What's new at Totally Wired?

Coming very soon - the NuForce Home range.

Building on the phenomenal success of the affordable and compact Icon range, we're thrilled to bring you a brand new range of ultra high performance components from the smartest company we've ever dealt with. NuForce redefine what a modern hifi system will look and sound like - all digital, sleek and a joy to own.

Star of the show right now is the new DDA-100 integrated amplifier. Already the subject of fantastic reviews and awards, we'll have have these on hand by the end of June along with several other keenly awaited models.

'...the DDA-100 delivers value with a capital V. You get four digital inputs (no analog—remember, this is an all-digital amplifier), one TosLink digital output, and one pair of speaker terminals. NuForce even throws in a nice little credit-card remote control. Add a computer to the front end and a pair of speakers on the back and you've got a completely modern audio system. And, I will brashly add, the DDA-100 sounds better than any conventional integrated amplifier I've heard priced under US$2500.' Steve Stone - The Absolute Sound - full review here

New Sonus faber Venere range of loudspeakers.

A new Sonus faber model is always and event in itself - change is only made to substantially further the Sonus faber ideals. While the flagship models might only be aspirational for many of us, the fact that design elements from these speakers are now directly applied to their entry level models allows you to benefit from the history and expertise that is uniquely Sonus faber.

We've just got the new walnut finished models in stock -the surprisingly affordable Venere 1.5 - a classic compact two way design suitable for either stand or shelf mount - through to a pair rather fabulous floor-standers - the sumptuous spinding 2.5. The Venere range offers you something really special. Learn more here.

Which Well Tempered turntable is right for you?

Since the introduction of the Well Tempered Amadeus turnable around 4 years ago, WT Labs have expanded the range in both directions. The Simplex was introduced as an entry level version. The original Amadeus has enjoyed subtle revisions and upgrades and now with the introduction of the Symmetrex tonearm is officially MK2 . The better Amadeus GT has morphed into the GTA version - the acrylic plinth being replaced by a more massive and seriously engineered composite aluminium version. And now features the top of the line LTD/Symmetrex tonearm taking it's performance well beyond that of the standard Amadeus.

Equal to the Amadeus GTA at the top of the range, the new flagship model VERSALEX is also upgraded with the Symmetrex. The plinth is a 'Baltic Ply' - in other words just like that used in Shahinian speakers which has some rather nice acoustic and mechanical properties - it's finished in a handsome walnut veneer. The motor, platter and bearing may be identical to the Amadeus components but the Verselex has its own distinctive character.

"The Symmetrex tonearm has the unique feature of dynamic tracking. The centre of gravity of the tonearm assembly is well above the rotational pivot of the ball and the ball is immersed in approximately 30% in the damping fluid. When the stylus encounters heavy modulation in the grooves the increased drag causes the tonearm to rotate down thus gently increasing the tracking force maintaining a secure and stable condition for every cartridge" - William Firebaugh, Chief Engineer.

Making Wireless Work for You.

We're all about simple and effective solutions for your audio needs. It's also about giving you choice – this doesn't have to mean a bewildering array of options. Rather, a clear set of alternatives that will fill a varied range of requirements balancing sound quality, features and cost.

You can learn about how we make wireless work for you. If you have been thinking about wireless but it seemed too hard, costly or compromised, then this article will show you thats it's easy, inexpensive and can sound great.

Quad Elite QSP amplifier

The Quad Elite QSP is the latest in the line of legendary Current Dumping amplifiers from the original 405 designed in 1975, made famous by the 606 and carried through several generations to the recently replaced 909. As soon as you see the QSP in the flesh, it's obvious that this amplifier means business - the new black finish, improved ventilation and obvious solidity make it clear that this is a seriously capable and powerful amplifier.

Todays Elite QSP (Quad Stereo Power amplifier) builds on all that has gone before and proves that a very good design not only stands the test of time, but with improved componentry and manufacture, can continue to maintain its exceptional reputation for both performance and value for money.Learn more here.

Geneva World Radio

Do you have fond memories or have romantic notions of the days of the 'wireless'?. Do you have a penchant for classic old world charm or retro styles? Geneva had you in mind when they designed the Geneva World Radio. This is the 2000s and you can have it all. The World Radio is today’s 'wireless' in more than one sense of the word.

