Innuos Zen And The Art Of Digital Music Library Maintenance

For those of us who have digital music collections, the venerable compact disc is only part of the picture these days. Apart from legacy collections of music on such discs, we now have higher resolution PCM music files available along with even larger DSD files (the equivalent of SACD) all of which are now readily available and which add a whole new dimension to the enjoyment of music reproduction.

This means that a CD player alone is no longer enough to allow access to all these delights – we need a new kind of up-to-the-minute digital device that will deal with everything we can throw at it. Enter the Innuos Zen family.

Zen1.jpg

These British designed and Portugese manufactured units have been around for a while but they have recently been updated to Mark 3 spec, so the time is right for a reappraisal of these innocuous looking but supremely versatile boxes. The reason they are so versatile is because of the way the four main functions have been integrated.

1. RIPPER
All the versions have a built in CD drive which, although it cannot be used to play CDs, will allow ripping of an inserted disc to either .flac or .wav format files. This process can be carried out whilst you are using the device for playback as well, so you can start ripping your existing CD collection as a background task whilst still using any other functions as required.

2. STORAGE
These ripped files are then stored on an internal 3.5'' hard drive which is available in a range of capacities from 1Tb to 8Tb; the higher range models can be fitted with solid state drives up to 4Tb.

3. SERVER
Once the files are stored on the unit, and the unit is connected up to a network, the files can be served out to any network attached device that needs to access them.

4. PLAYER
Last but not least the unit can be connected to your system as any other source component would be, and this will allow you full playback access to the contents of the drive. In addition to this, any of the units will give you full internet radio functionality along with access to external streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz.

To access these functions, there are two methods used. Firstly, once the unit is connected to your network, accessing 'myinnuos.com' on any browser will take you to the setup and config pages. These have options to control disc ripping and file imports, view your existing library, set up backups etc. Most of these pages are 'set and forget', so once you have configured your unit as you like, you shouldn't need to revisit them very often. What you will need for day-to-day use is a method by which you can access your library to view and play, and this is accomplished with an application. There are excellent options available for iOS, Android and Windows platforms and any one of these will allow you to start interacting with your music collection, as well as giving you access to all the other built in features.

zen1.jpg

One of the things we often hear from customers as that they like the idea of an actual item such as a CD which they can pick up and handle, but what people often don't realise is that using one of these superb control applications will, to a degree, keep the tactile and visual part of browsing your collection alive. As long as you take a small amount of care over ensuring that the downloaded track data and artwork is accurate and free of errors, the apps will give you a very nice, customisible browsing experience which in many ways is superior – no more stiff neck reading the spines! With regard to storage space, a 2 Tb drive will enable you to store around 3500 albums in their entirety, and of course if this is insufficient then you can specify the internal drive up to 8 Tb at purchase time. This should be enough even for King Crimson completists.

Zen2.jpg

The Zen range consists of four models. The Innuos Zen Mini (1-8Tb, pictured) is the base model; the Mini Mk 3 now includes stereo analogue outputs alongside the USB and S/PDIF outputs so you can get it up and running with full functionality straight out of the box – of course the addition of an outboard DAC will really make it sing (we recommend the Chord Electronics Qutest as an ideal partner). This version comes with a switch mode power supply as standard but Innuos also sell an upgraded linear power supply to improve its performance; if you buy a Mini with a upgraded power supply you will get a £50 discount on the combined price. The next model up in the range is the Innuos Zen Mk. 3 (1-8Tb standard or option of Solid State drives) which comes in a full width case with an integrated linear power supply. Bear in mind that neither this model, nor any models further up in the hierarchy have any analogue outputs; they all require the addition of an external DAC or amplifier with a USB digital input to make sounds. There are also dual isolated Ethernet ports (remember this is network connected but does not include Wi-Fi so requires an Ethernet connection) along with other mechanical improvements over the Mini. Next up is the Innuos Zenith (1-8Tb) which includes a trick PSU, Mundorf capacitors and a custom solid state drive and at the top of the tree is the mighty 2 box Zenith Statement (2-8Tb plus Solid State Drive option) which turns everything up to 11 for the best possible reproduction of your precious files.

zen2.jpg

The tried and tested server underpinnings of this unit mean that once it's properly configured and set up on your network, you no longer have to worry about file formats and such like. PCM up to 192 kHz? No problem. Native DSD files? No problem. Tidal masters with MQA encoding? No problem. All you have to do is connect it up to your network and your playback system, and the world is your oyster.

Why not come and have a listen to it in our newly refurbished demonstration rooms.

Innuos Music Servers and CD rippers are available from the following branches of Audio T: Brentwood, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

UK Exclusive......Acoustic Energy Do It Again With Their New AE 500 Standmount Loudspeakers

Acoustic Energy have been very busy of late and the latest fruits of their labour come in the guise of the brand new 500 series loudspeakers. And here in Cheltenham we have a UK exclusive as we are the only store in the whole country to have these in stock and ready to listen to until September!

The ones I have the pleasure of blogging about here are the AE 500’s which are a compact stand mount featuring some rather clever newly developed carbon fibre drive units designed to offer unparalleled levels of performance, quality and value. Acoustic Energy say that their aim is to make the speaker sound smoother and more transparent. Shall we see if they have succeeded?

cheltenham-ae500-1.jpg

I connected the AE500’s up to a Rega Brio amplifier and Apollo CD player using a Rega Couple interconnect and Chord Company Odyssey speaker cable then sat down with a cup of tea and a pile of my usual favourite demo CD’s.

The first thing that struck me about these little marvels was how open and detailed they sounded and how they managed to image from way left and right of the speaker cabinets. This is something quite rare in a speaker at this price!

