REL's T7 Storms The Competition!

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Subs, where to start... Some use downward firing drivers & others use forward firing drivers, why? 

The really great thing about downward firing subs are their "coupled-to-room" sound, the ability to work with your room to create a smooth seamless presentation is fantastic. This is achieved by controlling the distance from the first boundary to the drive unit using certain height feet. In a downward firing subs case the first boundary it encounters is the floor, this makes tuning a sub easier. This also means that it can create a more constant & controlled response, Great! However it's not all good news, for those of us after all out trouser flapping & chest pounding bass, we'll need to look elsewhere. 

  

That's where forward firing subs come in. Some people will argue that subs are omnidirectional... I disagree when it comes to a design that is forward firing. Why is it any different to a traditional pair of speakers? It's simply in most cases using a larger single driver and operating at a lower frequency range (the frequency part is what i think many people mean when it's omnidirectional, because you can still hear these larger soundwaves its okay to hide a sub away) Although you can hide a sub behind sofas etc. it's certainly not the best place to position it in my opinion. With a forward firing sub you get so much more slam & attack, which is why I believe it's important to let your sub breathe  into the room, firing across the longest length of a room eg. from corner to corner, to give it more control without booming or humming.

 There are pros and cons to both designs, so why can't you have both?... Well you can. It's REL's T-7!

 To be honest when I first laid eyes on the T-7 I didn't think it was going to work that well. I had preconceptions that the 8" active downward firing driver would clash with the 10" passive forward firing driver creating a mushy unfocused presentation... I was wrong, very wrong.

The REL T-7 is now amongst some of my most favoured subwoofers. The first reason for this is REL's use of both downward & forward firing drivers.

 Secondly is the use of hi-fi quality power supplies, toroidal to be exact, partnered with high current Class A/B amps. These are the same types of transformers & amplifier designs being used in some of the best stereo amplifiers being made today. The use of these helps marry the sub to your speakers (if using the same power supply & amp designs in your amplifier).

 Thirdly is REL's use of input filters, this is what I think has got me really hooked on REL subwoofers. Borrowed from its more expensive sibling (Serie R) the new input filters are considerably quicker than previous REL designs & many other speaker manufacturers sub designs. The signal that comes into the back panel inputs of the subwoofer then out to the drivers is lightening fast! Giving REL subwoofers the ability to start and stop fast enough for you to hear even the biggest of sub bass frequencies in movies or music with a layered, controlled & textured response. Something I can't say for all subwoofer designs.

Fourthly is REL's high level connection (for music) as well as the standard LFE RCA input (for movies). The high level connection allows for seamless integration to your speakers, not just because you are presented with volume & crossover controls separate to the LFE RCA input, but because you connect the sub to your amp via the speaker terminals (using a cable made up of x1 yellow cable-left positive, x1 red cable-right positive, and x1 black cable left & right negative) taking the lovely character of your amp to your sub as well as the speakers.

The REL T-7 ticks all the boxes. It's compact, it's fast and agile, it sounds much bigger than it looks, & it can improve music and movies like no other. In my opinion REL could charge more for performance like this, so grab one before they change their minds!

If you're in the market for a new sub I strongly urge you to audition this first.

Book a demo today, or listen to REL's T-7 at our up coming [Event] 

Audio-T Enfield

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Thanks
Simon

Focal Aria 906 and 926.... Coming Soon To Audio T Southampton!

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As if the excitement of our forthcoming movie isn't enough we have more thrilling news!

We are very much looking forward to the arrival of the new Focal Aria 906 and 926 speakers.

We had the pleasure of listening to these superb speakers recently and immediately knew that we had to have them! The Focal Electra range have been long term favourites of ours, so much so that both of us use them at home, and it's great to see similar elegance and build quality at more affordable price points with these new Aria models.  The hi-tech drive units incorporating flax are a revelation too. The sound is fast, very transparent and totally involving. 

Follow the link below for a positive appraisal of the Aria 926.  We totally concur with Andrew Everard's description of these 'gloriously enjoyable speakers'.  

We'll let you know as soon as the new Focals arrive here so you can bring in your favourite tunes and judge for yourselves. See you soon. Read the latest review of the Focal Aria from Andrew Everard here

Audio T Southampton.... The Movie!

