This edition ushers in a new line of products that may astound even the hardened P.W.B. user. As usual, there is no substitute for trying them for oneself, and I apologise if my writing seems so mindlessly enthusiastic, as I try to describe the ineffable and the great. It is no mean task, and I think this often inhibits others from making contributions. I am grateful as ever to those that do contribute, and I think you will be surprised by the generosity of P.W.B. on these matters.
However, I think it important to state yet again that if we are to make sense of these phenomena, we must be willing to be open and honest about our experiences, thoughts and ideas, because these are the clues to finding a wider perspective. There are differing views contained within this Newsletter, but I could not say which was true; as we know from physics, things can be two things at the same time, and it is our poor attempts to explain things that is at fault, not the experiences of them. I do hope that many others will grasp this, and feel able to write, but I also register that for some, enjoying the products, and this Newsletter is enough. And why not?
I think it will also be clear from this issue that there is little detail about how the new products take over from previous products. As I am only getting to grips with some now, I thought it would be helpful to produce an update Newsletter, of the how to treat a CD type, just before Xmas. This means that like requests to Father Christmas, I am willing to take orders concerning objects/equipment that people would like articles on. This may include anything you can think of, and it might be fun to throw in some amusing ones - I plan to advise on the treatment of Xmas trees!
Address for correspondence
P.W.B. Newsletter
P.W.B Electronics
18. Pasture Crescent
Leeds LS7 3QB
Or for you sophisticates
E-mail – to Newsletter@belt.demon.co.uk
Before launching into the extraordinary new products that have recently erupted from the P.W.B. creative matrix, I wish to address one issue, but it sort of relates to something that many may not know of i.e.
Loudspeaker Cables and Ties
In the late spring I decided to address a number of aspects of my system, and foremost was to sort out the loudspeaker cables. I wanted something better, more discrete, with the full cable-tie pattern on. I discussed this with P.W.B., who suggested I try some cable that he uses, which is a thin PTFE coated, twisted cable. I thought well, why not, especially as he promised to treat the cable itself - perhaps what used to be called polarising. I would also get the full cable-tie package, which as we know can make even poor cables sound amazing, and better ones fabulous.
I don't know quite what I was expecting, possibly a step up of some size, but not a devastating Clock moment. How wrong I was, as when the cables were in place, with ties on. The effect was really astounding. The quality of sound simply raced forwards, and the speakers became that bit more invisible. More extraordinary was my noticing later that the TV picture had improved to a similar degree - a very disturbing experience. The twisted red/black cables also looked better, and are certainly a massive visual improvement on those of hose-pipe dimensions; worth thinking about on the home situation front. I would not be surprised if these cables seriously wiped the floor with all other types. I suspect that P.W.B. would probably not be able to mass market them, but if you are reviewing your cables, talk to him, negotiate, beg etc. to at least try some.
I would also add here that a recent experience confirms that the cables themselves without ties, are superior to treated/with ties cables from other lesser sources. Thus one could attempt to secure the cables from P.W.B., and gradually build up the tie-pattern, which furthers the benefits. I cannot rate the cable too highly, and the effect it has on ones relationships, by virtue of its discrete visual qualities, is considerable too!
The X-Products
The TV programme that has a similar title has a subtitle, The Truth is Out There, but it is actually more focused in Leeds, if this range of products is anything to go by. Truthfulness of experience though is the key, and one is afforded, by applying these products, a much closer, more accurate view of so much; music, pictures, even tastes etc.
I think it is important to try and give some sort of idea of the background to these products, so that the reader knows why the products exist. The reader will of course have to tolerate the inaccuracies of my summarising of P.W.B.'s thinking, and thus has to consider a dialogue with P.W.B. for the full story. Not easy though, as we enter the world of cosmology, quantum mechanics, and thus the remarkable formulations that are the frontiers of modern physics.
