Breathe new life into your turntable with Pro-Ject's Tube Box S!

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Pro-Ject's Tube Box S phono preamplifier is a dual mono design that uses two audiophile-grade ECC83 tubes, which gives an analogue warmth & bass texture that we love!

The connections on the back of the Tube Box S are straight forward & easy to use. 

 The fun for me begins on the underside of the Tube Box S, not only can you adjust the input gain, impedance & capacitance to match your cartridge perfectly, but you have the ability to experiment with input capacitance. When using MM or high output MC carts (within the recommended input capacitance suggestions for your cartridge) I feel in doing this you obtain more control over the sound stage of your system, pushing it further forward & wider into the room.

The Tube Box S offers unrivalled performance and unique flexibility, which has been previously unavailable at this price point.

 

Book a demo today!

 

Audio-T Enfield

Tel:0208 367 3132

Email: enfield@audio-t.co.uk

Harvey Wallbanger Sir? No, I'll Have an X30 Ripper & Streamer Please

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We have recently brought the great products from Cocktail Audio into the store.

The star of the show is the Cocktail X30 

This is a truly comprehensive system which will rip your cds onto its internal storage (various sizes of hard drive are available starting at 1TB) It can rip in WAV, FLAC, OGG, or mp3 and has access to a database of album covers which it will display on its coloured screen. 

But that's just the beginning, this system is bristling with extras, there is a built in amplifier which we have used to drive a variety of speakers well, it has access to internet radio as well as FM and will allow you to record from those sources. You can also record from its line level inputs, it is a streaming device allowing access to your networked storage, has digital inputs and outputs and an internal DAC that wil handle up to 24/192!! Oh and there's an HDMI output for the display which also allows picture slideshows to be viewed.

The best bit is, it sounds great at a very reasonable price.

 

There is a smaller brother called the X10 which is a streaming mini system with many of the features of its sibling and is cheap as chips!

 

Our other new arrival is our new store resident and mascot Boswell Bear, He is a rescue teddy from a local charity shop who needed a good home and no doubt will be adding to the atmosphere in the shop, and probably getting involved in our blogs etc. once he has settled in

 

He certainly seems to like the Cocktail Audio

 

 

Coming soon, Rega's remarkable RP10!

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We love the Rega RP8 turntable so were excited to hear the new top of the range RP10 when Rob from Rega brought it here and demonstrated it to us.

We certainly weren't disappointed!  Rega have taken the brilliant skeletal construction of the RP8 and refined and enhanced an already impressive turntable massively with the RP10.

The stunning new RB2000 tonearm is beautifully hand polished to minimise weight and has ultra high tolerance paired bearings to maximise detail retrieval.  Fitted with the Rega Apheta MC cartridge it was clear that much more information was being extracted from the record groove.

The RP10's custom ceramic flywheel effect platter looks striking and is diamond cut to ensure absolute accuracy and flatness.

In addition the RP10 has a high performance power supply.  Absolute speed accuracy is maintained by a new DSP signal generator utilising a high stability crystal.  Each power supply is factory tuned to minimise vibration and optimise motor performance.  The custom casework matches the Rega Aria MM/MC phono pre-amp which is the ideal partner for this superb record spinner.

It may be a cliche but, listening to some of my well played albums, owned for several decades, and, at times, played on far lesser record players, I was amazed at how involving and unscathed they sounded.

Anyone imagining that vinyl belongs in the past should come and listen to the RP10 when our demo model arrives very soon.  If £3598.00 (with Apheta) or £2998.00 (without cartridge) is too rich Rega turntables start at £230.00 with the RP1 (with Carbon cartridge) so there is one to suit every budget.

Go on, dig out your favourite album and blow the dust off it. Give us a call and come in for a proper listen, the way we all used to play music.  Sit down, put your feet up and hear an album all the way through, both sides, a proper record sleeve in your hands with artwork to admire and artist info you can actually read!

 

 

 

 

 

New Arrival - Primare I32 Amplifier + MM30 Media Streamer

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Primare I32 Integrated Amplifier

We have just put on demonstration the exceptional Primare I32 integrated amplifier.

