April 3rd Meeting

Carlman · « **on:** 21 Mar 2005, 03:44 pm »

I will finally have my system 'complete' by the end of this week and would like to have a little get-together to show it all off.

What I have:
- Usher 718's with the 'Statement Upgrade' from Response Audio
- Usher 718's in stock form (depending on Shane's availability)
- DK vs1 mkII (I also have a plethora of tubes to choose from)
- Audio PC

What I am borrowing/auditioning:
- The new Eastern Electric M520 Integrated
- The Eastern Electric Phono Preamp (depends on Claud)

My main goals are to compare the 2 integrateds and the Usher 718's modified vs. unmodified. Also, an interesting comparison I found was the EE phono preamp to the Audio PC.... and the Audio PC vs. the DK's phono input... I know what I heard but it's interesting to experience.

In any case, if anyone is interested in hearing these (or additional) comparisons on the 3rd, please let me know via PM or this thread so I can figure a head count for lunch.

I was thinking noon to 5 PM and I could order some pizza's or possibly grill some burgers... BYOB.. but I'll supply scotch and wine if you're interested.

Also, if you have suggested additions or comments, please feel free to post here...

hometheaterdoc · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 06:03 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

- Usher 718's in stock form (depending on Shane's availability)..

As far as I know, I don't have anything going on that day....but things change rapidly on this end....

If the X-718 demos are still around then, I'll be happy to bring them along for the comparison....

I will likely be hosting a little get together of my own very soon. LOTS of new toys for me arriving over the coming weeks.

I am now officially a Tact Audio dealer. The TCS MKII surround processor and the 2.2X totally loaded, along with their amps are on their way to me. I'll need to play with these for a while and break them in before I let folks listen.

I also have some high end two channel speakers on the way in the next couple weeks. The Von Schweikert VR-SR in African Ebony is coming my way as soon as they can get them built. I also have a pair of Usher Audio's new, updated CP-8571 Dancer models coming. These are the new version that has the new midrange driver and the brand new beryllium oxide tweeters.

I envision a speaker shootout coming with the VR-4jrs, the 8571s and the VR-4SRs, all room corrected via the Tact stuff and using a variety of amplifiers from Butler, Bel Canto, Tact, and DK Design Group.....

As always, it won't be a sales pitch, depsite me being a dealer. I just want to show off my new toys

Hantra · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 06:16 pm »

I'm game for either or both meets.

Carlman · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 06:57 pm »

So you know, I have no choice on my date... It's April 3rd.

I think Shane's meet would merit its own day... so, post your own damn thread on meetings! Ha! and not on the 3rd!

Seriously, that sounds like an awesome comparison of top-notch gear. I'd like to make it but I doubt I'd make it unless it was in May... Or possibly April 23/24. Thats my only free time in 2 months....

hometheaterdoc · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 07:21 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

So you know, I have no choice on my date... It's April 3rd.

I think Shane's meet would merit its own day... so, post your own damn thread on meetings! Ha! and not on the 3rd! Seriously, that sounds like an awesome comparison of top-notch gear. I'd like to make it but I doubt I'd make it unless it was in May... Or possibly April 23/24. Thats my only free time in 2 months....

You don't honestly think I am carrying all those speakers over to your place, do ya?? HA!

Yes, it is definitely a meeting all by itself and won't be on the 3rd. I don't know exactly when my 4SRs will be arriving as the date the cabinets will be done keeps changing. Plus break in time, etc. will be necessary before I let anybody listen

The meeting will likely be in May, but I may be able to host a few folks before then for a preview of some of the pieces....

I'll post my own thread when the time comes

sheadlee · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 07:49 pm »

Carl,

I should be able to make the April 3 meeting

!

Carlman · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 08:44 pm »

I'm really looking forward to hearing... well, everything you listed, Shane.

BTW, if you want to bring a digital source to compare to the Audio PC, feel free. It's fairly easy to A/B them.

Glad you can make it, Steve.

I spoke to Claud today and he's decided to buy the EE Phono pre. So, he'll either bring it with him or drop it off for the meeting.

So, a good number of people are interested and looks like some good comparisons will be heard. This is very good news so far.

Thanks,
Carl

hometheaterdoc · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Mar 2005, 09:07 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

I'm really looking forward to hearing... well, everything you listed, Shane. BTW, if you want to bring a digital source to compare to the Audio PC, feel free. It's fairly easy to A/B them.

