For the last 10 days Hifi Pig’s Linette and Stuart have been fortunate enough to have been privy to what its makers are WORLD EXCLUSIVEclaiming to be the “game changer” in portable personal audio technology. Whilst we have not been permitted to perform an all out review of the item in question we have managed to gain exclusive access to the man behind the project and get a sneak peek at the finished item.

Prof. Ilyich S. Kerfunteun, up until three years ago, was working as “Head of Miniaturisation” at CERN is Switzerland where he was responsible for a small team tasked with, as the name would suggest, making some parts of the SHC (Super Hadron Collider) as tiny as feasibly possible. Needless to say in his work Professor Kerfunteun has used current cutting edge nano technology and has to come up with some pretty radical solutions to the problems faced by the scientists at CERN.

“When we are making things smaller in size we are coming head on to a lot of issues with regards the way individual particles interact not only with their surroundings but also with their neighbouring particles” says Prof. Kerfunteun in perfect English with a pronounced Czech twang. More »

Few bands bifurcate opinion as vociferously as Belle and Sebastian. Many people simply can’t see past the image of them fostered in their early publicity shots and sleeve notes: Duffel coat donning, butterfly net wielding perma-students gathered in a gang like some Vimto version of Dexys Midnight Runners. Building that band brand was a calculated risk – winsome, lose some – but the detractors who focussed on their Fotherington-Thomas feyness missed out on some great pop music. More »

Naim has revealed its new Super Lumina range of interconnects and speaker cables, developed in parallel with Statement, its super-lumina-1flagship amplification system.

The brief was simple say Naim, “Design a range of cables that would complement and allow the maximum performance of Statement as well as Naim 500 Series and Classic products. Starting with a blank page, Naim’s engineers specified each element of the cables based on the results of thousands of hours spent in the listening room testing prototypes”.

Super Lumina pre to power interconnects ship as standard with all Statement systems. The rest of the range is scheduled to enter production in February 2015 and will be available from all Naim specialist retailers.

The Super Lumina interconnects feature an advanced version of Naim’s patented Air-PLUG technology first introduced for the Hi-Line. All DIN and XLR connectors have the Air-PLUG connector, which is designed as a decoupling device to minimise microphonic interference and preserve the integrity of the audio signal.

The new Super Lumina Air-PLUG features multiple individual aluminium rings, which form the rear of the connector. These are screwed together to form an articulating section that they say inhibits the passage of unwanted energy. The connector pins on DIN terminated cables also float within their sockets, extending the decoupling effect right to the point where the signal enters the product. 

Super Lumina cables are designed to minimise the effect of external and internal interference sources and preserve maximum signal fidelity. The fundamental cable design consists of several individually-insulated multi-strand silver-plated copper conductors of varying diameters enclosed in a tin-plated copper shield. This is all enclosed in a soft outer jacket to facilitate easy installation whilst minimising microphonic interference.

Each signal, return, ground and shield conductor is individually manufactured for its specific function. The ground conductor references the audio band waveform, mirroring the internal design of Naim electronics.

To optimise performance and ensure consistency the directionality of the cables is controlled at every point of manufacture. Each diameter wire is matched after extrusion so that every conductor within the cable has the same directionality. 

Silver is used to plate all conductors, connector pins (excluding the RCAs) as well as the spade and 4mm speaker terminations. “Silver has the highest conductivity rating of any metal and also matches the plating on terminals of our flagship amplification system, Statement” say Naim.

Copper is used as the main conductor material in all Super Lumina cables. “Like silver, copper also has an exceptional conductivity rating. All DIN connector pins use silver-plated tellurium copper, an alloy of copper which is greater than 90% as conductive as the pure metal but which can be practically used in connector manufacture. This is far higher than commonly used alternatives such as brass or phosphor bronze”.

Aluminium. Air-PLUG connectors on XLR and DIN interconnects feature individually machined and anodised aluminium rings. Aluminium is a non-magnetic metal that provides a highly durable connection and is consistent with materials used on the chassis of Naim products.

Gold. Super Lumina interconnects come with an option of RCA terminations for fitting to non-Naim equipment.

FEP is a quality insulating material with low dielectric absorption. It used as the internal material, which insulates and separates each conductor.

Tin. All conductor shielding is woven from non-magnetic tin-plated pure copper. 

Each Super Lumina cable is hand-assembled at Naim in Salisbury to the customer’s specification of length and termination. 

