View Full Version : Whittlebury Show Comments
Ammonite Audio
24-09-2011, 15:30
I've just got back from Whittlebury, and feel that the trip was worthwhile. I met several old friends and put faces to names too, e.g. David Brook. Purchases were limited to the latest remastered DSOTM on vinyl, and a Missing Link stylus cleaning pot.
My recollections and high points are:
The Right Note room was really good, showing off Kaiser speakers with Vertex Alethea DAC, VTL amplification and new furniture and acoustic treatment products from LeadingEdge, which is a joint venture involving Vertex and a German parter. This was a well-sorted room with a natural and very enjoyable sound - really good stuff.
HiFi Critic's talk and demonstration of the new kit speaker, the Rhythm King. This little speaker is designed to be pushed back against a wall and has a BMR drive unit covering most of the audio range. It certainly did rhythm well and the BMR driver surprised with its clarity and top end delicacy. Martin Colloms' talk was interesting, too.
I went to find out about the Music First SUT and found it doing very well in a simple system consisting of a NA Spacedeck/SMEV/Zyx, feeding a preamp that I can't recall properly, into Howes rebuilt Quad IIs and Howes Quarter Wave speakers. I possibly could not live with the laid back nature of there Spacedeck nowadays, but this was a lovely system, well-judged. The speakers were, to my ears, better than the big Voight Corner Horns playing in Howes' own room.
Audio Note's system sounded rather poor playing an unfamiliar CD but really came to like as soon as an LP was put on. Very impressive for only 10w a channel.
I wanted to get to speak to the Icon audio people, but their room was permanently mobbed.
Audiofreaks showed a very simple system highlighting new, small Avalon speakers which I would buy if I had the money. Lovely little things doing all the usual Avalon stuff.
Focal's room showing off some largish Utopia speakers sounded pretty dire. There were a lot of people talking, but that aside there was such a lumpen lack of continuity to the music that I had to leave. I know that if handled properly Utopias can do the business, but clearly the Focal people don't know how to get the best out of their own products. Shame.
Hart Audio had an interesting double-pod speaker with a large dual-concentric driver, the whole of which is quite squat and did not sound too special. I don't know if this is a Tannoy driver, but it probably needs to be a bit further off the floor.
Symmetry Systems had Stax headphones on dem and this was the first time that I've ever tried them. I will look at Stax again when I have some spare cash, since the ear speakers were so very comfortable, and the sound, in less than perfect conditions, most encouraging.
The Audio Works had a very simple system consisting of a dCS CD player, Albarry amplification and some Tannoy floor standing speakers, which was all rather enjoyable. It certainly did 'music' which is the Audio Works' main claim to fame.
There's far more that I can't recall properly, but I'd say that it was a good show and the car park was rammed, so it did look to be a success all round.
This was my first visit to the Hall and I found it very enjoyable, not least because of the more spacious rooms, though sound leakage was a problem in a few places. Exhibitors were generally more business-like than at all too many other shows, being courteous and informative to visitors rather than talking loudly to each other - excuse the axe-grinding!
Personal highlights were:
John Howes' magnificent Voigt 'Memory' Domestic Corner Horns - superb sound in a large room, as we should expect at >£28,000/pair.
Decent Audio's Magneplanar MG3.7's fed off top-range Rega electronics and a first chance for me to hear the impressive Audez'e LCD2 headphones.
Symmetry Audio/Electromod's room with various Stax, Schiiit and HiFiMan headphone systems. The much talked about HiFiMan HE-6 sounded fine through the same firm's new balanced amplifier, though I'm told it would've been even better through the Schiiit Lyr.
Leema Acoustics' new range of smaller components, the name of which escapes me and hasn't reached their website yet. A one-box UnitiQute-slayer (my words, not theirs) seems to be on its way.
The Voxativ Ampeggio sounded impressively full-range. The cabinet design still strikes me as a bit eccentric but I finally twigged that in profile they refer to a grand piano, made as they are by the piano-maker, Schimmel.
The Audio Works system mentioned by Shuggie did very creditably with symphonic Vaughan Williams played at high ('realistic') volume, I thought.
For once I was underimpressed by Audio Note UK. Maybe it was the music or the fact that they were playing a CD rather than vinyl when I visited. Or that the room was too full for me to get a seat immediately!
As always, Diverse Vinyl and Stamford Audio relieved me of more cash than I'd intended in exchange for new and 2nd hand vinyl.
