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Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 1 [message #1555] Mon, 02 May 2005 14:51 Go to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I was very pleased with the turnout of the Great Plains Audiofest. It started out as essentially a combined club meeting for the Tulsa and Houston Audio Clubs, but quickly became something more. Many of us had been itching for something like this for a long time, so it was immediately evident that this should become an annual event virtually from the start.

We kind of threw together the show quickly, from conception to event in just two months. So that's not a lot of time to get the word out. But I was amazed with how great it turned out. Next year's success is assured, and we'll probably extend through Sunday and make that a seminar day.

We made the mistake of not posting any schedule on the GPAF website, opting instead to make announcements here. That's fine for the "locals" and people involved in the clubs, but there were a whole lot of people that found the GPAF website by other means. So they did not know we would be taking down on Sunday and I heard there were several people that came Sunday afternoon, some even coming from out of town. I'm very sorry that happened, and next time we'll put a schedule on the GPAF website.

Still, the event was incredible. I got to see a lot of old friends and I made a lot of new ones too. This deal is a keeper.

The Embassy Suites is beautiful and its staff was pleasant and helpful. Room acoustics in hotels are never good, what room is, really, but as that goes, these were probably towards the better end of the scale. All room boundaries were very solid concrete except the wall facing the atrium. It was drywall and not braced. But the rest of the room and furniture inside was solid. The carpeting and furniture deadened the room just enough that no one treated their rooms at all. The systems sounded pretty good in those rooms.

The atrium was attractive, and the open area tended to keep each of us from "walking" on each other acoustically. The hotel staff was slightly concerned that we would make a lot of noise that might fill the atrium - and we most certainly could have done that - but that's not what these kinds of shows are about. Music levels are typically no louder than conversation levels, or maybe just a bit above. Ironically, the fountains in the atrium below were louder than anything else, and it made us all tempted to shut our doors for serious listening sessions.

Click photo for larger view

Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 2 [message #1558 is a reply to message #1555] Mon, 02 May 2005 17:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Geddes and AudioKinesis Room


It was a real treat having these two at GPAF. I've known Duke for quite some time, and I think he must be the nicest guy in the business. When you meet him in person, he'll always greet you with a big smile full of warmth. Real warmth, not just the salesman smile. He has teamed up with Dr. Earl Geddes to bring a truly exceptional series of loudspeakers to market. The Summa loudspeaker was on display at GPAF.

http://www.greatplainsaudiofest.com/Photos/GedLee.jpg
Geddes Summa Loudspeaker


They were handing out flyers and diskettes with information about the speakers, so they came prepared. In case you missed your copy of the diskette, here is the specifications document that was on it:

I really like these speakers. They are a DI matched two-way, with a 15" midwoofer and a 1" compresson driver. So naturally, I'm in agreement with its design principles and really liked their sound.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Duke_LeJeune_And_Earl_Geddes.jpg
Duke LeJeune and Earl Geddes


Earl is one of the most interesting people in the business. There are a lot of talented people in this business, but Earl is alone in one aspect. He is both academically popular and also approachable to the general public. You don't see that very often. Most of the people that publish a lot in academic circles don't involve themselves much with the public. Those that get directly involved with manufacturing, sales or DIY aren't usually publishing a lot for peer review. But Earl does both, and I think that's to his credit.

In person, Earl is a lot of fun. He is just as quick to get into a discussion if the situation is right. He loves to take a contrarian position, often arguing a point that opposes his own published and stated views. Earl sits quietly and watches, and if the conversation takes a turn that is interesting for him, out will come a stream of information. But as you might expect, he marks his words with passion, not like a repository of information but more like an artist striving to make the painting just right.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Duke_And_Lori_LeJeune.jpg
Duke and Lori LeJeune


Duke brought his wife Lori, and she was a most pleasant and gracious hostess. To tell the truth, she stole the show. Lori brought some little lamps that got everyone's attention. She sold more of them than she brought. Check out the lamp at the lower right in the photo below. As the lamp slowly changes colors, it steams off water vapor that looks like fog that settles in the valleys at dawn. It hangs in the air, sneaking over the edge of the lamp and drifting away. That thing was so cool, I just had to buy two of them.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/AudioKinesis_Geddes_Room.jpg
Earl and Duke, standing beside the Summa loudspeaker


Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 3 [message #1559 is a reply to message #1558] Mon, 02 May 2005 18:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Great Plains Audio Society Room


The Great Plains Audio Club room was manned by Mark Margiotta, who recently purchased an Audio Note system, including a pair of Audio Note Conquest monoblocks and AN/E Series speakers.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Tulsa_Room.jpg


Mark was very helpful preparing for the Great Plains Audiofest, as were many of the other members of the club. We had all talked about doing something like this, and when it came time, everyone pitched in to do their part to make things go as smoothly as possible, to help out of town visitors and to make sure everyone felt welcome.

Here is a photo of the Tulsa gang, all of whom could be seen in the halls and rooms of the Embassy Suites last weekend:

http://www.pispeakers.com/Events/Great_Plains_Audio_Club_Guys_September_2003.jpg
Standing, from left to right: Mark Margiotta, Phil Wilson, Wayne Parham, Forrest Merrill, Mark Fitzgerald and Akhilesh Bajaj
Seated: Anitesh Bajaj


And one more, Bill Wassilak:

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Bill_Johan_And_Vinay.jpg
Bill Wassilak standing beside Johan Van Zyl and Vinay Balamuru of Rhino Acoustics (BassMax)


Mark Margiotta brought in his Audio Note system and he and Phil Wilson treated people to munchies and drinks throughout the day Saturday. Mark has been a long time vacuum tube enthusiast, and has a very nice vinyl collection. He has recently switched from planars and high power push-pull tube amps to SET and higher efficiency speakers. It was nice that he brought his new Audio Note system, both because it is a great sounding rig and also because the Audio Note dealer couldn't make it.

Audio Note USA's David Cope planned to be here, but did not show up. I was told that he may have had a death in the family, and if so, we reach out to him. David skipped the Stereophile show to be here in Tulsa, so it would have taken something major to keep him away. We wish him the best. Mark's system sounded very nice and served as a fitting demonstration of Audio Note gear.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Tulsa_Audio_Club_01.jpg
Audio Note Conquest Monoblocks, AN/E Series Speakers, Sota Satellite turntable, Meridian CD player and Audio Illusions Preamp


Great review and pics [message #1560 is a reply to message #1559] Tue, 03 May 2005 07:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
spkrman57
Messages: 522
Registered: May 2009
Illuminati (1st Degree)
Wayne,
Great for those of us who could not attend to see the pics and the people. I had to settle for the "WAF" (Wrongsideofthetracks Audio Fest) here in Columbus, Ohio (See General forum for info).

One of these days I will have to travel down to one of your(Tulsa audio groups) get togethers.

Ron
Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 4 [message #1561 is a reply to message #1559] Tue, 03 May 2005 15:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Brines Acoustics Room


If you've never heard a single driver speaker, then this room would have spoiled you. If you have, then this room might have surprised you. Single driver speakers have often been touted for their coherence and imaging. But the tradeoff usually means limited bass and reduced volume, sometimes some coloration.

Brines' speakers don't have these tradeoffs. You get the single driver magic and the bass. Even from Lowthers. That's right, I said Lowthers. I'm the guy across the atrium running the huge 15" 600 watt woofers in horns and I'm telling you these speakers made some serious bass.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Brines_Room.jpg
Brines FB-16, FT-1600 and LT-2000 loudspeakers

Deep bass wasn't the only thing that impressed me about these speakers. The overall presentation was good, and tonal balance was right. Bob Brines choses components that have controlled cones so midrange is nice and treble is extended without being shrill. He also uses a compensation network to ensure that the response is just right.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Bob_Brines.jpg
Bob Brines


In the photo below, you see Bob Brines' SP-10 subwoofer, which uses a Peerless 850146 in a 2.0ft3 cabinet tuned to 30Hz. It sounds good with the small FB-16 speakers, but isn't required with the larger ones. They go to 40Hz. On the other hand, crossing over to the mains at 100Hz reduces IMD by reducing bandwidth, so it is an option to consider with any of the models. But the bottom line is that the larger speakers don't need a sub.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Brines_Room_Jim_Rivers.jpg
Jim Rivers showing his appreciation of Brines' speakers


You'll notice that Bob brought a portable CD player and a Tripath amp, both sitting on top of the sub in the picture above. These are small enough to carry in your shirt pocket, and make plenty of sound. But Bob also connected three nice tube amps, just so we could all hear several system combinations.

