Scalford Show , I am back !!

[Audio Al]

Hi

I am back from the show with lots of photos for you all

I am currently cream cracker'd so am off to bed for a kip :eyebrows:

5 hours driving and 5 hours in the show + tired

Will up load photos and a report later tonight

[brian2957]

Look forward to it :)

[RichB]

Good work fella...

[Audioman]

Was that you I saw taking photos with a compact digital camera? Anyway looking forward to seeing the piccies. Only had a phone camera and thought quality would not be good enough. Some interesting stuff though I thought not as good as last year. Some boring musical choices for many of the demos. As predictable best sound from systems fronted by Mitchell and Notts Analogue TTs though some impressive file based sounds. Gromit's 'computer speakers' were making some surprisingly impressive sounds.

[jollyfix]

looking forward to your report and photos too.

[Audio Al]

OK

Not sure if this is going to work , should be 67 photos on public view , Fingers crossed

http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/library/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show

[Audio Al]

I had a great day at the wigwam show , very enjoyable

Met up with Marco what a nice man and he insisted on buying me a pint at the bar :cool: , cheers Marco , also met Lodgesound , Hoopsontoast, and one other gent :scratch: sorry cant remember his user name .

Spme very nice kit on show and very friendly owners :)

I was very impressed with one room the equipment sounded incredible :stalks::stalks::stalks: I had to have 3 visits to the room just to make sure I was not imagining the sound quality , It WAS EPIC

If anyone's interested in the said room just say and I will comment further ;)

[Audio Al]

Was that you I saw taking photos with a compact digital camera? Anyway looking forward to seeing the piccies. Only had a phone camera and thought quality would not be good enough. Some interesting stuff though I thought not as good as last year. Some boring musical choices for many of the demos. As predictable best sound from systems fronted by Mitchell and Notts Analogue TTs though some impressive file based sounds. Gromit's 'computer speakers' were making some surprisingly impressive sounds.


I was wearing a Harley Davidson Bandana and using a Canon DSLR ;)
( Brother ) :lol::lol:

[Roy S]

Pics work fine Al, wish I'd tagged along now

[brian2957]

Yup , please tell us more mate . Thanks for sharing your fantastic pictures with us BTW .:)

[synsei]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0164.jpg

Bless me father for I have sinned... :eyebrows:

[brian2957]

Don't think I could sneak those past SWMBO :lol:

[Spur07]

looking at those pics Al I think you may have found your way into the Lenco Heaven room? definitely recognize some of those TT's.

[Rare Bird]

That TT looks great. Why do i think of the Ferrari Modulo 512S ! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0153.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0136.jpg

:yesbruv:

[wiicrackpot]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0164.jpg

Bless me father for I have sinned... :eyebrows:
Some might take that as in bad taste going by Keith O'Brien's admission of guilt tonight.


looking at those pics Al I think you may have found your way into the Lenco Heaven room? definitely recognize some of those TT's.
It's fugly enough for there for sure.

wii.

[Spur07]

That TT looks great. Why do i think of the Ferrari Modulo 512S ! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0153.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0136.jpg

:yesbruv:

that's the Lenco TT I recognized

[Audio Al]

looking at those pics Al I think you may have found your way into the Lenco Heaven room? definitely recognize some of those TT's.

O YES

I went in every room ;)

[synsei]

Some might take that as in bad taste going by Keith O'Brien's admission of guilt tonight.

Who??? Bad taste??? :scratch:

[Jonboy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0164.jpg

Bless me father for I have sinned... :eyebrows:



30 inch bass driver :eek:

[Audio Al]

Who??? Bad taste??? :scratch:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21647060

must be this

[wiicrackpot]

Who??? Bad taste??? :scratch:
Tragic case of Cardinal Keith O'Brien, head of the Catholic Church of Scotland.

[Jonboy]

Up at 5.30 this morning and got in at 9 tonight 370 ish miles round trip , good day out perhaps bit down on numbers from the last few years

[Audio Al]

Pics work fine Al, wish I'd tagged along now

Roy , the offer was on the table , no charge for fuel either as I was going anyway

I will be going to the National Audio Shoe later in the year so maybe join me for that show ? :)

[synsei]

Oh for crying out loud, so I've got to scan the news before every comment I make? :doh:

Apologies if I have offended anybody...

