AudioCircle
The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Topic started by: MaxCast on 26 Apr 2013, 05:35 pm
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Capital Audiofest
July 26-28 2013
Silver Spring MD.
http://www.capitalaudiofest.com/p1.html
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We will be in the Triode Wire Lab room a joint effort with Rollo Audio, GTAudio Works room. and more. Our second year. This event is the one we like most. Gary Gill the organizer does a great job.
Live music, every night laid back atmosphere and good rooms.
charles
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Looking forward to seeing you again Charles.
I'm one floor below in 704.
p.s. lunch is one me this time :wink:
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Looking forward to CAF this year, although I'll only be able to attend Sunday.
Some rooms I definitely want to visit; Soundfield Audio, SVSound, and Salk/Philharmonic Audio.
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Triode Wire Labs is proud to be hosting in Room 817 along with GT Audio Works & SMA. :eyebrows:
Look for the debut of Triode Wire Labs new speaker cable line-up along with some other surprises! :banana piano:
Also, a joint venture product between P.I. Audio Group & Triode Wire Labs may be showing up as well! :no_hear:
Like last year, come visit, take a load-off, relax & choose a cool libation of your choosing in the Triode Wire Labs room! :beer:
Cheers,
Pete
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I am looking forward to sharing room 817 with Triode Pete and Charles of Swap Meet Audio.
My wife Juliette and I met these characters at last years CAF event along with Bill (Stereo Nut) and Mark of Miracle Audio.
We popped over each night for a drink and some good music and conversation.
We could see these guys had the same passion for listening to music as we did.
We have higher expectations for this years show and are counting the days !!
I will bring the "Good Scotch" again.... Greg
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http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110813.0
Dinner on Saturday night after the raffle. Also lunch prior to event on Saturday.
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I'll be there most of the weekend as well & can tag along for lunch / dinner / whatever. I'd do Mi Rancho for any meal.
At first I wasn't happy about the move to downtown Silver Spring as I liked the scale of the Crown Plaza & free parking. But now looking it at it I realized that there's abundant free parking (on the weekends) in Silver Spring (in fact, a county garage right behind the Sheraton), and a lot more eating options down the road. So change is good, I guess.
Not very "environmental" to say so, but you'd be better off driving / parking vs Metro : Metro fares keep going up while the quality of the service goes down (frequent breakdowns or delays caused by repairs, scheduled or not). Unless you live not to far off the red line, I'd skip it.
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No more Dogfish Head for dinner. New Place? Any ideas?
I don't know Silver Springs anymore. Unless it's Stevie Nicks singing it. :)
Too many years away.
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I'll be there most of the weekend as well & can tag along for lunch / dinner / whatever. I'd do Mi Rancho for any meal.
jarcher ,
Sorry my phone died. Mid stream.
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No more Dogfish Head for dinner.
Somebody look for a Dogfish alternative (a bar and grill).
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I don't know which thread we're suppose to post this in so I'll do it for both. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110813.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110813.0) The Quarry House Tavern gets great reviews on Yelp, might be a bit crowded Sat. night. Mi Rancho was mentioned, close, I like Mexican, it says they have a bar but no drink or beer list on the menu. The 8407 kitchen bar looks very interesting, but reviews say inconsistent, great or mediocre depending on the visit. Ray's the Classics looks like a good ol American steakhouse with good reviews. Olazzo looks like an excellent Italian restaurant with a great martini bar, my kinda place. La Malinche is a Tapas place with great reviews, I love Tapas but not for everyone, great mexican beer list, kinda plain decor. McGinty's Public House is the best Irish pub I could find, looks pretty nice, but again, you have to be in the mood for Irish. For lunch the Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe looks kewl, think Panera with class.
Well, that's my list, what looks good?
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Steakhouse for dinner.
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Food for Dinner. To CAP off some amazing Music and Gear
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I don't know which thread we're suppose to post this in so I'll do it for both. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110813.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110813.0) The Quarry House Tavern gets great reviews on Yelp, might be a bit crowded Sat. night. Mi Rancho was mentioned, close, I like Mexican, it says they have a bar but no drink or beer list on the menu. The 8407 kitchen bar looks very interesting, but reviews say inconsistent, great or mediocre depending on the visit. Ray's the Classics looks like a good ol American steakhouse with good reviews. Olazzo looks like an excellent Italian restaurant with a great martini bar, my kinda place. La Malinche is a Tapas place with great reviews, I love Tapas but not for everyone, great mexican beer list, kinda plain decor. McGinty's Public House is the best Irish pub I could find, looks pretty nice, but again, you have to be in the mood for Irish. For lunch the Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe looks kewl, think Panera with class.
