Making Life Better

Sneaky YouTube

2010-03-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

Many audiophiles now believe digital streaming offers superior music reproduction to that of using a CD player. Number One Audio has produced a short "how to" video to help music enthusiasts better understand Linn's digital streaming technology. Using a Linn Sneaky DS, Netgear Router, Sony Laptop and Linn's 109 loudspeakers, audio consultant Nathan explains the role each component plays and how to connect the system together.

If you've read all you can about DS and want to know more - click here to view the video.

Don't think twice...

2010-03-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

Growing up in the analogue sixties, access to a wide variety of music was not as it is in today's listen to what you want when you want 21st century. Apart from pirate radio and wonderful Radio 1 we caught what we could on TV as it was broadcast. Repeats were few and far between, VHS recording a distant dream.

Thursday meant Top of the Pops which pretty much dictated (or reflected) the tastes of the day. Other light entertainment shows had guest pop slots and there was always Blue Peter on Friday.

I was too young to appreciate Peter, Paul and Mary. Sure I enjoyed their catchy melodies and sweet harmony, but I guess they were a little too sophisticated and subtle for a ten year old and they passed me by.

Scroll forward forty years and scrummaging idly through my local music shop I stumble across The Very Best Of Peter, Paul and Mary and decide to take a punt. (Not much of a punt with Lemon Tree, If I Had A Hammer, The Times They Are A Changin(Live), Leaving On A Jet Plane, Puff The Magic Dragon etc).

Back at Number One Audio I rip the trio onto RipNas for Linns DS and Meridian's Ensemble, sit back - relax - breathtaking! Recorded in a golden analogue age the vocals sound as fresh as if they were recorded yesterday. Over and above the melody, chords and harmonies is a stunning musical performance. Dynamics are pronounced with each voice and instrument perfectly placed in the soundstage. But forget the technology, this is song writing and musicianship of the highest order, the lyrical message as relevant today as was when first penned.

Lady Gaga? Queen Mary Please!

Number One Audio go Live

2009-11-30T03:03:00.000-08:00

Number One Audio Consultants are proud to announce our involvement in the Leamington Music Festival Weekend which begins on Friday 30 April 2010.

The festival weekend is organised by Leamington Music who also promote a comprehensive program of concerts throughout the year in the Leamington and Warwick district.

Number One Audio are sponsoring the first event of the weekend on Friday 30 April with a performance by the Schubert Ensemble of London featuring music by Mendelssohn, Weber and Schumann.

The Schubert Ensemble of London was formed 26 years ago and is recognised as one of the world's leading exponents of chamber music for piano and strings. Further information about this event and the festival weekend will be published here soon. For more information about Leamington Music click here.

DSP8000 on Permanent Demo

2009-10-12T02:03:00.000-07:00

Meridian's flagship digital, active DSP 8000 loudspeakers are now on permanent demonstration at Number One Audio Consultants for the next two months, driven by Sooloos.

This is a loudspeaker which realistically reproduces the timbre and dynamics of a concert grand piano.

Visually, the loudspeaker is elegant and beautifully finished. Acoustically our demonstration reinforces Meridian's credentials as one of the premiere audio manufacturers in the world. To hear what all the fuss is about call into our showroom - or for a more critical demonstration, please call to arrange a listen in our Audition Suite.

There are places left at our first birthday celebration party on 29 October. So to arrange an audition or book a place at or Red, White and a Kind of Blue celebration call 01926 429136.

Red White and a Kind of Blue

2009-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our first anniversary, Number One Audio Consultants is hosting an event on 29 October 2009. Bringing together the best of the old and new worlds, the evening will celebrate the best in French wine and cool American jazz under the banner of Red, White and a Kind of Blue.

In our showroom Geoff Burns of local wine merchants S. H. Jones will guide guests through a tasting of red and white French wines whilst a Meridian Sooloos/DSP8000 system provides background jazz music from Americas coolest exponents.

