This year saw the triumphant return of our Bristol Hi-Fi Show. Matt, our newest member of our Cardiff store was able to make his first attendance, working the whole weekend. This months article takes a look at his experience of the show through fresh eyes…

Now the dust has settled after the Bristol Hi-Fi Show I thought it was time to talk about my experience of my first time at this iconic event and how much I enjoyed it.

Over my years in retail, especially working in the music industry in the past, I have always classed myself as being a bit of a music show veteran working as a buyer at shows such as the Namm Show in Los Angeles and the Dallas International Guitar Show in Texas but as far as Hi-Fi shows go I’m a total newbie.

Now that I proudly work as a sales consultant for, in my humble opinion, one of the best Hi-Fi shops in the country, being part of the Audio T family and what a great family it is. When I was offered the chance to work at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show I jumped at the chance, as I said to my colleagues, “time to get my show feet back on and ready to rock!”

Before I talk more about my experience at the show and go on about all the fantastic gear I saw and listened to, let’s talk about a little history behind the show…

Believe it or not, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show turned 36 this year with the first one being held back in 1987, started by one of our directors, Tony Revelle. With his passion for all things Hi-Fi, Tony’s vision was to bring brands old and new together under one roof to showcase their new forthcoming equipment to give customers a chance to see and listen to all of this fantastic equipment before it hit the shops. I Feel we’re lucky to have a great show like this, especially since this is the first one in three years, as we know COVID put everything on hold, as we say we’re back and better than ever.

My Show Experience

If you visited the show, you may have met me first thing in the morning on all three days, scanning tickets and welcoming all. I was the chap in the blue suit jacket. If you didn’t meet me on the door you may have met me in sales room 211. I have to say, it was great to see and meet you all on the door and seeing such an awesome turnout for the show. As well as meeting new and some old customers coming up from Wales to see us, as well as people from all over the country as well. Being at the show gave me a great chance to get to know staff from our other branches, as there’s nothing like being in a room full of like-minded people passionate about music and talking about each other’s systems; whether it’s vinyl, CD or streaming we’re all part of the Audio T family and I feel lucky to be part of it.

Myself and the audio t team (i’m the one in the back with glasses on)

The show gave me a good opportunity to catch up with representatives from countless companies exhibiting at the show, to talk about new and exciting equipment to follow throughout the year. People that know me well know I'm a bit of a gear head, so the Bristol Show is the perfect place for me to see and hear Hi-Fi equipment we don't often get to see every day in the Cardiff shop. The show allows us to get an idea of what we would like to carry in the shop and most importantly, for you the customer, to see and hear exciting products.

So, what great gear did I get to see and hear and what can I recommend for you guys to check out.

Each day I took the opportunity to take a wander around the show and listen and take the odd picture or two for you guys to see.

First up, Rega…

Rega are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and Roy Gandy himself was at the show, sadly I didn't get to meet him but it’s amazing to know he was there. In fact, my colleague Brad did get a chance to interview him which you can watch below…

Anyway, I digress. Back to talking about Rega’s awesome new editions, starting with the all-new NAIA. For me just the look of this in the Rega room stole the show! Sadly I didn't get to hear it as it was the prototype. I got to check out the new bearing and part of the new arm mechanism let’s just say, think of a formula one racing car then think of a turntable and combine the technology such as carbon fibre. I can’t wait to hear this turntable and hear what it can do. Also, in the Rega room they have come up with white versions on the P6, P8 and P10, which look fantastic in the new colour option. My self being a very proud owner of a Rega planar 6 it was nice to see it in white.

Our old friends, Leema Acoustics…

I say old friends because ever since I first listened to the Tucana ll Anniversary almost two years ago now, they had me hooked and I have used this amp in our shop as a reference point ever since. I knew these guys were at the show so I couldn't resist popping in to say hi and have a listen. Also to add, Leema are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Aside from the Tucana they had the Pyxis and the Hydra combo, together with the one I've been waiting for, which I had a bit of Wayne’s World moment with (Oh yes it will be mine), the all new Quantum range and especially Neutron and Graviton pre-amplifier and power amplifier combination, which I am very much looking forward to seeing in our store. If you haven't listened to Leema before I highly recommend checking them out.

On to Audio Note…

You may remember I wrote a blog about Audio Note a little while back on the Cobra and the AN-K speaker and about my passion for all things valve. With Audio Note being at the show I thought now is a great chance to check out some more of their range and more importantly sit down and listen to their fantastic equipment they had on display such as the small but mighty P1 power amplifier and also gave me a great chance to look and an Audio Note turntable as I had never seen one up close before, I have to say it looks and sounds fantastic. Also, their new range of bookshelf speakers the AX range, I can’t wait to hear these as they look fantastic. Chatting with Micky Seaton from Audio Note about their equipment and arranging for me to take a tour around the factory… Could be another Audio Note blog in the wings, so watch this space.

More Gear

On my walk around the show, I did see many other things such as the fantastic new range from Audiolab the new 9000 and 7000 range. Also, the AURALiC, Cyrus and Spendor room made my ears prick including the Dynaudio demonstrations. Sadly I didn't have time to listen to everything but from what I did get a chance to hear, most sounded awesome!

One of the highlights of the show was getting to check out the Wireworld range of cables, where I had the unique chance to meet company president, David Salz, who talked through their range. I myself proudly own a Wireworld Matrix which sits in my system.

In conclusion

The Bristol show was a thoroughly amazing experience and there is so much to see. I would say you need a couple of days there to see everything, or maybe all three. What was pleasing to see was everybody enjoying themselves and the atmosphere at the show… (pardon the pun) was electric. In short, the show has something for everybody and yes, I have signed myself up to work the show next year, as I can’t wait to see you all again.

Thank you for reading

Matt, Nick and Kerrin - Audio T Cardiff

If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.

If you’ve enjoyed this, why not go ahead and read some more of our other blogs, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels below…

Although the Bristol show is over for the year the excitement never stops. New gear and events are ahead - we have a vinyl evening on the 21st of April at our local coffee shop, Mec Coffee, which we’re very much looking forward to plus many more events to come throughout the year.

If you would like to know more about any upcoming events, or you feel inspired by what you have seen and heard at the Bristol show and you would like to have a listen in the comfort of one of our demo rooms, or even have a home demonstration, why not give us a call on 02920 228565 or Email us at cardiff@audio-t.co.uk , or pop in and see us. We look forward to hearing from you.