[wiicrackpot]

Oh for crying out loud, so I've got to scan the news before every comment I make? :doh:

Apologies if I have offended anybody...
No..no..it didn't affect me, just zoom out and give us more humour Dave. :)

[Roy S]

Roy , the offer was on the table , no charge for fuel either as I was going anyway

I will be going to the National Audio Shoe later in the year so maybe join me for that show ? :)

Cheers Al, will see how I'm fixed. Did you take Oleta with you today?

[Audio Al]

Cheers Al, will see how I'm fixed. Did you take Oleta with you today?

No , I did think about it but feel the choice of music is best left to the exhibitor to show of the system they have on demo

Did you listen to Circle of One ?

[Macca]

Great pictures Al - spotted the XTZ amp in there, someone else with good taste obviously ;) Yes we need to know about the super-system of course...


Oh for crying out loud, so I've got to scan the news before every comment I make? :doh:

Apologies if I have offended anybody...

I'm Catholic and I was laughing so I doubt it :)

[Roy S]

No , I did think about it but feel the choice of music is best left to the exhibitor to show of the system they have on demo

Did you listen to Circle of One ?

I did, nice chilled vibe but thought some of the arrangements didn't suit her voice

[freefallrob]

I had a great day at the wigwam show , very enjoyable

Met up with Marco what a nice man and he insisted on buying me a pint at the bar :cool: , cheers Marco , also met Lodgesound , Hoopsontoast, and one other gent :scratch: sorry cant remember his user name .

Spme very nice kit on show and very friendly owners :)

I was very impressed with one room the equipment sounded incredible :stalks::stalks::stalks: I had to have 3 visits to the room just to make sure I was not imagining the sound quality , It WAS EPIC

If anyone's interested in the said room just say and I will comment further ;)

Cheers man, glad you enjoyed it;)

[Marco]

I started writing a lengthy show report, and then lost most of it, after my laptop decided to hang!! Anyway, here's what I managed to save, along with the pictures of the systems (shamelessly stolen from elsewhere) I thought sounded the best. I will add more comments later...



Once again, I very much enjoyed myself at the Scalford show, which IMO, is way better than any of the commercial trade shows on a number of levels, not least of which was the sonic standard of the systems demonstrated.

This year there were more systems than ever I heard that were very good indeed; few were poor, but below are the ones I think deserve a special mention...

For me, the best sounds I heard were between those of Valvebloke:


http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8338/valvebloke.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/valvebloke.jpg/)


http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1180/valveblokejpg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/valveblokejpg2.jpg/)


...and Dom's Audio Note/Allnic/Mod Wright system, fronted by a superb sounding Garrard 401, with Audio Note Arm 3/Io cartridge and the utterly GORGEOUS sounding Snell Type A:


http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/1512/snellsystem.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/706/snellsystem.jpg/)


http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4089/snellsystem3.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/29/snellsystem3.jpg/)


http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5295/snellsystem2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/255/snellsystem2.jpg/)


Those beautiful looking NS1000s of Valvebloke's not only were a feast for the eyes, but also the ears, fronted by a Quad CDP and vintage RCA and Leak valve amplifiers. The sound was detailed, fluid and very musically engaging. I guess that I'm just a big fan of professional monitor speakers, when done well - and here they most certainly were!

Dom's system, for me, also really ticked some major boxes, as it produced a sound that resembled that of real instruments and voices in a totally effortless and convincing manner - and those Snells are probably one of the best speakers I've heard. They're quite vintage Tannoy DC-like in their musical presentation, which of course is a sound I can relate to, and they did genuine scale, vocal and instrumental texture with aplomb and had a lovely 'big-boned', effortlessly musical presentation that really made me smile!

At a push, I'd probably nominate it for the best sound I heard at the show. It really did highlight again for me that there has been little real progress made in loudspeaker technology, since the days when the truly great, genuinely innovative speakers were born, and here I include the Snells, along with Tannoys, Altecs, JBLs, Klipschs, Quads, IMFs, etc. Every time I hear speakers of that ilk, it becomes quite obvious what is wrong with 95% of modern speakers!!

