DK, Dan got his tube, yes.
Back from CES. A great show...maybe a little off from last year (I was told) but great nonetheless. The Venetian Tower Suites were quite reminiscent of RMAF, even with the elevator struggles and the wonderful discovery of using the rear stairs to navigate floors 29-31, 34. However, the rooms were larger and wayyyy better sounding. The walls were obviously considerably thicker.
Dan's room was very nice, but the people in it were even nicer. Stephen and Carol are wayyyy nicer than Dan deserves.
(Carol even came to my rescue when, on my arrival day, I failed to eat or drink anything for several hours and came back to the room with a splitting jetlag/dehydrated headache. She homeopathically cured me with peppermint essences..along with some Motrin help.)
Dan had the amps in monoblock configuration, and along with the nice Audio Machina speakers and full Modwright electronics compliment, the room clearly had a sound that put it in the top five for me. I suspect no small part of the nice sonic synergy created was due to the incredibly gorgeous AAA art panels, even way nicer looking than the picture gives them credit for. Dan had four large panels along the front wall, and then a few of the side wall (same as pictured) squares. The squares were also on display in the back of the room. We did no a/b or with-and-without treatment tests (at least the times I was there), but it was obvious to all listeners that the room had a certain calmness that made it stand out.
Dan informs us that Hong Kong is not going through the economic crisis quite as badly as we are, and he has sold a boatload of the amps already. In fact, one of the demos is headed for HK as we speak. Also I got the sense that other international folks showed huge interest in Dan's work at CES, and that this show will likely be seen as quite a success for our hero!! Congrats to Dan and all at Modwright.
Editorial Note: Across town the T.H.E Show was a dreadful mistake, a vast wasteland of dealers and manufacturers who likely demo'd to each other. (I got a personal trip all by myself, in the Venetian-to-Alexis Park shuttle bus, and back again!! Luckily the shuttle driver was a very personable and attractive young woman). One manufacturer told me that he had 7 visitors on Saturday; i was there about 5pm so I made 8 I guess. Wow! I don't fully blame the economy; the show was poorly advertised, a PITA to get to, and clearly a second-rate feel to it. The Maggie demo was cool (another thread) but the show's overall lack of preparation was obvious. For example, Ampzilla amps were showing with their close partner, VMPS speakers. The program listed them as Amzilla and gave an email address at VPMS speakers!!!
