Our demonstration pair of new Linn Akubarik Aktiv loudspeakers in Gloss Cherry.
Coupled with a Linn Akurate DSM Digital Stream Player / Preamp creates an elegant and
outstanding music system.
OK, so who is the guitarist ?
PMC are coming at you with another sensational promotion.
Purchase any Twenty series speaker between 1st August and 31st October then register it online within 14 days of purchase to be in with a chance of winning your money back!!
They will be announcing winners in September, October and November!!
There are no exclusions to what speaker you buy out of the Twenty Series whether you looking to upgrade your tired speakers to a new set of beasts or have had your eyes on these beauties for a while then this is the time to buy them!!
We have the full range here at Audio-T Brentwood as you can see below, and have facilities to demonstrate the complete range for you also. So bring some music along. Even your current speakers if you want to see what you're getting for your money.... or even free if you're really lucky!
You've got to be in it to win it!
Earlier this summer, we went to meet with the What Hi-FI? team to see their £1M state of the art test facilities, where they test and review the latest and greatest consumer Hi-Fi products.
What Hi-Fi? are extremely supportive and are the main media partner of the Audio T Sound & Vision Bristol Show, the UK's No1 Hi-FI show and the defacto place to be if you're a manufacturer or an enthusiast!
What H-Fi? give the Bristol show extensive coverage in the magazine and online in the run up to, during and after the event and are ever present at the show providing live demonstrations of cutting edge Hi-Fi technology as well as offering great prizes for the show competition.
Jerry Lewin, Audio T's CFO and Hi-Fi industry veteran, film lover and serial gigger (tell us about the Stones at Glasto Jezza!) had never seen the test facilities before (*Ed. I already made the visit having been involved in a WHF reader test) so it was an opportunity to review the review facilities, so to speak and see where the plethora of equipment is put through its paces.
There are six testing rooms, the main four being: Hi-Fi, Home Cinema/AV, TV and MP3, which is a small room for testing ermmmmmmm MP3 players, mini and all in one systems, headphones and phones etc. You can read more about the facilities here Though I have been reliably informed that this is due for a bit of makeover.
Andy Clough Projecting himself in the Main AV Test Room
We will be running a competition in July and four lucky Audio T customers will win a trip to WHF to see the test facilities, and a three month FREE subscription to the electronic or print version of the magazine.
Our visit was very informative and productive. The upshot of this is that we will be further raising our profile by making use of several What HiFi? services including the weekly e-mail service when we need to communicate major sales, special offers, promotions and events. We will also be joining the What Hi-Fi? Shop, so that anyone searching for products through What HiFI? will see the premium Hi-Fi products that are avialable in store and online.
We look forward to our continued associatiion with What Hi-Fi? and continuing to bringing the best in Hi-Fi to Audio T customers old and new.
Passing the test? Phil (Ed) and Andy talking HiFi
Spendor A6R
The A6R is a major uprade on the original A6 loudspeakers. The new design incorporates a a new 18cm main driver that has been derived from the development of the new D7 loudspeakers. The X-over has been completely redesigned and has a gold x-over network and monoblock construction.
On listening we have found these speakers offer a massive sound stage, sweet detailed top end and excellent bass extension for a cabinet of modest proportions.
A Huge improvement on the old A6. A demonstration is highly recommended.
Spendor D7
The D7 is a completely new design from Spendor.
They incoporate the new LPZ tweeter, a polomer mid bass driver and a bonded Kevlar bass driver.
We have had these speakers in our main demonstration room for over a week now and have found the sound to be very open and detailed with an expansive sound stage. The top is amazingly sweet and intergrates seamlessly with the smooth midrange. The the bass extension is tight and fast and goes down seriously low for a speaker of this size.
The finish on our premium dark speakers is outstanding.
Being a Spendor end user already I am tempted to take these home. When I do I don't think they will be coming back.
Hi everyone
Thanks to a recent haul at a local charity shop, we've been indulging in Eighties music all week. We've had a choice from the sublime to the quite frankly terrible, but we'll let you decide which is which.....just have a look at some of the sleeves below the system!
The records have been rotated on our trusty Michell Gyrodec equipped with an Ortofon Rondo Red cartridge. This running through the superb Project Phono Box RS into the gorgeous Chord Electronics CPM 2650 integrated amp, and finally bombarding our ears through the Focal Electra 1028 Be loudspeakers.
This system sounds just wonderful! It's been giving us a healthy dose of enjoyable nostalgia all week, why not come along and bring something you'd like to hear.
