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pure sound
29-10-2009, 22:02
Off to Lisbon tomorrow (with Conrad from Avid) for an all analogue HiFi show. CD players & other digital sources are banned!

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&tl=en&u=http://www.audiomania.com.pt%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D3540.0 %3Ball

Ought to be an interesting weekend. Will take some pics

DSJR
29-10-2009, 22:05
Wonder how many of the pressings played will be from digital master tapes?????

pure sound
29-10-2009, 22:39
It's a good point! I'll have to point it out if necessary. At least they may not have been shoehorned down to 16/44.

Marco
30-10-2009, 00:02
Sounds interesting! Have a nice trip, and yes, do take plenty of pics to include in your write-up when you get back home ;)

Marco.

Stratmangler
30-10-2009, 01:25
To be honest the idea of an analogue only show is a total waste of time IMO, and is pandering to the whims of an elitist analogue only hifi hardcore.

I can imagine that there will be lots of lovely sound on the day.

Fact of the matter is that digital source is here to stay, and that source is more likely to be obtained in the form of a download.

To exclude digital sources is akin to the proverbial ostrich burying its' head in the sand.

Chris;)

Haselsh1
30-10-2009, 08:31
To be honest the idea of an analogue only show is a total waste of time IMO, and is pandering to the whims of an elitist analogue only hifi hardcore.

I can imagine that there will be lots of lovely sound on the day.

Fact of the matter is that digital source is here to stay, and that source is more likely to be obtained in the form of a download.

To exclude digital sources is akin to the proverbial ostrich burying its' head in the sand.

Chris;)


Hmmm, I'm not sure I agree with everything you've just said but I do agree that digital is here to stay in the same way that digital cameras are here to stay even though they are so inferior to silver based technology. No digital camera for a very long time is going to come anywhere near a Wista Field Camera loaded with Ilford FP4+. Somehow I doubt that a digital Hi-Fi source is going to get anywhere near a Nottingham Analogue Dais loaded up with a stunning arm and cartridge. What I do think is that we have to develop a sense of forgiving for each others technology. They are all here to stay.

Dave Cawley
30-10-2009, 09:39
Great idea! When can we have one in Swindon??

Regards

Dave

REM
30-10-2009, 11:04
Hope they are only using LPs mastered before the 80's, that is prior to computer controlled cutting lathes became industry standard;)

pure sound
01-11-2009, 16:37
An interesting event. Portugal does have normal HiFi shows too but this Forum organised event was specifically for people who enjoy collecting & playing vinyl records. there's nothing wrong or elitist about that. I'm sure everyone there also uses other sources when necessary.

On saturday morning before the show began, we took the open top bus tour of Lisbon. It seems a very nice place to live & 70 degrees at the end of October is quite pleasant aswell.

The Tiara Hotel where the show took place
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4450.jpg

Downtown in their 'Ramblas' equivalent. the pavements comprise what are really black & white mosaics.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4461.jpg

The elevador, a 1902 lift that takes people to a higher part of the town. All cast iron.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4467.jpg

One of many attractive squares
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4469.jpg

Suspension bridge by the same company that who built the Golden Gate. this looked very similar.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4484.jpg

the tower of Belem. 500 or so years old. Some very north African influences
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4493.jpg

And so to the show.

The organisers had managed to borrow some pieces from the museum of the Portuguese national Radio station and then added to this with some turntables of the forum members

EMT 930 and Thorens 124 with Ortofon arm & A type spu
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4499.jpg

EMT 950 & 938
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4500.jpg

Close up of the 930
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4545.jpg

Various others gathered together. Jerry will recognise this one!
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4501.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4502.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4503.jpg

I must look out for one of these. Funky little thing.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4505.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4506.jpg

another EMT, the 948
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4507.jpg

Nice 301 & 3012
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4508.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4511.jpg

Another one that appears to share some PL71 DNA
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4513.jpg

The original suspended subchassis... AR XA
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4516.jpg

The mighty soundburger
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4517.jpg

More of the show systems to follow...

pure sound
01-11-2009, 17:07
Ok, so there were then 9 or 10 distributors/dealers playing vinyl based systems. While they varied in terms of quality, all were enjoyable and none had me running from the room. Some were almost too smooth!

I'll just include pictures of decks & other pieces we might not normally see in the UK.

