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The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Lone Star Audio Fest => Topic started by: Brad on 3 Dec 2015, 02:20 am

Title: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 3 Dec 2015, 02:20 am
I noticed they posted the dates for next year's LSAF.
April 29-May 1

http://lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html (http://lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html)

I'm still listed as an exhibitor, so I guess I should be attending this time around  :thumb:

Probably going to bring my Korneff 45 amp, with NuForce DAC-10H, and an OB project or two.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: DSkip on 3 Dec 2015, 03:06 am
I'll be there representing Audio Thesis.  I'll be bringing out the Rosso Fiorentino Elba's for sure, but not certain what else.  I am working with someone now to make LSAF 2016 return to high end status with some true flagship speakers from a major manufacturer.  More to come on that front.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: sebrof on 3 Dec 2015, 11:55 am
Last year me and 3 friends brought up a system (parts and pieces from each of our personal systems) and "exhibited." We were the 5one2 Audio room. Really we just had drinks and played music. Loads of fun.
I'll definitely go next year but probably not get a room. Lots of work.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 3 Dec 2015, 02:59 pm
Quote from: sebrof on  3 Dec 2015, 11:55 am
Really we just had drinks and played music. Loads of fun.

I resemble that comment  :wink:
That's been my mode for the 7-8 times I've been to LSAF.
Listening to a good variety of music with new friends, always fun.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mresseguie on 3 Dec 2015, 03:42 pm
Thanks to a combination of scheming and cooperative planning with my wife, there is an excellent chance I'll be able to attend. It sounds like a blast. I suppose I could bring along something special to drink - assuming I manage to avoid drinking it beforehand.

 :D
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: marvda1 on 3 Dec 2015, 04:22 pm
the reason i have not brought a system to the show is i want to be free to roam around.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 6 Dec 2015, 05:27 am
Quote from: marvda1 on  3 Dec 2015, 04:22 pm
the reason i have not brought a system to the show is i want to be free to roam around.

That's the one drawback about having a room. My grandson got around to the other rooms but I spent most of the time in my rooms. I had a blast but would really have liked to have been able to get to all the other rooms.

I plan on having a room this year again as well. I'll be bringing my GR-Research open baffle speakers back but with different bass units. Instead of three 8" servo drivers in an H-Frame, this year I will have wedge shaped bass units with two 12" servo drivers per side. The shape of the bass units matches the midrange/tweeter cabinets so the complete speaker system will look a lot better. More bass doesn't hurt either  :thumb:

Now, if I could just figure out where I put that cloning machine  :scratch:

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mresseguie on 6 Dec 2015, 05:57 am
Mike,

Wouldn't be possible to lock the door, tape a sign to it saying, 'Back at 3 o'clock', and go see the rooms?

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 6 Dec 2015, 07:24 am
Quote from: mresseguie on  6 Dec 2015, 05:57 am
Mike,

Wouldn't be possible to lock the door, tape a sign to it saying, 'Back at 3 o'clock', and go see the rooms?

Michael,

Yes, but then folks wouldn't get to listen to my room. Last May I only had a couple of five minute periods all day Saturday when I didn't have people in my main room, and I was on the third floor, away from everybody else.

I did get around to most of the other rooms but not all, and I didn't get to spend as much time in some as I would have liked.

This year my plan is to go down on Wednesday instead of Thursday so I have plenty of time to set up and fix glitches (a computer server decided to be a pain). Plus not break down and leave until Monday. Maybe that way I will have more time to get to the other rooms.

If you do get there, be sure and stop by. If you haven't had a chance to hear the Wedgies before then you will be amazed at what these little guys can do.

Mike


Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: FredT300B on 6 Dec 2015, 12:41 pm
I missed the last two years' shows because of unavoidable conflicts, but I have the 2016 fest on my calendar and I'm looking forward to it.  :thumb:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 6 Dec 2015, 08:10 pm
Quote from: FredT300B on  6 Dec 2015, 12:41 pm
I missed the last two years' shows because of unavoidable conflicts, but I have the 2016 fest on my calendar and I'm looking forward to it.  :thumb:

Glad to hear that, Fred!
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Txcoastal1 on 28 Dec 2015, 02:08 am
Quote from: DSkip on  3 Dec 2015, 03:06 am
I'll be there representing Audio Thesis.  I'll be bringing out the Rosso Fiorentino Elba's for sure, but not certain what else.  I am working with someone now to make LSAF 2016 return to high end status with some true flagship speakers from a major manufacturer.  More to come on that front.

Make this happen Skip

Russman has something up his sleeve too.

Cheers
---Ron
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Txcoastal1 on 28 Dec 2015, 08:23 pm
Seems to be conflicting dates on the LSAF 2016 site

Front page mentions April 29th
http://lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html


Registration page May 6th
http://lonestaraudiofest.com/registration.html


Can anyone verify what dates are to be true?