Starfire.jpg

I played the title track of the album Starfire by Jaga Jazzist and about half way through it gets all complicated and very proggy and throughout the little AE500’s it sound fully controlled and powerful. No one part of the music was being coloured by any of the rest making it so easy to hear and follow everything all at the same time! This piece of music is always a good test and the AE500’s made it sound totally engaging.

Marbles.jpg

Next into the Rega Apollo CD player was the totally gorgeous piece of musical loveliness that is Angelina by Marillion from the equally marvellous album Marbles. The AE500’s again opened the sound-stage up. I closed my eyes and the speakers totally disappeared leaving the music just hanging in the air in front of me. This piece has a very deep bass line throughout and a soaring guitar motif and is recorded in such a way that puts the music in a huge acoustic space. This comes over convincingly on the AE 500’s. This is one album you must own if you have even just a casual interest in rock music of the prog variety. A majestic masterpiece from a band at the peak of their powers! Just make sure you get the double CD version!

Now a sizeable chunk of this magic comes from the carbon fibre drive units. Their very rigid but lightweight nature ensuring great mid-range definition and increased transient speed and clarity. Acoustic Energy have succeeded in their goal to make a smooth sounding loudspeaker, which is a great thing in this age where most companies make their speakers sound way too bright. This makes the AE500’s the type of loudspeaker that you can listen to for hours as they are not at all fatiguing.

AE500 Pic2.JPG

The cabinet construction is rather special too using Acoustic Energy’s new 18mm Resonance Suppression Composite or RSC for short. This is basically a method of putting one cabinet inside another with a damping layer between them thus greatly reducing cabinet resonances which would otherwise colour the sound.

These speakers are a must listen if you are interested in a really high quality but still small solution to put on speaker stands (preferably) or bookshelves (at a pinch). If you have a yearning for owning a pair of those classic Acoustic Energy AE1 from the old days then look no further these little marvels will put a grin on your face a mile wide!

Finished in a choice of Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White or American Walnut wood veneer finishes the AE 500’s will look great with any home decor. Come in to the Cheltenham store for a demo and a cup of tea or coffee …… we might even have biscuits! Let your ears be the judge, but we’re sure you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Acoustic Energy Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T: Brentwood, Bristol, Cheltenham, Online, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Swindon.

Time To Selekt. Audio T Bristol Takes A Look At The New Linn Selekt DSM Network Streaming System

Linn have always be renowned for creating innovative and superb sounding 'source’ components. The newest addition is the Linn Selekt DSM, which is a dedicated all-in-one network streaming and upgradeble Hi-Fi system, that can improve and modernise an existing stereo system and offer multi-channel surround sound as well.

The built in space optimisation software feature allows the system to be configured for different types of loudspeaker, which ensures you always get the optimum sound quality for your speakers and listening space. It does this by having a wide range of speaker configurations to choose from, but It doesn't stop there…

LINN-PIC-1.jpg

Space optimisation has its own room builder, so you can replicate your listening environment within the easy to use Linn app. The app includes a wide range of variables and settings, such as the build of the room, wall types, windows, doors, height, depth and much more. Space optimisation has been designed to allow you to improve your entire system and get the sound tailored to your preference, no matter what speakers you have or where they are positioned in the room.

LINN-PIC-2.jpg

The Linn Selekt DSM is a modular and an upgradeable Hi-Fi system. It has the Linn family trait running through it – a design that can be completely and easily upgraded from the base model to the top spec amplifier with Katalyst DAC.

The base model includes a pre-amplifier, enabling you to connect all your sources, including turntable (MM / MC inputs). Like all Linn products there is always an upgrade option, whether that’s adding the Katalyst DAC to further enhance the sound quality or offering multi-channel surround sound or higher output amplifiers.

LINN-PIC-3.jpg

The sleek design is complete with customisable smart buttons to provide immediate access with just one touch. Accessing your favourite playlist has never been easier! Sources range from; the normal streaming services (24bit 192 Khz) from local hardrives or music , internet radio, podcasts, your turntable or Blu-Ray player. This is a fantatstic sounding all-in-one with great flexibility, brilliant design and providing an upgrade path to ensure long term enjoyment of your music collection.

But don’t take our word for it, give us a call or email us to arrange your personal demonstration - Audio T Bristol.

Linn Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Preston, Swindon

Neat Acoustics Add Something Ekstra To Their Range Of Loudspeakers.

The Neat Ekstra is an elegant 2.5 way floor standing loudspeaker incorporating an integral subwoofer and is supported on three feet.

It is available in American walnut, black oak and satin white with an option for either silver or black feet, also included are magnetic cloth grilles for the upper box section.

Neat Ekstra in Satin White

Neat Ekstra in Satin White

The design of the Neat Ekstra, uses a configuration first employed in the Ultimatum XL6 and is made up of two sealed boxes. 

The upper box houses the ribbon tweeter and bass mid driver which is attached to a sub-baffle which in turn is mounted, via a decoupling polyethylene membrane for the reduction of unwanted vibrations, to the main cabinet making this section work as a two way infinite baffle.

Neat Ekstra Upper Box inc Ribbon tweeter and Bass Mid driver

Neat Ekstra Upper Box inc Ribbon tweeter and Bass Mid driver

The lower box is ported half way down its length and terminates internally with the first of the two bass drivers facing to the floor, the second driver is immediately below in its own section. These two drivers work as a sealed iso-baric arrangement acting as an internal subwoofer system. The low-q port in the mid section is also specially tuned to enable close to the wall placement of the loudspeaker in most rooms.

