Musical Fidelity Merlin System so good we put it in the window!

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Musical Fidelity have come up trumps with this little system. With vinyl sales increasing daily this is a perfect way to have a compact multi format starter system with real quality for only £1300

The individual components are available separately, but there is a price saving of £200 if bought as a system.

 

 

The system comprises the Roundtable turntable, the Merlin amplifier, and the Merlin loudspeakers.

 

As you can see the turntable is beautifully built, comes complete with an Audo Technica Cartridge, and sounds really good, it has some clever design features which all add to the aound quality, like placing the units centre of gravity at the bearing.

The little Merlin amplifier really punches above its weight, both in sound quality and available features.

There's a reason why Musical Fidelity call this a "multi format system" not only does the amplifier have a quality phono input, it also has 24/192 DACs built in, AptX bluetooth, quality headphone amp, and an ADC so that you can convert the vinyl signal for ripping......Oh and it makes a really good sound too

 

 

Last but not least are the little (yes that word crops up a lot with this system) Merlin Speakers, they have a sculpted baffle, which you can see here behind the grille, which produces a very wide dispersion soundfield making the system sound much bigger than would be expected. It is a truly surprising performance from such a small enclosure.

 

All in all this system sounds great, looks great, and most importantly is fun to listen to: so get up in your loft, rescue those old LPs and get yourself a Merlin system.

 

Paul, Francis and Boswell

RSD Queue at Hundred Records started at 2.30am!

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Yes, that's right, so keen were Mark's customers to be first to get their hands on exclusive Record Store Day vinyl releases that queuing commenced at a chilly 2.30am!


Good luck to Mark for his first Record Store Day at Hundred Records.  It looks like it will be a busy one!

Well done also for the great piece about RSD on Alex Dyke's show on BBC Radio Solent on Friday and extra thanks for mentioning Audio T!

For anyone still in need of a Rega RSD turntable to play their newly purchased vinyl on, we do still have a very limited number of these exclusive decks available on a first come first served basis.  

Remember there is a chance that any of these could be signed by one of your musical heroes!

Don't leave it too late!

Have a great Record Store Day everyone!

Today I am mostly playing Bob Dylan, The Doobie Brothers, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Tracy Chapman, Dr Feelgood, etc.... all on vinyl of course!

 

 

Record Store Day just two days away!

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With only two days to go until Record Store Day 2015 we have been over to RSD partner record store, Hundred Records in Romsey to set up this cracking vinyl playing music system in time for this exciting event!

Rega are proud to sponsor Record Store Day this year and we are equally proud to give owner of Hundred Records, Mark Wills' customers the opportunity to hear their newly purchased vinyl on this superb Rega based hi-fi.

The turntable is a Rega RP6 running into a Rega Elicit R amplifier.   A Rega Saturn R CD player is also connected just in case anyone wants to hear a CD, and the system is housed on a solid oak HiFi Racks Podium Slimline rack which nicely matches the real wood veneer of the Monitor Audio Silver 6 speakers.

Having seen some of the many boxes of special new releases arriving at Hundred Records we are sure that Mark will have a busy and exciting day on Saturday!

Any customers buying new releases at Hundred Records on Record Store Day will be entitled to 10% discount on any Rega products purchased from Audio T Chandlers Ford until May 30th.  

Good luck to everyone queueing in Romsey to get some exclusive vinyl on Saturday!  Have a listen to the Rega system in Mark's store if you get a chance and we look forward to seeing you here to cater for your turntable and hi-fi needs.  We'd love to hear some of your new records too!

 

 

 

Naim Super Lumina

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Naim's new top quality cables arrive at Pompey! We now have demonstration Naim Super Lumina 5 Pin DIN interconnect, and 5M pair of speaker cable for anyone with a higher end system, especially Naim, who wants an upgrade. 5 pin DIN interconnect £1750 and 5M Pair speaker cable £3000 (other lengths are available) We can arrange a home loan if you would like to try them with your system.

Saturday 18th April, Record Store Day.

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Saturday April 18th is Record Store Day 2015, and we at Audio-T Cardiff will have some great offers for this year’s event. You might also be aware that to celebrate and commemorate this event, Rega have designed a limited edition turntable to go on sale on the day.

What you will not be aware of perhaps, is that Rega have had plinths signed by participating artists and these are to be built into RSD 2015 turntables and distributed at random across the 500 they have built. They are bound to become sought after collectors’ items and show how important RSD is to musicians, Hi-Fi retailers, independent record stores and record labels.

