MiBO 2016 Photos, Videos and Comments

[Firebottle]

Got to the event early, got all the gear in, was a bit sparsely poulated:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050791.jpg

The gear end of the room:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050794.jpg

This new phono stage made its appearance:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050792.jpg

Equipment table:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050793.jpg

Barrington brought along a fantastic creation, a much improved Rega TT, with many layers of vibration control:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050796.jpg

Much amp swapping was done:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050799.jpg

When Ali arrived his Tandberg R2R was put in to really good effect, it was stunning:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050797.jpg

A side shot also showing Ali's Slagle (?) TVC passive in the foreground, installed a little later:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050798.jpg

Ali's modified 2000 head amp with all Z foil resistors plus external supply gave extremely spacious sound, in comparison with my standard one there was definitely more of everything in the presentation:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050800.jpg

Lastly for this photo round up, Justin's Pro amp was on power duties to rather good effect:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050802.jpg

Overall some stunning sounds were heard, the stars of the day for me were Barringtons amazing TT plus the venerable 40 plus year old Quad ESL57's, which accepted everything thrown at them with aplomb :D

I might add at rather higher volume levels than I have ever used them before :eek:

Brilliant first day chaps, more to come from today.

[Firebottle]

What a fabulous day. Great company, excellent kit, superb craic (is that spelt correctly?.....it is now).

OK onto the photos. Can't necessarily put details to them all (:cool:) so will number them and folks can add as they like.

Number 1. The star, the heroic scale, the impact, the clarity, oh and did I mention the scale.
Ali's piddling little OBs ......ahem.

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050803.jpg

2. The front end

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050804.jpg

3. The towers of power

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050805.jpg

4. The admiring crowd

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050806.jpg

5. JBLs lovingly restored by ...

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050807.jpg

6. Goodmans Mezzo 3 with Celestion HF1300 tweeters, a bit of a hit

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050808.jpg

7. Justins white heavyweights

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050809.jpg

8. The fancy waterfall taps in the rest room* where we went for lunch. (* translation - the bog)

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050810.jpg

9. A very tidy system at the other end of the room (memory has gone ...sorry)

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050811.jpg

10. ....with a huge amplifier on the floor

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050812.jpg

11. Very nice sounding Quad bookshelf speakers

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050813.jpg

12. A replacement for number 10, a Proton amp

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050814.jpg

13. VU VU VU VU VU , ok I'll stop it now

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050815.jpg

14. More JBLs. Good punch with these

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050816.jpg

15.

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050817.jpg

16. ESL57s raised up off the floor. Cleaner bass with the greater space behind them (couldn't find hooks in the ceiling :doh:)

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050818.jpg

17. Now don't laugh, it's the dancing partners

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050819.jpg

18. Martins Akai's being used properly on stands (at last :D)

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050820.jpg

19. Project Box phono in use in Ali's system

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050821.jpg

20. The business end, and what an end :eek:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050823.jpg

21. R2R loveliness

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050824.jpg

22. Tape

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050826.jpg

23. ....and finally (put her down Steve, you don't know where she has been)

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050827.jpg


Let's do it again, an overwhelming success, thanks Martin for your sterling efforts :thumbsup:

[brian2957]

Looks like there was plenty of fantastic gear there Alan . Hope you all had a great day , and thanks for taking the photos and posting them up .

Here's to the next one :cool:

[JohnJo]

Looks like there was plenty of gear fantastic there Alan . Hope you all had a great day , and thanks for taking the photos and posting them up .

Here's to the next one :cool:

+1

And well done Martin for organising, there's always more work than you realise.

[jollyfix]

Thanks Alan, great photos. Looks like everyone had a great day, roll on the next one..

[TazSob]

Great kit there and everybody looks to have had a good day. Wish I was there too now... A little jealous Lol.
Martin's akais look lurvly

[walpurgis]

Some names to the faces would be good. Just so we can see who the guilty are. :D

[take5]

Some great pictures of what looks a great day.

Not sure about the dodgy dancing but hopefully that was only a brief comedic interlude , before the serious stuff took over.

Well done to all.

Ps any bake off that features Sonny Rollins, centre stage, gets my vote.

[struth]

Some names to the faces would be good. Just so we can see who the guilty are. :D

Yes, shame the drunks. :eyebrows:

[Macca]

First of all just want to say many thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great time with absolutely no issues or problems, in particular Ali and Alan who calmly and expertly dealt with any technical problems and threw themselves enthusiastically in to the event, and to everyone else who set up their kit with no fuss, I really didn't have to do anything except book the room and be 'mein host' . (Although as to the latter, whilst being an angry loner has its advantages it isn't the best training for doing this sort of thing. Starting drinking at midday didn't help..I'm not in very good shape this morning :)).

Anyway I was please we could follow the example set by NEBO of effectively having a big, happy party with some awesome sounds from so many different set ups, all of which offered something different an with a sound quality that you rarely get to hear at a dealership or a commercial show.

I only took a couple of pictures but here they are:

Alan's (Firebottle) QUAD ESL speakers. Heard ESL before, never heard them used as a disco PA though, but it worked. Ever seen a 600W pro amp clipping into ESL 57s? None of us had until Friday night, we are still waiting on the technical report for that one :) Also shown here are Alan's modded Goodman's Mezzo 3, these sounded better than you would think on Friday, but on Saturday, powred by a Luxman and with Sharif's (Audioflyer) modded Thorens record deck I and a lot of people were absolutely amazed at the capabilities of these speakers. They actually stood toe to toe with the superb JBLs in the same system.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0012.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0012.jpg.html)

Y'all know I'm a digital/solid state man who likes Power! So wasn't sure what to expect from this 12 watt Leben valve integrated that Steve (Bourney) brought along, although even sat in its box on a table it was drawing some worship from those who know. This was set up with Sharif's Thorens as a source and some JBL 4410 studio monitors to create the standing waves in air. And what standing waves they were! Okay not cheap system even if you bought it all used but my God it really did sound like the voice of angels, and with great bass quality and dynamics. Hugely impressive bit of kit and wonderful build quality and styling too.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0018.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0018.jpg.html)

Don't seem to have a picture of Sharif's modded Thorens but have to mention it anyway. He is using a Philips ceramic pick up, new old stock from 1968. Frankly, it was hard to believe the quality of the sound. Anyone who tells you that pickup cartridge technology has come a long way since 1968 simply hasn't heard this cartridge and badly needs to. Sharif has more plans to improve the deck, lord knows what that will be like as right now it is certainly one of the best record players I have ever heard.

And speaking of outstanding record decks this was another:

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0014.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0014.jpg.html)

Barrington's heavily modded Rega (no idea what model Rega it started out as) which took him ages of meticulous set up. Jaw-dropping sound quality, faultless in fact. He has the bearing so smooth that it is impossible to see the platter spinning unless you are looking at it from six inches away, when you can just about detect it. Absolutely flawless sound.

