LISTENING ROOM TOUR

[@TomaszDaniel-m5e]

Hi David, fantastic room. I love this same kind of music. Great collection records. Best from Poland.

[@Thirdfish]

What a fantastic room you have, full of joy.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

David that was one of the most enjoyable videos that I have watched on KZbin. Your music room is my idea of heaven. My home and set up is more modest and space is at a premium. I am a very similar age to you and hifi and music have been a constant hobby for me but I also had a massive passion for photography at the same time. Because of that my disposable income mainly went the photography side of things but now I have retired it’s swung back to the music. I tend not to replace things until they are broken so have ended up with 4 good turntables one for pristine records, another with a budget cartridge for older records and a Rega P3 with a dedicated mono cartridge but when I do I do lots of research and I think that I bought wisely. I have plans to either have a loft conversion or maybe a cabin in the garden to have a dedicated music room like yours. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Four good turntables, and one with a dedicated mono cartridge? Tony, you make me look like an amateur! Us blokes like spending our money on tech, don't we?

[@vinylrecordplayer]

Enjoyed your reactions, RM. Glad you filmed this blast from the past that was brought into the present. Again with the high level story telling.🔥🔥 Hope you're well.

[@benrankins4446]

What a great space you have David. I have never had a designated space for listening. My set up is in the living room, so I have to make time for concentrated listening. Other than that most of the time because it's a living area the music is on whatever I'm doing. I've also found as I've upgraded gear over the years it is much easier to listen without letting distractions creep in just for the fact that with the much better sound the more it seems to hold my attention. When you were talking about tweaking your system it reminded me of a friend with really amazing gear saying that sometimes it's a stressful listening experience because as you say it becomes about listening to the gear and not the music. So he says when he's having a stressful listen it means he's too busy hearing what's not there or what he might be missing instead of appreciating what he's got. In my band once we get a mix together, we listen to our stuff on car stereos, blue tooth speakers & earbuds as well as decent stereo gear. Most people listen with ear buds or on blue tooth speakers so as you say we try to get a balance where it sounds good on everything. Sorry for the long winded comment, but I really enjoyed this vid David and it got me thinking. Cheers...Ben

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Ben! As ever, thanks for the comment - and a good one it is too. Good to see you corroborate my thoughts on bands testing out the mix for multi-circumstance listening. I didn't mention earbuds, but that's so on point. I do agree that good kit springs more surprises on the listener than mediocre systems, and that will hold attention, but not everyone can afford it or, like you say, have a dedicated listening space. Your friend's experience with tweaking and the stress it can cause made me chuckle - I've been there!

[@MrLovell1971]

David love your listening space that Clearaudio Champion 2 is a beauty along with the Tube amp your journey from Dual to your current turntable was well thought out your ears definitely knew what you wanted to hear . You have a beautiful collection vinyl also to compliment your gear I really appreciate you sharing your listening space . Lovellandrew

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

That's very nice of you to say so. Thanks very much. I love the Clearaudio also because it's a kind of 'fit and forget' turntable. No tweaking worries!

[@mike_burke]

Finally David!! I asked you if you could do this 2 years ago 😂😊 Seriously, thanks, genuinely fascinating and your thoughts and reasonings behind everything. In relation to your canal walk video, and based on your journals, I think it would interesting to hear more about your past, youth, upbringing, working life, etc. Next time you go back ‘home’ it would be fascinating for example to see you doing a walking tour of your old stomping ground. This is where I saw ‘x’ play live, this is where I used to drink, this is where I used to work, this is where…..etc. And how it compares to then and now. As you may know, I am one of your earliest subscribers and I watch with interest all your content, except, to be honest, the cycling stuff, but that is just for feedback purposes, not to be critical or anything. For my opinion, your channel should feature only stuff you have a genuine interest in, or a passion for. It is YOUR channel and it will always find a good audience. Take care Dave and all the best!

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Great feedback again Mike. Much appreciated. I try and forgive myself for the occasional uncertainty about all this video making, especially the non-music stuff, and I rationalise it by accepting that we watch people who offer something a little different. Those who watch my videos are overwhelmingly gracious and kind, so I really shouldn't worry. But, after making these type of videos for a few years now, It's only right to reevaluate what I'm doing from time to time.

[@mickgrundy4615]

Lovely room, love how you decked it out, who wouldn't want to sit there listening a great set up like you have. Well done , you forgot to mention which cartridge you have in that superb looking deck, thanks for sharing , nice video.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thank you Mick. You're right, I forgot to mention the cartridge. It's a Hana SL, and I acquired it early this year after my long-standing Dynavector 10x5 finally let me down.

[@mazzysmusic]

Nice tour. It was great seeing all the noons and crannies and being from California, meditation can be a great thing at times. I don’t do it often, but there are times when it really feels good. Cheers 🎶

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thanks Mazzy. Despite what tripped-off my tongue in the video, I do still meditate from time to time, but like I said, it's about as frequent and sustained as my journal-writing. Hey ho, we do what we can.

[@jeffleigh3747]

Hi David, so funny "im not gonna spend anymore money on hifi" But seriously.... absolutely blinkin brilliant presentation sir. You made it fun to watch. Being a Liverpool lad i love the Geordies. Ive liked and subscribed and my favourite bit if kit .... the turntable. Bloody beauty. Thank you 🤗 Jeff

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thanks a lot Jeff! Glad you enjoyed it. And yes, that turntable is great. I've owned a few (as mentioned in the video) and it's remarkable that they can sound so different. Subtle but noticeable.

[@davidsmith9878]

You've got a real ability to inspire. I'm going to 'listen' to some music later and imagine that the artist is in the room with me. Great stuff!!

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Too kind David. Much appreciated though!

[@danielbigna5469]

Hi David, this was an excellent video. You illuminated the power of music (on decent equipment) to enliven the spirit and make the world a better place.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thank you Daniel. There's not much that beats the joy of a well-loved piece of music.

[@ibdam1]

Great setup. Loving the equipment and broad range of your vinyl collection. Thanks for sharing. Watching from Detroit Michigan USA.

[@georgeprior-vinylshowtell4934]

Really excellent David, thank you for sharing. I can't say I've heard any of your Hi-Fi components, but it looks incredible. I actually wish more in the VC would show their set-up and listening space. Something I'm very interested in. We may get some response vids from this, you never know 🙂

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Cheers George. I think quite a few people do share their listening space, but I imagine all too many feel intimidated by the £100k systems and massive rooms they see showcased! In the end it's about doing what''s best to enjoy the music. Dance along with dance music, leap about to punk (can't do that anymore!), concentrate for complex orchestral, prog, ambient, etc. The kit is only half the story.

[@paultomaney8285]

Another grand video. Enjoyable. Thanks very much.

[@cosmicdrifter287]

I Love your channel Mr Atkinson.Thank you for showing your absolute beautiful listening room.Much appreciated!

[@christopherkibler511]

David, definitely an interesting tour and description of your listening space. You seem to have made good use of the area. Thanks, Chris

[@gavaxemanspins]

Oooo nice 👌 I look forward to seeing this in the flesh so to speak ! 👍🇬🇧

[@sinclabs]

Thanks for the overview of your listening room. Enjoyed the presentation and your thoughts on the hobby. Enjoy!

[@junglejim99]

I'm the same age as you David. I've thinned out my collection down to 100-150 records that I know I will play regularly. If I had that many records I'd never get round to listening to the majority of them.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

I think the decision you've made comes to most of us (if we've any sense). I'm not quite ready though....yet.

[@jeffhartley1989]

Great video. Thanks David. Love the way you talk about your set up - still about the music rather than the equipment.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

It certainly is, Jeff. Cheers for watching.

[@andrelanglois4960]

Really enjoyed this kind of intimacy that you kindly share with us. After all, this is your personal space and I thank you for being generous. I love your music room as I don’t have room for that in my house. Such a nice collection well organized!

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thanks very much. I think I'm reaching the point in my life where 'recording' personal stuff is becoming more important than showing-off my new albums. Nevertheless, I'm doing my best to keep things hopefully interesting enough for others to sample.

[@Rigs275]

Great video and love your system

[@EmbryonicRobot]

This is a fascinating and educational video. It's so cool to see in the inner sanctum in some detail. The most impressive thing is that I can't see any dust anywhere! I have some dusting to do 🙂

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

get your eyes tested, Brian. That vacuum record cleaner is covered in dust (how ironic, eh? A dusty record cleaner). 'The Inner Sanctum'? I'm going to have to meditate more regularly for that label to stick!

[@net_news]

beautiful system my friend! Congrats!

[@CloseToTheEdge-Prog]

I really enjoyed your tour of your listening room.

[@mikedenley8529]

Hi David, apologies, I have subscribed somewhat belatedly after enjoying your content for a while now! Loving the listening room, just the sort of haven I could do with!!! As a slight aside, noting your love of scores and classical music, wondering if you have any records by Olafur Arnalds. He's an Icelandic composer/musician who I happened upon through a blind buy. I think you might really enjoy his music. My recommendation would be Some Kind of Peace, which was my introduction, also The Chopin Project, highlighting his lifelong love of Chopin's music. I just sense his music might be right up your street, or any of your subscribers come to that. Keep up the good work, regards, Mike from sunny Wolverhampton.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Mike, Cheers for your comment. I have discovered Olafur Arnalds, and bought 'Re:member' and 'For Now I Am Winter' a year or so ago. Nice stuff. My fave Icelandic though is Jóhann Jóhannsson. Obviously less accessible than Arnald's, but blissful music.

[@mikedenley8529]

Thanks for the recommendation David, not a name I'm familiar with so will do a bit of research for sure!

[@vinylmartini3377]

Looks like such a great space to get away and concentrate on the music. Love your rig. Cheers.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Cheers Jack.

[@twofromthetrunk9932]

Love you setup. It would be an excellent place to relax and listen to great music.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Especially at night time. Although, I do occasionally feel guilty disappearing into my hideaway and leaving the family alone!

[@67Pepper]

First time viewing your channel David, enjoyed the rundown of your system. Didn't hear what cartridge you have on the SME V though. EAR makes great gear. I've owned quite a bit of EAR gear myself over the years. The only piece of EAR gear I currently have is the 834P. I had one many years ago and sold it when I bought the EAR 864 preamp, also had the 834L with the 834P, also had the EAR 534 amplifier, really enjoyed all of the EAR gear I owned. Your room is unique in that the walls are angled, which helps acoustically. A couple of bass traps would help if placed in the right locations, maybe more, can't really tell where there is room to put them, but they help with standing waves iff they're thick enough, 4 inches minimum thickness. Anyway, enjoy what you have. It's certainly a nice system and as you said there's no need to spend more money on gear.😀

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Pepper! Thanks for the comment, and well-spotted. I bought a new cartridge early this year after my Dynavector 10x5 finally let me down after many years of service. I replaced it with a Hana SL MC cartridge, which I'm very happy with. Another thing I didn't mention was that between my cheap Chinese amp and the V20 was, for a brief time, another EAR amp, the 859. I loved that so much, it was only a few months before I was the lookout for something with a bit more 'beef'. Hence, the V20. If I recall, I moved on from the 859 also because it wasn't self-biasing, and I'm scared of mains electricity and didn't want to open it up and start fiddling. I kind of regretted getting rid of it, but after a while, those little regrets dissipate. Re bass traps, I've thought about that, but the space is limited (obviously), and like everything hifi, it's all a compromise. I'm happy enough, I guess, and try to no longer look at other kit with envious eyes!

[@nickcooper1260]

Very interesting, David, you have a great collection and really well loved, plus strong floor boards, vinyl is heavy! I like your Buddha statue, I think you take calming Zen vibes from it.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Cheers Nick. That floorboard question is something I've been worried about for years. We had a tradesman around earlier in the year, and he assured me I'd be okay!!

[@colinargentblunstone]

I couldn’t help but notice your Sting boxset 😉

[@ChuckHeinze]

I really enjoyed your video. You are a well grounded music lover.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thank you very much.

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

Hey David. Great video. Thanks for the killer tour and info! Cheers

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Cheers Bobby. This one was overdue. There's even the possibility that there could be more of this come....if people can stomach it!

[@7BobbyGaylor7]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More I think people really love it. Cheers

[@cranberrysauce9275]

Really enjoyed this video -- great room, records, and equipment. Good narrative as well. I've watched many of your videos but this may be the first time I've commented. Anyway, your videos are always good and welcome.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers for commenting!

[@cranberrysauce9275]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More I lived in London 1975-76 and Saturday afternoon would listen to a BBC radio program that began with "Get on the right track, baby" - Do you remember that? I was never sure who sang it, closest I could find was Georgie Fame's version of this Ray Charles song. The DJ would play good rock music

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

@@cranberrysauce9275 I remember that too. I've just checked a few versions out to see if I can recall the right version. I've long thought it sounded like a Mose Allison track, but I can't find a version anywhere. So, Georgie Fame dos see the closest.

