View Full Version : The Wam Show is dead - Long Live the Maverick Hifi Enthusiasts Show
I know many on here do not visit the The Wam so as in past years I am starting this thread to give details of changes and news about the yearly show . The current owners of the The Wam forum have decided that they are not prepared to support the Show going forward . As a result those Wam members who formed the Show Team have decided they will run the show themselves. As the Wam Show is registered as a name this can not be used . So there will be a 2024 Show in the same spirit as the past for enthusiasts . The Show is looking to be self supporting and any small profit that may be generated will go in to funding the next show .
Also as a result a new name has been given the Maverick Hifi Enthusiasts Show which is a tribute to Paul from the Wam who worked so hard every year to make sure the show could not only be put on but also be enjoyed . All forums are welcome at the show either as exhibitors or visitors . The venue will remain the same Barnsley Holiday Inn . The date will as far as I know still be October . However as this is a new venture without any capital backing things may well change . I will add and new information when it comes .
Andrew
hifinutt
15-12-2023, 15:07
brilliant news , long may it continue
For those of you who are not members of the Wam and would like to express an interest in having a room at the Show please use the Facebook page to contact .
https://www.facebook.com/groups/719052427024780/?ref=share_group_link
hifinutt
07-01-2024, 17:45
thanks andrew . good to have that link . some great pics
Lawrence001
09-01-2024, 00:10
Just to say I get this message when I go on the Wam. In the light of recent discussion there it's possible the forum has closed. I have had some errors recently but not this fundamental one.
"An unexpected database error occurred. Please try again later."
Hopefully not but I fear the worst.
hifinutt
09-01-2024, 09:51
things been bumpy recently . hoping all will be ok . it would be devastating to lose that resource and support to so many .
Lawrence001
09-01-2024, 19:33
It's back up again but the flaky behaviour is becoming more regular so looks like it's on borrowed time unless they get a tech person to sort the issues.
Lawrence001
10-01-2024, 22:36
All the mods have now left the site, if anyone is still interested.
It looks a complex mix of ads etc as well as changing it's layout may have screwed too much with the code.
Can't blame mods if they are getting abuse etc
I don’t think they are getting abuse, just a lack of support from the owner of the forum.
Lawrence001
11-01-2024, 07:26
There was the odd case of abuse from frustrated members about the tech issues.
Thought there were some issues as most times I logged in it was offline. I used the WAM for many year, in fact I think it was the first forum I joined but from what I see maybe its days are numbered? So many forums seem to have fractured in the last ten years and gone their own way. Ah well I will stay put here as long as someone keeps putting money in the slot and keeps the lights on!. :)
Pigmy Pony
11-01-2024, 17:08
Thought there were some issues as most times I logged in it was offline. I used the WAM for many year, in fact I think it was the first forum I joined but from what I see maybe its days are numbered? So many forums seem to have fractured in the last ten years and gone their own way. Ah well I will stay put here as long as someone keeps putting money in the slot and keeps the lights on!. :)
I think we get by because we are more of a community, built on mutual respect and a willingness to discuss everything from bass response to bowel movements, and everything in between :)
I think we get by because we are more of a community, built on mutual respect and a willingness to discuss everything from bass response to bowel movements, and everything in between :)
Yeah it is a friendly place Steve and everyone is treated with respect or humour.:). I have been round a lot of the other hifi forums out there and there are indeed very many and they all seem to have their own flavour but the best are those which build a good community and are open and broad minded. I see that this forum does get plenty of interest from many more than those who contribute and that's great as they will hopefully find something on here worthwhile reading ;)
hifinutt
11-01-2024, 17:43
very very sad to see all this . its a great place and a great support to many many people
Lawrence001
11-01-2024, 22:33
I think we get by because we are more of a community, built on mutual respect and a willingness to discuss everything from bass response to bowel movements, and everything in between :)
Ooh are we allowed to talk about our bowel movements I didn't realise. Will update forum members in the morning.
Pigmy Pony
11-01-2024, 23:05
Ooh are we allowed to talk about our bowel movements I didn't realise. Will update forum members in the morning.
Normally I too am a morning person, but yesterday I got a ten minute warning at a customer's house. And my mate had only installed the new bathroom a few weeks ago. This was only about the sixth time I've had to use a customer's bog for a number two in 20 years, I don't consider it good form. I'd hoped I could get it done unnoticed, but there was no bloody bog roll! So I had to ask. He took it well.
As this is a hifi and music forum I will mention that he did have a good collection of 70s rock albums, and he'd wrapped cling film round the shelves to keep the dust off while we worked :)
Lawrence001
11-01-2024, 23:41
Sounds like you should wrap cling film round your arse before paying a morning visit to a customer. Actually maybe not, that could get quite messy quite fast especially if it's a Monday morning visit after a nice Ruby on the Sunday night.
