In April of 1970 Audio Research was founded as the sole American manufacturer of exclusively vacuum-tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Along the way, many Audio Research models became benchmarks and collectors’ items as the company steadily built a reputation for great performance and great value. It was never the most expensive product line, but it never took a back seat to any other brand when it came to performance.
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Tags: Audio Research, Anniversary, Reference, Preamplifier

The 'High End entry' system consists of:  - Read More...

Tags: Ayon Audio, Ayon, CD1s, Orion, Ibis, Valve, Tube, Class A, Hi-Fi World

A new addition to the staff at Firgrove is exploring the potential of streaming 24 bit/96k audio and demonstrating the stunning results of downloaded studio quality audio with the latest products from  SOM. - Read More...

Tags: 24bit, 24 bit, 24/96, Streaming, bladelius, Embla, USB, FLAC, Peter Woolliscroft

Sonic Precision. Sophisticated Styling.
Inspired by MartinLogan's high-end electrostatic loudspeakers, the Motion Series was created to provide stunning sound for your ultimate-performance home theater or stereo. MartinLogan's dedicated in-house engineers carefully crafted the Motion Series to create an extremely affordable and compact product line that seamlessly blends our exquisite Folded Motion™ transducers with powerful, compact bass technology. The result is a smooth, refined sound with stunning dynamic range and jaw-dropping clarity. - Read More...

Tags: Martin Logan, Motion, Speakers, Loudspeakers

The new 171iTransport is the industry’s first certified “Works with iPhone” dock to offer pure, bit-perfect digital output, allowing the revered smartphone to perform as a high-end media server.

“Our new 171iTransport does the neat trick of turning both the iPhone and the iPod into the ultimate media servers,” says John Schaffer, President, Wadia Digital. “Listeners who value high-end sound can get the full musical benefit out of their portable music collections, with all the storage advantages and the great user interface. It’s really the perfect marriage between convenience and performance.” - Read More...

Tags: Wadia, 171i, 171iTransport, Transport, IPhone, IPod, Apple

The Wadia 151PowerDAC mini is a sophisticated combination of high performance DAC, surprisingly robust amplifier, and plenty of inputs for today’s digital sources. With a nod to Wadia's original Reference PowerDAC, the 151uses a scaled-down version of proprietary Wadia spline filter, and DirectConnect technologies for pristine reconstruction and amplification of all your digital sources.   - Read More...

Tags: Wadia, 151PowerDAC, DAC, 151

The Strain Gauge cartridge is not at all like any other cartridge. All other cartridges, whether moving magnet, moving coil, or moving iron, are "generators" - that is, you put motion in, and you get energy out.....a tiny voltage that you amplify and send to your speakers. The key here in describing all other cartridges is in the word MOVING.  All other cartridges need to move a mass around - a magnet, and iron core with wires (moving "coil") or moving iron. They are all magnetic generating systems, which require a mass to be constantly moved to generate a voltage. - Read More...

Tags: Strain Gauge, Cartridge, Soundsmith

S-150 Mono Amplifier
The S-150m is a slim line monaural power amplifier boasting our latest circuit topology and a substantial power output of 150 Watts into 8 Ohms and 300 Watts into 4 Ohms. The elegant exterior houses the technology developed in the Krell Evolution amplifiers including Krell Differential Current Mode circuitry and balanced operation.

The S-150m is the ideal choice for high performance systems in space limited locations.


S-275 Stereo/Mono Amplifier
The S-275 is a slim line stereo power amplifier boasting our latest advancements in circuit design featuring an impressive 275 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and 550 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms in stereo mode. Setting the rear panel switch to mono operation, the S-275 boasts a massive output of 550 Watts into 8 Ohms and 1,100 Watts into 4 Ohms. Technologies developed for the Krell Evolution amplifiers including Krell Differential Current Mode circuitry, wide bandwidth topology, and surface mount technology have been incorporated throughout the design.

