View Full Version : Owston 2014
Floyddroid
07-09-2014, 20:32
Thought i would open a thread about about this as i was persuaded by Rich B to attend. I decided to do so instead of traveling all the way to Whittlebury on my own. It's taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of November and i am really looking forward to it. Does anyone have anymore information?:)
Yes, get your self over to Audio Talk and have a read of the Owston thread. Its mainly a DIY valve event, a lot of boat anchor DIY builds and open baffle 'speakers. The event starts on the Friday evening where a lot of beer gets drunk and the world is put to rights, Sat and Sun are spent talking with lots of experimentation, listening and recovering from Friday night. Its one large room, everybody get a shot at demoing their setup and talking about it...its very much a social event as well as a learning event.
Thought i would open a thread about about this as i was persuaded by Rich B to attend. I decided to do so instead of traveling all the way to Whittlebury on my own. It's taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of November and i am really looking forward to it. Does anyone have anymore information?:)
Aye and we can blame Ali Tait if its rubbish as he talked me into it lol.
Seriously though, I'm going along with open ears as I've not much experience of the type of kit there and I'm always ready to hear something new. Some of the most exciting stuff I've heard in recent times has been of the DIY variety a'la NEBO.
Its cool Rich, been to a couple myself.
Good fun and you get to hear a lot of great kit.
Ali Tait
08-09-2014, 06:58
Are you planning on bringing any kit gents?
Are you planning on bringing any kit gents?
Depends what you'd be interested in hearing Ali.
The new Amptastic mini 1 raised a few eyebrows at the nebo and I'll be happy to bring it if anyone wants to hear it. Also have an interesting hifimediy USB DAC with PSU which sounds fab for the £60quid it cost. Can also provide a SBT and my laptop for sources.
I do have a brio-r I can bring if anyone were curious of whether it lives up to the hype. However given its a more DIY focussed get together I'd imagine folk wouldn't be that interested.
Ali Tait
08-09-2014, 14:21
A reel to reel would be good, not had any at the last few, be good to compare to the vinyl.
Floyddroid
08-09-2014, 15:50
I was going to bring my Tascam 32 R2R. Should i? :scratch:
A reel to reel would be good, not had any at the last few, be good to compare to the vinyl.
Ali Tait
08-09-2014, 17:53
Yes please, love to hear it!
We should try to get Alan t along. Sounds right up his street.
Ali Tait
08-09-2014, 18:30
More the merrier mate.
Floyddroid
08-09-2014, 21:23
Agreed Rich.
We should try to get Alan t along. Sounds right up his street.
talisman2
09-09-2014, 08:01
why do you want to bring yer motor-bike ???
Floyddroid
09-09-2014, 08:26
Well, i need to get around Alf!
why do you want to bring yer motor-bike ???
337alant
09-09-2014, 21:31
We should try to get Alan t along. Sounds right up his street.
Ah thanks Rich I would love to come but, not sure what I will be doing on that date TBH, I have just quit my job in Australia and am looking for a new job so it depends what happens between now and then ????
You or Steve are welcome to borrow one of my R2R players and some tapes of course
Regards
Alan
Floyddroid
10-09-2014, 05:31
:eyebrows:Be great if you could come like Alan. It looks to be very interesting. When are you home? Need some help with me Lenco.
Ah thanks Rich I would love to come but, not sure what I will be doing on that date TBH, I have just quit my job in Australia and am looking for a new job so it depends what happens between now and then ????
You or Steve are welcome to borrow one of my R2R players and some tapes of course
Regards
Alan
Anyone thinking of going might like to introduce themselves here so Steve can keep track of the numbers:
http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5662
Anyone thinking of going might like to introduce themselves here so Steve can keep track of the numbers:
http://www.audio-talk.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5662
Im sure marco would not mind if you pm me on this forum too, i will add it to the list over on audio talk,
its not about forums, its just like minded people getting together and hearing some rather good kit- diy or otherwise
The saturday is the main day, opens around 9 am we drift in and set up, then kick off around 11.0 and then there is about another 12 hours worth, costs are around £10 each inc buffet lunch for the saturday no profit is made, its your share of the costs.
And then continued at a much more sedate pace for a few hours on the sunday ...
Im sure marco would not mind if you pm me on this forum too...
Not at all, mate. The more we can do to make the event a success, the better! I would encourage as many members of AoS to attend as possible, as Owston is one event where you always learn something new, and is also always organised impeccably by your good self.
Hope you have a good one :)
Marco.