Thanks
Ron

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 28 Dec 2015, 09:03 pm
Thanks for catching that Ron, wouldn't want to make the haul to Dallas with my system on the wrong weekend.
I'll see if I can find out.

The reservations link still has a 2015 date in it.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Txcoastal1 on 28 Dec 2015, 10:54 pm
Quote from: Brad on 28 Dec 2015, 09:03 pm
Thanks for catching that Ron, wouldn't want to make the haul to Dallas with my system on the wrong weekend.
I'll see if I can find out.

The reservations link still has a 2015 date in it.

Not that my opinion matters but May 6th would be a bad option as it may give any one that has dealings with Axpona (APRIL 15-17, 2016) a chance to get it back together....not sure what Wayne or Steven had in mind, and there is yet to be any postings on DIY. I too would like to plan accordingly.

FYI if anyone gives a hoot I'm the other guy in the Blowtorch room with Russman, just wanted to intro myself.

Thanks...and Happy New Year
--Ron

Cheers guys 
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 28 Dec 2015, 11:21 pm
Heard back from the organizers.  They confirmed April 29-May1 as the date.

They also said they'd update the reservations link once they get it from Embassy
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: sebrof on 29 Dec 2015, 12:20 am
Quote from: Txcoastal1 on 28 Dec 2015, 10:54 pm
Not that my opinion matters but May 6th would be a bad option as it may give any one that has dealings with Axpona (APRIL 15-17, 2016) a chance to get it back together....not sure what Wayne or Steven had in mind, and there is yet to be any postings on DIY. I too would like to plan accordingly.

FYI if anyone gives a hoot I'm the other guy in the Blowtorch room with Russman, just wanted to intro myself.

Thanks...and Happy New Year
--Ron

Cheers guys
Blowtorch was a cool room last year. You guys planning on 2016?
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Txcoastal1 on 29 Dec 2015, 12:42 am
Quote from: sebrof on 29 Dec 2015, 12:20 am
Blowtorch was a cool room last year. You guys planning on 2016?

Yeah we'll have something going on. I've had a show room for the last 4yrs so don't have a reason not to this year.

Also working with Skip (mentioned above) on a big room downstairs if all pans out. It won't be DIY but it should be a class A system.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: DouglasConnection on 3 Jan 2016, 06:39 pm
We will be there again this year.  Please let me know if we can help in any way!  Hope this show will grow!  :D
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 20 Jan 2016, 05:24 pm
Any idea what the status is and how to get in touch with the organizers? I sent an email to the info@lonestaraudiofest.com address a few days ago but have not heard anything back.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 20 Jan 2016, 05:40 pm
They've responded pretty quickly when I've sent an email to that address.  I think Wayne P. is one of the guys monitoring that email.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 15 Feb 2016, 05:18 pm
The registration link is now live for booking rooms
http://lonestaraudiofest.com/registration.html (http://lonestaraudiofest.com/registration.html)

The main web page has not yet been updated.
Dates are April 29 to May 1.  The schedule of events has changed a bit.

Detail from email to past exhibitors:

We hope you will join us again for another great weekend of music, gear,
and friends! My apologies in getting the registration links a bit late. This
year we are doing things a bit differently in an effort to continually
improve and grow the show. Friday April 29th will be our "setup" day with
private listening in the evening at the discretion of the exhibitor.
Saturday the 30th and Sunday May 1st will be FULL days this go around.
Attendees have stated that Sunday needed to be a full day so we listened
and we're doing it!

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Bob_Brines on 21 Feb 2016, 03:46 am
The main url lonestaraudiofest.com points to the the 2015 info. The average guy out there isn't going to to be able to figure out the lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html is the 2016 info, and that guy isn't going to show up at this year's meet. This really needs to get fixed yesterday. Who needs to be told? Also, once you figure out how to get to the 2016 page, the "Click Here for the most recent news and information! (http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=42)" link points to a page at Audio Round Table that doesn't have a 2016 thread.

Is there really going to be a LSAF 2016?

Bob
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: sebrof on 21 Feb 2016, 01:33 pm
Quote from: Bob_Brines on 21 Feb 2016, 03:46 am
The main url lonestaraudiofest.com points to the the 2015 info. The average guy out there isn't going to to be able to figure out the lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html is the 2016 info, and that guy isn't going to show up at this year's meet. This really needs to get fixed yesterday. Who needs to be told? Also, once you figure out how to get to the 2016 page, the "Click Here for the most recent news and information! (http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=42)" link points to a page at Audio Round Table that doesn't have a 2016 thread.

Is there really going to be a LSAF 2016?

Bob
I posted on the Face Book page that the main LSAF page only shows 2015. Hopefully they can/will fix.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Bob_Brines on 21 Feb 2016, 06:23 pm
Thanks. I don't do FaceBook, so I am probably missing stuff. I'll reactivate and go see.