I'm a morning person too, it usually comes on quick about 30 mins after my morning coffee. The problem is, my commute takes an hour.
very very sad to see all this . its a great place and a great support to many many people
new laws written to scupper small forums' surviving by any form of ads apparently.
Lawrence001
12-01-2024, 07:24
new laws written to scupper small forums' surviving by any form of ads apparently.I'm not sure about that but a lot of members paid subs to go ad free and they started getting ads. The mods couldn't sort it and contacted the owners but I understand there was no support (or even response) for months and some people got increasingly frustrated.
A forum is made up of it's members.
If they all vote with their feet, then the forum will cease to exist fairly quickly.
There seem to be more people jumping across to the new site as each day passes.
I'm not sure about that but a lot of members paid subs to go ad free and they started getting ads. The mods couldn't sort it and contacted the owners but I understand there was no support (or even response) for months and some people got increasingly frustrated.
yeah well with the man being really ill and no one able to access the admin side it was a trying time. sadly marco seems to be still ill...
A forum is made up of it's members.
If they all vote with their feet, then the forum will cease to exist fairly quickly.
There seem to be more people jumping across to the new site as each day passes.
is that wam members.. ive not got any link with other audio fora. this one was enough lol.
Yes. The WAM has no support. The mods and users are getting fed up with the situation.
I don't see this happening anytime soon here.
I see a fair number have left the WAM and set up an alternative forum. I know choice is a good thing but I am tired of jumping around forums and feel its better to concentrate efforts in one. Yes other forums are useful for info but to get engaged with another community and become a "regular" user requires lots of effort and time and I only have so much. I cut myself off many other forums because of this and have no intention of starting again unless AOS goes down!:uhho:
Yes. The WAM has no support. The mods and users are getting fed up with the situation.
I don't see this happening anytime soon here.
we have some support now. so the site functions ok for current needs.
hifinutt
12-01-2024, 18:14
I see a fair number have left the WAM and set up an alternative forum. I know choice is a good thing but I am tired of jumping around forums and feel its better to concentrate efforts in one. Yes other forums are useful for info but to get engaged with another community and become a "regular" user requires lots of effort and time and I only have so much. I cut myself off many other forums because of this and have no intention of starting again unless AOS goes down!:uhho:
agreed . i hope someone can sort things out at the wam . i love the place and huge amount of info there . one thread has a about a million posts now since it started [ what are you listening to now thread]
still down, must be more than a week now. I see some enterprising soul has started a new forum.
still down, must be more than a week now. I see some enterprising soul has started a new forum.
i heard about that. some ex wammers i think; dunno what its called tho.
rmcin626
13-01-2024, 11:09
i heard about that. some ex wammers i think; dunno what its called tho.
https://www.maverick-hifi.com/
https://www.maverick-hifi.com
looks like an early example of the wam lol
looks like an early example of the wam lol
That's a good thing.
That's a good thing.
it was certainly better then
Lawrence001
13-01-2024, 13:07
it was certainly better thenFor usability or the members though?
For usability or the members though?
both i guess.
hifinutt
13-01-2024, 18:38
Tried to sign up but no success so far !
hifinutt
13-01-2024, 21:01
In now thanks to the mods
I signed up, no issues. Hope to be exhibiting again this year, the venue is a good one.
The main purpose of the new web site and face book page, is to communicate details of the next show, which for obvious legal reasons can't be called The WAM show.
It does seem to be turning into a rival forum though, certainly has a forum layout.
It's more than likely that promoting the show on the WAM site may become err difficult.
I signed up, no issues. Hope to be exhibiting again this year, the venue is a good one.
The main purpose of the new web site and face book page, is to communicate details of the next show, which for obvious legal reasons can't be called The WAM show.
It does seem to be turning into a rival forum though, certainly has a forum layout.
It's more than likely that promoting the show on the WAM site may become err difficult.
very difficult as its curtrently shut lol
still down, must be more than a week now. I see some enterprising soul has started a new forum.Down? Been working fine for me on my android smartphone [emoji6]
It's been working for me too until yesterday/today. Chrome on a laptop.
I can't get on using MS Edge. Not been able to for more than a week.
Think it is all over regardless as all the active members and the mods seem to have decamped to the Maverick forum now.
Just been on the WAM its working for me.
EDIT
Ahhhhh, its only the 2024 show thread that works, I can't navigate any where else.
Had an email notification of activity on the thread and followed the link to it ok, but trying other locations on the site returns the Oops message.
This has to be deliberate.
still not worky for me. im not a member so dunno if that is an issue now, or maybe a cookie issue. i dont use site so no problem really
It's working on my pc using Chrome, on my iPad using Chrome and my smartphone using Chrome. Oooh I see a pattern there.
