Open Mic - Unilet Sound and Vision

Transcription

Unilet’s guide to the best hi-fi and home cinema
Open Mic
Hi-Fi leaders speak out
Going Digital
The whys and wherefores
Final Curtain
Has cinema sound lost its way?
What’s in store?
Checklist of current products
www.unilet.net
Tel: 020 8942 9567
Unilet Sound and Vision Ltd. 35 High Street, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4BY
Can you feel it?
When was the last time you made an
emotional connection?...
...Connect with your music
Leema Acoustics
www.leema-acoustics.com
01938 559021
Flying the
flag for
British Hi-Fi
When Unilet opened its doors back
in 1969 music reproduction was very
different. The market was dominated
by great British brands such as
Tannoy, Wharfedale, Quad and Leak.
There was a very British ‘sound’ and
this was to develop over the next
two decades. Despite the Japanese
assault on the British market, whose
mass production techniques lowered
prices and brought acceptable hi-fi
to the masses in the form of ‘stacking
systems’ and music centres, the British
continued to be at the forefront of
developing high-end, no-compromise
audio equipment so beloved by the
aficionados.
Today the lower and mid-market
systems of Japanese separates have
largely been replaced by iPods and
MP3 players in students’ flats. Yet
there remains a core of what we like
to call ‘the best of British’, companies
dedicated to achieving the holy grail
of perfect sound reproduction. This is
the market that Unilet aims to satisfy.
We’re proud of our British heritage
and of the British hi-fi industry.
In stock, and in touch
We continue to stock and
demonstrate an enormous range of
the very best hi-fi separates available.
We know that lovers of real hi-fi
aren’t happy to shell out thousands of
pounds on the say-so of one reviewer,
but want to see, touch and above all
listen to the product themselves. They
want to do it now, not next month
or the month after when their retailer
might be willing to stock it. In hi-fi
seeing isn’t believing, hearing is.
In this issue
In this, the sixth annual Volume, you’ll
find articles from members of our
team on home cinema, the switchover
to digital TV and the real pros and
cons of digital broadcasting.
We’ve also added to our expanding
database of VIPs in the industry who
reveal their personal take on music
and a lot more in our Open Mic
interviews.
You’ll find our complete ‘price list’
towards the back of the Volume listing
the items that were in stock when we
went to press in April 2012. The prices
are a guide but most customers want
to discuss trade-ins, finance or other
deals and we are sure we can provide
you the right equipment at a price
that’s right for you.
3
and we now offer a full range of
home cinema equipment as well. Our
advertising, however, has continued
to combine serious equipment with
tongue-in-cheek humour.
Picking the winners
The audio market has moved into a
new phase in the 21st century. The
industry is smaller, more specialised
and the successful British companies
are those who have mirrored this trend
away from the once-dominant lower
end of the market.
It’s the way you tell ’em
To help our 1970s customers choose
the right loudspeakers for their
systems, and their type of music,
we introduced Rosie. Rosie was the
name we gave to our first loudspeaker
comparator system that enabled the
listener to switch instantly between
different sets of speakers. ‘Knock
twice and ask for Rosie’ was the first
of hundreds of ads over the years
that have expressed both our belief in
customer service and our sense of fun.
We have always strived
to give sound advice, to
understand the customer
and keep abreast of the
latest developments. A
series of ads in the late
seventies lampooning
many hi-fi dealers as
parrots, ostriches, vultures
or dodos caused quite a
furore but hit a chord with
audiophiles.
Of course Unilet has
moved with the times
4
Back in the 70s, Unilet’s founder, Peter
Merrick, would be a regular visitor to
the Consumer Electronics Shows in Las
Vegas and Chicago as well as in Tokyo.
It was there that the latest models were
introduced and Peter would be anxious
to bring the latest and greatest back to
New Malden.
Today the Las Vegas show is all about
Apple and its iPad, 3D television
and mobile phone apps. The true
developments to the audio industry
are happening back here in Britain and
that’s why Unilet staff spend so much
time with the people from these British
companies. We want to be the first to
know about what is coming out, we
want to give our input to the designers.
Our customers have been treated to
exceptional events including the first
British performance of the KEF Muons,
numerous PMC’s, Musical Fidelity’s Titan,
the new KEF Blades and many more.
A great time to
celebrate
2012 is a special year. Our Queen
is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee
marking 60 years as monarch. At the
same time KEF is marking its 50th year
in business, while newer entrants like
PMC are already in their 20th year. It’ll
be another 7 years until we celebrate
our 50th but we intend to have a really
good party in 2019!
There are some very special pieces of
equipment available now from British
companies such as Arcam, Audiolab,
B&W, Chord, Creek, Cyrus, KEF, Leema,
Meridian, Michell, Music Fidelity, ProAc,
PMC, Quad, REL, Roksan, Spendor and
Wilson Benesch to name but a few of
the brands we currently stock.
GROWN-UP HI-FI
With age comes experience. Some
of us here at Unilet have rather more
grey hair than we’d like, but when it
comes to knowing how to pick the right
hi-fi our grey cells are unbeatable! We
understand the heritage that is British
hi-fi. But we also understand where the
future lies and what is at the forefront of
the industry.
If you are seriously interested in
audio reproduction
(and if you’ve read
this far you must
be) come along to
our store in New
Malden. We’ll happily
discuss the things
you’re interested
in, demonstrate the
equipment and sort
out a really good deal
for you.
© Unilet Sound & Vision
Ltd. 2012
5
Mini Theatre
MT-60D Looking for big movie sound from a
small system? You’ve just found it. MT-60D is the
latest in the award-winning mini theatre range
from Bowers & Wilkins, makers of the world’s
most advanced home cinema sound systems.
Compact and discreet it may be, but don’t let
the size fool you: MT-60D will fill a room with rich,
detailed multi-channel surround sound, thanks to
a perfect partnership between the M-1 satellite
speakers and the powerful PV1D subwoofer.
Music, movies and games just got a whole lot
more exciting. Listen and you’ll see.
www.bowers-wilkins.com
Top of the Class
Some say he was born with 33rpm tattooed across his chest. Some
say his first words were SME turntable and he won a Blue Peter
badge for designing a loudspeaker from toilet roll tubes. All we know
is he’s called Vernon and is just one of the child prodigies who’ve
grown up to make the team at Unilet. They all have been talking hi-fi
since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. So
if it’s sound advice you want.......
Vernon – never at a loss for words, he knows every
manufacturer personally so we get the latest models
first. Vernon claims to have been an audiophile
before Eddison invented the “Phonograph” and
we tend to believe him! Passionate about the latest
developments he’s also a real lover of vinyl and is
responsible for our in-store vinyl collection.
Amit – is brilliant at knowing exactly what
works with what. He ensures we have stock of
the best of the best at great prices. He likes to
keep a low profile but, after 30+ years in the
business, what he doesn’t know about hi-fi and
cables, connectors and headphones isn’t
worth knowing.
David – having studied Film, Media and
Graphical communications is our resident
film buff and is the man to talk to regarding
aspect ratios, colour timing, frame rates,
digital theatre sound system calibration etc.,
etc. He’s also responsible for updating our
website.
7
Joe – isn’t someone you’ll forget. Once you’ve met
him, you’ll know what we mean. He’s learned a
lot about hi-fi and home cinema in the 15 or more
years he’s been in the industry and he’ll be only too
happy to pass on his views to you – especially if you
offer him a plain chocolate digestive.
Phillip – having studied studio recording and
mastering, Phil has one of the best ears in
the business. Actually, make that two. If you
want to compare different speakers, Phil’s your
man. He’s pretty hot on computer systems too
which comes in very handy with some of the
latest computer-controlled gear.
Keith – quieter than the rest of us, and some would
say the wiser for it, Keith’s youthful looks hide the
fact that he’s lived audio for thirty years or more.
Keith has taken on our service department, getting
everything in order. He’s a good listener, great
at solving problems and just the sort of ‘teccie’
everyone needs.
Erick – our latest member is the man to talk to if
you want a specialised Sky or Freesat installation
or state-of-the-art multi-room system. When it
comes to wiring up the house for multi-room
sound, there’s no-one remotely as talented as
Erick. He spent many a year in audio retailing in
Tottenham Court Road, before spending seven
years at Sky.
8
You can have it all.
Audio has never looked so good.
Chord CPA 3000
and SPM 1050
Pre-Amplifier and
Stereo Power Amplifier
Who says you can’t have it all?
Well you can now, with the new
intermediate level Chord pre/power
combination – the CPA 3000
and SPM 1050.
Delivering 350W RMS per channel into
4Ω, the mighty SPM 1050 delivers the
punch and the exquisite CPA 3000
keeps it all in control. Giving you pure
audiophile quality and amazing looks.
To discover more about our award-winning,
hand-crafted audiophile products, please
visit www.chordelectronics.co.uk for
details of your nearest dealer.
11
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Going Digital
Keith explains what’s happening in the new
digital age with a little help from Erick.
Those of you who read last year’s Volume
may have read my (thinly disguised)
rant about the benefits (or otherwise) of
digital radio. However, given that digital
broadcasting will be the de facto standard
for the foreseeable future, I thought this
time round I’d take a more conciliatory
view and stick to the facts surrounding both
the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and
DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) platforms.
Why DAB & DVB ?
I think it’s generally accepted that the
main (official) reasons for the introduction
of both were to provide a more robust
reception signal in each case whilst
expanding programming choice and
facilities.
DAB comes with features such as station
lists, so listeners do not need to retune
their receivers, as well as scrolling text,
providing information such as breaking
news, travel information or the latest
track information. DVB allows greatly
enhanced interactive services and (dare I
say it) improved picture quality in certain
circumstances.
All the above is achieved whilst reducing
the amount of space taken up over the
airwaves, leaving more space for new
technologies that require the airwaves to
function (Smart Phones anyone ?)
How is it done ?
This could be where you start to lose the
will to live, but put simply, each single
analogue radio and TV channel occupies
a single frequency for transmission.
However, by applying what are known as
Multiplexing and Encoding techniques,
digital radio and video can “bundle” and
transmit a number of stations with extra
facilities on a single frequency, hence the
huge increase in the number of channels
which you can now get on each platform.
However, there are some compromises
involved with DAB which I’ll come to
later..
The Final Countdown (or
switch-over).
For all the above to fully make sense,
existing Radio and Television analogue
services will need to be switched off to
“free” valuable air space for the reasons
given above. The switch-over to only DVB
has been relatively well managed and has
been undertaken over a number of years,
starting in 2010 and due to be completed
by the end of 2012. It has been done TV
region by TV Region (Anyone remember
Granada, Anglia, Border?). Only 4 TV
regions are left to be switched over, these
being London (April 2012), Tyne Tees
(September 2012), part of Meridian (MayJune 2012) and Northern Island (October
2012). The official site (www.digitaluk.
co.uk) has detailed information.
By contrast, the switch-over to DAB has
not even started and a tentative date of
2015 for the beginning of the switch-over
appears to be a movable feast and 2017 is
now being touted as a more realistic datewatch this space !
continued on page 12
11
How do we enter this
wonderful new age?
Both DAB and DVB are available via a
number of routes including Sky (Satellite
Dish), Virgin (Cable) and the Internet
(Everywhere !). I’ll leave these for another
day and concentrate on the mainstream
routes that are commonly available
Using your existing aerial or
satellite dish.
Although at least 50% of aerials should
be OK, there are a number that won’t be.
Apart from the analogue aerials that have
been on properties for over 30 years, Erick
our digital aerial installer explains that
there are over 1,150 transmitters organised
into 80 groups that switch to digital one
by one. If you are receiving signals from a
relay transmitter you will receive around
15 digital channels and from a main
transmitter up to 40 digital channels.
Digital aerials are optimised to receive
a specific range of grouped channels,
identified by differently coloured stoppers
at the front of the aerial (e.g. red for
group A, yellow for group B, green for
group C, brown for group E and black
for wideband aerials). If you have 20/20
vision you may be able to distinguish the
colours on you aerial on your rooftop!
If not, Erick will be happy to arrange to
come and sort it all out for you!
Freeview and Freeview HD.
This will be the most common way of
12
receiving DVB since it can hopefully use
your existing aerial and as long as you
have either a separate Freeview/Freeview
HD Box (With an older TV) or a more
recent TV with everything built in, then
you’re ready for the future. Most of
the channels are free and Freeview HD
adds the 4, free current High Definition
channels for better picture quality.
The surprise bonus with Freeview are
the radio channels it also transmits,
which whilst not having the range of
programmes of DAB, are of (ironically)
demonstrably-better sound quality .
Freesat and Freesat HD.
To receive both the above requires you
to have a satellite dish, rather like the
Sky dishes which are commonly seen
attached to many a wall as you walk
around. This normally involves a oneoff cost for the dish and installation.
Originally, Freesat was the only way to
get the 4 free HD channels, but with the
advent of Freeview HD, the main reasons
for getting Freesat are slightly improved
picture quality (Due to it having greater
bandwith/ airspace) and access to a
greater range of channels (including
some foreign channels).
DAB.
DAB can be received in a number of ways,
the main ones being portable table top
radio’s, dedicated hi fi tuners and now
increasingly, car radios . As I mentioned
earlier, the compromise with DAB is the
variable sound quality available, with
many stations transmitting in mono. That
said, the range of programmes is vast with
most genres covered.
There we have it. A new age in sound
and vision is upon us and in my
(hopefully) next instalment, we’ll look
at the more commercial side of things,
namely, Sky, Virgin and the sleeping
monster known as the Internet! In the
meantime, feel free to call me or Erick
with any questions you have.
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13
Meridian’s M6 Loudspeaker.
Superb sound never looked this good.
From first sight, Meridian’s M6 represents a radical
departure in loudspeaker design – even by Meridian
standards – with its slim, elegant shape. Yet M6 is
the epitome of a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker, with
all the advanced technology and other features that
make them unique in their combination of superb
sound and world-class design.
With its tapered cylindrical form – more like a
modern sculpture than a loudspeaker – and soft
rather than reflective finishes, M6 sits comfortably in
any home and can be appreciated from all angles.
Its distinctive shape also gives it a unique radiation
pattern that delivers excellent imaging and response
wherever you sit.
Meridian’s M6 Loudspeaker.
Superb sound never looked this good.
meridian-audio.com
16
Open
Mic
Andy Giles
PR Guru to the Stars
(of the Hi-Fi Industry)
“In the days of his youth...”
Andy Giles was closely
associated in a PR role with
rock music legends Led
Zeppelin before promoting
companies such as Denon,
Marantz, Quad and Meridian.
“If there was any product I
represented that did not make
it for whatever reason then it
was ‘Nobody’s fault but mine’”.
At what point in time did you decide
that you wanted to represent audio
equipment?
There was no time really – it just
happened. I met a guy called Malcolm
Blockley at a Harrogate Audio Show
around 1976 and, as I wasn’t doing
much at the time, he asked me to do
some PR work for him on a new brand
launch.
his influence is formidable. If pushed
I’d say that Sibelius is my favourite
composer – but having said that, there’s
always Mahler….and… erm, Mozart.
Streaming, CD or Vinyl?
I think streaming is for kids – until it
gets better. If not for kids, it is definitely
for those who don’t look for any real
depth in the music they listen to.
Most modern popular music is hardly
demanding so perhaps streaming
(and injudicious downloading for that
matter) is fine for that. I wouldn’t
stream Led Zeppelin, the Cocteau
Twins, Joni Mitchell or anyone like that
– let’s put it that way. It’s vinyl or a
quality digital recording on CD for me.
What was your first product as a PR
consultant?
NAD!
What is it that you love about music?
Everything – it’s been my life. End of!
Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Love them both – probably equally.
Beatles were more accessible and my
earlier lifestyle mirrored that of the
Stones more than the Fab Four but
there’s no denying the sublime genius
of Lennon and McCartney.
Bach or Beethoven?
I love Beethoven – he’s beyond criticism
(especially the symphonies) but Bach’s
brilliance is often breath-taking and
What was the first record you
ever bought?
I’ll guess it was a Chuck Berry or maybe
even an Elvis recording.
Apple Mac or PC?
Not being flash – but both!
15
Global Warming...Man made or not?
Dunno enough about it – and I won’t
be around to see the world melt so,
forgive my flippancy, I don’t really lose
any sleep over it!
What piece of Hi-Fi/Home Cinema
equipment do you consider to be
totally iconic?
KEF’s Blade speaker, Meridian’s MCD
CD player, Linn’s LP12 turntable and
– you’ve guessed it – the NAD 3020
amplifier.
What is your favourite film?
I’m going to go for Withnail & I in the
knowledge that by the time I see this in
print I will have thought of a film I like
more!
What is your favourite album/piece
of music?
Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin and
favourite piece of music the Sibelius
Symphony No 7 (it’s in one glorious
movement).
Do you play any musical instruments?
Erm…no. Although I’ve often told girls
backstage at gigs that I do. I can sing
a bit though.
What Hi-Fi System do you have
at home?
