AudioCircle

The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Rocky Mountain Audio Fest => Topic started by: Pez on 4 Oct 2011, 03:58 am

Title: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 4 Oct 2011, 03:58 am
Open for business, let's get this show on the road! :thumb:

Tyson - A couple of observations right off the bat.  1st, the vendors seem to be getting better at having their room set up and sounding good on the first day.  Its been several years now that RMAF has been going, and they are clearly more at ease and better practiced at handling the challenges of a big show like this. 

Regarding my own posts, please remember that they are my OPINION, and are based on my preferences, and my impressions are based on a very short demo under less than ideal conditions.  However, I will try to be honest and not soft shoe anything.  If a room sounded great, I'll say so.  If it didn't, I'll say that too.  Please don't get your panties in a bunch if I didn't happen to cream myself over your favorite room/vendor. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 05:21 pm
We're here!!!! Coffee then time for some RMAF action!!!!

Tyson - Hola, I'm posting all my stuff at the end of the day, rather than in "real time" like Pez did.  So, I'll just use red text and add comments to Pez's existing pics.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/850bd62d.jpg)

Tyson - The coffee is bad, but I'm so stoked about RMAF I just don't care.  Like a kid on christmas - I could hardly get to sleep last night :)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ebfaaf47.jpg)
got my iPad 3G with my DSLR. This lets me take pics and upload it immediately. I will try to have somewhat constant stream of info all day!
This is the best I can get to live coverage so I hope you guys enjoy!!!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Big Red Machine on 14 Oct 2011, 05:25 pm
Please try to act like you are happy to be there!! :x
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 06:14 pm
Captn humble and lonewolf are here.  :thumb:

Tyson - Before we even get started, who do we run across but these two rogues :)  I think the Cap & I started to bore Pez and lonewolf when we started talking about LDL subfractions.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/747fd198.jpg)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 06:50 pm
Serious audio Daedalus and galibier TTs.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/daabc6bc.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/99f14622.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/1ac17681.jpg)

Overall I liked the sound quality. Speakers were definitely to close to the wall. Sound was somewhat congested. Volume was pretty low, but what do you expect from 1/2 watt.

Tyson - Good tone, beautiful speakers (gorgeous woodwork), but were dynamically compressed.  I heard the same thing at Pez's house with his SET amps hooked up to the Ulysses.  These are efficient speakers, but they need more juice, IMO.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Don_S on 14 Oct 2011, 06:52 pm
Pez,

We need a better pic of Lonewolf's shirt.  Feel free to crop his head off to get a close up.  :lol:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:04 pm
Salk/AVA room

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/7a0e1adc.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/8cecfe24.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ea058580.jpg)

The soundscapes are gorgeous. Sound is a bit contested. Early show fits maybe. Room is not setup great for any seat other than the sweet spot which Tyson is hogging of course. 

Tyson - Good things first - the AVA gear looked NICE with their silver faceplates.  And of course the Salk speakers were friggin beautiful.  As for sound, the sweet spot didn't help much, Pez.  These were a bit hard, a bit sibilant, and a bit thin sounding.  I think it's gotta be that ceramic mid, since I've heard similar issues with every other speaker I've ever heard that used it.  Some people love it, to me it lacks warmth.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Mag on 14 Oct 2011, 07:07 pm
Wow, that's progress, we have the uploaded picture before the pixels have a chance to cool off! :hyper:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Sonny on 14 Oct 2011, 07:08 pm
wish i was there!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:08 pm
One more from Salk Ava room. System was not playing. 

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/fb86dda6.jpg)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:13 pm
Daedalus/bolder/modwright/first sound.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/a2dc1928.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/dea8416f.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ac2770cc.jpg)

Sounds very nice in here. Speakers are properly distanced from the wall and the sound is much more easy than the previous Daedalus room. Tweeters on the Daedalus are a touch lacking in certain ways. Not very huge on detail etc, but not offensive.  Overall I love how natural it sounds, but then again many will think that I'm a bit biased as I usually like/love Daedalus setups. Not much to say other than this sounds very nice.

Tyson - The room this year sounded good, but not as good as it sounded on Saturday last year.  Tonally they sounded very nice.  In fact my notes are effusive about how nice they sound from a tonal standpoint.  After hours a couple of changes were made and they started to snap in to focus a bit more.  Will have to revisit this room on Sat or Sun.


TedB/Wayne1
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/dfc449bd.jpg)

Tyson - the ever-gracious Wayne!  In fact, both Wayne and Lou are great guys and awesomely fun to hang out with. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:32 pm
Fritz/modwright/zesto

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/c488fa4a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2e5c18a6.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2574e9df.jpg)

Freaking sweet. Every year fritz has one of the nicest sounding rooms. This year is no exception. Soundstage and imaging to die for. The carbons put out sound that is well beyond what a speaker this size should be able to do. I really LOVE the dynamics I'm hearing here. Visceral bass and well executed top to bottom integration of sound. Nothing sticks out as offensive or out of place just natural beautiful sound.  :thumb:

Tyson - Agreed completely - every single year Fritz brings his A-Game and this year was no exception.  Beautiful sounding speakers, great imaging, good dynamics, amazing bass quantity for their size, conveyed emotion like nobody's business, and just an overall damn fine sounding room.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:48 pm
Modwright/Daedalus

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2e19dcff.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/41ce4ebf.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/a0bd6cd2.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/804654e6.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/55dcefa2.jpg)

I love the look of the new athenas. They are very very nice sounding. Nice fat bottom end with definition and grace. In my chair they sound a bit meek in overall dynamics, but not weak. For big sound the Ulysses are definitely the power house choice, but the Athena's present a very beautiful and sweet sound. Great stuff.

Tyson - Is it sacrilege to say I like the Athenas better than the Ulysses?  I think I might....
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: TheChairGuy on 14 Oct 2011, 07:55 pm
Ohhh, you guys are good - wish I coulda' made it this year.

Busier than a one-armed paperhanger here, tho.

Those new silver fronts on the AVA gear looking nice :thumb: Definitely perks up the aesthetics.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 07:58 pm
Acoustic zen/Tri

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/82a9d8d3.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/54bd19f1.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/df70a8a5.jpg)

Wow is all I can say. Absolutely stunning sound. So sweet and real it hurts. Sound stage that is the best I've heard yet. The Tri amps are gorgeous. room could use treatment. Vocals can sound a bit nasal and not really as full as it could sound with some sound treatment panels. Bass is not as tight as it could be, all that said. I am thoroughly enjoying what I am hearing.

Tyson - Damn, I thought the woodwork on the Daedalus and the Salk speakers was sexy, these are over the top!  Top 5 best sound for me last year.  Relatively disappointing for me this year.  Typical SET sound - loose bass, seductive mids, and pleasant highs.  One thing they did better than almost any other room - they sounded BIG, which I liked a lot. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 08:13 pm
First sound/AMR/Daedalus.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f29e3a92.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ad07ad75.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/d4f20fa2.jpg)

Sounds is full and delicious. I really like the great job of setup. Sweet sound and no hint of congestion or yuck despite the lack of treatment this is one of the more balanced and controlled rooms we have been to. Emmanuel always does a great job with setup. The Athena's sound worlds different than the Modwright room. I would say my preference is more towards this rooms sound if I had to make a choice.

