Let the Tour begin .... Sturgus

steve k · « **Reply #20 on:** 21 Jul 2006, 10:50 pm »

Looks like Sturg will drop the Willieamps off here this weekend-he's going out of town for awhile. Hopefully we'll be getting together next Friday God willing and I can pass them on to Blackmore. That's the best we can do for now guys, unless someone wants to pick them up from me next week.
s.

steve k · « **Reply #21 on:** 29 Jul 2006, 02:54 pm »

Now that I'm with power again :icon_

, we had a small gettogether at my place last night. No better way to test Ameren and my AC system than running 6 tube amps right???

Blackmore brought the illustrious Droplet in for a landing here. It definitely is a great sounding CD player and drop dead gorgeous to look it! Mark, I still think you need to fly it down to Scott's for a group photo!

Alex brought his Prima Luna Prologue II by. This is a fine sounding integrated and the midnight blue metallic finish is simply stunning. I love the white gloves that come with the unit!

We used it on the mid/high section of the maggies and then ran it through the Insignias. This was a great match both with the stock KT-88's and a quad of EL 34's we pulled from a VTL. Next up were Willie's monoblocks driving the Insignias. What can you say about Willie's amps? They always have that signature sound. Must be all that iron? We could definitely hear the sweetness and delicacy of Willie's latest creations--finesse that I've always admired in his designs. I'm sure we weren't really hearing their true potential with the Insignias though, since they're only 90dB efficient. I can't wait to hear them on Deadfish' Altecs and Scott's Lowthers to really hear them in their full glory. Great job, Willie!!

I believe Blackmore was the next on the list to audition the 845's but unfortunately didn't have room in the Beetle with the Droplet in the back. Jeez, when he popped the hatch, I thought he had a 27" TV in the back seat!!! So I have the 845's for now. Who's next?

If we don't make connections until then, I'm still hosting the Nomad speaker demo on August 19 so someone can pick them up then too.

It was fun getting together with some Gassers again. Seems like I've missed most of the meets this year but I heard all the juicy stories last night.

BTW, Tim, Mark brought your favorite Queen Latifah last night---awesome disc. I had no idea she could sing like dat!!!

steve

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=790

Scott F. · « **Reply #22 on:** 30 Jul 2006, 08:41 pm »

Steve,

Sounds like you guys had a good time

Blackmore, why don't you grab them next. Then maybe when you are done with them we can get together and introduce the long lost twins to each other.

steve k · « **Reply #23 on:** 3 Aug 2006, 03:04 pm »

Scott,
Blackmore said he's getting busy with the school year and probably won't have time to play with them for awhile. Is anyone else interested in these babies? Deadfish? Jcrane? Anyone????
steve k.

jcrane · « **Reply #24 on:** 3 Aug 2006, 04:35 pm »

Oh I'm interested alright

See if Deadfish wants them first but I am ready whenever:D

Jamie

DeadFish · « **Reply #25 on:** 4 Aug 2006, 12:02 am »

My only issue with getting them right now is how incredibly poorly my A/C is keeping up with the house.
The loss of my locust tree two weeks ago on my western side was the loss of shade in the uninsulated part of the house.

82 degrees in the living room last nite....(sigh..)
Jamie, feel free to jump in there if you have speakers to handle them.
I'd prefer to wait until it is cooler but if I *must* suffer through,

, I'll deal with it.

No, really.

But, go ahead, Jamie, if'n you want.

Regards,
DF

jcrane · « **Reply #26 on:** 5 Aug 2006, 04:00 pm »

I am going to have to pass on the tour for now, my apartment floor is flooded and I do not know when I will be back in. Managed to save most everything but I am going to be staying at my girlfriends until this mess is cleaned up.
Not sure what caused it but it started last week after the storms and I *thought* it was resolved/fixed. Found out last night it wasn't

Whoever is next step in please, I will catch a listen when they get to Deadfish's.

Jamie

steve k · « **Reply #27 on:** 12 Aug 2006, 03:57 pm »

Well, Willie's 845's have been safely delivered unto the house of Deadfish (so Jamie, they're much closer now).

We had a little get together here last night with Sturg, Deadfish, Chris, and Tim. Chris brought John Hillig's tricked out Chameleon 6H30 preamp hot off the workbench and we gave it a go against the Mapletree Magic 5B SE. It was definitely a demonstration in the extreme possibilities in tube sound. The Magic 5B had a big soundstage, lush with rich texture to it while the Chameleon was fast, nimble and very detailed (allbeit, not broken in yet). Both sounded great just very different in presentation, like polar opposites.

John also whipped up a neat little tube phono using a pair of 6922's that Sturg took home for a spin. We need to get John to one of these meets! Maybe we should start a petition???

Here's a few pics. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=797

steve

Scott F. · « **Reply #28 on:** 12 Aug 2006, 11:17 pm »

The Chameleon looks very cool

One of these days I need to make it to Chris' to give it a listen.

Dr Lloyds stuff is great. Super simple designs that use really inexpensive tubes (a real plus in todays market). So Steve, how do you like those Sonicaps?

steve k · « **Reply #29 on:** 12 Aug 2006, 11:55 pm »

I like the Sonicaps much better than the Auricaps. I think they're fuller and more natural sounding. Now to replace the Auricaps in the Seduction and my passive crossovers with Sonicaps.

