We've been up half the night unpacking our van and building the What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision stand, and now we're all set for the opening of the Bristol Sound and Vision Show at 10am this morning here at the Marriott Hotel, Lower Castle Street, Bristol.
Tickets are available on the door, and the show runs from today, Friday February 20th until Sunday, February 22nd. It's a must-see event, where you can see (or even buy) the hi-fi and home cinema kit that's set to thrill in 2009. There are also some great show discounts on offer – full details here.
To give you a flavour of what's in store, here's a complete guide to all the exhibitors at the show and what they'll have on demo. We'll also keep you regularly updated throughout the weekend in our News channel with all the latest product launches and developments.
Come along to the show and you can enter our fabulous Bristol Show competition, in which we'll be giving away £10,000 worth of amazing Award-winning hi-fi and home cinema kit! Entry forms will be available on our stand in the Bristol Suite. Prizes up for grabs are:
Monitor Audio Radius R270HD 5.1 sub/sat speaker system (£1625)
Arcam FMJ CD17 CD player/A18 amp/Muso speaker set-up (£1450)
Naim Nait XS stereo amplifier (£1250)
A pair of KEF iQ90 speakers (£1200)
A NAD Viso 5 home cinema system (£1000)
Three Yamaha M-430 DAB micro systems with iPod dock (£250)
PSB G Design GT1 Tower speakers (£1000)
Three pairs of Dali Lektor 2 speakers (£273)
NAD Viso 5
Absolute Sounds - 309/310
Back at the Bristol Sound & Vision Show 'due to popular demand', the UK's leading importer and distributor of high-performance hi-fi and home cinema equipment is showing a variety of new and recently launched products from some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Audio Research, Copland, DreamVision, Jadis, Krell, MartinLogan, Sonus Faber, Theta Digital and Wilson Audio.
New launches include Sonus Faber's extended Toy family of loudspeakers, Krell's 'entry-level' S-300i integrated amplifier and MartinLogan's Spire hybrid electrostatic speaker. Visitors can also get 'hands on' with an amazing new music server from Qsonix, sporting a simple and elegant user interface.
Adam Audio - 416
Adam Audio is back for its second year at the Bristol show. The Tensor series will be on demonstration, along with the infamous HM series and the all new Classic series. Adam Audio is used by the likes of George Martin, Coldplay, The Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers.
Anthem AV Solutions - Executive Lounge, Conservatory Floor
Anthem is the newly-appointed distributor for the high-end Canadian brands Anthem and Paradigm, which will make their UK debut at Bristol. Anthem makes high-end audio/video processors and power amplifiers, while Paradigm specialises in-wall, in-ceiling and conventional speakers.
Anthem ultimate quality HD video switching, 24bit/192kHz upsampling on all channels, balanced outputs and proprietary room correction. To partner this is the P5 multichannel amplifier that offers 500W across each of its five channels.
Multi-award winning Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer Paradigm will demonstrate products from its Signature Series.
Anthem D2 preamp
Apollo Hi-Fi Furniture - Bristol Suite
Apollo will display new designs as well as classic ranges. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions about racks and speaker stands.
Arcam - Rome 1
Joining Arcam's FMJ stereo line-up will be the much anticipated AVR600 HD Receiver, protoype Blu-ray player, as well as the forthcoming AV888 and P777 AV pre/power combo. Solo Mini, Music and Movie systems will also be on show.
Arcam FMJ AV888/P777
Armour - Bay 2
QED's Award-winning speaker cables will be available at 'show discount' prices, custom-made while you wait. Armour will also have brand new Grado and Goldring headphones, and the 'Myryad mi' – the iPod-friendly digital music system.
Myryad mi system
Atacama Audio - Bay 3
Atacama's development of Award-winning racks continues, with dedicated home cinema furniture that's aesthetically appealing and conducive to maximum performance.
