THE BIG DILEMMA

Have you ever felt like the Universe is conspiring against you, despite your best-laid plans? Sometimes things just do not go the way you expect. The lead-up to my first North West Audio Show experience was a bit like that. I had been back and forth for a while on whether to go, more not than go. “I’m going. I’m not going. Should I go, or should I avoid spending money, stay at home, and save some money to invest in an upgrade to my amp and speakers?” That was my inner dialogue until I eventually decided resolutely not to. Ach well. I would go next year instead, hear about this year’s event from friends and live vicariously through the social media posts covering the entire shebang, I thought. That’ll be enough for me.

It was then pointed out to me that, if I were to go, I may end up checking something out that I wouldn’t have otherwise seen or heard and that I would enjoy a fantastic weekend away, regardless of all the tantalising gear to drool over. “Surely, I won’t be able to afford any of it though, right?” I mean, it is all mega bucks, high-end gear, isn’t it? (Note – It isn’t) Finally, just a few weeks before, I convinced myself that I had to go. Otherwise, I knew I would regret it.

Next was the worry that, having fully committed but left it so long to make plans, I might not be able to get a place to stay. I had heard that rooms at De Vere Cranage Estate, the fabulous home of NWAS, were all booked up – no surprise there – and that other convenient options in the area tend to go fast too. Despite a truly kind offer to pull up the floor with a sleeping bag in a shared room, I politely declined. I’m 45 and sleeping on floors no longer appeals. Plus, I really would not wish my snoring on anyone, let alone friends who had been very organised in booking their accommodation well in advance. Besides, they were the Early birds, and I was going to be Johnny-come-lately. I would just have to suck it up and see if there might be another place I could get. What a relief it was, after a timely suggestion from my good friend, and fellow HiFi Pig Contributor, John Scott, that I managed to secure the last available room at The Lion and Swan, an amazing, family-run traditional Inn in nearby Congleton. It must have had my name on it, even better, my wife, Anna remembered she had enough voucher points saved up for a one-night hotel booking. Result! I must have done something right in my former life because it was starting to feel like it was all meant to be. All I had to do next was get there.

Getting There

As I was only able to go for one full day on Sunday, I was eager to get away sharp on Saturday to try and squeeze in the last couple of hours of the show and catch up with friends at the bar in the evening; I had been told that the social aspect of the weekend is as much of the appeal, if not more so, than all the HiFi. Despite my best efforts, the getaway wasn’t as early as hoped due to a couple of family-related delays, many tears (not mine, I must add), and frantically looking everywhere for my wallet (that made me feel like crying).

Once I got on the road, albeit a couple of hours later, I was relieved to be on my way and settled in for my journey, but my first stop came much sooner than expected. Less than five minutes into my 4 hours plus drive from Edinburgh to Cheshire I had car trouble and had to pull over. Oh, come on! Just let me get there already. Mercifully, it wasn’t too long before I was back on my way, following a bit of ill-informed grunt work at the side of the road. The next part of my journey couldn’t have been more stress-free. It was quite uneventful in the best possible sense. Just what I needed.

North West Audio Show (or simply ‘Cranage’ as it is often known) is in an ideal location, which is catered for by multiple, convenient travel options given its proximity to a nearby train station, Manchester airport and accessible by many major roads. My dithering about going to the event also turned out to be a blessing in disguise because my digs were excellent; I highly recommend the hotel, service, and food.

After a brief pit stop, I was itching to get to the estate and found it was a short drive through a picturesque part of the Country. As I pulled through the grand gates to the stately property, I felt a sense of relief and relaxation wash over me, knowing I would be able to ditch the car (plenty of free parking all weekend) and head to the bar for a much-deserved drink, or several.

Social Club

Despite having missed the end of the actual show on the first day, I was just chuffed to be there; not least because I’d heard stories of brilliant nights spent in the bar and how much of a buzzing atmosphere it could be. Fast forward to later that evening, while having a great laugh in the company of friends and newfound pals, I recounted all the above hurdles and it was pointed out I must have read The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho; “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Thanks, Stuart Smith (HiFi Pig Head Honcho, who I met for the first time in person) for reminding me of that more positive take on my earlier perspective. For many differing reasons, I had desperately wanted to make it to the event, so the mention of that quote most definitely rang true and felt I was truly meant to be there. Quite honestly, I could have missed all the daytime attractions and still had a fantastic time.

I consider myself fortunate to be a part of the Facebook group Audiophiles UK. Hi-Fi and Music and I was delighted to be amongst members I know personally and to finally meet several others from that community. In a way, I felt I already knew some of them from seeing their faces and reading their posts online, such is the nature of their enthusiastic banter, and you couldn’t ask for a more jovial bunch. I could liken some of them to characters in my HiFi/ Audio journey (aka addiction) and the players supporting that growing habit in one way, or another:

John Scott: Enabler (“Guilty m’lud”, his own words)

• Got me back into HiFi after many years and has really supported me every step of the way

Alan McIntosh & Dave Robson: Pushers

• Generous providers of freebies to assist with my setup and posters of insightful social media content

Stuart and Linette Smith: Cartel leaders

• Words of wisdom, support, and the opportunity to get involved with HiFi Pig as a contributor

Peter Morland and Mark Charles Stewart: Co-conspirators

• Good blethers about gear, etc.

Carlo Marengo: Dealer/Distributor

(Notable mention, though not actually present at Cranage but featured in conversation as a potential, future attendee, and exhibitor)

• Sold me a Pathos Classic One MKIII amp, my first foray into the current phase of the quest for audio heaven