NAD Masters, KEF speakers, some
Meridian stuff, Linn turntable. Nothing
exotic – just good gear, well set-up and
positioned.
Is there one place on Planet Earth
that you would like to visit or revisit?
Sydney, Australia. Great place –
transcendent memories.
What is your favourite book?
There are so many but it would either
be something by Dickens or maybe
Joyce. Tell you what – I’m going to go
for Don Quixote as I’ve never actually
16
finished it. Mind you – I bet nobody
has, not even Cervantes!
What music are you currently
listening to?
Been going through a Cure re-play
phase following the recent screening
of Starter for 10 – a wonderful UK cult
romantic comedy - on TV the other
night. Cure music used throughout.
How do you see the future for
this industry?
Let’s have quality, genuine high
definition downloads available if that’s
the way we’re going. Neil Young’s
been saying some interesting things
on this subject recently and I think
it’s going to escalate into something
pretty exciting!
What is your favourite tipple?
Dry cider, Guinness, dry white wine,
good red wine, Jameson’s. Lots of all
please.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
What is your favourite car/
motorcycle?
Don’t drive – never driven a car in
my life. Hate motorbikes – they’ve
killed two dear friends of mine over
the years. Not big on push-bikes
either for that matter but for different
reasons – not least the fact that I can’t
ride them.
How do you think audio/visual
products will develop during the next
20 years?
Audio products? They’ll be built to
stream and download and won’t play
CDs. Let’s hope and pray that quality
remains the most critical factor in their
design criteria! Video products will be
mind-blowingly and annoyingly good
that all cinemas will be closed within 20
years.
The full interview can be seen, with others,
on our website.
CY
CMY
K
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19
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“Man and Machine in
Perfect Harmony…”
Vernon argues that emotion is an essential ingredient in
listening pleasure.
“One man’s ceiling is another man’s
floor” is a phrase so apt for this
discussion. Whether its author, Paul
Simon ever thought it would apply
to how we feel about a good (or
not so good) sounding Hi-Fi system
I doubt.
The name is almost elitist in itself.
High or Higher Fidelity. Is your
head already full of images of a
group of bearded chaps huddled
around an impossibly expensive
Hi-Fi system which is connected
together with glow-in-the-dark
cabling all discussing the virtues of a
24-bit Digital to Analogue recording
of Seven Sherpa Guides playing
Tibetan Nose Flutes? Very probably,
but whilst these people do exist, they
are thankfully a pretty rare breed.
“What’s the alternative?” I hear you
ask... The alternative dear reader
is the absolute opposite. It is when
you walk past a room and you hear
your favourite track. “Bohemian
Rhapsody”, “Son of a Preacher Man”
or “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un
faune”and the Hi-Fi system playing
it makes you go all wonky. Goosebumpy. Hairs-on-the-back-of-yournecky. Makes you tap your feet.
Makes you want to cry, laugh or do
a little shuffle around the sofa. The
system is right. It has (according
19
to many people in this industry)
synergy. Is it a certain combination
of components? Yes. Can the room
it’s in make it sound like this? Yes.
Are there any guidelines to help
make this happen? Yes, but they
are only guidelines. Do you need a
degree in electronic engineering or
be able to play a musical instrument
to understand why it happens? No.
Am I saying that the reaction we
are talking about is a completely
emotional response? Yes, because you
can achieve perfection with a great
combination of components in a good
room. But conversely, you can have
a less than perfect day, come home
from work and seek solace with your
music. But tonight the Hi-Fi system
sounds crap. It sounds crap because
you’re in a crap mood.
I think the easiest way to understand
this is to liken the Hi-Fi system to other
machines. Machines shouldn’t provoke
an emotional response but they do.
Go to an Air Show and who would
© Aston Martin
20
deny that the fly-past of a Spitfire or
a Vulcan Bomber makes for a more
fundamental emotional response
than say the Typhoon. We know that
the Typhoon is the personification
of modern engineering competence
but... This response extends to most
machines. Watches, Mobile Phones,
Cameras and even Vacuum Cleaners,
but the most obvious example is cars.
The first example is this author’s
absolute favourite; The Aston Martin
Vantage. I love this car on a cellular
level and yet I merely admire the Audi
R8. Both do the same thing, and both
make a similar noise. But one makes
my heart sing and the other doesn’t.
The VW Golf GTi vs. a Ford Focus ST.
They both occupy the same ground.
They are (on paper) too similar, yet
one is competent and incredibly
worthy and the other has character,
verve and pizazz.
A more extreme example of how a
machine can provoke an emotional
response is to compare a Land Rover
is in and you can have something very
Freelander to a Land Rover Evoque.
special or very poor.
Both are built by the same company,
by the same people, in the same
So you must take as much time and
place. Yet, which one makes you
care choosing that Hi-Fi system as you
go...”Oooh”? So, you’ve got the
would to decide over your car, mobile
perfect car for you and then you
phone, watch and your partner.
have a bad
Everyone has
day. Does the
lungs and
car respond
ears. You meet
Every system has an
in the same
thousands of
amplifier and a pair of
way in exactly
people every
the same
year, many
speakers. All do the same
circumstances
of whom you
thing, and yet they all
as it did
respect and
yesterday...?
like. Then you
sound different from
meet that
each other.
And so we
certain person
come back
and something
to the Hi-Fi
quite
system. Historically, there have been
fundamental happens...synergy! And
certain combinations of kit that are
sometimes love.
proven to make great music. No
one would deny the magic that was
If none of this matters to you then
achieved with Linn’s LP12 record
this is not a terrible place to be. It
player through Naim Electronics.
just means that you might as well go
Quad Electrostatics with their own
and buy white goods from Comet or
amplifiers. Acoustic Research and Krell
Amazon. If you’re happy with your
combinations. The certain something
Zanussi washing machine, Casio
that happens when Musical Fidelity is
watch, Pay-as-you-go Motorola or
partnered with KEF Speakers. Likewise
Hyundai i30 that’s perfectly fine. They
Chord Electronics with Wilson Benesch
all do a good and reliable job.
and PMC with Bryston. The list goes
on and the combinations are arguably
But is your heart racing?
endless. Put any well-chosen system
in a good room and, as we said
Is your fizz-gland fizzing?
earlier, real magic can be achieved.
People will always have an opinion or
a feeling about what is good or bad.
What sound reflects them and their
music. But every Hi-Fi system has a
source product (Vinyl, CD, Streaming
Computer Audio, iPhone). Every
system has an amplifier and a pair
of speakers. All do the same thing,
and yet they all sound different from
each other. Then add to the mix the
acoustic environment that the system
n
o
Vern
© Unilet Sound & Vision Ltd. 2012
21
Open
Mic
Ian Galloway
MD Yamaha Electronics UK
Ian Galloway has been
with Yamaha for 23 years.
In his Open Mic interview
he explained succinctly
why the simple things in
life are important to him.
Good food, great music,
and keeping fit. The latter
is an extension of his
previous life as a footballer
for Watford and Chelsea.
However, when asked
about the future of the
industry, he really
opened up.
What is it that you love about
music?
You can shut the world out, it can be
exciting with plenty of emotion.
Bach or Beethoven?
Beethoven
CD
24
What was your first product as a
manufacturer/distributor?
Harman Kardon / Teac . JBL
What Hi-Fi System do you have at
home?
Yamaha A-S2000 / CD-S2000
SOAVO-1 Piano Black
listening to?
Alicia Keys & Andréa Bocelli
How do you see the future for this
industry?
Positive, we still have a load of new
technology to deliver with high
sound quality being the fundamental
basis and concept whilst bringing
a more modern approach to the
design. It’s the time for Audio.
A great sound can dramatically
improve the visual experience.
products will develop during the
next 20 years?
20 years is a very long time. If we
look at where we were 20 years ago
and look at what we have now... I
don’t think there were many people
who would have dreamt how far we
have advanced. Still, perhaps I can
have a go for a look into 2032!
My Predictions for 2032
No-glasses 3D and virtual heads up
displays for TVs/AVR will probably
become a normal thing.
4k2k will become the standard
and perhaps 8k4k will be next who
knows, anyway HD for sure.
Android to become more important.
HDMI with smaller and tighter
connection possibly optical to link
style?
2 channel will still be just as
important as it is now, analogue
audio too. I don’t think the industry
as a whole will ever turn its back on
the value of high quality sound or
vinyl technology. Even the current
younger generation are seeing the
benefit of using analogue circuitry
over digital for high sound quality.
There will be more wireless
technology, pretty much everything
you buy AV wise will have a wireless
connection of some description.
Whether it’s all standardised is
another question!
Storage capacity will increase to
probably something like 10-20x
what we have now as a max; this
means that more and more things
will have more storage in them. This
means more data for Cinema DSP.
We could maybe see whole virtual
environments being created on a
computer chip to simulate a room
environment.
Processing power will only get larger
and pretty soon we’ll start to see
quantum processing in household
computers. This means it’s only a
matter of time before it’s in AVRs,
docks and even smartphones;
Remotes will become a thing of the
past, gesturing using things like the
microsoft kinect are already being
utilised with install systems such as
Crestron installs... perhaps AVRs, TVs,
Blu-Ray players will have gesturing
recognition technology built in.
Cloud computing will become more
and more important, with more
people using it and storage capacity
increasing it’s only a matter of time
before everything we have is stored
in “the cloud”.
Broadband and internet speeds are
increasing as time goes on so storing
in the cloud and streaming to your
own devices will be easier and more
normal
Surround Soundbars will become
more important as time goes on....
I’m sure it will be all about how
many channels can your soundbar
put out?
on our website.
YPAO may get to a similar level, we
could see ‘futuristic room scanning’
that would take into account your
furniture placement and all the
surfaces around it to calculate the best
possible speaker position and levels.
25
Anti-Resonance Technology
for Rock-Solid performance
The A.R.T Wedge dampens vibrations from
the power transformer, power transistors,
heat sinks and high ambient SPLs.
Model featured is RX-A810.
Also available: RX-A1010, RX-A2010 & RX-A3010.
28
Approaching the very limits of theoretical audio performance creates some
interesting challenges for an audio scientist. Artefacts previously hidden by a
system’s relative failings come to the fore - albeit only to the discerning listener.
Heading off such issues at the pass, Yamaha has created a device to effectively
eliminate the effects of physical vibration on audio performance: the A.R.T. Wedge.
It’s just one of the breakthroughs in our new AVENTAGE range of AV receivers.
Is this the best listening experience ever?
Find out at your Yamaha dealer or discover more at uk.yamaha.com
November 2011
AV Receiver
YAMAHA RX-A3010
November 2011
AV Receiver
YAMAHA RX-A1010
Powered by music
Open
Mic
Steve Halsell
Managing Director, KEF UK
After 20 years with KEF
there’s not a lot he doesn’t
know about loudspeakers.
He likes the simple things
in life. Great food, good
wine and a bloody good
rock band. One of his
hobbies is collecting classic
electric guitars.
Rock on Steve.
that you wanted to manufacture
audio equipment?
I didn’t. Hi-Fi had been my hobby
since university and I thought that
working in the industry would spoil
my hobby so I went into Pro Audio,
designing and selling systems for
nightclubs and bars. When I was
approached by GP I naturally assumed
it would be for Celestion Pro but in
reality it was KEF. That was almost 20
years ago.
Apple Mac or PC?
PC. Apples are great for the graphics
guys but I enjoy messing around with
computers technically so PCs suit me
better.
music?
The way it can lift your mood and
change or deepen emotions.
Bach or Beethoven?
I’m not a classical guy at all but I have
to admit listening to ‘Toccata and
Fugue in D minor’ by Bach does get the
hairs on the back of your neck standing
on end, especially when you hear it on
KEF Blades!
CD or Vinyl?
Vinyl for two reasons: I genuinely prefer
the sound and most modern CDs are so
compressed that as most of my vinyl is
over 20 years old you benefit from what
was a different attitude to dynamic
range in those days, i.e. there was
some. The theoretical 96dB dynamic
range of CD is not really achieved in
practice, except on classical music,
thanks to the modern obsession with
‘loudness’.
manufacturer?
The KEF model 100 centre channel
speaker, the first from a British
company and at the time the best and
most expensive. It became something
of a classic.
27
What is your favourite food?
USDA prime steak at a US steakhouse.
It’s so different from other countries.
Anything with Jason Statham or Clive
Owen in it.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc white
wine.
of music?
Fire and Water by Free, probably the
most under-rated band on the planet.
What is your point of reference when
designing new products?
Live music definitely, what instruments
and voices sound like in the real world. I
love it when reviewers make comments
like ‘the horns are too strident’. Have
you ever listened to a Salvation Army
band outside in the street (with
no room acoustic effects)? Those
instruments are strident!
Stones definitely. Everyone should read
Keith Richard’s book, it’s a great insight
into the times. The Beatles, despite
coming from my home town were not
consistent enough for me, plus I am
somewhat of a rock fan!
What was the first record you
ever bought?
Tarkus by Emerson Lake and Palmer
Not compared to the amount of stored
CO2 in the earth that far outweighs
anything we can produce. Even if it was
conclusively proven that it is man-made
CO2 that caused the hole in the ozone
layer, it wouldn’t help taxing the UK
motorist out of existence as seems to
be the plan because China and the USA
produce so much more than we could
ever do.
totally iconic?
A&R A60 amplifier (I hope John Dawson
reads this and is persuaded to let me
have one of his ‘stash’
28
Guitar, badly.
home?
Linn Sondek, home made battery
powered MC pre-amp, Bryston prepower and KEF Reference Series Model
201/2 bookshelf speakers on AE1 stands
Is there one place on Planet Earth
that you would like to visit or revisit?
I’d love to do South America and one
day return to Bora Bora
Anything by Jeremy Clarkson
industry?
There will always be a hobby element,
people who like to play with individual
components, which will be stable
but small. The major part of what we
do will be installation solutions and
increasingly products will be part of a
network in the home.
20 years?
Screens will continue to get thinner
and with more features and higher
resolution, speakers will get slimmer
and increasingly active. Everything will
start to become IP based. Separates
electronics will shrink to a hobbyist level.
on our website.
True Sound
The
MAeSTRO
hD 700
If the HD 700 were a musician, it would have sound mastery of an
impressive range of repertoire and style. Due to its warm,
emotional timbre, unique range of tone and spectacularly low distortion
factor, even the finest musical detail can be heard. That’s how the
HD 700 transforms each and every genre of music into an exciting, authentic
listening experience. Truly excite your ears.
• Innovative 40 mm driver
• Maximum sound quality
• Extremely low harmonic distortion
• 3D mesh protects the headphones’ acoustic space and transducer
• Low impedance, hence can used without an amplifier
• Developed in Germany, manufactured by hand at the Sennheiser
Acoustic Factory, Ireland
www.sennheiser.co.uk
29
INTRODuCING THe
A R C A M F M J D 3 3 SupeR D A C
B r i l l i a n t l y E n g i n E E r E d f o r f a i t h f u l M u s i c a l J o y.
Listen carefully at your nearest Arcam Concert Dealer. Check website for details.
www.arcam.co.uk
32
Open
Mic
James Tanner
Vice President – Bryston Electronics
James has been directly
involved with just about
every Bryston product for the
past 36 years. In a previous
life, he was a Montreal
firefighter. A genuine,
straight-ahead fully paid up
audiophile, he currently has
three separate Hi-Fi systems
at his home! He is also a
Canadian who likes chips
and has a sense of humour!!
At what point in time did you
decide that you wanted to design/
manufacture/ distribute/ represent
audio equipment?
When I was about 14. My father was
into building his own Hi-Fi gear and I
realized at a very early age how much
difference there was in the sound
when he changed components or
parts. So I grew up knowing that all
speakers and all electronics did not
sound the same. There was science
and there was magic!
Apple Mac or PC?
Both, but more comfortable with PC
as I leaned my computer skills on a
PC. Lately though with the advent of
our Bryston BDP-1 digital palyer I have
gotten a lot better with the MAC gear
as many use MAC for interfacing with
the BDP-1.
music?
It provides me with relaxation and on
the great recorded stuff a real RUSH.
There is not a day goes by in my life
now where I do not listen to one of
my audio systems.
Bach or Beethoven?
Beethoven. I even have a bust of him in
my main listening room!
CD or Vinyl?
Vinyl and then CD done right – now
digital done right! (BDP-1)
manufacturer/ distributor/ PR?
Bryston 3B – Stereo x 100 watts. Duel
power supplies, high slew rate, 1%
tolerance parts etc. We were asked
to do a shoot out with the then top
amplifiers of the day – Dynaco 400,
Marantz 500, Dunlop-Clark, BGW at
a recording studio in Toronto (Eastern
Sound) and the 3B won – they ordered
10 units – that was the start of Bryston.
31
What is your point of reference
when designing/ representing new
products?
‘Measured’ as well as ‘Emotional’
accuracy.
Beatles.
What was the first record you ever
bought?
Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl – yes
the girlfriend had brown eyes – you do
what you have to for love!
