on track Keeping you on track with the latest developments at Grahams Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3

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1 Winter 2016 on track Keeping you on track with the latest developments at Grahams Christmas Opening Hours Saturday 24th December Sunday 25th December Monday 26th December Tuesday 27th December Wednesday 28th December 9am 6pm Thursday 29th December 9am 6pm Friday 30th December 9am 6pm Saturday 31st December 9am 6pm Sunday 1st January Monday 2nd January Calendar Our bespoke Grahams 2017 Calendar is available for collection. Stocks are limited, so if you would like to reserve one for collection please call or us so we can put one aside for you. GRAHAMS Canonbury Yard 190a New North Road London N1 7BS Phone: Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 B&W have released the last model of the fantastic 800 D3 series, the flagship 800 D3. We ve been waiting (im)patiently for this to arrive since March and we ve already seen the gradual release of its smaller siblings the 802, 803, 804 and 805 D3s since the end of September 15, all of which have impressed us greatly. Continued over... Neat Iota Alpha The Iota Alpha is the new floor-standing speaker from Neat Acoustics. This tiny little speaker sits at no more than 45cm high and uses the existing ribbon tweeter and mid-range unit from the highly popular Neat Iota. They are joined by a 134mm subwoofer on the bottom, which is kept off the floor by spikes. The sound from these follows in the footsteps of the Iota and is very surprising! They maintain the nice open and clear tweeter and mid range but are now joined by a room filling bass, which perfectly complements the rest of the speaker s sound. The rhythm and timing do not suffer from this hefty addition and it would be very easy to completely overlook such a small cabinet when looking for the speaker producing the sound! The Iota Alpha is available in Black and White and costs 1,385, which may seem like a fair amount considering its size, however, Neat has once again created an extremely discrete speaker which maintains high fidelity sound. We can t recommend these enough so feel free to come in and see for yourself! 1

2 The return of the Rega Planar 1 & Planar 2 turntables Rega have re-designed their entry level turntables with the return of the Planar 1 and Planar 2 following the release of the Planar 3. Continued from page 1... What was delivered has not disappointed. According to B&W, the flagship model in the 800 Series Diamond range is more than a speaker. It s the culmination of half a century of acoustic research and engineering, and the pinnacle of audio performance. You would be forgiven for thinking this is simply a bigger 802 D3, with a more commanding sonic capability and greater range. It was certainly our first thought, but this is far from the final word! The 800 D3 manages to reveal even more detail, creating a truly beautiful sound, whilst exhibiting no sharpness or lack of cohesiveness. Rhythm and timing are fast and accurate and the whole feeling of the speaker is effortless, making them exceptionally easy and pleasurable to listen to. When you add the new enhanced bass units the 800 D3 gives you so much more in terms of range and presence that leaves even the much vaunted 802 D3 in its wake. The new Rega Planar 1 is the most user friendly Rega turntable to date. Now with preset bias force on the brand new RB110 tonearm, the Planar 1 is set up in seconds after unpacking. Simply slide the balance weight onto the rear of the tonearm as far as it will go, remove the stylus guard and start spinning your favourite vinyl. For the first time the Planar 1 is now running a 24v, low noise, synchronous motor to reduce vibration transfer. Like the other new models, the 800 D3 includes the same diamond dome tweeter in the same solid body housing. This is perched on top of the same one piece, solid body housing with the very same Continuum Cone midrange drive unit. As you look down the speaker from here is where you will find things look a little different. The 800 D3 has what can only be described as shoulders, for the body of the speaker underneath the midrange is that bit wider to accommodate those 10 low frequency drive units. And this is also where the 800 D3 is unique. The fundamental design of the low frequency section includes the very same Matrix cabinet, albeit larger, to accommodate some very special 10 drive units. B&W claim these to be the stiffest low frequency drivers that have ever been made. The result is not just greater extension and dynamics, but a far cleaner sound that is able to start and stop faster than before with no overhang. The staggering result of this is how much this affects the performance of the mid and high frequencies. With a more taut bass, comes a cleaner more expressive vocal range. The 800 has always been the largest of the range, however the new version is shaped