakers are just what many people have been striving to find. Truly great performance, and a big sound, from a relatively compact size. The clever design of the feet helps to integrate with the surroundings. Clever, elegant, and great sounding! Contact us to arrange a demonstration"
Big news today around the world; Sonos have finally launched their new zone player, the Play:3.
It's been hard keeping this one under wraps, firstly with the FCC leaking pictures of the prototypes last month, and then with Amazon in the US accidentally launching the product on their web site two days ago...before quickly taking it down!
So, what exactly is the Play:3? Well, firstly it probably helps to explain that Sonos are in the process of rebranding all their products. Gone are the meaningless 'code names' of the past, in are the new 'descriptive' names. The ZP90 and ZP120 will become Connect, the BR100 wll become Bridge, and the ZPS5 will become Play:5...
And of course that's where the Play:3 comes in. Effectively, its the smaller (and cheaper!) brother of the Play:5. With pretty much the same features but in a smaller box, the Play:3 has been aggressively priced at £259 for launch. Even if you need the BR100 (soon to be the Bridge!) to allow you to connect, then that's still a complete one room system for under £300
That's incredibly cheap as it brings it in line with a lot of the higher end iPod docks on the market - yet as we all know, Sonos does so much more. Even forgetting the fact you can add additional zones, the music streaming capabilities and the control of the product via your phone instantly takes it beyond the capabilities of even the most highly specified iPod docks.
It will be interesting to see what impact the Play:3 has on the iPod dock market, but we are pretty sure that it will be introducing Sonos to an entirely new market.
With the launch of the new Rega RP3 turntable, we've taken some time out to sit down and review it both with and without the optional Rega Elys 2 cartridge, and also to try it with the new Rega Brio-R amplifier.
You can read our full reviews from the links below:
Click here to read our review on the Rega RP3 turntable (no cartridge)
Click here to read our review on the Rega RP3 turntable with Elys 2 cartridge
Add 2 extra channels of amplification for free when you buy any Majik or Akurate power amplifier during Linn’s +2 promo this summer.
+2 means that, for a limited time, you can get a Majik 4100 for the price of a Majik 2100, or an Akurate 4200 for the price of an Akurate 2200, giving you +2 amplifier channels in each example.
Alternatively, if you’re thinking of buying an amplifier to go fully Aktiv, we’ll let you choose between the extra channels you need or free Aktiv cards…whichever saves you more money.
Why +2?
Normally, one amplifier channel is required per speaker, so a Majik 2100 or an Akurate 2200 would be enough to power a pair of stereo loudspeakers.
An extra two channels of amplification immediately allows you to bi-amp a stereo playback system to significantly improve performance. Bi-amping reduces distortion and increases separation between high and low frequencies, with individual speaker drive units powered with greater efficiency and control.
Our +2 promo makes it easier for you to experience the quality of Linn amplification, helping you to reach the number of amplification channels you need for less and hear the difference Linn power amplifiers can make to your favourite music and movies.
From bi-amping to fully Aktiv
Bi-amping is an easy first step along the multi-amping path (tri-amping, quad-amping) towards the audio nirvana of fully Aktiv, where all speaker drive units (bass, mid, tweeter etc.) are driven individually by their own amplifier channels and use their own Aktiv filters.
Aktiv playback systems benefit from improved timing and control, as well as lower distortion across the entire frequency range thanks to the elimination of electronic interaction within the passive crossover.
Why Go Aktiv?
If this all seems a bit complicated, don’t worry - simply pay a visit to your local Linn Specialist who will be happy to demonstrate the difference between a passive and Aktiv system, and talk you through the options for your system.
LK-style
And if you’re still holding on to your precious LK-style amplifiers, there’s never been a better time to upgrade them or pass them on to someone else - Majik and Akurate power amplifiers feature Linn's Chakra and Dynamik technologies for efficient, responsive and distortion-free amplification.
For more information
please visit or call our Brighton store
on 01273 609431.
Rega announced yesterday the launch of the latest turntable to their range, the Rega RP3 turntable.
With the launch of the Rega RP1 at the end of last year, Rega have certainly been turning the heat up on their competitors with their new RP range of turntables. The RP3 turntable takes elements from both the RP1 and it's predecessor, the Rega P3-24 turntable.
