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Just curious what the powers that be have in store for us this spring?
The hotel setup a registration page for us, so we're set for the same hotel, first weekend in May 2012. We'll get to do those fun Cinco de Mayo parties in Dallas at LSAF again this year, since it's that same weekend. At Uriah Dailey's request, I developed an IR remote control based on the AT2313 and AD5206. It can basically be the brains for a preamp, with five inputs and six channels set as three left and three right. The remote has power, input select, volume, balance and mute buttons. The processor reads both a remote control and frontpanel buttons for power, volume up, volume down, pan left, pan right and input select. Should have some of them at LSAF, probably one running in a Lighter Note in Uriah's room. You might notice the AD5206 is a linear device, but I have programmed the processor's firmware to send a logarithmic sequence to it so the volume control has an audio taper. This sequence is actually (much) more accurate than even the most expensive potentiometers, making this device attractive to audiophiles that might have otherwise chosen stepped attenuators.
Very cool. Would one of these be compatible with a tube pre like a Podwatt? I would like to start working on a pre over the next year.
Yes, absolutely. The AD5206 can be used in place of a stereo potentiometer. They are available is several popular values, e.g. 10KΩ, 50KΩ and 100KΩ. So you can use this anywhere you might use a 50KΩ pot, for example. The switch inputs are just make/break connections to ground. So a pushbutton toggles power, another pushbutton advances input selection from 1 - 5 each time it is pushed. Then there are buttons for volume up/down and balance left/right. Or you can leave the front panel blank, and just use the remote as the only way to control the preamp. The outputs (besides the volume, which is a variable potentiometer) are all digital outputs, intended to drive a (mechanical or solid state) relay. Each control line sources a maximum of 40mA, but I'd suggest limiting that to 20mA. If more current is needed, just drive a small signal transistor or something, like a 2N2222. Drive the base, tie the emitter to ground and the collector to one side of a relay coil. Hook the other side of the relay coil to Vcc. Easy peasy. The available output pins are power, select1, select2, select3, select4 and select5. Those select lines select the channel, which would be hooked to a switching device (relay) through the AD5206 potentiometer. Lots of flexibility there to work with.
So what might be an estimated cost to set something like this up?
It's not expensive. The remote control itself is a generic universal - just get any one you like. I prefer those that have the up/down and left/right buttons prominent, as opposed to the remotes that have vertically arrayed channel up/down and volume up/down. But any of them will work. Then there's the control board. I'd say by the time the boards are etched and deals are struck, it's probably going to be less than a hundred bucks for the completed control board. Having said that, it's all still preliminary. The design is done, prototype is working. I can burn chips right now, and can probably have boards etched in less than a month. But I do need to figure out pricing and delivery model. I don't know if I'll make them available directly or just through OEMs. I have plenty of friends in the business that manufacture amps, preamps and kits, so it might make sense to make it available to them, and let them brand them and resell them. I need to work through all that first. Still, by LSAF, the business side should all be worked out.
Hi Wayne, If I can work it I plan on bringing a pair of Martin Logan Vistas this year. They really shine with Oddwatts. By May we should have the final versions of the KT120 mono blocks as well as the all valve phono preamp. If not prototypes for sure. If you care to bring along an spare sub woofer, we would be happy to find a way to drive it. I expect to do both vinyl and CD especially since I will have my re-tipped (ruby cantilever ) Dynavector back from Soundsmith by then. Perhaps some other cool things . may find there way to LSAF by May, lots are in the oven. Like I mentioned in the the off line emails... keep me in mind on the remotes. They should be applicable to some of the kits.
Hi Everyone, I have a prototype of the wireless preamp mentioned in the earlier posts (passive version only) and will bring it. Also to get the juices flowing we (Oddwatt) are planning on giving away a number of things this year. Initial plans include an "Alpha" amp, "T" Shirts and what ever else we think might be cool. It is a definite that the Series I KT120s will be there, the Martin Logan ESLs about 90% for sure, new phono preamp with my modded Dual 701 TT and the ruby re-tipped by Sound Smith Dynavector 10X5. Lots of other stuff as well including the new version of the Poddwatt and "Retro" Oddblocks (I really love mine - all octal tubes).
Sounds like a great lineup, Bruce! And I'm really glad that RDAC remote control module is working out for you. I'm excited to see and hear your new gear!