As I understand it, these products address the issue of how our sense organs, or organs of perception, (which may extend beyond eyes and ears etc.,) resolve the position of an object/s in time and space. This relates to the evolution of the universe, the original 26 dimensions and not just the three plus time that we recognise. In a nutshell, the products give us something to lick onto, and reduce low level tensions associated with perception of objects that one cannot fully locate. Quite literally, X marks the spot and allows us a stress free possibility of focusing on it. The alternative is rather like trying to find where a pebble dropped into a bottomless well has gone, and there cannot be a satisfactory sense of where an object is. Another approach might be to imagine that our senses are like the sonar of the bat, but without an opportunity of hearing the ping come back we again are not really able to sense a location. The X-Products supply the boundary that causes the reflection of sound for the bat, which can then avoid collision etc. P.W.B. suggests that many, if not all things/objects lack the co-ordinates that help us perceive them appropriately in time and space, and much of our time is caught up with trying to perceive something that is past/dead or not really there in a proper way, according to our senses. This clearly links with a number of other fields, but I would like to draw the readers attention to something from my field of work. In Child Development research, and research on the severe mental illnesses, the importance of object constancy and a relationship to appropriate boundaries is seen as crucial to healthy development and continuing health; P.W.B. is also addressing this issue, albeit from a different perspective. In time, I may write more on this issue. Now it is time to turn to these extraordinary devices, so that the reader can think how to proceed with testing etc., and forming ones own view.
The X-Pen
This remarkable, cost-effective device comes in the form of a Red pen, with a yellow tie around its waist, and a few simple instructions. Essentially, one places ones signature on objects, followed by a greater than sign, and then OK. This all seems simple, but to hear the effect is to realise that language, written in particular, is almost tuned into a world of magic. Putting the following.
R.Graham > O.K.
onto any object gives rise to a notable improvement, in sound, vision, you name it (pun intended!) I tried first on a car cassette, and was startled to hear what difference there was, even on such an unsophisticated tape player. And one goes on, and on. I haven't found a place where the pen doesn't work, and the more it is used, the better the sound, and one is down to the problems of having enough time to do everything properly. Quite extraordinary, and a convenient and cheap way into the X-world.
The X-Tie
This supplementary cable tie, which I think is also called the ladder tie, because of the holes in it, is quite remarkable. I have used a number to great effect, and it clearly supplements all previous ties. The clarity that results from its application is rather special, and I confirmed this to myself recently by applying one to the already excellent P.W.B. Interconnect Cable. The effect was very, very impressive, and of course one can try it in clip form, to evaluate its significance.
The Foils
There are 3 new Foils, but panic not, as many of them take over from previous Foils, and are much better as well!
The Foils are:
The X-Foil - replaces Gold and White Foils
Black 26 Foil - Replaces all previous Black Foils
Blue Z Foil - replaces Blue Earth Foil
There is one thing to note about the latter two Foils, in that they must be cut into strips of at least 2mm wide, since they contain miniaturised patterns and codes, and one needs
2mm to secure enough pattern for the effect. X-Foil can be cut into smaller strips - I have used 1mm to good effect. They do replace the Foils stated above, but are so much better that it is bewildering. They work anywhere, but I have found a number of places give one wonderful updates, without too much expense; a strip of each Foil on any Morphic Message Slave label; a strip of each on Electret Discs; a strip of each on Magnadiscs, including those on the White Freezer Dome/Bag - the Foils can be stacked on top of each other, but it is wise, I think, to apply Black26 Foil last; a strip of each on the front and back of ones photographic image, and anywhere on the Wallet; discs capacitors etc.
The effect of these Foils really is jaw-dropping stuff, and the application of them to Labels I find quite amazing. One then gets revelatory musical experiences, hearing clarity of performance, and musical genius of composer and artist. I would advice caution in treating Discs, as once heard, there is no turning back. However, there is a cost saving when treating discs, and I will give an update on this matter in the Xmas Newsletter. For now, use the Foils in the same way you would have used the previous version, but reap so much more as a result.
Ferrite's
These curious little tubes of Ferrous Oxide are stuck in the grooves of almost any object where one finds a 90 degree angle. There is also a version, which I have yet to try, which is part of an in-line device, for soldering into wires etc. Those in the know about such matters will understand this. For the rest, it is worth noting that this little device is capable of helping us to perceive a great deal more of whatever source we are listening to. There is something very attractive about the effect, and they are quite addictive, in the best possible way of course. Small, cheap and readily available, and very much worth a try.
