Classic Vinyl Night number Fifteen 3rd March

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

This will be on Tuesday 3rd March nd 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 Mezzanine by Massive Attack

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 

      

Chord Electronics Hugo - Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

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Hugo a Go Go!.....everywhere and take your hi fi with you.

You may already be aware of the amazing little headphone DAC/pre-amp, The Chord Hugo.

Our Bristol store actually reviewed it in April last year. They absolutely loved it, and still do.

We also took it on as one of our high-end headphone amps and as one of our best selling headphones are the superb Sennheiser HD800's it seemed like the right choice.

This little DAC/headphone amp is simply astounding, it literally drives the Sennheiser HD800's into the ground, I mean we are talking about bags and bags of power with plenty to spare. 

Hit the road DAC.

Diminutive, lighweight with high quality build, along with up to 12hrs of battery life makes the Hugo genuinely "hifi on the go"

Real RCA analogue outputs also make the Hugo an astounding preamp for connecting to conventional hifi. 

Bluetooth APTx gives you the flexibility of wireless connection.

Digital co-axial and optical give the Hugo many different connection options.  

The FPGA ??

The Hugo has a "field programmable gate array" which is an advanced circuit fully controlled by Chord without the limitations of third party DAC chips. 

Two micro USB inputs allow for SD 44/48khz for direct connection to iPhones, Android and nearly all tablets.

The HD 44/384khz allows for asynchronous connection using Hugo's own highly accurate clock circuit. This input will support

384khz PCM/DXD and also DSD64 and DSD128 in DoP format. (very high quality audio formats)  

In the natural world...

...all headphones (and Chromey) gravitate towards the Hugo. 

Our Hugo is ready to demonstrate at our Manchester store.

Bring along your own headphones or try it with one of ours.

Just ask for Dave, Kevin, Munir or Mike at the store.

See you soon.

New Naim Super Lumina cable range announced at last.......

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Naim introduce up market Super Lumina cables

Having used the Super Lumina 5 Din to 5 Din interconnect since early in December at home, and had the chance to listen to the Super Lumina speaker leads I can attest to a major improvement to any previous cables I have heard !

And they look rather beautiful too.


Available in various configuration of interconnects, Naim pre - power amp leads, and loudspeaker cables.
If you have a really good system, and are interested in gaining better results, give us a call to arrange a demonstration.

Or simply treat yourself !

Due for introduction early February.

And don't forget the Naim Powerline mains leads as these also contribute a worthwhile improvement.

Julian

You can read more about Super Lumina cables on the Naim Forum here

 

Focal Dimension Soundbar...Sale Still On

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We have just finished setting up the Focal Dimension soundbar,and have to say we are more than impressed with its performance,even without a subwoofer.

We have opted to wall mount the speaker using the supplied bracket and it looks great

The Dimension can be operated from the front facia with a touch screen which is activated with a wave of your hand,or with an optional bluetooth aptx can be operated with a smart phone or tablet.


With HDMI/Optical & analogue connection its compatable with an array of products

pop in for a listen

 

Bluetooth your system with an Arcam Mini Blink Wireless DAC

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Upgrade any system and make it Bluetooth for less than £90

For less than £90 the Arcam Mini Blink allows you to stream wirelessly to any system be it vintage or contemporary.

If you have a bluetooth capable device and want to be able to hold your entire album collection in your hand, or stream from your music service such as Quobuz or Spotify for example, then this is the up grade to make.

Using the latest apt X CODEC the Mini Blink connects to your device in seconds and offers superb sound quality.

Although the Mini Blink comes with all the cables you require to get started an improvement can certainly be heard by upgrading the interconnects. We have found the Audioquest Evergreen 3.5mm to 2-RCA is a good pairing.

We are happy to demonstrate the mighty Mini Blink in store.

Bowers & Wilkins CM6 S2's arrive at Audio T Enfield

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B&W's new CM series 2 range gains another rather special speaker. Much like the CM10's, the CM6 S2's share technologies used in B&W's 800 diamond series to elevate their performance to new levels.

