AudioCircle
The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Rocky Mountain Audio Fest => Topic started by: Pez on 4 Oct 2015, 05:36 pm
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Tyson’s Notes AudioKinesis Audio Room
General Room Notes – We are back in this room today because there were some technical difficulties during our last visit, which are now resolve. If you noticed our comments during the last visit were a little less than enthusiastic, and that was due to only half the subs being not connected. All better now and we are back.
Sibelius – Oh, much better focus and intensity on this track. Still has the redonculously good soundstage, of course.
Mahler – Just room filling sound, with way more tonal density today. Oh yeah, the subs kick on big time with that massed orchestra. Massive, massive sound.
Tom Waits – Upper bass hump mostly gone today, much better than yesterday. Having multiple subs really helps with room modes. I have no idea why more people don’t do it, it gives real world, substantive improvements, much better bang for the buck than changing something stupid like cables or a DAC :P
Natalie Merchant – Again, bigger sound, great focus, excellent tonal density. Not the most incisive sound at the show, but most systems that are incisive are also fatiguing to listen to over more than half an hour. You can listen to Duke’s system all day and all night.
Jason's Notes
We are back at the AudioKinesis room. We were told that they were having minor technical difficulties yesterday and since we were in the neighborhood we decided to stop by and give it another go.
Sibelius just like yesterday the violin is sweet and sultry. Imaging is spot on.
Mahler nice room ambience is recreated here with better dynamics and bass fortitude than yesterday.
Waits like most rooms this track is really really overloading with one noted bass pretty common at this show and I know it's the rooms. That said I really love the way this setup emotes with this track!
Merchant really gorgeous soundstage way better imaging as well than yesterday. I still feel like the soundstage could be wider but I think the speaker placement is the limiting factor here more than anything. This setup sort of reminds me of an open box system. Very cool.
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Tyson, Pez,
I know it's been said many times before but again, you guys do a stellar job of bringing the show to all of us who can't attend. great stuff :beer:
jay
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/42CBDD35-9A6E-4E44-938D-647B0A7AB379_zpsl4o6mbry.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/42CBDD35-9A6E-4E44-938D-647B0A7AB379_zpsl4o6mbry.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/76C53EAC-9DD0-481C-9D05-7E17C260F434_zpsmpcw5avn.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/76C53EAC-9DD0-481C-9D05-7E17C260F434_zpsmpcw5avn.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/EE193E78-7995-4786-89DC-D5FB45356CE9_zpstqlgkwhd.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/EE193E78-7995-4786-89DC-D5FB45356CE9_zpstqlgkwhd.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/9600750C-11E2-4F79-99FA-F93500D84445_zpskldfb55d.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/9600750C-11E2-4F79-99FA-F93500D84445_zpskldfb55d.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/37E7F7AF-3D36-4992-93DC-17975B5DC129_zpsxvfox5eo.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/37E7F7AF-3D36-4992-93DC-17975B5DC129_zpsxvfox5eo.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/8973F13F-9859-464E-A68F-E4782733A9FA_zpsyubggw4e.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/8973F13F-9859-464E-A68F-E4782733A9FA_zpsyubggw4e.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/8ED45629-473A-44C7-A36B-55F2514AF7DE_zpszxbtymlw.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/8ED45629-473A-44C7-A36B-55F2514AF7DE_zpszxbtymlw.jpg.html)
Tyson’s Notes Vapor Audio Room
General Room Notes – Only one word can describe the visual impact of these speakers and that word is ‘HOLYFUCKINGSHIT!” We’ve been to the Vapor room several years now and nothing really prepared us for the absolute over the top insanity of these guys. Massive giant towers of awesomeness. Love the rack too, the shelves just seem to float in the air, simple and elegant (very hard to do in a sea of audio furniture kitsch).
Sibelius – Best soundstage separation at the show. Most systems present the clarinet and violin as right on top of each other with this track, where here they occupy clearly different spaces. Huge soundstage. Of course there’s a huge soundstage, it’s Vapor!
Mahler – Almost overwhelming in it’s power. Sound matches the scale of the speaker itself. What else is there to say, really?
Tom Waits – Hey, just about the only room at the show that does the bass correctly on this track. No massive bass hump at all on the acoustic bass, unlike pretty much every other room we’ve been to this show.
Natalie Merchant – This track really highlights the open-window high-def clarity and transparency that Vapor ALWAYS brings. And these speakers set a new bar for that, even for Vapor. The think I like best about these speakers is that they are not life size in their presentation. They are LARGER THAN LIFE. And I freaking love it. Remember when you got started in audio as a young pup how blown away you were by everything? This is like that. Only better.
Final note – We love the Vapor room every year, Ryan and co are one of the very few vendors we see that really and truly try to push the envelope for their products. Separate bass cabinets, stacked ply construction, huge roundovers to avoid diffraction, acoustically asymmetric and optimized interiors, and clearly some of the best drivers in the world all add up to THE most consistent and best room at every show. I’m giving Vapor my lifetime achievement award. Yes, I just made that award up right now on the spot. But dammit, they deserve it.
Jason’s Notes
Note: we visited this room over two days and they made significant equipment changes FYI.
Sibelius wow HUGE sound. Wow micro dynamics nice to finally meet you at this show! Seriously the shading is incredible.
Mahler from my seat great dynamics but surprisingly not a ton of bass punch. I'm siting outside of the sweet spot though. In the sweet spot it is definitely way better (we switched seats and started out tracks again.
Tom waits great bass control!!! Wow voice is absolutely gorgeous on this setup. Gritty yet soft and soulful. This system has done the best so far of translating the emotive dynamics in Waits voice.
Merchant huge imagining GRAND soundstage. Really in love with the big presentation and bass control beyond what any other room has accomplished this year. The room treatments are undoubtedly the reason for that.
Overall this room is easily in the top 5 I've heard.