A pleasant way to while away a morning, then, and a much more relaxed - and less headache-inducing - experience than Bristol or Heathrow. Definitely worth the 80-mile drive from SW London and I wish the organisers well with their ambitious new ventures in Melbourne and NY.
Dingdong
25-09-2011, 06:21
I was in the small queue to get in at 10. I tried the Audio Note room, but was asked to go back later as they weren't ready. Didn't bother.
My favourite room of the day was Soundfowndations. I got there early and had the time to chat to the guy from Isotek and discuss mains stuff. His demonstration of products was very informative.
The improvement on the sound of the system when swapping from a cheapo mains block (like what I have) to the Isotek Sirius was quite marked. I was very impressed and am now sold on the idea.
He then swapped the cheap mains cables (like what I have also) for some Isotek ones and there was a decent improvement. Not as much as the first swap, but still very noticeable.
The sound of the system was the best i heard at the show. I'd highly recommend a listen if you are going today. Canor electronics and Clearlight Audio speakers.
I also went to see Dave from MCRU. What a thoroughly decent, down to earth chap. He'll be getting an order from me for cables and connectors in the not to distant future.
The hotel can be a bit of a maze. I gave up trying to use the maps and just wandered around each floor in a very random fashion.
Could have spent a fortune at Stamford Audio, but left the show having only spent £10 on some springs.
I went to find out about the Music First SUT and found it doing very well in a simple system consisting of a NA Spacedeck/SMEV/Zyx, feeding a preamp that I can't recall properly, into Howes rebuilt Quad IIs and Howes Quarter Wave speakers. I possibly could not live with the laid back nature of there Spacedeck nowadays, but this was a lovely system, well-judged. The speakers were, to my ears, better than the big Voight Corner Horns playing in Howes' own room.
S'cuse me Hugo, but the Spacedeck isn't "laid-back" in any shape or form, but this is what happens when well-intentioned bodgers fit SME's to them - same with the Hyperspace/SME that HFW reviewed last year I remember. if they'd have done it right and used an AceSpace arm, you'd have had loads more "vital excitement," assuming the cause of the laid-back sound was the NAS deck of course ;)
Ammonite Audio
25-09-2011, 08:44
S'cuse me Hugo, but the Spacedeck isn't "laid-back" in any shape or form, but this is what happens when well-intentioned bodgers fit SME's to them - same with the Hyperspace/SME that HFW reviewed last year I remember. if they'd have done it right and used an AceSpace arm, you'd have had loads more "vital excitement," assuming the cause of the laid-back sound was the NAS deck of course ;)
Calm down.
Now, believe me that it sounded lovely; indeed it's probably the only time that I can recall when anything sporting an SMEV tickled my musical fancy (perhaps the Zyx cartridge is a heavenly match for the SME). I am quite familiar with the sound of the Spacedeck, having owned one for some years, fitted with the previous generation Ace arm, heavy platter, Bastin Wave Mechanic PSU. So, yes, I am saying that the laid back sound is due to the NAS deck. But let me be more specific - when I say "laid back", I mean that it does not have the sheer propulsive energy that my Thorens TD124 has, and which is also a trademark of SL-1200s. The Spacedeck has other virtues that are just as relevant, but propulsive energy does not really come into it. If you want to know what "propulsive energy" really means, then get to hear an Audio Note TT3 Reference.
I haven't heard a "Heavy Space" so can only go on the comments of my DEALER PAL HiFi Dave, whom I shill mercilessly for, don't you know :D
The standard Space os bright, breezy and rather raw of anything to my ears and I suspect the heavy kit would tone it down a bit - is that what you found? I know how swell the Rega arms sound on the Space, so, following that argument through a bit, since the big SME's can be accused of much the same thing if you don't get 'em right, these may just match the Space really well.
As regards propulsive bass, I know where you are on that. Lenco's do it too and until I get the GL78 promised me, I won't be able to give a fair opinion. The Garrard Lab 80mk2/Grado F1+ does a pretty good job though and is so good I've been reluctant to put the SL1500 back in the office system...
Sorry to drift off, but dod you ever try a Decca on the Heavy-Space? That graphite loaded platter was made for these I understand and one reason I sold the Mentor, apart from the mainly financial one, was the fact that I couldn't find a cartridge short of silly money that suited it properly at the time :( With the Microscanner fitted and working, it really was so good - and I had fair references with with to compare back then.....
