JVC, Sony, Epson Projector Event Not Long To Go!

Only 4 weeks to go until our projector event!

I'm already getting some positive response's from customer's and passer's by who will be attending the event and are like me extremely excited about it!

Whether you have a projector or not and are just curious at what the differences are between a £750 projector or a £13,000 projector then this is where you will find out all the information you need.

Even better if you are looking to update your old 720p unit to a full HD 1080p or even Sony's 4K model then this is the place to do it! There will be deals and offers over the course of the 3 day event both on projectors and everything else you need for the rest of your system such as amplifiers, speakers, cabling, screens and much more!

If you have any questions on the event or need any help with directions and parking then contact us on 01277-264730 or brentwood@audio-t.co.uk

Also don't forget we have cake!

Stop press! TXP65VT50 now sold but still time to grab a TV bargain!

The ex-demonstration TXP65VT50 has now found a new home but we still have two amazing opportunities left to grab yourself a superb Panasonic TV at an unbelievable saving!  We only have one of each of these stunning screens left and they are both priced to make room for new models at the insane price £999.00!  

Above is Panasonic's flagship 42" LED TV TXL42WT50B with active 3D and wi-fi.  

This screen was a top of the range model and priced at £1649.00.  One chance only to save a stonking £650!  

And below...

Panasonic TXP50GT50B 50" Full HD 3D plasma TV.  We've always been fans of the natural picture quality, unbeatable contrast and black levels of plasma screens.  This is one of the best and a snip at £999.00  - a huge £400 saving on the original price of £1399.00!

The icing on the cake for both of these TVs is the free 5 year warranty included even at these crazy prices!

P.S. The blue line appearing to split the screen in two is merely reflection from the camera flash, so nothing to worry about!

What's DAC All About?

At Audio T we are amazed at how much a decent digital to analogue converter (DAC) can make to the resulting sound quality of music and film.

The DAC is a clever micro chip that converts analogue signals such as speech or in this case a music recording or a film soundtrack into a digital signal that can be amplified and then sent to your loudspeakers.

Your CD player, in car players, iPod, and some extent newer digital amplifiers often have DAC's built in however these vary greatly and are often of low quality. 

An audiophile grade dedicated and purpose built DAC can make a huge difference to the resulting sonic output and overall sound quality! 

At Audio T we have a wide range of DAC's that suit different applications and are designed to enhance your listening pleasure. 

Why not come in and hear the difference it can make to your Hi-Fi or Home Cinema system.
 
Here are some of the Hi-Fi brands we have available in store for for you to listen to: Rega DAC, Audioquest Dragonfly DAC, Naim DAC's Arcam DAC's, Audiolab DAC's, Chord DAC's

We would always suggest you contact your local store and check availability before travelling. 

If you're interested in the technicalities then you can read more on Wikipedia 

*Image reproduced courtesy of Texas Instruments.

Long Live The Independent Hi-Fi Retailer!

Mr Alan Gillies has won Letter of the Month in the June edition of Hi-Fi choice for bringing into sharp focus the value of the independent Hi-Fi retailer.

We thank him wholeheartedly for recounting his experience when he visited Ian, Gavin and Andy at our Preston store and taking the time to write to Hi-Fi Choice and bring this issue to the fore!

We would also like to give mention to Lee Dunkley the Editor for giving this topic some much deserved coverage.

You can read Mr Gillies letter and what he has to say here

The Vinyl Revival?

Well, we've been seeing sales of turntables increase in our stores for some time, but according to this report in the Guardian sales of vinyl records and turntables are on the rise.

If you've not heard how good vinyl sounds we suggest visiting one of our stores and asking for a listen, and we know that you'll be amazed at the sound.

We have a range of great sounding turntnables to suit your budget.

Audio T

Pretty in... Blue

This week we have received the Bowers And Wilkins P3's in Blue. We were already massivley surprised by their dynamics and detail for a small headphone and to be honest thought the black and white finishes were fine, now they have the blue finish its a real eye turner!

Packaged nicely in a coccoon type case with 2 cables. One with iPod/iPhone buttons and one without (sounds better) they are very handy to have and are brilliant for the commuter or someone who travels regurlarly.

Fresh Out Of The Box KEF's 305 5.1 Home Cinema Speaker Package

Just in and unboxed is the new KEF305 Sat/Sub 5.1 speaker system.