Blue Horizon - 209
A new company on the audio block, Blue Horizon's range of professional-grade, sound-enhancing products kicks off with Proburn – a cable burn-in device that speeds up the burn-in time required for cables to reach optimum performance, and ensures that existing cables are always performing at their best. Proburn is putting in its first public appearance at the show, alongside a new contact cleaner called Clean-IT.
Cabasse - 316
French speaker manufacturer Cabasse will mark its return to the UK market with the unveiling of its Eole 5.1 speaker system at Bristol. The Eole 5.1 sub/satellite system (£1199), which comprises five Eole 2 spherical satellites and the Santorin 21 subwoofer, is available in black and white gloss finishes.
Chord Company - Foyer 1, 112
As well as displaying its full range of interconnects, speaker cables and mains cables in the Foyer, Chord Company also has a Dem Room situated on the 1st Floor (room 112). SuperScreen Mains cables and the brand new flagship interconnect will be shown for the first time, as will the Indigo speaker cable.
Classic LPs - Conservatory
One of the UK's leading specialist online retailers of brand new vinyl LPs. Special Promotions include a 10 per cent discount on production of the company's ads in Mojo/Record Collector/Observer Music Monthly/Private Eye/Time Out, a 10 per cent discount for online registration (at ClassicLPs.co.uk), and a £5 voucher redeemable on every £100 spent.
Cyrus - Foyer 2
Cyrus will be demonstrating its acclaimed Servo Evolution CD players – plus a world exclusive preview of an exciting new amplifier platform.
Dali - 302, 304
Hear the world premier of the new Lektor 2 speakers, plus the first public demonstation of the Lektor LCR5.1 – along with the new Lektor subwoofer.
Denon - Berlin 3
This year Denon will be hosting the European launch of the DVD-A1UD Universal Blu-ray player, along with its full range of current Blu-ray players and its Award-winning DM37DAB micro system on display.
Denon DVD-A1UD Blu-ray player
Diverse Vinyl - Terrace
Diverse offers a range of vinyl labels including Mobile Fidelity, Classic, Speakers Corner and Pure Pleasure. All musical tastes are catered for, from Blues to Folk, Jazz to Reggae, Folk to Hip Hop, Classical to Country or just good old Rock and Pop.
Dynaudio - Copenhagen
The Award-winning Excite X32 and MC15 multimedia speakers will feature this year, as will the UK launch of the Focus 360. Dynaudio hopes to show what a three-way design can do on the end of a modest system.
Eclipse - 218
Eclipse is know for its stylish, striking speaker designs, and you'll have the chance to see the company's latest construction in all its glory. The company has chosen the Sound & Vision show for the world launch of its high-end TD712z MK2 speaker.
Being able to call upon the research and development expertise of fellow Fujitsu-Ten Group members Toyota and Fujitsu, Eclipse is promising great things from its new speaker. It's a single-drive unit, with a newly designed, integrated stand, a 20% larger cabinet and claimed sonic improvements across the board.
Eclipse TD712z MK2
Epson - 318
Epson will be showing the Full HD EH-TW5800. It has features including Image Science Foundation (ISF) certification, a high dynamic contrast ratio of 75,000:1, and advanced DeepBlack technology.
Exposure - 212
Exposure will be showing two new additions to the 3010S family: the 3010S2 Pre-Amplifier (with six line inputs with an option to convert one of these to a phono input) and the 3010S2 mono power amp. Also on show will be the EXP03 iPod Bluetooth streaming transceiver, allowing wire-free iPod use with any line input on a normal stereo amp.
Fatman - Bristol Suite
Fatman will be displaying the award-winning range of iTube products, including the entry-level iTube, the brand new Carbon II, the 182, 252, 452 and Mothership. Also check out new speakers, the Fatboy II.
Focal - 102, 104, Terrace
Focal creates products from as little as £200 to over £100,000 - all built upon over 25 years of research and development. The Chorus range will be on show in Rooms 102 and 104, while the terrace bar will see the new Utopia 3 range.