Rega have manufactured 500 units of these very limited RSD/REGA turntables.
Thirteen units have been exclusively signed by some of the participating artists.
12 of the signed turntables will be secretly shipped in amongst the 500 units and all 500 will be security sealed. We will have three of these turntables available for sale on the day. Will yours be signed?

These are the signatories. 

Chrisse Hynde, Georgie Fame, Gaz Coombes, Gorgon City, Liam Gallagher
Mark Knopfler, Pete McKee (To be auctioned for charity by RSD's partner WarChild)
Pulled Apart by Horses, Peace, Royal Blood, Simple Minds, Suede, Tim Burgess. 

Nytech Audio will also be offering a 10% discount on their superb phono stages, the CDP112MM and the CDP112MC. 

We will also be offering FREE gifts with every Project turntable bought on the day. Purchases up to £300 will qualify for a Project Brush-IT and a Clean-IT. Purchases over £300 will qualify for a Spin Clean Washer System Mk2.


Among the many turntables on display and demonstration will be the striking Project RPM1 seen here in a vibrant red colour. Pop in with your favourite vinyl and have a listen.




RSD Turntables have arrived!

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With only 3 days to go until Record Store Day we were very glad to see the limited edition RSD RP1s arrive this morning!

One thing we won't know until Saturday is if one of the decks has been "signed by a star"! 12 of the turntables have been signed by famous artists and secretly shipped so nobody knows it they will have one until they open the box!.

Don't forget that we are giving one of these turntables away as a prize on the day. All you need to do is visit Derricks Music on Oxford Street Swansea, fill in the entry form and keep your fingers crossed.

Hopefully we'll see you there!

 

 

 

Record Store Day is nearly upon us!!!

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With RSD 2015 only a few days away ( Saturday 18th April ), Not only will you be able to pick up that copy of limited edition vinly that you've been waiting for from your faviourite artist at your local record shop but you could also be one of the lucky few to get there hands hold of the VERY limited REGA RSD turntable right here at Audio T Swindon.

With the numbers of these being as limited as they are, Rega dealers only get a small hand full of stock so be sure to reserve you REGA RSD today to avoid disapointment!

If you're really lucky you may even be one of the extremely lucky few to get 1 of 12 signed RSD turnbales by artists such as:

Chrisse Hynde
Georgie Fame
Gaz Coombes
Gorgon City
Liam Gallagher
Mark Knopfler
Pete McKee (To be auctioned for charity by RSD's partner WarChild)
Pulled Apart by Horses
Peace
Royal Blood
Simple Minds
Suede
Tim Burgess

Call today to reserve your REGA RSD on TEL: 01793 538222

Only a week to go until Record Store Day!

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Record store day, April 18th, is nearly upon us and excitement here reached fever pitch today with the arrival of our exclusive Rega Record Store turntables!  


Here they are, sealed and waiting.  Some are already spoken for but you still have time to pre-order one. If you are really lucky you might even get one signed by Chrissie Hynde or Mark Knopfler amongst others!  Full details of participating musicians here.  

Just 12 of the 500 RSD turntables will be autographed so call us now if you want a chance to own a unique example of an already rare and exclusive turntable!   All are security sealed with no way of knowing whether an autograph may be hidden within but this is a one off opportunity not to be missed!

Rega are proud to sponsor Record Store Day this year.  Read all about it here.  

Local independent record store, Hundred Records in Romsey will be fully participating in Record Store Day with many exclusive vinyl releases available on the day.

Store owner Mark already has a Rega RP1 supplied by Audio T.  We also hope to have a Rega system running in Hundred Records during Record Store Day - you may even get a chance to spin your newly purchased vinyl!

If Mark is too busy to play your records, and we suspect he may be, pop over to Chandlers Ford with your new albums and we will happily play them on a Rega turntable for you.  We're always happy to listen to new music, especially on vinyl!

You can collect your Rega RSD turntable at the same time, but only if you reserve one soon!

We look forward to seeing you next Saturday, either at Hundred Records or here at Audio T, or, even better, both!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record Store Day Saturday 2015 April 18th

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Here at Audio T Brighton we will be featuring more than ever, the beauty of the vinyl record
and the ability of a great record player to engage the listener with fabulous music, on Record Store Day 2015.

Read more here

We have very limited stock of the Limited Edition Rega Record Store Day RP1 turntables

Find the list of who has signed them


Along with the outstanding range of Rega turntables we also keep the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, so we stock the two most famous manufacturers of audiophile turntables, and for good reason.