A fresh upgrade on the old 3005SE, this new system is beautifully designed and finished.

There is a much improved sound on the old, these derive from the award winning "R" series audiophile grade loudspeakers. With KEF employing their high end trickle down technology to more affordable loudspeakers in their range.

A simple well designed stand on the satellite speakers swivels round to become a wall bracket. A matching sub-woofer seamlessly blends in to complete the package.

If you're looking for a new speakers sytem or looking to upgrade, why not come on in and have a listen. You'll be amazed how this dimunutive system will bring your Blu-rays and DVD's to life! Also available in black.

Sneak Preview of New Rega Elicit-R & Aria

Two days ago we had a quick to listen to the new Rega Elicit-R 100w integrated amplifier and the Aria MM/MC phonostage. Initial impressions are extremely good.

The Elicit sounded really muscular yet refined and will probably drive just about any speaker it's ever likely to be partnered with.

The Aria clearly showed it had a lot in common with their Reference Ios so massive step up from the Phono MM. Most significantly though this is a MC phonostage configurable to suit any MC cartridge but with a dedicated setting to match Rega'a awesome Apheta MC cartridge. We listened to it with the RP8/Apheta turntable and was fabulous. Both the Aria and the Reference Ios really show what the Apheta is capable of.

I'll post a lot more when they arrive.

Simon

New Naim UnitiQute 2

 Now upgraded and no price change

UnitiQute 2 All-in-one Player

Connect with your music like never before
It's a cliche we know, but good things come in small packages. The UnitiQute 2 all-in-one audio player however isn't just good: it's a brilliant-sounding, uniquely versatile, seductively compact and, of course, irresistibly cute example of what contemporary music in the home is all about. Music downloads, high-resolution music files, internet radio, network music, UPnP servers, iPod/MP3 players - everything that the new era of music delivery can throw at it, UnitiQute 2 can play. Revitalised for 2013, UnitiQute 2 improves upon the performance of its predecessor with enhanced sound quality and Multiroom functionality. High-resolution 32bit/192kHz streaming capability and a DAB/DAB+ tuner now also come as standard.

Music for everyone
Just like NaimUniti 2, its multi-award-winning sibling, UnitiQute 2 is right at the forefront of modern music delivery technology, and its significance for music enthusiasts of all aspirations is far greater than the simple sum of its component parts. For the committed enthusiast with an existing Naim setup, UnitiQute 2 can not only deliver exceptional Naim music-making as a second system, but also play the role of gateway to all the new digital music delivery formats - from USB memory sticks, UPnP streaming to internet radio. For the more casual listener, UnitiQute 2 can take the place of both the old hi-fi system and the iPod dock, sound far better than either, and at the same time introduce new worlds of audio ripe for exploration.

Small box... Big on features
For starters, UnitiQute 2 includes a preamplifier with two analogue inputs, five 32bit/192kHz-capable digital inputs and all the traditional Naim musical clarity and transparency. Next, UnitiQute 2 includes a muscular power amplifier that provides all the rhythmic punch and definition you would expect from Naim. You want conventional radio? Well, UnitiQute 2 includes FM and DAB/DAB+ tuners that get the best possible performance from either format. UnitiQute 2 is happy also to play music from an iPod or MP3 player via its front panel-mounted USB socket. The USB audio connection is digital so iPod sound quality is optimised, and Apple authenticated too so compatibility is seamless. And the same USB socket can be used to play music files in almost any format at up to 32bit/192kHz resolution straight from a memory stick. And it doesn't end there. A network Ethernet socket and integrated Wi-Fi means that, along with everything else, UnitiQute 2 can easily tap into Internet radio or UPnP servers, a Naim HDX for example, to drop almost unlimited music choices right into your lap. Talk about cute.

Easy access to your music
Bringing everything audio, digital and analogue together is one thing, but making it all work seamlessly together is something else entirely. UnitiQute 2 is controlled by a dedicated remote handset in combination with a large, clear display. The UnitiQute 2 user interface borrows the principles of intuition and accessibility, and much of the substance, from the already proven NaimUniti 2 interface. The interface is clear, intuitive, uncluttered and makes light work of access to the remarkable versatility and performance of UnitiQute 2. And the n-Stream app for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch will enhance the experience still further and raise its brilliance yet another notch.

