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Gooood Morning, ART! Having read the show schedule too fast, I arrived mid-afternoon Thursday and was ready to go at 5pm, leaving me 22 or so hours to kill before the official START of LSAF '09. As a result, I'm less stressed and better rested than usual, so I thought I'd start a report on the doins here. To see the bare beginnings, (with periodic additions as the weekend progresses), check out: http://www.triodeandco.us/lsaf09 I hope to get to every room and add it to this report, but if you want to write up a description w/or w/out pix and send it to me at triodedave@mac.com . I'll add it at the end of each day, if not sooner.
Wow, Dave, thanks for taking the time to do this! Your system sounds great, by the way. Also want to put in a plug for Shane - thanks a million for all you did to put this together. Looks like we're going to have a great show this year! Norris too, sadly he can't make it to reap the benefits of his hard work. We're thinking 'bout you!
Don't forget the seminars today: 11:00am - Crossover Electronics 101 1:00pm - Loudspeaker Measurement Seminar Note that the address for the hotel is 13131 North Central Expressway (map), very near the intersection of I-75 and I-635 in North Dallas. The address shown on the Smith & Larson website is wrong, that's where we met last year so don't be confused. This hotel is much nicer. See you there!
Thanks Wayne. Some of us have funny ideas about what to do with our spare time! Your system is kicking butt and taking names, even at conversation-friendly levels this year. I'd like to suggest that folks who are exhibiting put signs in their windows so people know they're here! In a walk-around this morning I could only be sure about 9 rooms on the 3rd floor. Are there people on other floors?
Thanks for saying, Dave. I appreciate that from you. I have the exact same system this year I did last year, but this time I brought subs. Helps to smooth the room modes. You know, This year I don't know where everyone is. Shane might. He pretty much arranged everything this year, I just suited up and showed up. Seems like he said there were 19 rooms this year. We've always been sort of a loosely organized group, a grass roots show for sure. One thing we could definitely stand to do is to make some kind of pamphlet or sign that lists the rooms for the guests that show up. That's why I was excited to see that you had started listing the rooms and who's where on your LSAF web page. Seems like each of us gets here and sets up, then what's left of the first day we all scout out the place and meet each other. But by the time we know where everybody is, we're too busy manning our rooms to do anything about it. Here are some photos, courtesy of Shane Moore and Jim Rivers: Photos from LoneStar Audiofest 2009
Another day, another indication that I need to stop assuming and read all the details. I just realized that today (Sun.) exhibiting is optional and checkout is noon. I expect this means most, possibly all, rooms will be packing in the a.m. and gone by noon. I read Sunday and stopped. So I'll be here playing music till probably 5 pm, packing in the evening and shipping out tomorrow. If you haven't had enough music yet, stop by 306!
I'm open and playing music in 314, but ony for the morning. I always ask for late checkout, and they've always been happy to oblige. No problem getting a 2:00 checkout, for any of you wanting to stay open for the morning. A few names not on your list: Classic Audio AudioFred (Fred Thompson) Audio Mirror
I know where Classic Audio is. What rooms are the other two in? Would it be alright if I borrowed the pix you stored in a directory for use in this site? (With credit, of course.) I'm obviously not going to be able to complete the photo rounds at this point.
Oh, sure Dave, that's cool with me. We're all in this together! About room numbers - Sorry, I don't know 'em. I'll bet someone will chime in and provide that info soon though. Right now, most aren't connected to the internet so it may be Monday before they respond.
This is the first year of the LSAF that fast Eddie and did not get to see any of the rooms , and it makes me really sad (wanted to spare the audiophiles the sound of two year olds tantrums). I am glad I got to visit, if only for a moment! Jim Rivers, I can not thank you enough for the music!! You are the Best Ever!! We are currently in the car on the way home, fast Eddie is passed out in the back of the mini van, we are listening to these cd's, I am on my iPhone and realizing just how effort and work you put into making these cd's!! You are the Man!! Happy Fathers Day to you and all the other Dads!!
