AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Texas Audio Jam => Topic started by: Se7en on 26 Sep 2008, 04:56 am
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Here goes!
What do you folks think of having a little Austin area audio get together and BBQ sometime in the near future?
I'm thinking that it would be a cool opportunity for the locals to meet up (especially me being new to the area), listen to some music/gear, have some good food, laughs, etc.
I'll gladly host but must warn of my modest system and lack of experince hosting one of these before (lot's of Q's, no audio events).
Let me know if you're interested and we can go from there.
-Gabriel
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I'm in Houston, but with two sons in Austin I'm there at least one weekend a month and would like to join you for the BBQ.
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FredT300B,
It would be great to meet you!
However with 54 looks and only one acceptance maybe a little enticing is required.
I'll throw in a view for free!
(http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/se7en_251/DSC_0223.jpg)
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Wow! What a gorgeous place. Austin is just 3-4 hours away for me- a good excuse to put a few miles on my Goldwing. And some good BBQ is always an enticement. aa
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Sorry Gabe the weekends are hard for me.
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I've emailed Eric whose down your way and rides a Wing also. Too bad it's not in two weeks (Monday-Wednesday) as I will be down there for a conference before flying to Denver for RMAF. Would love to meet some new faces but I'll have to settle for 6th street one more time, darn :D
Austin is a great city, excellent music and beautiful views :thumb: One of the nicest areas I've been in Texas. Seems like it has something for everyone.
Good luck with your BBQ.
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Darn joe got any cheap VACs you could bring me?
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FredT300B,
It would be great to meet you!
However with 54 looks and only one acceptance maybe a little enticing is required.
Plan it and they will come. Did I forget to mention a fascinating but little-known fact about Texas audiophiles? They don't RSVP, they just show up at the appointed time. Damdest thing I've ever seen, but I've hosted many audio events and even cancelled one because of an apparent lack of interest, only to find later that several people were planning to come but hadn't bothered to tell me. I finally gave up asking who will come. I just plan it for a Saturday afternoon, and typically about ten to twenty show up. Just be sure to avoid conflicting events like the RMAF. Here's the link to a thread about another Austin host's frustration with this issue: http://lonestarbottleheads.org/forums/index.php?topic=119.0
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Gabe is that the Mansfield dam were looking at? Awesome views their bud, I believe were in the middle right of the photo over in Lakeway. I would be interested in attending a bbq some weekend. I have a couple of items I could contribute. Maybe we could do a bookshelf speaker shootout or something. Maybe get Danny to send us his new GR Research Neo's that are getting rave reviews.
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Nice house and view Gabe! If it's the right weekend I would try and make it down there, I owe John a visit anyway...
David - cheap....VAC.....really? Come on dude :lol:
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Maybe get Danny to send us his new GR Research Neo's that are getting rave reviews.
I've got the guts for a pair in my garage. A listening session would help get me off my but to put them together. I could also bring my Dodd battery pre.
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It'd seem to be a fun trip. I have a "smaller" VAC, but not a cheap VAC, that could use a roadtrip. aa
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A BBQ sounds like fun. My schedule's been really busy lately, but i'd try to make it to your BBQ.
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FredT300B,
Thanks for the tip! The Q is on. We'll just call this an "Emergency Practice BBQ", in case a real one ever happens.
Nick77,
Yes, that would be the one. Thanks for the compliment, we lucked out with this place, ultimately it was the view that sold us :) I think that a bookshelf shootout could be a lot of fun!
I have a good size room (the future dedicated sound room) that could be perfect for the shootout. I just need to empty it is all.
Arthurs,
Not my house in the pic unfortunately. I only have a good view of the "really" nice house that makes my place look like a shack. Let me know if you need any help getting those LS9s over here :lol:
Everyone else: Bring your Dodds, your VACs, and anything else you think would be fun.
Let's tentatively shoot for some time in October (after RMAF of course) and let's figure out what dates work best for folks.
It's official, the first Austin Area Emergency Practice Audio BBQ is underway! :banana piano:
-Gabe
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Nice house and view Gabe! If it's the right weekend I would try and make it down there, I owe John a visit anyway...
David - cheap....VAC.....really? Come on dude :lol:
A man can hope cant they? Also maybe I will be able to come for a bit if I can talk my Boss into it! Gabes place is the perfect location for a get together! Awesome really. Also please keep in Mind TX/OU game and dont do OCT 11. Please
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Here goes!
What do you folks think of having a little Austin area audio get together and BBQ sometime in the near future?
I'm thinking that it would be a cool opportunity for the locals to meet up (especially me being new to the area), listen to some music/gear, have some good food, laughs, etc.
I'll gladly host but must warn of my modest system and lack of experince hosting one of these before (lot's of Q's, no audio events).
Let me know if you're interested and we can go from there.
