Some of the things that our customers are saying…

You’ve found us and a great selection of cool audio stuff for your home.

So would you like to know what our customers think of the brands, products and service you can get from Totally Wired? Here are some of the unsolicited comments our customers have made and given us permission to reprint. Some of these thoughts may give you a start in considering which products would be suitable for you; the sound and function that will make you happy too.

February 2016

John...... You're not having those speaker cables back...... never! I know I got excited about installing the KLEI IC cables into our system, & for good reason, but the inclusion of the gZero6 SC(speaker cables), has just brought the whole system on song. The combination has again bumped everything up more than a notch, & I truly believe that these KLEI cables have been the most substantial upgrade for the money invested in our system! Pauline noted straight away, "there's a lot deeper bass", which took me by surprise as she was playing a game on her iPad! Yes, we have deeper, tighter & more substantial bass that was previously missing, but that really is only part of what's going on. To use an over used analogy, it's like looking at a picture through several layered dirty sheets of glass, & as each KLEI cable was introduced into our system, a dirty sheet of glass was removed. The gZero6 speaker cables replaced the last "dirty sheet of glass", & now there is nothing in the way. I feel all our components have come together at their full potential. As a whole, the KLEI cables have transformed our music with tremendous smooth detail, speed, tightness & space, not least improving the bass beyond what I thought was possible. I guess what they are really doing, is simply not getting in the way, & our music & enjoyment is the better for it. The "burn in" is starting to show itself now too. The slightly harsh top frequencies in the IC cables has vanished & is now beautifully delicate & even more detailed. Each time we put on a disc we hear new detail in the music we thought we knew. Cheers, Leighton

December 2015

Hi John, Just a quick e-mail to say thanks and how impressed with the (Cambridge) CXU from the CD reproduction side. Still working on the internet and TV aspects. Bright sounding with good depth picking up a lot more off our CDs, a re–welcome to our whole new CD collection. Very impressed. Regards, Matt

October 2015

Dear John and Carolyn, Greetings from Abu Dhabi where last week, I finally got to unload the hi-fi kit I bought from you back in July. All of the goods survived the journey, and I am happy to report that our beautiful new home now has two beautifully functioning stereo systems, each of which has been immeasurably improved by the equipment with which you supplied us. The Nuprime and Oppo combination, in particular, did wonders in bringing out the inherent quality of my studio nearfield speaker system (old school Genelec 1029 + 1091 combination) when placed in the intimate setting of our 'media room'. The Monitor Audio Silver 6s, meanwhile, are filling our larger living room with a wonderfully full and well rounded musicality. Thank you! Kind regards, Taneli

August 2015

"Good morning John & Carolyn, just thought I'd drop you a line after installing our new cables yesterday. I was about the house yesterday, so I installed all our new KLEI interconnects into our "little system" which we use in the bedroom. This I left running for the entire day, & even on this system, just wondering around the house doing chores, things sounded remarkably different.

Later that evening, after the Prima Luna valve amp had warmed up for an hour or so, the KLEI interconnects were switched to the "good" system, & we sat back with a glass of shiraz & chocolate & lime cake, to spin a few disc's. Personally I was expecting an improvement of some sort, but was not quite prepared for the magnitude of what was to come!

Just how much difference could some rather unassuming lengths of wire make to the sound of your music system? From the first few notes, we just looked at each other, with a look of surprise on our faces. Detail, speed, ambience & a total sense of space, around each individual instrument & voice. Notes that used to just end abruptly, now have an ambient trail of decay, as if you can sense the size of the room the instrument was recorded in. There's detail we just couldn't hear previously. I could go on with superlatives, but to say the KLEI cables are quite remarkable, is nothing short of fact.

Using the Prima Luna valve amplifier, & Sonus faber Venere 2.5's, our system was rich, a little warm, & for use of a better word, "organic". The KLEI interconnects have injected a direct hit of the added detail, punch & tight low end, I knew was being held back with our previous "budget" cables. This assessment is all from our first 4 hours with these cables. There's a hint of top end brittleness at this stage, but I well expect this to soften as the required burn in time takes place over the next few weeks. All of this improvement, & we haven't even looked at the loudspeaker cables yet!So thank you John, for your always sound & tested advice & guidance. Every comment & description you spoke of about these cables is spot on. I know we have the best sounding interconnects for our system & budget, & look forward to what it's really all about, a closer experience to the music we love & are always discovering. Totally Stoked!" Leighton and Pauline

