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baron
01-03-2009, 19:44
I've just got back from the show, had a great time. Thanks go out to all who took their systems. It was good to put faces to names. I've put some pictures on picasa http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/baron103/HiFiWigwamBakeOff#
They are just as I took them I just put them up for you to look at.

John
02-03-2009, 17:53
Cheers Philip some really nice photos

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:03
My pictures, our room first:

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07393.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07395.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07396.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07397.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07398.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07399.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07400.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07401.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07402.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07405.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07406.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07407.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07408.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07409.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07410.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07411.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07412.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07413.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07414.jpg

Mike
02-03-2009, 20:07
Jeez!... that's some camera you've got there Rob. :smoking:

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:09
Ta, although those were a bit quick and dirty (and shamefully my camera was set to 'auto' mode for some of them). More to follow of other bits and pieces in a mo, just uploading them now.

Mike
02-03-2009, 20:11
One of them might have my foot in it. LOL! :eyebrows:

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:12
Well, at least you don't have both feet in it. ;)

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:18
Anyway, more pictures:

Scalford Hall

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07434.jpg


Jerry's room (JANDL100) with possibly the most wonderful looking turntable I've ever seen - looks like a UFO!:

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07432.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07433.jpg


Various rooms:

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07431.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07430.jpg


Colin's room (Colin / Dudywoxer):

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07426.jpg


Me' old mate Pete's room (i_should_coco):

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07423.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07424.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07425.jpg


Leonopolis' room:

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07420.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07421.jpg


Steve's room (SPS). He asked me to get the mains cable in the shot:

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07415-1.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07417.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07418.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07419.jpg

That's all I have unfortunately, I kept chatting to the chaps I met and was eager to get back to our room. :)

Mike
02-03-2009, 20:24
Awww... you missed my foot. :(

I was in i_should_coco's room when you took those piccy's. ;)

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:28
Were you? Oh yes course you were. I could only remember Beechy and Gromit being in there but that was when I listened rather than photographed. I was a bit embarrassed when I went in there; I've known Pete for ages but we didn't recognise each other when we 'accidentally' met in the car park. It was only later when I was listening that we recognised each other! :)

He's got a great mix of components and a very eclectic taste in music, and he's a nice chap to boot.

Mike
02-03-2009, 20:32
Not to mention the monster loudspeakers! :eyebrows:

baron
02-03-2009, 20:44
Great pictures Rob,:)

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:47
Cheers Phil. I wish I'd have had time for more, but I'm sure there's plenty floating around hi-fi forum-land. :)

i_should_coco
02-03-2009, 20:47
Were you? Oh yes course you were. I could only remember Beechy and Gromit being in there but that was when I listened rather than photographed. I was a bit embarrassed when I went in there; I've known Pete for ages but we didn't recognise each other when we 'accidentally' met in the car park. It was only later when I was listening that we recognised each other! :)

He's got a great mix of components and a very eclectic taste in music, and he's a nice chap to boot.

I know! I can't believe it, sorry Rob. :doh:

Cracking photos by the way!

Filterlab
02-03-2009, 20:49
Nay probs mate, there's so many faces at these things and it's been ages since we met up in the 'real' world. :)

jandl100
03-03-2009, 08:07
Anyway, more pictures:

Jerry's room (JANDL100) with possibly the most wonderful looking turntable I've ever seen - looks like a UFO!:



Thanks, Rob! Yes, it is a lovely deck, innit!

And, may I say, what a pleasure it was to meet and (briefly) chat with you - what a nice guy! (and not just cos he liked my tt). :)

Marco
03-03-2009, 08:15
Yes, Rob's a shweety :eyebrows:

Sorry I never got a chance to pop up and hear your system, Jerry, but there just weren't enough hours in the day to see everything and do what I needed to do in our own room. I'm afraid that I only got to see the rooms on the ground floor and completely missed what was on the first and second floors...

Your Denon T/T does look rather funky in the photo! :respect:

If there is another of these events (which I feel confident there will be) I'll be spending less time in our room and more in those of other people's.

Marco.

jandl100
03-03-2009, 08:49
No problem, Marco. I hadn't expected you to have time to do the full rounds - doing a major dem like yours is way too intensive, I'm sure.

I only took along a little pair of active Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 pro monitors, I don't think you'd have been much impressed. Nice enough on small scale music (some folks rated my system as one of the best balanced at the Show!) but definitely not for the balls-out presentation that you seem to like!

I'd be very interested in any feedback you get from Roy about his perspective on the Show. :)

Filterlab
03-03-2009, 09:20
Thanks, Rob! Yes, it is a lovely deck, innit!

And, may I say, what a pleasure it was to meet and (briefly) chat with you - what a nice guy! (and not just cos he liked my tt). :)

It is a wonderful deck Jerry!

Likewise it was lovely to finally meet you too. Time was against us as is normal but it's great to put a face to a profile. :)

Spectral Morn
03-03-2009, 10:03
Hi Rob


Nice photos...very sharp and clear. The AOS room had a nice range of kit in it...wish I could have heard it.

What are the valve amps in Steve's room ? In the second set of photos Robs has posted.