Some of both. The earth definitely goes
through cycles of warming and cooling
but fossil fuel burning at the levels
imposed on mother nature sure helps
tilt the scales me thinks.
totally iconic?
Quad electrostatics.
Would depend on the genre but overall
Godfather 1 and 2 (1972)
of music?
‘Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon’
- it brought me to high end audio. I
was building my own speakers at the
time and a friend of mine invited me
to his home and played me Dark Side
of the Moon on a Dynaco system with
Dynaco speakers and I could not believe
my ears – I was hooked for life. Gee’s
I could be a rich man if not for that
experience with all the money I have
spent on gear over the years!
Trumpet – wish I could play a SAX –
smoky rooms and me playing is my
fantasy life.
32
home?
I have 3 different systems in 3 different
rooms. This works really well as I am
able to let people listen to the same
front end gear in each room and realize
the only difference is the speaker/room
difference. It really points out that there
is no absolute best just differences as
a result of the speaker/room reaction
and many of the choices we make are
swamped by how a specific speaker
performs in a specific room.
The 3 rooms also allow me the luxury
of 3 different sounding systems and
depending on my mood I can gravitate
to one room or another – I know I am a
spoiled brat!!!
listening to?
At the Montreal Son & Image Audio
show this week – so a real variety.
industry?
I think digital done right is very
promising. Also if you think about it
this is the first time in the history of
recorded music that we as listeners can
connect to the Master Tape and get a
direct ‘one to one’ copy of the ‘Source
Master’. No intermediate production
steps, no stamping presses, no spinning
discs, no error correction systems, etc.
– so if we do it right this could be a
golden age!
20 years?
I think the sky’s the limit and hopefully
it will be a 3 dimensional hologram
of musicians playing in your personal
listening room rather than ear-Pods and
iPods.
on our website.
The Final Curtain?
A coming-of-age experience for David and how it isn’t a matter
of how loud but how good the cinema sound is that matters.
I’m 31 this year, and already here I am
lamenting the demise of cinema as I once
knew it.
In my pre-teen years, I was never a big
film watcher. Aside from The Goonies in
Summer and ET at Christmas, I had other
pastimes. Big movies were rarely broadcast
on TV, and when they were presented
during the holiday season, the quality of
the picture or sound was never a factor. In
fact, I generally regarded my local cinema
as a bigger version of the telly without the
hassle of ad-breaks and having to wait half
a year for a film to come out on video.
This was all set to change in the Summer
holiday of 1994, when the weekend was
all about hopping on the Tube to Piccadilly
Circus with my school chums, buzzing
around the streets of London and throwing
what little money I had left into the arcade
machines at the Trocadero Centre.
On the third consecutive week as we
were walking through Leicester Square it
started to pour with rain, so we took shelter
beneath the entrance of the Empire Cinema
where a huge doorman boomed at us in a
Thespian voice that can only be described
as Brian Blessed with a lisp; “What say you
all come inside and watch the film?! Starts
in ten minutes! Time enough to get your
popcorns and sweets!”
The film playing at the time was Star Trek:
Generations. The much touted 7th episode.
I had never seen a Star Trek film. I knew of
Captain Kirk, sure, and had seen the bald
chap a few times on TV. Nonetheless, and
not to be one-upped by my peers, I agreed
and we each purchased a ticket and made
our way through the foyer of marble and
mirrors.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Lounge area: “Wow. This is the
cinema what does all the Premieres in’t it?”
(exact phrasing)
The Auditorium: Cavernous. Awe
inspiring. The cinematic equivalent of the
Sistine Chapel. Reclining seats that allowed
you to sink in and take in the sight of a
blanket of stars over curtains that seemed
to go on forever. Lighting that changed,
creating the illusion that the room was
breathing.
The Presentation: Probably my first
so-called ‘fizz-gland’ moment (see Top
Gear). The brief sound and laser show that
preceded the film was the perfect showcase
for the Empire’s sound system, and also
declared in letters ten-feet-tall that you
were in “The Most Spectacular Cinema In
The World” By this point, I wasn’t about to
dispute this claim.
The Movie: The opening titles are
displayed against the darkness of space
(of course, this is a Star Trek film). A CGI
bottle of ‘Dom Perignon from the future’
floats serenely to the ambient music that
slowly builds to a choral crescendo. From
out of nowhere, “BOOM!” The bottle
smashes against a backdrop of pure white,
the orchestra is at full-tilt, my fizz-gland
explodes and half a tub of popcorn
33
launches into the air. I had never imagined
something that sounded so delicate, distant
and ethereal could then instantaneously
shock and awe on such a massive scale.
It becomes apparent that the bottle (harking
back to Maritime tradition) has just launched
a brand new starship;
the Enterprise-B. Or
more poignantly,
it launched my
love affair with the
cinema. I would
eventually start to
watch films I would
normally have shied
away from, and
always, without fail, I
would make the Northern Line pilgrimage to
Leicester Square.
complaint, there are films I’ve watched
that were damn near impossible to hear
at the cinema. At what was then the UCI
multiplex in Sutton, I watched the whole
of Master and Commander being played
in Mono with the projector out of focus!
Sacrilege! I sat through a completely
different and
more rewarding
experience at home
on DVD.
cinemas over the last
10 years or so seem to
be preoccupied with
increasing the volume
So what has changed so much over the
years to make me feel so differently? After
all, the Empire is still as spectacular a cinema
as it has always been, if not more so after
a complete overhaul in 2006. My biggest
gripe is the fact that cinemas over the last
10 years or so seem to be preoccupied
with increasing the volume year after
year. It’s as if they vehemently believe the
nation is going deaf and they’re trying to
compensate by pushing their sound systems
past their physical limitations and beyond
the threshold of human tolerance.
One recent example was Terminator
Salvation. Played so loud and perforating
my ear drums to such a degree that I
could no longer follow the film’s story and
instead played a scenario in my head of the
usher running toward the projection booth
screaming “Turn it down! You’ll kill us all!”
Another would be Inception at the IMAX
in Wimbledon. The scene of an avalanche
caused the subwoofers to chuff and distort
as the scaffolding behind that
massive screen began
rattle and vibrate
alarmingly.
On the flip
side to this
34
Which brings me
to another point...
there is no doubt
whatsoever that
more and more
people are opting
for the Home Cinema route as the better
alternative for watching films. On a
personal level, whilst this is obviously good
for business, it saddens me somewhat that
as each day passes, it lessens the chances
of anybody else having the same profound
experience as I did. I strongly believe that
once you find a cinema that can provoke
such an emotional response you’ll be
hooked for life.
One thing is for certain...I have that
reference point now, and I have reached
it at Unilet and customer installations on
more than one occasion. Who could forget
the Unilet XPO of 2008 with a full PMC
Active surround system in our car park? The
roar of a Messerschmidt ME-109 fly past
was so real and tangible that people in the
crowd looked up into the New Malden sky
genuinely thinking that an aircraft was very
present and very low. Something tells me
that this year’s XPO in July may evoke a
similar response. Watch this space (or the
skies!).
A Home Cinema is certainly something
I believe every movie lover should aspire
to. But I would never deny anybody the
genuine experience of turning a movie into
an event.
...and as for that Summer Saturday in
1994......I’m glad it rained...
David
K2 Series
by Roksan Audio
“... this Roksan amp is able to take any source material you
care to play and make it sound the most natural thing in the
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- What Hi-Fi?, September 2009
M2 Series
by Roksan Audio
“It’s transparent enough to appeal to the audiophile in us, but
real-world enough to work with a wide range of sources and
speakers.”
- What Hi-Fi? Awards, 2010 (Stereo Amplifiers)
Technology Driven by Emotions
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Feb‘12
Book a demonstration at Unilet Sound & Vision
www.pmc-speakers.com
34
T +44 (0) 870 4441044
C
CUTTING TO THE CHASE
SP3 - The true audiophile surround processor
The Bryston SP3 surround processor is unique in that it represents a revolutionary approach to home theatre. Most surround
processors are more like computers which process audio and video where features are more important than ultimate sonic
performance. The SP3 is first and foremost an ‘AUDIO’ product. From our Class A discrete circuitry, separate analog and digital
power supplies plus modular construction for easy updating, the SP3 simply extracts the audio portion of the signal from the HDMI
inputs for processing while properly switching the video, routing it untouched to your display. The fast-paced world of video formats
can change as they may, however the SP3 will remain a trusted long term solution for your multi-channel audio system.
With today’s increased clarity and dynamic range in recordings and non-compressed movie sound-tracks (Dolby HD, DTS Master,
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Book a demonstration at Unilet Sound & Vision
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Open
Mic
Philip Swift
MD Spendor Audio
Unbeknownst to many,
Philip Swift is just one of
many Hi-Fi luminaries
who have been involved
with Unilet. Over 30 years
ago he worked for our
founder, Peter Merrick,
prior to forming AudioLab.
We asked him to give his
perspective on the way
things are and insight into
what the future holds.
How did it all start? Distribution?
Representation? Manufacture?
Before making the big decision I’d
worked in all the areas as well as retail
and consultancy. That gave me the
‘big picture’. I guess the big step was
1981 when I decided to quit my ‘day
job’ with Lentek to start Audiolab in a
bedroom in my house. We launched the
first Audiolab 8000A amplifier in 1983.
One of the activities I took on at
the time (had to pay my mortgage
somehow!) was sales representative for
Stax and Fidelity Research for Wilmex,
the import division of Unilet, both
owned by founder Peter Merrick. I
learned a lot from that project, working
with some fantastic ‘audiophile’
products. Peter was very supportive,
there wasn’t much he didn’t know
about our industry and he loved to pass
on his knowledge and experience.
industry?
The future will be strongly influenced
by advances in technology, networking,
engineering innovative, delivery of
programme material, manufacturing
methods and distribution models.
There will be an increasing separation
between mass market ‘commodity’
audio-AV-multi-room products where
sound quality is a very low concern and
specialist hi-end audio where real quality
and sound enjoyment is valued and the
physical product retains a strong sound,
visual and tactile appeal. Video is already
rather taken for granted, it’s pretty good
now and will continue to get bigger
and better and less expensive. We’ve
had a 20 year run of cheap imported
products from China. Recent economic
turmoil has finally made people realise
that if you import too much you risk
your job and future economic wellbeing, perhaps even the environment.
Manufacturing bases, or more precisely
centres of added value, will change.
As products really become plug and
play and interfaces like TV and iPad
39
become user understandable and quick
to implement more manufacturer’s will
shift to on-line selling. With that we’ll
see an upswing in ‘technical advice/
installation centres’.
I am encouraged about the future for
high quality audio. I am talking to an
increasing number of consumers of all
ages who are fascinated to discover that
high quality stereo sound need not cost
the earth. Most are too young to know
or have forgotten that high quality (in
anything) has an enduring appeal and
doesn’t come ‘cheap’! Consumers are
realising or re-discovering that there
is more to life than owning stuff just
because it’s available. Young people
are discovering the intrigue of Vinyl,
that headphone listening is a very
limiting ‘solo’ event, the vast wealth of
well recorded music from the 60’s to
the mid 90’s. Many are astonished to
learn that MP3 is very poor quality and
your purchases can’t be up-converted.
Families are suddenly realising they
stopped listening to music (and talking
to each other) the day they bought
an AV surround system – which they
never figured out how to use anyway.
Once upon a time having an expensive
dedicated home theatre was a status
symbol – now it’s increasingly seen as
leading a sad life!
I’ve always observed that (regardless
of quality) people don’t feel good
listening to sound from ceiling or high
level speakers. They become restless/
irritated and turn it off or down so low
it might as well be off. Humans find
it disturbing/fatiguing to hear sounds
from ‘above or behind’, it’s a natural
defence mechanism which you can’t
suppress. So however much Architects
and Interior Designers and of course
Custom Installers, love them, ceiling
speakers are a very bad investment and
many owners have told me ‘waste of
money, never again, next time I want
good sound’.
40
I see a good future for enthusiastic
genuinely knowledgeable hi-end
retailers who can make the transition
to selling and installing special and
exclusive stand-alone audio products
which retain enough margin to support
an attractive selling environment which
consumers want to visit.
Manufacturers and designers will have
to be more thoughtful with their design
and presentation. High price, quirky
design or exotic materials alone will
not convince intelligent well-informed
consumers.
You only have to look at the changes
that have taken place in almost every
other area of retailing to realise that
Audio and AV sales channels are well
over-due for major change.
20 years?
Products will have far better user
interfaces, they will become simpler
and more intuitive to operate, more
energy efficient, styled to complement
the living environment. But that doesn’t
mean all hidden away or miniaturised.
They will become genuine plug-andplay often using wireless technology,
contact-free charging or powering.
The age of gimmicks and feature for
feature’s sake and low quality downloads
will be superseded by a ‘new age’ with
super high quality film and complete
music albums available on-line. There
is still massive scope for sound and
video quality improvement, just look
at how a small number of progressive
companies have really moved the goal
posts in the last 5 years. I think you’ll
be surprised when you look back over
the next 2 decades. There will even be
people working on direct audio-video
connection to our brains ...
on our website.
Let us send you a cable
To get the most from your hi-fi or home cinema equipment
you need to make the right connections.
No one is better connected to do this than Custom Cable.
We can supply thousands of hi-fi and AV cables
– everything from HDMI cables to optical leads.
Just click onto our site, choose your cable or connectors
and we’ll post them straight to you.
www.custom-cable.co.uk
Tel: 020 8942 9124
Heed Audio, manufacturers of a range of compact high performance electronics including
the well known Canamp and Questar from the 'modular' series and the latest versions of
the legendary 'Obelisk' amplifiers. On demonstration now at Unilet Sound & Vision.
www.heedaudio.co.uk
Open
Mic
Richard Hay
Heed Audio
Richard Hay......Industry
Legend. This man, apart
from the many things he
mentions in the following
interview, was responsible
for the iconic Nytech brand
and Ion Amplifiers. He has
spent his entire life loving
music and blowing stuff up
to play it on. Read on to find
out why.
that you wanted to design audio
equipment?
When I was about 13 and was building
my first amplifier (a Mullard 33 valve
amp!)
Apple Mac or PC?
PC by preference, mainly due to
historical usage.
music?
The total emotional involvement, it
fully expresses the human condition at
all levels.
Bach or Beethoven?
Beethoven.
Black plastic of course, I’m of that age!
Not that I dismiss any source.
designer?
As a designer, I was involved in my
early years with Truvox, designing
and developing the very first FM tuner
in the UK using IC’s and FET’s. I was
also involved with the design of their
transistor integrated amplifier (TSA
200) and R series of tape recorders.
I then took up the position of Chief
Engineer for Radford Audio between
1969 to 1972 designing solid state
electronics and working with Arthur
Radford developing his famous Studio
range of Transmission Line speakers.
In 1972 I stepped out on my own and
founded Nytech Audio and designed
the CTA 252 which went through
several generations ending up with
the CTA 252XDII. Later on, the same
design philosophy morphed into
separate amplifiers like the CA 202
and CA 252 and subsequently the Ion
Obelisk and Nexus range of products.
What is your favourite food?
French cuisine in general, but still love a
good old British Sunday Roast, preferably
Lamb.
43
What is your point of reference when
designing/ representing new products?
Forget all the HiFi jargon and Techno
Babble and remember REAL music.
The difficult task is employing
imperfect technology to deliver
satisfactory results.
What was the first record you ever
bought?
Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto,
played by Shura Cherkassky, recorded
by Deutsche Grammophon in the late
1950’s, I think I still have the record
somewhere in my collection. I later
heard him play live in Bristol about a
few years before he died in 1995.
The one I’m currently reading! - I’m
re-reading Larry Niven’s “The Moat
around Murcheson’s Eye” also known
as “The Gripping Hand”.
listening to?
Almost anything and everything,
but tend to pass on Rap and Garage
music!
industry?
Very challenging, as trash seems to
triumph so readily.
Neither one nor the other, I believe it’s
a mixture of both mankind and nature
What is your favourite car/
motorcycle?
Alfa Romeo or SAAB
totally iconic?
I guess it has to be the Quad 22
plus Quad II power amps driving the
original ELS speakers, or the Radford
SC24 and STA 25mkII and Radford
Studio 270 speakers.
A fine pint of Wadworth’s 6X; or a
superb St. Emilion Grand Cru.
I have no favourite film as such, but
enjoy Sci-Fi as a genre.
of music?
I’m a sucker for Italian Opera,
especially Puccini’s Tosca.
I once played the clarinet very badly,
I doubt if I could raise more than a
squeak now!
home?
Heed Obelisk Pre-Amp & Power Amp
combination with CD transport and DA
converter.
44
20 years?
Backwards! The fact that people buy
without auditioning things properly
and without any experience of live
music as a reference I find very sad.
Most use the equipment as a noise
generator; I think it was Benjamin
Britten who once said “The trouble is
that people don’t like music, they just
like the noise it makes!” I think that
says it all!
The majority buy on anonymous
recommendation by contributors
(who may well have hidden
agendas) and reviews on internet
forums and magazines. I wonder
if they chose their wife/partner on
the recommendation of complete
strangers, Hmm.
on our website.
