THE REGA HAS LANDED - Mercury & Solis Touch Down in Bristol

/ Audio T Bristol/
IMAGE: Rega Event introduced by Rob Noble

rob noble from rega conducting the event’s proceedings

Cue the Fanfare… 

The new Rega Mercury pre-amplifier and Solis power amplifier combo finally arrived in our Bristol store in late November.

First announced nearly two years ago and previewed at this year’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February, the much-anticipated arrival suffered a series of delays as the amplifiers went through further fine-tuning before finally entering production.

Bristol hi-fi enthusiasts were fortunate to get an early preview of the new amps in November, thanks to Rob Noble and Simon Webster from Rega and Audio T Bristol.

IMAGE: Rega Mercury Pre Amplifier

rega mercury pre amplifier : 1- xlr input, 5 - rca inputs, digital inputs - 2optical, 2 coax & usb in

Rega’s official introduction to the Mercury.

The main development objective for the Mercury was to create a no-compromise audio pre-amplifier. Hand-crafted to reveal the true potential of your hi-fi system, the Mercury features an ultra-low noise floor that delivers exceptional dynamic range. Like the Solis, the Mercury pre-amplifier is the culmination of almost four decades of Rega electronics engineering experience in solid-state amplifier development.

IMAGE: Rega Solis Power Amplifier

And the Solis.

Engineered to drive the most demanding loudspeakers, the Solis is the perfect partner for the Mercury pre-amplifier. Rega’s engineering team has spent the last four years obsessively developing and fine-tuning the circuit to create the most engaging and accurate performance possible.

Using a separate chassis for the pre-amplifier and power amplifier allows the low-voltage, sensitive circuitry to be isolated from the high-current power-amplifier circuitry. This reduces interference between the two, resulting in a less noisy signal path and a cleaner overall sound. A route into Rega Reference amplification is also available by pre-out from the Rega Aethos stereo power amplifier.

The Event

On a rainy Thursday evening, we convened at the impressively named Bristol Aeroplane Company Welfare Association — or the BAWA Leisure Centre, as it’s known to locals.

Image: Eager for Rega. The Great Inspection

The Mercury and Solis were paired with Rega’s Naia turntable fitted with the Aphelion 2 cartridge and Rega Aura phono stage. This was, essentially, a full Rega Reference-level system, partnered with ATC SCM50 floorstanding loudspeakers (the tower version with passive crossovers) finished in Pippy Oak. We deliberately chose these speakers as they represent a difficult load for any amplifier to drive, yet are hugely rewarding when driven correctly.

Full Rega Reference system

Audio T Bristol’s Justin opened the evening with an “Are you eager for Rega?” pun — one that should probably land him in the punitentiary (if Justin can get away with it at an event, I can get away with it in a blog).

From there, it was all uphill. Rob gave a brief introduction before we moved swiftly on to the listening session. As always, Rega does things differently. While many manufacturers spend a large portion of these events explaining the arduous journey to find the perfect capacitor, circuit layout, or engineering solution — fascinating though that can be — Rega cuts straight to the finale: “Take a listen — this is superb.” That confidence in their vision and performance is what sets them apart. They know music, they know development, and they know how to make a great-sounding amplifier.

The opening track, She Caught the Katy from The Blues Brothers soundtrack, instantly impressed. The punchy, controlled yet aggressive brass entrance was especially noteworthy and set high expectations for the rest of the evening.

Next up was a go-to test for natural vocal reproduction. Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega showcased the Rega’s mastery of reproducing subtle, warm, breathy textures with real finesse. Very impressive.

Moving on to orchestral music, Martin Brabbins’ version of Elgar’s Nimrod emphasised the smoothness of the string section and demonstrated the amps’ command over shifts between low- and high-level dynamics.

At this point, Rob decided to attempt something rarely tried at a hi-fi demonstration: a track by 1980s rock/pop icons Dire Straits. What next, we wondered — Pink Floyd? Sadly, no. Instead, You and Your Friend was the track of choice, and thankfully not an obvious one. Once again, the Rega combination came up trumps, blending drive with subtlety and delivering Knopfler’s guitar with spine-tingling effect.

The final selection was Walking in the Rain by Grace Jones. The Rega transported us straight into a sleazy eighties club vibe, with firm control over the period synths and drum machines, and Grace’s voice sitting seamlessly within the mix.

Full Playlist

She Caught the Katy – The Blues Brothers
Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega
Luka – Suzanne Vega
Wish I’d Never Loved You at All – Johnny Adams
I Guess I’ll Hang Out My Tears to Dry – Dexter Gordon
Nimrod – Elgar
Emmylou – First Aid Kit
You and Your Friend – Dire Straits
Générique – Miles Davis
Table for One – Courtney Marie Andrews
On the Streets of This Town – Steve Forbert
Walking in the Rain – Grace Jones
Bonny Light Horseman – Bonny Light Horseman
Institutionalised – Kendrick Lamar
Chemical – Ghost Dubs
Rose Rouge – Jorja Smith
The Rain Song – Led Zeppelin
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

In Summary

Since the event, Audio-T Bristol has had the Mercury and Solis on demonstration, giving us time to really explore their capabilities. We believe this is one of the finest pre/power amplifier combinations currently available in the store. At its current retail price, it sets a new benchmark for amplification at any level.

A fascinating and refreshingly different evening with Rega.

Paul, Justin & Max - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about the Rega Reference Mercury & Solis 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…

An evening with REL Acoustics rumble at Llanrumney Hall

/ Audio T cardiff/

This month, Matt from our Cardiff store — Hi-Fi enthusiast and all-round music nerd — talks about a recent event he organised with REL Acoustics at one of Cardiff’s most prestigious venues, Llanrumney Hall. The aim was simple: to showcase REL’s all-new Serie S subwoofers, in this case a stereo pair of S/850s. Over to Matt.

Hi there to all you music lovers and Hi-Fi fans. It’s me again, talking about one of my favourite things to do in this industry: organising events that let me share great music, great systems, and the products that genuinely excite me. This time, it was all about low end — proper, controlled, musical bass — and in my book there’s no better brand to demonstrate that than REL Acoustics, especially with their new Serie S subwoofers.

Why Llanrumney Hall?

Earlier this summer I was thinking about running another event, but wanted to do something a little different — somewhere outside the usual demo room environment. The idea for Llanrumney Hall came about through a bit of chance: my youngest son’s drum teacher has a recording studio on site. While my son was in a lesson, I got chatting to the hall’s manager, Kath Hinton, about the possibility of hosting a Hi-Fi event there.

Kath showed me the Kemeys Room, named after one of the families who previously owned the mansion, and that was that. It was perfect. With the festive season approaching, it felt like the ideal venue: atmospheric, historic, and a genuinely exciting space for a serious sonic demonstration.

Llanrumney Hall

A quick bit of history

Llanrumney Hall dates back to around 1450, with roots that trace even further to a chapel from 1066. That makes the current structure over 570 years old — a remarkable setting for a modern Hi-Fi system.

If you’re interested in the history of this beautiful venue, Llanrumney Hall has a brilliant website that’s well worth a look.

Building the system

With the venue secured, it was time to put together a system worthy of the space. The obvious starting point was REL’s new Serie S range, and the obvious person to call was our good friend Rob Hunt, sales manager for REL. Rob kindly agreed to attend the event, talk through REL’s philosophy, and bring along a stereo pair of the all-new S/850 subwoofers.

With bass duties covered, the rest of the system came together as follows:

Cyrus and rega electronics

  • Sources: Cyrus Audio 40 CD player and 40 Stream, with power supply

  • Amplification: Rega Research Mercury pre-amp and Solis power amp

  • Loudspeakers: Acoustic Energy Corinium floorstanders

  • Cabling: A full Chord Company Signature loom — interconnects, speaker cable, and power

Once everything was in place, it was time for careful positioning and fine-tuning. Rob worked his usual magic with set-up, using his trusted reference tracks to dial everything in. Running a system of this calibre — especially with a stereo pair of subwoofers — in a room of this size takes patience, but the results were absolutely worth it.

It’s not all about bass

Before diving into the music, it’s worth clearing something up: subwoofers aren’t just about big bangs and explosions. In a two-channel system, a properly integrated subwoofer does far more than add weight at the bottom end. It frees up the main speakers, improves clarity through the midrange and treble, and expands the soundstage.

REL’s story has always been rooted in this idea. Founder Richard Edmund Lord (yes — that’s where REL comes from) was frustrated by how little information conventional loudspeakers could reproduce in the lowest frequencies. A fan of organ music, he knew how difficult those notes are to recreate convincingly at home, so he set out to solve the problem himself. The rest, as they say, is history.

For me, it’s all about recreating the feel of live music — the scale of a guitar amp, the physicality of a drum kit, even the breath on a microphone. With today’s technology, and with the right subwoofer integration, that goal is more achievable than ever. I’ll admit it: I’m a convert.

acoustic energy corinium & rel s/850

The evening itself

With customers settled in, tea and coffee flowing, Rob kicked things off by talking through REL’s history and the thinking behind the new Serie S range. He explained subwoofer matching, room interaction, and demonstrated just how much difference correct set-up makes.

Then came the music.

We started with J.S. Bach’s Toccata in D, a nod to Richard Lord’s love of organ music. First, the track was played with no subwoofers — already impressive. Adding one S/850 brought extra texture and definition to the lowest notes, and with the second sub engaged the soundstage opened up dramatically. The scale and depth were genuinely startling.

Another standout moment was Magic Bus from Live at Leeds by The Who. With both subwoofers running, the track took on a real live energy. Hand percussion, vocals, and — most memorably — the sheer size of Pete Townshend’s guitar sound filled the room. Eyes closed, it genuinely felt like a Hiwatt stack had appeared in Llanrumney Hall.

Acoustic energy coriniums & Rel s/850

In conclusion

Sonically, the event was a knockout. The room, the system, and especially the stereo pair of REL subwoofers worked together beautifully. But more important than any piece of equipment was the chance to connect with everyone who came along and to see how much enjoyment the system brought.

As for whether I’ll be adding a subwoofer to my own system — absolutely. It won’t be an S Series, but a REL T/9x SE is firmly on the horizon, ideally in French Racing Blue. And yes, there will be another event at Llanrumney Hall in 2026. It may involve a certain brand whose amplifier and phono stage I already own… you guessed it: Cyrus Audio. Watch this space.

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read.

Matt Aaron
Audio T Cardiff

Small Gifts, Big Smiles: The Perfect Stocking Fillers for Vinyl Lovers

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We all know that feeling when you get that lovely shiny new record home from the shops and, horror of horrors, it comes with one of those awful clingy cardboard inner sleeves. The kind that only reluctantly gives up its vice-like grip on the vinyl inside, with a copious amount of blowing and twisting that’s only really possible if you have three hands!

It’s one of those little frustrations that every record collector recognises instantly—and thankfully, it’s one that’s very easily solved.

Protect Their Vinyl: Better Record Sleeves

Nagaoka Anti-Static Record Sleeves

Coming to the rescue of any erstwhile record collector are the Nagaoka Anti-static Record Sleeves. These slip neatly inside the existing sleeve and provide an extra layer of protection, while their anti-static properties help stop records from attracting dust and picking up scratches.

Nagaoka Inner Sleeves

They’re ideal if you want to keep original artwork and sleeves intact but still give your vinyl the care it deserves. They come in packs of 50 for £25.50*, making them a genuinely affordable upgrade for any collection.

Close up of the Nagaoka Inner sleeve in action

Goldring Exstatic Anti-Static Inner Sleeves

Next on the essentials list are the Goldring Exstatic Anti-static Inner Sleeves.

The Goldring Exstatic sleeves are a little different to the Nagaoka’s in that they combine the anti-static lining with an outer paper former. This makes them perfect as a full replacement for old, knackered sleeves that are falling apart, torn, or simply past their best.

Goldring Exstatic Sleeves

A pack of 25 sells for £24.95*, and they’re a brilliant solution for anyone gradually refreshing an older record collection.

Total Protection

Essential Turntable Tools Worth Gifting

Pro-Ject Measure it E – Stylus Tracking Force Gauge

Pro-Ject Measure it-E

Adjusting the tracking force on a cartridge by eye (or guesswork) is never a great idea, and having it spot-on extends stylus life and improves sound quality. The Pro-Ject Measure it E is an electronic stylus balance that measures tracking force up to 5g with a clear digital display and supplied calibration weight, making precise setup dead simple—even for beginners. At £20*, it is the perfect for anyone who’s ever asked “Is that too much pressure?”