Regards D S D L----Neil

Filterlab
03-03-2009, 10:45
I've no idea mate although I believe he made them himself (if I remember correctly).

anthonyTD
03-03-2009, 11:16
hi rob,
great picks mate, if its ok with you, i may put a few on my web site.:)
by the way, the speakers were steve's own design!
anthony...

Filterlab
03-03-2009, 11:53
hi rob,
great picks mate, if its ok with you, i may put a few on my web site.:)
by the way, the speakers were steve's own design!
anthony...

Yes mate, help yourself.

Steve and I had a bit of a chat and he said he'd built the speakers himself, he also built the valve amplifiers too if I remember correctly. The system sounded very lovely indeed, very airy and spacious - like a good open baffle set up should. He had a cracking room that was ideal for his set-up.

Ali Tait
03-03-2009, 12:06
Yes Steve builds all his own amps.He favours old triodes from the '30's.Not sure what he's using at the moment.I'm sure he'll be along soon to answer.

Filterlab
03-03-2009, 12:17
Yes Steve builds all his own amps.He favours old triodes from the '30's.Not sure what he's using at the moment.I'm sure he'll be along soon to answer.

He obviously knows what he's doing, lovely sound from his system. :)

Ali Tait
03-03-2009, 12:57
Yes those open baffles sound great too.He's always trying something new and they sound better every time I hear them.

Spectral Morn
03-03-2009, 13:24
Thanks for the info on Steve's kit.

I was going to look up the web site of who made the very tasty gear.

Well....Steve's a very talented guy, as his amps and speakers don't look home built...in fact the amps look like the sort of designs that are coming out of old Europe now. I would love to have heard them and his speakers. Truly its amazing what you can do if you have the talent and the workshop...assuming hes not a kitchen table man (and theres nothing wrong with that) its just nice to have space and a dedicated area to work.

Steve's kit

These remind me a bit of the Jamo R909 or more like Bastanis Promethius. I have never heard an open baffle speaker.

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07415-1.jpg

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07417.jpg

Love the look of these amplifiers very organic. I assume the one on the left is a pre_amplifier and the one on the right power.

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07418.jpg


Regards D S D L----Neil :)

Mike
03-03-2009, 14:18
Love the look of these amplifiers very organic. I assume the one on the left is a pre_amplifier and the one on the right power.

http://s560.photobucket.com/albums/ss49/aos_images/scalford_hall/DSC07418.jpg


Regards D S D L----Neil :)

Nope... two completely separate amps. The one on the left is 5W per channel, and the one on the right a mighty 2W! :)

Note cheeky little Beresford making another appearance!

Spectral Morn
03-03-2009, 17:15
I thought that was a Beresford at the back but the knob on the front of the amp to the left could have been a volume control. Nice looking amps anyway how do they sound ?



Regards D S D L----Neil :)

Filterlab
03-03-2009, 18:22
I think that is a Beresford Neil, one of the 7510s if I'm not mistaken.

Spectral Morn
03-03-2009, 18:44
Hi Rob....from what I have read here on AOS and on the other forums covering the show, Stans little wonder was a firm fave with the exhibitors. Nice to see quality and talent being recognized. I should also add that its also nice to read such glowing praise for the sound achieved by all who took part. Well done to all of you who were brave enough to show your babies in public for perhaps the first time. I know what its like to invite someone round to hear your set up...its like baring your soul, but to do it in public....hats off to you all.:) I just wish I could have been there.


Regards D S D L---Neil :)

John
03-03-2009, 20:05
Great Pics Rob really looks like some great gear and great sounds

SPS
03-03-2009, 21:04
Thanks for the info on Steve's kit.

I was going to look up the web site of who made the very tasty gear.

Well....Steve's a very talented guy, as his amps and speakers don't look home built...in fact the amps look like the sort of designs that are coming out of old Europe now. I would love to have heard them and his speakers. Truly its amazing what you can do if you have the talent and the workshop...assuming hes not a kitchen table man (and theres nothing wrong with that) its just nice to have space and a dedicated area to work.

--Neil :)

Hi Neil,
thanks for the kind comments..

I'm just catching up after the show, i really enjoyed the day and i was really please how my kit went down...
i had some really positive comments..
my room was well out of the way i would guess only 20% came in.. but the ones that did kept comming back.. one guy came about 5 times and stayed an hour the last time..
he was very suprised.. and liked the sound so much
another guy came in and said it sounded like eddy reader was playing live when he was outside the door.. he had been to see her in concert a few weeks before..
another was a bass player who said the system sounded like a very very good pro system..he said it's sound was like live music.. not hi fi..

i played led zep a couple of times.. then had requests from people who had heard from others how it sounded, all afternoon..


the amps are fairly simple single ended triodes
the 5 watter is globe px25, the 2 watter is a 2p output valve..

the speakers are still work in progress, ( notice the clip leads)
but they will not change much, i feel i have improved them very slightly, they are my 4th version of open baffles since dumping my last DIY horns..

the whole system is fairly simple , but simple things can be hard to get right,
A lot of work has gone into the system to date..and to be fair i'm still very much learning.. i've been building valve amps and speakers over the last 15 years... there's alot to learn..

i tend do the wood work on the drive outside, using a router in the garage covers everything with dust.. it was a freezing cold day when i cut them
the speakers where covered and asssembled in the lounge..

if you would like to listen to my kit your very welcome as long as you dont bring any cybermen with you.. i live near the humber bridge..

thanks again
steve

Spectral Morn
03-03-2009, 21:52
Thank you for taking the time to comment and the offer of a visit unfortunately I live across the Irish Sea in Northern Ireland so it may be a bit hard to come and visit but if I am ever in your neck of the woods.