Combining flagship technologies in an elegant presentation, the S-275 is the ideal choice for high impact systems where space is at a premium.

Contact SOM for more details.

Tags: Krell, Power amplifier, Amplifier, Mono, Stereo, S-150, S-275, Current Mode, Class A

Read the fantastic Ascendo System M Loudspeaker review in 6moons. Click here

Tags: Ascendo, System M, Loudspeakers, Speakers, German

Ca rmel is the newest and most affordable speaker from YG Acoustics and represents a breakthrough in manufacturing efficiency, performance and value.  The cabinet is constructed of fully machined Aircraft Grade aluminum.  This material, using pressurized assembly, allows for the most resonant-free and acoustically desirable enclosure construction available.
 
YG Acoustics speakers are all created using proprietary software developed entirely in-house.  The DualCoherent™ crossover technology allows the creation of speakers that have the best frequency response and relative phase available today.  All other speakers are optimized in either the frequency domain (most common) or time domain.  Only YG Acoustics has the ability to optimize both domains simultaneously. 
 
Carmel incorporates the same technologies that make YG Acoustics’ Anat Reference II Professional the best loudspeaker on Earth.  In addition to the DualCoherent™ crossover, Carmel’s enclosure is milled using 4-axis technology as apposed to the competition’s 3-axis milling. This technology avoids the parallel internal surfaces common in other so-called “complex enclosure” designs.  A unique enclosure design keeps mechanical losses lower than any competing speaker, by combining the minimized turbulence of a sealed design with the low friction otherwise associated with enclosure-free concepts.  All this is made possible through extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, and vibration-free, pressurized assembly of the precision-ground and hardened CNC-machined enclosure panels (YG Acoustics is unique in the industry in having in-house CNC precision-grinding equipment in addition to CNC milling machines).
 
Carmel utilizes Scan-Speak drivers, modified to YG Acoustics specifications.  The tweeter, which is assembled in house, is a highly modified ring-radiator type.  It offers greatly extended frequency response, linearity, and power handling.  The 7” woofer in the Carmel is a modified Scan-Speak Revelator and provides excellent clarity and bass extension in a compact enclosure.
 
YG Acoustics speakers are not voiced.  The speakers are not created with any subjective human bias.  All measurements are verified using extensive listening tests, but the speakers are not altered, “sweetened”, or otherwise manipulated to sound “pleasant” or to follow any degree of personal taste.  YG Acoustics speakers simply give you what the recording has – nothing more, nothing less.
 
The end result is a speaker of remarkable refinement.  Carmel is ultra-transparent, and presents a huge yet precise soundstage, with the neutrality and warmth of a live performance that YG Acoustics is famous for.  This is all presented in a speaker with elegant lines and a shape that invites inclusion in the finest home environments.

Tags: YG Acoustics, Carmel, Loudspeakers, DualCoherent™, 4-axis technology, Scan-Speak, Scan-Speak Revelator

Tags: Hansen Audio, Speakers, Grand Master, Lars Hansen, Robert Harley, CES, Tenor Audio, Tenor

The NEW Music Tools Brochure is now available and features some exciting NEW Products not to be missed. Click on the image above or click here to view the brochure (Acrobat PDF Document).

Tags: Music Tools, Brochure, Catalogue, Equipment Supports, Supports, Stands, Accessories, Italy

Isosquare is a Modular designed shelf system dedicated to audio equipment. Each shelf is made by anodized brushed aluminium structure and a wood sandwich with special damping compound in between. The upper wood shelf is “floating” and is not in touch with the bottom one. This system eliminates undesired vibrations and resonances.

• filled structure and tuned with FILLIN damping compound
• anodized brushed steel aluminium
• adjustable plated brass spikes to the floor
• adjustable plated brass spikes between body structure and top shelf
• shelf made by wood sandwich and damping compound, thickness of 30 mm (14+2+14 mm)
• Call Sounds of Music for further details and available options.