Pictures of the other systems that impressed me most:

Russ Abbott:


http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/2145/russabbott.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/706/russabbott.jpg/)


Cablemonkey:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/2471/cablemonkey.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/cablemonkey.jpg/)


http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5282/cablemonkey3.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/5/cablemonkey3.jpg/)


Freefallrob:


http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4331/freefallrob.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/freefallrob.jpg/)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5356/freefallrob2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/90/freefallrob2.jpg/)


Lodgesound:


http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/3558/lodgesound.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/593/lodgesound.jpg/)


Nagraboy:


http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7050/nagraboy.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/402/nagraboy.jpg/)


Steelhull:


http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/9732/steelhullmichael.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/steelhullmichael.jpg/)


Steve Toy:


http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/6450/toyster.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/541/toyster.jpg/)


I'll edit-in my comments on the various systems above later! :cool:

Marco.

[Stratmangler]

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5295/snellsystem2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/255/snellsystem2.jpg/)

This is just an educated guess, but the record looks like it could be side 1 of Made In Japan by Deep Purple.
Any chance of confirmation of that? :)

[Marco]

Hi Chris,

Sorry, dude. It isn't my pic, and so I wasn't there when that record was playing... However, that was a truly superb sounding system!

Incidentally, it was interesting that every system that contained an Allnic valve phono stage sounded fantastic, which confirms my already held view that they make some of the best high-end phono stages on the planet...!

Marco.

[YNWaN]

I would generally say I agree with your thoughts above Marco, both with regard to the overall quality and the systems of note (with some minor differences of opinion).

The big Snell’s sounded good on Sunday, but were appreciably better on the Saturday night when a different amp was being used (in both my, and the opinion of others, that were there).

[Audio Al]

Syndicate Room 18 !!!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

This was my favorite room in the show , The sound quality was outstanding

It ticked all my boxes :D

One of the systems components were as follows :-Technics SL1210mk2, RB300, Goldring Eroica LOMC Arkless Modified CA640P

And the second system was this :- Technics SL1200mk2, RB301, Ortofon VIGOR HOMC, Sony TAF-B940R amplifier, & EAR834P phonostages


Well done Gents I was impressed :)

[clap]

My first show and it was very very good. A pity its only once year. My top systems:

1) Doms 401, Allnic, Modwright and Snell As. Lou Reeds vocals sounded so breathtakingly emotional I was nearly welling up.
2) Nagraboy , dcs sacd, nagra integrated with Harbeths, the best digital sound at the show and the best I've ever heard. I listened to types of music I don't generally listen to totally enthralled.
3) RMS Shipbroker & Setting Son, LP12, Ittok, AN Oto, AN speakers, very musical, Grace Jones and Peter Gabriel sounded great. Sorry to anyone I deafened when I upped the volume. The toes were tapping though.
4) Chelsea Dave, classy sounds which I commented on.
5) Carlbkk, American muscle with Taiwanese Samurai Speakers. A tour de force, impressive.
6) Russ Abbot, nice all round sound, great music selection.
7) OB1, at first I thought the Black Swan Speakers were hideous. After about 5 mins I wanted a set.
8) Papa Lazarou. Feel the quality.

I missed the giant Tannoys :-(. I didn't hear enough of the Belvoir room to form an opinion.

[julesd68]

Sadly I wasn't there but in terms of visual aesthetics, Cable Monkey's AR / PU7 combo looks absolutely spunkalicious ...

[hoopsontoast]

I very much enjoyed it as much as previous years, and as usual missed loads of rooms on my walk round!
Highlights for me on the rooms I did hear were:
Richard's (Gromit) PL71/770ES/Q-Acoustics system
Rob's (Freefallrob) with the Techie/Sony amp/JBL's

Only got a pick of my room as I forgot my camera on the walk round!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8527339047_a9bd5ee592_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/8527339047/)
Scalford Hall Show - 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoopsontoast/8527339047/) by RSdesignUK (http://www.flickr.com/people/hoopsontoast/), on Flickr

[MartinT]

Nice pics, Al. Glad everyone had a good time.