Well, that's my list, what looks good?
Hey, I had my wedding reception at the ball room in this hotel. :thumb:
Looks like the hotel restaurant is not bad either. I can always do Mi Rancho which is really good Tex-Mex. I am open to try any of these.
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I'm open to anything.
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My wife and I found some awesome sushi not far from last years hotel...cant be that far from the new venue.
Good Italian joint in the same complex as I recall...Greg
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My wife and I found some awesome sushi not far from last years hotel...cant be that far from the new venue.
Good Italian joint in the same complex as I recall...Greg
Greg, last year was in Rockville vs. Silver Spring this year. I'm in VA so I'm not totally familiar with MD but I'd guess it is probably a dozen or so miles apart and with the new venue where it is located many (including myself) will just drive to the closest DC Metro station to our houses and take that to the venue. Last year's venue was not as convenient to the Metro. So there probably will be much fewer people driving this year and even that short distance in DC area traffic can take a bit depending on the time, day and what else is going on in the area. So I'm not sure if there will be a sufficient number of people driving to even get people to places requiring a vehicle.
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Mapquest in giving directions, actually says the old venue vs. the new one is about 14 miles apart.
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Mapquest in giving directions, actually says the old venue vs. the new one is about 14 miles apart.
Yes, too far to go...I like the idea of the metro, can have a few beers and not worry...plenty of good food in the area
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I'd definitely go to Mi Rancho, especially for lunch (as the other alternatives mentioned I think are open just at night / dinner). I'd probably be there all three days, so anyone looking for lunch company would be welcome. The Lebanese Taverna Cafe just a bit farther down at the Silver Plaza (that has a bunch of eateries) is also a good / fast / cheap casual joint. I like the "Cafe" better than their traditional table service locations.
Ray's the Classic's is definitely a good steak joint - although it requires a bit more commitment. I.e. as it's fairly popular, it's probably wise to make a reservation, particularly on a weekend evening. Also more of a financial commitment : estimate $50 a head for steak, something to drink, side or dessert + tip. I've eaten at Ray's the Steaks, the original in Arlington, and it was among the better steaks I've had - and Ray's in general is one of the more highly regarded steakhouses in the DC area. The original generated some controversy because they didn't accept reservations & people felt rushed because it was popular : but now they take reservations and folks are not as hurried. Also the chef was a bit of a purist and wouldn't do steaks more than "medium" - and these tended to be more on the medium-rare side. Now they will do, but don't recommend, well-done - but I'm guessing it's better to order a bit more well done than you would usually. I.e. if you like medium-rare, order medium. They cook to temperature, not color.
Quarry House Tavern is an old staple of downtown Silver Spring, but is more on the "dive bar" side, with emphasis on the "bar" part. So good for cheap after dinner drinks, and maybe a burger + tater totts, though I don't recall either being that exceptional. And if there's a band on that night, loudness could make conversation a problem. Not ruling it out, but I think it's better for drinks then food / conversation.
This is based on actual experience that's a few years old, so just my opinion..........
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I also have a Zagat's guide from 2008 that comes in handy from time to time - this one has good ratings - http://www.mandalayrestaurantcafe.com/ and there are others. I'm open to anything. Most people like steak so it is hard to go wrong with that.
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Steak!!!
(chants)
We want meat!
We want meat!
We want meat!
Kill it and grill it. Eat like a viking. Vegans can suck a pine cone.
(http://thumbs.ifood.tv/files/images/editor/images/grilled_steak.jpg)
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Steak!!!
(chants)
We want meat!
We want meat!
We want meat!
Kill it and grill it. Eat like a viking. Vegans can suck a pine cone.
(http://thumbs.ifood.tv/files/images/editor/images/grilled_steak.jpg)
Just make sure you keep your sword under wraps!!! :nono:
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How is parking at the new venue?
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How is parking at the new venue?
Given, the traffic and the cost and it looks like it is valet only - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/area/transportation.html?propertyID=3771
It may be better to take the Metro. Probably won't take any longer vs. driving and probably with parking two thirds of the cost between Metro Parking, tickets, gas, etc., not to mention dealing with anything else like the traffic.
