2025 has been a transformational year for Ultrafide Audio – from launching new products to rave…
At Ultrafide Audio, we all live and breathe sound and music, with our team sharing a deep-rooted passion for sonic depth and audio perfection.
Our dream of making exceptional audio accessible is only possible through our growing network of dealers, who we know first-hand share that passion with us.
With that in mind, we felt it essential to start giving these vital partners in audio a shout-out. So, we’re launching a mini Dealer Spotlight series, initially focusing on our UK dealers.
There was only one way to begin — and that’s with Ripcaster, our first UK dealer and one of Ultrafide’s earliest and most trusted supporters.
Based in the small village of Checkenden located between Reading and Oxford in South Oxfordshire, Ripcaster is owned and operated by Jon Nelson — a stalwart of the hi-fi scene and a hugely passionate music aficionado, with tastes ranging from rock and classical to electronica.
Since starting in 2006, Jon has grown Ripcaster from selling early streaming products online to running a destination showroom in rural Oxfordshire at The Forge. Today, it is home to some of the best hi-fi brands on the market, and we are honoured that Jon is now a passionate Ultrafide Audio advocate, having represented our products since the launch of the Ultra Sigma in 2023.
Jon Nelson, founder and owner of Ripcaster, said:
“Ripcaster was born out of my love of music, and the understanding that technology and electronics can enhance the listening experience with better quality sound, more control, and importantly… more music!
“From my background in electronics and software, I always dreamed of owning a Hi-Fi store – and now can lay claim to Ripcaster being experts in playback, storage and media conversion – where we take care of the technology, so our customers can enjoy their music, their way.
“We are proud to be independent, impartial and knowledgeable in the world of Hi-Fi and to still be doing this nearly 20 years later is my dream come true.”
Speaking about Ultrafide, Jon added:
“As soon as I listened to the Ultra Sigma combo (comprising the U4PRE and U500DC), I knew Ultrafide Audio were onto something special. Being a music fan first and foremost, I was really struck by the musicality, clarity and warmth of the sound. The products sound fantastic, are of exceptional quality, made in the UK, and perfectly complement our other brands. The complete Ultrafide range offers exceptional value and performance.
“It’s been fantastic building the relationship with Mark and the team at Ultrafide over the past two years, including partnering with them at various events, and I’m very much looking forward to what the future holds for both the brand and our relationship as more products are launched.
“If you’re in the South East, come and pay Ripcaster a visit to hear for yourself!”
To learn more about Jon and Ripcaster, please visit the website here.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of our Dealer Spotlight series!
Check out our recent announcement regarding our debut integrated amplifier, ENSO, here! Which debuted at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, 2026 last month.