JBL 4410 Studio Monitors, the rare appearance (for Stoke) of some sunlight spoils it a bit. I have always been a slavering JBL fanboy so not hard to please with JBLs but I thought these were exceptional, although they did have some superb partnering amps with the Luxman and later the Leben, and a fantastic vinyl source. Rare in the UK and not a cheap used buy, they put a lot of silly-money modern speakers to shame, not just for clarity but because they are fun to listen to as well.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0017.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0017.jpg.html)

Last but deffo not least, Ali's active open baffle system. He played some Hugh Maskala - truly a wtf? moment. People often say 'no hi-fi can reproduce music with the dynamics that you get live' and maybe that is true but seriously how close did this system come? Just staggering levels, and very clean, anyone who thinks their KEF LS0 (or whatever) 'have good dynamics' really should hear this system. For that matter I suspect even the biggest Tannoy DC could not compete. 'Shock and Awe' encapsulated in an hi-fi system. Should also mention the Garrard 401 that was fronting it. Ali has built this into slate plinths, it is enormous and must weigh 50 kilos (I helped him carry it in so believe me that isn't a guess). A deck that majors on speed and slam fronting a speaker/amp combo that majors on, well, speed and slam. Crazy but fantastically good. Thanks, Ali for going to the massive effort of bringing this huge system all that way.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0015.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0015.jpg.html)

Indeed, thanks to everyone who came along and made it a great event, everyone seemed to be having a good time all the time and that was the most important thing for me. Hope to see you all again next time.

EDIT will post a bit more later as there is a lot I haven't mentioned including Barry's yummy Mark Levinson pre and Quad amplifiers. Need more cups of tea first.

[User211]

OB madness. Really wish I'd shot the Hugh which did sound great. But actually I have become a bit allergic to it after a Whittlebury show played it in virtually every room!!! No offence to anyone who still likes it, of course.

So, some vibe from the show the pics can't do. The reason for shooting these, really.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt9A5LemUqM

[brian2957]

First of all just want to say many thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great time with absolutely no issues or problems, in particular Ali and Alan who calmly and expertly dealt with any technical problems and threw themselves enthusiastically in to the event, and to everyone else who set up their kit with no fuss, I really didn't have to do anything except book the room and be 'mein host' . (Although as to the latter, whilst being an angry loner has its advantages it isn't the best training for doing this sort of thing. Starting drinking at midday didn't help..I'm not in very good shape this morning :)).

Anyway I was please we could follow the example set by NEBO of effectively having a big, happy party with some awesome sounds from so many different set ups, all of which offered something different an with a sound quality that you rarely get to hear at a dealership or a commercial show.

I only took a couple of pictures but here they are:

Alan's (Firebottle) QUAD ESL speakers. Heard ESL before, never heard them used as a disco PA though, but it worked. Ever seen a 600W pro amp clipping into ESL 57s? None of us had until Friday night, we are still waiting on the technical report for that one :) Also shown here are Alan's modded Goodman's Mezzo 3, these sounded better than you would think on Friday, but on Saturday, powred by a Luxman and with Sharif's (Audioflyer) modded Thorens record deck I and a lot of people were absolutely amazed at the capabilities of these speakers. They actually stood toe to toe with the superb JBLs in the same system.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0012.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0012.jpg.html)

Y'all know I'm a digital/solid state man who likes Power! So wasn't sure what to expect from this 12 watt Leben valve integrated that Steve (Bourney) brought along, although even sat in its box on a table it was drawing some worship from those who know. This was set up with Sharif's Thorens as a source and some JBL 4410 studio monitors to create the standing waves in air. And what standing waves they were! Okay not cheap system even if you bought it all used but my God it really did sound like the voice of angels, and with great bass quality and dynamics. Hugely impressive bit of kit and wonderful build quality and styling too.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0018.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0018.jpg.html)

Don't seem to have a picture of Sharif's modded Thorens but have to mention it anyway. He is using a Philips ceramic pick up, new old stock from 1968. Frankly, it was hard to believe the quality of the sound. Anyone who tells you that pickup cartridge technology has come a long way since 1968 simply hasn't heard this cartridge and badly needs to. Sharif has more plans to improve the deck, lord knows what that will be like as right now it is certainly one of the best record players I have ever heard.

And speaking of outstanding record decks this was another:

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0014.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0014.jpg.html)

Barrington's heavily modded Rega (no idea what model Rega it started out as) which took him ages of meticulous set up. Jaw-dropping sound quality, faultless in fact. He has the bearing so smooth that it is impossible to see the platter spinning unless you are looking at it from six inches away, when you can just about detect it. Absolutely flawless sound.

JBL 4410 Studio Monitors, the rare appearance (for Stoke) of some sunlight spoils it a bit. I have always been a slavering JBL fanboy so not hard to please with JBLs but I thought these were exceptional, although they did have some superb partnering amps with the Luxman and later the Leben, and a fantastic vinyl source. Rare in the UK and not a cheap used buy, they put a lot of silly-money modern speakers to shame, not just for clarity but because they are fun to listen to as well.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0017.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0017.jpg.html)

Last but deffo not least, Ali's active open baffle system. He played some Hugh Maskala - truly a wtf? moment. People often say 'no hi-fi can reproduce music with the dynamics that you get live' and maybe that is true but seriously how close did this system come? Just staggering levels, and very clean, anyone who thinks their KEF LS0 (or whatever) 'have good dynamics' really should hear this system. For that matter I suspect even the biggest Tannoy DC could not compete. 'Shock and Awe' encapsulated in an hi-fi system. Should also mention the Garrard 401 that was fronting it. Ali has built this into slate plinths, it is enormous and must weigh 50 kilos (I helped him carry it in so believe me that isn't a guess). A deck that majors on speed and slam fronting a speaker/amp combo that majors on, well, speed and slam. Crazy but fantastically good. Thanks, Ali for going to the massive effort of bringing this huge system all that way.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0015.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0015.jpg.html)

Indeed, thanks to everyone who came along and made it a great event, everyone seemed to be having a good time all the time and that was the most important thing for me. Hope to see you all again next time.

EDIT will post a bit more later as there is a lot I haven't mentioned including Barry's yummy Mark Levinson pre and Quad amplifiers. Need more cups of tea first.

Thanks Martin , and well done mate . It looks like everyone had a fab day . I've heard Alis OBs and I made him a offer after a few seconds of hearing them :) Some of the kit there looks exceptional and I'm sorry I couldn't make it due to work commitments . Maybe next time :)

[walpurgis]

As I suggested before. I had a feeling the Leben and JBLs would pair up well. I'd like to have heard that combo.

[Macca]

I've moved the various relevant posts here from the other MiBO thread so no-one has to trawl through. So if there are any further comments or pics please post them here.

[petrat]

Cheers, Martin .... thanks for organising an excellent event.
Particularly enjoyed the Guinness :D

[Qwin]

Well, what a great day, really enjoyed it.

Big thanks to Martin for taking the initiative and organising the first of what I hope will be many more midland get togethers.
I think this is the way forward for AoS gatherings, small regional meets, come on you slackers in the South, your up next :D

Good turn out, some wonderful individual kit and combinations and as usual fab tunes, I thought the spirit of the meet was spot on, making the day a great success.

