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  1. #201
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Dagenham Essex

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    I'm Allen.

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    Quote Originally Posted by mad-moon View Post
    illegal is a sick bird...
    I see what you did

    A bit like sick squid ££££££
    [

  2. #202
    Join Date: Jun 2014

    Location: Chorley Lancs

    Posts: 14,590
    I'm Steve.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Marco View Post
    Did you find the info you needed, Steve?

    Marco.
    Try as I might, and I've spent an hour trying, I just can't find it! I can't remember what thread it was on, nor can I remember how long ago. If you can point me in the right direction I'd be most grateful
    I just dropped in, to see what condition my condition was in

    T/T: Inspire Monarch, X200 tonearm, Ortofon Quintet Blue. Phono: Project Tube Box CD: Marantz CD6006 (UK Edition); Amp: Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated.
    Speakers: Zu Omen Def, REL T9i subwoofer. Cables: Atlas Equator interconnects, Atlas Hyper 3.0 speaker cables

    T'other system:
    Echo Dot, Amptastic Mini One,Arcam A75 integrated, Celestion 5's, BK XLS-200 DF

    A/V:
    LG 55" OLED, Panasonic Blu Ray, Sony a/v amp, MA Radius speakers, REL Storm sub

    Forget the past, it's gone. And don't worry about the future, it doesn't exist. There is only NOW.

    KICKSTARTER: ENABLING SCAMMERS SINCE 2009

  3. #203
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    No worries, do you need info on the record shops and where to eat, or just the latter?

    In terms of privately owned shops of various descriptions, basically you want to be going along the full length of Wyle Cop, parking here in the NCP, next to Tanners wine shop (always worth a look too, if you have time, as they have some great stuff - it's where I obtain a lot of my wine): https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-par...bury-wyle-cop/

    Tanners wine merchants: https://www.tanners-wines.co.uk/

    The other end of Wyle Cop meets the pedestrian precinct, where all the 'usuals' (mainstream shops) can be found. You reach a kind of T-junction, where if you turn right and go up the hill, it's the pedestrian precinct, or if you go left, and down a bit, you'll find the indoor market (Market Hall), which is full of individual stalls selling all sorts of wonderful things:

    https://www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk/

    Anyway, let me know about the record shops and eateries.

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  4. #204
    Join Date: Jun 2014

    Location: Chorley Lancs

    Posts: 14,590
    I'm Steve.

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    Thank you Marco, not too fussed about the record shops (shock horror!) rather somewhere to eat and somewhere we can perhaps look at sapphire rings (it's Anita's day, and although I wouldn't mind having a poke round a record shop, it would have to appear 'accidental' or she'll see right through that!)
    I just dropped in, to see what condition my condition was in

    T/T: Inspire Monarch, X200 tonearm, Ortofon Quintet Blue. Phono: Project Tube Box CD: Marantz CD6006 (UK Edition); Amp: Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated.
    Speakers: Zu Omen Def, REL T9i subwoofer. Cables: Atlas Equator interconnects, Atlas Hyper 3.0 speaker cables

    T'other system:
    Echo Dot, Amptastic Mini One,Arcam A75 integrated, Celestion 5's, BK XLS-200 DF

    A/V:
    LG 55" OLED, Panasonic Blu Ray, Sony a/v amp, MA Radius speakers, REL Storm sub

    Forget the past, it's gone. And don't worry about the future, it doesn't exist. There is only NOW.

    KICKSTARTER: ENABLING SCAMMERS SINCE 2009

  5. #205
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony View Post
    Thank you Marco, not too fussed about the record shops (shock horror!) rather somewhere to eat and somewhere we can perhaps look at sapphire rings (it's Anita's day, and although I wouldn't mind having a poke round a record shop, it would have to appear 'accidental' or she'll see right through that!)
    Lol, no worries! Probably the only chance of that then is White Rabbit Records, situated on the top floor of Market Hall. It's a great place for well-priced and carefully selected new and second-hand vinyl (and CDs). You'll 'accidentally bump into' it, simply by exploring the other stalls on the top floor

    For jewellery, and indeed all sorts of other nice stuff, also check out The Parade shopping centre: https://www.paradeshops.co.uk/ That's also where Cave Records are located: https://www.caverecords.co.uk/ You may be able to 'accidentally find' that too, if you go there looking for other things....