Tags: Music Tools, Isosquare, Stand, Support, Shelf, Modular, Floating, Wood, aluminium, FILLIN, Italy

How much do you know about the Soundlab name?
For here is a long-established, well renowned and revered company who make arguably the finest electrostatic loudspeakers in the world.

Roger A West, Ph.D. (President of Soundlab) has written a wonderful white paper on electrostatic technology and how Soundlab has developed many ground-breaking advances to produce a range of formidable electrostatic loudspeakers that have to be heard to be believed. Whether you are new to electrostatics or an experienced user, you should taken the time to read the white paper as we think you'll find it very interesting and more than a little enlightening in many areas.

If you have the space, there is no finer choice of electrostatic than a Soundlab. Call Sounds of Music to find out more.

Click here to read the white paper (Adobe PDF Document).

Tags: Soundlab, Electrostatics, Speakers, Roger A West, Panel

The CD-07 is a dramatic rethinking of conventional based tube CD-Player industrial designs and represents an absolutely new standard in its price category. It was created to embody in a more affordable CD-Player, all the know-how and expertise acquired developing reference products.

This CD-Player now incorporates many advanced technologies aspects and superior aesthetic from Ayon's upper CD-Player line.

The CD-07 provides exquisite musicality with transparency, dynamic, air, harmonics and resolution.

Features
• Full-featured true balanced Top Loader CD-Player
• Real Class-A triode vacuum-tube output stage for single-ended & balanced
• operation
• 2 x 5687 triode tubes
• High quality tube sockets
• Purist design and shortest possible analog signal paths
• Warm up function – extends tube life time
• Burr Brown D/A converter (2 x 1796)
• Upsampling 24bit/192kHz and on/off switchable
• Modified suspension system to isolate the CD-transport from mechanical vibrations
• Anti-vibration magnetic integral CD-clamp system combined with dark acrylic
• CD- cover
• Fine quality passive components used in all applications
• Separate voltage regulators
• MOS-FET’s for tube anode-voltage regulation
• MKP capacitors
• Noiseless R-core power transformer
• Separate analog output stage for left and right channel
• AC Phase control indicator
• Digital input - USB
• Digital output - S/PDIF
• IPOD docking station
• 2 Analog output ( RCA & XLR )
• Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
• Beautifully crafted high grade aluminium-brushed and anodized chassis
• Display dimmer & mute function
• Heavy duty RCA gold-plated output jacks
• Absorber aluminium feet with superior damping characteristics
• Metal remote commander
Chassis finish: black

Tags: Ayon Audio, CD-07, CD Player, Tube, Triode, Valve, Upsampling, single-ended, balanced, 24bit/192kHz

When THE GRAND MASTER speaks, it is evident that a new musical standard is being revealed.

Listening even briefly to the new Hansen Audio loudspeaker THE GRAND MASTER, the ease with which the nuances of the musical performance are captured and the incredible ability to demonstrate dynamic power, are readily apparent and are absolutely startling.

When music is being played through THE GRAND MASTER, the human body naturally begins to relax, letting the essence of the music penetrate the soul. Distortion level has been reduced to such a minute level that the typical loudspeaker “listening fatigue” has now been eliminated.

THE GRAND MASTER leaves the listener experiencing pure joy. While listening to your favourite well-recorded musical piece, pure magic happens.

The result is nothing short of a revelation, an unforgettable musical experience.

The Hansen Audio Exclusive Drivers – A Technological Break Through


THE GRAND MASTER is a 10 driver, 3 way, floor standing speaker using Hansen Audio’s proprietary hand assembled drivers. The four Woofers and the four Mid Band drivers are engineered, designed and manufactured by Hansen Audio to match perfectly the two High Precision Tweeters. All Hansen Audio manufactured drivers use exotic Multi-Layer Composite Sandwich cones, resulting in the best Sound Wave Deformation Prevention in driver technology today. The inert composite sandwich material has no sonic signature and therefore is completely neutral in sound. The finished driver, utilizing our amazing powerful motor assembly, has the fastest attack time, the quickest recovery time and most accurate tracking possible.

