Jim Griffin giving his Line Array seminar at GPAF

Jim Griffin is one of the really good guys in audio. He's in good company at GPAF, 'cause the "cream of the crop" gentlemen (and ladies) of audio make the yearly trek to Tulsa for GPAF. Jim is esteemed because of his willingness to educate and assist, his dedication to quality and his consistency. For these reasons, I always applaud Jim Griffin.

Jim's room sounded wonderful. He brought Line Arrays with (12) CSS WR125S midwoofers and (9) Aurum Cantus G3i-130 ribbons, crossed over actively with a DEQX crossover. This is a very sophisticated system and the quality of sound it produces is superb.

To the surprise of many that consider Jim Griffin "the array man", he also brought A pair of bipolar MLTL full-range cabinets. Each uses a WR125S and a FR125S midwoofer configured as a bipole and driven full range. These were also very nice.

Click photo for larger view

The Dallas Audio Club was manned by Fred Thompson and his lovely and charming wife Linda. As most of you know, Fred is one of the true DIY afficionados of audio. He's a little like Nick Nolte in Lorenzo's Oil, always polite and gracious while upstaging all the scientists and engineers with his talent.

Fred and Linda Thompson

Fred has made literally dozens of loudspeakers over the years, all sounding as good as the top of the line models, and all looking like premium upscale furniture. And it doesn't stop there, he also has tried just about every audio equipment peripheral or device out there, keeping those that are best, but trading them in every so often for the next thing to try. Fred probably has more hands-on experience in audio equipment than any other enthusiast I know.

Click photo for larger view

The system in the Dallas Audio Club room included an Onix XCD-88 CD player, Lite Audio DAC 60, Audio Experience Linestage, Heathkit 5881 amp modded by Jim Rivers and a pair of speakers designed and built by Fred Thompson.

FMTunerInfo.com's "3moons" Jim Rivers

Akhilesh has been one of the most active and consistent members of the Tulsa Audio Club since it started. He is always building something, and he has a great ear, so his systems always sound good. He has been very helpful in getting GPAF going and keeping it going. This year, he and I even spent an afternoon putting up signs together, thanks Akhilesh!

Akhilesh Bajaj talking with Leo McIntire about his ideas for single driver speaker systems

Akhilesh gave a seminar on single driver systems this year at GPAF. He uses a subwoofer to augment the lowest octaves, taking the strain off the main driver and reducing IMD. He then uses an active filter for compensation, much like a passive BSC. An interesting concept that really sounds good!

Click photo for larger view

Seven π Cornerhorn Loudspeakers

This photo was taken after setup but before opening for the public. I was extremely pleased with how everything sounded this year. I was running the Professional Series seven π speakers, which are the best I've ever heard. I like to bring something different to each of the shows, sort of change things up. But as many who have been around me or read the forum for any length of time know, I am most fond of this loudspeaker. I like the Audiophile Series a lot too, and the Theaters and Studios are nice. In fact, they each sound very good. But nothing does what Profesional Series seven π cornerhorn speakers do. Nothing. I've always been most fond of these.

For amplification, I alternated between using the Stoetkit and the Profet amps. I've really become fond of these little amps. They're modest and affordable, but they just sound great. I think the Stoetkit is the best value in tube amp kits out there, and the Profet must be the cleanest amp I've ever heard. I ran the Profet preamp with the Profet main amp a lot throughout the weekend, and I must say, the sound was exquisite.

Click photo for larger view

A few people that I should mention are Akhilesh Bajaj, Melissa McCollum, Derk Pinkerton and my son Michael Parham. They helped a lot getting things ready and setting up signs. Melissa spent a whole (hot) afternoon with me setting up signs one day, as did Derk and Akhilesh, each on separate days. Michael went around after the show and gathered them all up.

I also want to thank the staff at the Embassy Suites. When we first approached them about having audio shows, they really didn't know what to make of all this. Now they're getting to know us audiophiles, and getting better with each show. They've asked us for feedback and sent me a questionnaire. So if those of you that were there would like to comment, send me an E-Mail and I'll pass it on. That way they can continue to improve with each show.

I can hardly wait until next year!

Click photo for larger view