Re: The Return of the Wam Show
Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2022 1:38 pm
A magnificent effort from all exhibitors, and a massive thank you to Paul, Roo, Danny et al. 
Firstly, a really good choice of venue, especially given that choice is naturally limited by how difficult it must be to persuade a hotel to turn itself 'inside out' for the weekend. The vibe of this place just felt 'right'. Parking was easy, and in future years train travel will hopefully be easier, too.
So many rooms, so little time. I always gravitate to things that I wouldn't usually come across, but that doesn't narrow it down very much at the WAM show
. These all left a definite impression...
The 1970s Philips room - this must have a put a smile on lots of faces. Propulsive, tight bass and percussive presentation. Would sound remarkable with electronic music - might make a Kraftwerk fan of me, yet.
Orbscure's room - a lovely and light space, thanks to the large gothic style window and inviting presentation. £30 'skip find' speakers that threw up a large soundstage and plenty of impact.
The 'steampunk' room - valve powered cassette deck!! Columns of Linaeum tweeters, balanced on mid, bass and passive radiators!!! Probably parked his D'Lorean round the back...
Lenco Heaven - making a remarkably inviting sound with some Quad 707s and 1980s(?) B&W speakers. As they used to say on Blue Peter..."I don't normally like B&Ws, John, but these are delicious".
Bencat - "I don't normally like KEFs, Andrew, but these are delicious". Nice amps
1980s LP12 / Naim system - a trip down memory lane without having to spend the cash to find out. Yes, of course we asked him to play Love Over Gold
Broom cupboard challenge - I've been blathering on for ages that Klipsch can sound great in small spaces, and at sensible volumes. You can let him out of there, now. Well done, fella.
Trouser flapping in the Royal Doulton room - I'm considering a similar system for my study
Steve 57 - I've heard these speakers previously (in larger rooms) and had to spend a good while with them, again, yesterday. Remarkably realistic and engaging.
Snell A - with valves and vinyl. Large, airy, non-fatiguing. I'd like to hear them again.
Avantgarde Horns - remarkably smooth, open and even handed (in addition to the usual positive 'horn' attributes), especially given how close we were sat.
Rabski - I thought this was a great all-rounder. Very well judged presentation. I'd have been happy to take the lot home (but not happy to have had to pack away all those valves - I hope it all went well, Richard).
Saw loads, missed loads. Going to stay overnight, next time. Roll on, April...
Firstly, a really good choice of venue, especially given that choice is naturally limited by how difficult it must be to persuade a hotel to turn itself 'inside out' for the weekend. The vibe of this place just felt 'right'. Parking was easy, and in future years train travel will hopefully be easier, too.
So many rooms, so little time. I always gravitate to things that I wouldn't usually come across, but that doesn't narrow it down very much at the WAM show
. These all left a definite impression...The 1970s Philips room - this must have a put a smile on lots of faces. Propulsive, tight bass and percussive presentation. Would sound remarkable with electronic music - might make a Kraftwerk fan of me, yet.
Orbscure's room - a lovely and light space, thanks to the large gothic style window and inviting presentation. £30 'skip find' speakers that threw up a large soundstage and plenty of impact.
The 'steampunk' room - valve powered cassette deck!! Columns of Linaeum tweeters, balanced on mid, bass and passive radiators!!! Probably parked his D'Lorean round the back...
Lenco Heaven - making a remarkably inviting sound with some Quad 707s and 1980s(?) B&W speakers. As they used to say on Blue Peter..."I don't normally like B&Ws, John, but these are delicious".
Bencat - "I don't normally like KEFs, Andrew, but these are delicious". Nice amps
1980s LP12 / Naim system - a trip down memory lane without having to spend the cash to find out. Yes, of course we asked him to play Love Over Gold
Broom cupboard challenge - I've been blathering on for ages that Klipsch can sound great in small spaces, and at sensible volumes. You can let him out of there, now. Well done, fella.
Trouser flapping in the Royal Doulton room - I'm considering a similar system for my study
Steve 57 - I've heard these speakers previously (in larger rooms) and had to spend a good while with them, again, yesterday. Remarkably realistic and engaging.
Snell A - with valves and vinyl. Large, airy, non-fatiguing. I'd like to hear them again.
Avantgarde Horns - remarkably smooth, open and even handed (in addition to the usual positive 'horn' attributes), especially given how close we were sat.
Rabski - I thought this was a great all-rounder. Very well judged presentation. I'd have been happy to take the lot home (but not happy to have had to pack away all those valves - I hope it all went well, Richard).
Saw loads, missed loads. Going to stay overnight, next time. Roll on, April...
