New Rega Couple 2 Interconnect in stock

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Couple 2 Interconnect

This Rega designed cable is manufactured to the highest standard to perfectly complement any audio system. Offering the perfect combination of the highest quality pure copper signal conductor and ultra flexible outer shield, the Couple2 maximises signal transfer whilst providing uniquely high levels of quality and performance. Couple2 utilises purpose designed Rega gold plated phono plugs. The signal pin and screening clamp are joint-less by design keeping the music signal pure. The plugs employ an outer locking sleeve to clamp to your amplifier phono sockets. Simply loosen off the silver sleeve before fitting then tighten once connected to maximise contact and performance..

How Much Better Can a Headphone Amplifier Get?

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We took delivery of the long awaited Sennheiser HDVD 800 Headphone amp yesterday, and what can I say.......

Having heard it in action at the Bristol Show I was very keen to get my hands on one for the shop, needless to say that as soon as it came through the door we were like kids at Christmas.. although we did treat the boxes with a little more care!

With several inputs available for direct connection to your source components, we decided to connect it to our Cyrus CDXT transport with a digital co-ax. The Sennheiser HD700s were close to hand so they were the first headphones we tried on the amp..... they are still plugged in!

Performance wise it is simply stunning, it's hard to explain but they don't sound like headphones?

One of the first customers that listened to the system was shocked and asked "how much better can it get?"...

When you realise what your headphones could sound like, it will most likely push you into purchasing some sort of headphone amplifier and hopefully you will see the benefit and use your headphones a lot more in the future.

We have many customers that exclusively use headphones, whether it be for space restrictions or domestic harmony! But more often than not headphones have always been second choice... well things could change...

Please feel free to call in with a favourite CD and have a listen for yourself.. you will be amazed!

For more details on the amp here is the link to the Sennheiser page http://en-uk.sennheiser.com/headphone-audio-amplification-hdvd-800-acoustic

Price - £1499.95

 

Pioneer XC-P01DAB Micro System

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We've just taken delivery of this new compact two box hi-fi system from Pioneer and our first impressions are very positive.  It looks elegant and understated with brushed aluminium front panels and is well equipped with the separate CD player incorporating a WMA MP3 WAV USB input for iPod/iPhone connection and a 192kHz 32 bit DAC.  The receiver is no slouch either pumping out 75 watts into 4 ohms from it's class D stereo amplifier.  There's a DAB/FM RDS tuner and optical and coaxial digital inputs, ideal for TV or STB connection, as well as two analogue inputs to complete the comprehensive set of facilities on offer.  All this for £399.95! Just add a pair of Monitor Audio BX1 or BX2 for a great compact system ideal for a smaller room or as a second system for kitchen, dining room or bedroom.  

Why not pop in and take a look at the Pioneer XC-P01DAB or give us a call to book a demonstration.

The Spendor D7 Loudspeakers Now In Stock

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The Spendor D7 delivers music with a fresh vibrant realism that conventional loudspeakers cannot match. This new level of performance is the direct result of important Spendor innovations.

The Spendor LPZ tweeter is built around a stainless steel front plate that forms an acoustic chamber directly in front of the lightweight diaphragm. The phase correcting microfoil equalises sound wave path lengths whilst generating a symmettrical pressure environment so the tweeter operates in a balanced linear mode. The D7 mid-bass drive unit has an advanced EP77 polymer cone, whilst the low frequency drive unit uses a bonded Kevlar composite.
The latest fifth generation Spendor Linear Flow port features a twin-venturi, tapered baffle element working in harmony with Spendor's proven dynamic damping, asymmetric bracing and rigid plinth mountings.

Come in and have a listen.

 

 

Impressive..most impressive. Orpheus has taught you well...

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The new Sennheisser HDVD 800 headphone amp at our Manchester store.

We also have boxed stock to go.

Here's what Sennheiser say about the HDVD800.

