Listen To The Sonos Playbar Today!

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So you've seen the advert, but how does it sound?

Find out today what its all about in one of our isolated demonstration rooms.

Listen to how good the Sonos Playbar sounds on its own...

Add the Sonos Sub to gain Scale & Authority! improving both music & movies

For those of you who want to fully transform the Sonos system into a 5.1 Surround sound, simply add the Sonos Play:3 as rear speakers...

and the best thing about all of this is theres no need to run cables! Each Sonos component just needs power!

 

Find out what all the fuss is about & book a demo today!

 

Audio-T Enfield

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Music Begins At Forty......

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Pro-Ac Response D Forty R

We are pleased announce the delivery of a pair of ProAc Response D Forty speakers.

For a limited time only, ProAc have very kindly loaned us a pair.

We plan to live with the speakers for few weeks and see what we think.

Early signs are very positive. Hooked up to a Rega Osiris amplifier and the Rega Isis CD they sound very impressive indeed. 

The Pro-Ac ribbon tweeter. It's unique aluminium construction leaves it 'as light as a human hair'.

 

The powered coated aluminium bars at the bottom of the speaker. The side vented enclosure makes it lot easier to position the speaker in any room.

The side vented enclosure makes the ProAc D Forty easy to position.

Please call Audio-T Manchester or email  if you would like to arrange an audition.

 

T: 0161 8398869

Email: Manchester@audio-t.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Projector Event Coming Soon!

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Audio-T Brentwood is happy to announce that we will be holding a projector event running from Thursday 20th - Saturday 23rd June.

We have 2 demonstration rooms which will be accompanied by Epson, JVC and Sony. We will also be supplied new screens from the lovely guys at Cyberscreens for this event.

We will be having 2 Epson projectors (Models to be confirmed at a later date) in our smaller demonstration room on a 6ft screen and in our larger demonstration room we will be showcasing a JVC and a Sony on a larger 9f screen.

Also all being well we will have the Sony 4K projector here also to demonsrate which is worth a visit in itself!!

Snacks and beverages will be available and all representatives will be on the Thursday to answer any of your questions that you have!

Offers I hear you ask?

Well we will be teaming up with the companies in question and offering some wonderful offers over the course of the 3 day event which will include offers such as free 3D glasses... discounts on AV equipment purchased with any projector and much much more.... oh and of course cake who would say no to cake!

Any questions about the event please do not hesitate to contact us by either e-mail or by phone and we shall see you all soon.

All the best,

Audio-T,

30, Crown Street,

Brentwood

CM14 4BA

01277-264730

brentwood@audio-t.co.uk

 

 

Classic Album Evening 6...Tuesday 18th June

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Following the success of our fifth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number six.

This will be on Tuesday 18th June 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 Hotel California by The Eagles

Also attending the evening will be Ralph Ward from manufacturer Project & Karl Smith from Spectral furniture.
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       

Ortofon Prime!!...Transform your vinyl

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MC Rondo Red from Ortofon!

Can you spot the cartridge?

So what is it about this cartridge?

Well, when you look at the retail price of £375 and what this elegant looking cartridge is capable of, you can appreciate its true value.

Made from Japanese hard wood and decorated using a time honoured lacquering technique for that lush finish.

The stylus is a very fine polished elliptical diamond mounted on a aluminium cantilever.

How does it sound?

We have had this fitted to a Michell Gyro SE for number of weeks and also connected to a Rega RP6.

We would describe it as having “full bodied involving sound”.

A smooth presentation would also be a good description.

Who’s it for?

For people ready to take the jump from MM to MC at a low cost.

Can I hear it?

Absolutely.  You can call Audio-T Manchester and arrange to have a demonstration.  T 0161 8398869 Email: Manchester@audio-t.co.uk

More pics below. Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer. No vinyl was harmed during the making of this blog.

Hmmm..Rondo Red.


Yes! Chrome Trooper you too can pose with the Rondo Red....jeeez.


REL Open Day Event at Portsmouth on 16th May

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REL Acoustics Ltd., and Audio T Portsmouth are proud to announce an Open Day Event on Thursday 16th of May.    

A representative from REL Acoustics Ltd. the UK's premier manufacturer of Subwoofers and Sub-Bass Systems will be on hand to demonstrate the astounding Gibraltar G-2, and two new subwoofers. the R-528SE and on-wall Habitat 1.

Demonstrations will illustrate what a REL Sub-Bass System can add to your loudspeaker system in terms of low frequency extension, dynamic range and soundstage enhancement. We will have three setups, a quality 2-channel Hi-Fi system, a Streaming music system & a full blown 3D Home Cinema system with HD sound.

We will also go through the correct set-up to show you how to get the best from a REL subwoofer.

Come along and meet the teams and hear how adding a subwoofer can enhance the sound quality of your Hi-Fi or Home Cinema system.

Please contact Audio T Portsmouth to reserve a space!

Full product details and specs are available on the REL website http://rel.net

Leema Acoustics

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We are proud to be stockists of Leema Acoustics.

For value, sound quality and sheer ability to drive loudspeakers, this is a hard brand to beat

The elements series is the latest in the line of Leema high performance audio equipment, squeezing class leading audiophile performance into beautiful hand built half size chassis'.

The Integrated Amp is 56 Watts into 8 Ohms and more than 100 into 4 Ohms. Available with an optional inbuilt 24 bit 192 kHz DAC with SPDIF and asynchronous USB inputs. Like all Leema amplifiers, tricky speaker loads are not a worry.

The CD uses a dedicated TEAC audio transport producing extremely low levels of jitter, whilst the DAC posesses extremely very low levels noise, distortion and crosstalk. Dual analogue outputs are available for both balanced and unbalanced applications.

The DAC is 24 bit 192 kHz, with the USB being asynchronous reducing jitter to virtually zero. Inclusion of an analogue volume control enables it to be used as a very high quality pre amplifier.

The Phono is switcheable for use with both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, posessing astonishing performance for the price.

 

The Antila IIS Eco CD player introduces many unique technical and ergonomic innovations to combine state-of-the-art performance with surprising ease of use.

Leema's latest "Quattro Infinity Multi-DAC" employs multiple 24 bit / 192 kHz multi-bit delta-sigma data converters, specifically selected for their audio quality.  These are driven from a fully balanced digital data stream.  The result is significantly reduced levels of noise, distortion and crosstalk, thereby producing a breathtakingly real musical performance and a tactile panoramic image.

The drive mechanism with custom servo, features a high quality metal tray and Leema's own control software. State of the art jitter levels, of around 40 pS @ 1 kHz are achieved, significantly improving low level resolution.  The Antila IIS Eco provides even higher levels of performance to maintain its position at the forefront of high-quality CD playback.

Finally, as with other Leema components, the new Antila IIS Eco offers eco-friendly low power standby mode.

 

Brighton Vinyl Roadshow Saturday 13th April

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We enjoyed a busy day for our Vinyl Roadshow event on Saturday 13th April.

Great to see many of our regular customers, and some people visiting us for the very first time.

Rob from Rega joined us for the day and was on hand to demonstrate the fine new Rega Elicit amplifier and Aria MM/MC Phono pre amp. Also on demonstration, and now in stock is the new Rega Couple 2, RCA Interconnect.

Many thanks to those of you who joined us, and we hope the records you treated yourselves to are living up to expectations.

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