View Full Version : Bristol show - any thoughts?
Steph Dale
22-02-2026, 20:33
I went again this year and while I felt the show was perhaps a bit smaller than previous years, I did think there were fewer poor sounds and the few hours I spent there on Saturday passed pleasantly and quickly.
High points for me included:
Elite Audio room downstairs, I got into a good conversation with them about the Electrocompaniet streamer, which was running faultlessly on the hotel wi-fi network! First time I've heard Audio Physic speakers in a representative system too. An interesting comparison with the Innuos room just the other side of the hall.
Hearing the new Ruark stuff; the Talisman seemed particularly effortless in its delivery.
Creek's new speaker was as good as I might have expected.
Audio Note room; as in previous years they do at least seem to be having fun.
I got into chats with a few people, I always find the Bristol show to be friendly, which resulted in some useful advice about getting my streamer networked better (100% successful, even if it did mean scrambling some Argos and Amazon orders yesterday evening).
By Bristol standards the coffee wasn't overpriced either.
Did you go and what did you think?
Steph
Didn't go but read a few reports. Would like to get a listen to the Lockwood speakers, maybe they will be at the NW show in June.
I used to go to audio shows - I think the last one was at Reading (apart from, of course, our one and only AoS show in Stafford), but they were at least 10 years ago.
The Bristol show looks interesting and tempting. Is it held at the same time each year, or is it a movable feast?
Steph Dale
22-02-2026, 20:58
Yeah, Barry, it's usually the middle of February
Steph
rmcin626
23-02-2026, 10:08
I went again this year and while I felt the show was perhaps a bit smaller than previous years, I did think there were fewer poor sounds and the few hours I spent there on Saturday passed pleasantly and quickly.
High points for me included:
Elite Audio room downstairs, I got into a good conversation with them about the Electrocompaniet streamer, which was running faultlessly on the hotel wi-fi network! First time I've heard Audio Physic speakers in a representative system too. An interesting comparison with the Innuos room just the other side of the hall.
Hearing the new Ruark stuff; the Talisman seemed particularly effortless in its delivery.
Creek's new speaker was as good as I might have expected.
Audio Note room; as in previous years they do at least seem to be having fun.
I got into chats with a few people, I always find the Bristol show to be friendly, which resulted in some useful advice about getting my streamer networked better (100% successful, even if it did mean scrambling some Argos and Amazon orders yesterday evening).
By Bristol standards the coffee wasn't overpriced either.
Did you go and what did you think?
Steph
Very happy with my Audio Physic speakers from Elite
I've been going since 1987. I don't think I have missed more than 3 or 4.
This year did seem quite slimmed down as in less exhibitors.
This year made me truly realise how lucky I am.
Last year's REL set up was, however, one of the most awesome setups I have ever heard. This year's REL setup definitely not so much, but they knew that.
I had a big problem with the new ATC speaker. I didn't see or hear anything from them that justified £50K. I told them so quite directly basically saying my speakers would teach them a serious lesson at massively less cost. For that sort of money for a dynamic speaker I want to see some serious radiating area and it just isn't there.
I liked the Fyne F502S pictured below at £2300 driven by the Accuphase E-3000 integrated at around £4000. Brilliant pairing filling a huge space, but it was close to a bigger model which will act as a passive radiator to an extent.
For £6300 plus whatever a digital source of your choice would cost you, if you must have new kit I think that is a great buy.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/2712c7d37c5845e677641a23c9861c2a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/c72fe5a63f367e2e8e3d506d8b5088f9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/69ac4d82247df447eda49fffbca05069.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/66c546a66a1519e5384cbf6728842574.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/d303852c4719b6b773259eee0c5c0aaa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260223/a9179c131fd06c572257939355de3895.jpg
The thought I kept having in the back of my mind is no one has any money, and the show reflects it, both in the number of exhibitors and the cost of the kit being presented.
What did you think of the Lockwoods, Justin?
What did you think of the Lockwoods, Justin?Briefly gazed at them but didn't pay any real attention.
Sorry I don't therefore have an opinion, Martin.
Briefly gazed at them but didn't pay any real attention.
Sorry I don't therefore have an opinion, Martin.
No probs. Quite a few rooms I don't bother with at shows as I know it won't be my sort of thing.
Steph Dale
24-02-2026, 08:26
I went in most of the rooms and most were sounding good, one or two were a great deal better than that.
I did see the Lockwoods on their stand downstairs and heard them briefly in their listening room. I confess I didn't take much interest; their styling is just awful...
Steph
Pigmy Pony
24-02-2026, 09:09
I went in most of the rooms and most were sounding good, one or two were a great deal better than that.
I did see the Lockwoods on their stand downstairs and heard them briefly in their listening room. I confess I didn't take much interest; their styling is just awful...
Steph
Just had a look on their website and I would say they have a marmite look... personally I think they look pretty cool, but I know if I moved a pair in, my missus would move out. Not that I have the space for them anyway.
I went in most of the rooms and most were sounding good, one or two were a great deal better than that.
I did see the Lockwoods on their stand downstairs and heard them briefly in their listening room. I confess I didn't take much interest; their styling is just awful...
Steph
Agree.
I had a look at their website, and like you was unimpressed. No idea how good they sound, but I would be reluctant to spend a mimimum of £10k on them.
Lawrence001
24-02-2026, 21:56
Last year's REL set up was, however, one of the most awesome setups I have ever heard. This year's REL setup definitely not so much, but they knew that.
What were the floorstanders in the Rel room Justin? I assume not by Rel. Tweeters look like Dali.
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