Click entrance images above to enlarge.

As with last year, the above concept cars definitely captured the imagination. Some question the link between the cars and high end hi-fi. Who cares? For me it ticks the boys, girls, LGBTQ and their toys box? I was almost running to the foyer to see what type of vehicles would be on show this year. I also notice and appreciate the professional lighting on these cars!

Observation Report & Patron Feedback

“… There was less to see and hear this year, but we were still very impressed with the quality of demonstrations and approachability of most of the demonstrators. We are still learning and sometimes need to ask basic questions, so demonstrator patience is appreciated. We want to try and encourage more people who would not normally consider attending this type of show to try it out. We always walk away with greater knowledge and share our experiences with our online blog.”
Gregory Allen & Steven Edwards – from Croydon

“This is my first visit and my intention was to explore the Musical Fidelity range of amplification as I have heard great things about the brand (specifically the Nu-Vista range). I did look and was impressed with the build quality, but I have decided to also take a look at Hegel as I was blown away by one of the rooms with a Hegel amp.
Zain Sayeed – from Dorking

 

Year on year, it is great to see a wider, diverse mix of individuals attending any hi-fi shows. As old habits and attitudes from some distributors, dealers and demonstrators begin to wane, there appears to be a natural increase in curiosity from the wider society. It was refreshing to share show stories, hi-fi ideas, music recommendations and absorb the enthusiasm from patrons as I wandered the inviting walkways of Royal Ascot.

Revox

My first ‘musical’ experience of the show! I emphasise the word ‘musical’ again, as it is a word that cannot be understated. Mention the name ‘Revox’ to any sound engineer or serious amateur mix tape enthusiast back in the day and witness the respectful smile appear on their faces. I lusted after a Revox tape recorder more than my first car. I notice their tape machines still command respectful prices today. It therefore came as no surprise to enter an overflowing room (all seats taken and very little standing room).

As for the technical stuff - I am not embarrassed to confess that much of it went straight over my head. Patrons enjoyed the playful disagreement banter between Matthias Bode (from Germany's Stereo Magazine) and Revox representatives regarding analogue – digital mastering and other processes of chosen playback material. Whatever the genre, whatever the format (tape – vinyl record) the listening results may have differed slightly, but the appreciation and respect from every individual in the room was obvious. Music, music and more music. Yes, the depth, detail, density (as one eager enthusiast noted) might have varied, but we all loved the music presented. Surely, this could not get any better? I can reveal now that this room was a show winner for me, however, I’m not entirely sure that this room should be included in the best show listening room competition (for want of a better title). The fact that Revox had so much knowledge and choice with regard to recorded material playback via tape at hand almost disqualifies them?

Thank you to Jeremy Mörbt for providing me with the below equipment detail:
“…For our presentation we used the Revox B77 MK III tape machine, the STUDIOMASTER T700 turntable, the STUDIOMASTER M500 amplifier, the Prestige G140 loudspeakers and the Revox PC80 power conditioner. For the three live recording sessions we added a high-resolution Telefunken recording microphone set together with another B77 MK III. To give visitors an impression of our multi-room audio capabilities we also included two STUDIOMASTER A200 multi-room speakers.”
I did not ask for a pricelist!

Karma AV

I did eventually, move on from Revox and found my feet (and ears) again reluctant to move from the Karma AV room (bearing in mind they occupied five rooms). The physical solidity of the Mofi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition speakers is no illusion. As I ran my hands over the cabinets, I got the impression it would take at least three of me to move them (and I’m a gym bunny)! Physical presence aside for now, the lower octave delivery is nothing less than breath-taking. Don’t get me wrong, I did not feel overpowered or fatigued by these speakers. The balance between deep, muscular lower and mid octaves combined with grace and appropriate speed was a joy to experience. I could see a great amount of effort was put into room treatment and considering the above sonic attributes, this was a good idea. With Bat’s Rex VK 500 stereo amplifier capable of delivering 500 watts into 8 ohms, or 1000 watts into 4 ohms, the glass in that room needed to be protected. (The glass protection line is an attempt at a direct joke of course)! I experienced various genres of music, rock, pop and jazz in this room and I enjoyed the different emotional journeys offered by the system as a whole. From the fast paced and heavy energy of a live performance, to the delicate, but precise guitar finger plucks of an acoustic guitar. All handled with assured musical precision and ease. Amazing experience!

Absolute Sounds

Ricardo Franassovici (MD Absolute Sounds) has cemented his own unique mark within the high end hi-fi world. As with any world-wide distributor of revered brands, it comes as no surprise that he has amassed a few - hi-fi related stories to share.

I entered the Absolute Sounds demonstration room late in the day with intentions of ‘saying hello’, taking a few photographs and heading back home to start photo editing. However, I was still in the Absolute Sounds room over an hour later observing Mr. Franassovici waxing lyrical about the hi-fi components on demo (of course) sharing hi-fi tweak tips and swapping previous hi-fi show stories. Various patrons did occasionally correct Ricardo regarding specific show story details, which happily then led to other hi-fi history lessons. The time was now 18:00hrs.

The show had actually finished and everyone else had locked up and left. We were still there. Such is the power of a like-minded group immersed in their chosen field of joy!

To my musical spirit, the Absolute Sounds room presented a slightly metallic edged presentation, which did not allow my musical soul to settle. Even the usual soulful baritone of Barry White with his Love Unlimited Orchestra was transformed into a soft rock experience! However, it was refreshing to hear a wider range of music in this room via the Trafomatic Glenn class A amplifiers driving DeVORE FIDELITY Orangutan O/Bronze Speakers.

I have heard a rumour that Leonard Cohen will soon be charging extra royalties for each of his recordings used at hi-fi shows!

I repeat last year’s praise - I fully acknowledge the hard work from the organisers and exhibitors at the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2025, as well as all hi-fi shows globally. Eager music loving hi-fi patrons walk into each exhibitor’s room with very high expectations. To say it is not easy to set up hi-fi equipment indifferent rooms in such a short time and get the best out of it, is an understatement. My home hi-fi has been in its new music listening room for over two years now and I am still discovering various ways to make it sound better. Of course it is so easy to criticise various areas of any hi-fi show (especially in the UK). But, when I spoke with patrons on the day, any minor negatives were easily overshadowed by the many positives taken away.

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio
September 2025

Featured exhibitors:
Absolute Sounds, EJ Jordan Loudspeakers, Exposure Electronics, Harmony HI-FI, Heritage HI-FI, Karma AV, Revox & Sound Design Distribution

 

Absolute Sounds
Ricardo Franassovici (MD Absolute Sounds)

EJ Jordan Loudspeakers

‘…a small, independent company based in the lovely countryside of England’s Lake District.’

Exposure Electronics

My ears are trained enough to recoginse Exposure amplification from a few paces.
‘That reliable forward projecting signature sound…’

Harmony HI-FI

Nope. That is no lens bending trick. The Marten Parker Quintet series speaker really is that deep. I still await the luxury of listening to music through these speakers with the right valve amplifier (my preferred type of amplification at present). The lower octave delivery form these speakers is a revelation on its own and makes me want to hear more. At least my preferred source turntable is already in place (AMG Viella V12 Turntable)!

The AMG Viella V12 Turntable
“Once you listen to any record via the AMG Viella V12 turntable, you never forget!”
It’s just a shame I didn’t travel with a good cleaning cloth...!

I wonder what was on the mind of the patron whose image is reflected in the Marten Parker Quintet tweeter fascia in the below image?

Go to the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2025 page two.

Go to the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2025 page three.

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