Focal Kanta floor standers now on demonstration

8/12/2033 We're thrilled to welcome the Focal Kanta no 2 and no 3 to our store.

Halmarks of the Kanta design are a new generation IAL tweeter featuring a Beryllium inverted dome and Flax sandwich cone speaker drivers. This is an unprecedented combination of technologies to guarantee precise, detailed and warm sound. Focal’s latest acoustic innovations have been integrated into these floorstanders encompassing a modern and distinctive design.

Kanta No 2 is the first floor standing speaker in the range. It's large but not overly so and it's clever design and aesthetics are elegant and pleasing.

Kanta No 3 is quite imposing and better suited to larger rooms but it shares the family sound and has plenty of detail without being overblown. A wide range of finishes are available for both models.

We'll be putting a few hours on these speakers and they're available now if you'd like a look or a listen.

Uncategorized - 12/08/2023

Musical Fidelity returns

1/12/2033 We're thrilled to welcome Musical Fidelity back into our store.

In the 80's we were the third store in the UK to start selling Musical Fidelity. This was back when the company was essentially assembled on a kitchen table. These were the days of The Pre-amp and the DR Thomas power amp.

It was the relaunched of the classic A1 that set our interest off. Since then we've slowly added the M3 series, the M6 series and the new LS35a loudspeakers. All of these are available in store if you'd like to come and listen.

Hallmarks of the Musical Fidelity sound are great control, an open characteristic and a good deal of musicality. Come and have a listen to their products.

Uncategorized - 12/01/2023

Hegel Viking CD player arives

18/11/2033 We're delighted to announce this fantastic new CD player is in store and on demo.

In store and sounding fantastic! Possible the best CD player we've heard.

The Hegel Viking CD Player stands as a true testament to audio perfection, meticulously crafted from the ground up to optimize performance for standard (Redbook) CDs. Our unwavering dedication to delivering the most authentic sound reproduction possible has led to the creation of a CD player that captures the essence of the original recording.

Engineered to deliver unparalleled sound fidelity, the Viking CD Player is a true native 16/44.1 CD player, purpose-built to unlock the potential of each standard CD. Every component has been meticulously optimized to ensure a high-quality output that remains faithful to the original recording.

With a dedicated laser and CD drive, the Viking guarantees optimal data reading for precise playback. Its state-of-the-art DAC achieves unrivaled digital-to-analog conversion, preserving even the subtlest nuances within the music. Our commitment to audio purity means the Viking does not upsample or alter the signal in any manner. By maintaining the integrity of the original signal on the disc, the exceptional DAC performs at its peak.

Our proprietary Master clock system orchestrates flawless synchronization between the drive and DAC. This system, driven by a low phase noise quartz crystal and our patented SoundEngine technology, effectively minimizes jitter, ensuring precise timing for an immersive listening experience.

The Viking CD player is equipped with an OLED display meticulously chosen for its low noise properties, contributing to a clearer and more detailed sound rendition. The dedicated analog stage in the Viking is meticulously designed, incorporating our analog low-pass filter and Line Driver technology. This ensures a fully balanced and noise-free signal path all the way to your amplifier, preserving audio integrity throughout the journey.

Elevate your auditory senses and embrace a new realm of sonic authenticity with the Hegel Viking CD Player. Experience music as it was meant to be heard, with unwavering precision and unmatched clarity. The Viking CD Player is a masterpiece born from a passion for pure sound, setting a new standard for CD playback excellence.

Technical Specifications

Supported Discs: 12 cm Redbook CDs
Line Level Output: 1 unbalanced fixed (RCA) 1 balanced fixed (XLR)
Output Voltage Analog: 2,5V RMS
Digital Output: 1 BNC true 75 Ohm
Frequency Response: 0Hz-22 kHz
Distortion: Less than 0.0015%
Finish: Black
Dimensions/weight: 9,9 cm x 43 cm x 30,5 cm (HxWxD), 7,3 kg
Dimensions/weight US: 3,54" x 17" x 12" (HxWxD), 16,1 lbs

Atom £2299
Star £3499
Nova £4399

Uncategorized - 11/18/2023

Naim Audio Price reductions

10/11/2023

With immediate effect Naim Audio have lowered the prices on their Muso and Uniti ranges.

