[headinclouds]

A huge thank you to Andy and Mark for organising such a successful meet, and to members of Andy’s family for their cheerful supporting role.
Thank you sponsors for covering costs and providing the very good refreshments.
I enjoy the meets for the social side as much as the technical side, seeing friends from all over the country and meeting new enthusiasts is fun.  Seeing and hearing new stuff and new music enriches the hobby.  I believe no-one should expect any meet or show to be a place for serious evaluation but it is a valuable opportunity to see things and get a pointer of what does warrant further evaluation.
 
I was very lucky to win a raffle prize and chose (because it was bright orange) the Lab12 HPA.  How does Andy get all these raffle prizes??
 
I have had a play with it this morning and it is a lovely bit of kit, which I will tell a little more about later on although I’m not a review writer.
 
Happy listening folks

 

[K9sixtwo]

Hi Guys..
 
Really enjoyed the day, great to hear for the first time so much gear..This was for me a very steep learning curve, and I appreciated all the advice that I was given, It was difficult as I didn't have a clue what I was talking about, and I was in the company of some real experts, however everyone was very helpful and keen to share their knowledge with me, a lot of it did go over my head and I did struggle to keep up with it all, however came away with things to look for and listen for, also given advice on web sites to visit for getting stuff.. My favourite I listened to was the Eddie Current 2A3 with the HiFiman headset... really really magnificent.
I managed to keep up my "last thing i won in a raffle was a sponge cake in 1982" which was a pity as the prizes were exceptional. The meet was a well organised event and the sponsors were clearly very kind.
Thanks for educating me..

 

[smial1966]

I believe that sponsors view these meets as an opportunity to engage with enthusiastic audiophiles who could be potential customers. Most audio shows result in very few direct sales on the day, as customers invariably purchase expensive equipment on the basis of home demonstrations, so these events merely offer an audio "taste" of gear that can be fully evaluated later if so desired.
 
I'm sorry that you obviously found the meet a complete waste of time, however, everyone else that I spoke to seemed to have had a very enjoyable day and the positive comments in this thread speak volumes for the events format.      
 
Quote:

  Hi Andy
Further to your comments re quietness for auditioning equipment.
Firstly,how do the Sponsors view this matter? Surely their purpose is to sell items! If as discussed(privately) the Sponsors are imposing conditions on the Meet, then surely their main purpose is for items to be heard!
I did mention this (noise) to one of the Criterion Staff . When he asked me what I thought about items I'd just auditioned, I informed him it was too noisy to judge.He agreed!
Secondly,I can't imagine all Members came to the Meet for a 'jolly'. Surely, many Members were intent on listening to and making a judgement on equipment (whether it was presented by the Trade or Members).
Several Members bought along some serious high-end gear, some of which needed careful handling/transportation.Was it really worth these Members efforts?
I was listening to Raz's EC2a3/HD800 and was seriously interested to compare with my own Teton/HD800.There was absolutely no chance to make an informed decision!
It maybe the 'nature of the beast' that this type of event will never be totally quiet.Let's not forget that other traditional HiFi shows would expect a degree of quietness when demoing products?
So, whether this was a Members meet or Trade meet a certain degree of self imposed quietness is necessary.How about a quarter of an hours quietness every hour?
 
As far as the Headtrip was concerned, the noise would have made it totally irrelevant no matter how it was configured.I'm sure the Owner of this item would have at least liked it to be heard and preferably in it's 'dual mono' configuration? This item was billed as 'The Beast' and in other places as the possible the King of Headphone Amps. Surely, it must have been worth giving it a chance to show itself of?? What was the point in bring it along?
As we both know, I had the chance to bring along two prime American Headphone Amps (which certainly generate much interest in the US).Other than the fact that I would have been able to audition these items in the privacy(and quietness) of my own Home, I'm glad I didn't bother to bring them to the Meet as it would have been a waste of time!!
Regards
David

 

[Turrican2]

Hi...

No, I'm not very photogenic, so tend not to pop up

I was over by the criterion audio stand the whole time - FWIW, I'm only up the road, in Shefford

That is very close!
 