Bob
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: sebrof on 21 Feb 2016, 10:33 pm
Quote from: Bob_Brines on 21 Feb 2016, 06:23 pm
Thanks. I don't do FaceBook, so I am probably missing stuff. I'll reactivate and go see.

Bob
If I Google "Lone Star Audio Fest" I get the 2015 page.
If I Google "Lone Star Audio Fest 2016" I get the 2016 page.

Steven Solazzo replied to my FB post almost immediately and said he'd look into it.

Here's the 2016 info for anyone who is interested:
http://lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: sebrof on 22 Feb 2016, 03:40 pm
Quote from: Bob_Brines on 21 Feb 2016, 03:46 am
The main url lonestaraudiofest.com points to the the 2015 info. The average guy out there isn't going to to be able to figure out the lonestaraudiofest.com/info.html is the 2016 info, and that guy isn't going to show up at this year's meet. This really needs to get fixed yesterday. Who needs to be told? Also, once you figure out how to get to the 2016 page, the "Click Here for the most recent news and information! (http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=thread&frm_id=42)" link points to a page at Audio Round Table that doesn't have a 2016 thread.

Is there really going to be a LSAF 2016?

Bob
Looks like they got it fixed
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Don_S on 22 Feb 2016, 04:02 pm
Can someone please explain LSAF to me?  Is there a theme?  I looked at the list of exhibitors and only recognized a few names.  Is it mostly dealers?  Usually dealers also list the brands they will be exhibiting.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Norman Tracy on 22 Feb 2016, 09:29 pm
Don_S, in the first few paragraphs of my LSAF 2015 show report I attempt to "explain LSAF".

http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2015-show-report/ (http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2015-show-report/)
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 22 Feb 2016, 10:09 pm
Don S -
There are quite a few of us DIYers who demo systems or gear that we've built.
I'm guessing there are 30-40 rooms in any given year, 2/3 of which are by dealers/manufacturers.

Due to the size, it is a bit friendlier (IMO) than some of the big shows (I've only been to a few).
I will play music or take suggestions from folks in the room, and I give out free beverages.
The margin is low on the beverages but I make it up on volume.  :thumb:

We will also usually organize a dinner out on the Friday and Saturday nights.
I always get exposed to new music, and the audio discussions can get lively.

If you do come, be sure to come introduce yourself.  I always like meeting fellow ACers.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: gab on 22 Feb 2016, 10:57 pm
I'm not sure I buy that all these manufacturers will be there this year:

http://lonestaraudiofest.com/exhibitors.html

Looks more like a list of the previous exhibitors to me. I guess we will see  :D

gab
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Don_S on 23 Feb 2016, 01:48 am
Quote from: Norman Tracy on 22 Feb 2016, 09:29 pm
Don_S, in the first few paragraphs of my LSAF 2015 show report I attempt to "explain LSAF".

http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2015-show-report/ (http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2015-show-report/)

Norman,  Thank you for the link.  I read the introduction and skimmed everything else.  I get it now---Audiophiles throwing themselves a party.  :banana piano:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 3 Apr 2016, 04:04 am
just booked my room.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: TrungT on 3 Apr 2016, 04:10 am

Mike.
Second floor?

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 3 Apr 2016, 05:33 am
TrungT,

Better be. This year I got one of the reserved block rooms and made it very clear I wanted to be on the same floor as everyone else. My confirmation shows this also.  Now, as long as they follow through ...

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mresseguie on 3 Apr 2016, 05:49 am
I had hoped to be in the area this year so that I could finally experience LSAF, but it is not to be this year.  :cry:

I will try again next year. Y'all have fun!

Michael
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 5 Apr 2016, 05:40 pm
Less than 4 weeks away now.

Looking forward to the full day Sunday too.  Several years, it was not until Sunday morning that things were sounding their best  :roll:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: marvda1 on 6 Apr 2016, 02:09 am
i'm booked for friday and saturday night.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: DSkip on 17 Apr 2016, 08:30 pm
So in addition to the Rosso Fiorentino Elba, I'll also be bringing the iFi Stereo 50 and running music via bluetooth.  I'll have several products from Dayens and Vista Audio as well to show.  I might also have one big surprise for the show, but I haven't decided on that yet due to logistics/hassle. 
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Dracule1 on 23 Apr 2016, 02:55 am
Anyone have a head count on which exhibitors are participating this year?
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: barryso on 24 Apr 2016, 06:54 pm
The end of the LSAF 2016 thread on Audioroundtable has a list of rooms and exhibitors as of the middle of April.  It usually grows the weekend of the show.

http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&goto=82108&

Having the rooms published before the show is a first.  Somebody's on the ball.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 24 Apr 2016, 07:49 pm
Less than a week away now   :thumb:

Thanks for posting the room number links, Barry.
That is a definite first for LSAF.