Bring a record or two into the store and hear what we can do for your records.

Record Store Day

Rega Record Store Day Limited Edition Turntable.

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As Record Store Day approaches, we at Audio-T Manchester are getting ready for a busy day of all things vinyl and beautiful turntables.

And because for us turntables are high on the agenda we are proud to announce our first allocation of "signed" Rega RSD turntables for Record store day.(pictured below)

These special units can only be sold on or after Record store day which is on 18th April 2015. 

We have added some snippets from Rega's website regarding these very special turntables.

 

These rare beauties will be selling for a very reasonable £250. 

Here's how it works.

Rega will manufacture 500 units of the very limited RSD/REGA turntables.
Thirteen units have been exclusively signed by some of the participating artists. (see list below).
12 of the signed turntables will be secretly shipped in amongst the 500 units and all 500 will be security sealed.

Who has signed ?

Chrisse Hynde
Georgie Fame
Gaz Coombes
Gorgon City
Liam Gallagher
Mark Knopfler
Pete McKee (To be auctioned for charity by RSD's partner WarChild)
Pulled Apart by Horses
Peace
Royal Blood
Simple Minds
Suede
Tim Burgess

 

So, there you have it, could you be the lucky owner of a signed REGA RSD turntable?

Come along to Audio-T Manchester on Record store day.


New to Cheltenham - Chord Hugo Mobile DAC / Headphone Amplifier

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Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the ground breaking Chord DAC64 Chord Electronics introduced the 'Hugo' mobile Digital to analogue converter / Headphone amplifier, one of the most advanced 32 Bit DACs they have made.

The Hugo can be used both as a portable Headphone Amplifier / Digital Analogue Converter or as a reference stand alone Digital to Analogue Converter in an existing Hi Fi system.

The Hugo offers advanced connectivity and uncompromising play back cabability.

Inputs:


Optical TOSLink - 24-Bit / 192 kHz capable

RCA Coaxial - 24-Bit / 384 kHz capable

Driverless USB - 156-Bit / 48 kHz capable (Designed for Tablet / Phone)

HD USB - 32-Bit / 384 kHz and DSD128 (Designed for Computers and Laptops)

Note - On PC (Vista, Windows 7 & 8 the supplied driver needs to be installed for playback of music up to 384kHz and DSD64/128)

Bluetooth A2DP aptx wireless

Outputs:

2 x 3.5mm Headphone Sockets

1 x 1/4" Headphone Socket

Stereo RCA Outputs (For connection to a static HiFi system)

The Hugo has a built in battery for music on the move, with a full charge (Approximately 2 Hours) the Hugo will give 10 hours of playback time.

The Hugo is built to last. the case being made from precision machined aircraft grade aluminium.

Listening has proved the Hugo to offer outstanding performance for such a compact box. Headphone listening takes on a new experience. The sound is akin to plugging your headphones into an exceptionally high end HiFi system.

Using the Hugo as a stand alone Digital to analogue converter in an existing Hifi system is quite astonishing. It really does perform to a standard of many DACs costing a considerable amount more. Being a user of a DAC64 for many years the hugo easily achieves the outstanding sound quality expected and offers the convenience of portability.

Now available in the Cheltenham store, a demonstration is strongly recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Un-boxing the Nova Fidelity X40 Music Server, Streamer and CD Ripper

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New in the Cardiff Audio T shop the exciting Nova Fidelity range. "World class, high resolution digital audio."

In this months blog we are un-boxing the fantastic NF-X40, Music server with database, CD ripper and network streamer.

The X40 supports up to 4TB of hard disk space and solid state drives.

This wonderful piece of kit can be your easy introduction to streaming high resolution audio. If you're afraid of computers or are just setting up streaming music for your HiFi then this is a great option for you.

Due to the self contained hard disk the X40 is fool proof giving the facility to rip your existing CD collection as well as archiving your vinyl straight to the internal storage.

Supporting many file types including HD Audio up to 32Bit, DSD, DXD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC and AIFF using the Sabre32 digital to analogue chip. This teamed with a high quality analogue output in both balanced XLR and RCA the X40 makes for a great addition to any HiFi.

Our first impression of the X40 was of its extremely solid build. Consisting of a rugged, solid aluminium front panel with large easy to view screen and comprehensive remote and yet it's not difficult to use. 