The Dome
This product has now just about reached its final form, and is a remarkable achievement. The aim was to produce a Dome, or device, that would achieve much of the effect of multiple P.W.B. devices, but without the effort. Sat on the top of a piece of equipment, it would give rise to marvellous improvements, but without the hassle; a device for the less committed.
P.W.B. has achieved much with this device, although I cannot vouch for the benefits when used on equipment with no previous P.W.B. devices. It is wonderful to think that one could just drop this Dome onto a piece of equipment and then forget about it. For the dedicated, it is unlikely to be able to deal with all things, that still requires multiple treatments. For the rest, it is a Godsend I suspect, and may well prove to be more cost-effective. It can be branded for extra-special benefits, and will lead to many other developments, including an updated Photograph Wallet, for those that don't have one. There have been many versions of the Dome, as it has developed, and I would urge the interested reader to explore with P.W.B., a suitable assessment plan, as I think it is early days in the life of the product, and there may be wondrous developments just around the corner.
Do discuss all of this with P.W.B., and also remind yourself that less time, effort and possibly money are needed in the long run with this amazing device.
I think I have written enough about the different products, and as usual suggest you discuss with P.W.B. how you might proceed if interested. Where funds are tight, the X-Pen is a great way of getting a great deal from a little effort. The Foils are also great value, as are the Ferrite's, but there are other options. My own inclination is to update previous labels etc., but the reader may wish to pursue the Dome path. There is much choice in all of this, and saving for one option may be better in many ways. One sadly has to address the fact that whatever one does, it is limited; however, within those limitations, one can achieve so much. I would be interested to hear if others find this range as exciting as I do.
I have been a user of P.W.B. Products for the last 7 years and realise that it was stated in the last Newsletter that P.W.B. products are currently being revised, so this may not be the best time to write. (Any time is a good time to write, as there is no such thing as a best time in the P.W.B. world, where change is often rapid and remarkable - RG).
I have however tried the new X-Foil which really is an exciting product! Although it is the most expensive Foil I have tried, it does in fact replace two previous Foils - the White and Gold Foils, and represents a cost saving!
I have used the new X-Foil on CD's, and once a so-treated CD has been heard, it is very difficult to enjoy the same CD with the X-Foil removed.
In fact most objects can be treated with the X-Foil to great effect, and I found a narrow strip attached to a cartridge body produced a major improvement in sound, and oddly, not only to vinyl records, but to CD's as well!
Contributors to the P.W.B. Newsletter have obviously experienced the strange phenomena of Peter Belt products, but has anyone tried to explain/demonstrate to the uninitiated?
I work in a very busy office, where there are many of the usual horrors - fax machines, word processors, computers etc. Hardly the ideal place to experiment. However, I startled colleagues by demonstrating changes that can take place, merely by cutting off one corner of a polythene wallet. People who have agreed to try this have usually described a sensation similar to feeling a slight breeze passing over the face. Invariably after discussions with other colleagues, scepticism sets in, and the whole thing is ridiculed, and that the sensation must have been imagined.
When the 2cm and 3cm Films were introduced about 2 or so years ago, I carried out experiments at work, using photographs of colleagues. To their amazement, many who participated were able to tell when the film was applied and removed from their image on the photograph. One female was visibly shaken by the effect.
Once again, however, scepticism set in later, and the sensation must have been imagined.
My Hi-Fi sounds far superior to any that I have heard, and yet it is not particularly expensive. In fact for several years now I have relied solely on P.W.B. products for upgrading - there is always a guarantee of improvement that way.
This brings me to the question of hierarchy, a subject which appeared in recent issues of the P.W.B. Newsletter.
I'm afraid that I find the whole thing very boring, and almost as irrelevant as the endless comparisons of cables which seem to plague Hi-Fi magazines.
Without wishing to upset anyone, I feel that the concept of the hierarchy is a blind alley. My experience is that even without P.W.B. treatments, cheaper products often sound better than more expensive items from the same manufacturer. There appears to be no hard and fast rule.
