AudioCircle

The Commercial Zone => Audio Shows and Events => Rocky Mountain Audio Fest => Topic started by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 03:39 pm

Title: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 03:39 pm
Hola all from sunny Denver!  Pez and I are about to meet up at the Hilton for RMAF first day!  We are totally stoked to be doing the coverage again.  If you are wondering, who the hell are Tyson and Pez, we are RMAF coverage veterans, baby!  Check out our previous reports to get a flavor of what is in store this year:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99214.0

Last year we started doing live coverage, where we took photo's, uploaded them and half-commented on the rooms semi-live.  Pez posted live, I took notes and updated each day at the end based on notes.

Fully Live Coverage - We learned a lot from last year and we've streamlined our process so that this year we can comment LIVE while still in the rooms!!!  This means you get us unfiltered and raw.  Very exciting stuff, I have that tightness in the gut that I used to get back in Texas playing football, a couple of hours before the big game starts!

Method - Our main secret weapon is our special "RMAF CD".  We took 4 different tracks from different genre's and with different areas that test a system, cut out all the extraneous stuff, and got each track down to between 1 and 2 minutes.  The tracks are:

Bach - Solo Violin Partita #2 (Julia Fischer performing) - Solo violin in a lage acoustic.  Great for testing if a system is too hard or bright, cause if it is, this will drive you out of the room. 

Mahler - Symphony 2 beginning (Paavo Jarvi conducting) - Tests dynamics and scale, and also has a large and complex soundstage with very complex music.

Ani DiFranco - "To the Teeth" - Girl with an acoustic guitar.  And lyrics to piss off pretty much any republican present.  Not that I hate republicans, I just like to stir the pot, whatever the belief system :P

Thom Yorke - lead singer of Radiohead - "Harrowdown Hill" - great modern electronica and male vocals. 

I listen to the first 2 tracks and take notes while Pez snaps pics, then Pez listens to the last 2 tracks and posts his comments.  Hopefully this all works as well in reality as it does in my head!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: konut on 12 Oct 2012, 03:53 pm
  This means you get us unfiltered and raw.   

I'm looking forward to plenty of expletives.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Mike B. on 12 Oct 2012, 04:05 pm
I look forward to catching your comments. How about adding a SPL meter to your instant evaluation? Note the average SPL  during your evaluation.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 04:19 pm
Yeah, we're gonna carry around an SPL meter.  Because we don't already have enough crap to carry around with us.  No!  We sit down, put in the disc, take the volume and adjust it by ear and LISTEN.  If it sounds good, it is good.  If it doesn't, then it isn't.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 04:22 pm
For a guy that is still at home while I'm waiting at the Marriott you sure are effusive Tyson. I'm hear ready to rock. Tyson is probably on his way. It's hilarious to me when you get to these shows and vendors are freaking out. Soldering irons, tools, multimeters are all out dealing with numerous problems. I thought this shit was supposed to be for consumers!  :scratch: guess you need to be an EE to buy this stuff.  :P live coverage starts soon!!!!!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: jparkhur on 12 Oct 2012, 04:25 pm
Pez.. are you going to start a new thread to help get rid of the extra stuff.   cleaner look, lock it too..
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 12 Oct 2012, 04:26 pm
Yeah, we're gonna carry around an SPL meter.  Because we don't already have enough crap to carry around with us.  No!  We sit down, put in the disc, take the volume and adjust it by ear and LISTEN.  If it sounds good, it is good.  If it doesn't, then it isn't.

Your call on if you want to bother with SPLs or not, but FYI there are SPL meter apps that can be downloaded onto iPhones, Android and iPads. Pretty cool.

Anyway, look forward to your coverage. Promises to be epic!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 04:35 pm
Lets talk about the gear we are carrying. I'm carrying a HUGE D300 Nikon with 18-200 super zoom lens, SB900 flash (which weighs more than most DSLRs let alone attached to my DSLR) an iPad, iPhone, backup battery charger for iOS devices.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/CD872225-8A82-40D4-AD3F-D37E9E2535AD-3296-0000032986F4AFC6.jpg)

Tyson will be carrying his 13" MacBook Air, and using his iPhone for hotspot due to the terrible wifi at the hotel in previous years this setup should be as close to ideal as possible. As far as te SPL thing I find it both ridiculous and unnecessary. Not going to happen even in App form.

Breakfast sausage, bacon ham omelet with jalapeños, mushroom and tomato. Bacon, potatoes, pineapple. I need my fuel to take off.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Mike B. on 12 Oct 2012, 04:53 pm
For a guy that is still at home while I'm waiting at the Marriott you sure are effusive Tyson. I'm hear ready to rock. Tyson is probably on his way. It's hilarious to me when you get to these shows and vendors are freaking out. Soldering irons, tools, multimeters are all out dealing with numerous problems. I thought this shit was supposed to be for consumers!  :scratch: guess you need to be an EE to buy this stuff.  :P live coverage starts soon!!!!!

Sounds like you guys need to get more organized or go to the gym more often. Maybe you can find a senior to help carry your stuff?
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Rclark on 12 Oct 2012, 04:54 pm
let 'er rip fellas. :lol: :thumb:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: jhm731 on 12 Oct 2012, 05:12 pm
Tyson will be carrying his 13" MacBook Air, and using his iPhone for hotspot due to the terrible wifi at the hotel in previous years this setup should be as close to ideal as possible. As far as te SPL thing I find it both ridiculous and unnecessary. Not going to happen even in App form.

In case you change your mind, JL Audio has a free app that has a SPL Meter and Real Time Analyzer.

Look forward to this year's coverage. 8)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: SlushPuppy on 12 Oct 2012, 05:22 pm
Have fun guys. The refresh key on my laptop is going to get hot today!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 05:23 pm
Matching spl's is idiotic when you are in completely different rooms with different acoustics.  Nevermind the fact that you'd really have to pump pink noise through their systems.  Which is a totally assholish thing to do with other people in the room.  Soooo, big middle Finger, and NO!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Andre2 on 12 Oct 2012, 05:25 pm
Tyson, now tell us how you really feel?  :lol:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 05:41 pm
Be kind to Tyson he has Chronic dickishenss majoris disease. It has no cure. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 12 Oct 2012, 05:45 pm
Good points on SPLs Tyson (though I don't think the first poster was asking for matched SPLs, just an idea of how loud the systems are playing—"average SPL during your evaluation"). And no need for middle fingers, we are all friends here. All of us back at home are cheering your coverage on!