Rear view showing Low-Q port and single wire speaker terminal

Rear view showing Low-Q port and single wire speaker terminal

We hooked the Neat Ekstra’s up to a Naim NDX2 network player and a Naim Supernait2 amplifier for testing purposes after a week of running in.

These are a very undemanding loudspeaker, an easy listen, whatever we played through them they rewarded us with a detailed musical presentation, never edgy, but with a sweet insightful top end and rhythmic tuneful bass, a very well balanced speaker in our view.

One of the Ekstras’s downward facing bass drivers

One of the Ekstras’s downward facing bass drivers

The Neat Ekstra offers a lot of loudspeaker for the money, the elegant lines and attention to detail in tuning make them ideal for most locations.

Ready for action, just turn up the volume

Ready for action, just turn up the volume

This may be the speaker you’ve been waiting to hear, so come along and talk to Julian, Paul and John at Audio T Brighton and we'‘ll set them up for you.

Neat Acoustic Loudspeakers are available from the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Cheltenham, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading

Audiolab 6000N Network Player Completes The 6000 Series

We are big fans of the Audiolab 6000 series components here at Audio T Brentwood. They offer amazing value and excellent sound quality for the money, but one thing that was missing in the range was an option for music streaming.

Enter the Audiolab 6000N Network Player.

6000N a.jpg

The 6000N is a deceptively simple looking box with just a power button and some preset buttons on the front.

6000n c.jpg

The back of the Audiolab 6000N is a little more “busy”.

6000n d.jpg

There are analogue and digital outputs, a network connection, although it will do wi-fi, and USB for software update and for synchronising with a Audiolab 6000A amplifier.

The Audiolab 6000N operates in conjunction with the PlayFi app from DTS and it does a great job. We had it up and running playing tracks from Tidal and from our shop music library in minutes and it sounds great! PlayFi gives the user access to many music streaming services, internet radio, and upNp. Spotify Connect is also included.

Whether from its digital or analogue outputs it sounds crisp, clean, and with lots of space and dimension to the sound. Florence and the Machine sounded full of energy, the frequency extremes of The Gate by Bjork were brilliantly handled.

This really does complete the 6000 series system alongside the Audiolab 6000A amplifier and 6000CDT CD player. We have found that the Audiolab series works particularly well with KEF Q series and Dali Oberon speakers and gives a lot of performance for the money!

6000n g.jpg

Come and have have a demonstration at Audio T Brentwood, we know you will be impressed!

Audiolab Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T: Brentwood, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Portsmouth, Southampton

Linn Selekt DSM Streaming Hi-Fi System Has Arrived At Audio T Manchester.

Not since the original Linn Classik from the nineties has there been so much excitement about a high end one box Hi-Fi system. For those of you who insist on not having multiple boxes on a hi-fi shelf the appeal is even greater, especially if the need for high quality music is a must.

We introduce the Linn Selekt DSM.

Chromey with Linn DSM-2.jpg

Designed as a lifetime product and perfect partner to the Sondek LP12, the Linn Selekt DSM has a variety of modules and upgrades to allow you to increase the joy and performance of the system over time.

It has launched with four options.

Source (to cater for the addition of CD, Record Player, Music Server)

Source with Katalyst DAC

Amplified

Amplified with Katalyst DAC.

Chromey with Linn DSM-7.jpg

Linn have also recently added a surround sound module options that add HDMI switching and either line level outputs or power amplifiers for all 5 channels of a home cinema system.

Don't be surprised to see other options available in the future

Chromey with Linn DSM-12.jpg
Chromey with Linn DSM-4.jpg

The Linn Selekt DSM has all of the usual control options, phone/tablet app, desktop app, remote control, as well as full front panel control. So if you ever find yourself without your phone and unable to find the remote, which happens to me far too regularly, then you can still get your favourite music playing.

DSM GIF.gif

The front panel controls consist of two parts, a multi function dial and six, two position, switches.

The dial primarily works as a volume control but can be pressed in 5 positions too, which allows full access to the menus of the Selekt. This mean tast you can change settings, access all inputs and even choose tracks and playlists.

Chromey with Linn DSM-9.jpg

There are even some proximity sensors which mean the screen comes to life as your hand approaches the dial.

The six switches can be programmed through the Linn Kazoo app to be quick links to playlists, tracks, inputs. When pressed half way, the screen will show you what is assigned to the button, when fully pressed it takes you where you want to go. These six switch functions are mimicked by the 6 buttons around the dial on the remote control unit.

Chromey with Linn DSM-14.jpg
Chromey with Linn DSM-13.jpg

Having listened to the unit in our demo room, we can honestly say that we were impressed at how well the Linn Selekt DSM worked with different brands of speakers. Dynaudio to Bowers and Wilkins, Neat and Acoustic Energy all worked well with the Linn.

Our unit was space optimised, which is a software feature of the Linn Selekt. This function allows for the sound to be optiimised for the listening space it is operating in, which made a big difference to the overall sound quality in our demo room. However, on that note, the space optimisation is something we will need a little more time and space to talk about. So we'll save it for another blog.

All the superlatives are there, great soundstage, 3D depth to the sound, oodles and oodles of detail.

So, as we usually advise all our customers, the proof of the pudding is in the listening, so come on over and have a talk to Mike, Munir, Dave or Haden at our Manchester store.

LInn Hi-Fi is available from the following branches of Audio T: Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Preston, Swindon

Naim Mu-So 2nd Generation Wireless Speaker System

It’s almost 5 years since the first generation of the Naim Mu-So wireless streaming speaker system arrived in our stores. It impressed all that heard its might and simultaneous finesse, and set a new benchmark for build quality, sound quality and performance from an active (amplifier built in) streaming speaker system.