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Another review said the Vapor room was easily one of the best five, but the report also said Vapor was using over $42k worth of room treatments in their room. :o
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/9439A395-6C50-4C55-A9EB-2FB07E693721_zps7b5jgsw6.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/9439A395-6C50-4C55-A9EB-2FB07E693721_zps7b5jgsw6.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/EBF79FB4-CCE8-4C84-B7E8-2CCE85869276_zpskemhxum4.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/EBF79FB4-CCE8-4C84-B7E8-2CCE85869276_zpskemhxum4.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/9AF1FBB9-61DF-4CB5-A903-AF68DD0473DA_zpsvpcdbzu1.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/9AF1FBB9-61DF-4CB5-A903-AF68DD0473DA_zpsvpcdbzu1.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/EC165A4A-5EC3-47B7-B7BC-EA80B686EE17_zpsxzu7ctsk.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/EC165A4A-5EC3-47B7-B7BC-EA80B686EE17_zpsxzu7ctsk.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/GIF%20Maker/A9A736A9-B6AC-4E1A-B8F7-2455F826EB4E_zpsftyqcftv.gif) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/GIF%20Maker/A9A736A9-B6AC-4E1A-B8F7-2455F826EB4E_zpsftyqcftv.gif.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/GIF%20Maker/8F9BB948-0C69-45EA-98F2-41E2183311B9_zpsmjybyjhe.gif) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/GIF%20Maker/8F9BB948-0C69-45EA-98F2-41E2183311B9_zpsmjybyjhe.gif.html)
Tyson’s Notes JTR Audio Room
General Room Notes – We were here after hours on Saturday night and had Tool CRANKED and it was absolutely better than being at the concert. Just incredible dynamics, punch, and power. This room also has the DAC Cherry amps that impressed me so much last year. Hearing them again this year I’ll say flat out that they have the best control, slam, dynamics and clarity, without being sterile or cold.
Looking around a bit today – they have room treatments! One of the few vendors that cares enough about the sound of their room to bring them. Kudos.
Sibelius Violin Concerto – Excellent separation of the violin and clarinet, with the massed strings doing their mysterious bit in the background.
Mahler Symphony 6 – Nice forward attention grabbing horn presentation and cymbal crash. And with the whole orchestra comes in at full cry the result is power and fury, yet fully controlled.
Tom Waits - Good, large presentation of this larger than life personality.
Natalie Merchant (Peppery Man) – Soundstage is between the speakers, with nice depth. This is not a laid back “oh, the music is happening somewhere over there, that’s pretty” it’s a grab you by the balls, slap you around and get your ass on the dance floor. I suggest never, ever trying to read (or type) while this system plays – it demands your attention :P
Side note – one of the few rooms set up for multichannel, we spent WAY too long in this room just jamming out to some outstanding surround sound. I always have poo-pooh’d surround sound, being a 2 channel guy at heart, but this is phenomenal and might make me have to change my mind.
Jason's notes
Ok JTR room we had a chance to pop in yesterday because we heard Tools 'Sober' from about five rooms down and thought DAMN!!!! What room is that. I was absolutely stunned at the sound quality and volume coming from this setup. Holy shit!!!!!
Sibelius wow wow won the dynamics and emotion are damn near miraculous.
Mahler are you kidding me????? Easily and by a wide margin the best I have heard this track at the show. Possibly EVER! No joke, this is next level I'm talking about.
Waits huge soundstage incredible control. A bit dry sounding in vocals. Tyson and I traded seats and I think the bass control is better from the seat I was in. In this position it's a bit overblown.
Merchant good holy god the soundstage is incredible! I can't believe I'm hearing this from behind a screen! Seriously great soundstage. Wowy wow wow wow.
The aside from the dryness in Waits vocals the only other issue I have with this setup is the soundstage presents a bit two dimensionally and lacking a it in nuance. I'm sure that if these speakers were set up in a great room and pulled out they would blow my mind. And that wouldn't be a problem.
We're now demoing the surround sound capability of this system. This system is top notch in every way. Staggering stuff here. I am certain that all of their neighbors HATE these guys. We are listening at at least 120 db right now and it sounds fucking amazing not shitty loud like JBL but beautiful loud that is hard to describe.
Pulling out a calibrated mic and the level is at 118db with 129.8db peaks. In a 13X19 foot room. This room frightens me. There is just no other way of describing it.
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Tyson’s Notes Odyssey Audio Room
General Room Notes – We are back! Klaus took our feedback from yesterday, made some changes overnight to tame the bass beast in this room. Adjusted speaker placement, ports, and bases.
Sibelius Violin Concerto – Mournful cry of the violin beautifully captured. I always love the pure emotion of the music the Odyssey room captures every year.
Mahler Symphony 6 – Huge soundstage, wide and DEEP. You can hear the physical space those giant double basses and kettle drums are resonating within.
Tom Waits - Bass is better today, still a bit strong if you arenot in the sweet spot. Overall much better snap and punch to the sound today. Love the gravely world weary aspects of his voice on this system.
Natalie Merchant (Peppery Man) – Nice, Natalie’s voice does not overload the treble when she leans into her vocals on this track. Pretty rare, especially at this year’s show. And as always the Odyssey room just rocks and a groovy funky dirty killer way.
Jason’s Notes
Back at Odyssey room for a second spin. We wanted to give the system a second shot. Yesterday there was a big problem with bass control. Klaus insisted we come back and you don't say no to Klaus. :nono:
Sibelius nice dynamic control and shading as before. With really gorgeous nuance.
Mahler wow the bass issue is MUCH improved from yesterday on this one. Dynamics are pretty astounding
Waits still overhang but improvement from yesterday for sure. All other notes still apply.
Merchant better control in male vocals. Again all other notes from yesterday apply.
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Does anyone know what model JTR Speakers those are??
Found it JTR 210RT
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Does anyone know what model JTR Speakers those are??
Five JTR Noesis 210RT
Two JTR Captivator 1400 subwoofers
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/5CA49ADC-22F6-40DE-AE01-C76C1A08827A_zpsmdtywyrr.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/5CA49ADC-22F6-40DE-AE01-C76C1A08827A_zpsmdtywyrr.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/DF75B59B-E69E-4EAC-9BE5-38CA4A608E77_zpsoh9iga4g.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/DF75B59B-E69E-4EAC-9BE5-38CA4A608E77_zpsoh9iga4g.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/FBB6FC30-E293-4EAC-A637-2A48F6A65BEC_zpsszvexglu.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/FBB6FC30-E293-4EAC-A637-2A48F6A65BEC_zpsszvexglu.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/66668D7C-2BED-4AE6-BE1A-4CE3E86C0798_zpswql7o2ha.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/66668D7C-2BED-4AE6-BE1A-4CE3E86C0798_zpswql7o2ha.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/299785C2-4E8F-417F-849A-9360A56B00C4_zpsrqsux3en.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/299785C2-4E8F-417F-849A-9360A56B00C4_zpsrqsux3en.jpg.html)
Tyson’s Notes ELAC Audio Room
General Room Notes – What the hell are we doing in an audio room with small towers and cone dome drivers? You know we generally are bored by this type of stuff, especially with so much other audio candy to drool over at the show. But many people we respect (and some we don’t) said we had to make it to this room. So here we are. On the other hand, Andrew Jones is a genius speaker designer and his TAD speakers have historically been among the best at show, year after year.