July 2015

"Hi Carolyn, I purchased a pair of the 2015 Bronze 2 speakers a few weeks back and I thought I'd drop you a line to let you know what a fantastic sounding speaker they are! I'm not an audio expert by any stretch, but I'm just amazed at how good they are. There are things I'm hearing in my favourite music that I'd just not heard before. The first time my wife heard Rachmaninoff's 2nd piano concerto through them she had tears in her eyes. You could hear doors closing in the background of the recording, it was like being there! Our music tastes are varied ranging from classical music, old time blues and jazz right through to contemporary rock, electronic and alternative. These speakers handle the whole lot easily and beautifully. They sound clean and clear in the whole frequency range from the lowest volume to as high as is comfortable. No clipping, no distortion. They look good too for what it's worth. Thanks for a great recommendation. Cheers, Hillie"

Here's what one of our clients thinks of their new NuPrime DAC-10....

'Thought you’d want to know that for me the NuPrime DAC10 does everything as promised, John. I always like reading your descriptions of new products because they turn your personal experience into an enticingly seductive account of the sound pleasure to come for only a (comparatively) small expenditure. But what I like best is that these are no idle promises; what you describe is what we get. I hope the companies who supply your equipment appreciate your skill in this matter.

So, yes, the NuPrime DAC is brilliant for people like me, as you predicted, with Plinius amplifiers and Meridian or Oppo DACs. No question the DAC is excellent and as you described for the NuPrime Ida-16 it only took 5 seconds to work that out. So the biggest improvement for me is in the PCM discs since I need to send DSD discs by analogue which bypasses the NuPrime DAC. Still, the pre-amp clearly works better than the Plinius as well, which improves the DSD sound even if with less of a mark-up. And the advances are as described by you and NuPrime: a more expansive sound stage, greater clarity and detail, speed of response, and minimal distortion.

I had excellent detail: this is better. The sound stage in particular is terrific, filling the middle between the speakers even more than after gzero10 cables were added, and the tonal quality is equally enhanced, notably in middle registers and with strings which is always a hard task. All this was more or less prepared for. But what I didn’t expect was the amazing improvement to the bass end — more clarity, more pronounced instrument timbre, more presence, more weight even! And that without the sub... So I'm amazed at having replaced $6000 worth of equipment for a third of the price and getting such a distinctive improvement."

February 2015

"Hi John, I have received the Slinkylinks and hurried to replace the Acoustic Zen cable (which I had on for few days to get a solid reference prior to hearing the SL). Wow! In my system, the Acoustic Zen cable had a lush, thick presentation and was a very enjoyable complement to Wadia's precision and finesse. Perhaps the AZ cable would also be enjoyable with different gear (will try it later on the Krell amp). The Naim cable - you know it well. The SL however delivers sound that is in a different league. It is as you said: more fine detail comes through, carrying enough information to hear even the layout of the venue (let alone the "performers in the room" cliche). If I may venture a brash comparison - I feel that it brings the sound closer to that of Magico Q5 (whose clarity I found unbelievable at the California Audio Show last year). I might end up finding faults as time goes by and ear adjusts to the novelty - but first impression is very favorable. Right now it is hard to think how would one improve beyond what already is - with this system, of course. Thank you again for the kind and friendly service. Yours, Cornel"

August 2014

“Dear John and Carolyn, Carolyn said my son would love the Quad Vena which he indeed does. He said it made an immediate and totally impressive difference – clearer, more layered, more spacious sound – and that the bluetooth connection works without any noticeable loss. So you’re right again and his present Quad speakers will last a while yet. I want to say how much I admire the way you run your business. It must be hard having to communicate online a lot, but I like the way you personalise your descriptions, always testing the products against your own experience, and making suggestions on that basis. You clearly know the HiFi world from the inside, not just from product advertising, and you respond quickly to email questions with focussed and informed advice – and advice that always allows discretion of decision–making. Both my son and I have now benefitted from this advice and, particularly with the Vena, saved considerable money as a consequence. So thank you for your service and congratulations on running a personable business in an age of detached corporate enterprise” Warwick Slinn

“I’m a musician with a recording studio working mainly with acoustic instruments which particularly need high quality audio to sound their best. In 2011 I was looking for a digital preamp to evaluate my uncompressed, 96 khz final tracks. I purchased from Totally Wired a NuForce HDP and paired it with Grado headphones for a very pleasing sound. Each instrument stood out clearly in the mix as I'd hoped. Remarkable for such a reasonable price. Furthermore it was easy to set up. I had it going within a few minutes. Pleased with the NuForce HDP, a year or so later I ordered a NuForce Dia paired with Monitor Audio speakers and was equally pleased. Easy set up again, excellent clarity and great value for money. NuForce impresses me as an innovative company producing cleverly designed, reliable products.” www.MarkOwenMusic.org