I believe I've decided what I'll bring to the AudioFred DIY room for the 2012 LSAF. I haven't built any single driver full range speakers in some time, and I've ordered a pair of Mark Audio Alpair 10.2 full range drivers, which I plan to use in Jim Griffin's MLTL design, built out of Baltic birch plywood. After a first listen I'll have to decide whether to add a baffles step compensation network. I prefer most single drivers with this, but it's upsetting to see the purists running from the room with their hands covering their ears repeating over and over again "must remain pure, must remain pure..." http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/FAL/downloads/Griffin-A10-MLTL-030611.pdf
That's awesome, Fred. You make more speakers - and more variety of types - than anyone else I know. You're like the Galloping Gourmet of loudspeaker DIYers, and I think that's really cool. I appreciate that you take the time to share your creations with us. Truly, Fred. Not to be all mushy, but it is the holidays. I want to thank you very much.
I just made the reservation. I am planning to bring an updated version of the large blue ESL-1 electrostatic speakers with me and a new direct drive high-voltage amplifier. I have the simulations running and they look good. Next up is the board layout.
We've changed the look of the LSAF website just a bit by adding a slide show, so have a look. If you've ever setup a room at LSAF, you'll probably see at least one photo of your gear. Also, Steven Solazzo (Stereo Clarity) has taken on some valuable duties, such as writing a newsletter, contacting exhibitors, etc. Stay tuned.
Hi, What's the link to the LSAF registration? We (Oddwatt Audio) will have a bunch of new stuff there. I already have a pair of the pre-production KT120 Oddblocks. They are quite special. Extremely clean sounding and as you might guess rather powerful. The still in prototype stage phono preamps both MM and MC will be there as well as a fully integrated remote control preamp to make everything work together. The series 2 Poddwatts and Forewatts and lots of other stuff. We be doing vinyl and CD/DVD. Speakers are expected to be Martin Logan ESLs. Lots of fun. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
There's a Registration link on the LSAF website. It's the one that has a photo of the hotel. Takes you here: http://LoneStarAudioFest.com/registration.html That page has a few more pics of the hotel and a phone number if you want to call in the reservation. Just be sure to tell 'em you want a room at LSAF 2012, so you're grouped together with everybody. There's also a link to a registration page that Embassy Suites maintains, if you want to register online. The direct link is here: http://EmbassySuites.Hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/D/DALTXES-LSA-20120504/
Hi, We are registered now. Is someone going to start a list of who is coming?
We don't usually know who all will be there until pretty close to the show. But I can remember getting word from probably about a dozen who've already booked their rooms. Off the top of my head, that list includes: Stereo Clarity OddWatt Audio Pi Speakers Brad Baker Fred Thompson Paolo Audio BuildAnAmp.com I haven't spoken to Duke (AudioKinesis) about it, but I would assume he'll be there. Same with Scott at Found Music and John at Manzanita Audio. I don't know about Bob at Affirm Audio or Jeff and Dave of MyEmia, but they were talking about doing the show. Dave Slagle said he could get coverage at EnjoyTheMusic.com. Speaking of that, Albert Porter said he'll cover the show for Positive Feedback.com. He has been there several years past, but somehow PFO fell out last year so we wanted to see if he'd do it this year or not. He said he would.
Hello All. Registered and ready to go! Will bring 3 different OB projects. A reprise of the improved HE, the mighty 18" Big Boy coax and the giant killer low buck Ultra. Will be using SET and SEP power. Looking foward to seeing many old friends and new faces! See you at the show! John
I'll be using these with tube amplification at the 2012 LSAF.
Hi, Cool what is the sensitivity?
gofar99 wrote on Thu, 23 February 2012 14:12 Hi, Cool what is the sensitivity? The Mark Audio Alpair 10 driver is advertised as an 87dB sensitivity driver. In my relatively small listening room (about the size of the rooms at the LSAF) it plays satisfyingly loud with a 3.5 watt 2A3 amp. Bob Brines has developed a similar MLTL enclosure for the Alpair 10 driver, and he suggests about 20-30w/ch for adequate headroom. http://brinesacoustics.com/Pages/M10-A10/Main.html
Hey guys, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are planning on being there for this years show. I am sorry that myself and all my colleges weren't able to make it last year, but our good friend Gary Dodd was not doing well last year with life threatening health issues, and it just wouldn't have felt right to be there showing without him. Gary is good now. So full force again this year. I think I will have some really cool new products there for this year. Dodd Audio will have some new products too. I'll also try to really get behind this show and try drive people to come. So it will be discussed in my forum at Audio Circle leading up to show time with pics information of new products etc. I hope to see many people there.
