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The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Rocky Mountain Audio Fest => Topic started by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 04:18 pm

Title: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 04:18 pm
This year I just tried to chill and take in the music, didn't play my own tracks for the most part, and so I won't get into commenting about the sound as much since I can only give an overall impression without careful evaluation using tracks I'm extremely familiar with.

On to the pics!  :)

Daedalus and ModWright keeps getting better year after year. This year I heard an especially beautiful tone on Rodrigo y Gabriella's guitars and more controlled bass, though the room hasn't been completely tamed it's 1,000x better than just a few years ago. The woodworking in this room is extraordinary!


(https://s20.postimg.cc/lwj06yy31/01-_DSC09706.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/makc6ki6l/03-_DSC09709.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


Aaudio Imports showing Wilson Benesch speakers with Ypsilon Amps, phonostage and linestage and Thales TT/arm, Ikeda cart

I liked the sound a lot.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/3kxemxvrh/04-_DSC09710.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8xm912jnx/05-_DSC09714.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/vmbg0n11l/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 04:48 pm
High Fidelity Services showing Verity Audio Lohengrin IIS speakers, Verity electronics, TW Acustic tt/arm/phono pre, Ortonfon cart.

Spolier... this was Best of Show imo.  :thumb:

(https://s20.postimg.cc/qoxvfiz2l/06-_DSC09715.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/5hu4rimfh/08-_DSC09717.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/cxtedba4p/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/a2gb6g64t/07-_DSC09716.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jmzxtbvgp/)


Audio Den showing Thrax with Antipodes music server. This was a great system, I've heard the MtMs without the bass cabs, which are optional, and this is even better. These speakers are very flat and accurate sounding.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/ahrkzgs25/09-_DSC09718.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/dpw2ciebx/10-_DSC09721.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qha8j0o3t/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 06:16 pm
Zu and Peachtree... Zu gets better and better, it retains it's characteristic sound but is more refined than ever. They are fun to listen to and can achieve high SPLs with no strain.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/yckrxtxql/12-_DSC09723.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/yo28ale6l/11-_DSC09722.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/l759rq3ux/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/f2ics5159/13-_DSC09724.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/oztdl78qx/)


Gryphon. Beautiful speakers, laid back sound. I prefer a bit more of a "lit-up" presentation and I thought the tweeters were curiously low, but the system did a lot right.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/u4ul2tlot/14-_DSC09730.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/wh2l0eya5/16-_DSC09727.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/k2ft036rt/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/503kpem8d/15-_DSC09728.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 06:31 pm
Von Schweikert VR55s... Excellent as always... a small(ish) speaker that plays big!

(https://s20.postimg.cc/hxlso59fx/1-_DSC09734.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/xsac8vtvx/19-_DSC09735.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/eafosxwy1/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/vsk36m3v1/1-_DSC09736.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


And next door, Endeavor E3s... just in case the VR55 is a bit out of your budget.  :wink:  These are a bit softer and more fcciving vs the 55s or their big brother the E5 while retaining good resolution.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/d6vkgzcb1/17-_DSC09731.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/piotjm4gd/1-_DSC09732.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/97opnaryh/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/3tzkqlxxp/18-_DSC09733.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: genjamon on 9 Oct 2017, 07:13 pm
Not sure why your pics aren't showing, Dave, but I'm looking forward to them!
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 07:15 pm
Not sure why your pics aren't showing, Dave, but I'm looking forward to them!

Ok, looks like a problem... got the same on another site. I'm going to stop here until this is sorted out. I'm linking from Google pics and every pic shows up for me, idk what could be the issue. SO frustrating...
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: MttBsh on 9 Oct 2017, 07:21 pm
Ok, looks like a problem... got the same on another site. I'm going to stop here until this is sorted out. I'm linking from Google pics and every pic shows up for me, idk what could be the issue. SO frustrating...