[@cranberrysauce9275]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More Incidentally, I saw Mose Allison Trio perform at Sir Morgan's Cove in Worcester, Mass in '72 or '73. Your discussion of finding your old journals is an incentive for me to dig out my journal from those 9 months in London and perhaps reflect on the concerts I saw at the time starting next year when it will be the 50th anniversary for my musical experiences there. It's nice to know that you also listened to that BBC Saturday show.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

@@cranberrysauce9275 Nice memory there. 👍

[@thebuxtstopshere]

Loved the show..I'm also Moth and Humminguru...

[@travis4619]

Great setup!! I have always wanted an EAR 834P

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

It's a good one!

[@MKtheC]

Morning David, really great video today. I am absolutely hooked on room tours IF both the channels host is interesting and their audio gear is even more interesting 😊. I've always admired your setup from what we can see in the background and you have been nice enough to answer questions I've sent in the past. I too appreciate finer audio equipment and participate in the on going tweeks needed to satisfy the itch. I never understand most VC video makers that seem to spend thousands on their vinyl but nothing on their gear. My interconnects and spkr cables are worth more than most entire audio setups I've viewed. I'm thinking about replacing the old capacitors in my 20 yr old floor standing spkrs.....any thoughts about this that you have? I think it may be necessary and would provide that new spkr sound again. Anyhow, fun tour and thanks it was cool.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thank you. Good observation there about some VC members and their gear and vinyl choices. Sometimes I see people buying really expensive editions and see them removing them from the sleeves with their greasy fingers. Makes me wince! I suppose it's one of the reasons (via a reminder) that handling records carefully, matching quality vinyl with quality (but affordable) playback kit, and focused listening is where the sweet spot is for the best listening experience. But I don't want to judge - I'm quite blown away by the enthusiasm on show in most of the VC videos. The more the merrier. As for dabbling in capacitor replacement, or even tube-rolling, I don't have the expertise or the even simple skills required to open-up casings, remove components, or using a soldering iron with any precision whatsoever. I leave that stuff to the experts, despite me getting frustrated by those experts not being available when I need them. Ouch!

[@richardriley4415]

Nice Vid. The meditation part was quite interesting. I rarely listen to vinyl when doing anything else. I call it serious listening. For casual listening it is usually from streaming. The problem we all have is that there are so many people doing so many videos and there is so little time.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

You're definitely in the same ballpark as me Richard. 'Serious Listening' for this room only (it's why the iPod isn't wired-up and there's no flash drive in the CD player). You're right about too many videos. It's no one's fault, but it's damn hard to keep up, and it frustrates me that I miss so many that I would otherwise definitely view.

[@MGKBOSTON]

“Sometimes I wear ear defenders”…”That is a meditation stool”…”It’s a reminder of what Robert Fripp said”…I agree with you with it being a ritual with no distraction. Nice to get a detailed breakdown of Atkinson HQ! Very enjoyable! I have a set of B&W indoor/outdoor speakers. They are in storage.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Almost everything is in storage! Cheers Mike.

[@nigelcampag1290]

Love the look of the room. That turntable does look fab, as does the valve amp. I certainly ain't no audiophile, still using the same Technics SL1210 I got in 1990. I've always put more onus on hunting out records by artists I've never heard of rather than sound but I'd certainly like a better setup. I notice when you mention visiting Newcastle and record shops you never mention RPM...its worth a visit. I'd also highly recommend Tynemouth market on a Sunday and my mates shop in Hexham Snap Records. All of these places have rare 3 figure records if you fancy treating yourself or just good stock in general. Cheers Nigel

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Nigel, I'll be up in the North East soon, so there's a good chance I'll be checking out what's on offer. I've bought records from Tynemouth Station before, but I've not visited that Hexham shop, so that's on my to-do list. As for RPM, I've popped-in a few times, and not found anything so far. I found the stock very limited.

[@nigelcampag1290]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-MoreNice one David. I assumed you'd have done RPM and Tynemouth. Absolutely know what you're saying with RPM. Most of their stock is upstairs and they have a lot of it but it's not open to the public. I can guarantee you'll find something at Snap Records. Really great stock and very fair prices. He's just opposite the market place so easy to find. Enjoy your return to the region... cheers Nigel

[@sivagurupathamvadivelu680]

A journey ending with wisdom

[@Habitual_Liar]

EAR makes fantastic amps!

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Awesome room man!! How are the acoustics in there? Awesome collection !

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Cheers. Acoustics are good, but I'd love to hear the same equipment in a larger room. Even though room acoustics do influence the quality of listening, by how much is very hard to determine.