Tyson - It's official, I DO like the sound of the Athenas better....  :o  Especially using input #2.  Emmanuel will get the joke, even if you other plebs don't  :P
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 08:31 pm
Yg acoustics/vitus

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/8dffd8e2.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2d3fb7cb.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ee51440d.jpg)

Like the sound especially since I usually don't care for solid state. Very sharp and defined with a great soundstage and strong imaging. Very natural sounding without sounding sterile. Another room where they pulled the speakers away from the wall with great results. I love the finish of the YG speakers. Absolutely stunning. Futuristic without looking ridiculous. For the size of the drivers they produce pretty damn good bass though I think some of the other rooms we've listened to are a little more impactful with bass. A touch shouty on certain material. Overall very nice.

Edit: Just changed seats, much better bass impact and not shouty. This is one of the problems of these kinds of venues. It's very difficult to assess the sound if you have a bad seat.   :?

Low expectations going into this room since I've never really liked the sound of YG Acoustic speakers in any of the previous shows.  Underwhelming (especially for the $$).  But this room really surprised me - non-sibilant, precise sound that made me want to listen more.  A bit thin on violin, but very focused.  Precise is the word showing up over and over again in my notes.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 08:51 pm
Lansche/ypsilone

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/193e9822.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/cd762d8a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/855eddd6.jpg)

Cool plasma tweeters!!! overall balance is a little tipped up though. Not my favorite room at the moment. I will say the fit and finish of the setup is pretty stellar. The midrange seems a touch overblown and at times this system is definitely SHOUTY and confused sounding. It may be the material :scratch: either way not really liking what I am hearing.  :(

Tyson - Plasma tweeters, glowing purple, very cool!!  Unfortunately playing violin, the highs drove me out of the room - ouch!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 09:03 pm
TAD room

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/0a8e5b93.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/398fc860.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/4f6f2352.jpg)

All I can say is holy shit!!!! Dynamics and pop like you wouldn't believe!!!! Whatever track we walked in on had drums dynamics that made you feel like you were shot in the chest. Wow....

Now we're listening to Tyson's reference. Sweet violins and heart breaking emotion here. These speakers are the real deal. And the front end is pretty damned amazing as well. Don't think of these speakers as 'bookshelves' think of them as floorstanders on pillars and steroids. Bold sound great bass control, sweet midrange.

Very detailed sound in ani difrancos vocals. Yet not analytic at all. Can you tell that I really love this room? Pretty sure this is my favorite thus far. Very emotionally connecting presentation I don't feel like there's anything they are doing wrong honestly. Perhaps not as warm sounding as some of the Daedalus speakers, but certainly not sterile either.

Tool sounds very rockin!!!! No fear or anxiety with the huge dynamic shifts and great control overall. BUY THIS SYSTEM NOW!!!!!! Even out of the sweet spot some of the round the room effects are really circling my head. Amazing simply amazing.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/70ed7e60.jpg)

Tyson - What more can I add?  Best sound at show on the first day, and not by a little.  In fact, thinking back on the last couple of RMAF's, this might be the best I've heard at any show, any year.  $37k?  I'm sure I could sell my spare kidney to someone....
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: jeffh on 14 Oct 2011, 09:06 pm
Thanks for the awesome coverage.  Keep it coming!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 09:12 pm
Tad drivers.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/4e5fcdda.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f2002490.jpg)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: JLM on 14 Oct 2011, 09:20 pm
What pics?  I'm not seeing anything??
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 09:32 pm
GR Research/Dodd

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2b3c174d.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/069530eb.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f5aab428.jpg)


I'll let Tyson cover most of this one when he posts, but I'll say that the GR room is very very well treated and the super Vs sound is very very smooth and easy going. I definitely like it better than last years setup. Very nice imaging. I like the overall balance though it seems a touch rough in the midrange. What it is doing well is pretty much everything else. Great natural treble. Good timbre overall and if you are in to open box bass these will not disappoint. Great dynamics for sure!!!

Sorry for the dark pictures, but the way the room is setup its very difficult to take a good picture.

Tyson - Danny had an excellent room, as always.  Funny, my overall impressions of the Super V's were a lot different this year than last.  Last year I thought they were a bit bright and forward sounding, with mind-bending bass.  This year I thought they were much better balanced, tonally, quite beautiful, actually, and very dynamic.  But the bass wasn't up to the same gobsmacking level as last year.  Probably a fine tuning issue, so I'll have to revisit.  For me, the main point is that the areas that were weaknesses last year, became real strengths this year.

Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 09:42 pm
What pics?  I'm not seeing anything??

Just checked three different devices and all three are loading pics properly.  :scratch:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: pardales on 14 Oct 2011, 09:49 pm
Great coverage.  :bowdown: Keep up the good work and thank you!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 09:54 pm
VTL/TAD

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/b7d0125c.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/1fa0d2b5.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/53832b84.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f23e4f05.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/66d2f075.jpg)

THIS Is audio porn. Unreal looking equipment.  :o

The people running this room were total assholes. Giving us dirty looks and being overall very stoic. At one point they shushed us when we were whispering. Not nearly as amazing sounding as the other tad room and these guys acted like it was supposed to be amazing. Thumbs down bad experience. Writing this as I'm walking down a stair case.

Tyson - OK, this room pissed me the f' off!!  The people running the room were complete jerks.  I was going to ask them to play a track but they CLEARLY had WAY more important people to lick the boots off.  I'd be really upset if I had to report that the room sounded great, but it was thin, nasal, and dynamically congested.  Seriously, could not leave fast enough.  And it's too bad, because we'd come from the smaller TAD room and it sounded great, and the main designer for TAD was in the small room and he was a wonderful guy and very gracious host.  The people in the big TAD room sucked.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: zybar on 14 Oct 2011, 09:55 pm
Nice job on the pics and brief descriptions.

What does it mean when I am more interested in seeing pics of fellow AC members and vendors than the product shots??? 

I am super happy with my system!!   :thumb: :thumb:

Have a great time and hoist a few beers.   :beer:

George
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Hugh on 14 Oct 2011, 09:58 pm
Pez,

Come and enjoy a beer or 2.

Bring Chris with you.

We're in 442.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: golfugh on 14 Oct 2011, 09:59 pm
Pez, et all; thanks for the great coverage!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: zybar on 14 Oct 2011, 10:03 pm
Pez,

Come and enjoy a beer or 2.

Bring Chris with you.

We're in 442.

Have a great show Hugh. 

George
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: TomS on 14 Oct 2011, 10:11 pm
Awesome coverage already guys! It's great to see all the AC faces.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Hugh on 14 Oct 2011, 10:13 pm
Thanks George.