For me, the TD124 is the final frontier - and I actually prefer the look of the HW plinth to hifi dave's Russ C black compact-curvy one (like the original Ortofon? plinth for the 124...)...
:worthless:
Did nobody take a camera along so we could see some of these goodies? :eyebrows:
Indeed, no visit to a hi-fi show should be undertaken without company of a camera, and the use of it during the event! ;)
Marco.
Ammonite Audio
25-09-2011, 15:42
I did consider taking the camera, but I couldn't be arrsed. I did spot Neil taking photos, so presumably he's going to write it up.
And few things are more irritating than others snapping away with their Instamatics while I'm trying to listen! To quote Christopher Isherwood: I am a camera.
Still, I'll be scouring HFN and HFC myself next month for the piccies!
That sort of attitude though, Bhasi, doesn't help the forum! ;)
We like members attending hi-fi shows to take lots of pics, so that others can enjoy looking at them :)
Marco.
I know, I know, Marco. "Must try harder," as it used to say on my report card! :)
I've just got back, which s a long day by any standards. Sorry, I didn't take a camera - but then I never take any photos of anything. Will write up some thoughts tomorrow.
Not a massive amount to say, enjoyed my 1st hifi show if finding some of the rooms a little elitist in attitude. Also hugely disappointing sound from many of the real high end stuff. I'm not spending massive amounts of money on equipment but I didn't come away thinking I need to change things too much,
Most impressive was the McIntosh stuff with a Supertramp track (School). Seriously great sound. Also the Cyrus stuff. Can't remember what speakers they were running on but I really liked that sound more so than most higher end equipment.
Can't remember names too much but AX Horns speakers sounded dire to me. And a room I went in near the end, enticed in by Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack on a £10k plus system which wasn't easy or nice to listen too. Again come away knowing my wallet safe.
Did like the amount of Technics mods available to buy and see. Nice little trade area which resulted in some vinyl purchases and could've easily run in to triple figures given a better personal situation right now.
Oh and Stax headphones. Seriously nice.
Here ends the least technical round up you'll read!
sq225917
26-09-2011, 08:09
Mostly poor sound, a few stand out rooms from smaller brands and I like the greek valves and the stupidly priced Kaiser sosai speakers upstairs.
Simon, you must've taken some pics? You usually do, and they're always excellent quality! :)
Marco.
Most impressive was the McIntosh stuff with a Supertramp track (School). Seriously great sound. Also the Cyrus stuff. Can't remember what speakers they were running on but I really liked that sound more so than most higher end equipment.
That's interesting, just goes to show that there are different strokes for different folks. I'm not a fan of the McIntosh amps at all and the Cyrus room had the music at a very low level and the background chat at a very high level - I couldn't really hear anything (I've never liked the sound of the Cyrus rooms before though - mind you, complete polar opposites of the McIntosh sound).
prestonchipfryer
26-09-2011, 09:48
Well if my health had allowed would have love to have attended and taken some pictures. Can't be a***d to take a camera is really not good enough imo. These days it is soooo easy to carry a small digital camera, even a cell phone camera would do. Would be nice if someone could put some pictures up.
John
Can't be a***d to take a camera is really not good enough imo.
In my case, it's not that I can't be arsed, it's more that I don't like taking pictures and don't want to (in general, not hi-fi shows specifically).
Hi,
Here are the Greek amps.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/074.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/072.jpg
The Acapella horns
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/066.jpg
Einstein amps
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/067.jpg
Together
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/068.jpg
Origin Live room
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/069.jpg
Voigt Speakers
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/062.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/064.jpg
Icon Amps
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/059.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/058.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/056.jpg
Jordan Acoustics room
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/076.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/075.jpg
Moon Electronics room
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/043.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/044.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/042.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/041.jpg
You know what the nicest thing about these shows is hearing your own system again
Its always interesting what rooms people perfer they can be so different
I liked a few rooms but most had intergration issues
sq225917
26-09-2011, 11:31
I didn't take any this time round Marco. I thought they would all have been done by the Saturday posse. I'm saving myself for Scalford.
I've taken some photos, which I hope to write up in my blog. I saw Neil with a camera in his hand, so he might have done the same for his Adventures blog.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Nice one... Any chance, when you get time, if you could upload and post them here, for folks on AoS to see?
I mean so that the actual pictures are visible automatically on this thread, and not simply via a link to your blog? :)
Cheers, dude! :cool:
Marco.