[@Later2u]

You need to up your game with more albums. J/K, I only have 300. Nice Vid.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Ha!

[@shaundocherty8785]

Love the video and what a space. Quick question. Ive just got a fluance RT85 and was thinking about putting it under the window like you have, ive had many people telling me not to. I take it all is ok with your set up being placed there?

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Shaun, thanks for the question (and for watching the video!). Ordinarily I wouldn't put a turntable in front of the window. If it's made of wood it'll probably fade over time (I've seen this with speaker cabinets). If there'a record on the turntable, it could easily warp. My set-up works fine because the Venetian blinds reduce the amount of sun falling on the turntable, and I keep them closed when I'm not in the room. Even so, if the sun is very bright, I'm still careful about putting a record on.

[@zygmuntstarosta5100]

🙏👍

[@robertmorgan9205]

I’ve often thought about what you mentioned, that it’s easy to get caught up in the listening to the system rather than the music. Mine is a very modest set up but I’m happy with it (cartridge upgrade made significant improvement). Obviously I’d like to hear what a better system sounded like but I wouldn’t want to get drawn into the seemingly endless striving for perfection, to the detriment of enjoying the music. On another topic, what was the Dark Side of the Moon item we briefly saw behind the Dylan book?

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Hi Robert, I guess I learned that the room acoustics, and the level of personal concentration have as much to do (maybe more) with the listening experience as the hardware. Once that idea beds in, the crazy search for perfection kind of fades away. That DSOTM thing is a double CD of Pink Floyd cover versions. I was going to do a video review or Waters' 'Redux' and was going to illustrate the many and varied versions that are available. I didn't get around to reviewing the album in the end.

[@robertmorgan9205]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More thanks for replying, David. I’ve found in my case that rearranging the furniture paid dividends. I have a sofa in my music room and turned that to face the stereo. Stupid how it took me so long to come up with that idea 🤣, prior to that I’d been listening to music sat in front of the pc… too distracting . Now it’s like I’m hearing some of my later acquisitions for the first time. Thanks re DSOTM and that video would be interesting should you decide to make it. My 7 vinyl copies of DSOTM. is bordering on madness 😀

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

@@robertmorgan9205 Only seven? You’re not trying hard enough 😂 I think I have four, plus the Immersion box set. Oh, and the live edition released recently. That’s a good one, although I strongly suspect you know that already! 👍🏻

[@robertmorgan9205]

@@davidatkinson-Music-and-More 🤣 it’s an illness. The one I’ve found to best bangs for the bucks have been Harry Moss pressings from 1977 which sound amazing, easily matching my MOFI one. Last one I got of his was from Discogs complete with both posters and stickers for just £15 + £5 p&p. If you don’t have one already check them out if you find a good copy.

[@user-mn5ul9vo9m]

Big Up for Tangerine Dream - Le Park is my fav album.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Nice one. It's 'Ricochet' and 'Phaedra' for me.

[@stephenlegg262]

Hi from Wales.i am not going to spend anymore money on hifi. Famous last words😰

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Ha ha! Those are indeed famous last words. I'm pretty sure there comes a point where too many changes lead to sensory overload and confusion, and you begin to forget why you added/removed something, and can't tell what's what.

[@jedi-mic]

I wouldn't keep my turntable never a window!!! it can get damaged by the sun plus the records can get damaged by the Sun. and acoustically you can hear its very narrow banding sounding, you need to put some dampener on the side walls use 4" foam if aesthetic isn't pleasing you you can wrap the foam in a material of your choosing. you could try heavy carpet on the sides as well. shouldn't make it sound better acoustically the room. if u going to keep the turntable then get a board behind it. Also the window is not good you could put some perspex up on the glass frame 6 mm perspex and attach it to the frame with blu tack bead, you can use two pieces so you can open the window. That will help a lot with glass also you could put a roller blind made from thin bamboo strips tightly together if the perspex sounds like too much of a hustle.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Thanks for the good advice. Very useful. I'm tuned into these issues though. The window blinds are closed throughout the day, except for short periods and when I'm making videos(!). Also, in this room, there's thick insulation around every wall. The ceiling is tricky to deal with, but with everything else in place, the sound of the room is pretty good.

[@psychedelicbadger4092]

Nice room mate but don't be kidding everyone on... Yorkshire is actually God's country, not Newcastle. Nice try though 😂

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Aye up lad! I lived in Yorkshire for three years, so I know all about God's Country!