Available soon as a finish option on the P3 and at a standard price.
We like it. It is clean and fresh looking. It'll be in stock and on demo shortly.
More here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/news/item/new-light-oak-effect-finish-for-the-planar-3-available-now
Not only are PMC launching Active versions of their award winning Twenty5 series, but they're allowing existing owners of this series to have amplifiers fitted inside their speakers.
Active marries amplification to the speaker directly and internally. This means the amp drives each unit directly and is set up precisely to meet that drive units exact characteristics. The end result is an elegant audio system with less boxes! All you need is a streamer with a variable output or a pre-amp if you have multiple sources.
PMC introduces an elegantly simple solution for any music lover – the Active twenty5i series. With optimised amplification built into every speaker, all you need is a preamplifier or streamer with an output volume control to create a world-class music system.
At PMC, we're always striving for a closer connection with the music through greater transparency, purity and resolution. For over 30 years, we've been applying this thinking in the professional world through active speakers, with precision analogue crossovers feeding dedicated amplification optimised for each drive unit.
With the new Active twenty5i series, we're bringing this approach to the best-selling twenty5i speaker series, with integrated electronics and amplification enabling superb performance and a fuss-free system without needing a separate power amplifier or integrated amp. Add a preamp or streaming device, and you have a complete high-resolution system without the clutter of multiple hi-fi components.
In the Active twenty5i series, each driver is directly coupled to an ideally matched 100W power amplifier, able to control the driver with a vice-like grip. Ahead of the power amps, a meticulously modelled analogue crossover splits the incoming signal, so each amplifier is only handling the frequencies appropriate to the driver it's powering, guaranteeing ideal driver integration and a staggeringly pure, natural, and free-breathing sound.
It's an elegantly simple solution for any music lover, reinventing the twenty5i speakers with even greater resolution and control and bringing you even closer to the music.
We are eagerly awaiting our demo stock. We're also awaiting the kits to modify existing customers speakers. We'll keep you informed when they're on demo. We understand that 4 models will be available.
Expected Mid April
Rob Watts is a renowned British audio engineer and designer specializing in digital-to-analog converters (DACs). With decades of experience in the field, Watts has become synonymous with high-fidelity audio reproduction. His work emphasizes cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to achieve exceptional sound quality.
Notably, Watts is recognized for his tenure at Chord Electronics, where he served as the company's Digital Design Consultant. During his time at Chord, Watts developed a series of groundbreaking DACs, including the Hugo, Hugo 2, and Dave models, which have received widespread acclaim for their unparalleled sound performance.
Watts's designs are characterized by his unique use of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, which enables him to implement highly advanced digital signal processing algorithms. This approach allows for precise control over various aspects of audio playback, resulting in exceptionally accurate sound reproduction with low distortion and noise.
Throughout his career, Rob Watts has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the audio industry. His DAC designs are revered by audiophiles worldwide for their ability to convey music with unparalleled transparency, detail, and realism.
Today, Rob Watts continues to push the boundaries of audio engineering, striving to further elevate the listening experience through his ongoing research and development efforts in digital audio technology.
Watch this fascinating insight here'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovMUjkposXs
The most powerful all-in-one player Naim has made the new Uniti Nove PE (Power Edition) a great addition to the Uniti range. with 150 watts (into 8Ω and 250W into 4Ω) of power.
Incorporating all the wireless connectivity you need no matter what device you have it covers all the options with Apple Airplay 2, Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth along with the Naim App available for Apple and Android devices, which incorporates streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL and Qobuz all built in.
The Uniti Nove PE also has great connectivity with two analogue RCA inputs a couple of optical inputs along with a coax digital input, it also has a USB and an ARC HDMI input to connect to your TV. A Pre-out section allows for either a subwoofer to be added or a power amp for future upgrade path. This really is superbly built and a great sounding one box Hi Fi. Just Add Speakers
The Uniti Nova PE (Power Edition) is powerful enough to drive the most demanding loudspeakers to fill large spaces, thanks to Naim’s incorporation of the finest class D amplification technology. Designed and engineered in Britain, this new Power Edition is a feat of 50 years of engineering innovation, culminating in our most efficient, powerful, and ecological streaming all-in-one product to date.