My experience is that provided equipment has been competently designed, and is working correctly, it will, if treated with P.W.B. devices, outperform any untreated product, regardless of price.
Lastly, I would like to mention that most wonderful product The P.W.B. Photograph Wallet.
It has enabled me to use computers at work without incurring severe headaches, and even the appalling music invariably played at our local Virgin Superstore, and which has to be endured en route to the Classical/Jazz department doesn't sound so bad. Still, perhaps that is a sign of my age, and I seem to remember my father commenting on my musical tastes some years ago!
D. Irvine
A Comment
This letter gives us much food for thought, but I think it would be helpful if Mr. Irvine, or others could expand on certain points. I find it hard not to be a bit sceptical myself about P.W.B. products, when tiny bits of foil transform my perceptions.
It thus seems to me that the question of a hierarchy is to address this. It is this issue of competent design that is so intangible. I actually feel P.W.B. has a good grasp of this - try his cables! - but don't know how to assess the merits of products otherwise. Is there a minimum standard? After all, I suspect many P.W.B. customers are not using MiDi systems, which may provide excellent sound, if treated. I think we all have some sense of what we think is a good product to work on, and P.W.B. cannot, I presume, but am not totally sure, turn an Amstrad stack into something amazing. The question I often ask is how far can one go with what one has? I haven't got an answer yet, as what I have, just keeps getting better, and outstrips such revered ideals as live sound.
Mr. Irvine is also right in that such attention to detail can obscure the fact that we are listening to music, and we can become bores.
There must be a balance, but it is good to have a little perspective. Perhaps Mr. Irvine, or any others could inform us of their experiences on any of these matters. Please write to
RG
This isn't a diversion into hip and hand headgear of the over priced designer variety. No, its more of the weird and wonderful widgets of the Belt variety.
Capacitors are renowned for degrading the perceived quality of sound in the audiophile community. Indeed many of the latest pre-amps and Phono-stages are being promoted as eschewing the little horrors altogether.
Well, P.W.B. have managed to completely Contradict this assumption by using a tiny ceramic capacitor as a highly beneficial device,
Fitting these Caps on the input terminals of any loudspeaker system (across the positive and the negative terminals) yields fantastic results. The music bursts forth from the boundaries of the loudspeaker; imaging is more out of the box, three-dimensional and spacious.
If you can solder, they're best Smart Metalled to the loudspeaker terminals; one on each driver (you'll find that you cant live without them!). Other great places include across Capacitors, Inductors, Loudspeaker outputs on Amps, and any low voltage AC point.
(This is clearly something that one should undertake if fully knowledgeable i.e. with a long career in Electrical Engineering, a Nobel Prize).
Amazingly Contracaps do not even need to be in-circuit to function happily, as you can solder both legs to the same point, and the results are comparable. The type described by Richard Graham, for example, for fitting to load bearing beams in the house, are a perfect example. Steel casing of equipment can be treated in such a way, or try straddling a Cap between RF Shielding and the steel casework.
After applying a few of these devices its almost like having a surround sound system without the headache of the extra!
This is one of the many devices that can be Branded to suit your own equipment. The list of suitable brands was supplied with the White Freezer Dome. The effect of Branding is a revelation. Hearing is believing as they say, but the devices potency increased by at least 40%! Magnadiscs, Morphic Wool, Ferrite's (Surely the title of Philips next article). I've said enough.
Philip Turner
There was no doubt about it: the display on my tuner was getting dim. It didn't seem to make any difference to the sound; but it reached a point where it was difficult to tune the thing, and I was no longer surprised when I was no longer able to receive the background of my life: Radio 3. The tuner had to go back to Naim Audio in Salisbury to be repaired: it was a dreadful loss, despite my being loaned another tuner during its absence - an 03 instead of my 01, for those familiar with the jargon.
When the 01 was returned, it was obvious that it needed more than a simple repair: the original tuning head had been retained, but almost everything else was new; and with the old motherboard had gone all the Belt devices with which the original had been covered. (Where are these devices now?; answers on a Post Card to Mr. J Vereker..). Thus, without in the least intending anything of the kind, I had set up an interesting experiment: I was presented with a supposedly superior unit, only partially Belted. The tuning head was housed in an aluminium screening-box, which was soldered and had never been opened: all I could do was some foiling on the outside, which was still in place. The display (the only digital thing in the tuner) and all other circuitry, as well as the board on which it was mounted, were new.
