Bringing The Stage To Life: Three Speakers That You Must Listen To

/ Audio T Southampton/

Here at Audio T Southampton we’ve had the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of systems and speakers — from the exceptionally large to the most petite and compact, not to mention everything in between. For this month’s blog, we’ve reflected on those experiences and, despite how difficult it was, each of us has chosen one standout speaker that we personally believe to be simply phenomenal — a must-hear.

So, let’s dive in…

Beauty is in the eye (or ear) of the beholder

As we all know, speakers are a key component in any hi-fi system, and choosing the right pair can be a daunting task. That’s why at Audio T, we offer both in-store and home demonstrations, allowing you to try before you buy and compare different options. But unlike this blog, it’s not just about how good they sound; your room size and interior style also need to be taken into account when making a decision.

The speakers featured here may not be to everyone’s taste (or within everyone’s budget), but each one is exceptional in its own way — whether that’s the level of bass and control on offer, their crystal-clear detail, or even their striking looks.

Tiago’s Top Pick

If you’ve met me, it will come as no shock that I am a huge fan of rock and metal music, but I also stray into more unconventional territory with bands like Wardruna and Faun, who mix electronic and alternative whilst drawing on the traditional music of their homelands of Norway and Germany respectively.

One thing these bands all have in common is a deep appreciation for bass — whether it’s punchy drum beats or booming low notes. These low-end frequencies can be difficult to reproduce, especially when they come as a constant drone or heavy thump. Fortunately, there’s one pair of speakers that blew me away the moment I heard them: the fantastic Harbeth NLE-3 Digital stand-mounted speakers.

(image courtesy of Harbeth audio ltd. price £22,950)

The First Experience

The first time I heard these monsters was during the Bristol Hi-Fi Show in 2024. Stepping into one of Harbeth’s rooms, I didn’t know what to expect. The lights were dimmed, there were plenty of chairs to sit in, and I spotted more than a few valve amplifiers. But as soon as I sat down and closed my eyes, the sound hit me — and I wasn’t prepared in the slightest. Soft, detailed highs and clear, powerful vocals filled the room, underpinned by a low, rolling bass note in the background. Paired with Harbeth’s signature warm and nuanced presentation, I was in awe.

Plenty of tracks were played, and every single one sounded outstanding from the first second to the last. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay longer and had to get back to work — but that experience fundamentally changed my perception of what speakers can do. Yes, the speakers were huge, but the moment the music began, they completely disappeared.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend giving them a proper listen.

Wayne’s Top Choice

After over seven years working in the hi-fi industry, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to some of the best speakers money can buy — but none have impressed me quite as much as the ATC SCM50ASL speakers. While they may not be the most expensive or widely celebrated speakers in the world, I quickly fell in love with their presentation and engaging sound.

I listen to all kinds of music, but I generally gravitate towards anything with guitars. And the SCM50 honestly shocked me. Not only are they more than capable of handling even the most demanding tracks, but they also create a dynamic soundstage brimming with detail and warmth.

First Experience

The first time I heard the ATC SCM50ASLs was during a customer installation. I was immediately taken aback by their size — I hadn’t expected them to be quite so large — but their scale and weight weren’t a drawback at all. They had a lovely presence in the room, and even today, their distinctive retro styling still holds real charm. But what truly stood out was the sound.

Paired with a Chord Electronics CPA 300 preamp and a Linn Sondek LP12 fitted with a Troika cartridge, these speakers really sang. They filled the space with a beautifully warm, immersive sound, and I found myself wishing I could stay just a bit longer to enjoy it.

Since then, I’ve finally managed to get a pair into our store — and they perform every bit as well as they did back then, if not better. Out of all the amazing speakers I’ve ever listened to, these are easily among the best when it comes to balancing performance, price, and presence.

Nick’s Choice

I’ve been involved in the hi-fi world as a consumer for many many years, which has given me the opportunity to hear a huge range of systems and speakers. Choosing just one standout speaker was no easy task — but after much deliberation, I’ve decided on the Dynaudio Confidence 50. Despite their slim but towering design, these speakers simply disappeared into the room when playing. Smooth and detailed, yet with enough bass to keep things engaging, they were nothing short of extraordinary.

First Experience

The first time I listened to these speakers was in-store at Southampton — and I can’t overstate how large they really are. I’m fairly tall myself, but these were nearly eye level! Still, I wasn’t expecting them to perform quite as brilliantly as they did.

At first glance, they seemed far too big for our demo room. They were being driven by a Chord Electronics Ultima 6 power amp, a Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 preamp, and an Auralic Vega G2.1 streaming preamp. But the moment the first note hit, I knew we were in for something special. They filled our fairly modest demo room with ease — but crucially, they never overwhelmed the space. In fact, they offered an impressive sense of stage and depth, reproducing every note with clarity and poise. Each instrument was clearly defined and beautifully placed, while the vocals were simply divine.

They were genuinely remarkable, and I’d highly recommend giving them a proper listen if you get the chance.

Wrapping Up

And that brings us to the end of this month’s blog! It’s always a challenge to narrow down to just one favourite speaker each — especially when we’re surrounded by so many incredible options on a daily basis — but we hope our choices have sparked some interest and curiosity.

Of course, as with all things hi-fi, personal preference plays a huge role. Don’t just take our word for it — the best way to know if a speaker is right for you is to come and hear it for yourself. Whether it’s the detail and dynamics of the Harbeth NLE-3, the punch and presence of the ATC SCM50ASL, or the sheer scale and refinement of the Dynaudio Confidence 50, each of these models offers something truly special.

If any of the speakers have caught your attention, we’d be delighted to arrange a demonstration — either in our store or, where possible, in the comfort of your own home. Just get in touch with us here at Audio T Southampton, and we’ll be happy to find a date and time that works for you.

Until next time — happy listening!

Thanks for reading

Wayne, Tiago & Nick - Audio T Southampton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Harbeth can be found at the following Audio T stores

ATC Loudspeakers can be found at the following Audio T stores

Dynaudio can be found at the following Audio T stores

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

Staff System Upgrade: The REL T/7x Sub-Bass System

/ Audio T Swansea/

Working in the big-person toyshop as we do, it’s all too easy to have our heads turned by the latest shiny thing – and this big person frequently does. My second system (the one in my kitchen-diner) is the one that sees the most music played through it at home. My primary system is usually reserved for films, gritty crime series, and sport. No coincidence, then, that I’m always quietly on the lookout for a performance improvement for the kitchen setup.

TYPICALLY ARTY SHOT OF A rel t/7x, showing of how very shiny it is. YOU DIDN’Y REALLY EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE, DID YOU?

As space is at a premium, I’ve got a Bluesound Powernode amp/streamer tucked away on top of the fridge-freezer, and a pair of Bowers & Wilkins 707 compact loudspeakers perched on top of the kitchen cupboards, isolated with IsoAcoustic Orea Bronze isolation pucks.

The source components of my system. Bluesound powernode and the rel arrow signal sender unit

This setup was perfectly enjoyable, but I felt it sounded somewhat anaemic and lacking in scale, so I added a REL T/7i subwoofer to support the lower octaves. The result was a very worthwhile improvement, but I could hear the T/7i struggling to load the room effectively—what with the double French windows and the single Welsh (?) window eating most of the available bass.

BOWERS AND WILKINS 707 S3’S ON THEIR DEDICATED STANDS. COULDN’T GET A GOOD PHOTO OF THEM IN-SITU SO HAD TO REVERT TO STOCK. THEY ARE VERY LOVELY.

I’ve always fancied running a second subwoofer in my home cinema system (typically, we use the second REL to support the centre speaker, having set the centre channel to full-range in the AV processor), ever since I heard one in a demo at REL’s HQ in sunny Bridgend, South Wales. I’ve convinced many customers to do the same and have installed plenty of centre-channel-supporting REL’s in my career, but I’ve never quite managed to get round to installing one at home. The mechanic’s car and all that, I suppose. More on that in a later blog…

Favourable circumstances led me to acquire a shiny new REL T/7x. The latest REL T-Series are now much more like a miniaturised S Series, rather than simply a beefed-up T/5–7–9i, and they’re rather more premium than before. The T/7x features a front-firing 250mm long-throw active driver, powered by a 200W Class AB amplifier. The familiar Neutrik speaker-level connector remains alongside the regular line-level inputs and the clever wireless “Arrow” system input. A downward-firing passive radiator (in this case, a 200mm long-throw unit) is installed in its base. T/x Series cabinets are no longer equal-sided cubes; they’ve been given a more discreet look, helped by those radiused corners that seem to appear on just about everything these days. It isn’t just decorative—we’re reliably informed that the cabinets are now stiffer, and although they look smaller, internal volumes have been slightly enlarged compared to previous models.

AN EVEN ARTSIER IMAGE OF A REL T7X WITH the rel ARROW SIGNAL RECEIVER PEEKING OVER ITS BACK.

The new three-strong Serie T/x range represents a fresh starting point for subwoofer experts REL, and the Serie T/7x (sitting between the T/9x and T/5x) hits something of a sweet spot: a good balance between price and performance that made it the right choice for me. Mine nestles out of sight, between the shoe cupboard and the cat’s basket. Don’t fret—she never uses it when I’m playing music, curiously enough.

THAT REL ARROW V3 WIRELESS KIT IN ALL ITS GLORY. AN ABSOLUTE DODDLE TO SET UP AND USE, even with multiple units. one of my customers has three wireless rels running in his astonishing home theatre..

A subwoofer in an audio setting has to balance bass depth, speed, and integration with the rest of the loudspeaker sound. This differs from the requirements of a traditional home cinema setup, where the subwoofer is considered a channel in its own right, rather than a reinforcement of a pair of speakers. REL subwoofers are designed to do both. Typically, a REL unit will deliver the LFE channel while also providing bass support for the front left and right speakers—freeing the processor from the task of apportioning bass away from those speakers and to the sub. The result? More bass detail and a sensation of “freeing up” the soundstage. It’s one more veil removed from between the audience and the original soundtrack.

Set-up remains the same as with the T/7i. You can either use the Speakon cable and high-level input—wiring the cables to the left and right positive terminals and a single negative terminal on your amplifier—or, as in my case, use REL’s proprietary Arrow wireless system. It connects to the amplifier in the same way as the Speakon 3-cable method, but uses a very short cable that attaches to a sender unit. This unit pairs with its receiving mate, which is bolted to the subwoofer via a 9-pin plug. I’m happy to report the pairing process is a doddle. Play a simple vocal recording with the T/7x’s gain and crossover controls initially set too high, then dial them down until the sub is just past the point of audibility. Confirm everything’s working with a track featuring a good bass player—‘We Supply’ by Stanley Clarke, perhaps?

THE CLASSIC REL SPEAKON CONNECTION, AMPLIFIER END. NOTE THE TWO POSITIVE SIGNALS WITH ONLY ONE RETURN (NEGATIVE) REQUIRED. THE FULL-BANDWIDTH SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE AMPLIFIER IS SAMPLED AND SUMMED INTO A MONO SIGNAL THAT THE SUBWOOFER CAN REPRODUCE.

Get it right in audio, and it’s like you’ve given the main speakers the freedom to be themselves—opening out the soundstage, offering better midrange clarity, and focusing the sound more tightly and accurately. You’ll know, because your body will instinctively start shaking various parts of itself in time with the rhythm. Get it wrong, and you end up with a speaker that slows the music and booms along with the song, undermining everything that made your system sound good in the first place. Happily, REL has always batted well above average when it comes to making a subwoofer that integrates beautifully into a domestic audio system.

After setup, I played music as normal—although if I favoured a bit of Reggae Dancehall and M’darlinghoneybunny’s workout playlist while stir-frying our dinners, I’m sure you’ll forgive me. A week later, I put my technician’s head back on, turned the T/7x down a notch or two, and voilà! What the T/7x does is introduce a bit of extra speed and a lot of solidity to the bass—the sort of performance you’d normally expect from more upmarket models in the range. Weight is a tricky subject, because the Serie T/7x doesn’t make a small speaker seem simply ‘weightier’, but instead ‘bigger’—and, more importantly, ‘better’—across the midrange, and much, much more satisfying.

honestly, it’ll scare the living daylights out of you. heaven knows what she’s getting up to to this.

‘Hypermusic’ by Björk is appropriately room-filling, Yo-Yo Ma’s Soul of the Tango album is impossible to stay still to, and ‘Gunfinger’ by IRAH feat. Chase & Status (courtesy of the aforementioned workout playlist) is absolutely terrifying.

Compared to my previous REL T/7i, the new T/7x offers both more substance and form, with less intrusion into the sound of the speakers. The speed of the Serie T/7x is its standout feature. Few subwoofers deliver both bass depth and bass speed like this one does—especially at anything close to this price—and for that alone, it deserves very high praise. It means the T/7x can keep up with fast musical transients played through equally fast and reactive loudspeakers, like my 707s. Add in the kind of depth that can fill out floorstanders in this category, and it becomes an exciting addition to our audio armoury.

Thanks, Rob! (You know who you are.)

Thanks for reading.