My dad used to work for Humber radio many years ago (we lived in Mablethorp and Oltonbroad ) This covered coast guard stations, light Houses, Light Ships etc. I only recently found out that he used to hang from ropes under Wessex and Seaking choppers to distribute goods and other stuff to lighthouses....he never told my Mum about that RESPECT. He acted as a radio officer and helped as a part time winch man.

I know what you mean about simplicity but that is where you find most purity and clarity.

I once built a set of units for my record collection at the wrong time of year (in the Garage) it was very cold and not a great place for such work....

Don't worry, no Cybermen would be coming..being sworn enemies and all. http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/cybermen-1.gif Any way if any show up they would be quickly dispatched.http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii364/davros124/daleks.gif:lolsign:


Regards D S D L---Neil :)

SteveTheShadow
04-03-2009, 17:22
Hi Neil,
thanks for the kind comments..

I'm just catching up after the show, i really enjoyed the day and i was really please how my kit went down...
i had some really positive comments..

the amps are fairly simple single ended triodes
the 5 watter is globe px25, the 2 watter is a 2p output valve..

the speakers are still work in progress, ( notice the clip leads)
but they will not change much, i feel i have improved them very slightly, they are my 4th version of open baffles since dumping my last DIY horns..


thanks again
steve

Hey Steve, those speakers look stunning. Should go really well with your furnishings and decor. I see you've changed the bottom bass driver. What is it?

I'll have to come round one of these days and bring my active baffles for a comparison.

I see you are now using PX25s on the end of your power amp. I just love these valves, even though mine are only modern production ones.

Ali Tait
04-03-2009, 19:30
Yeah I was going to ask too,don't recognise the driver.Spill the beans! :)

Mike
04-03-2009, 19:32
I stuck my nosey face in there... they're Wharfedale's :)

SPS
05-03-2009, 09:26
Hey Steve, those speakers look stunning. Should go really well with your furnishings and decor. I see you've changed the bottom bass driver. What is it?

I'll have to come round one of these days and bring my active baffles for a comparison.

I see you are now using PX25s on the end of your power amp. I just love these valves, even though mine are only modern production ones.

thanks steve.. the colours are not every ones taste but lesley is pleased that there's no chipboard on show in the lounge.. i could not decide how to angle them, so ended up using piano hinge, they fold in and still work well, and they do look ok ish
the 301 is out, the goodmans bass is running full range ..it sounds well doing the mids, the wharfedale has a low pass and the lowther a high pass
subtle differences in the sound, and another 3db between 50-80 hz

the 2p gained some audio note copper couplers
and the px25 sound fine, although it getting a bit warm for me..
another rebuild...
the deck is what suprises me..

Marco
05-03-2009, 09:33
Your speakers both look great and sound superb now, Steve. The latest mods have been very successful - well done, mate :)

Marco.

SPS
05-03-2009, 12:28
Your speakers both look great and sound superb now, Steve. The latest mods have been very successful - well done, mate :)

Marco.

thanks..
i wonder how much further i can go now...
i have spent the last 15 years making some quite bold improvements
and more than a few backwards moves...

i wonder where i will end up... deaf i should think...?
and it will all make no difference
but.. will the AOS possy will beat me to that one.. after sunday..?

cheers
steve

Marco
07-03-2009, 13:36
Hehe... Your T/T in partcular has come on leaps and bounds since I last heard it.

Based on what I've heard with both decks, I think I prefer a nicely performing TD124 to the same from a Garrard. For me, the Thorens has a less coloured, more open sound, much like the Techy, and with its control, solidity and musicality. I like Garrards, too, but they're a touch too 'heavy' sounding for me, particularly when taking the sonic signature of my current system into consideration and the type of cartridges I like to use. One can so easily over-egg the pudding!

Marco.

Mike
07-03-2009, 13:44
Maybe because the TD124 uses a belt! :eyebrows:

Marco
07-03-2009, 15:51
The Thorens is an idler deck, boyo.

Marco.

Clive
07-03-2009, 16:05
It's really a hybrid. There's a small intermediate belt as well as an idler.

Marco
07-03-2009, 16:10
That's kind of what I suspected, Clive. It certainly doesn't sound like a belt-drive, so the idler part must have a significant impact on its sound.

Marco.

Clive
07-03-2009, 16:14
Yes, it's quite a chunky and short belt, there aren't any downsides from the belt that I can hear.

Mike
07-03-2009, 16:44
The Thorens is an idler deck, boyo.

Marco.

I didn't say it wasn't! I just said it 'uses' a belt.. ;) :ner: