Oracle - From Paris with love?
Since 1979, Canadian manufacturer Oracle have been producing some of the best turntables in the world, including the renowned Delphi Mk VI (2009). Zouch Audio takes a look at their Paris model...
Made of Delrin and acrylic, the Paris turntable's upper platter not only looks beautiful but sounds even better. The materials used cause minimal amplification of resonances, and smooth spindle rotation gives an improved signal to noise ratio. The turntable's 3 adjustable feet are also made of Delrin to dampen any unwanted vibrations.
Mounted on a 3-layer semi-floating chassis made of high-density wood fiber, and by using a fibreglass rods and Sorbothane stabiliser system (instead of metal springs), unwanted vibrations are eliminated.
The Paris model shares the Delphi XI's low-voltage asynchronous motor, drive belt and drive electronics, and the option to upgrade to a 'Turbo' power supply is available.
The tone arm (Paris) is a modified 9cc by ProJect and features a curved silicon trough which can tailor the sound to the listener's taste. The cartridge is a high-output Moving Coil (MC) and is rated at 1.6 mV - meaning it can be connected to almost any phono preamp available today. It also features a record clamp and threaded spindle from the factory.
Fully assembled and pre-calibrated at the factory, the Paris is almost 'plug n' play' and is available in 3 stunning finishes; Ferrari Red, Lamborghini Yellow, white and Titanium Gray.
The Paris produces wonderful sound, instruments are sharp and clear, pacing is excellent and the soundstage is large and well produced. For it's price, Oracle's Paris really shines. They say Paris is the city of love, and once you've realised the Paris' sleek good looks, the ease of setup and use, and it's fantastic sound, we're sure you'll fall in love with Oracle's Paris!
A Closer Look At Chord's New Streamer - The DSX1000
The new DSX1000 is a high-performance digital network streamer that at its heart, boasts (Chord's) Robert Watts' world-renowned proprietary DAC technology. The latest-generation Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) architecture found inside the DSX1000, is the same advanced technology used in the highly acclaimed QBD76 HDSD DAC and the Red Reference MkIII CD player, giving the DSX1000 a significant sonic advantage over ordinary network players with off-the-shelf DAC chips.
The FPGA handles all the digital data decoding, clocking, WTA filtering and the 5th generation Pulse Array DAC. Improvements to the Pulse Array DAC have been further complimented with an enhanced power supply design and layout, giving the very best digital-to-analogue conversion available. The DSX1000’s streaming engine is directly coupled into our own DAC technology, which carefully re-clocks all data, removing many of the jitter issues that can affect other products where the DAC is coupled into the main streaming chip.
The DSX1000 features UPnP/DLNA access and control and is capable of transforming the sound of MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, ALAC and FLAC files, with 24-bit/192kHz support where available, and follows the success of our debut streamer, the Chordette Index. Key features include an inbuilt analogue volume control circuit, as used in our CPA8000 Reference preamp, which gives highly accurate volume adjustment without the problems and low-level distortions associated with digital volume controls normally found in streaming products.
The player also boasts both volume-controlled and line-level analogue outputs which feature both balanced XLR and RCA phono connections. The network connection is via a fixed-wired ethernet port due to the bandwidth limitations of Wi-Fi for 24/192kHz support (ethernet-over-mains connections can also be used if required). A digital coaxial input also enables the DSX1000 to act as an advanced digital 'hub' within a high-performance hi-fi system.
The DSX10000 has a full-colour 3.5-inch TFT front-panel display showing album artwork, set up options etc. and conventional control is via a unique front-panel cursor button that illuminates depending on the button pressed. Remote control is also available. The unit can also be enjoyed using many of the UPnP apps for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices. We will also be offering a custom version of SongBook for the DSX1000, which will be available to download from iTunes soon. An Android version may also be available later on.
As with all of our products, the DSX1000 is carefully made by hand in Kent with an advanced chassis and casework machined from aircraft-grade aluminium. The unit’s top-plate has been carefully machined to reveal the technology beneath and an elegant internal lighting system compliments the aesthetic.
