Virtual Pub

[Vlad the Inhaler]

I googled "Spikes" which are a personal interest of mine, and found this excellent forum. I was particularly interested in recent references to S&M.

My question to Dr. Bell as follows:

after a hard days pillaging and oppressing, I like to relax with a little music. My tastes are Thrash metal and similar, and I have a particular fondness for the oeuvre of Rammstein.

I listen on my all-Naim system, but seldom find myself fully relaxed at the end of the evening.

Do you have any advice? Do you think a change of cables might help? I currently use welding cables which I found attached to some wire wool in my, umm, cellar. Do you think this might be causing the harshness I perceive?

Alternatively, do you think a better rack would help? The one I'm using was handed down to me by my great grandfather, and the oak pulleys at the top are a bit worn. I've replaced the ropes and anchor points already and the high frequency response has improved greatly but I'm sure I can get a couple more decibels if I increase the tension a little bit more.

yours in anticipation,

Vlad

[Dr Dessie Bell]

Hello Vlad

So sorry to hear that you have googled your spikes. My ex-husband did that and although it sounds funny it really is far from amusing. I sent you some nice new carpet slippers as you requested to make you feel better and also hope your asthma is not too bad now. Your line of work is a little unhealthy if I may say so.

Yes I understand your dilemma. You are trying to relax to a Naim system. This is really what one may call an oxymoron. Thrash on a system such as yours is only slightly more relaxing than wearing a sandpaper tampon covered in Chile powder (so I am told).

I think sometimes that trying to fix a problem by tinkering with external add-ons is just not enough. Although it is scary I think we all at time must "mordez la balle". Biting the bullet may seem distasteful but it really is the only way. I suggest that first you divest yourself of your current kit – just get whatever you can for it. Money is energy and there is always someone out there that wants and values your cast-offs. Do not feel guilty and only play Van Morrison during the demo when a prospective customer enters your lair. Just be heartless – if you can find someone without the need for emotional satisfaction, this would be an ideal system for them. If as you say you are interested in S&M, then it is a win-win scenario. You can get sadistic satisfaction from selling it on and the purchaser can satisfy there basic masochistic instincts by owning it.

As far as supports are concerned, I think that the above message also applies. However don’t be fooled by modern systems that have wild claims and ball bearings everywhere. Keep it simple and trust your ears and your instincts. Many theories abound as to whether firm or floppy is best but they are only theories. Give them a thorough thrashing with some of your favourite Rammstein and get Oliver "Ollie" Riedel to fondle your lower reaches. Other Neue Deutsche Härte bands may also give you a thoroughly good work out. Try also to get some Kenneth McKellar CDs to try on your proposed new system. If you can tolerate them on it on any night but the 31st December, you will be OK.

Good listening and I hope that your desire for more decibels, like me, is fulfilled.

Love to you and Fluffy

Dr Dessie
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Here is the answer - what is the question?

[Chris Frost]

[SAD ONE (Iain)]

Hi Vlad

Are u away on the rampage? Have not seen or heard from you in ages.

Just feeling a little impaliant for that drink.

Captain Bloodstone
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You might not realise this but in reality there are no bald people. There are only ginger haired people with initiative.