We should meet up for a chat at a local public house sometime!  I like the Crown in Henlow, sort of half way-ish.  Speak on PM, cheers

 

[britneedadvice]

 

I'm sure the Sponsors and Members appreciate a bit of 'interaction'
However, at some time the equipment has to be listened to??
Clearly,I'm alone on this matter as no one else has mentioned it!
 
As far as 'The Beast' is concerned.You mention this is the only one in Europe.As with most high-end Headphone Amps, the opportunity to audition them is almost nil.To me,an opportunity sadly missed!

 

[Holowlegs]

Hello all
 
I had a pair of Senny buds that I have had for about four years, and one channel became faulty about 4 weeks before the meet. So knowing that RHA was going to be at the meet, it was an ideal time to buy a new pair. I had read a review about either the MA750 or the T10 cannot remember which ones and according to the review they were a nice set of buds, but the reviewer wasn't happy with the bass. As some of the music I listen to is quite bass heavy, Reggae, Dub, Trip Hop etc this could have been a problem. Also I have never worn these type of phone where the cable go over the top and around the back of your ear. But I went in with an open mind.
 
Tried both the MA750 and the T10, and was very impressed with the build quality. While listening to both the the fear of having to get use to the cable around ear was fine and didn't seem to bother me. The young man from RHA let me use my own music and source, I tried a few tracks, from Burning Spear, Maxwell and Massive Attack, and I actually like what I was hearing, and the bass sounded fine, nice and tunefully and deep and handle the bass very well I found.
 
Problem I have now is, I found the T10 more comfortable, but I actually prefer the sound out off the MA750, although there wasn't a lot in it to tell you the truth.
 
Just been reading about the T10 three tuning filters, maybe RHA can tell us which one was installed in the pair everyone was demoing?
 
Just waiting for my e-mail with the 15% discount, before I decide which ones to get.
 
Thanks RHA, from what I seen you have a sound product there.
 
Cheers Frank 

 

[dill3000]

Hi Guys, 
 
Just to say I had a lovely day!! 
 
Big thanks to Andy and Mark also to Andy's family!! - I feel the event was a great success and it was very well organised!
 
I had lots of fun checking out setups, socialising and meeting some great people with a wealth of knowledge. Just to name a few: Great 009 setup on the Chord rack and the KGST. Really liked the LCD-3Fs on the Grace Designs m920 and on my portable Hifi-M8 - Criterion Audio was very helpful. The HE-560s on the Hugo TT was also great to hear. 
 
It’s a shame that more people wasn’t able to hear my setup - there’s always next time. Thanks to everyone for their support
 
Wish it went on a couple more hours, didn’t get to listen to everything I wanted to
 
I’m happy for everyone who won something on the raffle - there was some wicked goodies! its a great charity.
 
Big thanks for the lift home Tomasz (Tro95) - it was such a help!! it would have been a long journey via cab and train back to Suffolk with my heavy amp setup. This community has such friendly people.
 
Dillan

 

[Turrican2]

   
 
Just to name a few: Great 009 setup on the Chord rack and the KGST.
 
Dillan

That was one of my highlights, just amazing power to the sound.  I was also particularly impressed by his portable setup (Clas stack with HD800s) that was really special and something I'd never actually heard before...want!!

 

[Holowlegs]

  That was one of my highlights, just amazing power to the sound.  I was also particularly impressed by his portable setup (Clas stack with HD800s) that was really special and something I'd never actually heard before...want!!

Yep I also had a good listen to the Chord system, first started off a Diana Krall greatest hits and then Jill Scott's Beautifully Human album, Jill's voice was just stunning on this set up.Forgot the members name who owned it, but it really did show how good CD can be. Love to hear his system in Spain( he show me a picture of it).
 
Cheers Frank

 

[Tro95]

  Big thanks for the lift home Tomasz (Tro95) - it was such a help!! it would have been a long journey via cab and train back to Suffolk with my heavy amp setup. This community has such friendly people.

I do believe you have the wrong person; I took the train home

 

[hardtarget666]

Absolutely fantastic day listening to some great gear. I was a bit late to arrive and couldn't listening to everything I had inteded to but nevertheless it was a worth it. Managed to see some old and familiar faces. I also won the raffle which was amazing and unbelieveable at the same time as I never win anything. I selected the AudioQuest Nighthawk headphones

. Nick Allen from AudioQuest has promised me a pair as soon as they start the production  and he was even kind enough to drop me in the city centre after the event. Top bloke!
 