[Audioman]

Syndicate Room 18 !!!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

This was my favorite room in the show , The sound quality was outstanding

It ticked all my boxes :D

One of the systems components were as follows :-Technics SL1210mk2, RB300, Goldring Eroica LOMC Arkless Modified CA640P

And the second system was this :- Technics SL1200mk2, RB301, Ortofon VIGOR HOMC, Sony TAF-B940R amplifier, & EAR834P phonostages


Well done Gents I was impressed :)

Great sound from 'budget' gear. I think on that performance the Arkless phono stage requires furthur investigation as those SL1200s outshone the other rather lackluster sounding examples I heard. Funny thing with a couple exceptions it was the performance of systems using small fairly cheap speakers that stood out. Also not mentioned anywhere I was impressed by Take 5's Orbe / Audio Innovations / Snell system.

[navigator]

Great sound from 'budget' gear. I think on that performance the Arkless phono stage requires furthur investigation as those SL1200s outshone the other rather lackluster sounding examples I heard. Funny thing with a couple exceptions it was the performance of systems using small fairly cheap speakers that stood out. Also not mentioned anywhere I was impressed by Take 5's Orbe / Audio Innovations / Snell system.

Thankyou.We were glad to be able to bring joy to many. Like yourself some stayed a long time -standing room only for large periods.Understanding the synergies of kit was key to getting best detailed dynamics and power at ALL frequencies.Matching to the odd room was the new challenge. We are delighted with instantaneous applause and feedback given between tracks.The Arkless mod was hugely dynamic yet delicately detailed. MC upgraders [who buy on sound quality AND value] should audition-No-just buy it-nobrainer.

[Rare Bird]

This is just an educated guess, but the record looks like it could be side 1 of Made In Japan by Deep Purple.
Any chance of confirmation of that? :)

Or side 2 of 'Machine Head' :)

[Marco]

Hi Mark,


I would generally say I agree with your thoughts above Marco, both with regard to the overall quality and the systems of note (with some minor differences of opinion).

The big Snell’s sounded good on Sunday, but were appreciably better on the Saturday night when a different amp was being used (in both my, and the opinion of others, that were there).

Nice one, mate. Pity we never managed to meet up... The closest I got was seeing Andrew and you going into Steve Toy's room, but it was too full to follow you in!

Interesting about the amp used in the Snell system. What was the different one then that was better? :)

I thought that it was a fantastic sounding system, especially the way it underpinned music with genuine scale - in that respect, and overall sonically, they reminded me a lot of my Lockwoods!

It also reinforced my opinion that to create genuine scale (not just deep bass), you need speakers with, not only large cones and cabinets, but also a wide baffle area. It's no accident, I feel, that every time I listen to speakers with a wide baffle area, they never fail to deliver convincing scale and give voices and instruments the required depth and body to sound real - and that is a massively important area to me, in terms of accurate musical reproduction.

Btw, I forgot to say in my previous post that it was great to meet Audio Al, Ian (IHP), Frank (F1eng) and Phil (oceanobsession) - all thoroughly nice chaps, along with Jonboy (whom I've met before) and various other AoS members, and members of pfm and Wigwam, throughout the day. Lots of fun was had! :cool:

Marco.

[julesd68]

It's no accident, I feel, that every time I listen to speakers with a wide baffle area, they never fail to deliver convincing scale and give voices and instruments the required depth and body to sound real - and that is a massively important area to me, in terms of accurate musical reproduction.

Nothing quite like Tannoys to show off an orchestra in full throttle I'm finding!

[MartinT]

Nothing quite like Tannoys to show off an orchestra in full throttle I'm finding!

Are you enjoying them, Julian?

[julesd68]

Are you enjoying them, Julian?

Yes Martin. I wasn't expecting the scale that they produce with all kinds of music actually! Great for classical and rock.

The other startling factor is the amount of air and seperation you get between instruments. Very special indeed.

The only other speaker itch I will need to scratch at some point is some bad-boy Ushers. ;)

[awkwardbydesign]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/2012%20National%20Audio%20Show/Scalford%20Show/IMG_0164.jpg

Bless me father for I have sinned... :eyebrows:
I helped get one of those across the courtyard and in through the door. Even with a sack-trolley and about 5 people it was bloody difficult.

[MartinT]

The only other speaker itch I will need to scratch at some point is some bad-boy Ushers. ;)

You'll just have to come over, then ;)

[Marco]

Big-boy Ushers are big-time fun, too - just in a different way! ;)

Marco.

[awkwardbydesign]

I would generally say I agree with your thoughts above Marco, both with regard to the overall quality and the systems of note (with some minor differences of opinion).

