Upgrade your Sonos Connect by giving it a sonic boost with Arcam's SonLink!
Bypass the Sonos Connect DAC & come out digitally into Arcam's superior SonLink DAC
Listen today & find out how good your Sonos Connect can really sound!
Audio-T Enfield
Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk
Tel: 0208 367 3132
Open: Tues-Sat 10-6
Listen to the Best British 5.1 sub-sat packages available!
The B&W MT50 Speaker Package
The Monitor Audio Mass Speaker Package
The KEF KHT3005 Speaker Package
B&W, Monitor Audio, & KEF Go Head-To-Head!
Who wins? you decide, listen today!
Audio-T Enfield
Email:enfield@audio-t.co.uk
Tel: 0208 367 3132
Open Tues-Sat 10-6
One esteemed Hi-Fi publication sugested that there was not much benefit in sound quality by going from UnitLite to the Uniti2 but we believe you really owe it to yourselves to hear a comparison. We know that Naim 'produce the magic' but it surely would be magic if UnitiLite was of the same performance as Uniti2 !
UnitiLite takes the feature set of the award-winning NaimUniti, including high-resolution music streaming (up to 32bit 192kHz), CD playback, internet radio and iPod/iPhone/MP3 playback and distils it into an elegant, sleek enclosure. All you need to add is a pair of speakers to create an accessible all-in-one system that can put music at the centre of your life.Heavyweight sound
Don’t be fooled by the size of the UnitiLite. Behind its slimline fascia it incorporates several technologies and techniques used in high-end Naim electronics that allow it to deliver music with real energy and clarity. Its DAC chip is a close relative of the device employed in the high-end NDX streamer and its power amplifier design is informed by the classic techniques fundamental to the Naim sound. With 50W of power per channel, UnitiLite is more than capable of filling most rooms with the signature toe-tapping, spine tingling sound on which we’ve built our reputation.
Rediscover your music
Along with the conventional remote handset and front panel control, the Naim n-Stream app can provide comprehensive hand-held control of the UnitiLite from your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. As well as providing intuitive control functions like playlist creation, album browsing and input selection, n-Stream lets you fully explore your music with expanded music information powered by Rovi’s vast online music database
We have a fantastic DS promotion to help you beat the January blues. From 3rd January until 19th February 2013 we're offering a music package worth up to £2,500 with every Klimax and Akurate DS or DSM sold. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3...
A great opportunity to upgrade
Please call 01273 609431 or email brighton@audio-t.co.uk to arrange a demonstration
Jonathan from Kef Audio UK called in yesterday with the new KEF X300A active speaker system and of course we had to have a listen.
Initial reaction from everyone who listened to them? Well "very impressive".
They have a soundstage which really fills a room along with the detail and low frequency performance that we have come to expect from a KEF speaker.
Each speaker has its own 96kHz/24 USB dac for use with a pc and there is also a 3.5mm analogue input which shows the quality of the class A-B amplification while bypassing the DACs.
If you want to really get the most out of your movie collection then you may want to consider a Home Cinema projector for your movie thrills.
Projectors have come a long long way in the last 5 years and the image quality produced by even the budget models from JVC, Sony and Epson is nothing short of spectacular!
Budget models cost less than a 65'' telly and can provide images up to 8ft wide! Fantastic savings can be had in our sale.
Screen size is important and we can advise and supply the correct size of screen based on your seating distance from the screen.
Getting the right size of screen is very important. If you go too big for a screen, you'll have viewing fatigue, go too small and you are not maximising your enjoyment. We can advise you on the best size for your room. Screens can be fixed to a wall, electric or electric with tab tensioning and do not cost a small fortune either.
A Home Cinema is not complete without a surround sound system.
We have special offers on speaker packages and AV receivers in our sale and HUGE SAVINGS can be made if you take advantage of our special offers.
