I have just returned from an interesting trip to Perth W.A. where I visited my son who
is attempting first year university. Before I left I had contacted two people from the
Joelist, popular Internet mailing list mainly directed to valve gear but has many side
threads and asked if they might like to suggest some shops to visit whilst I was in Perth
and whether they would like to meet for a chat.
Both Robert and Conrad were kind enough to suggest shops to visit and an invitation to
visit to hear Roberts’ system. I visited what are termed by locals as the big three
in Perth (Audio Synergy, Frank Prowse, Simply Hi-fi) and listened to various systems. I
have now seen (but not heard) systems I have only read about in magazines and have some
appreciation of the size and cost of such systems.
Frank Prowse (Glyde Street just off Stirling Highway) had quite a few Home Theatre
setups with accompanying megabass but quite good listening. Audio Synergy (on Stirling
Highway) were interesting for the number and varied speakers in the shop with what looked
like a DIY system in place in one of the listening rooms. Very nice looking but was not
playing for audition (pity). Simply Hi-Fi (Hay St Subiaco) had one listening room with a
Sunfire sub in place and what looked like the Sunfire driver on the counter, talk about
big! Nice sounding system in the back room.
Robert Ang was kind enough to invite me to his house for a listen to his valve pre and power
amplifier and a set of Ariel (Lynn Olson) Mark 3's. Robert made clear that he was still
experimenting with the Areil’s and had more mods to make. (Robert is known to a
number of members thru the Joelist - Ed.)
I was very impressed with the whole setup and was introduced to many and varied artists
some of whom I had known of but never heard. Amplifiers were single ended 845’s with
Tango iron powered by stand alone power supplies using two toroidal transformers along
with many (about eight) Cerafine (?) electrolytics connected to the amplifier module using
large green Canon connectors. See Robert’s Web page for more information. Overall
impression was one of smooth midrange, nice bass not real low, and a bit treble shy.
I also visited Audiomeister in Fremantle and was treated to a session using one of the
new belt drive CEC CD players along with some vinyl. Impression was good midrange and top
end but bass shy. Will buy cartridge to try this week (it really was good). Lunch with
Conrad Drake at Bridie O’Reilly’s in Subiaco was very informative and we bounced
many ideas around. We discussed likes and dislikes, some circuit topologies and reviewed
my visits to the Hi-Fi shops. Nice lunch and company.
Last call was to W.A.R. Audio (Unit 203/396 Scarborough Beach Rd) to try to listen to
the new Raven 3's. I had inquired to WAR about the Raven R2’s a year or so ago. Sorry
but I cannot remember the guys names (Pat and Heath?) but they were most helpful and set
up their system containing the Ravens and after a cuppa we were treated to what I must
confess is the best system I have heard bar none! Older Pioneer CD player main oscillator
battery powered, active xover at 500Hz valve preanp with battery bias and a push-pull
Class A transistor amp also battery powered.
The Ravens were superb, detail and definition from mids to top end., system seemed low
bass shy for my liking. Two Accuton drivers each side for the bottom end (5½ inch
ceramic) in sealed cabinet. Price around the $4000 per Raven 3 if you have the money, they
definitely deserve a listen.
Russell Twining