Magazine Reviews

Hi-Fi Choice gave the XTZ Room Analyzer 5 stars in their March Issue. Richard Black commented on the fact that the software is simple to use and is a great tool for getting the optimum from your set-up. The Room Analyzer also got the Hi-Fi Choice Best Buy Badge. He commented that it is a unique and ingenius product that brings professional acoustic-in roommeasurement of speakers into the audiophile world with a budget price and with ease.

For

- Good room analysis
- Easy to understand
- Real-time analysis

Against

- Not a substitute for proper room treatments.

To view the product please click here.

XTZ 99.25 Review in May 2010 HiFi World.

HiFi World have done a review of the XTZ 99.25 standmounting loudspeakers using SEAS drivers and a ribbon tweeter. The review is in the May 2010 issue and has recevied 5 Globes. Here are some of the comments from David Price:

"they came over as gently but compellingly musical, very open and spacious without phase issues and unexpectedly smooth... they're self-effacing and just get on with the job of making sweet, smooth music"

"Their ease, smoothness, openness and general master-tape like unflappability was utterly unexpected at the price."

Verdict - Disarmingly open and refined at the price, these bring unexpected civility , refinement and insight to the price point. Exceptional value for money.

For-

-Tonal accuracy

-seamless midband

-silky, svelte treble

-build and finish

Against-

-Nothing at the price.

Click here to view the product

Full System Review in June 2010 Hi-Fi Choice

XTZ A-100 D3, XTZ CD-100, XTZ 99.36

A full XTZ system incorporating Class A-100D3 Integrated Amplifier , CD-100 CD Player and 99.36 Floor standing loudspeakers has received a rave review from Jimmy Hughes of HiFi Choice. Some of his comments include:

“So, if we’d just spent £1795 on this system would we send it back? Not a chance! In fact we’d be absolutely thrilled to have bought such a great system for so little outlay”

“This system offers great sound and terrific value. And for those unable to listen prior to purchase we’d simply say this – order with confidence. Trust us, we are the reviewers after all and it’s our job to know these things.”

“An Amplifier and CD player with this sort and build finish and quality for just £600 and £365 respectively? Unbelievable!”

“Musically the presentation is clear and unpretentious – a very nice system that’s a please to listen to... With XTZ your attention is always fixed on the music – not the sound of music. That’s because the basic sound is admirably clear and cleanly focused.”

To view the relevent products clickon the product name you want XTZ A-100 D3, XTZ CD-100, XTZ 99.36

XTZ CD-100 Review in August 2010 HiFi World

We are happy to announce that HiFi World have completed a review the XTZ CD-100 CD Player. It has been given a very good review along with 4 Globes.

Here are a few of Adam Smiths comments:

“The weight of the box and sturdiness of the machine contained therein are quite at odds with the selling price of £365. Even better is the truly delicious remote control handset sat in the top of the box.”

“Some of the features found on it are, again, astonishing considering the price.”

“The first thing that hit me as the music started was the bass…Bass was full, perfectly rounded and incredibly tight.”

“I was also impressed by it’s abilities when I came to imaging… it really does spotlight the central action vividly and, as a result, helps to focus the main aspect of the performance.”

“Incredibly well built and specified and offering an astounding level of value for money, it has a great deal to recommend it, particularly at its eminently affordable price. With an easy rhythmicality and a weighty well ordered low end it will find many friends.”

Verdict - Superbly built and with an impressive sense of pace and weight, the CD-100's performance belies its price tag.

FOR-
- Image focus
- Low end impact
- Remote control
- Build
- Value

AGAINST-
- Recessed upper mid/treble
- "Hello"!

View product here.

XTZ A-100 D3 Review in September 2010 HiFi World

We just thought you might like to know that HiFi World have issued the review of the XTZ Class A-100 D3 Integrated Amplifier giving it 5 Globes. The unit retails at £600.00 and here are some of the comments from the reviewer Tony Bolton:

"Using the XTZ's DAC opened the sound right up producing and soundstage whose size and detailing i would normally expect from CD player"

"There was more ring to hit cymbals and a greater insight into the detailing of a vocalist's technique and presentation. This was accompanied by a soundstage that seemed to flow out into the room."

"Imaging was pinpoint accurate with the performers well spaced and well described. Timing was good and quite vibrant with pop, dance and rock music."

"It could retail for three times it's price and still be regarded as good. At £600 it offers superlative performance at the price."

"Try it, I think you will be impressed."

The Amplifier reveived 5 Globes - Verdict: This very well specified, fine sounding integrated amplifier represents excellent value for money.