M1 CLiC | UNIVERSAL MUSIC CONTROLLER
The M1 CLiC is a universal music controller for digital and analogue sources.
Simple control of the music you love
Network streamed music, wired or wireless connectivity, 2x USB, iPod interface,
Internet radio, 3x digital & 3x analogue inputs, variable and fixed outputs.
www.musicalfidelity.com
+44 (0)20 8900 2866
Alphason Designs
Alpha Design Labs
Full Range Available
Please Call
Please Call
Anthem
A/V Receivers
MRX300 7.1 Black Only 7x80w
1099.00
1599.00
2099.00
A/V Processors
AVM50v 7.1 Black Only D2v 7.1 Black Only
6250.00
8750.00
Multi Channel Power Amplifiers
PVA2 Black Only 2x125w
MCA20 Black Only 2x225w
A2 Black Only 2x225w
A5 Black Only 5x225w
M1 Digital Power Amplfier
P2 Black Only 2x325w
P5 Black Only 5x325w
999.00
1399.00
1599.00
1999.00
2299.00
1499.00
1799.00
2699.00
1900.00
3400.00
3499.00
3850.00
7500.00
Nucleus Micro Series
Micro Black/White/Sil each
150.00
Micro SS/Gl-Bk/Rd/Bz/Yl/Blue each 200.00
Micro 5.1 inc.TR-1 Bk/White/Sil
1000.00
Micro Ti Black/White each
200.00
Micro Ti Stainless Steel each
230.00
Nucleus Micro Series Accessories
STB/W Stands Black/White/Silver
165.00
STS Stands Stainless Steel
195.00
G-Mount Wall Brackets Bk/Wht each 25.00
Ceiling Mount White each
30.00
250.00
300.00
300.00
330.00
1400.00
375.00
800.00
650.00
325.00
Reference Series
Strada Steel/Black each
Strada Centre S/Steel/Black
Ref 3.5 Stainless/Black
Ref 5LS Stainless Steel pair
Ref Centre Sil/Black/White each
Ref AV Sil/Black/White each
Ref SA Amp Stainless Sil/Black
Apollo
Anthony Gallo
A’Diva Series
A’Diva Bk/White/Sil each
A’Diva Gloss Black/ Stainless Steel
A’Diva Ti Matt Bk/White each
A’Diva Ti Stainless Steel each
A’Diva 5.1 inc. TR-1 Bk/White/Sil
Subwoofers
TR-1 Black/Silver
TR-3 Black/Titanium
MPS150 Powered Sub
MPSB Bass Unit Only
Full Range Available 750.00
750.00
5750.00
16000.00
1150.00
1150.00
1000.00
Please Call
Arcam
Solo Series
Solo Mini CD/Amp/DAB
Solo Neo CD/Amp/DAB/NET
Muso Satellite Speaker each
Logo Sub-Woofer each
rRange
rCube Portable iPod Dock
rWave USB Kleer Dongle
rWand+ iPod/iPhone Kleer Dongle
rDAC USB DAC
rDACkw USB / Wireless DAC
rPAC Head Amp / DAC
rLINK Coax/Toslink DAC
rBLINK Wireless aptX DAC
drDock iPod / iPad dock inc. PSU
765.00
1000.00
215.00
665.00
350.00
79.95
49.95
325.00
400.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
200.00
FMJ Series
FMJ A18 Amp Black Only
630.00
1000.00
1600.00
FMJ P38 Power/Amp Black Only
1100.00
FMJ CD17 CD Player Black Only
630.00
FMJ CD37 CD Player Black Only
1450.00
FMJ D33 DAC Black Only
2000.00
FMJ T32 FM/DAB Tuner Black Only 650.00
FMJ BDP100 Blu-ray Player Black Only1050.00
FMJ AV888 Processor Black Only
5000.00
FMJ P777 P/Amp 7x150w Black Only 4000.00
FMJ AVR400 7x80w Black Only
1800.00
FMJ AVR600 7x120w Black Only
3675.00
Prices shown are suggested retail prices in April 2012 and are for guidance only - call us for latest prices
47
MANUFACTURERS’ SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES
Great brands - Great choice
Atacama
Loudspeaker Stands
Duo 6 600mm High
Duo 7 700mm High
Duo 10 1000mm High
Nexus 5i/6i Silver/Graphite/Black
Nexus 7i Silver/Graphite/Black
Nexus 10i Silver/Graphite/Black
HMS 1 .1 500mm/600mm Std Blk
HMS 1 .1 700mm Standard Black
HMS 2.1 Standard Black
SL200/300/400 Silver/Graphite
SL500/600 Silver/Graphite
SL700/1000 Silver/Graphite
Aurora 6 Clear Glass Base
Aurora 6 Piano Black Glass Base
64.99
74.99
84.99
84.99
94.99
104.99
189.99
199.99
249.99
114.99
134.99
159.99
189.99
199.99
Equipment Racks
Colour:Silver/Black/Diamond White/Red
Equinox 2 Shelf Base Module
Equinox Single Shelf 130/180mm Equinox 2 ARC Shelf Base Module
Equinox Single Shelf ARC 13/18
Equinox Celebration LE
Equinox Celebration LE Shelf 13/18
Equinox Celebration LE ARC Glass
Equinox Celebration LE ARC 13/18
Equinox XLPro SE 2 Shelf Base Mod
Equinox XLPro SE 130/180mm Shelf
Equinox AV 2 Shelf Base Module Equinox AV Single Shelf
Equinox AV Plus
Equinox AVI-TS Screen Mnt 26/37
Equinox AVI TL Screen Mnt 37/42
Cuatro 120 AV Rack Up To 50”
Europa Ref 6.5 SE ASIST Base Bk/Bk
Europa Ref 6.5 SE ASIST Shelf Europa Ref 8 SE ASIST Base Bk/Bk
Europa Ref 8 SE ASIST Shelf
Eris Eco 5.0 Base Module
Eris Eco 5.0 Shelf Module
Elite Eco 6.0 Module
Elite Eco 12.0 Module
Genesis Reference 7.0 Module
Elara 500 Hi-Fi Black
Elara AV 1000 Black/Cherry
Elara AV 1500 Black/Cherry
179.99
89.99
239.99
119.99
499.99
124.99
619.99
154.99
259.99
129.99
269.99
159.99
299.99
359.99
389.99
249.99
134.99
134.99
134.99
134.99
229.99
114.99
159.99
249.99
299.99
199.99
199.99
249.99
Audiolab
8200CD CD Player Silver/Black
8200CDQ CD Pre Amp Silver/Black
8200A Integrated Amp Silver/Black
8200Q Pre Amp Silver/Black
8200P Power Amp Silver/Black
8200M P/Amp Mono Sil/Black each
799.95
999.95
749.95
749.95
649.95
649.95
8200AP 5.1 Processor Sil/Black
8200MB Mono P/Amp Sil/Black
8200X7 P/Amp 7x100w Sil/Black
M-DAC DAC/Pre Sil/Black
AudioQuest Cables
Full Range Available Please Call
Benz Micro
MC Cartridges
Ace S Low/Med/High
Glider S Low/Med/High
Wood S Low/Medium/High
Ruby Wood S 0.3mv
Ebony TR 0.1mv
Ebony L 0.26mv
Ebony M 0.8mv
Ebony H 2.5mv
Ruby SLR Gullwing 0.34mv
Ruby SHR Gullwing 0.7mv
Ruby Z 0.34mv
Ruby ZH 0.7mv
LP S 0.34mv 16.4grams
LP 0.34mv 10.70grams
Beyer
Full Range Available Bosendorfer
750.00
995.00
1695.00
1995.00
1995.00
1995.00
1995.00
1995.00
1995.00
2295.00
2295.00
2495.00
2495.00
Please Call
Please Call
Bryston
CD Player
BCD-1 CD Player + RC Bk/Sil
2795.00
Digital Player
BDP-1 Multi Format Streamer
2350.00
DAC
BDA-1 Multi source/format DAC
2350.00
Headphone Amplifier
BHA-1 Headphone Amp
1425.00
Integrated Amplifiers
B60 2 x 60w Bk/Sil
Option R/Control
B-135ST-C 2x100w Bk/Sil Option-DAC
Option-MM
Option R/Control
3125.00
500.00
4900.00
1575.00
650.00
500.00
Pre Amplifiers
BP-6 Pre Amp BK/Sil
BP-6-DAC Inc DAC Module Bk/Sil
2675.00
4250.00
Unilet Price Promise - the best advice at the right price. Just call us. E&OE April 2012
48
1249.95
999.95
1599.95
599.95
BP-6-P Inc MM Phono Bk/Sil
B-16 inc. Integrated PSU Bk/Sil
Option-DAC
Option-MM
Option R/Control
BP-26 Bal/MPS-2 Bk/Sil
BP-26-P MM Bk/Sil
BP-26-MC MM/MC Bk/Sil
BP-26-DAC Bk/Sil
BP-26-PSU MPS-2 Power Supply
3325.00
3525.00
1575.00
650.00
500.00
4195.00
4845.00
5770.00
5770.00
1625.00
Power Amplifiers (Squared Series)
2B SST 2x100w Bk/Sil
3380.00
4190.00
4725.00
9225.00
7B SST 1x500w Mono Bk/Sil each 4925.00
28B SST 1x1500w Bk/Sil each
9295.00
Processors
SP-3 Pre/Processor 7.1 Bk/Sil
9995.00
THX Power Amplifiers
9B-SST THX-3CH 3x120w Bk/Sil
875HT 8x75w Bk/Sil
6B-SST-C 3x300w Bk/Sil
6225.00
7175.00
8125.00
8725.00
8925.00
B&W
600 Series
686 2-Way Bk/Red Cherry
684 2 1/2-Way Bk/Red Cherry
HTM62 Centre Bk/Red Cherry
HTM61 Centre Bk/Red Cherry
DS3 On Wall Black
ASW608 8” 200w Matt Bk / White
ASW610 10” 200w Matt Bk Only
ASW610XP 10” 500w Matt Bk Only
299.00
399.00
699.00
999.00
279.00
399.00
549.00
349.00
499.00
699.00
PM Monitor
PM1 Standmount Speaker Mocha Gloss1995.00
FS-PM1 Stands Mocha Gloss
400.00
CM Series
CM1 Gloss Black/Rosenut/Wenge
499.00
CM5 Gloss Black/Rosenut/Wenge
799.00
CM8 Gloss Black/Rosenut/Wenge 1249.00
CM9 Gloss Black/Rosenut/Wenge 1799.00
CMC Maple/Rnut/Wenge/Wht
450.00
CMC 2 Gloss Black/Rosenut/Wn
750.00
ASW 10CM Gloss Black Only
899.00
FS-700CM Stand Silver/Black 250.00
iPod Speakers
Zeppelin Air Airplay iPod Dock
Zeppelin Mini
Zeppelin Wall Mount
Integrated Sound System
Panorama Dolby and DTS
499.00
299.00
50.00
1495.00
Headphones
C5 In-Ear Headphones
P3 Noise Isolation Headphones
P5 Noise Isolating Headphones
149.00
Please Call
249.00
Multi-Media Speakers
MM-1 USB Computer Speakers
399.00
Flat Panel Series
FPM4 Black each
445.00
FPM5 Black each
495.00
FPM6 Black each
595.00
FS-FPM4/5 Silver Stands each
100.00
FS-FPM6 Silver Stands each
100.00
TS-FPM Table Top Stand Silver each 50.00
Mini Theatre & Leisure Products
VM6 Gloss Black each
249.00
VM6 Stands Silver/Black pair
75.00
M-1 White/Black Each
149.00
MT-50 MT/ASW608 5.1 Pack Blk/Wht1094.00
MT-60D MT/PV1D 5.1 Pack Bk/Wht 1945.00
M1 Stands Silver/Black pair
199.00
PV1 D Sub White/Black
1200.00
ASW608 Matt Black/Matt White
349.00
ASW610 Matt Black
499.00
ASW610XP Matt Black
699.00
WM2 White/Black Weatherproof 199.00
WM4 White/Black Weatherproof 299.00
WM6 White/Black Weatherproof
399.00
WM6 White/Black Weatherproof
399.00
In Wall/Ceiling Series
Full Range Available Chord Cables
Please Call
Chord Electronics
Integrated Amplifiers
CPM2650 2x120w Inc R/C CPM2800 2x170w Inc R/C
CPM 3350 2x220w Inc R/C Cyan Click 2x50w
Cyan Click 2x100w
4890.00
6690.00
8430.00
4320.00
4680.00
49
Digital Processors
DSP 8000 Processor
DSP 8000R Processor Custom 12960.00
8520.00
Pre Amplifiers
CPA2500 Pre Amplifier
CPA 3000 Pre Amplifier
CPA 5000 Balanced Design CPA 8000 Dual-Mono Pre Amp
3510.00
6090.00
11850.00
25500.00
Power Amplifiers
SPM 650 2x130w SPM 1050 2x200w
SPM 1200E 2x350w
SPM 1400E 1x500w each
SPM 4000 2x480w 8 Legs SPM 6000 1x750w 12 Legs SPM 14000 1x1000w 24 Legs
3510.00
4740.00
8220.00
9090.00
12540.00
13950.00
24480.00
CD Players
Red Standard MKII CD Player
Red Reference MKII CD Player
10350.00
15600.00
SPM 2400 5x135w 6870.00
SPM 3005 4x300w/1x350w 14790.00
Multi Media
Media Engine 8 Legs
Up To 6 Terabytes Of Storage
Chordette Maxx Power Amp
Chordette Index Streamer
Chordette Qute HD DAC
Chordette Mogul Media Centre
Chordette PSU
Chordette Stand System
Chordette Carry Case
Creek
Amplifiers
Evolution 2 Blk/Sil 2x75w
Evolution 2 5350 Blk/Sil 2x120w
Destiny 2 Blk/Sil 2x100+w
CD Players
Evolution 2 Blk/Sil
Destiny 2 Blk/Sil
Tuners
Evolution 2 AM/FM RDS Blk/Sil
OBH Series
OBH 11 Headphone Amp Blk
OBH 18 MM Phono Pre Amp Sil
OBH Uni Power Supply Wyndsor
Wyndsor Phono Pre
20400.00
Choral Range
One Balanced CD Player Satin/Bk 3900.00
Blu Transport
5970.00
QBD76 D/A Satin/Bk
3600.00
QBD76 HD D/A Satin/Bk
4110.00
Prima Pre/Amp Satin/Bk
3690.00
Mezzo50 2x50w Satin/Bk
2460.00
Mezzo140 2x140w Satin/Bk
4200.00
Symphonic Phono Stage Satin/Bk 2670.00
Choral Stand 1 Tier
510.00
Choral Stand 2 Tier
660.00
Choral System Rack Satin/Bk 1 Tier 930.00
Choral System Rack Satin/Bk 2 Tier 1110.00
Choral System Rack Satin/Bk 3/4/5
POA
Aspire Floor Stand Satin/Bk 5 Tier 2460.00
Chord Touch Screen R/Ct
425.00
Chordette Range
Chordette Gem USB DAC
480.00
Chordette Peach DAC
900.00
Chordette Prime Preamplifier
1680.00
Chordette Scamp Power Amp
990.00
Chordette Dual Phono Pre
900.00
Chordette Toucan Headphone Amp 900.00
Chordette Toucan Blue Head Amp 990.00
750.00
1250.00
1750.00
750.00
1500.00
400.00
150.00
250.00
40.00
1500.00
Cyrus
CD Players
CD 6 SE2 CD Player Sil/Black
CD 8 SE2 CD Player Sil/Black
CD T Transport Sil/Black
CD XT+ SE2 CD Player Sil/Black
699.00
1200.00
599.00
1550.00
DACs
DAC X + 24/192 DAC Sil/Black
DAC XP + 24/192 DAC Sil/Black
1500.00
2500.00
Amplifiers
6a Amplifier 2x40w Sil/Black
6 DAC Amplifier 2x40w Sil/Black
8a Amplifier 2x80w Sil/Black
8 DAC Amplifier 2x80w Sil/Black
8 Qx Amplifier/DAC 2x80w
PSX-R Power Supply
699.00
899.00
1200.00
1400.00
1700.00
499.00
Pre Amplifiers
Pre XP Pre Amplifier Sil/Black
1050.00
Pre XPd Pre Ampifier Sil/Black
1350.00
Pre XPd QX Pre Amplifier Sil/Black 1650.00
Power Amplifiers
8 Power 2x80w / 1x110w Sil/Black 950.00
X Power 2x70w / 1x140w Sil/Black 1150.00
50
990.00
990.00
900.00
1680.00
180.00
1302.00
1480.00
1700.00
2500.00
Streaming Music Player
Stream X Sil/Black
Streamline 2x30w Sil/Black
Stream XP inc. DAC Sil/Black
1400.00
1600.00
2000.00
Da-Lite Screens
Denon
AVP-A1HDA Premium Silver
POA-A1HD Premium Silver
AVC-A1HDA Premium Silver
7499.99
7499.99
5499.99
Amplifiers
PMA-510AE Premium Silver/Black
169.99
PMA-710AE Premium Silver/Black
299.99
PMA-1510AE Premium Silver/Black 949.99
PMA-2010AE Premium Silver/Black 1749.99
Tuners
TU1500AE Premium Silver/Black
209.99
CD Players
DCD-510AE Premium Silver/Black
DCD-710AE Premium Silver/Black
DCM-500AE 5 Disc Changer Sil/Blk
DCD-1510AE Silver/Black SACD
DCD-2010AE Premium Silver SACD