Danny Richie wrote on Sun, 26 February 2012 17:38 Hey guys, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are planning on being there for this years show... I think I will have some really cool new products there for this year. Dodd Audio will have some new products too... I'll also try to really get behind this show and try drive people to come. So it will be discussed in my forum at Audio Circle leading up to show time with pics information of new products etc. Danny, I think it's great that you and Gary and friends will be returning. Your exhibits a couple of years ago were some of the best sounding I've heard at any show including the RMAF. Your participation will be helpful to me in convincing my Houston Audio Society friends it's worth the drive to Dallas. I'm glad to see you plan to "get behind this show". The LSAF isn't anything like the big commercial shows, and most of us want it to retain it's character, but I still believe we need to increase the number visitors (and exhibitors) to achieve a critical mass. Your return is a great help in this direction. The LSAF isn't a show that can buy ad space in Stereophile and TAS, and it's success depends on the exhibitors promoting it. I'm hoping all the other folks who plan to exhibit this year will start promoting the show as you plan to do, with discussions and pictures of the products they plan to bring posted on the various audio forums. With only two months to go we all need to start creating some excitement about this fun event.
That's the spirit! Absolutely, I agree! The strength of the show depends on each exhibitor promoting their own rooms. It's our show - not put together by a promoter - so we get out of it what we put into it. This is not a "for profit" show like all the others, so it depends on our sweat equity, our promotional efforts, our messageboard discussions and other ways of getting the word out. I really like it, because it is easy to participate, all-inclusive, and it feels more honest to me that way. And to Danny, sorry, I don't know how I missed your post or I would have extended a hand to you and Gary sooner. Welcome back!
I'm officially OddWatt Audio's newest fanboy! Saturday I hit the "order" button for a Poddwatt kit, which I plan to use with my Oppo BDP-95 player and Jim Griffin's Mark Audio Alpair 10.2 equipped mass loaded single driver speakers at the Lone Star Audio Fest. I borrowed this little amp for a couple of hours at last year's LSAF, and I liked it so much I knew that I would eventually be getting one. Bruce, have you decided what you will bring? I would expect to see the ForeWatt, the OddBlocks, and the KT-120 OBHO's. Any other Odd products we should look forward to hearing? It's always Odd to hear from you.
Just got confirmation from two more exhibitors: Legacy Audio PhenomeNhan A/V The exhibitor's page is getting mighty full. Looks like we'll have another great show this year!
Just booked my room. I will be bringing the Mark Audio Alpair 10.2 MLTL's that Fred alluded to. Also, I am expecting to bring a pair of 18" H-frame woofers. The tops will be Alpair 7.3's, possibly OB, but as a fall-back, the same little TL's I brought last year. This year's amp will be the Topping TP-60, a ~30w/ch (at 8Ω) T-amp. Two requests: 1. I would like to try a ~5w/ch SE amp on these speakers if someone could bring one by for some tests. 2. If someone could spell me for an hour or so on Saturday so I could look around, I'd appreciate it. Bob
Hi Bob, Someone will most likely bring a SE for you to try, but we (Oddwatt Audio) will have at least one spare "Poddwatt" with us. 5 watts per channel P-P U/L class A. Usually sounds great on efficient systems. Pretty good on ones about 90 dbw as long as you don't push it.
Thanks for the offer. I would like to take you up on that. I have a Jef Larson 6BQ7 p-p that runs about 9w/ch. I would like to try some other tube amps and in particular a SE because of its inherently high Z. I design my speakers for low Z amps and I need to hear what my speakers sound like on a high Z amp. It seems that a lot of single-driver speaker fans are also fans of low power SE amps. Bob
Hi Fellas, I am new to the audiofest community. What entails during the fest at the hotel? Can I bring my own stereo set-up to demo for other enthusiasts in my own room?
Maurice1201 wrote on Sun, 18 March 2012 17:42 Hi Fellas, I am new to the audiofest community. What entails during the fest at the hotel? Can I bring my own stereo set-up to demo for other enthusiasts in my own room? Certainly! Get a room, setup your gear. The only requirement for exhibitors is a passion for good sound!