[ff1d1l]

As I suggested before. I had a feeling the Leben and JBLs would pair up well. I'd like to have heard that combo.
You was abserluuuuutly right...

[User211]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UUnI1bNxk

These sounded a lot better raised up here I think. They seemed to gain more snap, focus and speed, with better bass definition. They sounded really good, in fact, better than the video hints at I suspect but all I have to listen to it on at the mo is TV speakers.

As Martin hinted earlier, these 57's shut down a couple of amps, the only one able to do the job seemed to be the Apart Champ, which was clipping trying to drive them loud. A real Scintilla of an ESL 57! Quite what was going on I really don't know.

The modified Rega displayed zero obvious flaws of any kind. I was really impressed with it, to say the least. Top job.

Had to cut the video short by a minute as Marco made an appearance and from his remarks I think Hollywood style stardom is not for him:D

YouTube is throwing a wobbler and won't show the JBL video I uploaded. When I try and upload it again, it says it's already there (but I can't see it). Maybe in time it'll sort itself out.

Great review comments from Martin, BTW.

[walpurgis]

I see the inevitable 'James Newton Howard' LP made an appearance.

[Macca]

Great videos, Justin. Agree about the raised up QUADS, in fact I think everyone did. Could be a new product line for ESL owners, audiophile carvery buffet counters. I think it also helped that it gave them about another 10 feet behind them to the back wall so the back wave had space to dissipate which tightened up the sound a lot.

[struth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UUnI1bNxk

These sounded a lot better raised up here I think. They seemed to gain more snap, focus and speed, with better bass definition. They sounded really good, in fact, better than the video hints at I suspect but all I have to listen to it on at the mo is TV speakers.

As Martin hinted earlier, these 57's shut down a couple of amps, the only one able to do the job seemed to be the Apart Champ, which was clipping trying to drive them loud. A real Scintilla of an ESL 57! Quite what was going on I really don't know.

The modified Rega displayed zero obvious flaws of any kind. I was really impressed with it, to say the least. Top job.

Had to cut the video short by a minute as Marco made an appearance and from his remarks I think Hollywood style stardom is not for him:D

YouTube is throwing a wobbler and won't show the JBL video I uploaded. When I try and upload it again, it says it's already there (but I can't see it). Maybe in time it'll sort itself out.

Great review comments from Martin, BTW.

Sounded like 2 different records playing at once:mental:

[User211]

Sounded like 2 different records playing at once:mental:

You probably played the video twice out of sync with each other. I've had that happen when you click to play in the forum window and then click the YouTube link afterwards to watch it full screen.

[Floyddroid]

Just got home and reflecting on yesterday's events.fantastic day Martin. You must be well chuffed. Great kit and great people. A massive thank you to Martin for organising and choosing an ideal gaff for the day. I will post pictures later after an emergency kip.

[Firebottle]

What a stunning weekend, we have had a laugh and it has been fantastic to meet fellow AoS folk.
Here is the 'after' photo once the kit has returned:

http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt97/Paramotorpilot/MiBO%202016/P1050828.jpg

I'll be hanging the '57s later and will post in the gallery.

Here's to the next MiBO :yay::more:

[User211]

I'll back up the ceramic cartridge in the Thorens sounding very good indeed. Seemed to track extremely well too.

The Thorens TD 160 was in mint condition. What a find for the owner. The chap he bought it off never used it, unable to come to terms with transit screws, it appears. Great sounding deck with some mods by the owner.

The price of Firebottle's kit varies depending on what you say to him. My prices went up and up as the day went on:D:lol:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhhgNoSKpPg

[Jimbo]

The first MiBO was indeed an excellent day not least for the great atmosphere, which was almost like an AOS party, certainly towards the end of the day when there was a little dancing If I remember!:) The spirit of NEBO was bought to the Midlands not least by the chaps who travelled a good distance from up North!

Thanks Martin for organising the event, it was as good as any I have attended and perfect venue. Great to meet new faces from the AOS family and reacquaint with the usual suspects!:)

As always the systems and equipment were fascinating to listen too and threw up a few surprises. I am sure others will make a detailed appraised of stuff shown however one highlight which I think blew us all away was Ali's system playing Yello the Race at full pelt and an interesting comparison of phono stages, the Project SS and Firebottle Vivant Valve. Each gave a different performance of the track and both were compelling! Wonderful climax to the day for me!

The fun atmosphere of the day and good nature of the folks who attended made for a great event which I was sad to leave.
God knows what happened after when the remainers settled in for the night!

[struth]

Great that everyone went to so much trouble hauling gear there. Especially those from afar.... andcwell done to Martin for keeping calm ish under pressure .:clapclapclap:

[ff1d1l]

"this video contains content from SME, who have blocked it in your country on copyright grounds"
WTF?
Is that Wales only?
Marco can you see it ????

[User211]

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02831_zps687mgxjw.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02825_zpsl3mbwyuj.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02824_zpswbj5n8a9.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02822_zpsfgv8wen3.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02821_zpsphjq8hgf.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02820_zpsrzk9haze.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02838_zpszwrg3biu.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02837_zpsjurcjchc.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02833_zpsuydku4xs.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02832_zpss9hwyo4k.jpg

[User211]

"this video contains content from SME, who have blocked it in your country on copyright grounds"
WTF?
Is that Wales only?
Marco can you see it ????

It's the YouTube copyright checker recognising the music content and blocking it due to copyright issues. It blocks some stuff and lets other stuff through.

[struth]

Great hi res photos Justin

[brian2957]

"this video contains content from SME, who have blocked it in your country on copyright grounds"
WTF?
Is that Wales only?
Marco can you see it ????

Same here Nial . Blocked by SME :rolleyes:

[struth]

Didnt know sme did music

Didnt even say that with me, just didn't work.. could try one of the others like d motion

[User211]

Didnt even say that with me, just didn't work.. could try one of the others like d motion

More effort than I wish to expend...

[RichB]

Hey All. Not long got back home after dropping Floyddroid off on the way. Unloading the gear and reloading the car with band gear for a rehearsal tonight. Not much time to post or respond to the misunderstanding re the other thread but I'll do that before I eventually hit the hay tonight and I'll respond to the other matter in the Critics Corner for proper discussion.

I just want to say here a huge thanks to Martin for organising and to all of the others who make these get togethers what they are. I enjoyed it immensely, seeing old pals again and meeting some new ones too. And the music.... Wow. Always costs me a fortune in new music after these things. Love it. Some real eye opening stuff there and some new experiences of kit you'd never get to hear anywhere else. The effort people go to is incredible and the atmosphere so much fun.

Certain things stay with you after these events and the system of Martin's Akais, Luxkit amp and that Sony TT playing Miles Davis made an impression!

Anyway, thanks again!

[Firebottle]

The price of Firebottle's kit varies depending on what you say to him. My prices went up and up as the day went on:D:lol:

Shouldn't be so damn rude then Justin, I do remember a time when they were going down then you reversed the trend :ner:

:rofl:

[Shadow Moses]

Look's a fantastic weekend wish I could have gone, maybe next time.

Fair play to everyone involved.