Looking forward to the reports.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 05:48 pm
Yes, we are all friends, please don't take my comments too seriously, they are all said in fun and good natured ribbing.  In real life I'm a nice guy, even when I'm being a dick :P  At least that what Jason tells me, when he's not too busy punching me in the face :P
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Tyson on 12 Oct 2012, 05:52 pm
OK, room reports are starting in 3...2....1....
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 06:08 pm
Analysis Audio
Arion Audio
VPI Industries
JPS Labs
RealTraps
Chang Lightspeed
EMM Labs Inc.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/1cba9a06969b83900d37edece9521b38.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/21af4a993f9799fd7392bd3c28fbc036.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d50d2f42aadb4d54d00b7d787c8d1a2f.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/061b06210c0b2fba3f6dd6ca6d65fe8e.jpg)

Arion audio - right off the bat great setup with thoughtful room treatment.

Great looking apogee clones. The sound is very pleasant! Bach piece sounded very sharp and non fatiguing. Depth of soundstage on the Mahler is incredible. Dynamics are very very good in this room. Imaging is spot on. Ani piece is soulful and just so right. I can't believe the imaging in this setup! I feel like I can walk out into the landscape these speakers project. Thom Yorke piece starts out big and gets BIGGER when his vocals start. There is a touch of that ribbon hash, sort of a crossover range fuzziness, but its far from offensive. Great depth

Tyson Notes[/u]
General Room Notes - Room Treatment!!! Yay for that.  I like this room already.
Mahler - Very spacious!  Sounds very, very good!  Bass is a bit tubby, but might be where I am sitting.
Bach - Yay, correct tonality and a smooth even sound with plenty of emotion.
Ani DiFranco - Guitar sounds very good, as does her voice.  That lovely brutal honesty of Ani is well conveyed.  Oh wait, that boominess is back.  Right at the lower range of the guitar.  Too bad, otherwise excellent sound in this room.
Thom Yorke - Nice, clean, and dynamic on Thom!  Bass sounds a bit cleaner, voice sounds sufficiently like the effete male that Thom Yorke is....

Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: taoggniklat on 12 Oct 2012, 06:11 pm
Suggestion, put the room info at the top of the post. Just a suggestion so do what you want/have time to. :)

See you guys tomorrow.
Jared
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 06:36 pm
Esoteric
TEAC Reference Series
Cabasse
Audio Plus Services
Gold Sound
Focal
Cambridge Audio
VPI Industries

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/3f370ac24d800a4c3d342cd9ebe6d662.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/15bd7452d3c562d201084b7f2e3788ae.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/6a9878f013bf39d48d2a3cdb1d7d3a00.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/de3ae5d0f56c07a270e17122218ebf94.jpg)

Bach piece sounds a little demur. Not exactly sweet and sorrowful, but more sugary and apologetic. Mahler is sort of the same not great on emotion. Very dry and uninteresting. I find the dynamics a little compressed. Ani was ok I didn't really feel connected to the music. Thom Yorke no imaging to speak of. I did not like this room one bit unfortunately.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Mahler - sounds big!!  The cello's and basses dig deep.  Wind instruments are a tiny bit astringent though.  How does it scale dynamically?  Goddamn that is a big bass drum!!!!
Bach - Good tonality, nice spaciousness
Ani DiFranco - Guitar has a nice tang to it.  No boominess at all.  Her voice is crystal clear.  Nice sense of honesty.  Still, not perfect - a tiny bit sibilant. 
Thom Yorke - Holy crap, bass dynamics like fucking crazy.  And Tight!!!!!! 
General Room Notes - Crazy looking speakers, I love it!  Cabasse has always been sort of "Mars Attacks" in their aesthetics, but this year they knock it out of the park.  Room Treatments!!!  Makes a big difference - the room quiets down very nicely between notes.  Great room.  Love the 4 way coaxial speakers.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 06:50 pm
Gold Sound
Focal
Cambridge Audio
VPI Industries

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/824df8d709246b1ddb106da69bbfc15c.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/28601637e4f1c5fb7fff016c8cf385cf.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/4ff73f139485bd7670c1b1d9ce4f624b.jpg)

This room for what it is, a midfi setup with no room treatment with speakers that sound out of phase the tonality is pretty good. I liked the sound of the Bach piece and the Mahler piece. The phase issue is pretty obvious to me in the Ani piece. On the thom Yorke piece the bass is pretty out of control and flubby. I think the overall impression I am getting from this room is close but no cigar.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - The people in this room appreciate good music!  Diggin on the Mahler :)  Very surprising amount of bass from these speakers.  Pretty sure there's no sub, but they hit the bass drum very nicely.
Bach - Solo violin did not drive me out of the room, always a good thing.  Still a bit too sharp though.
Ani DiFranco - Ouch, pretty sibilant.  Gotta love Ani, if your system has a weakness. 
Thom Yorke - Strong bass.  Maybe a bit boomy.  Or maybe it's the track.  Honestly this is Jason's request for this track,so I take no responsiblity for it's overall lack of quality :P
General Room Notes - OK, these are way smaller than the ones I loved last year.  But they are well set up and sounding nice out of the gate.  Overall not bad, but based on the weakness with Ani I don't think these would be a good long term solution. Also, Jason noticed one of the speakers are out of phase, which is probably why he noticed the soundstage was off (I never listen for soundstage), and I noticed that the tonality was off.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 06:57 pm
Note to ALL manufacturers and to all going to the show. This is what happens when you are not careful. I might be the only one who notices this all day, I might not be, but I will say that sitting in the sweet spot it was blatantly obvious that something was not right. My ears told me phase was wrong. I would normally never poke around behind an equipment rack ,but I had to in this instance. Here's what I found.

