Luckily for me, I didn’t want to win a prize and wasn’t in the slightest bit disappointed not to do so

Time for lunch and the opportunity to experience something a little bit different – Pink Floyd’s original 1973 PA system playing Dark Side Of The Moon. In my head, this saw the front lawn of Cranage Hall dominated by two massive stacks in front of serried ranks of deckchairs – a bit like a striped-canvas version of Floyd’s Momentary Lapse Of Reason album. In reality, a selection of bass bins, mid-range norns and other bits and bobs were laid out in the patio bar area. I really must learn to temper my imagination. Sonically, the PA was most diplomatically described to me as “authentic” (thanks, Grant). It was great, however, to get up close and personal with a little bit of rock history and if it’s any consolation, elsewhere at the show a £150k+ system was also struggling to get to grips with Pink Floyd’s classic exploration of mental illness and middle-class English ennui.

As the band would say a few albums later, the show must go on. Audio Note’s room never fails to please and this year was no exception. Audio Note seems to be one of the few rooms to encourage visitors to browse the CDs and albums on display and I’m always struck but the extent to which this little bit of interaction helps to generate a bit of buzz in the room.

Back to the top floor where Auralic’s Altair G2 streamer was making some very attractive sounds coupled to a pair of ATC SCM50 active speakers. I have to say that I really liked the look of the ATCs. Every year I feel more sure that active systems with fewer boxes will be the way forward for the HiFi industry as a whole. Equally, though, the sheer diversity of equipment on show each year guarantees that whatever your particular preferences, there is always something at the North West Audio Show to suit your particular taste.

Time for the free prize raffle as people packed into Mike Valantine’s Chasing

The Dragon room for the draw. There were some truly fabulous prizes to be won – the lady who scored the Eversolo streamer looked positively shell-shocked afterwards. Luckily for me, I didn’t want to win a prize and wasn’t in the slightest bit disappointed not to do so. Honest, guv.

If you haven’t visited the North West Audio Show before, I hope I’ve given you a flavour of what it is like. Even though this was the first time that I’d spent two complete days at the show, there were still loads that I didn’t get a chance to see. Still, there is always next year to look forward to. I have to mention Kris Sawicki and his team who work tirelessly to ensure that the show is friendly, accessible and fun. They make it look easy and I’m sure it isn’t.

Homewards

I went home with Michael so I can’t tell you what Alan and Mark argued about on their way home. Michael and I had lots to discuss but we didn’t mention AI. You never know who might be listening.