Music – No option to listen to our CD, so listening to the stock music from their playlist. OK, so they are very clean and clear. And not at all irritating. Very surprising for such a modest looking speaker. Bass is full and has good kick to it. The MOST surprising thing is that they sound BIG. Large soundstage and just energize the whole side of the room they occupy.
This room has no boom/tizzle sound that you hear so often, even on very expensive gear. Smooth refinement with a really good level of detail and transparency is what you get. Only criticism – they are short. So you look down on the performers a bit. But if you put them on some pedestals or raise them up a bit you have a speaker without any real weaknesses, at least none that I can hear. Compared to the very best systems at this show, the bass is a little bit less clean and the highs are a little bit rolled off. Otherwise I can’t really detect a flaw.
These are only $279 each! OK, now Andrew is just showing off :O
Jason’s Notes
We went to the Elac room and the speakers were very disappointing at $279,000 each. -Andrew Jones comedian/owner of Elac.
Andrew Jones is at it again and let me just say right now, this setup is substantially better than any 'budget setup' and much better than most high end system. And at ignoring Andrew's tongue in cheek comment actually cost a mere $279 each, are you serious? Is this real?
Let me tell you what I hear, incredible detail, nuance, pace, microdynamics, control, air, attack, and a ton of other audio nerd words that I hate using. And at this price level I'm not used to using. Astounding stuff here. Let me just say this, this system is way better than most I've heard price be damned.
The bass is incredible! We're listening to a down and dirty bass guitar track and wow. And the imaging / soundstage never lost its coherence.
Rage against the machine time. Killing the the name of. And they killed
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/0BC77404-3B71-4A3A-9027-4237063F040E_zpsshxu7ysj.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/0BC77404-3B71-4A3A-9027-4237063F040E_zpsshxu7ysj.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/4E94E04F-CB57-4711-BF13-692FFD342A92_zpsvlv2n5zv.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/4E94E04F-CB57-4711-BF13-692FFD342A92_zpsvlv2n5zv.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/38C84177-F0B3-46B5-AB35-D9CEEF6F5D4E_zpsp5pob27e.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/38C84177-F0B3-46B5-AB35-D9CEEF6F5D4E_zpsp5pob27e.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/9DFF9A68-1427-4F44-80BE-F3EC77C4BE7E_zpsdwytdxe7.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/9DFF9A68-1427-4F44-80BE-F3EC77C4BE7E_zpsdwytdxe7.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/0D53E2CC-F66F-4C37-9740-D6850D6C398C_zpswkkflbrk.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/0D53E2CC-F66F-4C37-9740-D6850D6C398C_zpswkkflbrk.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/3E8F7D58-778F-4EF1-BC22-303FABC933A5_zps3kheyyh6.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/3E8F7D58-778F-4EF1-BC22-303FABC933A5_zps3kheyyh6.jpg.html)
Tyson’s Notes Daedalus and Modwright Audio Room
General Room Notes – By far the prettiest, classic looking room at the show. Amps and speakers woodwork is flat out beautiful. New tube amps from Modwright this year and a new speaker model from Daedalus.
Sibelius – Sweet sweet beautiful emotion on this track.
Mahler – Man, this room sounds soooooo different than any other room we’ve been in this year. Less focus on the boom and crash and more just presenting real instruments in real space, radiating their sound in real space.
Tom Waits – Organic. Real. Just no other words for it. A real man with a hard life, all laid bare for you to hear in his naked vocals.
Natalie Merchant – This is a downright nasty groovy song and the Daedalus present it in a human, real, fragile, angry, sorrowful beauty. Just such a different sound than anything else at RMAF. I think most vendors go after “hi-fi-accuracy” and end up sounding relatively sterile and cold. Lou always goes after the soul of the music, and between the new speakers and the new amps, he achieves it far better than I’ve ever heard.
Jason’s Notes
So Tyson and I broke into the Daedalus room last night and had our own private listening session last night. Lots of fun and it let us hear things in a way we don't normally get to.
Let me just say this right off the bat. This room sounds better than any other year I've heard it. I think a big reason is the 845 amps. Daedalus speakers LOVE tubes. I had the Poseidons in my house for three weeks. These exact ones. My 8 watt SET can drive them but them but the new amp does better.
Sibelius wow sweeeeeet and incredible presentation. I am astonished with the level of micro dynamics and more detail than I've ever heard from Daedalus.
Mahler not bone crushing bass and dynamics but supremely in control and unafraid to really belt out.
Waits grit but not harsh. Emotionally the best I've heard from any system at the show on this track. That's no small feat. Believe me.
Merchant more of the same as with Waits. Really great emotional performance and a heavy emphasis on what is being conveyed rather than getting every detail just perfect as many systems try (and fail) to accomplish and end up sounding analytic and harsh. Very enjoyable to listen to and definitely the best I've ever heard from the Daedalus Modwright room.
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ELAC ROOM - were they using a sub with the F5?
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ELAC ROOM - were they using a sub with the F5?
No sub, just the towers.
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Sorry folks. I blew it on the room info. Someone who knows please fill in the blanks and I'll edit this post.