P1030404.JPG

Now the bar has been raised again as we welcome the new, redesigned from the ground up, 2nd generation Naim Mu-So.

While only a few of the differences are immediately obvious such as the new grey finish and a sleeker look new grille, the Mu-So 2nd generation is packed with new features. Naim have maintained the room filling 450 watts from the original Mu-So but each of the individually amplified drivers have been improved as has the amplifier components of all 6 amplifiers that make up the Naim Mu-So.

P1030405.jpg

Once we powered up the Mu-So we immediately saw that there are new features, 15 of them in all, that have ease of access within the iconic volume dial on an intuitive, touch sensitive control panel. The new Mu-So still has Tidal, Spotify connect and internet radio, it will still play your digital music collection from your home network via UPnP or USB and will still do multi-room with other Naim streamers on your network. You can even play your music over Bluetooth but the Mu-So 2nd generation now supports Roon music player and controller, Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast so it will integrate in to a smart home effortlessly.

P1030403.JPG

You can set up favourites by using the Naim control application on any smart device on your home network and then access them by using the favourites button on the touch sensative control panel. The Mu-So also comes with a remote control for ease of use.

P1030407.JPG

Internally the cabinet volume has been increased to allow an ever deeper richer bass without making the overall size noticeably bigger which helps to maintain its unimposing visual presence in the home.

Mu-So 2nd Generation Connectivity.

Mu-So 2nd Generation Connectivity.

Physical connectivity on the 2nd generation Mu-So has been improved also by adding an HDMI socket that supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) so you can connect your TV to it which will greatly improve the sound. It also still has a 3.5mm analogue input and an optical digital input for connecting other components should you wish to do so.

P1030406.JPG

You can also tailor the sound to suit your room by using room compensation within the settings in the Naim application to optimise it to your taste and for increased performance through the volume scale there is a loudness feature as well.

Also supplied is a IR remote with all the basic functions for you to control, great if your phone or tablet is not around.

P1030415.JPG

Come along and have a listen. We look forward to playing it to you.

Ian, Gavin & Andy - Audio T Preston

Naim Audio Hi-Fi products are available from all branches of Audio T.

New Dynaudio Evoke Loudspeakers at Audio T Oxford

Dynaudio have now launched the Evoke series: This brand new, five speaker range, takes advantage of technology from their ultra-high-end Confidence models.

The sound has been optimized at Dynaudio’s, state of the art Jupiter lab. You really need to listen to them, to hear how good they sound!

Dynaudio Evoke 20. Blonde Wood

Dynaudio Evoke 20. Blonde Wood

The Cerotar tweeter is a totally new design, heavily based upon that of the money-no-object Confidence series. The Esotec+ woofers, feature improved magnets and surrounds, that improve both frequency response and low range dynamics.

Dynaudio Jupiter array

Dynaudio Jupiter array

Every single part of the speaker design has been addressed: Solid build, finish and quality, all go part and parcel, with these exceptional loudspeakers.

These new model Dynaudio Evoke speakers, in comparison to their (already fine) predecessors, have a deeper and tighter bass, with a more communicative and open treble.

Dynaudio Evoke 30. Walnut Wood

Dynaudio Evoke 30. Walnut Wood

We have the Evoke 20 standmount and Evoke 30 floorstander available for demonstration. If you would like to hear these great sounding loudspeakers, then please call in or contact us at Audio T Oxford.

The Audio Technica AT-VM95 Family. Cartridges With A Built In Upgrade Path

Audio Technica have a very long and illustrious history in the cartridge world and their little AT95e which this replaces was for years the go to entry level cartridge.

The new AT-VM95E is a completely different beast eschewing the old plastic body for a metal one with threaded inserts for the cartridge bolts.

AT1.jpg

Above is an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge. It’s £45 and probably the cheapest upgrade you could make to an old turntable.

AT5.jpg

The At-VM95E is a marked improvement sonically over the older model too with loads of detail and resolution for the money.

AT4.jpg

The fun doesn’t stop there though. With the VM95 series Audio Technica have cleverly produced a single body and a range of styli which can take this from a humble budget moving magnet cartridge to something really quite special.

The range includes Conical (C), Elliptical (E), Nude Elliptical (N), Microlinear (ML) and Shiabata (S) styli.

Each one giving a marked improvement over the previous thus forming a nice logical upgrade path, there is even a 78 stylus for all you bakelite lovers out there.

To say that we are impressed is to put it mildly, even the humble AT-VM95E sounds wonderful with old classics like Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and more recent albums like Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer alike.

AT2.jpg

We will happily fit one to your turntable, and maybe sell you some new records while we’re at it!

Thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at Audio T Brentwood soon.

Audio Technica Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Portsmouth, Southampton, Swansea

Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport & 6000A Integrated Amplifier - The Sound Of Science

Going back in time to 1983 (!) Audiolab gifted the audiophile world the rather lovely amp that was the original 8000A. It was an iconic design way ahead of its time and sound for pound was not equalled anywhere else. It also cemented Audiolab’s reputation as a maker of great sounding, well built products at affordable prices.

Thirty five (!) years on we have more lovely gifts for modern day music lovers in the shape of the new 6000 series. Here in the Cheltenham branch we have just taken delivery of the 6000CDT and the 6000A.

SDC11735.jpg
SDC11736.jpg

The 6000CDT is a dedicated compact disc transport with a slot loading mechanism designed to be robust and reliable. It uses a very clever method of reading the disc ahead and buffering it. This way it can very cleverly play scratched and damaged discs that a lot of other players would not be able to.