We have many AV receivers that will help maximise your viewing and listening pleasure . Brands include Anthem, Onkyo and Pioneer amongst others. On the speaker side, we have PMC, KEF, B&W and Monitor Audio as well.
Don't miss out on the sale! Come in and see us with your requirements, save money on your purchase and bring your movie viewing up to a whole new level!
We now have the new flagship Sennheiser RS220 wireless headphones on demo (and in stock)...
One of the best features is the digital connectivity from source components, we have them connected to the Cyrus CDT transport with a digital co-ax which sounds incredible!. Analogue, optical and co-axial inputs are available making connection to anything a piece of cake!....
Everyone who has heard them so far agrees that they are the best cordless/wireless headphones they have heard!. They are constantly running in the shop so please feel free to bring in a CD and try them out for yourself!
More from Sennheiser to come soon.......
Our friends at Arcam have been rather busy of late....Not content with producing class-leading products,they have just released an excellent new product in the shape of something rather familiar.
Take a Sonos Connect (or if you prefer,ZP90) and connect the new Arcam SonLink DAC for an instant upgrade to an already great product!
The new DAC has been purpose-built and designed around the Sonos to radically improve sonics ,but at the same time,to cosmetically match too!
Everything is included with the SonLink and within a few minutes,you're up and running (even down to not searching around for a dig link to connect up the DAC...that's included too!)
Keith
On permanent demo at our store now!
We trust you had a great holiday and some extra time to really enjoy your hi-fi system over the festive season. In this, our first communication of 2013, we’d like to share some exciting news with you. First, 2013 sees Cyrus celebrate its 30th anniversary! Yes 30 years of business and they’ve lots of exciting plans for the coming 12 months, including new product launches and events. We’ll keep you posted, so watch this space!
By now, you’ll likely be aware of their latest release “Cadence” This advanced app (available now for the iPad and iPad Mini) gives full control over their award winning range and brings numerous Download the app. Free from i-Tunes. Call and see us for more details. advantages over conventional control methods. But there’s more. You can now save £200 across the range of network streamers by using the Cadence app in place of the n-remote. Buy any one of the new streaming products without the n-remote and you’ll save enough money a for mini music library!
Secondly we have just taken delivery of the Epson 9100 projector. This projector produces one of the best pictures we have seen both in 2D and 3D. The 9100W version receives the signal wirelessly from your source therefore only needs a power cable. This means that no HDMI cable is needed and greatly simplifies installation. This is now on demonstration in our cinema room together with the KEF “R” series loudspeakers and a REL subwoofer. A truly stunning cinema experience in your own home. Call in for a demo.
Don’t forget our SALE, which continues until the end of January. So don’t delay, Grab yourself a bargain!
A few weeks ago Rob from Rega brought in a sample of Rega's new flagship turntable, the amazing RP8.
This remarkable product is a no compromise design incorporating all the lessons learned over 40 years of turntable design and manufacture. Rega have always done things their way rather than following any trends and every aspect of this fantastic record player has been subjected to detailed and thorough design and testing, based on sound engineering principles. It sounded stunning on the selection of prized old vinyl I brought for Rob to play to me. Even albums I thought I knew inside out after decades of ownership revealed levels of detail I'd never heard previously.
Rather than me explaining the design and features I'll leave it to those who know the RP8 best, Rega themselves:
The Rega RP8 skeletal turntable.
Rega is delighted to announce the launch of the much awaited RP8 turntable. A turntable which takes Rega’s design philosophy further than ever before. A radical new plinth using custom designed materials, a new tonearm bearing assembly, 24v low volt-age motor controlled by a hand tuned electronic power supply and a custom version of our Planar 9 engineered hub bearing assembly. These are just some of the features of this amazing new turntable designed to extract more music from your vinyl than ever before.
The Evolution of Revolution
Evolution is a well proven and documented process in many areas of our lives. This applies in particular to design engineers and machines. Over the past forty years our cars have become more reliable and economical whilst we take for granted the reliability and speed of modern aircraft. Rega is no exception to evolution. Rega’s experience and previous achievements allow us to continually develop and produce better products.