With Sennheiser’s HDVD 800, sound is perfect. The HDVD 800 is able to connect with digital sources and is equipped with a high-quality Burr-Brown digital/analog converter (DAC) that converts digital audio data into analog signals with a resolution of 24 bits and a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz. This enables the HDVD 800 to transmit the entire frequency spectrum of high-end audio sources without any loss of frequencies. 

In addition to the symmetrical inputs, the HDVD 800 also has an asymmetrical input socket; incoming signals are symmetrized before further processing takes place. Digital sources can be connected to the rear of the unit via an XLR (AES/EBU) input, optical and coaxial (S/PDIF) digital inputs or USB. All digital inputs accept signals up to 24 bit at 192 KHz*. Designed and manufactured in Germany, this high-end, solid-state amplifier harmonize perfectly and deliver an ultimate acoustic performance when paired with any of Sennheiser’s audiophile headphones.

Features

  • D/A transducer for all common formats up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
  • D/A transducer can be used for CD and DVD players
  • AES/BU, S/PDIF, USB inputs
  • Symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog inputs
  • Symmetrical output
  • Sockets for four sets of headphones (two of which symmetrical)

Take a glance at our now customary product photos.

Please feel free to pop into the Manchester store for a listen.

It's not like the Cinema, it is the Cinema. Sony VPL-HW50es on demonstration at Audio-T Manchester.

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The VPL-HW50ES/B is Sony’s new 3D home cinema projector available in black.It includes the very latest technology and delivers a premium home theatre experience.Packed with new innovative features that draw on Sony’s latest optical engine - the VPL-HW50ES/B utilises Sony’s clever ‘Reality Creation’ to dramatically enhance high definition 1080P content to deliver sharp, crisp Full HD images. 

BRIGHTER, CLEARER IMAGES 

When you're viewing your favourite film or even trialing the latest release - you want to know that you are watching the action the way it was meant to be seen. 

Conventional home cinema projectors typically enhance the green colour to secure the image brightness however the VPL-HW50ES/B combines with a new Bright Cinema and Bright TV Mode to achieve enhanced brightness than the previous model, without losing colour reproduction. 

Additional features such as improved light efficiency, 1,700lm brightness and with SXRD panels enhance the 3D image even further making for a great viewing experience. 

HUGE RANGE OF USER ENHANCEMENTS 

The VPL-HW50ES/B also features a number of user-friendly functionality upgrades including a built in 3D synchronous transmitter reducing set-up time and removing the need for extra cabling. 

With this projector, you can experience award-winning explosive 3D and 2D imagery seamlessly with separate 2D and 3D parameters under a variety of application modes – Dynamic, Standard, Game, Cinema and Photo. 

 

And don't forget the Sony 3 year warranty.

PRIMESUPPORT 

  • 3 year projector and 1 year lamp warranty/1000 hour PrimeSupport cover – from the product purchase date.
  • Specialist telephone support – an exclusive multi-lingual telephone helpline staffed by technical experts with detailed understanding of projector products.
  • Collect-and-deliver repair service – if your problem cannot be resolved via the helpline, we’ll activate our no-hassle collect-and-deliver repair service. All financial costs are covered – parts, labour and logistics to and from our state-of-the-art European repair centres.
  • PrimeSupport will be provided through the Sony accredited partner.

With VPL home projectors, PrimeSupport also includes:
Free loan unit – you’ll receive a free loan unit of similar specification if repairs are likely to exceed 10 working days, minimising your disruption.

Dynaudio Xeo 3 & Xeo 5 Wireless Speakers Are Here!

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We have been recieving requests for decent wireless speakers for about 5 years now and at last we can say to our customers "take a listen to these."

There are two models in the range a stand mount, the Xeo 3 (pictured below) and a floorstander the Xeo 5. 

They are both active (no amplifier required) and they recieve music from any source wirelessly. This could be a computer a hi-fi separate a streamer or in fact anything that outputs sound.