Anyone have any requests for the free microbrews I'll be handing out?  Would prefer to bring TX beer.
Houston has had quite a few breweries pop up recently, good ones too.

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 24 Apr 2016, 10:50 pm
Exhibitor List:

Room           Exhibitor
===================================================
201            Pete Millet Audio & Landfall Systems
202            Michael Lundy
203            JMM Acoustics
204            Audio Crafter's Guild
207            Pi Speakers
210            Michael Lundy
211            Mark Sanders
212            Derek Skipworth
213            Raven Audio
214            Jumping Cactus Loudspeakers
320            Brad Baker
216            Brines Acoustics
219            Douglas Connnection
220            Raven Audio
221            Raven Audio
222            Raven Audio
224            George Paisley
227            Brian DiFrank
228            Manzanita Audio Solutions
301            Whetstone Audio
302            Whetstone Audio
303            Whetstone Audio
===================================================
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Norman Tracy on 25 Apr 2016, 08:18 pm
LSAF 2016 Exhibitor’s List

Yes “Somebody's on the ball”, that would be me, thanks barryso and Brad for noticing and posting. I had intended to have already posted the expected exhibitor list. Ironically the time doing volunteer PR for the event has me behind on getting my exhibit ready so some preshow tasks are running late including this post. I did get the press release out and some results are coming up from that.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/news/ (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/news/)

As a volunteer run event Lone Star Audio Fest does not burden its exhibitors with the costs of a professional event organization. Much as I like the cost savings a downside is we have no official exhibitor list. Exhibitors deal directly with the hotel thus the following list was compiled by reverse engineering the reservation list (that has only the name of who made the reservation) recognizing individual names and correlating those with past exhibitors, folks we recognize, and a few I ferreted out with net searches and phone calls. Sorry if I have left you out, feel free to post corrections and additions to this thread.

Exhibitors booked to attend include the following

Company
 		 Products
 		 Web Address & Demo System
 
Landfall Systems
 		 Custom electronics enclosures
 		 www.landfallsystems.com
Enclosures used with Millett electronics
 
Pete Millett's DIY Audio
  eBay store "pmillett"
 		 Tube Electronics
 		 www.pmillett.com
Millett amplifiers and tube friendly speakers
 
Speakers by Mike
 		 Loudspeakers based on GR Research technology
 		 www.gr-research.com
X-CS Encore + BSSE monitors/subwoofer bases and the Di-pole Wedgies on matching dual 12" wedge open baffles
 
JWM Acoustics
 		 Speakers, Turntables, Hi-Fi Accessories
 		 www.jwmacoustics.com
ALYSON, AML & NET-1 speakers and introducing KAREN 12 turntable.
 
Audio Crafters Guild
 		 Amplifiers, Speakers
 		 www.audiocraftersguild.com
Mini-monitors driven by 1000 series amplifiers.
 
Pi Speakers
 		 Loudspeaker kits
 		 www.pispeakers.com (http://www.pispeakers.com/)
Matched-Directivity Bass-Reflex Loudspeakers
 
Raven Audio
 		 Tube Electronics
 		 www.ravenaudio.com
Raven amps displayed with Legacy Audio speakers including the 'V', Aries, & Metros XD
 
Jumping Cactus Loudspeakers
 		 Single driver full range loudspeakers
 		 www.jumpingcactusloudspeakers.com
 
Brines Acoustics
 		 Speakers, specializes in single driver systems
 		 www.brinesacoustics.com/
 
Douglas Connection
 		 Cables, accessories, and DIY supplies
 		 www.douglasconnection.com
 
Whetstone Audio
 		 Full line Hi-Fi shop from Austin the music capitol of Texas.
 		 www.whetstoneaudio.com (http://www.whetstoneaudio.com/)
Demo featuring THÖRESS tube electronics and Well Tempered turntable
 
Manzanita Audio Solutions
 		 Passive Open Baffle Dynamic Loudspeakers
 		 www.manzanitaaudiosolutions.com
 
[/t]

Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 26 Apr 2016, 12:55 am
Thanks Norman,

Good to have the details and website links.  That'll save time after the show.
Also good to have the DIY guys welcomed back this year.

I'm bringing a single driver setup this year, so I'm very appropriately placed between Jumping Cactus and Bob Brines   :o
I'm also bringing my own name badge  :?

Pete Millett's R120 SE amp looks pretty darn cool  :thumb:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: barryso on 26 Apr 2016, 02:06 pm
Kudos Norman!

Anyone know if some of the other regulars will be there?  Duke and Lorrie LeJune aren't listed and they tend to have a wonderful sounding room.  They didn't exhibit last year but said they would in 2016.

There hasn't been a mention of Russ from Blowtorch Audio or Jon Van Zyl (who makes wonderful and insanely designed horn speakers) or some of the others that tend to be there.  Just curious if anyone has heard from more of the regulars.