I'll try. Here's two to be getting on with.
Firstly a turntable that was in the Stax room. Can you recognise it? I can't. Looks like a Scheu, but not a TW Acustic.
Andrew
Excellent, Martin - cheers. Keep 'em coming! :)
If you do it through Imageshack, you can make them bigger:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2862/ttxh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/ttxh.jpg/)
:cool:
Marco.
Here are the Hi-Fi Critic Rhythm Kings. A kit that I reckon is let down by its over engineered crossover (should be rectifiable).
All from my new camera :) It does look like the Forum uploads compresses the quality though :(
Here is also the direct link to the original.
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/HiFiCritic.jpg
Andrew
I'll try. Here's two to be getting on with.
Firstly a turntable that was in the Stax room. Can you recognise it? I can't. Looks like a Scheu, but not a TW Acustic.
Andrew
I didn't see that - it's a Brinkmann, the Bardo (direct drive), with Brinkmann arm and cartridge (modified EMT).
http://www.onahighernote.com/images/product_categories/Bardo_arm_top_small.jpg
And what a gorgeous beast it is! My idea of a 'proper' turntable... ;)
I dig the cartridge, too!
Marco.
It's certainly scrumcious. Thanks YNWOAN.
Andrew
Keep the pics coming, Andrew! :cool:
Marco.
I'll try. Here's two to be getting on with.
Firstly a turntable that was in the Stax room. Can you recognise it? I can't. Looks like a Scheu, but not a TW Acustic.
Andrew
Best room there. Really opened my mind about headphones. Nice guy running the place as well who just happens to run his business about 500 yards from my workplace.
sq225917
26-09-2011, 15:30
mmmm Bardo with Breuer derived arm....
Keep the pics coming, Andrew! :cool:
Marco.
Okay a spare 5 mins, here are two more:
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Ensemble.jpg
The sweet sounding Ensemble room, with Voyd Reference turntable and Graham Phantom arm.
Andrew
This one looks like an old model of DNM pre+psu
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/DMN.jpg
Andrew
Stacks of Stax
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Stax.jpg
Andrew
Ikon Audio Consultants with their crossover-less BMR loudspeakers and Tsakiridis amplifiers. My favourite of the show.
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Ikon.jpg
Andrew
John Howes' Voigt Memory loudspeakers with Voxativ drivers. Love how their mouths glow with colour-changing disco lighting. Apparently, by playing hammond organ music, an art deco sculptured lady will slowly rise up and revolve in the horn mouth ;)
http://www.hifiwatcher.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Howes-1.jpg
That'll do for now :)
Andrew
Ikon Audio Consultants with their crossover-less BMR loudspeakers and Tsakiridis amplifiers. My favourite of the show.
Andrew
Yeah, I thought this combo sounded really good too.
The sweet sounding Ensemble room, with Voyd Reference turntable and Graham Phantom arm.
Andrew
I didn't even realise that room existed until your pic.
___________________
The Voight 'memory' speakers were fun. They certainly produced a huge and slightly diffuse soundstage - very like you get at a real classical concert. Normally, when someone walks infront of a speaker you can hear it obviously mutes as they block the sound. With these horns it made no difference at all - even two blokes sticking their heads in the mouth of one of the speakers made no difference!
It's certainly scrumcious. Thanks YNWOAN.
Andrew
No prob. Yeah, they are very nicely made things the Brinkmann decks (and arms) - they are priced accordingly though.
aquapiranha
26-09-2011, 19:05
I like the look of the Howes amplifiers, not the quad rebuilds but the others he produces. Not sure about the pricing on the voigt memory speakers though!
Those twin BMR speakers in the Icon Audio room look interesting too! nothing on their website though.
I've started to write my thoughts about the show here:
http://www.audioflat.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=87
will add to it in the next few days.
electric beach
28-09-2011, 10:20
Love how their mouths glow
I have the T-shirt.... :eyebrows:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=65&pictureid=394
Day 2 after my stand had been ransacked by punters, even did a spot of record flattening for one person! Sorry it's out of focus, I am getting on a bit!
I thought the show was fantastic for me personally, I met many forum members, from the AOS there was dingdong, shuggie, dalek supreme and tarzan, all thoroughly nice people, had a beer with Neil in the hotel we were both staying at, also there was Keith the owner of Isotek and Blue Horizon so we had a few glasses of wine and talked mains, very, very enjoyable.