The revenge of the dreaded Photobucket?!! :scratch:
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 07:47 pm
The revenge of the dreaded Photobucket?!! :scratch:

Just imbedded links from Google, I lost all photobucket pics when they first attempted to extort money from everyone. I'm not paying them $400/yr.

I just uploaded pics using AC's functionality for the 1st post but they are all smaller.

edit: all pics should work now, please post if not... sorry they are smaller than the 1200 pixel images I intended but at least they won't disappear at the whim of a flailing photo hosting company.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: genjamon on 9 Oct 2017, 08:59 pm
 :thumb:
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 09:11 pm
Ok, I'm trying one more pic hosting svc to see if I can get larger pics, it's on the 1st post right now... if anyone CAN NOT see pics on the 1st post please post or pm me.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: genjamon on 9 Oct 2017, 09:18 pm
 :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 09:52 pm
Ok, hopefully that's all figured out..  :green:

VAC and Tannoy. This is the best I've heard from Tannoy, it sounded really good.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/u3kn9ejv1/01-_DSC09741.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/68w1os3kd/02-_DSC09744.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


Piega with Soulution, Accuphase, Air Tight, Transrotor, Reed, CMS and the new Pitch Perfect Sound footers

This was also a very nice sounding system, seemed accurate and resolving without being fatiguing. I was only in for a short time as the room was crowded and I didn't get a chance to go back unfortunately.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/k7o5ni3gt/03-_DSC09750.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/tbmkny51p/04-_DSC09748.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/u15d0b5l5/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/chhdid159/05-_DSC09746.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/apoenghs9/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 10:02 pm
Audio Alternative showing Martin Logan Neoliths, Clearaudio, Audio Research. I liked this system a lot with some caveats... midrange and treble clarity were exceptional but don't quite match the character of the cone woofers. This effect was reduced towards the back of the room, it's likely the Neoliths just need a larger space to truly shine.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/7zf2q9l3h/06-_DSC09756.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/rc5ywjaq5/07-_DSC09755.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/s1or8wb9l/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4q0njswzx/08-_DSC09754.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

Classic Audio Loudspeakers, Atmosphere amps. Field coil midrange compression drivers with Be diaphragms, T500 tweets and big woofers... hard to go wrong there! Very nice sound.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/yvz1yl3wt/09-_DSC09757.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/i0jwzky6l/10-_DSC09758.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/nd8rdpm31/11-_DSC09761.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/maykv639l/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 10:13 pm
Wilson and Constellation... this was excellent, had a very nice smooth presentation with good clarity and soundstage. I could wish for a bit more woofer though, the bass didn't quite do the mids justice imo.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/gbff597v1/12-_DSC09762.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/y2r1jpn9p/13-_DSC09763.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/pkhlfdgqx/)

JERN... Cast Iron speakers from a casting company that makes turbo housings for high end BMWs among other things. This is an excellent lifestyle system and was shown as such with a iphone as source, but this surely didn't do them any favors. Still, sound was good for the size and price. 

(https://s20.postimg.cc/x1qsul6a5/14-_DSC09767.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/b3uc0sr9p/15-_DSC09768.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/l15ctuyvd/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/ln3ihg8p9/16-_DSC09769.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: JakeJ on 9 Oct 2017, 10:22 pm
Awesome photos, Dave!  Keep 'em coming.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 10:24 pm
Pure Audio Project. Ok, if I didn't build my own speakers I'd seriously consider these. Even though I prefer a boxed woofer this makes up for a lot by using 4 per side. The appeal of this system over, say, the AudioKenisis speaker is it's modularity and ability to swap in different panels for the mid horn... you can use a full range driver, a different horn, whatever... and the xos are accessible and interchangeable with a model setup for prototyping. If you're a DIY guy who doesn't want to build from the ground up or just like messing around with different drivers and configurations this is a unique and excellent offering. You can get this speaker for about $10k! Some assembly required... :)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4ensks5xp/17-_DSC09771.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/ujealdzbh/18-_DSC09772.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/vyfva40eh/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/miqt5f3m5/19-_DSC09773.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


J Corder showing with the Technics Reference System. Excellent sound, even though they were playing digital when I went in. ;) Lots of awesome classic gear on hand to show off and for sale, very cool!