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/f7d401161e8dfa364885b464830ffb51.jpg)

Pretty obvious this is out of phase.  :o
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 07:11 pm
Hear No Evil
McIntosh laboratory inc.
Clarus
KEF

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d94d8e14c943ca7be703f2825772096f.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/f64110cb1210e4c8dd9fbb6a115b4e9b.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/0b72eec5296d888201722c1f7c70024e.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/ac40227ee6b6b843269e7aaf73d5726d.jpg)


Looks great on here! More hifi than you can possibly afford.
Bach very nice tone. I like the microdynamic capabilities of these speakers. The Mahler piece has gusto! Side note, Ferrari orange... Fuck ya! The room itself has a very loud ac unit so it is swallowing some microdynamics whole. Great macro as well. Ani with great emotion! Finally after three rooms. There are no apparent anomalies in driver integration here very nice. Thom Yorke Yorke is strong as hell. A little gloomy in bass, but probably the giant untreated room. Imaging is good, not great and realistic like the analysis speakers room, but leave little to be desired. Great head bobbing factor here. 

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - I'm begging to think the basses and cello's on this track are just recorded spectacularly, because EVERY system sounds good on this track, and the Blades are no exception.
Bach - Violin sounds a little pinched and forced.  The tiny bit of pathos is missing, not connecting me with the emotion of this piece, unfortunately.
Ani DiFranco - Ouch, guitar sounds metalic.  Man, that's too bad, the sound does not live up to the sexiness of the speakers.  Not terrible, but not great.
Thom Yorke - Sounds good because there's not much going on in the presence region, and the bass is punchy.  Still, even with that, the bass is droning.  Good punch but too much lag/overhang.
General Room Notes - Gian ballroom - these rooms are always the most difficult to get good sound from.  Gotta say the Blades look very cool.  Overall this room is very noisy, lots of people talking and babbling in the background, makes it hard to appreciate the system. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 07:20 pm
Kimber Kable
EMM Labs Inc.
IsoMike


(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/292b16e0558d6c19939c5ad930c59f08.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bd919ceea6c51258b3a84ec5cc3a585e.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/085a192f382eda2cca0e38b7c227b800.jpg)

Isomike/kimber/emm labs room is notoriously hard to get them to play our music. This year is no exception, but there is a great reason for that.  Isomike is the showcase here therefore all the music played in this multichannel setup is specifically for that.

Dynamics are pretty off the charts. Spacious and almost atmospheric when it comes to soundstage. Imaging is never pinpoint in this room, but disperse and this year is no exception. Just a different kind of awesome if you will.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler -
Bach -
Ani DiFranco -
Thom Yorke -
General Room Notes - Full on surround sound here, so obviously cannot listen to my own music.  But as always, the room sounds great.  I'm always surprised that Sony speakers sound so good.  I mean, SONY SPEAKERS????  But there you have it, and there it is.  Anyway, super spacious and enveloping.  Kinda makes me want to re-setup full surround at my house!  Now I just need a huge ballroom to put everything....
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 07:35 pm
Apex Audio
Critical Mass Systems
Graham Engineering
Accuphase
Transrotor
Air Tight
TARA Labs
Focal
Running Springs Audio
Soulution

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bc606284a461a8f23ae6619273b93787.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/df46a22ceda42f8049bee1a63aa72496.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/009ec9e76f63d92ab6b058c09d08eecc.jpg)

Hmmm last year this room was pretty damn great. This year it's pretty damn mediocre. Boominess galore the overall sound is good don't get me wrong, there is nothing that jumps out as me as off, but nothing that jumps out at me as completely on either. In the sweet spot imaging is pretty good, but the is just too much bloom in midrange to my ears that draws attention away from deeps enjoyment. Perhaps with more aggressive room treatment these problems would be overcome. What this setup does well is the pace and laid back presentation. Easy to listen to on that front.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler -
Bach -
Ani DiFranco -
Thom Yorke -
General Room Notes - Ah, the room I loved so much last year, much to my dismay.  I mean, what right does the Focal room have to suck so bad for so long, then suddently appear beautiful, on a dime?  To quote every bad romantic chick flick "You were right here, the whole time...".  Do they sound as good this year?  In a word, no.  Soundstage is all wonky, or maybe it's just this crap Roger Waters music they are making us listen to.  Also, expectations are higher, so I'm not as blown away.  In the language of chick flicks, I had a magical evening and now reality is awaking me.

Oh wait, I changed seats and guess what, it sounds phenomenal again.  Soundstage is huge and the speakers sound like big ass muscle cars, just oozing power and weight.  Alright, my conclusion is that the Focal's have a pretty damn small sweet spot, but sound crazy good if you happen to be able to hog it. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 12 Oct 2012, 07:39 pm
Note to ALL manufacturers and to all going to the show. This is what happens when you are not careful. I might be the only one who notices this all day, I might not be, but I will say that sitting in the sweet spot it was blatantly obvious that something was not right. My ears told me phase was wrong. I would normally never poke around behind an equipment rack ,but I had to in this instance. Here's what I found.



Pretty obvious this is out of phase.  :o

Here is hoping you were a "dispenser of Truth" to these exhibitors.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 07:49 pm
Laufer Teknik
Extreme Audio
Silver Circle Audio
Stillpoints LLC
Kaplan Cable
Klee Acoustics LLC
Audio Power Labs
The Memory Player 64
Leonardo Speakers USA

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bffe60f47c793aa47c9ef9e00434463e.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/f4387fd447f524100fdb35744f60354e.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/007d152f23538831d758f542c410ab35.jpg)

First I just want to say these amps a pretty much the baddest of them all in the looks department. Holy shit they are massive and they are purposeful.

Bach the violin is just so sweet. Emotive beyond belief. Detail on par and beyond the analysis room. Every pull of the bow emotes. Mahler decent dynamically speaking. Definitely does not knock me down. This system is certainly more about finesse than brute strength. On the huge dynamic passages this system does pretty good, but again I know these passages well and they defiantly should be more dynamic than what this setup conveys. Ani sounds big, room feeling on the guitar. Vocals are lovely. Not quite the soundstage that feels like you can walk out in and shake her hand, but better than many. Thom Yorke starts very strong indeed. Lacking the bottom end to really grab me, but sounds good none the less.  Good detail overall.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - OK, finally a room where the Mahler does not sound just spectacular.  I bit mushy and soft in the basses and cellos during the opening.  Sounds pretty good, but not nearly as clean as I've heard in other rooms.  Drags a bit, overall slow sounding.
Bach - Ah, yes it catches the emotional heft of this piece - seemingly happy, but with pathos underlying it. Very rare.  Tonally just beautiful.
Ani DiFranco - Guitar does not bloom like it should, lacks bite.  Ouch, sibilant sssssssss like crazy.  OK, maybe not crazy, but one of the poorer rooms so far on this track.  Really boomy guitar sound. 
Thom Yorke - OK, for all the bad stuff I've said, I do really like the soundstage on this track.  It's got a nice wide spread and sense of realism. 
General Room Notes - Nice, they have the room dark and it's actually quiet.  Much nicer room to evaluate gear in.  And having tube-porn in the front of the room definitely helps!  Overall an unbalanced sound.  Soft in the mids, loose in the bass and too sibilant in the highs.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 07:50 pm
Here is hoping you were a "dispenser of Truth" to these exhibitors.