Focal Diablo
Furutech - 209
The Japanese accessories specialist will be showing its flagship range of audio and video connectors in the UK for the first time, courtesy of UK distributor, Sound Fowndations. Fresh from scooping a 'Best of Innovations Award' at CES 2009 in Las Vegas, these connectors are a 'must-see' for all serious audio lovers.
Henley Designs - 408, 409
Henley Designs will be demonstrating the Roksan K2 system along with Pro-Ject's exciting new range. Also on show (and for sale) will be products by Ortofon (cartridges and styli), van den Hul (cables), Fatman (iPod valve amplification) and Lehmann (phono & headphone pre amplifiers).
Icon Distribution - 306, 308, Bristol Suite
Tannoy will host the UK launch of the long-awaited Definiton range of speakers, and in a separate room will also show its Revolution range. Carat Electronics makes its UK debut with the A57 integrated amplifier, C57 CD player, T57 tuner and I57 combi.
Imerge - Hotel reception (with JVC)
Although not officially exhibiting at the show, the Cambridge-based pioneer of hard-disk home media servers will be present thanks to JVC. Imerge's ground-breaking MediaServer MS1 and XiVASafe high-definition media system is being used by JVC to demonstrate its new projectors in the hotel's reception area.
Invision - 322
After much anticipation, Waterfall Audio is using the Bristol Show to unveil its new Niagara Diamond Glass loudspeakers – an intriguing blend of craftsmanship and innovative technology. And Parasound hopes to show off a high-end blend of audio performance and stylish design with the Halo Series.
IsoTek - 209
This year, IsoTek's live demos encompass the entry-level Sirius power strip and the high-end Titan mains conditioner, with several steps in between. If you want to discover what power conditioning can do for your system, make a beeline for the IsoTek room.
JVC - Reception
JVC's Award winning D-ILA projection technology steps forward with the launch of two new projectors: the stunning DLA-HD350, and the
THX-certified DLA-HD750 – with its impressive 50,000:1 contrast ratio.
JVC DLA-HD350 projector
KEF - Oslo, 312
Oslo Suites 1 & 2 will play host to an extraordinary 7.2 KEF Reference surround system. And the multi-Award winning KHT3005SE system will be on show in Room 312.
Keith Monks - Foyer 1
Keith is known as The Record Doctor, and he'll be giving your record the best clean it's ever had – on the legendary and newly revitalised Keith Monks Record Cleaning Machine. (Just one record per person.)
Leema Acoustics - 114
This is the launch of the Reference Series products, comprising Agena phono stage, the Pyxis pre-amplifier, and the Xanda full range floorstanding loudspeakers.
Leema Xanda
Marantz - 410
Marantz will be demonstrating its PM8003 stereo amp and SA8003 CD/SA-CD player. The company says it hopes to show off the musicality of this pairing by combining them with a pair of Mordaunt-Short speakers. Also on show will be the IS301, Marantz's revolutionary Bluetooth-capable iPod dock.
Meridian Audio - Bristol Suite, Madrid 1 and 2
Meridian will be showing its range of AV products in two rooms: check out the ground floor Madrid Suite for the 808.2 Signature Reference CD player and DSP7200 loudspeakers. There will also be a sneak preview of what's next from innovative media-server brand Sooloos.
Merlin Cables - Bristol Suite
Merlin will by displaying its complete range of Award-winning cables, including the Silvermann Laboratories range of silver power cables. This year sees the launch of three exciting new products: the entry level Silvermann intro mains cable, the Black Widow av8 filtered distribution unit, and the reference quality Dragon power distribution unit. Visit the stand for great deals direct from the manufacturer.
Monitor Audio - 206, 208
Monitor Audio is showcasing Radius HD, a new decor-matching ultra-compact sat/sub range of speakers. This new package replaces the acclaimed Radius series, and is already the recipient of a five-star rating. The show will also see Monitor Audio previewing a new member of the award-winning Platinum Series.