Words by Adrian, images by Nic, tea by Andy at Audio T Swansea

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

What to give the Linn LP12 that has everything? The Brand New Bedrok™ Plinth Upgrade

/

The Linn LP12 must surely be the most iconic high-end turntable in the world. With over fifty years in production, everything — other than its appearance — has been improved or changed over time. The one exception, however, was the plinth. This had only undergone a couple of manufacturing tweaks (internal bracing to help it retain its shape, and internal grooves for easier cable dressing). That has now changed. Introducing…

Bedrok™

The Bedrok is Linn’s first performance plinth upgrade. It follows the same philosophy — and is almost identical in design — to the Bedrok plinth used on the £50,000 LP12 50th Anniversary model. It is now available as an upgrade for existing Linn owners, although numbers are strictly limited.

Construction

Right-angled layers of beech ply are impregnated with resin before being formed under extreme pressure and heat. This creates an ultra-dense billet (more than twice as heavy as the standard plinth), which can then be machined in much the same way as aluminium. The aim is to create a plinth that is non-resonant, offering superior acoustic isolation and damping any external vibrations that could negatively impact performance. The philosophy behind using a dense, inert plinth is simple: because everything is mounted to it, every other part is affected — stability, mass, and vibration included.

In terms of turntable assembly, there are now machine inserts (rather than pilot holes for wood screws), the top plate is pre-fitted, and the wiring strap is no longer necessary. The underside is a thing of beauty — it’s a shame so few owners will ever get to see it.

BeDROK UNDERSIDE

So how does it sound?

The Bedrok was fitted to our customer’s Klimax-spec Linn turntable. We listened to the system both before and after the upgrade to gauge the difference:

First, we played the title track from Jerusalem by Alpha Blondy and the Wailers. From the moment the music started, the noise floor was completely absent — it was as if the music emerged from a pitch-black void, with absolute clarity. The soundstage felt incredibly expansive, as if the instruments were coming from beyond the speakers. Detail retrieval was nothing short of breathtaking, with every nuance and texture in the music standing out with impressive precision.

The bass, in particular, was remarkable: it had an incredible depth and attack that was both powerful and beautiful. The separation between different bass lines was effortless, making it easy to follow everything that was happening, all at once, without any loss of definition or clarity.

Next, we moved on to Western Stars by Bruce Springsteen. The improvement in clarity and timing with the Bedrok was immediately noticeable. The music flowed more smoothly, and the ability to follow more complex passages was greatly enhanced. Bruce’s vocals, in particular, were clearer, with every word coming through with greater precision. It felt as though the album was from a better pressing altogether — more open, more detailed, and more immersive.

Conclusion 

While the Bedrok is by no means a cheap upgrade, it represents a significant step forward in performance for any existing LP12. The improvement is immediately noticeable, with enhanced pace, more powerful and controlled bass, and a level of resolution that brings every detail to life. The overall presentation is more dynamic, with an added sense of energy and precision that lifts the music in ways that are hard to ignore. What’s remarkable is that, despite these improvements, the Bedrok still retains that unmistakable Linn character — the essence of what makes the LP12 so beloved by music enthusiasts. It’s just better, with a newfound depth and musicality that elevates the listening experience without ever losing the signature warmth and smoothness that defines the LP12.

For anyone seeking the absolute pinnacle of LP12 performance, the Bedrok is a must-have. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a transformation. Whether you’re a long-time LP12 owner or someone looking to make the most of your turntable, this upgrade brings you closer to the ultimate musical experience that Linn is known for. If you’re after the finest details, the most precise soundstage, and the most accurate portrayal of your records, the Bedrok is an essential addition.

Thanks for reading

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to contact us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Linn can be found at the following Audio T stores

Hi-Fi Heaven Starts Here: Rega Naia at Audio T Cheltenham

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

The Rega Naia turntable has been around for about 18 months now, so I thought it was high time I gave the Audio T Blogworld a gentle reminder of just how wonderful it is—and why it deserves pride of place right at the very tippy-top of your luxury wish list.

WHEELS OF ÖMON

The Secret To Hi-Fi Heaven

The secret to hi-fi heaven is making sure you’ve got the best source material possible—and by now the whole world surely knows that one of those is vinyl. Personally, I’m of the view that the Rega Naia is the finest vinyl spinner I’ve had the pleasure of playing records on. And I’ve heard plenty over the years (some of them ludicrously expensive too), having been part of the hi-fi world for a very long time!

CLOSE UP OF nAIA IN ACTION

Naiad Gives Birth to Naia

The Rega Naia is what happens when you're the boss of the company (Roy Gandy, in this case) and you give your best R&D team free rein to design a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art creation with absolutely no limits—no holds barred. Admittedly, this approach initially resulted in a beautiful thing called the Naiad, of which only 50 were ever made—and they’re all long since sold.

After seven long years in research and development, the project known as Naiad was finally completed in 2017. It was a product unlike any other, created to push Rega’s philosophies to the extreme and prove beyond doubt that their lifelong mantra—ultra-lightweight, high-rigidity plinths and the use of key materials in key areas—is absolutely paramount when it comes to building a serious performance turntable.

Of course, the Naiad is no longer available—but before it bowed out, it gave birth to the Naia…

NAIA WITH ITS MATCHED POWER SUPPLY

Key Features of Naia

  • Graphene impregnated Carbon Fibre skeletal plinth with Tancast 8 foam core

  • ZTA Zirconium toughened alumina (ceramic) central bearing

  • RB titanium tonearm: One piece titanium vertical bearing and Titanium vertical spindle assembly

  • Tungsten balance weight shaft and weight

  • Ceramic top and bottom braces

  • Reference advanced fully adjustable power supply

  • Resonance controlled ceramic platter with improved flywheel effect and complex profile

  • Low mass skeletal aluminium feet

  • Triple Reference drive belts for improved stability and drive characteristics.

  • Rega Aphelion 2 MC factory fitted (optional)

  • Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

the naia is available with the Aphelion 2 cartridge pre-loaded

Kuunatic

Hot off the presses—and sounding rather lush on the Naia—comes the brand-new album from Japanese primal psych rockers Kuunatic. I’ve been following their career for the past few years and have seen them live twice (they were brilliant, by the way), and with this new release, Wheels of Ömon, they’ve really come of age.

wheels of ÖMON BY KUUNATIC

Kuunatic is a Japanese trio made up of Fumi Kikuchi on keyboards, synths and traditional Japanese instruments; Shoko Yoshida on bass; and Yuko Araki on drums. All three contribute closely interwoven vocals to Wheels of Ömon, which follows their concept debut Gate of Klüna—a mythical tale set on the planet Kuurandia. This new record expands on that story, exploring its moon Klüna and its sun, Ömon. “Each of its eight songs pinpoints a specific moment from one 45-hour orbit of Ömon”—though if you weren’t told, you probably wouldn’t know!

Fumi, Shoko and Yuko

kuunAtic looking their freakiest

Wheels of Ömon is a trip-fest fever-dream freakout, with beautifully recorded interplay between bass and drums underpinning the pagan chant vocals and cosmic fusion of keyboards and traditional Japanese instruments. At times, the music becomes a full-blown pagan ritual. At others, it’s a dubby cosmic odyssey. Always psychedelic, always intriguing, and always bonkers—in the best possible way!

Track listing

Standout track for me is “Yellow Serpent”, with its swirling organ and vocal incantations, and a dreamy, Krautrocky, early-Floyd fuzz bass and drum vibe… totally hypnagogic, and probably like nothing else you’ll ever hear. Give ’em a try—they might just become your new favourite band

You Are Being Watched

In this exclusive interview from the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025, we sit down with Roy Gandy, founder of Rega, to discuss the brand’s latest developments and enduring commitment to music playback.

The Bit At The End

All of this is proof that if you want a turntable that makes everything you play sound amazing, then the Rega Naia is, without a doubt, the one to put right at the top of your demonstration list. It has everything you could want from a top-end vinyl spinner—great looks, superb build quality, and it's super-duper easy to set up and install. Best of all, it’ll still be working and sounding brilliant for years to come!

Thanks for reading – Andy, Jon and Farid – (but mainly Andy 😉) – Audio T Cheltenham Store.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to get in touch.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not check out some more of our blogs—and don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels below…

Entering the stratosphere with the new Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition

/ Audio T Brighton/

Hello everyone, and welcome to the April blog from Audio T Brighton! This month, we’re focusing on a brand new iteration of a long-standing model in the Dynaudio Contour range – the Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition standmount speakers. Well established in the domestic hi-fi market, Dynaudio continues to evolve its Emit, Evoke, Contour and Confidence ranges. Let’s see what these new Dynaudio Contour 20 BEs bring to the table.

Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition...

The latest iteration of the Dynaudio Contour range has finally reached an apex with the Dynaudio Contour 20 BE. To better them, you’ll need to look at Dynaudio’s Confidence range – which will certainly involve a more substantial outlay.

I’ve written about the quality of the Dynaudio Contour 20i in one of my earlier blogs, where I waxed lyrical about their pairing with Naim’s Uniti Nova. It proved a wonderfully synergistic combination – you can read my earlier blog here.

Before we get into the sonic differences, let’s take a look at the technical advancements – of which there are more than meet the eye!

BE all and end all drive unit tech...

dynaudio contour 20 black edition

Dynaudio Esotar 3 tweeter... their finest!

More than just a numerical upgrade, the Esotar 3 is coated with DSR material by robots to ensure the coating density is applied in the right places and in the right amounts, across the hemispherical soft-dome surface. Dynaudio has been careful not to disclose design secrets, and the only thing we’ve managed to glean is that DSR stands for “Dynaudio Secret Recipe” – thanks for that, Dynaudio! In addition, the Dynaudio Contour 20BE utilises the latest version of their proprietary Hexis device, mounted behind the tweeter, to smooth out the frequency response and eliminate unwanted resonances by carefully controlling airflow via its rear chamber.

These tweeter enhancements improve sensitivity and dynamic handling, thanks to better damping and lower operating temperatures due to optimised airflow.

dynaudio’s hexis tweeter technology

Dynaudio MSP mid/bass driver...

Like the Dynaudio Contour 20BE treble unit – the Esotar 3 – the Magnesium Silicate Polymer (MSP) bass/mid cone has also seen upgrades to enhance sound quality. The upgraded neodymium magnet boosts the already powerful ferrite magnet unit found in the Contour 20i. An extended voice-coil winding improves excursion linearity and, because the magnet is smaller, there’s more space for air movement inside the cabinet. Both drivers now offer higher sensitivity, placing less stress on your amplifier.

The bass port has been re-flared inside and out for enhanced bass control and authority, with fewer artefacts.

The crossover is a redesigned second-order circuit with component upgrades throughout – including Mundorf capacitors and resistors, air-core inductors, and improved internal cabling.

Optimised speaker stands...

bespoke custom stands for the dynaudio contour 20be

Getting the right speaker support is essential if you want to achieve the best performance from your newly purchased speakers. Dynaudio has designed a bespoke stand specifically for the Dynaudio Contour 20 BEs. A separate mounting plate allows the speakers to be bolted to the stands, while still offering a degree of decoupling isolation from the stand itself. Weighting the main column with sand to add mass is the penultimate nail in the coffin for unwanted vibrations, with custom screw-in spikes providing effective floor isolation.

The whole package forms an extremely stable and weighty speaker set-up, justifying the additional expense with significant sound enhancements befitting a speaker of this calibre.

Dynaudio Contour 20i Vs Contour 20BE?

To give us an already high benchmark, I thought it appropriate to compare the sonic qualities of an established stablemate – the Dynaudio Contour 20i.

I waxed lyrical about this speaker in my earlier blog here, using our Naim Uniti Nova – and spoiler alert: I’m about to do the same in this blog.

The original Dynaudio Contour 20i was a beautifully warm, lyrical, and musical speaker that one could both relax into or use for critically listening to a music mix, if so desired.

The Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition enhances the reproduction of music over the Contour 20i by a substantial amount. The ability to delve deep into the mix is quite remarkable – without dissecting the music in a way that becomes too distracting to enjoy. It’s almost as if the contours of a musical note – pun intended – are allowed to be heard far more clearly, giving music width, height, and depth like never before. The ability to convey dynamics and play loudly, without duress, is noticeably improved.

I spoke about a “marriage made in heaven” when pairing the Naim Uniti Nova with the original Contour 20is, and this leaves me little room to praise the Contour 20 BEs any more highly – so let’s just say the Dynaudio Contour 20 BEs are a Hollywood marriage made in heaven!

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating — so get in touch to book a demonstration and hear for yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

POWER & SOUND - HOW WE POWER OUR HI-FI MATTERS

/ Audio T Cardiff/

Matt from our Cardiff store is once again on his quest for audio perfection, and this time he faces a familiar adversary in the world of hi-fi: unwanted noise…

This month’s part of the journey focuses on the very thing that feeds our hi-fi systems — our old friend, electricity. But how does electricity create noise in our hi-fi systems, we hear you ask? And more importantly, how do we fix it? Let’s follow Matt on his journey and see where it takes us.

Like many of you wonderful hi-fi enthusiasts and music lovers out there, I’m always looking — and more importantly, listening — for ways to improve my own listening experience. I’m constantly exploring new ways to fine-tune not only my system but also our customers’ systems, squeezing every bit of performance out of them — whether that’s through the source, amplification, speakers, or how we connect each component.

But there’s one persistent problem we encounter from time to time in the wonderful world of hi-fi — yes, you guessed it — unwanted noise. Whether it’s a buzz, a hum, or rogue radio frequencies, it all gets in the way of the listening experience, doesn’t it?