Atom £2299
Star £3499
Nova £4399

Muso QB2 £699
Muso 2 £899

Uncategorized - 11/10/2023

Expert Experts.

Does anyone remember the Not the 9 O'clock News sketch about hi fi shops? If not you can see it here;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvswW6M7bMo&ab_channel=soundhog09

In it a customer walks into a hi-fi store and gets met with an "hilarious" pair of salesman who are the wrong type of expert. They talk in highly technical terms and they intimidate the customer at every opportunity; either subtly or not so subtly.

We often meet new customers and we can tell that they come in quite wary of us. Perhaps they've had bad experiences of other shops or even see the sketch above. In any event we do our best to reassure people and also we're at great pains to not discuss things in technospeak or technobabble. Of course hi-fi equipment can seem complex but in reality it is simply a better way to enjoy music at home. And music is a passion we share with all our customers. For this reason we try to play music at every opportunity and also to show rather than to explain. I'm glad to say this approach works.

Our store is light and open and you can see many of the products we stock. You can browse uninterrupted or engage with us and when you're ready. We're always happy to see our customers and we don't require you to make an appointment unless you're wanting to listen to something very specific and you require one of our demo rooms to do that. Even then if you pop in and we've time we're happy to set it up for you on speck if the rooms are not in use.

In fact our smaller room always has a music system ready to play vinyl or to stream. In this room we have something affordable set up to give people an insight and a listen to something that sounds fantastic but that won't break the bank. Something like the Rega System One for example. This is ready to go and can always be played easily. You can sit and listen to how good a British Hi-Fi system can sound. One that costs less than a lot of mobile phones and will last twenty years plus.

This is our 41st year and we've survived umpteeen recessions, two lockdowns and numerous idiot governments (and local councils) by doing everything we can to look after our customers. We've learned that doing so makes them happy to return and to recommend us to their friends. To quote CJ we "didn't get where we are today" buy not looking after customers.

Money is tight these days but music is something that feeds our minds and our emotions. For some people it is part of their emotional well-being. Myself and my staff all feel the same. Music keeps us sane when the World around us is going crazy.

If you love music and haven't visited our store then we'd love you to do so. We'll make you welcome. We'll listen to you and discover how we can help you get your first proper music system or to best improve the one you have. We won't ram any particular brand down your throat but we will certainly aim to find the very best product for you.

Online is an important part of the World today and its how we communicate with many of our customers either for the first time or on an ongoing basis. However as a bricks and mortar retailer we love seeing our customers face to face best of all. If you're able to visit us we'll take the time to make you glad you did.

We're not a big company. We're not global and nor are we owned by a conglomerate or a chain. We're a family-run business still owned and run by the family that started the business 41 years ago and who still work in the store. I'm the one sat in the showroom behind the computer screen, ready to step out and welcome you. We really do believe in old fashioned service.

Rest assured that although we know our stuff, we will not thrust it down your throat. Our knowledge helps you make the best choices and we do that by inviting you to listen to music. Music you know and perhaps we can introduce you to some you don't but may grow to love. Music is our language and our god.

And finally; we love music so much that we built a record store in our basement!

Looking forward to meeting you.

Paul Hobson

Uncategorized - 10/14/2023

Munich Show Highlights

Highlights for us!

Naim have had a busy year and it's about to get busier. Not only did they launch the new 300 series, but they launched their first 50th Anniversary product; The Nait 50.

See the new Classic series here.

This limited edition product is exciting as it is "today's take" on a Naim classic first launched in 1983.
Discover more here.

PMC have also been busy!

Prodigy brings performance-led design ethos to an even wider audience, building on PMC's belief that ultra-high-resolution loudspeakers, if properly designed, can be used throughout the entire audio chain.

Above you can see Prodigy 1, a compact with an RRP of £1250 and Prodigy 5, a classic floorstander at £1995

We're looking forward to getting both of the speakers in stock and on demo and will keep you informed about their performance. In the meantime you can discover more here.

Chord Electronics announce new super Integrated amp

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.

More details as we have them.

Auralic news!

Auralic announce new G2.2 range and a new higher end G3 series that will feature both a stand alone streamer and a streaming transport. We've no further information at this time.

Uncategorized - 05/20/2023

Hegel Reduce Prices

We salute them!