The CM6 S2's use a 6.5in woven Aramid Fibre mid/bass driver to deliver extremely accurate & natural sounding mid range. Not only do the CM S2 range sound clean they look it too, with not a single screw or bolt in sight.

The decoupled double dome & on top tweeter design is the finishing touch in creating an effortlessly spacious & natural image.

Rediscover your music as the CM6 S2's dig deeper & reveal more of the subtleties hidden within your favourite songs today.

Give us a call or email to arrange a demonstration

Best wishes 

Simon

Audio T 

159A Chase Side

Enfield

EN2 0PW

Tel: 0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Happy New Year!!

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Firstly we would like to wish all our customers, past and present, a Happy New Year.

 

2014 was a great year for us and our suppliers with a host of fabulous new

products, many achieving awards.

 

Highlights include:

 

Two new products from Rega, the Elex-R amplifier and of course their new flagship turntable, the RP10.

Naim Audio introduced their first ever all-in-one music player, the mu-so, by far the best sounding product of its type and already a big success.

They have also now added Spotify Connect on all their network players and Uniti products which also now feature Bluetooth connectivity.

 

Chord Electronics Hugo has been a true ‘game changer’, a remarkable product which has been applauded the world over. Now available in black.

Chord Hugo, now also available in silver.

 

Neat Accoustics loudspeakers, especially the Motive range, has proven to be one of our best sellers last year, a perfect complement to our amplifier range.

 

The Well Tempered Versalex turntable. A truly awesome product thanks to its fresh design and engineering.

 Well Tempered Versalex

 

So, what can one expect from us in 2015?

 

Well, firstly we are delighted to announce the introduction to our loudspeaker portfolio of Shahinian Loudspeakers from the USA. These highly exclusive speakers offer a somewhat different perspective from the norm that we know many will enjoy.

We  intend a more detailed blog post soon.

Shahinian Compass 2

Compass 2

Shahinian Arc 2

Arc 2

There are a few other significant announcement coming soon, we’ll keep you posted.

Simon

 

 

 

Quad Vena Integrated Amplifier and Audio Technica AD900x/700x/500x

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Quad Vena

This great new product from Quad features a 45watt per channel amplifier and oodles of connectivity options. You get coaxial, optical, Bluetooth(aptX) and USB inputs which are dealt with by a high resolution 24 bit 192 khz dac. You also get the usual RCA analogue inputs plus a pre out (which you could use to feed your old quad power amp bringing it into the modern age). It sounds great and looks the part especially in the red vaneer, gloss black and gloss white finishes. These finishes retail at £699.95. It is also available in Lancaster grey for £100 less. It is a great buy whichever finish you choose.

Audio Technica ATH AD900x, 700x and 500x.

These are very reasonbly priced for the level of performance you get £315, £195, and £150 respectively.

These open backed audiophile headphone are delightful to listen to. They sit extremely comfortably on the head feeling like they are not there. Well worth auditioning if you are after a set of headphones at this price point.

Cocktail Audio becomes Nova Fidelity

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We fell in love with the Cocktail Audio products last year for their versatility and quality, now the company has changed its name to Nova Fidelity and have produced two new models. The little X10 has been replaced by the X12 with improved connections on the back and a disc tray rather than a slot loader, with improved performance all round this is going to be a litle star.

But the model which has excited us the most is the new X40, a source component without amplifier which can be slotted in to any existing system. It has all the great features of the Nova Fidelity range with some new refinements, the graphic interface is improved, there are XLR connections on the rear along with a phono stage. This will allow you to record your vinyl straight to its hard drive. I can also be used as a pre-amp and connected directly to a power amp.

 

There is also FM radio on board which can also be recorded direct to the hard drive (different sizes of drive are available) and an HDMI connection so you can see its display on a TV

The best thing is it sounds great! We've been playing it into the little Audiolab M40 power amp and having fun with it.