Multiroom & Party Mode
As well as being a high-end standalone streaming system, UnitiQute 2 opens up the possibility of multiroom hi-fi. Connected to other Naim streaming products over the home network, it can act as the ‘Master’ or ‘Client’ streaming product in a multiroom system which will get the party started and play music in Naim quality in every corner of your home. Click here for more information on Multiroom & Party Mode.

Make the most of your digitally stored music files...

NAIM have done it again,.. Introducing the NEW NAIM DAC-V1 & NAP 100.

The DAC-V1 ( @ £1250 ) 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.

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.

The NAP 100 ( @ £650 ) is a classic expression of traditional Naim power amplifier engineering. Offering 50 watts per channel at 8 Ohms, and 75 watts at 4 Ohms, the NAP 100 is a dual mono design based on the circuit topology found in our SuperUniti reference all-in-one player. While its dimensions are conveniently compact – just 20cm wide – its performance is seriously dynamic and expansive. Combine the NAP 100 with its partner the DAC-V1, and either a computer or UnitiServe for example, to create a thoroughly modern system, bursting with Naim rhythm and clarity.

If you wish to unleash your digitally stored musics potential then give us a call on tel: 01793 53822 or e-mail us at swindon@audio-t.co.uk to see what you've been missing out on!!

SONOS raise the bar!!

Introducing the NEW SONOS PLAYBAR.

The Sonos PLAYBAR features 9 speakers, 1 optical input to go from a TV or other device ( cable included ) and also 2x ethernet connections.

The 9 speakers make the Playbar an LCR unit with the option to add Play:3's or Play:5's as surrounds to make a 5.1 system. Which of course means adding the Sonos SUB!

You can use the PLAYBAR on a day to day basis with your TV/Sky/Virgin Box to add much more clarity and definition to the lifeless sound you get from most modern flat panel screens that look beautiful on our walls.

This system performs well with Dolby and DTS 5.1 movies via the optical connection from a blu-ray player. Performance is superb for a wireless solution.

The SONOS PLAYBAR at £599 makes a great building block to the start of a wireless 5.1 surround sound solution.

Call us today on tel: 01793 538222 or e-mail us at swindon@audio-t.co.uk to arrange your demonstration.

Q Acoustics Concept 20 Loudspeakers...

The Concept 20 is a new loudspeaker from Q Acoustics which delivers a level of sonic performance previously only available to audiophiles able to invest in
high-end models.

This exceptional performance has been achieved by using breakthrough technology and applying scientific methodology to overcome the fundamental problems of speaker design.

As well as class leading drive units and crossover, the beautifully lacquered. Concept 20 cabinet utilises Gelcore^TM construction, specifically developed for acoustic enclosures. In effect this is a ‘cabinet within a cabinet’; separated by a special, resonance cancelling compound. This enables the drive units to simply reproduce music, unencumbered by cabinet induced colouration.

The result is nothing short of sensational.

For the very best results the Concept 20 should be used on its unique dedicated speaker stand, which uses the same Gelcore^TM construction technique.

So if you're looking for a standmount speaker in the sub £500 category then the Q Acoustics Concept 20 well deserves a listen.

Call us today on tel: 01793 538222 or e-mail us at swindon@audio-t.co.uk to arrange your demo.

You Don't Need A Lot of Space For These Satellites...

Introducing the new KEF E 305 speaker system.

We have just taken delivery of the New KEF E 305 and we must say that KEF have thrown down the gauntlet with this speaker package.

Understated and finished to a high standard the E 305 package will look good in any room and is available in a black or white finish.

Even Chromy has taken a shine to the satin chrome finish on the stand.

We will have the KEF E 305s up and running by the weekend.

In the meantime you can read Audio-T Brentwoods review right here. /brentwood/

If you would like a demonstration, call us on 0161 8398869 or email:manchester@audio-t.co.uk

The New Wharfedale Diamond 100's Punch Well Above Their Weight

Warmth without loss of detail, and exceptional good for long listening periods is how we would describe the new Wharfedale Diamonds.

We thought the last generation of loudspeakers were very good, but the new generation has taken a huge leap in peformance and have redefined the sound you can get for your money.