    However...... If you have time and can swing passed Chester on the way down, then jewellery HEAVEN (trust me) is to be found down the length of the old 'rows' along Eastgate St, Watergate and Northgate St, which are lined with fine jewellers, such as Powells: https://powells-fine-jewellery.business.site/ More info on Chester Rows here: https://www.visitcheshire.com/things...er-rows-p22731 Also see here: https://www.visitcheshire.com/cheste...pping/the-rows

    Honestly, if it's nice rings you're after, then Chester rows is your place! However, for more interesting places to do other forms of Christmas shopping, Shrewsbury is *the one*, and the lovely Victorian and Tudor architecture, as seen in Chester, is the same.

    Ok, for munchies in Shewsbury, these are the places I'd recommend:

    For good quality, great value and unpretentious French food, Bistro Jacques is superb: http://www.bistrojacques-shrewsbury.com/ They do a very good value lunch menu, and it's right next to Market Hall.

    For high-quality, smart 'pub grub' in nice comfortable surroundings, then check out Henry Tudor House: http://henrytudorhouse.com/ It excels in every department, and isn't overpriced either for the quality of food (and drink) on offer. It's off to the left of Wyle Cop, down a lane, as you go up the hill from Tanners. We prefer eating in the bar area on the top floor, rather than the more formal restaurant section downstairs.

    Down the same lane at the bottom, on the right-hand side is also a very good Spanish restaurant: http://www.casanaranjo.co.uk/ It's family-run and pretty authentic, with very friendly and helpful staff, but can be a bit empty at lunchtimes, and so lacks atmosphere. It might be rather different though, on one of the last Saturdays leading up to Christmas! The tapas, though, are excellent.

    For a 'special occasion' lunch, if you want to spoil Anita, but that certainly isn't stupidly expensive, and again is family-run by a husband and wife team, then The Golden Cross is simply enchanting. The lady owner is super into her interior design, and the rather traditional but quirky decor reflects here effervescent personality! A really nice lady who can't do enough to please her customers, and the food is to die for.

    Details here: http://www.goldencrosshotel.co.uk/content/food.html

    That one is further down Wyle Cop, after you've gone up the hill and down the other side, just passed a traditional men's tailors. Look for a small alleyway on the left, and it's down the end on the right-hand side.

    Lastly, on the way back, after you've finished shopping and are overburdened by carrier bags lol, then down the hill on the right-hand side, 2 mins from the car park, is The Lion Hotel:
    https://www.thelionhotelshrewsbury.com/en/

    A lovely old 16th century coaching inn (check out the original revolving doors at the entrance), and a great place to relax after you've been shopping all day, and have some afternoon tea (or indeed any kind of drink) in their gorgeous lounge, which has big comfy sofas and a roaring log fire. At this time of the year, there'll usually be a huge and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Really nice vibe...

    We always go there to chill out for a bit, just before heading back home! Anyway, hope all this helps. If you've got any questions, just ask!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  6. #206
    Join Date: Jun 2014

    Location: Chorley Lancs

    Posts: 14,590
    I'm Steve.

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    Thank you Marco, you've clearly put in some effort for me here, and it is very much appreciated.

    I'm actually looking forward to this shopping trip, and I never thought I would ever say that! We're going to set off pretty early, so if no joy with Shrewsbury's jewellers we should still have time to visit Chester.

    I'll let you know how we get on.

    Ste.
    I just dropped in, to see what condition my condition was in

    T/T: Inspire Monarch, X200 tonearm, Ortofon Quintet Blue. Phono: Project Tube Box CD: Marantz CD6006 (UK Edition); Amp: Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated.
    Speakers: Zu Omen Def, REL T9i subwoofer. Cables: Atlas Equator interconnects, Atlas Hyper 3.0 speaker cables

    T'other system:
    Echo Dot, Amptastic Mini One,Arcam A75 integrated, Celestion 5's, BK XLS-200 DF

    A/V:
    LG 55" OLED, Panasonic Blu Ray, Sony a/v amp, MA Radius speakers, REL Storm sub

    Forget the past, it's gone. And don't worry about the future, it doesn't exist. There is only NOW.