Do you mean we should tell them about their mistake?  If so, then you are in luck, because that's exactly what we did!  I'm now enjoying basking in your moral approval :D -Tyson
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 08:06 pm
Musical Surroundings
Graham Engineering
Clearaudio
AMG
Benz Micro
Aesthetix
Apex Audio
Critical Mass Systems
TARA Labs
Focal
Running Springs Audio

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d7a1483cec36409a364cb1a15d7df046.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/a3e332a7ff0ba93cebeebae1f4edecdb.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/a07345eed36b2e76c3c85fe112ec139c.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/1e4103adbd3030a1888eec32f8a8d0de.jpg)


Tyson Notes[/u]

General Room Notes - Ah the classic Focal room - rip your ears off tipped up top end.  Bleh, cannot leave fast enough.  Buh-bye.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 08:28 pm
ModWright Instruments, Inc.
Daedalus Audio
WyWires, LLC

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/03dfb6af23a3c4f0b968cc34c194147e.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/86c3e9bbe88f924aa07264a1c8700b56.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/7ea1185ca8ee6db3687a6d529ca254ef.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/5dfbff5e363673e81e78bbaba86cf518.jpg)

Bach Mahler dynamically speaking the Daedalus meow right combo is among the best every year and this year is no exception. Very sweet sound and more spacious than previous years. Authoritative and big sound. Ani sounds phenomenal in this setup.  Emotion off the charts. Thom Yorke in a word amazing. Better detail out of this setu than any previous year. Completely lacking in boom.   Not the same monster sound in previous years when it comes to midrange and I sort of miss that. But overall I like the sound of this room a lot.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - I think the channels are switched - the basses and cellos are coming from the left of the soundstage instead of the right.  Hmmm. 
Bach - A bit thin, but not enough to drive me out of the room or anything. 
Ani DiFranco - Guitar has the needed bite and good focus.  Vocal are too sibilant though.  Soundstage is nicely, tightly focused.  Guitar is boomy.
Thom Yorke - Good news, the bass punch is very good, and stops cleanly.  And I like his voice better in this room than in other rooms we've been in.  This track definitely sounds the best of the 4.
General Room Notes - Yay, another room with decent room treatments!  Of course, Jason and I helped a bit with setting up setting up this room, so we're probably a bit biased...Still, we'll have to come back, I think it still needs a bit of work to dial it in to get the same level of sound they had last year in this room.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 12 Oct 2012, 08:33 pm
Do you mean we should tell them about their mistake?  If so, then you are in luck, because that's exactly what we did!  I'm now enjoying basking in your moral approval :D -Tyson

Bask away. Much approval being sent y'all's way.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: audiogoober on 12 Oct 2012, 08:35 pm
Was just gonna ask for photos? Thanks!


ModWright Instruments, Inc.
Daedalus Audio
WyWires, LLC




Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - I think the channels are switched - the basses and cellos are coming from the left of the soundstage instead of the right.  Hmmm. 
Bach - A bit thin, but not enough to drive me out of the room or anything. 
Ani DiFranco - Guitar has the needed bite and good focus.  Vocal are too sibilant though.  Soundstage is nicely, tightly focused.  Guitar is boomy.
Thom Yorke - Good news, the bass punch is very good, and stops cleanly.  And I like his voice better in this room than in other rooms we've been in.  This track definitely sounds the best of the 4.
General Room Notes - Yay, another room with decent room treatments!  Of course, Jason and I helped a bit with setting up setting up this room, so we're probably a bit biased...Still, we'll have to come back, I think it still needs a bit of work to dial it in to get the same level of sound they had last year in this room.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 08:39 pm
Photos and replies are not going to always sync up guys please be patient.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: WGH on 12 Oct 2012, 08:42 pm
The Daedalus speakers look like the new Orpheus with a pair of the BOW subs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=68790)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110326.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110326.0)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: blemmo on 12 Oct 2012, 08:52 pm
Gorgeous speakers!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 08:58 pm
They don't just look like the Orpheus, they are exact replicas down to the last atom! :P
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: standub on 12 Oct 2012, 09:27 pm
Just to wet some mouths.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69240)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 10:08 pm
Aaudio imports
Bergmann Audio
Lansche
Stage III Concepts
Ypsilon Electronics
Tandem

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d6ca3b04e2e5d3c9b2ca1debf38b901a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/89b08690b01d49aa9b16fa7b660e6d9a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/0434de70128871f1b47006fc1cf82095.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d7c00b65f42a4d200a1d2c86142fb4c0.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/5ee3957f806a20d01b09d0863c0c87d5.jpg)

The overall sound is very nice in this room. Very pleasant but (I feel like a broken record) boomy and a bit shouts in the mids. Also the overall sound is a bit on the loud side and without any room treatment it is very overbearing at times. I can imagine this setup being stellar if they took the time to add real treatment rather than 3 tiny panels in the back of the room.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler -
Bach -
Ani DiFranco -
Thom Yorke -
General Room Notes - Giant speakers with plasma tweeters!!!!!  Monoblock amps that remind me of the Straits of Gibralter!!!  Normally I hate, hate, hate, hate speakers with plasma tweeters.  But these sound pretty good.  Diana Krall was sufficiently come-hither sounding.  In my seat toward the rear of the room, they sounded a bit boomy and bass heavy, but that might be a function of the room (as is true of all speakers and all bass in all rooms).  Anyway, color me shocked and amazed that I'm still actually sitting in this room typing this.  Normally Plasma based systmes sound like 2 skeletons copulating on a tin roof. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 10:22 pm
Dynaudio
XEO Wireless

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/d494a096b146277d4eddad51bed278be.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/180036793074beb280532d8bd2aac308.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/724bfa88d1b60889ad6d9c66eecd4d97.jpg)

We are listening to the tower speakers. For what they are they sound very big and pretty dynamic. They pump out a generous amount of bass. It's hard to listen because the vendor is industry speaking us to death. A little shrill on the trumpet section of Mussorgsky piece we are listening to. Listening to Johnny cash cover of 'hurt' its a little dry and definitely suffering from lack of room treatment. Overall though these little speakers punch well above what they look like the should.