We got to meet up sometime.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Hugh on 14 Oct 2011, 10:15 pm
Awesome coverage already guys! It's great to see all the AC faces.  :thumb:
Tom,

I guess I'll have to drink your beer this year then. :-)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 10:24 pm
Empirical/BPT/YG/GIK/mach2music

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2c1c09da.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ce5b09ce.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/9fe08fbb.jpg)

This room is one of the more thoughtful rooms in the overall setup. Great speakers, great front end, great room treatment. No corners cut (other than the GIK corner traps  :wink: ) overall the sound quality is very nice. I am pretty fond of the empirical room every year and this year is no exception.

This year I think the YG acoustics sound more balanced than the Salks did last year. My personal opinion, but it is much easier for me to enjoy this sound. The GIK art panels look awesome!!! Overall great room defiantly should see this one if you can. Among the top 5 rooms and probably more towards the top of that list.

Steve, Bryan, Chris

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/0e48044f.jpg)

Tyson - Ack, more YG Acoustic speakers - and in a big space (I've never heard a YG speaker sound good in a large room).  Man, as soon as I walk in I'm thinking "How can I report this room was no good, and not piss off the vendors, since I really like these guys!"  But, thank god, the speakers (and the room) sounded great!  YG speakers, who knew they could sound so good?  Guess you just have to pair them with the right equipment ;)  Second only to the TAD room in overall sound. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: playntheblues on 14 Oct 2011, 10:27 pm
Thanks guys for the great work.  Please keep the reports and pictures coming.  Wish I was there with you.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: dflee on 14 Oct 2011, 10:49 pm
Really exceptional pics and reports thus far. Am looking forward to what you give on the show.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: mca on 14 Oct 2011, 10:59 pm
Although most of these setups cost more than my house, I still enjoy drooling over the purdy pictures. Thanks for the great coverage so far  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 11:00 pm
Linkwitz labs/pass labs

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/18c6b178.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/03360740.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/a717a9d7.jpg)

Deep low bass excellent midrange control and much better than last year IMO. I like the sweetness in the treble and overall presentation. We are listening to organ music and they really bellow out the low end pipes without strain or lack of conviction. This is the first time I've heard the pass labs amps sound so sweet and mellow, I like it!!!

Tyson - Gotta disagree w/Pez here.  I thought these speakers were underwhelming last year, and I think the same thing this year.  Too prominent in the very low bass, and a bit underpowered in the mid/upper bass.  Plus, metal cone midrange.  Not as offensive as some I've heard, but I just could not live with metal midrange drivers.  And it's too bad, because Linkwitz seems to be a really nice guy and I respect what he's doing, a lot. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 11:06 pm
Hansens audio/redpoint

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/72fa8815.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/48524524.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f9041d07.jpg)

Very nice sound. But way too quick on changing music to truly evaluate effectively. Vocals were not great.

Tyson - 2 years ago Hansen speakers powered by accuphase gear were my top sound at show.  this year that vocals sounded thin and bass sounded boomy.  Disappointing.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 11:19 pm
Dynaudio/Octave

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/695d6afa.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2ad48b26.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/4aba41c7.jpg)

Confidence speakers and octave were my number one favorite at RMAF last year. This year they do not fail to impress. Very emotional violin on the Sibelius concerto the violin is amazing.

Ani difrancos was very solid imaging and soundstaging.  At least as good as the tad room. this is better than last year. Maybe tying the TAD room for best in show perhaps???? Great organ in this track that I have yet to appreciate until this room. No room treatment though on the Mahler piece was not very well controlled. As a matter of fact they are sort of compressed.

On Tool they just dont have the slam of the TAD room nor do they have the head banging quality that the TAD room accomplished with ease. This is certainly a great set, but just not as universally great as the still número uno TAD room. Great overall though.

Tyson - Finally, a tall speaker.  I love tall speakers!  And I always like the sound of Dyn's. Last year they were among the very best at show.  This year, not so much.  Still sound very good, everything in it's place, very even handed.  But just not a standout.  Kinda fell apart on the Mahler and the Tool tracks.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 11:40 pm
Von schweikert/purity

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/bfe756db.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/39574049.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/86c5ee5a.jpg)

This room is amazing. Simply put this room is the best i have heard from either of these companies. VS and the Purity McAlster combo is masterfully matched. Really this is very pleasant to listen to. Dynamic and more confident than th dynaudio confidence. :P we are listening to Stevie ray tin pan alley.

Now the sibelius... A touch shouty on the violin. But once we turned it down not a problem. The room was being overloaded. Not quite as sweet and wonderful on the violin as the Condidence room.

Difranco is my reference for imaging and soundstaging. This room does both deftly. I think the basic impression I have is that these are not the most detailed speaker but does not make you miss anything terribly. Great depth.

Mahler- a little bombastic and out of control again in dynamic passages. I don't think the OTLs can handle it. Personally.

Tool- same problem. They just wuss out dynamically when pushed. I think the VSs are outclassing the amps.  :? At lower volume
levels it's very nice, but not consistent at higher SPLs.

Edit: Please see Bill Bakers post here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99214.msg1002486#msg1002486 We will be stopping by this room again tomorrow.  :)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: mr_bill on 14 Oct 2011, 11:53 pm
What model Von Schwiekert and how much do they cost?
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 14 Oct 2011, 11:55 pm
Sonist/DeHavilland/Cary

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/c32ef56b.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2f1be22a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/7c2b67a9.jpg)

Ok this room has scotch you can purchase. And we're 'press' = free scotch. So everything I am about to write is tainted by that fact.  :thumb:

Sibelius sounds very sweet and pretty damn.... Ah hell it's so loud in here. I can't tell wtf I'm hearing.  :lol: scotch and audiophiles means BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!!

Ani difranco is sounding pretty decent. A touch sibilant at times. Changed chairs sibilance is gone. Not the most focused sound stage but not bad. Not nearly as detailed. Did I mention a bunch of dudes are drinking scotch and talking loudly? That is not supposed to be in the track.  :scratch: fun none the less.  :lol:

Tyson - I solved the problem of the noisy talkers by turning the volume way up!  Actually, this was a hard room to like - the speakers were quite sibilant off axis, but tonally better on-axis. I thought the highs were overall too prominent, the upper mids were recessed, and the vocal region was too chesty sounding.  However, the scotch was very good...
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: django11 on 15 Oct 2011, 12:00 am
Great coverage guys!  The next scotch is on me... :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: JLM on 15 Oct 2011, 12:05 am
OK, now with the laptop at home I can see the pics, super great!!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 12:08 am
MA Recordings

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/4c9ec7f1.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/28428460.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/97042049.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/52b23c58.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/0392bbbe.jpg)

As always this setup is awesome. The speakers are different this year for the first time that I can remember.  Davone Rays. They are hooked up to the absoluta intgrated amp.
 The sound is better than last year IMO which was very good.  These are in the same class as the fritz speakers sonically. Though I will give the nod to fritz for sure. Aesthetically they are.... Ummm... Ya.
Any way the music is to buy and I'm going to buy some so suffice it to say this room is one of my favs again.  :lol:

Also met Steve Guttenberg with Cnet Audiophiliac. What a great guy! gave me some suggestions on what to buy from MA and we had a great conversation. Steve if you're reading this, I can't wait to see your coverage!  :thumb:

Tyson - Every year I friggin' LOVE this room.  It's a musical oasis in a sea of hype.  Every year, its not the most "impressive" room, but it's always the room I want to spend the most time in.  Vendor of the year?  How about vendor of the decade!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Kinger on 15 Oct 2011, 12:13 am
Absolutely fantastic coverage guys.  Thanks so much for sharing with the rest of the AC community.  Almost feels like being there........well minus getting to actually hear this stuff :)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: shadowlight on 15 Oct 2011, 12:16 am
What model Von Schwiekert and how much do they cost?