The Nova PE offers all the features and sophistication that have won the Uniti series global acclaim, but now with more power. It condenses 150 watts (into 8Ω and 250W into 4Ω) of power thanks to the finest class D amplification technology into an exquisitely crafted, brushed aluminium box that delivers room-filling audio without compromising on the characteristic Naim sound. It is ideal for experiencing punchy sound through a compact, easy-to-use solution.
Nova PE features a gorgeous 5” LCD display screen, Naim’s iconic volume dial, and simple control via the ZigBee remote (no line of sight required) and/or the Focal & Naim app. Uniti Nova PE gives you complete freedom of movement. Using it becomes a real pleasure.
The Focal & Naim application allows ease of control over multiple music and streaming services via a single interface when using the Multiroom feature. For sharing the same music throughout your home network (up to 6 devices), use the Party Mode function in the app to easily control the playlist, independent device volume and more. What's more, you can update your system wirelessly in just two clicks.
| Type | All-in-one Player |
| Amplifier Output | 150Watts 8Ω @ 0.1 % THD+N 250Watts 4Ω @ 0.1% THD+N |
| Analogue inputs | 2 x RCA pairs 2 x 5-pin DIN |
| Analogue outputs | 1 x Stereo power amplifier 1 x 4-pin DIN 1 x RCA pair 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| USB | 2 x USB Type A Socket (front and rear – 1.6A charge) |
| Digital inputs (S/PDIF) | 2 x Optical TOSLINK (up to 24bit/96kHz) 2 x Coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs) 1 x BNC (up to 192kHz, DoP 64Fs) 1 x HDMI ARC |
| Streaming | Chromecast Built-In, Apple AirPlay2, TIDAL, TIDAL Connect, Spotify® Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth® (AptX HD), Internet Radio, UPnP™ (hi-res streaming), Roon Ready. |
| Multiroom Connectivity | Serve up to 4 network-connected players via UPnP™ at full CD quality. Party Mode Streaming: Sync up to six Uniti or other Naim streamers, and control via the Focal & Naim app. |
| Audio Format | WAV - up to 32bit/384kHz FLAC and AIFF - up to 24bit/384Hz ALAC (Apple Lossless) - up to 24bit/384Hz MP3 - up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit) AAC - up to 48kHz, 320kbit (16 bit) OGG and WMA - up to 48kHz (16 bit) DSD - 64 and 128Fs Gapless playback supported on all formats |
| Frequency response | 5Hz to 25kHz (-3dB) |
| Burst power 2Ω (1kHz for 20mS, repeat 500mS IHF) | 725W |
| Peak current into 1Ω (1kHz 1mS) | 25A |
| THD+N at 2/3rds full power 8Ω @1kHz | <0.005% |
| Input signal for clipping | At default: Digital inputs: -10.6dBfs (max. sensitivity: -18.25dBfs) Analogue inputs: 770mV (max. sensitivity: 65mV) |
| Signal to noise ratio ref 1W 8Ω A-weighted | 61dB |
| Signal to noise ratio ref 100W 8Ω A-weighted | 81dB |
| Damping factor into 8Ω | 43 |
| Control | Focal & Naim app control (iOS and Android), Bi-directional ZigBee remote |
| Updates | Update your system wirelessly via the Focal & Naim app. |
| Network | Ethernet (10/100Mbps), Wi-Fi antennas (802.11 b/g/n/ac) built into heatsink (patent GB2524815B) |
| Typical use consumption | 120W (Power consumption will vary depending on the size and type of attached USB devices) |
| Network standby mode consumption | <2W |
| Standby mode consumption | <0.5W |
| Mains Supply | 115V or 230V.50/60Hz |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.56x17x10.43" (11.6x43.2x26.5cm) |
| Weight | 33.3lbs (15.1kg) |
We've always been fans of the Chord Ultima series but today was our 1st chance to listen to their new integrated. We listened to it for around an hour in our main listening room. It sounded superb with a Naim streamer and a pair of PMC Twenty 5 .26i floorstanding speakers.
I'll admit to being an Ultima fan since first hearing the pre-power. It moved me in ways I can only think of two other amps doing and both of them were more expensive. And the Chord isn't cheap but the Ultima integrated at £8500 is almost getting there.
It has detail it has control, it had musicality and it has complete and utter grip in the speakers. Ours will be here in March and we can't wait.
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a class-leading 125-watt integrated amplifier benefitting from the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, Chord Electronics’ legendary proprietary ultra-high-frequency power supplies, plus an unmistakable industrial aesthetic.