169.99
299.99
289.99
919.99
1749.99
AV Receivers
AVR-1312 Black Only
AVR-1612 Black Only
AVR-1912 Black Only
AVR-2312 Black Only
AVR-3312 Premium Silver/Black
AVR-4311 Premium Silver/Black
269.99
379.99
499.99
799.99
999.99
1999.99
Blu-ray Players
DBP-1611 Black
DBP-2012UD Premium Silver/Black
449.99
749.99
Network Players
DNP720AE Player Silver/Black
429.99
D-X1000BD Series
RBD-X1000 Blu-ray Disc Receiver Blk 819.99
SC-X1000 Speaker System Blk
139.99
CX3 Series
DRA/DCD-CX3 CD Receiver Silver 2249.99
CX1 Series
RCD-CX1 SACD Reciever Silver
1599.99
F-107 Series
D-F107DAB CD Mini System CD/Rec.459.99
SC-F107 Loudspeakers
159.99
M Series
D-M38DAB CD Receiver Sil/Blk
SC-M37 Speakers
239.99
109.99
CEOL Series
RCD-N7 Network Receiver White
SC-N7 Speaker System White
CEOL Receiver + Speakers White
499.99
129.99
619.99
Home Cinema Series
DHT-1312XP Home Receiver 5.1 Pack399.99
Cartridges, Headphones &
Other Accessories
Dynaudio
Loudspeakers
DM2/6 Rosewood/Black Ash
535.00
600.00
1299.00
DM Centre Rosewood/Black Ash
450.00
Excite X12 Maple/Ch/RW/Blk
710.00
1020.00
1820.00
2300.00
Excite X22C Maple/Ch/RW/Blk
550.00
Focus 160 Maple/Wal/RW/Blk
1800.00
3100.00
4450.00
5650.00
Focus 210C Maple/Wal/RW/Blk
1100.00
Contour S1.4 Maple/Ch/RW/Blk
2600.00
4600.00
7400.00
Contour SC Mple/Ch/RW/Blk each 1650.00
Contour SCX Mple/Ch/RW/Bkeach 2500.00
Contour SR Maple/Ch/RW/Blk
1850.00
Confidence C1 II Maple/Ch/RW/Blk 6000.00
Confidence C2 II Maple/Ch/RW/Blk10700.00
Confidence C4 II Maple/Ch/RW/Blk16000.00
Confidence C II Maple/Ch/RW/Blk 6000.00
Evidence Temptation
34500.00
Evidence Master
78400.00
Evidence Centre
18600.00
Consequence UE Ch/RW
45000.00
51
Mono X 200 1x150w Sil/Black
Mono X 300 1x235w Sil/Black
Subwoofers
SUB250 Maple/Ch/Rosewood/Blk
800.00
SUB250 Compact Gloss Blk/Wht
840.00
SUB250MC Black Ash
440.00
SUB600 Maple/Ch/RW/Black Ash/Wal1700.00
Dynavector Cartridges
10x5 High
DV20X2 High/Low Output
D17D3 Low Output
XX2 II Low Output
TE-Kaitora RUA Low Output
DR T XV1-S Low Output
DR T XV1-S Mono Output
DR T XV1-T Low Output
DV 507II Tonearm
P75 MkII Phono Amp/PSU MM/MC
Ecosse Cables
549.00
749.00
1049.00
2199.00
3395.00
3700.00
5500.00
3699.00
595.00
Please Call
Elipson
Speakers
Planet L Red/Blk/White
Planet M Red/Blk/White Planet Sub Red/Blk/White
Epson
Large Range Available Esoteric
C-03 Pre Amp
A-04 Power Amplifier
I-03 Integrated Amplifier
K-01 SACD/CD Player Silver
D-02 Digital Processor Silver
D-05 Digital Processor Silver
D-07x Digital Processor Silver
P-02 Transport Silver
P-05 Transport Silver
G-0Rb Master Clock
G-03x Master Clock
Furutech
Futureglass
Full Range Available Goldring
399.00
399.00
Please Call
7995.00
8495.00
6995.00
14995.00
9495.00
TBA
TBA
19995.00
4495.00
TBA
19995.00
5995.00
11495.00
2995.00
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Grado
iGrado Black
IGI In-Earphones Black
GR8 In-Earphones Black
GR10 In-Earphones Black
SR60i Headphones
SR80i Headphones
SR125i Headphones
SR225i Headphones
SR325Si Headphones
RS2i Headphones
PS500 Hedphones
RS1i Headphones
GS1000i Headphones
PS1000 Headphones
Other Grado Products Heed
Obelisk Si Amplifier
Obelisk X2 Power Supply
Obelisk PS Power Amplifier
Obelisk DT CD Transport
Obelisk DA DAC
Obelisk Pre Amp
Obelisk PX Pre Power Supply
Obelisk PM Mono Power Amp
Obelisk Dact 1.2 DAC Board
Questar MM or MC Phono Stage Quasar Phono Pre/PSU MM/MC Q-psu PSU for Quasar
CanAmp Class A Headphone Pre Orbit 1 PSU 33/45RPM 110v (Linn)
Orbit 2 PSU 33/45RPM 220v
Dactilus 3 DAC Zene MC Cartridge
InFocus
Large range available
IsoTek
JAMO
730.00
1350.00
1350.00
1300.00
1350.00
880.00
1450.00
265.00
300.00
490.00
300.00
350.00
350.00
350.00
515.00
700.00
Please Call
Please Calll
Please Call
KEF
Blade
KEF Blade Loudspeaker Black/White 20,000.00
KEF Blade Louspeaker Custom Finish 23,000.00
C
Series
C1 Bk/EU Walnut
C3 Bk/EU Walnut
C4 BK/EU Walnut
52
49.00
94.00
300.00
400.00
100.00
125.00
185.00
269.00
350.00
650.00
700.00
850.00
1150.00
1890.00
Please Call
150.00
200.00
300.00
400.00
500.00
180.00
C
Series AV System Pack
AV1 Bk/European Walnut
650.00
700.00
900.00
1100.00
Q
Series Standard Finish
Q100 Bk/Oak/Cherry/Walnut
Q200c Bk/Oak/Cherry/Walnut
Q600cBk/Oak/Cherry/Walnut
Q800ds Bk/Oak/Cherry/Walnut
Q400b Bk/Oak/Cherry/Walnut`
380.00
450.00
700.00
1000.00
1200.00
350.00
500.00
600.00
480.00
R
Series
R100 Walnut/Rosewood/Black
R200c Walnut/Rosewood/Black
R400b Walnut/Rosewood/Black
R600c Walnut/Rosewood/Black
R800ds Walnut/Rosewood/Black
600.00
650.00
1000.00
480.00
1500.00
900.00
2000.00
1000.00
2750.00
Reference Series Two
High Gloss:American Wnut,Piano Blk,Cherry
Model 201/2 Piano Laquer Finish 3500.00
Model 202/2c Piano Laquer Finish 2000.00
Model 204/2c Piano Laquer Finish 3500.00
Model 206/2d Piano Laquer Finish 4000.00
Model 208sub Piano Laquer Finish 4000.00
Model 209sub Piano Laquer Finish 8000.00
Reference Series Two
Satin:American Wnut,Black,Cherry,Sycamore
Model 201/2 Satin Laquer Finish
3000.00
4000.00
6000.00
Model 207/2 Satin Laquer Finish 10000.00
Model 202/2c Satin Laquer Finish 1500.00
Model 204/2c Satin Laquer Finish 3000.00
Model 206/2ds Satin Laquer Finish 3000.00
Model 208sub Satin Laquer Finish 3000.00
Model 209sub Satin Laquer Finish 7000.00
Model 201/2 Stands Black pair
400.00
Model 202/2c Stands Black each
Model 204/2c Stands Black each
Subwoofers
KUBE1 Sub Black
KUBE2 Sub Black
C4 Sub Bk/EU Walnut
T2 Sub Black
HTB2SE Sub Woofer Black/Silver
HTB2SE-W Wireless Sub
300.00
500.00
350.00
450.00
300.00
600.00
500.00
600.00
KHT Series
KHT 1505.2 5.1 Pack Gloss Black 500.00
HTS 1001 Stands Gloss Black pair
80.00
KHT 2005.3 5.1 inc. K2 Sub
800.0
HTS 2001.3 Gloss Black each
100.00
HTS 2001.3 Stands Matt Black pair 100.00
KHT 3005SE 5.1 Pack HTB2 Gls Blk 1000.00
KHT 3005SE-W 5.1 Pack W/less Sub 1000.00
HTS 3001SE Gloss Black pair
250.00
HTC 3001SE Gloss Black each
200.00
HTS 3001 Stands Black pair 130.00
T
Series
T105 5.1 System Black Only
T101 Speaker pair Black Only
T101c Centre Speaker Black Only
T301 Speakers pair Black Only
T301c Centre Speaker Black Only
T2 Subwoofer Black Only
T Floor Stands pair
Ventura Series
Ventura 4 Outdoor Speakers
Ci Series
Ci50R each
Ci80.2QR each
Ci100QR each
Ci130CR each
Ci130QR each
Ci160CR each
Ci160QR each
Ci200CR each
Ci200QR each
Ci3-80QT each
Ci200.3QT each
Ci9000ACE each
Ci500AW pair Ci50 Soundlight System
CiFDT pair
1200.00
300.00
150.00
1500.00
1700.00
550.00
275.00
600.00
225.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
50.00
90.00
100.00
130.00
170.00
160.00
220.00
220.00
300.00
400.00
500.00
1000.00
500.00
375.00
630.00
53
C5 Bk/EU Walnut
C7 Bk/EU Walnut
C6LCR Centre Bk/EU Walnut
LAT Cables
Leema Acoustics
Elements Series
Integrated 2x45w Black/Silver
CD Player Black/Silver
DAC Black/Silver
Network Streamer Black/Silver
MM/MC Phonostage Black/Silver
1195.00
1195.00
1195.00
TBA
495.00
Constellation Series
Antila IIS Eco CD Player Black/Silver 3295.00
Tucana II Amplifier Black/Silver
3595.00
Hydra II Power Amplifier Black/Silver3595.00
Corvos Mono Amplifier Black/Sil
3095.00
Reference Series
Pyxis Pre Amplifier Black/Silver
Altair IV Mono Amplifier Blk/Sil
Agena Phonostage Black/Silver
3995.00
8685.00
3495.00
Lehmann
Black Cube Statement Phonostage 350.00
Black Cube Standard Phonostage Bk 450.00
Black Cube SE Phono Stage Bk
635.00
Black Cube SE II Phono Stage Bk
850.00
Black Cube Twin Phono Stage Bk 950.00
PWX Power Supply Standard to SE 350.00
Black Cube Decade Phono Sil/Bk
1440.00
Silver Cube Phono Stage Silver
3300.00
Black Cube Linear Head Amp Sil/Bk 750.00
Black Cube USB Head Amp Sil/Bk 1050.00
Black Cube Stamp P/Amp Sil/Bk
675.00
Black Cube Buffer Bk
675.00
Rhinelander Head Amp
425.00
Lyra
Lyra Dorian Lyra Dorian Mono
Lyra Argo i Lyra Helikon Lyra Helikon Mono
Lyra Helikon SL
Lyra Skala Lyra Titan i
Lyra Titan Mono
Atlas
595.00
649.00
895.00
1295.00
1449.00
1449.00
1995.00
2995.00
3395.00
7495.00
Marantz
Amplifiers/Receiver
PM5004 2x40w Black/Silver
199.90
309.90
569.90
SR5023 2x80w Black/Silver
PM-KI Pearl Lite Black/Silver
429.90
919.90
Tuners
ST6003 Black/Silver
239.90
Network Audio Player
NA7004 Network/Internet Player
429.90
CD Players
CC4003 5 Disc Player Black
CD5004 Black/Silver
CD6004 Black/Silver
SA7003 SACD Black/Silver
PM-KI Pearl Lite Black/Silver
369.90
199.90
309.90
639.90
919.90
Turntable
TT42 Black 219.90
Systems
M-CR603 Melody Media 2x60w M-ER803 Melody Movie 2x70w
509.99
749.90
Audio Visual Components
AV7005 Black Surround Processor 1739.90
MM7055 Black Power Amp 5x140w1129.90
MM7025 Black Power Amp 2x140w 749.90
A/V Receivers
NR1402 Black/Sil HDMI 4>1 7x50w 349.90
NR1602 Black/Sil HDMI 4>1 7x50w 529.90
SR5006 Black/Sil HDMI 4>1 7x100w 629.90
SR6006 Black/Sil HDMI 6>1 7x110w 849.90
SR7005 Black/Sil HDMI 6>2 7x125w1429.90
Blu-ray Players
UD5005 Bluray Black/Silver Gold
UD7006 Universal Player Black
499.90
799.90
Accessories
IS301 Wireless iPod Dock
RX101 A2DP Decoder
209.90
109.90
Marantz Premium Range
Amplifiers
PM-15S2 Gold/Platinum
PM-15S2 Limited Black Only
PM-11S2 Gold/Platinum
1799.00
1999.00
3449.00
CD Players/Recorders
SA-15S2 Gold/Platinum
SA-15S2 Limited Black Only
SA-11S2 Gold/Platinum
1799.00
1999.00
2999.00
54
1499.00
Meridian
G
Series Controllers/Amplifiers
Audio Core 200 Controller Sil/Bk
G61R Controller Bk/Sil
G68 Controller/Tuner Bk/Sil
1500.00
3750.00
5250.00
800 Series
818 Reference Audio Core
7500.00
808.3 Sig CD/Pre Bk/Sil
10000.00
861 V6 Digital Surround Control 11500.00
OA08 Analogue O/P Phono 861 V6 750.00
OA18 Analogue O/P Bal 861 V6
750.00
ID26 Digital I/P Card 861 V6
550.00
ID40 Sooloos Card 861 V6
1000.00
96KHz/24Bit Active Loudspeaker/Sub
DSP420 In Wall Bk/White each
1532.00
DSP3200 DSP Bk/White pair
3750.00
S3200 Stands Bk/White pair
400.00
DSP3300 DSP Loudpealer Bk/White 2250.00
M6 DSP Loudspeaker Bk/White
4500.00
DSP5200 Black pair
7000.00
DSP5200HC Horz/Ctr each Bk/White3750.00
DSP5200VC Ver/Ctr each Bk/White 3750.00
DSP7200 Bk/White pair
18000.00
DSP7200HC Bk/Whiteeach
9500.00
DSP7200VC Bk/White each
9500.00
DSP8000 Bk/White pair
35000.00
DSP8000VC Bk/White each
18000.00
DSW Subwoofer
3000.00
Meridian 40th Anni System
60000.00
Faroudja Meridian Processors/Projectors
MF10 Digital ILA Projector
8000.00
810 Digital Projector V/S/T
125000.00
810 Digital Projector S/T
140000.00
810 Digital Projector M/T
140000.00
810 Digital Projector L/T
140000.00
Meridian System Components
HDMAX621 HDMI Audio Processor 1500.00
Meridian Sooloos
Control 15 17” T/Screen 500gb Media Core 200 Media System
Media Core 600 Media System
Media Source 600 Single Zone
Media Drive 600 Storage
4750.00
2000.00
6000.00
1750.00
2500.00
Michell
Turntables
ORBE
ORBE SE
GYRODEC
GYRODEC/RB300 Arm
GYRODEC Bronze
GYRODEC/RB300 Arm Bronze
GYRO 25 Silver
GYRO “SE”duction
GYRO SE
GYRO SE/RB300 Arm
GYRO SE Black
TecnoDec
TecnoDec/RB250 Arm
Tecno Arm A
Tecno Arm A Black
RB300 Arm
RB250 Arm
HR Power Supply DC Motor
VTA Arm Adjuster Rega
Tecno Weight
Uni Cover
Drive Belts
Merlin Cables
2649.00
1609.00
1799.00
1739.00
1929.00
2119.00
2299.00
1259.00
1449.00
1409.00
699.00
829.00
549.00
559.00
192.00
126.00
409.00
24.00
89.00
59.00
19.00
Please Call
Musical Fidelity
Signature Series
TiTAN 2x1kw
AMS100 2x100w
AMS50 2x50w
AMS35p Power Amplifer 2x35w
Primo Pre Amplifier
AMS35i Integrated Amplifier
AMSCD
19999.00
12999.00
8899.00
5999.00
7899.00
5999.00
6999.00
M1 Series Black
M1 DAC 24/192 DAC Blk/Sil
M1 HPA Headphone Amp Blk/Sil
M1 CDT CD Transport Blk/Sil
M1 ViNL Phonostage
M1 CLiC Network Player
399.00
499.00
599.00
699.00
1299.00
M3 Series
M3i 2x75w Integrated Amp
M3CD CD Player
M6 Series
M6i 2x200w Integrated Amplifier
M6CD/DAC 24Bit/192k CD Player
M6 Pre Amplifier
M6PRX 2x200w Power Amplifier
M6 500i 2x500w Integrated
999.00
999.00
2499.00
1999.00
1999.00
2999.00
3999.00
55
Turntable
TT-15S1 inc. MM Cart
M8 Series
M8 Pre Amplifier
M8 Power Amplifier
V
8000.00
Please call
Series
V-LINK 2 Async USB Convertor
V-LINK 192 Async USB Convertor
