AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Mid-Atlantic Audio Circle => Topic started by: Jonathon Janusz on 2 Sep 2015, 11:37 pm
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First, I'm sorry I didn't get this up sooner. When I saw AC had come back on yesterday, I just didn't have enough time to get it done (work, school, yadda, yadda. . .).
That aside, I was at the Capital Audiofest this year! To give myself something to do, and to share with others here on AC that were not able to make it, I decided to try to T/P the place! ;) I thought I had a plan that could get me the whole show, but I got pinched for time on Sunday and got bogged down a little on Saturday afternoon. So, I got about two thirds of the show and got a demo in on about half the rooms. :)
In T/P style, I had a selection of sample cuts with me that I played and listened with, typing away notes as I went. Please keep in mind with this that it really is a stream of consciousness kind of thing, so apologies in advance for minor grammatical errors, tense changes, etc. for those who like to poke at such things on the interwebz. :) In the rooms I was not able to get my demo disc in, I at least made some notes on what I heard while in the room, the nice thing about this show being that at least a few minutes in the sweet spot in each room was comfortably doable save for the very peak of Saturday.
The list of my demo cuts, and what I was listening for, about 2:30 overall track time:
"Queen Of The Lost Scots" - The Rogues
"Glycerine" - Bush
"Shatter Me" - Lindsey Stirling with vocals by Lizzy Hale
"Want" - Disturbed
Track 1 was a cut of a hand drum solo (off of a bagpipe piece I graciously chose to omit ;)). I was listening mainly for speed and details with this cut - the attack on the sticks, skin of the drum, resonance of the trailing notes of the drum hits, etc.
Track 2 was a cut of an amplified electric guitar. Tone and the body of the instrument were what I was looking for here.
Track 3 was a mix of xylophone, violin, and female vocals. I was looking at nuances of how the instruments flowed with this track - clarity and harmonics in the xylophone, emotion in the violin. I was also checking vocals overall with this cut - sibilance in Lizzy's leading 's'-es, the dusky tone of her voice not either getting to smoky or too deep/booming, that sort of thing. The real trick with this cut was to see if a system could hold on to these kind of details even with the track being mixed hot - like most ordinary, everyday music sadly ends up being. Coming up short here made the music come off as all but completely flat.
Track 4 is the hard rock/metal meat grinder I first started using at RMAF because it is easy to tick off a bunch of audiophile check boxes with. Detail retrieval at both low and high volume levels, dynamics, and soundstage - imaging/height/width/depth are what I focused on with this track. Again, this track makes it easy for even someone like me to pick up on these queues, as the track is hard mixed to make these things happen.
I haven't been one to do a definitive "best of" ranking kind of thing with these notes, as I grow more and more understanding that differences in music systems are less and less "better" or "worse" but a combination of things each particular system does differently, each special little snowflake with things it has challenges with and things with which it shines. . . and such sweeping words can cause. . . discord. . . among the masses. . . :lol:
One interesting observation at this show I discussed with a few of the presenters in the rooms: at RMAF, it seemed rooms were either clearly "good" or clearly "not as good", with very little between. At this show, at this venue, it seemed like the field was more level. There were very few truly "not good" systems, with most being very competitively listenable. That said, inline with the notes for each room, I'll give a :thumb: to a room I thought really had things going on, and a :D to those that were just short of getting there. Cool?
So, without further ado. . . :green:
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Well Pleased Audio, Vida, Clones Audio, Alta Audio, Nuprime, Antipodes
I'm liking seeing an assortment of very sensible systems at this show. Not quite as flashy woodwork on these speakers, but a few unique architectural details make them visually interesting. Texture is coming through on the attack of the drums, but losing the skins on the decay; these are trading extension for definition in the lows. Not a bad compromise, as they get the tone and body nicely on the guitars and violin. The vocals are smoothed out enough to be maybe more fluid than they should be but more listenable, trading on tone and emotion for subtilty, but again I don't think a bad compromise. Tweeters are a little hot for my taste, but I'm generally not one for the type. A good value for around $12K all in, per the representative.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127114)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127115)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127116)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127117)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127118)
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Artisan Audio, Fyssion
I didn't do a demo in this room, as they are trying to show three different setups all at once. Single drivers, no crossovers, hits all the marks one would expect for a good single driver speaker. The side table would make a great addition to an open concept room that just needs some clean ambient music. The chair is a little odd for my taste - both in style and in sound. I'm thinking if they went a little more mainstream with the look they could pull in a part of the HALO-playing crowd.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127119)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127120)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127121)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127122)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127123)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127124)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Modwright, Daedalus, WyWires, Viva hi-fi
I didn't get to do a full demo in this room (even though it was either number one or two on my must-do list. . . sigh. . .) but got to listen for a bit in between Scott making a presentation. Now that I have heard both setups, I have to admit that I'm one of the people who actually likes the small speakers better than the big ones. Maybe it is just a little more simplicity to the overall design, I don't know. Nicely sized setup for the room, rich tone with a laid back ease and gentile delicacy in the highs - all the things this combination of gear is known for. Comparing to the big speakers, the big Daedalus just seem to me to sometimes sound like they are 'trying to be' where the Athenas 'just be', if that makes any sense. The corner placement is messing with the soundstage in this room too, and I'm sure there is a good reason the decision was made to angle both systems, but hearing many of the other rooms, I have to believe there is another answer in there somewhere.
Briefly on the tube amp, Dan needs to keep doing tube amps. This thing sounds awesome. It has the 'tube magic', but with a real grip on the bottom end; this thing is not a wimpy sounding 'midrange only' kind of amp. Again not too far over the top in these regards, but this is clearly a tube amp, putting it on the scale of flavor of sound on the axis of this amp - LS pre - DM pre. Impecable fit and finish, which I actually would like to see wearing some of the Modwright silver, just to brighten up the casework a bit for folks that don't have the dark component motif going. As is, it is a very modern fashionable look, and the copppery-gold logo on the top plate looks amazing. People going to Denver are in for a treat.
