April 30, 2025

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

April 30, 2025/ Audio T Swansea/ 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

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April 26, 2025

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

April 26, 2025/ Swindon

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.

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

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Linn can be found at the following Audio T stores

April 25, 2025

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

April 25, 2025/ Audio T Cheltenham/ 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.

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!

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…

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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Rega can be found at the following Audio T stores -

April 15, 2025

Entering the stratosphere with the new Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition

April 15, 2025/ Audio T Brighton/ 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 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 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.