Von Schwiekert VR44 - (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99072.0;topicseen, (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99072.0;topicseen,) http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99290.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99290.0))
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: mfsoa on 15 Oct 2011, 12:21 am
Quote
Von schweikert/purity

No Digital Amp Co. amps in the pic  :(

Wonder if they'll get used...
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: shadowlight on 15 Oct 2011, 12:23 am
No Digital Amp Co. amps in the pic  :(

Wonder if they'll get used...

I see something black that looks like the DAC amp in the second picture all the way in the back.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 12:31 am
Zu

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/13148960.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/feebd6df.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/c2c96f90.jpg)

The overall sound is best described as heavy. Though not offensive. They are running vinyl and I have to say this is the first time I haven't run screaming from the Zu audio room.

Not very detail oriented speakers. They throw a pretty decent soundstage and image. A touch sibilant just like I've always felt about the Zu line. Overall ok.

Tyson - Wow, a zu room that didn't sound bright.  I actually liked this room a lot.  I tend to like a bit of a darker sound than Pez does, and I agree that this room was clearly on the warm side of the scale.  But I also thought that it had a really great sound, big and bold.  And, c'mon - cronzilla amps!!!!  They also let us in to listen, even though the show was already over for the day, major kudos there.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 12:36 am
Cessaro

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/afd4e2a2.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/7c12bfcc.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/431c8f01.jpg)

All I can say is LOUD.  :o :o :o Cannot evaluate beyond that. Sorry

Tyson - If I am being nice, then I say that the speakers were just too loud and were overloading the room.  If I'm not being nice, then I say they actually hurt my ears.  Left this room quick. 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: jimdgoulding on 15 Oct 2011, 12:38 am
Pez-  When you can, what Ani DiFranco CD are you using?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 12:46 am
And that is the end for today.   :)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/c9820ea4.jpg) maybe some low Rez drunken bar posts later.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: pardales on 15 Oct 2011, 12:50 am
Great stuff!  :thumb: Now go get your ears rested up for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Lyndon on 15 Oct 2011, 01:13 am
Pez,
Thank you for your good coverage and effort!
Much appreciated!
Lyndon
Salt Lake City
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 02:04 am
To everyone thanking us for the coverage we are so glad you are enjoying it. We are having the time of our lives!

As promised here's a semi drunken picture of us at 3 Margaritas!!!!

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2a57491a.jpg)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: ArthurDent on 15 Oct 2011, 02:22 am
Great stuff Pez/Tyson !  :thumb:  Thanks for all the pics & thoughts, appreciate your efforts on our behalf.   8)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 15 Oct 2011, 02:47 am
Great stuff Pez/Tyson !  :thumb:  Thanks for all the pics & thoughts, appreciate your efforts on our behalf.   8)
+1!!!   :green:

doug s.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: KJ on 15 Oct 2011, 02:59 am
Quote from: mr_bill
What model Von Schwiekert and how much do they cost?

Albert mentioned $17K for the passive VR-44 in standard finishes, and $20K for the active VR-44 in standard finishes.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Zero on 15 Oct 2011, 03:24 am
Awesome stuff boys.  Thanks for taking the time to share the experience.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: OzarkTom on 15 Oct 2011, 03:55 am
My two favorite systems of the first day were:

Tie:
The $400K big YG system
the $75k Luxman system with the odd egg shape speakers.

Both systems were incredibly musical and open sounding.




Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: JerryM on 15 Oct 2011, 04:04 am
The very best 2011 RMAF coverage right here on Audiocircle.  :thumb:

Thanks, Pez. Beyond cool.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: tabrink on 15 Oct 2011, 04:07 am
 :o
You just can not believe how tough it is sitting here here in KC waiting for my 7 AM flight to Denver!
Almost as bad as the 16 hours in the birthing hospital waiting for first daughter to make her appearance.  :lol:
 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: mgalusha on 15 Oct 2011, 04:15 am
Nicely done gents, very much appreciated even though I'm here. :)  If you want to see something really different hit the Silbatone room, 9009. Western Electric 757A monitors. From the 1940's I believe. If the pictures are a problem let me know, I'll bin them.

mike


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52445)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52446)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: pjchappy on 15 Oct 2011, 04:23 am
Thanks for the coverage!

I'm definitely going to have to try to make it next year. 


Paul
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 15 Oct 2011, 04:42 am
VTL/TAD

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/b7d0125c.jpg)


THIS Is porn. The people running this room were total assholes. Giving us dirty looks and being overall very stoic. At one point they shushed us when we were whispering. Not nearly as amazing sounding as the other tad room and these guys acted like it was supposed to be amazing. Thumbs down bad experience. Writing this as I'm walking down a stair case.

Glad I'm not the only one that got the kill joy felling from this room.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 04:51 am
Ya, they were awful. I know Andrew (The TAD engineer) pretty well from all these shows. Nicest guy in the world. I think he would be pretty upset to find out those he partnered with are so icy.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Bill Baker on 15 Oct 2011, 05:07 am
You were right Pez, the McAlister amps were not up to the task as they were running in stand-by mode at the time you were in the room. :duh:
Rim (woodsyi) is here now listening. Maybe we can get you back into the room for a second listen now that we have realized our oversight?
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 05:20 am
You said I was right!!!! Of course I'll stop by again.  :lol: I am glad you guys were able to find and diagnose the problem. 

Maybe now people will start believing me when I say I know what I'm talkin' about.  :P  We'll stop by tomorrow morning or afternoon.  :)


Also I went through and fixed most of the egreious egriegious eggreagi very bad spelling errors in my previous posts.  :thumb: Poor spelling skills and iPad autocorrect can be a bad combo sometimes.  :P
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: James Romeyn on 15 Oct 2011, 05:24 am
Ya, they were awful. I know Andrew (The TAD engineer) pretty well from all these shows. Nicest guy in the world. I think he would be pretty upset to find out those he partnered with are so icy.

Ditto Andrew Jones personality, engaging, fun, great to be around. 

One of the best sounds I ever heard was Andrew playing Boz Scaggs singing and playing his huge grand piano in his San Francisco home, My Funny Valentine, played back on the same HD on which it was recorded, Hi-Res, Pacific Microsonics DAC also used as ADC for the same recording...right before THE Show closed, only a couple people in the room...absolutely unbelievable...huge array of Pass Labs Class A.     
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: djbnh on 15 Oct 2011, 07:30 am
Great show notes and photos. Heck of a job, looking forward to more of the same.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: eclein on 15 Oct 2011, 08:56 am
Totally Awesome coverage....This year you guys are spot on in my opinion....I really feel like I'm seeing the best presentation of an event like this I have seen anybody do!!!
 
