Stylus Show

[Ali Tait]

Anyone going?

Will be there helping out in the Long Dog Audio room, and probably MRCU too.

Come and say hello.

[Marco]

Lol - not even heard of it! Details please, when and where? :)

I was about to move this thread because I thought it was something to do with a cartridge.....

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

It's a new show, dedicated to vinyl, and analogue in general. It's in Manchester-

https://www.chestergroup.org/stylusvinylshow/2017

[Marco]

Ah yes, I remember now that someone else mentioned it before. Mmm... Tempting, especially as it's local and it's vinyl orientated. I'll see if I can slip away for a bit from some work at home that's being done!

If I go, I'll defo pop in and say hello :cool:

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Good stuff, see you tomorrow.

[Ali Tait]

Got the room set up, having a well earned beer now.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/12CA1CCA-832F-4213-ABFD-39F4D41E86B6_zpsfmoxbfbd.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/12CA1CCA-832F-4213-ABFD-39F4D41E86B6_zpsfmoxbfbd.jpg.html)

[Bigman80]

Impressive.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Marco]

Nice... Could you list the system, Ali, particularly the speakers (and what makes up the T/T), as they look rather interesting... :)

Marco.

[Ammonite Audio]

Very nice. Those little Graham speakers must be among the nicest things that I've heard in the last year.


Got the room set up, having a well earned beer now.

http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/12CA1CCA-832F-4213-ABFD-39F4D41E86B6_zpsfmoxbfbd.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/12CA1CCA-832F-4213-ABFD-39F4D41E86B6_zpsfmoxbfbd.jpg.html)

[Marco]

They look somewhat Harbeth-like... So you rated them, Hugo? :)

Definitely going tomorrow, so I'll hear them for myself. Ali, is there somewhere selling vinyl?

Marco.

[Stratmangler]

They look somewhat Harbeth-like... So you rated them, Hugo? :)

Definitely going tomorrow, so I'll hear them for myself. Ali, is there somewhere selling vinyl?

Marco.

Yes.
Is Google broken in Wrexham today? :)
https://www.chestergroup.org/stylusvinylshow/2017/brands-and-exhibitors

[Marco]

Lol... I always just prefer to ask someone who'll know. It's what we did in the old days before all this pish was invented! ;)

Are you going tomorrow then, daftee? :)

Marco.

[struth]

No matter where you go, there you are.

[Stratmangler]

It's more fun asking if Google is broken than giving a straight answer :)
Yes, I'll be there - see you tomorrow.

[Marco]

Quality - look forward to it :cool:

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Nice... Could you list the system, Ali, particularly the speakers (and what makes up the T/T), as they look rather interesting... :)

Marco.

Loads of vinyl for sale mate.

The system-

NWA refurbed Garrard 301 with NWA refurbed SME 3012. Cart is NWA DH 2.

Music First TVC passive pre, Nick's LCR two box phono stage ( being sold by Music First)

Amps are Nick's new P6 Mosfet 200w monos, feeding a pair of Graham Audio LS 5/9's.

Lots of room treatment as you can see by GIK Acoustics. Really makes a difference in these hotel rooms, sound is much improved.

[RichB]

Loads of vinyl for sale mate.

The system-

NWA refurbed Garrard 301 with NWA refurbed SME 3012. Cart is NWA DH 2.

Music First TVC passive pre, Nick's LCR two box phono stage ( being sold by Music First)

Amps are Nick's new P6 Mosfet 200w monos, feeding a pair of Graham Audio LS 5/9's.

Lots of room treatment as you can see by GIK Acoustics. Really makes a difference in these hotel rooms, sound is much improved.

Never heard of this show mate. Looks interesting and that system is as much a treat for the ears as the eyes I'll bet.

[Ali Tait]

Aye it's a new one Rich. Not sure what the attendance will be like, with Scalford this weekend too.

[Marco]

Loads of vinyl for sale mate.