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Yes folks, coming to a display device near you very soon is this years must see film! 

Audio T Southampton The Movie!

Director Phil now has all the film in the can and is busy in the editing suite creating a cinematic epic!

Tune in again soon for the premiere of this milestone movie.  You won't want to miss it, so don't blink!

Although our movie will be a true epic, you may be glad to know that it will be slightly shorter than Ben Hur or Gladiator.....

 

 

Explicit Elicit R Integrated Amplifier And Another Winner From Rega

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Rega have done it again, not content with a new cd player, amp, dac, record players and phonostage over the past couple of years, they have re-visited the Elicit amplifier to see what could be done.

The Elicit R is the result, a heavier beast at 13kg and a fresh new stlye more in keeping with the higher priced Osiris amplifier. It has plenty of inputs including a great internal phonostage on input 1, for those of you that either aren't vinyl users or already have an external phono stage, this input can be made into a line level input by use of a button to the side of the input on the rear of the amp.

It also has a full in/out recording circuit and a direct input which bypasses the pre-amp and volume stage and goes directly to the power amp stage for use in home cinema systems and finally a pre amp output, so any of you out there with the Cursa/Maia combo or perhaps other power amps this could be an opportunity to upgrade your pre amp section.

Like the Brio R it has a new power amp circuit with improved power supplies giving it an increased power output to 100 watts a channel into 8 ohms and we've not yet managed to find a speaker that it doesn't do justice to. It has a new remote with a nice clear lay out for ease of use which can be used to control all the new R size components.

When it comes to performance it more than holds its own against ampilifiers of a similar price and some costing a lot more with its well balanced Rega sound so now we are left waiting, hopefully for not much longer, for its CD stablemate the Saturn R and we're sure that this combo with a pair of Rega RS7 speakers will be a force to be reckoned with.

Treat yourself, bring in a couple of CD's or records and have a listen.

Read the What Hi-Fi? review here.

Ann Widdecombe And The Musical Fidelity V-90 DAC...

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Hopefully the title grabbed your attention and you think: "what on earth is he on about".... well let me explain...

We recently took delivery of the new Musical Fidelity V-90DAC,

As with any new toys that arrive we can't wait to get them out and give them a test. I thought that as the V-90 would be mainly used with moderate systems that I would test it using the Sonos Connect with an Arcam A19 amp and KEF LS50 speakers. 

I decided to use the Sonos as a source as this is the kind of thing that can really benefit from a helping hand in the digital to analogue conversion department, as well as the benefits of being able to plug other things into it like your TV, SKY box, Blu-ray player, PC or any other streamer like a Squeezebox. 

It's surprising how many people already have a DAC with a component nearby with a digital or USB output that is not plugged into the DAC! The TV I would say is the most common, it can make massive improvements to the sound of the TV by putting it through the hi-fi (as long as the layout lends itself to it of course - mine does!).

Hang on - I'm getting to Ann.........

So - got it all fired up...

Playing the Sonos through the system on it's own at first gave surprisingly good results from spotify and from our higher rate ripped music, I then swapped over to using the DAC (connected with QED standard optical cable)....and what a difference!!!!

Here is where Ms Widdecombe comes in.....

It's often very difficult to express in words how something sounds or how you felt when listening to music, what can I compare it to??...  then I suddenly thought ..... what starts this weekend??????

the Nation's favourite sequined celebrity humilation festival that is STRICTLY!!

ahhhhh - the penny drops ....

It is quite simply the same as listening to the judges comments after watching Louis Smith (and for those of you that say you have not seen the programme and don't know who he is - nobody believes you!) compared to good old Ann. They will say that Louis has wonderful timing with a flow that is smooth and elegant and they would love to see it again, whereas Ann managed to get through the performance but you wouldn't really want to watch it again - feet not in time with music and so on - you get the idea........ the Sonos on it's own sounds ponderous and a bit flat compared to the DAC which suddenly brings a whole different feel to the music.

The interesting thing is that you realise the information is actually there but the internals of the Sonos are just not up to the level of a decent external DAC, then of course you realise that the other components you have with digital outputs will also get the same improvement...... a bargain really!..

And that is how you connect a Privy Councillor to hi-fi!!

If you would like to read more about the bits and jitters etc. here's a link to the MF webpage: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/v90-dac/

Or why not call in for a listen yourself....

more bizzare connections coming soon.......