Daedalus
Modwright
Purity
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/7652A29E-A6C9-402A-B95C-A9489BFFE4C0_zpsigaa1tcm.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/7652A29E-A6C9-402A-B95C-A9489BFFE4C0_zpsigaa1tcm.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/17DB03F1-7A54-4FDA-BE83-831E521F8840_zpsjm3aqsmm.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/17DB03F1-7A54-4FDA-BE83-831E521F8840_zpsjm3aqsmm.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/DFEC30E2-B7F0-4CAE-8790-B9DA56800CF4_zpsqqaxcbux.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/DFEC30E2-B7F0-4CAE-8790-B9DA56800CF4_zpsqqaxcbux.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/76DE1A91-76A9-4268-AD60-119D50B096CF_zpsc2zpgxi7.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/76DE1A91-76A9-4268-AD60-119D50B096CF_zpsc2zpgxi7.jpg.html)
EDIT:
Not sure what I did with the info on this room!!!! My review and Tyson's appear to be missing!!!!
On a short note- This room was really well done! Better than the main Daedalus room IMO.
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Any idea of the black box beside the ELAC speaker?
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Any idea of the black box beside the ELAC speaker?
Just the computer with all the music on it.
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Another review said the Vapor room was easily one of the best five, but the report also said Vapor was using over $42k worth of room treatments in their room. :o
Well the number of room treatments they have is about normal for a room of the size they have. Just IMHO are using rather "marked up" room treatments.
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/65684E15-172D-49B1-9E93-ECEFF331CC9B_zpscrgdomuy.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/65684E15-172D-49B1-9E93-ECEFF331CC9B_zpscrgdomuy.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/F9693D34-BE63-4E4E-AFE1-37D3B1FF41A1_zpssj3cljyw.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/F9693D34-BE63-4E4E-AFE1-37D3B1FF41A1_zpssj3cljyw.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/23945EEC-88C6-47FE-96E2-12387DDED717_zps8tno1luh.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/23945EEC-88C6-47FE-96E2-12387DDED717_zps8tno1luh.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/BB4E0355-B7C5-472D-9990-A1A027DA0BDD_zpszhdjtjpy.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/BB4E0355-B7C5-472D-9990-A1A027DA0BDD_zpszhdjtjpy.jpg.html)
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/3D9A9F7F-EB77-4AE9-A65F-15E95CBA7F78_zpskb0id5un.jpg) (http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/pezacolypse/media/RNAF%202015/3D9A9F7F-EB77-4AE9-A65F-15E95CBA7F78_zpskb0id5un.jpg.html)
Tyson’s Notes Mojo Audio Room
General Room Notes – Another room using Vapor Audio speakers. We already know these speakers are stellar performers, so the main thing to discern is how well do they sound in THIS system.
Very cool silent audio/video server driving everything here, with a dedicated isolated output, plugging into a direct coupled NOS ladder DAC. I’m personally a fan of NOS DAC’s having run one for years and years in my own system.
Oh, ZOTL amps, I’ve been wanting to hear these guys for a while. These are really cool looking and compact amps. 40 watts in a nice easy to place chassis. What’s really crazy is that they are about to get those watts in an OTL amp with no output transformers and only a few tubes. Most OTL amps have like 20 tubes per channel or some shit like that, and those ‘regular’ OTL amps sound like crap anyway. ZOTL, at least on what I hear today is a massive step up over that outdated technology.
Sibelius – This track is an acid test for tweeter/highs presentation and very often ceramic drivers cause me problems. Even with Vapor speakers I’m sensitive, so the attendant equipment has to be first rate to keep it from hurting my wimpy eardrums. And the ZOTL works beautifully.
Mahler – Keeps a very coherent presentation and I can’t believe it’s only 40 watt producing this huge sound. Very impressive. Only criticism is that the room is probably too small for these very large speakers.
Tom Waits – clear, clean, perfect.
Natalie Merchant – just love the swagger of the presentation of this track. Grooves and jumps with authority and power, and most importantly SOUL. Great room.
Jason’s Notes
Sibelius yep this one seems to be the gentlest on systems easiest to get right, but the great systems really bring out the nuance. This room is an example of a setup that takes the overall sound quality to the next level.
Mahler great soundstage even from outside the listening position. Amazingly good base control for such a small room!
Tom waits great tonality great bass control again. This one has been a room bloater at this show. Really heavy handed on most systems. This one handles it incredibly well. Imaging and everything else is gorgeous. I've heard the vapors with SET and they projected big. In this setup it more focused as well as deep surprisingly
Merchant great soundstage awesome control on both male and female vocals. Awesome dynamic shifts etc. overall this system is exactly what I've come to expect from any room with Vapor Audio speakers at the helm. Obviously the front end equipment is equally excellent.
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Any idea of the black box beside the ELAC speaker?
A server. Not a product that is being sold. Not a lot of info was given about it.
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Any idea of the black box beside the ELAC speaker?
This looks to be that server.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/241-absolutely-silent-audiophile-music-server/
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/252-computer-audiophile-2009-ces-notes-3/
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It seemed like an unfamiliar component :lol: -thank you Ozarktom for the sleuthing :thumb:
I see some new vendors/products I was not familiar with- thank you folks for the pics/reports.
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Here is the Daedalus Audio show list of equipment for each room :thumb:
Thank You Tyson and Pez for the great coverage. With you retiring I will now have to attend :thumb: :thumb:
Now to sale the idea to somebody else :scratch: :scratch:
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=128723
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=128725
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A server. Not a product that is being sold. Not a lot of info was given about it.
Here is some info on what MIGHT be in the black tower.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/241-absolutely-silent-audiophile-music-server/
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And that's a wrap folks so coverage is now officially over! We will post other content later things such as best in show and final thoughts. Thank you for following us and we have had so much fun bringing this content to you!
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Thanks for your coverage of the show, it was very much appreciated.
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Who manufactures the ZOTL's in the Mojo room? Thanks!
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Who manufactures the ZOTL's in the Mojo room? Thanks!
Linear Tube Audio
They were awesome paired with the Nimbus!
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Grateful to the boys coverage --great insights --best coverage on the net--kudos!!!!
BruceW
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Outstanding coverage as always guys, much appreciated.
Best,
Ed
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Linear Tube Audio
They were awesome paired with the Nimbus!
That's David Berning, no other amplifier company has ever copied David's unique designs.
This might be the amp that was playing, a new 10 watter.
http://www.lineartubeaudio.com/zotl-10/
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That's David Berning, no other amplifier company has ever copied David's unique designs.