The system-

NWA refurbed Garrard 301 with NWA refurbed SME 3012. Cart is NWA DH 2.

Music First TVC passive pre, Nick's LCR two box phono stage ( being sold by Music First)

Amps are Nick's new P6 Mosfet 200w monos, feeding a pair of Graham Audio LS 5/9's.

Lots of room treatment as you can see by GIK Acoustics. Really makes a difference in these hotel rooms, sound is much improved.

Sounds very interesting, mate. Lots of kit there I'm looking forward to hearing :)

Marco.

[RichB]

Aye it's a new one Rich. Not sure what the attendance will be like, with Scalford this weekend too.

Yeah, that's a thought re Scalford. I've never managed to get to that as it typically clashes with family birthdays. This other one in Manchester might be a goer in future years though.

[sq225917]

Attendance was gash, hardly any decent rooms, Nick's room was the pic of the bunch. Bought some records from Diverse and some rubber feet from mcru. I doubt it'll survive another year, certainly not on the Salford weekend.

[Zoidburg]

Going to this today, hope its worthwhile. Its only a quick run up the motor way from Liverpool so no real bother. I'll report back later.

[Marco]

Hi Simon,

Were you the wee guy, along with Mark (YNWaN), who walked into Nick's room? :)


Attendance was gash, hardly any decent rooms..


Perhaps from an organisers point of view, but the lack of crowds, bumping into folks in corridors and fighting to find a seat in rooms, for me was great! Just enough 'bodies' around to create a bit of atmosphere... Parking was piss-easy too, and right next to the hotel - another *major* bonus :thumbsup:


Nick's room was the pic of the bunch.


I agree, but the Monarch T/T, in the Inspire hi-fi room sounded sublime. Not sure if you heard that or not. Always wanted to hear one and compare it with my own T/T (which uses the same Technics D/D motor), and it was very good indeed.

I would URGE anyone going to the show today to head for the Inspire room and ask to hear it, as there are a host of T/Ts there all ready to demo, and compare the same piece of music, played on one of the belt-drives. It's somewhat of a revelation....


I doubt it'll survive another year, certainly not on the Salford weekend.

Salford weekend? Is that some local holiday or something?

Marco.

[CageyH]

Hi Simon,

Were you the wee guy, along with Mark (YNWaN), who walked into Nick's room? :)



Perhaps from an organisers point of view, but the lack of crowds, bumping into folks in corridors and fighting to find a seat in rooms, for me was great! Just enough 'bodies' around to create a bit of atmosphere... Parking was piss-easy too, and right next to the hotel - another *major* bonus :thumbsup:



I agree, but the Monarch T/T, in the Inspire hi-fi room sounded sublime. Not sure if you heard that or not. Always wanted to hear one and compare it with my own T/T (which uses the same Technics D/D motor), and it was very good indeed.

I would URGE anyone going to the show today to head for the Inspire room and ask to hear it, as there are a host of T/Ts there all ready to demo, and compare the same piece of music, played on one of the belt-drives. It's a revelation....



Salford weekend? Is that some local holiday or something?

Marco.

Scalford is the WigWam show. I am surprised you didn't know that?

[Joe]

Scalford is the WigWam show. I am surprised you didn't know that?

I believe Marco was having a laugh about the word 'Salford' as opposed to 'Scalford'. If you've never been to Salford, you haven't missed much.

[Marco]

Was good meeting some familiar faces yesterday and in general I enjoyed the show, so I do hope it takes place again next year. Perhaps attendance will be better today when most folks are off work? :)

Anyway, the primary reason I go to these shows is to pick up some brand new vinyl! There are plenty of second-hand record shops around Wrexham and Chester, but few where you can physically browse through a big pile of new vinyl, and for me there's nothing like that - far better than buying online.