(https://s20.postimg.cc/wp8lfw2rx/20-_DSC09774.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/u1ejrskct/21-_DSC09776.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/qge2utqfh/22-_DSC09777.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 10:38 pm
ELAC Adante... very neat design, there is a 6.5" driver behind each 8" passive radiator forming a 12dB acoustic crossover. The mid/tweet covers >200 Hz and is concentric. Excellent value at $5k and honestly hard to touch at that price. I felt the presentation was a bit soft, and at $5k I can see that as a good decision over a speaker like my Pioneer S-1EX... The S-1 was also designed by Alex Jones, which besides costing 2x the price are quite ruthless and won't accept lower end electronics unless you want to hate your stereo. The Adante is likely to be a lot more fcciving. :)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8euxx0wel/23-_DSC09783.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6n1z24d1l/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/5nbo6exvx/24-_DSC09784.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kja7e09ah/)


Next was the new Revel speakers which are a rung down from the top end lineup, but sound very similar imo... they have a Be tweeter but the other drivers use coated Al cones instead of Ti. Price is $10k and compared to the previous ELAC Adante are on a whole 'nother level as far as resolution and clarity, but will probably require much more expensive electronics for a decent result.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/9v6gf5zbh/25-_DSC09786.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4jrjugd8p/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/61hljr7d9/26-_DSC09787.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/v7ijql8nd/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 10:48 pm
Avantgarde Unos... AG is getting better and better too. A friend has an older pair of Unos and comparisons to the Bose Acoustimass system might be warranted, but no longer. These sounded very nice.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4ayki9pu5/27-_DSC09792.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/8wuoqmbd5/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/a0et2kw0d/28-_DSC09793.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

Swan Song showing their 18" 2-way horn system powered by 6SN7 amp... 5 triodes in parallel make up the output with 1 for input. 3.3W of signal tube magic! I liked this system a lot too but it is enormous and the horns could be a bit prettier. It was a lot of fun to listen to though, and if you have the space the bass is excellent.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/mgbiwbpcd/29-_DSC09795.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/7x4duww7d/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/9dfwd1z4d/31-_DSC09797.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4g2brxx59/30-_DSC09796.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 9 Oct 2017, 11:05 pm
Voxativ has also improved a lot over the years, and the system is now quite good imo, with more of the "single driver magic" that makes the format worthwhile to some.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4wnjedkwd/32-_DSC09799.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/kfkzbht71/33-_DSC09801.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


Magico M6... I don't blame them for the static display, they're meant for slightly larger rooms... ;)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/o8934yy31/35-_DSC09806.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4dn1iuivd/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/4rodig2z1/36-_DSC09807.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3pe6zwk5l/)

And at the end of the 2nd day, Troy speakers featuring GPA's Altec 604 repro with a helper woofer and T500 tweet. And.. little resonators by J Trillo. I got a demo of them on and off the speakers and was surprised to find they lend a nice clarity to the sound. I normally don't find the 604's mids and treble to be all that refined, but the resonators and the T500 tweet work to make this a pretty exceptional implementation of the 604.  Electronics were also excellent with Triode Corp amps, Sonorus rtr, Garrard tt, Metronome cdp.

Anyways, I'd like to see if a resonator on the tip of my midrange driver's phase plug will do the same for my speaker as the Troy.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/w3jmjs7pp/37-_DSC09811.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/erj9yce8d/38-_DSC09813.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ym5bkgtft/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/ha4yz0zyl/39-_DSC09814.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Phil A on 10 Oct 2017, 01:44 am
Dave - thanks for sharing the pics
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 02:21 am
I'll post Sunday's pics tomorrow...  :)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Odal3 on 10 Oct 2017, 02:31 am
Thanks for sharing! Glad you got the pictures sorted!
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: nature boy on 10 Oct 2017, 04:32 pm
Dave,

Thanks for all the great pictures and your observations.  Could not make it out this year, but planning on doing CAS in November.  Want to listen to Daedalus Apollo's from Lou. 