I took a few pics which I will upload here soon so watch this space.

 

[dill3000]

Sorry - I do believe I got Tomasz's username wrong

 

[RHA Team]

  Hello all
 
I had a pair of Senny buds that I have had for about four years, and one channel became faulty about 4 weeks before the meet. So knowing that RHA was going to be at the meet, it was an ideal time to buy a new pair. I had read a review about either the MA750 or the T10 cannot remember which ones and according to the review they were a nice set of buds, but the reviewer wasn't happy with the bass. As some of the music I listen to is quite bass heavy, Reggae, Dub, Trip Hop etc this could have been a problem. Also I have never worn these type of phone where the cable go over the top and around the back of your ear. But I went in with an open mind.
 
Tried both the MA750 and the T10, and was very impressed with the build quality. While listening to both the the fear of having to get use to the cable around ear was fine and didn't seem to bother me. The young man from RHA let me use my own music and source, I tried a few tracks, from Burning Spear, Maxwell and Massive Attack, and I actually like what I was hearing, and the bass sounded fine, nice and tunefully and deep and handle the bass very well I found.
 
Problem I have now is, I found the T10 more comfortable, but I actually prefer the sound out off the MA750, although there wasn't a lot in it to tell you the truth.
 
Just been reading about the T10 three tuning filters, maybe RHA can tell us which one was installed in the pair everyone was demoing?
 
Just waiting for my e-mail with the 15% discount, before I decide which ones to get.
 
Thanks RHA, from what I seen you have a sound product there.
 
Cheers Frank 

Hey Frank!
 
Iain here, thanks for the feedback! By default I started all the demos with the middle, most balanced filter - sorry I didn't offer the chance to switch them over!
 
We'll be sending out the codes this week! If anyone who was at the show didn't get a chance to sign up the mailing list and would like a 15% discount code, please PM me your email/real name.
 
As for our sponsorship, we love being involved with Head-Fi! We didn't really offer direct sales on the day, the show was about meeting people and introducing people to the brand. As a UK company, it's a great opportunity to say hello to local community.
 
Thanks again to everyone who stopped by the stand to check out the range and shared their thoughts on the IEMs and a huge thanks to Andy and Mark for having us and organising a great meet.
 
Looking forward to the next one.

 

[smial1966]

This years meet raised £1,300 for the Cambridgeshire Deaf Association, so many thanks and well done to everyone for a stupendous effort.

It will be lovely phoning them tomorrow and saying "Hello, you don't know me but my friends and I held an audio event in Cambridge on Saturday and we raised £1,300 for you via a raffle".

Cheers,
Andy.

 

[TheAttorney]

Many thanks to Andy, Mark and all for organising a great event. It must have taken a lot of effort to make it run this smoothly.
 
I guess it was partly due to its success (lots of people discussing music and hifi and stuff) that inevitably the background noise did get in the way of critical listening - more so than I remember from the last Cambridge meet 2-3 years ago, which I think had less attendees.
 
The good news about this is that if you thought something sounded "quite good" at the meet, then it will probably sound "really good" when you hear it back home.
 
Another thing I noticed was that the source really matters (not a surprise to some): A lot of the time, I felt I was hearing the source more than the headphones. For example, when I heard the frighteningly expensive and frighteningly ugly Abyss headphones on whatever they where originally connected to, they sounded okay, but insuffiently special for the price. Later, when briefly heard on Negura's Theta/Eddie Current setup - well, that was in a different league - and I could see why Negura was tempted ).
 
Another thing I noticed was that there were more WAGs (in a good way) around than the last time. Which is great, but unfortunately some of them, after a few hours, did look like they really would rather have been somewhere else. Still seems like this hobby is more suited to boys-who-like-toys. Good to see though that boys of a very wide age spectrum conversing so easily on... whatever they where conversing about.
 
Sadly, I had other commitemnts later that day, so had to leave sharpish. Today, when I connected my setup back home, the difference betwen "quite good" and "really good" was ... profound. Staggering actually. Phew!