PDA

View Full Version : Visit to Jimbos



brian2957
20-01-2017, 18:29
Last November James ( jimbo of this parish ) invited me down to his place in Birmingham . I immediately accepted and set about looking into transport options and finding a mutually agreeable date . Well that date was set for Friday 13th of January and those of you who tend to know what day and date we are currently at ( not me usually :) ) will know that was last weekend .
Two bus journeys , one taxi , and a further train journey later I met James at his local train station where he kindly picked me up . After a little time getting settled in James showed me round his very nice home and then his beautiful system .
First up was his amazing VPI Scout turntable fitted with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20017_zpspiu3q6ig.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20017_zpspiu3q6ig.jpg.h tml)

Then I got a good look at his Croft pre and power combo . I have to apologize here as I can't remember the models . I'm sure James will help me out with that because these days my memory has more than a passing resemblance to a sieve .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20016_zpsaxshyza9.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20016_zpsaxshyza9.jpg.h tml)

Then I had a good look at his Spendor SP2s which James tells me he bought 30 years ago but look in totally mint condition .
if you look to the top left of the picture you can see one of his '' teddy '' bass traps which seem to add an extra dimension to the sound . I think James partner likes to have many more around the room for the extra '' ambience '' they provide :D

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20022_zpsxoofyouf.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20022_zpsxoofyouf.jpg.h tml)

All cabling is by Chord I believe . So how did it all sound ? In a word sublime .
Now I know from talking to James that his system has been very carefully put together over many years while taking the advice of some very well respected members of the audio community . James has also spent a lot of time and thought on setting up and positioning the components within his system and the resultant sound is both beguiling and yet massively detailed . I spent many hours listening to this system and found it difficult to to leave it , particularly when it was time to go to bed . Myself and James listened to music into the early hours the three nights I was there . It didn't matter what was played , singer with acoustic guitar, to electronic music , it was all presented beautifully .
On the second night James brought out his other deck . The Goldring Lenco GL75 which he bought a while back . This is a very nice stock turntable fitted with a Shure M55e and a Jico SAS stylus .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20024_zps5neh70x4.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20024_zps5neh70x4.jpg.h tml)

James GL75 was part of my reason for paying him a visit . You see , I recently acquired one of these turntables a few months ago and I didn't have a clue how to set it up properly . Talking to someone over the phone or by email just isn't good enough for me . I had to see it for myself so James spent some time showing me how he sets his up and it turns out that I wasn't that far out . The first big Eureka moment came when I discovered that mt M55e cartridge wasn't wired up properly so after the :doh: came the :o . Mines was indeed working pretty well , however it did sound markedly better once ''rewired '' :D
My cartridge was fitted with a Shure M55e with the bottom of the range Jico stylus and it sounded pretty good . The second Eureka moment came when we replaced mine with James M55e fitted with the Jico SAS stylus . Jeez , a couple of rungs up the SQ ladder in seconds . This takes the GL75 into the realms of a very good turntable indeed . Not high end , but not too far off either . I could easily live with this setup , and for a very long time . We spent most of Saturday examining and listening to the GL75 and I loved every minute . It was an eye opener to hear what this turntable was really capable of , and still on a reasonable budget .

James had organized a couple of visits for me when I was down there . The first was on Saturday evening when we paid a visit to Steve at Sonority design where I heard probably the most expensive system for a long time . This system consisted of Innuos music server/ Moon Mind network controller/ Chord Dave DAC/ YG Hailey speakers with Chord Music cables throughout.

I will apologize for the crap photos here . I forgot my decent camera and had to use my phone and TBH I'm no photographer :lol:

Steve the proprietor arrived at his premises just as me and James got out the car . He took us upstairs and made us both a coffee while we chatted . My first thoughts about Steve was what a knowledgeable buy . Steve knows digital audio inside out . Furthermore he knows his products inside out . He uses supports for equipment worth thousands of pounds and they certainly look excellent , and judging by the sounds I heard during my visit , they let the equipment they are supporting work at their best . I believe these supports are Steve in-house and he sells them all over the world .
Anyway , back to the gear I heard . Following a brief listen to some equipment consisting of a VPI Prime turntable . This had a Dynavector cartridge fitted , again the name escapes me . Amplification was provided by a beautiful Moon Audio amp which was feeding a huge pair of Kef Reference speakers . Sorry lads but I was too busy listening to this fantastic system to take photos .
Steve then led us into another larger room and that's when the fun began . I was shown around the room and first up was the Chord Dave DAC .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20047_zpsz1rqkpx3.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20047_zpsz1rqkpx3.jpg.h tml)