The 6000A is not only an amp, it also has a built in digital to analogue converter with three filter settings, four digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial). It also sports three line level inputs and a rather good phono input for turntables, a built in headphone amp and it does Bluetooth too!

SDC11737.JPG
SDC11738.JPG

Of course all of this looks great on paper but the really important bit is how they perform. Do they make sweet music or are they just another hi-fi system!? After a jolly good running in period, we connected the CDT to the A with a good quality optical cable from Audioquest and hooked up a pair of Neat Acoustics SE2 floorstanding loudspeakers.

SDC11740.JPG

We sat down with a cup of tea and some cake (as you do) to have a critical listen. First to play through the system was Everything In Its Right Place by Radiohead from the great album that is Kid A. A very dense piece of music with multi layered vocals but the Audiolab pair made it sound open and detailed with a big airy soundstage that flows way to the far left and right of the speaker cabinets. This is often a very difficult trick to pull off with this particularly wonderful piece of Radiohead weirdness!

radiohead.jpg

Next we played the title track from Bright Size Life by Pat Metheny. Always a good tester for revealing how good a system is at with all that pitch and timing stuff. Once again they passed with flying colours! Jaco Pastorius sounding soooooooo delicate and nimble amongst Pat Metheny’s guitar cascades. I only intended playing the one track but this system was sounding so good that the whole album passed by really quickly and sounded gorgeous.

bright size.jpg

After that I fancied something a little different and alighted on the title track of an album called Fossil Scale by Georgia Ruth. Georgia is one of that new breed of folkies who is not afraid to mix in a bit of modern electronicness and distorty guitar to her sound. The track Fossil Scale features a delicate soaring vocal performance with a fascinating and floaty bass line that at times really plumbs the lower depths (you should look her up …she’s good!).

The Audiolab combination was both fast and bulbous (thanks Don) and in combination with the Neat speakers really laid bare the mix and presented the music in a big and open soundstage.

This is one of those combinations that brings true meaning to that phrase “system synergy” It can cope with whatever you play through it and is superbly detailed in its presentation bringing out lots of subtle nuances in the music that you would normally only expect from much more expensive systems.

For what it costs this is one of those set ups that you just have to audition. It will really surprise you and have you going through your music collection so you can hear all those details revealed that you never even knew were there!

For the boring techy stuff it’s probably a good idea to have a look on the Audiolab website……. for the fun stuff come to us at Audio T Cheltenham. There may even be some cake left!

georgia.jpg

Buy this album now …..its wonderful!

Audiolab Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Portsmouth, Southampton

Neat Acoustics loudspeakers are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brighton, Cheltenham, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading

Three Into One Does Go! The All New Audio Note (UK) TT3 Turntable

It seems as though a new turntable is launched every day such is the plethora of new decks hitting the marketplace. Many are true Goliath’s, incredibly sophisticated designs made of the most exotic materials costing ever more outlandish sums of money and many more are clearly ‘wannabes’ cashing in on a buoyant market.

Audio Note TT3, Arm3, PSU3 & iO Gold

Audio Note TT3, Arm3, PSU3 & iO Gold

First announced more than four years ago, Audio Note (UK) started work on what would be their first in-house all newly designed ‘affordable’ turntable. Many of the design principles have been taken from their ultimate deck, the Reference but as with all good engineering projects, simplified; thus proving the original concept to be sound.

Finally after many supplier set-backs and delays the final result, the TT3 is with us and oh boy was it worth the wait?

Outwardly the deck looks very simple; a solid plinth on top of which are mounted not one, or even two, but three motors! These turn a lightweight acrylic platter by means of a flat belt around its circumference, each of the three high torque AC motors being mounted equidistant from each other. Within the gaps between each motor is the suspended sub-chassis that is ‘Y’ shaped; one leg of which is mounted the arm and the other two terminates with a weight the mass of which is exactly that of the former. This sub-chassis is suspended buy means of three ‘Pram’ springs mounted on hidden turrets beneath the sub-chassis each of which is adjustable for levelling but no ‘tuning’ is needed as the weight is evenly distributed.

IMG_1555.jpg
IMG_1561.jpg
Suspension Turret

Suspension Turret

Power is provided by one of three external power supply options PSU1, 2 & 3, each more sophisticated, accurate and costly than its predecessor; all have switchable 33 & 45.

IMG_1613 (1).jpg

Unlike the vast majority of turntable designs that feature ever more massive platters that rely on the flywheel effect to keep the rotational speed at a constant, the TT3’s platter is intentionally light to reduce the flywheel effect to the minimum. The overriding principal here is total control of the platter’s rotation via high torque motors and a highly accurate power supply governing them. This may seem at first an easy task but in practice is anything but, as the motors must be very finely toleranced and the power supply equally so or the motors will oscillate with disastrous results.

With this arrangement the platter’s equivalent mass is many times greater but without the potential over-shoot associated with the flywheel effect.

First listen immediately confirms that they have got it right such is the absolute solidity of the presentation. There are very few decks at any price that can produce such incredible pitch accuracy in my experience let alone in such a compact and easy to live with design.

IMG_1611.jpg

From such an impressive foundation every other element of the sound reproduction sits. Pitch and timing are flawless as is the pace. Weight of sound when called for is in abundance, which is especially necessary for large scale orchestral work or rock music, yet the most delicate of sounds are easily rendered, such are the dynamics on offer. Sound-staging is rock solid too.

IMG_1564.jpg

When asked by Audio Note (UK) MD ‘ how does it sound’ I replied ‘I can’t hear it’ which is the best compliment I can think of as the TT3 just allows you to be immersed in the music

One of only two in the U.K. at present, the TT3 is now available for demo with either PSU1 or PSU3.