Sounds of Silence (And We’re Not Talking Simon & Garfunkel)

One of the biggest things we notice when listening to our favourite music on our hi-fi is noise. It’s always the quiet moments in music we hear the most — whether it’s the space between instruments and vocals or the brief pause between tracks, it’s often that bit of unwanted noise that affects the overall performance of a song. We also find that, because of this noise, we lose the separation between musical instruments and vocals — which is something we all want and strive for in our hi-fi systems.

Turn Up the Music and Turn Down the Noise

So what noise am I talking about, I hear you ask? Well, I’ll give you a clue — it’s what powers our equipment. Yes, it’s our old unruly friend: electricity. Cast your minds back to an old blog of mine that some of you may have read — for which I’m extremely grateful to all of you, especially considering I have a tendency to go on!

audiolab dc block

My previous blog covered similar ground — unwanted noise and mains noise I was experiencing at the time, and the solutions to that pesky problem. As you may know, I’ve been using a Wireworld Matrix trailing socket and an Audiolab DC Block to help power my various hi-fi components over the last couple of years. Both pieces of kit have done an amazing job of cutting out unwanted mains noise, and I still highly recommend this combination to all of you out there, as I believe it’s a great, reasonably priced way of solving the problem without breaking the bank.

Wireworld matrix 2 without cable

Back to the Drawing Board

So why am I revisiting this problem again, even though I feel my current solution works well? Well, as we all know, there’s always room for improvement, right? And you all know I’m a bit of a gear head.

At the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025, we chat with Tom Foyle from IsoTek about the importance of clean power in Hi-Fi. He explains how their latest products reduce noise and boost system performance, and why power management is key but often overlooked.

Since joining Audio T I usually work at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show every year, and one thing I noticed was that a couple of the exhibitors had one brand in common when it came to power distribution: Isotek. In fact, the main room demonstrating Isotek was run by Sound Service, who distribute IsoTek as well as brands like Manley amplification. A great many people at the show told me how good their room sounded. Sadly, I did not get a chance to pop over to see them, but it did pique my interest in IsoTek and the effect their products have on hi-fi equipment.

Fast forward a couple of weeks — we had a visit and training session with Giles from IsoTek and our representative from Sound Service, Alex. They brought a few IsoTek products with them, including:

Giles also brought with him a fantastic piece of equipment — a mains noise analyser, which shows any frequencies found in the power grid and just how noisy it can be. Believe me, when Giles plugged the analyser into our wall sockets unfiltered — yes, the analyser flatlined.

Before I talk your ears off about what a difference IsoTek’s gear made, let us talk a little about their history and their aim.

Isotek: Clean Power = Pure Sound

IsoTek was started way back in 2001 by Keith Martin in Hampshire. Keith’s aim was to develop a way of filtering the current coming out of the wall sockets in our homes. His company has since developed and evolved power management and filtering solutions for both studio (i.e. pro audio) and domestic use, right up to the present day.

When we think about it, the first input into our amplifiers is simply electricity. It is the raw material which the electronics we own need to function. The quality of that first input will affect performance — either positively or negatively.

The mains supply in our homes is distorted by numerous factors, which erode the performance of our hi-fi systems. As we know, the electronic devices we use in our homes continue to proliferate, and as the demand for electrical power intensifies, the quality of electricity often diminishes by the time it reaches our hi-fi equipment.

The escalation of mains-borne ‘noise’ means that the need for mains conditioning is becoming more important. This, of course, is where IsoTek comes in.

But what devices around the home affect this? To name but a few: your computer, your kitchen appliances. ‘Common mode noise’ is also ever-increasing thanks to wireless networking in the home, with mobile phones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth bathing us in a sea of interference. Again, this is where IsoTek’s various conditioning and filtering solutions come into play.

Now Back in the Room! How Did the Isotek Equipment Change Our Listening Experience?

proac d20R

Let us set the scene. Before Giles and Alex arrived, we set up a system in our demonstration room. The system consisted of the Cyrus 40 ST streamer, the Cyrus 40 Amp with 40 PSU Power Supply, and on the speaker front, a pair of ProAc Response 20R floor-standing speakers we are currently trialling. On the mains side, we plugged the source and amplification directly into the Wireworld Matrix 2.

The system already sounded pretty good. Then we changed a few power options with Giles. Starting with the trailing socket, we swapped out the Wireworld Matrix 2 for the Isotek V5 Polaris trailing socket. Before we hit play on the streamer, Giles plugged the analyser into an open socket on the Polaris, and we found the mains noise was significantly reduced.

With everything plugged in and running well, we hit play on the BluOS app and listened to a track we know very well — John Mayer’s Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. To say we were pretty happy with the result is an understatement. But just as we thought it could not get any better, Giles and I added the new EVO3 Syncro DC Blocker. This, I feel, made one of the biggest changes — we could really hear the space between instruments on the track. Even small details, like John Mayer’s pick hitting the neck pickup on his Fender Strat. As I always say: there is perfection in imperfection.

The final change we made was the biggest improvement of all — we swapped out the V5 Polaris for the V5 Elektra power conditioner. This change really brought those finer details in the song to life.

To say we were blown away by the results is selling IsoTek’s range short — but nothing tells us more than a change to our own hi-fi system. So I thought I would bring home the V5 Polaris and the Syncro EVO3 DC Blocker to try in my own surroundings.

isotek v5 Polaris - SYNCRO - initium power cables

And Now It’s Time for My Favourite Thing to Do… You Know What Time It Is — It’s Home Demo Time

With my cup of coffee at the ready — here we go.

As you all know, my home hi-fi system is not too dissimilar to the system we set up in our demonstration room in the store. The main difference is the sources I am using, which are my Rega Planar 6 and my Cyrus CD Transport. My speakers are Spendor D7.1.

The keen-eyed among you may notice from my system pic that there is a Cyrus 40 PSU in there, connected to my 40 Amp. My reason for this? I thought I would try it at home to hear the difference it makes in my own hi-fi. I would like to tell you more, but I feel the power supply will be a subject for another upcoming blog.

Now we are all set up — let us continue with this sonic experiment. But before I talk your ears off about my findings, here is some of the music I used:

Matts hiome setup

Format: Vinyl
Artist: Anthrax
Album: We’ve Come for You All (2003)
Track: Safe Home (Acoustic Version)

Format: Vinyl
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Album: Houses of the Holy (1973)
Track: No Quarter

Format: CD
Artist: Zakk Wylde
Album: Book of Shadows (1996)
Track: Evil Ways

I began my listening session with my standard power distribution setup: the Wireworld Matrix trailing socket with the Audiolab DC Block — and the addition of the Cyrus 40 PSU, of course. With my system already sounding great, I then swapped out the Wireworld Matrix for the IsoTek Polaris. Straight away, I could hear the noise floor drop — especially on the Anthrax track. Being an acoustic version, I could really hear how close John Bush was to the mic — even down to Rob Caggiano’s string noise when he changed chords.

Then I added Isotek’s DC Blocker. There’s only one word for it: wow. What a massive change in sound. I could hear more separation between vocals and instruments, and greater clarity. For instance, on Zakk Wylde’s track — which is quite busy — I could really hear the string definition on his Alvarez 12-string guitar, and his vocals seemed more prominent and forward in the mix.

In Conclusion

I have always recognised the importance of good power cables and how equipment is fed — i.e. how we power our equipment. I now feel that IsoTek takes how we distribute and filter power to the next level, and I also believe you cannot put a price on that.

In other words, even at the Discovery level of IsoTek’s power distribution, I feel they are worth every penny. But the question is: will I purchase the Polaris and the DC Block to go into my system? (Sorry, wallet...) It’s a big, resounding YES.

Don’t just take my word for it — why not try the Polaris and the DC Block for yourself and tell me what you think?

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog — I hope you enjoyed it.

Matt Aaron - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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IsoTek can be found at the following Audio T stores

Let’s Talk Rega Planar 8 with Rega Nd7 – A Special Synergy

/ Audio T Reading/

Good day, all. Here at Audio T Reading, we love experimenting with mixing and matching equipment from different brands in an ongoing quest to identify system combinations that synergise beautifully—producing sonic outcomes that potentially deliver more than if sticking with components from the same stable. Logic would easily lead us to conclude that, for example, a Rega cartridge would likely be better suited to a Rega turntable, right? On the whole, this is often true, and it will work ‘great’. Or even more than great. But what if we want ‘exceptional’? What if, when listening to our music, we want to be moved by something ‘a bit special’?

Thanks to our constant tinkering, we have discovered a number of special across-brand pairings at all levels. For example, we know that the Acoustic Energy AE100² speakers sing at the end of a Rega IO amplifier, that the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 all-in-one streaming (and room correction) amplifier truly shines when paired with a set of Dynaudio Special Forty loudspeakers, and that plugging the Meze 105 AER headphones into a Chord Electronics Mojo 2 makes for a delicious-sounding treat.

In our pursuit of the best sonic performance possible, we often cast our net far and wide to pull together an array of sweet multi-brand combinations—so much so that quite recently, a stellar same-brand pairing nearly passed us by. It was right under our noses, and it’s such a gem that we need to shout about it from the rooftops! However, we can’t easily get onto our roof (it’s more of a fitness thing than an access thing), so instead, here we are, pummelling the keys on our keyboard (something we can reach without needing to move) to bring you this blog and finally scratch this very big itch...

 

DYNAMIC DUO – REGA P8 MEETS Nd7 MM

Enter the Rega Planar 8 turntable with the Rega Nd7 moving magnet (MM) cartridge. It’s an absolute peach of a combination! But how did it nearly escape our attention?

Well, to divulge a little—Rega released the Planar 8 back in October 2018, seven and a half years ago as of March 2025. From then until fairly recently, it has largely been offered with the Ania and Ania Pro cartridges—both moving coil (MC) designs from the same Rega stable. The idea of pairing such a high-quality turntable with an MM cartridge has been almost unthinkable, as MM designs are generally regarded as offering lower performance than their MC counterparts (this cracking blog by Audio T Manchester explains why). As a result, the practice of exclusively fitting MC cartridges to the Planar 8 has become something of an ongoing rule of thumb.

Additionally, back at our old shop ‘at the back of the Butts’ (that’s Reading-speak for the east side of the town centre—you can now find us in Swallowfield), we experimented with pairing the Rega Exact MM cartridge (now replaced by the much-improved Rega Nd5) with the Planar 8. It worked ‘well’, but the combination didn’t blow us away.

The one MM cartridge we had great success with—and still highly recommend—on the Planar 8 is the Audio Note IQ1. It’s a ‘great’ sounding combination. A key feature of the Audio Note IQ range is that the stylus is upgradeable, meaning we can take an already fitted IQ1 and upgrade it to the top-tier Audio Note IQ3, which sounds truly spectacular on the Planar 8.

 

FINE-LINE FLYER – REGA Nd7 IN FOCUS

What say we talk about the Nd7, Rega’s new flagship MM cartridge? It arrived on the scene around July 2024, almost six years after the launch of the Planar 8. Given this length of time—plus the near set-in-stone association between the Planar 8 and MC cartridges—we initially felt that the Nd7 might have missed the boat as a recommendation for the Planar 8. On top of this, its price point (RRP £450 at the time of writing) seemed to place it more firmly in Planar 6 territory—on which, by the way, it sounds fantastic.

But then came a customer home demo just before Christmas 2024. We auditioned the Nd7 with a Planar 6 and then moved the very same Nd7 to a Planar 8—and what followed was one of the biggest and most grin-inducing surprises we’ve had. With each great record from the customer’s collection—if memory serves, Blue Note Re:imagined (2020) and Sault 11 (2023) among others—the lift in detail, clarity, three-dimensionality, and overall ‘live’ feel was truly breathtaking.

Needless to say, the customer pushed the boat out (or rather, pushed his partner’s boat out!) to go for the Planar 8-Nd7 over the Planar 6-Nd7—a soon-to-be birthday treat from his partner. That’s quite a special partner… but then again, the Planar 8-Nd7 is quite the special record player.

 

STIRRING SONICS – THE ROUSING REGA P8-Nd7

So, how does it sound? When the Rega Nd7 needle engages the record groove, we immediately hear that clean and dynamic sonic signature the Planar 8 is well known for—but now imbued with a touch of Rega warmth and fullness in the lower mid-frequencies. The Nd7 surrenders some of the airy, open feel apparent with the Ania, and even more so with the Ania Pro, but it neatly sidesteps the comparatively more analytical approach of those MC cartridges. Above all else, the Nd7 just seems to place the music first, leaving us unaware of any lack of resolution—which is exactly why we’re loving this moving magnet treasure so much.

Following that home demo, we left the Nd7 MM bolted to the Planar 8 (in place of the Ania MC), and it’s still set up that way several months on. Yes, the Nd7’s price tag doesn’t quite seem to befit a deck of the Planar 8’s calibre (RRP £1,970 at the time of writing), but further investigation into the Nd7 reveals that it shares technology with Rega’s top-tier Aphelion 2 and Apheta 3 cartridges—namely, a ‘fine line’ nude diamond of the same profile, making it highly adept at retrieving the finest of details. Rega has clearly put a tremendous amount of work into developing its fine line styli and their implementation within the cartridge housing.