Portugal has its own high end tt manufacturer by the name of Rui Borges. He had three models there which were progressions of the same high mass theme. Here are the two bigger models, the second with its additional offboard flywheel system, superbly crazy!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4521.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4534.jpg

The Bergmann from Scandinavia in a room with Nagra electronics & some very tall speakers with hundreds of inline drivers. I was more taken by the attractive wooden cylindrical sub-woofers.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4524.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4526.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4528.jpg

A room featuring the top Kuzma XL tt, electronics by Karan and some German Accento (?) loudspeakers.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4518.jpg

A Basis
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4537.jpg

The new stretched Model 30 with V-12 arm
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4544.jpg

Oracle are back! I believe Mr C is quite taken with the latest version
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4542.jpg

Our set-up with the Avid Acutus at the front end.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4497.jpg

A smaller system with the Diva II at the front.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4496.jpg

A Sonus Faber I hadn't previously seen
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4535.jpg

And some unusual looking drivers from the late Jim Thiel.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4540.jpg

The show seemed very well attended given that it was organised mainly by a forum. There's obviously still some enthusiasm for vinyl over there & the record sellers looked to be doing good business. I was glad of the opportunity to go and to visit Lisbon. There are some mean steak restaurants and very fine pastry makers there too.

It's well worth visiting even without a show to look at & away from high summer it's warm but not too busy.

Spectral Morn
01-11-2009, 17:41
Thank you Guy.

Both for the show report and the excellent photos of the show and Lisbon, very nice indeed.



Regards D S D L

Beechwoods
01-11-2009, 18:16
Those pictures are lovely, and it looks like a fabulous event. Anything that encourages an appreciation of sources comprising other than anonymous black boxes is good by me. At least you knew what you were getting at this show.

The link up with the radio museum was an excellent idea. I think I might have got a little overexcited faced with that many old EMT turntables. I hope they get some use occasionally. It's also nice to see machines owned by 'normal people' next to museum pieces.

The moorish Castle picture is fantastic too. Looks like you had a great time!

DSJR
01-11-2009, 18:47
I loved the EMT's too, yet the one I really fell for was the AR one. get it working and set up right, stick an ADC XLM mk2 or 3 in it and you've got a great and still cheap turntable IMO.

Stratmangler
01-11-2009, 23:16
It's also nice to see machines owned by 'normal people' next to museum pieces.

I agree - I hadn't realised that there would be a fair degree of private enthusiast action. Those EMT's and Thorens TD124's are fantastic.

Chris:)

DSJR
02-11-2009, 10:26
I think Marco would LOVE a fettled EMT...........

Magna Audio
02-11-2009, 12:30
Excellent pics.
How can digital compete with that lot from a visual perspective let alone the sound aspect?

Alex_UK
02-11-2009, 12:54
...and turntables are just so more tactile, too. But, I even find I miss using the CD player when streaming, so we'll probably go all mushy and nostalgic for that eventually!

But back to the pics - excellent, and thanks for posting them Guy. I do think however there is a fine-line between "awesome" and "garish" which one or two of these cross, visually at least! To me, the beauty in design is often in the simplicity, but each to their own, of course! I'm off to ebay to search for a Sound Burger!

DSJR
02-11-2009, 12:54
It can't, and that's the whole point really. I think that a lot of "enthusiastic" LP replay is about the handling of the medium, the look and "feel" of the gear itself and that wonderful feeling it gives us males (mostly) to use and own such gear.....

pure sound
02-11-2009, 15:16
I do think however there is a fine-line between "awesome" and "garish" which one or two of these cross, visually at least!

I absolutely agree. My own decks (SP10) are about as minimalist & understated as they get.

The little Kenwood TT pictured was made for them by Micro Seiki and I have seen pictures of the UK supplied Trio version which was dark grey rather than gold. It's one of those I'd like. The gold version here was too much!

But yes, too much bling in some of these for me too, although there's no harm in others enjoying them. Different strokes etc.

pure sound
02-11-2009, 17:44
A few more from the privately owned collection

401 / 774
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4504.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4506-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4510.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4512.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4514.jpg

I'm not sure this last one was really from 1971 although the original RD11 probably was

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4515.jpg

Rare Bird
02-11-2009, 17:55
Hi Guy:
I'm puzzled why it says Transcriptor Hyd Reference when it's a Transcriptor 'Saturn'!

