End of an ERA Ron Smith Aerials
Posted by: Paul Stephenson on 02 May 2003
Ron Smith is retiring and closing his business. This is a true talent the audio industry will lose forever.
I recall the sound of his Chevy pulling up in the drive out jumps Ron and his team. You know from that very moment he was in charge and sure enough the results and customer service always exceded your expectations.
Many, many naim tuner owners would have never been able to fully hear the tuner perform to its best without the Ron Smith experience.
Sorry about the pic QUALITY.
[This message was edited by Paul Stephenson on FRIDAY 02 May 2003 at 17:45.]
I recall the sound of his Chevy pulling up in the drive out jumps Ron and his team. You know from that very moment he was in charge and sure enough the results and customer service always exceded your expectations.
Many, many naim tuner owners would have never been able to fully hear the tuner perform to its best without the Ron Smith experience.
Sorry about the pic QUALITY.
[This message was edited by Paul Stephenson on FRIDAY 02 May 2003 at 17:45.]
Posted on: 02 May 2003 by Boz
do you know if I will still be able to get hold of a Galaxie 14 from him ?
Surely he will be selling off his existing stock ?
Surely he will be selling off his existing stock ?
Posted on: 02 May 2003 by Onthlam
Paul,
Will Naim be buying any or all of his stock???
Marc
Will Naim be buying any or all of his stock???
Marc
Posted on: 03 May 2003 by David Stewart
It's very sad when a specialist business like this, with an enviable reputation closes for any reason. But if he wants to retire can he not sell the business and avoid putting people out of jobs??
Maybe we could form a syndicate to make him an offer he can't refuse for the whole kit and caboodle with the goodwill! Hmm there's a thought, now where's my piggy-bank?
David
Maybe we could form a syndicate to make him an offer he can't refuse for the whole kit and caboodle with the goodwill! Hmm there's a thought, now where's my piggy-bank?
David
Posted on: 03 May 2003 by Jaitch
I have recently contacted the aerial shop for signal advice (dropout problems) and I believe Ron is retiring due to ill health.
The shop is closing/about to close but support will be available from one of his engineers "Chris Hobbs" who is setting up independently.
Chis was very helpful and sorted out my problem, he can be contacted on 01582 425437 or 07979-350180.
The shop is closing/about to close but support will be available from one of his engineers "Chris Hobbs" who is setting up independently.
Chis was very helpful and sorted out my problem, he can be contacted on 01582 425437 or 07979-350180.
Posted on: 03 May 2003 by Toksik
Sad news indeed, i spoke to the nice Spanish? lady from the shop this afternoon and she says that orders would be taken up to July.
better get your skates on (like me!).
dennis
better get your skates on (like me!).
dennis
Posted on: 03 May 2003 by Bosh
Got my skates on and ordered the Circular 5 to Galaxie 14 upgrade bits tonight from Ron himself for the NAT01 (G17s a bit too big).
Just need a 40 ft ladder and the b******ks to climb them. On second thoughts I might get someone in on this occasion
Just need a 40 ft ladder and the b******ks to climb them. On second thoughts I might get someone in on this occasion
Posted on: 06 May 2003 by RichardHallman
Yes - a sad day, but all the best to Ron.
I fully recommend getting someone in to do the job - I remember a very wobbly day installing my arial - only afterwards did I realise what a lunatic thing I had just done. Problem was compounded because my lodger (who was supposed to be helping me align the thing) decided to go indoors once it was sounding OK, leaving me stranded on the roof needing someone to guide my feet back down on to the ladder. Finally got a passer by to knock on the front door and get the lodger back out again to guide me down to planet earth. Phew!
I fully recommend getting someone in to do the job - I remember a very wobbly day installing my arial - only afterwards did I realise what a lunatic thing I had just done. Problem was compounded because my lodger (who was supposed to be helping me align the thing) decided to go indoors once it was sounding OK, leaving me stranded on the roof needing someone to guide my feet back down on to the ladder. Finally got a passer by to knock on the front door and get the lodger back out again to guide me down to planet earth. Phew!
Posted on: 17 May 2003 by Boz
Just an addition to this topic........
I rang Ron Smith Aerials on Thursday this week after a Galaxie 14 and was told they only had 2 left.
I ordered one so that means they probably only have 1 left so if any '01 or '02 tuner owners want want they better be sharpish about it......
I rang Ron Smith Aerials on Thursday this week after a Galaxie 14 and was told they only had 2 left.
I ordered one so that means they probably only have 1 left so if any '01 or '02 tuner owners want want they better be sharpish about it......
Posted on: 18 May 2003 by Mick P
I have just bought a second hand Galaxie 17 from a chap who bought it 4 years ago and as only ever used it in his loft, so it is as good as new.
James of Tom Tom Audio brokered the deal, so once again he has shown what a useful guy he is to know.
It is being delivered this week.
Quick question, I intended to have it put up on a mast but are indoor installations as good ?
