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View Full Version : Short but sweet time with Member Andy - SMANGUS



RobbieGong
13-01-2018, 18:22
As a result of Andy (SMANGUS) purchasing a Panzerwood weight from me via Private Exhibitions here, I had the pleasure of meeting him in person.

Luckily and conveniently he lives a few mins from me so I popped over to hand deliver the item.

He invited me in and my eye immediately caught his very nice Nottingham Analogue Interspace, the special edition version with lovely Mahogany Plynth.
I'm very taken by the look of decks with deep, substantial platters like this one.

He asked me what I liked to listen to and then pulled a copy of Bob Marley & The Wailers 'Burnin'

The arm looked like a tricked Rega RB of some kind with a XYZ Yatra on the end - We talked about the cart as I know the XYZ's are very good and that the Yatra is up the range.

Phono Stage was Firebottle OTP

Speakers - Celestion comapct A

I didnt have a lot of time as I was on errands but I thought it would be rude not to indulge.

The thing that struck me from the offset was superb imaging, instruments came from left and right in the weay that really good imaging does.

Second thing was the excellent neutrallity.

Listening a little further revealed excellent seperation of the individual parts but what has stuck with me and will stay is the way those seperate parts where tonally seperate too as well as accurate with the right body and textural information expressed.
For example, when Peter Tosh's baratone harmonised behind Bobs lead, I could clearly differenciate the difference in the tonal texture between Bob and Peter, I can honestly say it is the first time I've heard this in such a pronounced, clear and natural way.
The guitars that followed were again very tonally right, Oh and did I say that the bass was properly properly tuneful ?

I can say hand on heart that I was genuinely taken by how analogue, tonally accurate, musical and non fatiguing this descrete, classy little systems was / is.

It's opened my mind and knowledge even further.

Andy has put together a nice set up, that has more depth than I've heard before.

Those little Celestions are great and the Yantra has opened my eyes to what can be realised in terms of tonal depth - I'd have one !

After about one side I had to depart but it was a pleasure meeting yet another AOS who is genuinely a really nice guy.

Meeting him and hearing his system and how it presents the music has been a pleasure and given me food for thought ;) :)

Thanks Andy, hope you're enjoying the PatheWings Panzerwood weight and thanks for the tunes - Big up and Big up the AOS Community :thumbsup: :)

Puffin
13-01-2018, 18:58
Great write up. I could feel your enthusiasm through your words. Have you listened to Bill Laswell's Ambient translations of Bob Marley? A great CD IMO.

RobbieGong
13-01-2018, 19:19
Great write up. I could feel your enthusiasm through your words. Have you listened to Bill Laswell's Ambient translations of Bob Marley? A great CD IMO.

Yes, it was a short visit as I say but yeah, hearing his system was a pleasure and a learner....

I havnt heard that CD Rob but I'll defo check it out - I'm intrigued not to mention a massive Marley fan from childhood - thanks for the headsup

smangus
13-01-2018, 19:40
Hi Rob

Thanks very much for your kind words, it was a pleasure to meet you albeit for such a short time. It was very interesting to hear your comments about the sound as I have not heard any other systems since buying my turntable over 10 years ago and so this has evolved over the years in a bit of a vacuum.

I like balance, separation and rhythm without any "bloom" or things being too cold or analytical. I like to think I have achieved this but it's very nice to have a second opinion confirming this, as well as rewarding. :)

The compact A's came about when I lived in a small room before we bought the house, they have translated quite well so I have never felt the need to change them. Although I have an ongoing Tannoy build which is now 2 years old lol!:D Due to the size of the room they are quite far apart but I have toed them in which makes a lot of difference to the soundstage etc.