NB
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Tyson on 10 Oct 2017, 04:41 pm
Dave, I gotta say your pics are awesome - they give the sense of what it's like to be at the show better than anything else I've seen.  Nice work :thumb:
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 05:27 pm
Dave, I gotta say your pics are awesome - they give the sense of what it's like to be at the show better than anything else I've seen.  Nice work :thumb:

Thanks! That's Sony's handheld twilight mode. It takes a series of photos with faster shutter speeds and combines them. That way you can see how the room was lit without using a tripod or a 35mm f1.2 lens or something, which tend to be very expensive. It's an older Sony Nex5, the first one that came out in fact. The newer cameras have way better high ISO performance, I think shots using their newer cameras would probably be significantly better.

Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 05:38 pm
Alright, here's Sunday's pics...  :icon_twisted:

Serious Stereo with GPA Altec 604s in a huge MLTL plywood box. Also, 2a3 (?) SET amps. I like the simplicity of systems like this, and the sound was very good too!

(https://s20.postimg.cc/yldra0l59/01-_DSC09815.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/xmxe7q7t9/02-_DSC09816.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/w5bxw632l/03-_DSC09818.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

MSB Reference DAC being shown off with YG speakers. This was an excellent room if you weren't in the front row, which had some really odd soundstaging effects from being too close, but the middle and back were fine and really showed off the DAC. I have a very modest digital source and am rarely envious of higher end digital, but this has changed my mind. There IS something significantly better and I want it. Now if only I can convince MSB they should give me 90% off we're all set.  :lol:  I heard tracks that were better than all but the best of the best analog, and even then the differences were not major. I'd take this DAC over the same $ invested in analog anyday.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/vl1yqlg5p/04-_DSC09819.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rbx8ofcw9/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/mbzsgh79p/05-_DSC09820.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kwy7rr66h/)



Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Tyson on 10 Oct 2017, 05:43 pm
I have a very modest digital source and am rarely envious of higher end digital, but this has changed my mind. There IS something significantly better and I want it. Now if only I can convince MSB they should give me 90% off we're all set.  :lol:  I heard tracks that were better than all but the best of the best analog, and even then the differences were not major. I'd take this DAC over the same $ invested in analog anyday.


Same here.  I have an iFi iDSD Micro which I love.  But the Auralic Vega is clearly better than my Micro.  And the MSB is an even larger step up over the Vega.  Those guys at MSB are doing great work.  Hella expensive, too.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 05:59 pm
Vinnie Rossi showing off his Lio and Harbeth speakers. I liked the sound a lot, it was much more like the system he showed in 2015 with the 40.2s... I did not like the Harbeths shown last year, too dark for me, but I can see the appeal. So these are 30.2s, the same as the 40.2s just without the 12" woofers. The performance from these small 2-way monitors is extraordinary, I don't know how they can do it... it does a great job of imaging, they portray clearly and separately every instrument or voice in the soundstage in a way very few speakers can regardless of price, and they can do this with recordings most systems make into a muddy mess. I've heard TAD pull of something similar in a $300k system... this is <$20k for the Lio and 30.2s. If I was looking for a monitor type speaker this would be at the top of my list and a complete integrated like the Lio is perfect for a speaker system like this too. It's like a "lifestyle" system that's far better than any other I've heard including Diavalet Phantom and Kii 3s that cost a lot more.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/a9zcp7rpp/06-_DSC09821.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8fmi7h4p9/07-_DSC09822.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9hwoq0nih/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/pcbkzwc99/08-_DSC09824.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/l36uxq8zt/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/y3nnra1vx/09-_DSC09825.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)