Cyrus Signature Series Has Arrived!

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We're big fans of the Cyrus range and as a result we've become a Signature Premium dealer which gives us 

access to all the products in the range.

However the biggest plus is the new Signature range which is the pinnacle of the design and engineering which has evolved from the acclaimed Anniversary system.

We have the DAC XP Digital Pre Amp which has six digital inputs and two analogue inputs for all you vinyl lovers out there and balanced outputs for the best connection to the Mono X 300's. There are also rca outputs if you want to use the pre amp with other Cyrus power amps.

With a great pre amp you can't get better than the Mono X 300's or Mono X 200's mono power amplifiers, which feature Zero Feedback technology, which gives very low distortion and lets the music sing. The detail retireval is astounding. If you haven't heard them it's worth booking a demo to have a listen. We have heard new detail from well known and well worn CD's!

Shortly to join the range is a CD Transport which will compliment the above items but there is also a brand new product which Cyrus is keeping under wraps - watch this space!

If you already have a Cyrus system or are wanting to upgrade to the Signature series, Cyrus offers an upgrade path which maintains the new technology available today and an easy upgrade path to the Signature series.

To listen to the Signature series please call or email Andy or Phil.

Tel 01793 538222

Email: swindon@audio-t.co.uk

Music Maniac Headphones

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It is rare for us to stray from the usual (but generally excellent) suspects of Sennheiser, Grado and B&W headphones but when we heard the new Denon AH-D130 closed back headphones we were so impressed we new we had to stock them.

Priced at just £179 these are astonishingly good value. The sound is truly engaging with a wonderous punchy bass. They bring a smile to your face!

For use both at home and with portable players (control of iPod/ iPad plus a microphone for i/Phone).

These may also be the most comfortable headphones you will ever wear.

Denon studied over 4000 pairs of ears (seriously)! before coming up with their pentagonal shaped ear pads and memory foam cushions.

Pop in and have a listen for yourself. They might make you smile as well.

PMC, Chord Electronics, and Chord Co. Cables Come Together

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Come and join us on the 26th of September for a feast of music delivered by some of the best equipment the UK has to offer.

We will be marrying together PMC loudspeakers, Chord Electronics, and Chord Co. cables for your delight and delectation.

PMC will have the Twenty series and the new (and rather wonderful) Fact 12

Chord Electronics will have the awesome SPM 1400 monoblocks, DSX1000 streamer and CPA5000 pre-amp. Along with examples of their Chordette range and more.

The Chord Co. will be linking all of this together with their usual flair and great cables including some of the new Tuned ARAY cables.

Come and join us for some music, some fun, and some great equipment, we will be offering a discount on purchases from the three manufacturers on the day. We start at 12.00 mid-day and go on to 7.30PM.

Give us a call 01277 264730

Paul and Danny

 

The Chord Company Signature Tuned ARAY Arrives!

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Step into the world of The Chord Company's Tuned ARAY cables.

 I have been a fan of The Chord Co. for a long time. However, before hearing The Chord Company's new Tuned ARAY cables I didn't know what I was missing!  

Whether it is an RCA pair, 5Pin DIN, digital coax, or USB cable they all contribute to a more realistic musical presentation. Perhaps, that should be they contribute less, letting the music really shine through, unrestricted and less coloured.


Tuned ARAY in an analogue RCA configuration starts at the Signature range and goes up to the Sarum range. Signature Tuned ARAY uses silver-plated high purity copper conductors for both the signal and return paths. All conductors are insulated with PTFE and feature a dual layer, high-frequency, silver-plated braided shield, which minimises signal loss through interference. The Signature Tuned ARAY RCA cable also features Chord's ultra low mass acrylic plugs.

Everything I've talked about so far has featured in Chord's high performance cables for some time now, however these features alone are not what makes Tuned ARAY so good...

The magic lies in the Tuned ARAY conductor configuration. Chord quotes “a revolutionary way of building audio interconnects. Tuned ARAY conductor technology produces outstanding levels of detail along with an extraordinary level of musical coherence.” I don't disagree, the change it has made to my system is amazing.