Following wine tasting, guests will be free to relax and enjoy jazz music via the vinyl medium in our Audition Suite featuring Linn Klimax LP12 with Linn Akurate electronics and loudspeakers.

Places are limited and this event is bound to be popular. To reserve your place, please contact Nathan on 01926 429136 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

For more details click here.

RipNas completes the picture

2009-08-26T04:22:00.001-07:00

With interest in digital streaming gathering pace in this pivotal year for the audio industry, some excellent IT products aimed specifically at music lovers are coming on line. RipNAS is such a product which works seamlessly with LINN's superb digital streaming products to give the convenience of the digital domain with the quality associated with real hi fi.

Back in the 1970's Ivor Tiefenbrun of LINN taught us that the source of the audio signal was the most important element of the audio chain - what was lost from the record groove at the outset could not be reclaimed further down the equipment chain. In the digital age everything has changed and nothing has changed in that it's still important to achieve an accurate RIP of your original CD and RipNAS does just that as well as being easy to use.

This NAS (Network Attached Storage) device operates almost silently and is stylish enough to sit alongside your Hi Fi equipment rather than an IT rack under the stairs or in the garage. It's also pre-configured with software for quality ripping and streaming - it really is ready to go straight out of the box.

Storage space begins at 1TB giving a capacity of around 2800 CD's in audiophile FLAC format. Larger drives are available or you can add to your original box as your music collection grows.

To see, hear and learn more about RipNAS or digital streaming contact nathan@numberoneaudio, call into our showroom in Leamingtom Spa or call 01926 429136.

The Revolution WILL be televised.

2009-08-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

In the audiophile's halcyon days of the early eighties there was no serious rival to vinyl. It was (and still is) a total work of art. For your hard earned, not only did you get your favourite music via a beautifully tactile and sonically superior medium, there was the artwork, lyrics and sleeve notes to peruse as you chilled.

CD was a little slow to take off, but as the sound got better and people prefered the convenience of the new format, sales boomed at the expense of vinyl. Soon we were flicking through racks of small jewel cases rather than 12" LP's. And now the days of CD dominance are numbered. Have you been into HMV recently? Sure you can find most of what you want in London's Oxford Street, but in my local branches in Coventry and Leamington Spa you don't get much more than the Pop forty and Classic FM's smooth hits. Most of Solihull is given over to DVD with just a small section for CD's stacked end on, so you can't see the artwork anyway without pulling it out of the pile.

Apple led the digital revolution in music, but they prized quantity over quality. However you can't argue with their commercial success and they do appreciate the "visual" element of listening to music with a great artwork and cover flow system.

At Number One Audio we've noticed a growing interest in quality digital music sales and enquiries in recent months. In the hearts and minds of some there will always be place for CD players as there is with vinyl - in fact vinyl is enjoying a resurgence. But digital reproduction from hard disks and/or streaming will be the dominant medium of the future.

But a new piece in the digital jigsaw is bound to accelerate the take up of digital players in the coming months. Last week Linn released Cara, a new software update for their superb range of Digital Streaming players. Combine this with Kinsky Desktop and you have an interface to your music collection which is a real pleasure to use. You can flick through your album collection quickly as you recognise the artwork with good resolution and size. Combine this with "Songbook" on and iTouch or iPhone and get a similar experience in the palm of your hand.

What goes around comes around. To experience the new generation of high quality audio and find out how it can make you life better contact nathan@numberoneaudio.co.uk or call 01926 429136.

Sooloos is coming!

2009-06-16T03:38:00.001-07:00

At last! The convenience of digital audio combined with the design and audiophile values of Meridian and it's coming to Number One Audio Consultants of Leamington Spa.

Sooloos is a media server allowing you to store your music in a lossless format for high quality reproduction at the touch of a screen. The system can sit at the heart of your two channel hi-fi system or provide a central point with which to distribute music around your home - or both.

