February is the time to dig out the classics and take them down to Tonbridge for John Howes' legendary Audiojumble. This year's event saw a record number of stalls and a lot of enthusiasts crowding the event to find bargains and classics. It was as ever top light entertainment for nearly all the family. These are a few of the gems I spotted going for a song, or thereabouts.
Townshend Rock, the Mk1 complete with first generation Excalibur tonearm in a custom made plinth for £1,200.
AVI build quality was second to none back in the day, this 200 watt integrated was going for £800.
Pioneer PAX-20E full range drivers with alnico magnets, old but possibly awesome.
KEF Cresta Mk2 from the seventies, I like the silver and white, with a B110 mid/bass they probably sound good too, yours for £85.
Acoustical MB32, a rare pro audio beast from the makers of QUAD that ran KT66 valves and was built in the 40s. Offers.
The original Rega Planet turntable with Acos/Lustre tonearm but non original clamp.
The next generation, a Planar 3 with a price tag that suggests they hold their value.
The Nakamichi Dragon proved that a cassette deck can be legendary (£850).
Hmmmmmmm… grommets!
I dare any wannable Apprentice to bring up the Amstrad turntable with Lord Sugar today.
Reviewer Adam Smith was selling his much loved Ferrograph S-1s complete with custom outboard crossovers and stands for £325.
Something to juggle with while you listen to your six pack.
Parmeko Microgram AP32112, serious British iron from the fifties.
A garage full of valves etc from Whitstable brought to Tonbridge by a former radio engineer's daughter. If he who dies with the most glass wins, this is the stash of a winner.
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Left: The legend of Southend, Rega's very own genius Terry Bateman with one of his early creations the Planet CD player now restored by AmpRegen. Right: Yamaha NS20 with its cello specific bass driver.
Xact Audio Design's prototype tonearm bears a passing resemblance to the Mission arm and will be launched soon.
G-Point Audio was making a rather pleasant noise with this unusual Polish amplifier. The Valve Prestige EggShell is so called because the remote is a white ceramic sphere that works gyroscopically, the amp itself can ran EL34s in single ended or push-pull mode.
Jason Kennedy