As you can see from the back panel, the X40 is versatile. Phono input, line input, optical and coaxial digital inputs alongside digital outputs and balanced analogue outputs. The unit can be wired to your network or if you purchase the WiFi adaptor this can be fitted to the USB host 2.0 for easy wireless connection to your network.

Easy to change/upgrade hard disk that supports up to 4TB 3.5" and 2.5" SATA hard disk drives, not forgetting SSD (solid state drives).

Displayed is the 5inch full colour TFT LCD screen. Need a bigger screen? Look no further, the X40 has HDMI video output so you can connect to TV or monitor to help you navigate/manage your music library.

As previously mentioned, if you are not confident with managing your music through your computer the Nova range is for you. Quick, easy ripping of your CD collection. The process consists of loading the disc, waiting for the X40 to read the information and then pressing the command for Rip. Within minutes the X40 will accurately rip and store the music for you. 

 

Job done!

To top it all, the dedicated phono input allows you to archive your vinyl with ease.

We are very impressed with this unit and the X40 is definitely the jewel in the crown of the Nova Fidelity family.

***The Nova Fidelity X40 is available at other branches of Audio T - check store for details*** 

Record Store Day approaches!

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After the success of the 2014 Record Store Day we are once again teaming up with Derricks Music to make 2015 even bigger and better! Put APRIL 18TH in your diary now!

This year Rega are the main sponsors of the day and have released a limited edition RSD version of the RP1 turntable. Visit Derricks Music on the day for your chance to win one of these limited edition turntables! All you have to do is be there on the day and fill in the entry form.

Once again there is a huge list of exclusive vinyl that will be released for the day. Either have a look at the Record Store Day webiste here or visit Derricks to have a look at the releases.

We will be at Derricks on the day showing a large range of rega products and playing records all day, you'll even be able to have a listen to your record on the RSD deck and you never know... you could be the lucky winner! I will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your turntable or hi-fi system, from set up queries to upgrade options.

You can read more about the Rega RSD deck and their link to Recors Store Day here.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Arcam FMJ A49 Amplifier and FMJ CDS 27 CD Player

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The Arcam FMJ A49 is Arcam's greatest ever amplifier.

 

A fully balanced design with exceptionally low levels of noise and distortion. The really clever thing about this design is the fact that it is a Class G design: Capable of cooly delivering 50 watts in pure class A (for the sweetest and purest sound) but, when called for, seamlessly adding up to another 400 wpc of class B.

The latest Arcam SACD/CD/Network streaming player, the FMJ CDS 27 is a perfect partner for any good system.

Fully balanced to partner the A49, the CDS 27 is packed with the highest quality components and engineering know how. The critically damped cover and chassis eliminating damaging microphonic vibration from reaching the sensitve electronics inside.

We carry both of these on demonstration, so please feel free to give us a call.

***Also available at other Audio T branches. Check our Arcam brand page for details.***

 

Looking for a new CD player or Streamer? Why not have both?

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Introducing the superb new Arcam CDS27. We've been waiting some considerable time for someone to offer a product like this. Really, it makes so much sense.

Not everyone what to change from physical discs to a network streaming system. Equally many are reluctant to buy a new CD player when technology and the market seems to be moving away from physical media.

Uniquely Arcam have taken this opportunity to offer a network player (streamer) and SACD/CD player in one box, the CDS27. 

Two things in particular make this offering outstanding to us. Firstly it sounds absolutely superb. Making music sound fun and highly entertaining whilst retaining Arcam's well established smooth sound.

But even better than this is the asking price of £800. Yes that's £800 and not a typo.

A full UPnP network player capable of playing up to 24/192 high-definition files and a SACD/CD player including full balanced output (single ended as well of course) for just £800. Remarkable.

Full technical details can be found here:

 

Record Store Day 2015

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Its nearly that time of year again when we can get our hands on some nice limited edition vinyl.

Saturday April 18th marks the annual return of Record Store Day, a day when we can celebrate and support our local independent record shops. Many artists from every genre have recorded music only to be released on this day and usually they are limited to small numbers. There will be new releases and re-releases, pretty much something for every vinyl collector.

 

This year record store day is being sponsored by British Hi-Fi manufacturers Rega. Rega make a wide range of top quality Hi-Fi products and are famously know for their quality turntables. To help promote this event Rega will be releasing a limited edition “Record Store Day” Turntable. Only 500 have been made and are available from a handful of dealers in the UK including Audio-T. If that isn’t enough 12 of the 500 turntables have been signed by world famous artists like Mark Knopfler , Chrissie Hynde and Royal Blood to name but a few.