Hi, Last year was our first year and we had a great time. See what everyone else is doing, get some new ideas, show off your stuff and make some new friends.
hi Fred, I missed your post a few days ago. I remember that you heard the Poddwatt last year. They are really neat. For their size they are about as good as it gets. For what was originally designed as a sort of utility amp, they really came out well. A few changes from the originals since then, but the overall character is unchanged. They share what I have come to call the "Oddwatt" sound. It seems that all the amps from the Poddwatt to the KT120 sound quite similar. Clean, fast and quiet with very wide range response (sorry not intended to be a commercial for them) Anyhow, We will have the full range from the Alpha which is really a sort of starter amp and not really in the same league as its bigger brothers to a set of KT120 mono blocks. These are the pre-production ones and except for a few cosmetics and a slightly different chassis will be the actual production kits. For source material my modded Dual 701 direct drive TT, three cartridges (Soundsmith ruby cantilevered Dynavector 10X5, Benz Micro Gold low output MC, and a Grado Reference Platinum I), an Oppo 83SE, the new phono preamp (lovely sound, super quiet), a remote control Forewatt, probably the prototype fully integrated preamp with phono section and remote, bunches of amps, and the Martin Logan Prefaces we used last year. I would love to bring the Martin Logan Vistas, but they just won't fit in the vehicle if I pack them right. I considered a trailer, but I really don't want to haul one a thousand miles each way. I look forward to seeing you there. T'was a bunch of fun last year. Sorry to wander to near OT, my apologies to all.
Hoping to get there again this year. I won't know for a few more weeks for sure, though. We've got a lot going on in May.
Hey guys, Dave Elledge from PI Audio will be joining me as well. http://www.piaudiogroup.com/
Here's a picture of the OddWatt Audio Poddwatt class A EL84 amp I'll be showing:
Hi Fred, As the proud parent... I know you will be happy with it. The Poddwatt was one of those projects that almost didn't get done. I didn't have a use for one at the time and was hesitant to design an amp of that power range. Since then I used the original (doesn't look like that) in my former office for nearly 3 years and it is still running perfect. They are a great match for speakers with efficiencies over about 90 db/w. I can use one on my Martin Logan Vistas and unless you really like loud music it is just fine. I used them on Klipsch KG4s in my office and everyone loved the sound. I look forward to seeing you at LSAF. I'll be getting in Thursday PM.
Getting excited fellas. I've got my friends Colleen Cardas and Marc Phillips who are the new exclusive importer of Unico and Unison Research providing the gear in the Polk room, and Chris Sommovigo's Black Cat Cables will be cabling the room. I'll have some raffle items from Polk and Black Cat to give away during happy hour Saturday perhaps? Thoughts on raffle items? I kind of want it to be a 'thanks for coming to LSAF' raffle, here are some goodies - not a 'be in the Polk room at 3pm for a drawing' type raffle. Cheers!
Wayne Parham wrote on Sun, 18 March 2012 19:07 Maurice1201 wrote on Sun, 18 March 2012 17:42 Hi Fellas, I am new to the audiofest community. What entails during the fest at the hotel? Can I bring my own stereo set-up to demo for other enthusiasts in my own room? Certainly! Get a room, setup your gear. The only requirement for exhibitors is a passion for good sound! Sounds Great, Wayne. I'll have to see if I can get my GF to come with me. She likes great sound as much as me Would my Marantz 2500, and HD880 speakers suffice, along with my SEA-80 EQ with mic for tuning? The HD880's were designed by famed Engineer Edmond May during his tenure at Marantz, his last lines he turned out shortly before his unexpected death in 1980.
I think that's wonderful. Sounds like you'll have a really neat room.
Wayne Parham wrote on Thu, 05 April 2012 18:32 I think that's wonderful. Sounds like you'll have a really neat room. Yeah, I got the ball rolling now. I asked my GF last nite if she would go with me and she said she would, but now she needs to put in a request for that weekend off, so I'm crossing my fingers.
Here are the speakers I will be demonstrating this year in the Brines Acoustics room: The tower is a MLTL using the Mark Audio Alpair 10.2. It is intended to be used stand-alone away from the walls in a moderate sized room. The Little guy is a folded TL using the Mark Audio Alpair 7.3. I demoed this one last year as a stand-alone. This year, I added a somewhat larger (!) speaker to handle the bottom end. The bass bin is a Goldwood GS-1858 in an H-frame open-backed baffle. This adds a bit of bass to the little 4" Alpair to say the least. The cross-over is handled by a miniDSP. See you in Dallas. Bob
Bob, I can't WAIT to hear that sub / sat setup! Marc Phillips blogged today about LSAF -> http://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/ Counting down! Wayne, Polk and Black Cat Cables raffle items are in route, confirmed today. This is going to be a good one! Cheers, Russ
Hello Everyone. Seijin Audio Junction will be in attendance for Sat/Sun showing. We will be based out of Austin and we look forward to meeting everyone. Our setup with include: Vitus Audio RI-100 Linn Akurate DS player Nordost Cabling Speakers TBA (still deciding) Give us a shout out if you live in the Austin area. We would love to get to know you and spend some time while we are securing a location out here from Utah.