[User211]

You could try this if you really need to see the vids, but if you Google you will find loads of other options.

#5. How to Watch Restricted Video in YouTube

Suppose If the blocked YouTube URL is *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEwD36Dk1jw

Then just replace /watch?v= with /v/

After modifies the YouTube URL, It should look something like this *http://www.youtube.com/v/yEwD36Dk1jw

Point your browser to the above URL, Wow you have played video in the full-screen mode even it is blocked in your country.

[Audio Al]

TOP AOSing chaps :)

[User211]

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/MiBO%202016/DSC02826_zpsryaey0yi.jpg

Nice looking TT the TD 160.

[rmcin626]

Great photos of what looks to have been a great day

[Floyddroid]

Justin's pictures are a hard act to follow so i will post but a couple. thanks again Macca for organising a fantastic day. There was a lot of laughing and mirth which made the day such a joy. and the gear? absolutely tremendous. I couldn't begin to say which sytems were my favourite as the standard was so high. The JBL speakers with the Luxkit power and rather sweet little pre amp were gorgeous. Listening to some jazz via Macca's Akai speakers driven by a Leben integrated amp and a Sony turntable that was simply to die form. The tartan carpet had quite obviously been rolled out for Ali Tait and his rather splendid open baffle speakers. Ali's system incorporated the new Firebottle Vitali valve phono stage fed by Ali's 401/Mission arm and Benz MC cartridge. I fell in love with Benz cartridges during the day, Barrington's Benz wood was stunning in his rebuilt turntable based on a Rega. Later in the day we humped my Proton power amp in and connected it to Rich B's system. As people started to leave or go to their beds i connected my old military looking Tascam R2R. I subjected the remainers to my specialist music which had us singing along and yet again having a chuckle.
One suggestion i feel would help in the case of further Mibo's is that some kind of crowd funding should be set up as unlike the venues used for the NEBO meetings, cities and large town pubs charge premium rates to rent out their facilities for the day. I for one would be only too pleased to pay upfront before attending. The spirit and friendships that have grown with NEBO were here in spades thanks the Macca. I doth my cap sir. Well done.

This gorgeous Sony Turntable would have been safer bolted to the table as i would have been out of the window with this beauty.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n621/Progmeister/Sony%20TT_1.jpg (http://s1143.photobucket.com/user/Progmeister/media/Sony%20TT_1.jpg.html)

Last men (and woman ) standing. Bake Off die hard's sending a signal to those who may wish any ill to what has become a great hi-Fi family.
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n621/Progmeister/Rebel%20alliance..jpg (http://s1143.photobucket.com/user/Progmeister/media/Rebel%20alliance..jpg.html)

[jollyfix]

Great, looks like John B behind Ali.

[Marco]

Just like to say a big thanks to Macca for all his input in making this great event happen and be such a success! :thumbsup: :clap:

It's testament to both his enthusiasm to grow the community aspect of AOS and his popularity and respect amongst the membership, that a) people turned up in decent numbers to MiBO, and b) that it worked so well, so congrats, mate.

I'd also like to thank everyone who attended the event, especially folks who travelled long distances to be there. Once again it was great meeting existing friends and putting some faces to previously only forum names, such as (amongst others) Justin (User211) - glad you enjoyed your trip in the Brabster, mate - Nial (ff1d1l) and Peter (petrat), not to mention Barry's charming girlfriend, Happy.

As others have said, there were some great sounds heard on both days (Friday and Saturday), but the top highlights for me were Barrington's excellent (heavily) modified Rega P3/OL Encounter/Benz Wood SL cartridge, which was testament to what can be achieved with some intelligence and lateral thinking. The performance this T/T produced was up there with anything I've heard from ones costing ten times the price! A truly excellent achievement.

Alan (Firebottle), as usual exhibited a plethora of superb kit, which I enjoyed listening to very much, but joining the top performers was the (heavily) modded Thorens TD-160/Rega arm and (amazing Philips GP390 ceramic cartridge, played through a (heavily) modified Quad preamp, (forget the phono stage) and Nial's superb Vincent amp, through JBL standmount speakers.

The performance that this system produced, particularly the T/T (once I'd played some good recordings on it, lol) was simply breathtaking, and redefined my benchmark both for kit at this level, and especially, what belt-drive T/Ts are capable of!

Ali also produced some mesmerising sounds from his Garrard 401-fronted system with huge OBs at the end.

The sound produced by this system was both visceral and highly enjoyable, and most importantly (considering that the whole point of building a system like that is to convincingly replicate real voices and instruments), very musically believable. Well done, mate. After a shaky start, where things weren't sounding so good (as can easily happen at shows), your system went on to really sing! :cool:

There were also other notable sounds I heard, which if I can recall the correct details I'll mention later. However, like Rich, this is another of them:


Certain things stay with you after these events and the system of Martin's Akais, Luckily amp and that Sony TT playing Miles Davis made an impression!


That was gob-smackingly good! And shows just what, aside from anything else, those speakers are capable of when placed on proper stands... Although I realise why Martin can't do that at his place. The spooky sense of realism with the 45 rpm audiophile pressing of Kind of Blue, and the Sonny Rollins album played after it was palpable :eek:

Just one point of note, the preamp/phono stage on duty there was my Croft, together with the little (almost stock) Lentek head amp. Thanks for asking me to demo the Croft in that system, Rich, as if you hadn't, it would've been packed up in the car and off home! :)

More later, but got to pop out now to church.

Marco.

[Firebottle]

Nice one Marco, I feel in many ways honoured that I can lift the performance of associated kit so that everyone can hear what great performance is ultimately achievable with different sources and speakers.

More bake offs to come for sure :champagne:

[Mickyricky]

Thanks to everyone involved in making this a remarkable day ...I had a great time...

[Floyddroid]

Thanks to everyone involved in making this a remarkable day ...I had a great time...

Great as always to see you Mick. Thank you again for my gift. You are very kind.

[mikeyb]

Great, looks like John B behind Ali.
where's HIS finger ? :eyebrows:

[ff1d1l]

You could try this if you really need to see the vids, but if you Google you will find loads of other options.

#5. How to Watch Restricted Video in YouTube

Suppose If the blocked YouTube URL is *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEwD36Dk1jw

Then just replace /watch?v= with /v/

After modifies the YouTube URL, It should look something like this *http://www.youtube.com/v/yEwD36Dk1jw

Point your browser to the above URL, Wow you have played video in the full-screen mode even it is blocked in your country.

Tried a variety of workarounds including this...I pretended to be in north America, Canada, Germany and France, no dice, no vid, I thought 12" was about the reach of an SME, I didn't realise they had international tentacles...Other vid works OK though.

On to the day... surprising standout sounds for me, in approximately the order they came up in, were the Thorens with the Phillips ceramic cartridge, then the Goodmans Mezzo speakers...WTF?!?!?...I will say I was pretty surprised by the open baffles - excellent sound with massive headroom and scale, the Syd Lawrence Big Band was in particular stunning, the Proton power amp I thought noticeably from the other end of the room transformed the Croft system, Barringtons beautiful turntable which sounded as good as it looked, the Lebens 12w synergistic magic with the JBLs and the final surprise was the Akais hung off my Luxkit and Marco's Croft with vinyl from the Sony/Lentek. There was so much "wrong" with the Akais...loads of drivers crowded onto the baffle, not mirror imaged, not ported, huge flange around the speaker grille so sound was effectively emerging from a tunnel...until you heard them. Just beautiful...rules were made to be broken...