For-

- fulsome and detailed sound

- switchable class A

- onboard DAC

- phono stage

- value

Against-

- slightly 'transistory' top end

More information on the XTZ Class A-100 D3 Integrated Amplifier can be found here

XTZ AP-100 Review in October 2010 Hi-Fi Choice Magazine

We are please to announce that Hi-Fi Choice has published their review of the XTZ AP-100 Power Amplifier. Here are some comments from the reviewer Ricjard Black:

"Construction is very solid and based around an internal steel frame, which also provides screening between input, power supply and the two powr amp circuit boards"

"It's lively and full-bodied and can do lovely subtle things with quieter tracks."

"It presents the music both plausibly and attractively... and avoids many of the pitfalls of other budget seperates uncluding significantly the issue of colouration."

LIKE - Lively sound with plenty of musical appeal.

DISLIKE - Detail not always among the best; runs exceptionally hot in CLass A mode.

WE SAY - Offering a realistic and distinctive alternative to sub £1000 integrated models.

Overall Score - 4 Stars.

XTZ 99 W12.18ICE Reviewed in December 2010 Home Cinema Choice

We are pleased to announce that XTZ has received yet another raving review of one of it's products, the 99W12.18ICE Subwoofer. It received 4 stars out of 5 which is no mean feat considering the competition out there. Here are some of the reviewers comments;

"The ICEpower amp has a certain effortless amount of pure shove that does pretty much what any normal user might ask of it."

"You get the Bang & Olufsen designed ICEpower half-kilowatt amp, plus switches on the back that cater for the sane user through to the bass hooligan."

"But above all, the output is delicious. The 12in Peerless XXLS driver is very good indeed and its metal cone is pistonic, uncoloured and tight. The huge magnet on its butt grips the cone in an iron fist, and the porting has been cleverly thought out."

HIGHS-
Power and air shifting ability equate to high quality output

LOWS-
The EQ is a very blunt tool; online seller only.

The XTZ 99 W12.18ICE received a Home Cinema Choice Best Buy Badge.

To view the product please click here.

XTZ AP-100 Review in February 2011 HiFi World

We are pleased to announce that once again we have received a highly positive review for one of our products. This time HiFi World have had for review the XTZ AP-100 Power Amp. Here are some of the comments from Tony Bolton the reviewer.

"Imaging was good... the soundstage extending beyond the speakers and also coming out into the room and back through the wall a little."

"The precise, almost mincing pace of the track was exquisitely descibed, and the over emphasised, vowel-strangling enunciation of the chorus was perfectly rendered... The almost delicate precision of the music seemed to suit the XTZ's style of presentation."

"Rhythms were quite propulsive and energetic, and the whole piece seemed to flow with a cohesive energy that was both pleasant and convincing".

FOR:

-clean, fast sound
-plenty of power
-switchable Class A
-solid build

AGAINST:

-nothing at the price

HiFi World Verdict - Decently smooth yet usefully muscular, this power amp punches way beyond its price point in sonic and value terms.

The XTZ AP-100 received 5 Globes.

For more information on the XTZ AP-100 please click here.

XTZ CD-100 Review in February 2011 What HiFi Magazine

We are pleased to announce that What HiFi magazine has completed a review of the XTZ CD-100. Here are some of the magazines comments:

"The build, finish and specification of this machine is terrific value for money and closer to what one might expect from something around the £1000 mark."

"Its sound has an easy going fluidity and an actractive sense of space around instruments and voices."

"We like the full bodied midrange and refined higher frequencies, which work a treat on Sinatra's voice."

FOR- Excellent build; fluid and full bodied sound; good refinement; easy-going nature.

VERDICT- Its ability to beguile with gentler music means the XTZ is worth a listen.

The XTZ CD-100 received 4 stars

Here is a link to the CD-100.

Cayin CD-50T Review in March 2011 HiFi World Magazine

We are pleased to announce that a review of the Cayin CD-50T CD Player has been isued in the March 2011 issue of HiFi World.

David Price loved what he heard and gave the CD player 5 globes, the highest mark available. Here are some comments from the review:

"Overall I was impressed with the Cayin's build at the price, it's certainly swish considering the lowly market position and effort has clearly been made"

"At first listen i was bowled over... It was warm and sumptuous, with a delightfully solid weight to bass drums, and a lovely timre to analogue synths, letting them wash all around."

"...the Cayin supplied a beutifully sumptuous signal to my amplifier and loudspeakers. It gave the sense of everything being turned up to eleven, the soundstage bristling with detail, sparkling with hi hats and punching with a big fat Fender Rhodes electric piano sound."

