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Bristol show. Any reports yet?

I’m sad to say that I was distinctly underwhelmed......or perhaps, this is “as good as it gets and hence they all sound pretty much the same” for the price band that the show encompasses.

Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of very nice sounds (if you like “hifi show music”), but there was nothing that grabbed my cojones!

Best sounds? For me Dynaudio spkrs on Naim source & amps.

Couple of “interesting” cable demos..........

I won’t bother with the whinges about the reps and journos talking so loudly that you can’t hear the fcking music, nor the self-opinionated hifi fanboi........

Nice day out though.
 
great show . the ram speakers room pretty good with the little l3/5a falcon speakers causing quite a stir . their sudgen amps looked good . the new spendor a7 sounding very natural and the audionote e`s were just utterly fantastic . if only , if only they would turn the volume down in that room !!

well worth a visit
 
I was there for a few hours this morning, and I have to echo what suzywong said; 'underwhelming' about sums it up. Even stuff I'd previously liked (eg Harbeth) sounded less good than on previous visits, and the choice of music was almost a parody of hifi show/audiophile tracks. 'Hotel California': check. 'Riders on the Storm': check. 'Take Five': check. Lots of noodly jazz: check. Weirdly, the big Harbeths at one point were playing part of a Sherlock Holmes story, which at least made a change. Several of the demonstrators seemed bored, even though it was only an hour or so into the first day of the show.

The 'least bad' sound was in the Exposure/Audiovector room, which was a lot better than some of the megabucks stuff on display elsewhere.
 
Russell K Red 150s weren't bad, certainly a relief after the PMCs and ATCs. The Fyne F1-10 dual concentrics (at £20k!) were interesting, but the only thing I might buy are the Meze 99 Classic headphones. They were actually comfortable, a first for me. The walnut version sounded better than the plastic ones, but are £50 dearer.
I guess most of my system now is at a level where I would have to spend stupid money to improve on it. Even my (unfinished) speakers don't sound so bad compared to the commercial offerings on show. I doubt I will go next year, despite getting a free trade pass.
 
I filled the whole day from 9:45 to about 18:00. Lots to see and hear, but much of the same comments as above, especially the exhibitor chatter that's not even about music nor hifi. There are some exhibitors who have the sense to talk outside the rooms, but they are in the minority.

Biggest news was probably the new Naim streamers, but not one of them was in action.

Notes and pictures here:

http://audiophilemusings.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/bristol-sound-and-vision-show-report.html
 
Not long home after being chucked off the train at Wigan North Western.

Last year was spoiled for me by being rushed by others and pretty much running for the train at the last minute because some people just do not listen when you tell them you cannot run under any circumstances. None of that this year. Took our time and rounded off the day witha couple of scoops anda Pizza before a leisurelly stroll to the station.

I've already made couple of comments in the 'Is Anybody Going? thread, but it seems nobody's biting. Basically it confirmed my view that shows aren't really for being blown away by sounds. More about just having a laugh.. meeting friends ( or fave manufacturers) etc. At best.. find something that's interesting.. but buy on a proper dem.. preferably at home.. It was nice for me to finally meet the extremely helpful Ste Rowlands of Mitchell who has helped me with set up etc., of my Orbe, over the phone. Also his very nice lady wife. Good to catch up with Arthur Khoubessarian of 'Funk', who I've not met since he was round at my mate's house demoing the Pink Linnk way back. Incidentally Arthur's turntable's delivery of Brubeck's 'Blue Rondo.. etc.. and Strange Meadow Lark from 'Time Out' were as good as anything I heard at Bristol. I witnessed a few cable dems. I'll admit they were interesting... Not much else new TBH. Some major players making bloody awful noises that let them down badly IMHO. Conversely, a few smaller concerns making nice noises.

It seems to me that decent cheap food easily available is one glaring failure at this show.

Overall though.. well worth the pre 6:00 am start and the hassles of the train ride.
I'd go again.
 
What struck me on getting home and listening to my own system was how much better it sounded than anything I'd heard at the show. I don't go in for socialising at shows; the only person I spoke to was the bloke in the Hegel room, possibly because the music in that room was relatively quiet and it was easy to talk.
 
Spent the day there yesterday and agree with previous comments ... Some of the larger dems disappointed whilst a few smaller ones seemed to have pulled it off. Some surprises.

Interesting day but could not face another visit today so headed back.

Seen/heard most and took a few shots. I will post my impressions once I get a little time.
 
What struck me on getting home and listening to my own system was how much better it sounded than anything I'd heard at the show. I don't go in for socialising at shows; the only person I spoke to was the bloke in the Hegel room, possibly because the music in that room was relatively quiet and it was easy to talk.
Yep. I always find myself loving my system when I get home.
I do wonder how many Fishies I've sat next to.. or squeezed into a lift with.. or just wished would get out of my way... I still reckon we should wear a secret identifying sign... so we can greet...or avoid each other ..
 
I was really impressed by Russell K Red 150s, captivating, natural sound, still thinking either speakers that good either TQ silver diamond loop can lift up any system..
 


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