Chicago Audio Fest 14-16 October

Steve · « **Reply #20 on:** 8 Oct 2005, 11:35 pm »

Dear Max,

I should have something setup and running between 5-6pm Friday evening.

Hopefully there will be some others setting up, or up and running by then, so I think it should be worthwhile stopping by. If it isn't too busy, can get some quality time discussing audio.
I see we already have some 600 views on this thread, a nice sign Dave.

David Ellis · « **Reply #21 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 11:37 am »

I should be setup too.

I hope to formally start discussing music selection and source gear use at 6:00pm . I have no serious "agenda" here. Either could come first, and... of course... tubes are always better

.

Dave

jackman · « **Reply #22 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 01:56 pm »

Quote

Who is coming?

Hi dad (Jackman)!

Thanks Audiojerry. Being a dad has been a really big transition in my life but it's been great. Little William is getting big so fast, it's unbelievable. I've become one of those guys I used to make fun of...showing baby pictures to strangers and always talking about my son. Can't help it!

I really look forward to catching up with you. It's been too long!

Jack

audiojerry · « **Reply #23 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 03:39 pm »

Make sure you bring those pictures, Jack! Say Hi to Mom for me.

Dave, if you like tube source, you must absolutely take the time to combine your speakers with Steve's gear. It could be a match made in heaven. In fact, I'd like to be there when it happens!

David Ellis · « **Reply #24 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 07:49 pm »

I really don't consider myself a tube guy, but among the very good sane priced amplifiers I currently find the VanAlstine Ultimate 70 an dandy amplifier. It's obviously an EL34 push pull. The midrange from this amp is extremely clean.

My comment about tubes always being better is obviously tongue-in-cheek. There are certainly many very good SS amplifiers too, and I have no aversion to using one on Saturday.

I hope Jeff at Soniccraft is finished with my SE40SE mods, and this amplifier is present too. However, I am not sure if completion will happen.

And... Jerry... did you have a really good tube amp? I can't remember if it was you or Marbles.

Dave

gonefishin · « **Reply #25 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 10:34 pm »

I'm going to try and see if I can make it up there Saturday, we'll see how things go

One thing for sure...I don't think I'll be hauling the system with me

take care,
dan

David Ellis · « **Reply #26 on:** 9 Oct 2005, 11:14 pm »

Quote

One thing for sure...I don't think I'll be hauling the system with me

Bummer,

That's exactly the type of system I hope someone will bring. Currently, it's not present.

I think WE speaker guys get too wrapped-up in small 2-way and low sensitivity 3-way "myopia". I think hearing your system in a simiar setting would be very enlightening.

It's been several years since I heard the Tannoy Churchill. It was quite surprising/amazing.

Dave

audiojerry · « **Reply #27 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 12:07 am »

I think Gonefishin should bring hs system too!

BTW, my amp weighs 160 pounds, so I think I'll be leaving it at home too...

David Ellis · « **Reply #28 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 12:26 am »

Quote

BTW, my amp weighs 160 pounds, so I think I'll be leaving it at home too...

Yep, that's a bugger. Those tube amps can get very heavy. I thought my SE40SE weighed @40lbs. It doens't. The post office tagged it for @68lbs on the meter. Those output transformers can be VERY heavy.

I am fairly convinced there is a difference in the QUALITY of output transformers. My modified Dynaco/Vanalstine 70 has better midrange than my modified Jolida. The layout of the Jolida circuit looks very logical. I am sure there aren't any mistakes. I am certain there are differences between the amplifiers in the schematic/design realm, but I have a hunch there is something... more. I think those old Dynaco output transformers are a step above.

This is, however, only a hunch. I really don't know anything about the "artistry" of winding transformers, but toroidal's would seem to have greater potential too.

Dave

gonefishin · « **Reply #29 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 02:48 am »

Quote from: David Ellis

Quote
One thing for sure...I don't think I'll be hauling the system with me

Bummer,

That's exactly the type of system I hope someone will bring. Currently, it's not present.

I think WE speaker guys get too wrapped-up in small 2-way and low sensitivity 3-way "myopia". I think hearing your system in a simiar setting would be very enlightening.

Dave

If I could make it...I really hope to get some good ideas for an inexpensive bookshelf or small tower for my DIY area. I've already got a driver I'm going to use for a small subwoofer in that area...But I'll need some ideas for good sounding speakers to match for use with both tube and SS amps alike. But I don't have a ton of money for it right now. In fact...It's going to have to wait until I get my IB subwoofers done for my main speakers before I start the DIY area speakers.

With the speakers weighing over 220lbs a piece...I'll keep'em at home right now

Actually...if it wasn't for two spine surguries in the last three months...I may think differently

But I am planning to have a little get together in November.

What time are thing starting Friday? (for initial set-up)

thanks,

dan

David Ellis · « **Reply #30 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 03:01 am »

Quote

Actually...if it wasn't for two spine surguries in the last three months...I may think differently

Ouch! That sounds awful.