New Salk Speakers are up next. Great value, and both systems sounded similar but the Lampi electronics provided a refined sound the other room couldn't touch. Lampi needed a bigger speaker and larger room to really do the electronics justice imo, but you could get a feel for what's going on and it would certainly prompt me to investigate further if I was in the market for a new high end DAC. Only thing I could maybe wish for was a more mid-bass impact, buy hey, for ~$5k and $3.5k for a pair of these new Salk speakers, this is nit-picking and if you're looking for speakers in this price range they are competitive with anything including ELAC Adante and others.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/qoybywg0d/10-_DSC09830.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/kpf68zklp/11-_DSC09831.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6izfdr9qh/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8nf713lzh/12-_DSC09833.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/7z6ci5n9p/13-_DSC09834.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/b65hfix3h/14-_DSC09835.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/67hz0ztah/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/tmzw6cd1p/15-_DSC09836.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/er1cyr1mx/)

Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 06:25 pm
Avalon with Spectral and Acoustica Applicata... not technically at RMAF but a 5 min walk to the Hyatt. I think the Hyatt gave them the room with the worst acoustics in the entire hotel but they managed to do a great job taming it. I chose to sign up for the noon Sunday slot as I imagined it would be a lot less busy and this worked out great... I was the only one there and got to talk to Keith Johnson of Reference Recordings and Spectral designer one on one, which was a treat as he is a wealth of knowledge about all things audio. Later, when the music started, two more guests arrived.

The system was excellent and hard to fault for anything, which leaves me with little to say. It didn't have much of a definable character to it, and no obvious flaws. Sounds boring but it gets out of the way of the music without imposing it's own character, which is high praise indeed. I'm sure the Acoustica Applicata room treatments helped a lot too, the Helmholtz resonators were very interesting... you can tune the upper chamber volume by sliding the top housing up and down and rotate the membrane that is in the center of the resonator as well.

Avalon intends to show, partner with and promote the use of their speakers with Spectral electronics and AA room treatments as a complimentary system, which is a great idea and guarantees the customer a system that performs as intended with proper setup.

(https://s20.postimg.cc/egp91nxn1/19-_DSC09841.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8pz2nxpn1/16-_DSC09837.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/yya7db9qh/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/8ehmb6971/17-_DSC09838.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/gqhyq5vyl/18-_DSC09839.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/40dqd2o0d/20-_DSC09842.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/stnadq70p/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/p4t00i7m5/21-_DSC09843.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 06:31 pm
The last room I made it to was Audiokenisis, Duke and James were showing their new Azel speakers. Spoiler... they earned a Best of Show for value from me. There is getting to be more competition in the $5-10k range and lots of great choices from Odyssey, Salk, Pranafidelity, ELAC, and tons more but I'd choose the Azels. The new cab looks great and most importantly the compression driver is sporting a beryllium diaphragm that has much better clarity, resolution and high frequency extension. I noticed it immediately and it elevates this speaker to a whole 'nother league. I was very impressed!

(https://s20.postimg.cc/ifr1y8bnx/22-_DSC09845.jpg) (https://postimages.cc/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/hz5ubsnwt/23-_DSC09847.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5xaghneo9/)

(https://s20.postimg.cc/pk8v79ix9/24-_DSC09848.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/i49llgv7t/)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 07:12 pm
Same here.  I have an iFi iDSD Micro which I love.  But the Auralic Vega is clearly better than my Micro.  And the MSB is an even larger step up over the Vega.  Those guys at MSB are doing great work.  Hella expensive, too.

I know... it's too bad it's so expensive ($40k), but that DAC is on a whole 'nother level vs anything else I've heard. The Select II with mono power supplies (>$100k) has got to be even more amazing.