Matched with other Meridian components, Sooloos provides a simple to use high quality storage facility and control point and it can equally be matched with existing two channel and multi room systems.

As well as the superb audio quality, a real point of differentiation from other media systems is the interface - a sheer joy and fun to use. The touch panel accesses music instantly, as well as organising your library in the way you want, along with some fun tools for cross-referencing. For example, does your favourite guitarist guest on any other albums in your collection? Find out easily at a single touch of the screen. No time to create your own playlist for that dinner party? Let Sooloos know the ambience you'd like to create and it does the rest.

Sooloos is available for audition at Number One Audio. To arrange an audition, contact Nathan on 01926 429136 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

To read Stereophile's Sooloos review click here.

Linn Radikal reveals more Soul

2009-05-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

Every now and then technology and music combine in time and space to destroy any pre-conceptions one may have as a music lover and hi-fi enthusiast. I had such a moment of epiphany at around 21:06 on Tuesday 12 May in the Audition Suite of Number One Audio Consultants.

The occasion was an evening for vinyl enthusiasts to audition the latest Radikal and Urika upgrades for the Linn Sondek LP12 turntable.

After around 15 years I rediscovered the beauty of that vinyl "sound" 18 months ago following a chance debate about the merits of analogue v digital with a neighbour at a New Year's party.

Digging out my old vinyl collection (which thankfully I'd kept), I invested in a new turntable and have since also bought around 200 new mostly heavy vinyl LP's since New Year '08.

Whilst I'm constantly delighted at the quality of "records" old and new, I am guilty at times of second guessing what I expect to hear. New Diana Krall pressings always superb, Linn Records fantastic, Speakers Corner, Classic Records etc etc.

At our "Out of this World" event guests sat back with a glass of fine wine or bottle of beer, water or cup of tea and enjoyed a selection of familiar tracks from familiar artists including Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Lou Reed, Miles Davis, Holst and Franz Ferdinand amongst many, many others. Everyone was suitable impressed - some gob-smacked.

Then a guest picked out the Beatles' Rubber Soul from the rack, a standard pressing bought at a local record shop quite recently. "In My Life" rang out and my life changed. The clarity of this 1965 recording stopped me in my tracks. The melody, harmony and sheer "music" left me in awe - the Beatles just got better. It's a track I'd heard before on radio, on TV, even on some very competent digital systems, but no reproduction had moved me like this before. Was it my low expectation - a standard (albeit Abbey Road) recording pressed on regular vinyl that made the new listening experience so revelatory?

Oh well - it's back to the drawing board and back through my whole vinyl collection once again!

Brian Dobson

Linn Go Out Of This World

2009-04-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

In the most exciting development for vinyl enthusiasts in years, Linn Products has introduced two significant upgrades for the already legendary Linn Sondek LP12.

The Radikal is a new DC power supply and replaces the standard AC motor and power supply, upgrading the transcription turntable to a new level of accuracy and enjoyment.

The unit can be supplied in a standard Linn or Klimax chassis to match your current system.

The Linn Urika is a new moving coil phono stage which actually fits inside the Linn Sondek's chassis and works with the Radikal to deliver a new benchmark in LP performance.

This is great news for vinyl enthusiasts and confirms Linn's commitment to improvements in vinyl reproduction.

A special event to launch and demonstrate the new set up is taking place at Number One Audio Consultants on Tuesday 12 May 2009 from 7:00pm. To book your place at this eagerly anticipated event please call Nathan on 01926 429136 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk

The new upgraded Linn Sondek LP12 with Radikal and Urika will also be available for private audition at Number One Audio from the following day.

Shop Online with Number One Audio

2009-04-04T03:28:00.001-07:00

You can now purchase from Number One Audio Consultants online through our AudioToo website, making life even better.

AudioToo is continually updating the online shop with new products added everyday. Payments are secured through the Protx security system with most major credit and debit cards catered for.