Pro-Ject Brush it

A basic but often overlooked tool, the Pro-Ject Brush it is a carbon fibre record cleaning brush that removes fine dust and helps reduce static before each play. That keeps records sounding clean and quiet, and it’s a tiny ritual that makes playing records more satisfying each time. Yours for the princely sum of £10!

Pro-Ject Clean it

If they already have a record brush, the Pro-Ject Clean it stylus brush is the companion accessory every collector should own. The thousands of fine carbon fibres gently sweep away dust and deposits from the stylus tip, keeping it cleaner for longer and helping maintain clear, accurate playback for just £9!

A Simple Upgrade Every Record Deserves

Taken together, these sleeves and accessories cover all the basics of good vinyl care. The Nagaoka and Goldring inner sleeves protect records from dust, static and wear, while the Pro-Ject Measure it E makes sure your cartridge is set up exactly as it should be. Add in the Brush it for a quick clean before every play and the Clean it to keep the stylus in top shape, and you’ve got a simple, affordable toolkit that genuinely makes a difference to how records sound and how long they last.

I use all of these myself and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. They’re practical, sensibly priced, and actually useful — exactly the sort of stocking fillers that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer. The record collector in your life will appreciate them every time they pull an album from the shelf and drop the needle.

Thanks for reading. We always keep all of these items in stock here, so please feel free to pop in and pick some up.

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham.

If you have any questions about the items 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

Christmas Hi‑Fi Gift Ideas: Three Brilliant (and Sensible) Systems That Feel Like a Treat

/ Audio T reading/

Let’s be honest: audio gifts can be a minefield. Too cheap and it’s instantly forgettable… too complicated and nobody uses it. So here are three genuinely solid systems that hit the sweet spot for Christmas. Proper sound, easy to live with, and all at a sensible budget.

Whether you’re buying for a music lover or someone who’s ready to step up from a small Bluetooth speaker, one of these will land perfectly under the tree.

Best for: desks, kitchens, bedrooms, lounges. For anyone who wants decent hi-fi product with minimal fuss.

• Compact desktop Hi-Fi with surprisingly big, balanced sound.  

• Bluetooth with aptX HD for high-resolution wireless streaming from phones/tablets.  

• Built-in phono stage (MM) — plug a turntable straight in, no extra box required.  

• USB-C for high-res playback from laptops

• Multiple wired inputs: optical/analogue combo makes it easy to connect TVs or media players.  

• Subwoofer output — add bass power later if needed.  

• 25 W per channel Class D amplification with silk dome tweeters and long-throw woofers for rich, controlled sound.  

• Compact handcrafted cabinets in Walnut or Charcoal finishes

Warm, clear sound that’s enjoyable at both sensible and quiet listening levels. Ideal for everyday radio, playlists, podcasts or background music. Great step up from a cheap Bluetooth box. 

2. WiiM Sound Smart Speaker (£299 each)

Best for: small to medium rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or offices. Great streaming functionality in a flexible and modern speaker system that can be expanded.

• Compact body, 100 W output for room‑filling sound without a huge box.  

• Hi‑Res streaming up to 24‑bit/192 kHz, above basic Bluetooth quality.  

• Built‑in room correction plus app EQ, to optimise speaker performance.

• Wide service and multi‑room support: Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA and more. Works with many streaming ecosystems without need for additional wires. 

• Touchscreen control for phone‑free use; shows art and track info at a glance.  

• Balanced, deep bass and lifelike treble from a compact cabinet, built to sound bigger than it looks.  

Strong, modern solution with minimal setup. Great standalone speaker today; add a second unit to create a stereo pair or for a wider multi‑room system.

Best for: a tidy and compact hi‑fi system for living rooms, lounges as well as small, medium and even large bedrooms. Serious sound without racks of kit.

• 100 W per channel amplifier with more power available for lower‑impedance loads; enough headroom for bookshelf or many floorstanding speakers.  

• Built‑in RoomFit calibration and app EQ—simplifies setup and improves sound in rooms.  

• Premium ESS Sabre DAC handling top‑tier hi‑res files, future‑proofing quality from digital sources.  

• Broad streaming support including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Chromecast and more; works with internet radio and DLNA. Covers almost every service people use.  

• Multiple inputs and outputs: HDMI ARC, optical, analogue line, plus subwoofer output, so it becomes the centre of a small AV or Hi‑Fi setup.  

• Touchscreen for direct control and info at the box.  

• AE100 Mk2 speakers: compact but designed to deliver real scale, with a slot‑port for smoother, tighter bass control Compact size, easy placement and most importantly great sound.

• True bookshelf design that punches above its size, ideal for smaller rooms or desks yet fully satisfying as a main system.  

Massive step up from tiny one‑box speakers without becoming huge or complicated. Plug‑in streaming, room tuning, and a proper amplifier in one device and speakers that won’t overwhelm space yet deliver lively, controlled sound. A combo that’s ready now, expandable later with a sub or more rooms. Excellent Hi‑Fi value. 

Thanks for reading.
Dan, Rishi & Gareth - 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.

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…

WiiM, Ruark & Acoustic Energy can be found at the following Audio T stores

Meze Audio Headphones - The Perfect Stocking Filler

/ Audio T Swindon/

If you’re looking for a genuinely thoughtful gift for a music lover this Christmas, headphones are hard to beat — and Meze Audio should be firmly on your radar. Beautifully made, sensibly priced, and consistently enjoyable to listen to, Meze headphones strike a rare balance between design, comfort and sound quality. Whether it’s a first step into quality headphones or an upgrade to something more refined, there’s a Meze model that fits the brief.

99 neo, 99 classic and 109 Pro

Meze Audio are a relatively young headphone manufacturer, founded in 2011, though the project began a couple of years earlier, around 2009. Founder and lead designer Antonio Meze was experimenting with headphone design and materials — notably wood — in pursuit of better sound and more considered aesthetics than many mainstream offerings of the time.

99 Neo Closed-Back Headphones

The entry point into the Meze over-ear headphone range.

In 2015, the brand’s first major breakthrough came with the launch of the Meze 99 Classics, following a successful Indiegogo campaign. Developed entirely in-house, these headphones won multiple awards and helped firmly establish Meze as a serious headphone manufacturer.

99 Neo

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, rapidly establishing itself as a major player, offering a broad range of headphones and earphones — from approachable dynamic models to flagship planar magnetic designs.

The Meze 99 Neo deliver a warm, engaging and punchy sound, with a strong bass presence. They are lightweight, well engineered and extremely comfortable, making them ideal for prolonged listening sessions.

They’re also easy to drive: with low impedance and high sensitivity, they work well straight from phones, laptops and dongle DACs, without the need for dedicated amplification.

99 Classics V2 Headphones

The next model up.

The 99 Classics build on the strengths of the Neo, but with a noticeable step up in refinement.

Key benefits of the 99 Classics over the Neo include:

  • A more natural and balanced tonal signature, with tighter bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange, resulting in clearer vocals and instruments

  • Improved detail and overall resolution

99 Classic

While the Neo has a looser, slightly rougher low-end emphasis for a punchy feel, the Classics offer bass that is better controlled and more integrated, helping to reduce muddiness through the lower mids.

The Classics also feature real walnut wood earcups and higher-end finishes, which many owners appreciate for both aesthetics and tactile quality.

Overall, the tuning of the Classics leans towards a smoother treble and a more coherent, well-resolved midrange.

109 Pro Open-Back Headphones

The open-back step into true high-fidelity listening.

The Meze 109 Pro are premium open-back over-ear headphones designed for high-fidelity listening, combining a rich, engaging sound with refined build quality.

109 Pro

They offer a balanced yet expressive tuning, with detailed mids, extended treble and controlled bass, delivering clarity and emotional weight across all genres.

Thanks to the open-back design, the soundstage is wide and spacious, with precise imaging that allows instruments and vocals to breathe naturally.

With a low impedance of around 40 ohms, the 109 Pro are generally easy to drive and pair well with phones, DAC/amps and portable sources.

Build quality is excellent, with elegant construction using walnut wood earcups, zinc-manganese steel components and velour ear pads — all premium, durable materials.

A self-adjusting headband and plush padding ensure excellent comfort, even during longer listening sessions.

Conclusion

Meze headphones are an excellent choice for music lovers who want an immersive, engaging listening experience, paired with premium materials and thoughtful design. Whether closed-back or open-back, portable or home-focused, they offer superb sound quality without losing sight of comfort and practicality.

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

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…

Christmas Miracles: Perfect Hi-Fi Gifts for Your Favourite Audiophile

/ Audio T Southampton/

With Christmas fast approaching, finding the ideal gift for the audiophile in your life can feel daunting—especially if the terminology is unfamiliar. To make things easier, we at Audio T Southampton have curated a selection of excellent, stocking-friendly upgrades that deliver genuine performance benefits:

English Electric EE1 Network Isolator

First on Santa’s list is the superb English Electric EE1 Network Isolator. Supplied with a clear setup guide and a complimentary 0.75m Chord Company C-Stream Ethernet cable, the EE1 offers an elegant way to enhance the quality of an ethernet connection—provided the streamer is running via a hard-wired network input.

Using galvanic isolation, the EE1 filters out unwanted high-frequency interference, dissipating the noise as heat (though it barely warms up in use). The result is a lower system noise floor, allowing vocals, harmonics and rhythmic detail to emerge with greater clarity.

Chord Company PowerARAY UK Plug

Next is the Chord Company PowerARAY—an unusual but highly effective product. Rather than plugging into your system, the PowerARAY is placed in an unused mains socket, ideally as close to the system as possible.

Employing Chord’s proprietary ARAY technology, it absorbs high-frequency noise carried through the mains before it reaches your components. Cleaner incoming power equals cleaner, more articulate sound.

Rega Carbon Pro Stylus

Our third recommendation is the new Rega Carbon Pro Stylus. Despite its modest price, it is a direct and worthwhile upgrade for the Rega Carbon and the now-discontinued Audio Technica AT91 cartridges. Its bonded elliptical profile allows deeper groove contact, retrieving noticeably more musical information. For anyone with a Rega Planar 1, this is an excellent upgrade path—and if you want proof, take a look at the blog Adrian from our Cardiff store recently wrote.

IsoAcoustics zaZen 1 Isolation Platform

Rounding off the list is the IsoAcoustics zaZen 1 Isolation Platform—a straightforward, highly effective way to reduce unwanted vibration. It enables key components to perform at their best by preventing external or structure-borne energy from interfering with playback.

Turntables and CD players benefit most from this type of isolation, making the zaZen 1 a smart upgrade for systems where vibration is a performance bottleneck.

Summary

And that concludes our festive recommendations. Whether you’re looking to enhance a turntable, streamer or CD player—or simply want a meaningful system-wide improvement—we have a wide range of options available. All products featured here can be demonstrated in any Audio T store, and the Southampton team has each one ready to audition.

If you’re unsure which upgrade will make the biggest difference to your setup, feel free to get in touch or pop into the shop. We’re always happy to talk through system matching, setup fine-tuning, or ways to get more from the equipment you already own. Sometimes the smallest changes can unlock a level of musical engagement that surprises even long-term Hi-Fi enthusiasts.

This time of year is always busy, so if you’re planning an audition or need advice before Christmas, it’s worth giving us a call so we can make sure everything is set up and ready for you. We’re here to help you choose something that feels thoughtful, useful, and genuinely rewarding—whether it’s a simple stocking filler or the start of a bigger journey into better sound.

Thank you for reading, and from all of us at Audio T Southampton, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a restful break, and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the music, enjoy the moments, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Tiago, Wayne & 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…

WiiM takes the fight to Sonos with its new WiiM Sound Smart Speaker

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

The WiiM Sound is a potentially game-changing product for the US-owned company that made its name with very capable, entry-level streamers. But does this smart speaker have what it takes to challenge market leader Sonos?

The new WiiM Sound is the first smart speaker (streaming and Bluetooth) from WiiM – a company that's best known for its streamers and streaming amplifiers.

And, having had it on test for barely a month, we can confidently say that if you are looking for a smart-speaker alternative to Sonos, then the WiiM Sound should be at the top of your demo list.

WiiM’s strategy has been interesting. They started off with streaming products designed to integrate into traditional hi-fi systems: for instance the Mini in 2021, and Pro in 2022.

The company then started making streaming amplifier products such as the WiiM Amp and Amp Pro. They have since released the Ultra, the Amp Ultra and the Vibelink integrated amp designed to work with the WiiM Ultra.

