AudioCircle
The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Lone Star Audio Fest => Topic started by: JohnR on 6 May 2010, 03:26 am
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Hi everybody, if you're attending LSAF, please consider contributing to a group report for a new webzine. The idea here would be to make it a "personal highlights of LSAF" type of article, with some thoughts from a few people on their experience there. So it's low-pressure, no need to write War and Peace, just a few sentences on what you thought.
I'm thinking that something like the following would work. If there were three or four people willing to do this, it would make a nice (and different) article:
1. A brief intro - why you went to LSAF (2 or 3 sentences)
2. A photo of one of your favorite rooms + a 2 or 3 sentences about it - what you liked, what you found new or interesting, who you met.
3. Repeat #2 as desired :)
There would be no problem with having already posted your photos or text in the LSAF circle on AC or on any other website - the article is not supposed to be some kind of "exclusive."
Because of the short timeline for the first issue the deadline would be a week after the show (and earlier is better). Again, just your thoughts, no need to make it into a hard thing.
If you would be willing to try, please send me a PM with your email addy. jimdgoulding has kindly offered so far - thanks Jim :thumb:
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Hey - got two volunteers so far. Would like to get a couple more :thumb:
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Count me in. Saw a few things at LSAF this evening, going back for a day full tomorrow.
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I only have a few pictures like to add, more tomorrow.
Room 215, Nice to meet you Michael
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30417)
Room 202
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30418)
GR Research
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30419)
More soon
:eyebrows:
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Live from the Lone Star Audio Fest! Bout as live as you can be if you have "sipped and sucked at some of the most demonstrative epitomal bistros in the Dallas metropolitan area". That's from a Tom Waits classic if you didn't know cept he was talking about L.A. Danny Richey's (GR Research) open baffle V2's would be a perfect match for my size room and, podners, they sound good! They are the most tempting for me of anything I've heard in a long time. Pictured above in the middle photo.
This is pretty cool. The hotel has us all on the same floor and everybody's door is open. The chief bottle washer from Audioroundtable.com and PI speakers, Wayne Parham, is relaxing people with his Model 3's. The cabinets are very handsome in Bulinba(?) and ash. I believe he said that for the kit to include everything but the cabinets, the cost is 800 clams. You get a lotta quality sound for that. Lot's DIY'ers kicking tires in his room lured by the good sound from within. I believe he offers in any variety of woods if you want him to do the work.
Dinner at The Grape on Greenville for me and my brood earlier this evening. The mushroom soup has been on the menu since they opened in 1975. I had the mushroom soup. I ain't no dummy. Almost made a meal out of it dipping bread.
I'll add more tomorrow and make corrections to the above if need be cause I also had another of the Grape's specialties, a very crisp and hearty Chardonnay, a few times over.
This is fun!
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I'd love to see images of AudioKinesis Duke LeJeune's room and read some feedback about the sound, etc.
Tell Duke and Lori Jim says "hi".
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Virtue Audio & GR Research
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30446)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30452)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30448)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30449)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30450)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30451)
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Room 228
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30453)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30455)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30456)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30457)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30458)
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Best sounding room of the day in my opinion
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30447)
Digital done right, Virtue audio
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30454)
This little driver was making HUGE music
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30459)
And a mighty horn
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30460)
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West Texas Science Center - Junior Audiophile Project
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30461)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30462)
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Agree with Rey ... Danny's larger open baffles with the wall of black velvet behind them were terrific ... easily up to the "hype" of the discussion threads.
Terrific imaging, solid with slam, great tonality. Really very, very, nice. In a nice room (which would not describe this venue) they'd be stunning. :thumb: :thumb: :icon_lol:
ps -- how much amp does it take to do them justice? Is an 8-10w/ch SET too small?
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Thanks for the photo's....keep them coming.... 8) :thumb:
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Yes... more photos please! Also more mini reviews and please identify the speakers and associated gear in the photos.
Thanks,
Roy
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Anybody seen Pat or heard any of the Ar-t gear yet?
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Thanks for the images! The more the merrier!