quite differently to previous generations. Whereas the previous 800 versions stood on a large box plinth that housed their crossovers and connections, the new 800 D3 includes only a modest rounded plinth that is more complimentary to the curved cabinet. Thanks to the reverse wrap of the cabinet, the crossover is now located at the back of the speaker behind the floor-length heatsink. This has reduced the visual size of the speaker by quite a margin such that the 800 D3 is only subtly larger than the 802 D3. The end result is a true flagship of the range which is a giant leap from the previous models and one that is a special experience to listen to. The B&W 800 D3 costs 22,500 and is available in High Gloss Black, Satin White and Rosenut. The new Rega Planar 2 was developed over the past two years alongside the recently released Planar 3. Featuring the brand new RB220 tonearm, a new 24v, low noise motor, acrylic laminated plinth, float glass Optiwhite platter and a newly designed central bearing for additional accuracy. Every feature of this innovative new turntable is designed to extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl collection. Rega are also continuing to offer their performance pack solution, which includes the Bias2 cartridge, an improved belt and 100% wool mat, which is available for both the Planar 1 and 2 for an extra As easy as they have made the setup of their new turntables Rega now include a quick start guide for the first time, which runs through the basics of getting up and running. This is a very useful addition for those ordering through our website or who are unsure. We can of course set up your turntable here if you are taking it away by car. The Planar 1 and Planar 2 are both available in a stylish High Gloss White or High Gloss Black and are priced at 248 and 375 respectively. 2

3 Introducing the Meridian Ultra DAC A new reference in high performance digital audio The Iconic Planar 3 returns Replacing the multi award winning RP3 was never going to be an easy task but the design team at Rega spent two years to develop the all new Planar 3 following the biggest re-design of the iconic 3 model ever seen. Every aspect of this turntable is improved for a far superior sonic performance. The new Planar 3 is truly a new turntable for 2016 carrying just two components from the previous model. With the new Planar 3 comes the new RB330 tonearm - Featuring a brand new bearing housing and Rega s latest tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass to ensure this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability with almost friction free movement from the new high precision bearing assemblies guarantees to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before. This tonearm is much easier to use with a new bias assembly, redesigned stiffer vertical bearing housing, integrated arm clip and an improved spring housing with easier to read numbers. The new plinth is better both in strength and appearance with a high gloss acrylic laminate for a stiffer and vastly improved appearance in High Gloss Black & High Gloss White at launch. An improved thicker bottom brace and new metalised top brace ensure a solid and accurate platform with an appealing look. The main brass bearing and sub-platter have undergone a re-design for a superior construction reducing stress on the bearing itself. To complement the looks of the new plinth comes a new float glass Optiwhite 12mm platter with a polished rim for a complete finish and greater accuracy in manufacture. The new Rega Planar 3 will be selling for 550 or 625 with the fantastic Rega Elys 2 cartridge fitted. Having been a Meridian partner for 40 years, Grahams are proud to introduce you to their latest development in digital audio technology. Having been digital audio pioneers for the duration of their existence it is of no surprise that Meridian have been spending their time developing a new platform that revolutionises the world of digital audio. With considerable connectivity options and format support, the DAC incorporates an extensive list of performance enhancing technologies including dual mono DAC cards, filters, upsampling and apodizing. It also include a Sooloos interface card so the Ultra DAC can be used as a standalone streamer with access to Tidal and Internet radio. It is also compatible with Roon. The result is a level of performance never before attained by digital sources, it really is a step change in musicality, detail and timing. It can do this by using a dedicated clock card combined with Meridian s FIFO buffering for the ultimate solution in eliminating jitter. The DAC features patent-pending Hierarchical Converter Technology developed in conjunction with MQA. This employs multiple converters to increase resolution while also reducing noise and errors. This combined with multiple independant power supplies including AC isolation from a linear source means this product is quite revolutionary