The WiiM Sound marks a new stage in that strategy. Having started with products designed to work with traditional hi-fi systems, the WiiM Sound is aimed squarely at the multi-room, smart-speaker market that Sonos products have dominated for so long.

Bluesound, arguably WiiM’s closest competitor in terms of its current product range, already has the Pulse 2i and Pulse Flex 2i. And then there are complete all-in-one streaming systems from Ruark, among others.

The WiiM Sound is therefore up against some very accomplished opposition.

The question is: does the WiiM Sound offer enough in terms of features and, importantly, sound quality to make a case for itself?

Features and Specs

  • Supports hi-res playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz

  • A 4-inch long-throw woofer and dual tweeters

  • Peak output is around 100W

  • A 1.8-inch touchscreen that can display album art, track info, source switching, custom wallpaper and clock faces

  • Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet, 3.5 mm Aux input

  • Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA, Google Cast, Alexa Cast, Roon, LMS among others

  • WiiM’s user-friendly control app

  • Multi-room and stereo capabilities

  • AI RoomFit™ on-board room correction, 10-band graphic and parametric EQ

  • Available in black or white finishes; wall-mount ready

Wiim Sound

What immediately sets the Sound apart from competitors like Sonos is the presence of the circular touchscreen. This is both functional – allowing you to pause, play and skip tracks – and fun, allowing the display of album artwork and standby wallpaper.

Although room correction is hardly new to products like this (think Sonos Trueplay), we found AI RoomFit worked well to tailor playback in our largish showroom.

Like most smart speakers, the WiiM Sound can easily be connected to many music apps. However, it is worth noting that it does not have an always-on microphone like, for instance, the Sonos Era 100. This means that if you want to voice-control the Sound via Amazon Alexa, then you need to do so via the WiiM Voice Remote (supplied), an Alexa-enabled device like an Echo, or through your phone.

However, the Sound does support high-res files up to 24-bit/192 kHz. That beats most Sonos products which top out at 24/48.

Of course, whether you will be able to hear the extra information on a 96/192 file played on a WiiM Sound compared to a 24/48 track on a Sonos product is another matter.

Which neatly brings us on to…

Sound Quality

Straight out of the box the WiiM Sound sounded well-balanced. Listening to Qobuz over Wi-Fi, with the EQ off, the bass was well judged and the mid-range and treble nicely balanced with no frequency band dominating.

Turn on the bass boost (there are lots of EQ options) and the Sound starts to sound a little more like Sonos units, which tend to have bass-heavy presentations. Some may feel that, on certain tracks, the WiiM Sound benefits from bass boost just to give a fuller presentation, particularly in larger listening spaces.

Sonos Era 100

There is an appealing openness and naturalness to the Sound’s presentation of the mids in particular that, to our ears at least, outperforms units like the Sonos Era 100 and Move. Playing acoustic or classical music on the Sound reveals the unit’s mid-range strengths, with things like vocals, strings, brass and pianos recreated with surprising fidelity for a smart speaker.

WiiM Sound also comes in White

The WiiM unit has an impressive soundstage for a single-box unit, projecting the music beyond the confines of the compact body. Of course, it’s not the same expansive sound that you would get from a Hi-Fi separates system, but the WiiM gives more depth and width to music than you’ll hear from some other smart speakers on the market.

Our demo WiiM Sound does a pretty good job of filling the Portsmouth shop, even at 50 percent volume. We haven’t heard a stereo pair of WiiM Sounds yet, but we can only assume they will sound even better and more engaging than a single unit.

In our opinion the new WiiM Sound elbows its way effectively towards the front of the queue in a market dominated by Sonos.

It has appealing functionality, not least the touch screen and high res playback. To us it sounds more detailed and open than many equivalent Sonos units.

It may not deliver quite the amount of bass weight delivered by bigger Sonos units but that is not necessarily a bad thing as it contributes to the Wiim’s more open sound, and mid range strengths.

The Sound’s build quality looks good and we like the fabric covering the speaker’s central section.

Our Verdict

The new WiiM Sound firmly stakes its claim in a market long dominated by Sonos. With its touchscreen, high-res playback, and intuitive app, it sounds more detailed and open than many comparable Sonos units. While it may not match the bass weight of larger Sonos speakers, this actually enhances its open sound and mid-range clarity. Build quality is solid, with a stylish fabric-covered central section, and the speaker performs well as a stand-alone unit, in stereo pairs, or as part of a multi-room setup.

Sonos will no doubt be watching closely, as the WiiM Sound marks a significant challenge, with more products from WiiM on the horizon. The WiiM Sound is available to demo in the Portsmouth store — pop in, email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk or call 0239 266 3604.

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

From Venus and Mars to Mercury and Solis - the new Rega Pre/Power combo at Audio T in Brighton

/ Audio T Brighton/

Hello everyone, and welcome to the December blog from Audio T Brighton! The Christmas party is almost upon us, and to celebrate the upcoming festivities, we’ll announce a pre-Christmas event to wet your appetite and get those digestive juices flowing, ready for Christmas dinner. You never know, hearing what we are demonstrating on 10th December at our Audio T branch in Brighton, we may deliver a Christmas present fit for any and many a future Christmas party!

A brief Rega amplifier recap...

Before we get to the main act, it may be worth reminding everyone that Rega have been supplying electronics at all price budgets for quite some time, including the amplifiers: Rega IO, Rega Brio Mk7, Rega Elex Mk4, Rega Elicit Mk5, Rega Aethos and Rega Osiris.

Rega have established a reputation for turntables during their 50+ year tenure, but their electronics have steadily built up a following alongside. Rega amplifiers offer both good quality phono stages and onboard DACS, on the entry to mid-level range. The outstanding musical qualities of Rega amps are clear to hear, with natural dynamics, good clarity, and timbre being strong points, along with strong performance to price ratios at every level.

As always, we recommend visiting our store to listen to your Rega choices along with matching components that marry well together!

May the force be with you...

rear of a rega isis - a darth vader lookalike if we ever saw one!

By means of an introduction to the stars of the show, I thought an image of the rear of a Rega Isis CD player would set the scene for this blog and our upcoming event, here at Brighton Audio T on Wednesday, 10th December. You can read more about this wonderful CD player in my previous blog here.

Rega Mercury pre-amp & Solis power amp...

Rega’s launch of the Rega Mercury pre-amplifier and Rega Solis power amplifier, which will be on demonstration, along with the Rega Isis CD player, and Rega Naia/Aphelion 2MC turntable, at our launch event on 10/12/25, gives you the chance to hear the pinnacle of Rega’s amplifier technology development - indeed a mouth watering prospect and one you are most welcome to attend and find out for yourselves. Ring us on 01273 609431 or email: brighton@audio-t.co.uk

rega isis, mercury & solis

A more detailed and extensive blog will be forthcoming, but in order to get the message out in good time for our Rega Event on Wed, 10th December between 2pm - 7pm at Audio T in Brighton, we’ll give a few tasters of what we think of this new combo as a heads-up!

The Rega Solis, delivering 168W into 8ohms, is an absolute power house with a smooth, mellifluous, yet dynamic delivery, allowing the Rega Mercury’s natural detail, textural and analogue qualities to shine through, all presented in an effortless manner. The Rega Naia turntable with Aphelion 2 MC cartridge, into a Rega Aura MC Phono stage and Rega Isis CD player are first-class sources, allowing Rega’s latest pre/power combo qualities to flow with aplomb.

To be honest, the only way to appreciate a system of this quality is to come and hear it for yourself, so give us a bell and let us know you’re coming on the day.

Thanks for reading.

Adey, Jake, John, Kevin and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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…

Audio T Bristol: Our Staff Picks For Black Friday

/ Audio T Bristol/

Black Friday has landed once again, and the Bristol team has been busy digging through the mountain of offers to pull out the real gems — the pieces of kit we genuinely rate, use, and get excited about. With so much noise around this time of year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but that’s where we like to step in. Think of this as your shortcut to the good stuff.

Whether you're thinking about upgrading your system, adding something new to the mix, or finally making the leap on a product you've been eyeing for months, we've put together a shortlist that represents proper value. These aren’t random discounts — they’re the items that made us stop, listen, and say, “Yep… that’s one worth talking about.”

From big, room-filling floorstanders to flexible streaming hubs and powerful all-in-one solutions, this year’s picks from Max, Justin and Paul cover a great spread of what’s possible. If you want strong performance without the usual price tag, you’re in the right place…

Max’s Pick

Acoustic Energy AE520

Was £3,650 - Now £2,599 - Save £1,151

At one point, these were Acoustic Energy’s flagship speakers. The AE520 features two dedicated 125mm midrange drivers, three low-frequency drivers, and a 25mm tweeter — all fashioned from carbon fibre to provide perfect tonal matching across the frequency range. That’s 10 drivers in total, beautifully designed and finished, delivering a foot-tapping, awe-inspiring presentation with impressive control.

Justin’s Pick

Linn Selekt DSM

Was £5,580 - Now £3,299 - Save £2,281

The Swiss Army Knife of the hi-fi world — stream everything, connect anything. Linn’s network music players are flexible, future-proof and designed for serious performance. From high-resolution albums to movie soundtracks, it’s all at your fingertips. Introducing the Linn Selekt DSM…

Connectivity is extensive: Wi-Fi or wired internet connection, Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, USB, two TOSLINK inputs, two coaxial inputs (one of which can be configured as a digital line output), plus Linn’s own Exakt Link. Moving to analogue duties, you get one pair of RCA inputs, a moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage, and the option to expand further — that blank plate next to the analogue stages can house the five-input HDMI module when the surround option is installed.

Paul’s Pick

Quad Artera Solus

Was £1,599 - Now £899 - Save £700

 The Quad Artera Solus — £1,599 when new — is a combined CD transport, DAC, preamplifier and power amplifier, designed to deliver performance “on par with much more expensive multi-component hi-fi systems.”

You get five digital inputs (two coaxial, two optical and one USB-B), and while the USB-A socket on the rear panel is just for software updates, you also have both coaxial and optical outputs. Decoding duties are handled by an ESS Sabre DAC. There are an additional two RCA line inputs, and you can run pre-outs via XLR or RCA to a power amp if you choose.

The Class A/B power amp delivers a beefy 75W RMS into 8 ohms, backed by an impressive 15 amps of current — more than enough to handle most similarly priced speakers with confidence.

That’s Just the Start…

These are only a few of the standout offers we’ve chosen to highlight, but the full list is much bigger. We’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers and plenty more. Click below to explore everything — but don’t hang around. When these items are gone, they’re gone.

View all black friday clearance deal

Spotted something you like but it’s not listed at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

Thanks for reading.

Max, Justin & Paul – 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…

*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 ‘Mancunian Candidates’ for Black Friday at Audio T Manchester.

/ Audio T Manchester/

Black Friday has rolled round once again, and with it comes that familiar mix of excitement, good intentions, and the annual hunt for something genuinely worth buying. Manchester isn’t exactly shy when it comes to doing things its own way, and our selection this year reflects that spirit nicely — proper deals, on proper kit, chosen by people who actually listen to the stuff day in, day out.

Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your source, adding some muscle to your amplification, or treating yourself to something a bit luxurious for private listening, we’ve put together a trio of offers that really deserve a second look. These are our “Mancunian Candidates” for Black Friday — and they’re cracking deals.

Marantz CD50n CD Player

Was £1,700 - Now £949 - Save £751

We wrote a blog on the Marantz's combined CD player and network player last year. Here's a quick recap of what is now, even more of a bargain.

The CD playback comes courtesy of a 32-bit/384 DAC, which gets those digital bits converted to analogue beautifully.

The mechanism for the drawer is super smooth and very quiet, and it feels like an age since we’ve had CD players that can hold a candle to our regular British brands that tend to use manual drawers. Pressing a button and having a drawer present a CD to you in this fashion seems pretty cool again (so the kids tell us).

The CD50’s streaming credentials are underpinned by HEOS — a now-established streaming platform that holds its own against other tried and tested systems. Within the app, you can control streaming services from Tidal, Deezer and Spotify with the potential for more in the future.

Another feather in the cap of the CD50n is the addition of digital inputs on the rear panel. You have a USB DAC for a direct PC/Mac connection for asynchronous file playback, an optical input, a coaxial input and an HDMI ARC connection.

The sound quality? We're impressed! The DAC in the Marantz CD50 comes from a lineage not to be sniffed at. Our Ali Farka Touré Niafunké CD sounded terrific — a nice open sound that wasn’t harsh or digitised, like some CD players can be.