Every cable also goes through a proprietary de-stressing process to relieve the materials of the inherent stresses which are a result of the manufacturing process. This means the cables reach optimum performance with minimal run in time.


Source to preamplifier interconnect

Available with DIN, RCA and XLR connectors and priced from £1750 for the standard DIN to DIN up to £3000 for XLR to XLR stereo.

Power amplifier to preamplifier interconnect

Available with DIN or XLR connectors and priced at £3000 per stereo pair or £1500 for a single cable for use with the NAP 300 power amplifier.

Speaker cable

Available with 4mm and spade connectors at £1,800 per 3m pair, £3,000 per 5m pair, £4,200 per 7m pair and £5,400 per 9m pair.

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To realize the full potential of the “Techy” this bearing is essential. Precision manufactured not a modified stock bearing, easy to fitbearings with full installation instructions. Only £445 delivered in the UK from MCRU stock and supplied with a “Free” set of Techniboots isolation feet which fit over the stock Techy feet, worth £40, all sent post free in the UK.
From Hifi Pig “We’re on a bit of a journey with the infamous DJ spinner, the Technics 1210. Some have a bit of a love affair with the turntable whereas others loathe it. Personally I fall into the Love It camp, though in its stock form, whilst a reasonable way of getting music from the vinyl grooves, it doesn’t really cut it in some company.BOOTSHowever, there’s a growing community out there in audiophileland who are taking the humble Technics turntable and modifying it extensively and keeping only the basic chassis and motor unit.

In this latest tinkering exercise I procured a Mike New replacement bearing from the folks at Mains Cables R Us to see if this could rinse out any further improvements from the turntable. Included in the review are a number of photographs to show just how easy the fitting of the bearing is



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If you want reference-quality headphones that take you closer to the music, Audeze’s LCD-X have to be heard.LCD-X AABK-SeatedL-12514

Audeze’s Award winning headphones are based on planar magnetic technology, which offers numerous benefits over traditional headphone design – see our tech boxout below for more details!

The LCD-X is an extremely efficient headphone that extracts the maximum power out of low-powered amplifiers and portable devices – and truly sings when powered by a headphone amp!

It’s also the most neutral of all Audeze’s LCD Collection. That’s why it’s favoured by recording engineers and musicians alike for its fast, dynamic and accurate sound.

Featuring Fazor Technology

Audeze’s patent-pending Fazor elements improve clarity, focus and the already spectacular holographic imaging. Two Fazor Fazor-Element-Diagram (1)elements are placed just outside the two magnet structures that surround the diaphragm. They guide and manage the flow of sound around the magnets and are standard on all LCD headphones.

Think of sound waves as ripples in a pond. Drop a pebble in the water, the ripples spread out undisturbed. Drop two pebbles and the ripples interfere with each other just like speakers in a room. Wave interference, while not as severe in headphones, remains an obstacle to top performance.

Fazor Features

  • Loads the diaphragm with a symmetrical acoustic load
  • Improves acoustic impedance-matching that extends high frequency response and increases efficiencyLCD-X-AABK-HangingF-12514
  • Acoustically transparent so sound waves generated by the surface of the moving diaphragm pass through the magnetic structure undegraded
  • Improved phase response at high frequencies
  • Improved Impulse response

All Audeze headphones are hand-crafted in California by sound engineers.  They are available from all good specialist retailers; the LCD-X has a suggested retail price of £1399.

Acclaim for the LCD-X headphones:

 

‘For accuracy, musicality and supreme comfort I love my Audeze LCD-X headphones – they make music sound so good!’John Davis, Mastering professional – responsible for remastering Led Zeppelin’s back catalogue, plus mastering for U2, REM, Primal Scream, Royal Blood, FKA Twigs, Lana Del Rey and more.

 

“Beautifully-finished and equally beautiful-sounding, deliciously smooth, unambiguously stable and accurate imaging with a lack of coloration in the midrange and treble. John Atkinson, Stereophile

 

“The LCD-X is now my favorite headphone for recreational listening and studio monitoring.”–MICHAEL MERCER, POSITIVE FEEDBACK
“High-end audio is all about the pursuit of excellence, and Audeze headphones exemplify that philosophy.”–STEVE GUTTENBERG, CNET
“The sense of space is enormous, sounding more like speakers in a room than drivers next to your ears.”–GEOFFREY MORRISON, FORBES
“The smallest details, the shortest transients, were all a clear and well defined as I could imagine possible. Deep bass had no boominess or chestiness. There was not a hint of over-sibilance.”– JOHN E. JOHNSON, SECRETS OF HOME THEATER AND HIFI
“The LCD-X is proof that Audeze listens to its customers and respects their opinions … Instrument separation and imaging are amazing … X marks the spot!”– DAN-ALEXANDRU GHEORGHE, HEADMANIA.ORG