Add to this the fact that the Nd7 features a new Neodymium N55 magnet—the world’s most powerful commercially available magnet and the first to be used in an MM cartridge—resulting in a higher power output that enhances its exquisite detail retrieval. Let’s not forget that Rega specifically designed the Nd7 for use with both the Planar 8 and Planar 6, making it all the clearer (or more pertinently, audible) why the Planar 8 with Nd7 ranks among the most special same-brand double acts around.

 

KEEP ON MOVING-MAGNET – FINAL THOUGHTS ON REGA P8-Nd7

But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what Jason Kennedy, renowned reviewer and editor of The Ear, had to say:

“I would suggest that those looking for next-level results with vinyl consider the Nd7 before an MC. It competes with both types at its price point and above, and the high output plus great tracking ability make it a very hard act to beat if you want to really dig deep into your vinyl. If you are looking to buy a Rega P6 or P8, this is the cartridge to go for—it will make your vinyl shine.”

If you already have an MM phono stage or an MM phono input on your amplifier, and you love the idea of owning a Planar 8, then pairing it with an Nd7 could give you all the record player you’ll ever want or need.

Please do get in touch with us for more information—we’d love to tell you more!

Thanks for reading – Rishi, Gareth & Dan – Audio T Reading

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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On me 'ead son! Sennheiser HD 800S Vs Focal Clear MG

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

There’s something special about sitting down with a great pair of headphones, closing your eyes, and losing yourself in the music. Recently, we had the chance to do just that at the Portsmouth Audio T shop, where we put two exceptional high-end models through their paces in a head-to-head comparison. The Sennheiser HD 800S and Focal Clear MG are both renowned for their outstanding sound quality, premium craftsmanship, and long-term comfort. But as we found, they are likely to cater for slightly different audiophile tastes.

Both of these top-tier ‘cans’ are designed for discerning listeners seeking a high-end home listening experience. Neither is intended for use on the go—on a train or plane, for instance—as their open-back design means they leak sound like a sieve (not that sieves leak sound, but you get the idea).

However, for high-quality listening at home—when you don’t want to disturb the rest of the house or the neighbours—these headphones, paired with a quality headphone amp, are simply superb.

Look and feel

The sennheisers sport a modern, almost industrial look

The HD 800S continues Sennheiser’s legendary HD 800 series, famed for its open-back design and generously sized ear cups. These headphones have a sleek, modern aesthetic with an almost industrial edge, combining matte black with silver accents.

Built with longevity in mind, the HD 800S features high-quality materials, including a lightweight yet sturdy plastic frame and metal ear cup components. The large, oval-shaped ear cups house Sennheiser’s distinctive "ring radiator" driver, a key element in shaping their renowned sound signature.

The Focals combine aluminium and leather for a premium look

By contrast, the Focal Clear MG takes a more decorative approach to design. Crafted with a blend of aluminium, magnesium, and leather, these headphones exude a sense of luxury. The ear cups are more circular in shape, contributing to a refined, cohesive look. The build quality is exceptional, with robust materials ensuring durability while keeping the overall weight comfortable for extended listening sessions.

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser HD 800S headphones are often described as open, airy, and exceptionally detailed. With a frequency range stretching from 4Hz to 51kHz, they deliver remarkable transparency and resolution.

They excel in the upper frequencies, making them particularly well-suited to classical music, jazz, and other genres that demand clarity and precision. The expansive soundstage enhances immersion, giving listeners the impression of being in the recording space itself.

Some argue that the HD 800S has a slightly recessed midrange, though this may simply be a contrast to its sparkling treble. Compared to other headphones in this price bracket, including the Clear MG, they don’t have a particularly warm sound—perhaps a by-product of their exceptional clarity.

The bass, while tight and controlled, isn’t as pronounced as some might prefer, reinforcing the sense that the HD 800S prioritises clarity over warmth. For those who enjoy a weightier low-end presence, these may be less than ideal.

The Focal Clear MG offers a well-balanced sound signature, delivering crisp highs, a well-defined midrange, and deep, controlled bass. While not exaggerated, the bass is powerful and impactful, potentially making them more versatile than the Sennheisers for those seeking a fuller low-end presentation.

The Clear MG presents a slightly more "in-your-head" soundstage compared to the HD 800S, but it still retains an impressive sense of openness and airiness. Focal’s proprietary magnesium driver material (hence the MG in the name) contributes to a fast, dynamic sound with excellent detail retrieval.

Comfort and Fit

The Sennheisers large ring radiator driver

The large ear cups of the Sennheiser HD 800S provide a comfortable and natural fit. The adjustable headband, combined with the soft velour padding on the ear cups, ensures excellent comfort even during extended listening sessions.

The Focal Clear MG has a slightly more compact build compared to the HD 800S. Its ear cups are made from memory foam, wrapped in a plush microfibre fabric, offering a soft and luxurious feel against the ears.

Although the Clear MG’s ear cups are not as large as those on the HD 800S, they remain comfortable for long listening sessions. The ergonomically designed headband distributes weight evenly, further enhancing overall comfort.

The Focals have a more compact design housing their magnesium drivers

Which pair is right for you?

Both headphones sit firmly at the premium end of the spectrum. The Sennheiser HD 800S is priced at £1,499, while the Focal Clear MG comes in at £1,399.

At this level, the HD 800S offers fantastic value for those seeking an open, highly detailed sound. Its expansive soundstage and precise treble make it particularly well-suited to genres like classical, acoustic, and jazz. However, its more subtle midrange and bass presentation may not appeal to everyone.

The Focal Clear MG, on the other hand, arguably provides a more versatile sound, with added bass weight and a punchier overall presentation.

Ultimately, both the Sennheiser HD 800S and Focal Clear MG are exceptional headphones, but they cater to slightly different preferences:

  • Sennheiser HD 800S – Ideal for those who appreciate an expansive, highly detailed soundstage and a transparent, analytical listening experience.

  • Focal Clear MG – A strong contender for the more versatile option, with a richer bass response and a more dynamic presentation across a variety of genres.

In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference and, to some extent, the type of music you listen to. Both models are superbly crafted, offering outstanding sound quality and comfort—so you can’t go wrong with either.

If you’d like to compare these headphones for yourself, or explore other options, feel free to give us a call on 0239 266 3604 or email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk.

Alan, Aga and Luke - Audio T Portsmouth

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Sennheiser can be found at the following Audio T stores

Focal can be found at the following Audio T stores

Acoustic Energy Squares² the Performance - Again!

/ Audio T Bristol /
image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2

The law of diminishing returns doesn’t seem to apply to Acoustic Energy. Each series improvement—100, 300, 500, or Corinium—represents a significant step up in performance, build quality, and finish, while maintaining the distinctive Acoustic Energy sound signature that invites an enjoyable listening experience, whatever the budget.

The original 300 Series, launched in 2017, was an excellent solution. The standout performer at the competitive £2,000 price point, the AE320, was a three-way design with a relatively small footprint yet great control. The new AE320² builds on this, enhancing performance without inflating the price.

It “stands on the shoulders of the Corinium project,” both visually and in terms of sound performance. Acoustic Energy states that the new 300² Series is “a completely new acoustic and aesthetic design from the ground up,” sharing no components with the outgoing model.

Specifications

image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2 Mid Range driver

The most obvious change is the new mid-woofer—a blend of paper and coconut husk. The AE320² comprises a 120mm midrange driver, two 140mm bass drivers, and a 29mm tweeter. The new material delivers a smooth, natural, and refined response, embodying warmth and clarity while retaining the punch and pace of the previous aluminium cone. Partnered with a newly developed soft-dome tweeter derived from the Corinium project, it offers open, delicate, and natural high frequencies, tonally matching the mid-woofer to enable seamless integration across the audible range.

The crossover frequencies are set at 240Hz and 2,800Hz, with a frequency response from 33Hz to 29kHz. These are true three-way speakers with an easy-to-drive 6-ohm rating and 92dB sensitivity—making them more sensitive than the outgoing 300 Series. Amplifier matching should be straightforward. Acoustic Energy appears to have found a material with properties very similar to the carbon fibre used in the 500 range—light, fast-response drivers that enhance presence, speed, and transparency.

image: Acoustic Energy Ae320-2 Tweeter driver

A first at this price point, the new 300² Series features constrained-layer RSC™ (Resonance Suppression Composite) cabinets, pioneered in the Reference Series nearly 15 years ago. This advanced construction is claimed to "significantly reduce cabinet radiation, allowing the drive units to perform at their best without enclosure interference, ensuring pure, uncoloured, and natural sound." There is significant internal bracing, with the rear housing a circular, traditional port for the midrange and tweeter section of the cabinet, and a slot-shaped port positioned between the two bass drivers. This arrangement is typically used when the midrange and tweeter drivers are isolated from the bass drivers to prevent colouration, resulting in better clarity. The new outriggers provide plenty of adjustability and a very sturdy setup.

The Proof is in the Pudding

We set these up in our large demo room (L = 8m, W = 6m, H = 3.3m) with the Naim NSC 222 and NAP 250. Every room is different, but positioning was very easy. Good imaging, depth, and transparency were best achieved with the speakers positioned around 50cm from the back wall and set about 1.5m wider than an equilateral triangle setup, with the slightest toe-in. There seems to be quite a wide dispersion—linear in both height and width—helped by the new WDT waveguide. Midrange presence and bass speed are where these speakers excel. The higher frequencies are clear and rounded, with no real sense of brashness, harshness, or brittleness.

Moving away from Naim source and amplification, we tried them with the Rega Aethos and the Auralic Vega S1 streaming DAC with its dedicated power supply. This setup seemed to extract even more from the speakers, delivering better resolution and a very clear presentation of the fine adjustments available in the Auralic DAC. I have no idea why this may be—it's one of the quirks of Hi-Fi systems. Component synergies are often experienced in ways that technical specifications alone don’t always predict.

With the new 300² Series—including the standmount AE300², the small floorstander AE309², the large three-way AE320², and the on-wall AE307²—this range would make a phenomenal home cinema system.

It was a real pleasure to listen to these speakers, and a big thank you to Acoustic Energy for the loan of these pre-production models straight after their debut at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show…

Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 - Brad from Audio T sat down with James, Acoustic Energy's Creative Director and the mind behind the design of these speakers, to discuss the new range.

Book an audition and experience these speakers firsthand. Whether you're looking for exceptional clarity, dynamic range, or an immersive soundstage, a personal listening session will let you hear exactly what they can do in a real-world setting. Visit us in-store to discover how they perform with your favourite music.

Thank you for reading,

Justin, George and Max - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

INTRODUCING THE SONOS ARC ULTRA PREMIUM STREAMING SOUNDBAR

/ Audio T Swindon/

The Arc Ultra is the latest addition to Sonos' soundbar lineup, replacing the Arc at the top of their three-model range. Promising enhanced performance and new features, it’s set to be their most immersive soundbar yet. One has just arrived at Audio T Swindon, and we’re wasting no time unboxing it and putting it through its paces. Read on for our first impressions!

Unboxing the Sonos Arc ULTRA at Audio T Swindon

Connectivity

Placing the Arc Ultra next to the outgoing Arc, we can see it’s slightly wider and lower—good news for those looking to avoid obstructing their TV screen. The extra width allows for a significant increase in the number of drivers housed within the casing.

Connectivity remains similar, with just the eARC HDMI port, but Sonos has now added Bluetooth support. A vast range of streaming services are built in, and the Ultra is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

To optimise performance in any environment, Trueplay tuning is available, and for the first time, it now works with Android devices as well as iOS.

Control is straightforward, whether using a TV remote, the Sonos app, or the touch-sensitive controls on the unit itself for Play, Pause, Skip, Back, Volume, and voice assistant activation.

ULTRA IN THE FOREGROUND, ARC BEHIND

Construction

Inside the slim, perforated metal casing are fourteen drivers arranged in a 9.1.4 configuration—an upgrade from the Arc’s 5.0.2 setup. To perform at its best, the Ultra shouldn’t be placed inside a cabinet, as the upward-firing drivers require open space.

A notable addition is a dedicated internal bass unit, a feature Sonos is particularly proud of. This innovative technology, called Sound Motion, uses a unique flat, brick-like driver design. Instead of placing the motors behind the membrane, they are positioned at the sides, allowing for greater movement and significantly more bass output than the original Arc—all while requiring less space.

SOUND MOTION BASS DRIVER

Comparison with the Arc

Comparing the two side by side is fascinating. I expected the Arc Ultra to outperform the Arc, but the difference is far more pronounced than I anticipated.

My go-to movie test, Ratatouille, is packed with everything—deep bass, dynamic shifts, and great spatial effects. A standout moment is the scene where the ceiling collapses in the old lady’s cottage, an excellent test of bass depth and agility. The Arc Ultra not only reaches slightly lower frequencies than the Arc but, more importantly, is significantly more responsive. Later in the film, as the rats escape to the river, the Ultra delivers far superior soundstaging of the rain and thunderstorm, while the trip through the sewers digs deeper into the lower bass frequencies.

Sonos soundbars have always excelled with vocals—essential for following dialogue without constantly adjusting the volume. The Arc Ultra, however, takes this a step further, offering the clearest dialogue performance yet. The speech enhancement feature provides even greater vocal clarity when needed. Additional Sonos speakers and subwoofers can be paired with the Ultra for full multi-channel surround sound and even deeper bass.