I ran into Dan at lunch (Saturday) and we talked briefly about the tube amps and how they fit in the big picture of things. What this got me to thinking in the here and now is that I wonder what biamping one of the Daedalus systems, using the tubes on top with a mono KWI-150 to run the 8" drivers, would sound like.
PPS: For anyone with Daedalus speakers who haven't upgraded to the V.2 version of their speaker. . . or added the trim rings. . . or (and I'll catch FLAC :green: for saying this one is a "must have" but whatever) upgraded to the new Daedalus driver(s): do this. Just do this. The little money spent on an heirloom quality speaker will be worth every penny.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127125)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127126)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127127)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127128)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127129)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127130)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127131)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127132)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127133)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Border Patrol, Triode Wire Labs, The Living Voice
Very smooth sound coming from this room. The only room with a blacker background is the LIO room, but this is very close (thanks, P.I. Audio Uberbuss!). One of the most emotionally engaging rooms for me, the flow of the music just draws you in. Soundstage isn't overly broad or deep, but image placement is good with a very wide sweet spot. Feels like I'm looking down on and into the music. Just the right heft to large orchestral drums with very litte overhang. I am repeating myself, but this show has a lot of very well thought out, appropriately scaled rooms. I am a big fan of what Pete's cables do in this system in particular compared to the others at the show - sweetness in the treble with a touch of warmth, detail without going too over the top just for the sake of sounding 'fast'. Ease and tone are two words to describe this room.
On my demo cd, this is the most spot-on I've heard the drum track; this is a very 'live' sound for sure. Guitar excellent at the heart of it, and the system is picking out inner details other systems missed - harmonics are coming through amazingly off the dark background. Violins and vocals very good, the vocals are smoothing out just enough to not lose the details and bring this hot-mixed track in line. Low and high level details again shine, even in the heavy metal, the backing distortion effect in the low level intro is perfectly clear. Not the end all in soundstage size or depth, and not the last word in dynamics, but what you get - and that is a lot - shows a relentless refinement to get it 'right'.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127134)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127135)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127136)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127137)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127138)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127139)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127140)
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:D Good Sound :D
Backert Labs, MartinLogan, AudioQuest, VPI Industries, Chord Electronics, Odyssey
Great imaging and vocals on the host's demo music. Not really pushing any evelopes dynamically, but a nice room filling soundstage. Odyssey amps and the ML speakers are a fine pairing. Bass is good but not great - the music has weight but I can tell right where the panels end and the cone drivers begin. I'm not hearing any glaring faults in the pairing with the new as-yet-unnamed Backert Labs preamp either, my only question is with how the bottom end really acts, as there is a sub filling out the range in the main system. Overall, a good, solid, system with nothing jumping out as bad wrong fun. Maybe an odd observation in postscript: there is what looks like a fairly costly CD player in the electronics stack, there is a nice turntable front and center, and the music in the room is being fed and run from a computer. I am obviously not one to be in a position to make sweeping statements, but just kind of noting a trend, for what it is worth.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127141)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127142)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127143)
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SimpliFi Audio, DSPeaker, Gradient, Klangwerk
I did not get to sit down for a listen in this room. The host was entertaining a crowd describing how he could randomly switch from among the speakers in the room and all of them would sound the same, equally good, and just as good from anywhere in the room. Not sure if serious. . .?
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127144)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127145)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127146)
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:D Good Sound :D (during the show)
:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb: (after hours)
Volti Audio, Triode Wire Labs
The cabinetry at this show is really impressing all around! Another listenable horn system. Really nice pick up on the detail in the decay of the sticks at the beginning of the drum track. Good overall on the guitar but just misses the "just right" mark on a little lean in tone and body. There is too much of a good thing in the top end with the violin and vocals - as nice as they are otherwise, I think the very high end just overpowers the room. Low level detail retrieval is good, casts a wide soundstage but again lacking depth similar to other rooms, and not absolutely flawless imaging - good but not great. Very good at picking out details at high volume levels - what one would expect of great horns when doing what the do best. This is the second horn system I was expecting a bit more as far a dynamic range and I'm starting to wonder if my expectations are just off. Rocked out to some Disturbed and then played some cellos - keeping this system tucked tight to the midrange makes a really nice, powerful presentation.
On Saturday night, I was in the right place in the right time to get to hear this system with Vinnie Rossi's LIO. The Macintosh gear used during the show isn't bad, but the LIO is a phenomenal match to the 104db efficient Volti horns. With the subs off (we played them both off and on; I preferred them off), the absolutely black background on the LIO and the associated change in flavor on the pre and power made this system come alive for me. The paring brought out a whole new dimension to everything on a micro scale and allowed the music to really find its sense of space. Scratch a good section of my critiques above with the system running the Mac front end. This setup basically discovering its lost low level musicality was like flipping a switch and getting all of the real dynamics that the Volti speakers had all along; it was just hiding waiting to be found. If this setup would have been running during show time, I would not have believed it, but I would have a horn system near the top of my list for the show. I had to cut out for a few more rooms before I could hear some more adjustments made, but as good as it was, there was even more on the table to be had with the LIO in the game. A takeaway for Volti on this if nothing else is not as much a knock against the front end gear, but no matter what gear gets put in, top shelf power conditioning will pay off big to show what the system can really do.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127147)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127148)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127149)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127150)
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Thank you for sharing
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:D Good Sound :D
GT Audio Works, Paradox Pulse, Hollis Audio Labs, Prima Luna
There are just getting to be too many beautiful speakers to look at. I said it before in the Volti room and I'll say it again - the bar is now raised in what this stuff should look like. 'Furniture-grade' is no longer a feature, it is the standard. Very, very good on speed and picking up inner detail on the drum track, as I would expect from planars with my only caviat being the drums are missing some of their skin, and their resonance isn't coming through 100%. Good tone, but the body in the guitar is a little diffuse to really get there, again with another but - the system really is trying to deliver it. This system just nails the vocals and violin - no contest. Low and high level details are there, dynamics are surprisingly good, and this is the first room at the show to actually get the soundstage - image placement, width, depth, height, all right.