The Xeo 3 is a stand mount and placed on a decent pair of stands, with your computer plugged into the sender box via usb, they sound incredible.

The tweeter is driven by a 50w built in amp and the woofer driven by its own 50w amp. There is no crossover so the music just flows giving a very open clean detailed and involving sound. From the sound they produce you would think that they were much bigger, looks indeed can be deceptive!

If you have a big room to fill then the Xeo 5 is well worth a look with all the attributes that make the Xeo 3 so appealing but with a 'bigger' sound.

Come along and have a listen, we think you'll be very surprised.

Martin, Alester and Stefan

Chord Sarum Tuned Aray for Naim users + New Tuned Aray products

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Having now had time to fully run-in and assess Sarum Tuned Aray with Naim products I am happy to report that along with many in the industry and on Naim’s user forums, that these are indeed a great match.

5Din - 5Din (for CD players/streamers etc) and 4Din to XLR (for Power Supply – Power Amp) speaker cable and Power Cables offer considerable enhancements over stock cables and those customers of ours who heard them agree!

The comments made in my earlier blog on Sarum TA also apply when using Naim equipment. Please find below.

MORE NEW TUNED ARAY PRODUCTS

Chord gave us advanced information as to the expansion of their Tuned Aray range and I’m pleased to announce their imminent availability.

Yesterday we were privileged to hear first production samples of the all new Indigo and Signature Tuned Aray interconnects. These replace the Indigo Plus and Signature Plus leads and what’s more, at no extra cost! However please note that there will be no upgrade option as is offered with Sarum. This is due to the fact that ALL of the conductors in the new models are different to the older ones.

Admittedly these were straight off the production line with no previous use whatsoever (we await our demo sets in great anticipation so we can prep them fully and understand their full potential) but in my book first impressions often count. 

My very first and most lasting impression is they had a distinct 'Tuned Aray' presentation. Tonally they sounded different to Sarum TA albeit they are unused but the sense of cohesion was there much like Sarum TA and the Indigo non TA were compared it to (fully run in too I should add) sounded somewhat of a mess by comparison.

What this confirmed in my mind is that 'TAing' the Sarum is no lucky fluke or coincidence but a reliable and repeatable design principle that can be implemented to other products.

More listening is need of course but it appears TA cable may be more accessible and suit different systems and budgets.

For the record there will be no Indigo DIN options.

Chord now have three distinct ranges:

  1. Tuned Aray (Sarum, Indigo & Signature)
  2. Aray (Anthem Reference & Chorus Reference)
  3. VEE 3 (Cadenza, Chameleon, Cobra & Crimson)

 

 

 

Chord Electronics Qute HD DAC

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DAC technology has come on in leaps and bounds just recently and Chord Electronics have not been slow to bring out yet another digital wonder.

Witness their DAC 64 of some 12 years ago which at the time was a groundbreaking product. Many are still in use today and their latest product confirms that small does not mean small performance.

 

Enter the Qute HD DAC    

 

Many of our customers have asked for a DAC which not only provides standard co-axial and optical inputs, but also USB for the increasing use of PC and laptop.

On offer are sample rates from 44.1KHz to 192KHz and is upgradeable for the future

to make it 384 KHz ready.

 

Performance is top-notch with great energy, insight and resolution. Surely one of the most interesting products of the current digital generation and also looks set to become another classic!

 

Available in Black or Silver finish       £990.00

 

On demo now at the Reading store

 

Keith

 

Pod racing headphones?..well actually, really racey headphones for your iPod.

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The Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones have been available since 2010 and will still "beat" the pants off any celebrity endorsed headphones.


The stylish B&W P5 headphone.

 Heres what Sound and Vision magazine say about them.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/review-bw-p5-headphones

 

 

The P5's also have removable ear pads and allow you to choose between the standard or the optional smart remote with mic cable.

Come along to our Manchester store and ask Dave,Munir,Mike or Kev for demonstration.