So yesterday I obtained the following (from the stall next to Diverse):

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/oyxbqu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ployxbquj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/7rut38.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl7rut38j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/923/7W1u4G.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn7W1u4Gj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/923/9vcrIK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9vcrIKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/924/VqlrZ0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poVqlrZ0j)

I also bought some black poly-lined sleeves from Covers 33, as their prices are great. Ordered from them before many times online, but it was nice this time to meet the guy behind the scenes.

Plus.... Chris (Stratmangler) recommended a CD the guys in the AudioNote room were selling, called Pure Cello, by Vincent Belanger, for its sonic and musical qualities, which I duly bought. I resisted the temptation of buying the double-vinyl album, on 45rpm, selling for just shy on fifty notes and got the CD instead, for a tenner, which sounds stunning.

Here's a YouTube clip, detailing some of the performance:

uYMDsvPat5E

So looking forward to chilling out and having a nice listening sesh today! :cool:

Marco.

[Marco]

Scalford is the WigWam show. I am surprised you didn't know that?

Yes of course I know that, daftee, but Simon wrote Salford, not Scalford, and as Salford is an area of Manchester, I thought he was referring to some sort of local holiday :D

Marco.

[Bigman80]

Hi Simon,

Were you the wee guy, along with Mark (YNWaN), who walked into Nick's room? :)



Perhaps from an organisers point of view, but the lack of crowds, bumping into folks in corridors and fighting to find a seat in rooms, for me was great! Just enough 'bodies' around to create a bit of atmosphere... Parking was piss-easy too, and right next to the hotel - another *major* bonus [emoji106]



I agree, but the Monarch T/T, in the Inspire hi-fi room sounded sublime. Not sure if you heard that or not. Always wanted to hear one and compare it with my own T/T (which uses the same Technics D/D motor), and it was very good indeed.

I would URGE anyone going to the show today to head for the Inspire room and ask to hear it, as there are a host of T/Ts there all ready to demo, and compare the same piece of music, played on one of the belt-drives. It's a revelation....



Salford weekend? Is that some local holiday or something?

Marco.
Inspire make excellent TTs.

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Was good meeting some familiar faces yesterday and in general I enjoyed the show, so I do hope it takes place again next year. Perhaps attendance will be better today when most folks are off work? :)

Anyway, the primary reason I go to these shows is to pick up some brand new vinyl! There are plenty of second-hand record shops around here, but few shops locally where you can physically browse through a big pile of new vinyl, and for me there's nothing like that - far better than buying online.

So yesterday I obtained the following (from the stall next to Diverse):

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/oyxbqu.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/ployxbquj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/7rut38.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pl7rut38j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/923/7W1u4G.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn7W1u4Gj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/923/9vcrIK.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pn9vcrIKj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/924/VqlrZ0.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poVqlrZ0j)

I also bought some black poly-lined sleeves from Covers 33, as their prices are great. Ordered from them before many times online, but it was nice this time to meet the guy behind the scenes.

So looking forward to chilling out and having a nice listening sesh today! :cool:

Marco.

Band of Brothers is very good.

[CageyH]

Are the black liners worth the extra £5 over the white ones?

[Marco]

Inspire make excellent TTs.


Indeed they do! Honestly, anyone going to the show today *needs* to pop into the Inspire room and listen to the Monarch. It's fitted with an SME 312S and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. Unless he's changed the system since yesterday, I guarantee it'll be one of the best sounds you've heard from vinyl! :)

Btw, as an aside, if anyone going to the show enjoys eating top-notch *authentic* Chinese food, then I thoroughly recommend the nearby (yards away from the hotel) Tai Pan: http://www.taipanmanchester.co.uk/

We always go there when in Manchester, and we did so again yesterday. It's always consistently superb!! :cool:

Marco.

[Marco]

Are the black liners worth the extra £5 over the white ones?

Yes, they make records sound better! :eyebrows:

I only bought 30 of them (just needed a top-up for some stuff) and they cost me £6, so hardly a fortune.

Marco.

