Bath Audiofest 2012 - Sat. 26th May

[RichG]

Just a head's up for anyone in the SW who may not be aware of this little shindig this Saturday:

http://www.coolgales.com/store/cart....audiofest_2012

Some very nice gear on demo by the look of things. I hope to get down there for an hour or three [i've no connection with Cool Gales or anyone else involved in case your wondering].

[CarlBkk]

I'll be going, two kids in tow. Not sure how much serious listening I'll get done!

[Corruption]

Damn, would have gone but for plans already made. Have fun guys

[CarlBkk]

So what did you think guys? Anything there rock your world? Mightily disappointed the ML Electromotions became damaged in transit so couldn't be demoed.

[RichG]

Didn't get as much time as I would have liked but was a little disappointed overall with what I heard.

The small bit of Frank Schröder's talk on turntable practicalities was very interesting and picked up a couple of good tips.
The only sound that I was genuinely impressed by was the room with the Aspara Horns and Franks Artemis (?) turntable and arm - this was very easy to listen too indeed and highly captivating.
The other rooms were a little so-so (given the value of the kit) apart from the Leema room which sounded horrid being flat, harsh and boomy and almost gave me a headache - I had expected better from them to be honest.
I did have a good giggle at some of the cables on display and in use

[coolgales]

Didn't get as much time as I would have liked but was a little disappointed overall with what I heard.

The small bit of Frank Schröder's talk on turntable practicalities was very interesting and picked up a couple of good tips.
The only sound that I was genuinely impressed by was the room with the Aspara Horns and Franks Artemis (?) turntable and arm - this was very easy to listen too indeed and highly captivating.
The other rooms were a little so-so (given the value of the kit) apart from the Leema room which sounded horrid being flat, harsh and boomy and almost gave me a headache - I had expected better from them to be honest.
I did have a good giggle at some of the cables on display and in use

Many thanks for visiting, RichG, and I'm delighted you enjoyed the Aspara/Thomas Mayer/Artemis room and Frank's talk. Frank and I dropped off the Artemis turntable and tonearm on Monday at Alan Sircom's home for review in Hi-Fi+, and I must say what a treat it was to watch Frank set up, then fine tune the deck. A real master class.

I am sorry you were disappointed in the other rooms. I hope you don't mind my noting, judging from many comments on the day, several emails, and a couple of phone calls from attendees, that you're in a minority. It is a colossal challenge to deliver kit to a strange venue, set it up, warm it up, all in the space of a couple of hours (most exhibitors began setting up around 8 AM on the day, and attendees started arriving at 10 AM), and then get fabulous sound. By and large, I think our exhibitors were successful. However, we're considering making the event a two-day affair next year, which would allow much more time for warm up and acoustic adjustments. I do hope you'll wish to join us again.

[kenton]

I must agree that the setup featuring the Artemis turntable was the highlight of the show but I must say that the overall standard was fantastic. It was a great show, big thank you to Coolgales.

[paolofrancesco]

I must agree that the setup featuring the Artemis turntable was the highlight of the show but I must say that the overall standard was fantastic. It was a great show, big thank you to Coolgales.

Unfortunately we arrived the wrong side of midday and missed the Mayer 45 Amp demo but settled into the Artemis/Aspara/ Mayer room very comfortably after Frank's very illuminating talk on TT setup.
The Mayer build quality is amazing as is the sound and the 46 Amp continues to delight. Thanks for putting on a great show and see you again next year.

[hifinutt]

So what did you think guys? Anything there rock your world? Mightily disappointed the ML Electromotions became damaged in transit so couldn't be demoed.

did you see this bargain pair ?

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/s...t=martin+logan

[CarlBkk]

ooh, didn't notice them but just took a look...thanks Phil. After speaking to the ML distributor at the Bath show and explaining my requirements (and knowing that I could/would only buy 2nd hand) he strongly recommends the Summits if some come up <£3500 or second best the Vantage over the Electromotion. Either way I really need to demo first locally - too risky to wave goodbye to my boxes before I've even heard MLs.

Also...seen the nice Focals on ebay? Some Mezzo Utopias and Diablos. Demo and comparison time for the latter!

[coolgales]

Thanks for your kind words, Kenton. See you next year, I trust.

I must agree that the setup featuring the Artemis turntable was the highlight of the show but I must say that the overall standard was fantastic. It was a great show, big thank you to Coolgales.