even for Meridian. What is surprising about the Ultra DAC is that it is designed to work in any Hi-Fi system, rather than Meridian DSP speakers. There are no digital outputs to speak of, there would be no point, this DAC is better than those in their speakers. With the option for variable output it can function as a pre-amp too. This is a true DAC, there are only digital inputs. At a cost of 15,000 the Meridian Ultra DAC is an aspirational product, however you will get something special in return - truly inspiring music. Early next year Meridian will be launching a 2 channel power amp in a matching reference case which is expected to be called the 857. But you don t have to wait for the power amp to get started with an Ultra DAC and there is an incentive not to do so. If you purchased before 31st December 2016 you can pre-order the 857 for half the expected price and have a Meridian G57 in the meantime. You can find more information at Special Offers Reduced items ex-demonstration and 2nd hand After a busy year with many new products we have a wide variety of items available at reduced prices on our special offers list. If you are interested in any of these items, please don t hesitate to contact us, these are all one-off items at one off prices. 3

4 Linn s New Katalyst Technology Linn have released a new game-changing technology, only available currently for the Klimax DS and DSM players called Katalyst. This is a brand new DAC architecture, something Linn have only done three times in the past but with great effect each time. Those changes were as below: Sennheiser HD800s Sennheiser has taken the very difficult and impressive step of improving their reference headphones, the HD800, by releasing the new HD800 S. Better connectivity is available with cable options for both a 6.3mm and an XLR cable for connection to amplifiers such as Sennheiser s HDVD800. They have retained the largest transducers ever used in a dynamic headphone and the best quality rigid but lightweight metals in its headband construction to make them easy to wear, however, they now come in a sleek black, rather than the stainless steel of the HD800. The enhanced sound reproduction of the HD 800 S is achieved through the addition of the innovative absorber technology that was pioneered in the Sennheiser IE 800 a breakthrough that preserved the audibility of very high frequency sounds by eliminating a phenomenon known as the masking effect, where the human hear struggles to hear frequencies of sound when lower frequencies of a higher volume occur at the same time. By absorbing the energy of the resonance, Sennheiser s patented absorber technology prevents any unwanted peaks and allows all frequency components even the finest nuances in the music material to become audible. This innovation was a key element in making the IE 800 the world s best sounding in ear headphone, and in the HD 800 S it helps to bring even greater purity and precision. The new HD800 S costs 1,199 with the HD800 coming down to 1, Numerik CD Klimax DS Katalyst Katalyst takes an unprecedented level of control over the critical elements that lie at the heart of the analogue signal s creation; offering improved Data Optimisation, superior Master Clock, independent Power Supplies, a new ultra-low distortion Output Driver and crucially, for the first time, a high-stability input Reference Level. Linn have also upgraded their HDMI boards to be fully HDMI 2.0 capable. When the upgrade is done or a new unit purchased the HDMI upgrade is included. All levels of HDMI capable DSM units (Majik/Akurate/Klimax/Custom) can be upgraded for 600. The cost for upgrading a Klimax DS is 3,850 and a Klimax DSM is 4,250. The renew option to reuse your old Klimax in a new smaller case is 2,500 and would still make a great sound for a second room! We have both the Klimax DS/2 and new DS/3 on demonstration and would be happy to show you the fantastic improvement this makes. Linn Krystal Linn s newest cartridge has been named KRYSTAL... with a K of course! The long serving Linn Klyde was based on the Linn Troika from the late 1980 s. Musical with a signature bass and extended midrange that was the old Linn sound, the new Linn Krystal steps away from this heritage and offers an insight into the sound from newer cartridges exemplified by Linn s flagship Kandid cartridge, but at just over a third of the cost. The sound is far cleaner, with more resolution and insight than the outgoing Klyde. It is a huge upgrade in performance especially if you upgrade the subchassis of your Sondek LP12 with the Linn Kore that was launched last year. This moving coil cartridge can be mounted to Linn tonearms with three bolts for instant alignment so fitting is quite straightforward. The Linn Krystal is available for demonstration and costs 1,190. There is an exchange program if you have an old Linn cartridge. Call us to book your demonstration. Streamer of the Year Linn Klimax DS/3 and DSM/3 4

5 Piega Loudspeakers Grahams have recently taken on a new brand! Piega are a Swiss manufacturer who have been making speakers on the shores of Lake Zurich for 30 years. Grahams are pleased to have selected Piega s Classic range and we have one of their floor-standing speakers, the 5.0, to demonstrate. This is the entry level floorstanding speaker of the Classic range, with a bookshelf speaker below and a larger floor-standing speaker above. Piega then also offer three higher quality speakers in the Classic range with better technology and a sleeker look. A centre speaker is also on offer for clients who wish to build these into a Surround Sound setup. New Naim Uniti Range The Uniti family has been a fundamental part of Naim s success since launching the original Uniti in A true all-in-one champion that took the core disciplines of Naim, CD playback and amplification, adding network streaming and internet radio services for a compelling single product. Now we are delighted to announce a new platform of Uniti products from Naim Audio. The new Uniti family consists of three all-in-one systems and a server: Uniti Nova (replacing the SuperUniti) from 4, Uniti Star (replacing the NaimUniti2) from 3, Uniti Atom (replacing the UnitiQute) from 1, Uniti Core (replacing the UnitiServe) from 1, Piega loudspeakers offer a very different sound to the majority of our current brands, using only Ribbon tweeters throughout all their speakers. The result is a wide, spacious soundstage with a clean and clear treble, without being harsh. The midrange feeds from this very nicely to round out the sound and that follows smartly onto the bass, which is both extended and controlled when driven properly. They are very efficient and can therefore be run with a relatively light power amplifier. The Classic 5.0 floorstanding speaker costs 1,599 and is available in Satin White and High Gloss Black. A more luxurious polished Macassar Ebony finish is also available for an extra 350. Other models can be brought in for demonstration by arrangement and go from 2,399 upwards. These prices are in effect from 1st January. Prior to this we can offer these products at lower introductory prices saving 300 on a Uniti Nova and Star, save 150 on the Uniti Atom and save 100 on the Uniti Core. Uniti has been redeveloped with a completely new and powerful streaming platform including the latest 5 GHz Wi-Fi technologies and a premium Burr-Brown DAC. This is all coupled to Naim s iconic NAIT integrated amplifier platform for the signature Naim sound. The revitalised design includes the illuminated volume dial from the Naim Statement system in a beautiful aluminium chassis with extruded heatsinks. The front facia includes a polished full colour display providing rich imagery of your album artwork. The new Uniti range includes a host of new features too. All products will include Google Cast, Airplay and Bluetooth with aptx HD for high performance wireless sound from compatible hardware. Each has a built-in server to make connected USB storage available to other streamers and the Uniti Star can also rip discs to USB or network storage. Each includes an HDMI ARC (audio return channel) input to get audio from a compatible television (except Uniti Core and Uniti Atom, for the latter of which it is an option). There is also a new and improved App which gives you effortless control over individual or multiple Uniti devices including the server. Each new product will also include Naim s new Power-Line Lite mains cable developed alongside the new Uniti range from established techniques employed in Naim s Power-Line cable. The Uniti Core will be available in December, the Uniti Atom will follow in Januray and the Star and Nova are expected to start shipping in March

6 To Have It All This Swiss ski chalet is the top two floors of a new build block of residences. Already a UK client of Grahams, we were initially asked to comment on the proposed technology solution being offered by the local developer before the client asked Grahams do this installation. The initial requirement was for a media room, music in a couple of rooms and the data network. An intelligent lighting control system was highly recommended to the client and the project brief was expanded to become a fully integrated chalet with Lutron Homeworks lighting control, a media room/ cinema, fully structurally wired for tv/data, CCTV, music throughout and a Control4 system to gel it all together. Robust Wi-Fi and a good Data Network were essential, helped on this installation because one fibre optic cable supplied TV telephone and fast internet too. Apple TV and Amazon TV can also be accessed from UK accounts Naturally everything needed to be easy to use with the Distributed Audio system capable of delivering streamed music from local NAS storage, from the Internet and radio too. Grahams suggested installing a Lillin IP CCTV camera which detects very specific motion whenever anyone comes and goes it from the apartment. It sends an snap shot to the home owner and keeps a visual log of everyone going in and out. We all hate the phrase future proof but all the rooms were wired with CAT6 cabling and coax to all TV points. All the network is remotely monitored by Grahams using Domotz support hardware. Control4 provides consistent control from room to room and this also allows us to utilise Lutron lighting keypads to provide simple audio control in rooms like the bathroom. The media room features a 75 Samsung UHD TV, Arcam AVR and utilises Triad speakers. All the main windows have motorised shutters which are also controlled via Lutron and Control4. Whilst the client and their friends who have stayed there think it s fantastic the comments of the interior designer who spent a week there this winter says it all. The system was amazing - worked incredibly well and faultlessly! We aren t particularly tech savvy people, so probably didn t test to its full capabilities but I plugged my hard drive into the Blu Ray for the cinema to access my movies from usb, which worked very well, other than that - Sonos and TV function used in dining room and our bedroom suite all worked well. From what we used - fantastic job, well done! Read the full article: 6

7 Grahams Recommended Music Beck Morning Phase This is Beck s most consistent and focussed album yet and one that he produced himself. He had sustained a serious spinal injury in 2005 and found it difficult to perform until Reuniting with most of the musicians from his Sea Change album in 2002, Beck said when we played, it was effortless. We didn t have to work to get that sound. The relaxed feel comes across from the unhurried tempos, the acoustic guitars and the soothing strings. Morning Phase won three Grammys in 2015 including Album of the Year. CD grm LP 22 Kandace Springs Soul Eyes Soul Eyes is the debut album from Kandace Springs, a twenty-seven year old singer, songwriter, pianist from Nashville, Tennessee. It is produced by Larry Klein, who has produced albums for Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux and Melody Gardot. Klein said we avoided anything that had the feeling of production at all in an effort to centre the entire album around her voice and piano playing. This excellent soulful and jazzy album also features guests Terence Blanchard on trumpet and Dean Parks and Jesse Harris on guitar on some tracks. CD 12 LP 22 case/lang/veirs case/lang/veirs This album is a collaboration between Neko Case, k.d.lang and Laura Veirs, singer-songwriters all, who have made many albums in their own right. The fourteen original songs were recorded in Portland, Oregon over two and half years after lang and Case guested on Veirs s 2013 album Warp & Weft. They share lead vocals on the opening track, Atomic Number, but most tracks have one or other of the artists on lead vocals with the others providing backing vocals. Veirs s husband, Tucker Martine, produced and engineered the album. CD grm LP 25 Sandy Denny I ve Always Kept A Unicorn-The Acoustic Sandy Denny A companion album to Mick Houghton s excellent biography of the same name, this forty track compilation is described as being the best album that the late Sandy Denny never made. It consists of recordings and live radio and TV broadcasts, some never released before. It covers the period of her four solo albums and as lead singer of Fairport Convention and Fotheringay, and includes an early acoustic version of Who Knows Where The Time Goes and a delightful duet with Linda Thompson on the Everly Brothers When Will I Be Loved. 2 x CDs 12 2 x LPs 25 Joe Stilgoe New Songs For Old Souls Joe Stilgoe is an English singer, songwriter and pianist and this is his debut album on the Scottish Linn label. It consists of twelve songs, ten of which were written by Stilgoe, including three big band tunes. In fact the big band tracks contain a who s who of top British jazz musicians including Ben Castle on saxophone, Mark Nightingale on trombone, and Jim Mullen on guitar. Stilgoe refers to the album as modern nostalgia, and he shows a great knack of writing and performing new songs that sound immediately familiar. CD grm LP 22 Download 24bit 96kHz 15 Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Common Ground The two brothers formed a band called The Blasters in 1979, but after disagreements Dave Alvin left the band in However, after Phil technically died twice on an operating table during a tour of Spain before being revived, Dave decided to record with his older brother for the first time in nearly thirty years. The resultant album features twelve songs of Big Bill Broonzy spread over his thirty year career. Dave Alvin says about his brother, we argue sometimes, but we never argue about Big Bill Broonzy. CD 12 This selection of music is available for collection or by mail order. Contact us by phone, or post. Our contact details are on the front page of the newsletter. Postage & packing