I hope everyone had a good time this year? I realize we were a little short on the number of exhibitors as well. There were several that cancelled at the last minute. The New Orleans group couldn't come, for very good reasons, Maxxhorn decided not to display, etc....... I think we did all right, though, for waiting till the last minute to decide to have the show and the economy sucking. We found a venue that will treat us right so that is a start. We need suggestions on what to do to make the LSAF a larger success. My feeling is if we could have 30-40 exhibitors we would still be small enough to hear everyone, but not so large that logistics start becoming a problem. Thanks to Dave Cope for lending me his flash unit. Gotta get me one. Sorry to Steve Brown, who I missed entirely this year, AGAIN!! And I picked up a new noisemaker on the way home!
I thought it was a great time. Turnout was good and the hotel was really pleasant. I'd be happy to come there again next year. You know, if you're a small niche business, then you have to invite customers to your shop or home to demonstrate your products. So when we all get together at the LSAF, we instantly get the opportunity to show to dozens or even hundreds of guests. Even if there were only ten or twenty auditions, that would make it worthwhile. There are always way more people than that, so it's worthwhile, not to mention really fun! I was impressed with the sound of all the rooms I visited. Regretabbly, I didn't get to listen in every room, but I did go to several and all were sounding great. Here are some highlights, from my perspective: 1. Classic Audio As usual, John Wolfe was displaying gear that makes you feel like a Pavlov test subject. Instant drool factor. I spoke with him for a while, and the speaker shown above has a radial tweeter horn with tractrix profile on the top and bottom. Good stuff. The super-tweeter is also a tractrix flare. All drivers have field coil motors. And just look at that woodwork. Awesome! There are lots of other great products CAR had on display that you should see - So be sure to scroll up and click on the photos page. Hopefully someone else will comment and link the photos in. I'm too beat to write more right now. 2. Crescendo Systems It was a pleasure to meet Kim Beumer, who is local to Dallas. I think he is a good fit for our regional audio club(s) and I'm glad he found us. He definitely fits in! What was cool to me was those big speakers. Those are planars, and they do something I personally have never seen any other planars do - they have a pretty wide sweet spot. It think it is probably due to the convex curve of the radiator facing the listener. What makes this even cooler is these are completely DIY. My hope is that Kim will start making these as kits, or perhaps provide a forum to help people build their own, give advice and instruction and sell supplies. 3. Van Zyl Audio I've known Johan Van Zyl for quite some time, and consider him to be a personal friend. He designed the BASSMAXX hornsubs sold by David Lee and the single-driver backhorns sold by Bob Spence. Each of these guys are good friends of mine too, all part of this regional audio family, so to speak. So when Johan said he was coming, I assumed it was as MaxxHorn, even put that on the website. Not so! The speakers Johan brought out this year are marketed under his own name, and they're a moderate price offering (as opposed to the Spence price-no-object models). I gotta say, MaxxHorn sounds good, but Bob better watch out for this one! 4. AudioFred Fred Thompson and his lovely wife Linda are two people I always look forward to seeing. But in spite of their outgoing and fun loving personalities, Fred has one very irritating quality. He almost always builds really great sounding DIY speakers that put many of the commercial products to shame. Makes us speaker companies have to get up real early in the morning to keep up with this guy! This year was no exception. He brought a neat little mini-monitor kit from Parts Express that sounded great. 