Acoustic Energy's AE509 loudspeakers combine affordability with beautiful design and technology. A blend which creates a powerful sound and a natural presence. Read all about these deceptively sounding entry-level loudspeakers that punch well above their price point.

To anyone who’s been around a while, ahem, like me, they will know the name, Acoustic Energy. They started back in 1987 with the AE1 loudspeakers, and since then have grown with the industry, producing some fantastic products over the years.

Technology is one of their driving factors, and with the introduction of their 500 series, they have certainly hit upon something very special.

The Entreq Protectus together with the MaxMix T2 kit loudspeaker dongles are something quite groundbreaking. A decent vibration isolation platform is always very useful in lowering the noise floor. But these have something else to offer which is quite awsome.

If you’ve read my review on the Entreq Tellus, you will know that the addition of a grounding box can really solidify the sound. In the world of grounding your system, Entreq is the best in the business. And the innovation in this line is only getting more and more interesting.

The latest products from Entreq have to be one of the most interesting yet. The Protectus, together with the MaxMix T2 kit, are something that will turn heads.

The Ultrafide U4PRE Ultra Sigma Preamplifier is here at Tannoyista, and putting it together with the matching U500DC power amplifier brings both body and soul which just keeps getting better and better.

In 2023, I reviewed the Ultrafide Ultra Sigma U500DC power amplifier, which has been a wonderful addition to the Tannoyista system. Now the matching Ultrafide U4Pre preamplifier has arrived at Tannoyista, and, together, this ultra sigma combo is something that brings the true world of professional high-end audio into your own space.

Ultrafide U4PRE Ultra Sigma Preamplifier together with the U500DC Power Amplifier

The Weiss DAC-204 is one of the best DACs on the market. It's sound is second to none whilst it's versitility is truly remarkable.

There’s something about the sound of a DAC that can either switch you on or off. The Weiss DAC-204 is here at Tannoyista and it’s re-writing my experience in digital audio performance.

The Degritter ultrasonic record cleaning machine (RCM) is nothing but an absolute essential for your vinyl collection. Easy to use with outstanding results, its the ultimate cleaning machine.

The Degritter Mk-II RCM (Record Cleaning Machine) has arrived at Tannoyista and what an amazing machine it is. Like many of us, I always try to buy the best pressings, and with that, you most certainly want them to sound at their best and to get as close as you can to that master tape sound.

The Degritter Mk-II is the latest version of this wonderful machine. Keeping vinyl clean not only allows your music to be enjoyed at its maximum, but it also retains the life of both your stylus and your vinyl.

The Ranvoice Audio RV-1020 valve preamplfier is something which is both unique in build and sound. Utilising the sound of EL-84s, and separate PSU, it's most certainly something to consider.

Ranvoice Audio is a new company based in west Ukraine. It’s quite obvious that having an obscene and unwarranted war raging in your own country would bring its own difficulties. But, against all odds,

Ranvoice has created a unique valve preamplifier that makes you want to sit up and listen.

The Croft Acoustics Vitale SC is a classic preamplifier. Discover how the upgrades by Firebottle Audio have brought this sleeping beauty bang up to date.

In early 2023, I decided that I'd put together a more robust balanced system, and with a new balanced amplifier on the cards coming into Tannoyista, the time was right to get a nice preamplifier sorted too.

Discover more about the amazing Ultrafide Audio U500DC power amplifier. British-made and very special.

It's early 2023. And with the new year, a new amplifier has arrived at Tannoyista. And this time, it isn't valve-based. This 250wpc British-made amplifier is from a company with an excellent heritage in live sound & professional studio circles that some in the Hi-Fi world may not have heard of.

Nonetheless, it is a heritage that has been highly regarded in professional audio worldwide and has recently added a Hi-Fi arrow to its bow, Ultrafide.

Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier

Contents
2024 UPDATE: The U500DC Together with the U4PRE Preamplfier
Who is Ultrafide?
Unboxing the Ultrafide U500DC
The initial look and feel of the amplifier
Connecting up
Switching on the Amplifier
The U500DC in the Tannoyista System
How does it sound?
Inside the Ultrafide U500DC amplifier
Using XLR or RCA connections
Setting the Timbre to PURE or VINTAGE?
Conclusion
Pricing and details
Specification

Discover the wonderful Kenwood/Trio L-07D turntable. A wonder of engineering and design.

The L-07D doesn't need any introduction to the turntable 'Hall of Fame'. Alongside the greatest Technics and J.C.Verdier decks, the L-07D stands out on par and just as remarkable. My previous turntable was Thorens TD-124 MKII which I was in position for nearly 10 years.
It was fully refurbished by Schopper and the sound was sublime.

Running with an SPU GT with an SME 3009 it really rocked. Well, things changed and I decided I really wanted to finally get my hands on an L-07D.

When one came on the market I snapped it up and after a full service, I'm really glad I did. The Trio/Kenwood L-07D turntable has always sparked my interest.

I first saw one in a magazine back in the mid-90s' and I was always impressed with its design. Not only that but the fact that it was made around the late '70s and mid-'80s.

Discover the Khozmo 'Shunt Relay' Passive preamplifier. The purest of audio.

In 2014, I added a Khozmo volume attenuator to my Croft preamplifier and found it to be one of the most worthwhile upgrades I'd ever done. Fast forward to 2022 and things have certainly developed. Khozmo has developed one of the best passive preamplifiers I've heard.

Contents
Unboxing the Khozmo Preamplifier
Inside the Khozmo
Operating the Khozmo
How does it sound?
The Sound with a Digital Source
The Khozmo and the Studer A80 Tape Machine
Conclusion
Pricing and details

Discover what Entreq can bring to your system with the Tellus 2 Infinity line grounding box and Eartha cables.

The Entreq Tellus II Infinity Line is one of the most intriguing additions to the Tannoyista system I've ever had the pleasure of owning. It has no moving parts, no mains cable and is encased in beautifully finished solid wood.

Entreq Tellus 2 Infinity Line Grounding box

Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Connecting the Entreq
The Eartha grounding cables
Connecting the Tellus to big Tannoy loudspeakers
What does noise do?
The Sound with the Tellus 2
Conclusion
To finish
Specifications

Used by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Lou Reed to name just a few. Discover the history and sound of these original Trident Studios monitoring loudspeakers.

Trident Studios was a recording studio in London. Opening in 1968, it remained open until 1981 and in that time, Trident Studios coined itself one of the most uniquely important recording studios in the world.

Trident Studios Lockwood Major loudspeakers

The Tannoyista system with the Trident Studios Lockwood Majors

Discover the improvements of the Sepea Audio stabiliser card for the Studer A80 master tape machine.

The A80 stabiliser card is something you wouldn't think about upgrading. But Sepia Audio has made something really special which has to be experienced on such a legendary machine.

The Studer A80 is one of the most famous reel-to-reel machines in the world. Renowned for its delicate transport and amazing reproduction quality, its time on this earth is now legendary.

Contents
Who is Sepea Audio
The Stabiliser card
Installation
Lacing up the machine
Conclusion
Product and contact information

Discover the Studer A80/R Master tape recorder. The most famous work-horse in music.

The Studer A80 Master Recorder is one hell of a beast. After previously owning a Studer A807 MKII, Nagra Kudelski, Revox G36 and a Pioneer RT-909, in 2018 I wanted to revisit an old friend with whom I was familiar back in the early '90s.

Contents
A brief history of the Studer A80
Buying a Studer A80
Servicing and refurbishing the A80
Dimensions and weight of the A80/R

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