The Hansen Audio Enclosure – A New Standard


Having designed and engineered the finest drivers and crossovers available, the task of designing the perfect enclosure begins. The traditional “panel construction” enclosure had to be abandoned. The result had to be a free flowing organic design to prevent any diffraction distortion. To accomplish this, the graceful enclosure incorporates the exclusive Hansen Audio Sound Wave Diffraction Distortion Elimination technology. The enclosures had to be “Dispersion Coherent”. The finished speaker had to be “Phase Coherent” both acoustically and electrically. The material had to be harder, stronger and more durable than conventional wood products. Most important, the material had to be inert, unlike all conventional wood products. The Hansen Composite Matrix material, with a final layer of material known as the Cloaking Device, is the result of this long and extensive research. The Hansen Composite Matrix material meets all of the desired sonic parameters. A New Standard had been set.

The elegant GRAND MASTER is then finished in the beautiful Hansen Audio Class “A” finish. Call Sounds of Music to find out more...

Tags: Hansen Audio, Speakers, The Grand Master, Loudspeakers

Read the late news addition to the Sounds of Music December 09 Newsletter featuring the incredible NEW Liveline cables.

Click here or on the image to read the news addition. Happy reading.

Tags: Newsletter, SOM, December, Late news, PDF, Adobe, Liveline, Cables

The Sounds of Music December 09 Newsletter is now available. Packed with lots of exciting news its definitely a must read!

Click here or on the image to read the Newsletter. Happy reading.

Tags: Newsletter, SOM, December, PDF, Adobe

" If there is anything unexpected about Quad's integrated, it's the palpable 'real-world' power: this baby drove Wilson Sophia 2s with aplomb. Tim de Paravicini squeezed out as much grunt as a brace of KT-66s-per-side can deliver, without altering the warm, desuctive character of its bus pass. Truly a Quad for the 21st Century, and in a more convenient package than you can imagine, it's a triumph."
Review of Quad Class II Integrated by Ken Kessler, January 2010 Issue

Tags: QUAD, Integrated, Valve, Amplifier, II Classic, KT66, Tim DeParavicini, Peter Walker, EAR/Yoshino

Throughout December, Sounds of Music will have an exciting selection of Christmas Specials. Hand picked products that we will think will make for great stocking fillers for your loved ones or why not treat yourself! Oh and did we mention that if you purchase one or more of these you'll save money too! Merry Christmas from SOM.

Tags: Christmas, Speacials, SOM, Save

New from Canor (formerly known as Edgar Audio). A killer valve combination and a favourite as SOM.

(NEW) TP106 VR Integrated Amplifier (£2,995)
Weighing in at 26kg the Canor TP106 is an Integrated Valve Amplifier of truly epic proportions. One of the most important parts of a valve amplifier is the output transformer and Canor (formerly known as Edgar) use a very special one indeed. Married with hand-selected components of superior quality, housed in a double think copper chassis, the whole becomes far greater than the sum of its parts. An Integrated Amplifier that truly stands out from the crowd. We love it! (available in black or silver finish)

(NEW) CD2 VR CD Player (£2,500)
Weighing in at a substantial 12kg, the Canor CD2 is a beautifully crafted state-of-the-art valve CD wonder. Designed from the ground up, Canor (formerly known as Edgar) have paid special attention to every aspect from chassis vibration through to the hand-made custom power supplies. The CD2 produces a magnificent performance that few can touch at the price. (available in black or silver finish)

Tags: Canor, Valve, Tube, Integrated, Amplifier, CD Player

Furutech Reference III cable
" If you are an audiophile and music lover who subscribes to the philosophy that the components in your system should be as accurate and neutral as possible, and that the cables' main job is to be an undistorted conduit, then the Furutech Reference III cables should be at the top of your list. I certainly will be using them as one of my references from now on. " Tone Audio - Issue 21 / 2009

Tags: Furutech, Reference III, Interconnect, Cable, Tone Audio

The Orion represents a dramatic rethinking of vacuum tube based integrated amplifier industrial design while retaining the basic architecture as the highly regarded “Spirit” amplifier.