Brad has 2 sets of speakers for his room this year (Tang Band and Hawthorne) and John Busch has a pair of 18" coax speakers he's designed to replace the original "Widow Makers". 

It's going to be a great show.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: marvda1 on 26 Apr 2016, 03:08 pm
russ will be there, duke is going to the guitar show for research, audio thesis will be there.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 29 Apr 2016, 02:20 am
One more day...... :thumb:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 29 Apr 2016, 04:43 am
Made it. Got unloaded, roughly set up and have sound. Now, time for bed and start adjusting in the morning.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: barryso on 29 Apr 2016, 08:51 am
Hit the road in 30 minutes.  If the storms don't delay things at DFW too badly then I should be at the hotel this afternoon. 

Really looking forward to the show this year.  See everyone soon.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 29 Apr 2016, 11:54 am
Hope you have a smooth flight Barry.
Hitting I-45 in about an hour.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Cacophonix on 29 Apr 2016, 03:24 pm
I have always attended the show on a saturday, but this time around, i've a few other things on my plate. How is the show on a sunday? I read someplace else that a lot of the exhibitors vacate early on sunday ... Will it be the same case this year?
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: S Clark on 29 Apr 2016, 03:34 pm
Quote from: Cacophonix on 29 Apr 2016, 03:24 pm
I have always attended the show on a saturday, but this time around, i've a few other things on my plate. How is the show on a sunday? I read someplace else that a lot of the exhibitors vacate early on sunday ... Will it be the same case this year?
I hope not as I'm driving in early Sun morning as well. 
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: marvda1 on 29 Apr 2016, 03:50 pm
Supposed to be a full day Sunday.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 29 Apr 2016, 05:40 pm
Some of the rooms have changed.  I am now in 320.

Everyone I've talked to is staying all day Sunday.
I'm not leaving until Monday morning.

Unloaded now, should have music in the next hour
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 29 Apr 2016, 06:27 pm
All right. I have music via sacd player. On to the server now.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 29 Apr 2016, 06:47 pm
Me as well. Music up and playing. Will be set up all day Sunday. This year they changed the format. The show is still two days but instead of being from Friday morning to Sunday morning it is all day Sat and Sun.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 29 Apr 2016, 07:45 pm
Music playing via server and DAC now. Cold microbrews in fridge. Come on by!
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: ebag4 on 29 Apr 2016, 11:39 pm
Have a great show guys!

Best,
Ed
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: dB Cooper on 30 Apr 2016, 02:23 am
Since this didn't happen at AXPONA, could somebody please take a few pics? I assume there will probably be "commercial" coverage, but that always seems to be slanted towards the absurdly expensive, conspicuous-consumption type systems. (I'm a C&C guy and have never heard a loudspeaker system I thought was worth $50~100K- and I have heard systems that cost that much.)
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: barryso on 2 May 2016, 03:38 pm
dB Cooper, there were photos taken of every room and they should be showing up soon.  As soon as something shows up I'll paste a link to it here.

There are a couple of very expensive rooms at The Lone Star fest but there are plenty of others that have a lot of nice gear that's affordable.  Reasonably priced gear has been one of the draws of the show (to me, at least). 

There were some fine systems this year and they covered the audio spectrum.  Some were full and rich sounding and some were lean and tight.  Seemed to cover just about any "flavour" of sound you'd want to hear. Learned a lot, too.

It was hard to get back for a 2nd listen into a lot of the rooms and that's a real shame.  Even though the show is smaller than it was years ago you still have to work to get around and hear everything.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: barryso on 2 May 2016, 10:48 pm
OK, here are photos from LSAF 2016.  The show pictures start at the bottom of the 1st page.

http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=20287&prevloaded=1&&start=0
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: S Clark on 3 May 2016, 04:12 am
Smaller show this year, but some very high quality rooms.  Legacy was much improved over a couple of years ago (but that's not setting the bar very high). This year they were a high quality sound until a power fluctuation took out a tube in one of the amps.
 
Mike Lundy's GR- Research builds were again at or near the top- and clearly, by far, without a doubt, unquestionably the best bang for the buck.
 
JWM had the best imaging and very high quality build and sound, but just a bit fatiguing.  I'd bet one or two extra ohms on a tweeter resistor would make it more to my liking.  And bass!  For a medium size MTM they were accurate and plentiful.  Seriously, I was looking around for the sub that wasn't there.  Beautiful hardwood front panels. I didn't even check the prices; they looked so good they had to be expensive. I had an audiogasm over their turntables.
 
Then Manzanita Audio just killed with an open baffle monster woofer with a large P-Audio coax.  Best sound of the show in my book. Clean, clean with such accurate and deep bass! Ugly devils... so much so that I did look at the price to see if they were in my price range.  Nope. $8K and up.  Made you realize what bargains the GR-Research V series speakers were with a similar coax tied to servo bass.
 