Im sure marco would not mind if you pm me on this forum too, i will add it to the list over on audio talk,
its not about forums, its just like minded people getting together and hearing some rather good kit- diy or otherwise
The saturday is the main day, opens around 9 am we drift in and set up, then kick off around 11.0 and then there is about another 12 hours worth, costs are around £10 each inc buffet lunch for the saturday no profit is made, its your share of the costs.
And then continued at a much more sedate pace for a few hours on the sunday ...
Cheers Steve, looking forward to it and making your acquaintance.
All the best
Rich
Rich,
Saturday night try the awesome Burgers....nom nom.
Ali Tait
12-09-2014, 19:48
Yes yes, we know all about yer shenanigans on a night at these things!
Yes yes, we know all about yer shenanigans on a night at these things!
That's a cute new avatar Ali!
Ali Tait
13-09-2014, 13:08
Cheers!
Question - Where is Owston?
No information on here or anything obvious in the Audio-talk thread that I just skimmed through.
Waste of time trying Google maps as well.
No one seems to mention the venue or how to get there.
Is it in Scotland?
Ali Tait
18-09-2014, 10:07
http://owstonlodge.co.uk/
Ah - all is clear.
It's just over an hours journey, is there room for me, if I want to attend?
Going to Whittlebury on Saturday for the NAS14, doing it all in one day so an early start for that one and late back. :rolleyes:
Ali Tait
18-09-2014, 10:55
Yes of course, just turn up on the day.
Floyddroid
19-09-2014, 14:54
As they say in Scotland Ken, NO.
Question - Where is Owston?
No information on here or anything obvious in the Audio-talk thread that I just skimmed through.
Waste of time trying Google maps as well.
No one seems to mention the venue or how to get there.
Is it in Scotland?
Halfway Tree
25-09-2014, 13:28
It looks like the North East posse is getting together for this and I'd like to tag along if that's OK. Just retired at the beginning of this week so have some more time to spend in the "shed."
Missed NEBO 4 as I was on holiday, and decided not to make the trek to Whittlebury this year so would be great to listen to some other systems.
Have just finished building the bass section of Siegfried Linkwitz LX521 to add a bit more punch to the bottom end of my Maggies. I'll post some pics shortly.
Gordon
Ali Tait
25-09-2014, 13:50
Sure, all are welcome.
It looks like the North East posse is getting together for this and I'd like to tag along if that's OK. Just retired at the beginning of this week so have some more time to spend in the "shed."
Missed NEBO 4 as I was on holiday, and decided not to make the trek to Whittlebury this year so would be great to listen to some other systems.
Have just finished building the bass section of Siegfried Linkwitz LX521 to add a bit more punch to the bottom end of my Maggies. I'll post some pics shortly.
Gordon
Hi Gordon, will be good to see you there.
Rich
It looks like the North East posse is getting together for this and I'd like to tag along if that's OK. Just retired at the beginning of this week so have some more time to spend in the "shed."
Missed NEBO 4 as I was on holiday, and decided not to make the trek to Whittlebury this year so would be great to listen to some other systems.
Have just finished building the bass section of Siegfried Linkwitz LX521 to add a bit more punch to the bottom end of my Maggies. I'll post some pics shortly.
Gordon
Be good to see you, i dont think we have any magnaplaners to the meets over the years so it would be a first
i'll add you name to the list over on audiotalk , but please let me know if things change as i sort the buffet for the saturday
Thanks
Steve
Halfway Tree
27-09-2014, 15:47
Thanks Rich, looking forward to it.
I've just posted some pics of the system update in the Gallery here.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?13511-Gordon-s-System/page3
Gordon
Halfway Tree
12-10-2014, 11:00
Be good to see you, i dont think we have any magnaplaners to the meets over the years so it would be a first
i'll add you name to the list over on audiotalk , but please let me know if things change as i sort the buffet for the saturday
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
I can bring my smaller Maggies if that's Ok. The ribbons in the 2.5r's are pretty delicate when it comes to travelling. The MG1 still has the Magneplanar house sound, everything is just on a smaller scale. I'll bring a power amp and a dac/pre. First time I've done this so please let me know if I need anything else.
Cheers
Gordon
Ali Tait
12-10-2014, 12:02
Bring anything you like., the more the merrier. Are you bringing a source?
Hi Steve,
I can bring my smaller Maggies if that's Ok. The ribbons in the 2.5r's are pretty delicate when it comes to travelling. The MG1 still has the Magneplanar house sound, everything is just on a smaller scale. I'll bring a power amp and a dac/pre. First time I've done this so please let me know if I need anything else.