The Orion integrated amplifier combines neutrality, realistic dynamics and power projection, true musicality with high resolution.

Perfect finish, elegant discrete design and outstanding sonic performance make the “Orion” unique, setting a new price-to-value standard in its class.

• Features
  Full-featured vacuum tube stereo integrated amplifier
• Switch able between pentode and triode mode
• 4 x KT88 power output tubes ( EH-Russia )
• 3 x 12AU7
• Timer warm up circuit for all tubes, extends tube life
• Automatic power tube protection circuit system
• High current filament-regulator for pre and driver tubes
• Choke filtered power supply
• 0dB negative feedback
• Gold-plated industrial PCB
• Power transformer is encased, excellent damped and RFI/EMI shielded
• High performance output transformer
• All transformers are sealed with an anti-resonance compound material
  Selected, premium quality passive components used in all applications
• High speed capacitors
• DC-Power filter
• MKP capacitors
• Custom made ceramic tube sockets with beryllium spring pins
  Shortest possible signal paths
• Central one-point star earth grounding
• External static bias adjustment – rear panel
• Cupper matrix - internal signal cable
• Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
• Alu-brushed anodized anti-vibration-resonance and non-magnetic chassis
• 3 Line inputs
• 1 USB input
• 1 Pre out
• 1 Headphone
• AC phase polarity control indicator
• Gold-plated heavy duty binding posts and input jacks
• All front & top panel descriptions are engraved / Metal remote commander / Chassis finish: black / black

Tags: Ayon Audio, Orion, Integrated, Amplifier, Valve, KT88, Pentode, Triode, Stereo

QUAD proudly introduces the stunning NEW Quad II Classic Integrated - a balanced and fully integrated amplifier, combining high performance with a relatively compact enclosure of classic design.

As could be expected of one of the most famous names in hifi, the performance of the QUAD II Classic Integrated is just out of this world and exceptional in every way!

The specified 25 Watts per channel is amply sufficient to drive and control even the most demanding speaker. The remarkable output transformer - a design by audio legend Tim DeParavicini - delivers speed, sophistication, and above all the ability to reproduce your music like a live performance. All in all this is a real QUAD: The Closes Approach to the Original Sound.

Features
• Tube complement: 4 x KT66, 4 x ECC88, 2 x ECC83
• Inputs: 3 x Line in, 1 x MM/MC Phono (switchable) and Tape Monitor
• Output power: 25W per channel into 8 Ohms
• THD: 0.06% @ 15W (700Hz)
• Noise: better than -95dBr (ref. 25W into 8 Ohms)
• Frequency response: 20Hz 20kHz (0dB / -0.5dB)
• Channel separation: >75dB
• Gain: 34dB
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 200mm x 310mm x 380mm

Call SOM to find out more and to arrange an audition or better still, place an order to beat the queue and start enjoying this classic amplifier in time for Christmas.

Tags: QUAD, QUAD II, Valve, Integrated, Amplifier, Classic, Tim DeParavicini, KT66

Copland CDA825 Top Loader
The new Top Loader CD player from Copland has employed psycho-acoustic modelling in the development of the upsampling filters which concentrate on eliminating the noise prior to each impulse. Copland chose the Philips CD-pro 2 transport, feeding double Wolfson converters running in dual differential mono mode,  with 24bit/192khz processing and a low-jitter master clock. Moreover, the DAC reads its data from a large RAM data memory, in order to eliminate low frequency jitter. The CDA825 also employs a discrete analogue section with both balanced and single-ended outputs. Call SOM for more details.