OUR DEMONSTRATION ROOM

Conclusion 

The Arc Ultra represents a significant step up in performance over the outgoing Arc. Is it the best premium soundbar on the market? I can’t say for certain—but I wouldn’t bet against it.

Is it as good as a dedicated 5.1, 7.2 or 9.2 home cinema system? Unlikely. Even with additional Sonos speakers, it can’t quite match the impact of five or more well-placed speakers and a subwoofer, driven by a high-quality home cinema amplifier. However, if you’re looking for a premium upgrade to your TV’s speakers, crave the convenience of wireless technology or are already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, you may not need to look any further.

Thanks for reading

Jon and Andy - Audio T Swindon

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to contact us.

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Wait, What? A Naim Streamer and amplifier for under £1,500! Say Hello to the CI-Uniti 102.

/ Audio T Manchester/

For decades, Naim has been synonymous with high-performance audio, crafting systems that bring music to life with clarity and precision. Best known for their premium Hi-Fi separates and all-in-one systems, Naim has now entered the custom install market with the introduction of their CI range. This includes the CI-NAP 108 8-channel power amplifier, the CI-NAP 101 mono power amplifier, and the subject of this review—the CI-Uniti 102 all-in-one streamer and amplifier.

With this move, Naim brings its renowned engineering expertise to the world of custom installation, offering solutions designed to integrate seamlessly into whole-home audio systems while delivering the sonic performance the brand is famous for. The CI-Uniti 102 stands out as the most versatile of the lineup, combining streaming capabilities, powerful amplification, and high-fidelity sound in a compact, rack-mountable form factor. But does it live up to Naim’s storied reputation? We put it through its paces to find out.

A Powerhouse in a Slimline Form Factor

The Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a slimline streamer-amplifier designed for the custom installation market, yet it delivers a staggering 150 watts per channel into 8-ohm speakers. It features a variety of inputs that accommodate TV audio, streaming platforms, and gaming consoles, alongside an analogue input for added flexibility.

Primarily designed to be housed in a comms cupboard or loft, the CI-Uniti 102 offers the kind of performance that makes it equally viable as a standalone integrated amplifier and streamer. From the moment you power it up, it becomes clear that the CI-102 punches well above its weight.

no Aerial acrobatics chromey, you landed on your head last time.

Are There Any Compromises?

If we’re nitpicking, some may argue that the CI-102 doesn’t offer as many inputs as some competing streamer-amplifiers. However, if your primary needs include HDMI for TV audio, an optical input for a gaming console, and an additional analogue input—perhaps for a turntable—you’re well covered.

Beyond these physical connections, the CI-102 embraces modern music consumption habits by supporting an extensive range of streaming services, including TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify Connect, and Internet radio. It also features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth for seamless wireless playback. Additionally, it provides outputs for subwoofers and integrates smoothly with major home automation systems such as Crestron, Control4, RTI, Savant, and Elan.

so officially chromey , your height is 1U, told you it was worth eating your greens

User Experience: A Digital-First Approach

While the CI-102 excels in many areas, it’s worth noting that it lacks a front display and a traditional remote control, relying instead on app-based operation. This design choice makes sense for a device intended for discreet installation, but it may take some getting used to for those accustomed to physical controls.

Fortunately, the accompanying Naim app is a joy to use. It offers a responsive, intuitive interface with minimal latency, making navigation effortless. Those familiar with the Naim app will find the setup process straightforward, and the full-screen real estate of a tablet arguably makes a conventional remote unnecessary.

you can add rack mounting to sides of the Ci-102

Sound Quality: Performance Beyond Expectation

Let’s be clear: the CI-102 isn’t positioned to replace a Naim Uniti Nova or outgun a high-end separates system. However, its sound quality is nothing short of exceptional for its class.

With a high-quality DAC and meticulously engineered analogue circuitry, the CI-102 delivers a sonic performance that is both refined and immersive. From deep, controlled bass to shimmering treble, the soundstage is expansive, detailed, and effortlessly engaging.

We put the CI-102 through its paces with a pair of DALI Oberon 1 speakers and found that streamer-amplifier competitors like Bluesound and WiiM simply don’t come close. Even the Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, priced around £1600, only just manages to hold its own in comparison. While the Roksan might tick more feature boxes, purely from an audio quality standpoint, the Naim is the stronger performer.

To push things further, we paired the CI-102 with the Dynaudio Evoke 30, an outstanding speaker set retailing around £3000. Once again, the CI-102 impressed, handling the Evokes with finesse and delivering a level of performance that exceeded expectations for an installation-focused amplifier.

For fun, we then connected the CI-102 to our demo room’s ATC SCM50 passive speakers. While it understandably didn’t exhibit the sheer drive and authority of a dedicated high-end power amp, the fact that it powered them at all—given the £10,000+ price disparity—was remarkable.

Naim Ci-102 with Dali oberon 1

A Crossover Product with Broad Appeal

Though the CI-102 is firmly rooted in the custom install market, its features and performance make it a compelling choice for traditional Hi-Fi enthusiasts as well. Our time with it has reinforced its potential as a high-quality standalone integrated amplifier and streamer, as well as a powerful solution for multi-room audio.

Final Thoughts

The Naim CI-Uniti 102 is a formidable blend of power, versatility, and value, making it a serious contender for both custom installations and personal Hi-Fi setups. Whether you’re looking to integrate it seamlessly into a whole-home audio system or simply want a discreet yet high-performing amplifier-streamer, the CI-102 is a strong proposition.

Stay tuned, as we’ll be exploring Naim’s full custom install lineup in a future blog, examining how the range works together in a comprehensive multi-room setup. Watch this space!

Thanks for reading

Munir, James and Dave - Audio T Manchester

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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The All-New Acoustic Energy AE309² at Audio T Cheltenham

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

Fresh from making waves as one of the standout new releases at the recent Bristol Hi-Fi Show, we have now just taken delivery of our demonstration pair of the brand new Acoustic Energy AE309². Are they any good I hear you all ask? Well, after giving them a jolly good run-in on our main shop system, they’re now set up in the demo room for a more critical, in-depth listen!

The Acoustic Energy AE309²

Out With The Old…

We’ve been selling Acoustic Energy loudspeakers for quite some time now, and they’ve consistently impressed by delivering performance that punches well above their price point. The original AE309 has been one of our best-selling compact floor-standing loudspeakers for a while, so when we heard a Mark 2 version — or ², as they’ve named it — was on the way, we weren’t sure they could improve on an already fantastic speaker.

Well, improve it they have — and by no small margin!

what goes on under the grille

…In With The New

The new Acoustic Energy AE309² benefits significantly from trickle-down technology, courtesy of the flagship Corinium loudspeaker. In fact, it shares no components with the previous model — this is a complete redesign.

The AE309² features brand-new paper and coconut-fibre bass-mid drivers, developed using research from the Corinium project. These are housed in an inert, slimline 18mm MDF cabinet, using constrained-layer damping with bitumen for improved rigidity and reduced resonance — a notable step up in both sound and build quality at this price point. Around the back, the slot-shaped bass port has been carefully engineered to minimise air turbulence, delivering clean, undistorted low frequencies.

A newly designed soft-dome tweeter, also inspired by the Corinium, provides open, delicate, and natural high frequencies, blending seamlessly with the mid-woofer for a cohesive, balanced performance across the entire audible range.

“I Like Your Top”

A sturdy set of solid aluminium feet and spikes act as outriggers, providing excellent stability and preventing the cabinet from rocking on the floor. A more stable speaker isn’t just practical — it enhances imaging and soundstaging too, delivering a more precise and immersive listening experience.

the newly developed soft-dome tweeter

“Bottom’s Quite Nice Too”

solid aluminium feet and a Blue Meanie

The speaker connections are a pair of solid, gold-plated 4mm sockets — ready to accommodate banana plugs, spades, or even bare-ended cable with ease.

Round the back, the slot-shaped duct port enhances bass output and has been carefully engineered to minimise air turbulence, delivering clean, undistorted low frequencies. This clever design also means you can position the speakers closer to a rear wall without introducing any unpleasant bass boom — perfect for tighter spaces.

Chunky’ ‘nana sockets round the back

Looking Good From Behind Too…

The slot shaped duct port

History And Science Fiction

To put the new Acoustic Energy AE309² speakers through their paces, my first choice was History and Science Fiction by guitar virtuoso Chris Forsyth and the Solar Motel Band. The track comes from the 2017 album Dreaming In The Non-Dream, which I believe was released as a sort of anti-Trump protest howl against the destruction of the American Dream — makes me wonder how he feels now!

streamy goodness

The album is short, clocking in at around 35 minutes, and has a raw, live feel. This track, just shy of 10 minutes, builds into a steadily evolving psych-infused art-rock jam. It’s a mutant blend of Marquee Moon-era Television and a Grateful Dead live space-out, with a full-fat, funky Velvet Underground meets God vibe running through it. There’s even a breakdown that’s pure prog rock — plus a surprise Roxy Music-esque sax moment toward the end, just for good measure. And here’s the kicker: it’s not even the best track on the album.

The AE309² speakers were nothing short of stunning. The soundstaging stretched far beyond the cabinets, creating a massive, immersive space. The bass was deep, weighty, and seamlessly integrated with a wonderfully open midrange. Topping it all off, the new tweeter is a thing of beauty — smooth, sweet, and brimming with detail, letting me peer right into the heart of the mix.

No Fluke

Acid fried guitar freak out beauty

Just to make sure this wasn’t some kind of strange fluke, I figured I’d better try another track. This time, I went with Magic Mountain by Hollow Ship, from their album Future Remains.

Hollow Ship are a four-piece psychedelic rock band from Gothenburg, blending the sounds of early British psych with mind-expanding, funky Afro-rock grooves. Their music fuses sweet, 1960s analogue sonics with modern production techniques, creating a sound that’s uniquely their own.

Once again, the Acoustic Energy AE309² delivered in style — infusing the track with an infectious, bouncy energy and a swaggering, acid-soaked, guitar-drenched vibe. An air-guitary, psych-rock fever dream brought to life.

So, definitely not a fluke then!

The Best Just Got Better

To sum up — the best has indeed just got better. There’s now a sizeable gulf between the new AE309² and the rest of the competition, who’ll need to seriously up their game to avoid being left behind. These compact floor-standing marvels have no right to sound this good for the price.

In line with modern furniture trends, Acoustic Energy has moved away from the high-gloss finishes of the previous 300 Series. Instead, the AE309² comes in a newly developed, highly durable 'silk-touch' black or white matte finish, or a classic walnut wood veneer — all paired with colour-coordinated trims and premium fabric grilles for a refined, contemporary look.

Sonically, they’re an exciting, exhilarating, and incisive listen — and they absolutely deserve a spot at the top of any serious shortlist of loudspeakers to demo this year.

Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 - Brad from Audio T sat down with James, Acoustic Energy's Creative Director and the mind behind the design of these speakers, to discuss the new range.

The Bit At The End

Well, there you have it! If you’re curious to hear just how impressive the new AE309² — or any of the refreshed Acoustic Energy 300 Series — sounds for yourself, why not book a demonstration at your local Audio T? There’s nothing quite like hearing them in person, and our team will be more than happy to set them up, answer any questions, and help you find the perfect setup for your system. Get in touch today — you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for reading - Andy, Jon and Farid - (but mainly Andy)- Audio T Cheltenham Store.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

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Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores -


THE BRISTOL HI-FI SHOW 2025 - THE MASSES, THE MUSIC AND THE LEGENDS

/ Audio T Swansea/

It’s been a few weeks since The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025, and the dust is just about settling. As ever, it was a very busy weekend that flew by in a flash. At 10am on Friday morning, the doors open, and suddenly it’s 5pm on Sunday — time for the exhibitors to pack down and begin the mammoth task of returning the hotel to normal.

This was about the 30th show I’ve worked at, the first being in 1992 (when I hadn’t been working for Audio Excellence for very long). I was completely amazed at the scale of the show and the number of exhibitors all under one roof. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s even more of an incredible event — packed with exhibitors and so much to see and hear. I thought I’d give you a little insight into the show and share my highlights from the 2025 Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

Behind the scenes

In the lead-up to the show, exhibitors start arriving on the Wednesday to begin unloading their equipment and setting up their rooms, alongside construction crews building the impressive stands you’ll see — like the many of the setups in the Bristol Suite on the ground floor. The sound of power tools fills the air! Thursday sees the majority of the exhibitors arrive, with a huge team of porters working like an army of ants, getting vast quantities of equipment from lorries and vans into the right rooms for each manufacturer in record time. I usually arrive on Thursday afternoon to help with setting up the Audio T sales rooms (though, to be fair, most of the hard work is already done by our brilliant IT team, who set up the till systems and more).

For anyone who’s attended the shows over the years, it’s clear just how much work goes into getting everything up and running. It’s a true testament to Audio T, the hotel and all the manufacturers for their continued efforts to put on such a fantastic show for loyal Hi-Fi and home cinema enthusiasts year after year.