 

Audeze LCD-X Features and SpecificationsLCD-X AABK-StandL-12514

Style Open circumaural
Transducer type Planar magnetic
Magnetic structure Proprietary self-closing design
Magnet type High-grade Neodymium
Diaphragm area 39.8sq cm (6.17sq in)
Maximum power 15W (for 200 ms)
Optimal power 1-4W
SPL > 130dB with 15W
Frequency response 5Hz – 20kHz extension to 50kHz
THD < 1%
Impedance 20 ohms
Efficiency 95dB / 1mW
Weight 600g
Cable length 2.5m (8.2 ft)

Package Includes

2.5m (8.2ft) 6.35mm (1/4in) to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable
2.5m (8.2ft) 4-pin XLR to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable
6.35mm (1/4in) to 3.5mm (1/8in) stereo adapter
Ruggedized travel case
Warranty documents

 

More about Planar Magnetic Technology

Planar magnetic speaker technology is a dramatic departure from traditional dynamic speakers. The unique design and functionality of planar magnetic transducers (or “drivers”) overcome many limitations inherent in cone drivers.

Planar magnetic transducers typically consist of two main components: a diaphragm with circuit and magnet arrays. The “planar” in planar magnetics refers to the magnetic field that’s distributed in the same plane (parallel) to the diaphragm. Planar magnetic diaphragms are thin and lightweight compared to much heavier moving-coil or dome diaphragms found in “dynamic” drivers. This thin diaphragm is suspended in the magnetic fields created by the magnetic arrays.

Unlike a dynamic driver with a cone or dome attached to a voice coil, a planar magnetic diaphragm has a printed circuit spread across the surface of a thin-film substrate. When the circuit is energized with an audio signal it interacts with the magnetic field and produces an electromagnetic force that moves the diaphragm back and forth creating sound.

Planar magnetic transducers offer numerous benefits:LCD-X-AABK-SeatedL-Glam-10914

  • Responsiveness:  Since the force created by the magnetic field is distributed across most of the diaphragm surface, the planar magnetic diaphragm moves faster and with far greater accuracy to the input signal.
  • Frequency and Distortion:  The magnetic force that drives the lightweight diaphragm delivers rapid acceleration thus achieving a wide frequency response, low distortion and excellent sound quality.
  • Durability:  Because the circuit pattern is spread flat across the diaphragm surface it can dissipate the heat generated by the current passing through it more efficiently. Additionally, planar magnetic transducers have few moving parts and can maintain performance without any sonic degradation. Dynamic drivers continuously degrade in performance over their life due to a multitude of moving parts and use of glue joints.
  • Amplifier Friendly: The circuits found in planar magnetic diaphragms present an almost purely resistive load to amplifiers, making it easy to drive.  The impedance over the entire frequency range is completely flat vs. dynamic speaker, which could have variances in impedance values over the frequency range.

Audeze employs a number of proprietary techniques that improve upon basic planar magnetic design, including the integration of unique, ultra-thin diaphragms and stronger and more optimized magnetic fields and circuit patterns. Audeze’s goal is to bring the best in planar magnetic design and continuing to improve the personal audio experience.

The press release that has just landed on our desktop here at Hifi Pig says that “The Bellagio Conquest Black King is the limited blackpearl turntableedition, ultimate evolution of the best turntable ever designed by Gold Note featuring some great innovations adding the unique technical details of the Bellagio Conquest introduced during the end of 2013”.

The Bellagio Conquest Black King is available in a total black look having the following key features:

A 120 Kilos super high mass structure. The upper part of the structure is leveled on a triple multiple plinth and integrates three adjustable engraved aluminium semi-rigid spring covers allowing for fine-tuning.  The main structure is also leveled on adjustable acrylic feet.

Thirteen curved plinths with each plinth being different from the others. These plinths are interfaced with different thickness titanium spacers joined to each other with curved, machined solid-block aluminium and extra large feet.

A 270 mm long spindle, the longest platter ever made for a turntable. The spindle is made of the hardest carbon steel C40 alloy hardened with a boiling oil process, rectified and then polished. The bearing is made of bronze polished to get a 1/100-millimeter matching tolerance with the long spindle.