No idea what you're all doing lol
Lawrence001
14-01-2024, 19:27
The home page/forum list is down so you have to have a link to a thread to get in then you can navigate using various options on the menu like "What's New".
Try this if link you want to look at the Wam.
Thread 'The Show 2024' https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/the-show-2024.124460/
Pete The Cat
16-01-2024, 09:57
I have a huge amount of sympathy with folks who arrange events for others. Whether it's a blokes' weekend or the WAM Show it always seems like a thankless task. Everyone seems happy to toss in their opinion and leave someone else to reconcile all the conflicting views and make something happen for them. I don't get why people don't realise that the fact a thing takes place at all is good enough and keep their noise to themselves, since you need pragmatism to get some things off the ground. Anyway, I went to the WAM Show at Kegworth a few years ago and it was brilliant, so good luck to the latest bearers of the torch...
Pete
I have a huge amount of sympathy with folks who arrange events for others. Whether it's a blokes' weekend or the WAM Show it always seems like a thankless task. Everyone seems happy to toss in their opinion and leave someone else to reconcile all the conflicting views and make something happen for them. I don't get why people don't realise that the fact a thing takes place at all is good enough and keep their noise to themselves, since you need pragmatism to get some things off the ground. Anyway, I went to the WAM Show at Kegworth a few years ago and it was brilliant, so good luck to the latest bearers of the torch...
Pete
Well said :thumbsup:
narabdela
16-01-2024, 16:36
still not worky for me. im not a member so dunno if that is an issue now, or maybe a cookie issue. i dont use site so no problem really
Try https://www.hifiwigwam.com/whats-new/
hifinutt
23-01-2024, 15:55
Thats not working now on my device
It seems to be worse than ever.
Now emailed notification links aren't working, along with the index page, no longer get a WAM page with Ooops mesage.
With either, I just get a white page now, with "An unexpected database error occurred. Please try again later."
Looks like the site is down completely.
hifinutt
23-01-2024, 17:18
yes i think its called rigor mortis :lol:
maverick has taken over almost completely
What I find irritating, is if that's it for the WAM and the owners have shut up shop, that there was no formal announcement to the many, many members, that things would be coming to an end. Surely the end was in sight, well before hand and a more dignified ending could have been orchestrated. :confused:
Audio Al 2
23-01-2024, 20:24
The Wam was allways the members and the Mods.
I suspect that the owner may not even know that the site is down, as the owner has not been involved in the site. The moderation team have been unable to deal with many of the site issues for some time due to the absence of IT support. As an example, I have been unable to login for nearly two weeks as authentication codes were no longer sent.
Fortunately, the new site has emerged and the show goes on.
https://www.maverick-hifi.com/
The Wam was allways the members and the Mods.
Isn't that true of all on-line fora?
narabdela
27-01-2024, 11:10
Isn't that true of all on-line fora?
:exactly: (...and kudos for the correct plural).
hifinutt
27-01-2024, 17:01
What I find irritating, is if that's it for the WAM and the owners have shut up shop, that there was no formal announcement to the many, many members, that things would be coming to an end. Surely the end was in sight, well before hand and a more dignified ending could have been orchestrated. :confused:
yes ken , in the final 3 weeks there was multiple threads explaining and warning what was inevitable . everyone was fully prepared but its still a shock when it happens
Damn shame.
When the old Hifi Choice forum went belly up late 90’s, the members there formed The Wam.
One of my first forum memberships, if it’s finally gone I’ll remember the good Folks I met there, and my contributions to the mix.
Many good guys on the Wam, a fair few still kicking around elsewhere.
One member there, The Earl of Sodbury was dynamite, wonder where he moved on to, if at all.
Ah well, is what it is. Kinda the nature of online stuff I guess, nothing lasts.
RIP The Wam
Damn shame.
When the old Hifi Choice forum went belly up late 90’s, the members there formed The Wam.
One of my first forum memberships, if it’s finally gone I’ll remember the good Folks I met there, and my contributions to the mix.
Many good guys on the Wam, a fair few still kicking around elsewhere.
One member there, The Earl of Sodbury was dynamite, wonder where he moved on to, if at all.
Ah well, is what it is. Kinda the nature of online stuff I guess, nothing lasts.
RIP The Wam
Sodbury is occasionally on PFM
Audio Al 2
28-01-2024, 16:18
The Earl of Sodbury may be on Audio Abattoir
hifinutt
08-02-2024, 09:07
wam now working again ... how long for ? well who knows
hifinutt
08-02-2024, 09:07
The Earl of Sodbury may be on Audio Abattoir
he certainly posts on pfm , very interesting thread on modding a jays cd transport recently
wam now working again ... how long for ? well who knows
Yes, seems to be working.