By late Thursday evening, the madness starts to calm. Everyone is busily fine-tuning their systems, and the hotel gradually fills with the sound of music as more setups come to life. It’s a magical moment when the rooms transform from chaotic setups into immersive listening spaces, each one showcasing something different — from powerful floorstanding speakers to delicate turntables, all working in harmony to deliver unforgettable sound experiences.

It is time…

Friday morning arrives, and the hotel is buzzing! It’s an early start for everyone — make sure you hit that breakfast buffet hard, as you never know when you’ll get a chance to grab a snack during the day (speaking from experience). Then it’s down to the ground floor sales desk to gather the team for a briefing — and then it’s all systems go!

The Audio t sales team

Throughout the weekend, the energy never drops. There’s a constant flow of excited visitors exploring room after room, discovering the latest equipment, chatting with experts, and soaking in the music. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of Hi-Fi, The Bristol Hi-Fi Show offers something for everyone — it’s a true celebration of sound.

The Hard Working STaff on the Entrance Desks

The clock approaches 10am, our fabulous team are ready to go at the main entrance and a quick step outside for some fresh air — and the sight which we have come to expect over the years of a queue heading off around the hotel is there once again — fantastic!

The doors open and before we know it the corridors are full of visitors, the exhibitors' rooms are all open and filling up, and at the sales desk, we remember the quiz we play every year which is: “how long will it be before we hear someone playing Hotel California?” So — if you were near the ground floor sales desk and heard a collective “NOOOOOOO!!!” — now you know why. There have been a lot of songs over the years that get used and used and used, but the one that seems to be lingering is Hotel California, and let’s be honest — there’s only so many times you can hear it!

As the day goes on, it’s the usual very busy Friday. We are super busy on the sales desk offering advice, helping first-time visitors find their way around the hotel, and of course making lots of sales. For anyone that has visited the show, you will have seen the huge Chord Company stands as soon as you enter the show and their eager team greeting you as you come in. Needless to say, with their great show offers and bargain cable bins, they were one of the most popular purchases at the show.

Another very popular purchase at the show was IsoAcoustics, and has been for a good few years now. A fantastic product that is so quick and easy to demonstrate, lots of visitors were purchasing the amazing Gaia Speaker Isolation feet. If you have not experienced any of the IsoAcoustics range then it’s well worth checking them out at your nearest Audio T store.

Some personal highlights…

I managed to get out and about this year to take a look at some rooms, so here’s a few that really stood out for me:

Firstly, David and Goliath — the fabulous little WiiM products, who were launching their new WiiM Vibelink amplifier to sit alongside the WiiM Ultra. Then, to the absolutely bonkers demo from REL Acoustics (by far the most attended room of the show), who were demonstrating a six-pack of Reference Subwoofers alongside some amazing Audio Research electronics. For anyone that heard this demo, I’m sure you’ll agree — it was breathtaking!

A few other products that caught my eye include the new Quad 33/303 amplifiers, Ruark’s new R610 Music Console and Sabre-R speakers and the all-new Acoustic Energy AE300² series speakers.

A couple of my favourite sounds at the show were the Focal Stellia headphones using the Naim Atom Headphone Edition. I had heard the Focal Stellia headphones a while ago but had forgotten how good they can sound when driven with an appropriate amplifier like the Atom.

They say, “Never meet your Heroes”…

But perhaps—well, no, not perhaps—definitely the highlight of the weekend for me was meeting the legend that is Bob Harris OBE. I’d heard he would be making an appearance on both Friday and Saturday in the Audio Note room, but Friday was far too busy for me to get away from the sales desk. I hoped that Saturday afternoon would be quieter, giving me a chance to make it up to the fourth floor in time.

Luckily, I bumped into Micky from Audio Note before the show opened on Saturday and asked when Bob would be there. “Come up about 4pm, and I’ll introduce you”, said Micky. I told the rest of the team that no matter what was happening, at 3:50pm, they had to send me away to the fourth floor!

Right on cue, 3:50pm arrived, and I made my way up to see Audio Note, where Bob was just finishing his presentation. Then, I was introduced. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the man who had shaped my love of country music through his shows over so many years. I mentioned some of my earliest memories of tracks he played that had caught my ear back in the ’90s. Naturally, he knew them well, immediately rattling off the album titles they were from—an incredible encyclopaedic brain for music and a true gent, as you’d expect.

Meeting Bob rounded off the show perfectly for me. I returned to the sales desk with the biggest smile.

The show must end…

Not long after that, the show came to a close. We served the last of our customers at the sales desk, and the monumental task of clearing the hotel of all exhibitors began. The team of porters and Audio T’s crew sprang into action. Vans and lorries queued up outside, arriving in their booked time slots for loading. Trolley after trolley of equipment poured out from the lifts into waiting vehicles with military precision. This is the incredible part of the show — unless you’ve seen it, it’s hard to believe how the team manage to clear the entire exhibition by 10pm. It’s just amazing. A burger and a beer in the bar, and then off to bed.

Monday morning brought the job of clearing out all the apparatus, signage, IT equipment… all the behind-the-scenes bits — and then it was time to head home. And that was it — another show, over in a blur.

On behalf of myself and Audio T, thank you to everyone who visited us at the sales desk and in our rooms. We met some lovely people, caught up with familiar faces we see every year, and had some fantastic chats about all things Hi-Fi and Home Cinema.

I’m already looking forward to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026 — make a note in your diary now: Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd February 2026. See you there!

Thanks for reading

Nic - Audio T Swansea

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Couldn’t make it to the show? Don’t worry — you can still catch all the highlights! Check out our photos from The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 here, or dive into a fantastic collection of interviews with a wide range of exhibiting brands here.

Land of the giants - Linn Klimax DSM v Naim ND555 network streamer/DACs

/ Audio T Brighton/

Linn Klimax DSM v Naim ND555...

Hello everyone, and welcome to the March blog from Audio T Brighton! For this month’s article we are going to give our full attention to a battle in the Land of the Giants - a face-off between the Linn Klimax DSM and the Naim ND555 network players.

It’s not often one gets the chance to witness a heavyweight contest like this without paying a viewer fee, so sit back and enjoy the ringside seat!

I have written at length about the Linn Selekt DSM streamer range in one of my earlier blogs and a lot of the latest Linn technology employed in the Linn Klimax DSM is used in the Linn Selekt Edition DSM, so to avoid repeating myself I’ll direct you to my blog here.

Both of these streamers sit at the top of their respective ranges, each offering something a little different. Let’s explore what they bring to the table and equip you, the listener, with the information to help you make an informed decision.

Linn Klimax DSM - all things to all men...

The Klimax DSM is Linn’s flagship digital product, offering a different approach to the Naim ND555. It functions as a streamer, DAC, and pre-amp in one, with optional AV capabilities via HDMI/eARC and USB connections for those who want added versatility. Interestingly, alongside standard Ethernet and wireless connectivity, the Klimax DSM features an SFP optical Ethernet connection — designed to minimise network-induced digital noise that can compromise sound quality. I’ve previously written in detail about the impact of Ethernet switches on reducing digital noise in an earlier blog here.

For those who value a compact design with few compromises the Linn Klimax DSM is an almost perfect product with great looks, great sound and functionality, just add a power amp. What’s not to like?

For the purpose of this blog, we’re evaluating it purely as a streamer/DAC by fixing the volume output and running it through our in-house pre/power setup — a Naim NAC 552/552 PS and Naim NAP 500DR/500PS — paired with the brilliant high-end loudspeakers, the Dynaudio Confidence 50.

A key feature of the Linn Klimax DSM is its in-house room correction DSP software, Space Optimisation. Whilst room EQ has its uses — particularly in tackling challenging spaces — we generally recommend starting with as little processing of the original signal as possible. Simple domestic items like rugs, bookcases, curtains, and plants can go a long way in managing room acoustics before resorting to more complex room correction software.

It’s a useful option to have, but since the Naim ND555 doesn’t include this technology, we’ll keep things fair by running both streamers without DSP for this comparison.

The Klimax DSM also features Linn’s proprietary Organik DAC and Utopik power supply, eliminating the need for external boxes — a definite space saver, with no discernible compromise in sound quality. It’s impressive what Linn has achieved sonically, especially given the limited internal space. The unit itself is housed in a beautifully inert case, precision-cut from a solid block of aluminium to minimise electrical and microphonic vibrational interference.

Naim ND 555 & 555PS...

The Naim ND555 network streamer, paired with the 555PS power supply (ideally two 555PS DR units), stands as Naim’s flagship digital streamer/DAC.

While the Linn Klimax DSM embraces a compact, all-in-one design with internal power supplies and filtering, Naim takes a more traditional approach, focusing on external power supplies — specifically the Naim 555PS DR. Naim’s long-standing audio philosophy revolves around using dedicated power supplies to enhance sound quality, with the extra shelf space seen as a worthwhile trade-off.

At the heart of the ND555 is Naim’s in-house 40-bit SHARC processor, employing custom filters alongside a Burr-Brown R2R ladder DAC to achieve that signature Naim “house sound.” The DR (discrete regulator) power supply ensures a stable, low-noise performance for optimal sonic results.

Naim has also undergone some design changes in recent years to align with its newer 200 and 300 Series, as well as the Uniti range. However, for those with existing Original Classic (OC) kit, there’s good news — you can still choose between the traditional green or the newer white logo for this heavyweight network player (correct as of March 2025).

Ali versus Frazier - battle of the giants...

So, in this battle of heavyweight giants — who came out on top?

It might surprise you to hear that it’s a case of ‘six of one, half a dozen of the other.’ Much like the legendary Ali vs Frazier bouts, this contest was incredibly close, with the winner ultimately coming down to personal preference — and who’s judging.

We found both players to be exceptional: the Linn Klimax DSM delivered a slightly more transparent and spacious presentation in the mids and highs, while the Naim ND555/555PS DR offered greater gravitas and rhythmic drive in the bass. We could wax lyrical about both streamers endlessly — their performance varied depending on the musical genre — and we tested them through Focal Kanta 2s, Dynaudio Confidence 50s, and ATC SCM50s. Our personal favourites shifted with each speaker and streamer combination, who was listening, and the music choice. Suffice to say, both are so impressive they need to be heard to be believed.

The final decision may come down to practicalities like rack space or system matching, with amplifier and speaker combinations playing a major role. For this comparison, the Naim ND555/555PS DR had a slight edge in synergy thanks to our use of a Naim NAC552DR pre-amp and Naim NAP500DR power amp. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a comparable Linn pre/power setup on hand, which naturally tilted things in Naim’s favour. On the other hand, until a second power supply is added to the ND555, the Linn Klimax DSM remains the more expensive option — so perhaps it’s a score draw on that front.

Ultimately, whichever you choose at this level will open your ears and stir your soul. Both players come highly recommended by us here at Audio T in Brighton.

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating — so get in touch to book a demonstration and hear for yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Discovering Sonic Bliss with Advance Paris, Neat Acoustics, and REL at Audio T Portsmouth

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

Advance Paris my connect 250 system

At Audio T Portsmouth, we’re always excited to bring the finest audio equipment to life for our customers. Recently, we had the pleasure of setting up a demo that combined the powerful versatility of the Advance Paris My Connect 250, the refined elegance of Neat Acoustics Elite Classic speakers in Satin White, and the deep, rich bass of a REL T Zero subwoofer. The result? An auditory experience that left everyone in the room buzzing with excitement.

advance paris my connect 250

The Advance Paris My Connect 250 proved to be the perfect hub for this setup. Its sleek design, coupled with its high-quality amplification and streaming capabilities, made it an easy choice for music lovers seeking both style and substance. Whether streaming via Tidal, playing through USB, or spinning a favourite CD, it delivered consistent, warm, and detailed sound.

neat acoustics elite classic

Paired with the Neat Acoustics Elite Classic speakers, the system came alive with exceptional clarity and balance. The satin white finish added a touch of modern sophistication, but it was their sonic performance that truly stole the show. The speakers showcased crisp highs and a lush midrange, effortlessly filling the room with vibrant, natural sound.

rel t zero subwoofer

To complete the system, we introduced the REL T Zero subwoofer. Despite its compact size, it packs an impressive punch, seamlessly extending the low-end frequencies without overpowering the overall sound. It added just the right amount of depth and resonance, bringing music and movies to life with unparalleled precision.

advance paris my connect 250 display up-close

For the demo, we showcased a variety of tracks, including hits by Metallica and other rock legends. Songs like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters” highlighted the system’s ability to handle powerful riffs and intricate guitar solos with ease, while tracks from other iconic rock bands demonstrated its dynamic range and precision. Streaming via Tidal ensured high-resolution audio quality, allowing every detail to shine through. The combination of raw energy and refined sound left an unforgettable impression.

The highlight of the day was the reaction from our customers who had requested this demo. They were absolutely thrilled with how the system performed. Each component complemented the others perfectly, creating a harmonious synergy that brought out the best in every track we played. The clarity, depth, and immersive soundstage left them ecstatic, and we couldn’t agree more.

neat acoustics elite classic up-close

This is what we’re all about at Audio T—helping our customers find their perfect sound. If you’d like to experience the magic of a personalised demo for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you're a dedicated music lover or just beginning your journey into high-fidelity sound, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Thank you for reading:

Aga, Alan, Luke - Audio T Portsmouth

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Hi-Fi Quality At A Great Price: Three Fantastic Systems Under £2,000! (Part 3 of 3)

/ Audio T Southampton/

qobuz: proud partners with The Bristol Hi-Fi Show and audio t.