Technical Specifications:
- Harmonic distortion: < -103 dB (1kHz, 24-Bit @ 44.1kHz sample frequency), < -110dB (100Hz, 24-Bit @ 44.1kHz sample frequency)
- Signal to noise ratio: > 120dB
- Channel separation: > 125dB @ 1KHz
- Dynamic range: 120dB
- Network input: 1 x RJ45 100 base T Ethernet
- Supported formats: wma-9, mp3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, ALAC, AIFF (96KHz) FLAC, WAV (including 176.4 and 192kHz support)
- Analogue outputs: Stereo RCA phono and balanced XLR line-level direct outputs; stereo RCA phono and balanced XLR volume control outputs
- Supported sample frequencies: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
- Line level output: 6V rms balanced; 3V rms unbalanced
- Output impedance: 75W (short circuit protected)
- Dimensions: 420mm x 355mm x 88mm (width x height x depth)
- Power consumption: 30W
- Operating voltage: 85 – 270V AC (50-60Hz) auto switching
- Weight: 12 kg
Marantz's 3rd Generation SA-11S3
This third generation of the spectacular SA-11 features a brand new SACD two-disc mechanism and a new High Current Audiophile D/A Converter. The result is even finer, more delicate audio detail. But even before these new refinements, this player was already standards-setter of repute because it utilises many of the advanced technologies that were originally developed for the Reference Series SA-7S1. For example, it uses the exclusive-to-Marantz Dynamic Digital Filtering technology, which makes standard CDs sound as incredible as SACDs. It offers two filters for different tastes, not just for discs, but for any digital signal. What’s more, it uses a high-end algorithm previously used only in professional recording studios. This type of filtering retains greater detail for an even wider sound stage and a perfect balance.
In addition, it provides fully balanced signal handling on short, symmetrical, and discrete circuit architecture as well as the HDAM®SA2 high-speed amplifier module. The internal high-precision clock minimises jitter to the lowest possible level, while the rigid double-layer chassis dampens vibration to an absolute minimum. There is also extensive copper-plating and system-block shielding to keep the signal as clean as possible. You also get a high-quality headphone output featuring HDAM®SA2 and current feedback amplification. In addition, we have included a USB input on the front panel for playback and recharging. The DAC mode offers three digital inputs – the USB-B works in asynchronous mode when directly connected to the PC, plus coaxial and optical digital input. All of which means, you get more detail, more precision and more emotion than ever – and all in a wideopen sound stage that positions every instrument and vocalist with pin-point precision. This is enjoyment to the extreme.
Musical Fidelity In 2013 - The New M1 SDAC
New for 2013 - a high performance DAC, ADC, preamp & headphone amp, featuring USB and BlueTooth connectivity!
The M1 SDAC is based around a 32-bit DAC and sample converter of exceptional quality. This circuitry offers conversion at sample rates up to and including 192kHz meaning it can accept the very best, high sample-rate material available today.
Its fully asynchronous USB input is designed to deliver exceptional quality at all sample rates and from all file types. It is perfectly suited for computers running Windows, Mac OS X or Linux.
The Bluetooth wireless input has been designed to deliver the very best audio quality from mobile devices and uses the aptX system for stunning sound quality over the entire audio band. It is backwards compatible with previous Bluetooth implementations making it a perfect partner for a wide range of portable and computer sources.
Further digital connections can be made via SPDIF Coax or Toslink Optical cables or, for ultimate performance, by AES/EBU digital audio using an XLR connector. Both the SPDIF Coax and AES/EBU inputs are capable of accepting the 24bit / 192kHz digital data provided by the very best of modern recordings.
The inclusion of a clean, ultra low distortion pre-amp stage and a pair of conventional analogue inputs (on RCA / Phono connectors) means the M1 SDAC is equally at home with more traditional sources. Outputs are offered in both analogue and digital formats, each being designed with the upmost care and with components of exceptional quality.
Full infra red remote control and 12v trigger connections mean the M1 SDAC is ready for inclusion in the very best of audio systems!
MonoPulse Speakers - A sleek & retro look, but do they perform?
