A Week in the Life at Fanthorpes HiFi – Amplifier Shootouts, Installations & Industry Visits

Welcome back to our weekly blog, where we take you behind the scenes at Fanthorpes HiFi. This week has been all about amplifier comparisons, exciting installations, and catching up with industry experts. From in-store demonstrations to road trips across the UK, here’s a look at what we’ve been up to.

Monday 10th March – Luxman 505z vs 509z Amplifier Shootout

We kick off the week with a thrilling in-store Luxman amplifier showdown, pitting the Luxman 505z against the Luxman 509z. Both are stunning integrated amplifiers from one of the most respected names in high-end audio, and we were eager to hear how they stack up against each other.

To make the test as revealing as possible, we built a high-performance demo system, consisting of:

1. Speakers: PMC Twenty5 24i
2. DAC: Chord Electronics TT2
3. Streamer: Innuos
4. Cabling: Chord Company Signature

The 505z and 509z both delivered Luxman’s signature rich, detailed, and dynamic sound, but with distinct differences in power handling, transparency, and musicality. If you're considering upgrading your amplifier and want to experience the Luxman sound for yourself, get in touch—we’d be happy to arrange a demonstration.

Tuesday 11th March – Mission 778X Installation & Cyrus Audio Visit

The week continues with a local installation of the Mission 778X amplifier. A compact yet powerful amplifier, the 778X is known for its versatile connectivity and warm, engaging sound—perfect for both modern digital sources and classic vinyl setups.

Later in the afternoon, we had a special visit from Cyrus Audio. Their new 40 Series has been making waves in the HiFi world, and we were keen to learn more about what makes them so special. If you're curious about Cyrus’s latest amplifiers, DACs, or streaming solutions, drop us a message—we’d love to share our insights.

Wednesday 12th March – PMC Twenty5 26i Installation in Sheffield

On Wednesday, we hit the road for Sheffield, where we installed a pair of PMC Twenty5 26i loudspeakers for a customer upgrading from the PMC Twenty5 23i.

The Twenty5 26i is a significant step up, featuring:

1. A dedicated midrange driver for enhanced clarity
2. Advanced Transmission Line bass technology for deep, controlled low-end
3. Exceptional imaging and detail, making it a favourite for both music lovers and professionals

We took the customer’s Twenty5 23i in part exchange, so if you're in the market for a fantastic pre-owned pair of PMC speakers, get in touch before they’re gone.

Thursday 13th March – Musical Fidelity KW550 Delivery to Spalding

Thursday sees another road trip, this time to Spalding, where we delivered a pre-owned Musical Fidelity KW550 to its new owner.

The KW550 is a powerhouse of an integrated amplifier, known for its:

1. Massive power output with a dual-mono design
2. Smooth yet highly detailed sound
3. Excellent control over a wide range of speakers

For those looking to experience high-end Musical Fidelity gear without the brand-new price tag, we always have a selection of quality pre-owned equipment—just ask.

Friday 14th March – A Stunning Arcam & Pro-Ject System Install

We wrap up the week with a local installation of a truly well-matched and musical system, featuring:

1. Amplifier: Arcam A25
2. CD Player: Arcam CD5
3. Turntable: Pro-Ject X1B
4. Speakers: Wharfedale Linton
5. Cabling: Chord Company Shawline

If you're looking for a balanced system for both streaming and physical media, this combination is definitely worth considering.

That’s a Wrap!

From Luxman amplifier battles and PMC speaker upgrades to Cyrus visits and stunning system installs, next week looks to be packed with exciting moments.

If you’d like to book a demonstration, trade in your existing equipment, or discuss your next HiFi upgrade, we’d love to help. Give us a call at 01482 223096 or email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk—we’re always happy to chat HiFi.

Until next time, happy listening!

We hope you enjoy following along! If you have any questions about the equipment mentioned, feel free to call us on 01482 223096 or email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk.

Services We Offer

1. Trade-Ins
   Thinking about upgrading your HiFi? We love to trade in! Get in touch, and we'll let you know what your existing equipment is worth as part of a trade-in deal.
2. Finance Options
   We offer buy now, pay later on orders over £400, allowing you to spread or defer payments over a year.
3. Nationwide Delivery & Installation
   When you purchase from us, we provide a nationwide delivery and installation service within mainland UK. Our expert installer will bring your new HiFi directly to your home and set it up for you.

For more details, contact us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call 01482 223096.