The first step was to have a good listen, partly to allow the unit to burn in, which the reviewers always insist is so necessary. I left the thing switched on for a week; but I am far from convinced that I need have. I had no doubt in my mind that the sound was now better, by a considerable margin, than it had ever been: my new tuner was also a better one - and only partially Belted: I had moved up the hierarchy, and I knew it.
The next stage was to Belt the new parts of the tuner. P.W.B. supplied me with a dedicated Blue Magnadisc to go onto the circuit-board, and I had a selection of foils which also went on the board. There did not seem to be any component which could be profitably adorned, apart from a single IC, which was tiny, and could only take a Red Foil, which was considerably longer that the IC.
Compared with what had been on the old board - added over a number of years - there seemed little on the board, but it worked: indeed it did. Every aspect of the sound was improved, producing a result that is not inferior to that of the CD player, and in some ways betters it. When - too rarely - there is a live transmission, the result is breathtaking: and indeed any of the BBC's tapes are highly enjoyable: my repaired tuner is something to cherish.
This means that, for me, the position with regard to the hierarchy is the one I should expect: a superior piece of kit is just that: superior; but add Belt devices, and all those qualities which we associate with them are there too: they do not cease to work because there is a superior component to work on! Anyone wish to differ from my?
Peter Turner
A Response
There is something of a challenge in Peters final comment, and I must rise to it. I think that we have to be clear that none of us can be certain that any particular element in a piece of equipment is responsible for its superiority. The manufacturer will try to lead us into thinking they know what is what, and who are we to know if they are right that a change is for the better? We may agree initially, and maintain our view that the new improved model is just that, or experience over time may lead us to rather different conclusions. Who is right? What would happen if Peter had not been told about the changes? Would the sound have been better, or not? If so, what sense would he have made of it, if he hadn't looked at the board inside?.
I think it is often tempting to assume a number of things that could cloud our judgement: a reputable manufacturer is likely to develop better products, although there is not a single manufacturer who has not tried to sell early mistakes. Then we might assume that any advance is due to a phenomenon not related to P.W.B. phenomena - is this really so?. Surely many modern engineering principles could be thought of as trying to deal with the same problems from different perspectives e.g. equipment stands and earth reference points.
We have perhaps too long thought of the hierarchy of products as related to engineering etc., and there may be much value in this. However what is the overlap with P.W.B. devices, are Naim products tapping into P.W.B. phenomena accidentally? More importantly, how does the Magnadisc compare with the factory changes?: Peter may like to quantify this if possible, as it is an important question.
Now I know that Peter does not possess cloth ears, and that there is likely to be much truth in his observations. P.W.B. is also not changing lead into gold, and as we know from his cables, he uses sound engineering principles with new ideas. Perhaps we do not know enough to really understand a hierarchy, although it is maddening not to be able to do so. I certainly feel there is more to be said, and know many obtain excellent sounds from equipment less costly than the Naim products that Peter uses. What must not happen though is our believing a hierarchy imposed by manufacturers, and the dynamics of the market place, because economists aren't always best at judging things in other areas.
R
It is very convenient to have a spare source of hot water. If the boiler breaks down you can have hot water at the flick of a switch, through the electrical technology of the immersion heater! When ours was installed I noticed no obvious deterioration in the sound of my system. Or so I thought at first. I gradually noticed that DDD CD's sounded inferior to AAD and ADD CD's and LP's (let alone ADDA CD's - RG). In particular a live CD of James Taylor sounded disappointingly insubstantial. His voice projected well, but the instruments sounded thin and unconvincing.
It occurred to me that to get my previous good sound back, some P.W.B. treatments were called for. I therefore obtained from P.W.B. the following items:
a Green Aeroplane Label
a Red Hertz Label
2 Red Ring Ties
The two Ties were to attach to the flex of the immersion heater. The Red Hertz Label was superimposed on the Green Aeroplane Label, and this was stuck on the round assemblage that I presume gathers the electricity before it is passed onto the coil of the heater itself.