-Gabriel
Hi Gabriel -- thanks -- sounds like fun, am interested if the dates work, so add one more to your list :)
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I will attend, happlily. Jim
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depending on the date i might be able to make the trip down south.
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Hey Gabe,
It's starting to look like you need to put on an extra brisket! :D
Scott
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brisket? we don't need no stinkin' brisket give me ribs baby :drool:
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We live in Round Rock and also ride a wing. Sounds like fun
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Hey folks,
This is just a quick check in. I've been swamped at work this week but the Q is on. I'll be updating this weekend with potential dates.
-Gabe
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I would be interested in attending and perhaps bringing some gear along.
Haven't been too active with audio stuff of late.
My October weekends are free after the 10th-12th.
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Me, too.
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Hi folks,
I'm sorry that this has gone to sleep (it hasn't really). I'm trying to sift through a bunch of schedule conflicts and am starting to think that an early November event may be better.
How might that work out for all of you?
Thanks!
-Gabriel
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Bueno aqui.
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If anyone is down around San Antonio, I will be hosting a meet on Saturday Nov 1st at my place. You can find out more on the Lone Star Bottleheads website - http://www.lonestarbottleheads.org/meeting.htm
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What up, Luther? I may try and make it.
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What up, Luther? I may try and make it.
Life is a whirl wind and not just the financial sector. We moved about 4 months ago, my daughter got married last weekend and I leave tomorrow to take my grandson on a Disney Cruise. There just aren't enough hours in a day. Maybe that is part of why audio is such a passion for me. It is one of my few escapes.
Hope you can make it. Don't forget to bring some tunes you like.
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If you've moved, dude, maybe we'd best know to where? I know I do. Cheers.
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If you've moved, dude, maybe we'd best know to where? I know I do. Cheers.
http://www.lonestarbottleheads.org/meeting.htm
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Hi folks,
I'm sorry that this has gone to sleep (it hasn't really). I'm trying to sift through a bunch of schedule conflicts and am starting to think that an early November event may be better.
How might that work out for all of you?
Thanks!
-Gabriel
Better for me, for sure. thanks for keeping it alive.
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Okay folks,
The calendar has become somewhat touch and go but Nov 8 looks wide open for an audio feast.
Please let me know how this date works for all of you. If it looks like we have a good date, we'll start rolling out the details (menu, any special equipment needs that may arise, and try to get some speakers lined up for our shootout, etc.).
Wardsweb,
I may be able to swing down for your event too (hopefully you can show me how it is done).
-Gabe
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Gabe, +1.
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All are welcome. It is a always very infomal event with people starting to arrive around 11am, coming and going throughout the day and winding down around 5 or 6pm. I have lots of different gear and systems to listen to and roll through. Some people bring various sources and speakers that we try in different configurations. Then there is always lots of different music to listen to, as all have different tastes and our own favorites. I supply food and something to drink and some bring their own beverage of choice. We hang out, listen to music, swap gear, listen to music, eat and drink, listen to more music, and stand around to tell tall tales.
Baiscally, music, food, fun and friends (new and old). Stop by and just hang out.
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That is the only weekend that wouldn't work for me.
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Me either, but Nov 15 would!
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How does the 22nd work?
I can't do the 15th (guests from out of town).
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I can do the 22nd...technically if we did the 15th wouldn't we also be guests from out-of-town? :lol:
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I can do the 22nd...technically if we did the 15th wouldn't we also be guests from out-of-town? :lol:
Yes, you'd technically be guests from out of town but I suspect that you and my other guests from out of town may run out of things to talk about 8)
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This sounds like it could be fun. I live sorta-kinda in the Bee Caves area...not too far from you.
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The 8th works for me.
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How did I miss this?? David?? Art?? bad boys the both of ya for not telling me about this one! :duh: Are "Cable Guys" allowed at this one?? :wink: Sounds Kool, can I bring food, drinks or anything?
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Forgot I was your secretary JP, maybe you could check AC yourself in the future to see if there are events you're interested in attending.... :finger: :lol:
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Has a date been set for the BBQ? :scratch:
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Fred,
I'm assuming that the 22nd (Nov) is going to be more agreeable for most schedules but I was waiting to hear a few more "Yay/Nay" on the 8th proposal.
I'm open either way but didn't want to block too many people out because of bad timing.
Also, I've been very busy at work this week, so not much AC time.
-Gabe
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Personally I feel the 22nd is just too close to the holiday, my vote goes to the 8th.
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Right now I could do both dates, but this will no doubt shift as we go on.....near Thanksgiving is not a problem for me but I recognize it could be for others....
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The 8th mo betta for moi.