Designed by Chord Electronics’ founder, owner and chief engineer, John Franks, the advanced ULTIMA circuit monitors and immediately corrects audio signals before the output stage, for astonishing signal accuracy from a one-box integrated device.
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED also takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies – devices offering exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation – for even greater fidelity.
A four-input design, one fully balanced and three unbalanced, all enjoy individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference; selection switching is via microprocessor-controlled sealed relays.
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is the first new Chord Electronics integrated amplifier for seven years and remains the sole full-width integrated model in the range.
All metalwork is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including Chord Electronics’ iconic Integra Legs. The fascia sports a 28-mm-thick front panel with a perfectly symmetrical aesthetic, centered around a spherical power on/off control with polychromatic lighting, flanked by illuminated volume and balance controls.
Frequency response
10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD
0.01 % 20 Hz-20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio
90 dB on all inputs
Input impedance
100 kΩ
Input maximum voltage
3 V RMS
Output maximum voltage
35 V RMS
Gain
21dB
Channel separation
100 dB
Operation voltage
80-250 V AC auto-switching
Power output
125 W into 8Ω
Power consumption
200 W
Dimensions with included Integra legs:
13 cm(H) x 48 cm(W) x 38 cm(D)
Dimensions with optional side blocks (can not be stacked):
11 cm(H) x 43 cm(W) x 38 cm (D)
Weight:
14.75 kg
24/1/2024
Naim prices are rising in Feb. This averages out at just under 10% across most products. The following are NOT increasing in price -
ND5XS2 Streamer
NDX2 Streamer
Nait XS3 amplifier
Old prices are available until Weds the 31st of January so please get in touch if you'd like to place your order pre-price rise.
10/1/2024
We were asked by a customer to build him an LP12 turntable for the best possible price. We used a combination of new and older parts. Everything was cleaned and serviced and we started off with a rather lovely oak plinth.
Initially we were trying to get this turntable to the best price we could and we fitted a serviced Linn Valhalla power supply. However the customer requested twin speed and so we went with a Valhalla Electronics Minos power supply in the end.
The arm was a Linn Basik Plus and the cartridge we chose was an Audio Technica VM95 ML; one of our favorite magnetic cartridges.
We always finish off by having a good listen to ensure everything is sounding good and it was no surprise to find that this record player sounds superb, just as we expected it too.
This turntable cost £1449 complete and is supplied with a 2 year warranty.
We can build LP12's to almost any budget and specification.
3/1/2024
We did one of these before back in the mists of time so we thought that we might repeat and update it.
Rega are a top down R&D company, which means they invest in high end products which prove and test new ideas and materials. They then scale this technology down through their range so that every product benefits. This means they are almost always working on something new and exciting. Because Rega follow top down design process we have listed their products from top to bottom. It soon becomes clear that the Rega philosophy marries a light, low mass and rigid design with engineering excellence. Read on.
Rega launched the Naiad in 2017, but they didn't tell a lot of people about it. Initially it was designed as a test bed for new technology and was never intended to come to market. However they ended up making around 30 of them after being asked to do so by a number of customers and at an RRPof £30,000.
The result of the test bed turntable was that the reduction of mass and the increase in rigidity meant that more information was recovered from the groove. This should be no surprise to anyone who has read about or owned a Rega turntable before. This philosophy underscores everything they do.
You can discover more about the Naiad here.
https://www.rega.co.uk/about/naiad
The first commercial realisation of the new technology is The Rega Naia. Even the name takes its clue from the R&D testbed.
The Rega Naia is a product of the years of painstaking development which was used to create the ‘Naiad’ test bed turntable. The Naia takes the best of this development and technology and transfers it into a production ready version without compromise. The Naia is packed with ground-breaking features, materials and technology developed by Rega over many years to reach new levels of vinyl replay.
We see carbon fibre married with graphene to produce an even lighter and more rigid plinth. We see a ZTA Zirconium toughened alumina (ceramic) central bearing. The tonearm has been improved with a one piece titanium vertical bearing and Titanium vertical spindle assembly.
All of this adds to further accuracy and information retrieval from the groove. You hear more music and less noise. This is quite notable too. When we first heard the Naia we were astonished at how good it was with less than perfect vinyl.
Visually the Naia takes its appearance from the P10 and P8 turntables. But introduces tech as described above. We’ll get to those shortly.