The I32 is an upgradeable 120W Amplifier. Ther UFPD power technology provides very high power capability, exceptional head room and extremely low distortion. On listening we have found that the I32 offers sound quality you would expect from much more costly pre-power combinations. The sound prersentation is exceptionally clean in its presentation and offers great imaging and very deep tuneful bass.

Primare MM30 Media Board

The Primare I32 integrated amplifier can also be fitted with the MM30 media board.

This offers audiophile streaming, internet radio via wireless integration with UPNP devices such as PC, MAC, NAS, I-Pad and USB. It utilises a 24/192 DAC board that offers connectios for Coax digital, toslink, USB-A and USB-B. The media player is controlled by the dedicated 'Free' Primare APP available for I-Phone and Android devises.

An old classic plays a lovely tune on the latest and greatest.

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The Classic.

Dynavector 20X2L.

 

The latest and greatest.

The Rega RP8 / RB 808.


 

Our Dynavector 20X2L mounted on RP8 RB 808 combination.


 

In a meeting of old and new, this particular combination forms a formidable partnership. 

Coming across as completely natural and detailed the 20X2L delivers big soundstages with aplomb.  

As it stands this combination would cost £2167, and quite frankly, it's worth every penny.

 

It's set up and playing on our showroom floor, you won't miss it when you come in.

Just give Dave, Munir, Kevin or our Mike a shout when you pop in. 


Thanks

Munir

Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30

 

Lots of new goodies to tempt you...

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February kicks off with a host of new products and various categories.

First off, a brand new product from Chord Electronics in a new area for them, called Hugo. Hugo is a top specification mobile headphone amp and DAC. Battery powered, it is full HD compatible and sounds amazing. This time it's a small box for a very good reason.

Unboxing:

 


Full specification:

 

Secondly, Rega's long awaited RP10 turntable. We were mightily impressed with the RP8 as was the rest of the world but oh boy is this a step up? Looks the business too!

 

 

 

Next we have new AV receivers from Anthem. Capitalizing on their successful range last year we have all new and much improved (inc esthetically) models in the form of MRX310 (£1199) and MRX710 (£2199) and (MRX510 £1699) to order.

These, alongside the new Arcam receivers complete are AV Receiver line-up for 2014. Fabulous receivers that also do what so many of you ask for, ie, play music well without unnecessary gimmicks.

 

 

Lastly. JVC's latest mid-range Projector, DLA-X500. 4K compatible, outstanding colours right out of the box and fully calibrate-able too.

 

Classic Album Evening 18th March

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Following the success of our ninth Classic Vinyl Evening, we are pleased to announce Classic Vinyl Night number ten.         

This will be on Tuesday 18th March and once again will be held at the Fusion Room restaurant, 80 Friargate, Preston, PR1 2ED, at 7pm 7.30 start.

Click the link to find where we will be http://www.fusionroom.co.uk/

The album we have chosen is...

Tango In The Night      Fleetwood Mac

The idea is simple... just turn up and listen to an album in it's entirety on vinyl with a short break to grab a drink half way in. If you are interested in joining us please email the store preston@audio-t.co.uk or call us on 01772 883958 to confirm your place

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you

                                

The Dark Knight Returns...

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...gold and silver options also available. 

 

Yamaha returns to form with the new Pre/Power surround behemoth...

...and we are pleased to announce the new Yamaha CX5000/MX5000 combination, now on permanent demonstration at our Manchester store.

Home Cinema Choice magazine recently gave the CX/MX duo "reference status" no mean feat as the previous Yamaha DSP-Z11 held that moniker with many audio visual publications.



Yamaha also utilise the H-frame to strengthen the chassis with a fifth foot to keep everything stable.

The fifth foot, clearly visible below, helps to stabilise the huge transformer which is positioned right above it.

 

 

The MX-5000 power amp with it's top off. As you can see the large toroidal transformer and the high capacity (27000uf) block capacitors are positioned close to the centre. 


Reference standard build quality.

The brushed aluminium side panels look absolutely gorgeous.


You can maintain nightvision via the backlit remote.  


 

Need more info ? Check out the links below.