V-CAN 2 Tube Class A Headamp
V-LPS 2 MM/MC Phono Stage
V-PSU 2 Power Supply
V-DAC 2 DAC 99.00
229.00
119.00
119.00
119.00
199.00
NAD
Receivers
C725BEE 2x50w Grey
725.00
Amplifiers
C316BEE 2x40w Titanium/Grey
260.00
C326BEE 2x50w Titanium/Grey
340.00
C356BEE 2x80w Graphite/Ti/Grey 595.00
C375 2x150w Titanium/Grey
1095.00
C390 DAC / Amplfiier
2200.00
M3 Dual Mono 2x180w
2950.00
M2 Digital Amp 5500.00
T775 DD/PL2/DTS ES Titanium
M15 HD2 Receiver 2995.00
4800.00
DVD Players/Bluray Players
T557 Blu-ray Titanium/Graphite
T577 Blu-ray Titanium/Graphite
M56 Blu-ray Player
499.00
650.00
2100.00
AV Separates
M15 HD Surround Proccesor
M25 7 Channel Power Amp
4800.00
3190.00
Viso Series
Viso One Speaker Dock
499.00
Viso Three CD/DVD 2.1 System
750.00
Viso Three CD/DVD 2.1 System DAB 849.00
Accessories
IPD-2 iPod Dock
Niles
Full Range Available Nordost Cables
Full Range Available Pre/Power Amplifiers
C165 Pre Amp Grey
C245 4x35w Power Amp
CI9060 6x80w Grey
CI9120 12x80w Grey
790.00
565.00
1150.00
1750.00
Tuners
C426 AM/FM RDS Titanium/Grey 265.00
M4 DAB/AM/FM Tuner
1595.00
C446 Digital Media Tuner Graphite 695.00
CD Players
C515BEE Titanium/Grey
M5 CD/SACD Player
235.00
340.00
650.00
1800.00
DACs / Digital Player
DAC1 Wireless DAC
M51 Direct Digital DAC
M50 Digital Music Player
M52 Digital Music Vault
295.00
1300.00
2200.00
2200.00
Turntables
C552 inc. Cartridge
PP2i Phono Box
PP3 USB Phono Box
295.00
95.00
115.00
A/V Receivers
T748 DD/PL2/DTS ES Titanium/Grey 795.00
T765 DD/PL2/DTS ES Titanium
2495.00
Olive
Olive 2 Media
Olive 3HD Media
Olive 4HD Media
Olive 6HD Media
Please Call
Please Call
720.00
1000.00
2500.00
5000.00
Onkyo
AV Amplifiers/AV Receivers
TX-SR313 A/V Receiver Silver/Blk
300.00
TX-NR414 A/V Receiver Silver/Blk
400.00
TX-NR515A/V Receiver Silver/Blk
500.00
600.00
800.00
TX-NR809 A/V Receiver Silver/Blk 1000.00
TX-NR1009 A/V Receiver Silver/Blk 1300.00
Bluray/DVD Players
BD-SP309 Silver/Black
BD-SP809 Silver/Black
200.00
550.00
Mini Systems
DS-A4 iPod Dock
90.00
ND-S1 Digital iPod Dock 150.00
UP-DT1 DAB+ Module For Receivers 130.00
Other Onkyo Products
Ortofon
Full Range Available Unilet Price Promise - the best advice at the right price. Just call us. E&OE April 2012
56
109.00
Please Call
Please Call
Panasonic
DVD Players
DVD-S48EB-K DVD Player
49.00
Bluray Players
DMP-BD77EB-K Bluray Player
99.00
DMP-BD75EB-K Bluray Player
159.00
DMP-BDT120EB 3D Bluray Player
149.00
189.00
DMP-BDT320EG 3D Bluray Player
239.00
DMP-BBT01EBK Smart 3D Bluray Player 289.00
309.00
DVD/HD Recorders
DMR-HW120EBK Freeview HD Rec
DMR-HW220EBK Freeview HD Rec
DMR-PWT420EB F/view HD Rec 3D
DMR-PWT520EBK Freeview HD Rec
DMR-BWT700EBK Freeview HD Rec
DMR-EZ49VEBK VHS/DVD Recorder
DMR-EX773EBK DVD/HDD Recorder
DMR-EX83EBK DVD/HDD Recorder
DMR-EX99EBK VHS/DVD/HDD Rec.
269.00
329.00
359.00
409.00
549.00
299.00
319.00
329.00
489.00
Plasma TV
TX-P42X50B Plasma
TX-P50X50B Plasma
TX-P42UT50B Plasma
TX-P50UT50B Plasma
TX-P42ST50B Plasma
TX-P50ST50B Plasma
TX-P55ST50B Plasma
TX-P65ST50B Plasma
TX-P42GT50B Plasma
TX-P50GT50B Plasma
TX-P50VT50B Plasma
TX-P55VT50B Plasma
TX-P65VT50B Plasma
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Flagship Monitor Screens
TH-50VX100E Plasma
POA
TH-65VX100E Plasma
POA
TH-103 Plasma
POA
NB: Due to the nature of the flatscreen market,
please note that prices can go down as well as up.
Therefore please contact us for your most up-todate price.
All Other Panasonic Products
Please Call
Paradigm
LCD Projectors
PT-AX200E
PT-AE5000E
Please Call
Please Call
LCD TV
TX-L24C5B LCD
TX-L32C5B LCD
TX-L19X5B LCD
TX-L24X5B LCD
TX-L32X5B LCD
TX-L32E3B LCD
TX-L37E5B LCD
TX-L42E5B LCD
TX-L47E5B LCD
TX-L32ET5B LCD
TX-L37ET5B LCD
TX-L42ET5B LCD
TX-L47ET5B LCD
TX-L55ET5B LCD
TX-L42ET50B LCD
TX-L47ET50B LCD
TX-L42DT50B LCD
TX-L47DT50B LCD
TX-L55DT50B LCD TX-L42WT50B LCD
TX-L47WT50B LCD
TX-L55WT50B LCD
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
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Subwoofers
Cinema Sub
Monitor Sub-8 300w
Monitor Sub-10 300w
Monitor Sub-12 300w
PDR-80 8” 100w
PDR-100 10” 120w
PDR-100W Wireless 10” 120w
SE SUB 10” 900w
DSP-3100 10” 600w
DSP-3200 12” 900w
Ultracube 10” 1500w
Ultracube 12” 1500w
Seismic 110 10” 1750w
Millenia Sub 2 x 14”x3”
Studio 12 12” 3400w
Studio 15 15” 3400w
Sub 25 15” 7500w
Sub 1 6x8” 1700w
Sub 2 6x10” 4500w
All Other Paradigm Products
Parasound
749.00
899.00
1050.00
249.00
349.00
449.00
649.00
549.00
699.00
799.00
999.00
1349.00
1299.00
2299.00
2099.00
4699.00
4449.00
9499.00
Please Call
Please Call
57
Optimum International 2000
Pioneer
Hi-Fi Separates
A-109 Amplifier
A-209R Amplifier
A-307R Amplifier
CT-W208R Twin Tape Deck
PL-990 Turntable
PD-M426 6 Disc CD Player
G
159.00
179.00
229.00
179.00
149.00
259.00
Series Hi-Fi Separates
A-A6Mk II Amplifier 2x45w Black
479.00
A-A9Mk II Amplifier 2x70w Black
799.00
PD-D6Mk II CD/SACD Player Black 429.00
PD-D9Mk II CD/SACD Player Black 799.00
F-F6Mk II DAB Tuner Black
429.00
AV Amplifiers/AV Receivers
VSX-421-k AV Receiver Black
VSX-LX55 AV Receiver Gloss Black
SC-LX75 AV Receiver SC-LX85 AV Receiver
SC-LX90 “Susano” Receiver Gls Blk
235.00
279.00
359.00
459.00
699.00
819.00
1020.00
1530.00
2040.00
6069.00
Lifestyle Components
AS-BT100 Bluetooth Module
XWNAS5 iPod Dock
309.00
179.00
Blu-ray Players
BDP-140 Bluray Player
BDP-440 Bluray Player
BDP-LX55 Bluray Player
BDP-LX91 Bluray Gloss Black
175.00
259.00
359.00
2089.00
Excellence Speaker Series
S-1EX-QL/W Bch/Dark Wood pair 5999.00
S-7EX-QL/W Bch/Dark Wood each 2999.00
S-8EX-QL/W Bch/Dark Wood each 1459.00
All Other Pioneer Products
Please Call
PLINIUS
Hautonga 2x200w
Hiato Integrated Amp 2x300w Hiato P Integrated Amp inc. Phono
Tautoro Pre-Amp 5line inputs
Tautoro P Pre-Amp inc phono
Koru Phono Pre-Amp
M8 Pre Amp Balanced
P10 Power Amp 2x200w
4454.00
7215.00
8049.00
6564.00
7638.00
2325.00
3383.00
3525.00
SB301 MKII Power Amp 2x310w 7101.00
SA103 Power Amp 2x125w Class A 6110.00
SA Reference 2x300w Class A
13244.00
Odeon 6x200w or 12x100w
10987.00
CD101 CD Player 24/96
4113.00
Tocco CD Player
POA
PMC
FACT Series
Fact-8 Ebony/Walnut/Grph/Oak
Fact-3 Ebony/Walnut/Grph/Oak
5495.00
4100.00
twenty Series
twenty.21 Oak/Walnut/Amarone
twenty.21 Diamond Black
twenty.C Oak/Walnut/Amarone
twenty.C Diamond Black
1375.00
1485.00
1825.00
1971.00
2095.00
2304.50
3100.00
3410.00
1295.00
1398.60
Passive Monitors Domestic Series
DB1i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
1095.00
TB2i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
1425.00
GB1i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
1750.00
FB1i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
2700.00
OB1i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
4650.00
PB1i Cherry/Oak/Wt/Black
6995.00
IB2i Ch/Oak/Wt/Bk inc. Stands
11230.00
MB2i-P Ch/Oak/Wt/Bk inc.Stands 12750.00
BB5i-P Ch/Oak/Wt/Bk inc.Stands 19645.00
Centre Speakers
DB1M-Ci Cherry/Oak/Walnut/Black 645.00
TB2M-Ci Cherry/Oak/Walnut/Black 795.00
CB6i Cherry/Oak/Walnut/Black
3300.00
IB2i-C Cherry/OakWalnut/Black
5040.00
Subwoofers
TLE1 Cherry/Oak/Walnut/Black Wafer Series
Wafer 1 White/Black each
790.00
Wafer 1 In Wall Paint each
895.00
Wafer 2 White/Black each
1150.00
Wafer 2 In Wall Paint each
1250.00
Other Active Monitors/Centre/
Subwoofers
Please Call
Primare
20 Series
I22 Amplifier 2x75w Bk/Ti
I22 Amplifier inc. DAC Bk/Ti
58
2495.00
1250.00
1650.00
1250.00
900.00
30 Series
I32 Amplifier 2x120w Bk/Ti
CD32 CD Player Bk/Ti
PRE32 Pre-Amplifer
A34.2 Power Amplifier
A32 Power Amp 2x250w Bk/Ti
A30.7 7x150w Power Amp Bk/Ti
R32 MM/MC Phonostage
C32 System R/C
2200.00
2200.00
2000.00
2100.00
3700.00
2800.00
850.00
180.00
Home Theatre
BD32 Bluray/DVD/CD Player
SPA22 HD Surround Amp Bk/Ti
SPA22 HD AV Surround Amp
SP32 HD Surround Processor
3500.00
3250.00
TBA
4000.00
ProAc
Tablette
Anniversary Standard Anniversary Ebony
1250.00
1350.00
Studio Series
Studio 100 Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple 1430.00
Studio 115 MKII Bk/Mh/Ch/Maple 1075.00
Studio 140 MKII Bk/Mh/Ch/Maple 1690.00
Studio Centre Bk/Mh/Ch/Maple
695.00
Response Series
D Monitors Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple 1330.00
D Monitor R Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple 1585.00
ER1 Sub Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple
1105.00
D1 Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple
1499.00
D1 Ebony/Birds Eye Maple
1799.00
D2 Bk/Maple/Mh/Cherry
1880.00
2256.00
D18 Bk/Maple/Mh/Cherry
2145.00
2574.00
3475.00
4170.00
5875.00
7050.00
D40R Ribbon Bk/Mh/Maple
6125.00
D40R Ebony
7350.00
K6 Bk/Mh/Cherry/Maple
12995.00
K6 Ebony
13995.00
Carbon Pro 6 Rosewood/Ebony
18895.00
Carbon Pro 8 Rosewood/Ebony
25550.00
Pro-Ject
Debut Series Turntables
Essential inc.OM3 Cart Black
Essential inc.OM3 Cart Red/White
Essential USB Black
175.00
190.00
230.00
Genie 3 inc. OM3 Cart Black
Genie 3 inc. OM3 Cart Red/Wht/Blk
Debut S/E Gloss Black
Debut Carbon
Debut Carbon Esprit S/B
Juke Box
X
Series Turntables
Xperience Mah/Acrylic/Olive
Xperience Basic Plus Gloss Black Xperience 2 Pack 2M Blue + Arm
Xperience V Pack Vivo Blue + Arm
Super Pack Rondo Red + Arm
6 Perspex inc. Tonearm
Xtension 10 inc Evo T/Arm
Xtension inc Project Evo T/Arm
225.00
240.00
250.00
300.00
400.00
525.00
775.00
599.00
775.00
1000.00
1050.00
1300.00
2000.00
4000.00
RPM Series Turntables
RPM Genie III Black
225.00
RPM Genie III Red/White/Piano Blk 240.00
RPM 5 inc. Alpha Cartridge
570.00
RPM 9.2 no Cartridge
1250.00
RPM10 No Cart + Ground It Del 2000.00
Box Design Accessories
Phono Box MM Only
Phono Box Phono Box S
Phono Box II SE
Phono Box USB Tube Box Mk11
Tube Box SE Head Box II SE
Speed Box Mk II 45/33rpm
Speed Box SE 45/33rpm
Amp Box Stereo
Amp Box Stereo SE
Amp Box Mono Each
Amp Box Mono SE Each
Streambox DS Network Player
Pre Box
Pre Box SE
CD Box
CD Box SE
DAC Box FL
DAC Box USB
Dock Box (Fixed Out)
Dock Box (Variable Out)
Speaker Box 5
Stereo Box
Switch Box
Tuner Box
USB Box
78 RPM Pulley Kit Ground IT Deluxe Turntable Base
Cover IT 1 Turntable Cover 59.00
89.00
149.00
205.00
129.00
290.00
425.00
225.00
105.00
410.00
215.00
350.00
215.00
330.00
699.00
200.00
300.00
300.00
500.00
205.00
160.00
130.00
155.00
159.00
199.00
130.00
165.00
100.00
20.00
255.00
255.00
59
CD22 CD Player Bk/Ti
T23 Tuner
QED Cables
QUAD
Elite Series
Elite Pre Amp
849.95
Elite FM Tuner
599.95
Elite CDS CD Player
799.95
Elite CDP CD/Pre Player
1199.95
Elite Stereo Power Amp
699.95
Elite Monoblock Power Amp each 649.95
Elite Integrated Amplifier
899.95
Elite QSP Stereo Power 2 x 140w
1199.95
Elite QMP Mono Amplifier 1 x 260wPlease Call
Q
Series
QII Classic Integrated
QC 24 Valve Pre
QII Classic Valve Power pair
QII 40 Valve Power pair QII 80 Valve Power pair
QC 24 Valve Phono Stage
4500.00
1000.00
2400.00
3800.00
6000.00
1200.00
Loudspeakers
11L Classic Cherry/D.Rose
11L Classic Gloss Blk/Gloss Cherry
Link D1 DAC 349.95
399.95
499.95
619.95
1299.95
1599.95
399.95
ESL Series
ESL 2805 Black
ESL 2805 Classique
ESL 2905 Black
ESL 2905 Classique
Quadraspire
6000.00
7000.00
7500.00
Please Call
Q Acoustics
2000i Series
2010i Walnut/Graph 2010i Gloss White/Black
2020i Walnut/Graph
2020i Gloss White/Black
2050i Walnut/Graph
2050i Gloss White/Black
2070i Subwoofer Walnut/Graph
2070i Subwoofer Gloss White/Black
2000c Walnut/Graph
2000c Gloss White/Black
Q-TV2 2.1 Speakers
Q-TV2X 2.1 Speakers
120.00
160.00
160.00
200.00
420.00
550.00
250.00
300.00
105.00
130.00
329.90
329.90
REL
T
Series
T5 Piano Black/Piano White
T7 Black/Cherry/White T9 Black/Cherry/White
R
Series
R-218 Piano Black / Piano White
G Series
G2 Piano Black
G1 Piano Black
799.00
999.00
1299.00
2499.00
2999.00
ST Series
Studio III Bk/Ch/Wt/Oak/Rosenut 5999.00
Resonessence Labs
DAC/Pre Amplifier
Invicta Black only
3495.00
Roksan
Caspian M2 Series
Caspian M2 CD Player
Caspian M2 Amplifier
Caspian M2 Pre Amp
Caspian M2 Power Caspian M Power Mono each
Phonostage SE