Full specs and equipment rundown can be found here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/naia
The Naia costs £9995 without cartridge and £12495 with the Rega reference Aphelion 2 MC cartridge fitted.
Rega P10
The P10 looks very similar to the Naia and shares a lot of features but at a reduced cost. It uses the same external power supply and doubled bracing system with a very similar lightweight plinth design but this time does not feature carbon fibre or graphene. It also uses the RB3000 tonearm but not with titanium components.
Again the stripped down design, low mass and high rigidity offer improvements in terms of signal retrieval and signal to noise ratio.
You can see the full specification here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-10
The P10 costs £3960 without cartridge
£4950 with Apheta 3 MC
£6840 with Aphelion 2 MC
It is also available in white.
The story is the same with the P8. It is as much of the P10 as Rega can afford to use at a reduced price.
It shares the same tancast plinth and bracing ideas but uses a less expensive arm and a smaller Neo power supply. It also uses a tri-laminated glass platter, as opposed to a ceramic platter. Other than the similarities to the P10 and Naia are substantial.
More info here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-8
The P8 costs £1870 with no cartridge
£2330 with Ania MC
£2585 with Ania Pro MC
It is available in black and white
As with all Rega turntables we can fit your cartridge or one from a wide range of alternatives. Rega do however supply their cartridges at a reduced price when purchased as part of a package with the record player of your choice.
P6
This is the first turntable in the range to use the foam plinth. This reduces weight and improves rigidity, which in and of itself is a substantial factor in performance. Some people think that the P6 is a P3 but with an external power supply. Far from it in fact as this is a very different beast.
Here the plinth is kept traditional in shape and has a conventional lid fitted. This design suits some people who can’t get on with the uniqueness of the models above. However we generally find that those reservations disappear when they are heard.
We still have the external Neo power supply and we have a dual layer glass platter. The tonearm is the RB330 tonearm and a choice of dark grey and white are offered.
More info here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-6
P6 no cart £1155
P6 with Exact MM £1385
P6 with Ania MC £1615
P6 with Ania Pro MC £1870
P3
There’s so much been said about the P3 and it has really been one of the products that has built the company's success. It represents fantastic performance and value for money and has years of superb reviews and has been in continuous production since the seventies. Of course it has improved during that time too.
“Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight rigid plinths. Clever use of a lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundations of the high level of performance achieved by the now iconic original Planar range.
It features a lightweight acrylic laminated plinth strengthened using a new improved double brace system mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) which forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission”
This doesn’t match the foam filled plinths of higher models but then again it is superb for the price. It is supplied without an external power supply, although that can be added at extra cost should the customer so wish. It features an RB330 arm.
We think this is the point in the range that Rega’s turntables start to get really good. I mean the P1 and P2 are exceptional value for money but this is in another league.
More info can be found here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-3
P3 is available in 3 gloss finishes - white, black and red.
P3 no cart £660
P3 with Elys 2 MM £799
P3 with Exact 2 MM £880
P2
Essentially a less expensive P3. Loses the plinth bracing, has a cheaper tonearm and comes with a budget MM cartridge fitted as standard.
You can find more information here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-2
P2 is available in gloss white, gloss red, gloss black and a wooden wrap effect has been added recently.
P2 complete is £499
P1
In our opinion the P1 is the best value budget turntable on the market. It scales down the P2 and has a less expensive platter and tonearm. It is available in 3 different incarnations as follows;
P1 standard turntable. Requires an amplifier with a dedicated phono input.
P1 Plus has a built-in phono stage that enables it to be plugged into any amplifier, active speakers or sound bar.
P1 Eco is a new concept that allows Rega to save money on screen printing and to also use slightly cosmetic seconds. The performance is the same but the price is reduced accordingly.
P1 in soft black or white £299
P1 in walnut wood wrap £329
P1 Plus in soft black or white £385
P1 Plus in walnut £299
P1 Eco in black or white £199.
More info on the P1 derivatives can be found here;
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-1
&
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-1-plus
The only way to evaluate these turntables is to listen to them for yourself and determine which one suits your requirements and budget. We can help with that as we keep them all on demonstration.
We also frequently get very good used examples as we upgrade people from one turntable to another. Always supplied with a warranty, these represent an opportunity to save money or get a better turntable for the money you want to spend.
Trade-ins are welcome.
Please get in touch if you’d like to start your turntable journey or to improve on what you have.