Audio T

Yamaha UK

Really want the low down on this behemoth, come along to the Manchester store for in depth product advice and a demonstration.

Call or email Munir,Kevin,Dave or Mike to book a slot.


Tel: 0161 839 8869
email: manchester@audio-t.co.uk
web: www.audio-t.co.uk
We are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 17:30
and Sunday 11:30 - 16:30


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearaudio Concept vs Performance DC

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We have recently had the opportunity to compare these two fantastic turntables from the Germanic stables of Clearaudio.

Starting with the Concept, priced at £995, this is fitted with the Concept MM cartridge and has a great, solid feel of build quality about it. This package offers a good level of detail retrieval whilst retaining a smooth top end, open midrange and tuneful bass. Making music that is involving and easy on the ear!

This turntable comes fully assembled from Clearaudio and is pretty much ready to go  straight from the box. Making it a great choice for those wanting great performance without setup fuss and with little ongoing maintenance.

The Performance DC, fitted with the Concept MC cartridge, is priced at £2595. It feels substantially heavier than the Concept with an even more solid construction, thanks to its multi layer sandwich plinth.

Upon playback, it presents a more open and transparent soundstage with greater width and depth. The Performance DC offers even more detail whilst remaining beautifully sweet and smooth in its delivery. Low level detail is also improved, thanks to a smoother, quieter running platter, courtesy of the Performance DC's ceramic magnetic bearing. Vocals are well expressed within the mix and bass is tauter, faster and more detailed (in comparison to the Concept).

Overall, the Performance DC offers a wholly more involving and immersive listen, its much improved timing and dynamics offer a very stable and three dimensional presentation of your favourite vinyl!

Sit back and enjoy!

 

A chance to see the stunning JVC DLA-X700 in action!

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We are delighted to have the opportunity to show you the amazing JVC DLA-X700 home cinema projector in our demonstration room.  JVC have produced our favourite projectors for a long time but we have been completely bowled over by the image quality from the DLA-X700.  Brightness, black level and contrast are superb, even in non-blackout conditions, but most impressive is the totally natural filmic quality of the picture.  Even the harshest home cinema critic is immediately totally immersed in the movie with no image flaws to distract from pure enjoyment.  

 

We are very lucky to have the chance to show you this awesome projector but we have it on loan for one week only so don't miss this great opportunity. Just phone or email now to book a demo, or call in if you are passing.  Don't forget to bring your favourite movie on Blu-ray or DVD.  The price for the JVC DLA-X700 is £6995.00 but we are sure you will see why.

Smooth operators

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Here in Bristol we really like Rega's approach to all their products. Simple in design, cost effective and musically enjoyable. The Saturn-R and Elicit-R combination really carries this tradition forward offering a fabulously rewarding listening experience.

 

Saturn-R

The Saturn-R CD player is the latest edition to Rega's electronics range and continues where it's revered predecessors left off. But wait, it's not just a CD player it's also a very capable DAC with optical and coaxial digital inputs and even a USB socket for hooking up a computer. This allows you to carry on playing all the CDs you've collected over the years whilst giving you the ability to explore the world of streaming and high resolution audio (up to 24 bit 192khz). Of course the DAC is not just an afterthought it consists of a pair of Wolfson DACs, a high quality master clock, an asynchronous USB input all put together with great care taken to power supplies and circuitry. So whether playing CDs or your latest high resolution download you will get an excellent musical reproduction that sounds just right.

Elicit-R

 

The Elicit-R amplifier builds on the great things that Rega did with their last amplifier release the Brio-R.

They've doubled the power to 100w, added a stepped attenuator for greater levels of control and performance, incorporated a moving magnet and moving coil phono stage and used top notch circuitry such as using a pair of Darlington output transistors to emulate a class A driver stage.

　

Hearing is believing

All this technology makes for a superb amplifier that when combined with the Saturn-R delivers a very satisfying sound without a hint of 'digitalness'. It offers effortless power and bags of detail.

Both products can be bought separately of course and either will offer a level of performance some other manufacturers can only dream of. If you're in the market for an amp or CD/DAC or both give us a ring and we will set them up so you can hear for yourself.

