This Event focussed on more affordable audio systems, and a vinyl replay comparison between the DS Audio optical cartridge system and a traditional Luxman moving coil design. The cartridge comparison proved to be illuminating; the general consensus was that the DS-003 was more revealing on finest details and was faster on rhythmic transients, whilst the Luxman LMC-5, which was also excellent at delivering large scale sound pictures, was marginally warmer in tone and more forgiving on brighter sounding LPs.
The speakers used were the Wharfedale Elysian 4 and the Amphion Argon 7LS. Both speakers managed to generate wide and very deep soundstages in a large space (approximately 45 sq m) using either the Hegel H390 and the AVM 30.3 Series pre- and dual mono amplification. The Elysian 4 with the AVM amplification would be expected to fill such a space but the Argon 7LS, with either amplifier, was the surprise for everyone in that its smaller cabinet size did not limit it soundstage, nor its bass extension and dynamic impact with large scale orchestral or jazz recordings.
The CD players used were the AVM CD 30.3 (£2500) and the Audio Analogue Drive and DAC combination (£5750). Both gave a remarkable insight into a true high-end sound for their price points. The AA combo was considered a better all-round player, but the AVM CD 30.3 did not disappoint in either system, offering a sound way above its price point.
We played a great variety of music and visitors were free to play their own albums which meant that all genres were covered to include Michael Jackson, Nils Lofgren, Cassandra Wilson and esoteric jazz all making contributions. Live recordings such "We Want Miles" and "Gil Evans Project: Live AT Jazz Standard" impressed for their natural, large scale, and exceptionally dynamic sound. In fact "Davenport Blues" (by Bix Beiderbecke; arr. Gil Evans 1959 from "Lines of Color"ASBN 0133 artistShare) felt so much like a large jazz ensemble live in the room, our visitors spontaneously clapped at the end. Just what a Musical Event should be about!
We are grateful to Mike Lester of Puritan Audio Laboratories who visited us on Saturday afternoon.
Our sincere thanks to George Sallit of Maverick HiFi who came for a second time and stayed all day on Saturday. His review of our Musical Event No.5 can be read here.
We were honoured to have Damon Sawyer, recording and mixing engineer for
Crescent Record Studios, visit on Sunday and who stay for most of the day. His contributions to the discussions were illuminating, as was his recording of a large-scale jazz ensemble he has recently remixed. He was very complimentary on the sounds we created with both systems. We are discussing a plan to hold our next Musical Event at Crescent Records in the autumn. More information on this in due course.
Some comments from visitors to our Musical Event No 5 in June:
Mr TJ from Shropshire
Mr RG from Hampshire
Mr DU from London
Mr AP from Surrey
4 Zephyr House Calleva Park | Aldermaston | Berkshire RG7 8JN
Demonstrations by appointment Monday – Saturday: 10:00am to 6:00pm.
Telephone or Zoom consultations are available and can be booked at mutually convenient times
Audio Consultants