Author Topic: The Cape Town Hi-Fi Club (Read 487244 times)

chrisc · « **Reply #1891 on:** May 15, 2022, 08:52:28 AM »

Our visit to AudioTweak on Saturday 14th May emphasised two long-held beliefs - one that equipment matching is of greater importance than the quality or cost of the individual components and that carefully made modern recordings sound considerably better than some commercial recordings from yesteryear

The components under consideration were a Lampizator series 4 DAC, a Valve Audio Predator and a TAGA 200 watt integrated amplifier. The differences were small, perhaps not immediately noticeable, but there. The Lampizator/TAGA combo resolved greater detail and had a better sound balance than the Valve Audio

This was evident when playing Bouree 2001 from Jethro Tull. The cymbals and bass notes were more evident with the TAGA

Another revelation was listening to Gerry Raffety's "Baker Street" which goes back to the mid-70s. Again, the TAGA was able to resolve the instruments and voice better. Compared to some more modern recordings, notably Liberty by Anette Askiv, the Gerry Rafferty sounded messy

Our session was augmented by some Pizza's for lunch and a chocolate cake brought along by Jozua

The first picture shows dedicated audiophiles praying over the amplifiers. It seemed to work

And all of us enjoying Ramsey's hospitality, cat included

Jozua_2019 · « **Reply #1892 on:** May 15, 2022, 09:49:55 AM »

Thanks Chris

Some additional comment:

1. The Host: Ramsey is an excellent host and being a coffee afficionado makes a mean up of coffee. The coffee really hit the spot and was enough to make the long trek worthwhile. Of course having a couple of wild horses under the bonnet made the winding mountain pass a sheer delight.

2. The Sound: The sit amongst audiophiles and hear the occasional gasps of delight or murmurs that this is *** is good - is not something you experience every day. It possibly explains why Ramsey has so many loyal supporters. A second contributing factor to these magical moments is that Ramsey has a knack of finding really good recordings.

The Taga amp sounded exceptional and for some weird and wonderful reason the Predator did not shine. Ramsey's custom designed streamer worked flawlessly and to me it felt as if the music was coming from a pitch black background.

The speakers sounded exceptional with good recordings. Poor recordings were brutally exposed - Gerry Raffety's "Baker Street" which I always enjoyed suddenly sounded dated- the delicacy was just missing.

3. The Meeting: It really is special when audiophile get togethers turn into special events. It is really rare when it happens - suddenly you just want the moment to continue forever. When it does, equipment cost becomes irrelevant.

Ramsey, many thanks for hosting the club and some special guests !! Much appreciated.

Drifter · « **Reply #1893 on:** May 15, 2022, 12:03:28 PM »

Is this the same TAGA amp that was used during the Bentley session?

chrisc · « **Reply #1894 on:** May 15, 2022, 01:41:12 PM »

Yes, that's right

The Valve Audio amp works 100% with Yamaha NS1000 that Chris R has. Detailed, smooth and well-behaved. The NS1000s are quite efficient

chrisc · « **Reply #1895 on:** May 15, 2022, 03:44:04 PM »

Its been pointed out to me that the Lampizator DAC is a "Golden Gate", not a series 4

FranZAR · « **Reply #1896 on:** May 18, 2022, 05:35:42 PM »

A bit of "What Hi-Fi" type reviewing here...

Sent from my SM-G988B using Tapatalk

chrisc · « **Reply #1897 on:** May 18, 2022, 05:41:25 PM »

Well, we endeavour to write a few kind words for dealers who take the time and trouble to host us, well knowing there is the very slimmest chance that any of us tightwads will purchase anything

chrisc · « **Reply #1898 on:** May 21, 2022, 10:36:33 AM »

A really fantastic (truly) concert held in the Youngbloods Art Gallery at 70 Bree Street, Cape Town last night

5 of us from the CT Hi-Fi Club went along, spent some time browsing the art on sale (from R8500 to R70000) and had a beer at the newly opened restaurant

The music was performed by pianist Charl du Plessis, bassist Werner Spies and drummer Peter Auret. We were entertained by their renditions of Beethoven, Wagner, Mozart and different Tango pieces. All the musicians are very accomplished and rendered an outstanding performance. A very enthusiastic and appreciative audience as well

The event organiser asked us not to take photos of the musicians, so here are some other pics we took at the visit

The art gallery has 2 upper floors and Stefan took an excellent shot of the instruments below (last picture)