Note that this speaker model does include a ribbon tweeter, planar mids, and powerered cone subs. The subs blended well enough, but the speakers really snapped into their own, IMHO, with the subs shut off. The skins came back to the drums, the guitar lost a bit overall but that is understandable limiting the frequency range, the vocals and violin that were already exceptional got even better. The soundstage shrunk down a bit too, but again understandable with the panels playing within their limits.
To wrap, as set up with the subs, these were a good full range speaker. The panels running alone, were an honest excellent speaker.
[From late Saturday after hours: Word from this room is that unplugging and plugging back in the subs - from before I asked to change the system up for my demo when adjusting the room earlier - messed with the sound of the subs, and they sounded much better after being left on continuously for the day. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to stop back to check it out for myself.]
To address one last specific question from the forum, comparison to other planars. Full disclosure: I have owned ET LFT8a that I upgraded to LFT8b (running good but not truly great front end gear), I've had MMGs in my home, and I have heard Maggie 3.6r a few times in dealer show rooms; I can't make a perfect comparison to the 3.7i - sorry. For what it is worth - and comparing them with the panels alone because the subs make the comparison not fair for both good and bad reasons - these do a lot of the things I liked from the ET's that I didn't get from the Maggies but with better soundstage height, and a bit more airy than the smooth powerful top end on the ET. I also think they can hang easily with the 3.6r, the 3.6 maybe having an edge in the body of the lower midrange due to panel dimensions and chosen crossover points, but I think the soundstage is better on the GT's - acoustic strings, small venue music, and vocals could arguably have the GT's out on top. If I had to sum up, the decision might really come down to how one wants for their own tastes to deal with the low end frequencies. IMHO, a pair of GR servo OB subs dialed in with the GT's (or an upgrade to the sealed bottoms of the GTs to dual servo GR 8's) would for me make it no contest, and I don't think the price points would still end up too far off mark.
(one more 'last'): The GT speakers are all but individually built, bespoke items. Word on the grapevine is that GT is planning a bigger set of panels in the not too distant future, and the HAL active processing system (which I agree with the reviews from the field thus far sets a new benchmark for the "new" approach to active designs in the audiophile space) not only sounded a great match with the GT's as-is (meaning as a DAC/source only), but could bake in a lot of flexibility in addressing some of the 'A vs. B' challenges that I rambled about comparing the GT's and Maggies. For the adventurous, pulling the Magnepan passive crossover altogether and plugging in the HAL system could do some impressive things if the GT's were to be considered a proof of concept test.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127151)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127152)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127153)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127154)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127155)
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Thank you for sharing
We're just getting started! :green:
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Sound Insight, Pass Labs, BG Radia, P.I. Audio, Triode Wire Labs
Now we do a 180 on aesthetics; good enough, but maybe a little too industrial, clean but more like a season out of fashion if that makes sense. Full disclosure: I like OB, I like planars, and I've heard these OB servo driven subs be (IMHO) the absolute standard by which all others are measured.
In short, I really wanted to be in love with this room. The challenge here is that the whole just isn't quite the sum of the quality parts. Soundstage is big and wide like I would expect, but the imaging isn't quite where I would expect. The system has very clean sound, but maybe too much of a good thing, it is a little dry for my taste, and some harmonic details just aren't coming through. Note that the lower cone drivers in the BG mains were cut out completely, with the planars being handed off directly to the subs - a decision I agree with. Stand up bass from the host's music on the subs is just as I thought it would be - truly excellent. I have to add another "but", in that the integration on the subs to the mains to me is just a little bit off, maybe another room to try on Sunday after a few more adjustments.
On my demo, speed on the attack on the drums is good, but the skin on the drum is missing. Tone and body on the guitar are spot on, the violin is good, but there is a little wiggle at the top of the vocals. Low level and high level detail retrieval is good, but dynamics are a bit flat (even for planars) and the soundstaging is good but not quite "there". As is, to wrap on a positive note, a relaxing, easy to listen to system. Good but not quite 'wow'.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127156)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127157)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127158)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127159)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Deja Vu Audio, Audio Note
Another attendee played a few tracks from a disc purchased at the show from the artist performing on site in the Audio Note UK room over the weekend. This room and setup is really simple... and I like it. It is light on the absolute extremes of the audiophile check-boxes, but the music is emotionally moving. Tone and the subtile details just flow without drawing attention to any one bit - no "feature" had to jump out to have its presence known. Sealed, reasonably sized monitors, playing nice with the room just as it is, made for a darn good showing - kudo for not trying too hard to reach for too much. This is the kind of rig I could put in my mom's living room and she could be happy with good, honest music.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127160)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127161)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127162)
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DCAudioDIY
20-year old prototype direct driven electrostatic panels made locally. This system is just plain cool. I'm listening to to a super coherent, great tone, full bodied sound while folks are chatting about how the components were made with begged, borrowed, and found parts. Again, very cool, and darn good enjoyable sound. Big, single-driver speaker sound with some range - the panels are running full range while I am typing, and there is some conversation about dust built up on the speakers causing some arcing and random burn marks. . . :lol:! Glad I stopped by!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127164)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127165)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127166)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Vinnie Rossi, Fidelis, Harbeth
LIO configuration run at show: phono stage, DAC, tube linestage with autoformer, mosfet power amp, no headphone. The LIO is a good match with the Harbeths; they compliment each other nicely. The attack and inner detail on the drum track is a little soft but smooth. Tone and body on the guitar are really excellent - shows in the speaker pedigree as a studio monitor. The violin and vocals are exceptional - the absolutely black background just makes everything have an ease I haven't heard at the show yet. Low level details come in clean and clear, soundstaging is at least okay in depth, but the setup is very near field, so the presentation is more being "on stage" than looking in on the performance. This is another room with a fundamentally simple setup that does really well for itself. This system impresses me a lot not for being 'wow', but for being 'just right'. Thank you to my gracious hosts for goofing around dropping the TS track!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127167)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127168)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127169)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127170)