Second I was shown the very large and beautiful Chord SPM 1200 ( I think ) amplifier . Apologies again as the exact model escapes me . I was too busy trying to take it all in I'm afraid .
The white wiring you see is Chord Music cable , which I certainly couldn't afford . All the framed album covers you see are part of the room treatment and the whole room was covered in them . Walls and ceiling .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20044_zpsofdw1as8.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20044_zpsofdw1as8.jpg.h tml)

Again apologies for the poor photography , I hope you can get an ides of Steves room . This picture shows more of the room treatment art and the beautiful YG Hailey speakers . Steve brought in a couple of chairs and plonked me right in between them both and began playing some electronic music...

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20042_zpszk8djsgw.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20042_zpszk8djsgw.jpg.h tml)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20041_zps4ygpqpmu.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20041_zps4ygpqpmu.jpg.h tml)

To be honest I wasn't quite prepared for what was to come next . James had told me a lot about Steves system but as they say...the proof is in the listening . After one track I turned round to James and said '' f...k me I've never heard anything like this in my life '' ...and I meant it . The amount of detail and the soundstage emanating these speakers defies description . The bass was through the floor and on occasions vibrating the chair I was sitting on ( and me too ) . Track after track sounded absolutely incredible . A week later and I know that this is one of those experiences which will stay with me forever . I have a couple of those over the years and I've added Steves system and the way it looked , and sounded , to my list . My big regret is that I was so engrossed in everything I was experiencing is that I forgot to give Steve a few requests of my own . As we all know , it's much easier to judge a system with music we know well ourselves .
I'm hoping to visit James next year and I will be asking to visit Steves place again , this time prepared for what is to come . Steves a lovely guy and a great host . His system is every word you can think of to describe a hifi system ...and then some more . Thanks Steve , the pleasure was certainly all mine :D

As soon as I have some time I'll get to my last adventure . My visit to Alans ( firebottle ) place , where I met him and his lovely wife Shirley ( :)
When we arrived at Alans place both him and Shirley came to the front door to greet us . When I got into the kitchen I had a long chat with Shirley , what an interesting , lovely , lady :) . I had to be '' dragged '' into Alans listening room to be shown his system as I was really enjoying talking to Shirley . Now Alan is a very interesting gentleman with his own unnusual ideas on how to position a set of speakers .

This was the first time I've ever seen a set of speakers suspended from the ceiling , and a pair of Quad 57s no less :)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20050_zpsb9fxjpfs.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20050_zpsb9fxjpfs.jpg.h tml)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20049_zpstfltnmlz.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20049_zpstfltnmlz.jpg.h tml)

How did they sound like this ? Well , in a word , very very good indeed . I've heard these speakers a few times , but these ones were '' earthbound '' so to speak . Alans suspended ones retained all the tonal characteristics , however , they seemed a little faster and '' lighter on their feet '' . They were ( to my ears ) a little light in the bass but Alan soon remedied this by switching on a sub which filled out the bottom end beautifully and they now sounded fantastic .
To get the 57s to sound as good as this requires some special amps in my opinion . As most people know Alan builds his own preamps , power amps , and monoblocks under his own brand name Firebottle , and I was lucky enough to hear them all . I'm afraid that I know very little about valve amps in general . I believe that Alans amps are hybrid valve amps known as OTL amps . I hope Alan can find some time to fill us in on the bsaic principles here . I can however tell you how they sound :)
First up were Alans Firebottle monoblocks ( sorry bliddy Photobucket has decided to delete some pictures ) fed from his Kin preamp . Source was Alans stock ( apart from his modified headshell ) Goldring Lenco GL75 fitted with a Denon 103 (?) cartridge .

