UKAS 2023 SHOW PERSPECTIVE
We were thrilled to be part of the UKAS 2023 Show hosted by the Chester Group on the 7-8th of October 2023 at the Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry. The event left a lasting impression on us, with its clean and contemporary layout, the friendly and helpful staff, and the exceptional job done by the organisers in making us feel right at home.
Our showcase took place in two distinct spaces, Syndicate 12 and the Chester Suite, each offering a distinct experience.
“SYNDICATE 12”
In Syndicate 12, a more traditional setting, we combined BLUMENHOFER FS3 MK2 speakers with a MASTERSOUND EVO 300B pure triode integrated amplifier. Handling digital-to-analogue conversion was a BRICASTI M3 DAC, and courtesy of LDMS, a MINIMAX Server took care of our digital feeds.
This system was carefully designed to make the most of the space without causing interference with neighbouring exhibitors.
The FS3 MK2 speakers impressed with their clarity, minimal distortion, and exceptional bass reproduction. Their valve-friendly design and switchable impedance linearisation system allow them to maintain a flat 8 Ohms impedance curve, making them an ideal match for valve amplifiers.
Blumenhofer Acoustics is a leading name in high-end speakers, celebrated for its horn-loaded technology. Their core innovation centres around the efficient, dynamic, and natural sound reproduction achieved through horn-loaded systems.
What sets them apart further is their meticulous craftsmanship and a wide selection of exotic veneers, ensuring that each speaker combines precision, quality, and aesthetic appeal.
In a market flooded with similar products, the EVO 300B stands as a rare gem. This pure-triode integrated amplifier boasts an impressive output of 24W per channel at either 8 or 4 Ohms, and it's not just about performance; its exquisite aesthetics make it a product you'd be proud to showcase rather than stow away.
This unique parallel design achieves its remarkable output through the application of MASTERSOUND's exclusive technology, which represents the culmination of decades of research into their in-house designed transformers – an indispensable element in any top-notch valve amplifier. Notably, these transformers also serve as effective heat sinks, enhancing the reliability and lifespan of both the valves and components.
These innovative transformers empower the EVO 300B to deliver a robust output in single-ended class A operation, which not only accommodates but encourages compatibility with even traditionally sensitive speakers, all without compromising the essence of pure triode operation.
Our M3 DAC handled the crucial digital-to-analogue conversion process. This compact unit possesses a unique ability to render instruments and voices in an uncannily realistic manner, creating a genuine 3D soundstage without veering towards harsh or soft edges.
Crafted from an in-house solid block of aluminium, this elegantly compact BRICASTI DAC is a versatile audio Swiss army knife. The American manufacturer has built a strong reputation for their expertise in digital replay conversion, and with the M3 DAC, they've integrated technology from their top-tier products.
The M3 DAC offers an affordable glimpse into the manufacturer's digital replay conversion expertise. With its dual mono-balanced topology, two dedicated linear power supplies, NDSD and DoP support, precision DDS clocking, and two distinct digital audio conversion paths, it's a versatile unit that faithfully and accurately reproduces music.
We showcased the LDMS MINIMAX server's ability to excel in modern digital setups, providing a neutral, high-bandwidth source to suit our setup.
Years of meticulous research and development by Lucas Domanski have led to the creation of the LDMS Minimax, the ultimate achievement in digital sound reproduction, a name already well-recognized by audiophiles worldwide.
It effortlessly tackles common digital challenges, resulting in a genuinely authentic audio experience marked by a refined sound defined by an enveloping immersion, precise rhythm, a clear midrange with lifelike timbre, and a holographic soundstage.
This setup defied expectations, proving that a 300B valve amp could deliver warmth with precision, power and clarity. The result was a mesmerising musical experience that highlighted the nuances of the music irrespective of genre.
“CHESTER SUITE”
We ventured in a different direction in the larger Chester Suite, employing an all-solid-state system exclusively fed by CDs and high-res SACDs media.
Arguably a stunning display of some Bricasti Design’s finest, including an M25 stereo dual-differential power amplifier, an M20 pre-amplifier, as well as the latest generation M1S2 DAC. The all-new M19 SACD/CD digital transport player would be taking the lead, making its first debut in the UK. Read the introduction from Brian Zolner, SEO of Bricasti Design, on the latest M19 SACD/CD Digital Transport Player with I2S output.
Speakers were courtesy of ART Loudspeakers in a pair of EMOTION DIAMOND 8s, more of which later.
As the room filled with visitors on day one, we powered the M19 into the M1S2 DAC and fed it into the remaining system: the immediate results were astonishing. The vivid output was so genuine and realistic that a simple description falls short in fully describing it.
Forget any biasing for a moment here; the Bricasti electronics in the company of the ART Loudspeakers exceeded all expectations, even from cold; when Damon put his foot down in unleashing the M25 with the M19 SACD/CD player at the helm, the results were dazzling.
The sound had a profound, tactile quality, creating a solid connection to the essence of the music, carried with such palpable and earthy richness that left everyone, us and our visitors, in a state of awe and, at times, disbelief.
The system had such a commanding, monumental presence that drew the audience into a deep, profound silence by witnessing something extraordinary; “that kind of silence”.
As guests were momentarily puzzled about what was in front of them, someone in the crowd was heard whispering “Bloody Norah”; maybe not the sleekest of comments, but one that arguably made sense there and then. It was nothing short of a startling experience.
This state-of-the-art result was as close to a real performance as you would dare, defying the size of the speakers; this reinforced the sense of awesomeness and disbelief projected by two seemingly innocuous 8” woofers.
The ART EMOTION DIAMOND 8s loudspeakers, driven by the M20 preamplifier and M25 power amplifier, revealed their dynamic and expressive smooth sound. They effortlessly conveyed the music's nuances, providing a magical and immersive experience by creating a seamless connection between the listener and the music.
The ART EMOTION DIAMOND 8s filled the large space so convincingly that it took everyone near it off-guard, matching near-subwoofer levels of response and showing high compatibility with the Bricasti electronics at hand.
On day two, we had the opportunity to showcase the ART IMPRESSION DIAMOND 10, a larger floor-standing variant featuring an additional 220mm midrange driver and a 300mm bass cone. The result was an even more capable speaker sharing all the qualities of the EMOTION 8s but with added subterranean low-level response.
TIGLON JAPAN handled cabling and rack duties; this manufacturer is committed to excellence, including significant investments in advancing magnesium technology within their cables and shared within their racks and platform solution designs.
Magnesium has excellent shielding properties, making it effective at blocking or attenuating RF interference. This is particularly important in audio equipment because RF noise can introduce unwanted signals or distortions in audio signals.
This results in cables that transmit audio signals with unrivalled purity and precision, making Tiglon a top choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate in audio performance.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of TIGLON JAPAN’s magnesium technology, please follow this link: TIGLON JAPAN Magnesium Shielding Technology.
SHUNYATA RESEARCH's HYDRA DELTA D6 and TYPHON mains conditioners provide the best energy source for our main system in these challenging settings with aplomb. These well-respected devices are the pinnacle of mains conditioning; we recommend trying these outstanding products on any system we can think of, so check them out.
Participating in this event was a fantastic experience. Our entire team was at their best, and all the months of preparation paid off, leaving us with lasting memories.
We're already looking forward to our next exhibition and want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the visitors, press, and friends who supported and cheered for us.
See you at the next one!
SYNDICATE 12
CHESTER ROOM
Videos courtesy of “MYHIEND”.