The big Snell’s sounded good on Sunday, but were appreciably better on the Saturday night when a different amp was being used (in both my, and the opinion of others, that were there).
On Saturday night I thought they were the only speakers I could actually live with, run (I think) with a pair of Guy's valve amps. On Sunday, hearing the same Lou Reed song, and the Modwright amp, I couldn't get out fast enough! The little Apogee Centaurs in room 36 did it for me, though. And I enjoyed the Lenco room, Chrome LP (mine) and Beefheart's "Big eyed beans from Venus" hit the (Clear) Spot!

[BD-Audio]

Snell As on Saturday night were being driven with prototype Audio Innovations 3rd audio mono blocks. They cost £3500 in components alone 20 years ago. Sounded great. I had those amps at mine for around 8 months a while back. Would be around £20k or so rrp if built now. They are very special.
The pre amp was a Kondo M7 clone.

[Marco]

Ah, Jack, thanks for the clarification. Good to meet you again on Sunday, btw! :)

Obviously then, Dom disagreed with the consensus of opinion and went with the Modwright... I have no idea then how good it would've been with the AI monoblocks!! :eek:

Was the Modwright power amp SS or valve?

Marco.

[Stratmangler]

Or side 2 of 'Machine Head' :)

I've just pulled both albums from the shelf and had a look, and the outcome is ...
































it's side one of Made In Japan :eyebrows:

[Rare Bird]

:lolsign:

[Dingdong]

Ah, Jack, thanks for the clarification. Good to meet you again on Sunday, btw! :)

Obviously then, Dom disagreed with the consensus of opinion and went with the Modwright... I have no idea then how good it would've been with the AI monoblocks!! :eek:

Was the Modwright power amp SS or valve?

Marco.

It was an ss integrated iirc. I liked it, but I didn't hear the other amps used in the system.

[BD-Audio]

Ah, Jack, thanks for the clarification. Good to meet you again on Sunday, btw! :)

Obviously then, Dom disagreed with the consensus of opinion and went with the Modwright... I have no idea then how good it would've been with the AI monoblocks!! :eek:

Was the Modwright power amp SS or valve?

Marco.

No one disagreed about the sound quality of the monos Marco, the fact that the retail on a pair of amps with that quality of components would cost around 5 times more.
If one wanted to spend more there are plenty of other Modwright options though. :D

http://www.bd-audio.co.uk/modwright-instruments.html

The KWI200 is a 200W solid state, there are plenty of reviews to be found linking from the MWI site.

http://www.modwright.com/products/kwi-200.php




Nice to see you again too btw!

[Jonboy]

Really like the Snell A's but they don't come up for sale very often, i know someone with three pairs but he won't part with any of them,:(


We managed to get the home made Loftin White plugged into the Tannoy Westminsters for half an hour on Sunday as everyone was packing up, it sounded amazing with only 2-3 watts of power it easily ran those 15 inchers, shame more people didn't get to here it.

[YNWaN]

This year, nothing I heard at the show made me want to leave the room immediately; but, at the same time, nothing made me think 'oh, I must go and investigate that further’.

The rooms in the main body of the hotel seem to be pretty solidly built, though not all the proportions are for the best. Some of the newer sections of the hotel have very bouncy floors though!

Apparently, someone had a T-shirt that said 'Vinyl is killing MP3' :).

I think the amps on the Snells were as described above, AI etc.

Marco, only saw you briefly, on the other side of the lounge with a bunch of people - didn't see you at all other than that. I didn't spend that long in ST's room; it was laid out the same as last year and wasn't very large. To be honest, the top end on his Tannoy's really isn't for me.

This years memes:

This year’s memes:

Quite a lot of ‘plinky plonky’ jaz :(

At least one spare amp (if not collection of random electronic components) in the room, preferably one that is diametrically different to the one actually being used.

More active systems than in the past

Lower volume levels

Less streaming and more vinyl

[freefallrob]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8527295607_0628c24db9_z.jpg


We had a terrific show, I mean totally blown away by it this year!

Thank you to 'Phil' PhilofCas, who helped us unload in the morning and lug the stuff up to the 2nd floor THANK YOU!

Thank you to Simon (ratbike) :cool:for the pint and who helped us lug it all back down to the car at the end of the day THANK YOU!


Thank you to all those who paid entry and visited us on the second floor and for your amazing feedback on the day, we were bowled over.