Following the success of our Vinyl Roadshow back in June we proud to offer customers a range of 180g audiophile vinyl releases from Diverse Vinyl in Newport, South Wales on their own label, Diverse Records.
These very high quality records are manufactured form the world renowned Pallas pressing plant in Germany with the exception of the Cowboy Junkies Nomad Series which are pressed at he equally impressive Industry Records in Holland.
Come in and browse.
All titles cost £20 for Single albums and £25 for doubles.
Jonathan from KEF has very kindly loaned Audio T Manchester a pair of KEF Reference 203/2.
Connected to our Rega Reference CD system the 203/2s are sounding exceptional.
Finished in glorious Racing Red using a special piano lacquering technique the KEF 203s do look stunning
Even the binding posts, although out of sight, are impeccably engineered.
The KEF 203s even come with their own luxurious accessory case. Tasty.
Attention to detail is as expected from Reference quality products.
Remember you can't miss them, there right in front of you as you walk in the front door, just feel free to call in to Audio T Manchester for a demonstration...
..and if you're lucky, you may even spot our Chromey lurking in the shadows.....
Just don't step on the little guy !
Call Audio T Manchester on 0161 8398869 for a demonstration.
Dave, Munir, Kevin and Mike will be there to help.
In the meantime here are a few links to whet the appetite.
If you do a Google search for Famous Arias then you will probably see O Sole Mio or Un Bel Di and the good old Nessun Dorma....but it won't be long before the search will show the Rega Aria!
We have had time to give it a good workout today, and (not to our surprise) it is a cracker!
Using a Rega Brio-R amplifier and a pair of B&W CM1 speakers (as we used for the customer demo) we first used a RP3 straight into the Brio-R which itself has a great internal phono stage. The next comparison was then the RP6 which was clearly a big step above the 3....... then came the Aria...... "where did all that come from?" was the reaction!..
You could expect the Aria to be used in systems of far greater value than this but the question was "what would a good phono stage do to this system?" so that's what we tried.... and it worked a treat. So much so that if this is similar to your existing system then such and upgrade should certainly be considered before maybe upgrading the speakers for example. I can't wait to try it with our RP8 when that arrives!
Using a few Blues tracks and then a bit of Elvis Costello to cheer ourselves up we found it just had a brilliant groove (sorry about that one)... all the normal improvements you would have expected are there but the biggest thing is the foot tapping factor - just great (not on the Costello of course - that was far more dangerous - remove all sharp objects from the room!)...
I have left the system plugged in upstairs so that you can hear it for yourself....
Please feel free to call in and have a listen..... I won't play Elvis Costello if you bring doughnuts!
We were fortunate to have a visitation by Tom Barron yesterday, our man from PMC. He brought along a pair of the new PMC Fact 12 loudspeakers, which we duly connected to our better Naim system in store. This system comprises the Naim NDS, 555PS, NAC252, Supercap, NAP300 all on Fraim, along with our Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, with Keel, Ekos SE, Akiva, Radikal and Urika.
We have long been fans of the PMC Fact 8, and as you would imagine, the Fact 12 is more of the same & then some ! They are a very capable performer, and whichever music we played they coped manfully.
Incorporating fine tuning switching on the crossover, the Fact 12 can be tailored to suit your system and envoiroment, with subtle adjustment of bass and treble cut or lift.
They look good too !
There was great excitement at Audio-t Cardiff last week when we took delivery of a new baby.
It was delivered in a pristine white box with a shiny label.
It was of course the long awaited new Naim Supernait 2. Stripped of all its digital inputs it is now left to do what it does best and that is play music.
With a muscular 80W per channel power amplifier, six analogue inputs and employing the latest DR techniques in its power supplies the Supernait 2 is conceptually as close as it is possible to get to separate pre and power in one box.
Including a Class A preamp output section which also doubles up as a headphone amp similar to the one found on the award winning DAC V1, the Supernait 2 does not miss a trick or a beat.
First impressions? WOW! Detailed, dynamic, engaging and emotional. Takes you straight to the heart of the music.
While George will not be king for a while, this new Naim can certainly wear its crown with pride.
Pop in and have a listen. We have it hooked up in our dem room with a pair of Spendor D7 loudspeakers and like William and Kate, its a perfect match!
Once in a while you come across a combination of Amp and Speaker that really works wonderfully.
We've hit upon that very same thing!
Got a Sonos Connect Amp (or ZP100/120)? Wondering what speakers to add?
Well, it just so happens we have here in Reading.