“Hi Sharon and John, Just a quick note to let you know the new amp has arrived and has been installed! I am blown away by how much life this has breathed into my system and have fallen for Rotel products all over again. I think I have been so re’inspired that I might just go and buy some records and cd’s.  I haven’t done this for a long time as I tend to download a lot these days. Even that music (relayed to the stereo by a Bluetooth connection) sounds soooo much better. Once again, 13 years on and from 300 miles away – thanks for the great service, good advice and fantastic deal!” Andrew (Nov 09)

“…Hello again from Wellington Carolyn and John, Just a quick note to thank you once again for your advice and great products! The NuForce USB Dac has really ‘revved’ up my digital listening through my desktop pc and the BTR–100 Bluetooth Receiver has brought my digital music collection to my hifi with wireless simplicity. Thanks once again for your care and for being my hifi ‘rockstars’ for the last 20 years! Cheers Andrew (Aug 14)”

“Totally Wired gave awesome service and expert advice getting the audio gear I needed. When I needed support they were with me all the way. I thoroughly recommend Totally wired to anyone looking for quality audio equipment.” Chris

July 2014

“After a long drive home I couldn’t wait to set up the NuForce DAC and after doing so played the same few tracks of Tracy Chapman that I had used earlier at the audition at your showroom. Well....... my system has indeed experienced an upgrade which is most noticeable when playing well recorded material. My listening pleasure has been enhanced which is incredible considering that I feel that my hearing ( judged without hearing aids) has deteriorated in the last 3 years. Of course I only listen to music with my aids fitted. More good news is that my wife who has excellent hearing said that the sound was noticeably better even when listening from an adjoining room! I will now spend more time listening to a wider range of music and I will let you know in advance when I am coming back to Dunedin. It was a most worthwhile visit for me! Thanks again.” Graham.

“Hi John, Just wanted to say how nice the sound is that comes from the device. (Tivoli Model One) So simple looking, just wonderful. Thank you.” Mike

“Hi John, I just wanted to note how much I am enjoying the D 3020. It impresses with music from all sources - turntable, Apple TV, CD, Bluetooth, and even iPod. So, thanks very much for that.” Gavin

June 2014

“Hi John, I thought you’d like to know I’m now a fully committed member of the Sonus Faber fan club. I’ve been running the Olympica Is for over 40 hours now and am getting to appreciate their qualities and liveliness – everything you said they were: detailed, expressive, responsive, sensitive….I hope your business is thriving and that Sonus Faber continues to thrive. I appreciate your always detailed responses and fulsome information about options. It’s all been very successful. Now I look forward to replaying my whole CD collection over the next few years.” Warwick Slinn

May 2014

“Hi Carolyn & John, I received the Belkin yesterday. I just wanted to let you know that it arrived in top nick. I am very impressed with the packaging that you have put in to buffer the item. Thank You for the excellent care that you take with it.” Seng.

Nov 2013

“Hi John, absolutely delighted with the DDA 100 performance it is a truly amazing piece of kit. Only issue I had was my Airport Express being an older version, I had to reload Airport Utility 5.6. However the system (OS X Lion) would not allow me to load 5.6, but trolling through the net I found a piece of shareware software "Pacifist" at $20 US that enables you to bypass the system and load version 5.6. May be useful for other customers that have a similar issue. Thanks again for introducing me to Nuforce and particularly the DAA 100, I am hearing instruments with a clarity that I have only heard in demonstration rooms before, with kit costing three times the price.” Roger

Oct 2012

“Hi John and Carolyn, I just wanted to say thank you for very good advice and service; I am more than happy with my recent purchases. It was very good that you advised me to get the iPal and not the Model 1, as reception at our bach is very poor. All the rubbish stations come through fine, but National Radio struggles. With the iPal, however, we are sorted. The NuForce Icon2 has been a revelation. Having spent 20 odd years listening to my warm, lovely (but dying) Musical Fidelity A1, I was wary of a wee digital amp, but the clarity and big open sound has astounded me. I love it.” Mads