Thanks to Martin for organising, for being so welcoming, and for buying me some flu caps so I wasn't running a headache all day, great to meet friends old and new.

[southall-1998]

Any video clip of the Leben?

S.

[mik_rik]

A big thumbs up(for the day of course) or a prostate exam!:eek:

[Audioflyer]

Just like to say a big thank you to Martin for making it happen.

I had a great day and as others have said it was nice to put a face to a name.

This dinning room had some amazing acoustics and that just brought out the magic from everyone's kit.

I hope the Sony turntable was not punished for playing jazz. :piano:

Sharif.

[struth]

A big thumbs up(for the day of course) or a prostate exam!:eek:

dont mention those ;)

[User211]

Tried a variety of workarounds including this...I pretended to be in north America, Canada, Germany and France, no dice, no vid, I thought 12" was about the reach of an SME, I didn't realise they had international tentacles...Other vid works OK though.

It is only blocked by Sony Music Entertainment in 243 countries:D

[Stratmangler]

The first WiBO was indeed an excellent day

What's WiBO?

[User211]

I expect this won't work either but after all the old lady whinging... a slightly over half a Gigabyte download. Don't bother unless you have superfast broadband but if you do download it the quality will be as I have here at home, and better than live streaming it.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApUl1xxOUo0lg2BHKJRVMTe2ZSbS

[Mickyricky]

I hope the Sony turntable was not punished for playing jazz. :piano:

Sharif.

The Sony turntable belonged to Mark (Divedeepdog) and it produced an excellent sound matching the components it was paired up to especially when jazz was spinning upon it...I sure Mark will let us know what arm and cartridge etc made up the package...I thought that all the systems worked well on the day..

[Floyddroid]

The Sony turntable belonged to Mark (Divedeepdog) and it produced an excellent sound matching the components it was paired up to especially when jazz was spinning upon it...I sure Mark will let us know what arm and cartridge etc made up the package...I thought that all the systems worked well on the day..

Indeed. One of the highlights for me.Mark was great to talk to as well. I got a few good tips from him.

[Firebottle]

I expect this won't work either but after all the old lady whinging... a slightly over half a Gigabyte download. Don't bother unless you have superfast broadband but if you do download it the quality will be as I have here at home, and better than live streaming it.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApUl1xxOUo0lg2BHKJRVMTe2ZSbS

Thanks Justin, it works for me. Hope everyone else can see it, it gives a very good view of how the venue was :thumbsup:

I think 'the price' has gone down again:respect:

[Halfway Tree]

What a great day! Thoroughly enjoyed it - the music, the gear and seeing old and new faces.

Thanks Martin for not just organising, but also finding a great venue - have to agree with Sharif (Audioflyer) that the acoustics were really good and showcased all types of speakers really well.

As a reggae and dipole fan a big shout to Ali for playing those early UB40 tracks - recorded in a home studio no less. The dynamics were amazing on your speakers!

Every piece of kit just seemed to let the music flow - and at the end of the day that's what it all about. As usual have ordered some new tunes heard on the day.

Last but not least a big thanks to Ken (Qwin) for doing the driving - dropped me off at home at about 11.30pm and he still had about 40 mins to go to get home. Cheers mate!

Gordon

[ff1d1l]

I expect this won't work either but after all the old lady whinging... a slightly over half a Gigabyte download. Don't bother unless you have superfast broadband but if you do download it the quality will be as I have here at home, and better than live streaming it.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!ApUl1xxOUo0lg2BHKJRVMTe2ZSbS

Worked beautifully, many thanks for going to the trouble.

Now, where's me shopping trolley...

[User211]

Thanks Justin, it works for me. Hope everyone else can see it, it gives a very good view of how the venue was :thumbsup:

I think 'the price' has gone down again:respect:

In that case here's all I have of your Mezzo 3's. Just started recording it too late into the track, no other reason for it being so short.

Now you're in the country come round and hear the Apogees sometime and be one of the select few in the entire world to hear what an uprated Apogee Duetta design can do in the year 2016:);)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yaogv-6wfk

[RichB]

What a great day! Thoroughly enjoyed it - the music, the gear and seeing old and new faces.

Thanks Martin for not just organising, but also finding a great venue - have to agree with Sharif (Audioflyer) that the acoustics were really good and showcased all types of speakers really well.

As a reggae and dipole fan a big shout to Ali for playing those early UB40 tracks - recorded in a home studio no less. The dynamics were amazing on your speakers!

Every piece of kit just seemed to let the music flow - and at the end of the day that's what it all about. As usual have ordered some new tunes heard on the day.

Last but not least a big thanks to Ken (Qwin) for doing the driving - dropped me off at home at about 11.30pm and he still had about 40 mins to go to get home. Cheers mate!

Gordon

Gordon, what was that Latin guitar type CD we played on my system and we all enjoyed. I need to get a copy.

[CageyH]

Out of interest, how did the KIN/Vivant phono stages compare to the Project RS Phono box?
I am just wondering if I made the right choice.

[Macca]

For me, the Vivant was a quite noticeable step up on the Project. So I guess you made the right choice :)

[CageyH]

That is good news.
I am impressed with my KIN, but the local dealer was not keen to lend me the Project phono for a home demo, so I did not get to hear one.

[struth]

Maybe they do things different over there. Most biggish dealers here worth their salt would.

[struth]

Mezzos sound good. Similar in presentation to my small teles.

[Halfway Tree]

Gordon, what was that Latin guitar type CD we played on my system and we all enjoyed. I need to get a copy.

Rich, the CD is At Home - Roberto Fonseca (Cuba)and Fatoumata Diawara (Mali) recorded at the Marciac Jazz Festival in 2014. For the vinylista's among us there is a 180gm double album for less than a tenner from this place - http://www.mdt.co.uk/diawara-fatoumata-and-roberto-fonseca-at-home-lp.html

Fatoumata Diawara's solo album Fatou is also worth checking out.

Gordon

[Gordon Steadman]

Mezzos sound good. Similar in presentation to my small teles.


These have the magic ingredient of a Celestion HF1300 instead of the original. I haven't heard this pair but I'm sure Alan will have integrated them well. We have two pairs of speakers here with that tweeter and like the sound of both of them.

[DiveDeepDog]

First thanks to Mike for organising, having been to other gatherings and suffered howling bass, finding a decent room isn't as easy as it may seem.

2nd, my driver for the day Mickey for safe transit.

My deck's a Sony 6750 with Fidelity Research FR1 Mk2 cart. Phono stage for most of the day was Trichord Diablo/NCPSU.

