[A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Bel Canto C7R DAC Integrated Amplifier. Watch as David from Bright Audio in New York City describes the Bel Canto C7R.

Graduating from convenient sound (like small Bluetooth players… or desktop speakers) to a more serious, dedicated system requires some consideration. There are a lot of options to get better sound, so to make a more informed decision we suggest that you ask “what is the best system for my lifestyle?” Ask yourself the following questions. First of all, How much room do you have? Do you have dedicated space to fit a large amplifier or are you limited to some space on a shelf? Do you need a small compact speaker, or can you fit a bigger, floor-standing model? Second: What are you using to play your music? Do you listen to a lot of digital music, from your iPod or phone? Do you like listening to records? Are you streaming your music from the Internet? Knowing this will tell you what kind of connectivity you will need to play back your favorite music. And third, and maybe most importantly, what’s your budget?

There are a lot of options out there, but we want to show you an example of an amplifier that provides answers to these questions, AND offers a tremendous improvement in the way your music will sound: the Bel Canto C7R integrated amplifier. The C7R is a compact yet versatile system, featuring both digital and analog inputs– the large number of digital inputs allows you to  connect devices like your Apple TV… Sonos Player…Bluetooth streamer… DVD player… Cable Box…Gaming Console…Flat Screen TV, and even your laptop. (video of back of amplifier with Sonos, streamer, laptop) It also has analog inputs, and since records are becoming more and more popular again, it has a dedicated phono input. These days, finding a system that can convert digital, accept analog, and that has a phono pre-amp is not easy to find in one box– especially one with such a small footprint.

The C7R is a single-box solution that provides a hundred and fifty watts of great digital amplification, a built-in Digital to Analog Converter, a digital AM/FM tuner and a Phono pre-amp for hooking up a quality record player, all inside a chassis smaller than a shoe box.

So let’s look at the Bel Canto C7R as a lifestyle solution. It’s small, which means you can put it virtually anywhere.It has all the connectivity you could possibly need. The Bel Canto C7R isn’t cheap at twenty-six hundred dollars, but for a single box solution that offers so many lifestyle advantages we believe it is worth anyone’s consideration who is looking for a serious audio upgrade.

Last but not least, everyone should ask one last question: How does it sound? In the case of the Bel Canto C7R, it sounds amazing. Great dynamics, lots of bass extension, very high resolution– it should be heard to be believed.  That’s why we invite you to come have a seat in our comfortable listening room at our retail store in the East Village, and hear the difference a great amplifier can make. As always, if you like this video be sure to click “like,” and subscribe to our channel for more informational videos.  This is David from Bright Audio. Thanks for watching! See you next time.

To purchase similar products online: https://brightaudio.com/integrated-amplifiers/

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the iFi Nano iDSD DAC/Headphone Amplifier. Watch as David from Bright Audio in New York City explains how to set up the Nano iDSD.

The iFi Nano also doubles as a great headphone amplifier. Equipped with a Burr Brown chipset powered by iFi’s proprietary software, the Nano unlocks new levels of playback on all formats. This clever little DAC will allow you to hear every music file as it was intended to be experienced. The Nano has one USB digital input, it has one digital coax output, one RCA analog output, one 3.5 millimeter headphone output, a volume control, power indicator, a digital filter for phase management, and a lithium polymer battery for over 10 hours battery life.  So at home or traveling with your laptop you now have access to the best digital formats and  get the most out of your current music files — all for under $200.

To purchase this product online: https://brightaudio.com/ifi-nano-idsd-le-2/

I actually think the infatuation with records and turntables these days  is a good one. The act of playing a record is a very mechanical act and is a nice contrast to being able to get any song at any time via your smart phone. It’s a reminder for all of us that we can put our phone down and enjoy a medium that has been around since the late 1940’s.

As the owner of Bright Audio in NYC (East Village), we see a lot of people who come into our store that are interested in the idea of turntables. Unfortunately, many are not really sure about the realities of what is involved in owning and playing records on a turntable. So I wanted to break down the basics of what is involved in owning a record player and playing records.

The medium itself, the vinyl record, has limits. It spins in a circle at a predetermined speed and requires a stylus (or needle) to hear the music. Most everyone understands that much, so let’s discuss three specifics that most people don’t know.

1. Turntables require a Phono Preamp

A preamp is exactly what the word suggest, it preamplifies. This confuses people the most considering our plug and play world. But phono cartridges output at varying line levels and the phono preamplifier is a necessity to produce enough volume (or decibals) to output for your amplifier. Here comes the confusing part. In some cases preamplifiers are built into the record player, this tends to be for less expensive turntables, because most people who buy less expensive turntables want the simplicity of plug and play. While more expensive turntables (costing $400.00 or better), require that you connect them to either an amplifier with a built in phono preamplifier or an outboard phono preamp. For more expensive turntables ($800.00 and up), phono preamps become an opportunity to actually get better sound, so it is most commonly accepted they will be external devices with the ability to handle different types of cartridge outputs.