£5950-£10450 excl. arm & cartridge

Audio Note arms from £806

Audio Note cartridges from £380

Come on in and have a listen at Audio T Reading.

solidsteel SS-6Raw - A Stand That Won't Join the Band!

If you are looking for an upgrade to your existing stand mount speakers then the solidsteel speaker stand range is definitely worth a demonstration.

solidsteel Raw

solidsteel Raw

KEF LS50 SS-6Raw

KEF LS50 SS-6Raw

We have recently taken on solidsteel in our show room and are blown away by the performance and style of the SS-6. There is no doubt that this is an upgrade to what your speaker can already offer.

Available in white, black or the very pretty raw finish the SS-6 is simple yet elegant with its tripod style design. They just create the perfect base to extract the very last bit of detail from the speakers.

IMG_0682.JPG

SolidSteel are an Italian Hi-Fi furniture manufacturer whose mission statement is “to serve music and nothing else.” With 29 years of providing excellent home audio furniture solutions this experience really shows through with the performance of the SS-6 speaker stands.

SS-6 top plate and bearing isolation

SS-6 top plate and bearing isolation

What to expect? Well………You have not heard your speakers sound this good, whether you are driving £200 loudspeakers or £2000 loudspeakers the SS-6 stands will undoubtedly improve the performance. Bass tightens up, soundstage widens and the overall transparency of the speakers increases. You are no longer listening to your speakers but being immersed in sound and the music just flows.

As our tag line states, “the stand won’t join the band”.

Available in 3 different heights, 50cm, 60cm and 70cm and 3 finishes, black, white and the raw (displayed in the these pictures).

solidsteel HiFi furniture is available in the following Audio T shops, Brentwood, Bristol, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Preston, Southampton, Swindon, Swansea and Cardiff.

New Dynaudio Evoke Range Is Available At Audio T Brighton

The innovative and very attractive new Evoke loudspeaker range from Dynaudio sound great and are making friends here at Audio T Brighton. Their modest and stylish proportions offer a big room filling sound and these desirable and very capable speakers could grace any home.

There are two stand mount models, the compact Evoke 10 for smaller spaces and larger Evoke 20 for any room, which are complemented by the compact floor standing Evoke 30 and larger floor standing Evoke 50 which are both suited to medium to large rooms, along with a centre channel speaker, the Evoke 25C for home cinema systems.

Dynaudio have developed new drive units for this range and the result is refinement, substance and life in the music.

Dynaudio Evoke 10

Dynaudio Evoke 10

We currently have the Evoke 10 in walnut and the Evoke 30 in blonde wood on demonstration, the Evoke 20 and Evoke 50 are now here as well.

Available in high gloss black or white, and walnut or blonde wood.

Do come and have a listen at Audio T Brighton with Julian, Paul and John.

Ring 01273 609431 or email brighton@audio-t.co.uk

Dynaudio loudspeakers are available from the following Audio T *stores:

BrightonBristolCheltenhamManchesterOnlineOxfordPortsmouthPrestonReadingSouthamptonSwanseaSwindon

*Please call ahead to check availability.

Preston Welcomes Linn Products And The New Linn Selekt DSM Music System

Here at Preston we are proud to welcome thw world reknowned Linn Products brand to our branch with their newest product, the Selekt DSM streamer.

top inc rem.JPG

There are four different versions of the Selekt DSM available, starting with a dedicated streamer to an all in one which incorporates their Katalyst DAC. We have in store and ready for demonstration the Selekt DSM streamer including amplifier which is a delight to operate as much as it is to listen to.

rear spk.JPG

The digital inputs give you two optical, two coaxial, a USB and HDMI for all your digital connection needs. The Selekt DSM range are music streamers, which gives you access to any music that you have stored on your home network via UPNP up to 24 bit 192khz high resolution and any of the thousands of internet radio stations from anywhere in the world using Tune-in radio.

P1030378.JPG

It also has Tidal and Qobuz lossless music streaming *services (*subscription required) built in, all of which can be selected and controlled by using the Linn control app that is available for your Apple and Android smart device which you can download from the app store.

Linn control app.

Linn control app.

Within the set up procedure Linn use a very useful tool called Space optimisation, which is part of the Linn set up software that is installed from the their website onto a PC or laptop.

Main volume control

Main volume control

The Linn Selekt DSM software gives you the opportunity to input your listening room dimensions as well as features in the room to optimise the sound quality for your room. In this set up you can choose from a seemingly endless list of speaker manufacturers and models enabling you to get the very best sound from this system in almost any domestic setting.

Ir remote

Ir remote

Come on in and have a listen. We look forward to demonstrating it to you.

Ian, Gavin & Andy - Audio T Preston.

Linn Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Preston, Swindon

Linn Selekt DSM Upgradeble Music System Now Available At Audio T Swindon

The new Linn Selekt DSM audio system has arrived here at Audio T Swindon. This system is modular and can be upgraded to your own taste and functionality. The Linn Select DSM can be either a source component that you add to an existing Hi-Fi system or with integrated amplifiers and a DAC to create a single box music system. All you need to do is add a pair of loudspeakers and your done.

The Selekt DSM is very compact and well built and when you switch it on you’re greeted by the illuminated control button on the top of the unit.

The Linn Selekt DSM supports four stereo and four surround sound configurations ( 5.1 ) which you can choose from.

IMG_4608.jpg
IMG_4609.JPG

Our Selekt DSM comes fitted with Katalyst DAC and stereo integrated amplifiers. This system features network music streaming including popular streaming services like Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and will play your CD rips from a NAS or dedicated music server such as Innuos. Built in Internet Radio allows you to connect to thousands of web based radio stations.