Another hi-fi dealer In Austin? We will have to meet at the show!
Here's a picture of the PoddWatt amplifier I'll have at the LSAF, recently upgraded with blue LED's under the driver tubes. These blue LED's enhance the visual image of the blue-painted Edcor transformer bells, and they have a huge psychoacoustic effect on the sound quality;
Hi Fred, Looks cool. Glad you go it to do that. How does it sound on the speakers you are planning to bring? See you at the Fest.
Ty of Tyler Acoustics told me recently that he was coming as well.
Yes we should! Look forward to meeting you
Hello to everyone, Smith & Larson Audio will also be attending. Version 6 of our software is about to be released and will be demonstrated. If you have any questions about measuring drivers, speakers, designing crossovers, or anything else for that matter, please stop by. Keith Larson www.woofertester.com PS: My brother is also planning to attend and will bring his MAC so I should be able to demonstrate on that platform as well.
Keith, You should drag your measuring system around room to room. Take a 1 meter gated response showing speaker response only. Then move back to the listening position and show the response of the left speaker and right speaker (independently) with the room reflections. I think it would be an interesting learning experience for many and might help sell your measuring system.
I think that's a wonderful idea in principle, but maybe a little bit annoying for the attendees. The measurement signal is not particularly pleasant to hear. I think most people will probably want to hear music instead of MLS bursts. Still, I think it's a great idea, especially maybe after hours for those that are interested. Seems like Friday afternoons are perfect for this too, while everyone is getting dialed in. But Saturday afternoon would be kind of rough. Here's mine: (scroll down to the "Vertical Nulls" link to see a video of the S&L system in action.) Crossover optimization for DI-matched two-way speakers
I can easily make rounds with my laptop and a tester in tow. I can recall my own LSAF experience with my line source subs producing a rather big hotel room bump and dip. Not having any room treatment, the only option was to move the subs around to clear it up. Anyhow, all that is needed is an RCA line input into the system. FWIW, the software supports MLS, noise, chirp and a sawtooth impulse. IMO, the impulse is a lot less annoying to listen to. And, in the new version signals can now be summed together and spectrum shaped. Look for "New Signal Types and Combining Signals" in the V6 release notes. http://www.woofertester.com/v6_notes_release.pdf
Well, my GF has to work that weekend, so she can't go with me I'll ask my brother & see if he wants to go.
Bringing our reference stands from Custom Isolation Speakers are going to be Linn Majik 140's
We will be bringing the Unison Research CDE tubed CD player with us for the Polk room, along with the Unison Research Nuovo integrated amplifier. The CDE has the optional optical DAC and features four ECC83 valves in the output stage.
Vapor Audio will be there again this year! It's looking to be a much improved show over last year, and I'm very much looking forward to it! I might end up having two rooms. I'm looking at the Frisco conference room, which is unfortunately at the far end of the hotel past the breakfast area and pool. But I think I can setup enough signage that people will find me. And then if I do get a conference room, I'll try and bring some help so that I can setup and run another room in my sleeping room. Companies I would represent: Vapor Audio - likely a pair of Cirrus and Breeze, and also a new design called Cirrus White BMC Electronics - their stereo amp called S1 and DAC called DAC1 Antipodes cables Arte Forma - their KT88 based tube integrated called Else MkII
One last update before the show I promise I will be representing our newest line from Jolida fresh from the factory. For demo will be the following JD9 Tubed phonostage on a Linn Majik LP12 Turntable JD10A CD Player JD202A Integrated amplifier Cheers!