A chap I recently met called Gavin Alexander builds concrete speakers, I suggested he go to the show to get his product more well known, he helped me on the stand for the 2 days, in between he found time to go and listen to Martin Colloms and cheekily asked him about speakers, I think Martin is providing some input now which is amazing.
Day 2 the legend that is Paul Messenger walked past my stand, I popped over to where he was and asked what he thought about concrete speakers, he was intrigued and has also offered help and advice, a truly remarkable 2 days for Gavin and I enjoyed it too. Here is his website (http://www.concretespeakers.co.uk/) in case anyone is interested.
http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/themainsman/7fbd5de6.jpg
Lodgesound
28-09-2011, 17:05
Most of the gear here looks and I'm sure sounds very nice indeed.......but I'm willing to bet the prices are such that ordinary folk cannot even begin to aspire to owning most of it.......
Beobloke
28-09-2011, 19:21
I met many forum members, from the AOS there was dingdong, shuggie, dalek supreme and tarzan,
...and Beobloke.;)
sq225917
28-09-2011, 21:25
I wouldn't be jumping for joy at Martin Collom's help- those speakers of his sounded shit.
Ammonite Audio
29-09-2011, 05:59
I wouldn't be jumping for joy at Martin Collom's help- those speakers of his sounded shit.
Horses for courses - I thought that the bass was perhaps something to get used to, but otherwise a rather good musical sound.
Were you simply willing those speakers to sound shit?
sq225917
29-09-2011, 12:34
Actually I wanted them to sound really good as they'd make great winter project, but they simply didn't.
They displayed good rhythmic qualities and excellent phase characteristics, in terms of the time domain response they were bang tidy. But sadly that was let down by the fact that there was a huge discontinuity between the sound/tone/presence of the two drive units and the bass loading. Basically they sounded like the top and bottom from two different speakers, listened to in two different rooms.
I was more than disappointed with the sound.
I wouldn't be jumping for joy at Martin Collom's help- those speakers of his sounded shit.
What a nice positive comment! I will pass it on :)
I guess if he thinks they sounded shit, they sounded shit.... ;)
Marco.
ursus262
29-09-2011, 16:35
Basically they sounded like the top and bottom from two different speakers, listened to in two different rooms.
I was more than disappointed with the sound.
Bit like the Naim S400s then :rolleyes:
Took a shedload of pics on the trade day when it was nice and quiet (...dead actually).
Put these on our site but as Marco likes his photos :) ...... enjoy:
I'll start with us. We tried to create a living room feel and acoustic, and our equipment rack usefully doubled as a bar :)
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9797/dsc0066bp.jpg
Ikon had some beautiful electronics on show and these AudioPlan loudspeakers which for me were making one of the best sounds. Clean and controlled combined with great looks.
The electronics had shades of 47 Labs and at around £1500 a box won't be too hard on the pocket:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00341.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00355.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00342.jpg
Cymbiosis and Kudos were making good sounds, and showing some simply stunning Linn LP12 plinths. Linn and Naim electronics were used:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00373.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00374.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00375.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00377.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00379.jpg
DPA are well and truly back with us and showing some new electronics including amplifiers and dac. Very neat construction (as usual) and the Deltran link is back, demonstrated at the show fitted to a Cambridge 650 CD player used as transport:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00372.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00370.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00371.jpg
Simaudio had some 30th anniversary Moon electronics specially pimped in Ferrari red - absolutely gorgeous:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00332.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00333.jpg
These were interesting. The name escapes me but they used a heavily modified Tannoy DC on the front and an array of 18 small full range drivers on the rear. I thought they looked great but sounded very ordinary:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00324.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00323.jpg
Talk of he show for many, the Acapella Horns and Einstein amplifiers.