Bluetooh wireless receiver

FM Radio

Run on battery

Great sound

Classic design

New Geneva World Radio Portable FM alarm clock radio with Bluetooth. Choice of black, silver or red. NZ$ 449

Rotel 12 Series

For the best part of 30 years Totally Wired have been selling Rotel. Rotel owners will agree that progress in the range is always well considered. They do the best they can for each product so change does not come about frequently. Hence Rotel has always been one of the great sounding, reliable yet affordable HiFi electronics we’ve sold. The new Rotel 12 series follows this tradition – but with some exciting changes making the amplifiers in particular some of the most versatile and user friendly around. They all still have the ever popular phono stage built in and ability to run, and switch between two pairs of speakers, and by-passable tone controls. The better models also include a high end Wolfson WM8740 24 bit/192kHz DAC DAC for making the most of digital sources plus a front USB input and Bluetooth.

The new Cambridge 752BD.

This may well be the last silver disc player you ever consider buying - there is that much that it can do to a very high standard and it incorporates an almost bewildering array of upgradable paths for both audio and video media of every description and standard. The earlier Cambridge Blu-ray player - the well proven Azur 751 BD - was a highly capable multi-format player. But the 752 works on another level again. It has become a central hub with multiple inputs, state of the art video and audio processing and full control over output - including volume. It essentially replaces the conventional BluRay/reciever option and allows you more flexibility and higher performance. More.

The 752BD, even with all the improvements over earlier models is just NZ$1699 and carries Cambridge's 2 year warranty.

The Well Tempered Labs RIAA Phono stage - $499

In keeping with our program of audio socialism we now bring you an absolute ripper of a phono stage from no less than the esteemed Well Tempered Labs for just under NZ$500 - Like NuForce with their high value DACs and amplifiers, Well Tempered Labs are all about bringing high end analogue performance to the masses. The RIAA Phono stage is gusty little box finished in the same style as the DPS power supply for the WT range of turntables, but is about half the size. It runs off 12v DC (which the DPS is set up to provide) but can equally well be used with any decent plug in supply - Tivoli units are perfect. It is specifically designed for moving magnets such as Ortofon or high output MC cartridges like the Dynavector 10X5. For low output Moving Coil cartridges go straight to the latest Dynavector P75MK3 or Pure Audio.

What makes the Well Tempered phono stage so special is the sound - it's a wonderfully solid and warm presentation backed by real power and drive. We don’t know the back story behind the design but it’s immediately obvious that this phono stage gives a full scale analogue performance from even modest cartridges. It comprehensively blitzes anything else we’ve tried at this level - both the well regarded Pro-Ject and Cambridge units sound threadbare by comparison and it betters plenty of far more costly units on MM. The WT phono stage is easily the biggest and best value upgrade for the performance of 90% of turntables out there - the logic of placing more resources in the phono stage than cartridge has always been compelling to us - styli and cartridges quickly wear out and need replacement to maintain sound quality, but a good phono stage lasts a lifetime and makes easily affordable cartridges sound far better than they have any right to.

So the WTL Phono stage is now our best recommendation for not just Well Tempered turntables but also any Project, Rega, Thorens or Linn fitted with either a moving magnet or high output moving coil.

New Pro–Ject Debut Carbon NZ$ 699

The Debut name can be associated with Pro–jet’s most popular and affordable 'grass roots' turntables. Each rendition has been greatly upgraded from the originally rather prosaic Debut with an all round program of improvements. Replacing the 'Debut 3, 'The 'Carbon' is the best yet with a larger 12 inch steel platter, improved motor suspension and a carbon fibre tonearm, (a simplified version of that found on the Xpression. RCA connections allow for future up–grading of the interconnects.

Simply put, this is a great introduction to analogue at it’s price, all up and running with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, dust cover and isolating feet. Witchdoctor likes it, as does the EISA judges. As with it’s predecessor beautifully finished in gloss piano black or choose to different with red, blue, silver or white.

B&W P3 portable headphones

Serious, good quality portable headphones are few and far between. So if you have been looking but felt disillusion so far the P3s from B&W may be just what you’re after.