Regrdless of the model 121, 122, 155 we have found them to be very well balanced and musical.

The smaller standmounts offer impressive base extension for such small cabinets and becuase they are portedat the bottom offer great flexibility of placement, so can be placed up against a wall or in open space. The added bonus is also they work tremendously well in a home cinema set up, particularly when using the matching centre's.

They seem to work on pretty much every amplifier that we have paired them with and we have tried Heed, Naim, Arcam and Rega and all sound top notch.

We believe they offer exceptional value for money as entry level loudspeaker and if you are looking for new standmouts or floorstanders they should be high on your audition list.

We recommend them unreservedly, come and listen and hear for yourself.

 Jon, Farid & Audio Phil

New Musical Fidelity EB50 In Ear Headphones Available for Demonstration

We have Musical Fidelity's brand new in ear EB50 headphones available for demonstration in store.

We have a listening station so you can try them out with your phone or mp3 player before you buy!

If you're intending to spend just shy of £150 on a pair of headphones you need to be sure that they are comfortable and fit well and most importantly sound great before you part with your hard earned cash.

If you're looking for a pair of audiophile quality in ear headphones that sound great when you're out and about on your bike, at the gym or errr......whatever you're up to come in and and have a listen.

Don't take our word for it either. See the video and read the review here

Jon, Farid & Audio Phil

The New KEF E Series 5.1 Cinema System Does Not Disappoint

We have just received and opened the brand new E305 system from KEF and even out of the box I am gobsmacked!!

We had the KHT2005 system on the wall for many moons now but took it down as the new ones were coming.

Having demonstrated this system many times I know how good it sounds at its price point. Hearing about the new E305 system my first thought was that it will be marginally better and looks pretty but I was wrong. The upgrade is chalk and cheese!

Getting them out of the box and feeling the speaker, the finish and weight of them is exceedingly better than the previous model. Taking technology from the award winning R series and even Blade you can tell that KEF haven't held back!

Very simple swivel bracket on the bottom of the unit that can be modified to either sit on a stand/cabinet or to go on a wall is simple and effective. The turn of two small screws and you're done!

The subwoofer is a thing of beauty and doesn't sound too bad either! We are always sceptical of sub sat systems as the sub sometimes come up short so we would always recommend a Velodyne or a REL and while it isn't in dedicated subwoofer territory it isn't bad at all!

Keeping the settings the same on the amplifier for the previous system but just fine tuning the sub and it was instantly better. A much fuller and broader sound straight away was noticed by me and the customer. We were both in shock as to how good it was!

For £900 its a stylish sub/sat system that will be sure to win awards!

I am hopefully putting them on the wall today so pop down have a listen and let me know how you would like to pay ;-)

Danny

Audio-T,

30, Crown Street,

Brentwood

CM14 4BA

01277-264730

brentwood@audio-t.co.uk

Sennheiser's Exquisite HDVD-800 Headphone Amplifier/DAC

We are delighted to announce becoming a Sennheiser CLUB ORPHEUS dealer and the introduction of Sennheiser’s latest ‘must-have’ product for all prospective or existing owners of their ground-braking HD800 headphones.

The new HDVD-800 Digital Headphone Amplifier is custom designed to exactly match the characteristics of the HD800 (also compatible with HD700 & HD650) 

As you can see from the pictures this is a thing of real beauty. Housed in an exquisite extruded aluminium case with a see-through window showing off the high quality components and a proper potentiometer within. All bathed in a soft blue glow from the internal LEDs.

 

Of course this isn’t just a headphone amp but also a high quality 24bit/192KHz DAC featuring a Burr Brown chip-set. With multiple inputs both digital/USB and analogue it has a multitude of applications be it from a computer, a hifi system or direct from any other digital source. (See Sennheiser’s release notes and specifications below).

The HDVD-800 can also be used as a high-end sound card for your computer and output to a power amplifier via its balanced rear outputs.

Now, we always thought the HD800 were the finest headphones ever made (as did most of the press when they were launched a couple of years back) but frankly we had no idea they were this good.

I have never heard any headphones sound so natural and uncoloured before. So effortlessly dynamic yet lacking any harshness or edginess, they now sound incredibly spacious and musically compelling.

HDVD800 and HD800 are available exclusively from CLUB ORPHEUS dealers  

Why buy from a Club Orpheus member?