There were also a couple of rooms full of dogs with fleas.  No reason to name names.  Lets just say that our member Brad had much better sound from some Hawthorne 15's(?) and a Tang Band fullrange- all open baffle with a couple of cardboard boxes torn and taped in place for wings.
 
In general, nice stuff, lots of tubes, lots of vinyl  :banana piano:  for a nice change (esp. since I brought vinyl to test with).    But the Sunday crowds were non exsistent.  If there is a next year, members have to get more aggressive in supporting an audio show in Dallas.  Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have got to turn out.  It'd be a shame to lose it. 
 :thumb:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Folsom on 3 May 2016, 05:59 am
Mr. Clark, what do you think of Bob Brines speakers?

BTW those Amps that Legacy shows with where buzzing like freaking mad at Axpona. Like... all of them playing and not playing. There was 3 or 4 stations.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: S Clark on 3 May 2016, 11:59 am
Quote from: Folsom on  3 May 2016, 05:59 am
Mr. Clark, what do you think of Bob Brines speakers?

BTW those Amps that Legacy shows with where buzzing like freaking mad at Axpona. Like... all of them playing and not playing. There was 3 or 4 stations.
Mixed review of the Brines speakers.  I'll send a PM.  Very realistic on vocals-  probably the best at the show. 
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: S Clark on 4 May 2016, 05:19 pm
 :oops:  To my embarrassment, it's clear that I have Bob's room mixed up with another manufacturer. 
My apologies to Bob.  I remember going in his room, but don't remember my overall impressions.  Should have taken written notes.  :oops:
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 4 May 2016, 08:43 pm
I am finally getting a chance to post. Been home and unloaded for a couple of days but am just now starting to unpack and get my system set back up ... darn day job getting in the way of the music  :roll:

Scott, I totally agree about JWM Acoustics. Joshua's speakers are extremely nice and very engaging. I too was looking around for the sub that I knew had to be hidden somewhere. Here's a pic of the speaker in question. This one is in purpleheart instead of Monkepod like the one at the show:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142434)

Price was $8,500 a pair

As you said, his turntables were something else. Prices start at $1,500. I've started saving up for one like this (this is Monkepod):

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142435)
 
Once I get everything unpacked, set back up and put away I'll post some pics of my room.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: marvda1 on 5 May 2016, 01:09 am
here's some pictures i took.
http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/171518/lone-star-audio-fest-2016/p6
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 9 May 2016, 07:54 pm
Finally getting some pics of my room posted.  I took two systems with me, the GR Research Wedgies w/Wedge base for 12" drivers and a pair of GR Research X-CS Encores on top of the GR Research Best Speaker Stands Ever.  I was planning on having each system in its own room but at the last minute my grandson was unable to get off work so I just had one room. The Wedgies were the main system. The Encores and BSSE's sat against a wall to display the work most of the time. I did set them up for sound but did not dial them in like I did the Wedgies. A lot of people admired the Encores and stands and one person had me set them up so he could listen.

There were a lot of positive comments, especially about the bass;iIts integration, fullness, not overpowering, etc. The types of things I have come to expect with the servo controlled OB bass. However, judging from the number of people consistently in my next door neighbor's room, my room lacked a gut punching fun factor that the heavier bassed systems seemed to have. To be fair to the 12" Wedge basses, I could have run the bass a lot hotter. The volume controls on the A370's were just barely past 12 o'clock. That's where my SPL meter said things blended best and where a sweep sounded smooth (after PEQing out a big peak at 30Hz). By next year I plan on having and being able to use more sophisticate room analysis software.

Another issue regarding my lack of fun factor is very likely I'm an old fart with a non-youthful taste in music which my library clearly reflects; no acid, punk, heavy metal, etc here. Other than that I think it went well. A number of people stopped by more than once to listen to the Wedgies. They were not the only open baffle system at the show. There were at least two others. Manzanita was one, I didn't get to hear the other.

Now for the pics. First up is my Equipment. I had two sources, my computer with an SOtM sound card and an OPPO 105D. Two DACs, a DODD Audio battery powered 32/384 Hi-Rez DAC and the DAC in the OPPO. The preamp was a DODD Audio battery powered Tube Buffer. The power amp was a Prima Luna Prologue 4 with an upgraded tube complement. I also had four of the GIK Acoustics 4A Alpha Diffusor/Absorber pannels behind the Wedgies.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142675)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142676)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142677)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142678)


Here's the Wedgies/Wedge bases.I haven't built the more stylish plinths yet. The veneer on the subs is called French burl which is a burl from the European Black Poplar:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142679)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142680)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142681)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142682)


Here are closeups of the A370 amp boxes. The wood is Bocote:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142683)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142684)