The RP8 represents probably the biggest step forward in the evolution of Roy Gandy’s turntable design philosophies. Low mass, high rigidity plinths combined with electronically controlled low vibration motors, high flywheel effect platters and lower mass higher stability tonearms.
The RP8 is the first of our new “skeletal” design turntables offering groundbreaking levels of performance and amazing value for money.
The RP8 will also be available with its perfect partner, the Apheta moving coil cartridge, factory fitted as a package option.
TTPSU power supply
The compact TT-PSU uses a high stability, crystal locked, low distortion sine wave generator. This, along with an efficient drive amplifier fed from a stabilised DC power supply, generates a 24V AC balanced signal of less than 0.05% distortion, which is completely un-affected by any changes in the mains/line voltage and conditions. This then drives the improved Rega anti-vibration circuit built into the RP8 motor PCB.
RB808Tonearm
The RB808 tonearm is packed with new features pushing the boundaries of tonearm design. As with all Rega tonearms each one is meticulously hand built by a team of highly skilled technicians. The RB808 has improved bearings and a tightened spindle fit tolerance over previous models (each bearing is individually selected to find the perfect match for the chosen spindle). This is a proven method of increasing the amount of detail retrieved from the record surface.
A brand new low mass precision engineered vertical bearing assembly has been manufac-tured to further compliment the inherent design philosophy of the RP8 turntable. The RB808 uses the latest Rega arm tube. Completely redesigned to redistribute mass, further reduce stresses and resonances. This advanced design tube increases the stiffness and rigidity of the overall assembly using CAD design to blend the multiple varying tapers. Externally we have fitted a bespoke Rega designed low capacitance phono cable. Which uses an advanced phono plug assembly. This has only two parts to minimise joints and incorporates a twist and clamp design locking the plug to the terminal. The design increases connectivity and ensures the signal path is kept as clean as possible.
Magnesium and Phenolic - Dual bracing
A super lightweight plinth combined with a double brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add un-natural distortions to the music. The RP8 takes our double brace technology to the next level. Not content with an unprecedented stiffness to mass ratio, Rega have obsessively reduced any resonant properties by using two different materials for the new stressed beam. The top layer is magnesium and the bottom layer is pheno-lic (two of the lightest and stiffest materials available). Incorporating two different materials into the brace structure lowers their ability to pick up unwanted airborne vibrations. Simply put, different materials have different natural resonances. By using two different materials together they decrease the natural frequency of each other by self damping.
Super flywheel effect triple layer glass platter
The new RP8 three piece laminated glass platter is the result of a collaboration with a small, emerging, young British glass engineering company. As a general rule the only part of a turntable that requires extra mass is the turntable platter in order to achieve constant rotational speed. However a heavier platter creates more problems for the main bearing design so again an ideal compromise creates the best solution. Practically this means keeping as much of the mass to the outside rim of the glass platter to create more flywheel effect but keeping the inside of the platter as light as possible without sacrificing stiffness. The RP6 was the first Rega turntable to use a precision engineered glass ring laminated to the outside using modern CNC techniques to ensure concentricity. The RP8 takes it one step further by laminating three rings together to produce the RP8 super flywheel effect glass platter - an engineering triumph !
Skeletal plinth design with polyolefin foam core
Controversially Rega has always researched methods of producing light but stiff and rigid plinths. The technology is simple: unwanted noise at microscopic levels is developed by the turntable motor and main bearing. The plinth can also pick up airborne vibration from the music. From the beginning in the 1970’s Rega pioneered the use of a stressed skin structure for the plinth. This uses two layers of phenolic resin with a lightweight particle or fibre board sandwiched between the skins. This technique has been used in many applications where stiff, light structures are needed such as an aircraft wing or a Formula 1 chassis. The current increase in interest in turntables has allowed Rega to research and develop higher technology structures for the customer who is happy pay a little more for higher sound quality. The all new RP8 turntable utilises a unique new stressed skin structure produced from thin phenolic skins sandwiching a featherweight nitrogen expanded, closed cell, polyolefin foam core. This material has been developed exclusively for Rega over a three year period. The RP8 plinth is 7 times lighter than the weight of the original Planar 3 plinth. Rega has added even more stiffness in the crucial area between the arm and the main bearing.