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20057_zpsjiy04re2.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20057_zpsjiy04re2.jpg.h tml)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20058_zpstx7lxq9h.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20058_zpstx7lxq9h.jpg.h tml)

What can I say , absolutely wonderful with all genres of music . Alan has obviously taken a lot of time to set up his system taking the room into consideration and it was obvious . The 57s were playing beautiful music ( from above :D ) and I really enjoyed what they were doing .
After a very nice lunch , prepared by Shirley , it was on to the Air power amp . Again the system sounded absolutely excellent . Mids were outstanding , particularly with voices , and the top end was lovely and natural . The suspended 57s were , to my ears , a little light in the bass , but this was quickly sorted when Alan switched on the sub which seemed to integrate beautifully with the 57s . The Firebottle Air is now on my radar and if the funds become available it's a strong contender to become a part of my system .
I had a great day visiting Alan and Shirley and it was an education seeing and hearing Alans system and I can unreservedly recommend the Firebottle products to any potential buyers . Alan and Shirley are great hosts and I would like to thank them very much for welcoming me into their beautiful home . If you pay them a visit to hear Alans amps he may even show you his amazing microlite ( hope that's right Alan )

Well that concludes my little write-up of a very big weekend . My thanks goes to James for having me down to his place , for looking after me for a full weekend , and for organizing visits to Steves place to listen to his amazing system , and also a visit to Alans home to hear his fantistic Firebottle amps . Steve and Alan are both total gents and I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit to both of them .
Thanks James and here's to my next excursion to sunny Birmingham :cool:
I'll try and remember to take my camera next time :D

Jimbo
20-01-2017, 19:12
It was indeed a pleasure to spend the weekend with Brian listening to my system but more importantly The Music!
I had promised Brian,being a vinyl only man, I had plenty good stuff to introduce him too! I lost count how many albums Brian photographed for future reference but it could be very painful for his wallet.

Nice to have another AOS member round to hear my system which is quite enlightening to get someone else's impression of it. I think Brian quite liked it as he said he would like to buy the whole system.:lol:

brian2957
20-01-2017, 21:15
Aye ,was very impressed James . A Very musical system you have there , with both turntables , but particularly the VPI / 2m Black .

The pleasure was all mines mate :D

I'm trying hard to control the album buying as I need the funds elsewhere at the moment .

Shadow Moses
20-01-2017, 22:34
Looks like a good weekend lads,

That VPI's a beaut James

Gazjam
20-01-2017, 22:39
Great pics Brian, know too what you've told me since you had a great time at Jimbo's.
Having met the man myself at the last NEBO know him to be a total gent.

Awesome system Jimbo from what I hear, the VPI being a standout it seems.
Bet Agnes sounds wonderful!

On the electronic music front...strong reccy for this:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OvUJsu5w8IU

may be right up your street!

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 08:12
Thanks for the recommendation Gary. Certainly like my electronic stuff especially early analogue synth music.

A few bands I would recommend Redshift, Cosmic Ground and Horror Inc. I will pop some links up later.

Yes the VPI injects such a high level of SQ into the system the rest of it does not have to try too hard!:) And your right Agnes sounds sublime.

alphaGT
21-01-2017, 09:33
That's what stereo is all about! Two friends spinning records into the night over a few drinks! Proof you don't need a super exotic hi fi to feel the joy. The true measure of a good system is its ability to draw you in, one record leads to another, and another. That's when you know you've got it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Macca
21-01-2017, 09:42
What is the cabling, exactly? Speaker cable doesn't look like Chord.

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 09:48
What is the cabling, exactly? Speaker cable doesn't look like Chord.

Speaker cable is Chord Epic Twin. Interconnects are Chord Chameleon VEE3. I have heard all the Chord stuff up to the mega expensive Sarum Tuned Aray and I think the Chameleon gives you 80-90% of the top stuff at 10th of the price.:eek:

The big advantage of the Chord Epic Twin is the screening and in my system the Chameleon interconnects work perfectly due to their silver content and silver plugs. Just get a bit of lift in the top end where I need it.