2. A Record Player’s Cartridge needs to be Calibrated

More accurately, a record player’s cartridge must be adjusted so that it is properly aligned to the grooves in your records. Many record players come with the cartridge installed and already calibrated. However on occasion they loose calibration during shipping or if you ever want to buy a new cartridge or have to replace your existing cartridge, calibration is required. At our store, Bright Audio, we will do this for our customers. So it’s important to realize that if you aren’t getting the sound you believe you should be getting from your record player, it may be that the cartridge’s stylus is not properly aligned to the record’s groove.

3. Record players are subject to real world conditions

They are mechanical devices and the technology goes as far back as the late 1900’s. Besides needing to calibrate your cartridge the record player’s tone arm needs to be level and weight adjusted so that it has the appropriate amount of downward force. If it isn’t properly adjusted it will skip grooves (not a pleasant sound). Records get dirty and need to be cleaned and of course when they are dirty, they leave dust and residue on the record players stylus which also needs to be cleaned regularly. Common accessories for turntables are brushes for cleaning both records and stylus’. Record player’s motors are subject to minor speed shifts if your electric isn’t outputting at or near 110v or if the record player’s belt is slipping or needs replacing. And almost all turntables need to be grounded or you will get a terrible humming noise from the record players electronics. These are many of the real world conditions that can cause issues with turntables.

While record players – in our book – sound great and are a lot fun, it’s important to realize before you dive in, that they involve some maintenance, a little know how, and patience.

Of course at Bright Audio we know a lot about record players and we like to help. We will help to install new cartridges, calibrate and adjust tone arms, test motor speeds, and help replace drive belts. We sell entry level turntables from Denon and Marantz. Music Hall has options ranging from entry level to top of the line players. We also sell Clearaudio turntables and Merrill-Williams‘ top of the line table. We sell preamplifiers, accessories, and replacement cartridges. We are very service oriented and we will always setup a turntable after selling it and will even help deliver it.

I hope this was helpful and gives you some basic idea of what is involved in owning a record player. If you need any help, you can contact us at 646-585-7000

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Music Hall MMF-5.1se Turntable. Watch as Mike from Bright Audio in New York City explains how to set up the mmf-5.1se.

Hi Guys, Mike here with Bright Audio. Over the last few years we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of turntables.  So today, we would like to show you one of our favorites: the Music Hall MMF-5.1 SE. Priced at just under $1,100 the MMF-5.1 has the kind of looks and build quality you might expect from a more expensive turntable. Most notable is the dual plinth design, which on the SE comes in a high quality Rosenut veneer.

The design features a sorbothane layer, which means less vibration, (and less vibration means higher resolution and richer sound.) It has a top of the line CARBON FIBER tonearm and comes with Music Hall’s popular “Mojo” Cartridge. The MMF-5.1 has a high end asynchronous motor and the platter rides on precision stainless steel bearings — Out of the box you will receive a turntable with the arm and cartridge already installed, a counter weight,  anti-skidding weight, rubber drive belt, RCA audio cables with ground, steel platter, record clamp, power supply and dust cover.— Assembling the turntable is simple.

First step is to remove the three transport screws located on the plinth and remove the twist tie which holds the tone arm in place during shipping. The second step is to install the turntable’s drive belt and platter. Step three is to install the tone arm’s counter weight followed by the anti skidding weight.  The fourth step is to attach the included Audio cables… be sure to connect the ground wire. The Fifth step is to connect the power supply. The Final step is to level the turntable using the bubble level built into the tables plinth. At this point feel free to install the turntables plexi-glass cover, but we think it looks better without it. Once assembled we believe you will find that the Music Hall MMF-5.1 SE provides high resolution, classic analog, and warm and engaging sound.

If you are in the market please follow the link below to inquire or purchase from our website, This is Mike from Bright Audio, thanks for watching. see you next time.

Years ago, somewhere in rural Missouri, I became fascinated with speakers. I dabbled in building them, collecting them, connecting them, and listening to them. It never occurred to me that, years later, I could make a living selling stereo.

After a long and winding path and many iterations of a construction career, one day it dawned on me – I hate construction. But what was I going to do about it? Well, at the time, I had a client in the movie business and she had carved out 500 square feet in her renovation plans to install a Home Theater. When she asked me about the necessity to run wires for her audio and video system, I told her that I could do the entire Home Theater for her. Audio, projector, projection screen, remote control, sound proofing, lighting…everything. I quoted the job and she agreed. So suddenly, and to my great enthusiasm, I was in the audio and video business.

It was a large renovation and those can take months. So between the moments when I needed to install the new kitchen and have her floors refinished, I started getting certified in everything audio and video. I took every class I could find and consumed all the relative content I could. I have heard it said that you have to do something for 10,000 hours to become an expert. I’m not sure about that, but I can attest that after 10 years of living and breathing the business I do believe I qualify as an expert.