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Given, the traffic and the cost and it looks like it is valet only - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/area/transportation.html?propertyID=3771
It may be better to take the Metro. Probably won't take any longer vs. driving and probably with parking two thirds of the cost between Metro Parking, tickets, gas, etc., not to mention dealing with anything else like the traffic.
Actually there are two large free (on weekends) public garages - one directly behind the Sheraton and another a block away. And another two or more free public garages a few additional blocks away. Check out Google maps & search for parking.
Phil - if you want a ride in, I'd be happy to oblige. Otherwise I suggest the courthouse metro garage.
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I think the best idea is to listen to Jon's suggestions. IME there's nothing like a local to "steer" you in the right direction. Mexican is great for lunch, especially useful in clearing out crowded rooms in the afternoon, Mi Rancho sounds great (and it's close). The Lebanese place sounds good and Jon likes it, although I can't help thinking of the Geico vampire commercial, "Oh yes, I love the Lebanese." Gentlemen not familiar with Lebanese should know lots of Lamb, hummus, Kabobs and Pita. I'm fine with anything really, there was a shout out for Ray's and that's good with me, but the reservations thing has always proven difficult in the past with both call outs and added on's, maybe one of the selections that we can be more informal with preparations might be better? And thanks for the heads up on the Quarry House Tavern, maybe good for later if anyone hangs out.
Of course we could go to Piratz (or not) and check out the makeover featured on Spike TV's Bar Rescue and how much was trashed from Taffler's worst concept. I usually agree with his ideas but he swung and missed with the "Corporate" something or other.
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Actually there are two large free (on weekends) public garages - one directly behind the Sheraton and another a block away. And another two or more free public garages a few additional blocks away. Check out Google maps & search for parking.
Phil - if you want a ride in, I'd be happy to oblige. Otherwise I suggest the courthouse metro garage.
Thanks for the heads up on parking. I'll be driving with a couple friends and nearby free parking is greatly appreciated. :thumb:
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Here's the link to the two closest public garages (excluding of course whatever Sheraton itself may have at higher cost):
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/go/spring-cameron-garage-garage-2
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/go/cameron-second-garage-7
If you're planning on going Friday, parking is not free, but is super cheap : .50 cents an hour with a $6.75 maximum. Saturday & Sunday are free.
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I think the best idea is to listen to Jon's suggestions. IME there's nothing like a local to "steer" you in the right direction. Mexican is great for lunch, especially useful in clearing out crowded rooms in the afternoon, Mi Rancho sounds great (and it's close). The Lebanese place sounds good and Jon likes it, although I can't help thinking of the Geico vampire commercial, "Oh yes, I love the Lebanese." Gentlemen not familiar with Lebanese should know lots of Lamb, hummus, Kabobs and Pita. I'm fine with anything really, there was a shout out for Ray's and that's good with me, but the reservations thing has always proven difficult in the past with both call outs and added on's, maybe one of the selections that we can be more informal with preparations might be better? And thanks for the heads up on the Quarry House Tavern, maybe good for later if anyone hangs out.
Of course we could go to Piratz (or not) and check out the makeover featured on Spike TV's Bar Rescue and how much was trashed from Taffler's worst concept. I usually agree with his ideas but he swung and missed with the "Corporate" something or other.
That "benefit" of Mexican food never occurred to me! Maybe I'll employ it for the MBL room. If you don't want crowds, just go during the day on a Friday or late on a Sunday - at least that was true the last two years.
If you like mediterranean food, you'd like Lebanese. Very refreshing, particularly in summer (and also a place where vegetarians & non can both be happy). I'll probably end up there for lunch one of those three days.
I'd be up for a good steak @ Ray's, but acknowledge that coordinating a reservation is tricky. Perhaps it's worth trying to hit it w/ people at hand, and if a table can't be accommodated on the spot, fall back on somewhere else. I think they also have bar-side eating for the smaller drop-in set.
I like that show "Bar Rescue", but do feel at times that the guy is trying to turn every bar into some squeaky clean corporate chain bar. Might be good business, but less interesting from the customer perspective. There's something to be said for a good dive bar every now & then - if it's bringing in enough to keep the doors open. Tangent over.......
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Capital Audio Fest is less than 2 months away...I know everyone is interested in Newport. But for those of us on the wrong side of the country CAF is a viable alternative.
CAF is a great place for small businesses to get your products out there.
A room averages about $2250 with a 10% discount for returning exhibitors.