Two tone-arms installed on a shaped high mass structure with a 20mm dedicated 6082 aluminium alloy engraved arm board able to handle both 12” and 9” long arms.

A power control generator based on PWM technology – Pulse Width Modulation. The PWM power drive generates the power AC-DC-AC enabling the best coupling of the two AC semi-waves for a perfect coupling which “iterally annuls any motor resistance or vibration and allows the highest motor torque at the same time”.  The Bellagio Conquest Black King features three transformers. The Black King also features a new anti-resonating dampened hourglass shaped motor pulley to stop transmission belt vibration and the pulley is precisely machined and polished.

A remote control which allows the control of all the main functions: ON/OFF, speed change, speed control and power control.

A “power control system” allowing users to control the torque of the motor to finely adjust the turntable’s “musical character”. The power control system is performed by the remote control to let the listener adjust the way to play the turntable directly from his listening point.

 

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Parasound has announced the launch of their new ZoneMaster Model 1250, a universal amplifier which can simultaneously powerparasound_multi-channel_amplifier
a home theatre surround system and additional zones with independent sources.

The ZoneMaster 12-channel power amplifier has connections for 24 speakers combined with 2-ohm stability, allowing the use of two speakers per channel. It’s rated at 12×50 watts into 8 ohms, and 12×90 into 4 ohms. Each channel pair can be bridged to deliver 6×160 watts into 8 ohms and 6×200 watts into 4 ohms RMS, all channels driven.

There are independent line inputs and level controls for each channel, two Bus inputs with looping outputs, plus a speaker-level input that can be routed to any zone. There are also independent 12-volt and audio triggers with looping trigger outputs for each zone, and a global 12-volt trigger.

Detachable Phoenix-style speaker connectors accept up to 12-gauge wire and the Model 1250 has a power consumption of just 0.5 watt standby power consumption to meet Energy Star and European Union specifications.

“The ZoneMaster Model 1250 is a game changer in a category populated by mediocre generic IC amplifiers,” said company president, Richard Schram. “The Class AB input stage and premium Class D power stage generate performance consistent with Parasound’s heritage. It is as useful for distributed audio as it is for home theater, where it could augment an AV receiver with 3×160 plus 4×50 watts.”

The Parasound ZoneMaster Model 1250 will be available from December with a UK SRP of £1,995.

 

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Henley Designs Ltd.  got in touch with Hifi Pig to tell us they are delighted to announce the launch of Roksan Audio’s newest seriesCharcoal amp finalk31 of hi-fi electronics.

The K3 Integrated Amplifier and K3 CD Player from Roksan Audio have been designed and built with style, performance and function in mind. Combining visual elegance with audiophile performance inspired by the M2 range; the K3 series offers the “ultimate in musical involvement, audio engineering and user flexibility. Researched and developed over a number of K32years, these new models employ vastly improved technologies and aesthetics when compared to anything that has come before”. We certainly enjoyed the new range when we got a bit of an exclusive listen a couple of months ago.

The K3 Integrated Amplifier has five Line Level inputs, a Moving Magnet phono stage and superior aptX® Bluetooth technology and is described as an ideal hub for all manner of audio sources. The aptX technology employed allows for high-quality wireless streaming from compatible devices – including tablets, smartphones and computers. Under the cover new op-amps, audio and power supply circuits, and high-quality signal output relays are used to make an amplifier that is said to be very reliable.

The K3 CD Player is based on the well-known K2 design; “but new circuitry and improved components combine to elevate this latest player to a new level of performance”. Usability is said to be simple and intuitive.

The all-new system remote (supplied in each box), is elegant, compact and a perfect accompaniment to the new K3 design. It boasts complete control over all the commands of both the Integrated Amplifier and the CD Player, and the clear-contrast labelling makes usage effortlessly simple.

All K3 electronics are available in three brand new finishes. Charcoal (shown above, Amplifier), Opium and Anthracite (shown above, CD Player).