[Marco]

Band of Brothers is very good.

Nice one. I've always liked Willie Nelson. Check out some the stuff from his son, Lukas (with supporting band Promise of the Real) - a bit rockier, but still nice 'n' bluesy! :cool:

Marco.

[CageyH]

Yes, they make records sound better! :eyebrows:

I only bought 30 of them (just needed a top-up for some stuff) and they cost me £6, so hardly a fortune.

Marco.

They do a poly lined white inner, and a black.
The black has heavier paper, which to me does not seem worth it?

[Marco]

20p a sleeve (which I paid) is hardly a lot!

Marco.

[CageyH]

I am looking at buying 100. They always come in useful.
It's only £5 but is the heavier paper worth it? They will get replaced before they are "worn" out.

[Stratmangler]

as Salford is an area of Manchester

No it isn't.
It may be cheek by jowl with Manchester, but it's a separate City. They're on opposite banks of the River Irwell.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salford,_Greater_Manchester

With regard to yesterday, I enjoyed myself.
Good to see you and Del too.

[struth]

Did a job in Salford..a carpark. Was there for ages too. That bit was a dump, but guess there were nicer spots; it was near a shopping area, that had a chicken shop. Probably all changed now as it was a long time ago. Oddly we commuted every day from Blackpool.. the mad things you do when younger

[Joe]

Did a job in Salford..a carpark. Was there for ages too. That bit was a dump, but guess there were nicer spots; it was near a shopping area, that had a chicken shop. Probably all changed now as it was a long time ago. Oddly we commuted every day from Blackpool.. the mad things you do when younger

To be fair, the only time I was there it was too foggy to see much. My niece went to university there, but dropped out after a term because she found the place so depressing.

[struth]

To be fair, the only time I was there it was too foggy to see much. My niece went to university there, but dropped out after a term because she found the place so depressing.

That was reason we commuted tbh. It was a rum joint, and didnt seem to have much in way of decent digs, and decent pubs. Sure they were there but after looking quickly round we decided to piss off to the bright lights of home..ie blackie

[Spectral Morn]

Great shame no one seems to have taken photos.

[Stratmangler]

There was a chap from TNT Audio there, and he was taking photos.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/int.html

[Zoidburg]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/882b7d22c5cca40c94f816debe00f1bb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/00b1aa22dcc6ac83c21f785977d1486d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/79ef92aa2a0bdc290d65e2af77839812.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/9fe2763b8e39df28dbcdedadb4087dfe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/f3fcbb361789582d4fdb823b1abcabde.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/cad83683bf698c795132e2a5a661bf2e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/08f354625e9573d3c2f3c816e3cdeccf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/822a93610cba09a30f1992e4dff9f9c9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/86f4fb7d2b155ac9bb93ba595c2c049a.jpg

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[Zoidburg]

My fav rooms were the audio council room (the an speakers sounded good too me) and the Longdog /NWA room. The longdog room was empty when we pitched up so we had a chance to listen to some bowie which we both knew well and a brief chat to one of the guys in there too.

The Audio technical guys were also chatty and good to know about their cartridge lineup change still being uswable with my 150 body.

Music Wise it was terrible, very little I heard would have been played on my system, whatvia it with demo rooms playing gash most of the time?

I didn't cone away feeling the need

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[Marco]

My fav rooms were the audio council room (the an speakers sounded good too me) and the Longdog /NWA room. The longdog room was empty when we pitched up so we had a chance to listen to some bowie which we both knew well and a brief chat to one of the guys in there too.

The Audio technical guys were also chatty and good to know about their cartridge lineup change still being uswable with my 150 body.

Music Wise it was terrible, very little I heard would have been played on my system, whatvia it with demo rooms playing gash most of the time?

I didn't cone away feeling the need


Did you not go into the Inspire room, Dan, and listen to the Monarch? If not, you missed a trick....

Marco.