I'll bring the Opera Audio player and the Bel Canto Player. It'll be interesting to hear the difference between the Audio PC and the Player...

Carlman · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 02:57 am »

Just a quick update.... So far it looks like everything I've listed will be there. Bill at Response got my speakers back together this afternoon and will ship them Monday. (I asked him to do some break-in for me.) I will then put more hours on them when they arrive.

The M520 integrated is in and sounding excellent. I haven't flipped back over to the DK since I've had it so, no comparions yet...

It looks like a small crowd so far, mostly the usual suspects...
Hantra/Brandon
Hometheaterdoc/Shane
Claud
Sheadlee/Steve
Possibly a friend of mine and me....

Has anyone heard from Tim?

What about Tsunami/Andy? I know he lurks around here from time to time... and I'm hoping 'Bruno the Anechoic' will make it.... Bruno?

Thanks,
Carl

claud · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 03:32 am »

I talked with Tim yesterday. He is alive, very busy at home and work. I'll call him again tomorrow. He has not followed any forums in a while. He really needs a break. Can't wait to hear the speakers.

Inscrutable · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 11:47 am »

Hi guys,
Trying to crawl out from under my rock here. I'm moving my daughter the weekend of the 3rd, but if I'm done and ambulatory I'd love to come over. Carl, you've got a lot of gear to compare, but if you'd like I'll bring over the Plinius. I'd also offer the Oracle/Koetsu, but both transporting and switching out in place might be more trouble than it is worth? Talk to ya later.
Tim

Carlman · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 03:23 pm »

Cool.. Glad to hear you're alive and well, Tim.

Doesn't your daughter know how to flirt with big guys that can help on moving day? I seemed to have been suckered a few times on that one..

ha!

Anyway, it'd be great to see you and hope you can make it... I think the Plinius would make it a little more complicated but may be well worth it.... You and Brandon like that integrated and he and I know the DK fairly well so it would be a reasonably well-educated comparison.

I just switched back to the DK and can hear some surprising differences so, I think adding the Plinius might just be the ticket to round out a comparison.

I *think* the comparisons will go something like this:
Decide on some good music
Compare the X-718's on the DK to confirm upgraded goodness
Start switching the integrated amps with 2 songs, 3 max.
Compare the PC to the digital sources Shane brings on whichever amp we end up liking most or doing something better...

Or at least something like that...

Can you tell I'm excited?

Weather will likely determine what's for lunch... It might be pizza and wings from a cool restaurant up the road.. maybe burgers...

My time is noon till 5 or a little beyond.. If you're bringing gear, please arrive a little early.

-Carl

hometheaterdoc · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 06:27 pm »

Tim LIVES! He LIVES!

I was beginning to wonder about ya, buddy... How's "The Flying Berkline"? I never did hear back from you on that one... and if you need help with the move.... well..... tell me more about how much heavy stuff there is first......

Carl, if you want, I could bring along a Tact S2150 to really overwhelm us all of integrated amp choices. But it only does digital in because I don't have it equipped with the analog input card... so any vinyl comparisons are out.... Interesting first impressions with it last night.......

Carlman · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Mar 2005, 10:07 pm »

I think it should be up to others... What I have lined up will likely take 5 hours... (or more)... So, adding more might be a bit much... but if others are interested, I'm open...

I'll likely turn from 'critical listener' to 'critical scotch drinker' at 5 or so...

But if others are interested, bring it. Otherwise, we could get a demo at your next gathering.

-C

Inscrutable · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Mar 2005, 11:06 am »

Quote

Tim LIVES! He LIVES!

That's overrated.

Quote

How's "The Flying Berkline"?

Bumpy landing, but pretty much intact. No problem. And thanks for the offer, but I've got some hired guns to do the heavy stuff ... getting too old for that %#$@

We're doing most of it Saturday, so if I make it to Carl's Sunday, may need to reorient the room for a horizontal listening position.

Hantra · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Mar 2005, 01:35 pm »

Well crap!

I'm going to have to give up my seat at the 3rd meet. The wife comes home from China on Saturday and I thought she had plans with her fam on Sunday, but I found out otherwise yesterday.

Between that and firing up a couple new routers Sunday I won't be able to squeeze in a meet.

Next time guys. . . I expect a full report though!

Carlman · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Apr 2005, 08:54 pm »

Please post whether you'll make it at the new thread here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=18082

The gear comparisons haven't changed from the original plan...

Thanks!