for 1 CD is 2.00 and for up to 4 CDs is Up to 2 LPs is 5.00 and there is a maximum charge of There is a 10% discount for the purchase of all six recordings Naim DR upgrades Naim have recently rejuvenated their core range of separate power amplifiers with Statement transistors and DR (Discrete Regulator) technology. The new DR versions of the NAP 250, NAP 300 and NAP 500 have been available since Naim are now upgrading existing models, as long as they are in the current ( Tryptych ) casework, back at their factory in Salisbury. Naim launched their top-of-the-range, no compromise, Statement amplification in At a cost of 160,000 it consists of a pre-amp and two mono power amps. Fortunately, some of the technology used has been adapted for the 250, 300 and 500 power amps. This has happened in two ways. Firstly, the DR technology was first used on Naim s separate power supplies in It was then adapted and applied to the Statement amplifiers and now the benefits are to be heard on their core range of power amplifiers, providing a smooth, stable and low-noise power supply to further improve the audio performance. Secondly, Naim used their new NA009 power transistor for the first time on the Statement NAP S1 power amplifiers. This is now included in the DR upgrade above. In addition to these, the circuit board designs have been revisited, alongside further improvements to transistor mounting and heat sinking delivering even better performance. If your power amplifier is ten or more years old it would be worth getting it serviced at the same time. NAP 250 DR Upgrade 995 Upgrade & Service 1,295 NAP 300 DR Upgrade 1,495 Upgrade & Service 1,850 NAP 500 DR Upgrade 4,200 Upgrade & Service 4,900 The prices include VAT at 20%, but not carriage, which will be charged separately. If you would like the upgrade to your power amp, please contact us, and we will arrange a time with Naim. 7

8 Did You Know We Do All Of These Things? Hi-Fi Music Systems We carry a range of quality music systems and are experts in Digital Streaming too. From a single room to the whole house Home Cinema We can design anything from a simple surround system in your front room to a dedicated home cinema. Lighting Design & Control Grahams have been designing and installing lighting control systems for a number of years and are experts in getting the best from the latest LED lighting. Networking & Wi-Fi Need really good Wi-Fi in the house? We design and deliver bullet proof network solutions and robust Wi-Fi throughout your house. Heating Control All our smart home solutions include control of Heating & Aircon, as well as security, all from your smart phone, tablet or in-wall touch panel. Home Automation We ve been winning awards for our smart home systems for many years; talk to us if you are doing a refurbishment or new build. 8 Staff News Following Jude s retirement last year, any of you that have ventured into Grahams since then will have noticed another, less familiar face at what was his desk. James Todd has entered our sales team from our projects team after 4 years of project management with us. With this change in his role, he is going back to his roots, having been in electronic retail roles in the past. As if taking on a new role is not enough, James also became a father with the birth of his son, Jacob, in August. Jacob and Mum are both very well and thriving. Quadraspire Bronze To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Q4 hifi rack Quadraspire have developed the Bronze upgrade that can be easily retro fitted to any Q4 or SVT hi-fi rack or wall shelf. Bronze has a broader tonal spectrum and greater sustain that opens the soundstage of your system making it more musical and enjoyable without losing detail. Bronze is one of several high copper content alloys used as a substitute for the more common types of brass to construct the bodies and bells of metal wind instruments. Even some instrument strings for acoustic guitars, mandolins and violins are wrapped with bronze. In addition to the distinctive appearance it provides a broader harmonic response spectrum. The main design features of the Bronze upgrade spike assembly are the SVT curve design of the top bolt and the rounded spikes that together encourage any residual mechanical resonance to flow and dissipate more easily. The Bronze Upgrade assembly consists of a Top Bolt and Lock nut and then a small rounded spike and smaller locknut that screws into the top bolt all engineered at their factory south of Bath. The upgrade can be easily fitted to the top shelf of your rack or Wall Bracket for the benefit of the source component placed onto that shelf. Any component placed on a shelf fitted with the bronze upgrade will have a noticeable improvement. The Quadraspire Bronze upgrade of the Q4 and SVT cost 200 and 400 respectively. We would be happy to offer limited time home demonstrations of these items by post so you can see the difference it can make to your system!