If everyday is done like this one you guys deserve some kind of web event award. The coverage, the opinions, pictures, its all first class and above!!!!
 THANK YOU!!!!!!....Ed L. (eclein) :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
                                                  :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
                                               my highest possible ranking---LOL.hahahaha!!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Dimfer on 15 Oct 2011, 11:30 am
great job fellas! pls keep them coming
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Kinger on 15 Oct 2011, 11:53 am
Love reading through your comments guys.  Refreshing to see that you all can equally enjoy a Fritz speaker which has to be one of the least expensive at the show along with the 37K TAD's. (Are those things diamond encrusted on the INSIDE for that price?)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Stercom on 15 Oct 2011, 12:09 pm
Great to read someone actually giving an opinion. Thank you!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: macrojack on 15 Oct 2011, 12:19 pm
I agree with Stercom about your opinions. Keep up the good work. Too much audio reporting seems like collegial cheerleading. Your approach respectfully asserts the truth as you see it.

Whether or not I would share your opinions, I take heart in the belief that they are actually your own. America is getting ready for some truth and you apparently sense that. Bravo!!!

Please start a separate thread for each day.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: HT cOz on 15 Oct 2011, 12:21 pm
Fan-freaken-tastic coverage guys.  You all have my vote for best press of 2011 :thumb:  I need to make it to one of these shows, someday.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: david12 on 15 Oct 2011, 12:48 pm
Talk about hot off the press, was the show actually open, before you started your report. The only way to better it would be writing it up before it opened.
 
  Glad to see good coverage of Daedalus, as it should be. Those Athena's really look wonderful. Stil, i'm very happy with my DA-RMA's. Only wish I could be there too
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: timind on 15 Oct 2011, 01:11 pm
This AC coverage is phenomenal. I mean I've seen professional coverage that doesn't come near this for capturing the feeling of the room. Concise, no bullshit, excellent.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: SoCalWJS on 15 Oct 2011, 01:21 pm
I took a few shots with a point 'n shoot - nowhere near the quality of Pez's beautiful photos.

I got here a little before noon on Friday, and this is what greeted me:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52457)

Line went out the front door. I had preordered my ticket, and the line to buy on the day of the show was MUCH shorter. But hey, at least I got a cool preprinted name tag instead of writing my name on with a sharpie.

I decided to start on the main floor and hit the "Conifer 1" room first. Esoteric was the primary company. I don't believe I had ever heard their gear before. The music was standard Faire stuff - female vocals and Jazz, switching between Vinyl and a music server.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52458)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52460)


Overall, I thought the sound was very good on the material. WArm and inviting with natural /realistic sounding instruments. I would have liked to have heard other material, as I am always concerned that setups like this excel in some areas, but can't "rock out", which a stereo has to be able to do IMHO.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Chris Adams on 15 Oct 2011, 01:27 pm
This AC coverage is phenomenal. I mean I've seen professional coverage that doesn't come near this for capturing the feeling of the room. Concise, no bullshit, excellent.

Ditto! Your coverage is excellent. Thanks a bunch.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: SoCalWJS on 15 Oct 2011, 01:28 pm
My next stop was the "Evergreen A" room - a large room featuring Ayon and Legacy. They had no fewer than 3 (maybe 4?) seperate systems setup, sometimes briefly fighting with one another. The sound was OK - I cant imagine it would be easy geting good sound in that room w/o major acoustical treatments, and I saw none. The systems were VERY dynamic and could easily go loud - they would meet my "rock out" requirement  :green:


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52461)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52462)


Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: PeteG on 15 Oct 2011, 01:32 pm
Yes great job, it takes a lot of work to cover RMAF.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: SoCalWJS on 15 Oct 2011, 01:40 pm
I wandered into the "Iris" room which featured Balanced Power Technology, Empirical Audio, GIK and Mach2Music. I met "BPape" there (Bryan Pape from GIK) and got to chat with him for quite a while. Very nice to talk to, and extremely knowledgeable. I spent some time asking (whining really) about the acoustical problems in my room at home, and he was very helpful. I'll have to see what's left in the budget after 3 days here (gulp!)

bpape said he had set up the room for a large soundstage, and he wasn't kidding. He had set the room with tri traps, absorbers, and diffraction at the side wall first reflection points. The soundstage was truly wide.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52463)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52464)
(sorry for the quality on that one - was mainly making notes to myself on how the diffusers looked and were set up)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: SoCalWJS on 15 Oct 2011, 02:39 pm
Heading out to day2 - 1 last picture (although not very clear) since it was requested.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52469)


1 of the Modwright rooms.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 15 Oct 2011, 02:57 pm
SoCalWJS, Galusha and everyone else helping out, thank you so much!!!

Everyone else I want to reiterate how much we appreciate your thanks! This is fun, but also a ton of work. You make it worth while.  :thumb:

Just a funny aside, yesterday alone I pushed over 10 gigabytes of data doing this coverage.   :o good thing I have unlimited data via AT&T! Only other issue was I had to upgrade my ohotobucket account to pro.  :icon_lol:

Onward to day 2!!!!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: pardales on 15 Oct 2011, 03:15 pm
Go get em Pez and Co. Your coverage is better than Stereophile.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: 2bigears on 15 Oct 2011, 03:30 pm
 :D  very nice job guys.Like being there....Remember though,the AC coverage will not be really completed without a Lonewolf/Speaker shot, Ha..Really though,well done.... wish i was there..    :D
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: JackD201 on 15 Oct 2011, 03:35 pm
Go, Go, Go Guys! Keep Rockin' it!!!!!!!! Awesome job!!!!!!!!!  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: rockadanny on 15 Oct 2011, 03:44 pm
Awesome pics guys!  Thanks! :thumb:
Great to read your mini-reviews as well. :thumb:
I love my system, but seeing these pics  :drool: ... I gotta hit the lotto  :green:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: geowak on 15 Oct 2011, 03:46 pm
Very cool stuff. Thanks for sharing. Never been to one of these kinds of "audio shows" but it sure looks fun!
Also it looks to me from the pics, in the IRIS room, that the YG speakers are powered by Parasound Amps. Looks like JC models??? Maybe some one can chime in.
Anyway I wish I could be at this show. It looks awesome....
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: jqp on 15 Oct 2011, 04:03 pm
After a very busy week I get to look at this coverage - thanks guys! Enjoying the "you are there" coverage with the visceral reactions, and the deep thoughts "Finally, a tall speaker.  I love tall speakers!". It reminds me of my visit to T.H.E. show in Vegas earlier this year - I know how hard it is to see everything, remember the sound of all the rooms and take pictures too.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: rollo on 15 Oct 2011, 04:53 pm
 I personal thanks to Pez and Tyson. Recovering from mutiple eye surgery I feel I'm there.  :D
   Say hi to Dave from PI Audio.  :thumb:



charles
SMA
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Scottdazzle on 15 Oct 2011, 08:54 pm
Pez & Tyson,

Thought you'd like to know that a lot of your photos won't display on the computers in the Marriott computer room in the lobby.  Maybe they need to be a bit smaller?