SRP £1,250.00 (each)

Technical Information

K3 Integrated Amplifier

Inputs:                                     5 x RCA Stereo Line Level

1 x Moving Magnet Phono

1 x Wireless (aptX® Bluetooth)

1 x Bypass

Outputs:                                  4 x Speaker Connectors (+/- L & R)

1 x RCA Pre-amplifier

1 x 3.5mm Headphone

Power Output:                        > 140W (8Ω) / > 220W (4Ω)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:            > -90dB

Frequency Response:              < 3Hz – > 100kHz (-3dB)

Gain:                                       37.5dB (75x)

Harmonic Distortion:              < 0.005% 1kHz – 14W @ 8Ω

Power Supply:                         550VA Ultra-Low Noise Toroidal Transformer

5 Regulated Power Supply Rails

Dimensions (W x H x D):                   432 x 102 x 380mm (incl. feet)

Weight:                                               14kg

 

K3 CD Player

Operating System:                  CD Digital Audio System (CD, CD-R, CD-RW)

Frequency Response:              20Hz – 20kHz (± 0.2dB)

Harmonic Distortion:              < 0.002% @ 0dB, 1kHz

< 0.006% @ -30dB, 1kHz

< 0.002% @ 0dB, 20kHz

< 0.008% @ -30dB, 20kHz

Intermodulation Distortion:    < 0.0015% @ 0dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:            < 96dB L&R (IHF-A Weighted)

Wow & Flutter:                                   Quartz Precision

Outputs:                                  1 x RCA Stereo Line Level

1 x 75Ω Coaxial (RCA)

1 x 110Ω Balanced AES/EBU (XLR)

1 x Optical (Toslink)

D/A Conversion:                     PCM1730E Advance Segment, Audio-Stereo DAC (24-bit / 192kHz)

Crystal:                                                Super-Precision, Custom Made

Jitter:                                       < 150psec

Power Supply:                         High Performance Low Noise Toroidal Transformer

7 Fully Regulated Power Supply Rails

Dimensions (W x H x D):                   432 x 105 x 380mm (incl. feet)

Weight:                                               9kg

 

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The annual Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show, or TAVES, took place in Downtown Toronto from October 31st to November 2nd and whilst Hifi Pig couldn’t be there for the show we have sourced a nice selection of images from the show from our good friend Knut Skogrand from Skogrand Cables in Norway. Many thanks to Knut and we hope you enjoy the pics from this years Toronto Audio Video Entertainment Show.

[portfolio_slideshow id=14014]

 

TEAC has introduced its HA-50 portable headphone amplifier which also sports an integrated USB DAC.TEAC_headphone_amplifier

The new headphone amplifier is designed to operate with laptops as well as Apple iOS devices and will support 24-bit/96kHz using the unit’s BurrBrown PCM5102 DAC chip.

The TEAC HA-P50 uses OPA 1652 op amps and achieves a distortion rate of 0.001% at 100mW output.
The high output (160 mW per channel at 32 Ohms) is designed to drive 600 Ohm headphones at full power and has a high/low gain setting switch.
It has a dual function optical digital/analogue input which accepts either and optical cable with a mini-plug or a standard audio cable with a 3.5mm stereo mini-plug. The unit can be charged via USB or the DC IN 5V connector with the optionally available power supply and a full charge will give users eight hours of use.

Price is $299.99.

 

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Chord Electronics contacted Hifi Pig to tell us they will be exhibiting at the National Audio Show 2014 Chord DSX 1000_stack on WHT(Whittlebury Hall show) courtesy of Chord dealers Fanthorpes Hi-Fi and Hi-Fi Lounge. Two distinct systems will be on display at the show: Fanthorpes Hi-Fi will have a full Standard system (pictured) and Hi-Fi Lounge will have a dedicated Hugo area with three units.

The Fanthorpes Hi-Fi system will comprise a DSX1000 Reference streamer, a CPA5000 Reference preamp, SPM1200MkII stereo power amp and PMC loudspeakers for an all-British system of extraordinary capability.

Hi-Fi Lounge will have three Hugo DAC/headphone amps on display, complete with a selection of headphones and source material. Chord Electronics’ sales representatives will be joining both Fanthorpes Hi-Fi and Audio Lounge on the Saturday, to meet show visitors, help with the demonstrations and give free system set-up advice.

The National Audio Show 2014 is held at Whittlebury Hall on 20th and the 21st September

 

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Hifi Pig readers will know Magneplanar speakers for being slender flat-panel designs which, unlike Magneplanar_3_.7imost standard cabinet speakers, don’t rely on conventional cone and dome drivers. Instead, their sound-producing elements are proprietary thin film drivers: in this case, ‘true’ and ‘quasi’ ribbons.

The new MG 3.7i replaces the MG 3.7 and MG 3.6 and is a 3-way design which features Magnepan’s unique 1.4 metre true ribbon tweeter. Like the 3.7 it includes faster, lower-distortion quasi-ribbon drivers and also a new re-engineered and time and phase-aligned crossover.