I know that it would look neater in the loft but I can imagine that an externally mounted aerial would give better reception.
Regards
Mick
James of Tom Tom Audio brokered the deal, so once again he has shown what a useful guy he is to know.
It is being delivered this week.
Quick question, I intended to have it put up on a mast but are indoor installations as good ?
I know that it would look neater in the loft but I can imagine that an externally mounted aerial would give better reception.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 18 May 2003 by Mike Hanson
As long as your attic is made of wood, Mick, then you should be fine.
The main factor involves your current reception problems (or lack thereof). I've also got a used Galaxy 17, but it's just sitting in my basement, because my reception from a simple wire antenna is just fine. In fact, I believe Vuk (also here in Toronto now) doesn't use an antenna of any kind, and he's quite happy with the signal.
I suspect that you're going to try it out, regardless. If you're close to all of your favourite stations, then you'll end up adding a big attenuator to get the signal down to a reasonable range. You may also want to consider using only a portion of the antenna.
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
The main factor involves your current reception problems (or lack thereof). I've also got a used Galaxy 17, but it's just sitting in my basement, because my reception from a simple wire antenna is just fine. In fact, I believe Vuk (also here in Toronto now) doesn't use an antenna of any kind, and he's quite happy with the signal.
I suspect that you're going to try it out, regardless. If you're close to all of your favourite stations, then you'll end up adding a big attenuator to get the signal down to a reasonable range. You may also want to consider using only a portion of the antenna.
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 18 May 2003 by Mark Dunn
Hi Mick:
The higher the aerial location, the better. Also, lots of signal and using an attenuator is better than a reasonable signal without one. You can always change attenuator values to suit your choices of station if necessary as they simply plug into the coax line, which you can do in a convenient spot near the tuner.
Best Regards,
Mark Dunn
The higher the aerial location, the better. Also, lots of signal and using an attenuator is better than a reasonable signal without one. You can always change attenuator values to suit your choices of station if necessary as they simply plug into the coax line, which you can do in a convenient spot near the tuner.
Best Regards,
Mark Dunn
Posted on: 18 May 2003 by Ron The Mon
Mike Hanson,
The only reason you wrote your above post is you've never listened and compared!
"Strength" is totally different from proper reception and also sound quality.
When listening to your local stations with an indoor aerial, it may appear to get full strength and sound good but it is also receiving other stations as well as noise. In other words the tuner circuitry is working harder to filter out the nasties and properly adjust to the station. Many tuners, Naim included, automatically compensate how narrow (or blend) depending on those parameters.
Everything may sound "fine" but the tuner circuitry may be giving you only 80% stereo and a limited frequency response and you don't know it. IOW, allowing the antenna to "focus" on a station and hence "filter" out other stations lets the tuner operate at its maximum. The antenna maximizing the listening station is often concurrent to minimizing noise and nearby stations.
A good Ron Smith Galaxy at a decent height aimed at the station will do this. With few exceptions a Ron Smith aerial into a Creek will outperform an indoor antenna into a Naim. It's simply a matter of getting 100% out of the Creek vs. 30% (if that) out of the Naim.
It's basically the same argument as saying a Rega 3 sounds great with a good expensive MC cartridge so why change it? In fact an LP-12 with a cheap MM cart would sound better.
Also, I can receive Toronto TV and FM stations so there is a good chance you can receive Detroit stations (and more) with your Galaxy. Try that with an indoor antenna! If you don't like local stations, a good outdoor antenna will expose you to a much wider variety of good music.
COMPARE your Ron Smith to your indoor antenna and you'll understand.
Mick,
Get the antenna as high as you can outside with a rotator. Make sure the mast is properly grounded too.
Ron The Mon
P.S.
This talk of attenuators is poppycock. I live less than ten miles from most stations I listen to. One new tower (which hosts several stations) is 1.2 miles away! I have no problem with overloading. One station which was 8 miles away is on this new tower and it sounds fabulous. Not only is there no overload but it is the best sound I've ever heard from FM.
The only reason you wrote your above post is you've never listened and compared!
"Strength" is totally different from proper reception and also sound quality.
When listening to your local stations with an indoor aerial, it may appear to get full strength and sound good but it is also receiving other stations as well as noise. In other words the tuner circuitry is working harder to filter out the nasties and properly adjust to the station. Many tuners, Naim included, automatically compensate how narrow (or blend) depending on those parameters.
Everything may sound "fine" but the tuner circuitry may be giving you only 80% stereo and a limited frequency response and you don't know it. IOW, allowing the antenna to "focus" on a station and hence "filter" out other stations lets the tuner operate at its maximum. The antenna maximizing the listening station is often concurrent to minimizing noise and nearby stations.
A good Ron Smith Galaxy at a decent height aimed at the station will do this. With few exceptions a Ron Smith aerial into a Creek will outperform an indoor antenna into a Naim. It's simply a matter of getting 100% out of the Creek vs. 30% (if that) out of the Naim.