Idlewithnodrive
29-02-2024, 11:47
The Earl of Sodbury may be on Audio Abattoir
Maybe ? More like constantly plaguing the place :lol:
Okay so a surprise announcement this being the first Maverick HiFi Show it has been decided that the show will be open to the public for free . So no ticket cost at all . In my view this should encourage anyone who has thought withstanding to make it this year Sunday 27th October . I would also suggest that perhaps a donation could be freely given to help with the costs .
Okay so a surprise announcement this being the first Maverick HiFi Show it has been decided that the show will be open to the public for free . So no ticket cost at all . In my view this should encourage anyone who has thought withstanding to make it this year Sunday 27th October . I would also suggest that perhaps a donation could be freely given to help with the costs .
Great news all round I’d say , hifi show no cost to get in the door run by enthusiasts kinda like a big bake off without the swapping but hopefully some grub :D
Today I paid for my room at the show I will be in room 240 if anyone here goes to the show please drop in . Ask me for any music I will have Tidal so should be able to sort some thing . Also please excuse me if I am a little distracted as I do get very worried about if things are sounding okay and if the wireless stays connected .
Just been told that there are still 6 available rooms for any one interested in having a go this year . So go to the site and contact one of the Mods or Show Team . If you are not a member then by all means PM me with your email details and I will pass this on to one of the Team to get in touch .
Pete The Cat
15-09-2024, 07:13
I haven't been since the snow in Kegworth, which I'm ashamed to say is nearly 6 years ago (where does the time go eh?). Each year I read these posts I'm full of admiration for the folks who make it happen, whatever brand it's under. So many opinions and variables it's a miracle it ever gets off the ground. So it's a must for me to visit this year, life's too short not to.
Pete
I haven't been since the snow in Kegworth, which I'm ashamed to say is nearly 6 years ago (where does the time go eh?). Each year I read these posts I'm full of admiration for the folks who make it happen, whatever brand it's under. So many opinions and variables it's a miracle it ever gets off the ground. So it's a must for me to visit this year, life's too short not to.
Pete
I've only been to two, the 2012 one at Scalford Hall and the one in Stoke a couple of years back. Some great systems especially at the Stoke one. Where it is now is just too hard for me to get to without a car.
It's a shame as I think having a show that is just people's personal systems is still unique in the world.
hifinutt
26-10-2024, 19:12
pics looking great
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54095484473_7116590c14_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qqeuSM)mav s 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2qqeuSM) by [/url], on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54095569474_3d2b20bf72_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)mav s 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2qqeW9j) by , on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54095695330_b8b8c44dbd_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)mav s 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2qqfzyf) by , on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54094369042_31c309a99c_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/)mav s 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2qq8Mid) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/158267783@N02/], on Flickr
What about this?
https://i.ibb.co/1vHH5xn/nva.jpg (https://ibb.co/7Y775Fz)
Stacked ESL. Something I have always wanted to hear but never have.
For a short time (about a month) I tried stacked Quad ESLs. The acoustic sense of presence was palpable, but sadly the assembly dominated the room. If I had a larger listening room, I would try again but with separate power amplifiers.
Interesting to see the NVA room didn't use their speakers - are they still made?
For a short time (about a month) I tried stacked Quad ESLs. The acoustic sense of presence was palpable, but sadly the assembly dominated the room. If I had a larger listening room, I would try again but with separate power amplifiers.
Interesting to see the NVA room didn't use their speakers - are they still made?
I beleive so.
narabdela
27-10-2024, 17:47
What about this?
Stacked ESL. Something I have always wanted to hear but never have.
I've heard stacked Quads a few times now and been blown away by how good they sounded, but strangely enough I thought they sounded rather 'meh' in the NVA room today. :scratch:
I've heard stacked Quads a few times now and been blown away by how good they sounded, but strangely enough I thought they sounded rather 'meh' in the NVA room today. :scratch:
I would suspect the amplifiers; despite what looks like the use of four monoblock units. NVA amps have never been included in a short list of amplifiers that will work optimally with the the Quad ESLs.
If a 303 will drive them I'd have thought almost anything would?
narabdela
27-10-2024, 19:32
I would suspect the amplifiers; despite what looks like the use of four monoblock units. NVA amps have never been included in a short list of amplifiers that will work optimally with the the Quad ESLs.
I think you could be right.
If a 303 will drive tm I'd have thought almost anything would?
All Quad amplifiers were designed specifically to drive the Quad electrostatics, as well as conventional speakers.
Although the 303, along with all other solid-state amplifiers of the time, used an output coupling capacitor, the value was carefully chosen so as to resonate with the inductance of the Quad ESL input transformer and extend the low frequency response.
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