"... the Cayin pushed out its big wall of sound, with upfront imaging forward of loudspeakers. It loped along merily, showing a pleasant rhythmic gait, rather in the mannor of a unipivot tomearm."

Verdict - Strong sounding, larger than life silver disc spinner, but needs carefull matching and still won't be to all tastes.

FOR-
- big, bold sound
- lilting rhythmic gait
- sumptuous tone
- build and finish

AGAINST
- soft lower bass
- slightly compressed.

The Cayin CD-50T is available in Silver and Black face and more info in the product can be found by clicking here.

Cayin SP-30S and SP-40M Review in March 2011 Hi-Fi Choice Magazine

We are pleased to announce that we have received yet another great review for one of our products. This time we have had reviewed the Cayin SP-30S and SP-40M a retro Pre and Power Amp. The Pre-amp (SP-30S) retails for £1700 and the Power Amp (SP-40M) retails for £1635. Jimmy Hughes loved this pre/power combo and gave it 5 stars, the highest mark.

Here are some of Jimmy's comments;

"The smoothness of the Cayin is both beguiling and deceptive. The musical presentation is wide-ranging and articulate, but not in a manner that drawers attention to itself - a 'classic' tube sort of sound."

"Although the SP-30S is tonally smooth it has a taut crisp immediacy that keeps the music on it's toes - sounding direct and purposefull."

"Natural and unexaggerated sums up the sound of the Cayin SP-30S and the SP-40M... It just gives you the music in a balanced and intellible form. The more we listened to this amplifier the more we liked it."

"It's precise,, tidy and controlled, yet at the same time doesn't sound bland or boring. It gives you the music cleanly, without adding false spices or colours of it's own, while bringing the natural timbres and tonal subtleties."

"This Cayin represents a loving faithful wife who provides companionship, comfort, support and also (when necessary) a bit of excitement too! It's an amplifier we coul dbe very happy to live with. 'Nuff said!"

LIKE - Smoth clean sound quality - well-balanced and natural sounding.

DISLIKE - No MC phono stage (MM only)

WE SAY - Anyone wanting a tube amp offering high-end performace at a realistic price should arrange a demo now.

Sound Quality - 5 Stars
Value For Money - 5 Stars
Build Quality - 5 Stars
Features - 4 Stars

OVERALL - 5 Stars

The Pre amd Power amp are available in three finishes, Cherry, Walnut or Black Mahogony. We have also put a package together for the Pre and Power Amp. Seperately they would be £3335 however are offering the pair for £2835, that is a massive saving.

For more information click on the links below

Cayin SP-30S
Cayin SP-40M
Cayin Pre/Power Package

XTZ 99 Series 5.1 System Review in Home Cinema Choice

So here we have it, the one we've all been waiting for, what will Home Cinema Choice think of a full 5.1 system from XTZ using the 99 Series Loudspeakers?

Well the wait is over we can now reveal the results of the review:

Performance - 5 Stars
Design - 4 Stars
Features - 5 Stars

OVERALL - 5 STARS

Here are some of the comments from the reviewer, Adam Raynor;

"During my audiotion I played some multichannel material fron Linkin Park and spun up the Polar Express on DVD. The Park damn well rocked, and when the eponymous train arrives in Zemeckis' movie, the room was not only filled with hugeness, but also with plenty of well-placed steam train detail."

"For the money this system really represents astonishing high-end value."

HCC Verdict

FOR - Solid build quality; detailed expansive sound; lots of adjustability

AGAINST - Possibly confusing fo the technophobe; mail order.

Our responce from the again comments? If you do get stuck with the tuning options then just give us a call at Audio Sanctum and we will talk you through it. And now we have dedicated demo facilities you can come and have a listen before you buy or try them at home on a demo. Simples ;)

The review was done as a package and the package deal can be viewed here.

XTZ Room Analyzer Review in Issue 79 Hi-Fi Plus Magazine

Here is what Alan Sircom had to say about the XTZ Room Analyzer:

"Even the neophyte will see just how good (or, more commonly, bad) their room is and have some clue as to how to improve on things from the graphical results."

"The advantage of the XTZ [Room Analyzer] is that it doesn't make high demands on the user... just set the microphone in the right place(s) and you are away."

"If you own a decent audio system - and 'decent' in this setting is basically anything better than a clock radio - the XTZ Room Analyzer holds several huge keys to finding out just how much better that system could sound. It's that useful."