Hi Everyone, It looks like this will be a great fest. Last year was our first and we enjoyed it a lot. This year seems to be even bigger with lots of good things to see and hear. We will have the full line of products from the 1 watt / channel Alpha to a pair of the KT120 mono blocks. We will have several of the line stage preamps and a pair of the phono preamps. Everything is as before all valves in the active circuitry. Main source will be vinyl with CD and Blue Ray for backup. I expect to roll in Thursday PM so look me up if you get a chance. The gear will not be set up until Friday though. Bruce Heran Oddwatt Audio
I thought that I would post this update here as well. There was some talk about me hosting a little after hours small two way speaker shoot out but I it hasn't materialized yet. I contacted the local YG Acoustics dealer but he did not have any more Carmels on hand. Otherwise he was interested. YG Acoustics has been pushing some head to head comparisons in the past. If any of you guys come up with some top level monitors or small floor standing speakers and want to do something like that then let me know. I do have a larger sized room that will be well treated. I'll have some top level gear there in my room as well. So it makes for a nice location. It looks like I'll once again be showing with a pair of Super-V's. So if you guys have still not had a chance to hear a pair, now is your chance.
I would be interested on participating depending on what front end the setup will be for the shootout.
Seijinaudio wrote on Thu, 26 April 2012 19:30 I would be interested on participating depending on what front end the setup will be for the shootout. The source is Mach 2 Audio modified Mac Mini with external 12 volt power supply. The hard drive is also external. The DAC is a new db Audio Labs prototype. The pre-amp is a battery powered tube pre from Dodd Audio. The amps are battery powered tube amps (mono-blocks) also from Dodd Audio. It is basically the new and revised version of the system that we used at RMAF that was voted once again the best sound at the show by the Absolute Sound. It is a top level system from top to bottom, cables and all. And it is completely off the grid. The room will also be well treated using curtain's, foam traps, and PI Audio diffusion panels.
Well I know what I am bringing is not going to be a finalist, but I am willing to participate Shootout Participants Seijinaudio
Seijinaudio wrote on Sat, 28 April 2012 18:59 Well I know what I am bringing is not going to be a finalist, but I am willing to participate Shootout Participants Seijinaudio Cool. This is very informal and just for fun, BTW. What are you bringing?
Sounds like it's gonna be a great show this year. Wish I could make it (I really wanted to mess with Bruce's preamp), but unfortunately my son is graduating from HS this year and any extra $$ are already allocated to that celebration and getting him off to college in the fall. Ah, to be completely broke for the next 4-5 years is really something I look forward to again. Take lots of pics everyone and Bruce save me a T-shirt (XL)
Hi Shane, Was hoping you would be there. Having done the college thing a few years back I understand the funding crunch. By the time we do get together you might only need a large...
The RI-100 from Vitus Audio 300w Integrated SS Amp and Jolida 202BRC 40W Integrated Tube Amp The sources are the Linn Akurate DS, Linn Majik Turntable, and Jolida FX DAC and Jolida JD100A CD player For the turntable I will be using a Jolida JD9 Phonostage So you could say I have something for every pallet
I'm down for any type of shootout that may happen. Win, lose, or draw ... I don't care, it just sounds like fun. Hey, just wondering, would anybody be able to help me out with an equipment rack? I'm going to be in the Grapevine room which is massive, and was thinking of having 2 systems setup - one at each end of the room and 2 sets of chairs. But I only have one decent rack, and limited space in my vehicle. If any of you local dealers could loan somthing, I'd be happy to let you hand out literature or put up signage in my room. Use the contact form on my website, www.vaporsound.com if interested ... or give me a call at the number listed there.
gofar99 wrote on Sun, 29 April 2012 10:24 Hi Shane, Was hoping you would be there. Having done the college thing a few years back I understand the funding crunch. By the time we do get together you might only need a large... You are most likely right. Hopefully by that time I'll have one of your pre's sitting in my room.
Polk Audio / Unison Research / Black Cat rm 330. Got a good buddy next door with an Usher / Pass Labs setup too. Wayne, I have 3 sets of interconns from Black Cat, and pair of RT series Polk bookies for raffle, did we ever decided how to do this, are we just going live in the lobby, drop your name in the hat, and we draw in 10 minutes? I see the 'judging' etc has become more formal on other boards, which is fine, I thought we were doing a simple ballot for attendees to write down their fav room, to be announced at Sunday breakfast with the exhibitors? Cheers, Russ And of course the box of Polk T's, which I'll hand out room to room like last year if that's ok, seemed to work well. I especially like it when I handed the Stereo Clarity guys one, and they started polishing their speakers with it! Colleen Cardas and Marc Phillips (my friends and Unison Research connection) will be in attendence Fri night and Sat day. If you have ever wanted to meet Colleen - I know just about all of us have used her wire and binding posts - and Marc is a hard core vinyl blogger, cigar junkie, and all around audio nut. A couple people worth sharing some words with.