Streaming playback followed suit: the 24-bit playback sounded smooth and refined; there is never a sense that the CD50 is shouting at you, which can leave you fatigued.

We liked what we heard when the price was £1,700, but at £949 it’s a steal.

Cyrus i9-XR Amplifier

Was £3,595 — Now £2,374 — Saving £1,221

The Cyrus i9-XR was, until very recently, one of Cyrus's flagship amplifiers — the new Cyrus 40 range being the new kids on the block, usurping it from its throne.

Our own personal experience with the i9-XR has been nothing but positive. The 98-watt Class A/B amplifier delivers enough clout to drive most speakers, yielding a punchy performance both at high and low volumes.

The small form factor really does give the Cyrus i9-XR a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” feel. It has multiple inputs, boasting analogue and digital (including USB), and a cracking phono stage.

The Cyrus i9-XR pops up multiple times in the Audio T Black Friday blogs posted by our stores — John from Brighton and Matt from Cardiff both have it on their lists.

And we think Matt sums it up nicely:

“The i9-XR is a true testament to Cyrus’s years of hard work in amplifier design. This amplifier has become a design classic. Best of all, you can own this amazing amplifier for a fraction of its original price!”

Agreed, Matt — it's a cracker.

Focal Bathys Headphones

Was £699.00 - Now £499 - Save £200

And finally, here's something luxurious. These beautiful headphones are even more of a bargain in the Black Friday deal. We blogged about these a couple of years ago.

The Bathys use aluminium/magnesium drive units assembled in France; the headband cushion is made from leather for comfort, and the yoke that holds the headphones is made from aluminium/magnesium. This all results in a headphone that feels and sounds like a premium, high-end model — and yet is priced at a fair £699, and now at £499!!!

With or without the noise cancellation applied in Bluetooth mode, the Bathys sound full and rounded. Bass notes don’t boom for no reason at all like many outdoor, on-the-go headphones tend to; plus there’s a sweet treble that doesn’t scream at you.

Use them “the hi-fi way,” which is to say via the internal DAC with a USB cable, and you’re upping the ante with the quality of your music. Quieter backgrounds, more space between instruments — an instant upgrade from the wireless option, giving you a truly hi-fi experience akin to high-end headphones we know and love at Audio T, like the Focal Utopias or the ever-popular Sennheiser HD800.

A bona fide deal if ever there was one.

And there you have it — our picks and pics for Black Friday. A CD player/streamer that punches well above its price, an ex-flagship amplifier with attitude, and a pair of headphones that feel like a treat every time you put them on. Not a bad shortlist.

But this is just the start. We’ve got plenty more deals in store, across all sorts of systems and budgets. If you’ve had your eye on something for a while, or you’re thinking about refreshing part of your setup, now is genuinely a good time to come in and have a chat. We’ll happily run through options, fire up a demo, and help you find something that suits how you listen — not just what’s on offer.

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Thanks for reading.

Munir, Thomas 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.

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

Black Friday bargains in Sunny Swansea's Audio T

/

Black Friday has landed in Swansea, and the team have been digging through the stockroom to spotlight the kit they’re genuinely excited about. No fluff, no filler — just gear we rate, at prices that make it very hard to look away. Whether you’re after a first proper system, a smart upgrade, or a bargain you’ll brag about for years, these are the picks worth your time…

Adrian - Sales Consultant

Tha Arcam Radia A5 amplifier

Was £749 - Now £475 - Save £274

Arcam have more than 45 years of amplifier design and manufacturing experience, going all the way back to their first product in 1976 — the A&R Cambridge A60.

and you get a remote control. spoiling you we are.

So you can play music straight out of the box, the Arcam A5 includes Bluetooth via its Qualcomm AptX chip. This provides up to 24-bit HD audio for the best sound quality from your phone or tablet. You can also connect Bluetooth headphones, so your listening can continue sensitively after dark. Hi-resolution audio is catered for via the SPDIF and TOSLINK digital audio inputs — very handy if you want to hear what your smart TV can do with a Netflix movie.

a plethora of ports

Like any Arcam integrated amplifier, particular attention is paid to the built-in phono stage to ensure your records sound as lush and engaging as possible — and all for £499.

Amazing value for money.

Monitor Audio Bronze 200 loudspeakers

Was £799 - Now £499 - Save £300

handsome lil’ devils.

that trick gold tweeter

Monitor Audio introduced its budget-conscious ‘Bronze’ range back when the world was young (or 1998, to be absolutely accurate). Through its subsequent generations, the Bronze range has been, if not outright class-leading, certainly there-or-thereabouts where affordable ‘proper’ hi-fi speakers are concerned. Any number of student loans have been invested in Monitor Audio Bronze speakers, and any number of audiophiles will acknowledge the Bronze as the gateway drug that hooked them into a lifelong habit.

i do like this finish.

The 200’s are not short of bite or attack at the top of the frequency range and serve up a wide, yet properly focused soundstage and they have the body and substance to prevent the treble attack becoming wearing. The story is pretty similar in the midrange. The tonal balance is skewed, slightly but definitely, towards the warmer side of neutral, but, if anything, it rather suits the overall sound of modern, modest-ish amplification. The Bronze 200 demonstrate good control here, particularly where attack and decay are concerned and are no slouches in the bass either - speed and accuracy rather than the last word in extension, but this is no bad thing at all.

Cheap as chips at £579 and we’ve even run them in for you! Final pair..

Monitor Audio Bronze 100

Was £499 - Now £299 - Save £200

When the Bronze 100 first arrived, we were immediately impressed by their clarity through the mids, their high-frequency sparkle, and the super-deep, super-powerful bass from a fairly modest cabinet.

“chonky bois” in the parlance of our younger customers

Deeper than many standmount two-ways, it’s a quality that allows them to stand out among their price peers. But the praise extends right across the frequency range — neutrality and clarity from low to high volume levels. All told, this is a standmount speaker that plays like a floorstander, while still offering the refinement you’d expect at this level.

that girth in all its glory.

They’re also styled well, which matters if they’re headed for a living room. If you’re shopping for high-performance, reasonably priced standmount speakers that come surprisingly close to doing it all, give these a listen — you might be shocked at what £349* can get you.

Nic - Store Manager

Focal Bathys Bluetooth Headphones

£699 - Now £549 - Save £150

Remembering my first experience of the Bathys headphones at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show and the fantastic reception they had, they quickly became our go-to wireless headphones. As with any Bluetooth/noise-cancelling model, noise cancellation is often the first requirement for customers. As you’d expect, it’s superb — but the real surprise is the sound quality. They sound fantastic, and customers often react with genuine disbelief at how good they are for the money.

kooky pink glass head not included

Having used these on flights and train journeys, I’ve found every key aspect — noise cancelling, sound quality, battery life — to be class-leading. Add in the tuning options available via the Naim/Focal app and you can really tailor them to your environment and preferences.

Now at just £549* for a boxed brand new pair — the Bathys are my top bargain choice.

Andy - Sales Assistant

Advance Paris Air 65 Active Speakers

Was £500 - Now £400 - Save £100

If you're looking for a simple way to build a “Hi-Fi,” this could be the answer.

The Advance Paris AIR65 connected speakers feature integrated Bluetooth, enabling effortless wireless connections to phones and laptops. For improved fidelity, the optional WTX-MicroStream allows Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless streaming via the Advance Paris Playstream app.

ADVANCE PARIS AIR65’S

THE wtx-mICRO sTREAM

They offer better sound than most Bluetooth speakers at similar prices, not least because the cable between the two speakers allows proper stereo separation — something one-box units struggle with.

Connectivity is excellent: line-in, Bluetooth, streaming, digital in, and even a built-in phono preamp give you loads of options.

rEAR VIEW AIR65’S

You can easily imagine these compact speakers delivering hours of fuss-free musical enjoyment in student accommodation, a studio flat, an office, or anywhere space is tight.

Musical Fidelity M6Si Amplifier

Was £2,499 - Now £1,199 - Save £1,300

The Musical Fidelity M6si sits toward the top of MF’s integrated amplifier lineup. Its build quality is second to none.

Internally, the M6si is configured as two independent monobloc power amps with a separate pre-amp. It is, in effect, a pre-amp with two monobloc power amps that just happen to share the same case.

Inputs include MM/MC phono, USB 24-bit/96kHz asynchronous, CD, tuner, two auxiliary (one with HT bypass), and 1 XLR balanced. Outputs include a trigger, line out, and pre-out. It delivers 220 watts into 8 ohms.

With this power, the M6si produces effortless, unstressed sound. Its reserves are huge, so it will drive most speakers with ease. This is the foundation for its wide, stable imaging and clear, grain-free presentation. Bass is punchy and lightning-fast, the midrange full of detail, and the top end sharp and precise.

At our Black Friday saving, this amp is a genuine steal. If you want an amp with this capability at this price, move fast.

The Black Friday sale price is £1,199 — a saving of £1,300.

Bluesound Powernode

Was £849 - Now £569 - Save £280

The Powernode provides incredible flexibility for any hi-fi setup.

Start with BluOS, the world’s leading hi-res multi-room system, which connects the Powernode to most of the music ever recorded. Add HDMI eARC, optical and analogue inputs, Dolby surround support for home cinema, and CI-friendly rack integration, and you start to see just how versatile this streaming amp is.

An elegant full-glass interface with capacitive LED touch controls sits on top, giving you intuitive access to play, pause, volume and presets. A proximity sensor prevents unwanted light — the LEDs only appear when your hand approaches.

Bluesound’s amplifier platform now pushes 80W per channel, driving reasonably efficient speakers easily and helping you get the best from your system.

My colleague Ade even has a Powernode in his kitchen to keep him company while cooking.

The Black Friday sale price is £569 — saving £280.

So there you have it — the team in Swansea’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Spotted something you like but it’s not at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

Thanks for reading.

Adrian, Nic & Andy – 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…

*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

Top Black Friday Hi-Fi Deals: High-End Audio & Heavy Reductions at Audio T Reading

/ Audio T Reading/

Black Friday has landed at Audio T Reading, and we’ve lined up a handful of seriously compelling clearance offers. These aren’t random discounts — they’re standout pieces our team genuinely rate, each reduced to a level that makes upgrading hard to ignore. Whether you’re chasing deeper bass, a richer two-channel experience, or a top-tier pair of headphones, these staff-selected deals are well worth your attention. Stock is extremely limited, so if something catches your eye, now’s the moment.

Dan - Assistant Manager

Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III in Wenge

Was £13,700 - Now £8,700 - Save £5,000

Sonus Faber is exclusive to our Swindon branch, and having worked there a little over a year ago, the Olympica Nova III was one of my personal go-to speakers for a long time. I was recently reunited with them when they became the speaker of choice for our training event, and it reminded me why Sonus Faber holds such a special place in high-end audio. They’re not explosive or showy for the sake of it — instead, they offer a beautifully natural presentation with real depth, texture, and that unmistakable rich tonality Sonus Faber is known for. It’s an easy speaker to fall in love with, simply because it makes music feel right. And of course, in true Sonus Faber fashion, the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning — a blend of Italian design and meticulous detail that looks every bit as special as it sounds.

They continue to be one of my favourite speakers, and now at such a hefty discount, it’s an absolute no-brainer. The smaller sibling, the Olympica Nova II, as well as the stand-mount Olympica Nova I, are also available at significant reductions.

For any additional information or queries about these or other Sonus Faber products, give the team in Swindon a shout.

REL No.31 Reference Subwoofer

Was £7,000 - Now £4,000 - Save £3,000

The REL No.31 isn’t about sheer volume — it’s about control, timing, and musical truth. It’s versatile enough to work in a wide range of systems, but at this level, pairing it with an equally revealing set of speakers lets it really shine. Kick drums gain weight and punch without any overhang, double bass notes stop instantly and cleanly, and film soundtracks expand with a cinematic scale that can make the room feel twice as large. When dialled in correctly, the bass supports the music rather than smothering it — you don’t feel the subwoofer when it’s on, but you certainly feel it when it’s turned off — and that’s the beauty of a well-balanced REL subwoofer. It’s a lovely addition to any refined system.

The No.31 is cut from the same cloth as REL’s flagship No.32 at £10,000, but in a more compact cabinet designed for smaller spaces, with surprisingly little compromise in performance. It’s a genuine slice of REL’s reference engineering for far less. Speak to your local branch for help getting it set up and integrated perfectly into your system. Whether it’s your first step into high-end bass, an upgrade from a smaller unit, or a second sub to create a stereo pair, the No.31 will not disappoint.