I'd love to hear the GR Research display. Everyone seems to love it. Regarding their room:
1. I suspect the purpose of the prodigious curtain material is to hide acoustic damping material. Is there acoustic damping "behind the curtain"? I believe the rule is the less space (or damping material) behind a dipole the worse is the sound.
2. Would appreciate someone to confirm with their own eyes whether or not a sub is in the room, and if yes, is it active? The following applies only to the Wilson Audio dealer involved: In a dimly lit room I auditioned the current Wilson Duet monitor. On the way out I noticed a REL sub, one of my favorites. I asked if it was on. Surprisingly he replied yes, but it was set very low, like around 30 Hz. He added it really didn't affect the sound (leading to the question as to why it was in the room).
3. Would someone familiar with good 1st octave reproduction play music with 1st octave bass at elevated level and report about the low bass cutoff, the quantity and quality of the 1st octave? Please mention the music. Will GR allow music with 1st octave bass to be played at elevated level?
Thanks!
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Yes... more photos please! Also more mini reviews and please identify the speakers and associated gear in the photos.
Thanks,
Roy
+1 on above..thanks guys!! :thumb:
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Thanks for the images! The more the merrier!
I'd love to hear the GR Research display. Everyone seems to love it. Regarding their room:
1. I suspect the purpose of the prodigious curtain material is to hide acoustic damping material. Is there acoustic damping "behind the curtain"? I believe the rule is the less space (or damping material) behind a dipole the worse is the sound.
2. Would appreciate someone to confirm with their own eyes whether or not a sub is in the room, and if yes, is it active? The following applies only to the Wilson Audio dealer involved: In a dimly lit room I auditioned the current Wilson Duet monitor. On the way out I noticed a REL sub, one of my favorites. I asked if it was on. Surprisingly he replied yes, but it was set very low, like around 30 Hz. He added it really didn't affect the sound (leading to the question as to why it was in the room).
3. Would someone familiar with good 1st octave reproduction play music with 1st octave bass at elevated level and report about the low bass cutoff, the quantity and quality of the 1st octave? Please mention the music. Will GR allow music with 1st octave bass to be played at elevated level?
Thanks!
If you are talking about the room with the Super-V's, they have their own open baffle sub built in. The bottom two woofers are the sub up to the XO to the coaxial driver. The subs are totally adjustable with their own servo amp per side. They will go into the high teens.
Gary's Battery Power Amp is 15wpc stereo and play the Super-V's here very loud if wanted. All off a 12VDC/75A-H AGM battery.
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Anybody seen Pat or heard any of the Ar-t gear yet?
We were with the guy in this photo:
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30459
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Gary's Battery Power Amp is 15wpc stereo and play the Super-V's here very loud if wanted. All off a 12VDC/75A-H AGM battery.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30447)
I know Danny typically uses Gary battery powered EL84 amp but I don't see it in the pic above. It appears that the Battery Buffer is sitting on what may be an amp, does anyone know what amp was used for the show?
Best,
Ed
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If you are talking about the room with the Super-V's, they have their own open baffle sub built in. The bottom two woofers are the sub up to the XO to the coaxial driver. The subs are totally adjustable with their own servo amp per side. They will go into the high teens.
Gary's Battery Power Amp is 15wpc stereo and play the Super-V's here very loud if wanted. All off a 12VDC/75A-H AGM battery.
I knew the Super V included what (apparently) you and GR call a subwoofer. My question
Would appreciate someone to confirm with their own eyes whether or not a sub is in the room, and if yes, is it active?
concerned a neutral party looking for a sub (the far more ubiquitous sealed or ported type) that could be easily hidden behind the abundant curtain material in the images.
The subs...go into the high teens
sheds no light, as is normally the case with ad copy.
The Super V look great. I love the name. Forgive me for being curious about what may or may not be behind the curtains.
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I thought the Crescendo Systems room sounded very very nice. Kim has improved the design on his Electrostats and they sounded more dynamic but without giving up the relaxed open sound the previous blue monsters he has shown had. I also really liked the new smaller footprint and improved aesthetics, terrific job Kim! (and your wife gets credit for the new look of the speakers!)