I too lament some of the high prices in audio these days but the folks willing to pay these prices are a large part of what drives progress and innovation. They allow designers to work at a cost-no-object level, supporting arts and tech innovation. It seems the MSB DAC products are a result of this, so it's not all bad news. Eventually we will be able to enjoy the sound as it trickles down or the current SOTA de-values on the used market.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Phil A on 10 Oct 2017, 07:18 pm
Dave, I gotta say your pics are awesome - they give the sense of what it's like to be at the show better than anything else I've seen.  Nice work :thumb:

+1 on that.  Most of mine look like they belong on the fridge with a magnet vs. his.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Tyson on 10 Oct 2017, 07:22 pm
I know... it's too bad it's so expensive ($40k), but that DAC is on a whole 'nother level vs anything else I've heard. The Select II with mono power supplies (>$100k) has got to be even more amazing.

I too lament some of the high prices in audio these days but the folks willing to pay these prices are a large part of what drives progress and innovation. They allow designers to work at a cost-no-object level, supporting arts and tech innovation. It seems the MSB DAC products are a result of this, so it's not all bad news. Eventually we will be able to enjoy the sound as it trickles down or the current SOTA de-values on the used market.

And that's the nice thing about digital - turnover/churn is so fast vs. more stable technology like amps & preamps.  Which means if you are willing to wait, you can get a primo DAC like the Vega for $1800 nowadays.  And even the Vega was a bargain at it's $3500 retail price.  As long as a DAC does killer DSD and has great tonal balance and transparency, I don't really care if it was "oh so last year".  And that's the beauty - digital moves so fast that last year's giants can be picked up for a song, if you are willing to be patient. 
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 10 Oct 2017, 07:28 pm
Dave,

Thanks for all the great pictures and your observations.  Could not make it out this year, but planning on doing CAS in November.  Want to listen to Daedalus Apollo's from Lou. 

NB

Ok, I was hoping to get you to stop by...  :wink:   You're welcome anytime you're in the Denver/Boulder area!
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Chuy Trillo on 27 Nov 2017, 03:21 am
Hi Dave, I was very glad to read your review regarding the RMAF 2017. I also think that the resonators made a great improvement to the Troy Audio Helenas Loudspeakers. As for how you can try them, what do you have in mind? I'm sure that after you try them you´ll get amazed at what they do in your audio set-up. Also, sorry for the slow response but I just came across this review. Please make contact with me so we can work out a solution.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 28 Nov 2017, 05:26 pm
Hi Dave, I was very glad to read your review regarding the RMAF 2017. I also think that the resonators made a great improvement to the Troy Audio Helenas Loudspeakers. As for how you can try them, what do you have in mind? I'm sure that after you try them you´ll get amazed at what they do in your audio set-up. Also, sorry for the slow response but I just came across this review. Please make contact with me so we can work out a solution.

Welcome to AC!  :thumb:

I've been intending to contact you, just sent an email. I hope you are doing well.  :)
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Ric Schultz on 1 Dec 2017, 11:44 pm
From what I read the MSB Reference at Rocky mountain also had the $1500 usb module and the $10,000 Femto 33 clock.....so we are talking $51,500!  It should sound great for that money! 
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: Phil A on 2 Dec 2017, 12:05 am
Hi Dave, I was very glad to read your review regarding the RMAF 2017. I also think that the resonators made a great improvement to the Troy Audio Helenas Loudspeakers. As for how you can try them, what do you have in mind? I'm sure that after you try them you´ll get amazed at what they do in your audio set-up. Also, sorry for the slow response but I just came across this review. Please make contact with me so we can work out a solution.

Welcome to AC as well
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: DaveC113 on 2 Dec 2017, 01:06 am
From what I read the MSB Reference at Rocky mountain also had the $1500 usb module and the $10,000 Femto 33 clock.....so we are talking $51,500!  It should sound great for that money!

Yup, it's beyond my means but it does sound great. Luckily, less expensive DACs are improving quickly and I think we'll get to that level of performance for a fraction of the price eventually.
Title: Re: DaveC's RMAF 2017 Picture Thread
Post by: richidoo on 2 Dec 2017, 02:44 am
Great pictures, Dave, thanks for posting them. I haven't been to RMAF in 9 years, it was much the same every year back then. But now it looks like a lot of new and very nice gear, time to go again.