Mixed bag sonically - great on transients and superb tweeter but a bit coloured through the mid IMO:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00336.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00335.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00334.jpg
Leema had the full range on show including some mini sized electronics. Nicely made kit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00327.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00328.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00330.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00331.jpg
We tend not to recommend fancy supports at Audiosmile but I was taken by the quality of these devices from Track Audio. Produced by a company with a background in fine quality, precision engineering, these isolators and stands are well worth a look. I really do hope that the isolators live up to the claims because it would be great to recommend something looking this good:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00363.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00365.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00364.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00366.jpg
Origin Live had the usual arms and TTs on display but also some very funky looking speakers using a dual concentric driver in a black acrylic tubular cabinet. Looked great on the matching stand. Also nice chatting with the main man since I still have an old OL Linn TT support in my shed form the 1980s :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00354.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00353.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00352.jpg
Hi-Fi Racks were showing their modular support systems. I really like this stuff, nicely finished solid wood that exudes quality and isn't too expensive:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00343.jpg
Advanced Acoustics really made a plash this year with a demonstration of standard v acoustically treated rooms, and they were promoting the XTZ room analysis and correction kits. Great to see this at a main audio show and we would thoroughly recommend that audio enthusiasts check them out:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00345.jpg
Lots of lovely Garrard kit on the Loricraft stand. I'm no Garrard expect by any means so lets just admire the work in pictures:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00346.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00349.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00347.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00351.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00350.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00348.jpg
This budget IsoKinetik TT was also being shown and looks really good value at £525 including a base model Rega arm (not shown):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00368.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00367.jpg
Audio Italia aim to bring some style to what are often ordinary boxes. The little spherical speakers with Jordon driver were popular and high up the 'must stroke' chart:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00361.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00360.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00359.jpg
Project had a sweet little streamer on show with front colour display:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00338.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00339.jpg
The Proscenium from Ktema was certainly one of the most impressive looking speakers at the show. Stunning build and on a brief listen very good sound driven by some seriously high end Audio Research and Krell electronics:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00358.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00357.jpg
Lastly, we have Nordost, one of the show sponsors.
They were demonstrating Quantum Resonance Technology cables (QRT)
I'm saying nothing:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00317.jpg
Nice one, Rob - thanks for that! :)
Hope you guys had a good show.
I think that you did a very smart thing making your room look 'loungey', and somewhat more comfy and inviting (did you bring your own lighting, too?) than the usual horrible, rather stark, strip-light lit rooms adorned with, more often than not, ugly 'audio sculptures'.
It all aids in subliminally making potential customers feel in a more relaxed state of mind and more likely to be responsive and act positively towards your demonstration....
The 'bar' and the tin of Roses was also a nice touch :respect:
Marco.
Hi,
The Axhorns
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/079.jpg
Cary Audio
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/080.jpg
Some big Focals
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/077.jpg
Audiovectors
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/071.jpg
Voxativ
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/047.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/SCIDB/046.jpg
Mark Grant
30-09-2011, 11:58
Project had a sweet little streamer on show with front colour display:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/DSC00339.jpg
Excellent pictures.
I like the look of that, plain looking box with a large easy to read display :)
Excellent pictures.
I like the look of that, plain looking box with a large easy to read display :)
Thanks.
The new-ish MF streamer is similar if larger.
I think that you did a very smart thing making your room look 'loungey', and somewhat more comfy and inviting (did you bring your own lighting, too?) than the usual horrible, rather stark, strip-light lit rooms adorned with, more often than not, ugly 'audio sculptures'.
It all aids in subliminally making potential customers feel in a more relaxed state of mind and more likely to be responsive and act positively towards your demonstration....
The 'bar' and the tin of Roses was also a nice touch :respect:
Marco.
Hi Marco,
A padded sofa and some soft furnishings help tame the hollow resonant sound of hotel rooms reasonably well.
We also had corner traps hidden behind the large displays and did a CARA simulation to position the speakers and seating. The whole system/listening area was slightly skewed in the room and that managed to avoid most of the nasty room modes.
Perhaps see you at Bristol?
If not I'll be visiting Scalford.
Rob
Like the look of those track audio stands and large spikes.
Could do with some for my old tannoys.
Pete The Cat
01-10-2011, 07:25
Thanks for a top notch thread. No need to buy a hi-fi mag for the next year :)
Pete
Hi Rob,
A padded sofa and some soft furnishings help tame the hollow resonant sound of hotel rooms reasonably well.
We also had corner traps hidden behind the large displays and did a CARA simulation to position the speakers and seating. The whole system/listening area was slightly skewed in the room and that managed to avoid most of the nasty room modes.
Nice one - I'm sure it was very effective, judging by the many positive comments your room received! I think it was also a good thing to do in terms of creating a vibe people felt more 'at home' with :)
Yup, see you at Scalford - make sure you and Tony pop into our room for a listen. We're going for 'muscle' SS Chord and Pass Labs amps next year, instead of valves, with the Celestions, so it'll be different!
Marco.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.