To date, popular Departments include Chord Cables and Pioneer with useful information about Audionet's audiophile line available for browsing. Linn's Sneaky DS is also a superbly conceived product as an introduction to audiophile grade digital music streaming from your computer or attached music storage device.

You can browse AudioToo at http://www.audiotoo.co.uk/ or contact Number One Audio Consultants on 01926 429136 or consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk to find out more.

Number One Takes Stock

2009-03-04T03:23:00.000-08:00

Following a change of UK distributor, Number One Audio has now taken in stock of Nordost's exceptional products and are now Nordost Reference Dealers.

I'm always amazed at the difference foundation products make. Good racks, supports and cables are essential to get the best from your system, so whatever your hi-fi or home cinema budget always allow for "accessories". In a recent demonstration, Nordost account manager Paul Woodward, clearly highlighted the audio benefits of their interconnects as he went up through the Nordost range from Flatline to Valhalla. Even with modest (£6.00pm) speaker cable used consistently through the demo the differences could be heard, further demonstrating how good Nordost loudspeaker cables are - even at entry level.

If you're considering a new hi-fi or home cinema system or simply your next power, interconnect or loudspeaker cable upgrade contact Number One Audio Consultants on 01926 429136 or nathan@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

Whilst we carry an extensive range of stock please ring ahead to check if you wish to audition a specific cable - if we don't have it in stock - we'll get it!

Twice As Sweet

2009-01-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

Currently enjoying all the 5* accolades in the serious hi fi press, Number One Audio Consultants are delighted to offer the brand new Roksan Kandy K2 CD Player and Stereo Integrated Amplifier for audition. Solidly built and available in black or silver, these quality units impress in their own right - a total joy in combination.

The Kandy K2 stereo integrated amplifier in particular with upgraded components and revised internal layout is a significant step forward in performance from its predecessor. The Integrated is "What Hi Fi" Product of The Year.

To find out more go to www.roksan.co.uk. To arrange an audition or purchase Roksan's impressive new system call 01926 429136 or contact nathan@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

Quad's Small L-ite's get better

2009-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

Number One Audio Consultants is delighted to add the sonically superior and British styled classic new Quad L-ite 2's to our product range.

Following customers' demand for a high quality, compact surround sound system, we set about searching for a loudspeaker package to match our ethics and values. The Quad L-ite 2's meet that challenge and then some.

Not every customer has the luxury of sufficient space to accommodate the full size loudspeaker systems we offer, such as those from Linn, Meridian and Wilson Benesch but they still refuse to compromise on audio quality and build. Most sub-sat systems, whilst impressive at initial audition because of "boom" and "fizz" at the frequency extremes, can disappoint over time due to a "hole" in the mid-range where dialogue occurs. The Quad L-ite satellite and centre speakers deliver full-range audio whilst integrating seamlessly with the powerful subwoofer.

Make no mistake, this sub-sat What Hi-Fi 5* rated system will satisfy the most demanding movie lover for less than £1,100.00, whilst a pair deliver famous Quad stereo performance for less than £170.00.

Contact nathan@numberoneaudio.co.uk or call 01926 429136 to arrange an audition or purchase.

Number One Get Heavy

2009-01-07T01:18:00.000-08:00

Number One Audio Consultants are proud to announce shirt Sponsorship of Warwickian Rugby Club. The club was formed in 2004 when Old Warwickian RFC and Warwick RFC combined.

The club promotes the playing of Rugby in the Warwick Area as well as promoting the Warwickshire region with their visits to other counties and invitations to touring sides.

The club is housed in super new facilities in Hampton Road with a first class clubhouse incorporating a bar and professional catering facilities which are available to hire for private functions.

From all at Number One Audio Consultants, good luck Warwickian!

First 2009 Events announced

2008-12-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Number One Audio Consultants today announced three exciting new events for 2009.

