Testimonials

Hi Terry
well the TQ Ultra Black interconnects have had over 100 hours playtime with over a third of that being the TQ burn in track downloaded from their site...and ...F#*kn amazing...they have really nailed the "natural" sound ...all the normal words used to describe sound improvements apply...Open,detailed,defined etc...but overall its the 'life like' quality that im really loving.

Ive noticed that even while working in the other room Im more engaged with the music...the CD format which previously I looked at as the poorer cousin to Hi Res files,has really come alive...The CDs lower level of digital information compared to hi sample/bit rate files had made it harder for them to be'heard' in the wash of power noise (that the thrax power cables have corrected) and the older MITs not being revealing enough (which the TQs are miles ahead on)...Of course the Hi res files been 'lifted' just as much,but its the Cds that have surprised me.

The TQ Ultra Black interconnects and the Thrax power cables have given the system the final 'Pop' it was waiting for...and of course more and more $$$ could be spent to achieve even better results ,but overall the system 'sounds
and feels' complete.(unless I win Lotto:-)

Thanks once again
regards
Warren

Terry guided me towards the Aria Piccolo music server, and what a choice. It is everything he said it would be…a doddle to rip CDs, internet radio works via the Aria so easily, and the sound quality is superb. As he said, a key thing is the quality of the app and I would say there are none better. This really adds to the whole music listening experience.

Great advice, great service…thanks Terry. And I love just ambling around your showroom. I’ve been checking out stereo gear for a long time and it’s the most interesting range of quality equipment I’ve seen/heard in this country by a long way. Better known elite brands are mixed with some amazing stuff from the cutting edge companies out there. (I’ve certainly never seen so many tubes in my life). Great stereo lives on.

Chris Rattue

Hi Terry
Thought it was time to give an update on the:

Antipodes Audio EX music server
Ayon Spirit V tube integrated amp
Audio Solution Figaro S speakers

The reason I haven’t done so sooner is very simple: I have just been enjoying listening to the music and hearing the differences as the system opens up.

For not having an ideal positional setup, no isolation equipment, racks or standalone DAC (everything sits on 20mm marble slabs) the system has no right to sound as musical, detailed, open and wide as it does. I know that previous systems I’ve had would struggle under the same conditions. For the range of music styles that I listen too, the system manages them with ease.

The Audio Solutions Figaro S speakers are a genuine surprise.

Beautifully open, communicative and (the surprise) they do not lack for bass. My wife was surprised in that they were bigger than she expected but they have a neat trick in that the rear half of the side panels is reflective. We have wooden panels in our old house, so by getting the speaker with the xiralic brown finish, the rear bulk of the speaker has effectively disappeared. Nice.

Thanks for your help and patience. It was a long haul to get to where we are.

Now to get some of those missing pieces in place.

Cheers
Ross

Hi Terry,
I have now installed the Isoacoustics Gaia-III footers under a Vinylista (German) turntable plinth that supports my Garrard 401 turntable.

The installation was straightforward, especially due to the thoughtful selection of thread inserts supplied with the footers, one set of which fortunately matched the holes for the previous footers on the plinth.

I tend to be a bit cynical about tweaks, probably because my ears are not what they used to be. However the IsoAcoustic footers have made a noticeable difference, soundstage is wider and more detailed, and bass
is more precise and defined. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade and recommended for consideration by turntable owners.

Thank you very much for giving me the set of Gaia-IIs, it is greatly appreciated and enjoyed.

Regards,
Tony

Hi Terry.
Below are my thoughts on the Morch DP-8 toneatrm.

After installation and setup the DP-8 tonearm provided the most stable and centred soundstage I have heard on my system with very impressive control and pitch definition in the bass.

More impressive is this level of control continues all the way through the mid bass, midband and upper frequencies. The presentation does not sound mechanical or clinical.

Timing is spot on and the level of transparency invites me to listen into the music and turn up the volume while remaining very consistent in retaining all the sonic qualities mentioned earlier regardless of volume level.

The DP-8 is a truly remarkable piece of engineering that has enabled me to hear what my cartridge can really deliver.