Please do not move your equipment on our behalf.

I should arrive @1600hrs. I hope to start informally chatting about the DIY flow and evaluating gear @1800hrs.

I think we will meet in Jim Salk's room. This will be a fine place to make a mess

.

Dave

gonefishin · « **Reply #31 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 02:15 pm »

I know that you guys have some setting up to do...I'm not sure how many of you are Maynard Ferguson fans out there, but he'll be playing in Elgin on the 14th, starting at 08:00pm. Directions from the event are
here with this link, which is about 28 minutes.

See you guys Saturday...or maybe Friday

dan

Bill Baker · « **Reply #32 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 02:58 pm »

Greetings all,
After viewing the room(s) to be used for our setup, we have come to the conclusion that it/they would not be adequate for our intended audition systems. They speakers we intended to display are rather large and would not be very well suited for these arrangements. Unfortunately, we will not be attending.

We want to wish everyone the every best of luck at this event and most important, have fun.

I will be folowing the event as it unfolds and hope to see lots of pictures!

David Ellis · « **Reply #33 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 03:20 pm »

Quote

After viewing the room(s) to be used for our setup, we have come to the conclusion that it/they would not be adequate for our intended audition systems.

Bummer,

I did my best to find the largest suites in the Chicago area. Spending signficantly more $$$ didn't necessary net a larger suite. What is "wrong" with them, and what type of setup would you prefer?

Dave

Bill Baker · « **Reply #34 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 03:33 pm »

HI Dave,
We planned on having some larger speakers by SP Technology as well as our new Bella SP/AV-1 speaker. For this arrangement with so many speakers, we would have needed a MUCH larger room.

Have no worries though as everything always works out in the end. This does give me more time to get the Bella speakers into a production version for the next show that comes along. Montreal? As it stood, I was going to be debuting them in a raw MDF form as time didn't permit finishing of the cabinets or building a production version of the external crossover for this event. Besides, I would have like to have more burn-in time on this pair. My feelings were that they are only at about 80% of their potential. This will give me a chance to get them at 110% before consumers hear them in a show enviroment.

We did want to get more exposure of the SP Technology speakers but we still have our Chicago based showroom for this.

TomS · « **Reply #35 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 04:00 pm »

I've been lurking as I re-enter the hobby after a many year hiatus while raising kids and mostly spending disposable money on kids showing horses. That's somewhat coming to a close so I'm thinking of jumping back into the DIY and high end world again. Long ago, I worked on some of the POOGE mods many years ago with Walt Jung/Dick Marsh back when people thought all caps and power supplies were the same. With that as a background, I discovered this forum recently and find it truly fascinating.

Being relatively close (Ft. Wayne IN) I was hoping to head up Saturday and see the SP's and Salk Veracity's to see if they are as exciting as the buzz on this board. I was really dissappointed to see that the SP's won't be there but I understand your situation.

How far is the Jam'n showroom from the hotel and could they open it up for those of us just visiting to see the SP's at their best? I guess I could drive to Kinsbury or wherever it is too.

Tom

JAMn Joe · « **Reply #36 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 04:10 pm »

I stopped by the hotel this morning to check out the rooms in the "B" building. Picture a standard hotel room but about 10% larger cut in half and staggered. The main room is probably around 10' x 12' (maybe just a little larger). The front wall (short walls) is windows on one half and an angled wall in one corner opening up to the bedroom section. The back wall has the door opening into the suite from the hall and a small kitchen table. On the side walls (long walls) is the couch on one side and a kitchen and entertainment center on the other.

The bedroom is mostly bed and furniture which is going to limit how much furniture can be moved from one room to the next. It's going to be very difficult trying to setup such small areas for large speakers. I would suggest calling the hotel to confirm everyone is in the same building as well. I do not believe they have this setup as a scheduled event so unless all vendors asked to specifically be in the "B" building you might not be. I also let the hotel know that the event would be playing music in the rooms in case there are any complaints from other registered hotel guest. I don't think the hotel had a good handle on what was going to be happening with this event so I've tried to make sure they understand this is and audio event.

JAMn Joe · « **Reply #37 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 04:15 pm »

TOMS,

I am aproximately 45 minutes North of Schaumburg where the show is taking place. I would welcome all attendees who would like to come up and visit. We will have the Continuum AD's on display and several other systems available for audition if you care to make the drive up.

Please call me or email me to discuss further.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #38 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 04:15 pm »

Hello Tom,
Sorry for the inconvienence.
As far as Jam'n Audio goes, I do not think they are very far from the the show.
I would contact Joe Jurzec to see about an SP demo.

audiojerry · « **Reply #39 on:** 10 Oct 2005, 04:18 pm »

that's discouraging.
Isn't there going to be a larger conference room where perhaps the various components can be combined and could hold several folks at a time?