Midwest Audio Fest

JohnR · « **Reply #20 on:** 27 Dec 2002, 10:29 pm »

Hi Klaus, here's the link

http://www.midwestaudiofest.com/

JohnR

shaynet · « **Reply #21 on:** 28 Dec 2002, 02:43 am »

I think Marbles has me convinced. I'll probable either bring the new Fried Products Valhalla Studios or, if I can get them finished in time, a 7 ft, 93db/2.83v beastie called the IMF Musica 28. I want to bring something that works well on 15w. ':D'

shaynet · « **Reply #22 on:** 28 Dec 2002, 02:55 am »

I forgot to add a warning/disclosure to my last post. ':oops:'

I am the owner of IMF/Fried Products. I will add an identifier to my name to make sure that people are aware of that fact. I will do my best, however, not to discuss my products in any general threads.

Marbles · « **Reply #23 on:** 28 Dec 2002, 01:49 pm »

Mike Baker (the sponser of the MAF) might disagree, but my opinion is that the value of the MAF for manufacturers is the feedback posted on the internet of those who go, and not so much by the few hundred attendees directly.

Let me try to repeat that.

There will be a couple hundred attendees give or take. These folks will be impressed with much of the equipment at the show. They can only buy so much equipment, but many will post on what they saw and heard and this will be the main benifit IMO.

The show last year had about 10 rooms IIRC. This was a great show to attend because it was so relaxing. You could get the sweetspot in any room without much waiting. You could talk to the venders without a lot of hangers on.

From an attendees point of view, for me the show was about perfect.

From a manufacturers point of view, I would think they might want it more like the crowds at CES or Cedia.

Any way, I did not want to give the wrong impression of the show.

From an attendees standpoint it was great. I think almost all who went had a great time.

It looks like almost all manufacturers who came last year (except Rick Craig/Jim Griffen) will be there again, including nOrh who comes all the way from Thailand! Kevin Haskins (DIYcable) is coming from the Pacific Northwest! Maybe it's an OK show for manufacturers after all

Anyway, those are my thoughts, maybe some other attendees can share their thoughts on MAF.

I do want to say that it was great meeting several of the online friends I had coresponded with over the years, and I look very much forward to doing the same this year.

For me the MAF is more of a social event with my hobby thrown in, then my hobby first with some social events later.

For the venders though....all things being equal, people would rather buy from those they know and like than from someone they don't. The MAF is a way to let people know you.

MaxCast · « **Reply #24 on:** 30 Dec 2002, 01:34 pm »

Marbles pretty much sumed up the MAF.

The MAF's original idea is for tube, hi efficiency, DIY, clubs to get together and show & listen. It is a gathering of equipment and sound you can't find in a hi-fi shop. I think Mike Baker has a hard time to discern who will fit in with this original idea. I think he has broadened the scope of exhibitors which is a good thing. The event includes the above and the smaller internet audio companies that are not available at the hi-fi shop.

A few things I liked about the event. You can actually meet and talk to the manufacturers. You can hear them demonstrate the products. You may even be able to bring in your own product and hear how it sounds with their product (see mfg. on this). You get to meet people from the audio forums and BS about anything. Mfgs may run specials or have show pricing on some gear so they won't have to take or ship back home. You get to drink a few beers after hours (or during if you can't hold off that long).

What I liked about last years show...everything.
What I am looking forward to for this years show....everything.

Every room is interesting and different in itself. It is not like some hi-fi shops that have a HT in every room or a line of speakers lined up against a wall. These guys work hard too....lazy boy chairs, very large horn ensembles, large (mattress) sized room treatments. From a guy that will make you a $5000 tube amp to the $139 DIY speaker form parts express (excellent speaker for the $).

If you are expecting CES, this it is not. If you are looking for about 15 -20 rooms of different equipment, DIYers, and auidonuts...this is it.