Kandy K2
K2 Integrated Amp Silver/Black
K2 CD Player Silver/Black
K2 Power Ampliier Silver/Black
K2 Loudspeakers Black
Speaker Series
FR5 Piano Black
FR5 Maple
CR5 Piano Black
CR5 Maple
1649.00
1649.00
POA
1250.00
POA
1529.00
750.00
750.00
850.00
750.00
2599.00
2849.00
1099.00
1099.00
Radius/Xerxes/TMS Series
Radius 5.2 inc. Nima Arm Acrylic
1449.00
Xerxes 20 + Piano Black No PSU/Spd2599.00
Xerxes 20 + RW/MapleNo PSU/Spd 2799.00
Xerxes XPS7 PSU
399.00
Xerxes Standard PSU
949.00
Xerxes Reference PSU
1299.00
Xerxes Plinth Upgrade 10 to 20
389.00
Xerxes Turntable Mat (R-Mat5)
69.00
60
425.00
650.00
750.00
499.00
599.00
849.00
1999.00
429.00
379.00
2599.00
2149.00
Please Call
Rotel
Amplifiers
RA-04SE 2x40w Silver/Black
RA-05SE 2x40w Silver/Black
RA-06SE 2x40w R/C Silver/Black
RA-1520 2x70w Silver/Black
Pre Amplifiers
RC-1550 Silver/Black
RC-1580 Silver/Black
495.00
995.00
Power Amplifiers
RB-1552 2x130w Silver/Black
CD Players
RCD-06SE Silver/Black
RCD-1520 Silver/Black
299.00
479.00
599.00
695.00
Tuners
RT-09 DAB Silver/Black
RDG-1520 DAB Internet Radio
695.00
1095.00
479.00
695.00
645.00
795.00
All-in-one Systems
RCX-1500 CD/DAB/Internet 1195.00
A/V Receivers
RSX-1550 5x100w Silver/Black
RSX-1562 7x100w Silver/Black
1395.00
2195.00
A/V Processors
RSP-1572 Silver/Black
1695.00
RMB-1565 5x100w Silver/Black
545.00
845.00
795.00
1695.00
Custom Install Power Amplifiers
595.00
1995.00
Ruark Audio
Music System
R1 Deluxe Walnut/Whaite/Black R2i Tabletop Walnut/Wht/Blk
R4i Integrated Walnut/Wht/Blk
Russound
279.99
549.99
Please Call
Sansui
DB100 DAB/DAB+/FM Pocket Radio
89.99
WT100 WiFi/FM Portable Radio
99.99
WLD-291 Wireless Network Player
349.99
SAP-201V Integrated Amp/DAC 2x50w299.99
SAV-610 Integrated Amp 2x100w
599.99
CDD-201 CD Player
199.99
WMH-700CDSP CD/DAB/Net/Spks 499.99
Muse Digital to RF Transmitter
69.99
Overture 192 PCI Soundcard
249.99
Sennheiser
Full Range Available SIM2
SME
Model 10 No Arm
Model 10A inc. M10 Arm
Model 20/3 No Arm
Model 20/3A inc. Series V Arm
Model 20/12 No Arm
Model 20/12A inc. Model 312S Arm
Model 30/2 No Arm
Model 30/2A inc. Series V Arm
All Others Items Please Call
Please Call
3454.00
4649.00
5993.00
8560.00
10536.00
12474.00
1938.00
16128.00
18696.00
Please Call
Sonos Multi Room Systems
Connect Zoneplayer
Connect:Amp Zoneplayer
Play:3 Receiver Graphite/White
Play:5 Receiver Graphite/White
CR200UK Controller
WD100UK iPod Dock
Zone Bridge
CC100 Cradle
Soundstyle
Full Range Available Spectral
399.00
259.00
349.00
279.00
99.00
39.00
34.00
Please Call
Please Call
61
Tonearms/Cartridges
Nima
Tabriz
Tabriz ZI
Artemiz II
Chorus Silver
Chorus Silver Stylus
Shiraz Cartridge
Shiraz Exchange
Other Roksan/Cables/
Accessories
Spendor
Statement Series
ST Black (Ebony/Ali/Zeb/FR)
6495.00
A-Line Series
A3 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wenge
A5 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wenge
A6 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wenge
A7 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wenge
A9 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wenge
1295.00
1695.00
2295.00
3495.00
4395.00
S Series
CR3 Centre Ch/Oak/Bk/Wn
C5.2 Centre Ch/Oak/Bk
495.00
750.00
SA Series
SA1 Zebrano/Black/Wenge
SA1 Stand Black
1395.00
399.00
S3/5R Series
S3/5R2 Ch/Oak/Bk/Wt
S3/5R2 Wall Ch/Oak/Bk/Wt
850.00
925.00
Classic R Series
SP3/1R2 Cherry
SP2/3R Cherry
SP1/2R Cherry
SP100R Cherry/BlacK
Stands Unique
Full Range Available STAX
Full Range Available Sumiko
Oyster
Black Pearl
Pearl
Blue Point No2
Blue Point Special EVOII
Blackbird
Pearwood Celebration II
Palo Santos Presentation
All Other Sumiko Supra Cables
Full Range Stocked 1695.00
2495.00
3995.00
6495.00
Please Call
Please Call
45.00
65.00
79.00
199.00
295.00
595.00
1395.00
2295.00
Please Call
Please Call
Tannoy
TFX5.1 Series
TFX5.1 Satellite Bk/Sil each
TFX5.1 Active Sub Bk/Sil
TFX5.1 System inc. Sub Bk/Sil
TFX5.1 Stands Silver/Black
59.00
199.00
399.00
79.00
HTS Series
HTS 101 5.1 System
HTS201 5.1 System
Arena Series
Arena 5.0 System
959.00
Arena 5.1 Bk/Sil/White/Bronze 1498.00
Stands Bk/Sil/White/Bronze 399.00
Desk/Wall Mount Bk/Sil/Wt/Bz pair 199.00
Desk/Wall Mount Bk/Sil/Wt/Bz each 99.00
Arena Single Bk/Sil/White/Bronze 219.00
Arena Centre Bk/Sil/White/Bz
249.00
TS2 Sub Bk/Sil/White/Bronze
499.00
Arena Highline Series
Highline 300 5.1 Wall System
Highline 500 5.1 Wall System
All Other Highline Options 1994.00
2494.00
Please Call
Mercury V Custom Series
Mercury V1 Apple/Dark Oak
Mercury V4 Apple/Dark Oak
Mercury VC Apple/Dark Oak each
Mercury VR Apple/Dark Oak
149.00
429.00
139.00
139.00
Revolution Series
DC4 Oak/Espresso
DC4T Oak/Espresso
DC4 LCR Oak/Espresso
Sub 1001 Oak/Espresso
DC6 Oak/Espresso
DC6T Oak/Espresso
379.00
649.00
329.00
349.00
599.00
849.00
TS2 Sub Woofer Series
TS2. 10 Sub Woofer Grey Vinyl
TS2. 10 Sub Woofer Gloss Blk/Wht
TS2. 12 Sub Woofer Grey Vinyl
TS2. 12 Sub Woofer Gloss Blk/Wht
429.00
429.00
549.00
649.00
Prestige Series
Mini Autograph
Stirling SE 12” DC
Turnberry SE 10” DC
Sandringham 8” DC
Glenair 10” DC
Glenair 15” DC
Kensington 10” DC
Yorkminster 12”DC
Canterbury SE 15” DC
Westminster Royal SE 15” DC
Super Tweeters
ST50 Super Tweeter Black
ST100 Universal S/T Bk/W
ST200 Prestige S/T Wt
All Other Tannoy Products
62
559.00
799.00
1529.00
2999.00
3299.00
2999.00
3499.00
4999.00
7749.00
11249.00
13249.00
22499.00
599.00
1229.00
1229.00
Please Call
Townshend Audio
Reference 200 Series
CR-H248 CD/Rec/DAB Black
CR-H258iB DAB/Rec/iDock
CR-H700AB DAB/iPod/Net
LS-H240 Speakers Black Ash
LS-H265 Speakers Gloss Black
LS-X55 Speakers Pack Black Ash
200.00
229.00
450.00
79.00
119.00
129.00
Reference 01 Series
A-H01 Amplifier
UD-H01 DAC
DS-H01 iPod Dock
400.00
300.00
200.00
Reference 600 Series
CD/Amp Combo
AG-H600DNT Receiver 2x75w Blk
PD-H600 CD Player Blk
DS22 iPod Dock
999.00
699.00
499.00
39.00
Large Range Available
Distinction Series
A1-1000 Amplifier
CD-1000 SACD/CD Player
A!-3000 Integrated Amplifier
CD-3000 SACD Player
800.00
800.00
2000.00
1500.00
Amplifiers/Tuners/Receivers
AG-790 Receiver 2x100w
AG-980 Receiver 2x100w
A-R630 2x60w R/C
A-R650 2x90w
T-R650DAB Tuner
179.00
279.00
199.00
249.00
169.00
CD Players
CD-P1260D
PD-D2620 5 Disc Player
129.00
199.00
Recording Media
W-890R Twin Tape Deck
AD800 CD/Cassette/USB
CDR-W890 CD Recorder
ADR-W890 CD/Tape Recorder
249.00
299.00
299.00
399.00
Vinyl/CDR Music Centre
LPR-500 Music Centre 329.00
Compact/Desktop Audio
mini AURB iPod Dock
AURB iPod Dock
NS-X1 Airplay Dock
SR-LUXi iPod Dock
Other Teac Products
Tascam
Trichord Research
Dino Phono Stage inc Basic PSU 399.00
Dino P/Stage inc. PSU
658.00
Dino P/Stage inc. PSU & HPC
800.00
Dino P/Stage inc. NCPSU
880.00
Dino P/Stage inc. NCPSU & HPC 1021.00
Dino+ PSU (PSU)
292.00
Dino+ PSU (NCPSU)
514.00
PSU High Performance Cable (HPC) 143.00
Diablo P/Stage inc. Basic PSU 887.00
Diablo P/Stage inc. NC PSU1 1425.00
Diablo P/Stage inc. NC PSU1&HPC 1563.00
Diablo Never Connected PSU1 571.00
PSU High Performance Cable (HPC) 143.00
All Other Trichord Please Call
Van den Hul Cables
249.00
199.00
109.00
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
Velodyne
Subwoofers
Impact 10 Black
Impact 12 Black
Impact Mini Black
EQ-Max8 Black
EQ-Max10 Black
EQ-Max12 Black
EQ-Max15 Black
Microvee Black/White
SPL 800Ultra Gl Black/Cherry
SPL 800i Black/White
DD 10+ Ch/Ebony/Walnut
Wi-Connect Black Only
Wi-Connect System
Vertere Acoustics
Vienna Acoustics
Large Range Available
Vinyl Records
Large Selection Available
385.00
485.00
470.00
495.00
625.00
825.00
1350.00
850.00
1150.00
1495.00
1775.00
825.00
3300.00
3700.00
4700.00
6000.00
545.00
225.00
Please Call
Please Call
Please Call
WBT Connectors
Please Call
63
TEAC
Wilson Benesch
Square Series
Square 1 Bk/Walnut/Maple Square 2 Bk/Walnut/Maple Square 3 Bk/Walnut/Maple
Square Centre Bk/W.nut/Maple
Square 1 Stands Silver/Black pair
Square Centre Stand Silver/Black
1950.00
2950.00
4450.00
1595.00
615.00
520.00
Odyssey Series
Arc Polymer Finish
2850.00
Arc Stands
780.00
Arc Polymer Finish inc. Stands
3450.00
Curve Polymer 6650.00
Discovery Polymer
7700.00
Discovery Wood 8075.00
Vertex Polymer
4650.00
Vector Polymer
8095.00
A.C.T Polymer
11100.00
A.C.T Wood
11980.00
A.C.T C60 Polymer Production
14999.00
A.C.T C60 Limited Ed 15999.00
Chimera Polymer
20325.00
Chimera Wood 22535.00
Centre inc. Stand Top Plate Poly
2180.00
Centre inc. Stand Top Plate Wood 2370.00
The Torus Infrasonic Generator 3685.00
Torus Amplifier 2735.00
Full Circle ACT0.5/Ply T/Table
2795.00
Circle T/Table
1140.00
Carbon Cartridge Naked Version 1890.00
Ply Cartridge
1115.00
Nanotube Tonearm
2770.00
ACT 2 Tonearm
1520.00
ACT 0.5 Tonearm
1035.00
Bluray Players
BDS-473 Black
BDS-673 Black
Digital Sound Projectors
YAS-101 Black
YAS-101 Premium Silver
YHTS401 Black
YSP2200 Black
YSP5100 Black
159.00
Subwoofers
YST-FSW050 Black
YST-FSW100 Black/Silver
99.00
119.00
Amplifiers
AS-S300 2x60w Black/Silver
AS-S1000 Black/Silver
AS-S2000 Black/Silver
239.00
339.00
549.00
999.00
1499.00
CD Players
CD-S300 Black/Silver
CDS-700 Black/Silver
229.00
459.00
899.00
1299.00
E&OE April 2012
Please Call
Yamaha
A/V Receivers
RXV-373 Surround Receiver
RX-A810 Surround Reciever
RX-A1010 Surround Reviever
249.95
339.00
439.00
499.00
649.00
849.00
999.00
1499.00
1999.00
64
229.00
259.00
499.00
819.00
1499.00
Home Cinema Speakers
NSP-20 5.1 Speaker Package Blk
Wharfedale
Diamond Series
159.00
259.00
Glossary of Technical Terms
3 3D
The extra visual dimension. Creates
depth of field in an image either
passively or actively. You need glasses
regardless. Over to you.
4 4K-2K Burgeoning video upscaling from
existing HD standard (1920x1080
pixels) to 4096x2048 pixels. Whilst this
format exists for Digital Cinema it has
yet to find its way to domestic viewing.
Only a matter of time though.
AAggressive
Not a hard sell or a smack on the nose,
but a Hi-Fi system that has a tendency
to over-expose the higher frequencies.
AirPlay
Another Apple protocol for wirelessly
streaming data between Apple products.
Recenty licenced out to other clients.
Ambience
A sense of “space” or “venue” within a
recording.
Amplifier
The engine of any Hi-Fi or Home Theatre.
It receives the very low level signals
output from sources such as CD players,
Turntables, Tuners, DVD players etc. and
increases the signal so that the current is
high enough to make the loudspeakers
work. Various designs apply, and usually
include a volume control.
Analogue
The domain in which we all hear and
see.
Analytical
Something to do with your state of
mind and the resultant medical care
required to remedy it.
Anamorphic Because most film negatives are a
different shape than the widescreen
(16:9) this process modifies the
negative so that the whole of the frame
is viewed.
Apple LosslessA fruit farmer who has been well and
truly ‘scrumped’. Not really. This is
Apple’s clever little compression system
for getting music on to their devices
in slightly better quality than MP3.
However, lossless it ain’t.
B
Aspect Ratio This is the correlation between the
height and the width of a screen or
negative.
Attack
Nothing to do with Pvt. Jones from
“Dad’s Army” shouting “They don’t
like it up ‘em Mr. Mainwaring” but the
Hi-Fi systems ability to reproduce the
percussive nature of any note.
Balanced
Nothing to do with your general
demeanour, but a professional
connector. 3-Pin Earthed, Click-Fit. If
your kit has it, use it.
C
Bass-Reflex
A speaker cabinet design that utilises a
port which aids in extending the bass
response
Bi-Amping
Where each drive unit of a loudspeaker
is driven by a separate amplifier.
Bi-Wiring
This can give some of the benefits of
Bi-Amping but at a lower cost. The
design on many loudspeakers will allow
separate runs of speaker cable to each
drive unit.
Bit-Depth
Simply refers to the number of bits used
per sample. CD Audio has a bit depth
of 16 up to a theoretical 24bits for
higher resolution audio files.