Together – A System With Real Soul and Scale

Pair the REL No.31 with Sonus Faber’s Olympica Nova III, and you’ve got something truly special. The Nova III already delivers that warm, organic, beautifully layered Sonus Faber sound, but the No.31 adds a deeper foundation and sense of scale without disturbing the speaker’s natural balance. The combination feels effortless — rich, emotionally engaging, and capable of both intimacy and full cinematic sweep. It’s a system that brings music and film to life in a way that feels genuinely immersive.

Together, these items would normally cost just shy of £20,000, but this Black Friday they come in at a remarkable £12,700. Of course, these ex-demo deals don’t need to be purchased as a set, and each item comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty.

Get in touch with your local branch to check availability, as these are likely to sell out quickly.

Gareth - Store Manager

Meze Empyrean Headphones

Was £2,749 - Now £1,849 - Save £900

Headphones are a big deal these days, and one of our favourite brands is Meze from Romania. Since arriving on the scene around 15 years ago, they’ve produced a range of models beloved by the Head-Fi community — from the budget-friendly 99 Classics up to the astounding Elites, they cover all the bases. Meze combine superb design, construction, and comfort with a mature and sophisticated sound signature that’s won them fans worldwide.

We have a very tempting deal on a pair of the fabulous Empyrean headphones in the stunning Black and Bronze finish. Not so long ago, the Empyrean was their flagship model and, even though they’ve since been succeeded by the Elites and the revised Empyrean II, the original Empyrean is still one of the finest headphones out there. Despite the bulky appearance, they’re incredibly comfortable and can be worn for hours without fatigue. Sonically, they’re warm, full, detailed, and easy to listen to — not as forensic as some more excitable designs, but beautifully balanced. With a 32-ohm impedance and around 100 dB efficiency they’re not difficult to drive, though they certainly reward a high-quality source. They also arrive with a first-class accessory kit, including a metal attaché case and a high-quality removable cable.

You may never need another set of headphones.

Spendor A1 in Black Ash

Was £1,550 - Now £999 - £551

It’s fair to say that speakers are the most subjective part of any Hi-Fi system. Swap the speakers and you can change the entire character of a setup — not to mention how differently each design interacts with a room. With such a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes available, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming.

Back in the 1970s, the boffins at the BBC spent years developing the LS3/5a — a compact monitor for outside broadcast work. Several companies were licensed to build it to strict BBC standards, and one of those manufacturers was Spendor (founded by Spencer Hughes, who was part of the original BBC research team). Although the LS3/5a is no longer used by the BBC, the design lives on. Original examples fetch strong money, and many of the original licensees still produce modern interpretations today.

One such modern variant is the Spendor A1 — a very compact stand-mount speaker with a fabric dome tweeter and polymer mid/bass driver. They offer that magical BBC-style midrange that’s wonderful with vocals: natural, realistic, and thoroughly engaging. There isn’t much output below around 90 Hz, so bass-heads may want to add a subwoofer — but if you do, the A1 integrates beautifully. You might not even need one; I regularly use a pair of Rogers LS3/5a in my own system, and the midrange purity and superb soundstaging mean I rarely miss the bottom octaves. They communicate music in a remarkably engaging way and are easy to drive — tube amps in particular sound lovely with them.

If you fancy a taste of Hi-Fi history that will make you fall in love with your music all over again, try the Spendor A1.

Rishi - Sales Assistant

Naim Nait 5si Amplifier

Was £1,699 - Now £849 - Save £850

A couple of weeks ago Dan and I had the great pleasure of visiting Naim’s headquarters in Salisbury.

The legend that is Jason Gould — a stalwart at Naim since the early 2000s and now esteemed Brand Ambassador — personally took us around the factory where we got to witness and learn more about Naim's incredible manufacturing techniques, as well as the principal practices that underpin their preservation of the reproduced audio signal. While Naim continue to evolve as a company, their HQ is steeped in rich history. And as someone who has grown up with Naim equipment, especially amplification, I felt truly humbled to be there.

No other series of Naim product line-up encapsulates their reputation for infectious and enthusiastic reproduction of music quite like the NAIT line of amplifiers, dating right back to the original Nait 1 in 1973 all the way up to the current Nait 5si. NAIT stands for Naim Audio InTegrated, but it may as well have stood for Naim Audio Induced Toe-tapping, as never before had an amplifier product or line infiltrated its listeners in such an intoxicating manner. I recall being knocked off my socks when I heard and felt the sheer dynamics and exuberance of the Naim Nait 3 in the mid-90s.

Fast forward to 2023, when I learned that Naim were to celebrate their 50th anniversary with the release of the Nait 50, I dreamt of having one for myself. Upon a first listen to the Nait 50, the dream became a reality — I bought one immediately! And it makes me smile to this very day with each and every audition.

It could only be a NAIT that could entirely do justice to, and serve as a rightful celebration of, Naim's iconic history... which brings me at pains to point out that the very last of Naim's NAIT amplifiers, the Nait 5si, is now discontinued and perhaps marks the end of a glittering NAIT era. We have literally only a handful of Naim Nait 5si left within the Audio T group, including a last one here at Audio T Reading. It’s a cracking amp at its full retail price, but now on clearance it's being offered at half the price — a simply ridiculous bargain. Just beyond its unassuming front fascia, the Nait 5si is a thoroughbred, fully analogue class AB amplifier that sounds clear and neutral, with that Naim dynamic performance that belies its modest power rating of 60 watts per channel.

Those who know Naim are well aware that a “Salisbury watt” is more powerful and meaningful than most watts by any other name. With an ideal speaker pairing — something that we can happily assist with — this amp will bring your music to life in that true NAIT spirit. Can I make a suggestion, friends?

Why not get your hands on one of our Naim Nait 5si while you still can? At the same time, you'll also be securing a veritable slice of British hi-fi history, as the curtain draws on one of the finest integrated amplifier lines there has ever been. Hey Naim, could you at least pass us some Salisbury tissues?

So there you have it — the top picks from the Reading team, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

VIEW ALL BLACK FRIDAY CLEARANCE DEALS

Spotted something you like but it’s not at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

Thanks for reading.

Dan, Gareth & Rishi - 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

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

Black Friday At Audio T Cardiff: Our Staff Picks

/ Audio T Cardiff/

The team in Cardiff have been digging through the shelves, demo rooms, and cherished personal favourites to pull together a set of Black Friday deals that genuinely stand out. No fluff — just great kit, properly reduced, and chosen by people who spend their days listening, comparing, and discussing Hi-Fi. Here’s what made the cut…

Nick Hook - Store Manager

HANA SL Low Output Cartridge

Was £639 - Now £509 - SAVE £130!

This is the HANA SL Mk1 low-output moving-coil cartridge, brand new and boxed. Now discontinued and replaced by the Mk2, this is a gorgeous little cartridge available at a bargain price, saving £130. This HANA cartridge uses a Shibata-profile stylus tip and absolutely lives up to the translation of HANA, which means “brilliant and gorgeous” in the original Japanese.

hana sl low output shibata

If you’re looking for a solid-performing cartridge at a great price, then the HANA SL Shibata is for you, and it’ll make your feet tap on this Black Friday deal. With a very natural sound, this cartridge will fit many tonearms and turntables on the market.

SPENDOR A7 (Oak)

Was £3,950 - Now £2,899 - SAVE £1,051!

I was lucky enough to own a pair of these myself! The Spendor A7 is a superb, accurate loudspeaker. Now replaced with the A7.2, we’ve heavily reduced the price of our Mk1 demo model. Excellent condition, supplied with box and packing, but no grilles.

Spendor A7 in Oak

A detailed yet non-fatiguing loudspeaker that works in rooms of many sizes. The rear vented cabinet and slim dimensions make them easy to place and unfussy. Another bargain available in our Black Friday deals.

Kerrin Beckwith - Assistant Manager

Dali Rubikore 8 (Maroon)

Was £5,999 - Now £4,999 SAVE £1,000!

To give myself a refresher on the Rubikore 8, I got them into one of our demo rooms, hooked up to a Naim NSC 222 and NAP 200, and threw on a soundtrack that deserves a big speaker: Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two – A Time of Quiet Between the Storms. Hans Zimmer literally said this soundtrack needs big speakers, and it really shows. They have gravitas. As soon as the percussion hit in the latter half of the track, the hairs on the back of my neck went up.

Dali rubikore 8 - Maroon high gloss finish

There’s a tendency in Hi-Fi to waffle on about specs, and I really don’t feel I need to with these. They’re fairly easy to run and surprisingly unfussy. Our demo room here isn’t the best with big speakers, but these worked perfectly without any huge bass bloom. Great if you like to turn things up — especially if you’re into surround sound.

Matt Aaron - Sales Assistant

CYRUS i9-XR Amplifier

Was £3,595 - Now £2,499 SAVE £1,096!

I remember just over four years ago being introduced to Cyrus’s XR series by the one and only Jason Saxon (Cyrus). Out of all the products, the i9-XR — Cyrus’s flagship amplifier at the time — was the one that stood out for me, with its clean yet precise and punchy performance. Thus began my love affair with Cyrus amplification. The i9-XR very quickly became my go-to amplifier in our store, against which I measured other amplifiers due to its unparalleled performance.

cyrus i9xr

I’ve always said: don’t let its small size fool you into thinking it’s lacking in performance — in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Here are just a few specs below to give you a taste of what I’m talking about. The i9-XR is a Class A/B integrated amplifier pushing out 98 watts per channel into 6 ohms.

The i9-XR also boasts four analogue inputs, and it has a truly fantastic moving-magnet phono stage on board. On the digital side, it has two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs, both utilising award-winning QXR DAC. Speaking of the DAC, the i9-XR has seven filters you can experiment with to fine-tune the sound of your digital sources to your taste.

cyrus i9xy rear panel

In my eyes, the i9-XR is a true testament to Cyrus’s years of hard work in amplifier design, and dare I say it, this amplifier has become a design classic. Best of all, you can own this amazing amplifier for a fraction of its original price!

So there you have it — the team in Cardiff’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Spotted something you like but it’s not at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

Thanks for reading.

Nick, Kerrin & Matt - Audio T Cardiff

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

Black Friday Deals At Audio T Southampton

/ Audio T Southampton/

Black Friday has arrived at Audio T Southampton — and with it, a perfect excuse to indulge in something special for your system. Whether you’re looking to explore cutting-edge active speakers, a compact marvel of engineering, or a phono stage that brings your vinyl collection to life, our team has handpicked three outstanding products that deliver performance well beyond their price tags.

Each one reflects our passion for music and our drive to help you hear it at its best. These are products we know, love, and genuinely recommend — all available now at special prices for a limited time. If something catches your eye, we strongly encourage you to come in and hear them for yourself before they’re gone.

Tiago’s Choice — PMC twenty5.21i Active Standmount Speakers

Was £4,375 - Now £2,999 - Save £1,376!

Released in 2024, the PMC twenty5.21i Active speakers build on the success of the twenty5i series, combining precision engineering with integrated amplification. Each driver — tweeter and bass/midrange — is powered by its own 100W amplifier, ensuring absolute control, detail, and balance across the frequency range.

Despite their familiar looks, these actives are a completely different animal to the passive models. Expect deeper, more authoritative bass, an expressive midrange, and a crisp, open treble. With built-in amplification, there’s no need for an external power amp — simply connect your preamp or source component, and you’re ready to experience PMC’s signature clarity and scale.

Key Specifications:

  • Frequency Response: 46Hz – 25kHz

  • Drive Units:

    • LF: PMC 5.5” / 140mm long-throw g-weave™ cone with cast alloy chassis

    • HF: PMC/SEAS® 19mm SONOMEX™ fabric soft dome, Ferrofluid cooled

  • Inputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA

  • Dimensions: H 340mm × W 162mm × D 269mm (including connectors, +9mm grille)

Wayne’s Choice — Jern Model 11 Standmount Speakers

Was £1,350 - Now £749 - Save £601!

Few speakers look — or sound — quite like the Jern Model 11. Crafted from sand-cast iron rather than traditional MDF or wood, these compact Danish standmounts are engineered for rigidity and resonance control, resulting in remarkably clean and natural sound reproduction.

Don’t be fooled by their size. The Model 11 delivers a smooth, balanced, and musical presentation with superb midrange clarity and tonal warmth. Voices and acoustic instruments, in particular, sound lifelike and expressive, while the overall character remains cohesive and refined. Ideal for smaller spaces, but capable of performance that feels anything but small.

Key Specifications:

  • Design: Two-way, phase-linear, sealed cabinet (no bass reflex port)

  • Drivers:

    • Tweeter: Bespoke Wavecor 22mm textile dome with foam diffraction control

    • Woofer: Custom Wavecor 5¾” / 146mm unit

  • Amplifier Requirements: 25 – 150W / 4Ω

Nick’s Pick — Cyrus Classic Phono Stage

Was £1,850 - Now £899 - Save £996!

A modern classic in every sense, the Cyrus Classic Phono Stage replaces the much-loved Phono Signature, carrying forward its flexibility and sonic refinement. With four configurable inputs supporting both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, it’s the ideal partner for serious vinyl enthusiasts running multiple turntables or tonearms.

All settings are easily adjusted from the front panel or via remote, and the bright, clear display keeps everything simple and accessible. Sonically, the Classic Phono is smooth, open, and incredibly detailed — it lets your records breathe, revealing textures and nuances you might never have heard before.

In testing, paired with a Rega Planar 8 and Sumiko Songbird Low Output cartridge, it revealed impressive depth, space, and realism — proof that Cyrus still knows how to make vinyl magic happen.

Key Specifications:

  • MC inputs configurable for gain, load, and capacitance

  • Stereo output level meters with peak hold for precise setup

  • XLR balanced and RCA outputs

  • Warp filter to reduce bass excursion on warped records

  • Ground lift switch to eliminate hum

  • PSX-R2 port for external power supply upgrade

Conclusion

Each of these components brings something special to the table — from the forward-thinking engineering of PMC’s actives to Jern’s uniquely musical design and Cyrus’s dedication to vinyl perfection. Together, they represent just a snapshot of the kind of performance and value waiting in-store this Black Friday.

If you’re curious to hear how good these really sound, visit Audio T Southampton and let Wayne, Nick, or Tiago give you a proper demonstration.

So there you have it — the team in Southampton’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Tiago, Wayne & 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…

*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

Black Friday Bargains at Audio T in Brighton

/ Audio T Brighton/

Hello everyone, and welcome to the November blog from Audio T Brighton! The festive season is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing — Black Friday is here! It’s the perfect time to treat yourself (or someone else) to an incredible Hi-Fi upgrade at a fantastic price. Whether you’ve been eyeing up a new streamer, amplifier, or a great pair of speakers, we’ve got some unbeatable offers that are well worth exploring.

This month, we’ve put together two carefully matched systems that we think you’ll love. Both feature top-class kit at seriously good prices, and as always, we’ve listened, tested, and fine-tuned them to make sure they sound as good as they look.

Let’s dive in.

System One: Cyrus Stream XR & i9-XR with Dynaudio Evoke 30 Speakers

Cyrus Stream XR

Was £2,495 — Now £1,234 — Saving £1,261!

system 1 - cyrus stream xr, cyrus i9xr and dynaudio evoke 30’s

Cyrus introduced their 40 series last year, which brought fresh styling and performance tweaks. That said, the outgoing XR range is still superb — refined, musical, and now available at an exceptional price while stocks last.

The Cyrus Stream XR was the first streamer in their range to use the Bluesound app for music playback — a smart move, as Bluesound’s platform is known for its rock-solid stability, ease of use, and wide compatibility. Add excellent sound quality into the mix, and you’ve got a fantastic streaming source that punches well above its price.

Cyrus i9-XR Integrated Amplifier

Was £3,595 — Now £2,374 — Saving £1,221!

The i9-XR is a compact yet immensely capable integrated amplifier. With multiple digital inputs, a USB connection, phono stage, and the option to add the Cyrus PSU-XR for an extra performance boost, it’s versatile, powerful, and extremely musical. It’s a genuine all-rounder that delivers precision, drive, and finesse in equal measure.

Dynaudio Evoke 30 Speakers (White)

Was £3,050 — Now £2,279 — Saving £771

Dynaudio’s Evoke 30 floorstanders are the larger sibling of the Evoke 10 and 20 bookshelf models. Finished in white, they offer a warm, engaging, and detailed sound that complements both Cyrus and Naim electronics beautifully. With a clear midrange and a sweet, open top end, they’re as enjoyable for long listening sessions as they are for critical ones.

System Two: Cyrus Stream XR & Naim Nait 5si with Dynaudio Evoke 30

system 2 - -cyrus stream xr, naim nait 5si and dynaudio evoke 30 speakers

Our second system keeps the excellent Cyrus Stream XR as the source but swaps the amplifier for the Naim Nait 5si, creating a setup that brings a very different sonic character to the same superb pair of Evoke 30 speakers.

Naim Nait 5si Integrated Amplifier

Was £1,699 — Now £999 — Saving £700!

The Nait 5si is a classic in the true sense — pure, straightforward, and fully analogue. It may be old school, but its musicality and drive are unmistakably Naim. Compared to the Cyrus i9XR, the Nait 5si sounds more raw and expressive, with a sense of rhythm and energy that’s hard to resist.

Each has its own charm: the Cyrus is clean, detailed, and controlled, while the Naim brings a more visceral, foot-tapping energy. The best way to decide which suits you is to come in and hear them side by side — a comparison we’d happily arrange.

We always recommend a proper demo before buying — and with stock of these discontinued models limited, they won’t be around for long. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your system, this might just be it.

Get in touch with the team here at Audio T Brighton to arrange a listening session — and experience these brilliant systems for yourself.

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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

Black Friday Bargains at Audio T Swindon

/ Audio T Swindon/

Black Friday is almost here, and with it comes a chance to grab some truly exceptional deals. We thought we’d share a few of our favourite items that are now absolute bargains — pieces of kit that not only perform brilliantly but also hold a special place in our hearts. From amplifiers that deliver that unmistakable Arcam warmth, to Sonus Faber speakers that blend Italian elegance with musical soul, and a Cyrus phono stage that’ll make your vinyl sing — there’s something here for everyone looking to take their system up a notch.

So, pop the kettle on, sit back, and have a read through what we’ve picked out this year. You might just find your next upgrade waiting for you…

ARCAM RADIA A5 AMPLIFIER

Was £749 - Now £475 - Save £274!

ARCAM RADIA A5

I remember when I had my very first job. After receiving my very first pay packet, I popped down to the local Ford’s Electricals and placed a deposit on a Hitachi rack system. I bought that system for £569 back in 1979. It wasn’t exactly high-end, but I loved it — up until then, all I’d had was a basic Panasonic turntable with built-in speakers.

Eventually, the Hitachi gave up the ghost, and over time it was replaced by several Japanese budget systems. They were all fine, but none of them really set my soul on fire. In hindsight, none of them were much better than that first system that had long since stopped working properly.

It was only when I joined Audio T that I had access to true hi-fi, and wow — what a revelation that was! My first real system — and where my hi-fi journey truly began — was an Arcam Alpha amplifier, Alpha CD player, Linn Basik turntable, and a pair of JPW Sonata loudspeakers. That setup brought me so much joy. The sound was astonishing compared to what I’d known before. Since then, I’ve upgraded and changed gear many times, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Arcam because of that first system.

My old Alpha amplifier was the entry point into their range back then — and today, the Radia A5 is its spiritual successor.

Build & Design:
Arcam has given the A5 a smart, modern appearance with clean lines, subtle detailing and a tactile feel that speaks of quality. It’s certainly a far cry from my old Alpha amp, and much more substantial in both form and finish.

Features:
Despite being the most affordable in the Radia range, the A5 offers impressive connectivity — including analogue inputs (with a moving-magnet phono stage), digital inputs (coaxial and optical) supporting 24-bit/192kHz, and Bluetooth.

Sound Character:
This amplifier possesses great musicality and midrange clarity, with controlled bass and a lively sense of rhythm. It strikes a real balance between enjoyment and fidelity.

Scalability:
The A5 won’t lock you into a limited setup. Whether you’re currently listening to digital sources or planning to add turntables, streamers or upgraded speakers later, the A5 gives you room to grow.

Conclusion:
Simple, smart, musical.
The Arcam Radia A5 hits a sweet spot — blending decades of Arcam’s engineering heritage with modern convenience and a sound that feels anything but compromised. Pair it with a good set of speakers and you’ll be rewarded with a listening experience that’s both engaging and refined.

CYRUS CLASSIC PHONO

Was £1,895 - Now £899 - Save £996!

cyrus classic phono

When Cyrus first launched the Phono, I was genuinely surprised. The brand was historically known for amplifiers, power supplies, and CD players — so this was a new and unexpected direction. Upon listening, though, I was blown away not just by the sound quality, but by how flexible and configurable it was.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable gain (from around 40–70 dB depending on cartridge) and loading options make it incredibly cartridge-friendly.

  • Multiple inputs (4 channels) allow easy switching between decks or tonearms without rewiring.

  • Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs provide system flexibility.

  • Ultra-low noise floor offers a deep, black canvas from which music truly comes to life.

Upgradeability:
Adding a Cyrus PSX R2 external power supply takes performance up a notch — providing a cleaner, more stable power source that reduces noise and distortion. This unlocks more detail, dynamics, and a wider, deeper soundstage, allowing the phono stage to perform at its full potential.

Sound Quality:
The Cyrus Phono delivers superb imaging, impressive depth, and that inky black background we all love. Voices and instruments feel free from the boundaries of the loudspeakers, floating effortlessly in space.

Is it for you?

  • You’ve got a high-end vinyl setup and don’t want your phono stage to be the weak link.

  • You use (or plan to use) multiple turntables or cartridges and want the convenience of switching.

  • You value neutrality and transparency above all else.

Conclusion:
In the world of phono stages, the Cyrus Classic Phono represents a top-tier combination of flexibility, sonic purity and build quality. For vinyl enthusiasts who demand excellence rather than compromise, this is an essential audition.

SONUS FABER OLYMPICA NOVA II

Were £10,275 - Now £5,999 - Save £4,276!

Olympica nova 2

I’ll be honest — the first thing that drew me to Sonus Faber was the styling. Before we started stocking them, I auditioned a few pairs and quickly realised that the sound was every bit as stunning as the looks.

Our customers clearly agree, as they often comment on how beautiful these speakers are in person. The Olympica Nova II is the most affordable model in the Olympica Nova floor-standing lineup, yet it delivers true high-end performance, Italian craftsmanship, and materials that ooze quality.

Design and Build:
The Nova II features a 3-way, full “para-aperiodic” vented box alignment (Stealth Ultraflex) to manage bass porting and cabinet resonance with finesse.
Driver complement:

  • 28mm “Damped Apex Dome” silk soft-dome tweeter

  • 150mm midrange driver made from a blend of natural fibres and cellulose for minimal resonance

  • 180mm cellulose/foam sandwich-cone bass driver

Nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and sensitivity is rated at 88 dB.

Aesthetics:
True to Sonus Faber’s design language — the curved, multi-layer wooden cabinets in Walnut or Wenge finishes exude Italian flair. Internal bracing ensures rigidity and minimises unwanted vibration, while the craftsmanship is second to none.

Sound Quality:
The Nova IIs present a virtually holographic soundstage, creating a tangible sense of performers in space. The midrange is rich, detailed, and emotionally engaging. Bass extends deeper than you’d expect for the size, with excellent control and punch. The treble is refined, elegant, and slightly relaxed, making them enjoyable across a wide variety of music.

Conclusion:
For anyone who values both performance and aesthetics, the Olympica Nova II sounds every bit as good as it looks — and it looks stunning.

So there you have it — the team in Swindon’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Thanks for reading, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

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…

*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

Black Friday Comes To Town… Audio T Cheltenham

/ Audio T Cheltenham/

That annual discount fest known as Black Friday has come around once again! To celebrate, we’ve put together an amazing array of bargains and deals here in the Cheltenham store — perfect for tempting you as the nights draw in, the days get colder, and you find yourself spending more time indoors listening to music to get you through to spring.

Here’s a little taster of just a few of the juiciest deals we’ve got in store. Starting with…

Andy’s Choice — Cyrus Pre-XR DAC

Was £4,595 - Now £2,499 - Save £2,096!

Cyrus Pre XR DAC

Cyrus has nearly four decades of experience crafting award-winning products, designed and assembled entirely in-house in the UK. From the beginning, Cyrus’s mission has been to combine cutting-edge technology with superb engineering to create truly emotional musical experiences.