 

 

 

So the year looks like its starting off with a bang, with this product and exciting developments from Naim with the addition of Bluetooth and Spotify to their Uniti products....and of course the wonderful Mu-So

 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Peaceful and Happy New Year and we'll see you in 2015 ..... after all our Sale is on!!

 

Paul Francis and Boswell Bear

A Happy Sonoro New Year from Audio-T Cardiff

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Brand new and just in for 2015 we have a range of SONORO products. Starting with the DAB/FM radio boasting a functional design features especially for the bedroom, this compact music system will delight you with its superb sound and smart looks. Fall asleep or wake up to music from your favourite radio station, USB connection or even Bluetooth from your smartphone. Its dual alarm function with let you have that extra lie-in at the weekends. Available in a range of colours, it boasts a battery back-up, snooze function and remote control.

The next model in the range has the same functions as the above but adds a CD player. Again ideal for the bedroom with the up firing speaker providing 360 degree room filling sound.

Topping the range we have the Stereo Music System. With powerful sound from its two-way speaker system and high performance sub-woofer the Design Music System provides the perfect soundstage for any event. It boasts room filling sound from its CD player, DAB/FM radio or while  streaming via Bluetooth. Perfect for any music lover and available in a range of colours to suite any decor.

All the above models are in stock at the Cardiff store, so pop in and have a listen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

 

The new Arcam A39 Integrated Amplifier

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Following hot on the heels of Arcam's flagship A49 Integrated Amplifier comes the more affordable A39.


The really cool thing about this Amplifier is the fact that it is Class G. What this means to the listener is that for the vast majority of the time the music that you hear will be pure Class A, with all the beautiful sweetness in the midband that this entails. When more power is needed the amplifier can then bring in up to 120W of class B power. This is done extremely cleverly, avoiding the normal cross over distortion exhibited by Class A/B amplifiers.

If you want to hear this for yourself, let us know.

 

New at Audio T Cheltenham, Neat Acoustics Loudspeakers

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The Cheltenham branch have just added Neat Acoustics loudspeakers to our extensive line of loudspeakers.

After extensive listening we now have the following models available for demonstration.

Neat Iota

The Neat Iota delivers a performance that belies the incredibly small dimensions (h,w,d - 130 x 200x 165mm). Being designed to be used very close to the rear wall they are ideal for locations such as bookshelves, desk tops, etc.

The 2.6L cabinet incorporates a 100mm bass driver and a 50mm vertical planar magnetic ribbon tweeter offering unbelievable bass performance and an exceptionally detailed top end. Due to the diminutive cabinet dimensions and the ribbon tweeter the sound stage is almost holographic.

Available in Satin White, Satin Black, Flame Red, Zinc Yellow and Ultramarine Blue

Neat SX3

The SX3 is a small stand mount loudspeaker designed for smaller spaces or as a rear speaker in multi channel installations.

They incorporate a 25mm inverted anodised aluminium tweeter normally found in much more expensive high end loudspeakers.

In spite of its compact dimensions the MX3 surprises with its astonishing bass extension and beautifully open mid range. The Inverted dome tweeter produces incredible detailed for a speaker at this price.

Neat SX2

At only 76cm tall this is one of the most compact floor standing loudspeakers available.

This is a two way design with the bass driver and inverted anodised aluminium tweeter operating in separate enclosure within the cabinet. The bass reflex port is fitted to the bottom of the cabinet and is vented through a sculptured MDF plinth. Even when the loudspeakers a located near a rear wall the bass is still controlled and extended.

For a floor stander of such small dimensions the SX2 offers astonishing bass, very open midrange and a smooth detailed top end.

Neat SX1

The SX1 utilised a two and a half way configuration. The tweeter and bass mid driver operate within their own sealed enclosure. The sub bass is housed separately in a reflex tuned enclosure below and is vented via a sculptured MDF plinth.

Again the 25mm Inverted anodised aluminium tweeter is used offering exceptional detail. With the inclusion of the Sub Bass driver the SX1 manages to accurately produce genuine low end bass performance.

The Neat SX range of loudspeaker are available in Natural Oak, American Walnut, Black Oak and Satin White.