Tags: Copland, CD Player, CDA825

Ayon CD-5 "Reference CD-Player with integrated Preamp"
The Ayon CD-5 establishes another benchmark in triode vacuum-tube CD-Player performance by combining a true balanced and single-ended tube output stage with tube rectified current sources in the power supply. Based on a zero-feedback, pure tube circuit design, the CD-5 reveals the manifold layers of music with utmost transparency while projecting a deep and highly focused 3D soundstage. Its bass is extended and powerful, its midrange pure, liquid and permeated with natural warmth, while the top is extraordinarily clean and finely detailed. The CD-5 Reference CD-Player offers an uncompromising quality level in every aspect. Call SOM for more details.

Tags: Ayon Audio, CD5

Wilson Audio have launched a stunning NEW replacement for the WATT/PUPPY System 8. This NEW speaker is such a big step forward from System 8, it was given a completely different name - meet 'Sasha'. Sasha is a true object of beauty and has the voice of an Angel. Please call Sounds of Music for details on availability and pricing as Sasha has just been released.

Sasha will be available in any finish to match the decor in which it graces.

Whether you are upgrading or making a first time purchase, choose Sasha or any of the other brands we manage for the very finest sounds in the home.

Tags: Wilson Audio, Sasha, Speakers, Loudspeakers

Sneek Preview of the AMAZING NEW Coda
15.0 and 33.0
The 15.0 is rated at 100 Watts Class A.  It actually produces 130+ Watts with the Class A region being 100. The power will double into 4 Ohms to 260+ Watts and again into 2 Ohms for 500+ Watts.  Class A region is maximum 100 Watts. The 33.0 is rated at 330 Watts AB. This will double into 4 Ohms for 660+ and peak at a around 1 kiloWatt for 2 Ohms.

As a result the 33.0 is best for speakers that require voltage (ESL) and the 15.0 is excellent with low impedance (for power) or efficient speakers (for max Class A).

If you are familiar with earlier CODA products you will see a family resemblance to the 11.0 and 20.0 series. However these amps only share the same chassis base and sinks.  The front end circuit topology has been significantly altered and the unit has been modularised. Improved transformers and power supply caps have been fitted as well.

Long time coming - these 50 kilo monsters sound absolutely astonishing. Whether you are an existing Coda owner or new to the brand, give us a call to arrange a demonstration. You will not be disappointed!

Tags: Coda

SOM Spring Newsletter is now available to read...
Click on the image above to read the exciting Sounds of Music Spring Newsletter.

To receive all the latest product information, don't forget to sign-up to our e-newsletter. It takes just a minute to sign-up, is completely free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Tags: Newsletter, Spring, SOM, Sounds of Music, John Jeffries

New in this month, the fabulous Ayon CD2 is the latest innovation from this formidable company.

- Read More...

Tags: Ayon Audio

The compact “Executive” Model MXA60.
- Read More...

Tags: McIntosh

The aim was to create a range of loudspeakers, which do not compromise on quality in any way. - Read More...

Tags: AudiaZ

Beautiful new finish NOW AVAILABLE on Ascendo Speakers... - Read More...

Tags: Ascendo

One of the most overlooked segments of the analog world is the tonearm cable... - Read More...

Tags: Furutech

The XP-2 Fully Balanced Preamplifier For Ultra High End Audio Systems... - Read More...

Tags: Exemplar

The new McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD Player with Digital Inputs combines exceptional sound quality and flexibility...
- Read More...

Tags: McIntosh

(Coming soon) - A styling exercise worthy of Saul Marantz himself, the PM-11S2 Reference Series integrated amplifier’s beauty is far more than skin deep... - Read More...

Tags: Marantz

ROKSAN designs and manufactures some of the most acclaimed hi-fi equipment currently available and offers exceptional value for money so we are very pleased to welcome the brand to SOM. - Read More...

Tags: Roksan

CLX... The World's Finest Full-Range Electrostatic Line Source Loudspeaker... - Read More...

Tags: Martin Logan

Martin Logan have launched their latest electrostatic called SPIRE - Read More...

Tags: Martin Logan

The NEW Coda Phono Stage is simple staggering... - Read More...

Tags: Coda