Everything is second hand except for the OTP phono stage , Linn Classik and MJ acoustics sub which complements the A's very well. I'm very glad you liked the sound, I could see from the way you were moving in time to the music that your appreciative comments were very genuine (not that I don't think you wouldn't give an honest opinion!):).

for those interested my set up is as follows


Amp duty (and cd) - Linn Classik

Speakers - Celestion Compact A's

Sub - MJ Acoustics Reference 100

Deck - Notts Analogue Intersapce SE ( mahogany version)

Arm - Rega RB 200 with origin Live brass weight and internal and external wire mods.

Cart - ZYX Yatra with a 5G Decca weight between it and the Arm head, this helped with the bass and overall tonality, it sounded a bit thin before this was added.

Phono stage - Firebottle OTP (1) I would say this had a good impact on the sound bringing through more detail in the cart and added sound stage, separation and balance. I'm going to get this upgraded to the OTP 2 in the next few weeks.

This is fed into the Linn via an NJC Audio headphone amp which has pre outs. As I listen late at night on my HE 400s and therefore so do not have to switch the Linn on

Speaker wire - Van Damme blue 4 mill

Interconnects - Various mongrels, silver , copper , non costing more than 30 quid.

DAC for TV and DVD duty- Beresford Bushmaster 2.

The Weight looks and feels real nice. My 1st impression is that it has tightened up the sound a bit. I tried it without the mat on the platter but that meant the treble was bit harsh so put it back and it's fine.

I have been listening to vibes since you left and it looks like it might turn into one of those evenings, especially after 2 G&Ts:):);)

Seeing as you are so close , if you fancy another listen some time let me know and we can coordinate diaries.


Cheers Andy

alphaGT
13-01-2018, 20:16
Robbie, you have done such a fine job of critiquing Andy’s stereo, why don’t you become the forum’s official reviewer? You could go to other members homes, about once a week, and review their stereos for the forum! I know I would enjoy reading your analysis of everyone’s system. You could come listen to mine if you’re ever in the States? Perhaps you’ve found your calling?

Anyway, I enjoyed your comments on Andy’s system, in our daily conversations about our beloved equipment, so often we forget to relay what it really sounds like, which is the part I like reading the most. And looking at the writeup in your description of your own system, that is truly old school! I know it rocks! I’d love to hear it, it’s been many a Moon since I’ve heard a Sansui 919! An amp that started me on my quest for killer stereo!

Russell

struth
13-01-2018, 20:23
He's not slagging mine off [emoji23]

Only joking rob. Nice write up and seems a great system andy

RobbieGong
13-01-2018, 21:02
Robbie, you have done such a fine job of critiquing Andy’s stereo, why don’t you become the forum’s official reviewer? You could go to other members homes, about once a week, and review their stereos for the forum! I know I would enjoy reading your analysis of everyone’s system. You could come listen to mine if you’re ever in the States? Perhaps you’ve found your calling?

Anyway, I enjoyed your comments on Andy’s system, in our daily conversations about our beloved equipment, so often we forget to relay what it really sounds like, which is the part I like reading the most. And looking at the writeup in your description of your own system, that is truly old school! I know it rocks! I’d love to hear it, it’s been many a Moon since I’ve heard a Sansui 919! An amp that started me on my quest for killer stereo!

Russell

:o :) Bless Russell - Listening to other peoples systems is such a revelation. I dont get to do it much though due to time and other commitments.

I've only heard a few others but there's always been clear difference in the sonic presentation - no question.

I was struck with Andy's immediately, for the reasons mentioned.

I'm a floor standers man, just like the way they look to be honest which is daft but those tiny little Celestions sounded good, natural, musical and really got to the heart of the music, each bass line / note was tuneful and moved the rythm along beautifully.

Been a huge Marley fan from before he was what I'd call globally famous and more than familiar with the Burnin' album.

You could really hear inside the music, the recording in that analogue master tape sense and all from this fairly 'moderate' not in your face / showboaty high end type set up - As I say it was a bit of an eye opener for me in that sense.

The 919 is a beaut' ! but despite being re-built like new, re-capped etc it has been down again with a phono selector niggle causing loss of right channel. These gorgeous things even when completely sorted are like high end classic cars, where these little things might happen from time to time.