Now listening to cash on the bookshelf speakers. Definitely loses some definition but I actually like the tonal balance a little better as well as the imaging. Not as prestigious in the lower octave of bass and you can tell the single driver isn't quite as able to produce the whole spectrum as readily as the dual driver floorstanders.

Thus far this is my favorite 'new thang' room. I can see buying these and using them in a bedroom without any other equipment.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler -
Bach -
Ani DiFranco -
Thom Yorke -
General Room Notes - Wireless Dynaudio speakers, how f'ing cool is that?  Piano white with blue LED and space age finish.  Did I mention that I love Dynaudio speakers?  Even has good music selection - Salty Dog, girl with a guitar.  Good spacious sound.  A bit grainy and not as smooth as the other rooms yet.  I'm surprised as Dyn's are usually very smooth and relaxed, but not this time.  Very cool technology, but still not at the top of the heap. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: nature boy on 12 Oct 2012, 10:24 pm
Great work.  I hope you get to check back in on the Modwright and Daedalus room. I was very impressed with Lou's smaller speakers at the Capital Audiofest earlier this year. 

NB
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Rocket_Ronny on 12 Oct 2012, 10:39 pm

Great job.

Tip: If using I-Photo you can fix under exposed photos by hitting Edit on the bottom of the browser and then Ehance.

Rocket_Enhanced_Ronny   :wink:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 10:45 pm
Emotiva Pro
Stealth 8
Stealth DC-1

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/fdf77b6f21e478ac50efa6b7e417b245.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bfb8e16328f852fd001a93c86da6f789.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/c9f990908324a19ecd3b18e6f5a9a7ad.jpg)

Bach great violin going on here. I love how organic it sounds. No overshoot at all... Wow room treatment who knew!!!! Mahler has deftness. Very natural sounding dynamic shading. Sweet spot hogs abound in this room nobody is relinquishing even when it's our music. Guitar on Ani sounds so effortless and smooth. Greatness here for sure. I can't find any fault thus far in this setup. Yorke has a HUGE sound very very impressive. Vocals are buttery smooth this is absolutely the best bookshelf type speaker I have heard in this show in years. Big thumbs up here.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Damn, it sounds like the basses are even bigger!  The quiet parts just disappear softly into the noise floor beautifully.  Scale?  Yeah, they did that pretty well too.
Bach - What, it's so good I almost forgot to start typing this.  Catches the emotion of the piece like nobodies business.  Smooth but also with the needed bite.
Ani DiFranco - Hey, nice - her voice is not overly sibilant, but isn't too soft either.  Guitar is slightly metalic, but at least it's not boomy!  Really good focus clarity.
Thom Yorke - Wow, amazing that this track sounds great in most rooms that otherwise suck.  But this time it sounds pretty poor in the current room, which is otherwise excellent.  Crazy!
General Room Notes - Yay, another room that understands the importance of room treatments.  Listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and the notes just pop and drop with tons of speed.  And a super tiny itty bitty DC-1 driving these very cool Emotiva speakers.  IMO, when it is well implemented, there is nothing better than a ribbon tweeter.  It's well implemented here.  Only problem was the stupid people behind me asking if stereo can bet made to have surround sound, right in my ear. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 11:06 pm
Avatar Acoustics
Current Cable
Abbingdon Music Research
Dr. Feickert Analogue
Rosso Fiorentino Loudspeakers
Purist HDR


(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/8a598ab5c3def3248ccbb0993b42b435.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/798ccb9af1e1d3d7b427e80cdf181dcd.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/2f97edef609535a901cf39af385fb57c.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/f2d34e28ee1834f017e97210e569f399.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bcf35da182d622c04e0685ab78178eac.jpg)

Bach while not quite as brutally honest as some setups this setup has all the emotion and more than I have heard thus far today. Along the best. Mahler is sounding superb while simultaneously not drawing massive amounts of attention to the fact that it is doing everything right. The presentation is just is easy and smooth. Great dynamics again buttery smooth. Every bit as good as last year, but most definitely more refined. Ani is telling a story that I find very intriguing through these speakers. Gather round folks hear what I have to say. In other words very personable and draws you in. Thom Yorke while not quite as dynamically thrilling as some of the other setups it still sounds so damn good it doesn't matter. I think this is the smoothest room I have heard yet today. And to my ears smooth is good. This is what hi end audio should sound like. No bullshit, just great easy to listen to sound.

AMR, first sound, avatar seems to be a winning combo.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Very precise, speedy sound on the Mahler.  You can really hear the payoff from the inter cabinets on this track.  Some rooms cause this track to sound slow and plodding, but not here, it moves right along.
Bach - Last year thi highs were too tipped up, but this year it's just beautiful.  Emotive, clear, and not icepick in the ear painful.  If anything it's a tiny bit laid back, which I love. 
Ani DiFranco - Clean, clear, dead on neutral.  Everything is super tight, super focused.  Not warm and romantic, but not analytical either.  Track just flows like clear water.  Captures the microdynamics and emotion in her voice very nicely indeed.
Thom Yorke - Bass kicks in and surprises you with it's percussion.  Yet another time that the super inert cabs are kicking butt. 
General Room Notes - Ah, always a great room, and this year is starting off very well too.  New speakers that look very badass in an understated way with their HDF/Marble composite cabinets.  Only one criticism, and it's a small one - speakers are kinda short, feels like I'm looking down own the performers.  I guess it's my Mitt Romney moment...
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: HiFiSoundGuy on 12 Oct 2012, 11:20 pm
Emotiva Pro
Stealth B
Stealth DC-1

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/fdf77b6f21e478ac50efa6b7e417b245.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bfb8e16328f852fd001a93c86da6f789.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/c9f990908324a19ecd3b18e6f5a9a7ad.jpg)