Hello, music enthusiasts! I’m Tiago from Audio T Southampton, and as some of you may know, I’ve been running a blog series exploring three different systems, each showcasing the best options for a specific source. This final instalment in the series focuses on the youngest of the three main sources – streaming. So, let’s dive in...

Massive Digital Libraries

Streaming has come a long way in the past 15 years, introducing fascinating new ways to enjoy music. Whether you're setting the mood for a house party, critically listening to a new album, or discovering fresh tracks, it offers a more convenient way for everyone to connect with music. Below are two streaming solutions I highly recommend to kick-start your journey.

First up is the latest iteration of the award-winning Bluesound Node (N132), priced at a reasonable £499*. This compact yet feature-packed streamer supports full hi-res playback and works seamlessly with Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz Connect. It even allows you to plug in a pair of headphones for a more personal listening experience. The Bluesound app is widely praised, to the extent that major Hi-Fi brands like Cyrus and Roksan have integrated it into their own streamers – a testament to its quality and ease of use.

Bluesound NOde (Photo Credit: Bluesound)

The second contender is the brilliant WiiM Ultra, coming in at £349. Despite its lower price, this streamer confidently holds its own, offering many of the same features as the Bluesound Node. It supports high-resolution audio streaming and integrates seamlessly with popular services like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz, while also giving you access to a broader selection of lesser-known platforms.

One standout feature is its vibrant 3.5" OLED touchscreen, providing an intuitive way to browse and control playback directly from the device. This added convenience sets it apart from many competitors in its price range. The WiiM Home app is equally impressive—designed to be user-friendly and responsive, ensuring a smooth experience whether you're adjusting settings, queuing up tracks, or exploring new music.

While the WiiM Ultra is packed with features and delivers excellent performance for its price, it does fall slightly short of the Bluesound Node in terms of outright audio quality. That said, for those looking for an affordable yet highly capable streaming solution with a wealth of functionality, the WiiM Ultra remains a fantastic choice.

The wiim ultra: high quality streaming at a reasonable price! (Photo Cred: WiiM)

Crank It Up!

The next step in our journey is choosing the right amplifier. With countless options available—ranging from big and powerful to compact yet mighty—it can be overwhelming. To make things easier, I’ve narrowed it down to two excellent choices.

First up is the Leak Stereo 130, priced at £749.95*. While its vintage-inspired design may give it an old-school appearance, don’t be fooled—this amplifier is packed with modern technology. It supports full DSD and high-resolution audio, delivering a clean 45W into 8 ohms (or 65W into 4 ohms), making it a solid performer across a range of speakers.

Its minimalist design keeps things simple and reliable, ensuring you get maximum performance for your money without unnecessary frills. Whether you're streaming, spinning records, or enjoying your favourite CDs, the Leak Stereo 130 offers a fantastic blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge capability.

The leak stereo 130 is a beautiful amp with the walnut shell (Photo Credit: Leak Audio)

The second option is the Quad Vena II Integrated Amplifier, starting at £699.95*. There’s no denying that this amplifier is compact, but don’t let its size fool you—it punches well above its weight. Delivering 45W into 8 ohms (or 65W into 4 ohms), it has enough power to drive larger speakers with ease.

The quad vena ii comes with multiple choices for looks, including this simple grey. (Photo Credit: Quad)

Fancy Jukeboxes

The final piece of the puzzle is perhaps the most visually striking—the speakers. By this point, we’ve built a high-quality, easy-to-use streaming system, so it makes sense to pair it with speakers that are just as refined. I’ve selected two options that are both simple yet elegant.

the all-new acoustic energy ae300² are truly sublime and elegant

First up are the all-new Acoustic Energy AE300² standmount speakers, priced at £649*. Despite their compact size these speakers deliver a surprisingly big sound that can rival smaller floorstanders. With a rich, well-controlled low end, smooth vocals, and detailed highs, they offer a balanced and immersive listening experience that leaves little to be desired.

the quad s1 speakers even come with this stunning mahogany wood finish (Photo Credit: Quad)

The second option, sitting in a similar league to the Acoustic Energy speakers, is the Quad S1 standmount speakers, retailing at £549.95*. These compact speakers are seriously impressive, delivering rich, natural vocals and a clean, detailed top end thanks to their ribbon tweeter design. Despite their small size and 4" driver, they produce a surprisingly full-bodied bass response, making them a fantastic choice for those who want high-quality sound in a smaller package.

The Veins of Hi-Fi

We can’t talk about speakers without mentioning speaker cables. As previously mentioned, there’s one cable I strongly recommend to give your system the edge—the Chord Company C-ScreenX speaker cable at £11 per meter. While there are both more expensive and budget-friendly options out there, this particular range strikes an excellent balance between performance and value for money.

Chord Company C-ScreenX (Photo Credit: Chord Company)

With a recommended average length of 2.5m per pair and in-house termination available at your local Audio T, a full set will cost just £95*. It’s a small investment that can make a noticeable difference in your system’s overall performance.

Tinker Time

Now that we’ve put together what I believe is the ideal system for under £2,000, let’s explore a few simple upgrades that can further enhance your audio quality. These aren’t essential, but if you have some extra budget, they’re well worth considering.

Chord Company C-Line 2RCA-2RCA (Photo Credit: Chord Company)

First up are interconnects. As mentioned in our CD blog last month, I recommend the Chord Company C-Line 2RCA-2RCA, starting at £57.50* for a 0.5m pair. These cables help minimise interference, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed sound and an overall more enjoyable listening experience.

The second upgrade is for the streaming side of things, and while it’s not for everyone, it can make a significant difference. If you’re planning to hardwire your streamer to your router, I highly recommend the English Electric EE1 Network Isolator. Priced at £300* and including a Chord Company C-Stream Ethernet Cable. The EE1 helps reduce noise reaching your streamer, giving an improvement in sound quality you need to hear for yourself.

Finally, let’s go back to basics—adding a subwoofer. The REL TZero MK3 is an excellent starting point at £449*, allowing your system to reach deeper low-end frequencies than you might have thought possible. Despite its impressive performance, it remains compact and unobtrusive, making it easy to integrate into your setup. If you’re looking to add extra depth and impact to your music, this little box is a game-changer.

Conclusion

And with that, the final part of this three-part blog is complete! Each of the sources we’ve explored has its own strengths, but remember—you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. In fact, you can have as many sources as your amplifier allows, giving you the flexibility to enjoy music in different ways.

The options I’ve highlighted are just a small selection from a vast range of possibilities. The best way to find the perfect setup for you is to visit your local Audio T store, where we’ll be happy to chat and help you explore the right choices for your system.

Thank you for reading:

Tiago - Audio T Southampton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

The Long And Winding Road Of The Upgrade Path with Cyrus Audio

/ Audio T/

Matt from our Cardiff store is on the upgrade path once again, this time revisiting the heart of every Hi-Fi system: the amplification. And what better brand to explore than one that both Matt and the team at Audio T hold in high regard – Cyrus Audio.

The Cyrus 40 Series on Display at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025

Many of you will have hopefully read my blogs over the years (for which I’m extremely grateful), following the many changes to my home Hi-Fi system. Some might say I’m a bit of a gearhead! Like all of us, I’m always chasing that elusive perfect Hi-Fi sound. Back in my days in the guitar business, I used to call it ‘chasing tone’—which probably explains why I own more than a few guitars...

Much like Hi-Fi enthusiasts, musicians (myself included) are always searching for that perfect sound—or tone, if you will. This pursuit leads us to explore new equipment, experiment with different combinations, and fine-tune every element of our systems, from the source to the amplification—the heart of the system—to the loudspeakers. Even the finer details, such as cables and interconnects, play their part.

Working for Audio T at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, I had the chance—like many of you who attended—to listen to some fantastic equipment and chat with manufacturers and customers alike about different system choices and ultimate upgrades. Now, with the show behind us, I, like many of you, have been reflecting on my own Hi-Fi system and considering what’s next on the upgrade path.

The Cyrus 40 Series on Display at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025

In this case, my focus is on the heart of my Hi-Fi system—my amplification. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Cyrus as a brand. Nearly two years ago, I treated myself to a Cyrus Classic amp and PSX-R2 external power supply, which some of you may remember. Not long ago, I wrote a blog about my choices when it came to integrated amplifiers, where the Cyrus Classic amp came out on top.

Fast forward to last year, and our brilliant Cyrus representative, Jason Saxon—who many of you may recognise from countless Cyrus product videos or have met at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show)—visited our store to introduce us to the brand’s 40th-anniversary lineup. He even shared preview images of the new 40 series, which I was really excited about.

A couple of months later, Jason returned with demonstration models of the 40 amp, 40 power supply, 40 CD, and 40 ST Streamer. My first impressions? Saying I was impressed would be an understatement. Sonically and visually, the new 40 series surpassed even the already outstanding XR range—but for me, the real star of the show is the 40 Amp.

Home Demo Time

Almost a month ago, we received our 40 Series demonstration stock from the fantastic team at Cyrus. I seized the opportunity to take the 40 Amp home and put it through its paces. But before I dive into how this exceptional amplifier performed, let’s take a moment to talk about its specs.

Wattage and power
- x2 100W into 6 Ohms or 2X 113W into 6 Ohms with the 40 PSU

DAC
- ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M 32-bit DAC chipset.

Inputs
- x4 Analogue Inputs
- x1 Phono moving magnet Input
- x1 Digital Optical SPDIF input supporting 16/44.1K - 24/192K
- x2 Digital Coaxial inputs
- x1 Asynchronous USB-B input supporting 16/44.1K - 32/384K
- x1 HDMI eARC
DSD Formats supported up to DSD 256
DOP Supported formats up to DOP 128

Outputs
- x1 Preamp analogue output
- x1 Fixed output
- x1 3.5 Headphone output
- RJ45 socket for software updates.

cyrus 40ppa phon preamplifier

Briefly digressing, while working at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Cyrus Audio’s Managing Director, Nick Clarke.

Nick shared insights into all things Cyrus, including the brand’s new casework production process. He also gave me a sneak peek at another exciting addition to the 40 Series arriving this summer—the 40 PPA phono preamplifier. I can’t wait to get my hands on one when it’s released!

Right, Back In The Room!!

Now, onto the most important question—how did the new 40 Amp perform?

But before we settle in with a cup of coffee, what bands and tracks did I put it through its paces with?

Artist : Joe Walsh
Track : Rocky Mountain Way
Album : The Smoker, the Drinker, the Player You Get* (1973, Vinyl)

Artist : Temple of the Dog
Track : Wooden Jesus
Album : Temple of the Dog (1991, CD) – Although I have the 25th anniversary version, which was released in 2016.

Artist : Stone Temple Pilots
Track : Sin
Album : Core (1992, Vinyl)

Artist : Pearl Jam
Track : Fatal
Album : Lost Dogs (2003, CD)

How Did The 40 Amp Hold Up?

Matt’s set-up at home

Starting with vinyl, I had my Rega Planar 6 and trusty Nytech CDP 122 phono stage plugged in—ready to rock. First up was the great Joe Walsh and Rocky Mountain Way, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard it sound like this before—big, open, and full of life. The 40 Amp was really flexing its muscles through my Spendor D7s. Every guitar riff and vocal felt effortless, and one detail caught me completely off guard—the snare drum at the start of the track had a natural reverb I’d never noticed before. Joe’s slide guitar solo sounded more alive, with extra attack on the strings. I even caught the odd detail of the slide knocking against a fret or two on his Les Paul Deluxe. Being a bit of a guitar nerd, I know that ‘70s Les Paul Deluxes have a distinct tone, thanks to those mini humbuckers, and the 40 Amp revealed it beautifully.

Switching to CDs, I hooked up my Cyrus CDXT Signature via coax into the 40 Amp. To say Cyrus has done a great job with the DAC section would be an understatement—the ESS Sabre DAC onboard really shines, especially with eight different filters to play with. The changes are subtle but effective, and I found Linear Phase Fast Low Ripple brought out the best overall performance in the music I was listening to.

One track that really stood out was Wooden Jesus by Temple of the Dog. Matt Cameron’s percussion at the start had incredible presence, and when Chris Cornell’s vocals kicked in, I could almost hear how close he was to the mic. But the real surprise? If you’re as keen-eared—or as much of a music nerd—as I am, you’ll know there’s a banjo buried in that track. Through the 40 Amp, it didn’t just sit in the background—it came alive.

THE CYRUS 40 AMP SAT on isoacoustic isolation pucks

It’s All In The Fine Details

The Cyrus 40 Amp doesn’t just sound incredible—it looks phenomenal too. The team at Cyrus has done a fantastic job modernising the entire 40 Series in all the right ways, and in my opinion, the build quality is absolutely spot on. The user interface is effortless to navigate, and I have to say, I love the new remote.

Now, the big question—did I take the leap to the 40 Amp?

In short, yes, I did. From the moment I first heard it in our store, I was hooked. Bringing it home only reinforced that feeling. So, I took the plunge, placed my order with Cyrus, and now it’s here, settling in nicely. In fact, I’m already diving back into my record collection, rediscovering my favourite albums.

The next question—will I upgrade again?