5. Audio Note David Cope is a long time friend of mine that does a neat trick. He can be just as excited about a $4000 audio system as he can about a $400,000 system, and yes, he does get a chance to display both, often in the same month, sometimes at the same show. This year, he brought a system that's truly a budget model in the Audio Note lineup, and it really sounded great. Look how those components fit into the end table. Looks like it could have been made specifically for them! 6. John Busch John is one of those guys that comes to these shows with so much random stuff, you're sure he could perform surgery on just about any audio gear in production, and even some cars and quite possibly airplanes. I mean, this guy really might actually have a kitchen sink in his inventory. No kidding, I had forgotten a compression driver + horn that I usually bring to do my Crossover Electronics 101 seminar, so the first thing I thought of was "call John". This year, he brought some dipoles (no surprise) that sported a 15" midwoofer and a large format soft dome tweeter. These things sounded great, and had more bass than is possible from a dipole. Most people were looking for the sub, I, on the other hand, was looking for the voodoo charms. All jokes aside, it sounded great. 7. Jim Rivers Jim brought a really great pair of Heathkit monoblock amplifiers. I connected gthem in my room and just loved them! Unfortunately, I needed gain control so I could match the subs and without that, the subs wouldn't integrate properly. So I couldn't run them long. It was indeed a pity, 'cause I really loved those little amps! 8. Bob Brines Bob brought his usual lineup of single driver speakers and, as usual, they sounded great! I will say that I like his Fostex models better than the Lowthers. But of course, that's a personal opinion. I think his Fostex models sound the most balanced. Now for the systems I didn't see: 9. Keith Larson Keith Larson brought his partner, Brian Smith, and they did a seminar on loudspeaker measurement and design. I'm a big fan of their work, and use their measurement systems heavily in my own design process. So I'm familiar with their product line. However, this year Keith also brought his own personal system and I regret that I didn't get a chance to listen to it. 10. Jumping Cactus Now this is a huge oversight on my part. I feel pretty bad about it, to tell the truth. Jim Harrell has been at three shows in a row, and I've only had the chance to listen to his system once, and not for very long at that. That's a big oversight, on my part. We always chat in the halls, and Jim is a really great guy, unpretentious and always smiling. I wanted to stop over and listen this year for more than just a quick listen, but didn't make it. Next year, for sure! 11. Brad Baker I need to make the same apologies to Brad, who has been a good and regular participant at several of the LSAF events, but I've always missed him. I'm told that's the funnest room to hang out in too! 12. Audio Mirror was here this year, and was also here last year. I've always loved the looks of their gear, and I understand it sounds as good as it looks. I really want to make a point to see these guys next year. 13. π Speakers Lastly, my room. This year, I brought the same system I brought last year (four π loudspeakers driven with a SET amp) but this year I added a pair of three π subs. I was very pleased with our sound and got lots of favorable comments. Next year, I'll probably bring a similar system but may bring three π mains instead of four π's.
I'm listening to ART Radio as I pack up the system. I think John Busch next door and I are the last men standing here at the show. I was actually playing music until 5:30 yesterday afternoon. More after I get this stuff off to FedEx, maybe after I get home at midnight tonight. . . . A great time, guys! Thanks for the hospitality and friendship. Dave
Whatdya think about ART Radio? I really like it. But it does cost a few hundred bucks a month. If others are tuning in and enjoying it, I'll keep it going but if I'm the only one listening regularly, I might as well listen to CD's, shut it down and save the money. Back to LSAF, I'll make a few posts with pretty pictures below, one for each room. Dagogo and Positive Feedback online should be posting reviews of the show pretty soon too.
Wayne, thanks for your mini "review". And again, Thanks Dave for the flash. The pics turned out better than I hoped.
I'm actually hoping for a review from you and others. It wouldn't be really appropriate for me to say what I thought. I just took a few minutes to upload the photos and put them on a few pages. Thanks again for all your help setting this up, taking photos, etc. I thought it was the best show to date!
ENJOY! If there is something you really like I MAY be able to find info on the song(s). jim...