Now when I played any source, the sound was most impressive. There was a depth and a mellow sense of enjoyment, particularly with piano music. The James Taylor CD gained a great deal, in terms of ambience in particular. Gone was the thinness that had disappointed me before.
Then, a curious observation, at first too incredible to believe, kept being repeated. The sound in the bathroom had become remarkable. I am speaking of a small mono tape-deck, with a tiny speaker. It always has been pleasant to listen to in the bath. Now I noticed that it was producing a melodious sound, with quite a deep bass. The logic would seem to be that the Labels on the immersion heater are modifying the water in the tank in some way. As the water splashes into the bath it brings with it this pleasant harmonious effect.
Kenneth Hyam
Many readers may remember my brief investigation of the world of 90's Hi-Fi at the Live 94 show, held at Olympia in September 1994. In short, it was a fiasco. Not much prospect of returning to such a show one might think.
Then the powers that be at P.W.B. suggested that I might like a ticket for the Audiophilish show to be held at the Cumberland Hotel in September of this year. I thought, having fond memories of the old shows at the Cunard Hotel, why not. I was also interested in what those in the Trade thought of as Good Sound. Despite a heavy schedule, I thought I could squeeze a visit to the show in. The decision was confirmed when I was informed that May and Susan Belt would also be going, and I was to meet with them!
(There was also the mention of some new devices that I could try, but of course that was no incentive to meet with May and Susan, as I have just a pure scientific interest in matters P.W.B.; the fact that I cant get enough of the devices is utterly coincidental).
I wasn't sure what to expect, but after a brief chat and coffee with May and Susan, it was time to face the music, and possibly listen to some in a sympathetic environment. I am not certain who we met first, but soon after reaching the basement section, we bumped into Steve Harris, Editor of Hi-Fi News. I say bumped into, but May clearly wanted our presence to be registered, and it was a moment of some satisfaction to watch the mood of nervous contemplation creep over Mr. Harris face as he tried to ascertain what a Doctor was doing with P.W.B. staff. And why was May Belt there? This feeling of causing discomfort is not unknown to me, but some of the reactions were satisfyingly great. A certain Antipodean leapt back at least one yard, despite obvious warmth expressed to May and Susan. I think we can deduce a number of things from these observations. Firstly the audio industry seems to want people to go away to die/retire/lick their wounds when treated as badly as P.W.B. has been, and the real presence of P.W.B. staff refuted the notion that P.W.B. had gone away. Secondly, I suspect that many in the audio world are terrified that scientists will expose many of the practices as based more on intuition etc., than sound scientific knowledge/experimentation. I felt I was seen as someone who could see through the bumbling half-science (well, I sort of could) and point the finger of poor science back at them, when it has clearly been pointed at P.W.B. for too long. May helped here, by suggesting I was interested in perceptual processes, which I am, and it was intriguing to witness how the world of audio both retreats from, yet feels threatened by this crucial field; after all we listen, and do not measure music. Thirdly, and this relates more to Mr. Harris, Hi-Fi News did not publish a recent letter I wrote to them, in which I used some experiments from Developmental Psychology to illustrate a point (context must be considered in any experimental work). I suspect Mr. Harris had to read this, and decide not to publish it, but was then shaking hands with its author. Of course he made a great error of judgement, although he did publish Peter Turners excellent, even though I think there could be at least two P.W.B. related letters per issue.