From that very foundation and driven by an enthusiasm that goes back to my original love of speakers, I decided not only am I a custom audio and video integrator, but I also want to sell speakers and stereo. From that very idea of many years ago I searched out and was able to acquire a dealership with my first speaker line, Totem Acoustics. It was from there that I have slowly, product by carefully selected product, built a small, up and coming stereo shop.

For a few years I worked out of a home office with a home theater studio/sound room which I stocked with my favorite products. But soon after the desire to have greater public access and a legitimate storefront with walk in clients won out. I opened Bright Audio (born from Bright Home Theater) in February of 2012 and we have never looked back.

Bright Audio is doing great and we have tried to redefine the concept of the stereo store. It’s very deliberately a small store designed to look and feel like a home. We consistently hear from our clients that it is one of the nicest shops they have ever been in. We are service oriented and we don’t pay our salesmen commission based salaries, for the sole purpose of never making a visitor feel obligated or pressured. We welcome friends and the curious to drop by and hang out with us. We love our regulars and we have many. We try to be solution based depending on a clients needs and we make our best effort to stay within a clients budget.

Ironically, I have opened a small stereo shop in New York while most of them are disappearing or have disappeared. We recognize that people want a place where they can learn about better audio, can experience it, and get options. It’s a confusing time in audio as we transition from music on the go to trying to get better audio in the home. Our job is to help people find the best ways to achieve that and to experience it. Ultimately that is what it is all about which is why I love selling stereo. Very few people come into our store grumpy, the job description is inherently full of smiles.

Please visit: www.brighthometheater.com or www.brightaudio.com

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Audioengine B2 Bluetooth Speaker from Bright Audio in New York City. Watch as Mike from Bright Audio explains some of the features of the Audioengine

The solid wooden cabinet, Kevlar woofers and silk dome tweeters means exceptional sound. Setup and pairing is super easy and no special software is needed.

Here’s how to connect the B2 to your tablet, computer, or smartphone:

• Remove the B2 from its packaging and attach the Bluetooth antenna to the rear panel.
• Connect the power cable and turn on the power switch. The B2 will automatically go into pairing mode.
• On your device, turn on Bluetooth and select “Audioengine B2” to pair and connect.
• Play your favorite music and adjust the volume directly from your device.

Got an older iPod or record player, no problem? You can plug into the B2’s analog input.

If you are interested in the Audioengine B2, please follow the link below and feel free to inquire or purchase from our website at brightaudio.com.

Thanks for watching. This is Mike with Bright Audio, see you next time.

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Gallo Acoustics A’Diva SE Satellite Speakers from Bright Audio in New York City. Watch as David from Bright Audio explains some of the features of the A’Diva SE Surround Speakers.

To see the entire range click on the link below and inquire on our website.

Thanks for watching this is David with Bright Audio.

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Grado RA1 Headphone Amplifier from Bright Audio in New York City. Watch as David from Bright Audio explains some of the features of the RA1.

Using 9 volt batteries has the benefit of  lowering the amplifier’s noise output with enough juice to provide 40 to 50 hours of listening. Like all Grado products the amp provides warm, smooth, full bodied, non fatiguing and rich sound. Hook it up to any line source and drive your headphones to their full potential. Follow the links below and inquire or purchase from our website. This is David from Bright Audio, thanks for watching.

To purchase this product, please follow this link: http://brightaudio.com/grado-ra1/

A brief introductory look at the features and functions of the Mooo Mat turntable mat from Bright Audio in New York City. Watch as David from Bright Audio explains some of the features of this cowhide covered turntable mat.

The Mooo Mat is made of genuine cowhide laminated to a cork substrate. It prevents static electric build up on records and helps to manage mechanical vibrations. Popular because of it’s unique look people are often surprised how much better it makes their records sound. They are $75.00 a Mat and they come in variations of colors and patterns you would expect from natural cowhide. Modern, fun and effective these make great additions to any turntable. Follow our link below and pick one up from our website. Thanks for watching this David from Bright Audio.

To place an inquiry or purchase this product, please follow this link: www.brightaudio.com/mooo-mat/

Check out our newest product features video. This week David from Bright Audio discusses some of the features of the newly redesigned Grado SR325e Headphones.

With the new cable design, you will notice better sound through the upper and midrange frequencies with excellent bass extension. Additional cable improvements include GREATER cable flexibility and CONNECTORS for both eighth inch and quarter inch headphone jacks. They retail for $295.00 and give some of the most open, detailed sound you’ll find at this price. At Bright Audio, we consider them one of the best deals in Headphones. If you are in the market for new headphones, please follow our link below and feel free to INQUIRE or PURCHASE from our website. This is David for Bright Audio thanks for watching.