This might be the amp that was playing, a new 10 watter.
http://www.lineartubeaudio.com/zotl-10/
Actually, it's a PP EL-34 amp. About 40 watts per channel. All the Linear Tube Audio amps are licensed designs from David Berning.
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That's David Berning, no other amplifier company has ever copied David's unique designs.
This might be the amp that was playing, a new 10 watter.
http://www.lineartubeaudio.com/zotl-10/
They had the 40 watt amp playing today and the guy running the room named Mark said he only had the volume at 10 o'clock and it was really kickin. The preamp is only $1100 and use 6sn7 tubes...
I really liked what I heard!
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Nice power supply:
Universal voltage power supply (autosensing 100-240VAC 50/60Hz)
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Thanks guys, for your once again stellar coverage. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: Hope you were able to enjoy the show yourselves in the process, with the exception of the one odoriferous encounter. Enjoy your retirement, and maybe you'll inspire some others to pick up the torch next year. :beer:
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They had the 40 watt amp playing today and the guy running the room named Mark said he only had the volume at 10 o'clock and it was really kickin. The preamp is only $1100 and use 6sn7 tubes...
I really liked what I heard!
10 watter is $2400, 40 watter is $4500. Not too bad for Berning's ZOTL technology with tubes. At the volume I play my system, the 10 watter would work. I was a Berning dealer from way back in the early 80's and always admired his designs. I first met David around 1980, give or take a couple of years. With all of these new designs, David might become rich finally. :thumb:
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Tyson and Pez,
Thanks once again for the great RMAF coverage. Always fun to read about your adventure! :thumb:
Glad I got to see you both and say hello along the show route.
The ELAC room was a really inspiring setup to listen to. I can now recommend something to my nieces and nephews to get them started in music listening at home. Andrew Jones has done something very cool indeed. The new Audio Alchemy equipment driving them was doing a fine job as well.
Hope to see you around the show next year!
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And that's a wrap folks so coverage is now officially over! We will post other content later things such as best in show and final thoughts. Thank you for following us and we have had so much fun bringing this content to you!
Pez & Tyson - you need to go out in style so here you go :rock:
(http://www.chumfm.com/ei/sharedobjects/handlers/ir.ashx?p=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&w=632&mw=632)
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"And that's a wrap folks so coverage is now officially over!"
Geeee Thaaaaaaaaaaaanks Guys
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Another congratulations from me, great coverage. I managed the show once in 09, but will never get back again, it is simply to expensive from the UK, but one can almost think one was there. Does it diminish your enjoyment, knowing you have to cover a large number of rooms and your judgements, may be judged?
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Pez & Tyson,
You guys kicked ass & took names this year at RMAF. The information that you shared with us was fast & furious. You really went out on a high note (pun intended). Thanks for the memories. RMAF will never be the same ....
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And that's a wrap folks so coverage is now officially over! We will post other content later things such as best in show and final thoughts. Thank you for following us and we have had so much fun bringing this content to you!
RIP.
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Yep, October will never be the same!!! :cry:
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Just filling in the blanks as requested.
(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/7652A29E-A6C9-402A-B95C-A9489BFFE4C0_zpsigaa1tcm.jpg)
Daedalus Audio Ulysses V2 with new 2015 Daedaus drivers
Daedalus DiD isolation devices
Daedalus Audio custom rack
Purity Audio Design 2016 Reference Class A balanced preamp
Purity PSE300B Ultra mono blocs amps
Dynamic Design Titania and Ariel series cables
Annalyric Systems AC8 power conditioner
Annalyric Systems USB-1 USB cable
ModWright Elyse DAC
ModWright PH 150 Tbe phono stage
ModWright "Truth" modified OPPO BDP-105D w/ all tube analog stage
VPI Aries table w/12" 3D arm
NICE JOB on the coverage guys. Wish I was here this year.
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Thanks to both of you! :thumb:
Terrific coverage and wonderful photos. Felt like I was actually there.
You will be sorely missed.
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Linear Tube Audio
They were awesome paired with the Nimbus!
The Company licensing the David Berning Zotl circuit and making these amazing product is Urban Hifi in Washington DC (Adams Morgan) http://www.urbanhifi.com/#home.
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Great job as always guys! :beer: :notworthy:
Looking forward to any final thoughts, summary, and nominations for "Best of".
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A great job documenting those rooms you were able to attend, and a nice way to do so. Splitting the opinions makes for a more interesting read that just one persons perspective.
In reading all of this, I would be afraid to try attending a show and documenting it. Great job guys.
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Very well done Pez and Tyson.
Thanks.
Guy 13
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(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RNAF%202015/7652A29E-A6C9-402A-B95C-A9489BFFE4C0_zpsigaa1tcm.jpg)
Seems my original comments got wiped out during one of the moments of technical difficulties, sorry about that! Here's my comments for the room:
General - First off, another major set of kudos for a vendor that took the time and effort to put in room treatments, it actually does make a tremendous difference in the sound of the rooms. We already know the Daedalus speakers are stellar performers, but the Ulysses are pretty big and these rooms are pretty small. So the real test here is how well the associated gear can make them sound in this room.
Sibelius - Really nice job on the violin here, really gets to the heart of the music and lays that emotion bare. So far so good!
Mahler - Oh wow, this soundstage is BIG. I can't believe they are pulling this off in this small of a room. And when the whole orchestra comes crashing in, the sound just expands without ever turning hard.
Tom Waits - no bass issues with this song, excellent! Just like the other, big Daedalus room (the one with the $50k SET 845 Monoblocks) the emotion is raw, naked and awesome.
Natalie Merchant - I think this track is where this system really shines. It's got boogey, baby!
Final note - I've heard Daedalus speakers for several years at RMAF and the pattern is always the same - the main, big room is amazing and the smaller rooms are pretty meh. I always figured you simply couldn't get these rather large speakers to sound good in a small room. I now realize that it must have been the associated gear. In prior years the gear just didn't allow the speakers to sound their best, but this year, in this room, the Ulysses sounded awesome and did not overpower the room at all. If you look at the equipment list, you might note that the main difference is that the Purity gear is used in place of the Modwright SS gear for preamp/amp. Am I hinting around that the Purity gear sounded better? No, I am saying it flat out - if you have Daedalus speakers you owe it to yourself to hear them at their best, with tube gear of this quality.