One room where the greeting was very different was the Naim room, where one employee seemed keen to snatch the relevant devices off of May, to improve the sound of their demonstration. I think we do not have to think too long to realise the ethical issues that this raises, especially when this individual seemed very clear as to the efficacy of P.W.B. devices. He was not informed enough though to know that the equipment would have needed a great deal of treatment to get anywhere near a decent sound in that environment, but one assumes people appreciate the name more than the product. Before discussing the sounds heard, I think I should say that I was not aware that anyone told listeners in the Naim room that the equipment was no longer standard, off the shelf stuff. There are laws
To consider the sounds, I think we have to consider a number of factors. Even considering the Photograph Wallet, many of us are used to a very high standard of sound now, thanks to the P.W.B. devices, and any untreated product is likely to suffer in comparison. And how! Now I know that Hi-Fi shows are notorious for their poor sounds and terrible acoustics. Yet to hear the sound from virtually every room was a disheartening experience. Naim, Linn, Absolute Sounds, you name it, all offered the listener loud, brash noise that was terrifyingly unmusical. There was the usual infiltration of TV and Cinema Sound, which I do not reject out of hand - I like the sound in some Cinemas - but it was disconcerting to fully realise that Hi-Fi manufacturers seem so out of touch with the concept of a good sound. The Naim employee did, but it was not used in the way that he could have, and then provided an extraordinary contrast, using more P.W.B. devices. Worse was the absence of inviting staff in the rooms. Many seemed distant to the point of appearing disinterested - surely this is not sound economics, even if the sound were atrocious. I don't think it would be hard to say that the experience on many levels was downright depressing. Many of the luminaries of the Hi-Fi world failed to show, which disappointed us, and I rather liked the idea of meeting some of the journalists. However, there were some good points.
Firstly, returning to the old chestnut of the hierarchy, I have to say that the most impressive sound at the show for me was from some tiny JPW speakers that were part of a home cinema set-up. There was a lightness and clarity to the sound which was most appealing. I imagine the equipment was a fraction of the price of many others, and there was a TW, multiple speakers and probably a rather cheap amp (I didn't see what it was). As Peter Turner says Explain That if you can. I could have stayed there to listen for a longer time that anywhere else. I wish I knew what it was that made the sound so good - I suspect it was simplicity.
Secondly, despite the shocked reactions of some, May was often greeted with warmth, and one sensed that P.W.B. was well respected before he went into that other stuff. I find this heartening on one level as there would appear to be a window, but depressing on the other, when there is so little scope for changing attitudes. It is worth noting again, I think, that the economic climate promotes a conservative view, and no managing director would seek to use experimental products, even though the current closed-mindedness will be the end of the industry. Hopefully someone will take a risk, as they cant do much worse than they are doing now.
Thirdly, it was a great pleasure to meet the woman behind the man, plus her daughter, and it is terribly reassuring to find so much common sense in a person(s) dealing with such odd ideas. But this is true of P.W.B., who eschews any notion of being a Charismatic, and thus leaves us with an enduring picture of someone who has used common sense, to make the uncommon available to us.
I suggest next year we all go and ask Naim for P.W.B. modified products, and cause a little more mischief!..
Richard Graham
I thought I would take this opportunity here to write about a matter close to my heart, and a useful solution that I have found.
The tale may be a familiar one. One reads of a disc that is coming out, or hears one on the radio, and one is taken by the performance in a very positive way. One goes to a local WH Smiths, and they do not have it, and Our Price seems to stock little other than Naxos Discs. One may even approach a large Tower Records, HMV or Virgin Store. No luck. Specialist stores seem only able to hold such limited stocks, and they might sell out rather too quickly.
There is little answer to the issue of getting something quickly, although I have learnt that less time wasting searching around does help. I have started to use the services of a Mail Order Service, and am largely very pleased by the services. Any difficulties seem to be related to our faithful/less Royal Mail Service, and these can be managed. And then one realises how limited one has been in purchasing discs in the past. A few back copies of Gramophone, or Record Company Catalogues really open doors, and one can ask for what one likes, knowing that an order is rapidly sent through to the relevant company, and then sent to the home.
There is another advantage: money! Many Mail Order Companies sell at substantially discounted prices; up to £4.00 off the price of a Full Price CD. Now, I am not against paying £15.00 at HMV, but this has to be when I am very impatient, and know my money is going into a middleman's pocket; sometimes I can bear that thought. Often I cant, and I have learnt that even so called discount stores make quite a profit.
I will mention the name of the Company I have liked using, and would suggest that if you wish to try them, get the disc catalogue numbers ready! The name of the company is The Music Group and the telephone number is 01908 543088. And they can get anything - historical, Italian labels etc.
If anyone knows of any other good company, I would be interested in hearing about them, because one needs the discs to test the products!
Richard Graham
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