Grado PS500 Headphones

Introduced to the market this September, Grado presents a pair of cans that are their newest and greatest sonic trump card to date: the PS 500. At a fraction of the price of the top of the Grado line, they retain a boatload of the benefits belonging to their expensive big brother. This is the ultimate in Grado trickle-down technology. The PS 500s are more neutral and linear than any headphone I know of under $1000, and will please the audiophile and recording enthusiast alike... Combined with great clarity and neutrality, the result is just plain stunning. If you are searching for cans in this price range, listen to these... I do not know of one brand's offering anywhere near this price that performs like the Grado PS 500s. As an audiophile friend of mine said when he heard the 500s compared to a mountain of other cans, "these are great headphones." Yes, my friends, the PS 500s are great headphones, and most highly recommended if you want the best bang for your buck and want Made in America, too! Robert H. Levi - Positive Feedback ISSUE 57

Grado have also drastically improved the pricing of many models in NZ - find out more about the new PS500s and the rest of the range here.

i Do!

Do you love surprises? The latest little box from NuForce is literally full of them. When I first read about the new iDo, it was a real struggle to work out what it would be like, or even what it actually did. In fact when the very first one in NZ fell into our hands, it was by chance that we took it home that evening to listen to. To say this little $400 component impressed us is an understatement. I don't think I've ever heard something that makes such a great improvement to music for so little. Find out all about the new MuForce iDo here.

Find us on Facebook

Are you one of the ever growing number of people who use Facebook as your main connection to the outside world and personal interests? Now keep up with more HiFi news via our new Facebook page. Click the like button and we'll share news and views. This also gives you another way to contact us and pass on any information you think would be of interest to your friends.

Previous Newsletters

March 2013 "Making Wireless Work For You.'Learn about how we make wireless work for you, the latest in the line of legendary Current Dumping amplifiers from Quad, the new Elite QSP. Geneva$#8217;s 'World Radio.

February 2013 'Cool New Audio fro You in 2013' Introducing the new Sonus faber 'Venere' range of exquisite loudspeakers; the Rotel '12 series' with new high tech digital features; Cambridge’s highly capable 751BD Bluray player that extends beyond their earlier models; the RIAA Phono stage by Well Tempered raises the bar for well priced separate phono amps; with the new 'Carbon', Pro-Ject yet again produces a turntable that offers stunning value for money.

June 2012 'Which Well Tempered turntable is right for you? The Sonos Sub is here, plus the Cambridge 651BD Blueray player.

May 2012 'The Numbers Game' The quantification of audio is difficult to avoid - it’s so very easy to pin a number on something as a measure of its worth - be it size. power or price. Allow us to show you the way through to simplicity and quality. NuForce Dia, Pure Audio, Audio Analogue, Wadia 121, Meridian Media Core 200.

Aug 2011 'Ways to Stay Warm' A fresh look at Monitor Audio speakers, why is the Cambridge 751BD the last disc player you’ll ever need to buy? Sonos Play3 speaker and analogue news.

May 2011 'Make Your Apple Swing'' Are you an Apple enthusiast? If you answered 'yes' then you'll love the range of cool new products we've got that build on the strengths of Apples ever expanding universe of options.

March 2011 'Open Ears and Open Minds' Introducing PrimaLuna tube amplifiers; reminding you of the Tivoli "Pal" radio – your best friend when you need it; the ultimate iPod –and iPad – dock from Cambridge and news on an exciting new New Zealand amplifier brand,'Pure Audio'.

February 2011 'Meet the Future' A fresh new approach to audio with the Icon range of small electronics from NuForce. Plus Headphone Heaven.

Nov 2010 'Great Ideas for Christmas' and Introducing Geneva.

October 2010 Tivoli Connector & Model 10, Audio Analogue Verdi & Rossini tube hybrid amp and CD player, Firestone Audio, Quad Active and Image Revelation MK2 speakers, Spin Clean record cleaner, Sonos iPad controller software, Rotel RCX 1500 System.

August 2010 Well Tempered Simplex, New Tivoli options, Monitor Audio RX Silver loudspeaker range, Rotel RA06 Special Edition components, HRT Mk2 Music streamers, Perreaux - strange but true.

June 2010 Sonos. In built speaker options from Speakercraft & Monitor Audio.

May 2010 Image Petit Performa II, SlinkyLinks MK2

March 2010 Cambridge Audio BD650 Blu Ray & 650 AVR, Meridian 808.2, Sonus Faber Elipsa, Sonos, HRT, Analogue Update, Perreaux SX25i

Totally Wired Limited

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