Here are the X-CS Encores and the Best Speaker Stands Ever. The veneer on the Encores is Ambrosia maple (a.k.a. ghost or wormy maple). The worm holes and knot voids have been inlaid with crushed turquoise. The plinths and top plates of the speaker stands is solid purpleheart.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142686)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142688)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142689)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142690)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142691)


I had a great time at the show.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Brad on 9 May 2016, 08:11 pm
The finish work looks better in person, Mike!
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: dB Cooper on 9 May 2016, 11:12 pm
Quote from: barryso on  2 May 2016, 10:48 pm
OK, here are photos from LSAF 2016.  The show pictures start at the bottom of the 1st page.

http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=20287&prevloaded=1&&start=0
Great pix, thanks
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 10 May 2016, 12:05 am
Quote from: Brad on  9 May 2016, 08:11 pm
The finish work looks better in person, Mike!

Thanks Brad. A photographer I'm not.

There has been a suggestion or two that I redo the top sections and put the burl veneer on them also to match the subs. Not to sure about it but if I have enough left over I might do it.

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Norman Tracy on 10 May 2016, 12:15 am
LSAF 2016 Show Photos

What a great time we had at LSAF 2016. From my vantage point inside the event as an exhibitor and listener from Thursday afternoon through Monday morning it was any audiophile’s toy store.

At LSAF there were a wide variety of routes to our shared end of fine music in the home presented to contrast and compare. I do consider myself a HiFi egalitarian that can enjoy triodes + horns as much as solid state driving a stout box full of European drivers.

Pete Millet www.pmillett.com played his exotic triode amps in David Flores Landfall Systems www.landfallsystems.com enclosures. Tunes played on speakers including Tang Band full range in a pine box or the di-pole with direct from Japan Pioneer green cone 4” over 15” Eminence woofer. The guys had plenty of beer to share along with the exotica to listen to.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142520)

My fellow Okie Michael Lundy (mlundy57 on AudioCircle) played GR Research new wedge 12” push pull di-pole woofer stands for the Wedgies and woofer monitor stand with Rythmik DirectServo power bass section. These systems are very tube friendly. Michael's craftsmanship is outstanding as is his system, setup, and the resulting sound. Contact him to commission anything from desktop speakers up to your dream system.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142521)

JWM Acoustics www.jwmacoustics.com was back with Joshua Miles stunningly beautiful speakers, turntables and accessories. The systems in his room sang as sweetly as last year and the latest evolution of his turntable was featured as the SOTA analog front end on one of the Raven systems downstairs.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142522)

Cable Pro www.thecablepro.com and AudiblePC www.audiblepc.com shared a room with both a speaker based system and this table full of high end headphones and amps to bring the head-fi experience to LSAF.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142524)

Pi speakers and subs www.pispeakers.com. Wayne Parham is one of the masters of the horn + large woofer system.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142525)

Stereo Clarity www.stereoclarity.com room demo’ed with One Source media PC with power amps, acoustic treatments and the new Icon Fours speakers. The One Source and Icon Fours had demonstrated their audiophile traits, then the blurred hand is about to start Metallica's Enter Sandman at which point we got pinned to the back wall.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142526)
 
Van Zyl Audio vanzylaudio(at)gmail.com was back playing the ZVA 1812 Backfires panel format shallow depth horn loaded system with vintage electronics. Every audiophile should have on his/her bucket list to hear true horn loaded HiFi bass and Johan van Zyl’s design is an excellent example that actually fits in normal rooms. And pressurize that room with deep tactile bass on just 10 watts.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142527)

Audio Thesis www.AudioThesis.com dealership played Rosso Fiorentino’s (www.rossofiorentino.com) Elba loudspeakers with iFi Stereo 50 25wpc EL84 tube power amp. With the superb Italian designed and build this is an exemplar of how elegant HiFi can be without costing a fortune. Admiring the Elba loudspeakers was one of several times during the show I thought 'you really have to see this in person to appreciate just how fine it is.'

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142528)

AudioCircle’s own Darryl (voltz) setup his Omega Alnico monitors with matching Omega subwoofer and hosted the after hours party. Fine tunes and fine audiophile comradery. Omega was another example of looking and sounding better in person than what I expected based on the 'net.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142529)

Jumping Cactus Loudspeakers www.jumpingcactusloudspeakers.com new Woody 1 featuring MarkAudio Alpar 12p driver in sealed enclosure.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142530)

Brian DiFrank’s Whetstone Audio www.whetstoneaudio.com demo system with Dynavector DV-507MkII bi-axis tonearm, DV500 thread drive turntable and electronics and speakers from Thoress a German manufacturer including their Preamplifier, 845 Power Amplifier, and Loudspeaker – 2. Resulting reproduction of well DJ’ed music was sublime. This is one of those systems that are just fun to listen to, I was grinning the whole time I was in that room.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142531)

