Recent visit to Firebottle Villa

[STD305M]

Hi all
Just a few lines on my recent visit to the Firebottle Residence,

I set off on the Friday to give myself an early start on the Saturday knowing I was also going to Oliver’s (Bigman80) as well, just as well really, I ended up stuck in traffic for 5 hours Grrrr.

When I arrived at Alan’s I was greeted with a firm handshake and a warm welcome, we got straight down to unloading my car of its contents ( my own hifi ) and then a coffee before setting up my system.

My aim was to listen to both systems with a view to replacing my amp ( Rega Brio 2017 ) for Alans Mono Blocks or a full on valve amp.

As I walked into the living room music was already playing and what I saw surprised me, hanging from the ceiling was a pair of Quad Esl 57s, inverted and with a Super Tweeter mounted on top. Very different but somehow sounded spot on!!!
Lenco GL75 stock I believe with an Zyx r100 another sweet combination

We listened for a while going through lots of Vinyl before hooking up my Dynaudio Emit M20s. boy was I surprised, they sounded fantastic with Alans amps, We then hooked them up to the Rega Brio 2017 and again I was pleasantly surprise as it sounded so much better in Alans house ( must be room acoustics ) than my house. My guessing is there was no wall behind the speakers in Alan’s house but there is at mine.

Then it was time to pop over to see Oliver (Bigman80). I will start off saying what I said to the big man himself …. He has a turntable arm and cart I would give my right arm for the synergy it produces is to die for, I’m sure he thinks the same, with good reason As for the Pioneer speakers he has GREAT!!!! No substitute for 12 inches.
I also got the chance to listen to a track or two using his own interconnects, I was in mid conversation with Alan and abruptly stopped talking, the vocalist on the track he was playing was in the room just hanging in front of us. Gotta try them on my system!!! Long waiting list I believe???

Where to go from here regarding my own system upgrade, well I have lots to think about so will take my time and not rush into making the same mistake I have made in the past.

Would just like to thank Alan and Oliver for the help, info and honest constructive comments.
Oh and thanks Alan for upgrading my Schitt Mani sounds much better with moving coil now !!!

Steve...

P>S> Thanks for the lunch