The Pre-XR’s power supply design has received particular attention. An over-specified 74VA transformer delivers power to a high-capacity reserve, while fifteen independent regulators ensure clean, stable power delivery throughout the circuitry. Even the digital control circuits are powered separately to isolate them completely from the signal path.

The analogue preamp section features relay input selection and a high-performance gain stage — keeping the signal path short for maximum transparency. With four analogue inputs and a moving magnet phono stage, the Pre-XR covers just about any analogue connectivity need.

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs give system flexibility, particularly when pairing with high-end power amplifiers.

There’s also a port for the PSU-XR power supply — an evolution of Cyrus’s legendary PSX-R design. This upgrade provides five independently regulated supplies in a single chassis. When connected to the Pre-XR, it takes over power duties for the analogue stages, dramatically enhancing performance.

On the digital side, the Pre-XR features the second-generation QXR DAC with a top-quality, high-speed analogue buffer stage. There are seven user-adjustable digital filter settings to suit your taste, plus USB (up to 384kHz and DSD512), two SPDIF, and two optical inputs.

The XR series also looks the part, finished in Phantom Black — a colour that sits beautifully alongside both Core and Signature models. The interface includes capacitive touch buttons with tactile feedback, a high-resolution LCD screen, and a solid metal rotary encoder that feels as good as it looks.

This ex-demo Pre-XR DAC is in perfect condition, boxed with all accessories and full warranty.

Farid’s Choice — Monitor Audio Radius 270

Was £825 - Now £599 - Save 226!

monitor audio radius 27

tall slim and very good looking

A tall (ish), slim and elegant floorstanding loudspeaker, the Radius 270 might look sleek, but don’t be fooled by its size — these speakers are easy to drive and deliver a surprising amount of deep bass, paired with a smooth and refined top end. They sound far bigger than they look.

In fact, they’re so good that I recently sold a pair to my mum!

This ex-display pair in gorgeous walnut finish are normally £825, but now just £599 — a whopping £226 saving.
We also have a matching centre and compact Radius bookshelf speakers available if you’d like to build a surround set.

Jon’s Choice — JBL MA710

JBL MA710

The JBL MA710 is a rather groovy 7.2-channel AV receiver — it looks great and sounds even better. It’s easy to set up and a pleasure to use (which, let’s face it, isn’t always the case these days!).

Finished in shiny black, it features six HDMI inputs — three supporting 8K/60Hz and three for 4K/120Hz — plus an eARC output for top-quality audio and visuals from your TV, Blu-ray player, or game console. The built-in 192kHz/24-bit DAC supports all standard digital formats and performs beautifully with music as well as movies.

round the back of the JBL MA710

As with all models in the MA series, it includes Pure Direct mode for a clean signal path, delivering excellent sound quality with 110W per channel into 8 ohms.

This ex-demo model is in A1 mint condition, boxed with all accessories, and comes with the full two-year warranty.

So there you have it — the team in Cheltenham’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View all Black Friday Clearance Deals

Spotted something you like but it’s not at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

Thanks for Reading

Andy, Jon and Farid - Audio T Cheltenham.

To discuss any of the items in this article, or any other products in our Black Friday sale, then please call us on 01242 583960 or email us at cheltenham@audio-t.co.uk

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

Black Friday at Audio T Portsmouth: Our Staff’s Top Hi-Fi Picks

/ Audio T Portsmouth/

Black Friday tends to bring with it a flurry of online chaos — endless scrolling, discount codes, and deals that come and go in a flash. At Audio T, we’re taking a different approach. This year, our focus is on giving you genuine value on products we know, use, and rate highly — and that means in-store only offers on carefully selected clearance items.

Across our branches, the teams have been digging through their stockrooms and handpicking some standout pieces — the gear they’ve enjoyed demonstrating, the systems that have impressed them, and the hidden gems that deserve a good home. These “Staff Picks” aren’t about shifting boxes; they’re about sharing what we genuinely think is worth your attention.

Each store has its own mix, so no two lists are the same. Think of it as a snapshot of what’s caught the ears of our experts this year — a mix of the familiar and the surprising, all available at remarkable prices for a limited time.

So let’s see what they’ve got going on at our Portsmouth store…

Steve Annals - Sales Consultant

Since joining Audio T in 2022, Steve has brought a fresh perspective to the team, combining his background in retail with a genuine enthusiasm for music and technology. After a few years selling products he didn’t feel connected to, he’s now found his stride helping customers discover sound systems that bring their favourite tracks to life — Here are his favourite items from this years Black Friday sale…

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

Was £599 - Now £400 - Save £199

The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 represent the brand at its most refined — a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that feel as good as they sound. Crafted from premium materials, with precision metal detailing and supple leather that speaks to B&W’s design pedigree, they strike a balance between luxury and practicality. They offer Bluetooth connectivity with aptX HD and Adaptive support, alongside the option of a wired connection for those who prefer it.

In use, they clearly cater to listeners who value both performance and comfort. Whether you’re travelling, commuting, or simply unwinding at home, the PX8 deliver a composed, detailed sound. With excellent noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery life, they’re ready for extended listening sessions without a hitch.

From my own time with them, what stands out most is their consistency. They feel solid yet comfortable, with cushioning that makes extended listening effortless. Sonically, they’re crisp and clear without losing warmth, and the bass response feels confident rather than exaggerated. In short, the PX8 manage to sound every bit as premium as they look.

Spendor A4 Compact Floor Standing Speakers

Was £2,850 - Now £1,750 - Save £1,100

From the venerable UK loudspeaker makers Spendor comes the A4, a slim floor-standing speaker that manages to deliver serious sound without dominating a room. Its design is understated, but don’t let that fool you — Despite their modest size, the A4s manage a full, balanced sound. Highs are smooth, mids articulate, and the bass extends far beyond what you’d expect from speakers of this footprint. For anyone with a smaller space — or a taste for refined sound over sheer volume — these speakers strike a rare balance, proving that big performance doesn’t always need big cabinets.

From my own experience, the A4s are impressively versatile. Their build quality and finish feel top-notch, and despite their relatively compact size, the bass is more than competent, complementing a clear, detailed midrange and crisp treble. I’ve spent a lot of time with Spendor speakers myself, and the A4 perfectly embodies what I love about them — small, elegant, and capable of delivering clarity and depth that belie their size. For those who crave extra low-end punch, pairing them with a subwoofer only enhances their already refined performance.

Alan Thomson - Sales Consultant

Alan joined Audio T in 2023 after a long career in journalism, trading deadlines for decibels and turning a lifelong passion for Hi-Fi into a new chapter. His tastes span everything from Bowie and Lou Reed to Radiohead, Pixies, and Jack White, and his experience at live gigs — from a thunderous Pixies show in Exeter to sharing The Rolling Stones with his son — has left a lasting mark. At Audio T, he brings that same curiosity to helping customers discover gear that genuinely connects with their music. Let’s take a look at his picks…

Jern Model 11 Loudspeakers

Was £1,350 - Now £750 - Save £600

Jern Model 11 speakers may not be everyone’s cup of tea visually, with a silhouette resembling Feathers McGraw from Wallace & Gromit’s “The Wrong Trousers”, but it never ceases to amaze me how good they sound.

Much of this amazement probably stems from the misconceptions that inevitably attach to a speaker housed in a curvy metal cabinet which at a cursory glance suggests the Jerns might be an instance of style over substance.

We are so used to speakers in angular MDF and wood cabinets that we struggle to believe that a solid metal cabinet, and these Jern are solid weighing in at 12kg each, can produce anything musical.

In fact the metal cabinets are far more than surface design. The metal is an alloy of cast iron and graphite which the Danish manufacturer Jern call Vibrakill which, as the trademark name suggests, is made to control vibrations and resonance.

And boy do they deliver sonically with a speed and agility that leaves many more traditional designs in the dust. The bass extension is surprising too for what are very compact speakers. At just £750* in our Black Friday deal, compared to £1,350 full price, the Jerns make a great deal of sense.

The Jerns certainly look different but come highly recommended and are well worth a listen. They are well suited to smaller listening rooms and can be placed close to a wall without affecting the sound too much. They are not the most sensitive speakers (86dB) and have a nominal 4 ohm impedance and so are likely to benefit from an amplifier with a decent bit of grunt.


Naim ND5 XS2 Network Player

Was £2,499 - Now £1,500 - Save £999

Bluesound shook up the market when they introduced the original Node and then the Node 2i by giving hi-fi enthusiasts access to relatively inexpensive but high quality streamers. Wiim then took this a step further when they introduced the WiiM Mini and WiiM Pro at close to no-brainer price-points.

At the other end of the scale we have high end units from the likes of Innuos, Linn and Naim. So it begs the question of where mid-priced streamers like the Naim ND5 XS2 fit into the picture.

Happily, the answer is that the ND5 XS2, described as Naim’s entry level streamer, offers sound quality significantly above that of less expensive streamers.

Having listened to this unit in the Portsmouth shop and at home in my own system, much of the improvement in sound quality is evident in the levels of detail presented, the depth of the soundstage and the solidity and realism that this streamer gives to voices and instruments.

The ND5 gives an insight into the music that lesser streamers cannot present convincingly. And, even stepping up to more expensive units like Naim’s own NSC 222, the ND5 XS2 is certainly not embarrassed.

Yes, the 222 reveals even more detail and space around the voices and instruments. But a unit like the NSC 222 demands a system of equivalent quality to sound its best – and that means spending some serious money.

The ND5 XS2 is reduced to £1,500* in our Black Friday clearance sale (full price is £2,499) and that makes it an absolute bargain mid-range streamer.

Working on the old hi-fi principle that you should spend as much as you can on your source units then the Black Friday-priced ND5 XS2 makes a fantastically strong case for itself.

Rega Planar 10

Was £5,400 - Now £2,750 - Save £2,650

Rega PLanar 10

We have been privileged in the Portsmouth shop to listen to the Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3 cartridge for some time now. We have matched it against other high end turntables such as our demo Linn LP12 and a Michell Gyrodec and it has always held its own, and then some.

It’s a striking turntable utilising an ultra-light, sculpted plinth with a polyurethane core (Tancast 8) that is often used in the aerospace industry, between a laminate skin. Twin braces, ceramic on top and phenolic resin below, add rigidity and suppress noise.

The platter is made of a diamond-cut ceramic oxide designed to reduce resonance and stabilise speed. The RB300 tonearm is low mass with precision bearings. Power is courtesy Rega’s 24V synchronous motor controlled by the external P10 PSU for speed stability.

The moving coil, low output Apheta 3 cartridge boasts a hand-wound coil and nude diamond stylus. It extracts truly impressive levels of detail from vinyl.

All of this adds up to a fantastically engaging sound. There is a three-dimensional sound stage with excellent tonality and timing. Compared to the likes of the LP12 and Michell Gyrodec, the Planar 10 tends to a less weighty, perhaps leaner, more supple presentation with tight bass and refined mids and highs.

In a system with comparably capable components, the Planar 10 is a revelation. It delivers an exceptional vinyl experience. At almost half price in our Black Friday offer it is a high-end bargain.

To discuss the items in this article, or any other products in our Black Friday sale, then please call us on 02392 663604 or email us at portsmouth@audio-t.co.uk

Thanks for Reading

Steve and Alan - Audio T Portsmouth

So there you have it — the team in Portsmouth’s top picks, straight from the people who know the kit best. That’s just the tip of the iceberg: we’ve got bargains across speakers, headphones, streaming devices, TVs, amplifiers, AV receivers, and more. Click below to explore the full list — but don’t hang around. Once these items are gone, they’re gone!

View All Black Friday Clearance Deals

Spotted something you like but it’s not at your local Audio T? Don’t worry — just get in touch with your nearest store, and we’ll do our best to get it to you.

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

Old v New - Can I find a sound like my trusty old Hi-Fi?

/ Audio T Bristol/

Vintage. A nostalgic word that fuels the heart more than the head. Nostalgia was first coined as a term of diagnosis by the Swiss physician Johannes Hofer in 1688. Derived from the Greek nostos (homecoming) and algos (pain), this mysterious disease was a kind of pathological homesickness. High-Fidelity sound does not stand still, so why have I?

Keith Jarrett, talking about The Köln Concert live album from 1975, complained that the album had become nothing more than a soundtrack when it was used in a film. He also said that “We also have to learn to forget music. Otherwise, we become addicted to the past.” Indeed, Jarrett was asked by pianists, musicologists and others to publish the music transcript. For years he resisted such requests since, as he said, the music played was improvised “on a certain night and should go as quickly as it comes”.