Totem Acoustics have been making some of the best speakers out there for some years and their entry-level model called the Dreamcatcher carries on that proud tradition. If you're looking for a small enclosure with a big sound, look no further.
Totem Dreamcathers are available in a number of finish options, Black or Mahogany at £599.00 per pair. Cherry (pictured) and Maple are priced at £699.00 per pair.
On September the 26th we will be hosting Chord Electronics and PMC loudspeakers for some divine music making and a lot of showing off of equipment!
We will post more details as and when we have them over the forthcoming weeks.
Be sure to stay tuned as I have a feeling we may have some exciting goodies to show off
Arcam's top of the range and eagerly awaited Home Cinema Amplifier has arrived!
It feels like Christmas has come early! :)
Supplied with the Arcam AVR750 you will find x1 Power Cable, x1 Set-Up Mic, x1 FM/DAB Aerial, x1 Remote (CR450), and x2 AAA Batteries.
Arcam's AVR750 isn't just an improvement over its predecessor the AVR600.... Its a giant leap forward in Movie and Music terms!, Arcam quoted that the AVR600 was known as the "best sounding" receiver available at that price point and beyond, however Arcam's AVR750 is being referred to as Arcam's best ever "stereo" amplifier!
Arcam have decided to use a completely new HDMI board for the AVR750 which relates to faster input switching & a faster to appear set-up on-screen menu which all helps create a smooth & seamless operation of the new AVR's, but more importantly is the improvements over picture definition! (We find ourselves getting pulled further into the picture noticing minute details that we previously had missed!). Arcam has also changed the volume control using a resistive ladder operation much like a high-end multi-pole resistor switch (usually found in esoteric and expensive pre-amps). With this design it means that only a single resistor is in place of the signal path , offering next to no distortion!
Lurking under the casework of the Arcam AVR750 is a huge toroidal transformer supplying the Class G power amplifiers with the clean, stable power they need to deliver a genuine 120 Watts (2 channels driven) and 100 Watts per channel when driving all seven, however the majority of normal listening uses a Class A stage, making Arcam's AVR750 a cut above the competition for music playback & arguably movies "Hollywood is easy......get the music right and Hollywood will follow".
Lastly the new remote (CR450) is superior to the one previously supplied with the AVR360/400/600, With much better and reliable lighting you can enjoy a home theater experience without having to stumble in the dark trying to find the right button!
Our first listens have left us gob smacked!.... thanks to it's refined Class G power amplifer and new analogue volume control its so much cleaner sounding than both the AVR400 & AVR600 amps. The picture appears to have more depth & HDMI handshaking speeds are incredibly fast due to the new HDMI boards. This feels like what the AVR600 should have been.
Well done ARCAM! :) It's Amazing!
Book a demo today!
Audio-T Enfield
Tel:0208 367 3132
Email:enfield@audio-t.co.uk
We have high hopes for Arcams new integrated recievers and the AVR750 is the first one we have had a chance to play with. At £4000 it needs to be good as there are plenty of good home cinema amps on the market for less money.
First impressions are good, the unit feels solidly built with the usual Arcam FMJ case, and the list of specifications is appropriately lengthy. The only slightly disappointing part is the remote which feels light weight and a bit insubstantial for such a quality product.
We rigged the AVR750 up to our favourite PMC speaker package. The menus and remote are slick, and quicker to react than the previous recievers. The auto set up with the microphone provided is as good as any, however I still believe that a better result can be achieved on most occasions if you spend a bit of time and do it manually.
After putting the AVR750 through it's paces for an hour I can honestly say it is one of the best, if not the best, home cinema amplifier I have ever heard. It sounded effortlessly powerful and dynamic with an action movie, but also retained subtlety, detail and musicality, not an easy combination to achieve with an integrated home cinema amplifier.
Take a closer look & listen at B&W's MT50 speaker package at Audio-T Enfield!
The new B&W M-1 Satellites contain x1 1" metal dome Tube-Loaded tweeter, x1 4" woven glass fibre cone bass driver which features B&W's Anti-Resonance Plug. The performance is now full range with help from a extended bass port and other shared technologies from the Nautilus & PM1 speakers. In short the M-1's are some of the best satellite speakers we've heard!
The M-1 centre channel is simply the same speaker as the M-1 satellites with the stand adjusted & the badge turned around :) (All satellites are wall mountable using the supplied wall bracket).