Hook up with a partner or two and the cost is even less.
The show at NYC was great..but very expensive to exhibit.
The atmosphere at CAF is much more laid back..no big fees to get your gear up to the room...just bring it up yourself.
The exhibit room includes an adjoining room for sleeping..no need to shell out more for accommodations.
There is a nice vibe at this show with live music every night after the show closes.
Its easy to get around..public transportation is within easy reach for a night of wine and dine.
Contact Gary Gill he will be more than happy to answer any questions capitalaudiofest@gmail.com
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Thinking of getting your product out there for people to hear ??
Big shows like New York, Newport, RMAF are great audio spectator type events. People come from all over to drool over the latest and greatest.
Lots of fun..wish I could go, but like myself I am sure there are a lot of folks that cant just jet off to the other side of the country for a few days.
Consider exhibiting at Capital Audiofest... Centrally located on the east coast...deep in the territory of some of the most well heeled audiophiles in the country.
Most people looking to buy have driven no more than 5 or 6 hours. These are our local customers, this is the place to make connections and get your product heard.
The price is less than the big shows and sleeping accommodations are included.
CAF is more laid back, a very enjoyable experience for exhibitors and show goers alike. Greg
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CAF 2013... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC6Li-JkRcY
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I'm going to do my best to swing by and give those planars a listen.
Maybe I can even drag the wife along for a second set of ears.
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I'm going to do my best to swing by and give those planars a listen.
Maybe I can even drag the wife along for a second set of ears.
Great Steve...come over for a drink and maybe a chat about your favorite bikes. Room 817....Greg
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Great Steve...come over for a drink and maybe a chat about your favorite bikes. Room 817....Greg
You will hear them with the Arion class "D" hybrid monoblocks now with Duelund CAST output caps.and a Dodd 6h30 preamp. A TEAC CDP and Kuzma TT for the sources. All will be fed through the BSG QOL oh my !
charles
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I'm going to do my best to swing by and give those planars a listen
I heard them last year, so I will be stopping by the room to see how this years model sounds.
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Update...Triode Wire Labs / Swap Meet Audio / GT Audio Works will have a 2nd room at Capital Audiofest this year.
Room 806 will have a smaller less expensive GT audio Works speaker the GTA 1.
Triode Pete will provide the power cables and speaker cables , Charlie Rollo will provide the electronics..yet to be determined.
See you at CAF rooms 817 & 806
Greg
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If anyone wants a great Mohito, give Cubano's a go - the food is pretty good too. Lebanese place is also good. I have not eaten at the Ray's in Silver Spring, but the locations in Arlington were great (at least they were two years ago).
Looks like I will miss this year's show by a week, I fly back to the US (DC Metro area) from a fun 24 months in Cambodia on 1 AUG. I guess I will have to wait until next year. :(
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Daedalus, ModWright, and WyWires will all be showing new models at the CAF this year. Be sure to drop by our room! :thumb:
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One more week -- see ya'll soon!
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See you there Scott.
Once again, I encourage folks to bring familiar tracks on CD.
cheers,
AJ
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I see Alan Silverman is speaking. Maybe he'll shed light on the vocal distortion (preamp clipping) that occurs on some tracks on these albums he mastered:
Norah Jones (come away with me), Jane Monheit (most of them), Madeleine Peyroux (really bad), J.D. Souther (listen to the Sad Cafe on Natural History).
:icon_twisted:
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I see Alan Silverman is speaking. Maybe he'll shed light on the vocal distortion (preamp clipping) that occurs on some tracks on these albums he mastered:
Norah Jones (come away with me), Jane Monheit (most of them), Madeleine Peyroux (really bad), J.D. Souther (listen to the Sad Cafe on Natural History).
:icon_twisted:
Please make sure I'm there when you ask him! :lol:
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I will make the Capital show for the first time this year.
You will find me wandering around the Dennis Murphy and Jim Salk rooms.
It will be great to meet some of my East Coast clients.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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Daedalus, ModWright, and WyWires will all be showing new models at the CAF this year. Be sure to drop by our room! :thumb:
Daedalus and ModWright will have two rooms instead of one at the CAF. Lou Hinkley and Dan Wright will be demonstrating a killer system in one of the large rooms - including Lou's new Argos, version 2 speakers and Dan's new ModWright dac. That system will also include the Purity Silver Statement preamp, the ModWright KWA-150SE amp, and a new line of cables from WyWires. We will be using Rich Hollis's HAL MS-2 music server as the source.