PMC Fact 12 Loudspeakers on demonstration

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We have had our demo pair of PMC Fact 12's for several weeks now. They are looking rather handsome in their walnut veneered cabinets, and have been well run in, and are being very well received as they are sounding really very good.

Currently they are being used with a top specification Linn Sondek LP12 record player, Naim NDS network player, powered by the 555 PS DR power supply, the NAC252 preamp powered from a Supercap DR, and the NAP300 power amp, all mounted on the Naim Fraim equipment support system.

This is a formidable combination that has seduced many a customer already, so bring some of your music along and enjoy them too. Please contact us first to ensure the system is available for audition.

http://www.pmc-speakers.com/products/consumer/fact/fact12

http://www.audiot.co.uk/storefinder/brighton/

 

The new Rega RP10 makes an appearance....

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We were very lucky yesterday to have a sneak preview of the new Rega RP10 turntable thanks to Rob from Rega..

Firstly - one of the things that we don't see very often is this serial number:

 

We decided to set it up in it's single skeletal chassis form without the outer frame and dustcover which looks really smart!

It's clearly apparent even from first glances that there has bees serious attention to detail paid to the RP10, probably the most impressive part is the build quality of the RB2000 tonearm.

All made from stainless steel it looks the business as well!.

The plinth incorporates Rega's unique skin sandwiching techniques giving an incredibly stiff and light material, also the ceramic platter has mad more attention over it's predecessor...

The platter is daimond cut to ensure it is perfectly flat, just another thing that makes you realise "where the money goes" in respect of man hours and cost of machinery etc that goes into producing the RP10. When you consider the tonearm alone, it's all machined stainless steel instead of a plastic mould and then has to be polished - even the bearings are matched by hand to each spindle. Also, a new power supply dedicated to the RP10, and to go one step further each motor is matched and tuned to it's own power supply.... you can get the idea now of how much attention has gone into every aspect of this turntable.

So... how did it sound?

We had the baby brother RP8 on as our reference turntable playing before we set up the RP10 and were we in for a shock! Immediately you could hear the improvement over the RP8. Initially the scale, weight and authority was amazing but after a few minutes the finer details were all becoming more apparent and the old "not heard that before" started coming out...

I love to hear the tonality of instruments and detial of voices. Hearing the emotional input a musician puts into their playing is something I love to hear, and things like a singers accents and emotion are all things I want to hear. I often joke that a bad system will sound like it's the same band playing the same instruments on every album in your collection and that there is so little emotion you can't tell if the singer is singing about their dog dying or winning the lottery! The RP10 was right up my street, one of the best tracks that showed how well the deck performed was Eric Clpaton - "Running on faith" from the re-release of the Unplugged album (a fantatic pressing - if you have an old one and love it - get a new one!).

We were sad to have to hand it back to Rob to take on to other dealers around the country, but glad for the listen.

To find out more about the design and process invovled in the RP10 have a look at the page on the Rega Website: http://www.rega.co.uk/

It won't be too long before the RP10 is available, so if it's something you may be inrested in please get in touch...

Cost - £3600.00 including cartridge.

more new toys soon.....

 

 

AudioPro ALLROOM Air ONE

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Now on demonstration in the Cardiff store, the AudioPro Air ONE wireless AirPlay speaker. Its understated design teamed with room filling sound is not to be missed. Unlike many of its rivals on the market the Air ONE is designed to blend into your decor and not dominate the room.

 Audio Pro concentrate on producing quality sound from small enclosures. The unit consists of four drivers, individually powered by dedicated amplifiers using DSP processing that delivers a big sound that is tight in the bass, accurate and room filling.

 

 Not an "Apple" person? This speaker is versatile with multiple connections available such as USB, analogue 3.5mm and optical TOSLINK inputs. This opens the Air ONE up to HDTV connections delivering hi-fi sound for your high definition broadcasts and catch up TV. This brilliant speaker can also be used offline. It boasts of a WiFi direct function which allows you to bypass your home network and connect directly from any hand held WiFi device such as an Android tablet or HTC phone.