Model A
Model CThe Tannoy Precision 6.1 Standmount Loudspeakers
Tannoy Precision 6.1
Zouch Audio now have Tannoy’s Precision 6.1, part of the Precision range, which is combining the 85 years of Tannoy’s design experience for loudspeakers, and modern manufacturing. The outcome of this provides amazing accuracy and musical articulation.
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The Precision range also includes Tannoy’s signature “fifth terminal” which earth’s the driver chassis to the earth ground of the amplifier, and in turn, reduces RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) in the audio system. Each loudspeaker from the Precision range uses high purity copper wire for its internal wiring and crossover components, and on the outside, we find the use of top-quality gold-plated binding posts, for either single or bi-wire installation. Also included are top-quality bridging links for single wire installations. All of these terminals accept heavy-gage bare wire, banana plugs and spade terminals.
The Precision 6.1 loudspeakers also boast a unique range of finishes, which include a high gloss dark walnut finish, and a high gloss black finish.
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Tannoy’s Precision 6.1 is a true point source loudspeaker. It includes a single 150mm Precision Dual Concentric driver in a stand-mounting cabinet. Due to its precise imaging and intimate detailing of playback, the 6.1 is ideal for average to small listening rooms, The cabinet has a very unique design too, that includes a flat front and rear baffles that are coupled with curved side panels, to reduce internal reflections and brace the structure of the cabinet. This therefore improves clarity and communication of the music.
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Inside the stand mount speaker, the root to its name is the precision engineering and the precision performance. The crossovers from Precision are hand-built and hard wired from the best components.
The Precision range boasts a thorough premium design and finish throughout, with subtle dark-weave grilles and sub-surface magnetic fixings that ensure a smooth, modern finish, so the loudspeakers look good with or without the grilles (whichever is to your preference).
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The Tannoy Precision 6.4 Floorstanding Loudspeakers
Tannoy Precision 6.4
The final installment to the Precision range, is the Precision 6.4
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The 6.4’s boast a premium design and finish throughout, and include dark-weave grilles, which are subtle with sub-surface magnetic fixings, that ensure a smooth look with the grilles on or off (whichever is to your preference).
The 6.4’s are also available in 3 finishes:
- Satin dark walnut.
- High gloss dark walnut.
- High gloss black.
The combination of the two active drive units, one being the most up to date 150mm Dual Concentric Driver, and the other being a 150mm bass driver, offers detailed imaging and communication, with deeper reproduction of the low end, and a full scale musical reproduction, with life-like dynamics.
The cabinet is loaded with a pair of ABR’s, (Auxiliary Bass Radiators) that are positioned above and below the active bass driver, to deliver a deeper and smoother low frequency response, and the arrangement of the ABR’s allow the cabinet to be positioned rather close to rear walls, which makes the Tannoy 6.4’s ideal for larger rooms, and for those who are looking for a large-scale sound in a medium room.
New To Zouch Audio - Tannoy's Precision 6.2 Loudspeakers
Tannoy's new Precision 6 series of loudspeakers features the 6.1 standmount and the floor-standing 6.2 and 6.4 models. Here, Zouch Audio take a closer look at the smaller of the floorstanders, the Precision 6.2s.
The two 6" drivers (one Precision Dual Concentric and a matched bass driver in a rear-ported cabinet) can bring low bass and effortless dynamics to small or medium-sized rooms. The 25mm WideBand tweeter technology gives crystal-clear treble, and an overall sound that has very low colouration and faithful production of the original source sound. For a speaker with such a small footprint, we're impressed by the soundstage this new range creates.
The cabinets appearance maybe minimally designed, but feature specially curved side panels which reduce internal standing waves and reduce panel resonance, allowing for extra volume. The Precision 6.2s crossovers and components are hand-built and only use the finest materials (silver plated wiring, gold-plated bi-wiring posts, Mass Loading Cavity for fine bass tuning and dedicated custom speaker plinths). Audio detail and resolution are exceptional due to the clean signal path caused by the lack of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are instead replaced by hard-wired low-loss laminated-core inductors!