So Hi-Fi Plus see the benefits of the Room Analyzer as does Hi-Fi World, Hi-Fi Choice, Hi-Fi Critic, Stereophile, 6moons.com, enjoythemusic.com and many others around the world. It's a tool that the Press, Hi-Fi retailers and Installers can't manage without and it's a tool you wish you had access to years ago!

Take a plunge and order one today.

Cayin A-55T Integrated Valve Amp in June 2011 Hi-Fi Choice Magazine

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded 4 stars for the Cayin A-55T Integrated Valve amp. It has some tough competition out there so to be put up there with among the best is real complement. The amp was reviewed in HiFi Choice magazine by Richard Black, who we know is a very critical reviewer. Here are some of his comments:

"The layout of this model is classic, with transformers behind and valves neatly displayed in front. Inside the chassis, connection is a mixture of small printed-circuit boards and neatly executed wiring (with quite a few boutique components), plus generous power-supply capacitance and a smoothing choke."

"It communicates melodic lines well and one is always clearly aware of the tune when listening – as one listener succinctly put it, 'musical!'"

"It has good detail across the midrange and into the treble and presents very good images, too, with clearly defined lateral placement and stable, plausible depth; you could say this amp makes the direction and focus of a piece of music very clear."

FOR -
Good musical communication and detail
Nice traditional design

AGAINST -
Extreme bass and treble both a little lacking in extension and purity

To read the full review click here or to view the product click here.

Dynamique Audio Review in June 2011 Hi-Fi Choice Magazine

The new Dynamique Audio Cables have been reviewed in HiFi Choice magazine. The cables that have been reviewed are the Tempest Interconnect and Cyclone Speaker Cable. Richard Black was impressed with what he heard and gave the Tempest Interconnect 4 1/2 stars and the Cyclone Speaker Cable 4 Stars. Regarding the Interconnect he liked the open and detailed sound with a very neutral mid-band and said it had good performance. With the speaker cable he said he liked the nicely detailed sound with neutral mid and a treble with sparkle and clarity. He said it was an honest cable that achieves fine results.

Overall he was impressed with how the cables don't impose their own character on the music and that both cables presented precise and stable images with very good depth definition.

"Well worth an audition", Richard Black concluded.

Cayin CDT-17a Review in June 2011 HiFi News Magazine

We are delighted to let you know that Hi-Fi News have published a review of the Cayin CDT-17A CD Player. We knew it was a great CD Player and we are delighted to say that the magazines agree with us. Here are some of the comments from the reviewer, John Bamford:

"After spending a fews days exploring numerous CD favourites I had to conclude that this was a rather polite-sounding player: one that could be described as well-mannered and easy on the ears."

"There was immense weight and extension to the low-end punches... The tonality was lovely, as was the depth of image and sense of space around the instruments"

"Supplied with the CDT-17A is a rugged remote control handset machined out of aluminium that's a cut above the traditional plastic fare dished out with many CD Players."

"layer-upon-layer of sound effects within the recording we laid bare across the image."

"There's a demure elegance in the way this player presents music. Whther it was a slow and soulful Clapton blues, more aggressive John Lee Hooker or utterly visceral Stevie Ray Vaughan trash-guitar workout the Cayin always succeeded in drawing me into the music event."

"In the esoteric world of high-end audio, the CDT-17A might be deemed to offer more than a hint of musical Champagne. It's robust construction and slick disc transport ensures a pride of ownership and it's a lovely player to use. Moreover it's easy-going, mellifluous sound character should have you enjoying music for hours without fatigue."

The Cayin CDT-17A CD Player is available in Black Facia or Sliver Facia with a retail of £1999.00 inc. VAT. For more information on the Cayin CDT-17A please click here where we also have a YouTube video of this product.

Dynamique Audio Review in Issue 80 of Hi-Fi Plus Magazine

Dynamique Audio have received another very positive review, this time in Hi-Fi+ magazine. Alan Sircom was very impressed with what he heard. Here are some of his comments:

"Fit and finish on all the designs is slick and professional"

"Every cable brought out deep and powerfull bass, with a broadly neutral midrange, a silken sheen to the upper mids and fine soundstaging."

"It's also very well extended, although not to the point of exaggeration and, as you might expect, a dynamic sound too."

"As a newcomer this is a brilliant rollout of quality products from the get-go. THere are brands that have been making cables for years and don't have this kin of consistency and neutral midrange. Dynamique Roques!"

The cables that were reviewed were the Dynamique Audio Halo Speaker Cable, the Dynamique Audio Maya Analogue Interconnect and the Dynamique Audio Summit Power Cord.