 

 So..... if you are looking for a discrete wireless loudspeaker with easy set up, great design and superb sound then look no further. Pop in to the Cardiff store asap to hear for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

The Big Red Sale draws to a close...

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As some of you may or may not already know, Our Big Red Sale will soon be over so don't leave it too late to take advantage of our sale discounts.

See below for details:

12.5% off the first item purchased over £100

15% off every item over £100 on the second, third, forth,... Well you get the idea!

Our sale will end at the end on January, leaving just one week to save £££

if you wish to know more or wish to book a demo of any items In store then please feel free to email us at:

swindon@audio-t.co.uk

or call us on: 

01793 538222

New Arrival - Rega Saturn R CD Player / DAC

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Following on from the hugely successful Rega Apollo CD player we have just taken delivery of the outstanding Rega Saturn-R CD Player / DAC.

The Saturn-R is essentially two products in one box. A high specification CD transport and an independent Digital to Analogue converter.

The Saturn-R offers plenty of connectivity options up to and including 192kHz/24bit. It has two opyical inputs, two coaxial inputs and a fully asychronous USB input. There is also a direct digital output from the CD transport.

The player is controled via the front panel or by the new Solaris system remote provided.

The Saturn-R offers an oustandingly musical performance. The sound is exceptionally detailed with a strong powerful bass and sweet top end. The sound stage produced is class leading for a player of this price.

With the provision of the on board digital to analogue converter you not only get a outstanding CD quality but anything that has a digital output can achieve greatly enhanced sound quality. So be it a Sonos Connect Zone player. a Blue Tooth Receiver such as the Arcam R-Blink or even your TV the Rega Saturn-R offer a significant upgrade in quality.

An ideal partner for the Rega Ellicit-R amplifier. The two components combined together offer a class leading Hi-Fi system.

A demonstartion of the new Rega Saturn-R is highly recommended.

Monitor Audio ASB-2 Soundbar

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At £1000 this hefty piece of engineering is near the top of the price range for Soundbars. However upon listening we think you may think it well worth the money. What HiFi awarded it their best Soundbar over £800 and in this case it is hard to argue.

It differs from the excellent higher spec Yamaha Soundbars in that whilst they are more geared towards a simulated surround sound, whereas the ASB2 really scores as a massive improvement on your TV's own speaker system. Not to mention that it will aso stream music via DLNA and Airplay.

Whist not the smallest of speakers (measuring in at 100cm wide and weighing 15Kg) this speaker does not require the addition of a separate subwoofer for bass (although there is the option to add one). If I was to describe the sound quality in one word, that word would be dynamic!

Inputs include three HDMI, optical, co-axial and analogue connections.

If you would like a demonstration, please get in touch.

Modern Blast From The Past

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Ruark's new R7 is a retro styled hi-fi system with many modern features that you expect to find on a current product. Apart from the usual cd player and radio it also incorporates wireless streaming, so you can play downloaded music available on you home network.

The great styling aside, the R7 is a fantastic sounding piece of hi-fi, capable of filling a decent sized room with clean, detailed sound and plenty of bass weight.

You can easily remove the legs and place the R7 on a piece of furniture if you prefer.

 

The R7 is available for immediate demonstration in store so please come and have a listen.

New Epson projects great image!

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We have been mightily impressed by the picture quality of the Epson EH-TW200 since it recently became our projector of choice in the demonstration room here.  The image is very crisp and detailed.  A very high contrast ratio of 120,000:1 and maximum 2000 lumens output guarantee a brilliant dynamic image to really bring your favourite movies to life.

This smart and discrete projector is not only Full HD 1080p but 3D too with one pair of RF active shutter glasses included.  Just 3 minutes charging of these glasses gives up to 40 hours of 3D viewing!

An optical zoom ratio of 2.1 and optical lens shift makes set up and room placement a doddle.  

And the cherry on top?  A 3 year lamp warranty and all this stunning performance for just £1899.00!  An absolute bargain!

Don't take our word for it though.  Give us a call to arrange a demo, bring your favourite film, settle down on our comfy sofa, and prepare to be impressed!  You'll have to bring your own pop corn but we will supply tea or coffee!

See you soon,

Alan and John