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Gershman Acoustics, LVC, Lamm Industries, Oracle, Nordosdt
Just the pictures on this one, in spite of trying to sit down in this room three times over the weekend. Not that the room was packed, my timing was just really bad. :green:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127171)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127172)
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Madison Fielding
So, I turned the corner and the system wasn't there, but the plants were making music. :D Each teak planter is a 10" downfiring woofer with a front firing midrange and tweeter. Indoor/outdoor use, all passively driven. There is also a standard planter version on display. The drums are a bit rounded off on their attack, and not overly revealing, but the subs give them a good foundation to the sound. The tone on the guitar could improve - maybe placement - but the body is good. Soundstage is surprisingly good - not the pinacle of pin point imaging, but the cues are there and the stage width and height are good. Not very dynamic, but an overall well balanced speaker.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127174)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127175)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127176)
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Audio Note UK
I sat down for a demo and the room filled quickly behind me. The hosts changed their timetable slightly to allow for a live cello soloist performing throughout the weekend. Interesting in that they also had the live cello accompanied by the stereo system as part of the mini-concert. Vincent Belanger became the consumate gentleman, playing to accompany a piano and then a trumpet piece. The selections were inspired while Vincent discussed his music with some young musicians who came to the room and explained to him those as the instruments they played. Vincent, if this note reaches your desk, pleasure meeting you and all the best in your endeavors. I hope the coming vinyl release is as well received as the CDs I had already heard playing elsewhere in the showrooms by very pleased audiophiles.
This one's not getting a rating, as a live performance just isn't fair to everyone else. :lol:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127177)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127178)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127179)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127180)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127181)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127182)
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Robyatt Audio, Kanso Audio Furniture
Quads - very cool! No chance at a demo in this room right now, they are playing to a full audience with the host's music. I have to agree with the sales pitch in the room that the added driver is integrating very well with the Quad panels. Good sound, but a frustratingly small sweet spot (I'm on one of the ends). Okay, shifted a seat over and better. Nothing that is really jumping out at me as "wow", but I don't think the music selection is pushing the system to produce something great. Would kind of like to do a demo with my cuts to see where this is at, as I haven't really had a chance to hear these famous speakers until now.
[Pictures somehow got eaten by the camera. . .]
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Ultra Audio, Linear Tube Audio, Audioism
Just the pics, man! Went to sit down for a demo and got pulled away. Neat line array with built-in tube amps.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127183)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127184)
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United Home Audio
Playing tape as I walked in. I had to stop from picture taking to listen because the system caught my ear and sat me down. Very relaxed, easy sound. Soundstage is at front row, "they are here" instead of "you are there". This room got my attention with its control of soundstage height and the sense of space in the music. The main tough spot is the room ringing hard right in the middle of the lower midrange; breaks the illusion which otherwise is pretty smooth. Speakers are disappearing well. When they switched from the tape to a CD, the soundstage went to back row presentation and the image floats a little more than the more pinpoint but forward tape rig. Actualy, IMHO, the digital is smoother and makes an even easier to listen to system than the tape.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127185)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127186)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127187)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127188)
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:D Good Sound :D
Odyssey Audio
I got an extended session alone with the Kismet Liquids. Going through the demo track list, the attack on the sticks and the drums is very solid, the skin of the drums is a little light, and the hand drum is maybe coming in heavy. The liquids play with more authority and lower than the Kismet monitors, even pushing this big room hard to keep it all down. Actually probably could have used even more bass trapping just to get the details out of the bass? Next year, I think Alex and Klaus need to kidnap the GIK crew for the weekend. ;) I can hear the detail in there trying to get out though - the potential is there. Compared to the similar setup I've heard a few times at RMAF, although these speakers can fill this room with sound, I like the smaller room better for this set of gear (all components including the room treatments). Klaus, if you're listening, save some coin and get a smaller room at this show next year - and get even better sound!
Tone and body on the electric guitar is great as usual; I think this is the kind of thing that Klaus voices his speakers specifically to shine with. Listening to the violin and vocal section, the vocals are a little deeper than spot on, again the bass doing its thing. A first for the show surprise is a distortion effect that had been masked up to this room that is playing behind the violin. I hadn't heard this at home, and backed up to make sure I wasn't either hearing garbage in the recording or imagining things. I brought the whole track to 'Glycerine' by Bush with me on my demo disc to compare to last time I heard the Monitors. Really just a sublime experience. I could have been happy with the trip out here just jamming out to this.
The Liquids really step up the game when it comes to high level details and dynamics. Not just that they are "better" than the Monitors in some of this; there is just an ease in the midrange to which the Monitors are a clear second. Tthe mid driver is just trying to cover a lot of ground in the Monitors, and being freed up from the low bass just lets the Liquids become a more powerful speaker, that keeps the great midrange of the Monitors, then builds on it with better detail retrieval. If I had one nit to pick with the Monitors, it was that I heard just a little bit of disconnect at times between the two drivers. The Liquids are an even more balanced, even more capable, wider range speaker. The Monitors are an unbelievable value for the dollar, and the pedigree from one to the other shows, and just as I had hoped the Liquids are that and more. Nothing needs to be said for the value for the dollar; to paraphrase Klaus - the price is the price, it is about setting the bar as high as it can go and hearing just how much can really be within reach.
To wrap, this is tough to judge, as it really is "great sound" in just a "good" physical room. The reason I think to make a note here is that in difference to some of the other good rooms, this room just screamed potential to me, and that put it on the very ragged edge short of "set the standard for the show by a long margin amazing".