It's basically the same argument as saying a Rega 3 sounds great with a good expensive MC cartridge so why change it? In fact an LP-12 with a cheap MM cart would sound better.
Also, I can receive Toronto TV and FM stations so there is a good chance you can receive Detroit stations (and more) with your Galaxy. Try that with an indoor antenna! If you don't like local stations, a good outdoor antenna will expose you to a much wider variety of good music.
COMPARE your Ron Smith to your indoor antenna and you'll understand.
Mick,
Get the antenna as high as you can outside with a rotator. Make sure the mast is properly grounded too.
Ron The Mon
P.S.
This talk of attenuators is poppycock. I live less than ten miles from most stations I listen to. One new tower (which hosts several stations) is 1.2 miles away! I have no problem with overloading. One station which was 8 miles away is on this new tower and it sounds fabulous. Not only is there no overload but it is the best sound I've ever heard from FM.
Posted on: 18 May 2003 by Mark Dunn
Hi RTM:
Signal overload is often difficult to hear (or at least identify) on an FM tuner. However, a TV signals overload effects are easy to see on a TV receiver. Personally, I think it worth experimenting with attenuators if you're really close to a source.
Best Regards,
Mark Dunn
Signal overload is often difficult to hear (or at least identify) on an FM tuner. However, a TV signals overload effects are easy to see on a TV receiver. Personally, I think it worth experimenting with attenuators if you're really close to a source.
Best Regards,
Mark Dunn
Posted on: 19 May 2003 by Damon J
Quick question, I intended to have it put up on a mast but are indoor installations as good ?
Regards
Mick[/QUOTE]
Mick, I've used G17 and G23 indoors and out over many years. I currently have G17 in my loft and it still provides most of the Galaxy magic together with all the advantages an indoor installation provides. Contact Chris Hobbs (who works with Ron) to organise a fitting. You won't regret it.
Regards,
Damon J
Regards
Mick[/QUOTE]
Mick, I've used G17 and G23 indoors and out over many years. I currently have G17 in my loft and it still provides most of the Galaxy magic together with all the advantages an indoor installation provides. Contact Chris Hobbs (who works with Ron) to organise a fitting. You won't regret it.
Regards,
Damon J
Posted on: 19 May 2003 by oldie
Does anyone know,if Chris Hobbs is going to continue the "Ron Smith's" aerial business as it would to be a great shame if these brilliant aerials where to be lost to future tuner users?
Oldie
Oldie
Posted on: 19 May 2003 by Mike Hanson
quote:
Originally posted by Ron The Mon:
The only reason you wrote your above post is you've never listened and compared!
This is entirely true, and all of your points are well taken. I'm certainly not an expert in this area, and I appreciate your comments. Now I have to figure out how to get this thing mounted.
-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 19 May 2003 by Noel
Paging Mick Parry,
I too have a Galaxie G17 in my loft (they have a very low WAF). Due to financial pressures I have had to sell my NAT01. This was a huge mistake as I cannot get used to the Creek T40 S3 that replaced it. I used to use a Creek tuner before I got the NAT01 and I loved the Creek then. However I have been spoilt for some time and now all I think of is how much better the NAT01 is (compared to everything!) I'm going to sell the G17 and the Creek tuner, what do you think is a fair price for the aerial?
Noel
I too have a Galaxie G17 in my loft (they have a very low WAF). Due to financial pressures I have had to sell my NAT01. This was a huge mistake as I cannot get used to the Creek T40 S3 that replaced it. I used to use a Creek tuner before I got the NAT01 and I loved the Creek then. However I have been spoilt for some time and now all I think of is how much better the NAT01 is (compared to everything!) I'm going to sell the G17 and the Creek tuner, what do you think is a fair price for the aerial?
Noel
Posted on: 19 May 2003 by Mick P
Noel
I paid £50.00 for the G17 aerial and it is being delivered to my house. It is 4 years old and has been inside a loft so it is in good nick.
I was pumping for £40 if I collected but the seller who lives 60 miles away is passing near here during the week and we struck a deal.
Hope that is of help
Regards
Mick
I paid £50.00 for the G17 aerial and it is being delivered to my house. It is 4 years old and has been inside a loft so it is in good nick.
I was pumping for £40 if I collected but the seller who lives 60 miles away is passing near here during the week and we struck a deal.
Hope that is of help
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 27 May 2003 by Mick P
Chaps
I have just had a TV guy around to remove my old FM aerial and replace it with the Galaxie 17.
All I will say is that I cannot believe that a wireless can sound this good.
The aerial looks enormous but once it is up on the roof it seems to disappear.
This has been a good investment.
Regards
Mick
I have just had a TV guy around to remove my old FM aerial and replace it with the Galaxie 17.
All I will say is that I cannot believe that a wireless can sound this good.
The aerial looks enormous but once it is up on the roof it seems to disappear.
This has been a good investment.
Regards
Mick