I posted briefly over at Jim's forum, but here's my take on Frank's room.
(I visited the room a couple times. It was a busy place!)
On one visit, the hybrid gear was driving the 3's. The hybrid gear is very transparent and exceptionally smooth. The 3's were able to show off the electronics very, very well. (more on this later..). It's hard to describe the Ultra gear with the usual stereo-typical slogans. On another visit to the room, the all tube gear was driving the 2's. A different presentation to be sure; a bit more laid back, but still very transparent and natural. (The bass response from the 2's really surprised me in this set-up). The new case for the 30 watt amplifier looked modern and cool.
On a third (or maybe fourth!) visit; Frank swapped the Ultra pre-amp for the all-tube T8, "just for fun". The dac and amp remained the hybrid Ultra's into the 3's. This, IMHO, was wonderful. Jim's speakers allowed an immediate 'window' to the swap. I could easily hear the change; which I would describe as a very, very slight reduction in resolution; but with a discernable increase in 'air' and 'space'. Just what an all tube curcuit usually does. I must stress; this is only a preference for me. Both pre-amps are great. R-e-a-l-l-y great.
On one visit, there was a clown in there from the press. I over-heard a bit of his conversation with Frank. I think he thought he was listening to 'modified' Dynaco gear.
His face had this look of confusion ('cause he was clearly bowled over by the sound), so if you read somewhere in the press that the Dynaco gear in Frank's room sounded great; you'll know who it was. (what a buffoon.)
I can't imagine anyone not being impressed with Frank's room. No matter what gear or speakers were playing; it was so easy to listen past the gear and hear the music, that it was a refreshing oasis from many of the rooms at the show.
It was a pleasure to meet Frank. Like Jim, Frank is a true gentleman and was very gracious. It was clear that he and the visitors to his room were having great fun.
Awesome.