Nice show pictures Shane. I missed not attending the show this year, missed seeing all of you guys. Hopefully things will work out better for me to attend next year. Thanks for the hard work from all who promoted and exhibited at LSAF 2009. The show looks like it was a success. And hopefully will grow in the years to come. Norris
Norris Wilson wrote on Wed, 01 July 2009 06:53 Nice show pictures Shane. I missed not attending the show this year, missed seeing all of you guys. Hopefully things will work out better for me to attend next year. Thanks for the hard work from all who promoted and exhibited at LSAF 2009. The show looks like it was a success. And hopefully will grow in the years to come. Norris We missed you being there this year Norris. Thanks for all your help this year. We couldn't have pulle dit off without you. Here's a link to all the pics I took. I put them on my Flickr page. I think if yo have a Flickr acct. (free) you can view and download the larger versions, FWIW. LSAF 2009 Pics
Justifying the drive from Boston and back was a little easier with my parents living in Austin, but attending LSAF would have been worth it in either case. With two days of driving to get to Dallas, I might try to hook up with some other New Englanders next time. Oh, and those are nice pictures and mini-reviews. Ill post this over on the 'music heard' in a moment, but I got a lot of enjoyment from John Busch playing 'Java Jive' from the The Manhattan Transfer's Swing album.
Do you know if perhaps Shane has those pics of the PR Audio room? I screwed up and forgot my camera at home, or I would have pics of my own. (I'll blame that on the "for seemingly no reason" 5 1/2 hour power outage we had, the night before the drive to Dallas! With me up most of the night, getting ready for the trip, of course! ) If he (Shane) is busy, no rush.
I don't have any pics of your room, unfortunately. My battery actually died before I could get some and in my rush to get to Dallas I let my charger and spare at the house. I think yours was the only room I didn't get a pic of. Sorry
Shane, all, Ok - someone came in with a pretty nice camera* and took a few pics, but I'm not sure who: I thought he might be with LSAF as I don't know everyone by face / name connection. I also didn't get (or just don't remember) the names of many people who came by, and I missed some exhibitors who were "out" when I "went around" Sat. evening. *Or, hmmm, maybe you had the only nice camera and someone else, besides Ruth Larson took pics -- she did too, but I understand they came out poorly. All I'm sure of is that "some guy" took a couple pics, such as of my 21" woofer. Certain things are rather a blur: I was sort of running on fumes, at times. So... If anyone reads this and has pics of my room, please contact me. Thanks much!
My guess is the mystery photographer was probably either Albert Porter from Positive Feedback or Phillip Holmes from Dagogo. Both E-Zines were there covering the show. I haven't seen the Positive Feedback writeup, but just noticed that Dagogo has published theirs: Lone Star Audiofest 2009 coverage on Dagogo, by Phillip Holmes
Thanks for the heads up, Wayne, and thanks to Phillip for the positive review! My wife is laughing at the picture of me in the review of the PR Audio room - haha, never mind...
After the drive to Dallas, I was feeling a tad tired by then too . Anyhow, here is a link for the better pictures I found. S&L, PR Audio at LSAF 2009 Keith
I was disappointed in Phillip Holmes Dagogo summary of my room at the 2009 LSAF. Not disappointed with his summary of the sound he heard in the room. I vaguely remember the track he played sounded awful on that system. My disappointment isn't with his comments about the system, but with the fact that I completely and totally failed to communicate to Phillip the purpose of the room. In the Dagogo summary he said "(My) mission was to show a $500 audiophile quality room". For most visitors whom I was able to greet as they entered the room, my pitch was "No experienced listener is going to confuse the sound of this system with high end audio, but for less than $500 most people can trade up from whatever they have today to a system that will be enjoyable and involving...". My mission wasn't to demonstrate an audiophile system, but to demonstrate that it's possible to assemble a $400 to $500 system that will sound much better than the computer speakers or iPod with earbuds that most people listen to today. I believe this mission is important because most of my non-audiophile friends, even those who love music and could easily afford a high end system, have a mental block that prevents them from even considering a high end system. I find this hard to understand in a neighborhood where few would have a problem paying an extra $10K to get the Levinson sound system in their new Lexus, but for most a $1K home system doesn't feel like a rational purchase. Here's how this plays out in my experience: Somebody visits my house, sees my main system (Krell amp, Selah Audio line arrays, etc), and asks to hear it. Their reaciton usually is "WOW, I didn't know a stereo could sound like that! If you don't ask my asking, how much does a system like that cost?" My usual answer is "It's expensive, but I can show you a system upstairs that cost less than $500 and will knock your socks off". I've sold about a dozen PE BR-1's using this pitch (including two pairs at the show), and many BR-1 buyers also bought the Insignia receiver and an $80 Sony DVD player, or the equivalent, to complete the system for less than $400 total. (I order the BR-1's in quantities of four to get free shipping, build them, and sell them at my cost). What this has accomplished is simple: It elevates a potential audiophile to the point where he can start the upgrade process to a real high end system. The next purchase I recommend is a Cambridge Audio or NAD integrated amp, which is a great improvement over the Insignia receiver. I don't know if this will create any new audiophiles, but it does provide greater music enjoyment to friends who otherwise would continue to listen to a really bad sounding system. Hope this made some sense.