De-coupled outer frame and dust cover
A common problem for many skeletal design turntables is the inability to incorporate an effective dust cover into the design. We have constructed an outer frame that minimises contact between the inner and outer plinth. The only points of contact are three location devices on the feet which centralises the inner and outer plinths perfectly. This makes set-up extremely easy and allows the use of a dust cover. The RP8 can be used without the outer frame if so desired.
Turntable design & mythology
Today there are many approaches to Hi-Fi design which follow established and informed engineering or electronic principles. Amplifier and loudspeaker design has been well documented over the years with excellent technical publications. These subjects have been based on tried and tested acoustic criteria and many computer software programs now exist that enable a near amateur to design a passable working loudspeaker based on known acoustic and mathematical parameters.
Enter turntable design: When it comes to turntable design we are limited to a few poorly informed articles describing only very limited aspects of design. This is a subject full of mythology. Designers propose theories that counter the basic laws of physics, use terminology that doesn’t actually exist in the engineering world, build products that are more like beautiful sculptures than acoustic reproduction machines and sell items costing tens of thousands of pounds that hardly function as intended and often fail to work at all.
For instance a very common myth is “the heavier the better” concept. Turntable bases weighing tens of kilograms are not uncommon. The reality is that the base actually needs to be as light as possible to prevent unwanted bearing and motor noise being transferred to the turntable or record. Platters also fall under a similar myth with many platter designs becoming so heavy that it is impossible to design a correctly functioning bearing (and some so light that anyone can hear the speed inconsistency). The turntable platter itself needs to be of enough weight to spin at a constant speed within the confines of the chosen bearing and motor drive system.
Many amateur designers in any field choose one component in a design and try to achieve an extreme in size, weight and quality. They believe that by taking one theory to its extreme the design will become “perfect”. The reality of all engineering, design (and life) is that perfection is not possible. Based on this reality, Rega’s goal has always been to optimise a mixture of numerous “correct compromises” thus bringing the designer nearer to the unachievable goal of perfection.
24V Low noise motor
The motor is a high specification, 24V twin phase synchronous unit which has the anti vibration circuit hand tuned to each motor and is controlled by Rega's unique and innovative TTPSU power supply. The motor drives the CNC machined pulley and sub platter/hub-bearing assembly via the belt drive.
I'm delighted to say that we now have our own demonstration RP8 available for you to listen to. Give us a call to arrange a demonstration and bring in a few of your favourite LPs and prepare to give your ears a treat!
The new momentum headphones by Sennheiser offer a warm easy to listen and enjoyable sound with no overblown bass to make up for loss of accurate mid and treble.
The Momentum's are a small, comfortable circum oral design for portability, yet there is no compromise in sound quality so they are ideal for listening at home through something that gives better sonic performance making them great all-round headphones at a reasonable price of around £260.
In comparison to the B&W P5's, a highly regarded headphone at a similar price, the Momentum's offer a great alternative in looks and sound.
They have already been reviewed and highly praised in What Hi-Fi http://www.whathifi.com/review/momentum
It's been a long time coming but finally Rega have launched their new and very exciting RP8 and we now have it on demo fited with the mighty Apheta MC cartridge. This all new deck feature a ground breaking skeletal design and all new construction and materials which is a major departure from Rega's previous designs. (see images below).
RP8 can be played either with or without the outer plinth.
Like the RP3 the RP8 comes in two options, with or without a bundled cartridge ( £1600 0r £2200 ). Unlike the RP3 though it's not one of their MM but their flagship MC, the Apheta saving a whopping £400 off the combined price if bought separately!