Thanks for the kind comments, the Sony's a gem thats really easy to transport. I find it digs more information out of the groove than my regular Garrard's, but lacks a little scale and depth of image. Probably less coloured, but my heart prefers a fatt 401 :-)

A great day, thanks to everyone who made a great day

[struth]

These have the magic ingredient of a Celestion HF1300 instead of the original. I haven't heard this pair but I'm sure Alan will have integrated them well. We have two pairs of speakers here with that tweeter and like the sound of both of them.

Sure its made a difference. Mine are full range so no need of electronics lol. Not using them since i finished the double barrel teles :eyebrows:

[jandl100]

Looks like a great day was enjoyed by all.
Well done Martin for organising.

But what the hell was going on with those Quad 57? - no way should they be clipping a 300wpc pro amp without melting. :eek:


Shouldn't be so damn rude then Justin, I do remember a time when they were going down then you reversed the trend :ner:

:rofl:

Justin does tend to speak his mind! :doh: Such as it is. :lol:

[Firebottle]

I think the clipping was probably because of the 2 ohm impedance at high frequency.

Mind I've not tried them at home yet :eek:

[Roy S]

Looks like a good day :)




My deck's a Sony 6750 with Fidelity Research FR1 Mk2 cart. Phono stage for most of the day was Trichord Diablo/NCPSU.



I've got one of those, excellent deck, it might be a trick of the light but from the pics your strobe light doesn't appear to be working?

[User211]

Justin does tend to speak his mind! :doh: Such as it is. :lol:

Twas just dry wind up humour... honest guv.

From the spec:

2 channel mode 8 ohm : 400 W / ch
2 channel mode 4 ohm : 600 W / ch (I'm doubting that is RMS)
2 channel mode 2 ohm : not allowed

But the 57 only drops below 2 Ohms at around 10K, which requires pussy power to go loud.

I will say driving the M&Ds to any volume in there was a joke - they couldn't handle it and I quickly took them out of contention. The JBLs and Goodmans easily beating them.

We were driving the 57s loud, and surely close or at their excursion limits. When you get up there, planars seem to drink power and can't produce any extra volume. Maybe that was it. It was still the only amp to get them up to a decent volume and not shutdown, but the red LEDs were flickering on BOTH of the 57s and the Apart Champ One.

[struth]

One of the problems with huge rooms alas is anything short of really loud can sound wimpy. But you need a biggish room for demo purposes..catch 22 lol.

Good on everyone for risking gear. I wonder if the venue will have you back......or are you all barred now:ner:

[Firebottle]

Malcolm said 'could we have more Pink Floyd next time', he really enjoyed it. I don't think there will be any problem for a return visit :D

[Marco]

Twas just dry wind up humour... honest guv.

From the spec:

2 channel mode 8 ohm : 400 W / ch
2 channel mode 4 ohm : 600 W / ch (I'm doubting that is RMS)
2 channel mode 2 ohm : not allowed

But the 57 only drops below 2 Ohms at around 10K, which requires pussy power to go loud.

I will say driving the M&Ds to any volume in there was a joke - they couldn't handle it and I quickly took them out of contention. The JBLs and Goodmans easily beating them.

We were driving the 57s loud, and surely close or at their excursion limits. When you get up there, planars seem to drink power and can't produce any extra volume. Maybe that was it. It was still the only amp to get them up to a decent volume and not shutdown, but the red LEDs were flickering on BOTH of the 57s and the Apart Champ One.

Yeah, you defo have to take into consideration that we were playing the Quads much louder in a fairly big room than would've likely been the case normally... Anyway, they must've been doing something right, as they were in situ for most of Friday! ;)

Btw, no-one's mentioned your wee white babies yet, which I thought were fab, perched atop of the dining room serving hatch :hairmetal:

One thing I regret not hearing is the Leben/JBL demo (apparently excellent), which we missed along with others when we were at the superb gastro pub. I'd defo go there next time I'm in the area, would you? :cool:

Marco.

[johnB]

Malcolm said 'could we have more Pink Floyd next time', he really enjoyed it. I don't think there will be any problem for a return visit :D

Maybe we could persuade the landlord to have the Doombar on next time.... 12 pints of Stowford Press Cider (albeit over 12 hours) takes a couple of days to recover from.

Have come away inspired - really enjoyed Steve's alternative reel to reel set (National Express by Divine Comedy)

John

[Macca]

Oh yeah forgot about Steve's 'Specialist Music'. That lived up to expectations. His RTR was bloody good too. He'd had me convinced it was some old knacker.

[RichB]

Maybe we could persuade the landlord to have the Doombar on next time.... 12 pints of Stowford Press Cider (albeit over 12 hours) takes a couple of days to recover from.

Have come away inspired - really enjoyed Steve's alternative reel to reel set (National Express by Divine Comedy)

John

Floyddroid reckons the breakfast gave him the thrupenny bits.... I reckon that might have something to do with the countless pints of Guinness he pouched instead.

[User211]

Btw, no-one's mentioned your wee white babies yet, which I thought were fab, perched atop of the dining room serving hatch :hairmetal:

One thing I regret not hearing is the Leben/JBL demo (apparently excellent), which we missed along with others when we were at the superb gastro pub. I'd defo go there next time I'm in the area, would you? :cool:

Marco.

The reason I keep the "white babies" is cos the wife accepts them in the lounge, and for a speaker that size they can do bass i.e. play reggae and electronic music because the cabs are inert and the 5.5 inch driver is long throw.

Yeah - would go to zee gastro pub again. Something different next time.

I think the reason we played loud in almost all instances was partly to drown out the chatter. That and alcohol consumption levels by all accounts:D

[RichB]

The reason I keep the "white babies" is cos the wife accepts them in the lounge, and for a speaker that size they can do bass i.e. play reggae and electronic music because the cabs are inert and the 5.5 inch driver is long throw.

Yeah - would go to zee gastro pub again. Something different next time.

I think the reason we played loud in almost all instances was partly to drown out the chatter. That and alcohol consumption levels by all accounts:D

Remind me what they were again pls Justin. They sounded great.

[RichB]

Some more pics from my phone.

The captivating Sony TT and Akais. (lots of love for this system)

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0316.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0316.jpg.html)

Mine and Floyddroid's combined lash up, his Proton amp and R2R. My Rega RS5, Croft Micro Basic preamp, Marantz CD63SE. Cables NVA. Put the Firebottle Kin into this system later on. Very nice, loads more finesse than than the Croft but then much more expensive.

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0317.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0317.jpg.html)

Ali's Garrard

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0312.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0312.jpg.html)

That lovely Sony TT.

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307.jpg.html)

Also a quick thanks again to Fireybum for his gift of the PSU which should do my DAC nicely and to Ali for offering to fettle it for me.

[Ali Tait]

It's a Garrard mate. :-)

[RichB]

It's a Garrard mate. :-)

Of course it is. Have you ever owned a Lenco, for some reason I associated you with one. Very strange.

[Marco]

The reason I keep the "white babies" is cos the wife accepts them in the lounge, and for a speaker that size they can do bass i.e. play reggae and electronic music because the cabs are inert and the 5.5 inch driver is long throw.

Yeah - would go to zee gastro pub again. Something different next time.