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I knew the Super V included what (apparently) you and GR call a subwoofer. My question concerned a neutral party looking for a sub (the far more ubiquitous sealed or ported type) that could be easily hidden behind the abundant curtain material in the images.
sheds no light, as is normally the case with ad copy.
The Super V look great. I love the name. Forgive me for being curious about what may or may not be behind the curtains.
I did not personally look behind the curtain yesterday, but have helped Danny set it up before at RMAF and it was just acoustic treatment....I saw no other sub, or anything that could be disguised as a sub, in the room yesterday....the bass on those speakers is the real deal.
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I thought the Crescendo Systems room sounded very very nice.
Yes, I liked the sound of them, as well.
Pat
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(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g295/mrnick_2006/Picture809.jpg)
Ed here is a photo from Sat showing a big tube amp in the back powering the V2's. Gary said that was a ClassD battey powered amp under buffer but I never heard it hooked up. They sounded very big and now I know why they require some room to work. What impressed me was how balanced they were from top to bottom and speaking of bottom the bass was unreal. Now I know what Danny means by the OB subs not loading the room, the bass is more natural and fast with almost no decay time or smearing. I like them alot, in fact if I didnt already own the 7's they would be my next diy project.
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The comments are not from add copy. It is from my pair of Super-V's in my room listening to pipe organ music.
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I have heard the Super V's many many times, believe me there was no need for a sub hidden behind the curtains. The Super V's will produce the best bass you have every heard. What I heard from them at this show is the same I have heard at Danny's house.
When I heard the Super V's they were powered by the class D amp and sounded really good. The two GR rooms, Super V's and V2's were my two favorites. The two rooms using Virtue electronics also sounded really good. My next favorite was the Von Schweirket speakers powered by Luxman, amazing amount of sound from a small speaker but it does come with a price.
I was surprised, pleasantly, by how many turntables were in use. and I only noticed two computer based systems.
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Ed here is a photo from Sat showing a big tube amp in the back powering the V2's. Gary said that was a ClassD battey powered amp under buffer but I never heard it hooked up. They sounded very big and now I know why they require some room to work. What impressed me was how balanced they were from top to bottom and speaking of bottom the bass was unreal. Now I know what Danny means by the OB subs not loading the room, the bass is more natural and fast with almost no decay time or smearing. I like them alot, in fact if I didnt already own the 7's they would be my next diy project.
Thanks Keith, I couldn't tell that was a tube amp back there. I thought the box below the buffer might be Gary's version of the ClassD, thanks for verifying.
Best,
Ed
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:drool: The frankenfurter monster amp that came riding in, on wooden planks, no less, http://www.jeffreywjackson.com/ in the Audio Kinesis room, along with http://www.buildanamp.com/main.sc for the pre-amp.
The Oppo and Mhdt with Audio Kinesis http://www.audiokinesis.com/ in house made speakers with help from the above, were for me :D making some of the very best sound at the show. Human voices were so amazingly real, and the whole set up just had a really musical vibe if you will to the whole thing. Was happy to have been lucky enough to have experienced that room.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30497)
Mark
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Thanks for the pics guys.
Ray
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Here's a few snapshots I took with the little time I had to get around.....Shane
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4613316833_210e977690_o.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4613936152_27eb3bcd99_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4613318487_26ba29aeab_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/4613319343_006c627fee_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4613320169_f9d4e0579d_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4613939436_4885f8de86_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4613321601_a7f6f90dfe_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4613940962_e3022dd071_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/4613941662_332428fca5_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/4613323867_4daee5a1b9_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4613943264_eefbc9db65_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/4613943998_b41a99119c_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4613326257_184c2d4974_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4613945562_9a07f4937b_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4613327571_bd4b290702_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/4613328375_b7789dbece_b.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4613329035_b917fb05be_b.jpg)
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I'd love to see images of AudioKinesis Duke LeJeune's room and read some feedback about the sound, etc.
Tell Duke and Lori Jim says "hi".
Allow me. Duke's speakers- he'll need to tell about this new model- were sweet and delicate and lithe on Simon and Garfunkle Live in Central Park and as dynamic, clean and hugely emotional on Hugh Masekela's Stimela as anytime I've heard that tune with the little Lighter Note preamp and, get this, powered by the amplifier in a small NAD integrated. Seriously, they played both these live recordings like they were made for them with generous sized imagery and space.