B&W's ASW608 uses x1 8" Paper Aramid Fibre cone long-throw driver which is driven by 200 Watts of power, although less powerful on paper than KEF's E2 & Monitor Audio's Mass W200, B&W's decision to mount the 8" bass driver on the front of the cabinet means a tighter faster slam! Bring on the trouser flapping bass! :)
So find out today whether B&W's MT50 5.1 speaker package is the surround sound we've been waiting for!
We would describe the M-1 satellites as "Detailed with considerable bass weight and texture"
And the ASW608 subwoofer as "Fast, Punchy with a controlled slam"
Book a demo today!
Audio T Enfield
Tel:0208 367 3132
Email:enfield@audio-t.co.uk
The all new Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear in blue.
Blue Alacantara (suede) adornes the headband...
....and is also used on the cushions for extreme comfort.
As usual from Sennheiser fit and finish is second to none.
The adjustable headband makes it easy to slide the headphone into a comfortable listening position.
As with most high end Sennheiser headphones the cable is replaceable, should you break or lose it.
So far the consensus is positive with a Freakscore 9.5 out of 10.
Techdigest have also given the Momentum On-Ears a glowing review.
With a range of colours available, anybody can pick a style to please.
Remember all the colours are available through our website or you can pop into our Manchester store to take a look for yourself and ask for a demonstration.
Theres also a great little video from Sennheiser promoting the Momentum headphones.
https://vimeo.com/sennheiserelectronic/momentum-on-ear-headphones
Just call in ask Munir, Dave, Mike or Kevin for any help.
See you soon..
We recently added the new Q Acoustic Concept 20 to our stock profile and if we could sum them up in one word, that word would be "WOW !!".
In polished black or gloss white they are a great modern looking bookshelf speaker that would complement any Hi-Fi system.
The sound they produce from a seemingly small box is outstanding, producing crisp open detail, smooth mid's and a low end bass that no speaker that size should be allowed to do, and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that they sell for only £350 as they out perform many other speakers at the same price. To improve the sound even further we used them on the specially designed speaker stands that also completes the stylish look of the whole package.
If you are considering some new speakers then the Concept 20 is definitely one that should be high on your list. Give us a call in Preston to arrange a demonstration or just pop in any time.
For further info check out the Q Acoustics YouTube vid here.
The new Pioneer XC-P01DAB is a new two piece micro sytem comprising of a 75wpc receiver offering a DAB/FM radio and a separate high quality CD player.
The receiver offers an optical and coax digital input and two analogue stereo inputs. The CD player offers a USB input for connection to I-Pads, I-Phones and external USB Devices.
Sound quality for a system of this size and price is stunning. When partnered with speakers such as the Wharfedale Diamond 121 the sound is open and transparent and offers great depth of bass.
A lot of the one box micro sytems offer great sound for the money but the Pioneer just takes everything to a different level.
If you are in the market for a small dicrete hi-fi system this one has to be the top of your list.
Following the success of our sixth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number seven.
This will be on Tuesday 20th August 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 Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.
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
Much like buses, you wait for a new Audiolab product to appear then two arrive at once!
Here are the new Q-DAC and M-PWR before we unwrapped them.
The M-PWR is opened first, showing how it is well protected in foam packaging and complete with instruction manual and separately boxed power lead.
We soon have the power amplifier fully revealed in all it's glory. It's a compact and solidly engineered piece of equipment, reassuringly weighty.
Now we want to see the Q-DAC so we carefully open the outer box.
The Q-DAC is similarly well packaged and comes with user manual and power supply with integral mains lead and multi pin plug for connection to the Q-DAC power supply input.
The Q-DAC is now out of it's box revealing the same clean functional design as the M-PWR and the higher specification M-DAC. The alloy casework and front panel have a reassuring feel of quality about them.
The Q-DAC and M-PWR make a handsome pair!
A peek around the back reveals a comprehensive set of sockets, mostly gold plated. The Q-DAC has a 192KHz coaxial digital input and asynchronous USB socket also supporting 192kHz 24 bit files plus 96kHz 24 bit optical input. Like it's big brother, the M-DAC, the Q-DAC has a Class A output stage and headphone amplifier so should give a warm, involving sound.
M-PWR produces 40W into an 8 ohm load and has XLR inputs for optimum connection to M-DAC as well as RCA sockets for connection to Q-DAC, etc.
Right, now it's time for some music! We will report back on these products once they are fully run in and warmed up. The Q-DAC is £399.00 and M-PWR is £499.00 so look like being great value for a compact high spec DAC pre-power combination.
Tune in again soon for our thoughts once we've had a listen!
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.