    KICKSTARTER: ENABLING SCAMMERS SINCE 2009

  7. #207
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Dagenham Essex

    Posts: 11,215
    I'm Allen.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony View Post
    Thank you Marco, you've clearly put in some effort for me here, and it is very much appreciated.

    I'm actually looking forward to this shopping trip, and I never thought I would ever say that! We're going to set off pretty early, so if no joy with Shrewsbury's jewellers we should still have time to visit Chester.

    I'll let you know how we get on.

    Ste.
    Marco is helpfull like that , He may even come and carry your shopping bags for the day
    [

  8. #208
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony View Post
    Thank you Marco, you've clearly put in some effort for me here, and it is very much appreciated.

    I'm actually looking forward to this shopping trip, and I never thought I would ever say that! We're going to set off pretty early, so if no joy with Shrewsbury's jewellers we should still have time to visit Chester.

    I'll let you know how we get on.
    Please do, Steve, and you're welcome. I was brought up with the mantra of 'if you're going to do a job, then do it right', and so I always do things to the best of my ability, plus in this instance I wanted you guys to enjoy yourselves, so hopefully that'll be the case

    It's pretty easy to get from Chester to Shrewsbury (or vice versa) by car, so in terms of the jewellery factor, as it were, it makes sense to keep your options open

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  9. #209
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Audio Al View Post
    Marco is helpfull like that , He may even come and carry your shopping bags for the day
    Only if I can choose a frock!

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  10. #210
    Join Date: Jun 2014

    Location: Chorley Lancs

    Posts: 14,590
    I'm Steve.

    Default

    Well that was an enjoyable trip to Shrewsbury. The only bit I wasn't looking forward to was the 'Smart Motorway' upgrade south of Manchester, but sat nav took us onto M56 just before then, As we passed Wrexham (Wrecsam!)* I wound the window down so I could hear if the Take That tour bus (Brabster) was anywhere near, but no sign.

    Shrewsbury itself (birthplace of Charles Darwin) is a delightful little town, and for sheer numbers and diversity of its shops and businesses, it easily beats my other favourite town, Keswick. Such that we probably only saw about half of it at best. No joy with the ring-buying, and we got away too late to try Chester, but Mrs. P is in no hurry so she'll keep looking, hopefully while I'm at work!

    We managed instead to get a number of smaller gifts and stocking fillers. The shop owners were so helpful and friendly I actually felt a bit guilty about not spending more than we did.

    In the market hall I 'discovered' a nice little stall selling secondhand records, called 'White Rabbit'. Anita suggested I have a look in there while she went for a mooch round the other stalls. Result! I could have happily spent an hour or more in there, but didn't want to push my luck. I bought just one record - a minty copy of 'Long May You Run' by Stills/Young for £8. Not heard it since the seventies, so there's a fair chance it'll be crap. But what's Christmas without at least one vinyl regret?

    Finished off with a late lunch, first visiting Henry Tudor House, which was so packed we didn't bother and instead called in at the Golden Cross. Pleasant husband and wife team (I assume). The woman's attire was a good match with the décor of the place, ie bizarre to say the least. I would not want to be the one to dust around all that stuff!

    Food was excellent, if perhaps a little pricey. I enjoyed my 'Toad in the Hole', but tasting the beer battered haddock Anita was having, I wish I'd gone for that (happens a lot that does).

    All in all a nice day, and we will certainly be going back again.


    *Here's a question: I assume the Welsh have always called it 'Wrecsam', so why do you suppose the English saw fit to change the spelling?
    I just dropped in, to see what condition my condition was in

    T/T: Inspire Monarch, X200 tonearm, Ortofon Quintet Blue. Phono: Project Tube Box CD: Marantz CD6006 (UK Edition); Amp: Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated.
    Speakers: Zu Omen Def, REL T9i subwoofer. Cables: Atlas Equator interconnects, Atlas Hyper 3.0 speaker cables

    T'other system:
    Echo Dot, Amptastic Mini One,Arcam A75 integrated, Celestion 5's, BK XLS-200 DF

    A/V:
    LG 55" OLED, Panasonic Blu Ray, Sony a/v amp, MA Radius speakers, REL Storm sub

    Forget the past, it's gone. And don't worry about the future, it doesn't exist. There is only NOW.

    KICKSTARTER: ENABLING SCAMMERS SINCE 2009

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