Visit to Vic

[John]

I going to see Vic today been awhile since I heard his system so really looking forward to this, quite a few first hears for me Vic latest wand to the Terminator, the Salvation with the Aluminum platter, a Decca reference and the Nighthawk phonostage
Should be a great session followed by some Indian food

[Ali Tait]

Sounds like a good day will be had John! Some pics would be nice please.

[John]

ok I take

[John]

Just got back from Vic had a great time
I was not able to contrast between any other bit of kit but lovelly holographic sound. Vic soundstage is amazing walking behind the speakers they still sound pretty special They really excel in acscoutic music whilst mine rock harder more scale and attack, its amazing how different set ups produce different results yet the systems are similar in many ways.
I will give a more detailed report with pics latter, just wanted to share my overall thoughts

[John]

My Visit to Vic
A visit to Vic is like a visit to an old friend as we just end sharing music talking HIFI and having some great banter (sorry Ali pictures came out as movie clips damn technology but I used links to access pics)
Vic has a love for music and a passion for HIFI his system is very similar to mine he uses Bastanis Open baffle speakers http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BASTANIS-MANDALA-OPEN-BAFFLE-18-ACTIVE-DIPOLE-SUB-/180483960567?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudio HiFi_HiFiSpeakers powered by DIY audio supplies SET mono blocks and DIY Supplies Passive pre with active sub, the speakers has two mid drivers and a horn tweeter and 18” Dipole bass with speakers power by 2 XTZ sub plate amps http://www.xtz.se/uk/subwoofers/99w12-dsp
The system has a passive pre the Nighthawk phono stage using a London Decca ref Cart. The system excels in acoustic retrieval and 3D soundstage
Nighthawk Phono stage
This is tiny in size but punches well above its weight. It has outperformed a EAR and DIY supply LCR phono stage and works well with the Decca. The Phonostage is battery charged with a charge lasting about a week, it also easy to reset loadings for different cartridges and sells for $750 which considering its performance level is a bargain.
See review http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0410/ray_samuels_f_117_nighthawk.htm
Salvation Turntable
I have seen this slowly develop over the years and no doubt it will continue. I met Vic a few years back when he bought a slate plinth from me, he first tried converting his Orbe to a slate plinth then added the Verus motor, one time at Vic he was playing around with motors and I could hear his own motor was better than the Verus drive this led Vic into a lot of development work on the Salvation. I could not detect any rumble or wow or flutter, so a very stable TT with the drive of idlers and the silence of belts. It’s a lovely TT and would be hard to beat at any price. http://www.trans-fi.com/turntables.htm
For me the day was not about anysisling gear, but about enjoying music and having some great chats. Some of the musical highlights were Mediterranean Sundance, Sade Soldier of love some Ben Harper and an amazing Norwegian vocalist Kari Bremnes her song writing skills are also very good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skccviCa_H0
I really enjoyed my day