Simon
The new Zipp, Live and Lounge from Libratone offer amazing quality sound with a great new look.
The new Libratone range are simple to set up and make steaming from your itouch iphone or ipad simple and enjoyable, also with designs allowing you to change the look of the product to your own taste.
The Zipp is the first and most compact of the range and offers a truly staggering sound despite its size. A rechargeable battery with eight hours of life and the ability to stream directly from from your i product means you can take this unit anywhere as well as it being mains powered. A hugly versitile unit indeed.
The second in the range is the Live, offering a bigger and more detailed sound. Although this unit has no reachable battery it does have a handle at the back to allow for easy portability around the home. Despite it's pyramid esc shape, for the best sound it works far more effectively nearer a flat wall as opposed to being in a corner.
The biggest, by some way and final unit in the range is the Lounge. As the name suggests its primary function is to remain situated in one room. With the ability to run a line in from a TV and of course the ability to stream music to the product the Lounge makes a fantastic all in one addition to any sitting room. As one would expect, it dramatically improves the sound of any TV and for music, play back should be heard to be believed.
All in all Libratones new range offer something new in both sound and image, well worth a demonstration in store.
Arcam have released the Sonlink to provide a sonic boost to Sonos sytems!
This compact high quality DAC is designed as the ideal partner to the Sonos Connect (ZP90). Not only does it take the already great performance of the Sonos Connect to a whole new level by de-jittering the digital output and converting it to analogue via Arcam's high resolution DAC but, as you can see, it is also styled to perfectly match the Sonos casework!
All necessary audio leads are included, with a flying coaxial digital lead to connect to the Sonos output.
The upper casework is shaped to allow seamless positioning of the Sonos Connect.
We are delighted to say that we have received our first shipment of this exciting new product, which will take your Sonos system to a new level of sound quality. It's a fantastic upgrade for the many Sonos Connect owners, and at a very reasonable price of £184.95.
Come on in and have a listen.
Libratone Zipp
Quality room filling sound. Battery driven so goes where you go. Play direct allows for wireless play back anywhere, even without a wi-fi network.
Libratone Live
Full room technology fills every corner of the room. Airplay technology allows you to wander free play list in hand.
Libratone Lounge
Forget two speaker stereo! Forget Surround Sound! One sound source will do the trick. The Lounge is an airplay hi-fi system for your living room. Stream wirelessly from your I-Phone, I-Pad or I-Touch or connect to your TV for jaw dropping 360 degree sound experience.
Following the success of our second Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number three.
This will be on Tuesday 22nd January and once again will be held at the Fusion Room restaurant, 80 Friargate, Preston, PR1 2ED, at 7pm 7.30 start.
Click the link to find where we will be http://www.fusionroom.co.uk/
The album we have chosen is Rumours by Fleetwood Mac.
Also attending the evening will be Paul Darwin and Rob Noble from turntable and electronics manufacturer Rega, who will be demonstrating the following
REGA RP8 inc. APHETA mc cartridge rrp £2200
REGA OSIRIS AMP rrp £6150
REGA RS 10 SPEAKERS rrp £8000
The idea is simple... just turn up and listen to an album in it's entirety on vinyl with a short break to grab a drink half way in. 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
We've received the new flagship Marantz UD7007 Blu-ray player. This universal player is for the discerning customer who wants the very best bluray picture and sound quality and also have great CD audio from a single one box solution. It even provides Netflix for movie streaming. Don't throw away any of your rare DVD's you may have as this machine also provides a fantastic High Def image.
To ensure the best analogue stereo audio quality from CD and SACD, it includes the Marantz HDAM audio modules and uses specially customized components all on a dedicated audio board. It also offers you the choice of balance XLR or Cinch audio output.