And like a classic car parts have to be sourced from somewhere. Also my top tech friend Angus (Phonomac) is in Northampton and has other hifi related projects on the go as well.

All of this means things dont happen overnight so the last few years have been painful beyond belief.

I've indulged in something 'special' recently which has me very very excited indeed and should I hope ease the pain. Cant say just yet but in true AOS style all will be revealed as soon as it arrives in a week or two ;)

alphaGT
14-01-2018, 01:37
:o :) Bless Russell - Listening to other peoples systems is such a revelation. I dont get to do it much though due to time and other commitments.

I've only heard a few others but there's always been clear difference in the sonic presentation - no question.

I was struck with Andy's immediately, for the reasons mentioned.

I'm a floor standers man, just like the way they look to be honest which is daft but those tiny little Celestions sounded good, natural, musical and really got to the heart of the music, each bass line / note was tuneful and moved the rythm along beautifully.

Been a huge Marley fan from before he was what I'd call globally famous and more than familiar with the Burnin' album.

You could really hear inside the music, the recording in that analogue master tape sense and all from this fairly 'moderate' not in your face / showboaty high end type set up - As I say it was a bit of an eye opener for me in that sense.

The 919 is a beaut' ! but despite being re-built like new, re-capped etc it has been down again with a phono selector niggle causing loss of right channel. These gorgeous things even when completely sorted are like high end classic cars, where these little things might happen from time to time.

And like a classic car parts have to be sourced from somewhere. Also my top tech friend Angus (Phonomac) is in Northampton and has other hifi related projects on the go as well.

All of this means things dont happen overnight so the last few years have been painful beyond belief.

I've indulged in something 'special' recently which has me very very excited indeed and should I hope ease the pain. Cant say just yet but in true AOS style all will be revealed as soon as it arrives in a week or two ;)

I hear what you’re saying about the clear difference. I too have noticed this myself, while I don’t know many people who enjoy high end audio, of the systems I’ve experienced they are all very different. And most were excellent! And it begs the question, how can they all be so different and all be so right? One would think that the search for the holy grail in sound reproduction would lead us all to the same point? But in fact, it does quite the opposite. And like you I enjoy the differences, it can really make one think.

Russell

Marco
14-01-2018, 09:23
Brilliant stuff, Rob. Always great to hear about little get togethers like this, as it grows the AoS community! :)

I agree with Russell - you provided a succinct and insightful appraisal of Andy's system, which made for interesting reading. All that was missing was a few pics! ;)

Perhaps you could now invite Chris back to yours for a return session? :cool:

Marco.

RobbieGong
14-01-2018, 10:43
Brilliant stuff, Rob. Always great to hear about little get togethers like this, as it grows the AoS community! :)

I agree with Russell - you provided a succinct and insightful appraisal of Andy's system, which made for interesting reading. All that was missing was a few pics! ;)

Perhaps you could now invite Chris back to yours for a return session? :cool:

Marco.

I agree Marco, Andy might be able to upload some pics of his set up.

Will defo do the return session by me and take pics then as well :)

I'm without sounds for a few months now again :( but I'm hoping to back up and running soon.

I'll also be trying a couple of mats you'll be glad to know :D and once I'm settled I'll get some long overdue listening / evaluation done and feedback ;)

Puffin
14-01-2018, 18:44
Rob, I don't know if you ever saw Bob Marley live, but I got the chance in the early 70s when he did a set at the Greyhound pub in Fulham. I don't think he was that well known then and the venue was only sparsely populated. They had a stage underneath a spiral staircase and I was hanging over part of it and could have reached out and touched him. My fave album is Catch A Fire, as you probably know the sleeve was a flip top lighter (very cool), i don't know what happened to it, but suspect a mate nicked it:D

I bought a CD copy a few years ago......bloody 'ell!........ it bore no resemblance to the vinyl version and sounded dreadful.