I think the reason we played loud in almost all instances was partly to drown out the chatter. That and alcohol consumption levels by all accounts:D

Yeah, those wee white fingz could certainly slap out some decent bass! So what's their official name? :)

Zee gastro pub, lol... With zee nice totty too, ya? Not that you noticed of course! :eyebrows:

Was quite surprised at how well the Brabster pulled away, when I 'blipped' her briefly, with five bods on board... :eek:

Marco.

[Marco]

Of course it is. Have you ever owned a Lenco, for some reason I associated you with one. Very strange.

It's the way he walks; the classic shuffle indicative of a Lenco owner.

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

I'd never get in to Lenco Heaven.

[DiveDeepDog]

I'd never get in to Lenco Heaven.

You'd fit right in, I've converted a few to the Swindon Way :lol:

Ps, the strobe on the Sony is Temperamental

[User211]

Remind me what they were again pls Justin. They sounded great.

Marco & Rich. Best with a valve pre and high power SS amps. Hence the Apart Champ.

http://mark-daniel.com/index.asp?ProID=83&table=pr

[Jimbo]

Marco & Rich. Best with a valve pre and high power SS amps. Hence the Apart Champ.

http://mark-daniel.com/index.asp?ProID=83&table=pr

How much were they Justin?

[User211]

How much were they Justin?
£600 direct from Chapter Audio that used to be the UK dealer. Got them ex-dem. I'd like to hear the bigger ones but never have.

About £1250 new I think.

[mayebaza]

Thanks to one and all for truly scrumptious Bake Off of the highest order. Plenty of varieties of gear, sounds and happy faces This was my first TOS event, and I am sure it will be one of many. I greatly appreciate your warm compliments on my Bazbo TT (Formally a Rega Planar 3 circa 1994).

[Firebottle]

Everyone I think is glad you came Barrington, that Bazbo TT (that name is going to stick) is phenomenal :respect:

[Floyddroid]

Everyone I think is glad you came Barrington, that Bazbo TT (that name is going to stick) is phenomenal :respect:

+1

[Floyddroid]

I kind of think the folks that went out for lunch missed some great sounds too. There were some really great moments in the dining room chef Plough. Some fab music too.

[Marco]

Thanks to one and all for truly scrumptious Bake Off of the highest order. Plenty of varieties of gear, sounds and happy faces This was my first TOS event, and I am sure it will be one of many. I greatly appreciate your warm compliments on my Bazbo TT (Formally a Rega Planar 3 circa 1994).

Great meeting you, mate, and hearing your superb T/T. All the work you've carried out on it has certainly paid off, creating a unique item that you've every right to be proud of! :)

Hope you hang around and get involved in some of the entertaining chat and friendly banter AoS is renowned for :cool:

Marco.

[Marco]

I kind of think the folks that went out for lunch missed some great sounds too. There were some really great moments in the dining room chef Plough. Some fab music too.

Yes, no doubt, but trust me, the food was worth it! ;)

Marco.

[Floyddroid]

Having suffered the effects of the food at the Plough I can well believe it.

[User211]

Having suffered the effects of the food at the Plough I can well believe it.

I'm amazed I survived the breakfast. -3 out of 10. After that, the lunch venue seemed like a dream...:)

[Marco]

Yet I enjoyed a rather nice curry at the venue the night before, with no ill effects...

Marco.

[struth]

Yet I enjoyed a rather nice curry at the venue the night before, with no ill effects...

Marco.

Well no more than normal with a curry :stalks:

[Macca]

I had breakfast there on Saturday, it was okay.

[User211]

I had breakfast there on Saturday, it was okay.

Just bacon and eggs, though. The hash brown got me - tasted a bit odd, then really seriously odd on part of it.

Anyway, the venue was fine overall. I wouldn't knock it on the basis of individual perceptions of the food. Just eat elsewhere or get sarnies if you think it might be a problem.

[Ali Tait]

Having suffered the effects of the food at the Plough I can well believe it.

Nowt to do with all the Guinness then.. :cool: :D

[CageyH]

Thanks to one and all for truly scrumptious Bake Off of the highest order. Plenty of varieties of gear, sounds and happy faces This was my first TOS event, and I am sure it will be one of many. I greatly appreciate your warm compliments on my Bazbo TT (Formally a Rega Planar 3 circa 1994).

It would be interesting to learn a little more about this turntable, and see a few more pictures in a thread of it's own.

[Marco]

Well no more than normal with a curry :stalks:

Indeed - I counted no more than four skid marks in my shcanteez the following day... :eyebrows:

Marco.

[Marco]

Just bacon and eggs, though. The hash brown got me - tasted a bit odd, then really seriously odd on part of it.


Did you notice some strange looking 'ketchup' on the end? :D

Marco.

[CageyH]

Yet I enjoyed a rather nice curry at the venue the night before, with no ill effects...

Marco.

Is this why Ali seems to be holding his nose in the group picture?

[anthonyTD]

Looks like a good day was had by all.
Lots of nice equipment too! :)
A...

[Floyddroid]

Indeed there was, some amazing stuff. However, for me it was the music and the people that made the day really special as well as the gear.
Looks like a good day was had by all.
Lots of nice equipment too! :)
A...

[User211]

Was listening to a Rega RP10 in an absolutely top flight AN system yesterday - the platter was different to the Rega TT at the bake off i.e. it obviously was ceramic. So unsure what the platter on the MiBO TT actually was? Anyone know? Or care:D??

The RP10 in stock form is obviously a very good nicely finished TT. That's not to detract from the MiBO offering cos that was great, too.

[vinyljunky]

Me and Pete are definetly gonna make an effort to get there next year sounds like macca organised a stunning event

[Macca]

I just booked the room. Everyone else did the rest.

Now we just need someone to set up a southern bake-off for all the folks down there.

[Firebottle]

Was listening to a Rega RP10 in an absolutely top flight AN system yesterday - the platter was different to the Rega TT at the bake off i.e. it obviously was ceramic. So unsure what the platter on the MiBO TT actually was? Anyone know? Or care:D??

The RP10 in stock form is obviously a very good nicely finished TT. That's not to detract from the MiBO offering cos that was great, too.

The platter on Barringtons TT was made of Delrin Justin.
:)

[Floyddroid]

This Sony TT is gorgeous. I want one
Some more pics from my phone.

The captivating Sony TT and Akais. (lots of love for this system)

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0316.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0316.jpg.html)

Mine and Floyddroid's combined lash up, his Proton amp and R2R. My Rega RS5, Croft Micro Basic preamp, Marantz CD63SE. Cables NVA. Put the Firebottle Kin into this system later on. Very nice, loads more finesse than than the Croft but then much more expensive.

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0317.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0317.jpg.html)

Ali's Garrard

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0312.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0312.jpg.html)

That lovely Sony TT.

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/s468/richbritton/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307.jpg (http://s1053.photobucket.com/user/richbritton/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0307.jpg.html)

Also a quick thanks again to Fireybum for his gift of the PSU which should do my DAC nicely and to Ali for offering to fettle it for me.