Kumaren

Hi Terry,
The TAOC MSMkII rack arrived and has been set up, the feedback / resonance problem I have with my big EAT turntable has now been solved and the music is now much clearer and more importantly much more enjoyable!

Thank you again for your excellent service.

Regards
Mike

Hi Terry
Now that I have been using the Stillpoints Ultra Mini for a few weeks, I just wanted to say that they have been a revelation - all the hi-fi clichés i.e. better separation, more detail, quieter etc. are a tick.

In fact I would say that they are quite possibly the best upgrade I have made to any system including upgrading amps and sources.

What astounded me the most was these improvements were all brought about by placing the Stillpoints beneath my power distribution block – I had erroneously assumed that the best gains would be under the source equipment

I guess the next logical step will be to try these Stillpoints under my speakers.

Regards
Gary

Hi Terry,
Thought you may like feedback on the MAGICO SPpods.

Buying Magico speakers is like buying a V8 sports car but only getting a V6 until you pay another 10% more to get a key to unlock the extra 2 cylinders!

Magico (in my humble opinion) should not sell their speakers without the spods the difference is that noticeable to us.

We have a new system, the speakers can sing without the floor adding it’s voice.

As always thank you for your help.
Simon

After 3 months of trying hard to get synergy in my system and not achieving the desired sound, and about ready to give up Terry encouraged me to persevere and asked me to try the TQ Ultra Black speaker cables in my system. Encouraged by Terry I bought the amp back to its original configuration and revised the speaker plinth set up, this time the whole system with TQs installed it all came together and sounded so much better, now the Canton K7 speakers and amp synergy etc was finally what I had been searching for.

Comparing them with other combinations and cables the consensus was a unanimous no-brainer. They bring out acoustic detail, soundstage accuracy and refined dynamics that could not be replicated with the other cables on a variety of music.

Thank you Terry
Dave

Terry,
After Saturday when we set up the new Ayon Crossfire 300B integrated I decided to look at using the Aurelic Vega DAC again. What a difference - with the Crossfire installed there is much more clarity, definition and texture.

I can also get a lot more volume and headroom; it's like using the previous Triton amp but with greater definition and timbre. Fantastic. You'll have to come and have a listen.

Regards,
Stephen

Terry
Thank you so much Terry for these little beauties. (Accustic Arts Reference Mono-II amps). I can not believe just how great they are. The detail, tightness, and warmth is truly amazing.

Coming from a electronics background I always thought amplification was just a matter of numbers...DB gain, Current, Impedance etc that’s why I have always had the best source I can afford, thinking the sound can be only as good as the DAC’s etc at the front end.

But boy! Have I been proven wrong these Mono ll’s just confirm that amplifier design is more of an art (excuse pun) than simple maths.

I ended up taking the rest of the week off work for a kaleidoscope of listening pleasure.

Thanks again...I think I owe you a beer next time I’m up that way
James

Hi Terry,
Many thanks to you and the delivery team for getting those magnificent speakers safely installed on Tuesday, they certainly are impressive in both appearance and sound!

You always wonder if you have made the right decision and if the new equipment will live up to your expectations especially an item as significant as this. After only 2 days the answer is a very definite YES!!

I have always believed that the true purpose of a high end system is 2 fold – primarily to give enjoyment to the listener/s, but secondly in so doing it is to bring the artist or artists into the living room, if you were to close your eyes you should be able to imagine the performers right there in front of you.

The Magico S7 does that and much more. The sound is so clear and clean, a very wide soundstage and brilliant imaging. The resolution is so good that you are able to pick out each instrument and the timbre of each note. But it seems more than that as everything blends together into a brilliantly enjoyable experience.

I have played a number of tracks now but there were 2 in particular that had been played a number of times on my previous gear and were enjoyable but played through the Magico’s gave an amazing WOW it has never sounded like that before!! I’m finding that you do hear notes and tones not heard before, right through the range.
The reason for choosing the S7 was the base extension, and so far it is exceeding expectations, very tight, strong and extended but thankfully not overdone. The base is there when needed and is very precise and deep.