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Tyson,
Which track and composer for the Mahler #5 and the Sibelius? Thanks and Great Job to you two!
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Tyson’s Notes ELAC Audio Room
General Room Notes – What the hell are we doing in an audio room with small towers and cone dome drivers? You know we generally are bored by this type of stuff, especially with so much other audio candy to drool over at the show. But many people we respect (and some we don’t) said we had to make it to this room. So here we are. On the other hand, Andrew Jones is a genius speaker designer and his TAD speakers have historically been among the best at show, year after year.
Music – No option to listen to our CD, so listening to the stock music from their playlist. OK, so they are very clean and clear. And not at all irritating. Very surprising for such a modest looking speaker. Bass is full and has good kick to it. The MOST surprising thing is that they sound BIG. Large soundstage and just energize the whole side of the room they occupy.
This room has no boom/tizzle sound that you hear so often, even on very expensive gear. Smooth refinement with a really good level of detail and transparency is what you get. Only criticism – they are short. So you look down on the performers a bit. But if you put them on some pedestals or raise them up a bit you have a speaker without any real weaknesses, at least none that I can hear. Compared to the very best systems at this show, the bass is a little bit less clean and the highs are a little bit rolled off. Otherwise I can’t really detect a flaw.
These are only $279 each! OK, now Andrew is just showing off :O
Jason’s Notes
We went to the Elac room and the speakers were very disappointing at $279,000 each. -Andrew Jones comedian/owner of Elac.
Andrew Jones is at it again and let me just say right now, this setup is substantially better than any 'budget setup' and much better than most high end system. And at ignoring Andrew's tongue in cheek comment actually cost a mere $279 each, are you serious? Is this real?
Let me tell you what I hear, incredible detail, nuance, pace, microdynamics, control, air, attack, and a ton of other audio nerd words that I hate using. And at this price level I'm not used to using. Astounding stuff here. Let me just say this, this system is way better than most I've heard price be damned.
The bass is incredible! We're listening to a down and dirty bass guitar track and wow. And the imaging / soundstage never lost its coherence.
Rage against the machine time. Killing the the name of. And they killed
Wow look at the Shunyata gear! The speakers were $279, but the system had $10ks of power conditioning? Interesting. Almost reminds me of taking the Linn concept to an extreme--when everything upstream is good, the speakers are less important?
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Thanks to Jason and Tyson. I enjoyed your style as much as your content.
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Best of show in the works. We will post around 5-6pm MST today!
And to EVERYONE who posted 'thanks' you are all very welcome!
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Yes, thank you to everyone that has commented in this thread, it has been an honor and a pleasure. THANK YOU FOR READING!!
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Thank you guys for the usual great job
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That's David Berning, no other amplifier company has ever copied David's unique designs.
This might be the amp that was playing, a new 10 watter.
http://www.lineartubeaudio.com/zotl-10/
I am intrigued by these amps. I am a fan of OTL designs (minus the heat and hassle of course). In the past, the Berning stuff always came off as a tad dry or thin compared to Joule Electra (my historical fav). I am wondering what these new amps will sound like? I noticed they are class AB and to class A like the headphone amp. I am wondering if we can convince linear to do a 845 or 211 class A version???
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Hey guys thanks for the great coverage and pictures, really enjoyed reading this thread! :thumb:
I am intrigued by these amps. I am a fan of OTL designs (minus the heat and hassle of course). In the past, the Berning stuff always came off as a tad dry or thin compared to Joule Electra (my historical fav). I am wondering what these new amps will sound like? I noticed they are class AB and to class A like the headphone amp. I am wondering if we can convince linear to do a 845 or 211 class A version???
Berning already had/has a design for one: davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845 (http://davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845). They were distributed by www.rbhifi1.com (http://www.rbhifi1.com/) and were only 75K a pair! :lol:
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Hey guys thanks for the great coverage and pictures, really enjoyed reading this thread! :thumb:
Berning already had/has a design for one: davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845 (http://davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845). They were distributed by www.rbhifi1.com (http://www.rbhifi1.com/) and were only 75K a pair! :lol:
Yes indeed. That is why I referenced it. The capacitors are platinum encrusted ruby affairs....
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Yes indeed. That is why I referenced it. The capacitors are platinum encrusted ruby affairs....
Here is a recent review on the ZOTL headphone amp and it is a rave. With 1oodb efficiency speakers or desktop speakers, this might be the perfect integrated. For $1100, that is a great deal. :thumb:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1015/Linear_Tube_Audio_microZOTL_2_Headphone_Amplifier_Review.htm
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Some comments on Pez and Tyson Coverage of RMAF 2015 from the perspective of a rabid audiophile in the last chronic stages of the disease where one starts one’s own audio company including exhibiting at past RMAF and LSAF shows. I recently wrote a show report for LSAF 2015 and appreciate how much work these postings and your very good photos are to produce.
Vapor Audio Room
I am loving the picture of Tyson next to Vapor’s Perfect Storm. We have watched Vapor’s evolution on AC and this picture really drives home just how B I G a speaker is going to get when one uses 15” class woofers while also delivering high efficiency and deep bass.
I also find it interesting comparing the photos here (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/RMAF_2015/day2/) and those in P&T’s coverage. Specifically when LaFeaver with enjoythemusic.com dropped by tube mono-blocks were in use and when Pez and Tyson heard the system some of the photos have the tube amps and others show a Jeff Roland Design Group stereo amp in the rack. That is what I love about stepping up to big woofers in big boxes, they work with both tube and solid-state amps. It could be a horses-for-courses thing or we could admit that some of us like different flavors. Jason wrote “Note: we visited this room over two days and they made significant equipment changes FYI”. I would be curious to know if the superlative filled descriptions of the guys’ standard tracks referred to the system with tube or solid-state amps?
JTR Audio Room
Mixed feelings here, positive, negative, and neutral.
On the positive side as a big fan of JRiver’s software who is intrigued with using it with pro-audio multichannel DACs I am very pleased that such good results were obtained with the MOTU 1248 12-channels out 192k DAC in surround sound mode. Personally I am more interested in using it for a tri or quad amped stereo system with DSP crossover but considering the multi-thousand dollar cost of SOTA surround sound pre-amp/processors it makes an interesting $1500 option. And kudos to JTR Audio for the moxie to go surround sound and video (JVC projector? SWEET!) in an ocean of hard core stereo.
