Click images above to enlarge. (Above front and internal entrance only)

Main Report by Robin Francis
Individual room reports and reviews by Les Best, Bruce Everest & Dale Charvetto

 

After a two year hiatus, the Bristol HI-FI Show returned with an eclectic display of established and recently released hi-fi components, cables and accessories. As expected, the hi-fi press and enthusiastic patron turn-out was impressive, with hotel rooms and corridors humming with sounds, or bustling with alternating rhythms on all three days.

Personally, I was eagerly awaiting this show in the hope of either reducing my amplifier shortlist, or perhaps adding to it (dependent on listening results).

I was recently informed of additions to the Musial Fidelity amplification range in the form of ‘Nu-Vista PRE, PAS & PAM’ and was keen to see, hear and touch these units or any amplifier with a proven ability to drive my MartinLogan ESL’s. Unfortunately, I was not able to satisfy my ‘hear’ senses with any Musical Fidelity amplifier due to the omission of Musical Fidelity amplifiers in any demonstration room?

Despite the lack of Musical Fidelity’s ‘plugged in and performing’ presence at this show, it was refreshing to share thoughts with many Musical Fidelity owners as I photographed components on display stands. At least the display stands were at the perfect height (thanks). However, the bemused expression from a Henley representative during admittedly a ‘mainly one way conversation’ regarding the lack of listening possibilities encouraged me to move on…

As I transitioned from room to room, I continued to talk with patrons to discover their hi-fi ambitions...
What is the main reason for your visit to this show?
Are you browsing, or are you here to upgrade?

Of course, the responses were mixed. Some patrons enjoy browsing what is on offer and perhaps “hope and dream!” Some want to compare what they hear at the show against what they have at home and pick up valuable basic improvement ideas. Some want to ‘see, hear and touch’ something they have previously researched, with the possibility of purchasing at some point in the near future. A few patrons were ready to purchase components or accessories on the day after previous research and experience.

One reoccurring theme was the patron who was looking to improve their home listening experience by upgrading specific internal components within amplifiers, CD players and alike, for higher quality components (capacitors, internal wiring or transformers) for example). Many patrons mentioned how they were forced to change their upgrade expectations due to recent financial concerns. Direct exhibitors and distributors are clearly influenced by all of these factors when preparing for hi-fi shows and demonstrations.

As with previous years, many exhibitors fought with individual hotel room acoustic issues. Specific exhibitors (such as Ker Acoustics and Townshend Audio) travelled the extra mile by paying particular attention to room treatment. Their work was definitely appreciated by many patrons who found the Kerr and Townshend demonstrations two of the most musically inviting, detailed and clear sounding rooms without being tiresome. I was also intrigued by the Townshend Allegri Reference pre-amplifier being used by Townshend, as well a few other exhibitors at the show.

In true contradiction, the Von Gaylord room used no visible room treatment, but still managed to catch my and many others attention again this year. The ease at which this system conveyed detail and realism was astounding. Admittedly, many of the tracks and sequences being played, did come via a drumming test disc, so further exploration is definitely on the cards here regarding personal music choices and perhaps home listening? I confessed to proprietor ‘Ray Leung’ “…I have previously politely dismissed valve amplification as I felt valves were just not for me!” I also explained my ongoing amplifier search and the challenge for amplifiers in respect of being able to drive my demanding MartinLogan ESL’s. Ray Leung smiled confidently and replied “These amplifiers will do it!”

The warm and relaxed sounds of the small Linn room came at somewhat of a surprise to me. Again, no visible room treatment here, which is a contradiction to previous years and other shows where I witnessed more precisely placed wall panels and hanging cloth than many dedicated recording studios. At the time of my visit, a fully configured Linn turntable was spinning and as an ex Linn Turntable owner, I felt compelled to linger and hear more, but as I was not in the market for a new turntable, I moved on.

Moor Amps is a new name to me, so I did linger and was impressed with the overall clarity of the system on display. I will consider exploring their offerings in greater detail at a later date.

I was satisfied that I squeezed every musical ounce out of the Bristol HI-FI Show this year. Every year I gain greater knowledge regarding new and established components, as well as the companies and individuals behind these components and companies. This year I also gained greater knowledge about the enthusiasts who will do their utmost to achieve musical happiness in their own homes.

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio
February 2023

Featured exhibitors:
Acoustic Energy / Wireworld, Air Audio Distribution / Coppice Audio, ATC, Audio Note, Audiolab / Wharfdale / Mission, Chord Electronics, Dali, Falcon Acoustics, Fyne Audio, Grand Activation, Henley Audio / Musical Fidelity, Kerr Acoustic, Kirmuss Audio, Kog Audio, Leema Acoustics, Linn, MartinLogan AVM, Mcintish, Michell, Moor Amps, Naim Audio / Focal, Neat Acoustics, Origin Live, PMC / AVM / Bryston, Proac, Qualio, Rel, Rogers, Rotel, Sound Fowdations, Spendor / Auralic / Cyrus, Townshend Audio, Triangle / Manley, Vivid Audio, Von Gaylord Audio, Voxativ, Wilson Benesch

“…Audio Note again, making fantastic sounds although this time there was no cellist playing alongside. So much detail and sound-staging from this UK based system. It’s no surprise they are Vincent Belanger’s system of choice.” Les Best

“…Audiolab / Wharfdale / Mission were the surprise of the show for me was a system from Audio lab consisting of theAudiolab 9000A amp along with a DC block 6, fed digital tracks from a laptop, playing through the new Wharfedale Dovedale speakers.The sound was incredible. This set-up filled the double size demo room perfectly.The sound was incredible. The sound was subtle and clean, but also fast, controlled and so punchy. I sat in a room of 20 people who almost clapped at the end of two tracks. The man operating the demo was grinning, and in the silence that followed the tracks ending, simply said,
“I know, it sounds amazing right?”

“Interestingly when the Wharfedale's were swapped out for Mission 770, the Audiolab setup still delivered a seriously jaw dropping performance, the room had asked for the same track to be played for comparison, and the Missions really delivered, and sounded even tighter.” Bruce Everest

“… Mission 770’s being demonstrated in the same room as Wharfedale’s, both were outstanding (and with no sub-woofer). For me, the Mission 770’s would be the choice of speaker to have for a home party, and the Wharfedales to sit and listen to.” Dale Charvetto

Go to The Bristol HI-FI Show 2023 page two

Go back to Hi-Fi Experience Home Page

[ Top ]