Bach great violin going on here. I love how organic it sounds. No overshoot at all... Wow room treatment who knew!!!! Mahler has deftness. Very natural sounding dynamic shading. Sweet spot hogs abound in this room nobody is relinquishing even when it's our music. Guitar on Ani sounds so effortless and smooth. Greatness here for sure. I can't find any fault thus far in this setup. Yorke has a HUGE sound very very impressive. Vocals are buttery smooth this is absolutely the best bookshelf type speaker I have heard in this show in years. Big thumbs up here.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Damn, it sounds like the basses are even bigger!  The quiet parts just disappear softly into the noise floor beautifully.  Scale?  Yeah, they did that pretty well too.
Bach - What, it's so good I almost forgot to start typing this.  Catches the emotion of the piece like nobodies business.  Smooth but also with the needed bite.
Ani DiFranco - Hey, nice - her voice is not overly sibilant, but isn't too soft either.  Guitar is slightly metalic, but at least it's not boomy!  Really good focus clarity.
Thom Yorke - Wow, amazing that this track sounds great in most rooms that otherwise suck.  But this time it sounds pretty poor in the current room, which is otherwise excellent.  Crazy!
General Room Notes - Yay, another room that understands the importance of room treatments.  Listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and the notes just pop and drop with tons of speed.  And a super tiny itty bitty DC-1 driving these very cool Emotiva speakers.  IMO, when it is well implemented, there is nothing better than a ribbon tweeter.  It's well implemented here.  Only problem was the stupid people behind me asking if stereo can bet made to have surround sound, right in my ear.

   Let us know how these monitors compare to the Evolution Acoustics MM Micro Ones.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 12 Oct 2012, 11:33 pm
Angel City Audio
MG Audio Design, LLC
Melody

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/4b3cb260bb280667ba5da6375fd163d1.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/0bb0eb94bfbd6a6301a8b01ee3df4c22.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/9d23b29ccd971da5f7a2896c87e2fb79.jpg)

Bach violin is pretty good. Not quite as emotive as I like. Mahler sounds pretty sweet. Dynamics are fairly good. Ani's guitar sounds very plucky and well defined. Nice soundstage with a well focused image. Thom Yorke is sounding very very nice. A little congested sounding, but not bad. These rooms can do that to vocals. Dynamically speaking this systems got it going on.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Again, a bit thinner than you would think, given the tube amps being used.  But HOLY SHIT the dynamics are crazy good when that big bass drum hits. 
Bach - Not as full as you'd suspect using those cool ass looking tube amps.  But on the plus side it passed the test of not driving me out the room (can't say that for all rooms!!)
Ani DiFranco - Nice metalic tang to the guitar picking and the body comes through nicely.  Her voice is naked and clear.  Perhaps moving slighty to the analytic side of things. 
Thom Yorke - OK, they really, really, really shine on this track.  Things sounded OK on the other tracks, but modern electronica just explodes out of these guys.
General Room Notes - We might have to come back to this room, it had the bad luck of following the best room at the show so far, the Avatar Acoustics room.   Oh, and props for room treatment, that alone lets the gear shine far more than it otherwise would. 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: audiogoober on 12 Oct 2012, 11:59 pm
Rossos that I had have found a new home.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 13 Oct 2012, 12:02 am
Audio Physic
Acoustic Signature
Grandinote
Creaktiv HiFi
Trigon Elektronik

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/53266f6e080758c9a22c36a8a979c60a.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/7938b20d0b7998f76df2b1d14855d085.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/3363b81cc48292d830e0edb1d2606042.jpg)

Bach micro macrodyanamics are effortless. The Mahler are the same here so far, no big dynamics yet... Horn entrance isn't splatty. Ok the big dynamics are tremendous and bold. Ani while easy to listen to they certainly are not the most detailed sounding speakers I have heard yet closer toward the top of the pile than the bottom. She sounds a touch nasal. Yorke is certainly pushing this rooms issues overboard. No room treatment is causing some overloading issues and nasa-lness is pretty prominent. The dynamics aren't bad, but they are definitely causing issues with the listening space. I'm sure Tyson is posting something to the effect that he's right and I'm wrong. And yes he is a dick I feel I must again apologize preemptively for his behavior. 

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Moves along at a stately pace.  Not as lively as some of the other rooms, but it's ohhh so listenable.  Music that does not reach out and grab you or shake you by your lapels.  Seduces.
Bach - Wonderfully laid back and emotive.  Passes the solo violin test with ease.
Ani DiFranco - Surprise, the guitar has an almost 'country' twang, lots of character.  I think this might be the least sibilant room of the entire show so far.  Very nice.  Nice and easy.  Sort of how I like my women.
Thom Yorke - Interesting, they sound good on Yorke too.  They are still pretty laid back in the mids and highs, but the bass is nicely punchy.  A slight bit of drone, but not too bad at all. 
General Room Notes - The room that Jason and I never agree on.  To me, every year it is an oasis in a sea of noise.  This year is no exception.  I'm sure Jason thinks it's blah and boring.  But that's because he has no taste.  To me, this room does a lot of things well, is not offensive, and is more "s
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 13 Oct 2012, 12:30 am
And we are done. We will resume tomorrow.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Andre2 on 13 Oct 2012, 12:35 am
Thanks.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: rklein on 13 Oct 2012, 12:45 am
Thanks for some great pictures and commentary.  I know how heavy it can be just lugging your camera gear around!

KUDOS!!!  :thumb:

Regards,

Randy
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 13 Oct 2012, 01:25 am
Ok boys and girls....what's wrong with this picture?



(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bcf35da182d622c04e0685ab78178eac.jpg)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 13 Oct 2012, 01:29 am
They are in phase with each other so not a problem. Absolute phase might still be right because if I'm not mistaken you can change absolute phase on AMR gear.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: jeffh on 13 Oct 2012, 01:33 am
Tyson and Pez Thank you for posting.  I'm am looking forward to the rest of the weekend coverage. 

Would love for you to stop by the JosephAudio room to compare to the others.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 13 Oct 2012, 01:35 am
Thanks Pez. The coverage is great, you guys rock!  :thumb:

<Bob makes mental note that "red = black" sometimes>
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: mca on 13 Oct 2012, 01:49 am
A big thumbs up for those of us who dream of going to the show but can't.

:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Doublej on 13 Oct 2012, 02:01 am
They are in phase with each other so not a problem. Absolute phase might still be right because if I'm not mistaken you can change absolute phase on AMR gear.