Cheers
Gordon
hi gordon, bring as much as you need to make it work , dont forget a short extension/ and your speaker cables etc ...and your choice in music....
Access is good at venue, so it makes things easy.
Thanks...
Halfway Tree
12-10-2014, 16:46
Great, thanks Ali and Steve. I'll bring my SBT/laptop and/or CD player.
Gordon
Ali Tait
12-10-2014, 18:12
Good stuff, see you there.
Floyddroid
20-10-2014, 03:36
Just wondering what music i should tape on the reel to reel for Owston? How long will it be played?
Ali Tait
20-10-2014, 13:09
We usually get three songs each to start with, and go round the room listening to each system in turn. I daresay some might want to try your R to R in their systems, don't think we've had one before.
As for what music, whatever you fancy.
Ali Tait
20-10-2014, 13:10
We usually get three songs each to start with, and go round the room listening to each system in turn. I daresay some might want to try your R to R in their systems, don't think we've had one before.
As for what music, whatever you fancy.
Floyddroid
30-10-2014, 06:31
Just taping some track on to the reel to reel for Saturday. really looking forward to it.
Good one , yes I'll do my packing friday night, still have my new speakers to try and finish off.. At least they are working ok now.
There is room for more if any one fancies a good day out?
Cheers
Steve
Floyddroid
02-11-2014, 14:10
Great meet at Owston. Thanks to everyone for making me so welcome. A very enjoyable experience.:)
A thoroughly enjoyable day/night at Owston....
Good music, fantastic systems created by passionate people, fun banter..... Hats off to Steve for organising.
A day for the 'specialists' lol. :eyebrows:
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 18:07
Glad you guys enjoyed it, great to see you there. Loved the R to R, I want one!
I managed to get along to the Owston bake off for the first time this year (1st/2nd November).
For those that don't know, it is held at the Owston Park Lodge (Pub/Restaurant) just North of Doncaster. I was told it was a good place to see DIY speaker and Tube projects so being into DIY and having an interest in, but absolutely no knowledge of valve types and circuits, it looked like an interesting event to attend.
The format was that each system would get to play 3 tracks, then move on to the next, when everyone was done, a bit of box swapping and trying out of individual bits of kit could be entered into. I must say that it worked very well, I didn't take any of my own kit this time and decided just to get the lay of the land. They are a very friendly bunch and us first timers were made to feel very welcome.
Apologies to everyone for my very basic descriptions of what was being used, it was a bit over my head when folks were explaining their set up but didn't detract from my pleasure in listening to it. I have only featured about half of the initial systems to give a flavour of what the event was about, so sorry if you don't get a mention.
I arrived fairly early, just before the 10 o'clock start and there was plenty of activity, with people setting up their systems.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_01.jpg
DIY speakers being assembled.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_02.jpg
Various Tube Amps off loaded onto the first available table - Is it going to take the weight?
We eventually got organised and the first system was up and running without a hitch.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_03.jpg
While the first system was playing I grabbed this shot of the early birds, several people including some of the North East posse arrived a few minutes after this was taken.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_04.jpg
Steve Cresswell introducing his system, the speakers are a scaled up Metronome with a Fostex Mid/Bass and Monacor Tweeter and they had a very rich full bodied sound that was easy on the ear, I could have listened to these all day.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_05.jpg
Steve's amplification came in the form of a KT-120 push pull tube amp.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_06.jpg
Steve Sheills (Event Organiser) introducing his DIY open baffle speakers, a total of five drivers a side if you include the Fostex Super Tweeters perched on top. Bass duties covered by 15" Fane units.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_07.jpg
Umph supplied by his 5 watt PX25 amp, apparently a valve no longer made and from the 1930/40's. The big box at the base contains the four power supplies. These meagre watts produced ample quality volume through his speakers.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_08.jpg
Moving on to Gordon Watson who was a first timer and a very different solid state system, with a Squeezebox Touch at the front end and QSC Pro-Audio amp providing the current to drive his MP1 "Maggies". Never heard these before and they were very impressive, even managing to knock out a decent rendition of some reggae. As Gordon suggested "who says Maggies don't do Bass". All these systems had a completely different sound, but I could have taken any of them home, this variety made for a very interesting session. Sorry about the blurred figures, the animated presenters were not captured on the 1/13th to 1/15th second exposure times but I preferred the ambient light to the stark nature of Flash.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_09.jpg
The modest entry fee was purely to cover costs and included as much tea and coffee as you could drink and a buffet Lunch which included chips that were out of shot on an adjacent table.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_10.jpg
Colin Topps system (Reiver Acoustics) featured their Prototype "Norge" speakers and very nice they sounded too, very fast with plenty of whelly from the SB Acoustics drivers when needed and a sweet Fountek ribbon Tweeter.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_11.jpg
Colins GM70 based Monoblocks were a thing of beauty but required two people to lift one, needless to say, they sounded sublime through the "Norge" speakers.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_12.jpg
This system was a combined effort, Simon Chambers (left) provided open baffle speakers and amplification. Nick Gorham (Centre) contributed his valve Phono Stage and Mark Jeffs who is almost in shot provided the Turntable.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_13.jpg
What the f**k, I think Simon needs a bigger table for his GM70 based amp set up, count those Trannies.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_14.jpg
Marks Nottingham Analogue Turntable with Nicks Phono Stage behind . The items worked well together and produced a very different presentation to Colins GM70 based system.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_15.jpg
Later in the afternoon people who had brought single items got the opportunity to tac them onto a system to demo them. Steve Petch (Organiser of NEBO meets) brought along his recently acquired Tascam 32 Reel to Reel.