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127190)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127191)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127192)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127193)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127194)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127195)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127196)
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Command Performance AV, Aurender, Audia Flight, Clearaudio, Berkeley Audio Design, Neat Acoustics, Stillpoints, Wireworld
Playing some classic rock when I came in. Cool to hear something a little up tempo. Plenty of top end, probably [clearly - changed seats and it got even boomier] too much bottom due to the room, the middle seems light. Very clean sounding vinyl rig though - usually I can't get past the artifacts that seem to sneak into the background on an analog rig. Acoustic guitar is very smooth and has a good clear tone until it gets buried by the bass behavior. Nice wide soundstage but not very deep. I'm starting to wonder if it is a venue caused trend.
They switched it up for me to run the little 'NEAT' mini-monitors. I kind of feel bad. . . I would actually like them to pull the little speakers to the front in this room. Honest in what they do, not trying too hard to be anything more. Smooth, even sound, bringing out texture and details that were getting drowned out by the main larger speakers. I could see the side-by-side configuration coming in handy in a lot of non-dedicated 'audiophile' homes and still deliver nice sound. Even pushed back where they are, surprising wall of sound from the little guys. $1K for an honest easy to run bookshelf; nice. Thanks for the demo!
I stopped back in on Sunday because I was told on Friday night that they moved the speakers around and 'got it fixed'. I only had time to listen to one selection from the hosts' source, but the system was in fact a lot better - more even, the top end smoothed out to balance better with the rest. Good on them for keeping at it to dial things in for their guests. The sound from the room - as we discussed briefly after listening - was now up to a similar benchmark set by the other larger display rooms, and the visitors could now hear more of the things that make this particular system unique.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127197)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127198)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127199)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127200)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127201)
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VPI
Just pictures on this room, as I am really the last person on Earth that should be asked to judge turntables. :icon_lol: I do have to give a shout out to the VPI crew though. These guys are machines! Party hard every night, have an entire team taking care of tables in rooms throughout the show to make sure everything is in top shape every day, and also running their own demo room with a really cool setup that lets you try out every table they have on display. If any of you are on AC, you guys were great and I hope to hang out next show!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127202)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127203)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127204)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127205)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127206)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127207)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127208)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Salk Signature Sound, Gingko Audio, LampizatOr, Wells Audio, DanaCable
Gorgeous casework as always; I'm glad to see the choice of some really wild grain patterns for the show speakers - really shows off the 'art' part of state-of-the-art. Best bass at the show, period, winning over the OB servos by way of absolutely seamless integration. Granted, I'm used to the sound of the servo subs, but there is just something about the speed of servo bass. The speakers are pulled out into the room about a third of the way - nice, deep, soundstage. I am really enjoying the sound from these with the mated electronics - I can tell why they wanted to put this pairing together again for another show. I really want to hear these with something I know to make a more critical assessment. Maybe a round two on Sunday with some time to dig through the available music in queue. Keep in mind this is without my own demo music, but early on out of the gate on Friday, this room sets the bar. Finally, a Salk setup that I like!
[Update: The white ones. I happended to cross paths with Mary and she gave me a brief interview with some information for the astute AudioCircle members. These are protoypes that were played to a closed-room session at Axponia. This session decided they weren't quite ready for prime time. It has been making the show circuit incognito with Dennis working with Jim to refine it. Mary explained, the target on this model is that Jim wants to get a quality three way that can appeal to a younger customer - specifically as a rock music speaker - and at a more competitive price point that puts it more in reach than some of the higher priced models.]
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127209)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127210)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127211)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127212)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127213)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127214)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127215)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127216)
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Wow! Great report. Thank you!
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Daedalus Audio, ModWright, WyWires
Poseidon. Fitting name with the sound these are making. Big and powerful for sure. Dan and Lou knock it out of the park on body and tone - smooth as always. Absolutely crushed the electric guitar. They are fighting the room a little; the system is delivering on the heart of the music - the meat of it - but maybe the speakers are a touch overpowering the room leaving some detail on the table. The soundstage is also a little narrower and shallower than I'm used to Daedalus rooms, but again a trade off for a rock solid center image. I'm guessing the corner placement is what is driving some of these observations. These speakers are a better fit for this room in the bass than the previous big Daedalus/Modwright systems in Denver with the BOW. The bass is playing lower cleanly before the room has to give up.
Have to comment on the cabinetry. First, the deco inspired inlay is flawless. Second, the figure in the wood on this pair is really on a completely higher level, with a depth in the color that only maybe Jim Salk can get out of veneer. If you know Daedalus speakers, saying this pair is on the next level should really say something to what Lou has built. Last, Lou did let me know that there is a reasonable supply of this wood available for a few lucky customers to have speakers built - get in while you can, folks!
I'll give this one a take two on Sunday to see if it smooths out a bit with some run-in; if history serves, this system needs some time to cook before it is really ready to give all it has got. [edit: Unfortunately, I got pressed for time and couldn't make it back for a second go around.]
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127217)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127220)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127221)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127222)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127223)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127224)
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Wow! Great report. Thank you!