Marbles · « **Reply #25 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 03:42 pm »

Here is the list as it stands today:

mgalusha
Marbles
Wayne1 (Bolder Cables)
Jason Wong (tenative?)
Tyson
JohnR (thinking about it)
hairofthedawg (if he gets a wild hair)
MaxCast
Jackman
DeanSheen
TimV
Brad
Michael Barnes and some staff (nOrh)
Louis Chochos (Omega)
Klaus Bunge (Odyssey) Probable
Curt (IRD) Thinking about it.
Kevin Haskins (DIY Cable) thinking about it as a goer, not a vender.
Shayne Tenece (Imf/Fried)

Looks like an AC/HD reunion in Lima. Anyone else planning on going?

W.C. · « **Reply #26 on:** 21 Jan 2003, 06:26 pm »

Marbles, any TBG's in the area?

MaxCast · « **Reply #27 on:** 1 Feb 2003, 02:11 pm »

I don't know how the details would work, but I had a thought. It would be neat if there was a community room where attendees could play around with stuff. Things like there own source, amp, etc., as well as, demo products (like the dezoral and GR speakers roaming the country) from manufacturers not at the show or who can not support a whole room.

mgalusha · « **Reply #28 on:** 1 Feb 2003, 02:35 pm »

A very cool idea Max. It would be nice to have AC/HD playroom. The problem I see is who would pay for it. The cost is listed as $159 (or less) per day for a room at the Civic Center with a two day minimum. They also have some suites in the Hotel for the same cost for either one or two days.

I would be happy to kick in a share if we can get enough folks interested. Of course we should get a room reserved ASAP before they are all taken.

mike

MaxCast · « **Reply #29 on:** 1 Feb 2003, 04:42 pm »

Thanks Mike, I was thinking a bit more and thought that if enough mfgs kicked in say $50 per component we could probably pay for a room. Of course the mfg. would have to trust a few well respected

AC members to supervise the room.

The pieces could be sold at "show prices" or shipped back to the mfg. after the show. If enough mfgs. are interested I may be coerced into organizing such a room. Of course I would need 4-5 AC volunteers to man the room for a few hours too.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #30 on:** 1 Feb 2003, 07:14 pm »

Quote from: MaxCast

Thanks Mike, I was thinking a bit more and thought that if enough mfgs kicked in say $50 per component we could probably pay for a room. Of course the mfg. would have to trust a few well respected AC members to supervise the room.

The pieces could be sold at "show prices" or shipped back to the mfg. after the show. If enough mfgs. are interested I may be coerced into organizing such a room. Of course I would need 4-5 AC volunteers to man the room for a few hours too.

I would be interested in sending some speakers. I won't be able to attend this year but I thought that last year's event was great considering it was a first attempt. Mike did a terrific job!

flintstone · « **Reply #31 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 05:13 pm »

Whats the oudiofest all about? Is it open to everyone?

Marbles · « **Reply #32 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 05:36 pm »

It is open to the public for $10 for one day or for all three (not $10 day).

It is mainly for tube gear and high effeciency speakers, as well as DIY stuff, but really it is a get together for audio geeks to have a good time.

Great relaxing atmosphere. Great companies representing and great company to hang with.

flintstone · « **Reply #33 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 05:47 pm »

Thanks, sounds like a good time. I don't have any tube gear in my system but have thought about trying a tube pre someday. I added a Bent audio passive volume control a month or so ago and do like it.

Woodsea · « **Reply #34 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 06:09 pm »

I will try

gonefishin · « **Reply #35 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 06:38 pm »

If your in the area...it's really a good time! Well, if you like music, audio and beer

flintstone · « **Reply #36 on:** 7 Feb 2003, 07:06 pm »

Music, audio, and beer, works for me. I'm about an 1.5 hours north of Detroit . I'll see what I can work out, sounds like audio heaven.

MaxCast · « **Reply #37 on:** 4 Mar 2003, 04:06 pm »

Only 37 more days. If your following the web site has some new info.

http://www.midwestaudiofest.com

Poll

Will you be attending the Midwest Audio Fest?