I will be playing host in room 610 on a very fine system featuring the ModWright KWI-200 integrated amp, ModWright-modded Oppo 105 disc player, and Lou's newest speakers, the Pan monitors. Bring a few of your favorite discs to the room.
Both systems will feature WyWires and the new WyWires/Daedalus Power Broker. And here's a little shout out to GIK for providing us with some acoustic traps and panels to help us with hotel acoustics.
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Daedalus and ModWright will have two rooms instead of one at the CAF. Lou Hinkley and Dan Wright will be demonstrating a killer system in one of the large rooms - including Lou's new Argos, version 2 speakers and Dan's new ModWright dac. That system will also include the Purity Silver Statement preamp, the ModWright KWA-150SE amp, and a new line of cables from WyWires. We will be using Rich Hollis's HAL MS-2 music server as the source.
I will be playing host in room 610 on a very fine system featuring the ModWright KWI-200 integrated amp, ModWright-modded Oppo 105 disc player, and Lou's newest speakers, the Pan monitors. Bring a few of your favorite discs to the room.
Both systems will feature WyWires and the new WyWires/Daedalus Power Broker. And here's a little shout out to GIK for providing us with some acoustic traps and panels to help us with hotel acoustics.
No VPI?
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Update...Triode Wire Labs / Rollo Audio / GT Audio Works will have a 2nd room at Capital Audiofest this year.
Room 806 will have a smaller less expensive GT audio Works speaker the GTA 1.
Triode Pete will provide the power cables and speaker cables , Charlie Rollo will provide the electronics..yet to be determined.
See you at CAF rooms 817 & 806
Greg
Arion HS 500 amps [ Cardas output caps ], B&G subwoofer system, TEAC 3000 CDP, Arion prototype tubed preamp plus some surprises.
charles
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I'd like to invite folks to the SteroDesk's rooms 710, 712, and the Magnolia Ballroom.
http://stereodesk.com/pages/capital-audio-festival-and-stereodesk
Please visit the link to see the the wonderful array of kit in the rooms. Great phono kit, exceptional digital (don't forget your USB and/or memory sticks with tunes).
Its also an opportunity to meet Dave Slagle and hear his take on implementing a Slagleformer in a preamp, as well as his 50 meshplate monoblocks, straingauge cartridge, phonostage.... from his new company Emia.
I won't be there, but I'm proud to provide their power and analog cabling.
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Absolutely brutal drive up I95 last night :duh:....got in around 1:30a
But got the tunes going in 704, please come on up
cheers,
AJ
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Arion HS 500 amps [ Cardas output caps ], B&G subwoofer system, TEAC 3000 CDP, Arion prototype tubed preamp plus some surprises.
charles
BG subwoofer system : astounding! Don't miss it.
http://www.bgcorp.com/subwoofer-speakers.html
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I have posted photos of the SALK SOUND and PHILHARMONIC AUDIO exhibits from Capital Adiofest 2013 on my web site:
Supertenor.smugmug.com
Press SHOW ALL GALLERIES on my home page and look for AUDIO HI FI. The Capital Audio Fest photos are under that folder.
Both the exhibits were powered by Van Alstine electronics, and everything sounded great. Hope you enjoy the photos
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Finally some additional coverage by Kemper Holt from EnjoyTheMusic.com...
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/capitol_audiofest_2013/part3/page2.htm (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/capitol_audiofest_2013/part3/page2.htm)
Cheers,
Pete
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Dennis, Jim, and I sure got nice comments on our equipment from Mr. Holt in Enjoy the Music at Capital Audiofest.
Frank Van Alstine
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Finally some additional coverage by Kemper Holt from EnjoyTheMusic.com...
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/capitol_audiofest_2013/part3/page2.htm (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/capitol_audiofest_2013/part3/page2.htm)
Cheers,
Pete
At Rollo Audio we are proud of the system we put together for the TWL room nd GTaudio rooms. Both rooms were packed every day. Thanks to the attendees who made our days very enjoyable. Thanks to Kemper for the fine coverage.
Our flagship Arions with Duelund CAST output caps had a special synergy with TWL power cords and the GTAudio Works speakers. Not a big fan of debuting product however the TWL speaker cables were a wonderful match with the speakers in both rooms. Another winner from TWL.
See y'all next year.
charles