On the negative side Jason wrote “Pulling out a calibrated mic and the level is at 118db with 129.8db peaks. In a 13X19 foot room. This room frightens me. There is just no other way of describing it.” Ouch. Literally ouch one should be frightened as 118 dB is 200% of the recommended 8 hour daily dosage for noise exposure. (http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/noise-exposure-level-d_718.html) OSHA regulations only allow 15 minutes exposure @ 115 dB, the more conservative NIOSH recommendation allows 28 seconds at 115 dB. OSHA and NIOSH agree that zero time exposure without hearing protection is allowed above 115 dB. Sure, we have all enjoyed these “feel it as well as hear” it SPL levels from time to time and when it is done with low distortion it can be addictive. But like many addictive activities it is questionable from a healthful living point of view, in this case the health of one’s ears.
Another negative is I pity the exhibiting neighbors of JTR Audio who after paying thousands of dollars to show at RMAF were trying to compete with 129 dB on the other side of a hotel room wall.
The neutral comments are that 118-130 dB levels are the audio equivalent of a 185 mph ride in a Ferrari. It takes a while to recalibrate one’s senses to the new high intensity experience. Thus I will take the description of the sound with a few grains of salt. Finally I cannot help wonder for JTR’s sake what the ratio was of those wowed by the room vs those who hurried by preferring not to subject their hearing to the pounding?
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Here is a recent review on the ZOTL headphone amp and it is a rave. With 1oodb efficiency speakers or desktop speakers, this might be the perfect integrated. For $1100, that is a great deal. :thumb:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1015/Linear_Tube_Audio_microZOTL_2_Headphone_Amplifier_Review.htm
I saw that. A friend of mine has one and loves it. He is a seasoned headphone nerd.....
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Vapor Audio Room
I am loving the picture of Tyson next to Vapor’s Perfect Storm. We have watched Vapor’s evolution on AC and this picture really drives home just how B I G a speaker is going to get when one uses 15” class woofers while also delivering high efficiency and deep bass.
I also find it interesting comparing the photos here (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/RMAF_2015/day2/) and those in P&T’s coverage. Specifically when LaFeaver with enjoythemusic.com dropped by tube mono-blocks were in use and when Pez and Tyson heard the system some of the photos have the tube amps and others show a Jeff Roland Design Group stereo amp in the rack. That is what I love about stepping up to big woofers in big boxes, they work with both tube and solid-state amps. It could be a horses-for-courses thing or we could admit that some of us like different flavors. Jason wrote “Note: we visited this room over two days and they made significant equipment changes FYI”. I would be curious to know if the superlative filled descriptions of the guys’ standard tracks referred to the system with tube or solid-state amps?
Here is one possible answer from a Rowland devotee on Audiogon:
10-04-15: Mattnshilp
I'll post a seperate post on my Rowland trip. Wow.
Show is winding down. Day 3 is always quieter.
Some quick thoughts:
The Vapor room lost its amp late yesterday (the Lampy amp died for whatever reason) and since Rowland was on the same floor they were asked and Jeff graciously provided a brand new 625 S2. It was a revolutionary improvement in the system. Today, the room was awesome. They also hooked up their Nimbus White in a different room either last neither or today and I got to hear that as well. What I learned is that they are serious players and make some good damn speakers. I have now heard both the Vapor and the similarly designed Salk and I think I prefer the Vapor, although I still haven't heard the Joule, which is the model I would have the most interest in.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&2569&4#2569 (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&2569&4#2569)
I have never been a Rowland fan (although I have not heard the latest generation tbh). I personally would love to hear the 211 monos on a speaker that was copacetic (like a big horn). I know that is Lampizator Lucas' bias.....
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Norman- re: JTR they got numerous noise complaints and were even threatened to have their power shut off. Didn't seem to phase them one bit. They BLASTED music with reckless abandon. As far as my comments I'm confident that what I was hearing was quality. We ended at 118 db and 129 peak but we started much lower than that.
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Pez and Tyson,
You seemed to have a nice streamlined approach this year, as compared to the past few years (I have only been around here to virtually witness four, I think). Seemed slimed down instead of franticly commenting on tons of rooms. Feels like you guys were more relaxed, in turn had some good, useful and mainly positive things to say. Very much enjoyed!
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I have never been a Rowland fan (although I have not heard the latest generation tbh). I personally would love to hear the 211 monos on a speaker that was copacetic (like a big horn). I know that is Lampizator Lucas' bias.....
The Lampi amps didn't die, we just decided to try something different for the final day. And with Jeff Rowland being right down the hall, and having that huge static display of amplifiers, we gave it a shot. He was quite the gentleman, and ended up spending a couple hours in our room with a big grin on his face.
They both had their strengths, neither necessarily had weaknesses. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know how they performed with the tubes, and then in the same setting try a top-tier solid state amp. That's something we've never tried at a show before.
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The problem with JTR (at the show, there really isn't a problem with the speakers) is that half the appeal of them is the ability to crank it and not start sounding like poo. Thus they wanted to show that off. I do feel bad for Elac though, stuck between JTR with 2 18" subs and Vapor with their 2 15" woofers, couldn't have been fun.
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The Lampi amps didn't die, we just decided to try something different for the final day. And with Jeff Rowland being right down the hall, and having that huge static display of amplifiers, we gave it a shot. He was quite the gentleman, and ended up spending a couple hours in our room with a big grin on his face.
They both had their strengths, neither necessarily had weaknesses. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know how they performed with the tubes, and then in the same setting try a top-tier solid state amp. That's something we've never tried at a show before.
I liked both amps, and yeah they just come down to do you want SS or Tube.
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FYI the Elac room was using $13,000 worth of Shunyata line conditioning. This is twice as much as all the other gear in the room.
Check out this review for an idea of how effective these things can be: http://www.audiostream.com/content/shunyata-research-hydra-triton-v2-hydra-typhon-hydra-dpc-6-v2-and-%CE%BEtron%E2%84%A2-%CF%83-sigma-ac-power#xiIsmGSF0xeLPSZB.97
Its no wonder the speakers did so well. Not to say they are not the best speaker at their price ever or whatever.......However, how many people buy $600 speakers who have $13,000 worth of the latest line conditioning? I would say none. Also that is some serious snake power cord in the pic that is going to the power supply to the preamp/DAC. Is it Shunyata? How about the one to the amp.....There maybe thousands of dollars more here in cords.