Tel: 0161 8398869

New Linn Kandid Cartridge

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News from Linn...........

Kandid, the best cartridge we've ever made

Kandid_side_72dpi.jpg
40 years after the introduction of Sondek LP12, we’re delighted to announce the arrival of the best sounding cartridge we’ve ever made - Kandid.

One of the key performance improvements comes as a result of removing the cartridge housing - probably also the most striking aesthetic difference we’ve made to Kandid.  Stripping back the housing to expose the motor assembly has resulted in an even purer, cleaner sound than ever before.

More accurate audio reproduction is achieved thanks to the repositioning of the stylus and cantilever within the body of the cartridge. The angle of the magnets and coil in the front pole piece has been off-set so that they are parallel when the record is playing which ensures perfect alignment for accurate movement on the record.

Kandid is the perfect partner for our Ekos SE tonearm.  The chassis is machined from the same aircraft grade aluminium as the Ekos SE headshell and features our 3-point mount for completely rigid and accurate coupling with the tonearm.
Audio T Brighton are expecting to have the new Linn Kandid cartridge on demonstration soon, so please let us know if you would like to audition it and we will contact you when that is possible.
Also, please note our Vinyl Roadshow on Saturday 13th April in store.

Small form factor. Big presention.Naim Dac V1 & NAP 100

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Naim DAC V1


We recently took delivery of our Naim Dac V1 and NAP 100.

It is has now been running in for the best part of a week in our demo room and is beginning to impress, it’s certainly ready to be unleashed on the public.

Our Southampton store has already posted a blog about the Dac V1 and NAP 100.

And as expected, they love it. Read all about here...

 

/southampton/2013/3/19/naim-dac-v1-and-nap100-turns-computers-into-hi-fi.html

 

Having listened to them both ourselves we think the performance outweighs both the size and price.

Remember both units are ready to demonstrate in our dem room. Give us a call if you would like a listen.  

Here’s what Naim have to say about the Dac V1.

 

The DAC-V1 is an asynchronous USB digital to analogue converter with multiple digital S/PDIF inputs, precision volume control and a high-quality headphone amplifier. It will produce stunning sound quality from your computer and transform it into a high-quality, high-resolution music hub.

Digital made musical

Connect the DAC-V1 to your PC, Mac or Laptop via a standard A to B USB cable and the quality of your music will be defined not by the limitations of the computer hardware, but by the quality of the data itself. And with DAC-V1 that can be incredibly high, up to 24bit/384kHz resolution.

Flexible yet powerful

While the DAC-V1 is perfectly suited to being positioned on a desk near a computer it is also highly versatile. It can integrate seamlessly into a traditional hi-fi system or be used with any two-channel digital audio source such as a games console, satellite box or any other device with a digital output via one of its five S/PDIF digital inputs. The DAC-V1 can also be combined with the Naim UnitiServe hard disk music server and its matching power amplifier, the NAP 100, to create a compact high-end music system.

 

Thanks for reading.

Munir

Audio-T Manchester

Naim DAC-V1 and NAP100 turns computers into Hi-Fi!

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We haven't had Naim's amazing DAC-V1 and NAP100 for long but they have already stunned us with a sense of scale far greater than the diminutive footprint would indicate.

The DAC-V1 combines an asynchronous USB DAC with S/PDIF inputs and a high quality volume control and headphone amplifier.  It's the ideal way to turn a computer into a music source good enough to satisfy even the most critical audiophile.  It's great on it's own driving a top notch pair of headphones or the addition of the matching NAP100 power amplifier will make a stunning pre-power combination.  The 50w per channel amp has all the dynamics, timing and clarity that Naim owners have come to expect. 


The USB input will handle audio files up to 24bit/384kHz resolution and the OLED display can show incoming bit rates and undertake bit perfect checks on ripped music.  Adding a Unitiserve hard disk server would complete a fantastic three box Naim system.

