As an update, I visited Toms again yesterday for an evening of music and Tom, talented chap that he is, also included a recital on his Harpsochord and another interesting instrument called a Clavichord (Harpsichord Clavical?). Fabulous sound and if ever anyone needed convincing that no hifi comes really that close, just listening to music from the real thing is enough to convince. Better to achieve the sound you like and connect with (even if ditching what is commonly referred to as "accuracy" because it's a term with limited meaning).
Tom's system has come on in leaps and bounds since my last visit, and playing things from Leider, choral, Beethoven quartets and Jazz just convinced that this is close to about as good as I've heard hifi get to real music. In particular some early Leider-type pieces with a small ensemble really brought the voices alive in the room, thanks partly to the stunning collection of high end MC cartridges, Vida MC stage into Modwright Instruments Pre and of course that powerhouse of a Radford power amp. The crossover teaks have also brought notable improvements to the clarity and detail that his speakers now deliver. It was neither "Hi-Fi" sounding nor an obvious "facsimile" but frighteningly real in some senses, very refined and the micro-dynamics and clarity were outstanding....it just conveyed music well, allowing you to concentrate on the recordings and not drawing attention to any particular area of the system.
We played about a little with swapping various things in and out, includung my TRON MC phonostage, which gave the much more expensive Vida a real run for its money!
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Tom.
Harpsichord and clavichord, eh? You're honoured, Paul ... he threatened me with a banjo recital! Obviously, a tactic reserved for those that overstay their welcome
Obviously didn't paddle fast enought Peter
Was great to have you round Paul.
For those interested in the preamp story the Radford Revival one has gone back to Will for further tweakery and eventual finishing with proper casework, given workload though this could take some time.
Preamp status is therefore in a state of flux, I do like the Modwright in many ways but could really do with something with a tape loop ... being a bit flush right now having sold the EAR 899 I'm actually actively looking ....