The RP3 uses the P3-24 as its base, but improves sound quality with its brand new hand assembled RB303 tonearm, precision main bearing and a low vibration low noise 24v motor assembly, which is hand tuned to further reduce vibration.
The RP3 also features Rega's new DB Technology (Double Brace Technology) - a phenloic resin double brace mounted specifically where increased rigidity is required between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing. This forms a structurally sound "stressed beam" assembly.
These additions bring the Rega RP3 above and beyond the performance of its predecessor, and should provide dedicated vinyl lovers an impressive sound at an incredibly competitive price - and giving those already considering the Rega RP1 some very serious thought!
The Rega RP3 turntable is available both with a Rega Elys 2 cartirdge, or without a cartridge - giving you a choice of your own cartridge if desired. It also comes in the same colour options as the RP1, Titanium, Cool Grey and White.
A great offer deal for all the Arcam fans out there. Audio T are offering 20% off on selected Arcam hi-fi equipment when you trade in any old kit.
That's 20% off an Arcam CD player when you trade in any old CD player, or 20% off your new Arcam amplifier...just bring in your old amplifier, even if it's not working!
Choose from any of the items below, and reserve at your nearest Audio T store to get huge savings on your new kit.
CD PLAYERS
Arcam FMJ CD17 CD player - trade in any CD player and buy for only £479.00 (save £120)
Arcam FMJ CD37 CD player - trade in any CD player and buy for only £1,079.00 (save £270)
AMPLIFIERS
Arcam FMJ A18 integrated amplifier - trade in any amplifier and buy for only £479.00 (save £120)
Arcam FMJ A28 integrated amplifier - trade in any amplifier and buy for only £749.00 (save £200)
Arcam FMJ A38 integrated amplifier - trade in any amplifier and buy for only £1,199.00 (save £320)
TUNERS
Arcam FMJ T32 tuner - trade in any tuner and buy for only £499 (save £130)
Great news for Sonos customers, whether old or new. The Sonos BR100 ZoneBridge, the back bone of almost all Sonos systems, has been permanently halved in price!
This means that Sonos is even easier to get into, or adapt.
The ZoneBridge has two primary functions - first, it allows you to form a wired connection between the Sonos wireless network and your existing router. Secondly, it acts as a wireless 'booster', increasing the effectiveness of your Sonos system if you happen to have a house with particularly thick walls or you have large distances between Sonos units.
The PMC and Bryston in store event is now well under way. Tom Barron from PMC arrived on Tuesday with a car full of goodies including the awesome Fact 3's, highly capable CB6i Centre, the mighty new PB1i Signatures and the stunning Bryston BDP-P1 digital media player and BDP-A1 DAC. It's amazing what you can fit into a Saab estate!
The shop front has been filled with great music all week. The combination of PMC Fact 3's or Fact 8's and Bryston electronics creates the sense of scale and dynamics of a live concert with ease. Here's the system we've been enjoying:
Bryston BDP-1 Digital Player
Bryston BDA-1 DAC
Bryston 4B SST2 power amplifier
Bryston BP26 pre-amplifier
Bryston BCD-1 CD player
Bryston MPS-2 power supply
PMC Fact 3 Graphite Poplar
PMC Fact 8 Rich Walnut
PMC GB1i Walnut
(from left to right)
As if the astounding quality of this two channel system isn't enough we also have a real powerhouse of a home cinema system set up in the demonstration room. Here are the front three speakers:
PMC PB1i Signature Palissandre Rose
PMC CB6i Centre Light Oak
The rear speakers for this system are PMC FB1i and the system is driven by the accomplished combination of the Arcam FMJ AV888, P777 processor and power amp combination with their brand new BDP100 Blu Ray player. As a system it generates a soundsatge of huge dynamics and speed showing the capabilities of high definition audio at its finest.
If you would like to experience the incredible realism of these systems please grab your favourite CDs and movies and come and see us. The systems will be on permanent demonstration over the next week and Tom from PMC will be here on Saturday 11th to answer any PMC or Bryston technical queries.
Don't forget you also get the chance to win a fantastic pair of PMC DB1i compact monitors worth over £1000!
We look forward to seeing you very soon,
Alan and John
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)
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.
