subject: Run what you brung [print this page] Run what you brung Run what you brung
This column has generally focussed on hardware and software progression in hi-fi, but this month is a little different in that the development is more of a social one. The hi-fi show is seeing the start of something new.
On the 6th March, the third annual Scalford hi-fi show will be held at Scalford Hall near Melton Mowbray. There will be a variety of systems on display covering various budgets and design philosophies. And what sets Scalford apart from other hi-fi shows is that the systems on demonstration are not provided by a manufacturer, distributor or dealer. Every one of the systems is the personal property of the person exhibiting it.
Outside of hi-fi, this is not a new phenomenon. A classic car show, even a very upmarket one like the Festival of Speed is generally comprised of exhibits provided by their owners. Likewise, the Santa Pod raceway has made the 'run what you brung' concept, where people drag race their own cars into a very successful part of the business. The precedents are there, but can it be successfully applied to hi-fi?
There are certainly some clear positives to an 'owner' hi fi event and having attended both previous Scalford shows, the single biggest attraction is the sneer variety of kit on display. Equipment that is next to impossible to hear anywhere else, such as the Apogee Scintilla loudspeaker, EMT turntables and Quad ESL57's have all been in attendance. Whereas in manufacturer-led shows, equipment that has ceased production (however well it performed) is usually conspicuous by its absence, no such rules apply to the product on display at Scalford And as it's not for sale, there's usually a wide variety of kit to enjoy.
But even when equipment is still in production, the bring-your-own hi-hi show still has advantages. Instead of systems that are comprised of products from a single manufacturer or distributor, owner shows are free to present listeners with the rare opportunity of hearing equipment, custom-built from a wide variety of hi-fi sources. In effect, kit that might never have excited you before can demonstrate virtues that could influence your next purchasing decision.
More often than not, you will find yourself listening to a system that has been carefully honed to the tastes and requirements of the owner. And if you and they share the same tastes, the results can be very rewarding.
Hi-fi community
The other area to be celebrated, is the sense of community shows of this nature engender. Scalford is the result of activity on hi-fi forums and grew out of smaller get-togethers. This is not an attempt to sell you product or show you the latest and greatest (the UK already has shows dedicated to this task). Instead, it is an opportunity to meet and chat to people who share the same passions and interests and celebrate :he highest quality of music reproduction. Hi-fi is often accused of being a somewhat solitary interest and it is good to see the balance being redressed.
Another interesting spin-off is that exhibitors learn the true compromises involved in setting up a system that behaves perfectly in their lounge rather than an unfamiliar hotel room. Many have admitted to a new found respect for what manufacturers and distributors have to contend with at many of the main audio shows.
I don't feel that there is any sense of competition between the owner-arranged shows and the mainstream events. They both fulfil different roles for the industry and equally deserve our support. As such, I will be at the Bristol Show on the 27th February, checking out the hot products for the rest of this year, before attending Scalford nine days later for my third helping of end-user audio bliss. I have volunteered to assist a friend install and demonstrate his valve system, which while sonically fabulous weighs more than the cast of the Biggest Loser.
So if you are looking for a chance to see and hear some interesting systems, why not drop in for a demo?
You also can read about speakerThe Bose 151 SE, and also about installation and adjustment of speakerBose 151.