Linn Selekt DSM with six customisable buttons

Linn Selekt DSM with six customisable buttons

There are ten digital and analogue inputs on the back, including one HDMI ARC (TV) socket and one USB-B input for connecting to a computer. The built in phonostage can take both, moving magnet and moving coil cartridges for turntables.

Linn Selekt DSM connectivity

Linn Selekt DSM connectivity

Set up is very easy. The Linn Selekt DSM can be configured via the Linn Konfig app (MAC or Windows) and controlled via the Linn Kazoo app ( available for iOS and Android ). Six customisable buttons on the front panel can be assigned a task like a radio station, a song, a playlist or a shortcut to an input. It supports formats up to 24Bit/192kHz high resolution.

IMG_4624.PNG

Linn have added their latest version of its Space Optimisation Room Equalization software. This is very clever and allows you to add details like the dimensions of your room including doors, windows, ceiling height, the construction type of your rooms walls and more. Add your pair of speakers BRAND AND MODEL) and the system optimises the sound for your room to improve sound quality.

We absolutely love it and we think you will, too.

Please come in to have a listen and will provide tea and coffee.

Linn Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:

Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Oxford, Preston, Swindon

Melody Maker Marantz M-CR612 Arrives At Audio T Enfield

We’ve just taken delivery of the new Marantz M-CR612, better known as Melody X. This has now replaced the M-CR-611, which was a similar device, but boy is this 612 better!

20190509_132234.jpg

The features on offer are varied and cover almost every aspect of streaming, CD replay and radio listening. The new device now features Apple AirPlay 2, together with Bluetooth capability. DAB/FM is also featured, along side internet radio, so you can listen to a wide range radio stations. The remote handset is supplied as pictured, but the unit can also be operated via an app for Apple and Android for added convenience.

Plenty of Connectivity here!

Plenty of Connectivity here!

Around the back, we have speakers connections A & B. These can be set to play music in more than one room, so you can pump things up in the main room, whilst listening at a lower level in the second room. We also find 2 optical inputs which are handy for both TV and games machines and a spare analogue input for connection to external devices such as a phono stage for use with a turntable. One other feature which merits special mention is the ability to form part of a Heos multi-room network to connect with other players that are suitably equipped to run music throughout your home. As expected, this new product also has Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri and will integrate with those products to control volume and input selection.

In action in our demo room

In action in our demo room

Here we have the Marantz M-CR612 connected to a pair of Dali Spektor 1’s a very neat and accomplished system making great music!

Come along to our store for a demo and do feel free to bring along some of your favourite music!

Marantz Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon

DALI Loudspeakers are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Cardiff, Online, Swindon

The Amazing New Ruark R5 Compact Hi-Fi System

As a company, Ruark found fame by making rather nifty loudspeakers during the 1980’s, 90’s and part of the noughties. Since 2006 they have been pouring their considerable talents into designing and building some of the best compact audio lifestyle products on the market today!

The newest of these is the R5. Ruark call it a High Fidelity Music System.

SDC11724.JPG

Now you might think that their description may be stretching the truth a little and you’d be forgiven for thinking this upon first seeing it in the flesh as it is pretty small. Listening is another matter though! It has a lush sound with oodles of detail. This is partly down to the secret weapon lodged on the underneath…….an active sub woofer. This gives a the system a much deeper and more realistic sound than is usually associated with such systems.

SDC11731.JPG

You can wirelessly stream music, play from a phone via high quality Bluetooth, play from one of the squillions if internet radio stations, plug in a turntable using its built in phono stage or even play one of those old fashioned CD things!! Support for streaming music services such as Spotify, Tidal and Deezer is built in and there are also spare analogue and digital inputs meaning you can enjoy a multitude of other devices and also upgrade the sound from your TV too!

SDC11730.JPG

Ruark have not skimped on the styling either. There is certain retro chic going on here with the sleek curvy hand crafted cabinet and the fabric grille……all very cool and all very perfect for the music and design enthusiast alike.

SDC11725.JPG

We love it and we think you will too. The Ruark R5 is available in Walnut or Soft Grey finishes and is on permanent demonstration here in the Cheltenham shop and you are welcome to come in and have a play.

Tea and coffee are available!

Ruark Audio Hi-Fi products are available at the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea

Audio T Southampton Film Night 30th May Featuring The Matrix in 4K UHD

We are delighted to announce that, following detailed discussions (and restraining John), we have decided the movie to be screened at our forthcoming Film Night will be The Matrix.

audiot0149_Matrix-film-night-A4.jpg

Newly remastered in 4K with Dolby Atmos soundtrack we are sure this classic movie will be ideal to showcase the performance of the top notch home cinema system we are putting together with some of our key suppliers.

Pioneer’s flagship UDP-LX800 will spin the discs.

Arcam will provide their AV860 processor and multiple power amplifiers.

KEF are supplying an £11000 R series speaker package.

REL will rock the foundations with a dual subwoofer system.

A top quality 4K projector will supply the images.

The entire system will be wired throughout with Chord Company cables.

This £60,000 AV system is designed to thrill, so do give yourself a treat and come along to The Stables at The White Horse Hotel, Romsey at 7pm on Thursday 30th May. We know you won’t be disappointed!

Free car parking is available in Lortemore Place just off Latimer Street, SO51 8DF, directly behind the hotel.

Here’s a link for free tickets. They aren’t essential but useful for us to gauge numbers.

A FREE to enter prize draw for attendees provides further temptation with the chance to win a £399 Arcam rPhono MC/MM phono stage, £200 Chord Shawline Power cable or a £180 KEF Muo Bluetooth speaker!