Bitrate
A Digital Audio file is measured in
kilobits per second (kbps). Theoretically,
the higher the bitrate the better the
quality.
Bluetooth
Neither the name of a pirate or a
dental problem, but a connector for
transmitting data wirelessly between
devices. AptX is an upgrade to the
existing Bluetooth standard, offering
higher quality audio transmission. Kleer
is a similar alternative.
Blu-Ray
Not a Pornographic Sci-Fi movie but
a High Definition Video format that
comes dangerously close to emulating
the original film print, and with studio
quality audio to boot.
Body
Carmen Electra, Sophia Loren,
Elle McPherson...Oh sorry! I drifted
away there. This means a fullness of
sound. The opposite of thin (Kate
Moss)
Boom
or Boomy
Exaggerated Low or Bass
frequencies. Can be caused by poor
loudspeaker placement or the acoustic
of a particular room.
Bright
Much the same as Aggressive. The
Hi-Fi system is exaggerating the high
frequencies. The sound becomes edgy
and irritating. The long-term affect can
dislodge a filling or two.
Clinical
Presentation is overly accurate at the
expense of musicality. Taken to excess
can produce a very ‘sterile’ sound.
Cloud
White or grey. Fluffy. Sometimes wet.
Up in the sky. Aka, the Internet.
Co-Axial
A 75ohm balanced cable construction
which can be used to send electrical or
digital information.
65
Colouration
Any change in the character of sound
which makes a note or instrument
sound unnatural.
Component Seen as a connection or cable which
separates the video signal to its basic
3 elements. This is generally regarded
as superior to composite, S-Video and
SCART and is the analogue equivalent
to HDMI by virtue of its ability to handle
progressive video material.
D
Dark
A circuit board found inside a
loudspeaker which splits the incoming
signal to the individual drive units. High frequencies to the “tweeter”. Bass
to the “woofer”
Opposite of bright, or the fuse has
blown.
D.A.B.
Digital Audio Broadcast. Digital Radio
to you and me.
DAB+ Next generation of DAB (Digital Radio).
Specifications indicate a significant
upgrade in audio quality. Most
existing DAB receivers are not forward
compatible. No UK dates.
D.A.C. Digital to Analogue Converter. This little
gizmo turns all of those ‘0’s’ and ‘1’s’
into something we recognise. Simple
eh? Err. No, not really. Maybe later.
Detail Or the Low Level Detail, Definition,
Transparency or Transparent...all mean
the same thing. You can never have
enough detail!!
Digital
A binary file used to compress anything
analogue for easier storage. (See D.A.C.)
E
Digital Audio FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC, MP3,
Files
ATRAC. These are all versions of the
same thing. They are all compressed
digital storage files. Their individual
qualities and abilities are hotly debated
by audiophiles.
66
D.L.P. Digital Light Processing and is one
of several different types of projector
technology.
Dolby Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby
Surround and Dolby Pro-Logic are all
variations of principally the same thing.
These are used as compression systems,
mainly in the film industry, to get the
original multi-channel soundtrack onto
the film format with very little loss of
quality (Dolby TrueHD is termed as
Lossless).
A generic term which refers to any small
piece of hardware that plugs in to a
computer. Derives from ‘dingle-dangledongle’, literally meaning something
hanging out of something else.
DTS
Digital Theatre Systems. This is an
alternative to Dolby. The differences
are hotly debated.
DTS-HD
Equivalent to Dolby TrueHD,
Master Audio i.e. Lossless Film Audio. Many argue it’s
better than Dolby.
Compression Don’t worry about the technicalities. Just take it from me - You don’t want
it - it’s horrible.
Crossover
Dongle
F
D.V.B.
Digital Video Broadcasting. Digital
(Freeview) TV to you and me. About to
go HD with the latest set-top boxes and
Panasonic HDTV’s.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc. Been around
since 1998. Now usurped by Blu-ray in
every way.
DVD-Audio
High resolution audio format also
capable of surround as well as stereo,
which had at one time been thought to
replace CD.
Dynamic
A system’s ability to reproduce the
contrasts between quiet and loud with
energy and dynamism.
Dynamic
Range
The difference between the quiet
and the loud parts of a piece of music
measured in decibels.
Electrostatic A specific type of loudspeaker which
utilizes a membrane or filament
suspended in a statically charged field.
Where this design can be limited in
frequency range it’s one great virtue is
very low distortion.
Ethernet
Standardized hard-wire connection for
computer networks.
Euphonic
A very “en vogue” word. We think it
is describing the inherent distortions
and colourations found in most valve
designs. We don’t have a problem
with ear friendly distortions and
colourations; we just think the word is
gobbledygook.
Focus A 1970’s Progressive Jazz/Rock band
from Holland. A small family car and a
defunct chain of DIY Stores.
Forwardness See Aggressive.
Freesat
Free to air digital TV from same satellite
as Sky (Astra 2). HD availability.
Freeview Free to air digital TV utilizing existing
aerial connections. Soon to go HD
nationwide (see DVB)
G
H
I
Frequency
Range
See Frequency Response
Frequency
Response
A term describing a Hi-Fi
system’s ability to reproduce the entire
frequency band from the highest to the
lowest.
Grainy to the amplifier, therefore limiting its
capabilities. The lower the resistive
value of a speaker, the more current is
required from the amplifier, therefore
the harder the speaker is to drive.
Infinite Baffle Loudspeaker design utilising a
completely sealed cabinet.
Speak to a French Polisher. Normally
refers to an ‘edginess’ in the high
frequencies.
Grip
Speak to a Wrestler
Grunt HD Audio
See Grip
HDCD
High Definition Compact Disc. A codec
invented by Pacific Microsonics to cram
more data onto a standard CD. Very
effective, but you need a decoder to
unlock the data. HDCD’s sound better
than standard CD’s.
Interlaced Opposite of Progressive where all the
individual elements of a picture are
sequenced together (i.e. 1080i, 576i).
iPod Dock a means of connecting any iDevice to
other Hi-Fi equipment, improving audio
quality and a charger to boot. Some
versions have built-in loudspeakers (see
B&W Zeppelin etc.)
ISF Imaging Science Foundation. Accurate
calibration of Plasma/LCD and
Projection devices to ensure they are at
broadcast (reference) standard.
See DTS-HD Master Audio/Dolby
TrueHD and L-PCM.
HDCP
High Definition or High Bandwidth
Digital Content Protection. Anticopying mechanism found in all HDMI
enabled equipment.
HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface.
High quality ultra fast cable used for
transmitting High Definition Video and
Audio. HDMI Version 1.4 (or High
Speed with Ethernet) compliant devices
will now also be capable of 3-D video
and Networking.
HD Ready
Denotes that a device has compatible
connectivity with High Definition
sources, but generally at a lower
resolution than 1080p. (HD Ready
screens are generally smaller than 32’’)
HD 1080p
or Full HD
Denotes a devices capability
to display the current high definition
standard without down-conversion
(measured at 1920x1080 pixels).
Hi-Fi i High or Higher Fidelity
Imaging Can the Hi-Fi system place each
instrument or voice perfectly within
the stereo field? Is there a precise left,
right and centre? No? You’ve got a
problem...talk to me.
Impedance
This is the measurement of resistance
to the alternating current (AC) in an
electrical circuit and expressed as
ohms. A loudspeaker offers a resistance
Put this little letter in front of any
product name and automatically people
will go out and witlessly purchase it.
J
Jargon You’re looking at it!
Jitter
Audible digital noise or an involuntary
psychosomatic reaction felt just prior to
receiving the bill.
K
Kilobit Digital files such as MP3 and other
compressed audio codecs are measured
in kilobits per second (kbps)
L
LCD Liquid Crystal Display. Alternative to
Plasma but normally found in smaller
screen sizes.
Lossless A clever invention of computer
companies and their marketeers and a
total contradiction in terms. There is
only one lossless format and that is the
format that the music was originally
recorded on.
Light Emitting Diode. Now used as
a back light for LCD screens as an
alternative to fluorescent. NOT to be
confused with OLED technology.
LED
LFE
M
Mastering
Mono-bloc Low Frequency Effect. This is the .1
or Subwoofer channel within movie
soundtracks.
(Mastering Engineer) A process in
which the master/original Source
material is converted for any given
format (i.e. CD/Vinyl etc). The quality
of the final result often depends on
the competency of the mastering
engineer(s) and the equipment used in
the process. A single mono amplifier. You need
two for a stereo system and five for a
surround system.
67
Xperience, gained...
V Pack, now including:
Ortofon Vivo Blue cartridge
Pro-ject Evolution tone arm
Pro-ject Xperience turntable
Price tag - £1,000
68
Distributed in the UK by Henley Designs Ltd.
www.henleydesigns.co.uk, info@henleydesigns.co.uk, 01235 511166
Musicality
N
Network
Player
The word we love to hate. Does the
music sound right to you? Yes? Then
the Hi-Fi system has musicality and
needs buying.
A device that plays media (be it
audio or visual) over a network. Simples.
N.F.F.
No Fault Found (See Keith)
NTSC
National Television Systems Committee.
This is the North American television
broadcast system, which has a higher
refresh rate than the UK PAL system
(60Hz) yet a lower vertical resolution.
O Open(ness) Optical
P PAL
P.C.M. R
S
RCA/
Various names for standard 2-Pin line
Phono/Single-level connector.
Ended
Room
Correction
Speak to an interior designer. Also
fast becoming the surround sound ‘Holy
Grail’ for Home Cinema enthusiasts.
(See The Volume, 2011)
Rumble
A word used to describe unwanted low
frequencies.
SACD Super Audio Compact Disc. This is a
competitor to DVD-Audio which offers
superior performance to CD.
Relates generally to the mid and high
frequencies. Presented properly,
they can give a sense of airiness and
space within a given sound stage.
Sample Rate The amount of a waveform is chopped
up into example sections. For CD the
waveform is chopped 44.1 times, DVD
is 48 times per second etc.
You may need some new glasses but
that has nothing to do with this. Fibre
Optic cable for transferring digital data
by light. Very fast and, theoretically, not
limited.
SD Card Secure Digital Card, is not a type of
ID or bank card, but the name of a
completely solid-state memory card.
Now being more widely used for audio
storage because of its ability to store at
very high bit-rates with extremely low
jitter.
Seismic
A word used to describe ultra-low bass
frequencies. Alternatively, you could
speak to a geologist.
Sharpness Horrible in audio and an over-abused
setting on TV’s.
Sibilance Where the ‘S’, ‘F’ and ‘T’ sounds are
over-emphasized, assuming it doesn’t
occur naturally. Freddie Mercury did
have a natural lisp!
Phase Alternating Line. Used as the
European Television Broadcasting
system, this has a higher vertical
resolution than NTSC, but a lower
refresh rate (50Hz).
Pulse Code Modulation. A digital
encoding and storage system. Uncompressed PCM (LPCM) is the
Recording Industry standard for both
music and movie audio.
Power
Handling
The highest safe power for speakers
measured in watts. Great fun to
exceed.
Smart TV
Powerline
A device which allows ethernet
connectivity over an electrical ring
main.
This does not refer to a TV that only
allows you to watch the BBC, but to a
TV that allows access to the internet.
Sound Bar A new confection based snack
containing lots of sugar...not really. Its
actually an ‘under TV’ one box device
containing multiple speakers and
surround sound processing. Interesting
idea if you don’t want a dedicated
surround sound system.
Speed Does the music sound fast enough? Correct timing is very important within
music. So it is in a Hi-Fi system. Too
much bass and the music will sound too
slow.
SPL Sound Pressure Level. This is the local
sound pressure deviation from the
ambient pressure caused by a sound
wave...in other words, “How loud?”
Progressive
Scan
A system which gives clearer,
flicker free images from DVD/Blu-Ray
in comparison with the conventional
horizontal line refresh system.
Punch Speak to someone from the
International Boxing Federation...or
an adjective to describe a type of low
frequency presentation.
P.P.A. Partner Purchase Approval.
P.R.A.T. Pace, Rhythm and Timing. Apparently,
an absolute requirement of any
Hi-Fi system according to some Hi-Fi
reviewers and critics.
precursor to surround sound which
Q QuadraphonicArequired
4 equal channels.
Stereophonic “It takes two...baby.”
69
Streamer/
Streaming
A device which captures the
particular media you are searching for /
Transferral of data over a
telecommunications network, or within
a closed local network. In our industry,
it directly refers to audio and video
content. But much other data can also
be ‘streamed’. By the way, none of this
has anything to do with H2O.
Sub-Woofer Is a dedicated speaker for low or bass
frequencies. The subwoofer is normally
found as the point 1 in a 5.1 system.
T
Synchronous See also Asynchronous, Isochronous and
Adaptive. Basically, all of them refer to
the transfer of data over USB. The devil
is in the detail here, and the final quality
is variable. TALK TO US!
Thin
See Body
THX
Allegedly stood for “Tomlinson
Holman Experiment”. A performance
benchmark generally passed by many
Home Cinema products as an assurance
of quality. THX is a brand, not a sound
format, contrary to popular opinion.
Timing See Speed. It’s also something that
most Unilet staff are very bad at. (Especially at 9am!)
Timbre The correct tonal character of an
instrument or voice.
Transient See Attack.
Tweaker
U Unilet
USB
Est. 1969. Need we say any more?...
V Vinyl WW.A.F. The king of all music formats – Nothing
sounds as good.
Transmission Another type of loudspeaker
Line
design utilizing an internal labyrinth
construction to extend the bass
response.
Tweak
A practitioner of the above.
To tune a Hi-Fi system by whatever
means available to you and us,
hopefully achieving the best
performance.
Universal Serial Bus. Computer industry
standard connection now being
adopted by Hi-Fi manufacturers for
digital audio transfer.
The Wife Acceptance Factor.
Warm Similar to Body. (Cuddly, cosy etc.)
Watts You want more power? Then you
need more watts. However, loudness
depends more on speaker sensitivity.
Weight See Vernon.
Wi-Fi Commonplace technology that allows
an electronic device to exchange data
wirelessly over a computer network.
Generally used for accessing the
internet from portable devices.
Wi-HD Wireless HD Video Streaming /
Connection capable of transmission
speeds of up to 25GB per second.
certain something defining a great
X The X-Factor That
Hi-Fi system or a TV programme which
replaced “Opportunity Knocks”.
Y
Yomping
As we could not think of anything here
we are open to suggestions from our
readers. Vernon will think of a prize for
the best definition!
Z
Zebra ...
Yes, that’s right. We couldn’t think of
anything either!
© Unilet Sound & Vision Ltd. 2012
Freesat, Sky, TV
& Radio Aerials
To get the right set-up you need to call on the experts.
Unilet can install and set-up your system for
optimum performance.
Just call us now and speak to Erick.
70
020 8942 9567
Can You Hear
Ones and Zeros?
No matter how an audio signal is packaged, stored and transferred,
the music is always analog ... but after all that digital packaging
and reconstruction, is it still music?
Since long before the CD and MP3, the many
ways in which cable can damage audio
information have been denied, debated, and
proven. Since the CD arrived, the mechanisms
which damage a digital audio signal have been
denied, debated, and proven.
Now, audio is shifting to being stored in the
“Cloud” and on drives, whether spinning or
solid-state. Now HDMI and USB are becoming
the dominant transfer modes ... and now, same
as before, audio quality continues to be easy
www.audioquest.com
to damage. The frontier might seem to move
so fast that old problems are dead and buried,
but in fact, respect and care are exactly as
important as ever before.
AudioQuest is not better because we have
been minimizing damage to audio since 1980,
but this does give us perspective. It is our
competence today, facing today’s challenges,
which we hope will earn your attention, your
listening, and if we earn it, your respect.
THE FIFTY
C E L E B R AT I N G F I F T Y Y E A R S O F I N N O V AT I O N I N S O U N D
K1 SLIMLINE
CELESTE
K2 SLIMLINE
LS5/1A
DUETTE DELUXE
CONCORD
C A R LTO N
C R E S TA
C O N C E R TO
CHORALE
CADENZA
C O DA
REFERENCE 104
CAPRICE
REFERENCE 103
REFERENCE 105
CONCORD III
REFERENCE 105.2
REFERENCE 101
CELESTE IV
CONCORD IV
CAPELLA II
REFERENCE 104/2
C O DA I I I
REFERENCE 107
C40
C55
REFERENCE 105/3
Q60
REFERENCE 107/2
K120
Q50
LS3/5A
C O DA 7
Ci200QT
80C
REFERENCE 109
Q35
KHT2005
REFERENCE 204C
Q7
K H T 9 0 0 0 AC E
XQ5
KHT5005
iQ5
REFERENCE 209
KHT3005SE
MUON
T205
BLADE
1961 - 2011
T H E L E G AC Y C O N T I N U E S . . .
w w w. k e f . c o m / t h e fi f t y
GP Acoustics (UK) Limited, Eccleston Road, Tovil, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6QP, U.K. Tel: +44 (0)1622 672261 Fax: +44 (0)1622 750653

Open Mic - Unilet Sound and Vision

Transcription

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