The new Maggies are available from UK distributor Decent Audio now.

Magneplanar MG 3.7i (aluminium or oak trim) £6,500
Magneplanar MG 3.7i (dark cherry trim) £7000

 

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Dan Worth continues « Headphone Month » at Hifi Pig with the a review of the Epiphany Acoustics EHP-02Di  Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC More »

At £3495 the Stax SR-009 headphones are intended for the committed headphone listener. For Hifi Pig’s ongoing « Headphone Month » Janine Elliot takes a listen… More »

Continuing « Headphone Month » at Hifi Pig, we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to take a listen to the Japanese Pandora Hope VI headphones that have a novel driver implementation. More »

We visited the offices of Triangle a couple of months ago in Bordeaux, France and had the opportunity not only to meet the guys behind the brand but also listen to their flagship loudspeakers. You’ll get to read our write up in this month’s magazine published 2nd July.

One of the things that stood out from our visit was the whole process of creating a loudspeaker from start to finish and the care they put into each part of the process.
Triangle has now decided to relocate part of its manufacturing process to France, with the view of producing speakers utilising the expertise and the experience of its local teams.

“The Signature and Magellan range has been created thanks to the efforts of craftsmen whose experience in the domain of acoustics and aesthetic design speaks for itself. This form of luxury craftsmanship combines the finest woodwork with Triangle’s acoustic expertise. Each product benefits from many hours of work and inspection to obtain the impeccable design and finishing that is essential to any Triangle product” said Hugo Decelle of Triangle.

Whilst in their offices the team were keen to give us a sneak peek of their brand new video that outlines the company’s philosophy of loudspeaker design and manufacture. Take a look

If you’d like to add your video to Hifi Pig then get in touch

 

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The penultimate show report from me of this years High End Munich show. There’s are loads of photos and a few comments about individual rooms. enjoy! More »

I hate Munich High End, I really do. It’s not enough that the humans subject me to endless sessions OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAof stuff they laughably call music throughout the year but then they abandon me to go off to some place in Germany to listen to it all and, I’ve been told, have quite a nice time of it. That’s me on the right by the way – pretty aren’t I!

Well I certainly don’t have a nice time of it and I think my position needs to be highlighted!

Last year I was sent to cat prison for a few days. I didn’t see any of the other inmates whose owners must also have gone to the High-End show as I only came out to feed at night so as not to lower myself to their level of integration with the humans.

This year was even worse! It was a full week. Things started off badly enough when I was unceremoniously tipped into a plastic holding cage and placed on the back seat of the car. As soon as this happens I know no good will come of it…it’s either the vets with his thermometer or prison. I was making my consternation known to the humans with my plaintive howling but you will never guess what indignation followed. That’s right, I was joined on the back seat by another holding cage containing none other than my arch nemesis “He Who Must Not Be Named” (that’s him underneath!),OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA though I understand that since he’s been ill the humans have given him the name of Salvador! Outrageous!

What the hell was he doing in here with me? I don’t share my back seat with lowly common outside cats like him and this outrage did shock me into silence. He however was quite vociferous and I’m not surprised as I believe he’s been probed by the man they call the vet and his thermometer quite a few times recently due to his fighting injuries.

We arrived and were greeted by our warder for the week and led to our cells that would be our homes for the duration.

I didn’t come out again during the day but it did seem that the place was full of other felines. He Who Must Not Be Named got quite a bit of pampering due to his wounds and inability to consume the prison rations properly, but I stayed put, knowing that if I showed my face the warders would try to make friends with me.

The only thing for it was hunger strike and I refused to consume anything but water for the whole of my stay.

Of course after I’d done my porridge the humans arrived and put me back in the box and took me home. Since then I’ve tried to be quite friendly with them and have even been talking to the one they call Stuart in public.  Little do they know that I’ve been scratching the furniture when they are out of the room. I’m also eating properly which is quite nice as I do like my food.

I’ve heard by listening in to the humans that He Who Must Not Be Named has something called cat AIDS and isn’t allowed free association but he does seem to be getting rather a lot of attention. I don’t mind this as he tries to make friends with me when we’re in the garden together – of course I have never succumbed and a hiss and growl have always seen him off!

Anyway, I hate Munich High End.

Editors note – Clio will be in prison again for a night while the adult humans visit the Cranage Hall Hifi Show on 15th June in NW England.

Cranage Hall Side ad