July 2012

“Hi John and Carolyn, Thought it was about time I dropped you a few comments on my new (Well Tempered) Amadeus. The best way I can describe it is stunning! I had thought that my Linn Basik was fine for the bit that turns the record around, and cartridge and electronics were the key to reproduction from there. I've had that view totally overturned – the difference is huge, and much more than the difference between any of the different cartridges used in the test listen. So with no change in any other component I've got a huge lift in performance. And the sound.... tight and agile would be top of the list. Also clear, lively, much more space between instruments, solid deep bass, detail, delicacy etc etc. Forget the idea that vinyl is all about warmth and sweetness - its got that, but also now makes CDs sound flat and slow by comparison! So thanks for encouraging me down this line – I can see its going to be a lifelong companion.” Murray

April 2011

“Hi John, I have managed to get my system working, and it (Cambridge DAC Magic) sounds fantastic. Thanks for your great service and quick shipping.” Fred

March 2011

“Hi, Got the package yesterday (NuForce HDP) and gave it a spin last night. So impressed particularly with how effortlessly it drives my headphones. Plugging directly in to my sound card before and turning the volume up would produce distortion quite early in the piece and to test this I gamed a bit as well and the sound was awesome in both that and music. I tested both USB and coaxial in and coax certainly provided the superior sound but I will continue to experiment as you do in these cases. The cables are great as well, so light and perfect for plugging into a relatively small device. One thing I noticed.  I don’t usually apply EQ and effects etc to my music but I did give that a go with the HDP when it was using coax in and it appeared to influence the sound whereas USB did not or to a far lesser degree if it did. I know USB and coax are both digital and the coax was coming straight from the sound card whereas USB was not so some clarification on how that part works would be appreciated. Thanks again for all your guidance and help. I would certainly buy from and recommend you in future.” Nick

“Hello John, I purchased a Tivoli Model One from you last week and explained that I was hoping it would arrive to Auckland before my husbands birthday. I am pleased to advise that it did arrive on the Wednesday, and rather than open the courier box, I wrapped it, ready for handing over to the birthday boy, the next morning. On opening, we were both delighted to see that you had gone to the trouble of actually wrapping the Model One box with birthday paper....and ribbon! Thankyou very much, the little extras in customer service go a long way, and is really appreciated.” Annette

Oct 2010

“Received the cart (Ortofon Red), – fitted it to my new Rega P5 - sounds amazing! Many thanks.” Benjamin

Sep 2010

“Hi Sharon, Received the radio (Tivoli Model One) today. Thank you very much for such good service. I love it!!” Geoff and Nicky

2009

“Hi John, Thanks very much for your excellent service. The kit arrived on Wednesday, and is now up and running. What a difference the Quad speakers make over the horrid Wharfedales!…You’re right: the tuner is quite remarkable, and better than I have heard anywhere” Richard

April 2010

“Hi Sharon, Thanks again for all your help :) He loved it!! And we have the cable so it's all good to go :) It is a pleasure working with you!” Michelle

“Thanks, Sharon! You and John have been super to work with!. we are really enjoying the system”. Lisa and Jeff

Feb 2010

“Thanks very much, John. By the way – you have an excellent website and the ‘shopping experience’ was great.” Jan

Jan 2010

“Thanks to you both. Your honest and knowledgeable service is greatly appreciated in our household.” Jeremy and Margaret

Dec 2009

“Hi John & Sharon, Just to let you know that I have had a very enjoyable year with the Cremona Ms I bought from you. They are truly superb and are being driven by a Jadis Orchestra Ref integrated valve amplifier from France, with the front end being the Clearaudio Master Solution turntable from Germany. Clearaudio Phono amp and Chord Electronic speaker cables and interconnects.  Only vinyl. All together a superb sounding system. My wife is also enjoying the Tivoli radio from you.” Phil

“Thank you John, The Blu’Ray is all set up and working perfectly. It is a beautiful unit, the picture is magnificent, and the sound outstanding. My CD collection has new life. The Grado’:s are also more than I dreamed, and I had high expectations here too. And adopting a Hector’s dolphin is an added bonus. ” Brett

Mar 2009

“Hi John, Happy to report that everything sounds great – I am very pleased.” Rob D, Auckland

So tell us what you want

…and together we’ll select the ideal component or system for you. We’ll organize safe delivery and everything that is required to get you up and running. It will look and sound just superb!

While an infectious enthusiasm for sound quality is at the heart of our operation, we also actively support Safe Animals from Exploitation and the World Wide Fund for Nature, especially in their efforts to save New Zealands endangered Hectors Dolphin.

Direct Contact

John Ransley and Carolyn Guytonbeck are the principals behind Totally Wired. It’s our own business and we take pride in building something worthwhile.

If you want to contact us directly by mail:

• John Ransley
• Carolyn Guytonbeck

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