Van Alstine Biro L/1 monitor speakers on their way!

Mad DOg · « **on:** 2 Aug 2003, 12:35 am »

Frank has generously offered to send me a pair of Van Alstine Biro L/1 and I took him up on his offer, of course! I'd be nuts to pass on an opportunity to audition a pair of speakers I have never heard.

Having read many of the comments on this board regarding Frank's fine preamps and amps, I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of his speakers which should arrive next week.

As usual, I will be sharing my opinions and I will be hosting a listening session for these so any folks interested please PM me. I wanted to get this on the board early enough so that folks have time to respond!

Hantra · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 01:53 am »

Mad Dog:

I think you'll like the Biro's. I liked them a lot when I had them.

Let us know what you think!

B

John Casler · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 02:16 am »

Hey MD,

Count me in. I just checked out the speaker on the website, and it looks cool with the Tweeter "open air" on top.

Looks like it is in the Onix Ref One, 626R, nOrh mini-9, GR Criterion, etc, price slot.

Let me know time and date.

shokunin · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 02:28 am »

Ditto what John said.

John Casler · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 02:35 am »

I know Sadono will be there, maybe I should bring my digital camera and really spill the beans on the "screen names" to "faces" (ears) of the distinguished panel. Thank goodness I'll have to be the one taking the picture

Sa-dono · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 03:25 am »

Quote from: John Casler

I know Sadono will be there, maybe I should bring my digital camera and really spill the beans on the "screen names" to "faces" (ears) of the distinguished panel. Thank goodness I'll have to be the one taking the picture

We'll just have to take some pics of you and reveal the masked man that is John

I don't believe there any pics of you floating around yet

Then again maybe it'd be better to leave the mask..although at least then everyone would know what sweat spot to avoid

And Hantra...of course we'll be posting our thoughts. You'd have to pay me not to. Any bids?

John Casler · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 04:19 am »

Sweat Spot??? or Sweet Spot???

Quote

We'll just have to take some pics of you and reveal the masked man that is John

What mask Kemosabee? Hey man that's the real deal

I know it would make "Leather Face", Freddy Kruger, and Jason proud.

And I didn't borrow those ears from Mickey either

At least I think you and I get our haircuts at the same place, but mines cheaper!!

In any event, I am looking forward to hearing Frank's speakers.

Excuse my ignorance, but what does the Biro moniker mean?

Sa-dono · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 05:08 am »

Quote from: John Casler

Sweat Spot??? or Sweet Spot???

Sweat spot

Quote

What mask Kemosabee? Hey man that's the real deal

Well since you're faceless to everyone else..but you have a face..you have a mask. And I ain't no dang sidekick bub

Quote

And I didn't borrow those ears from Mickey either

We should take a pic of you cupping your ears

Quote

At least I think you and I get our haircuts at the same place, but mines cheaper!!

What..I wouldn't think you would need haircuts anymore

I could shave my head for free (besides the blades and shaving cream, or electricity..and time) to try and look like you

Quote

Excuse my ignorance, but what does the Biro moniker mean?

Function: trademark -- used for a ballpoint pen .

I imagine Frank may have a more significant reasoning?

Mad DOg · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 05:22 am »

Quote from: John Casler

Hey MD,

Count me in. I just checked out the speaker on the website, and it looks cool with the Tweeter "open air" on top.

Looks like it is in the Onix Ref One, 626R, nOrh mini-9, GR Criterion, etc, price slot.

Let me know time and date.

your attendance is not only expected but mandatory!

i'm tentatively shooting for Aug 23 or 24th...need to receive the speaks and break them in first. then of course this depends on the availability of the group consisting of Shokunin, Sa-dono, and yourself.

Shokunin, what kinda toys are you planning to bring this time?

Cryotweaks, HarleyMYK, Sotantar and F-100 are invited if you guys are interested and if you're available.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 Aug 2003, 05:24 am »

Quote from: Hantra

Mad Dog:

I think you'll like the Biro's. I liked them a lot when I had them.

Let us know what you think!

B

Thanks B...I'm really looking forward to hearing these! Will definitely post my impressions.

shokunin · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Aug 2003, 07:13 am »

Quote from: Mad DOg

Shokunin, what kinda toys are you planning to bring this time?

Yo Mad Dog,

Haven't bought much more toys since the last powow, but can bring anything I brought last time, although I did get an Elrod EPS 3 Sig for the Hydra. So maybe we can try some speaker cables, the, Cardas Golden Cross, Jon Risch cc89259 and anything else you guys have.

Looks like no more upgrades for me for awhile, kitchen remodel, needing a new car, plus the urge to trade-in and upgrade my table saw is kickin in.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 04:44 am »

Quote from: shokunin

Quote from: Mad DOg

Shokunin, what kinda toys are you planning to bring this time?

Yo Mad Dog,

Haven't bought much more toys since the last powow, but can bring anything I brought last time, although I did get an Elrod EPS 3 Sig for the Hydra, and I ordered the "package" from Ridge Street Audio. So maybe we can try some speaker cables, the Midnight Silver II, Cardas Golden Cross, Jon Risch cc89259 and anything else you guys have.

Looks like no more upgrades for me for awhile, kitchen ...

Shokunin,

You're welcome to bring whatever you like that's not too difficult to transport...

if you've got 2 of the same 15A IEC power cords, please bring some...that's my only request other than bringing the Hydra again.

I think you'll be interested to see and hear my new preamp...

Looking forward to seeing you again!

shokunin · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 06:17 am »

Will do! I'll bring along some TG Audio SLVR power cords, presumably for your monoblocks!

Jon L · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 10:49 pm »

Quote from: Mad DOg

Quote from: Hantra
Mad Dog:

I think you'll like the Biro's. I liked them a lot when I had them.

Let us know what you think!

B
Thanks B...I'm really looking forward to hearing these! Will definitely post my impressions.

Hey, Mad Dog, I was the guy who gave you the "sampler" CD last time. If you plan to use the Wright preamp, I'll bring some yummy 6SN7/VT231 types you can try...

Mad DOg · « **Reply #14 on:** 4 Aug 2003, 11:28 pm »

Jon L,

I won't be using the Wright preamp this time, but my new preamp still uses 6SN7s...4 of them actually so if you could bring some of the yummy tubes along, that would be just great!

Mad DOg · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Aug 2003, 07:32 am »

The Biros have arrived...just finished unpacking them...

just fired them up...for some new speakers straight of the box, my initial impressions are

!

I must say that I've never been a fan of metal dome tweeters with the exception of the Aerial tweeter...and now I can add the Van Alstine tweeter to my list of exceptional metal tweeters. (not sure if it's the tweeter or crossover, but whatever it is, it flat out works and works well)

I'll withhold further impressions until the Biros have had some time on them but so far so good! Much, much better sounding than the damaged GR Research Criterions I had in my home a few weeks ago.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 05:51 am »

I've had the Biros playing for a few hours a day and they are continuing to open up...All I have to say right now is that I'm EXTREMELY impressed with their capabilities! Back to more listening...

jackman · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 06:42 pm »

Did you also get the sealed subwoofer? That sub looks really cool and I bet it's a good combo for the speakers.

J

Mad DOg · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 06:53 pm »

Quote from: jackman

Did you also get the sealed subwoofer? That sub looks really cool and I bet it's a good combo for the speakers.

J

Hi J-man,

No, I did not get the Kensington sub...

jackman · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 07:09 pm »

Thanks, I look forward to your evaluation of the speakers. I only listened to them for a short time, at the home of the guy I purchased my AVA gear from. It was late and his family was sleaping so we couldn't play them loud. Plus, they were an older version. Best of luck.

J