Representatives from most participating manufacturers will be on hand, along with ourselves, to answer questions and offer advice at Movie Night.

We look forward to seeing you all at The White Horse Hotel, Romsey on 30th May.

Alan, John and Wayne - Audio T Southampton (Chandlers Ford).

The New Ruark R5 Streaming Music System Buzzes In To Manchester.

Say hello to the brand new R5 from Ruark, officially the bigger brother of the ever popular R4, but with the design queues from the top of the range R7, in fact the R5 is like a scaled down version of this Ruark range topper.

Chromey with Ruark R5-2.jpg

The new fabric exterior makes the Ruark R5 look really classy, and with the smooth, slick CD loader and an OLED display the unit offers a discreetly high-tech look, balanced with the furniture grade rich walnut veneered cabinet and soft grey anodised metal-work, result in a minimalist, yet practical design.

Chromey with Ruark R5-12.jpg

To operate and control the R5 it could not be simpler. Fitted atop the cabinet is Ruark's trademark controller, the RotoDial, this ergonomically designed control offers instant operation of the main functions, and with the simplest press of a couple of buttons, some of the more advanced features too.

The RotoDial is completely copied with the supplied remote commander, so all features can be controlled from the comfort and convenience of your favourite arm chair. But there is more; the recently developed Ruark 'LINK' control app, allows you to take full command of the unit via your smart phone or tablet. Through this app, you can link other Ruark WiFi compatible units, and create a whole house Ruark wireless system...

Chromey with Ruark R5-3.jpg

Connection Heaven is how Ruark describe the R5, and that is no lie or exaggeration.

Chromey with Ruark R5-11.jpg

It starts with a traditional CD player, one offering multi-format support. All three radio systems are incorporated, conventional FM, DAB+ Digital, and internet radio. The R5 boasts a Bluetooth wireless connection, for playing music from all your favourite devices; featuring the latest high specification aptX HD receiver. In addition, both analogue (a separate RCA line input, with separate RCA Phono input) and digital (via optical toslink connection) hard wired inputs are provided. Full wireless music streaming from U-PNP devices; and as mentioned, fully multi room ready. You can also play your favourite tunes from Spotify Connect, with support for Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music services.

Chromey with Ruark R5-8.jpg

Inside the R5's electronics it has a high capacity linear power supply and utilises genuine Hi-Fi grade Class AB power amplifiers, driving the main left and right channel high quality full range speakers. These larger drive units, compared to the smaller R4, are combined with a low frequency bass driver mounted underneath the unit to help give the R5 a truly rich sound, much bigger than the elegant, compact case would suggest. Room filling sound within even a large room, distortion free and with ease.

Chromey with Ruark R5-7.jpg

The base unit and reflex port underneath the R5.

Chromey with Ruark R5-5.jpg

The heat sinks on the class A-B amplifier.

Chromey with Ruark R5-4.jpg

The Ruark R5 in on display and available for demonstration at our Manchester store.

Come along and ask for a demo. Munir, Mike, Macarena,Dave and Haden should be there to help

See you at the store.

.

Ruark Audio Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T:
Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Online, Oxford, Portsmouth, Preston, Southampton, Swansea

Dali Oberon Loudspeakers Now Available At Audio T Swindon

We have taken delivery of the first two speakers of Dali’s Oberon loudspeaker range. Dali, Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, are a company with more than 35 years of experience and we can’t wait to have a listen to them!

The Oberon range comprises of two pairs of standmount speakers, two pairs of floorstanding speakers, a pair of on-wall models and a centre speaker. The speakers we would like to show you are the Oberon 5 floorstanding speakers and the Oberon Vokal centre speaker.

The Dali Oberon Series is available in four finishes : Black Ash, White, Dark Walnut and Light Oak. The new grills are either Mountain Grey supplied with the light finishes or Shadow Black supplied with the dark finishes. Marshmallow White is available is an extra cost.

Our speakers have arrived in Light Oak and we have to admit that they look really nice .

Dali Oberon 5 Floorstanders and Oberon Vokal Centre Loudspeaker with Grills

Dali Oberon 5 Floorstanders and Oberon Vokal Centre Loudspeaker with Grills

Dali Oberon 5 and Oberon Vokal without Grills

Dali Oberon 5 and Oberon Vokal without Grills

The Oberon 5’s are 83cm high, 16cm wide and 28cm deep. Like all Dali speakers, the Oberon 5’s fire straight ahead (not angled in towards the listening position) due to the soft dome tweeter’s wide dispersion. The two bass/mid woofers wood-fibre cones take over the mid-range and bass frequencies.

Here are a few photos of the Oberon 5. Stunning wood finish

Dali Oberon 5

Dali Oberon 5

Dali Oberon 5

Dali Oberon 5

Dali Oberon 5

Dali Oberon 5

The Oberon Vokal centre speaker is an ideal partner for the surround sound system and blends in nicely with it’s soft dome tweeter and two wood fibre cone woofers.

Dali Oberon Vokal without grill

Dali Oberon Vokal without grill

Dali Oberon Vokal with grill

Dali Oberon Vokal with grill

IMG_4557.jpg

The Dali Oberon 5 and Oberon Vokal offer a very nice balanced front soundstage when used together in a surround sound system, just add Oberon1, Oberon3 or even Oberon On-Wall as your surround channels.

We listen to all sorts of music and the Oberon 5’s sound fast, detailed, sharp without being bright. A great allrounder.

Please come in for a listen . Coffee and tea will be provided.

Stefan & Andy

Dali loudspeakers are available from the following branches of Audio T :

Brentwood, Cardiff , Online , Swindon