Macca
21-01-2017, 09:50
Thanks James.

brian2957
21-01-2017, 09:51
That's what stereo is all about! Two friends spinning records into the night over a few drinks! Proof you don't need a super exotic hi fi to feel the joy. The true measure of a good system is its ability to draw you in, one record leads to another, and another. That's when you know you've got it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You know what Russell , that's exactly what happened :) I had just had a very long day ( and journey ) and yet we were up to 1am listening to music . The exact same happened the following night . On the third night I had to be a bit sensible and literally '' drag '' myself off to bed at 11.30pm as I had an early rise and a long journey ahead of me the next day .
I thought James system sounded absolutely wonderful , expertly and painstakingly tailored to his listening room . The results were a bit special :D

RichB
21-01-2017, 10:02
Looks like yous had a great session. Nice to pals made on forums coming together like this.

Great thread and pics.

tapid
21-01-2017, 10:02
Hope Brian did nt drool too much over me Lenco lid James, if you still have it that is. Sounds like a great few days, best wishes B.

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 10:12
Hope Brian did nt drool too much over me Lenco lid James, if you still have it that is. Sounds like a great few days, best wishes B.

He did drool over your Lenco lid Brian :D We both enjoyed a session listening to the Lenco with a selection of cartridges. It is a great turntable and a joy to own. I am keen now to get a Denon 103 fitted but need to get a headshell sorted to enable this too happen.

brian2957
21-01-2017, 10:14
Brian , I would have bought the lid from you but I had just bought one (not original ) a couple of days earlier . Having seen the one you sold to James I'm sorry I didn't now . It was in '' as new '' condition . Can't be many of those going around :)

Floyddroid
21-01-2017, 10:45
Thanks for the recommendation Gary. Certainly like my electronic stuff especially early analogue synth music.

A few bands I would recommend Redshift, Cosmic Ground and Horror Inc. I will pop some links up later.

Yes the VPI injects such a high level of SQ into the system the rest of it does not have to try too hard!:) And your right Agnes sounds sublime.

Listen in to my Progcast on arfm rock radio James. Sunday 29th 2pm. I will be playing a track from the new Ian Boddy album.

Gazjam
21-01-2017, 10:52
Listen in to my Progcast on arfm rock radio James. Sunday 29th 2pm. I will be playing a track from the new Ian Boddy album.

Will do Steve,
caught one before and its a good listen.

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 11:12
Listen in to my Progcast on arfm rock radio James. Sunday 29th 2pm. I will be playing a track from the new Ian Boddy album.

Cheers Steve, you know where I am coming from as you mention Ian Boddy.:)

Gazjam
21-01-2017, 12:21
Thanks for the recommendation Gary. Certainly like my electronic stuff especially early analogue synth music.

A few bands I would recommend Redshift, Cosmic Ground and Horror Inc. I will pop some links up later.

Yes the VPI injects such a high level of SQ into the system the rest of it does not have to try too hard!:) And your right Agnes sounds sublime.


Had a rummage on Tidal for those artists you mentioned James, Redshift bit too dubstepish for me, but loved Cosmic Ground?

If Klaus Shulze and Tangerine Dream ever had a baby...would be these guys. :)

brian2957
21-01-2017, 12:30
Cosmic Ground . Good for burning in speaker cable :lol:

tapid
21-01-2017, 12:56
Brian , I would have bought the lid from you but I had just bought one (not original ) a couple of days earlier . Having seen the one you sold to James I'm sorry I didn't now . It was in '' as new '' condition . Can't be many of those going around :)
Yes I remember that mate, thats why I mentioned it. I also remember Geoff saying buy it Brian but I know you was caught between 2 stools. Actually the lid originally came from Spain last year with t/t
the seller had stored it for many years under cover. So think about it, Spain to Hampstead to Birmingham with no damage caused, just proves the point if original packing is kept these items can be safely
transported, though not always possible I suppose with space at a premium. No, bit of a shame but I found it slightly awkward to use ( I am a clumsy type though). I m still enjoying listening to the gl 75
its an original like james s with condition just as good. Cheers

brian2957
21-01-2017, 13:36
Yes mines is the same Brian , in excellent condition , and a pleasure to listen to :)

