A Grande Day Out

[Tom Tom Audio]

Date: 3 July 2012

Location: Saint Etienne, France

I've just spent a very enjoyable three days in France touring the Focal factory and meeting the team over there. I have to say if you ever get the chance its well worth a visit as these guys manufacture literally everything in house and some of the processes are fascinating. The system above (full 500 series with 2 x NAP 500's into Grande Utopias) was simply awe inspiring. We listened to an HD recording of Rhapsody in Blue in stunned silence and then all burst into spontaneous applause when it finished.

As much as I've always enjoyed lunch in the Naim staff canteen, this new 'French Connection' has certainly upped the ante when it comes to the food and wine on offer, a local Cote-Rotie with dinner on Tuesday night being a particular highlight.