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Forgot I was your secretary JP, maybe you could check AC yourself in the future to see if there are events you're interested in attending.... :finger: :lol:
Well Girl Friday, now that your memory has been "refreshed" as to whom you take notes for get your butt down here!! :thumb:
PS-Oops almost forgot, here ya go; :finger: :finger: :green:
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I kinda need to know pretty quick. Is the 8th agreeable?
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the 8th is fine with me.
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Okay, 8th it is.
That's much time but it should be enough to get everything sorted out.
Keep in mind I'm currently a one system household and will fall somewhat dependent on the willingness of others to share some of their equipment for the day (for example: I have no bookshelf speakers but I think we're having a shootout :duh: ).
I should be able to secure a pair of JC1s and basic cabling as a baseline for the 2nd room. Please also let me know what you may be able to bring along so I can plan accordingly.
Food and bevies won't be a problem.
-Gabe
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Damn, I'm out..... :(
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I'm in. PM sent. If you need small monitors, I just built a set of GR-Research AV-1 for a friend that I've been listening to for the past several days. Even with lower end crossover components, it's pretty nice sounding. But there is just so much that can be piled onto a Goldwing. :wave:
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Damn, I'm out..... :(
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Arthur,
I'll try to make it up to ya and bring some ribs up your way later in the month. Honestly, the 21st may have been a bit better for me too but the concerns regarding proximity to holiday made good sense, not to mention giving me a bit more time to get my ducks in a row.
There will be more of these anyway...
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Ya done good, Gabe. Whatever date you selected, not everybody who may want to will be able to attend. All my equipment is all old news but I gotta a couple of discs that might kill ya. Look forward to making your acquaintence. I would welcome hearing Danny's AV1's. He made measurements using what I make on those awhile back. Anything is cool, IMO. Thanks, S Clark.
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Okay folks the date is moving up on us pretty quickly.
I will be able to provide food, drink, and location.
In terms of equipment for the shootout, here's what we've got so far.
Transport (Stock Oppo and Denon), Paradiesa Dac, I'll have an extra airport express and or trends USB-->Digital converter for those would prefer to use a hard drive. I've been told that we will have a Dodd Battery Pre available as well. For amplification we will have Parasound JC1s and Carver ZR1600 as a fall back but would love to get some tube magic in the house (a few members have offered to bring stuff but I want to make sure I'm not creating to great a hardship on them to lug stuff around). We'll have miscellaneous cables available but more are welcome if you have something that you could or would like to bring.
As for speakers, we have AV123 RS250's as a baseline, and one other generous AC manufacture (details to be revealed later) has agreed to participate so far.
What we could use (so that I do not have to go out and buy).
Bookshelf speakers, if you have something that you'd like to include please do. If we don't get enough speakers for a proper shootout, we'll have to default to cricket racing. While I do love a good cricket race I don't think it will be the same. Also, please note that the goal for the shootout is to have fun and let people compare notes and listen to music. I will not provide an environment that is designed to compromise one design or set of design goals or manufacturer over another. Ultimately this should be a positive experience for anyone who chooses to participate.
Tube amps (provided it does not create huge hardship)
Speaker stands (I'm thinking 24-26" in height)
Surge protection (I have a furman pro unit as a fallback)
Music: Bring what you've got, bring what you're used to hearing, bring what you want to hear.
Analog: I have no analog and cannot picture someone bringing their rig (but I won't say that you shouldn't).
Cables: Bring what you'd like. More is probably better.
Appetite: There's going to be a lot of food and drink.
Please ping me if you have any questions or have something that you can bring.
-Gabriel
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Gabe- How about some directions? Thanks.
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Gabe- How about some directions? Thanks.
Good point. I strongly recommend that people use google maps as it is not uncommon for people to get slightly lost on their way here.
Address:
13805 Panorama Dr.
Austin TX 78732
For those familiar with the area, we're about 1 mile from the Oasis and about 1/4 mile from Hippie Hollow.
The closest main intersection to us is the 620 and 2222 (we're about 3.5 miles from the there).
2222 turns into Bullick Hollow Rd, continue on Bullick Hollow for about 3/4 mile.
Turn Left on Oasis Bluff Drive. Continue until it intersects with Comanche Trail.
Turn Right on Comanche Trail. Continue for about 1 1/2 miles until you see Mountain Trail (100yards past Hippie Hollow on the right)
Turn Right on Mountain Trail. Continue all the way up Mountain Trail until it turns into Panorama Drive (at the top). Warning: there is a very nasty, "steep" switchback near the top of of Mountain Trail. I mention this because a number of people suggested they would ride their bikes. Just be cautious on that one.
At the top of the hill follow Panorama Drive to the Left and we're 3rd house on the left hand side. It is the only brown "wooden" structure on the street.
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Hi just to confirm whats the date and time?
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Hi just to confirm whats the date and time?
November 8th, I was thinking about 11am as a start time.