RobbieGong
14-01-2018, 21:09
Rob, I don't know if you ever saw Bob Marley live, but I got the chance in the early 70s when he did a set at the Greyhound pub in Fulham. I don't think he was that well known then and the venue was only sparsely populated. They had a stage underneath a spiral staircase and I was hanging over part of it and could have reached out and touched him. My fave album is Catch A Fire, as you probably know the sleeve was a flip top lighter (very cool), i don't know what happened to it, but suspect a mate nicked it:D

I bought a CD copy a few years ago......bloody 'ell!........ it bore no resemblance to the vinyl version and sounded dreadful.

You're a lucky fella Rob to have seen the legend live and in those early days on his road to global fame and success.

Unfortunately he passed in 1981 the year I left school so I wasnt fortunate enough to have that pleasure which I most certainly would have sought to have done even then.

I have a near minty copy of the said rare Zippo, original 1973 press - You can see it in the background of my set up here http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?53810-GONGS-Music-Maker-2017

As you know only so many of the original were produced world wide.

Subsequent copies had the well known shot of Bob's full face pulling on a big fat split - There's some good info about the album and its release here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_a_Fire

It was the first album Bob and The Wailers did for Island after Chris Blackwell signed them, the rest is history :)

Oh and yes, some CD's (not all) are no match for the analogue original....

smangus
15-01-2018, 12:06
Hi some pics a requested!:)

cheers Andy

smangus
15-01-2018, 12:10
1 more

RobbieGong
15-01-2018, 12:28
Nice one Andy, Just logged in during my lunch break :)

Lovely looking Panzerwood record weight you have there by the way - impeccable taste and the same as the one I use :D

wee tee cee
15-01-2018, 14:26
Lovely write up Rob-real passion about music and appreciation of someone elses system.

Halfway Tree
17-01-2018, 17:10
You're a lucky fella Rob to have seen the legend live and in those early days on his road to global fame and success.

Unfortunately he passed in 1981 the year I left school so I wasnt fortunate enough to have that pleasure which I most certainly would have sought to have done even then.

I have a near minty copy of the said rare Zippo, original 1973 press - You can see it in the background of my set up here http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?53810-GONGS-Music-Maker-2017

As you know only so many of the original were produced world wide.

Subsequent copies had the well known shot of Bob's full face pulling on a big fat split - There's some good info about the album and its release here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_a_Fire

It was the first album Bob and The Wailers did for Island after Chris Blackwell signed them, the rest is history :)

Oh and yes, some CD's (not all) are no match for the analogue original....

Nice to see another Marley fan, Robbie.

That LP has pride of place on my wall.

https://i.imgur.com/qhSWc4t.jpg

I was working in Kingston for a while in the mid 80s and on my visit to 56 Hope Road I asked the curator if it was true that Georgie (logwood burning through the night...) was living there. She explained that Bob had made provision for Georgie and I was taken into the back of the property to meet him. It was quite a moment when someone in a song becomes real. In an interview I subsequently learned (from Joe Higgs) that because Georgie had mental health issues Bob had made sure he was properly looked after and had somewhere safe to live.

BTW - that cotton tree in my avatar is where the duppies live! :D

Gordon

Puffin
17-01-2018, 19:09
Don't make me jealous Gordon! I assume that the Zippo Catch a Fire is either long gone or the stuff of lottery wins.

"BTW - that cotton tree in my avatar is where the duppies live!"

Ah yes, were they ever conquered?

RobbieGong
17-01-2018, 20:57
Some cool Music art there Gordon :thumbsup:

Rob, the original Zippo Catch A Fire, UK Press cat no. ILPS 9241 turns up on ebay.

Price depends on condition as is with these things.

Many suffer broken hinges, tatty covers and strong ringwear.

Expect to pay around £100+ for something worth having and more than playable condition up to £300+ for the really nice examples (like mine) :D :)