[Mudslide]

3RD ANNUAL GREAT NORTHWEST GTG

It's that time again!!


Aerial photo courtesy of the Lincoln City Visitors and Convention Bureau

We've had such a great time with the first two events, we decided to have a go at a third GTG.  Even though we're on the Oregon coast, the "Northwest GTG" part may be a misnomer since we have people attending our events from all over the country.

This year's gig will be a bit more intimate and focused than last year's quite large mini-convention.  We're going to be auditioning and reporting to you about 8 pairs of internet-direct (ID) available stand-mount monitors selling for <$2,000.  A couple of manufacturers from our own AudioCircle will be represented (Salk Sound and Selah Audio, with AVAHifi providing the drive gear).  To avoid cross-posting, here is a link to the initial thread. 
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=736073#post736073

In the next week or so we'll be posting details on the auditioning format and protocols as well as the specific speaker models (the manufacturers are set).  Included will be the premier public appearance and auditioning of at least one, and perhaps 3 brand new models.  We hope to bring you a bit of interesting and informative information about some quality loudspeakers.

Keep checking in for updates.

Mud

[Mudslide]

THE SPEAKERS


All of the manufacturers listed below are committed to sponsoring our GNW GTG with a pair of their speakers. As stated earlier, these will all be sub-$2,000 (not including shipping) stand-mount monitors. Some of them just do squeak in under the limit, so there are some fine loudspeakers for all the auditioners to evaluate.

The manufacturers not only have graced us with their loudspeakers to audition, but in a couple of cases we will have the privilege to be the first to publicly unveil brand new models. Keep in mind that the list below is not set in concrete. It is fluid in the sense that the various speaker companies have ongoing developments that may alter the model that they send. But these are reasonably certain.

Here, alphabetically, are the pairs that we currently expect to review at the 2010 event.


Aperion Audio - 6B... http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/...11,20,257.aspx

Ascend Acoustics - Sierra-1 NrT... http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=4088 (Please note that this new Ascend flagship model was announced only last week. It is in its late development state. If it is not yet available for the September 18th event, we believe Ascend will instead be sending the Sierra-1.)

Lauren Acoustics - One B ... http://www.laurenacoustics.com/Laure...The_One_B.html (Please note that this model from a new company, as far as we're aware, has never been seen or heard publicly.)

Nate's Audio - T5 ... http://www.natesaudio.com/naproducts_t05.html

Salk Sound - Ellis 1801B ... http://www.salksound.com/ellis%201801b%20-%20home.htm

Selah Audio - Verita ... http://www.selahaudio.com/id216.html (Please note that the shipping fees are included in the $2,050 product cost.)

Tyler Acoustics - Limited Edition Taylo ... http://www.tyleracoustics.com/taylo.html (Please note that this Taylo model is not in the company's current lineup. Tyler Acoustics will be making a run of Limited Edition Taylos at <$2,000 which will run concurrently with our event.)

Usher Audio - X-718 ... http://www.usheraudio.com/Loudspeaker_X-718.html (Please note that Usher is not strictly an ID company. However, it's models can be difficult to find to audition in many places. It seems to fit well with the other speakers listed here, so we decided to include the X-718.)


I have to state again, that these companies are all run by first-rate people who are fans of audio first and foremost. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with each and every person I've contacted. We're lucky to have these folks in our great hobby, and they have been most gracious to send their gear to us for our pleasure and our reporting.

We also may have an additional surprise appearance of a new model at the event. I can't say anything about it at this time, but we're pretty excited at the possibility of presenting this new monitor model to the world. As the timing of its availability is crucial, we will provide further information regarding it as it nears launch.

Next up ........

THE FORMAT

[Mudslide]

Much more has been added to the GNW GTG thread, including the audition summaries of six really nice loudspeakers...including two of A/C's own, the Salk Ellis 1801B and the Selah Verita.  And all speakers were easily and accurately carried along by A/C's own Audio by Van Alstine drive gear.  (Many thanks!)  Enjoy.  http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=754353#post754353

[fredgarvin]

Dang, I think if the thread title had referenced that it was the oregon coast gtg I would have noticed it. It was only 20 mins from my house too. 

[Mudslide]

Sorry to have missed you.  We get people at our events from Idaho, Washington, and really all over the U.S., as well as Oregon.  So we thought "Northwest" was the best appellation.  Maybe next year. 

Where are you located?  We (Joe and I) are still here.   

[ArthurDent]

Nice writeup over on Audioholics Mud.    Guess no good deed goes unpunished eh ?  You and Joe get all that time listening to superior speakers, with sweet drive gear, meeting nice folks, then you have to sit down and put all the nitty gritty down in writing for those who couldn't be there. Your efforts are appreciated.