On the amp front, I’m very, very happy. But I do have my sights set on the rest of the 40 lineup—the power supply, CD, and Stream. Maybe even the new phono stage. As they say… watch this space!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Matt Aaron - Audio T - Cardiff

Cyrus can be found at the following Audio T stores -

Hi-Fi Quality At A Great Price: Three Fantastic Systems At Under £2,000 (Part 2 of 3)

/ Audio T Southampton/

It’s Tiago from Audio T Southampton here! Last month, I wrote a blog detailing the perfect units for your first record-playing system. As promised, this month we’ll be taking a look at the next big source: CD players. So, without further ado, let’s jump in…

The Digital Age

As with last month's blog, we’ll begin with the source component. Let’s take a look at a couple of CD players that will have you nodding along to your favourite tracks:

First up is the fantastic Marantz CD6007, priced at £349*. This player offers an excellent soundstage and plenty of detail in the top end, all without compromising on bass.

Next, we have the impressive Audiolab 6000CDT at £399.95*. This player delivers a neutral sound signature with plenty of detail, but it lacks a built-in DAC. This means you’d need an amplifier with a built-in DAC, though it’s still a phenomenal unit overall.

The Control Centre

The second piece of this Hi-Fi puzzle is the amplifier, which lets you do everything from driving your speakers to selecting your input.

For the first amplifier, I recommend the Marantz PM6007, priced at a very reasonable £359*. This amp offers great connectivity, both analogue and digital, and delivers 45wpc of power—more than enough to drive small to medium-sized speakers. Not to mention, it is the perfect counterpart to the Marantz CD6007.

Alternatively, consider the Rotel A10 Integrated Amplifier at £549*. While it has less connectivity and lacks a DAC, it compensates with its lovely warm sound and ability to drive small-to-medium speakers with ease.

Box O' Sound

To round off this simple yet impressive CD-playing system, let’s look at speakers that will bring your music to life:

The first set I’d recommend are the astounding Dynaudio Emit 10 Stand mounted Speakers, coming in at £630*. These speakers are a prime example that you don’t need big boxes to recreate a big sound. Capable of reproducing all types of music with ease, they are certainly some of the best speakers available on the market at this pricepoint.

the Dynaudio emit 10 may be small, but theY play like big speakers

Alternatively, the stellar Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 stand mounted speakers at £689* offer a bit more size but still deliver fantastic musicality with plenty of bass. They certainly punch above their weight.

Transferring Your Tunes

The final element of this blog is the cabling. For this, I’d refer to our previous blog for my recommendation. As discussed before, the Chord Company C-ScreenX speaker cable is perfect for the job, providing excellent shielding to prevent unwanted noise from interfering with your listening experience.

With an average length of 2.5m* and termination available at any Audio-T store, this speaker cable costs £95* for the pair.

Chord Company C-ScreenX speaker cable: magnificent value for money

Time to Modify

Let’s look at a couple of upgrades that will improve sound quality, starting with new interconnects for your CD player.

The matching C-Line 2RCA to 2RCA cables are a great choice, starting at £57.50* for a 0.5m pair. These will transfer the signal from your CD player to your amp, ensuring minimal distortion or noise.

Alternatively, consider introducing isolation with the IsoAcoustics zaZen I Isolation Platform, priced at £199* each. This platform absorbs vibrations before they reach your CD player, which can result in better sound quality.

If I had to make any significant changes to the lineup, I’d suggest opting for a more powerful amplifier. While both of my original recommendations are excellent, sometimes a little extra power goes a long way.

The Advance Paris X-i75 Integrated Amplifier (£750) is a fantastic choice, delivering 75W per channel into 8 ohms (or 110W into 4 ohms). With plenty of grunt, exceptional detail, and a spacious soundstage, it handles even the most demanding tracks with precision and authority.

The amazing Advance Paris X-i75

Conclusion

And that’s the end of part two of my three-part blog. All the units I’ve mentioned are fantastic pieces of kit that stand out at their respective price points. However, there are plenty of other options to consider. By showcasing these units, I hope it gives you a better idea of what to look for when building your first system.

If you have any questions or would like advice on starting your Hi-Fi journey with a CD player-based system, don’t hesitate to pop into your local Audio T or get in touch with any of our branches.

Thank you for reading:

Tiago - Audio T Southampton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other hi-fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE

Audio T Cheltenham And The English Electric EE1

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

World-renowned for producing some of the finest hi-fi cables, interconnects, and accessories, Chord Company has revived the historic English Electric brand for a side project focused on network noise isolation. With the upcoming release of the new, higher-end EE1+, I decided to revisit the more affordable version to remind myself just what these little marvels can do.

What’s In The Box?

what’s in the box?

The English Electric EE1 is a network noise isolator designed to sit discreetly between Ethernet cables in a streaming audio or video system. According to Chord Company's marketing, it drastically reduces digital noise nasties while allowing the music signal to pass unhindered. It achieves this through common mode filtering, selectively removing low-frequency noise and filtering out high-frequency interference, all while ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

Close Up Of That Classic Logo

close up of that resurrected iconic logo

Digital signals are robust but often carry some level of noise, typically transferred from home network devices. In a hi-fi system, this can manifest as a slight muddiness or even degradation of the all-important music signal.

So that’s what’s inside the box!

Bullet Points

I am a big fan of bullet points so here’s few to be going on with…

  • Targeted filtering reduces harmful network noise.

  • Galvanic isolation blocks low-frequency noise, reduces high-frequency interference, and preserves data integrity.

  • Compact yet powerful – easy to install and discreet in any setup.

  • Stackable performance – using multiple EE1 units can further enhance results.

  • Self-powered – converts unwanted noise into heat.

  • Includes an additional Ethernet cable.

Hidden in the bottom of the box is that afore mentioned ethernet cable

Big Big Train

To put the English Electric EE1 to the test, what could be more fitting than English Electric by UK prog rockers Big Big Train? I chose the track A Boy in Darkness—because it’s ace—and yes, the EE1 actually does make a difference.

The song has clear influences from early Genesis and Yes and, in true prog rock tradition, is split into three parts. Part One explores the hardships of young boys forced to work in Victorian coal mines. Part Two is an instrumental section where an organ riff anchors a dynamic interplay of guitar, organ, and flute solos, bridging past and present. Part Three connects the tragic fate of a boy lost in the mines with a modern-day warning about children suffering at the hands of those entrusted with their care.

The verse sections are eerie, ghostly, and sparse, while the choruses are powerful and emotional. The lead vocal holds a fixed note as the surrounding instruments swirl dramatically, creating a striking contrast.

streaming from qobuz

Into The Node

For this experiment, the EE1 was paired with the rather lovely Bluesound Node—a superb streamer in its own right that punches well above its weight. However, with the EE1 in place, the difference was immediately noticeable. There was a palpable increase in the sense of space around individual instruments and a wider soundstage. The vocal carried more passion, and the lyrics were easier to follow. A slight harshness present without the EE1 disappeared entirely once it was reintroduced into the signal path.

ee1 connected to a bluesound node

Summing Up

I really enjoyed revisiting the EE1 for this blog and believe it offers a worthwhile upgrade for the money. Its impact becomes even more apparent after using it for a while—only to remove it and notice how the sound suddenly feels a little flatter and less engaging.

Thanks for reading!

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham Store.

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Chord Company and English Electric can be found at the following Audio T stores

Bluesound can be found at the following Audio T stores -

Meze Audio – Makers of Headphones That Sound as Good as They Look

/ Audio T Brighton/

Hello everyone, and welcome to the February blog from Audio T Brighton! For this month’s article we are going to move our attention over to personal listening via a now well-established headphone manufacturer, Meze Audio.

Since 2011 Meze Audio has offered stylish and well-made headphones and in recent years expanded their range to suit all budgets. Let’s have a look and listen to four headphones in their range that we’ve had a listen to - spoiler alert, we like all of them!

Yet another bit of personal history...

I seem to be getting into a habit of giving accounts of some hi-fi gear that I own or have owned and love…

Over the years I have owned many pairs of headphones but started to use “cans” for personal listening more frequently with young children in the house, both for drowning-out their noise and to avoid waking the rest of the household when listening late at night, (I’m sure many readers of this blog will recognise this scenario quite well).

The second scenario I’m about to mention is more unfortunate - headphones break all too easily, especially the plastic headbands and cable attachments. Sadly this often means consigning the headphones to the bin because repairs cannot be carried out or parts are unavailable - the green revolution hasn’t yet migrated to headphone manufacture.

After having experienced a headband crack scenario with 3 consecutive pairs of headphones (original pair and 2 replacement pairs from a manufacturer who will remain nameless!) I decided to try and find a different manufacturer who manage to make headphones that look good, sound good and can be repaired - a tough ask!

Enter Meze Audio with the Meze 99 Classics! These closed-back headphones have been a family stalwart over the years and an ideal partner for entry-level headphone setups, portable audio and gaming use, offering fine sound and respectable isolation from external noise.

Meze 99 classics

User replaceable parts...

Visiting the Meze Audio website, they proudly advertise in the Accessories section the availability of user-replaceable parts, including the usual earpads, headband strap etc, but they also allow users to replace the drivers themself, if they happen to get damaged. Meze’s headphones are notable for the limited use of plastic parts in their construction and this certainly bodes well for serviceability and longevity, not to forget the aforementioned “green” recycling credentials.

Meze’s delectable range of headphones here at Audio T in Brighton...

Meze 105AER open-back...

Meze’s 105AER headphones are a new product in their range and the company’s entry-level open-back. The 105AER is one of the few models using plastic as a major material in their construction. Fortunately, the parts that benefit from non-plastic construction are used where they are most needed - in that headband. Along with other models in their range and pioneered by its use in the Meze 99 Classics, is a self-adjusting headband, allowing the user to just pop the headphones on their head and let the elasticated headband strap take up the strain. This method not only proves to be very comfortable, but its lightweight construction keeps the weight of the headphones down quite a bit and you hardly notice them on your head at all once the music starts playing.

Soundwise, these two headphones have a very different signature, with the Meze 105AER’s offering a more linear, open and refined sound - often the case when comparing open v closed headphones. The Meze 99 Classics offer a more “v-shaped” sound signature, satisfying for “bassheads” or those who need sound isolation.

Meze 109 Pro open-back...

Next in the Meze Audio headphone range are the 109 Pros. These open-back headphones, crafted from wood and metal, exude class and deliver a wonderfully open and extended sound. We found them to be a step up from the Meze 105AER, offering greater detail and openness, with good efficiency and an excellent sense of drive. They pair comfortably with portable devices, standard headphone outputs, and higher-end setups.

They also respond well to Meze Audio’s cable upgrade options - more on that later.

Meze Liric 2 closed-back...

Meze Audio’s premium closed-back headphone, the Liric 2, now comes with a revised tuning and perhaps more importantly, have an option to magnetically swap out headphone pads when they wear out, lacking in the original model. Adorned with a lovely wooden fascia, the Liric 2 are certainly more weighty than the aforementioned Meze models, but still incredibly comfortable. As one would expect for the price difference, the Meze Liric 2 are more open and refined than their closed-back juniors, the 99 Classics, but very different from the open sound of the Meze 109 Pros. However, if you want a luxuriously comfy fit, the isolation of a closed-back pair of cans, want a nice warm sound with plenty of detail, then these are a good choice.

Meze Empyrean 2 open-back...

Just below the top-of-the-range Meze Elites come the Empyrean 2. Like their closed-back siblings, the Liric 2, these have undergone a recent re-tuning & re-styling in their Mk2 guise.

The Meze Empyrean 2 employ neodymium magnets in a hybrid array to disperse sound uniformly across the whole driver diaphragm surface.

isodynamic array driver used in the liric, empyrean & elite headphones

The upshot of the use of their proprietary driver is one of outstanding linearity, detail and clarity across a wide bandwidth. We found the step forward in sound reproduction over the Meze 109 Pro was significant, with a much more mature, refined and sophisticated sound. There are similarities with the Meze Liric 2’s, but the open sound of the Meze Empyrean’s was a cut above.

Headphone cable upgrades...

One of the options on offer from Maze is the choice of a range of high quality copper or silver cables to upgrade the sound and look of their headphone range. Cables really can make a difference and they elevate the sound quality of their range of headphones significantly - the Meze 105AER, Meze 109 Pro and Meze Liric 2 all responded well to these cable upgrades with the Meze Empyrean 2 supplied with copper mini-XLR version as standard.

Copper v silver...

It’s important not to stereotype the effects of copper versus silver cable materials on sound characteristics, as there are always exceptions. However, in this case—and true to form—the Meze silver cables placed more emphasis on the upper mids and presence region, while the copper cables tended to offer a fuller, more rounded sound. In a way, they act like subtle tone controls, making them a useful tool for tailoring your headphones' sound to your preference. Both provided noticeable improvements over the stock cables supplied in the box.

Meze’s audio cuisine is geared to taste...

We’re big fans of the Meze headphone range—not only do they offer superb comfort and striking looks, but they also deliver fantastic sound and are built to last. Unlike the Greek cuisine of the same name, these are a treat you can enjoy for years to come!

Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the best way to experience them is in person. Whether you're curious about how they compare to your current headphones or looking for something new, we’d love to help. Get in touch to book a demonstration and hear the difference for yourself.

Thanks for reading

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Meze Audio can be found at the following Audio T stores