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Great pics Blooze - many thanks. I spent most of the time DJing and trying to give out free microbrews in my room and didn't make it around too much.
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Tidbits from my memory. This was the first audio show I've attended and I'll go again. If you heard it is laid back you heard right. I didn't do badly as a vendor, either. The only thing I could demo was my mouth (no comments from the peanut gallery) meaning I didn't bring speakers. Next year, maybe I'll bring an easel and some drawing paper. Come to think of it, they probably had this at the hotel. Oh, well.
The speaker designer from Jumping Cactus drove in from Tucson. Talk about a self effacing system, he used a Rega table and arm and a Dyna PAS pre, for example. He uses sealed aluminum enclosures ala six figure YG Acoustics speakers. Three of em with an outboard crossover. I couldn't hear any coloration to the sound whatsoever. He gets my sleeper of the show award.
One guy, a former high end store owner in Kansas, simply attended and set up his personal system with some Gallo satelites and a sub. He turned me and us on to a Buddy Holly CD the tapes of which were made in 1955. It was so beautiful I asked if he would let Duke give it a spin to demo his new speakers. Duke said he spun it 5 or 6 times. His wife was a beautiful woman. I'm not talking out of school, I told him I thought he was a lucky man (hell, he looks like me!). He approved.
When I saw Duke's new speakers I thought it was a big departure from what I've seen of his designs and wondered if I would like them. Well, I did. They were so good on Simon and Garfunkel Live in Central Park, so sweetly detailed and genteel I thought, man, if this was all you listened to, these are the ones. Then he played Hugh Masakela's Stimela. Doggone if I didn't think the same thing! I made it a point to send browsers over to his suite.
Already said I thought Danny's open baffle V2's are terrific. Timztunz from north Houston like me asked why I would set aside my Meridian actives for a pair and I said cause the sound was not limited by the enclosure. That and because they could be so adrenelin pumping exciting. They were very quick and dynamic. Me liked. Gary Dodd's battery powered diminutive and handsome tube amps were doing the honors.
A group of three guys were taking pictures. They even took a picture of my wee contribution to the show laying passively on a table. Their photos might appear in a future issue of Enjoy The Music, they said. Another fellow shooting pics said he was there on behalf of Audiogon. I think these guys were free lance and not commissioned by either outfit so we'll just have to see.
Fine speakers that I heard included Wayne Parham's 3 Pi's. Wayne is also the publisher of www.audioroundtable.com. Electrostats from www.crescendo-systems.com. Some good looking and good sounding two way floorstanders from Sonist whose main man would pour you a glass of what appeared to be rare Scotch- www.sonist.com.
Scott Clark was there with his school project winning speakers and I think all comers were mightily impressed. That is a human interest story Texas Monthly should get a hold of. No sign of them, btw, or The Dallas Morning News' Arts and Entertainment or D Magazine. Gotta do a better job of gettin em next year.
I didn't get round to a lot of rooms cause I had to man a post, so I can't offer more. Great hotel for our purposes with an open bar at dusk.
ps- The photo above by Nick77 is of the Super V's, not the V2's. The two's are smaller and narrower.
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Was Bob from Maxxhorn there?
Lee
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Duke, these look pretty spiffy, I need to hear them one of these days!
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4613326257_184c2d4974_b.jpg)
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It was my first time at the LSAF, and I was mightily impressed. I only arrived and displayed the Jr. Audiophile project speakers Sat. and Sun morning, but I had crowds for all but about 5 minutes! I managed to sneak out and listen to my next door neighbors room, to hear a very natural and detailed set of speakers- very nice job, Duke! :drool:
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Another fellow shooting pics said he was there on behalf of Audiogon.
Probably Albert Porter (great guy), watch AudiogoN the next few days to see if they post his pics.
Lee
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It was Albert Porter, taking those photos.
Bob was there, but as Affirm Audio.
Pat
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30535)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30536)
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Hi folks - if anyone would like to be published in a new webzine pse send me a PM with your email address. I'd need a quality picture of a room, and a paragraph of text with your impressions, x as many as you want to do.