Cayin SP-CD300 CD Player Review in August 2011 Issue

We certainly know what a good sound is and the magazines seem to agree. Once again we have received a great review, this time for the Cayin SP-CD300 Retro CD Player

Here are some comments from the reviewer;

" The Cayin is smooth and full-bodied, delivering dynamic changes with a rounded fluidity thats easy to listen to and refined."

"...the players natural warmth and harmonic richness helps to make the most of this lovely disc."

Rating - 4 Stars

FOR - Impressive build and feel; smooth refined sound; fluid dynamics; full-bodied presentation

Verdict - It's refined sound means it's worth a listen, provided your tastes suit its talents"

This is a retro CD Player with a retro sound and we love it! For more information on this great CD Player click here

XTZ 99.26mkII Review in August 2011 HiFi Choice Magazine

We are pleased to announce that Hi-Fi Choice magazine has completed a review of the XTZ 99.26 mkII standmount loudspeaker. They have given these fantastic speakers 5 stars and deservedly so we think. Here are a few of the reviewers comments:

"The cabinet is solid and finished to an extremely high standard in a smart piano gloss."

"The speaker faces no shortage of competition, but the combination of high-quality components, excellent fit and finish and tuning options mean it has to be considered extremely good value for money. Even allowing for the need to budget for a decent pair of stands to allow them to perform at their best (XTZ sell a dedicated pair for £100) they are still a very strong proposition."

"The handover to the mid/bass driver is seamless and perfectly handled, and it presents a cohesive and tonally even version of events. Voices and instruments have a tangible reality to them, which is something many more expensive designs often struggle to pull off."

"There is a huge amount to like about the 99.26. This is a superbly built and very adaptable speaker. It offers a very even presentation and all at a competitive price."

These speakers were awarded Hi-Fi Choice Recommened Award.

LIKE - Superb build, flexible design and excellent sound quality.

Verdict - Astonishing value for money and a very talented performer with well-recorded music.

Overall Score - 5 Stars

Cayin 105i Retro Radio in September 2011 Hi-Fi World Magazine

We have received yet another great review for one of our products. This time it is the Retro Radio from Cayin, the 105i. It is not just retro styled but has that classic sound too thanks to it's valve amplification.

Here are some of the comments from the reviewer Tim Jarman:

"It is all very solid and exceptionally well finished in every respect. The veneer work is top drawer and all the controls feel as if they are made from solid turned metal."

"For regular reception the tuning is very nice to use, with a weighted action and minimum backlash."

"After a nicely timed warm up, a pleasing and warm sound presents itself... there is no obvious 'loudness' circuit that lets all the bass disappear once one ventures above polite listening levels."

"The effect of the valves, when compared to other sets that use Class D amplifiers in particular, comes through as freedom from grain and the ability to render certain vocal sounds without sibilance and it is this ability that most convincingly makes a case for the whole unusual design of the set as a whole."

"Interesting, charismatic and well engineered valve/transistor hybrid that give good performance - at a price."

FOR -
- well engineered valve section
- first class cabinetry
- character
- style

The Cayin SP105i was awarded 4 globes. For more information on this stunning radio please click here.

Cayin A-55T Integrated Valve Amplifier in December 2011 HiFi World Magazine

We are writing again and yet again we have another great review to tell you about. This time it is the Cayin A55-T. The A55-T uses 2 pairs of KT88's generating 40W per channel. Retailing at £1,460 this is very visually pleasing amplifier that is also pleasing to the ears. Don't take our word for it here are some comments from the reviewer Tony Bolton:

"Zen Lemonade's CD 'Lemon Soul' allowed the amp to demonstrate its love of anything rhythmic in music... It was enticing, luring the listener into the album."

"It revelled in displaying the fundamentals of music; its beat and shape, and proved particularly adept at portraying vocals. Imgaing was good, with a strong central focus, with other sounds spread well around a generous soundstage."

"The Cayin A55-T would be the perfect antidote for a forward or edgy sounding digital source... When paired with very open sounding speakers, the results were excellent, with the already good imaging gaining extra focus and descriptive capabilities."

"If you want something that is easy and enjoyable to live with sonically, and has pleasing looks, then this is well worth auditioning."

Verdict - Nicely presented and finished valve amplifier with a traditionally warm and melodic nature. 4 Globes Out Of 5

FOR -
- sweet, easy going sound
- expansive soundstage
- excellent rhythmically
- fine imaging.

If you would like more information on the Cayin A55-T please click here. If you want to arrange a demo then just give us a call or email us.

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