Thanks! A few more yet to go! :green:
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Classic Audio Loudspeakers, Atma-Sphere, Triplanar, Purist Audio Design
I haven't been a big fan of big horn systems I've heard in the past, but given some space in a big room like these are, these are nice to listen to. Great blending of the drivers on these. I like them run wide like this, but for absolute solid imaging, they are probably a little too far apart. Again, wide but not deep soundstage. They would have been tops when playing my demo drum track if it weren't for the room echo blurring the attack of the sticks. Good texture on the drum, but missing something in the body. Again, the detail retrieval is carrying this room, as the violin is good but recessed. One nice surprise is that this system smoothed out the leading edge of the vocals in my demo track without losing the little nuances of the breath and duskiness in her voice. On the other side of surprises, although low level details were easily heard, these just didn't do the dynamics I would have expected and kind of blurred out when the music went full on metal. Interesting.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127225)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127226)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127227)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127228)
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Luminous Audio, Fern & Roby, Bettinger Audio Design
Analog only setup, so no demo CD. Beautiful, understated woodwork to the speakers - that is a solid wood and very deep wavegude! They are playing Anne Bisson. Good speaker for the room size, body and presentation is a good front row seat in a small lounge. A little hard on the top, and a little loose on the bottom, probably based on the room. Imaging is a little broad for a single singer on a close mic. Hopefully later in the show they pull the speakers out into the room a bit more to give them some breathing space. The piano tone is good, but just doesn't have the space to put it 'in' the room. I hope the extra space would give the soundstage the depth it needs, and with that to lock in the center image hard. Imaging improves a lot from the front row nearfield in the room and the bass bloom is tamed a bit (above was written from second row back), but the soundstage flattens out even more and shrinks down to inside the speakers. Better, but there is room to shine, for sure.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127229)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127230)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127231)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127232)
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
The Voice That Is, TIDAL, Bricasti, Ayre, dCS
Immaculate piano finish in the speakers - very handsome and luxurious look, dignified and classy. Bass has a little overhang but the speakers are meshing pretty darn well with the room, listening to the room hosts' music. Mid-back row presentation. Soundstage has some depth but is a little on the narrow side. Good to see some room treatments - they are helping clean things up so details are coming through until the bottom of the bass just can't get out of the way. Where the Daedalus Posideon room sounds rich and smooth, this room's signature is a very 'clean' sound - I mean that in a good way, enjoyably before 'sterile' would set in if taken too far. I feel like I'm looking 'at' the music instead of 'into' the music, if that makes any sense. This is a well refined 'hi-fi' setup with extension and range fitting the size of speakers.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127233)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127234)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127235)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127236)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127237)
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So, with some time to decompress back to my daily grind ( :lol: ), a few thoughts in wrapping this up.
To start, some thanks are in order. First, I would like to address AC member, woodsyi, directly - thank you for inviting a complete stranger along for dinner on Friday. The company was even better than the good steaks, and I had the opportunity to connect with some great people. You were a most gracious host to all involved. I admire your truly sharp eye for the finer things, a talent that I have yet to even think to start to refining, and the welcoming tone by which you share it. I'd say I owe you a drink sometime, but I laugh knowing I probably wouldn't know where to begin!
I would also like to thank the friends - old and just met - who shared their time with me, talking about this pursuit we all enjoy, along with trying to solve the world's problems a pint at a time. ;) I know (more like had clearly underscored) that I am a young(er?) person in the scope of audiophiles, and it was refreshing to listen and (hopefully!) learn from good and successful people wiser than myself. I hope that my perspectives in contribution were insightful or at the very least entertaining. :) I hope to see you all again at these events in the future, and I'm glad to be slowly feeling less the outsider looking in, and more along for the ride! As I know many of you are humble enough to be less inclined to be called on by name, I will leave it at handshakes, hugs, and a salute (;)), to each of you.
Now, as to this show specifically in regards to audio, I came away with some things. An interesting difference comparing this show to Texas, and to Denver. I think this show hits a great balance between the informal atmosphere of Texas and the whirlwind in Denver. Attendance flowed in similar fashion to other shows, but the pace was just enough to keep things hopping, while casual enough to have time to both listen more intently at each room and have a few minutes time with the rooms' hosts to ask questions and discuss a few things if desired. The show, as a whole, was very much worth the trip and very well executed by our volunteer hosts. There were a few logistical pain points for the first year at a change in venue, but overall a pretty smooth landing for the Capital Audiofest crew.
Regarding this mix of vendors and this venue, as I mentioned in passing above, it was a challenge to definitively judge the listening rooms against each other. Comparing to Denver, it was a lot more clear between rooms that "had it" and those that did not. At this show, there was an eerily consistent level of "good" across nearly all of the rooms I visited, the differences being in how much each system was able to demonstrate where it could truly excel. I wish the best of luck to the magazine writers and professional press left with the task of giving out awards and rankings - they have their work cut out for them.
Room treatments are starting to get more widespread, and this is a good thing, as the vendors figure out how to get the most bang for their buck in being able to make in these venues an environment where they can really show what they've got. I can also, having heard a few rooms that directly and specifically went the other direction, see where a vendor can stand out with a system that could be placed in an average home's "listening room" - a basic shared everyday living space - and still get great sound. The trick here, I think, is being honest with what you have to work with and putting together a system to display that really fits the room, instead of just building out your "big rig" and blindly trying to proclaim that it is universally great no matter what the conditions. Take note, other vendors planning their rooms for Denver - a lot of people here got it right on both ends of the spectrum both in spite of and in consideration of the limitations of "a room at a show". It really is as simple as being honest and doing what it takes.
I have one nit to pick in regards to source material and components for vendors, and I know this might be just for me because I'm not at all the average audiophile demographic. Just as only having a vinyl rig is off putting to folks who listen to digital sources, having just a digital source is equally restrictive in sampling your rooms. I know that I couldn't say as much for rooms that were "analog only" as I could for rooms that I could sample with my music, and I also know from reading here on AC that there are audiophiles that feel left out in rooms that have made the technology jump and gone "digital only" with local storage streaming devices (purpose built boxes, computers, etc.).
I can't offer what the best answer to this dilemma is, but I know from this show that it is a problem that can be solved. There were two rooms in particular at this show that really got it right. They were able to, quickly on the fly and with complete confidence, take any source - vinyl, CD, digital files of almost any format stored on a USB drive, or whatever source material the room host personally brought along - and get it playing music at the highest level their system could provide.
To do this requires some learning, probably some cooperation with other manufacturers to find products that synergistically mesh with the rest of your gear, and practice enough outside of the confines of the first day of the show when you're scrambling to get the room sounding right at 04:00 before opening to be effortlessly good at it. I am confident though in saying that this little extra effort I believe can pay off big, specifically when addressing serious potential customers. For me personally, walking into a vinyl only room with nothing on a record that I would know well is just as disappointing as scrolling through a locked down streamer full of music, but with nothing uploaded to it that I would know well. Different technology, same end result problem. This adaptability, in what is a direct marketing venue if we're all being honest, I think will become even more key as this and online sales all but completely eclipse the prior distribution models.