A demonstration is highly recommended.

Christmas comes but once a year....

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.... but our revolving Robins and spinning Snowman each come round 17,518,248 times a year!

... or to put it another way, more recognisable to vinyl lovers, 33.33 rpm!

Our turntable themed Christmas window has certainly attracted attention from all age groups and reflects the popularity and unprecedented demand for record players which we have experienced this year.

We are grateful to Rega for managing to keep up with our ever increasing turntable orders during the very busy run up to Christmas.  So far we have been able to satisfy all of our customer orders.

For those leaving their Christmas shopping to the last minute we still have stock of some Rega models and are hoping for a top up delivery before the Rega factory closes for the festive break.

Please call us or pop in very soon if you want to secure a record player for the vinyl lover in your life in time for Christmas.  We've always got the kettle on and may even have some mince pies to tempt you!

And don't forget our special Christmas promotion below:

 

Don't worry if you can't get to us before we close on Christmas Eve.

We will be open again on Saturday 27th and the week commencing 29th apart from 1st January.

So why not break with tradition and give someone a New Year's present instead, even if that person is you.

You know you deserve it!

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers,

from Alan and John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dolby Atmos & REL 3D arrive at Audio T Enfield!

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We've never heard our demonstration room sound quite like this before... Dolby Atmos really does take home cinema to a new level. We have opted for x4 in-ceiling B&W CCM665's with the matching BB6C back boxes for maximum performance.
Pioneer's new top of the range Blu-ray player the BDP-LX88 feeds perfect picture & sound into Pioneer's power house AV Receiver the SC-LX88.
Dolby Atmos isn't the only thing that's caught our attention... REL's Shotgun 3D set up really is a must for any hardcore movie lover, the following paragraph has been taken from REL's website.
"For ultimate spatial coherence, a minimum of 3 RELs (1-main L/R, 1-center, 1-surrounds) may be used to fully realize all the performance embedded in movie soundtracks. REL Shotgun unleashes the basic performance possible in a soundtrack. Shotgun 3D™ extends that benefit to all the building blocks of a theater. By extending the low bass performance of the center channel the entire front half of the theater Is opened up. No longer does the center channel struggle to keep up with the mains. By doing so for the rear channels, the theater is completed and the 3 dimensional reality of film soundtracks takes place as one’s theater is transformed into a sort of 3 dimensional aural holograph."
We liked the sound of this, so have decided to order a custom centre stand from our friends at Hi-Fi racks to sit over a T-Zero, T-5, T-7 or S2. Not only does this look right, it aids with the timing between the centre channel & sub, which accounts for seamless integration with each other. 
We're not sure whats more exciting, Dolby Atmos or REL's Shotgun 3D. What we are sure about, is that we've not heard better! We urge you to come down & have a listen to what we believe is the ultimate home cinema solution.
See and hear what you're missing today!
Please call or email us to arrange a demo
Best Wishes
Simon
Audio T
159a Chase Side
Enfield
EN2 0PW
Tel: 0208 367 3132
Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Standing Room Only For Pink Floyd & KEF Blade 2

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A big thank you to all that made our last vinyl evening the most attended to date,over 70 music lovers enjoyed Pink Floyd played through the new Kef Blade 2 speakers.

 The system used was entirely British designed featuring KEF, Arcam, Rega and Chord Cables.

·         Chord Epic Reference speaker cable and Chameleon VEE 3 interconnects (£1,500).

The album played was ‘The Endless River’ by Pink Floyd.

This was followed by the first side of ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ by Pink Floyd.

Other tracks that were played included:

Is There Anybody Out There?’ by Pink Floyd from the album ‘The Wall.

Hey Now’ & ‘Nightcall’ by London Grammar from the album ‘If You Wait

Lullaby’ by The Cure from the album Disintegration

Limit To Your Love’ by James Blake from the album James Blake

Walk On The Wild Side’ by Lou Reed from the album Transformer

Barcelona’ & ‘Listen To The Man’ by George Ezra

Six Blade Knife’ by Dire Straits from the album Dire Straits

Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen from the album Jazz & Greatest Hits

The KEF LS50s are a bit of all white!...