MerRev · « **Reply #30 on:** 13 Aug 2006, 04:46 am »

thanks for the invite Steve. The Mapletree is one fine sounding pre and worked oh so well with the Maggies. I agree- lush and full are perfect descriptions, and having the ability to switch between SRPP and cathode really makes it a interesting piece.

Thanks for the kind words regarding the Chameleon. The Musical Design pre in my setup offers a considerably more detailed presentation than I would have ever expected out of the Osprey's. The bass is already better than what the Foreplay could offer and the Blackgates are far from being broken in. I've been yearning for a speedier sound and think the 6H30 really does the trick.

Thanks to the entire GAS gang for pointing me in the right direction- TUBES at the very least on the preamp really seems to bring out the emotion in the music that I love so much.

DeadFish · « **Reply #31 on:** 13 Aug 2006, 01:48 pm »

I'm just agreeing with everyone. Y'all know how agreeable an individual I am.

Thanks for having us over friday night Steve. It was worth (almost!) sitting on the I-270 parking-lot gasping in the heat for hours.
I swear, I don't know how anyone copes in 'The Hive' of citylife. If it were me doing it everyday, I'd already be off the grid, in prison for murder by vehicle.

Your system sounds great Steve! Like I said the other night, you have restored my faith in how Maggies can sound and didn't mind at all sitting a little 'off-axis'. Both the Mapletree and Musical Design pre-amps were deliscious in it. Looking forward to hearing how your unit breaks in and opens up, Chris! Would love to hear either (both!) lashed up to the my upstairs system to hear how the wind blows thru them. Maybe when the weather cools I can talk you both into bringing them for a visit.
And speaking of the upstairs system, I'm just steeling myself to getting the 2nd of the 845 amps upstairs this morning.
I spent most of last sunday dicking around up there and listening and it was a splendid day until I was just getting too 'moist' in the late afternoon. I have good reason to do it again! Well, maybe hook up the window a/c for a while to offset them TUBES!
Man, Willie, these amps look incredibly complex, so I'll just follow your directions and listen!

Thanks again for the 'loaners!'

Y'all stay cool today, or if you get 'heated', it better be worth it!!

Regards,
DeadFish

steve k · « **Reply #32 on:** 13 Aug 2006, 02:13 pm »

Quote

Thanks to the entire GAS gang for pointing me in the right direction- TUBES at the very least on the preamp really seems to bring out the emotion in the music that I love so much.

Welcome to the dark side, Luke Skywalker...

drummerwill · « **Reply #33 on:** 13 Aug 2006, 04:02 pm »

Have fun Fish ! If you need anything give me a call !
Willie

jcrane · « **Reply #34 on:** 13 Aug 2006, 07:08 pm »

Apartment is now dry but man does it smell something bad. Musty smelling is an understatement.
Glad to see the amps made it over to this side of the river, going to have to sneak over to fish's here soon and grab a listen.

Well back to work...

Jamie

DeadFish · « **Reply #35 on:** 14 Aug 2006, 09:05 pm »

Get it while I've got 'em, Jamie!

These amps sound right purty on the 19's, and so far, have no complaints at all except the kind that comes from moving heavy metal.

Anyone wants to hear these things over here, shout out and we'll try and work something out.

Thanks again, Willie!!

Regards,
DeadFish

jcrane · « **Reply #36 on:** 16 Aug 2006, 11:52 pm »

FISH
YES I want to hear them on the 19s!
My work load sucks right now, how much longer you going to have them around?

Jamie

DeadFish · « **Reply #37 on:** 17 Aug 2006, 12:09 am »

Quote from: jcrane on 16 Aug 2006, 11:52 pm

how much longer you going to have them around?

"Until they pry them from my cold, dead fingers!!!"

aa
I would say until our local god of amperage recommends I pass them on or turns me into a pillar of salt, I'd say....

I'm still working 6day week, with evenings and sundays off. I see my wife at
7 in the morning, and she wakes me at 11:30 pm when she gets home.
If you get a free evening, give a hollar.

Anyone getting plans together to listen to these next, let Jamie know how long he's got, when you get that far....

The listening is good!

Best Regards,
DeadFish

sturgus · « **Reply #38 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 05:45 pm »

Hey Bill,
I was wondering if you are going to have the 45's for a minute? I would love to get over and hear them with the 19's. I love the way they sound with my Merlins but they just need a little more juice. What day would be good for me to come over? Wed, Thur, Fri are all good for me.
Sturgus

DeadFish · « **Reply #39 on:** 18 Aug 2006, 10:31 pm »

Hey Sturgus!
By all means, you are more than welcome!
Next week, I work all days, but get home by 6:30 or so, if evenings trip yer trigger.
If evenings work, just lemme know.
These things really DO sound nice up there.
I've also got a delightful sample of musics I've mostly not heard that you might enjoy.
LoneWolf has turned me on to a variety of that which the NY Rave crowd uses to check out gear and there is some plain-ass great stuff in there.
There will be no lack of music!

Just lemme know!
Bill