I knew what you were doing, Fred. Your budget system sounded very good for the price. It is very possible that Phillip caught you on a bad moment, it surely happens at shows sometimes. You did have some stiff competition this year though, most rooms I visited were pretty impressive. (Not that it's a competition but you know what I mean.) One thing I like about LSAF is we have a good representation of affordable high-end audio. (Is that an oxymoron? ) Yours was probably the only under $1K system but most were under $5K and all but one room had systems under $10K.
Wayne Parham wrote on Fri, 07 August 2009 10:16 I knew what you were doing, Fred. Your budget system sounded very good for the price. Phillip's description is accurate. The system lacks some critical qualities one would expect in a high end audiophile-quality system. If anything, his description of the BR-1 speakers was more forgiving than mine would have been. My concern isn't with his description of the sound, but that I failed to communicate the purpose of the room. Virtually all of my non-audiophile friends, including many professional musicians, listen to their music on systems that can only be described a crap; typically an HT-in-a-box system with thin plastic speakers. The best I've heard at any musician's house is a Bose iPod adapter. And the best I've heard at any of my more prosperous neighbors' homes is a Bose Acoustimass system. At least one audio company is winning the battle for the hearts and minds of music lovers. I haven't played this system for many audiophiles because their inveitable reaction is to focus on its obvious weaknesses. But when I play this same system for non-audiophiles their reaction is always that it sounds fantastic, because from their point of view it does. Keep in mind that 99% of non-audiophiles have no understanding of soundstage, resolution, the existence of a sweet spot, the importance of driver integration in a speaker, etc. They mostly believe that "high fidelity" is what you hear when the kid in the purple Honda with the subwoofer pulls up next to you at the stoplight. The point of this system is that a non-audiophile, like my musician friends pictured in the link below, can buy it for less than $500 (or less than $400 with a mass market DVD player), and to him it will sound really good. Then as his experience and understanding increase, and he becomes more aware of its limitations, he can start the upgrade process that is revenue engine of the high end audio business. It would be better if people were willing to buy a complete high end system from the start, but that isn't a realistic expectation. Few people have ever considered spending more than $200 on any audio component, and to them even a $2K entry level system would be out of the question. But I can convince almost any music lover to buy their first system if the price is less than $500, and once they have it they're hooked. http://fredt300b.smugmug.com/gallery/4567816_cpB24#269255421_YNdA3 P.S. This topic about getting more people into high end audio is something I'm interested in, but it doesn't fit into this thread, so I'm starting a new one here. http://audioroundtable.com/forum/index.php?t=msg&goto=60558&#msg_60558
I agree with you, Fred. We'll talk more about it though on your other thread. Say, if anyone notices the Positive Feedback coverage, please post a link here. I check from time to time, but missed the Dagogo coverage for a week. So if you see it before I do, please post. Many thanks to Phillip and Albert for doing the show reports!