The most noticeable improvement is that the noise floor seems to have dropped, creating an inky black silence between every single instrument in the recording. This in turn has created one of the most realistically believable soundstages I have ever heard. Vocalists stand up to the microphone and start to sing, bass drums cut through me, strings on guitars have so much more texture.

The application of Tuned ARAY cables within a system sounds like nothing I've heard before. The only thing I can compare this type of performance jump to be like are mains conditioners or feeding your system with a battery. I can't think of many black boxes that give these types of improvements for the same price as Chord Signature Tuned ARAY cable, which is why Tuned ARAY has become one of the most important upgrades I have made to my system.

The difference that is Tuned ARAY, is the ability to listen to a piece of music vs. listening to your system trying to play a CD, WAV/FLAC File, or Vinyl. It's real, the musicians are playing in front of you!

My only request is that you forget what you think cables can do, and listen to a Chord Tuned ARAY cable for yourself.

 

Thanks for reading

Simon

 

Book a demo today, or listen to what Chord Tuned ARAY can do at our up coming [Event].

Audio T Enfield

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Tel: 0208 367 3132 

New Marantz Micro Hi-Fi System

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The M-CR610 is the latest all in one system from Marantz. Modern looks and a great sound make this Micro system a formidable opponent for any other compact Hi-Fi system.

Like its predecessor it offers CD playback DAB/FM radio, internet radio and networking. You can also plug an ipod into the USB socket on the front. In addition, this new model offers wireless internet connectivity and Spotify.

Marantz have an ipod/ipad app that allows you to control the unit. The app is obviously made for the ipod and works reasonably slickly, although a dedicated iPad app would be nice.

Bewitching PMC Fact 8 and Bryston System Revisited

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Every now and then we put together a combination of products in the store and are reminded of how the sum of the parts is even greater than the merits of the individual components.

We've been big fans of the PMC Fact 8 since we first heard them over three years ago.  The elegant and beautifully crafted cabinets enhance any domestic environment. Even the most die hard hifi-phobics are won over by the aesthetics of these beauties.

This is not just a case of 'nice cabinet, shame about the sound' though; far from it. The Fact 8 carves a solid three dimensional image out of the air with effortless ease.  The transparency of the sound has to be heard to be believed with the splendid cabinets effectively disappearing.  

The other essential ingredient to this spell-binding performance is our Bryston system. No surprise that it gels with the PMC speakers, as PMC distribute Bryston in the UK, and design their speakers using Bryston amplification, but the BCD-1 CD player, BP26 pre-amplifier and 4BSST power amplfier really make the Fact 8's sing!  

The Fact 8 is an efficient design utilising PMC's Advance Transmission Line which does not need huge power to generate real low end extension but driving them with the 2 x 300 watts of the 4BSST adds a whole extra dimension of control and ease to the sound making the combination totally magical!

Please feel free to share this magic with us. Give us a call to book a listen and come along with your favourite CDs or LPs.  'When the spell is broken' by Richard Thompson seems appropriate, or maybe 'Witchcraft' by Frank Sinatra.... you choose.

 

Another Trip to the Darkside

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For those who came to our Classic Album Evening and even for those who didn't. In fact for any and all Pink Floyd fans out there.

Tune into BBC R2 or R6 on Monday at 8:00pm as Tom Robinson invites listeners to compile The Ultimate Pink Floyd Playlist. See the link for details.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b038zlll

Followed by Darkside , a play for radio by Sir Tom Stoppard incorporating The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b038xr3n

It sounds like a good evening of listening.

A Trip to the Darkside

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Many thanks to everyone who came to our Classic Vinyl Evening on Tues 20th.

Many of the regulars were there and great to see many new faces also.

Thanks also to Johnathon from KEF who came to assist.

We are now planning the next one, please send us you suggestions and ideas for what we might play.

You can follow us on twitter @audiotgroup

We look forward to hearing from you :)

Welsh International & Lions Rugby Star Visits Audio T

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It was an exciting day here at Audio T Cardiff when Lions hero Leigh Halfpenny picked up a brand new Project 6 Perspex turntable.

Leigh finds listening to his favourite vinyl records helps him get into game mode and with his superb try-scoring and kicking exploits, who are we to argue!

With its suspended magnetic sub-chassis, a carbon fibre tonearm fitted with an Ortofon Blue MM cartridge the turntable gives an impressive performance with good detail resolution, composed sound and stable presentation.