It’s a wonderful combination from the MSB DAC & UMT/ Acoustic Arts Mono III’s and now the Magico S7’s. Judy and I are looking forward to much enjoyment and many very pleasant hours exploring.

Thanks Terry for your advice over the last almost 2 years, I never dreamt when I first contacted you that I would end up with the system that we now enjoy!

Kind Regards
David

Hi Terry,
A big thank you for your hospitality and changing out the cartridge over to a Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC on our Clearaudio DC Performance Turntable on Friday. This upgraded package complete with the new Clearaudio Basic+ phono is so, so good! Wife and I didn’t get to bed until the small hours of Saturday morning, we Just couldn’t pull ourselves away from in front of the system. I cant imagine Vinyl sounding any better! What does the Statement plus Gold finger sound like? I can only imagine!

Thanks again Terry you are a legend, the wife and I are in debt to you! I am sure we will be back to see you sometime soon.

All the Best
Murray and Marie

Hi Terry
Thought we would let you know that we really enjoyed the Acoustic Arts REFERENCE TUBE PREAMP II over the weekend. It has made a world of difference. Simon is appreciating the Magico's again now!

Thanks
M

Hi Terry what a difference the new GigaWatt LC3 EVO power cables cables made, (they replaced the PS Audio AC12 power cables).

Melanie could not believe the difference...she is still talking and smiling about the music this morning.

As always we appreciate your help and guidance.
What a difference!

Here’s hoping the Thixar bases and fuses make another positive change.

Again our thanks to you and Penny.
Simon

Hi Terry,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to test out different Vicoustics panels. I found each panel type has its own function and benefit depending on your room.
For me, adding DC2 panels to cover the TV additional to the ones I got from you before underneath the TV helped unveil the muddled voice on tracks, especially on live recordings where the voice is supposedly higher than the instruments.
I had to compromise since I am renting and couldn’t remove the TV from where it is so tried gluing the DC2s on a light board with a bracket to cover ithe TV screen when we wernt watching it and it did the trick very nicley.
Looking forward to hearing more when the Wavewood Diffusers arrive.
Thanks again!

Bensan

Hi Terry
I have finally got my system all set up.
The MIT cables and Clearaudio cartridge are just fantastic and a massive improvement.

Many thanks for all your help

Kind regards
Jonathan

Hi Terry,
"A bit lost for words here but I am now into my fourth continuous day of listening to music through this astonishing preamp with a big smile on my face"!

Thank you
Regards
Mike

Hi Terry,
Hooked up the Ayon Scorpio, with the new Tellurium cables last night.
The problem is I could not turn off the system and go to bed..... Entrancing sound....Extremely musical. Rediscovered old favorites. Each track had so much more information than previously heard. Its very impressive. Thank you for the direction towards the AYON CD10 and the AYON Scorpio amp.

The look of the two side by side is quite unique. Mother was horrified in the morning by the size of the Scorpio and it's industrial look. I explained to her that such beauty emits from such a chunky looking "machine". Actually the industrial look transforms itself into elegant majesty once it's sound is embraced.

The Tannoys XT6Fs are up to the task.......currently, heh heh
David

Hi Terry,
Well the Ayons are playing beautifully as I type this communicardo. The music is so relaxed, stress free and natural sounding you just fall into it. Bass extension is incredibly deep and controlled with no hint of flab or bloat. In terms of PRAT or stop start these amps are fast and deliver quick transients within the music in a heartbeat. I'm so glad I made the move to Ayon the build quality is exceptional with performance to match.

Thanks and regards
Tim

Hi Terry
I am very happy with my new Antipodes EX. Out of the box there was a really big difference from my previous player (4 times better). Much quieter background and clearer imaging. I know it will get better with more hours, better cabling and isolation. Looking forward to getting a nice dac soon.

Thanks again

Cheers
Bensan

Hi Terry,
Just though I would let you know, that further to my purchase of the Magtech amp last week, we have ~

- put in a new shelf for the amp
- used some decent interconnects
- sorted out other cabling
- and with the Magtech properly warmed up . . .

We now have an outstanding improvement!