 

 

Preston’s independent record shop is Action Records on Church St and will be participating once again with Record Store Day. Be sure to get there early as there will be a pretty long queue. When you have been to Action Records come and see us at Audio-T and we will be happy to give it a spin.

 

We will have the Record Store Day turntables for sale on the day, and we also stock the Rega RP1, RP3 , RP6 and RP8

Rega give you 10 good reasons to visit Audio T Swindon...

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We are very pleased to annouce that we now have the stunning REGA RP10 with the new Apheta 2 cartridge on display here at Audio T Swindon.

The REGA RP10 builds on the huge success of the RP8 with it's skeletal plinth. The RP10 also has the brand new RB2000 tonearm, ceramic flywheel effect platter and a custom RP10 power supply (allowing total control and accuracy over both motor vibration and speed performance) guaranteeing the highest level of performance from a Rega turntable to date.

The RP10 can also come with ( or without ) it's perfect partner, The Rega Apheta 2 which when used together really do make for a musical and thoroughly enjoyable listen.

 

The REGA RP10 is more than an RP8 in a fancy dress! It a completely different beast and all the changes made to the RP10 all add up to a huge step up in sonic performance!!

Don't believe us!? Call or e-mail today to book your demo on what could be the last turntable you ever need buy!

Call Andy & Phil on TEL: 01793 538222

or e-mail us on: swindon@audio-t.co.uk

***The Rega RP10 is available from other branches of Audio T - check your local store for details***

 

Chord Electronics 2Qute DAC arrives in Manchester.

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The Chord Electronics 2Qute DAC !!...Chromey's really getting in to it...literally.

The 2Qute arrives at Audio-T Manchester and is entertaining us way beyond it's qute dimensions imply.

You may have already read about the Chord Hugo and the great press it has recieved, our Bristol store summed it up 

nicely in their review of Hugo here. Hifi World also got there mitts on one and review it here. The Chord 2Qute DAC has some similar traits in the sound quality and you could argue that it a sounds a little bit tighter in the bass department. Everything the Hugo is good at, such as timing and detail are evident in the Qute.

A big, wide open sound stage and an openess that lends itself nicely to some of the bigger systems we have running at the store.

 Gone is the headphone output,battery operation and bluetooth connection but it retains the same engine room as the Chord Hugo.

 

A dedicated BNC type coaxial digital input reflects it's desktop credentials.

Around the back is a "USB B" asynchronous connection for all your lush 24bit files that maybe stored on your Mac or PC.

An optical input also makes up the family of digital connections on the rear. 

The beautiful case work is typical of all the products from Chord Electronics.

2 Legit 2 Qute (hey...hey...) 2 Legit 2 Quit.

It may be Qute, however, be warned!!! It punches way above its weight.

 

OK...so as we always say "the proof of the pudding is in the eating"...

...so come along to our store in Manchester and take the 2Qute for a spin.

 

***Also available at other branches of Audio T - check store for details.***

 

See you in store soon.

 

Munir, Kevin, Mike and Dave.

 

 

Evolutionary and Revolutionary, Q Acoustic's new 3000 series are coming soon!

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The 3000 series sets new standards with its luxurious finishes, beautiful styling and amazing sound, all at an affordable price. So whether you're building a Hi-Fi or surround sound system the 3000 series is without a doubt one of the best places to start looking.

 

The new series starts with the ultra compact 3010 bookshelf speaker, shown below in the leather effect finish with 25mm concentric ring dome tweeter and 100mm Aramid fibre/paper bass driver.

The 3020 bookshelf / standmount speaker follows, again benefiting from the new concentric ring dome tweeter and Aramid fibre/paper bass driver, but now a 125mm drive unit is used allowing for a "full range" performance to be achieved. Shown in gloss black below.

The flagship speaker in the range is the 3050 floorstanders, shown in American Walnut. Twin 165mm bass drivers are used to deliver rich immersive bass weight & scale whilst improved cabinet construction means you hear a controlled & precise performance. The 3050's really are an audiophile bargain!

The fun doesn't stop there though, the 3090c centre channel & 3070s Subwoofer can be used to complete an explosive surround sound movie system.

 

Coming soon...

 

Thanks for reading

 

Audio T
159A Chase Side
Enfield
EN2 0PW
Tel: 0208 367 3132