Rare Bird
02-11-2009, 17:58
That RD11 'Superiour' is an 80's deck..I had one it's a DC turntable..Nice but the motors are the flying saucer type papsts..

Nice pics guy..

Barry
02-11-2009, 18:45
Hello Guy,

Thanks for the interesting visit report and the photos. As a user of EMT equipment, I was pleased to see photographs of some of these turntables.

I'm not sure if some of the equipment on display are 'museum' pieces or are still in use by enthusiasts, however I note that there must be some 'mono' followers there; as both the EMT 930 and Thorens 124 decks are equipped with, respectively, an EMT mono cartridge (possibly an Ortofon made for EMT) an an SPU-A. Note also, that the Quad preamplifier situated underneath the Thorens deck is the monophonic Quad 2.

Seems you had a good time in Lisbon. You ought to ask for some commision from the Portugese tourist board! :eyebrows:

Regards

pure sound
02-11-2009, 19:19
That Papst pancake motor was also in the Source as far as I remember. Don't know why they've got the Transcriptors model wrong but I wouldn't have known that either!

Barry, the 950, 938, 930 and 124/Ortofon were borrowed from the radio station's collection. The 948 was a privately owned piece.

Rare Bird
02-11-2009, 22:36
That Papst pancake motor was also in the Source as far as I remember. Don't know why they've got the Transcriptors model wrong but I wouldn't have known that either!



Aye had the PCB sandwiched between the motor body shell..Those 'Superiour' decks sounded nice, the one piece Sub/Platter was very light & had a great shine to the alloy..Bearing was a nice one, the weak point was the wood surround was very cheap made & the tin bottom pan which housed the power switch & speed pots..Top plate was loverly brushed stainless with nice printing...


Don't know why they've got the Transcriptors model wrong but I wouldn't have known that either!



You might remember the Audio Linear TD4001 deck that looked very simular to the Transcriptor 'Saturn'..I think Michell used to supply the deck parts to Audio Linear.They were made in Spain or Belgium i can't remember.

http://hifi4me.de/img/-audio%20linear%20td%204001%20mit%20sme%203009%20se rie%20iii%20%20shure%20v15%20iii-0_1256329905.jpg

Source155
04-11-2009, 22:59
Great post - thanks for the many wonderful photographs.

Do you think this show will be an annual or biannual event now ?

Really like the Kenwood TT and of course seeing the Ariston brings back fond memories.......

Seems a great place to be in October - the fact there was a hi-fi show and an all analogue one at that is just the icing on the cake.

chris@panteg
05-11-2009, 09:16
Great photo's Guy and thanks , i must say Lisbon has always been on my list of city's i want to visit, incidentally any of you guy's familiar with the local Portuguese Fado music .

Wineless
05-11-2009, 11:56
Hello All,

From Portugal at your disposal to enlight your doubts about Still Vinyl audishow.
Thank you Guy Sergeant for your wonderfull report about the show and the country. Our Minister of Tourism is very happy about your effort :-). I personaly do thank you also.

To answer some questions posted before:
- That was the second edition of the Still Vinyl show, the first was back in 2007. We are planning to do it next year. The professional and the entusiastic vinyl community want it.
- The transcritor is the Saturn model indeed. A big confusion was made arround that but things are already clarified;
- The speakers with the wonderfull sub are the pipedreams;
- Rui Borges, the TT manufacturer was there presenting his new model named UNO, an entry level with a 3.000€ price tag;
- Almost all the TT at the Vintage expo are working, including all the EMT models.
- Chris, can I help you about fado? First of all, two names, Amalia and Mariza. Some appetizers for Mariza ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeOhPR_0x8E, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTvjdkvDZHs&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7UDQDl1tcw

At your disposal
PCS

Marco
05-11-2009, 12:28
Hi PCS,

Welcome to AoS! What does the 'P' stand for? We like to refer to each other by first name terms :)

The Still Vinyl show looked amazing, and Guy's photographs were excellent. I must make sure that I attend the next show. I have never been to Portugal before, but I would love to go, as the food and wine are excellent! :smoking:

Enjoy AoS!

Marco.

