Scalford Show , I am back !!

[navigator]

Great sound from 'budget' gear. I think on that performance the Arkless phono stage requires furthur investigation as those SL1200s outshone the other rather lackluster sounding examples I heard. Funny thing with a couple exceptions it was the performance of systems using small fairly cheap speakers that stood out. Also not mentioned anywhere I was impressed by Take 5's Orbe / Audio Innovations / Snell system.

Thankyou.We were glad to be able to bring joy to many. Like yourself some stayed a long time -standing room only for large periods.Understanding the synergies of kit was key to getting best detailed dynamics and power at ALL frequencies.Matching to the odd room was the new challenge. We are delighted with instantaneous applause and feedback given between tracks.The Arkless mod was hugely dynamic yet delicately detailed. MC upgraders [who buy on sound quality AND value] should audition-No-just buy it-nobrainer.

[Rare Bird]

This is just an educated guess, but the record looks like it could be side 1 of Made In Japan by Deep Purple.
Any chance of confirmation of that?

Or side 2 of 'Machine Head'

[Marco]

Hi Mark,

I would generally say I agree with your thoughts above Marco, both with regard to the overall quality and the systems of note (with some minor differences of opinion).

The big Snell’s sounded good on Sunday, but were appreciably better on the Saturday night when a different amp was being used (in both my, and the opinion of others, that were there).

Nice one, mate. Pity we never managed to meet up... The closest I got was seeing Andrew and you going into Steve Toy's room, but it was too full to follow you in!

Interesting about the amp used in the Snell system. What was the different one then that was better?

I thought that it was a fantastic sounding system, especially the way it underpinned music with genuine scale - in that respect, and overall sonically, they reminded me a lot of my Lockwoods!

It also reinforced my opinion that to create genuine scale (not just deep bass), you need speakers with, not only large cones and cabinets, but also a wide baffle area. It's no accident, I feel, that every time I listen to speakers with a wide baffle area, they never fail to deliver convincing scale and give voices and instruments the required depth and body to sound real - and that is a massively important area to me, in terms of accurate musical reproduction.

Btw, I forgot to say in my previous post that it was great to meet Audio Al, Ian (IHP), Frank (F1eng) and Phil (oceanobsession) - all thoroughly nice chaps, along with Jonboy (whom I've met before) and various other AoS members, and members of pfm and Wigwam, throughout the day. Lots of fun was had!

Marco.

[julesd68]

It's no accident, I feel, that every time I listen to speakers with a wide baffle area, they never fail to deliver convincing scale and give voices and instruments the required depth and body to sound real - and that is a massively important area to me, in terms of accurate musical reproduction.

Nothing quite like Tannoys to show off an orchestra in full throttle I'm finding!

[MartinT]

Nothing quite like Tannoys to show off an orchestra in full throttle I'm finding!

Are you enjoying them, Julian?

[julesd68]

Are you enjoying them, Julian?

Yes Martin. I wasn't expecting the scale that they produce with all kinds of music actually! Great for classical and rock.

The other startling factor is the amount of air and seperation you get between instruments. Very special indeed.

The only other speaker itch I will need to scratch at some point is some bad-boy Ushers.

[awkwardbydesign]

Bless me father for I have sinned...

I helped get one of those across the courtyard and in through the door. Even with a sack-trolley and about 5 people it was bloody difficult.

[MartinT]

The only other speaker itch I will need to scratch at some point is some bad-boy Ushers.

You'll just have to come over, then

[Marco]

Big-boy Ushers are big-time fun, too - just in a different way!

Marco.

[awkwardbydesign]

I would generally say I agree with your thoughts above Marco, both with regard to the overall quality and the systems of note (with some minor differences of opinion).

The big Snell’s sounded good on Sunday, but were appreciably better on the Saturday night when a different amp was being used (in both my, and the opinion of others, that were there).

On Saturday night I thought they were the only speakers I could actually live with, run (I think) with a pair of Guy's valve amps. On Sunday, hearing the same Lou Reed song, and the Modwright amp, I couldn't get out fast enough! The little Apogee Centaurs in room 36 did it for me, though. And I enjoyed the Lenco room, Chrome LP (mine) and Beefheart's "Big eyed beans from Venus" hit the (Clear) Spot!