A 5 Star What Hi-Fi winner, this turntable never fails to thrill giving an authoritative sound underpinned by a low frequency performance that is weighty and powerful.

Aother happy Audio T customer as Leigh Halfpenny is handed his new Project 6 Perspex turntable.

Leigh takes up his new position in the "Audio T front row" with the thrilled Cardiff staff, giving the perfect opportunity of a snap for the 'family album'. 

Read more in our news section 

Sony 4K Has Arrived

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We have now taken delivery of the new Sony KD55X9005 4K Television.

As you can see from the photo below we have wall mounted it in a prime location in the store for you all to be amazed at the image this TV is capable of.

Currently we are using a hard drive to stream content to the set. 4K Blu-Ray discs are on the way.

This TV is also capable of upscaling any video content to a 4K image. So you will get the benefit if you are watching normal input such as digital terrestrial TV, SKY, DVD and Blu-Ray

Not only does this TV offer outstanding picture quality but with the use of magnetic fluid loudspeakers developed by NASA the sound quality achieved by this TV is truly incredible.

The links below will take you directly to Sonys promotional video and the dedicated web page for the Sony KD55X9005 so you can see the full specifications of this outstanding TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYmiZRjkqHc

 http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/4k?cpint=homeB

Please feel free to come into the store so you can see the future of TV.

Sony KDL55W905 55'' LED TV, The best TV since the Kuro?

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Here at Reading Audio T we've always believed in having the very best TV available and I mean that in the singular.

We don't have the space for a whole lot of TVs, we never have had so we are keen to show our discerning customers the very best technology can offer and this season is no exception. 

The Sony KDL55W905 is the flagship of their range after the 4K TV, indeed it has the same if not better picture than that for 1080p content which of course if the highest native resolution available at present of course.

With a few minor tweaks to the settings this TV gives the best non-calibrated picture we've ever seen with the deepest blacks and accurate colours from an LCD yet, yes you get the fantastic '3D pop' like the best plasmas. By that I mean depth of field rather than full 3D with glasses which it also does superbly well AND has 4 pairs of lightweight comfortable active glasses included, bravo Sony!!

Available in 40'', 46'' & 55''

Still not convinced? Then check out AVForums rave review of the 40'' version

...and their short video review:

 

 

 

 

REL Habitat 1 and Neat Iotas Sub-Sat system

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With so many people put off by the size of some high quality loudspeakers it, the benefits of high quality sub sat systems are often overlooked.

It is however entirely possible to have your cake and eat it! The Rel Habitat and Neat Iota combination is a perfect solution that really should be auditioned, should you want the best of both worlds.

The Habitat 1 is the nearest thing to a revolution in sub woofer design that I have come across in my 25 years in this industry. Habitat 1 is a brilliant new concept that takes sub bass to new levels. Descrete, wall mountable and with a small wireless transmitter so no unsightly cables need be seen. A sophisticated crossover optimises sound for both music and movies. Perfect, deep bass that emanates almost invisibly from somewhere hidden within the room.

Two 6.5" divers and a 10" passive driver provide the bass necessary for this sub woofer to reach down to 25Hz.

The price is just £1299.

Click here to watch the video and read more about the Habitat

Neat Iotas deliver amazing performance from a tiny cabinet. they are intended to be used very close to walls or on desktops or bookshelves etc.

The cabinet is well damped allowing the 100mm polypropelene and 50mm ribbon tweeeter to do their thing.

5 colours are available to match almost any decor.

The price is £695 per pair.

Click here to visit the Neat website

If you would like to hear this combination for yourselves we would be most happy to demonstrate them.

Sony's VPL-HW50ES Projector Shining Bright in Bristol

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What can we say about Sony's HW50? Well quite a lot actually.

It's whisper quiet, setup is a breeze with vertical and horizontal shift, it has excellent brightness, probably the best in it's class for 3D.

2D is stunning, deep blacks with excellent shadow detail, massive amount of control with a deep menu system (if you want it). The superlatives keep coming.......and you can count brilliant colour reproduction, gobsmacking detail on images on close ups to boot! Best of all is that it comes at under £3000 (£2798).

It represents fantastic value for money, but don't take our word for it, give us a call and come and have a look for yourself.