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FYI the Elac room was using $13,000 worth of Shunyata line conditioning. This is twice as much as all the other gear in the room.
Check out this review for an idea of how effective these things can be: http://www.audiostream.com/content/shunyata-research-hydra-triton-v2-hydra-typhon-hydra-dpc-6-v2-and-%CE%BEtron%E2%84%A2-%CF%83-sigma-ac-power#xiIsmGSF0xeLPSZB.97
Its no wonder the speakers did so well. Not to say they are not the best speaker at their price ever or whatever.......However, how many people buy $600 speakers who have $13,000 worth of the latest line conditioning? I would say none. Also that is some serious snake power cord in the pic that is going to the power supply to the preamp/DAC. Is it Shunyata? How about the one to the amp.....There maybe thousands of dollars more here in cords.
That's interesting, didn't know there was Shunyata stuff in there. I actually thought this setup didn't sound as good as the bookshelves and Bel Canto integrated Andrew had at Newport but there was certainly plenty of people constantly trying to get in to hear.
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Norman- re: JTR they got numerous noise complaints and were even threatened to have their power shut off. Didn't seem to phase them one bit. They BLASTED music with reckless abandon. As far as my comments I'm confident that what I was hearing was quality. We ended at 118 db and 129 peak but we started much lower than that.
I'm often asked if the Maraschinos can go "as loud as the big Cherries". The answer is "close" as proven by this room. Of course, 95dB speakers help!
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Hey guys. Spoke to Joe today and let him know about the comments about the Purity Audio Design/Daedalus room and we both wanted to say thanks. It was a great show for us this year despite the lower than normal attendance.
Thanks again for the great coverage of the show. RMAF has always been my favorite venue and if I can't be there, it good to know I can see and read about all the great systems.
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I am intrigued by these amps. I am a fan of OTL designs (minus the heat and hassle of course). In the past, the Berning stuff always came off as a tad dry or thin compared to Joule Electra (my historical fav). I am wondering what these new amps will sound like? I noticed they are class AB and to class A like the headphone amp. I am wondering if we can convince linear to do a 845 or 211 class A version???
The amp(s) you heard previously may not have been ZOTL designs. Dave's newest designs are better than his early amplifiers, including the first ZOTLs. Besides the PP 845 amps someone mentioned, he has available (at a more reasonable cost) a SET class A 845 amp, and a SET class A 300b. They aren't on the website.
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FYI the Elac room was using $13,000 worth of Shunyata line conditioning. This is twice as much as all the other gear in the room.
Check out this review for an idea of how effective these things can be: http://www.audiostream.com/content/shunyata-research-hydra-triton-v2-hydra-typhon-hydra-dpc-6-v2-and-%CE%BEtron%E2%84%A2-%CF%83-sigma-ac-power#xiIsmGSF0xeLPSZB.97
Its no wonder the speakers did so well. Not to say they are not the best speaker at their price ever or whatever.......However, how many people buy $600 speakers who have $13,000 worth of the latest line conditioning? I would say none. Also that is some serious snake power cord in the pic that is going to the power supply to the preamp/DAC. Is it Shunyata? How about the one to the amp.....There maybe thousands of dollars more here in cords.
I agree with this. However i'm going to bet at home you wouldn't need so much conditioning to get the same sound, the power fluctuations at the hotel are horrible when the show is going on.
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FYI the Elac room was using $13,000 worth of Shunyata line conditioning. This is twice as much as all the other gear in the room.
Check out this review for an idea of how effective these things can be: http://www.audiostream.com/content/shunyata-research-hydra-triton-v2-hydra-typhon-hydra-dpc-6-v2-and-%CE%BEtron%E2%84%A2-%CF%83-sigma-ac-power#xiIsmGSF0xeLPSZB.97
Its no wonder the speakers did so well. Not to say they are not the best speaker at their price ever or whatever.......However, how many people buy $600 speakers who have $13,000 worth of the latest line conditioning? I would say none. Also that is some serious snake power cord in the pic that is going to the power supply to the preamp/DAC. Is it Shunyata? How about the one to the amp.....There maybe thousands of dollars more here in cords.
I noticed that as well. Seems pretty strange, but hey, they certainly got many kudos for great sounding, sub-$1k speakers.
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Hey guys thanks for the great coverage and pictures, really enjoyed reading this thread! :thumb:
Berning already had/has a design for one: davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845 (http://davidberning.com/products/zh_211_845). They were distributed by www.rbhifi1.com (http://www.rbhifi1.com/) and were only 75K a pair! :lol:
Worth mention the ZOTL 211/845 price was
PRICE 73,500 USD per monaural pair
at the release date.
http://davidberning.com/images/211_845/Berning_ZH_211_845_ZOTL_HiFiOne_pr.pdf
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Here is one possible answer from a Rowland devotee on Audiogon:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&2569&4#2569 (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&2569&4#2569)
I have never been a Rowland fan (although I have not heard the latest generation tbh). I personally would love to hear the 211 monos on a speaker that was copacetic (like a big horn). I know that is Lampizator Lucas' bias.....
I heard both amps in the PS setup and preferred the Lampi amps. When I walked in Sunday before noticing the 211 amps were missing I thought what happened to the sound stage? Seemed to me it shrank and overall was less impactful and more laid back with the Rowland.
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Thanks again guys for another wonderful year of coverage. :thumb:
As others have said, it is almost as good as being there. I will sure miss you guys. :bawl:
Bob
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Another review said the Vapor room was easily one of the best five, but the report also said Vapor was using over $42k worth of room treatments in their room. :o
I talked a lot with Bart, who supplied the treatment. The correction is small in percent, but he said it was "$45k." He also said his all-new coming series gets you about 75% of the performance for $10k, and you can start at $1k and build up. Very sorry a technical difficulty in the room caused me to miss this demo when I arrived. I'll make sure to hear it next hear.
I am excruciatingly sad to have just read this is our two heroes' last stand, their last RMAF show coverage.