In my personal pursuit of audio nirvana, I learned some things about my specific tastes, priorities, and preferences in how a system does what it does for me, which I think more than many things is a great advantage to the format of the audio show for a customer/consumer.
Sorry, but I'm still not a fan of small format ribbon tweeters although I have started to warm up to big OB ones.
I'm still wary of tubes but have just about resolved that I am going to have to sneak at least one somewhere in the "last system I will ever own", so to speak.
Because the base line of quality in the rooms was as it was, it was a good demonstration to those who are/were on the fence regarding power conditioning and cabling - it was one of the key things that put the few systems to have it right a step above a crowded field of quality rooms.
Lastly, for me, was horns. Yep, horns. I am one of the people who early on had my face melted off by mid-market Klipsch products in the 90's, which had guided my generally negative opinion of horns since. A few trips around the country to shows hadn't really changed that. At this show, two very different rooms proved me wrong, and both (interestingly enough both also after show hours) left me impressed. I'm now educated to skeptical but with an open mind. Thanks, Capital Audiofest, for that.
If this is the wrap of my report, I have to come clean with my two personal disappointments, both completely my own fault. One was not getting a thorough demo of the smaller Daedalus room; I tried to do the show in blocks of space, and just got crushed for time. I tried to catch it after hours on Saturday and early Sunday, but just couldn't make it happen, and I really wanted to hear the Athenas. Second, this will be twice now that I have not got to meet AC member, arthurs. I have admired his journey through this hobby for years online, and a lot of his thoughts on his tastes and preferences in regards to audio seem to follow my own, and I just really wanted to finally shake hands when I heard he was making it to the show. To Lou, I'm sorry I couldn't get this done, and I will be looking for the next opportunity to do so. To arthurs, I hope to be able to catch you for a minute at one of these things one of these years; thanks for sharing your own journey and your insights in this hobby, I hold your opinions in strong regard. My best to both of you!
Thanks to anyone who has read this far, and enjoyed the show report. I found out unfortunately I can't make Denver again this year due to a prior commitment, but I hope to see folks and do this again soon!
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Dude, nice work!
If you can give out 1st,2nd,3rd place ribbons that would be fun. Obviously just your humble opinion of course... :D
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Great show report Jonathon!
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Jonathon, thank you for the fine review and photos of the ModWright, Daedalus, Viva Hifi, WyWires, And VPI system. I totally agree that the ModWright tube amp and updated Daedalus speakers are extraordinary accomplishments. The new WYWires Diamond cables deserve some of the credit, too, but it's hard for cables to get noticed in the context of a system presentation in an audio show.
I think I know who you are from the photos. I wish we had had a chance to meet and chat personally.
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Thanks for sharing all the reviews and great photos
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Jonathon,
Thanks for stopping by.
I appreciate the obvious effort you put into the evaluation of the rooms you visited.
Greg
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:thumb: GREAT SOUND :thumb:
Border Patrol, Triode Wire Labs, The Living Voice
Very smooth sound coming from this room. The only room with a blacker background is the LIO room, but this is very close (thanks, P.I. Audio Uberbuss!). One of the most emotionally engaging rooms for me, the flow of the music just draws you in. Soundstage isn't overly broad or deep, but image placement is good with a very wide sweet spot. Feels like I'm looking down on and into the music. Just the right heft to large orchestral drums with very litte overhang. I am repeating myself, but this show has a lot of very well thought out, appropriately scaled rooms. I am a big fan of what Pete's cables do in this system in particular compared to the others at the show - sweetness in the treble with a touch of warmth, detail without going too over the top just for the sake of sounding 'fast'. Ease and tone are two words to describe this room.
On my demo cd, this is the most spot-on I've heard the drum track; this is a very 'live' sound for sure. Guitar excellent at the heart of it, and the system is picking out inner details other systems missed - harmonics are coming through amazingly off the dark background. Violins and vocals very good, the vocals are smoothing out just enough to not lose the details and bring this hot-mixed track in line. Low and high level details again shine, even in the heavy metal, the backing distortion effect in the low level intro is perfectly clear. Not the end all in soundstage size or depth, and not the last word in dynamics, but what you get - and that is a lot - shows a relentless refinement to get it 'right'.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127134)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127135)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127136)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127137)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127138)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127139)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=127140)
Jonathan,
Thank you so much for your insightful & honest impressions on the various TWL rooms you visited.
By any chance, did you stop by Dave Slagle's Room (I believe it was Room 419)? I had some special power cables as well as my new phono interconnects in there. (Dave S said the background was "dead quiet" comapred to the other cables he had in there...)
Cheers,
Pete
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Thanks for all the great writings and photos, Jonathon. I missed the event the last time we lived in Rockville do to vacations. Maybe next year I can thank you in person. As well as see and experience the wonderful hifi, and meet more AC members.
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Jonathan,
Thank you so much for your insightful & honest impressions on the various TWL rooms you visited.
By any chance, did you stop by Dave Slagle's Room (I believe it was Room 419)? I had some special power cables as well as my new phono interconnects in there. (Dave S said the background was "dead quiet" comapred to the other cables he had in there...)
Cheers,
Pete
Negative, brother. I double checked my worksheets and that room didn't get reported. It was one of three on the fourth floor that I missed. I would like to think that it was because the room was packed enough on Saturday that I couldn't get in to do a demo. :D Covering all of where you were at for this show was a challenge, for sure. I have to give you credit for being able to give so many vendors quality face time promoting your products at a show. You pack yourself a busy day, for sure!