On Thursday 22 January 2009 "A music lover's guide to choosing Hi-Fi" will provide a non technical introduction to the musical delight quality audio equipment provides.

Demonstrations are jargon free, avoiding the usual audiophile clichés. With expert guidance from Number One Audio Consultants and guests from Linn, you'll soon come recognise the kind of performance you can expect at several price points. Experienced audiophiles and music lovers alike welcome!

On Thursday 19 February 2009 we are delighted to welcome founder and managing director of Linn Products, Ivor Tiefenbrun (pictured) to Number One. Inventor of the legendary Linn Sondek LP12 turntable, Ivor will introduce us to "The best sound we've ever made" with the breathtaking Klimax DS. This event is sure to be extremely popular so please call 01926 429136 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk to reserve your place.

For those who cherish vinyl (your author amongst them!) we'll be running a "Linn Turntable Klinik" on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 March 2009. Bring along your LP12 for a tune-up to make sure you maintain optimum performance - and while you wait, why not have a listen to our own LP12 with Keel, or explore Leamington Spa's well heeled shopping centre and restaurants?

For more details on any of these events visit our "Events" page from 18 December or contact Number One Audio Consultants.

Number One join BADA

2008-11-28T07:57:00.001-08:00

Number One Audio Consultants aim to provide an outstanding audio visual experience in the home. We believe this begins by creating a relaxed retail environment with superb products and exceptional service. So far every visitor to our store in the centre of Leamington Spa has commented on the creativity of our interior designers, whereas products from brands such as Audionet, Leema, Linn, Loewe, Meridian Wilson Benesch, SIM2 and Pioneer speak for themselves. So far, so good!

With exceptional service also high on our agenda and Number One Audio Consultants are proud be members of the British Audio Visual Dealers Association (BADA) and wholeheartedly subscribe to the Association's code of practice.

Zero Hour for Number One

2008-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

"Wow!" was the expression as guests enjoyed the hospitality of Number One Audio Consultants at their opening night party. Around fifty guests enjoyed the gorgeous design and ambience of the Rob Taylor designed showroom, described by one audio manufacturer's account manager as "the best hi-fi store in the country."

With each carefully selected and auditioned brand enjoying its own chrome and glass product display, Linn and Meridian also provide quality in-wall surround sound supporting Pioneer and Loewe displays, for home owners who prefer their audio to be physically - if not aurally- discreet.

In the Audition Suite guests took it in turn to be amazed by the breathtaking quality of Meridian's 808i.2 Signature Reference CD player / DSP7200 combination, with jaws dropping at the brilliance of SIM2's projection.

Linn account manager George Clegg also took great pleasure in introducing visitors to Linn's class leading Digital Steaming technology.

Although scheduled to finish at 8.00pm, the last guests finally departed at 10:30 with several music and movie lovers booking return appointments to take a closer look and listen. Together with site visits for custom installation surveys, the future looks sound for Number One Audio Consultants.

Official Opening Confirmed as 30 October

2008-10-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

Whilst the doors of Number One Audio Consultants will be open for business from 22 October 2008 the Official Opening Reception is confirmed as Thursday 30 October between 18:00 and 20:00. The event will celebrate the opening of the new business and introduction of some of the world's premium hi fi and home cinema brands to this corner of Warwickshire. It will also be an opportunity for guests to get a practical feel for Number One's custom installation and interior design service.

The Number One team will be joined on the night by experts from Linn and Meridian with specially commissioned art by Paul Oz also being revealed.

For an invitation or more information please call 01926 334455 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

Number One meet the wizard Oz

2008-09-27T10:35:00.001-07:00

Number One Audio Consultants' new designer showroom in Holly Walk Leamington Spa is taking shape as it promises to be a creative and exciting environment for everyone interested in audio, home theatre, custom installation or just exquisite design.