2/1/2024
Loudspeaker Setup
The following instructions are to form a guideline for setup in the listening room. There are many factors that will determine how a speaker works in a particular space. There seems to be many different ways and manuals, they are worded differently but generally achieve the same results, fine setup should take about hour and the following tools can make this a lot easier:
Tape measures
Spirit level
Laser level
Adjustable spanner
The Room
The aim is to create a soundstage with the two speakers in the room forming the corners of a triangle with the listener at the apex. All rooms vary but if this basic setup criteria is used it will at least offer good performance. Ideally the speakers should be equal distance apart from the centre of the wall and the distance to the listener between 1 and 2 times their distance apart. This may guide if the speakers are to be placed at the long end of the room or firing across the short distance.
Secondly if they are equal distance from the side wall, even better
Lastly there is always the room that is not quite right or other factors mean the ideal setup is just not possible. However if you use this guide you'll get it the best you can.
Start positioning-Bass
With the speaker sited quickly, level them as much as possible, this will be fine tuned later.
For bass positioning it is good to pick a track with mixed types of bass on it (for example acoustic bass, electric bass and church organ would cover just about all terrain but clearly not all together). Try and use simple pieces of music that will let you hear the room and how the speaker works in it.
Some examples;
Royals Lorde
Ricky Lee Jones Easy Money
Stevie Ray Vaughan Tin Pan Alley
Start with the speaker close to the wall and listen, paying attention to clarity of bass, bass volume and precision of bass. What you want is clarity and extension but no boom. You want the bass notes to not blur into each other but to start and stop precisely. The closer the speakers are to the back wall will mean more bass but more bass isn't always the best. So listen and then bring the speakers out. Work in fairly large increments. You should hear the bass become more defined as the speaker moves into the room, until it starts to fade. There will be a sweet spot depending on the cabinet and whether it is front/rear ported or infinite baffle. Once you've found that point then do a little listening and then move the speaker back slowly. By a process of elimination you should find the best balance in the base. That is to say the right amount of bass with the best definition and roll off.
Second positioning-Mid & Treble
The distance the speakers are apart is often guided by the distance you are from them. Again try and get your speakers into a listening triangle where you are slight further from them than they are from each other.
This matters because we are trying to reproduce a stereo image or an illusion of musicians performing for you.
1. Is there an empty space in the middle of the sound?
2. Do the instruments seem to overlap and blend together?
If you answered yes to either of these, then there’s a good chance you can improve the stereo image by adjusting the toe-in or location of your speakers.
To do this I find vocal tracks and single instruments best. A piano for example or a violin. Again, experiment with moving them apart and together until you find the stereo image is well defined. The instrument should be between the speakers and "hanging" as if the instrument is actually there.
Final Positioning Setup
This is where the toe in can now be adjusted, again it will change the soundstage and experimenting with the angle will give results based on the room. Start with a small degree of toe in (15%) and ask yourself if the image and depth is improved. If it is then try a slightly larger toe in. Take your time and go back and forth to ensure you're hearing an improvement. In our listening room we almost always use a small amount of toe in.
Once you've done all of these things you've found the best position for your speakers. Generally we find it will be between 8 and 18" from the back wall and with a slight toe in.
Now what you need to do is to make some precision adjustments and these will make the most of your positioning and get the best out of your speakers.
Use a tape measure to ensure your speakers are the exact same difference from the back wall. Use a laser pointed to ensure the toe in means that the speakers are "pointing" to where you sit on the sofa. Ensure the adjustment for one speaker is the same as on the other. You can do this visually but a laser pointer is a little more precise.
After head adjustment do a listening test to ensure you're happy with the results.
Finally make sure the speakers are rigid, level and then lock the spikes or feet up so that there is no wobble and no vibration.
Wooden floors can be difficult here. When we struggle to get the speakers rigid we've sometimes use Philips headed screws. We drop them into the spike holes, tighten them down flush and then sit the spike heads in the cross. Micro adjustments can be made as normal.
Ongoing maintenance.
Check the speakers are level every year and that the speakers remain rigid as these things can settle. Also plug and unplug the 4mm speaker connections. This will clean any oxide off them and renew the connection.
Finally, check that your drive units are tight in the cabinets. We find they do loosen to time and vibration. It needn't be a lot and don't go at it like a bull at a gate (you can cause damage). Often a quarter turn is enough. You'll hear the difference.
© 2022 Moorgate Acoustics Store. All Rights Reserved.