http://www.jkwynn.co.uk/Project_Images/Owston14/ows_16.jpg
Steves machine was the first R to R front end to be used at Owston and it got a lot of approval when played through Colins system.
Other pieces (sorry no pics) that stick in my memory, were RichB's Amptastic T-amp which never fails to astound listeners and Ali's Alchemy Kraken, these diminutive little boxes were dwarfed by some of the set ups yet were not embarrassed by any means. All forms of kit were welcome and well received and the music was very varied making it a highly enjoyable event and one I wouldn't hesitate in recommending. :)
Floyddroid
02-11-2014, 18:18
Indeed, a very big thanks to Steve for organizing it all. A fantastic job. There was some great equipment and i echo what Richie said above. good to put faces to names too.
A thoroughly enjoyable day/night at Owston....
Good music, fantastic systems created by passionate people, fun banter..... Hats off to Steve for organising.
A day for the 'specialists' lol. :eyebrows:
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 18:32
Nice write up Ken, it was good to see some new faces coming, thanks for going to the effort of posting the photos.
A couple of corrections if I may, it's Steve Cresswell with the Metronomes, and the valves Steve Sheills uses are PX24's, a lovely '30's triode and getting very rare and expensive now. I'd say Steve probably has one of the largest private collections of these in the UK, if not Europe.
Halfway Tree
02-11-2014, 18:36
Yep, a thoroughly enjoyable day. Great people and some really interesting systems that were so enjoyable to listen to. Many thanks Steve for organising. Also big thanks to Ken for the pics and write up - blurry suits me very well!
Should mention that my son never once listened to music on his phone during the day and we had a long discussion about which system he preferred on the way home. For a 14 year old I think that says something about the event.
cheers
Gordon
Oooops sorry about that Ali, couldn't read my own writing, well I am a Geordie, so English is my second language. :D
Corrected.
Great to meet everyone, really good event.
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 18:51
No problem Ken. :-)
Floyddroid
02-11-2014, 19:29
Nick, great to meet you dude. I think to improve the Hifi industry all that is needed is to listen to us. We seemed to put it all right last night with the aid of Professor Timothy Taylor and a couple of Tigers in our tank.
Thats PX25
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 19:46
Thats PX25
LOL, quite right, been a long drive..
Floyddroid
02-11-2014, 20:04
You must be knackered Ali? Good to meet you sir. Loved the Kraken.
LOL, quite right, been a long drive..
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 20:33
Aye a bit knackered. Got over the hangover yet? :-)
Good to meet you too. Aye, the amp's rather nice isn't it?
Wakefield Turntables
02-11-2014, 20:37
HOW THE HELL DID I MISS THIS! :steam: I only live about 30 miles down the road. When the next one:scratch:
Ali Tait
02-11-2014, 20:44
Dunno yet. There are usually two a year. Next one probably around May.
A good day was had, i never made the second day as i was at a radio rally across nr warrington on the sunday, but i had a good and long day on the saturday
Nice to meet some new faces, thanks ken for the right up, it was like having the press there, taking notes etc i was impressed!
I really liked the Maggies and the reel to reel, both firsts for our Owston meets
And there was a whole host of other good gear too from the regulars mostly diy but a good mix
We had a good turn out with nearly 30 turning up on the day. So thanks to all for the support... there is a lot of hard work involved bringing kit and drinking beer, its appreciated.
We will be having another meet next year and new faces are always welcomed...
Thanks again...
Steve
SPS - If you want to use any of my report elsewhere Steve, or link to it, feel free to do so. ;)
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