This is mine . It was part of the reason for my visit to James . I wanted to see if I was setting it up properly and it turns out I wasn't too far out :)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20009_zpsns06w5he.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20009_zpsns06w5he.jpg.h tml)

struth
21-01-2017, 13:46
Keep thinking you are talking to yourself mate. :). Brians shouldnt talk to other Brians :eyebrows:

brian2957
21-01-2017, 13:48
Keep thinking you are talking to yourself mate. :). Brians shouldnt talk to other Brians :eyebrows:

Lol I know Grant , although I must admit to talking to myself from time to time :D

Marco
21-01-2017, 18:29
Great write-up (and pictures), chaps. The latter is *so* important in these write-ups, as it ties things all together :)

Bet you're glad you made the journey, Brian, to experience Jim's excellent system and hospitality. But why didn't you drive?

Anyway, it's also good to see you getting right into the joys of vinyl now... I knew the bug would eventually bite one day! Just need to get Tony 'indoctrinated' now [unless that's already happened and I've missed it]! :eyebrows:

Marco.

tapid
21-01-2017, 18:51
Yes mines is the same Brian , in excellent condition , and a pleasure to listen to :)

This is mine . It was part of the reason for my visit to James . I wanted to see if I was setting it up properly and it turns out I wasn't too far out :)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w2/brian2957/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20009_zpsns06w5he.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/brian2957/media/for%20sale%2017%20jan%2017%20009_zpsns06w5he.jpg.h tml)
Looks lovely Brian .

Floyddroid
21-01-2017, 18:52
Me fave TD album is Tournado.
Had a rummage on Tidal for those artists you mentioned James, Redshift bit too dubstepish for me, but loved Cosmic Ground?

If Klaus Shulze and Tangerine Dream ever had a baby...would be these guys. :)

brian2957
21-01-2017, 19:08
Great write-up (and pictures), chaps. The latter is *so* important in these write-ups, as it ties things all together :)

Bet you're glad you made the journey, Brian, to experience Jim's excellent system and hospitality. But why didn't you drive?

Anyway, it's also good to see you getting right into the joys of vinyl now... I knew the bug would eventually bite one day! Just need to get Tony 'indoctrinated' now [unless that's already happened and I've missed it]! :eyebrows:

Marco.

Had a great time Marco , James is a great host . I was very well looked after and I learned a great deal about vinyl and how to set up the GL75 from him so it was well worth the journey .

James system is superb and a total delight to listen to ( which we did well into the wee' sma ' hours ) :)

I looked into all the options mate .
Return on the train = £129
Drive to and from James place = around £90 in petrol .
Magabus return = 50p ( no it's not a typo 50 pence ):D

I can't be bothered driving any more so wasn't too keen anyway . The bus was very comfortable and had fantastic WiFi , so I watched a film both ways on my tablet thingy , and I had a double seat to myself . Took a bit longer but what the hell ...
In total I went straight to James village ( where he picked me up at the train station ) and back to Glasgow for under 20 quid :D

It was Tony who gave me the GL75 because he didn't feel confident enough to get it going . He later bought a Rega RP1 .

There's still a fair bit to come as I haven't got to my visit to Alans ( firebottle ) place yet :)

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 19:12
Yes I think you should have posted it as Part1-3:lol:

It was certainly a big weekend and we packed a lot in and as Brian has mentioned there is more to come.

Wakefield Turntables
21-01-2017, 19:14
Looks like you two had an excellent weekend. Very jealous. ;)

brian2957
21-01-2017, 19:17
Looks like you two had an excellent weekend. Very jealous. ;)

Next time I'll pick you up on the way down Andy :lol:

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 19:24
I will need to get another bed!:eek:

Although there is a very good B&B opposite.:)

brian2957
21-01-2017, 19:27
Aye , that place looked interesting James :)

Wakefield Turntables
21-01-2017, 19:37
Tempting! Perhaps we could set up a Lenco Fettlers club!

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 19:40
Tempting! Perhaps we could set up a Lenco Fettlers club!