You two disagreed on the Zu room so I'll be the tiebreaker. The system was sibilant, grainy, and veiled imho. I' haven't been to most of the rooms yet, but this was not up to the standards of most of the ones I've been to. Soundsmith has the current lead with me for rooms with speakers under $10k.

Scott
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: James Romeyn on 15 Oct 2011, 09:14 pm
Scott,
Soundsmith speaker images?  Make/model?  Thanks!
 
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: AJinFLA on 15 Oct 2011, 09:55 pm
Remember though,the AC coverage will not be really completed without a Lonewolf/Speaker shot


(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/AJinFLA/lonewolfRMAF2011.jpg)
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: shadowlight on 15 Oct 2011, 10:58 pm
Finally the speaker model on display :-), way to go Chris.

Congratulation AJ.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: drab on 15 Oct 2011, 11:28 pm
No beer?!? Like Mona Lisa without her smile.  :D
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 15 Oct 2011, 11:30 pm

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/AJinFLA/lonewolfRMAF2011.jpg)
this was one of my two "requests" for feedback.  anyone?   :green:

(i am also interested in hearing about the nova physics memory player 64 in rooms 1104, 1122, and 1125.)

thanks!   :thumb:

doug s.
ps - chris - you da man!   :lol:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 15 Oct 2011, 11:34 pm
No beer?!? Like Mona Lisa without her smile.  :D
or w/o her frown?   :green:

doug s.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Phil A on 15 Oct 2011, 11:41 pm
Great pics and coverage!!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: JakeJ on 16 Oct 2011, 12:04 am
I will add my thanks to the pile, gents.  I really feel like this is some of the best coverage going of an audio show because of your "jaded opinions" which always seem to ring with some truth.

Kudos and again thanks!! :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: AJinFLA on 16 Oct 2011, 12:16 am
No beer?!? Like Mona Lisa without her smile.  :D

Oh I offered, but he politely declined. Which leaves me with a fridge full of beer (other than the exception of Eric, who put down a few with me). What to do (Newcastle in hand :lol:)?
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: SoCalWJS on 16 Oct 2011, 12:32 am
Very cool stuff. Thanks for sharing. Never been to one of these kinds of "audio shows" but it sure looks fun!
Also it looks to me from the pics, in the IRIS room, that the YG speakers are powered by Parasound Amps. Looks like JC models??? Maybe some one can chime in.
Anyway I wish I could be at this show. It looks awesome....
Yes, JC-1.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 16 Oct 2011, 01:28 am
Great work fellas, much appreciated and the picture quality is spectacular  :thumb:

Anand.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: jimdgoulding on 16 Oct 2011, 01:35 am
++++++1.  The commentary is a hoot and appreciated and, as already said, the pics are fab.  Thanks much you guys.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: OzarkTom on 16 Oct 2011, 03:10 am
Very cool stuff. Thanks for sharing. Never been to one of these kinds of "audio shows" but it sure looks fun!
Also it looks to me from the pics, in the IRIS room, that the YG speakers are powered by Parasound Amps. Looks like JC models??? Maybe some one can chime in.
Anyway I wish I could be at this show. It looks awesome....

This was way too bright and shouty on the first day, the gang made some adjustments after the show closed on Friday and was much better today. Still not as smooth and musical as I like, but for the detail freaks, this system would rank very high. I would have liked to have heard some different amps on the system. That might have solved my issues.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: OzarkTom on 16 Oct 2011, 03:21 am
Heading out to day2 - 1 last picture (although not very clear) since it was requested.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=52469)




1 of the Modwright rooms.

For those of you contemplating Modright+Daedalus speakers, those systems were almost making it to the highest marks yesterday. They were fully in the zone today. Very smooth and musical, these systems definitely had the magic. Build quality of the speakers and electronics is supberb. The speakers are absolutely beautiful, 10+.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: OzarkTom on 16 Oct 2011, 03:35 am
The GR Research system is still in the top ten, if not the top 5 best sound. Danny had the Super V's sounding great while using the battery powered Dodd equipment, amp and pre-amp and a new battery operated Dac by a certain well known company. That was a protoytpe, so maybe I should not say anything else. They also used the battery operated M2Music with battery and the PI Group batteryBuss.  The only non-battery were the servo amps.

If this system had been set up in any of the larger conference rooms, it would have been even better.  But those rooms are megabucks.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: audioengr on 16 Oct 2011, 03:41 am
Yes, JC-1.

Actually, highly modifed JC-1's

System needing break-in, especially the DAC.  Much better on Sat.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 16 Oct 2011, 05:02 am
this was one of my two "requests" for feedback.  anyone?   :green:

(i am also interested in hearing about the nova physics memory player 64 in rooms 1104, 1122, and 1125.)

thanks!   :thumb:

doug s.
ps - chris - you da man!   :lol:

Doug,

I hung out with AJ for quite a while and listen to quite the selection.  My quick take is that I used to think HiFi started at around $2000 (Vandersteen 2, Magnepan 1.7, Salk sound towers), well now it starts at $1,300.  Also this was one of the few rooms with good bass response and great sounding bass at that.  For the price you can't do better IMHO.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 16 Oct 2011, 05:06 am
Doug,

I hung out with AJ for quite a while and listen to quite the selection.  My quick take is that I used to think HiFi started at around $2000 (Vandersteen 2, Magnepan 1.7, Salk sound towers), well now it starts at $1,300.  Also this was one of the few rooms with good bass response and great sounding bass at that.  For the price you can't do better IMHO.
thanks for the info; hopefully others will post their thoughts.  i guess hifi no longer starts at $1000 - aj raised the price?

doug s.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: tabrink on 16 Oct 2011, 05:09 am
 :wink:
Room 8030.
wowsa!
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: ceedee on 16 Oct 2011, 11:25 pm
You were right Pez, the McAlister amps were not up to the task as they were running in stand-by mode at the time you were in the room. :duh:
Rim (woodsyi) is here now listening. Maybe we can get you back into the room for a second listen now that we have realized our oversight?

I will send you a pair of Kronzilla for next year Bill. :lol:

I heard and read a lot of nice comments from your room.

Good for all of us.

Regards to Albert and Damon.

Cor


Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: AJinFLA on 17 Oct 2011, 01:02 pm
Doug,

I hung out with AJ for quite a while and listen to quite the selection.  My quick take is that I used to think HiFi started at around $2000 (Vandersteen 2, Magnepan 1.7, Salk sound towers), well now it starts at $1,300.  Also this was one of the few rooms with good bass response and great sounding bass at that.  For the price you can't do better IMHO.