Lovely to see you again my friends Walk along with me to the next bend Lone Star Audiofest 2012 starts now! Exhibitors: 101 - Legacy Audio 102 - GR Research 204 - Stereo Clarity 206 - Affirm Audio 207 - Emia 208 - Manzanita Audio Systems 211 - Oddwatt Audio 214 - Soundfield Audio 215 - PhenomeNhan A/V 220 - Black Hole Audio 221 - Pi Speakers 223 - High Fidelity Cables 225 - Brines Acoustics 228 - Crescendo Audio 229 - Brad Baker Audio 232 - VanZyl Audio 305 - Apex HiFi 312 - Seijin Audio 313 - Fred Thompson Audio 316 - Smith & Larson 321 - Raven Audio 327 - Element Cable 330 - Polk Audio Be sure and fill out an attendence sheet in one of the rooms. Present it to the host of the room to be entered in the raffle. We will gather them up at the end of the day Saturday, and use them for a random drawing. There are several prizes being offered, so lots of people will be going home with cool stuff!
russman wrote on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:36 Wayne, I have 3 sets of interconns from Black Cat, and pair of RT series Polk bookies for raffle, did we ever decided how to do this, are we just going live in the lobby, drop your name in the hat, and we draw in 10 minutes? Excellent, Russ. I think the attendees are in for a real treat this year. Lots of goodies. I brough a pair of two Pi tower kits and three ART T-Shirts to raffle too. Last I heard about the raffle is what you saw in the emails yesterday. Steven is going to hand out some cards, we should encourage guests to fill them out and return them to the room host so they can be entered in the drawing. russman wrote on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:36 I see the 'judging' etc has become more formal on other boards, which is fine, I thought we were doing a simple ballot for attendees to write down their fav room, to be announced at Sunday breakfast with the exhibitors? Well, I don't know about all that. I just know Raven Audio donated some trophies and they and Stereo Clarity sort of championed a "Best of Show" event. Don't know how it's gonna be judged. I'm just here playing some tunes, checking out Bruce's amps. I agreed to demo with his gear this year. So I'm just messing around having some fun.
I stayed up way too late getting setup. So I'm sleeping in tomorrow. But here's what I brought this year: You'll notice the four π mains flanked by three π subs. Not surprising there. But what's new is I'm not running my usual amplification. This year, I'm using Oddwatt amps. That's what those two monoblocks are on the bottom shelf. I also have the remote control RDAC "passive preamp" mentioned at the beginning of this thread. It's the box up top with the "005" on the display. This is another one of Bruce's Oddwatt creations. He built a prototype passive preamp based on my remote processor chip. The numeric display is his way of providing visual feedback on the volume setting. You can do it with a bar graph or any number of ways, or not provide a visual indicator at all. But any way you package it, I like it because it's just one single (wiperless) part between the source and the amp. No mechanical contact via potentiometer getting in the way.
Hi All, I'm driving up from Austin and should be there tomorrow afternoon. I have a passive-pre I would like to compare with anyone elses pre-amp (passive or otherwise) if someone is interested in taking the time. I would value any expert opinions I might be able to get. You may know it as the Bent Audio TAP-X. They're not sold anymore but I bought the parts from John Chapman and put one together. I really like the sound of it but have never been able to compare it to anything other than the pre's I have owned. If you're not familiar, it offers remote controlled souce switching, volume and balance control. Volume control is via transformers from Dave Slagle. If no one's interested that's OK too. The fest looks like a good time. Cheers Phil
Man, this was an excellent show. I thought last year's show was awesome, but this one was even better. I almost hope the show will stop growing, because I think it's just right. And now for the photos:
Legacy Audio
GR Research
Raven Audio
Stereo Clarity
Affirm Audio
Emia
Oddwatt Audio
Soundfield Audio
PhenomeNhan A/V
Black Hole Audio
Pi Speakers
High Fidelity Cables
Brines Acoustics
Crescendo Audio
Brad Baker Audio
Van Zyl Audio
Apex HiFi
Seijin Audio
Fred Thompson Audio
Smith & Larson
Ron Little's Room
Polk Audio
Manzanita Audio Systems
...and the free stuff... Happy Raffle winners