The Back Story

This is a little extreme diagnosis, but I have worked here at Audio T for over six years, and still I cling to my trusty, slightly rusty, Rotel 930AX from 1997. Younger me clung to a front cover of What Hi-Fi? magazine that featured the Rotel paired with a Technics PG480 CD Player and Mission 731i speakers. It was carefully cut out and Blu-Tacked to the wall of my student hovel.

The system took me 18 months to save for and put together — trawling through deals, weighing up alternative ex-dem possibilities. What about the Arcam Alpha 7, Mission Cyrus 1 or the Pioneer A400? I thoroughly read all reviews to make sure this perfect starter Hi-Fi system was the right choice.

I remember buying the amplifier from SuperFi in Nottingham — ex-dem and a bit battered. The guys in the shop must have been sick of me, or sorry for my distressing yearning. The Rotel 930AX purchased, it sat under my bed for six months, now and again carefully unwrapped, placed on my desk, powered up, and stared at.

Then came the Mission 731i with Cambridge TalkTalk 3.1 speaker cable and Cambridge Audio Arctic yellow interconnects. And the source was my Matsui Walkman and Technics portable CD player that needed a deft piece of divine intervention to position a CD to play without skipping. Until six months later — the venerable Technics PG480 with MASH technology. I dreamed of Tannoy Mercury M2s, KEF Cresta 2, Linn Axis with K9, Mission stands.

The upgrades were: in 2002, the Mission 731i changed out for Mission m71i (much in this Stereophile magazine article), and a Bluesound Node 2i brought streaming to my antiquity.

There is nothing wrong with the photo — I prefer their sound upside down on 500mm stands than the right way up on 700mm stands.

Fast forward to now, and the back story is the problem. The emotional connection to a hard-fought first system. Like a faltering old dog, I won’t put it down. But how does it compare to the same budget corrected for inflation? What will the same money buy me now, and am I converted to take the plunge?

The Budget

First, let’s put some 1997 figures, inflation-adjusted to today’s prices, and keep it simple to just a CD-based source:

OLD
CD Player: Technics SL-PG480 - £130
Amplifier: Rotel 930AX - £250
Speakers: Mission M71i Speakers - £199
Total: £579
Adjusted to today’s price: £1,137.87

So, what is the cream of the crop of today’s Hi-Fi that would come in around that price?

NEW
CD Player: Marantz CD6007 - £400
Amplifier: Rega io - £440
Speakers: Acoustic Energy AE100² - £279

What’s interesting is that the Rega io and Rotel come in at the same wattage — 30W. So there has been no wattage inflation adjustment.

The Marantz CD6007 is leaps and bounds ahead of the 1-bit MASH technology of the 1990s. A proper Red Book spec CD player, with a USB input too.

The io uses the same power amplifier and phono stage as its larger brother, the multi-award-winning Brio. The class A/B circuit shares its DNA with the rest of Rega’s amplifiers: Sanken output transistors, an Alps volume potentiometer, and a linear power supply that enables an output of 30 watts per channel into 8Ω. Two line-level inputs and a high-quality moving magnet phono input are available as sources. A newly redesigned mini remote handset is included — a major upgrade. I haven’t had a remote control for my Hi-Fi for 28 years! Cheltenham have a fine blog on the io this month, which you can read here.

The Acoustic Energy 100² need no introduction. They are the entry-level speakers that everyone tries to beat. They made my Missions sound like a Harris Tweed factory — woolly.

Listening – Which Should I Change First?

It is a question that we get asked the most. Our answer is: garbage in, garbage out. Always start with the source first.

Changing out to the Marantz from the Technics was a big improvement. And just to prove the point, I tried the ATC CD2 at £1,850 — and there it was. Even better soundstage, more detail across the board and a really enjoyable experience. The old Hi-Fi given a new lease of life.

It was only when I changed the amp out for the Rega io that I realised that I was wrong. My forgiving nostalgia had destroyed the objective listening process. The heart ruled the head. What should I change first? The answer is actually everything.

Hi-Fi moves forward. Our emotional engagement with the music that most moves us, at its core, is nostalgia. What changes, I think, is the appreciation of quality. My student self would have been quite happy with baked potatoes with cheese and beans, a four-pack of Stella, and Trainspotting as the epitome of a quality night in. That has its place, but there are better things in life — and great Hi-Fi is so rewarding.

Incidentally, I’ve settled on my next system as the ATC SIA100 with the matching CD2 and SCM11 speakers — but I’m still reviewing…

Thanks for reading!

Justin, Max & Paul - Audio T Bristol

If you have any questions about the event 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 Annealing Way: The Dynavector 20X2A

/ Audio T Cardiff/

This month, Matt from our Cardiff store returns to the analogue side of things once more. Following on from last month’s look at his new Cyrus 40 series phono stage and Dynavector’s moving coil range — particularly the 20X2A — Matt’s been chasing even greater sonic perfection from his turntable. Much like swapping pickups in an electric guitar, changing your cartridge can transform the character of your system. As Matt puts it, less noise equals more music — so let’s find out what he’s discovered this time, and whether it’s led to his next upgrade…

dynavector 20x-2a low output

Why am I looking at a new cartridge ?

te kaitora rua low output moving coil cartridge

Well, this comes down to something that has always excited me in Hi-Fi — the advancement and development of components, especially when it comes to cartridge design. As you all know, I’m a big fan of Dynavector cartridges. I currently own a Dynavector 10X5 Mk2, which is fitted to my Rega Planar 6. One of my real favourite models in the Dynavector catalogue is the Te Kaitora RUA, but to me that cartridge is somewhat out of reach — until now! By God, I think I’ve found the answer for my wallet and my ears: the Dynavector 20X2A.

This all-new model has now landed at Audio T Cardiff, replacing the long-running 20X2 XX2. The big question is — what does the “A” stand for? It stands for Annealing. In this case, the cartridge has an annealed magnetic circuit.

Before we talk about this fantastic cartridge’s spec and how good it sounds, let’s take a deep breath and dive into what the annealing process is — and, more importantly, what the guys at Dynavector have to say about this process and what it does for this marvel of a cartridge.

“An exceptional vibration system is essential for a high-performance MC cartridge. We emphasise the critical role of the magnetic circuit. The cartridge’s output signal is intricately tied to the movement of the vibration system within the magnetic circuit, where electricity is generated as the coil vibrates amidst the magnetic flux. To ensure optimal output, it is imperative that the magnetic flux maintains high density and stability. We employ pure iron for our magnetic circuit due to its high magnetic permeability and exceptional stability, resulting in a distortion-free output. However, the processing of metal parts often distorts the crystal structure at the atomic level, leading to a loss of magnetic permeability.

Magnetic annealing is a process of heating and cooling processed parts. It is crucial for restoring the distorted metal crystal structure and regenerating magnetic permeability. However, a generic magnetic annealing cannot fully restore distortions in the crystal structure. The magnetic annealing conditions vary depending on the parts’ material, size, shape, etc. Our recent development focused on finding the best magnetic annealing process, including temperature, environment, duration, and heating and cooling rates. This meticulous approach has enabled us to unleash the full potential of pure iron’s unique magnetic performance.

The new magnetic circuit has significantly enhanced sound quality, delivering unrivalled resolution, smooth wide-range expression, and an expansive sound field. Experience the natural and dynamic sound of the Dynavector 20X2A cartridge, where an exceptional vibration system harmonises seamlessly with an optimised magnetic circuit.”
— Dynavector

the annealing process

Let’s talk a little spec.

High output and low output models available.

The high-output model, 20X2A-H, achieves an output voltage of 2.8mV by using Dynavector’s legendary coil technology. A Micro-Ridge stylus is used for the stylus tip. Although the part that contacts the record groove has a minute radius curvature of only 2 microns, the band-like shape of the tip makes it resistant to abrasion and will provide ideal performance over a long period of time. By winding the coil many times with ultra-fine wire, the cartridge can obtain a high output equivalent to an MM cartridge, thus allowing the MC cartridge to be connected to a phono terminal for MM input without the need for a head amplifier or step-up transformer.

The low-output model, 20X2A-L, has a 0.3mV output voltage, using the same PCOCC wires as the higher-end models for the coil. The recommended load impedance of the head amplifier is 30Ω or more, making it compatible with most head amplifiers and MC step-up transformers.

Special annealing magnetic circuit

The magnetic circuit, which is the core of an MC cartridge, uses pure iron that has stable magnetic properties with minimal distortion. Furthermore, by performing special annealing that focuses on optimising the magnetic annealing process — such as temperature, environment, heating duration, and heating/cooling rates — we have succeeded in delivering expansive, resonant sound without distortion and with unrivalled resolution.

MC cartridge basic structure diagram

Neodymium magnets

The series employs patented softened magnets developed to reduce distortion and harsh, irritating, edgy sounds caused by rare earth magnets, while still achieving high output from powerful neodymium magnets. While taking advantage of the powerful magnetic force of neodymium magnets, the cartridge achieves a clear separation of sound.

close up 20x-2a

Hard pipe aluminium cantilever

The hollow hard aluminium pipe cantilever reduces the vibration system mass, achieving a wide bandwidth with clear high frequencies.

Micro-Ridge stylus

A Micro-Ridge stylus is used for the stylus tip. Although the part that contacts the record groove has a minute radius curvature of only 2 microns, the band-like shape of the tip makes it resistant to abrasion and provides ideal performance over a long period of time.

Specifications

  • Output Voltage: 2.8 mV / 0.3 mV (at 1kHz, 5cm/sec.)

  • Channel Separation: 25 dB (at 1kHz)

  • Channel Balance: 1.0 dB (at 1kHz)

  • Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz (±2dB)

  • Compliance: 12 mm/N

  • Tracking Force: 1.8–2.2 g

  • Impedance: 150 ohms / 5 ohms

  • Recommended Load Impedance: 1,000 ohms / >30 ohms

  • Cantilever: 6mm length hard aluminium pipe

  • Stylus Tip: Micro-Ridge nude diamond

  • Weight: 9.2 g

The Listening

But before I talk your ears off about how good the cartridge sounds — what records and tracks did I use?

  • Jerry Cantrell – Afterglow – “I Want Blood” (2024)

  • Living Colour – Love Rears Its Ugly Head – Time’s Up (1990)

  • Mr Big – “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” – Lean Into It (1991)

Before I sat myself down to listen, I switched out my Dynavector 10X5 high-output cartridge for the new 20X2A low-output. Then I set up my Cyrus 40 PPA — which, by the way, this is the first time I’ve set this phono stage up for a low-output moving coil cartridge — which is really easy to do via Cyrus’s remote control. My settings on the phono stage, if you guys want to know, are as follows: 1000 Ohms loading, 55dB gain, 100pF channel balance, also with the warp function set to “on”.

cyrus 40ppa settings

Now I’m all set up — amplifier warm and coffee at the ready — let the listening begin. One thing to add: before I changed the cartridge out, I listened to each record with my 10X5 fitted so I could familiarise myself with how each track sounds, and so I could hear the difference between the two cartridges and how they perform sonically.

Okay, back to it. First up, of course, Jerry Cantrell’s track Afterglow. This track in itself is quite atmospheric and open in its performance. With the 20X2A, I had a greater sense of this — there was better placement of Jerry’s vocals, rhythm, and lead guitars, which were a lot less muddled — clean and precise (as much as distorted guitars can be).

The second track, I personally feel, is where this cartridge really stood out from the crowd — Living Colour’s Love Rears Its Ugly Head. Will Calhoun’s drums were nothing short of astounding; I really got the feeling of his drum kit in the room. Vernon Reid’s cleaner guitar on this track really stood out — usually he’s flying up and down the neck with his amplifier cranked, but this track is a little more bluesy, which I really got a sense of.

Last but not least, Mr Big’s Green-Tinted Sixties Mind. In comparison to my 10X5’s performance with this track, it was streets apart. Paul Gilbert’s guitar riff had more presence, and Billy Sheehan’s bass seemed to have more feeling — and dare I say it — more groove.

In Conclusion

I really feel that I was right to be excited about the Dynavector 20X2A. It really comes close to performing like their legendary Te Kaitora and is a huge improvement on its predecessor. I do feel it’s an endgame cartridge for me, and I highly recommend trying one out. But if you don’t want to stretch to the 20X2A, Dynavector have used the same annealed circuit in the new 10XA — which also sounds pretty phenomenal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog -

Matt Aaron - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about the event 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…