It was a treat for us to have Brines Acoustics www.brinesacoustics.com return to LSAF in 2016. Bob Brines demonstrated a prototype two way featuring 3” Scan-Speak carbon fiber cone full range plus Peerless carbon fiber woofer. Crossover used miniDSP bi-amped into Topping amps. Listening to a variety of music showed this is a very promising debut for Brine’s latest design.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142532)

John Bush’s Manzanita Audio Solutions www.manzanitaaudiosolutions.com new WidowMaker II. Apt name for a system using 3” compression driver, 18” coax midwoofer, and a 21”(!!!) woofer. Highly skilled crossover design melded the drivers into a cohesive extremely transparent whole. Of course efficiency and dynamics were off the chart.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142533)

Audio Brad, a DIYer and music lover brought his di-pole system. The lower baffles hold two big woofers per side and on top are sub-baffles with Tang-Band full ranges. A tube amp drives the mid and highs direct without crossovers. Filling in the bass a Crown proaudio amp with onboard programmable DSP cross overs keeps the quad of woofers under tight control.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142535)

BlowTorch Audio blowtorchaudio@gmail.com chief designer Russ Gates played lots of power music demonstrating his production prototypes of the One speaker. Distinctively styled the angled baffle allows time alignment, the question that had the halls buzzing is just how Russ gets that much sound to pour out of such modest sized boxes. This photo was taken during an after hours party with the Raven Blackhawk tube amp visiting. That combo rocked the house.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142534)

A personal show highlight was the public debut of Matthew Beardsworth’s Band-Width Audio www.bandwidthaudio.com. Well engineered and manufactured (in Texas USA!) triode amps a treat to hear on Tannoy speakers. A bright young startup to keep an eye on.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142536)

As Audio Crafters Guild www.audiocraftersguild.com I showed the Aero speakers featuring laminated birch-ply construction, Fostex F120A alnico drivers and super-tweeters. Powered by ACG 1000 Direct amp + Powerpack fed by LH Lab Pulse DAC.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142523)

Part of the fun of attending a HiFi show is the big statement systems. LSAF 2016 had two in the first floor conference and banquet rooms.

Doug Ashworth of Douglas Connection www.douglasconnection.com has his audiophile candy store of cables and accessories setup in the Carroliton room. Gracing that space was a private owner’s system featuring Dynaudio towers driven by freshly restored massive Threshold amplifiers. Envy would lead some to dismiss this as trophy hi-fi, taking time to listen and the refinement, bandwidth, and dynamic ease made this a real treat.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142518)

In the Carrollton banquet room Dave Thomson and Se Han played for us their Raven Audio www.ravenaudio.com amps driving Legacy speakers www.legacyaudio.com. These are the big boy toys, the sound, fit and finish of the Raven amps is world class. Initially I thought the Legacy speakers might be a disappointment then as the demo material ramped up in complexity and dynamics and the system responded I realized the system had been loafing along like a Ferrari in 2nd gear. As Dave explored is demo material via both digital and analog sources we hit the autobahn’s onramp and accelerated to 200 mph thrills.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142519)



Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Txcoastal1 on 10 May 2016, 02:40 am
Special  thanks to Norman for all the hard work you put into info gathering and posting.

I feel we can boost years to come by using all audio forums and social media. If we start in October and this may even more DIY'ers that either don't know about LSAF or at the least give everyone extra time for preparation.

Also thank you guys for a great time.
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Norman Tracy on 28 Jul 2016, 03:13 pm
The show report I have authored reporting on LSAF 2016 has been posted on Positive Feedback.

http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2016-show-report/ (http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2016-show-report/)
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 31 Jul 2016, 06:18 pm
Quote from: Norman Tracy on 28 Jul 2016, 03:13 pm
The show report I have authored reporting on LSAF 2016 has been posted on Positive Feedback.

http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2016-show-report/ (http://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/lone-star-audio-fest-2016-show-report/)

Norman,

Any word on what we were discussing about getting a head start for next year's show?

Mike
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: Norman Tracy on 1 Aug 2016, 03:27 pm
Hi Mike,

I do want to followup on the 'head start' for LSAF 2017. Personally I need to attend to some other items on the To-Do list first. The time it took to author a 7,000+ word 105 picture show report basically back burnered every other audio project and some of them need A level attention.

happy listening

Norman
Title: Re: LSAF 2016
Post by: mlundy57 on 1 Aug 2016, 08:27 pm
Quote from: Norman Tracy on  1 Aug 2016, 03:27 pm
Hi Mike,

I do want to followup on the 'head start' for LSAF 2017. Personally I need to attend to some other items on the To-Do list first. The time it took to author a 7,000+ word 105 picture show report basically back burnered every other audio project and some of them need A level attention.

happy listening

Norman

Norman,

Your reports are very well done and well worth reading / drooling over.

Mike