Eric,

Very cool to meet another AC member whose musical tastes ran the gamut...and drank beer! :thumb:
That local brew wasn't too shabby, added to the list. I'll be much better prepared next time (no Fedex!!!! :duh:), no last second frantic setting up, etc....and we'll frighten the elderly proper late Sat, rounding out the evening with some brews to Amon Amarth :lol:

cheers,

AJ

p.s. finally got over to the TAD room Sun morning, hung out with the "other AJ" :D.
Really wish I hadn't had to pack up already so I could have reciprocated and had him listen to the same tracks on the M1s. Very smooth balanced sound in that room. Those and the GR room were the two I could groove to. Too many others were more along the lines of WTF??? :scratch:. It's seemed that price was inversely proportional to SQ...at least as set up.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 17 Oct 2011, 01:44 pm
Eric,

Very cool to meet another AC member whose musical tastes ran the gamut...and drank beer! :thumb:
That local brew wasn't too shabby, added to the list. I'll be much better prepared next time (no Fedex!!!! :duh:), no last second frantic setting up, etc....and we'll frighten the elderly proper late Sat, rounding out the evening with some brews to Amon Amarth :lol:

cheers,

AJ

p.s. finally got over to the TAD room Sun morning, hung out with the "other AJ" :D.
Really wish I hadn't had to pack up already so I could have reciprocated and had him listen to the same tracks on the M1s. Very smooth balanced sound in that room. Those and the GR room were the two I could groove to. Too many others were more along the lines of WTF??? :scratch:. It's seemed that price was inversely proportional to SQ...at least as set up.

Next year i'll bring more beer and a flash drive :lol:.  On a side note it really seems that this year a lot, and I mean a lot of rooms only had computer music now.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: lonewolfny42 on 17 Oct 2011, 02:59 pm
Quote
No beer?!? Like Mona Lisa without her smile.

Oh I offered, but he politely declined. Which leaves me with a fridge full of beer (other than the exception of Eric, who put down a few with me). What to do (Newcastle in hand :lol:)?

I can only drink so much beer.... :lol:  :duh:

AJ's speakers sounded pretty good....glad I got to hear them....thanks. :thumb:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 18 Oct 2011, 01:05 am
Salk/AVA room

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/7a0e1adc.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/8cecfe24.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ea058580.jpg)


1812 Overture sounded great on these, it was blasting out the hallway.  I have to agree with Tyson though, not a fan of the Accutron mid.  Something just seems to be missing when it plays, the Seas, Scan-Speak and Audio Technology drivers just seem to all be better.  The new look of the AVA gear is dead sexy though.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 18 Oct 2011, 01:08 am
Daedalus/bolder/modwright/first sound.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/a2dc1928.jpg)


I liked the sound of these, didn't love it like other, still was better than some of the mega buck systems.  I will say Lou's speaker and sub integration was amazing though, maybe the smoothest integration i've heard.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 18 Oct 2011, 01:10 am
TAD room

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/0a8e5b93.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/398fc860.jpg)

Tyson - What more can I add?  Best sound at show on the first day, and not by a little.  In fact, thinking back on the last couple of RMAF's, this might be the best I've heard at any show, any year.  $37k?  I'm sure I could sell my spare kidney to someone....

Yeah some great sound coming out of this room, but again for $37k there were other systems sounding about 99% of this that are a lot cheaper.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 18 Oct 2011, 01:14 am
GR Research/Dodd

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/2b3c174d.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/069530eb.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f5aab428.jpg)


The super Vs are awesome, and I normally hate most high sensitivity drivers.  Also other large speaker companys can maybe take some notes on room treatments from Danny.  I was not a big fan of the imaging of theses, not sure if it was dipole or the room treatments, not quite my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: jtwrace on 18 Oct 2011, 01:19 am
I was a big fan of the imaging of theses, not sure if it was dipole or the room treatments, not quite my cup of tea.

I'm a bit confused.  What isn't your cup of tea?
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: standub on 18 Oct 2011, 01:23 am
I'm a bit confused.  What isn't your cup of tea?

Haha, opps forgot a NOT in there. :duh:
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 18 Oct 2011, 01:49 am
TAD room

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/0a8e5b93.jpg)

All I can say is holy shit!!!! Dynamics and pop like you wouldn't believe!!!! Whatever track we walked in on had drums dynamics that made you feel like you were shot in the chest. Wow....

Now we're listening to Tyson's reference. Sweet violins and heart breaking emotion here. These speakers are the real deal. And the front end is pretty damned amazing as well. Don't think of these speakers as 'bookshelves' think of them as floorstanders on pillars and steroids. Bold sound great bass control, sweet midrange.

Very detailed sound in ani difrancos vocals. Yet not analytic at all. Can you tell that I really love this room? Pretty sure this is my favorite thus far. Very emotionally connecting presentation I don't feel like there's anything they are doing wrong honestly. Perhaps not as warm sounding as some of the Daedalus speakers, but certainly not sterile either.

Tool sounds very rockin!!!! No fear or anxiety with the huge dynamic shifts and great control overall. BUY THIS SYSTEM NOW!!!!!! Even out of the sweet spot some of the round the room effects are really circling my head. Amazing simply amazing.

Tyson - What more can I add?  Best sound at show on the first day, and not by a little.  In fact, thinking back on the last couple of RMAF's, this might be the best I've heard at any show, any year.  $37k?  I'm sure I could sell my spare kidney to someone....

All this enthusiasm for the TADs (basically Pioneer's supreme effort), and the other uniformly ebullient reviews I've seen over the years, got me curious to find out more about the designer, Andrew Jones, so I found this informative interview done only two weeks ago:
http://tinyurl.com/62v7byl
Reading that led me to this low end Pioneer speaker model which he also designed, and which I now intend to check out for household duties. At $149/pr I can afford them!
http://www.stereophile.com/content/pioneer-sp-bs41-lr-loudspeaker
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 18 Oct 2011, 01:54 am
First sound/AMR/Daedalus.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f29e3a92.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ad07ad75.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/d4f20fa2.jpg)

Sounds is full and delicious. I really like the great job of setup. Sweet sound and no hint of congestion or yuck despite the lack of treatment this is one of the more balanced and controlled rooms we have been to. Emmanuel always does a great job with setup. The Athena's sound worlds different than the Modwright room. I would say my preference is more towards this rooms sound if I had to make a choice.

Tyson - It's official, I DO like the sound of the Athenas better....  :o  Especially using input #2.  Emmanuel will get the joke, even if you other plebs don't  :P
i bet you like these better, because the use of a single tweeter prowides better focus.  the ulysses, w/its two offset tweets, doesn't get the treble focus as well, i suspect.  having never heard either of these, it's all speculation on my part.  i'd certainly love to hear them, as well as hearing their sc-823's, at 97db-efficient, and 35h-20khz +/-1.5db...

doug s.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: fsimms on 18 Oct 2011, 02:22 am

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/f29e3a92.jpg)

I wanted to hear what the buzz about the Daedalus was all about.  Most of the Daedalus rooms didn’t float my boat but I really loved the First Sound room.  Now I know what the buzz was about.

Bob
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: vinyl_lady on 19 Oct 2011, 12:37 am
Serious audio Daedalus and galibier TTs.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/daabc6bc.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/99f14622.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/1ac17681.jpg)

Overall I liked the sound quality. Speakers were definitely to close to the wall. Sound was somewhat congested. Volume was pretty low, but what do you expect from 1/2 watt.