A veil has been removed, more detail, plus a significant deeper bass and control. Wow! We have never heard the Linn speakers perform so well.
Thank you again for the time you gave us last week. We are very happy customers.

Kind regards,
Paul

Hi Terry,
Well after a week of late nights and great music both digital and via my new Clearaudio Concept turntable what can I say, WOW, my new Cantons Reference K3 speakers have really started to sing.

The mid range and top end detail is there in spades just as you suggested it would be , however I just can't believe the effect they have had in the lower registers. Both subtlety and raw horsepower all combine to create a very special loudspeaker, thanks again for steering me in the right direction and I'm sure as this journey continues our paths will cross again.

Cheers
Shane

Hi Terry,
Thanks for talking me into upgrading the Usher B10's to the B20's, because of the size of the room (6.5m x 10.8m) the room has come alive with the B20's filling the space with ease.The B20's have also added depth to the base but most interestingly it has opened up the mid-range.

I loved the sound style of the Usher B10's and the B20's are in the same vane but the room/speaker match is now right and I'm now getting the best out of the system.

If I have one big thank you (above the other thank you's), is the time and effort you have put into my project to get the best outcome and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Kind Regards
Martyn Seddon

Hey Terry,
I trust you’re well. I’ve been meaning to give you a call but the days just get away on me one after another, so will drop an email before I’m pointlessly late.

The Magico’s were delivered maybe two weeks ago now which was stunning delivery speed. The time from confirmation to arrival was actually incredible and caught me almost unprepared.

The whole purchase start to finish was perfect high-end brand stuff, so really pleased that this was a good decision top to bottom. A very reassuring experience when such costs are involved.

The sound as you know is incredible, and I just wanted to touch base and say these speakers do things I have seldom or never heard speakers do before. Even without fine tuning the placement the room response produces incredibly low, tight bass. Recordings of all types – good and not so good - have new life in them, so I couldn’t be happier.

Thanks again for helping make this happen. I think the Plinius Reference system will stay as is for as far as I can see. Stay well, and I’ll be sure to drop you a line if I’m up your way.

Cheers,
Aidan Moody

Hi Terry
We have now had the chance to have a good listen to the upgraded Antipodes DS GT music server that we recently received back from you. The Antipodes now completes the new system that we bought from you which includes the Ayon Spirit 3 integrated tube amplifier, Tellurium Q Ultra-Black cabling throughout and the absolutely magnificent Tannoy GR Kensington 10” dual concentric loudspeakers.

The performance from our new system is absolutely stunning and exceeds the quality of sound we hoped to attain when we set out to upgrade from our existing system. The addition of listening to our ripped music and Tidal streaming via the Roon music management system on the Antipodes DS GT makes for a rich and engaging digital front end experience that is a joy to use.

Aileen and I would like to like to say a particular thank you to you for the significant personal time and attention you devoted to us as we auditioned various components and discussed the pros and cons of different options and combinations. Moving up from the entry/ mid-level system that we had to what is now a near reference level system was a big step up and a significant investment for us. It was a process made more complicated by needing to ensure synergy and balance between so many new components and the dimensions of our lounge. You helped us navigate all this with sensible and tailored advice and the continued insistence on us listening so we could hear the qualities of various components and the synergy between them for ourselves.

When we assembled the new system in our own lounge and struck an issue with sound balance, you were quick to provide expertise and assistance and the issue was rectified swiftly with a simple change of preamp tubes. We were enormously grateful for this support as we simply did not have the expertise to understand the issue or to identify the right solution. High end audio can be very complex and we know anyone looking to buy a component or a system from Audio Reference can be confident that they will receive expert advice when they are buying and great after sales support should they need it.

Our new system has now raised our enjoyment of music to a whole new level. Crank up the volume and the full, dynamic sound from the 10” Tannoys makes us feel like we’re listening to our favourite artist at a live gig. Turn it down later at night and it sounds like Julia Stone is playing her guitar softly right in front of us - simply marvellous!

We look forward to catching up with you at some stage in the New Year but in the meantime Aileen and I would like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a long and relaxing summer break.

All the very best.
Rob and Aileen