You might quite like the VPI as well Andy.:D

brian2957
21-01-2017, 19:41
Okaaay... I'll just go and tell the wife I've just joined the ''Lenco Fettlers Club '' . She'll recognize the last word :lol:

brian2957
21-01-2017, 19:42
You might quite like the VPI as well Andy.:D

Nah , can't really muck around ( sorry fettle ) with the VPI James :)

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 19:50
Nah , can't really muck around ( sorry fettle ) with the VPI James :)

Your right Brian it has been sorted totally by the VPI crew back in New Jersey. And to think that is nearly their entry level TT.:eek:

If ever I had the cash then I would buy the Avenger but maybe one day I could stretch to the Prime. I would have to sell the VPI Scout to buy that!:whistle:

brian2957
21-01-2017, 20:05
Your right Brian it has been sorted totally by the VPI crew back in New Jersey. And to think that is nearly their entry level TT.:eek:

If ever I had the cash then I would buy the Avenger but maybe one day I could stretch to the Prime. I would have to sell the VPI Scout to buy that!:whistle:
Will it come with the 2M Black fitted :hmm:

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 20:07
Maybe:)

Wakefield Turntables
21-01-2017, 20:26
Just been checking out some VPI stuff, they sure make some lovely bits of kit.

Jimbo
21-01-2017, 20:29
Just been checking out some VPI stuff, they sure make some lovely bits of kit.

Very expensive stuff and massively engineered to last forever.

And it sounds rather good too.:)

brian2957
21-01-2017, 20:53
Maybe:)

:uhho: :D

Marco
21-01-2017, 21:11
Had a great time Marco , James is a great host . I was very well looked after and I learned a great deal about vinyl and how to set up the GL75 from him so it was well worth the journey .

James system is superb and a total delight to listen to ( which we did well into the wee' sma ' hours )


Sounds great mate, and just what I'd have expected from James! :)


I can't be bothered driving any more so wasn't too keen anyway...


Lol... That says it all, and is the difference between you and I. I *love* driving. The thought of bussing it from Glasgow to Birmingham would fill me with horror, no matter how cheap it was! :eek::D


It was Tony who gave me the GL75 because he didn't feel confident enough to get it going . He later bought a Rega RP1 .

There's still a fair bit to come as I haven't got to my visit to Alans ( firebottle ) place yet

Nice one - I'm sure you'll enjoy that. I think these little get togethers are so important for growing the AoS community. Didn't know that Tony'd finally succumbed to the 'dark side' - quality :cool:

Marco.

brian2957
21-01-2017, 21:34
Been driving for over 40 years mate , had enough .

Too many poor drivers on the roads these days so I use alternative transport whenever I can . I get my bus pass this year and I've earned it so you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be using it :D

Sorry cross wires here mate . I went over to Alans while I was down visiting James , and very interesting it was too. I still have to add the visit and pictures into the post . As I said , it was a very busy weekend :D

Marco
21-01-2017, 21:57
Ah I see, sorry for the misunderstanding. Yeah, that was a busy weekend then! Totally get the driving thing, in your position. I just have an aversion for using any form public transport ;)

Like to be in control too much of where and when I go places! :)

Marco.

brian2957
21-01-2017, 22:05
Me too . Also got an aversion to people who don't seem to know how to drive a car , or drivers who don't appear to know the rules of the road . It's not rocket science after all , but it can be very dangerous , particularly to other decent drivers .

Rant over :)

Marco
21-01-2017, 22:18
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Roads are full of clueless tossers these days... Fortunately, I'm usually going too fast to notice them! :D

Marco.

walpurgis
21-01-2017, 22:33
I just have an aversion for using any form public transport ;)

Like to be in control too much of where and when I go places! :)

Marco.

Exactly. I think the same!

walpurgis
21-01-2017, 22:37
Roads are full of clueless tossers these days... Fortunately, I'm usually going too fast to notice them! :D

Marco.

Unfortunately, many of the "clueless tossers" here also like to go fast and they are just plain dangerous. There's a high accident rate in this area. With luck they'll wipe each other out eventually.

brian2957
21-01-2017, 22:42
I was an instructor for bus drivers for five years so I saw more than my fair share of dangerous drivers .