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It's tough to hit all the rooms especially running into and talking to people you know. I probably should have made a better hit list for Friday (but was tired from a long drive) when it was less crowded. There were a few rooms I would have either liked to spend more time in when I could give a quality listen and there was at least one I wanted to get into but it was just too crowded when I tried to visit.
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Dude, nice work!
If you can give out 1st,2nd,3rd place ribbons that would be fun. Obviously just your humble opinion of course... :D
I would much rather stay a reporter, and let others better than myself be judges. ;) I hope by my comments, I paint a picture that no system is ever perfect, and each has some things that it really does well. It is these things that a system really shines at that I hope gets a person's attention in reading because whatever that may be is something they find important in a system, and through that they take a few minutes time searching out a maker and learning more about what that company has to offer. A lot of folks get nervous about "the press", hoping to get the "best of show" sound bite for an ad copy somewhere. I'm just a guy with a computer, camera, CD, and opinion. Those tools hopefully let me help connect interested people with great companies and gear, or at least let someone see the show they couldn't make it to.
Now, as a statement like that can (will) quickly get chopped down on the Internet as "weak", assuming I was to walk in to a room, look around, and with a fist full of cash say, "I'll take it all", with MY preferences and MY priorities in MY available room and MY rough budget right now, I could happily take the Odyssey room, Vinnie Rossi room, or maybe one of the Audio Note rooms (I'm not 100% sure on their pricing). With a serious sit down conversation with my piggy bank, I could see stretching for the small Daedalus room, Border Patrol, or Salk with the E3's. Cost no object daydreaming assuming I had the room, means, etc., although I would be very particular cherry picking the rest of the components, I could actually see building a system around the big Volti horns, and that is keeping in mind as noted above I have never been a horn guy - the Volti Vittora with the Vinnie Rossi LIO in front of them, and Triode Wire Labs cabling was really something special.
[edited for clarity]
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Thanks Jonathon for indulging me just a bit...great read!
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Phil, I hear you on that! If I'm remembering names to faces correctly, it was nice chatting with you at the elevator and I hope you enjoy your trip to LV!
Cheers, Tomy, thanks for reading. :thumb:
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Phil, I hear you on that! If I'm remembering names to faces correctly, it was nice chatting with you at the elevator and I hope you enjoy your trip to LV!
Cheers, Tomy, thanks for reading. :thumb:
Your memory/name association is much better than mine. I'm not so good with names but much better with faces. Yes we did chat on the elevator.
Due to a move a little over a year and a half ago, I moved from the DC area and did not make it to the CAF last year. So I ended up meeting new people (who recognized my pic from here or the Post Office :lol:) and reconnecting with others. On Sunday I was up early and made it to breakfast at the Silver Diner which is down the road. On the walk back to the hotel and in the lobby, I ended up talking to several people and before I knew it the rooms were open. As I noted between the long drive (and then after wandering the hotel lobby I ran into Klaus of Oddysey audio and end up in their room Thursday night until about 2AM Friday and was up Saturday at 6AM to meet someone for breakfast so I got 8 hours sleep over two nights) and everything else, I was not as organized in looking at the rooms as I was in the past.
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FWIW Jonathan I totally understand your perspective on reporting versus judging. I think your impressions line up pretty straight with what I heard at the show....nice job and thanks for sharing!
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Jonathon,
Great show write-up!
Thanks for your insight on all the rooms and about the GT Audioworks room. Glad to play your demo tracks in the room. I enjoyed DJing from the Music Server setup and catch up on what you had heard.
Sorry to hear you will not make it to RMAF2015. Hope to see you next year at the shows!
Rich
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arthurs, thank you, and again one of these days. . . :beer:
Rich, I was just about to start looking for a cheep flight to Denver, when I looked at the show dates and saw that a friend's wedding is on the Saturday. Otherwise, I would have found a way.
Also a shout out to the GT Audioworks/Hollis Audio Labs room as one of the two rooms I referred to when I discussed source material. Having Rich personally in the room with the HAL MS-3 made it such that not only could attendees hear whatever they brought, but it could be done with no compromise in the quality of the system and it could happen FAST, as everyone's time is critical in making a great first impression in a busy show room. I know everyone doesn't have their digital source manufacturer on point during a show, but bringing your "A" game in running the gear is clutch.
. . . and Rich, I've heard your front end plopped into a few different systems now. With the time you and Greg put in making the HAL gear a true part of a whole system, that was the best I've heard the MS server yet. Solid work, my friend!
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JJ, Did you hear any of Rich's RR HRX recordings in the GTAW/HAL room? I thought the MS-3 & DS DAC with Rich's music library helped that room to it's full potential, one of the best of the show, and affordable.
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arthurs, thank you, and again one of these days. . . :beer:
Yes indeed, one of these days! :thumb:
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JJ, Did you hear any of Rich's RR HRX recordings in the GTAW/HAL room? I thought the MS-3 & DS DAC with Rich's music library helped that room to it's full potential, one of the best of the show, and affordable.
Sorry, but I don't know for sure, as I didn't keep track of what Rich was spinning when I came in to the room a few times. My demo material was all redbook CD rips to AIFF pulled off a USB drive into the MS-3, as I wanted to keep the CD transport they had set up out of the chain to really get a feel for the MS-3 and DAC alone.
I could see how the higher resolution stuff could have made the GT speakers shine, though, in particular those ribbon tweeters. Again, anyone looking at any 3.x Maggies, I think these can give them a real run for the money!
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Negative, brother. I double checked my worksheets and that room didn't get reported. It was one of three on the fourth floor that I missed. I would like to think that it was because the room was packed enough on Saturday that I couldn't get in to do a demo. :D Covering all of where you were at for this show was a challenge, for sure. I have to give you credit for being able to give so many vendors quality face time promoting your products at a show. You pack yourself a busy day, for sure!
Slagle's room was analog only, so you wouldn't have been able to play your demo material anyway....
Roscoe
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Hi Jonathon,
Thank you for the comprehensive report that you posted. It was really good reading.
Cheers Rod