I will post a new thread in the next day or so with all of the details on the top page.
-Gabe
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I got this information from Keith. I can bring Danny's servo sub with me.
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I got this information from Keith. I can bring Danny's servo sub with me.
Absolutely! I'm glad you're going to be able to make it. I wanted to pick your brain about my system anyway (since before moving to Austin in fact) :thumb:
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"Hold on, I'm coming!" Sam and Dave. Look forward to meeting all of you.
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I can come from 11-3. I am excited!
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i've got something to do at 10:30 or so, not sure how long it will take..so i might be able to make it out. can't make any promises though.
i'd love to get a bike ride out there but i'm almost positive there will be no time for that.
if i can make it in the car i could maybe bring a set of selah audio 3-way monitors if anyone wants to hear them...
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I have had the Neo-2X's that have been out on demo tour sent your way. You guys should have them there just before your get together.
They should match really well with the servo sub that Brian is bringing.
Have fun.
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I was going to suggest that you have enough serious audiophiles in the Austin area to form an Austin Audio Club. All you need to accomplish at the BBQ to start this idea rolling is to find a volunteer to serve as leader for one year. I have a schedule conflict on the 8th and won't be there, but I'm in Austin at least one weekend a month and would be willing to help.
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Been there done that, on the Austin Audio Club, as well as a Home Theater Club.
Home Theater was very hot at the start of the millennium and we had quite a few good meets. Home Theater matured and a lot of the members built their system's up to a point that made them contempt, thus the club cooled. Today a few of us who made friends through the club get together every once in a while for HT related stuff or just to drink and play some poker. I have a database that has contact info for over 40 people from this club.
My interests over the years moved well away from HT and into high end audio. In 2004, I started an Austin Audio Club. And for 2 1/2 years we had some really good meets. The problem that arose however was a lack of people willing to open their homes to a large group. I hosted 4, another guy hosted 4, and I recruited Ne Plus Ultra to host one. My database for this club grew to 30 people with a wide range of system styles and price ranges, but again the club cooled due to no one else stepping up to host. So it has been about 2 years since we met as a large group, although again friendships formed and we have made many smaller meetings. And for these smaller meetings we have a few more people willing to host.
Then of course there is the Bottlehead group out there, as well as a pretty strong presence on the Klipsch forum, and each of those groups have held a few meetings here and there over the years in Austin. Most of the attendees for these meets are different people than my 30 on the Austin Audio club database.
So just throwing out the history here, since you brought it up Fred.
I can also say the current economic climate has also had a cooling effect on many audiophiles I know. Just a bit less focus on the music and their system these days.
Wish I could make it this weekend to discuss this more, but it's not to be.
Later.
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Been there done that, on the Austin Audio Club, as well as a Home Theater Club.
I had no idea there had ever been an Austin Audio Club. Sorry to hear it's been hard to keep it together, but I'm not surprised. Several conditions are helpful for an audio club to succeed:
1) A designated leader or leaders
2) Regularly scheduled monthly meetings
3) A designated meeting place (church choir rooms are great, and you can rent one for about $25 per meeting)
4) A stated focus - high end or diy, but not both
5) A web page (Yahoo Groups works well for this) for easy communication about club events
If any of these are missing the club may flourish for a while, but eventually its momentum will die. This seems to be what's happening with the Lone Star Bottleheads. We had four people at last Saturday's meeting. In contrast, the Houston Audio Society contiunes to attract 15-25 people to each meeting, and we had about a dozen at the RMAF.
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Confirmation Notice.
We're still on for tomorrow!
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Gabe
thanks so much for hosting the event. I had a great time meeting you all and your lovely wife Rachel showed amazing tolerance and generosity. Yes, the house is stunning but the real fun was the company and the enthusiasm of the group. Far too much gear to hear (I even left mine in the car!) so we clearly need to do it again soon. I hope someone has pics.....
Best
A.
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Andrew,
It was our pleasure and thank you for coming. I was excited to hear that you're hosting the next event so we can all hear your 5SEs 8) J/K
Also check this thread for what few pics I did take. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61428.msg549621
Let's do this again!
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I'm one of the founders of Austin Audio Club but it has gone stale, if any wants to take it up and spearhead a new movement by all means go for it and keep me informed I will like to get back into it as well.
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This was a most memorable event, I am also interested in staying abreast of any activity.
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This was a most memorable event, I am also interested in staying abreast of any activity.
Same here, I'd also be very interested in another meetup.
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come on up.
http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/165154/north-texas-gathering-jan-31-2015/p1
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I would be interested as well, have friends in Dripping Springs could kill two birds with one stone. :thumb:
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Better Yet! Just noticed this one is in Denton.
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Dang,,,, I just moved 800 miles north of Dallas. Wish I could come down.
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you do know this thread started back in 2008.