Marco
21-01-2017, 22:53
Unfortunately, many of the "clueless tossers" here also like to go fast and they are just plain dangerous. There's a high accident rate in this area. With luck they'll wipe each other out eventually.

You can be fast and still safe: it's all about reading situations in advance and making the right decisions, along with keeping the appropriate distance from vehicles in front. I always like to create plenty of space around me, so if anything untoward happens, I've got a decent chance of being able to avoid it.

The amount of scrapes that's saved me from has been numerous!

Marco.

Gazjam
21-01-2017, 23:04
As my driving instructor used to tell me about keeping distance....'make sure you see Tyres n tarmac'

walpurgis
21-01-2017, 23:21
It's 'tailgater city' here. When it happens, I just go slower and slower until they get the hint. Usually women drivers, by quite a margin.

brian2957
22-01-2017, 19:09
Anyway , enough already :D

I have added a little more about my epic visit to James in Birmingham :)

Jimbo
22-01-2017, 19:23
Anyway , enough already :D

I have added a little more about my epic visit to James in Birmingham :)

Yes Steves system does some awesome entertaining stuff! Serious high end and can hit you like a sledgehammer. I think there were a few eye sorry ear openers. Boris Blank was particularly good and the last track below:)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JF4segJkmd8

brian2957
22-01-2017, 21:12
Cheers James , you were there . My face must have been a picture :eek:

brian2957
24-01-2017, 10:43
I have now updated this thread with my account of my visit to Alans ( Firebottle ) place . I hope this is accurate mate as I saw so much and heard so much in the space of 2 days my head was spinning when I returned back home . Enjoyed every minute of it though :D

Firebottle
24-01-2017, 11:20
Hi Brian, very pleased to have you round and meet a fellow AoS member.

I'm glad you liked the sounds you heard, you are right it is a DL-103 on the Lenco.

The microlite is more accurately described as a Paramotor, did you show the pics to your daughter as you said you would?

:D

struth
24-01-2017, 11:48
A busy weekend then Brian. Seen and heard nice gear and met nice folk....cant be bad :)

brian2957
24-01-2017, 11:55
Hi Brian, very pleased to have you round and meet a fellow AoS member.

I'm glad you liked the sounds you heard, you are right it is a DL-103 on the Lenco.

The microlite is more accurately described as a Paramotor, did you show the pics to your daughter as you said you would?

:D

Thanks Alan , I really enjoyed my visit to yours. Your system sounds excellent , with all your amps . Yes I did show her the pictures and she was suitably impressed . I was going to post a picture but your car is in the background and most of your number plate is clearly visible , so I thought better of it .

brian2957
24-01-2017, 11:57
A busy weekend then Brian. Seen and heard nice gear and met nice folk....cant be bad :)

I had a fantastic time Grant . Not enough hours in the day though , and James kept me very busy . He's a wonderful host BTW :)

wee tee cee
24-01-2017, 18:37
Great write up Brian....Alans suspended 57s got me a ......NO CHANCE!!! from Lou. Gets a man thinking....

Great pictures from your AOS odyssey-bye the sounds of it some great music/company and hi-fi.

brian2957
24-01-2017, 18:48
Aye was a great weekend mate :)

The suspended 57s were a sight to behold and sounded surprisingly good up there :D

Gazjam
24-01-2017, 19:33
Great write up Brian....Alans suspended 57s got me a ......NO CHANCE!!! from Lou. Gets a man thinking....

Great pictures from your AOS odyssey-bye the sounds of it some great music/company and hi-fi.

Brian was over at Gaz towers the other day and told me all about it...not enough of this stuff going on!

struth
24-01-2017, 19:35
Thanks Alan , I really enjoyed my visit to yours. Your system sounds excellent , with all your amps . Yes I did show her the pictures and she was suitably impressed . I was going to post a picture but your car is in the background and most of your number plate is clearly visible , so I thought better of it .

can easily be edited out Brian.

brian2957
24-01-2017, 19:50
Don't think Alan's bothered either way mate . Not a great photo anyway . Thanks though :)