Russ Fletcher's HiFi, audio and beyond...: October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Acoustic Streams has also been selected to host a leg of the Naim "The Future of Hi-Fi" roadshow on Saturday 10th November from 12pm to 6pm. The full Naim streaming product range will be available to demo with music from Naim Label and why not bring your own as well? Staff from Naim will be available on the day to answer any questions you may have.

Visit http://www.naimaudio.com/future-hifi-register fill in the form and select "Penzance, Acoustic Streams" from the drop box for a chance to win a Naim UnitiLite. On Naim's site you can also find out more about what the event entails.

Think that streaming is all lo-fi, iPods and mp3s? Just pop along and prepare to be Naimwashed!

www.acousticstreams.com/news

Poster for the Digital Audio event Acoustic Streams in Long Rock are hosting for The Chord Company. The event is between 5pm and 9pm on Friday 26th October and 9am and 5pm on Saturday 27th October.

Lots of music to listen to and great equipment to listen to it on. Full range of Chord digital cables on demonstration, new product exclusives, prize draw, special offers and pasties!

Plus they have the full "A" range of Spendor speakers in for the event and Rega's reference Isis and Osiris, CD player and amplifier.

http://www.acousticstreams.com/news

Disclaimer - Important Safety Note

This blog will, from time to time, contain articles relating to the repair and modification of electronic apparatus. The information provided is 'as-is' for private study only. While every attempt is made to be accurate, the information is not guaranteed to be free from errors or applicable to all examples of the model concerned. Dismantling, servicing or modifying your electronic equipment carries several risks - the most serious hazards are the dangerous mains voltages, and sometimes (as with valve amplifiers) potentially lethal HT voltages present inside the unit. These can cause injury or even death. Be aware that these voltages may be present even after the unit has been unplugged from the mains. Whilst assembly of components is generally safe and straightforward, once the equipment has been switched on it becomes potentially dangerous and remains so until the mains has been disconnected and any power capacitors have been fully discharged. Be sure that you know how to be safe around high voltages and that you know how to discharge electricity stored in capacitors before attempting to work on equipment. Servicing or modifying equipment may result in damage to the item itself or other products used with it. Do not attempt to repair, modify, or work on any equipment unless you are absolutely certain that you know what you are doing. If you have any doubt about your abilities to work on electrical appliances, please find a qualified technician to do the work for you. The author disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage and reading further implies agreement with this disclaimer.

About Russ - A Brief History

Russ’ career in electronics began well before leaving school in 1974. A keen interest was built-up whilst constructing many hobby projects and later finding out how things worked with a “no fear” approach to repairing many items belonging to friends and family. Further development took place with an increasing passion for music and live performance, when it seemed obvious to Russ that there was better value to be had by building your own amps and speakers, etc. This also appealed to a small select group of friends who took advantage of the cost effective approach! A good number of those items are still working and in use today, more than 30 years later.

During the ensuing years, Russ developed a career using this thirst for knowledge. Russ worked for industrial, commercial and mining companies testing, calibrating, servicing, repairing and generally maintaining all manner of electronic equipment and systems - Mainframe computer systems and peripherals, digital remote control systems, telecommunications and radio equipment, measurement and control, to mention just a few.

It was whilst working at Wheal Jane mine, as Industrial Electronics Engineer, that the workforce discovered that Russ could repair domestic TV’s, videos and Hi-Fi equipment and in 1989, when the mine closed, Russ decided to go-it-alone and become self employed. After all, there was a wealth of experience to be drawn from, so many markets could be covered.

Moving in this direction proved fruitful again, there was more to learn from this aspect of the industry - what started as a small repair business with added sales of refurbished TV and Hi-Fi equipment and accessories now blossomed into a thriving enterprise offering one of the UK’s most unique and diverse range of audio-visual related products and services - specialist Hi-Fi & Home Cinema equipment, including Plasma, Projection & LCD screens, PA, DJ & Recording equipment, Theatre & Stage Lighting, Musical Instruments & Amplification, Headphones & Media, plus Cables & Accessories for all areas.

Sadly with the advent of recession in recent times, it is now time to redress that business. The high street supermarkets and internet have, to a large degree, destroyed much of the trade with cheap electronic products, that have poor performance and reliability. Using the knowledge gained over the years and turning that into USPs (Unique Selling Points), it’s time to restructure and promote a new business - RussTrading. Russ because so many people know Russ as, well, “Russ”! And Trading because by using the internet, there’s a big market out there (and there are some “hobbies” that need to be tested as a business opportunity!)