Hegel press release today;

In later years, we and every other manufacturer have been hit hard by cost increases on both parts, labour, and shipping. As a result, the prices of our products have had to go up as well.
Hegel is a company that prides itself on offering products that are great value for money, so
increasing our prices because of external factors did not sit well with us.

Fortunately, Hegel has also grown tremendously, and with this growth comes benefits from
economies of scale. That is why we are now able to lower the prices on H95, H120, and H190 by up to 10 %.For some, this might be interpreted to mean that these products are to be replaced soon. That is not the case. All three products have recently gone through extensive updates and are more competitive than ever. AirPlay 2 provides multi-room streaming, our TV remote functionality lets you use your TV remote to control the amplifiers, and Roon Ready delivers high-end streaming on H120 and H190.

We lower the prices because value for money is an essential part of our DNA.

Models effected H95, H120 & H190

Uncategorized - 05/12/2023

Bluesound give the node an X

£699

To celebrate Bluesound's ten-year milestone, we are pleased to introduce the NODE X. Since its inception, the Bluesound NODE has become synonymous with hi-res streaming, proving generation by generation that audio quality, convenience, and affordability can live together in one compact unit. The limited-time, 10th Anniversary Edition NODE X re-imagines some of the best parts of the NODE’s product design - improving them even further - and sets a new standard for audio performance and usability in the category. Whether it is added to an existing audio system, amplifier, AVR or a pair of active loudspeakers, the NODE X is here to take ‘just add streaming’ into the next generation of audiophiles. The NODE X represents technology and audio improvements that advance the previous generation NODE design. An upgraded high performance audiophile-grade ESS Sabre DAC takes audio playback to the next tier, while a high-end headphone amp featuring THX AAA™ technology elevates the headphone listening experience and widens the product use-case even further. To tie it all together, the powerful componentry is encapsulated in a stunning silver finish casing. Bluesound’s mission is to introduce a wireless generation of music lovers to true high performance fidelity. The NODE X represents the latest benchmark of this unstoppable pursuit – the perfect blend of audio quality, cutting-edge design, and great value for every music lover who takes #LivingHiFi seriously.

+ INTUITIVE TOUCH CONTROLS
Unparalleled elegance shines through in the all-glass, capacitive touch LED control panel
that graces the top of the NODE X with an intuitive touchpoint for quick access controls
like play, pause, track skipping, and volume. One-touch presets are available on the product
itself, or by using the included Bluesound RC1 remote. Advanced controls, including tone
controls, subwoofer crossover optimization, and listening modes are available in the BluOS
Controller app. The NODE X can also be integrated into a smart home with full-feature
drivers for Lutron, Elan, RTI, Crestron, and other popular home control systems.

+ MULTI-ROOM EXPERIENCE
Bit-perfect music listening can happen away from your HiFi system with the NODE X as your
multi-room streamer. The NODE X is supported by the BluOS platform, the only platform in
the world that can support up to 64 players, all streaming up to 24-bit, hi-res audio. With
a growing stable of brands and devices being added to the BluOS platform, the NODE X opens
up a world of hi-res listening options throughout your home that no other player can.

+ ‘STEP-UP’ PERFORMANCE
An upgraded audiophile ESS 9028Q2M Sabre DAC design outputs amazing musicality,
near-zero levels of clock jitter, ultra-low noise and distortion, and a wide dynamic range. A
truly high-end headphone amp with a full-sized 1⁄4” headphone jack uses a THX Achromatic
Audio Amplifier (THX AAATM) with patented feed-forward error correction to deliver
infinitesimally low levels of noise, distortion and power consumption for a realistic, fatigue-free
listening experience. This positions the NODE X not only as the ultimate streaming source for a
HiFi system, but also a hi-res streamer for no-compromise headphone listening.

+ ULTIMATE HIFI STREAMER
In addition to a high-performance internal DAC, the NODE X continues to support external DACs
via an assortment of digital outputs. Optical, Coaxial or USB Audio 2.0 output turns the
NODE X into a simple high-quality streamer, sending music from hi-res services to your
favorite outboard equipment. Powerful software features like tone controls and listening
modes, allow you to customize your listening preferences with detail.