The fast loading high-quality mechanism is shielded by an aluminium top panel and a steal chassis bottom. The cabinet is also very rigid and an additional bottom plate adds extra strength to eliminate vibration. Also, the electronics are divided into five separate sections to minimise interference and maximise audio-video quality. In addition, the two HDMI 3D supporting output ports optimise flexibility in setup and in fine-tuning performance.
But as with all Marantz players, musicality reigns supreme so you won’t be surprised when you find a “Pure Direct” mode, to ensure the best possible performance from CDs and even SACDs.
Next up in line are 2 speaker packages from Focal.
If you are looking for a compact 5.1 subsat system that sounds great and looks the part as well, you may wish to consider the Focal Dome speaker package.
These compact satellite speakers come in high gloss black and white finishes with matching grills.
These Focals are sophisticated and compact design. The Focal Dôme satellite is a genuine 2-way acoustic loudspeaker that offers many integration possibilities, on a table, on wall, on ceiling or on the floor on the optional high-gloss stand to match the lacquered aluminum cabinet.
For movie lovers, we have a complete Focal Electra BE 5.1 speaker package.
If you want the best of your Home Cinema thrills and fantastic 2 channel audio from your Hi Fi then consider this package. We have the package on permanent demo in our Home Cinema room with audio provided from either Onkyo, Pioneer or Anthem electronics and video provided by the Marantz UD7007 high end bluray player. Please call us to arrange a demo!
Just a quick blog to say thanks to all who attended,a great evening was had by all
we have started to plan the next evening,so please keep an eye on the blog for a date,as we have something a little special planned ........
our christmas sale is starting on saturday,so pop in for a bargain
cheers
Ian/Gavin/Andy
Well Christmas is approaching and we've been stocking up on goodies to make your festive season more fun.
We have the Heed Cd transport, amplifier and power supply now on demonstration and sounding magnificent, it's no wonder that these products have won awards. plus they look great in white as well....match them up with the KEF R series in white for a stylish and great sounding system
http://www.heedaudio.hu/en/products/
We are also extremely happy to announce the return of Chord Electronics to Brentwood
Come and hear the award winning QuteHD DAC, the magnificent QBD76 DAC and the CPM2500 integrated amp, just superb sounding kit, and some of the best the UK has to offer
http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/default.asp
The little QuteHD Dac offers exceptional sound quality in a tiny package and the QBD76 is quite frankly one of the best DACs I have ever laid ears on
If you want to make your iPod or mp3 devide sound a lot better, we have a host of solutions, wireless speakers from B&W and Pioneer, docking systems from Pioneer and Ruark, a wide range of quality headphones from B&W, Grado, Pioneer, and PSB, and the newest addition to our range....Libratone.
Libratone combines Scandinavian style with effortless reprodution and ease of use.
All the models allow for a direct wireless connection to your iTouch devices:iPod touch, iPads, and iPhones
There are three models in the range:
The Zipp is small, funky, rechargeable supremely portable and sounds amazing for its size. It comes with a selection of interchangeable covers...hence the name...and others are available in a wide range of colours.
Next in the range is the Live, another great sounding unit with a bigger profile and more extended bass response. this is another great sounding and stylish device which will look at home with most decor.
The big brother of the range is the Lounge which easily fills a room with sound, looks cool and would also make a great speaker to improve the quality of a flat screen TV via its auxiliary digital input. This really does sound like a true HiFi product
So come in and see what we can do to make your Christmas even more fun!
As Christmas is upon us, what better time to dust off those old vinyl records, listen to some music and let the stress of the world go by. To help you achieve this we are holding a vinyl and record fair in conjunction with Pontyrock Records of Abergevenny and Project turntables. We will have a selection of turntables on show for you to listen to, so feel free to bring along your favourite records. Pontyrock Records will also have an extensive choice of records for you to choose from, so don't forget your wallets!!.
The first customer to buy a Project turntable will also receive a Spinclean record cleaner worth £80 to keep that precious collectin on pristeen condition.
See the poster below for more details.
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.