[Marco]

No it isn't.
It may be cheek by jowl with Manchester, but it's a separate City. They're on opposite banks of the River Irwell.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salford,_Greater_Manchester


Lol - that's what I'd thought, but I'm no expert on such things! The fact is, Simon wrote 'Salford', not Scalford, which is what threw me.


With regard to yesterday, I enjoyed myself.
Good to see you and Del too.

Yup, good seeing you too, mate :cool:

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

Did you not go into the Inspire room, Dan? If not, you missed a trick....

Marco.
Yes we heard the monarch Direct drive TT which I liked a lot and had a chat about their 1210 upgrades too.


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[Zoidburg]

My fav rooms were the audio council room (the AN speakers sounded good too me) and the Longdog /NWA room. The longdog room was empty when we pitched up so we had a chance to listen to some bowie which we both knew well and a brief chat to one of the guys in there too.

The Audio technica guys were also chatty and its good to know about their cartridge lineup change still being usable with my 150 body.

Music Wise it was terrible, very little I heard would have been played on my system, what is it with demo rooms playing gash most of the time?

I didn't come away feeling like I am missing a great deal with my own system especially given the price of a lot if the kit there.

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[Marco]

Nice one. Yet you didn't mention that on the post you made about your favourite rooms? ;)

For me, the Monarch was the best sounding T/T at the show, by a country mile.... Would loved to have heard that in Nick's system, as the 301 used there, to me, sounded a little 'safe' and shut-in, compared with what I'm used to at home, but IME Garrards aren't the last word in, shall we say, 'top-end clarity'. Same with the partnering vintage SME arm.

Their big (magnetic) ferrous-metal platters tend to rob the sound of some sparkle, IME. In that respect, the Monarch had oodles more 'attack', dynamic alacrity, and just generally more all-round sonic ability.

As an aside, the other thing I was impressed with was the (superb VFM and seeming effectiveness) of the Impression Series acoustics panels. I'll defo be trying some of those in my own system!

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

I find it very difficult to pick out anything in particular that blew me away though I'd say that was probably because I wasn't listening to anything I really knew well. I struggle to sit for more than a few minutes listening to stuff I don't like or don't know. That said I'd be interested in seeing / hearing the monarch more.

I was also struck but how many hugely expensive record cleaning machines were on display too!

Possibly I should have put some more thought into organising these posts, the first was from a McDonalds then a car park whilst waiting for my wife now I'm home!

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[Marco]

I find it very difficult to pick out anything in particular that blew me away though I'd say that was probably because I wasn't listening to anything I really knew well. I struggle to sit for more than a few minutes listening to stuff I don't like or don't know.


No worries. When I walked in and saw the Monarch sitting there, I knew that I wasn't leaving until I'd had a damn good listen to it - and a damn good listen to it I did! :eyebrows:

Make no mistake: it is unquestionably a top-notch turntable, one of the best I've heard at a commercial hi-fi show, and the closest I've come to hearing another T/T that rivals my own.

However, it needs a damn sight more publicity! If Robert were to join here and participate, I'd ensure that that happened, and that his superb design was given the attention and recognition it deserves.


I was also struck but how many hugely expensive record cleaning machines were on display too!


Yup, sure confirmation of the resurgence of vinyl, on all levels :cool:

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

My fav rooms were the audio council room (the an speakers sounded good too me) and the Longdog /NWA room. The longdog room was empty when we pitched up so we had a chance to listen to some bowie which we both knew well and a brief chat to one of the guys in there too.

The Audio technical guys were also chatty and good to know about their cartridge lineup change still being uswable with my 150 body.

Music Wise it was terrible, very little I heard would have been played on my system, whatvia it with demo rooms playing gash most of the time?

I didn't cone away feeling the need

Sent from my CUBOT CHEETAH 2 using Tapatalk

Who was it you talked to, shame I missed you, I was there helping Nick out.