MusicWorks - 116
MusicWorks will be at the show demonstrating a whole host of brand new products, including the new ReVo equipment table.
NAD - Rome 3
NAD is launching some brand new, never-seen-before hi-fi and home cinema products in the Rome Suite. NAD's experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about the new state-of-the-art Blu-ray player, DVD player, home cinema receivers, CD player, stereo amplifiers, compact DVD hi-fi system and much more.
NAD T765
Naim Audio - 502, 506, 509, 1008
This year's show will see Naim previewing some exciting new products for 2009, as well as featuring its most recently launched products. The Nait XS will be premiered along with its siblings the Nait 5i and Supernait.
The award-winning HDX hard disk player will be demonstrated as part of a Naim reference range system, while visitors will also have the opportunity to see Naim's first ever in-car audio system, Naim for Bentley – a real treat for those who love cars as much as hi-fi. The Naim label will also be there, with latest recordings from its Naim Edge and Naim Classical imprints.
Naim HDX hard-disk player
Nordost - 209, 210
Nordost will be supporting new UK distributor Atacama with its cable demos. After the launch of its flagship Odin Series, the emphasis will swing to the opposite end of the range, introducing visitors to the more affordable Flatline and entry-level micro monofilament designs.
Onkyo - Berlin Suite
A rolling demo of the Onkyo TX-SR876 receiver will be headlining, with its ISF video calibration. Gamers can make a beeline for the HTX-22HD HD Audio package, while the CS-325UK CD/DAB/iPod package offers much for those on a credit-crunched budget.
Optimum - Bristol Suite
Optimum will introduce new models from the 'BDI by Optimum' range of AV racks. Also on show will be Optimum's 'Modular' series, with hundreds of bespoke solutions.
Optimum Cassini
Pioneer - Rome 2
Here you'll find an array of award winning products, including the ultra-black Kuro plasmas, together with high-end audio speaker package solutions. Also check out the new Kuro flagship separates models and BD Live Blu-ray player, the BDP-LX91.
Plinius (Copenhagen Suite)
Plinius will have staff on hand throughout the show in the Dynaudio room (Copenhagen Suite) to answer any questions regarding the company's products. Dynaudio will be demonstrating the new Excite loudspeakers with the What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision Award-winning Plinius 9200 amplifier and five-star reviewed CD player the CD101 (shown above), connected using AudioQuest cables.
Plinius' pre-power combo, the Tautoro and SA201, will be on demonstration with the new Dynaudio Focus 360 at the nearby Audio Excellence store, Park Street, Bristol, in an initiative arranged between Plinius, Dynaudio and the show organisers. There will be the opportunity for visitors to the store to win a pair of Dynaudio speakers or AudioQuest interconnects.
PMC - 202, 204
See the world's first public demonstration of the awesome new PB1i floorstander. The impact, dynamics and sheer scale should be breathtaking, if the rest of the PMC Award-winning 'i' series range is anything to go by.
PMC PB1i
ProAc - 216
ProAc will be demonstrating two exciting new products at this year's show. First up is the Response D1 standmount monitor, which is the successor to the legendary classic Response 1SC. Then there's the Response D18 floorstander, which replaces the Response D15.
Quad - Brussels room
Show demonstrations include the multi-award-winning Quad ESL 2905 electrostatic speakers and II-Eighty valve amplifiers. A selection of components from other brands in the IAG stable will also be shown, including Audiolab and Mission.
Quadraspire - Bristol Suite
Quadraspire will display a selection of its extensive range of hifi and audio/visual furniture as well as some new finishes. Of particular interest will be the corner Audio-Visual Qube cabinet and the SV Speaker Stands. Quadraspire furniture is made in the UK and designed to enhance system performance while complementing the design of your home.