We are already taking orders on these hi-fi jewels from the first lucky customers to hear them.  At £1250 for the DAC-V1 and just £650 for the NAP100 they won't break the bank either whilst providing world class performance for years to come.

 

 

Classic Album Night 5... Tuesday April 16th

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Following the success of our fourth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number five!      

This will be on Tuesday 16th April and once again will be held at the Fusion Room restaurant, 80 Friargate, Preston, PR1 2ED, at 7 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start.

Click the link to find where we will be http://www.fusionroom.co.uk/

The album we have chosen is Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles remastered 2012... 180 Gram vinyl.

Also attending the evening will be Rob Coe from Spendor loudspeakers. http://www.spendoraudio.com

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       

Smaller Box, Same Big Naim Sound!

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Naim has just released its new asynchronous DAC (DAC-V1) and baby power amplifier (NAP100)

And it sounds sweet....

The DAC-V1 has 5 digital inputs including 2 optical, 2 coax and 1 BNC that will handle up to 24bit/384Khz amd allow you experience high definition audio.

With its own volume control and headphone amplifier you can either just use it as a multi source headphone amp that can handle high res files or combine it with a power amp of your choice. The one that suits its best is its brother the NAP100.

With 50 watts into 8 Ohms and 75 watts into 4 Ohms its a powerful little box and as well as looking the part next to the DAC-V1 it just makes sense. If you want to go the extra mile and add another box then the Uniti-Serve will make a considerbale difference in the reproduction of the music!

The NAP 100 has RCA inputs so can easily integrate with an existing system or can even be used in multi channel systems! And at £650 it's an excellent upgrade!

By the looks of it Naim have made this move to bring audiophile quality sound reproduction to the home office and it makes perfect sense....being so compact it can fit in with ease! 

I listen to a lot of music through my headphones as I don't like keeping the neighbours awake at might and the headphone jack allows for those ate night listening sessions/

Connect these two wonderful units with a pair of KEF LS50's or Monitor Audio GX50's and it truly does sound good and its unobtrusive compact diemensions should make it partner friendly too!

Come and along have a cuppa and biscuit or three and have a listen.

Classic Vinyl Evening - Thank You

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A big thank you to all who attended our classic album evening on March 5th.

Also a thank you to Paul from Bowers & Wilkins for taking us through the CM range. We hope to organise another evening soon, so keep an eye on the blog for more details.

Meanwhile, new in the Preston store this week we have the brand new Naim DACV1 and NAP100 and also the new Musical Fidelity in-ear headphones why not call in for a demonstration. The new Rega RP8 turntable is also in stock and on demonstration in our dem room, bring in some vinyl and have a listen!

See you soon

Ian, Gavin and Andy

 

Audio World Manchester Show

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We are pleased to be at the Show sharing a room with long established hi-fi manufacturers Rega.

The show takes place at the Radisson Hotel (Manchester Airport) on March 23rd and 24th.

Click here for more details

 Dave from Audio-T Manchester will be on hand to advise and demonstrate the New Rega  RP8, RB808 and Apheta turntable package. The brand new Rega Aria phono stage and the Rega Elicit R will also be demonstrated. The PMCFact 3's will be used as our front end.

 

Ruark iPhone/iPod Adaptor

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Availability of Lightning Adapter Support (LAS)

 £7.99

As many know, the release of the new Apple products with Lightning connector caused much consternation, so our Lightning Adaptor Support which combines with Apple’s own Lightning to 30-pin adaptor has come as a blessed relief to many and provides a flexible solution that allows iPod/iPhone models old and new to be used with no degradation in performance!

Both customers and the media have described our LAS as “genius”, which indeed it is and over the next few years we expect to sell thousands, as not only does LAS fit our own R2i and R4i models but also most other brands that feature Apples Universal Dock, including Bose, Roberts, Pure, Denon, Marantz to name but a few!
Lightning Adapter Support