Do you mean absolute polarity? Phase is relative, I think.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: JerryM on 13 Oct 2012, 02:07 am
I think the wire is connected incorrectly on the amp side, also.  :wink:

Thanks Tyson & Pez!!! Best International RMAF Coverage available, anywhere. You guys rock.  :thumb:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Douger on 13 Oct 2012, 02:27 am
Very good coverage and thanks for being so fast!!!
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Rclark on 13 Oct 2012, 02:35 am
Interesting, the Emotiva Room. Other than people like myself who own the equipment they are generally sneered at. Their amps are pretty low to mid fi based on specs and reviews, but their source gear is great, and looks like their new speakers aren nice too.

FYI they have "no holds barred" high end speakers in the works as well.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: sts9fan on 13 Oct 2012, 02:41 am
Lets refrain from quoting the large posts.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: alch3my on 13 Oct 2012, 02:56 am
Great stuff, Tyson and Pez! Keep it coming! Would love to hear what you guys thought of the benchmark dac2 room
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Ric Schultz on 13 Oct 2012, 03:11 am
Love the coverage. 

On the last page someone asks how the Emotiva Pro 8s compare with the Evolution Acoustics mm micro 1............If they are even close it would be scary.....as the Emotiva is a $1500 self powered monitor being fed by a $700 DAC and the Evolution Acoustics speakers are a passive speaker that currently retails for $2500 (rumored to be $3500 or more soon) manufactured by a high end company and no doubt shown with $30,000+ worth of electronics (Dartzeel, Playback Design, etc.).
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: saisunil on 13 Oct 2012, 03:16 am
Thanks ... like the tag team approach with different perspectives ... gives us a flavor
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: studiotech on 13 Oct 2012, 03:19 am
Do you mean we should tell them about their mistake?  If so, then you are in luck, because that's exactly what we did!  I'm now enjoying basking in your moral approval :D -Tyson

Most excellent gentlemen!  Glad you spoke up, it only helps the manufacturers and show attendees.

I know I sound like a broken record, BUT this is the freaking Super Bowl of audio for these folks.  Git yer schiit correct manufacturers!  Every year the same thing...  How do they set-up a system and NOT hear this?!?!? 

Next year I'm gonna go and pimp myself out as the system check out guy.  Are L/R correct?  Are speakers in phase?  Is your powered woofer even plugged in and playing?  Seen then all more than once.  Maybe it can pay for my trip AND help ensure a more consistent experience for the show attendees.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: DaveC113 on 13 Oct 2012, 03:21 am
Nice pics.

Sanders and GR Research were a couple of the best rooms I visited today. Sanders' electrostats are the best I've ever heard.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: ArthurDent on 13 Oct 2012, 03:41 am
Very nice job, great pics. Thanks for the time, efforts, & sharing :thumb: It is appreciated by all. Hope you had a nice single malt (or 2) to end day 1.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: JerryM on 13 Oct 2012, 04:32 am
Next year I'm gonna go and pimp myself out as the system check out guy.  Are L/R correct?  Are speakers in phase?  Is your powered woofer even plugged in and playing?  Seen then all more than once.  Maybe it can pay for my trip AND help ensure a more consistent experience for the show attendees.

Sweet. 8)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: HiFiSoundGuy on 13 Oct 2012, 05:08 am
Love the coverage. 

On the last page someone asks how the Emotiva Pro 8s compare with the Evolution Acoustics mm micro 1............If they are even close it would be scary.....as the Emotiva is a $1500 self powered monitor being fed by a $700 DAC and the Evolution Acoustics speakers are a passive speaker that currently retails for $2500 (rumored to be $3500 or more soon) manufactured by a high end company and no doubt shown with $30,000+ worth of electronics (Dartzeel, Playback Design, etc.).

   Someone on another forum liked these MM Micro Ones a lot more than the much bigger Evolution Acoustics MM Threes !

http://www.hifivision.com/av-lounge/29939-evolution-acoustics-mmmicroone.html
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Donald on 13 Oct 2012, 12:22 pm
Tyson and Pez,

Can you give a listen to Bob Carver's new ALS 1000's Line Arrays? They are on 5th Floor, room 506.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: HT cOz on 13 Oct 2012, 12:42 pm
Tyson and Pez,

You guys are amazing. Those of us who can not attend really appreciate your efforts! 
I can't wait for day 2 coverage. Keepem coming.

Do you guys have press badges?  Do room owners know who you are?  Do they realize the size of the audience that is following your real time posts?  This aspect of behind the scenes is interesting.

Much thanks,
cOz
 
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Wayner on 13 Oct 2012, 12:47 pm
Lets refrain from quoting the large posts.

+1
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: SoCalWJS on 13 Oct 2012, 01:47 pm
Tyson and Pez,

Can you give a listen to Bob Carver's new ALS 1000's Line Arrays? They are on 5th Floor, room 506.
I did stop by there yesterday. Had them running with a subwoofer at the time. No room treatments. Not overly impressed - one of those rooms that could have used a bit of work and been vastly better (IMHO).

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69260)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69261)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69262)

Beautiful to look at though.  :green:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: vinyl_lady on 13 Oct 2012, 02:43 pm
Spun some vinyl in the Zesto/Wywires room. Very nice sound with TAD speakers. I think George's Andros phonostage is an absolute killer. Obviously, it mates well with his new Leto pre amp. Listened to Neil Young Live at Massey Hall 1971; Doors L.A. Woman; Classic Records reissue of Who's Next and Classic Records reissue of David Crosby's If I Could Only Remember My Name.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69269)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=69272)
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Pez on 13 Oct 2012, 03:38 pm
Tyson and Pez,

You guys are amazing. Those of us who can not attend really appreciate your efforts! 
I can't wait for day 2 coverage. Keepem coming.

Do you guys have press badges?  Do room owners know who you are?  Do they realize the size of the audience that is following your real time posts?  This aspect of behind the scenes is interesting.

