Hi James,
It is very easy to criticise the result of many hours of hard work on a particular Hi Fi product, especially when you are only sampling the sound for a few minutes before moving on to the next exhibitor. I did say this was my first visit to a Hi end exhibition and maybe I should have selected just a few products to listen to properly (Kid in a candy shop analogy) , but at the volume some of the equipment was demo'd, in some rooms you just wanted to walk out after 5 Min's or less. This was mainly because the top end was just too much and put your teeth on edge!!!! I know everyone's tastes are different and some are acquired but how long do you have to endure them before you tell yourself it's good.
I thought the whole idea of this Hi Fi game was to reproduce the "music" you are listening to as closely as you can to the original (warts and all), but in a way that is affordable, involving and enjoyable. There is no point emptying your piggy bank telling yourself what a great system you have bought, switching it on, playing a favourite CD and then feel like you want to walk out of the room.
I enjoyed the exhibition because it brought me out of my comfort zone. I also wanted to see where my system was against other equipment available in the UK that I wouldn't normally get to hear (yes I know hotel rooms are not ideal listening situations). I have spent a number of years getting my system the way it is today (like a lot of other people out there) and you will be pleased to hear that it compares pretty well with much of what I saw. The only item that nearly got my credit card out was the Squeeze Box and I need to do a little more research on that one.
I don't see how Bryston amps can be described as anything but clear, detailed and smooth.
Anyway I hope this goes some way to explaining what I meant.
Regards,
Barry.B