Exclusive access to our very best products

The confidence that you are buying from an approved Sennheiser specialist

Extended warranties on selected Sennheiser products in the Club Orpheus range

First-class dedicated customer service

Priority product support

Demonstration facilities with unparalleled expertise

STOP PRESS!

We just heard from Sennhesier yesterday they are to introduce a BALANCED output lead (to replace the existing lead provided with the phones) for the HD800, HD600 and HD650 (all different to suit each headphone) to take advantage of the amp’s balanced headphone output option. We were informed it’s a huge step up in performance. Can’t wait!

So taken are we with this that we now have it permanently wired up on demo so just pop in to experience headphone nirvana!

Simon

From Sennheiser UK:

Overview

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

0.D/A transducer for all common formats up to 24 bit / 192 kHz

0.D/A transducer can be used for CD and DVD players

0.AES/BU, S/PDIF, USB inputs

0.Symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog inputs

0.Symmetrical output

Sockets for four sets of headphones (two of which symmetrical)

 

Technical Data

Technical Data and Specification of HDVD 800

Article No. 505590

Dimensions	(W x H x D): approx. 216 mm x 55 mm x 324 mm
Frequency response	0.3 Hz to 100 kHz (-3 dB)
THD, total harmonic distortion	< -110 dB (1 kHz / maximum gain)
Weight	2,2 Kg
Audio input	Analogue input XLR-3 : Max. input voltage 20 dBV / Input impedance 10 kOhm
	Analogue input RCA: Max. input voltage (eff) 14 dBV / Input impedance 10 kOhm
	Digital SPDIF (RCA): Max. sampling frequency 192 kHz /AES3-compatible) / Max. resolution 24 bit
	Digital SPDIF (TosLink): Max. sampling frequency: 192 kHz (AES3-compatible) Max. resolution: 24 bit
	Digital AES/EBU (XLR-3): Max. sampling frequency: 192 kHz (AES3-compatible) / Max. resolution: 24 bit
	USB (USB-B) USB standard: USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 USB audio class: USB Audio 2.0
Power consumption	9 W
Input voltage range	100 - 240 V AC / 50 - 60 Hz

Panasonic TXP65VT50B Clearance Bargain!

To make room for the imminent arrivals of new models we are offering our demonstration Panasonic TXP65VT50B plasma TV for the unbelievably low price of £1999.95, just half the original list price of £3999.95!

This TV offers stunning picture quality on a 65" screen suitably imposing to complement the best home cinema systems.  As it is wall mounted in our demonstration room it has had an easy life, being safely out of reach of little fingers!  It has only had occasional use for booked home cinema demonstrations and comes complete with box, manual, remote and all accessories.  We also include a free five year warranty for complete peace of mind.

We only have one of these fantastic plasma TVs at this crazy unrepeatable price so be quick as it won't be here for long! Please note that, at this price, the sale of this screen would be for collection only.

Naim CD5Si CD Player

Naim's new entry-level player has arrived at our store in Reading!

Benefitting from some major improvements over the previous model, the CD5Si can rightly claim to be THE player to audition at the £1K price point.

The improvements have had a dramatic effect on the overall performance of the machine, due in no small way to a new transport,DAC/Filter and upgraded power rails.

The end result is a supremely musical and engaging player,particularly when partnered with the Nait 5i integrated amp and suitable speakers.

Book your demo now!

Naim CD5si  £994.95

Keith

KEF E305 Home Cinema Package

After the demise of the KEF KHT 2005 and 3005 the new KEF E305 is not only a good replacement but an improvement. Matched with the Yamaha RXV 673 and Sony BDPS 790 it gives a dynamic sound without forgoing control. We tested the system with the Mines of Moria scene from "The fellowship of the ring", with out the need to crank the volume up to get the right effect the Yamaha gave the speakers plenty to do offering great detail and an enthralling, exciting sound stage.

 Musically Antonio Forcione sounded surprisingly good. Well detailed and rhythmic. 

The build quality and design of the E305 is what one would expect from KEF.  Very stylish in the flesh, the pictures don't do it justice, and the package has a good solid feel of quality and good engineering.

For a sub £900 speaker package the KEF E305 is at the very least a must listen if not a must have.