[mad-moon]

Cool...ordered.....It's for nowt...almost...


Rich, the CD is At Home - Roberto Fonseca (Cuba)and Fatoumata Diawara (Mali) recorded at the Marciac Jazz Festival in 2014. For the vinylista's among us there is a 180gm double album for less than a tenner from this place - http://www.mdt.co.uk/diawara-fatoumata-and-roberto-fonseca-at-home-lp.html

Fatoumata Diawara's solo album Fatou is also worth checking out.

Gordon

[RichB]

Cool...ordered.....It's for nowt...almost...

Oooh, I'm having a copy of this too.

[struth]

Oooh, I'm having a copy of this too.

Not heard of the company. Anyone know of them?

[mad-moon]

I hadn't heard of them till now...records received..very quick delivery...very good production...however...they could have mentioned in the description...that you will receive 2 x 10" vinyl records and NOT 2 x 12" vinyl records....:rolleyes:

P.S.... you do get a card which allows you a digital download of the lp's...so I suppose I can stick it on my nas and stream the album too.....




Not heard of the company. Anyone know of them?

[Ali Tait]

Ordered the vinyl to try.

[RichB]

I hadn't heard of them till now...records received..very quick delivery...very good production...however...they could have mentioned in the description...that you will receive 2 x 10" vinyl records and NOT 2 x 12" vinyl records....:rolleyes:

P.S.... you do get a card which allows you a digital download of the lp's...so I suppose I can stick it on my nas and stream the album too.....

2x10in records it is but it sounds lovely. Really quiet bit of vinyl,

[Floyddroid]

Looking forwards to attending Nebo 8.

[brian2957]

Me too :)

[Floyddroid]

It will be very strange for me having once been the shopkeeper to be there on the other side of the counter.
Me too :)

[RichB]

It will be very strange for me having once been the shopkeeper to be there on the other side of the counter.

As if I'll let you off that easily.;):lol:

[Floyddroid]

Good luck with future events.

[337alant]

It will be very strange for me having once been the shopkeeper to be there on the other side of the counter.
You still have to give a speach and an air guitar when your pissed LOL:lolsign:

Alan

[Floyddroid]

In the forth picture down can anyone tell me the name of the passive pre-amp tucked away under the table beneath the Thorens left of the Quad? It was a beautiful piece of kit.

First of all just want to say many thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great time with absolutely no issues or problems, in particular Ali and Alan who calmly and expertly dealt with any technical problems and threw themselves enthusiastically in to the event, and to everyone else who set up their kit with no fuss, I really didn't have to do anything except book the room and be 'mein host' . (Although as to the latter, whilst being an angry loner has its advantages it isn't the best training for doing this sort of thing. Starting drinking at midday didn't help..I'm not in very good shape this morning :)).

Anyway I was please we could follow the example set by NEBO of effectively having a big, happy party with some awesome sounds from so many different set ups, all of which offered something different an with a sound quality that you rarely get to hear at a dealership or a commercial show.

I only took a couple of pictures but here they are:

Alan's (Firebottle) QUAD ESL speakers. Heard ESL before, never heard them used as a disco PA though, but it worked. Ever seen a 600W pro amp clipping into ESL 57s? None of us had until Friday night, we are still waiting on the technical report for that one :) Also shown here are Alan's modded Goodman's Mezzo 3, these sounded better than you would think on Friday, but on Saturday, powred by a Luxman and with Sharif's (Audioflyer) modded Thorens record deck I and a lot of people were absolutely amazed at the capabilities of these speakers. They actually stood toe to toe with the superb JBLs in the same system.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0012.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0012.jpg.html)

Y'all know I'm a digital/solid state man who likes Power! So wasn't sure what to expect from this 12 watt Leben valve integrated that Steve (Bourney) brought along, although even sat in its box on a table it was drawing some worship from those who know. This was set up with Sharif's Thorens as a source and some JBL 4410 studio monitors to create the standing waves in air. And what standing waves they were! Okay not cheap system even if you bought it all used but my God it really did sound like the voice of angels, and with great bass quality and dynamics. Hugely impressive bit of kit and wonderful build quality and styling too.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0018.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0018.jpg.html)

Don't seem to have a picture of Sharif's modded Thorens but have to mention it anyway. He is using a Philips ceramic pick up, new old stock from 1968. Frankly, it was hard to believe the quality of the sound. Anyone who tells you that pickup cartridge technology has come a long way since 1968 simply hasn't heard this cartridge and badly needs to. Sharif has more plans to improve the deck, lord knows what that will be like as right now it is certainly one of the best record players I have ever heard.

And speaking of outstanding record decks this was another:

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0014.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0014.jpg.html)

Barrington's heavily modded Rega (no idea what model Rega it started out as) which took him ages of meticulous set up. Jaw-dropping sound quality, faultless in fact. He has the bearing so smooth that it is impossible to see the platter spinning unless you are looking at it from six inches away, when you can just about detect it. Absolutely flawless sound.

JBL 4410 Studio Monitors, the rare appearance (for Stoke) of some sunlight spoils it a bit. I have always been a slavering JBL fanboy so not hard to please with JBLs but I thought these were exceptional, although they did have some superb partnering amps with the Luxman and later the Leben, and a fantastic vinyl source. Rare in the UK and not a cheap used buy, they put a lot of silly-money modern speakers to shame, not just for clarity but because they are fun to listen to as well.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0017.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0017.jpg.html)

Last but deffo not least, Ali's active open baffle system. He played some Hugh Maskala - truly a wtf? moment. People often say 'no hi-fi can reproduce music with the dynamics that you get live' and maybe that is true but seriously how close did this system come? Just staggering levels, and very clean, anyone who thinks their KEF LS0 (or whatever) 'have good dynamics' really should hear this system. For that matter I suspect even the biggest Tannoy DC could not compete. 'Shock and Awe' encapsulated in an hi-fi system. Should also mention the Garrard 401 that was fronting it. Ali has built this into slate plinths, it is enormous and must weigh 50 kilos (I helped him carry it in so believe me that isn't a guess). A deck that majors on speed and slam fronting a speaker/amp combo that majors on, well, speed and slam. Crazy but fantastically good. Thanks, Ali for going to the massive effort of bringing this huge system all that way.

http://i903.photobucket.com/albums/ac233/Macca_photos_2009/DSC_0015.jpg (http://s903.photobucket.com/user/Macca_photos_2009/media/DSC_0015.jpg.html)

Indeed, thanks to everyone who came along and made it a great event, everyone seemed to be having a good time all the time and that was the most important thing for me. Hope to see you all again next time.

EDIT will post a bit more later as there is a lot I haven't mentioned including Barry's yummy Mark Levinson pre and Quad amplifiers. Need more cups of tea first.

[Audioflyer]

I'm not sure but I think it was Nail (ff1d1l) passive preamp.

Sharif.

[Ali Tait]

Is it a Tisbury, or the posher version that I can't remember the name of?

[User211]

I reckon it was a Khozmo and I reckon that is what Ali was trying to think of.

One of my early in thread pics gives it away.

[Ali Tait]

Yep that's the name I couldn't remember.