Tyson - Good tone, beautiful speakers (gorgeous woodwork), but were dynamically compressed.  I heard the same thing at Pez's house with his SET amps hooked up to the Ulysses.  These are efficient speakers, but they need more juice, IMO.

I thought this room had good sound, but agree with Tyson that the Ulysses were under powered (only 1 watt) even though they are 97db speakers. Tom's Gilabier TT is not only gorgeous to look at, it does vinyl playback as well as any table I have heard. It had the Talea tonearm and Dynavector XV-1 cartridge. I listenened to side one of the 45 RPM remastered Rumours album and heard all the details in the percussion that are missing on the original 33 1/3 pressing. I got goosebumps listening to it. We then played Cowgirl in the Sand from Neil Young's 1971 Live at Massey Hall album. This is an exceptionally well-recorded live album and it was another goosebump experience.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: vinyl_lady on 19 Oct 2011, 12:46 am
Daedalus/bolder/modwright/first sound.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/a2dc1928.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/dea8416f.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/ac2770cc.jpg)

Sounds very nice in here. Speakers are properly distanced from the wall and the sound is much more easy than the previous Daedalus room. Tweeters on the Daedalus are a touch lacking in certain ways. Not very huge on detail etc, but not offensive.  Overall I love how natural it sounds, but then again many will think that I'm a bit biased as I usually like/love Daedalus setups. Not much to say other than this sounds very nice.

Tyson - The room this year sounded good, but not as good as it sounded on Saturday last year.  Tonally they sounded very nice.  In fact my notes are effusive about how nice they sound from a tonal standpoint.  After hours a couple of changes were made and they started to snap in to focus a bit more.  Will have to revisit this room on Sat or Sun.

Tyson - the ever-gracious Wayne!  In fact, both Wayne and Lou are great guys and awesomely fun to hang out with. 

This was my 7th straight RMAF and I have spent a lot of time in Lou's room each time. I bought my first pair of Daedalus speakers at the show in 2006. With out a doubt, this was the best the Daedalus room has sounded. I cannot think of one negative or drawback except NO VINYL this year. :cry: As Tyson said, the tonality of this system was 2D4. Great sysnergy between the Modwright KWA 150 SE, the First Sound Pre, the AMR DAC, the SB Touch modded by Wayne, the Ulysses and the BOW (subs). After show hours Lou played the live version of DSOTM from the new remastered release and its sound was simply amazing. It was a "you are there" experience. Very real and natural sounding with great dynamics. Lou's speakers are a delight to one's ears, tonally accurate and never fatguing. Clearly one of my top 5 rooms.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: vinyl_lady on 19 Oct 2011, 01:02 am
i bet you like these better, because the use of a single tweeter prowides better focus.  the ulysses, w/its two offset tweets, doesn't get the treble focus as well, i suspect.  having never heard either of these, it's all speculation on my part.  i'd certainly love to hear them, as well as hearing their sc-823's, at 97db-efficient, and 35h-20khz +/-1.5db...

doug s.

The Ulysses tweeters are not offset. The offset tweeters are in the Daedalus DA-1.1s. The Ulysses image better than the DA-1.1s (pinpoint imaging in fact, as well as any speaker I have heard), but the 1.1s have a wider sweet spot and fill the room with sound and a stable soundstage anywhere in the room. Both are tonally very accurate with great dynamics.

Laura
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: doug s. on 19 Oct 2011, 06:04 am
The Ulysses tweeters are not offset. The offset tweeters are in the Daedalus DA-1.1s. The Ulysses image better than the DA-1.1s (pinpoint imaging in fact, as well as any speaker I have heard), but the 1.1s have a wider sweet spot and fill the room with sound and a stable soundstage anywhere in the room. Both are tonally very accurate with great dynamics.

Laura
i understand the tweets on the ulysses' are not at angled offsets like the 1.1's, which are not in the same plane, but are actually canted a few degrees from each other.  but, w/the ulysses, there's clearly still two of 'em offset on the front of the cabinet even tho they're in the same plane, unlike the single tweet on the athena's.  i wonder how the ulysses' would sound w/a single tweet instead of the pair.  perhaps you might lose a db or so of efficiency and another couple db's of ultimate spl, but i wonder if they would have better focus.

in any ewent, as i have said before, it's mere speculation on my part as to why tyson would prefer the smaller athenas, as i have never heard either, tho i would love to...

doug s.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Scottdazzle on 20 Oct 2011, 03:34 am
Scott,
Soundsmith speaker images?  Make/model?  Thanks!
 

The Firefly and the Monarch. Both very fine.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Bill Baker on 20 Oct 2011, 03:52 am
I have a pair of Ulysses in route to our showroom now. They will be paired up with some very fine gear (further details to follow). I spent a fair amount of time with the original DA1 so I should be able to provide some insight on the differences between the two designs.

Unrtunately, I did not get a chance to sit down and listen to any of Lou's speakers this year as I was quite busy with our room but I don't need to hear them at a show to know how good they are. At least I was able to see Lou and Wayne (Boulder Cable) on Wednesday night as we were all there quite early.
I don't think I have to tell what great guys these two are.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: input 2 on 20 Oct 2011, 06:08 pm
Pez, Tyson,

Just registered and the system will not allow me to do any PM's.
Can you email me at my website.

Best Regards,
Input 2
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Pez on 20 Oct 2011, 07:02 pm
FYI new members are restricted from sending PMs.  I can't remember the exact number of posts you need before you can pm.
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: input 2 on 20 Oct 2011, 07:30 pm
Can't respond to your pm.
Can you send your email via pm?
Title: Re: Show coverage day 1
Post by: Daedalus Audio on 26 Oct 2011, 02:11 am
i understand the tweets on the ulysses' are not at angled offsets like the 1.1's, which are not in the same plane, but are actually canted a few degrees from each other.  but, w/the ulysses, there's clearly still two of 'em offset on the front of the cabinet even tho they're in the same plane, unlike the single tweet on the athena's.  i wonder how the ulysses' would sound w/a single tweet instead of the pair.  perhaps you might lose a db or so of efficiency and another couple db's of ultimate spl, but i wonder if they would have better focus.

in any ewent, as i have said before, it's mere speculation on my part as to why tyson would prefer the smaller athenas, as i have never heard either, tho i would love to...

doug s.

Doug,
using one tweeter isn't really an option as we would have to pad the woofers which I am loath to do. it would drop the sensitivity a solid 2+db also.
we really don't lose imaging because of the dual tweeters, the crossover and mounting of the tweeters are critical and they do function very well as a point source.

the sonic difference between the Athena and the Ulysses is primarily a function of the cabinet shape and size as well as the porting and has very little if anything to do with one vs. two tweeters. this point was pretty clearly shown when comparing the DA-RMa & Ulysses.

 the Athena functions almost like a sealed cabinet and hence is a bit tighter in the mid bass and vocal range, which affects the nature of the imaging.  when you hear the two models in the same room with the same system they are very close and the differences I describe are fairly subtle.  essentially the Ulysses has a bigger, wider, deeper sound with more bass extension whereas the Athena has a tighter slightly more controlled sound.

thanks,
lou