QED - Bay 1
As well as the new improved 'Performance' range, QED is introducing its new 'Signature' Series of analogue and digital interconnects. The 'Signature' Series is set to make a splash, claims QED, by delivering high-end performance at a price comfortably affordable by enthusiasts. You can also take advantage of QED's 'Launch Offers' at Bay One on the ground floor.
RipNAS Network Attached Storage Device
RipNAS – 420
Check out the RipNAS and RipNAS Statement Network Attached Storage devices, designed for ripping CDs and media streaming. Audio CDs are ripped and stored losslessly, and the audio files can be streamed through a wireless network to a Sonos, Squeezebox, Linn Klimax or other client system. There'll be a full demonstration at Bristol using a Linn Klimax DS.
Roth Audio RothDock
Roth Audio - Bristol Suite
Roth Audio will be showing the MC4 and ALFiE systems, along with the new Oli speaker range – comprising the OLi1, Oli2, Oli3, and the new C2 centre channel and K2 subwoofer. Also appearing for the first time will be the groundbreaking RothDock – one of the first fully compliant iPhone 3G products on the market. Roth also hopes to be debuting a new product, codenamed NuNi.
Russ Andrews Accessories - 228, 230
Russ and the team will be on hand to offer any hi-fi or home cinema related advice you need over the course of the weekend, together with workshops demonstrating the positive results of various upgrade options.
Russ will present the results of the company's recent research, showing the RFI-filtering capability of PowerKords, while practical workshops will cover everything from cleaning up the mains supply using mains cables and filters, to using Kimber interconnects and speaker cable to achieve more performance from your system.
Sennheiser HD 800 headphones
Sennheiser - Bristol Suite
Sennheiser is presenting its new top-of-the-range HD 800 headphones, aimed at audiophiles looking for the ultimate cans.
Other new models include the new HD 218, HD 228 and HD 238 Precision headphones. Light and compact in construction, these models are designed for music on the move. Then there are noise-cancelling, radio, DJ/pro and traditional hi-fi models, all available on demonstration to try for yourself at the show.
Sennheiser also distributes the acclaimed range of Tangent table radios, covering Internet, DAB, FM and Clock radios.
SIM2 - Executive Lounge
SIM2 UK will be showing the very latest in cutting edge video projection technology in The Executive Lounge. Visitors will be able to view a range of Sim2 projectors in ideal lighting conditions - so that you can fully appreciate their capabilities.
Making its debut at the show will be the completely new C3X Lumis Host, which Sim2 claims offers breathtaking 3-chip DLP performance.
The more budget conscious will be intrigued by the Domino D60, SIM2's entry level 1080p DLP projector.
You'll also have the chance to see the SmX acoustically transparent projection screens, and a range of anamorphic solutions for a 2.35:1 widescreen viewing experience.
SIM2 C3X projector
Sonos - Bristol Suite
The Sonos Multi-Room Music System lets you play all the music in your collection, all over your house – from the bedroom to the garden – and control all of it from the palm of your hand, wirelessly.
Winner of a Product Of The Year gong at our 2008 Awards, The Sonos was the first wireless multi-room music system of its kind, and it's still leading the pack. With the BU150, the basic box comes with units for two rooms. With the full-colour Controller in your hand, your entire music collection, plus Internet radio and numerous online music services are all at your fingertips.
Spectral - Bristol Suite
Offering comprehensive AV furniture solutions, Spectral, Just Racks and Demagio will be exhibiting together under Spectral GB's distribution.
Spectral's premium furniture range now boasts 17 design lines, with Closed and Catena ranges now available with integral sound systems. Spectral's sister brand - Just Racks - will be showing German-built home entertainment support racks from just £165. Demagio designs now include illuminated TV stands. It also has some new indoor/outdoor LED lighting systems. There will also be some show discounts.
Spendor - 402, 404
The good news here is that for 2009, almost every Spendor loudspeaker is either totally new or, at the very least, significantly revised.