Thanks ;)
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Will the new zine have music or equipment reviews?
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It will if you want to write one :)
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Thanks. If I think I can do some justice to one, I may.
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Thanks. If I think I can some justice to one, I may.
I can't think of anyone that could do it better- not tied to any of the manufacturers, designer of a product that works on just about any speaker, and one of the good guys. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: I look forward to reading your report, especially since I didn't get out as much as I had wanted to hear the various rooms myself.
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You're too kind, Scotty. I did a report on the show best I was able already. I was thinkin more along the lines of individual items. You know, like which wine makes classical music sound better or rock & roll. Thanks.
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I was thinkin more along the lines of individual items. You know, like which wine makes classical music sound better or rock & roll. Thanks.
I dunno, Jim. :wine: That sounds like an awfully big project for one guy to tackle. You may need an assistant to do justice to such an important topic. In the spirit of discovery, I volunteer to assist with such a worthy endeavor. I'll even furnish the corkscrew! :wine:
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Did anyone hear the EMIA/Elevenhorns/Intact Audio room? Comments?
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Ditto for Fred's Texas Revelator Tower Speakers. Any comments??
Thanks,
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Ditto for Fred's Texas Revelator Tower Speakers. Any comments??
Thanks,
I havent seen mention of these yet and I thought they made a great showing. They were very easy to listen to and complety non-fatuiging was my impression. They had nice solid bass and good overall balance, i enjoyed them.
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I enjoyed those, too, and Fred's inimitable personality. Fred, Rockin D of Silver Circle Audio, and Timztunz are some boys you wanna have a drink with next time. They won't be hard to find :thumb:.
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Thanks for the kind words, Nick and Jim. Last year I brought a system whose total cost including the source, amplification, speakers and wires was under $400. This year I brought a true high end system, and I'm calling it high end not because it cost a fortune, but because all the components, including the under $300 Virtue amp, were carefully chosen for maximum synergy.
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Did anyone get a pic of the Woden Designs Pencil 12? Those were good sounding also, a DIY speaker from England. The speaker is a single driver, full-range and no crossover. I like speakers with no crossovers. They just image better and sound more natural.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30568)
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Did anyone hear the EMIA/Elevenhorns/Intact Audio room? Comments?
Hard to believe but the big horns were gentle giants. The sound was smooth and relaxed.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30568)
Those are them with the gold drivers. I believe they said the drivers were $256 each. Another great DIY project. I didn't get to hear the black speakers.
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It looks familiar but with Jordans
(http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/FH/images/Coniston2-3d.gif)
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I dunno, Jim. :wine: That sounds like an awfully big project for one guy to tackle. You may need an assistant to do justice to such an important topic. In the spirit of discovery, I volunteer to assist with such a worthy endeavor. I'll even furnish the corkscrew! :wine:
I sell a wine that's made from grapes that were genetically engineered to enhance the listening experience. It works with all genres of music, and you'll want to include this in your tests. Only $500/bottle.
http://fredt300b.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Tweaks-That-Really-Work/1724942_mxX2S#206582268_XuhqP
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It looks familiar but with Jordans
(http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/FH/images/Coniston2-3d.gif)
Those are Mark Audio drivers. In a box design by Scottmoose called the Lotus. I did get to hear them, and liked them very much. The Pensil next to the Lotus ( in the previous post ) had prototype Field Coil drivers, they too were Mark Audio, and Jeffery Jackson who had the big Eleven Horns with the Field coil Lowthers was responsible for the field coils, IIRC
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Did anyone hear the EMIA/Elevenhorns/Intact Audio room? Comments?
I did, twice. But it was hard to get in there, always packed.
First time was during set-up, I think. Did not sound right, but maybe that was the music. :D
Second time - much better. The horns were as clean and smooth as anything I've heard - and I've heard a lot of big horns. Just beautiful. Pure. Bass was very boomy, tho. Not sure what was going on there. We were all fighting the bass hump in those rooms.
Very cool system, very inspiring.
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Pictures of all the rooms are posted in this thread at AudioRoundTable:
http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=12308&prevloaded=1&&start=20