Thank you to those who gave spontaneous clapping/round of applause, we are humbled!

Thank you to James and his team of organizers and to the hotel staff, great job again.

Thanks to MADLATVIAN for the BOX SET records, and to TAKE5 for the records for Sam, and to JANDL100 for the minidisc player, cheers to SYEP2001 for the speaker stands....

Thank you to www.vinylcare.co.uk who let us borrow the graphite/carbon record mat for most of the day(!), it certainly seemed to work, cheers for the gift.

Thanks to khapahk for the badges.

Well done to all the other exhibitors, I only had chance to stick my nose in a very, very small small hand full, but the one that left a lasting impression was lodgesound on the second floor, superb sound and really interesting gear.


And finally thank you to my Dad (radical) for being brilliant and our wives for putting up with all the geeky stuff!

[nat8808]

Roy , the offer was on the table , no charge for fuel either as I was going anyway

I will be going to the National Audio Shoe later in the year so maybe join me for that show ? :)

Looking forward to that... Is it just one or a pair?

[Audio Al]

Looking forward to that... Is it just one or a pair?

If Roy goes a pair :lol:

[julesd68]

You'll just have to come over, then ;)

Ooooh - the thought of hearing your Ushers playing "The Planets" at concert volume is very motivating :drool: but I do admit to being a wee bit scared of listening to uber systems like yours Martin, just in case mine feels like an Amstrad the next day!!

[Rare Bird]

Be strong don't let anything/anyone influence your mind...I masturd it. :eyebrows:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ooooh - the thought of hearing your Ushers playing "The Planets" at concert volume is very motivating :drool: but I do admit to being a wee bit scared of listening to uber systems like yours Martin, just in case mine feels like an Amstrad the next day!!


To you, your system is a Uber system, and that's all that matters. ;)

[KC Jones]

Hi Freefallrob.
Thanks for playing the Arctic Monkeys for me at Scalford. Two great sounding systems you had in the room, to my ears that is what a music system should sound like. Enjoyed my visit, great effort.
Thanks
Kevin.

[freefallrob]

Hi Freefallrob.
Thanks for playing the Arctic Monkeys for me at Scalford. Two great sounding systems you had in the room, to my ears that is what a music system should sound like. Enjoyed my visit, great effort.
Thanks
Kevin.

No worries Kevin, really pleased you enjoyed it:).

[Audioman]

Ooooh - the thought of hearing your Ushers playing "The Planets" at concert volume is very motivating :drool: but I do admit to being a wee bit scared of listening to uber systems like yours Martin, just in case mine feels like an Amstrad the next day!!

From my experience of uber systems I don't think your set up is likely to sound like an Amstrad in comparison to Martin's. Many smaller systems get the essentials right and large speakers need the right room to work as well as being too visually dominating. I've got a hunch that the Usher Mini Dancers would work better in most people's domestic situation. The systems with small to micro speakers appeared to work as well as anything at the show with only a few exceptions. None of the enormous speakers really appealed to me except maybe the Snell Type A but even then I felt something just wasn't quite right.

[MartinT]

I masturd it. :eyebrows:

...indeed ;)

[MartinT]

Ooooh - the thought of hearing your Ushers playing "The Planets" at concert volume is very motivating :drool: but I do admit to being a wee bit scared of listening to uber systems like yours Martin, just in case mine feels like an Amstrad the next day!!

Whenever I heard uber systems in the past it just helped me with directing my upgrades, but I never returned home dissatisfied. I think you're stronger than that, Julian!

By the way, The Planets sounds awesome, as does Zarathustra and Gotterdammerung just to name a few I've played recently. My system does subtlety too, it's not just about power :eyebrows:

[julesd68]

Of course you're right Mr T.

I've got my next "upgrade" ( I hope! ) arriving on March 16 - hopefully this will make me stronger still!!

Let's look at diaries and arrange a date. Cheers. :cool:

[MartinT]

Yes, let's.

Is the next upgrade a secret?

[julesd68]

:lol: Nah - it's a hot-rodded 1210 mk2.

[trio leo]

Please excuse my ignorance fellas, but I have not been to a Scalford show yet.