At the Bristol Sound And Vision Show, you'll be able to see the established Spendor S series, the award winning S3/5R, the stunning SA1 mini monitor and the brand new A5 and A6 floorstanding models.
The innovative Spendor ST (Statement) loudspeaker (from £5,500 pair) is also going to be launched at the Bristol Sound And Vision Show. The Spendor team will be there to tell you more aout the new products and offer audio advice.
Spendor ST
Stands Unique - Terrace
Stands Unique will be at the show, with the Ultimate and Pure Carbon Fibre Reference Support range. The company will also be showing its popular high-quality hi-hi and AV furniture ranges and Media storage - all constructed exclusively from solid hardwood and glass.
The Claritas Range of digital media server enclosures will also be featured at the show.
Totem Acoustic - 224
Totem says it will be showing a unique, all-in-one solution called, 'beChocolate' box. Apparently this new product offers 'a very compact yet sophisticated lifestyle solution'.
You can play CDs, listen to your favourite radio station, or even specify a complete multichannel or wireless server option.
Totem says that with a little imagination, beChocolate can specified to suit your requirements.
Vita Audio - 106
Vita Audio will be giving a world-exclusive preview of its new R2i DAB/FM table-top radio. Visitors twill also be treated to a world exclusive preview of the forthcoming R1 Classic, as well as the R1 Evolution and R4 models.
Waterfall Audio
It's taken three years of research and development to create these new Niagara speakers from Waterfall Audio in France, but they'll finally make their debut at this week's Bristol Show.
Distributed in the UK by Invision, the Niagara is made from three quarter inch thick Diamond glass, stands nearly 4 feet high and a pair sells for a cool £25,000.
If that's a bit outside your budget, Waterfall Audio has also updated its eight-year-old Hurricane satellite speaker, which costs £355 and is available in three aluminium body colours: black, white and silver.
Waterfall Niagara
What Hi-Fi? Sound And Vision - Bristol Suite
And, as always, we will be at the show with a fully kitted-out, dedicated stand and demonstration room, where you can enjoy in comfort our stunning AV demonstration; ask our team of experts for detailed advice on your current and future systems; subscribe to the magazine; or discuss the show - and anything else you'd like to talk about – with your fellow users on whathifi.com.
This year's demonstration will feature some surprises, as we investigate the quality issue while addressing the brave new world of digitised, PC-based and wireless delivery of both video and audio. Prepare to be amazed...
Wilson Benesch - Conservatory
Wilson Benesch will once again be setting up home in the Conservatory, to celebrate 20 years of Wilson Benesch innovation.
This year, the company will be showcasing two audio systems in particular. A two-channel, wide bandwidth (20 Hz - 100KHz) system will be built around the A.C.T. C.60. Launched at the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix, this is the first time it will be seen in the U.K.
Secondly, a home cinema system will be built around the globally acclaimed Square Series. Both of these systems will be founded upon the multi award winning, Torus Infrasonic Generator. A must see.
World Designs - 213
World Designs will be demonstrating the WD25T Sequel loudspeakers, together with its high-performance range of valve amplifiers.
New, on demonstration, is the WDPRE3 RMC Full Remote Control Valve Preamplifier. This brand new product will be available, like all World Designs products, either as a kit for DIY enthusiasts or fully built. How tweaky are you, really? Get down to room 213 and answer that question for yourself.
Yamaha - Berlin and 230
In 2009, Yamaha returns to the Bristol show in serious style, with dedicated AV and stereo rooms. The company will be demonstrating many of its Award-winning products.
This is also the company's first Bristol Show as Yamaha Music – in other words, its first since the AV and musical instrument arms of the company merged. So visitors will be able to see a wider range of Yamaha products than ever.
Bristol will also see the UK debut of the new Piano finish Soavo 1 loudspeaker. As well as the elegant black exterior, the design has undergone some detailed internal revisions to improve performance.
Yamaha Soavo