Wineless
05-11-2009, 12:39
Hi Marco,

Congrats for the forum.
PCS stands for Paulo Carreira da Silva. Paulo will be nice.
If you come, i think you know about portuguese hospitality.
Thks
PCS

Marco
05-11-2009, 12:49
Hi Paulo,

Nice one, my friend :)

I hope you enjoy yourself here. I will try to get to the next show and sample some of that Portuguese hospitality!

I'm rather partial to Setúbal and Alentejo :cheers:

Marco.

chris@panteg
05-11-2009, 13:09
Hi PCS

Thanks for those links ' amazing ' i have a cd of Fado called Luz Destino ' do you know it, Marco sorry for the thread drift ' .

Wineless
05-11-2009, 17:51
Hi Marco.

Still talking about analoge pleasures, you must taste something from Douro. Is a must. Wine made at the place and the grapes they use to make the Oporto wine. Wonderfull.

;-)

Themis
05-11-2009, 18:05
Very nice event and photos ! It makes me feel like upgrading my analogue setup. :)

Wineless
05-11-2009, 18:09
Dear Chris,

Among 10M inhabitantes, maybe i'm the one of the worst ones to talk about fado. Nerver the less, names like Carlos do Carmo, Misia, Mariza, Amalia, camané, among several others can give some hours of pleasure and put you in contact with an important component of the portuguese culture and way of living.
This site can give you some idea http://fado.com/index.php?lang=en
If you want more stuff and orientation, send me a private message and I'll try to be as usefull as I can.
Yours Faithfully
Paulo

Alex_UK
05-11-2009, 23:25
I can certainly vouch for Portugese cuisine, Douro and the friendliness and hospitality - in fact Mrs Alex wants us to rent a villa over there next year, so I'm wondering if by "coincidence" it will happily coincide with next year's show? Who'd of thought it?! :lol:

Wineless
06-11-2009, 00:51
Alex,

I'm affraid Oporto area is some how distant from the audioshow (300km). Once there I can't assure you will remember what an audioshow is.
Last September wanted to stay here: http://www.wonderfulland.com/wonder2006/sleep/pousadouro/indexhouse_en.htm#atmosphere
Instead stayed here: http://www.cs-vintagehouse.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=76
In Oporto you can stay here: http://www.pestana.com/hotels/en/hotels/europe/OportoHotels/Porto/Photos/photogallery_porto.htm#/NR/rdonlyres/092B918D-9794-42FA-8624-C7A68E0A9AED/0/16_Porto_Lobby3.jpg
Lets be humble, we deserve the best :-)
PCS

Alex_UK
06-11-2009, 07:10
Thanks for that Paulo - the first one looks amazing, but they all look great!

DSJR
06-11-2009, 08:22
What is it about eastern Suffolk residents and Portugal?

Just rent a beach hut in Felixstowe or Southwold. The latter "resort" will probably cost you more than a villa rental in Portugal :lol:

Alex_UK
06-11-2009, 08:46
What is it about eastern Suffolk residents and Portugal?

I wasn't aware there was a link - are you saying you like Portugal Dave?


Just rent a beach hut in Felixstowe or Southwold. The latter "resort" will probably cost you more than a villa rental in Portugal :lol:

You're joking - but I bet there wouldn't be much in it - the problem is still the exchange rate at the moment though, makes holidays abroad very expensive.

DSJR
06-11-2009, 12:50
I'm saying that portugal is where many felixstowe residents seem to go for their holidays.

P.S. To all you furriners from "inland," Felixstowe is A LOT more than *just* the docks. It's a great place to live with a sleepy 1960's vibe to it. Just right for antiquarians like me ;)

Themis
07-11-2009, 08:17
A Sonus Faber I hadn't previously seen
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4535.jpg
These are the Stradivari Homage, I think. (92 SPL, 22Hz-40kHz, 3-way, 4ohm, 30000€)

jandl100
07-11-2009, 09:11
Jerry will recognise this one!
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/pure_sound/IMG_4501.jpg


Hey! Dat's ma baybee. :smoking:

I'm planning on taking mine to the Scalford HiPie Show in March '10. :)

chris@panteg
07-11-2009, 12:23
i quite like that Yammy deck ' would love to hear it.

DSJR
07-11-2009, 13:43
Anyone know if the YP800 was/is any good?