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The multi award winning KEF LS50 is now availabe in high gloss white with a blue drive unit!.... Never let it be said that KEF don't think outside of the speaker box!!

With the love for these great little speakers showing no signs of fading any time soon, KEF have now given you the option of a High Gloss White cabinet with a Blue Uni-Q drive unit as well as maintaining the ever popular option of High Gloss black with an Orange Uni-Q.    

If you've never heard the KEF LS50 then you owe to yourself to book a demo and see for yourself what all the fuss has been about.

Hi-Fi Choice ‘Recommended’
"…the KEF is a snappy thing to listen to. Music bounces along with heady abandon, and so do you!"
 
   
   
   
   

To book your demo please give us a call on: 01793 538222 or email us on swindon@audio-t.co.uk

New Audio-Technica Heaphones arrive!

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We recently heard the new Audio-Technica range of headphones and could not wait to get them in. They have finally arrived!

 

The first thing that struck us about them was the comfort and fit. As with all headphones it simply doesn't matter how good they sound if they are uncomfortable and you want to take them off!.

All of the range feature what Audio-Technica call a "total ear fit" design to help with comfort. The capsules almost completely surround the ear so there are no pressure points at all. I have trouble with smaller capsules that put pressure on the arms of my spectacles but these models are perfect! They also very light considering the large construction.

 

The first in the range are the AD-500X @ £150

The performance on this model is stunning for the cost. Lots of customers who have tried them are very surprised to learn that they are only £150. The thing that everyone has picked up on straight away is the bass response. Because of the large construction and relatively large drive unit (in comparison to alot of other manufacturers) the resulting sound is a very spacious and open sound with a very controlled and deep bass response unlike some other headphones that just can't seem to cope with deep bass or dare I say it ... the Beats that just sound thunderous and horrible! Read more on this model

Next in the range are the AD-700X @ £195

As with the 500 series you can see the same construction so comfort and fit is the same. The improvement with these is the drive unit itself. An upgraded driver gives you exactly what you would expect. Vocal detail and spaciousness is the main improvement I hear but it's also true to say they sound a lot bigger. Read more on this model.

Top of the tree are the AD-900X @ £ 315

Again you can see the improved drive unit in the headphones. These boast a much wider frequency response and greater dynamic range and it's very noticable indeed! A huge improvement over the 700 as you would expect for the increase in cost, but most imprtantly far more impressive than the price tag suggests. They really do sound fabulous. Read more on this model.

They also make some closed back versions which we hope to have in very soon.

 

Or even better call in and have a listen!

Turntable Stocking Fillers for Christmas

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We've got a great range of accessories for the turntable lover this Christmas

From new cartridges to cleaning systems and phono stages

And we're always happy to give advice

Even Boswell is getting into the Christmas spirit!!

 

call in, or give us a ring, we're bound to have something for you.

mu-so by Naim makes so much music in Manchester.

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Meanwhile Manchester Makes Much Amusing Musings at the mu-so...

And what musings they are, what an amazing product ! 

To all those who question the abilities of "soundbars, music boxes, wireless docks or just plain old glorified ghetto blasters"...

...Naim have your answer in the mu-so. Don't believe the hype?? Think we are blowing hot air?? Not-So...

...come along to our Manchester store and take a look and listen for yourself. 

The mu-so has a six speaker array driven by six digital amplifiers.

"mu-so gives so-much for so-little"

Ahh!! well said Chromey, you know, maybe you should speak to the marketing bods at Naim about that little gem.

Apart from Wifi, Bluetooth and Airplay you also get an optical, a USB and a 3.5mm analogue input.  

The all metal body provides great heat dissipation, the elegant looking heat sink runs across the full length of the body.

The beautifully weighted, machined volume knob is a pleasure to use and is a nod to the gargantuan Naim Statement amplifier.

You can find more info about the mu-so here.

Please feel free to call in and ask the staff at our Manchester store for a demonstration.