[Audio Al]

Date clash with the wigwam show :(

[Marco]

Lightweight... If you were super-dedicated, you went to the Stylus Show on Saturday, and then Scalford on Sunday! :ner:;)

Marco.

[Zoidburg]

Who was it you talked to, shame I missed you, I was there helping Nick out.

Ali,

When we walked in the room there where 2 blokes in there, One had a huge white beard and the other didn't. I talked to the one who didn't! Only briefly but I asked about the various kit we were listening to and the acoustic baffles that were arranged throughout the room. maybe it was you I talked to?

[CageyH]

Did you not go into the Inspire room, Dan, and listen to the Monarch? If not, you missed a trick....

Marco.

The Monarch is £4.5k without arm or cartridge. That makes it a very expensive option.

[Zoidburg]

The Monarch is £4.5k without arm or cartridge. That makes it a very expensive option.

As nice as it looked that's a big chunk of money especially when it still needs and arm and cart. Saying that most of the rooms I went in the kit being used was of similar cost. The Fanthorpes room had a lovely looking Luxman TT that I think was best part of £4k, then the guy stuck a copy of wish you were here on which couldn't have seen a brush or clean in a good few years and popped and crackled through out the first side. I sat there thinking this is hardly the best way to demo a TT is it.

[Marco]

The Monarch is £4.5k without arm or cartridge. That makes it a very expensive option.

Yes, but in my opinion, it pisses all over some 'audiophile-badged' T/Ts costing many times the price! *That* is the point ;)

SME30, for example... Not a hope of sounding as good as what I heard from the Monarch, on Saturday. There are plenty other T/Ts like that I could use as similar examples.

You have to put things into a proper performance context - ultimately that is what matters most (or at least should do)! :)

Marco.

[CageyH]

I am pretty sure that my Funk modified SL1200 will not be far off, or better than the Monarch.
Yes the Monarch looks pretty, but £4.5k + arm + cartridge and you will be looking at between £6 to £7k finished.

You could get a couple of decent decks for that.

[Marco]

Lol @ "decent decks". I think we'll have to strongly disagree there, matey! ;)

Such as what, in your opinion? Have you heard a Monarch, fitted with a top-notch arm and cartridge?

The fact is, if a £6 or £7k turntable outperforms one that costs double the price (or more), it's a 'bargain' in its own right. It always amuses me how some folks can't seem to grasp that concept. How much is an SME 30 - about £18k?

Well, based on my experience, I'd take the Monarch every time. That should put things into context :)

Marco.

[CageyH]

A Funk modified SL1200 would be where my money was spent. ;) The rest would be spent on vinyl.
I dislike sorbothane damping on a turntable.

I have not heard a Monarch, but I am sure that it will not be that much different to my SL1200.

[Marco]

Well, I can't comment, as I haven't heard your modded Techy, but I can say, as a statement of fact, that the Monarch is up there with mine.

Besides, I'm not talking about modded Techies; the *point* I am making is in reference to the Monarch versus established high-end 'badged' T/Ts, and for me it hammers home the fact that the highest SPPV will always come from owning quality bespoke-engineered, judiciously 'race-tuned' hi-fi, not commercially produced stuff 'off the shelf'.

Marco.

[CageyH]

But some "cots" turntables have been race tuned in their development.
With a budget of at least £7k you are pretty much spoilt for choice.

[Marco]

Cots? :hmm: No understandy....

Most commercially produced hi-fi equipment, at virtually any price point, is not 'race-tuned', or designed to be as good as it possible can be; it's built to a price (usually dictated by company accountants), and in that price you're paying for many things that have nothing to do with sound quality - and you can hear the limitations as a result of that, or at least I can.

£7k is 'pocket money', in true high-end terms, where it's not uncommon to see T/Ts selling for in excess of £50k, and more!

Marco.

[CageyH]

"Cots" commercial off the shelf.