Is it a show organised by enthusiasts for them to exhibit their own systems?
How many rooms/exhibitors are there?
How much is it to hire a room?
Is the equipment secure at night?
Do any branded companies attend?

just curious

regards Al

[Audio Al]

Please excuse my ignorance fellas, but I have not been to a Scalford show yet.

Is it a show organised by enthusiasts for them to exhibit their own systems?
How many rooms/exhibitors are there?
How much is it to hire a room?
Is the equipment secure at night?
Do any branded companies attend?

just curious

regards Al


Is it a show organised by enthusiasts for them to exhibit their
own systems? ( YES )
How many rooms/exhibitors are there? ( About 80 )
How much is it to hire a room? ( not sure )
Is the equipment secure at night? ( I would think so )
Do any branded companies attend? ( No )

Thats the best I can do for you ;)

[sq225917]

50-60 rooms tend to get filled.
£10 a room I think.
The gear is as secure as your door is locked.
No real manufacturers attend though some rooms were filled this time round with the resident Wam retailers with product on show from some of the more serious 'hobbyist accessory makers'.

[freefallrob]

Is it a show organised by enthusiasts for them to exhibit their own systems? YES
How many rooms/exhibitors are there? Usually 50
How much is it to hire a room? Large rooms were £30 quid this year, smaller bedrooms were free.
Is the equipment secure at night? Yesish, exhibitors normally sleep in the same room with there stuff overnight if staying
Do any branded companies attend? Yes, record sellers etc, some friends of the Wam traders this year.

[navigator]

Hi Freefallrob.
Thanks for playing the Arctic Monkeys for me at Scalford. Two great sounding systems you had in the room, to my ears that is what a music system should sound like. Enjoyed my visit, great effort.
Thanks
Kevin.
:)Thankyou K. I'm the other half of the duo.We adjusted the 2 systems for 'our' sound using an EAR valve phonostage and a CA640p newly modded by JEZ ARKLESS. Many 'golden ears ' were complimentary. We are our own fiercest critics and thought the linups the best we've produced so far but I have to report that the ARKLESS has improved still further since after a week on heat.
Plans are already forming for 2014.
Is there an A of S show plan?

[Audio Al]

Is there an A of S show plan? :eyebrows::eyebrows::eyebrows:

[MartinT]

Watch this space...

[KC Jones]

:)Thankyou K. I'm the other half of the duo.We adjusted the 2 systems for 'our' sound using an EAR valve phonostage and a CA640p newly modded by JEZ ARKLESS. Many 'golden ears ' were complimentary. We are our own fiercest critics and thought the linups the best we've produced so far but I have to report that the ARKLESS has improved still further since after a week on heat.
Plans are already forming for 2014.
Is there an A of S show plan?

I shall look forward to hearing it in 2014 then. Making a system sound as good as you can before spending too much cash is the major achievement and the way forward I reckon. Turning money into ‘kit’ doesn’t always produce a better sound. Experience of synergy is the key I think? I don’t quite have that experience yet. But It has made me remove some upgrades on my system (record player) and return back to a basic as possible system and to start again.

So now I am just listening to a CD player, amp and speaker, and do you know what? it sounds better than the record player. I shall return to the vinyl part later in the spring. (I need to deceide if its stick with the Technics, or move to Garrard, as I like the sound of both (although a Technics has a basic sound a Garrard doesn’t)
Anyway rambling on.... Cheers Radical I enjoyed it.

[navigator]

KC J mentions 'return to basics ' and 'synergy'. The insidious pressure of 'buying' is fine but only after extracting the max from items already possessed IMO.
Basic for FFR and myself is the starting source item-the diamond--its exact correct position in the groove --and an understanding and control of factors that affect it. Optimising its freedom to do its job is the main factor in any vinyl system-even low cost carts are unbelievably sensitive to vibes and react to vibes they themselves create.
Items following in the lineup have a less effect and can confuse-don't pay until you're sure of source and then buy only 'neutral' until the loudspeakers[choose these for your taste ears and room] .My opinion of course. Learn the character of each piece/wire
eg my techy had a vibe felt only with damp finger on deck.Investigation showed the black base was touching the vibrating transformer in one area.I removed with craft knife a black sliver-no vibe now on deck so less on arm/cart. Don't sell your techy yet -it can slay giants IMO-it'll be worth alot in a few years.Bestvalue CDP is my target for 2014!