Much thanks,
cOz

We have press badges. Some vendors see the red badge and start sucking up instantly kind of pathetic honestly. The worst offender by far was monster cables headphone booth. They literally stopped us dead in our tracks and started introducing themselves and making a very big deal out of nothing at all. Some vendors really do know us and they are aware of how we do things. No pants wetting this year so far though.  :icon_lol:
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: mountain1 on 13 Oct 2012, 03:41 pm
The reason the polarity on the speaker cables in the Avatar Acoustics room are reversed is to compensate for the absolute phase inversion of the First Sound preamp.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 13 Oct 2012, 03:57 pm
Anxiously awaiting a picture of your breakfast and then the rest of today's coverage.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on 13 Oct 2012, 04:02 pm
The reason the polarity on the speaker cables in the Avatar Acoustics room are reversed is to compensate for the absolute phase inversion of the First Sound preamp.
Ahhhh, thank you.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: roscoeiii on 13 Oct 2012, 04:21 pm
A heads up to folks following this thread, Day 2 is covered on a separate thread here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110588.0
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: WGH on 13 Oct 2012, 04:27 pm
No pants wetting this year so far though.  :icon_lol:

As word of your travels ripple through the Marriott you may notice some beads of sweat by the third day.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: HAL on 18 Oct 2012, 05:10 pm
Angel City Audio
MG Audio Design, LLC
Melody

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/4b3cb260bb280667ba5da6375fd163d1.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/0bb0eb94bfbd6a6301a8b01ee3df4c22.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/9d23b29ccd971da5f7a2896c87e2fb79.jpg)

Bach violin is pretty good. Not quite as emotive as I like. Mahler sounds pretty sweet. Dynamics are fairly good. Ani's guitar sounds very plucky and well defined. Nice soundstage with a well focused image. Thom Yorke is sounding very very nice. A little congested sounding, but not bad. These rooms can do that to vocals. Dynamically speaking this systems got it going on.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Again, a bit thinner than you would think, given the tube amps being used.  But HOLY SHIT the dynamics are crazy good when that big bass drum hits. 
Bach - Not as full as you'd suspect using those cool ass looking tube amps.  But on the plus side it passed the test of not driving me out the room (can't say that for all rooms!!)
Ani DiFranco - Nice metalic tang to the guitar picking and the body comes through nicely.  Her voice is naked and clear.  Perhaps moving slighty to the analytic side of things. 
Thom Yorke - OK, they really, really, really shine on this track.  Things sounded OK on the other tracks, but modern electronica just explodes out of these guys.
General Room Notes - We might have to come back to this room, it had the bad luck of following the best room at the show so far, the Avatar Acoustics room.   Oh, and props for room treatment, that alone lets the gear shine far more than it otherwise would.

Love the write-up!

There were two other products in the room as well.

Channel Islands Audio Transient MKII DAC
Hollis Audio Labs MS-1 Music Server
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: magic12kenneth on 20 Oct 2012, 02:41 am
How big is the sweet spot? Are the tweeter beaming? I read impressions that the Airmotiv version of the speakers has a beaming treble and a small sweet spot.

Emotiva Pro
Bach great violin going on here. I love how organic it sounds. No overshoot at all... Wow room treatment who knew!!!! Mahler has deftness. Very natural sounding dynamic shading. Sweet spot hogs abound in this room nobody is relinquishing even when it's our music. Guitar on Ani sounds so effortless and smooth. Greatness here for sure. I can't find any fault thus far in this setup. Yorke has a HUGE sound very very impressive. Vocals are buttery smooth this is absolutely the best bookshelf type speaker I have heard in this show in years. Big thumbs up here.

Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Damn, it sounds like the basses are even bigger!  The quiet parts just disappear softly into the noise floor beautifully.  Scale?  Yeah, they did that pretty well too.
Bach - What, it's so good I almost forgot to start typing this.  Catches the emotion of the piece like nobodies business.  Smooth but also with the needed bite.
Ani DiFranco - Hey, nice - her voice is not overly sibilant, but isn't too soft either.  Guitar is slightly metalic, but at least it's not boomy!  Really good focus clarity.
Thom Yorke - Wow, amazing that this track sounds great in most rooms that otherwise suck.  But this time it sounds pretty poor in the current room, which is otherwise excellent.  Crazy!
General Room Notes - Yay, another room that understands the importance of room treatments.  Listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and the notes just pop and drop with tons of speed.  And a super tiny itty bitty DC-1 driving these very cool Emotiva speakers.  IMO, when it is well implemented, there is nothing better than a ribbon tweeter.  It's well implemented here.  Only problem was the stupid people behind me asking if stereo can bet made to have surround sound, right in my ear.
Title: Re: RMAF 2012 Day 1 - Tyson and Pez Coverage LIVE
Post by: mkaiser on 7 Jan 2013, 03:50 am
Emotiva Pro
Stealth B
Stealth DC-1

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/fdf77b6f21e478ac50efa6b7e417b245.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/bfb8e16328f852fd001a93c86da6f789.jpg)

(http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd370/pezacolypse/RMAF%202012/c9f990908324a19ecd3b18e6f5a9a7ad.jpg)

Bach great violin going on here. I love how organic it sounds. No overshoot at all... Wow room treatment who knew!!!! Mahler has deftness. Very natural sounding dynamic shading. Sweet spot hogs abound in this room nobody is relinquishing even when it's our music. Guitar on Ani sounds so effortless and smooth. Greatness here for sure. I can't find any fault thus far in this setup. Yorke has a HUGE sound very very impressive. Vocals are buttery smooth this is absolutely the best bookshelf type speaker I have heard in this show in years. Big thumbs up here.


Tyson Notes[/u]
Mahler - Damn, it sounds like the basses are even bigger!  The quiet parts just disappear softly into the noise floor beautifully.  Scale?  Yeah, they did that pretty well too.
Bach - What, it's so good I almost forgot to start typing this.  Catches the emotion of the piece like nobodies business.  Smooth but also with the needed bite.
Ani DiFranco - Hey, nice - her voice is not overly sibilant, but isn't too soft either.  Guitar is slightly metalic, but at least it's not boomy!  Really good focus clarity.
Thom Yorke - Wow, amazing that this track sounds great in most rooms that otherwise suck.  But this time it sounds pretty poor in the current room, which is otherwise excellent.  Crazy!
General Room Notes - Yay, another room that understands the importance of room treatments.  Listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan and the notes just pop and drop with tons of speed.  And a super tiny itty bitty DC-1 driving these very cool Emotiva speakers.  IMO, when it is well implemented, there is nothing better than a ribbon tweeter.  It's well implemented here.  Only problem was the stupid people behind me asking if stereo can bet made to have surround sound, right in my ear.

If Emotiva made the cost of these speakers around 10k + then you would have been crowded in that room. So, therefore you guys stumbled across a hidden gems and heard some great reproductions that most missed due to their vanity. I believe this monitor ended up being on your ( Pez) list as #2.

Mark