£7k may be pocket money compared to high end, but for the majority of members here, it is still probably too much.
I could spend £7k on a turntable if I wished, but my common sense is still functioning. ;)

[Marco]

Yup, same here, although I've probably spent the best part of £5k on my own T/T, which includes a top-notch arm and cartridge, so significantly cheaper than the Monarch, and I'm sure like yours, definitely in a similar ballpark, sonically ;)

Marco.

[Audio Al]

Lightweight... If you were super-dedicated, you went to the Stylus Show on Saturday, and then Scalford on Sunday! :ner:;)

Marco.


Yes I totally agree , Lightweight indeed , So why were you not at Salford on Sunday then ? :hmm:

No commitment TuT TuT TuT :nono:

Marco you must try harder :ner:

[Ali Tait]

Ali,

When we walked in the room there where 2 blokes in there, One had a huge white beard and the other didn't. I talked to the one who didn't! Only briefly but I asked about the various kit we were listening to and the acoustic baffles that were arranged throughout the room. maybe it was you I talked to?

Ah must have missed you then. The bloke with the beard is Nick who designed the amps, phono stage and Garrard power supply, collaborating with the chap you spoke to, Andrew.

[Marco]

Yes I totally agree , Lightweight indeed , So why were you not at Salford on Sunday then ? :hmm:

No commitment TuT TuT TuT :nono:

Marco you must try harder :ner:

I know, I always had 'must try harder' written on my school report! :spank:

:D

Marco.

[julesd68]

Well, I can't comment, as I haven't heard your modded Techy, but I can say, as a statement of fact, that the Monarch is up there with mine.

Marco, I got to listen to most of the decks yesterday at the show but when I went into the Inspire room I found it really 'uninspiring' - some very strange music was on at low volume and the reps seemed to be just chatting amongst themselves, so we headed off elsewhere for entertainment. Now reading your thoughts it looks like I need to give it a proper listen another time hopefully ...

[Marco]

Shame about that, Julian. Perhaps next time, but make a point then of asking to hear the Monarch, preferably with some familiar music :)

I knew who Robert was, so went over and introduced myself, which he duly acknowledged, as he reads some of the forums. Then I expressed my interest in listening to the Monarch against the (then) belt-drive T/T being played (I don't know which one, as I didn't recognise it), using the same test music, and the Monarch murdered it.

My wife and I then spent a good 40 mins, or so, in there listening to the Monarch, with different types of music, which thus allowed me to form the impression I have of it.

Marco.

[Spectral Morn]

Interestingly at NAS one year I heard the Monarch then directly after that the Enigma and in that context the Enigma was more enjoyable. Not better from a HiFi point of few but more musical. Same record was played.

But having heard an Enigma in my own set up, my modded Technics 1200 was better.

[Marco]

Yup, so many variables, mate - not least of which is the arm, cartridge and phono stage used with any specific turntable :)

Marco.

[Spectral Morn]

Yup, so many variables, mate - not least of which is the arm, cartridge and phono stage used with any specific turntable :)

Marco.

Agreed so many variables.

[julesd68]

Shame about that, Julian. Perhaps next time, but make a point then of asking to hear the Monarch, preferably with some familiar music :)

I knew who Robert was, so went over and introduced myself, which he duly acknowledged, as he reads some of the forums. Then I expressed my interest in listening to the Monarch against the (then) belt-drive T/T being played (I don't know which one, as I didn't recognise it), using the same test music, and the Monarch murdered it.

My wife and I then spent a good 40 mins, or so, in there listening to the Monarch, with different types of music, which thus allowed me to form the impression I have of it.

Marco.

Yes I should have gone back to the Inspire room as they were the only room demoing a range of decks. In the other rooms I heard some great sounds but very difficult to pinpoint just how good the decks were in relation to each other ...

[shane]

Not familiar with the Monarch, so I Googled it. Hadn't realised it was an idler. No wonder it blows the techie away!








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[Marco]

Ha - love it! :D

Marco.