The Precision series can also be used in varying setups for home cinema, and the 6.2s work wonderfully as main speakers, accomapnied by the smaller 6.1s as rears, the 6C centre and TS2.12 subwoofer.
A Closer Look At Musical Fidelity's M6-DAC
The brand-new M6-DAC is the pinnacle of Musical Fidelity's previous DACs. Offering outstanding performance by using the latest technology, it features not only the standard AES (XLR) and SPDIF (Coax/Optical) connections but an asynchronous USB connection and a Bluetooth reciever, allowing for a wide range of audio inputs which are upsampled to 192kHz and controls the timing of the audio, rather than the input computer.
You won't find any digital filtering here, just the new LME 49720 amplifier (Texas Instruments) which allows for ultra low distortion and amazing linearity. Digital artifacts are eliminated and the sound is clean, deep and fast while still producing a beautifully wide soundstage. The M6-DAC will happily serve up any musical offerings without comprimise.
The audio produced by the M6-DAC is fluid, energetic and rich, something you'd expect from Musical Fidelity's M6 mid-high end range of audiophile products. Although it's display is small, the fit and finish are styled yet simple and it's ability to get the best from CDs and digital streams make the M6-DAC a great addition to any hifi.
Good Things In Small Packages - Dali's Epicon 2
Dali's Epicon 2 speakers maybe the stand-mount versions of it's larger siblings, the Epicon 6 & 8s, but these luxurious speakers are so similar to them it's hard to tell the difference!
10 layers of laquer make up the finish on these jaw-droppingly exquisite 2-way beauties, which are offered in Walnut, Piano Black or Ruby Macassar finishes. The 6.5" woofer and hybrid tweeter are updated from the previous modules used by the Euphonia and Helicon series, providing crisp treble and deep, punchy bass notes (47Hz - 30kHz) are provided by the spacious cabinet with a single, rear-facing port.
The sound produced flows with ease, with every detail faithfully reproduced, if you closed your eyes, it'd be hard to tell them apart from much larger floor-standing models. The Epicon 2s surpass sonic expectations for their size, creating transparency with minimal signal degredation.
The Epicon 2s are an excellent choice for hifi, but can also become a part of something bigger when used in a home-theatre 5.1 setup, when used as the rear speakers backing up the Epicon 6 or 8s as the front side speakers. Their ability to reproduce sound for movies is exceptional for speakers of their size, whether it be the dialogue, soundtrack or effects, the Epicon 2s clearly deliver the sound we search for.
Getting Acquainted With Quad's ESL-2912 Loudspeakers
Fans of the original ESL speakers from Quad have been waiting for the newest release in the range since 2005 (ESL-2905). Has the wait for the replacement ESL-2912 models been worth it?
Peter Walker (founder of Quad) first introduced ESL technology in 1956, and consequently revolutionised hifi sound. Over the years, many improvements have been made to the range, and 2012's flagship 2912 loudspeakers are said to be Quad's best electrostatic panel speaker ever.
ESL work differently from the conventional woofers and tweeter which are moved by electromagnetic coils. They employ a very thin charged diaphrams suspended in an electrostatic field. These diaphrams respond to even the slightest musical detail with amazing accuracy and can faithfully reproduce a 1kHz squarewave without any problems.
The 6 panels (4 panels in the smaller ESL-2812s) are arranged so the image point of the sound is at the centre of the speaker, while the actual anodes are arranged in a concentric ring pattern, enabling the speakers to produce a beautiful holographic sound with minimal distortion elements. Finished with piano gloss wooden trims and base, the speakers use only the highest-quality components housed in a combination of tensioned aluminium extrusions fixed to a stainless steel support frame. Needless to say, the 3 types of protection ensure the speakers are never over-driven.
Zouch Audio are so impressed with the ESL-2912s that they currently occupy our Top Listening Room. If you would like to audition these gorgeous speakers, please get in touch or come and see us at the shop.