+ THE INS AND OUTS
Like a jack of all trades, the NODE X supports a broad spectrum of digital and analog inputs and
outputs. WiFi, Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux-in, HDMI eARC or
USB Type A connectors let you input audio from streaming services, TV and gaming consoles,
or a personal music library. Deliver music to your HiFi system via Stereo RCA, Optical,
Coaxial and USB outputs, and even to wireless headphones via Bluetooth, in aptX HD quality.

+ SILVER FINISH
The NODE X is unique and set apart, in performance and in looks. A special,
anniversary edition painted silver finish celebrates 10 years of Bluesound and marks a
decade of distinction in the streaming category.

FEATURES
• PREMIUM ESS SABRE HIFI DAC
• THX AAATM HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
• 6.35mm / 1/4” WIRED HEADPHONE OUTPUT
• WIRELESS BLUETOOTH HEADPHONE OUTPUT
• QUAD-CORE 1.8GHz ARM® CORTEXTM
A53 PROCESSOR
• HDMI eARC, OPTICAL & ANALOG INPUTS
• STEREO ANALOG OUTPUT
• OPTICAL, COAXIAL & USB AUDIO OUTPUTS
• BluOSTM WIRELESS MULTI-ROOM MUSIC CAPABILITY
• MQA MUSIC AND HI-RES AUDIO STREAMING
• AIRPLAY 2 INTEGRATION
• WORKS WITH AMAZON ALEXA AND GOOGLE ASSISTANT
• DUAL-BAND WI-FI + GIGABIT ETHERNET
• TWO-WAY aptXTM HD BLUETOOTH
• IR REMOTE LEARNING CAPABILITY
• IR INPUT
• 12V TRIGGER OUTPUT
• WIRED & WIRELESS SUBWOOFER OUTPUT
• TOUCH CONTROLS WITH PRESETS
• SILVER FINISH

Dimensions (Product)
220 x 46 x 146mm (W x H x D)
8.7 x 1.8 x 5.7 in (W x H x D)
Weight: 1.14kg / 2.5lbs

Included Accessories

• RC1 Remote Control
• 120V AC Power Cord
• 230V AC Power Cord
• Ethernet Cable
• Stereo RCA to RCA Cable
• TOSLINK Optical to 3.5mm Mini Adaptor
• Safety/Warranty Guide
• Quick Setup Guide
• 10th Anniversary Insert

Uncategorized - 05/11/2023

Rega launch their 1st 50th Anniversary Product

P3-50 is announced.

P3-50 gets walnut finish, Exact cartridge and TT-PSU

09 MAY 2023

Introducing the 50th Anniversary Edition of the legendary Rega Planar 3. A turntable package designed to maximise the performance from the Planar 3.

Available in the hugely popular new walnut effect finish, the 50th anniversary Planar 3 is supplied with a hand tuned Neo PSU MK2 and the handmade Rega Exact moving magnet cartridge factory fitted. The drive system uses our reference drive belt and a custom CNC’d aluminium drive pulley to deliver the absolute best in performance and accuracy. The Anniversary Edition is completed with an aluminium lid plinth badge and smoked dustcover to complete the Anniversary Edition. As part of the celebration, we have put this anniversary package together at an incredible price that wont be repeatable, contact your dealer for details.

This edition will only be available during our anniversary year 2023.

Celebrating 50 Years of Rega Research Ltd.

From humble beginnings in 1973, making just a handful of turntables for friends, Rega has since grown into a multimillion-pound audio engineering company making world-class, award-winning hi-fi products that are supplied across the globe.

Since inception, our expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering was combined with three core values; to create products that perform beyond expectation, deliver unrivalled value for money, and offer lifelong reliability. These same values are upheld today and are key factors in our continued growth and success.

KEY FEATURES

Walnut Effect plinth with custom aluminium badge
RB330 Precision tonearm
Exact MM cartridge factory fitted
Neo turntable PSU MK2 included
24 V low noise, low vibration motor, hand tuned to the custom Neo PSU Mk2.
Double brace technology
12 mm float glass opti-white polished platter
CNC machined Planar 6 drive pulley for use with the Neo PSU.
Supplied with a smoked dust cover as standard.
Reference EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
Anniversary Special Edition only available to buy during 2023
Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

The P3-50 will go on sale soon for £899. More 50th aniversary products will follow.

Uncategorized - 05/09/2023

Musical Fidelity offer Free WiiM streamer!