In prominent place will stand five stainless steel and glass plinths featuring the best audio and video equipment in the region. Lighting is also a key consideration with focused spotlights highlighting products, whilst creating the ideal conditions for projection, plasma and LCD displays.

A fascinating talking point is sure to be an artwork centrepiece created by Leamington Spa's exciting new talent - Paul Oz. Gary White, co founder of Number One Audio first saw Paul's work at Warwick Studios in Leamington Spa and was instantly transfixed, immediately commissioning Paul to create an original piece for Number One Audio's showroom. Paul said "I visited the showroom with Gary the other day and can see there's nothing like it - it's going to create a great feel and I can't wait to get started on this new piece".

Shop-fitting works are set to be finished by 10 October, with the audio team completing installation, testing and display of equipment a week or so later. Official opening is set for the week commencing 20 October with a launch party the following week - so watch this space or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk for more details.

Sneaky at Number One

2008-09-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

As builders make way for our interior designers and shop fitters the Number One Audio team has been preoccupied this past week fine tuning our stock list. As well as familiar turntable and CD sources we are determined to make sure our customers understand and can enjoy the convenience of the latest digital streaming technology in "better than CD" audiophile quality.

Our in-store demonstration kit includes Linn's Majik DS, Akurate DS and Linn Sneaky Music DS. The Sneaky Music DS is a brilliant piece of technology giving customers the opportunity to experience the musical brilliance of this new format. Sneaky Music DS includes player and amplifier in a single compact unit for £995.00. Simply hook it up to loudspeakers and your digital home network to access the music files stored on your PC or laptop hard drive. Sneaky Music DS reads all common digital audio formats including uncompressed FLAC for instance, opening up the possibility of downloading music at studio master quality, such as the superb recordings available at Linn Records. The beauty of the system is that as your digital music collection grows you can add additional storage space such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device which can be conveniently located anywhere in your home with network access. At last, the ease of a digital format with audiophile-grade quality.

If you're at ease with new technology and you love music this product is for you. If you love music and the digital convenience of Linn's products appeal to you but you're not sure where to start, Number One Audio can take you through the simple set up procedure, or set up a digital network for you.

If you'd like to find out how digital music streaming can make your life better or arrange a demonstration call Number One Audio on 01926 334455 or email consultant@numberoneaudio.co.uk.

The Countdown Begins

2008-08-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Number One Audio Consultants is an exciting new concept in hi-fi and home cinema retailing and multi-room custom installation. From late October 2008 the Number One team will be offering high-end products and professional services from brand new store premises in the centre of Leamington Spa. Building works are scheduled to be complete by the end of August with shop fitting contractors beginning work in the first week of September.

The new venture is the brainchild of Brian Dobson an audio enthusiast and former professional sound engineer. "I've been into music for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until around 1981 that I bought my first real hi-fi - the Linn Sondek LP12 which at the time was taking the audiophile community by storm. From that moment, it's been my dream to spread the hi-fi gospel. It may have been a long time coming but it's been well worth the wait!" said Brian.

Number One Audio Consultants retail the best audio and video equipment available in the UK. Audionet, Leema Acoustics, Linn, Meridian, Pioneer, SIM2 and Wilson Benesch make up the company's premier accounts with Isotek, Nordost, The Chord Company and Quadraspire creating a solid foundation with top quality accessories.

Number One make acquiring quality hi fi and home cinema equipment a real pleasure. Consequently a great deal of thought has been put into the layout of the designer store in Holly Walk, Leamington Spa. The shop consists of two units, No 43 Regent Court is the Showroom and No 41 the Philip Hobbs tuned Audition Suite. "Our designers have created a fabulous showroom environment where clients can get a real feel for the design and aesthetics of our products as well as get to know our team. Following an initial consultation, the recommended components or system will be set up in the Audition Suite for customers to see and hear the equipment or movie in ideal listening conditions."

This Blog will be updated weekly and the date for the official opening of the store announced here first.