Introducing the M8 Series
Featuring trickle-down technology from their flagship Titan amplifier, the M8 range approaches the same stellar power and performance levels, but at a more affordable price and with subtler styling. The range currently comprises the perfect-matching pair of the M8 pre-amplifier and M8-700 monobloc power amplifiers. Both are fully balanced designs with the drive and flexibility to meet the needs of traditional and modern hi-fi sources. They will even fit seamlessly into a home theatre set-up. Whether it’s your music or movies that need a performance injection, the M8 range will administer it.
The M8 preamp boasts a wide array of inputs, meeting the needs of traditional and modern home entertainment systems. It offers a low-noise MM/MC phono stage; two balanced inputs (one with home theatre bypass option); three line inputs (one with home theatre bypass option) and a fully configured tape in/out loop. It's outputs are single-ended and balanced, and there is also a trigger control.
Technical measurements are testament to the M8's exceptional engineering: from ultra-low distortion to virtually perfect frequency response, the science supports what your ears will also clearly hear.
The M8-700 power amps offer a compelling combination of fully balanced circuitry, extraordinary technical performance, exquisite sound, quality fit and finish and value for money.
Are they the true heir to the Titan, delivering near-identical quality sound, with exceptional clarity and dynamics? Musical Fidelity believe "a pair of M8-700s can create a huge soundstage that's almost holographic in its width and depth. From the most intimate acoustic recording to full-scale orchestral works, the performance is perfectly placed and never feels limited." Bold claims, but the jury is still out at Zouch Audio...
For prices please use:
Musical Fidelity Amplification
Call us on 01530 414128 or email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a demonstration!
Black Ravioli - Science or Voodoo?
Dark forces are at work when concerned with Black Ravioli - but is is science or voodoo?
HiFi tweaks are a source of controversy, with some audiophiles swearing by the enhancements they make, and others thinking they merely cause a placebo effect.
DALI '' The Real Thing''
Built on knowledge from almost 30 years of research, development, and manufacturing of speakers, and on results from experimenting with both new and known technology the EPICON series shows just how far DALI has come in our search for natural sound reproduction. With a visual appearance that signals exclusivity and simplicity these speakers are for the most demanding of music and movie enthusiasts. And with a performance which is clearly DALI - taken one step further – they intend not only to meet these demands. They will surpass them.
Tellerium Q - Clearly Better Sound
When building a high end system, some things can be overlooked, such as speaker cable and interconnects. To get the most out of a system, these cables have to be of high quality to avoid phase distortion.
What is phase distortion? Put briefly, when signals are sent between components through cables, different frequencies flow at different rates, which can lead to slight delays and squashed signals - especially bass tone.
Announcing Quad - The Platinum Series
Zouch Audio is proud to announce they are stocking the long-awaited Platinum Series from Quad. The first addition is the Platinum DMP - a beautiful CD player, DAC and preamp all-in-one. It's construction and generous specification utilises the high-quality CD transport to give not only accuracy in reading the media, but reduced vibrations and noise when producing sound. The DA Converters work in double differential mode, with a dedicated DAC for each channel, while a master clock minimises any jitter. External music sources can be run through the Platinum DMP, converting the data (at upto 24-bit/192kHz) with optimal performance. Quad's engineers have gone to town on the four-layered PCB, which minimises elctromagnetic interactions, and it's power supply delivers optimal levels designed for the isolation of the digital and analogue domains.
New & Used Music For Sale
We have a large collection of CDs and LPs available to buy at great prices!
Mainly Jazz, some Classical and more...
Please call for your enquiries or feel free to come and browse the collection!
We also buy second-hand collections, so please drop into the shop with yours or call us for more information.
Belles ''30 Years Of Perfecting''
Belles has arrived at Zouch Audio!
For over 30 years David Belles has been perfecting the art of designing and manufacturing amplification. He has reached near perfection by utilising the best of valve and solid state designs.
Be sure to be amazed when auditioning such satisfying and pleasurable equipment such as Belles! Be sure to visit us for a demonstration on any of these superior products!
Musical Fidelity at Zouch Audio
Music produced so faithfully, you have to hear it to believe it!
We are proud of our ongoing partnership with Musical Fidelity, so much that we stock an outstanding range of their flagship products, including the renowned British-made AMS series, billed as “the very definition of High-End audio”.