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artisan_audio
03-04-2008, 15:38
I've just joined!

We are analogue specialists in South Bucks, also importing some interesting products from Soundsmith, Quicksilver, Galibier and Valvet. We are also authorised retailers of Dynavector, Flying Mole, Astin Trew and Hannl record cleaning machines.

Our "thing" is getting a hi fi to sound as close to real musicians as possible, not a Stereophile reviewer's idea of good electronics. The fun part is finding ways of achieving that at realistic prices.

I think the brands we offer out-perform the names you know well at the equivalent price points - mainly because they are companies that don't spend massively on advertising, instead relying on word of mouth recommendations and demonstrations.

We offer our own Artisan moving coil cartridges which are stunning value compared to the original manufacturer's equivalents (but that's a well-kept secret).

The motivation for setting up Artisan Audio was a dissatisfaction with how well my old turntable was set up and serviced and subsequent demonstrations when I was looking to replace. I was fortunate to be traveling to the US and Germany, where I discovered they are more rigorous than in the UK.

Cheers,

Ralph

shane
03-04-2008, 15:50
Am I right in thinking that you import that nice-looking strain-gauge cartridge? I'd love to have a play with one of them!

artisan_audio
03-04-2008, 15:55
Yes, you're right, we do import the Soundsmith Strain Gauge cartridges. I'm happy to do dems. :)

Ralph


Am I right in thinking that you import that nice-looking strain-gauge cartridge? I'd love to have a play with one of them!

Marco
03-04-2008, 16:10
Hi Ralph,

Welcome to the forum :)

Your products sound interesting. If you've got anything specific you would like to advertise feel free to use the 'Trade Inspirations' area.

What are the Hannl record cleaning machines like? I've been after a decent machine for a while, but some of the better well-known ones are just silly prices.

Marco.

artisan_audio
03-04-2008, 16:50
Thanks Marco, and for letting me know about the forum.

I like the Hannls a lot. The most popular model is the Limited, which has an electric pump for applying cleaning fluid via the brush. The platter rotates in both directions. I have never needed the high speed vacuum setting.

The latest model is better than the one shown on my site - it now comes with a smart chromed clamp the same size as the record label, with a rubber gasket to protect the label from fluid.

It's conceptually similar to the VPI machines, although much, much quieter and made from acrylic and aluminium (so fully water-resistant). It weighs 18kg shipped and has a lovely substantial feel to it. Some of the cheaper machines are made from mdf, which I wasn't too keen on.

When I found it in 2006 it was keenly priced, however with the increase in the prices of raw materials and the pound strengthening against the Euro, the UK price had to go up. I was concerned that it was getting a bit close to the Loricraft but they are subject to the same pressures and have put their prices up too!

Everyone who has seen it clean records has wanted one and I've had no complaints yet. Mine gets a hammering and is still going strong 18 months on. Touch wood they've been 100% reliable so far, although there's a three year warranty anyway.

Ralph



Hi Ralph,

Welcome to the forum :)

Your products sound interesting. If you've got anything specific you would like to advertise feel free to use the 'Trade Inspirations' area.

What are the Hannl record cleaning machines like? I've been after a decent machine for a while, but some of the better well-known ones are just silly prices.

Marco.

Filterlab
03-04-2008, 18:42
Hi Ralph and welcome to the forum, always nice to have a trade member on board. A pictorial link to your site will be going up in the Links Box (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=27) very shortly. :)

Marco
03-04-2008, 19:02
Nice one, Rob.

Don't forget to do one for 'Soundhound' of 'Angelsound Audio':

http://www.angelsoundaudio.co.uk/

And 'Thebeesfan' of 'High End Cable':

www.highendcable.co.uk

Cheers, matey! :)

Marco.

Filterlab
03-04-2008, 19:10
High End Cable is already up there mate. ;) Now doing Angelsound.