Our eagerly awaited new Rega RP10 has now arrived!
We are currently running it in but initial impressions are very encouraging. It's every bit as good, if not even better, than our memory of the demo model played to us by Rob from Rega.
The resolution from this superbly engineered turntable is simply stunning. Phone or email us to book a demonstration and bring along some of your favourite albums. We're sure you will be impressed!
Roll up, roll up, get your bargain pre-loved (second hand) Naim 'ere!
The first unmissable bargain is a Naim CD5XS serial number 301855 (2010) for £1299. Not only is this an excellent CD player in it's own right, but is upgradable with a Naim Flatcap or Hicap. Also it features a digital output so it can be further upgraded using a top quality DAC.
Second bargain is a Naim Nait XS serial number 284520 (2009) for £999. The Nait XS is very fine integrated amplifier upgradable with a Naim Flatcap or Hicap.
For the eagle eyed customer please do not be confused by the "Nait XS2" badge on the box. This is one of the later Nait XS's which had the box labelled as Nait XS2 but it is not the current spec.
Finally we have two Naim Flatcap XS serial numbers 324768 (2012) and 276809 (2009) both going for £499. For all non Naim 'o' files, these are external power supplies to upgrade various other Naim products, including the two products listed above. Unlike any of the other Naim Power Supplies, these flexible beauties can provide an upgrade for two products at once! For example, a CD player and a Pre-amp, making them excellent value for money.
If you're considering passing on the bargains listed above and buying new Naim kit, please remember, Naim put their prices up on the 1st April!
We all love a new speaker so imagine our excitement when not one, but four new pairs turned up on our doorstep. The brand new Bowers & Wilkins 600 series. Coming in four sizes there's a pair of speakers to suit any size of room. As they fill your listening area with great sound the subtle cabinet design will guarantee that they don't dominate the space.
Be the first to hear them, give us a call to arrange a demonstration
Our plans are in place and we look forward to welcoming you in Room 227 at AudioWorld Brighton
10% Show reduction on Naim and Focal
(Some exclusions apply)
Win a set of Focal Spirit One Headphones £199.95
Visitors to our room during the show are welcome to register in a free draw to win a set of Focal Spirit One Headphones
Win a Naim Powerline Mains Cable £495
From the Show dates until the end of April anyone who has a demonstration at Audio T Brighton of any Naim or Focal product is welcome to enter a free draw to win a Naim Powerline Mains cable
The main demonstration system will comprise
Server
NDX Network Player adding XPS2 Power Supply to demonstrate benefit
Supernait Integrated Amplifier adding Hi-Cap Power Supply to demonstrate benefit
FraimLite Equipment Support system
Focal Aria 926 Loudspeakers
Additionally we will have available for demonstration
Server
ND5 XS Network Player adding XP5 XS Power Supply to demonstrate benefit
Nait XS Integrated Amplifier adding Flatcap XS Power Supply to demonstrate benefit
FraimLite Equipment Support system
Focal Loudspeakers
We now have available for demonstration the Yamaha CXA 5000/ MXA 5000 AV Processor and 11 channel Power Amp.
This £5000 behemoth combination packs 150W per channel and will drive any speaker that you care to throw at it.
The processing is of the absolute highest quality. With the resultant sound quality that you would expect.
Specifications include:
4 zones
192/32 bit processing
4K Ultra HD pass through
8 HDMI in and 2 out
Ultra high rigidity chassis
XLR inputs and outputs
Book up a dem and try them for yourself.
It's 19th century Paris and Violetta knows she is going to die.She must make the hardest decision of all. Does she live out the final days with the man she loves? Or to save his reputation does she walk away from him and her only chance of happiness? Well if she had to make that decision today she could forget the man and live out her life blissfully listening to her favourite music on a pair of Sennheiser headphones!
The Wales Millennium Center where music lovers were treated to La Traviata performed by the Welsh National Opera. Members of the audience were given the chance to audition some Sennheiser headphones during the intervals and at a pre-concert reception.
Top of the range HD800's with the HDVD800 headphone amp was connected to a Naim CD5XS and an i-Pod shuffle for comparison of CD quality versus mp3
Close up of the superb sounding HD800. These are individually hand built using the finest materials.
The HD700's and the HDVD600 headphone amp connected to a lap top playing some high resolution files of the WNO's recent recordings. A comparison of a live performance and recorded sound!
A close up of the HD700 showing the fine build quality.
The Momentum and Momentum ON were also on display connected to i-pods loaded with a selection of the same music for easy comparison.
A competition was run by Sennheiser and here we see a lucky winner clutching her Momentum ON headphones and a pair of tickets for the performance presented by members of the WNO and Sennheiser.
Don't forget, these headphones are now available at our Cardiff store, so pop in any time for a demo.
Matt from the Chord Company will be joining us for a day of cable madness at Audio T Brighton
From the faily humble Crimson leads to the frankly exotic Sarum Tuned Aray interconnects and speaker cables, this is a marvellous opportunity to gauge just how important cables can be in a Hi-Fi system.
Some of you will already be aware, but many of you will be surpirised, even shocked !
So join us for a day of fun and nonsense...
Come with some favourite music - and an open mind
Here in Swindon, we are pleased to announce that we have received our first delivery of LPs from the vinyl giant that is Diverse Vinyl.
There are albums from the great Cowboy Junkies, Eleanor McEvoy, Eddie Reader and many more amazing artists.
Prices start from as little as £20 for a single LP and £25 for double gatefold LP.
So if you're on the look out for your next shiny black disc to buy, why not pop in to Audio T Swindon and have a thumb through our selection of vinyl.
We now have the outstanding new Rega RP10 turntable.
A Quote from Rega - 'The RP10 represents probably the biggest step forward in the evolution of Roy Gandy's turntable design philosophies'
Here are some of the design highlights:
Skeletal Plinth design
The plinth design uses a unique stressed skin structure. Two layers of phenolic skins sandwich a feather weight nitrogen expanded foam. Utilising this feather weight plinth structure almost entirely eliminates unwanted noise developed by the turntable motor, main bearing and unwanted airborne vibrations.
The plinth is constructed in a similar way to materials used in the avaition and formula one industries. The plinth has a double brace mounted between the tone-arm mounting and the main bearing where increased rigidity is required. The top brace is magnesium and the bottom brace is phen-lic. These are two of the lightest and stiffest materials available. Because the two materials have different natural resonances they are in effect self damping.
Ceramic Platter
The Ceramic Oxide platter is diamond cut to produce a perfectly flat Round platter insuring a perfect fly wheel effect.
24V Low Noise Motor
The 24V two phase synchronous motor is controlled by the dedicated RP10 PSU supplied. Each motor is hand tuned to the PSU to ensure minimum vibration and motor noise.
RB2000 Tone-arm
The completely redesigned ultra light armtube is meticulously polished to keep the weight to a minimum (Paint weighs a lot). The bearings are hand selected to achieve a perfect match. This proven method increases the amount of detail retrieved from the record surface and allows maximum performance to be achieved from the cartridge.
On listening, the amount a detail retrieved from the record groove is outstanding. The bass is tight fast and extremely tuneful. Stereo imaging is as good as any turntable we have heard. The treble is amazingly detailed and smooth.
We have partnered our RP10 with the Dynavector DV20X2L low output moving coil cartdridge and it is a superb match.
Available in store for demonstration. Upon listening I am sure you will be as outstanded as we are.
Pro-Ject's Tube Box S phono preamplifier is a dual mono design that uses two audiophile-grade ECC83 tubes, which gives an analogue warmth & bass texture that we love!
The connections on the back of the Tube Box S are straight forward & easy to use.
The fun for me begins on the underside of the Tube Box S, not only can you adjust the input gain, impedance & capacitance to match your cartridge perfectly, but you have the ability to experiment with input capacitance. When using MM or high output MC carts (within the recommended input capacitance suggestions for your cartridge) I feel in doing this you obtain more control over the sound stage of your system, pushing it further forward & wider into the room.
The Tube Box S offers unrivalled performance and unique flexibility, which has been previously unavailable at this price point.
Book a demo today!
Audio-T Enfield
Tel:0208 367 3132
Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk
We have recently brought the great products from Cocktail Audio into the store.
The star of the show is the Cocktail X30
This is a truly comprehensive system which will rip your cds onto its internal storage (various sizes of hard drive are available starting at 1TB) It can rip in WAV, FLAC, OGG, or mp3 and has access to a database of album covers which it will display on its coloured screen.
But that's just the beginning, this system is bristling with extras, there is a built in amplifier which we have used to drive a variety of speakers well, it has access to internet radio as well as FM and will allow you to record from those sources. You can also record from its line level inputs, it is a streaming device allowing access to your networked storage, has digital inputs and outputs and an internal DAC that wil handle up to 24/192!! Oh and there's an HDMI output for the display which also allows picture slideshows to be viewed.
The best bit is, it sounds great at a very reasonable price.
There is a smaller brother called the X10 which is a streaming mini system with many of the features of its sibling and is cheap as chips!
Our other new arrival is our new store resident and mascot Boswell Bear, He is a rescue teddy from a local charity shop who needed a good home and no doubt will be adding to the atmosphere in the shop, and probably getting involved in our blogs etc. once he has settled in
He certainly seems to like the Cocktail Audio
We love the Rega RP8 turntable so were excited to hear the new top of the range RP10 when Rob from Rega brought it here and demonstrated it to us.
We certainly weren't disappointed! Rega have taken the brilliant skeletal construction of the RP8 and refined and enhanced an already impressive turntable massively with the RP10.
The stunning new RB2000 tonearm is beautifully hand polished to minimise weight and has ultra high tolerance paired bearings to maximise detail retrieval. Fitted with the Rega Apheta MC cartridge it was clear that much more information was being extracted from the record groove.
The RP10's custom ceramic flywheel effect platter looks striking and is diamond cut to ensure absolute accuracy and flatness.
In addition the RP10 has a high performance power supply. Absolute speed accuracy is maintained by a new DSP signal generator utilising a high stability crystal. Each power supply is factory tuned to minimise vibration and optimise motor performance. The custom casework matches the Rega Aria MM/MC phono pre-amp which is the ideal partner for this superb record spinner.
It may be a cliche but, listening to some of my well played albums, owned for several decades, and, at times, played on far lesser record players, I was amazed at how involving and unscathed they sounded.
Anyone imagining that vinyl belongs in the past should come and listen to the RP10 when our demo model arrives very soon. If £3598.00 (with Apheta) or £2998.00 (without cartridge) is too rich Rega turntables start at £230.00 with the RP1 (with Carbon cartridge) so there is one to suit every budget.
Go on, dig out your favourite album and blow the dust off it. Give us a call and come in for a proper listen, the way we all used to play music. Sit down, put your feet up and hear an album all the way through, both sides, a proper record sleeve in your hands with artwork to admire and artist info you can actually read!
Primare I32 Integrated Amplifier
We have just put on demonstration the exceptional Primare I32 integrated amplifier.
The I32 is an upgradeable 120W Amplifier. Ther UFPD power technology provides very high power capability, exceptional head room and extremely low distortion. On listening we have found that the I32 offers sound quality you would expect from much more costly pre-power combinations. The sound prersentation is exceptionally clean in its presentation and offers great imaging and very deep tuneful bass.
Primare MM30 Media Board
The Primare I32 integrated amplifier can also be fitted with the MM30 media board.
This offers audiophile streaming, internet radio via wireless integration with UPNP devices such as PC, MAC, NAS, I-Pad and USB. It utilises a 24/192 DAC board that offers connectios for Coax digital, toslink, USB-A and USB-B. The media player is controlled by the dedicated 'Free' Primare APP available for I-Phone and Android devises.
The Classic.
Dynavector 20X2L.
The latest and greatest.
The Rega RP8 / RB 808.
Our Dynavector 20X2L mounted on RP8 RB 808 combination.
In a meeting of old and new, this particular combination forms a formidable partnership.
Coming across as completely natural and detailed the 20X2L delivers big soundstages with aplomb.
As it stands this combination would cost £2167, and quite frankly, it's worth every penny.
It's set up and playing on our showroom floor, you won't miss it when you come in.
Just give Dave, Munir, Kevin or our Mike a shout when you pop in.
Thanks
Munir
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30
February kicks off with a host of new products and various categories.
First off, a brand new product from Chord Electronics in a new area for them, called Hugo. Hugo is a top specification mobile headphone amp and DAC. Battery powered, it is full HD compatible and sounds amazing. This time it's a small box for a very good reason.
Unboxing:
Full specification:
Secondly, Rega's long awaited RP10 turntable. We were mightily impressed with the RP8 as was the rest of the world but oh boy is this a step up? Looks the business too!
Next we have new AV receivers from Anthem. Capitalizing on their successful range last year we have all new and much improved (inc esthetically) models in the form of MRX310 (£1199) and MRX710 (£2199) and (MRX510 £1699) to order.
These, alongside the new Arcam receivers complete are AV Receiver line-up for 2014. Fabulous receivers that also do what so many of you ask for, ie, play music well without unnecessary gimmicks.
Lastly. JVC's latest mid-range Projector, DLA-X500. 4K compatible, outstanding colours right out of the box and fully calibrate-able too.
Following the success of our ninth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number ten.
This will be on Tuesday 18th March 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...
Tango In The Night Fleetwood Mac
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
...gold and silver options also available. 
Yamaha returns to form with the new Pre/Power surround behemoth...
...and we are pleased to announce the new Yamaha CX5000/MX5000 combination, now on permanent demonstration at our Manchester store.
Home Cinema Choice magazine recently gave the CX/MX duo "reference status" no mean feat as the previous Yamaha DSP-Z11 held that moniker with many audio visual publications.
Yamaha also utilise the H-frame to strengthen the chassis with a fifth foot to keep everything stable.
The fifth foot, clearly visible below, helps to stabilise the huge transformer which is positioned right above it.
The MX-5000 power amp with it's top off. As you can see the large toroidal transformer and the high capacity (27000uf) block capacitors are positioned close to the centre.
Reference standard build quality.
The brushed aluminium side panels look absolutely gorgeous.
You can maintain nightvision via the backlit remote.
Need more info ? Check out the links below.
Really want the low down on this behemoth, come along to the Manchester store for in depth product advice and a demonstration.
Call or email Munir,Kevin,Dave or Mike to book a slot.
Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30
We have recently had the opportunity to compare these two fantastic turntables from the Germanic stables of Clearaudio.
Starting with the Concept, priced at £995, this is fitted with the Concept MM cartridge and has a great, solid feel of build quality about it. This package offers a good level of detail retrieval whilst retaining a smooth top end, open midrange and tuneful bass. Making music that is involving and easy on the ear!
This turntable comes fully assembled from Clearaudio and is pretty much ready to go straight from the box. Making it a great choice for those wanting great performance without setup fuss and with little ongoing maintenance.
The Performance DC, fitted with the Concept MC cartridge, is priced at £2595. It feels substantially heavier than the Concept with an even more solid construction, thanks to its multi layer sandwich plinth.
Upon playback, it presents a more open and transparent soundstage with greater width and depth. The Performance DC offers even more detail whilst remaining beautifully sweet and smooth in its delivery. Low level detail is also improved, thanks to a smoother, quieter running platter, courtesy of the Performance DC's ceramic magnetic bearing. Vocals are well expressed within the mix and bass is tauter, faster and more detailed (in comparison to the Concept).
Overall, the Performance DC offers a wholly more involving and immersive listen, its much improved timing and dynamics offer a very stable and three dimensional presentation of your favourite vinyl!
Sit back and enjoy!
We are delighted to have the opportunity to show you the amazing JVC DLA-X700 home cinema projector in our demonstration room. JVC have produced our favourite projectors for a long time but we have been completely bowled over by the image quality from the DLA-X700. Brightness, black level and contrast are superb, even in non-blackout conditions, but most impressive is the totally natural filmic quality of the picture. Even the harshest home cinema critic is immediately totally immersed in the movie with no image flaws to distract from pure enjoyment.
We are very lucky to have the chance to show you this awesome projector but we have it on loan for one week only so don't miss this great opportunity. Just phone or email now to book a demo, or call in if you are passing. Don't forget to bring your favourite movie on Blu-ray or DVD. The price for the JVC DLA-X700 is £6995.00 but we are sure you will see why.
Here in Bristol we really like Rega's approach to all their products. Simple in design, cost effective and musically enjoyable. The Saturn-R and Elicit-R combination really carries this tradition forward offering a fabulously rewarding listening experience.
Saturn-R
The Saturn-R CD player is the latest edition to Rega's electronics range and continues where it's revered predecessors left off. But wait, it's not just a CD player it's also a very capable DAC with optical and coaxial digital inputs and even a USB socket for hooking up a computer. This allows you to carry on playing all the CDs you've collected over the years whilst giving you the ability to explore the world of streaming and high resolution audio (up to 24 bit 192khz). Of course the DAC is not just an afterthought it consists of a pair of Wolfson DACs, a high quality master clock, an asynchronous USB input all put together with great care taken to power supplies and circuitry. So whether playing CDs or your latest high resolution download you will get an excellent musical reproduction that sounds just right.
Elicit-R
The Elicit-R amplifier builds on the great things that Rega did with their last amplifier release the Brio-R.
They've doubled the power to 100w, added a stepped attenuator for greater levels of control and performance, incorporated a moving magnet and moving coil phono stage and used top notch circuitry such as using a pair of Darlington output transistors to emulate a class A driver stage.
Hearing is believing
All this technology makes for a superb amplifier that when combined with the Saturn-R delivers a very satisfying sound without a hint of 'digitalness'. It offers effortless power and bags of detail.
Both products can be bought separately of course and either will offer a level of performance some other manufacturers can only dream of. If you're in the market for an amp or CD/DAC or both give us a ring and we will set them up so you can hear for yourself.
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.