The AudioTropic Musical Machine, Nelson Audio Image SE8 and Heart Audio Stoetkit Jr. MkII were played in the Brines room at one point or another. The Musical Machine sounded very nice, and is really a great match for single driver speakers. It's a beautiful amp with lovely sound, but it didn't have quite the power output Bob wanted. I suspect the Walkman didn't drive it to its full level. The Image SE8 is a wonderful little amp, but it didn't do it for Bob, so it was used elsewhere. But the Stoetkit struck a chord.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Stoetkit_And_Brines_Sub.jpg
Heart Stoetkit Jr. MkII sitting on Brines SP-10 sub


Bob seemed to like the Stoetkit, and I understand because I was smitten by that little amp too. Frank Stuppel provided those to AudioRoundTable.com participants as a group buy last summer, and I fell in love with it right away. You can find more information about the Stoetkit in the FSAudio forum. Here's a closeup view:

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Stoetkit.jpg
Heart Audio Stoetkit Jr. MkII


So there were lots of things to see and hear in the Brines Acoustics room. If you're interested in single driver speakers and you didn't get a chance to hear them, make every effort to audition a pair sometime.

Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 5 [message #1562 is a reply to message #1561] Tue, 03 May 2005 16:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Houston Audio Club Room


Fred Thompson manned the Houston Audio Club room and treated us to his FredArrays. Man, these speakers really sound good. Much better than they have a right to, given the cost figures Fred claims. I told him he should sell them, no kidding. Give 'em a name like "Great 888" and sell 'em for $888, whatdya think? But Fred says there's no sexier name than FredArray. ../emoticons/smiley.gif

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Fred_Array.jpg
FredArray speaker


I am so glad I got to meet Fred. We've visited so many times here that I felt like I knew him. He is really a neat guy, and more talented than he gives himself credit for. I'm telling you, those speakers of his are really neat.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Houston_Room_Fred_Thompson.jpg
Fred Thompson with his FredArray speakers


I wouldn't change much about the Great Plains Audiofest next year, but one of the things I'll definitely do differently is to allow myself more time. For example, next year, I'll ask someone in the Tulsa group to act as concierge, getting neccessaries for out of town exhibitors that need them. I'll ask another to act as photographer. And another will be in charge of promotions and press releases. The reason is that I found myself doing this stuff and it gave me little time to sit and listen as much as I'd like.

I really wanted to spend more time in Fred's room, to listen to his Ella amp and other goodies. I got to hear several songs on the FredArrays - enough to realize they were pretty awesome speakers - but I intended to get back more. We were able to eat dinner together Saturday night, along with our wives, the Margiotta's, the LeJeune's and Earl Geddes, and that was a pleasant evening. But I really wanted to spend more time with Fred, because he is such a nice guy and he has a lot of really cool toys to check out.

Here is some of the other equipment:

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Houston_Audio_Club_Room_02.jpg
Dk Design Group VS.1 Reference MkII Integrated Amp and Scott Nixon Tube DAC

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Ella.jpg
Ella Amplifier with KT88's


Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 6 [message #1578 is a reply to message #1562] Tue, 03 May 2005 23:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Abraxas Audio Room


Abraxas Audio specializes in hand-built, made to order amps. But unlike some of the other custom builders, you can get a nice amp from Abraxas Audio for less than a few thousand bucks. In fact, you can get an amp from Jef for just a few hundred bucks, and it's really a great looking and great sounding amp. That's less money than most of the popular kits, so you might be asking how Jef can afford to make these groovy amps so inexpensively.

I'm thinking he has a rich uncle or something.

Just look at these things:

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Abraxas_Audio_Table.jpg


The way I identify Abraxas Audio amps is by color. Most of them have a brushed aluminum chassis with an anodized or painted color trim, but each is different. The first one I saw and heard was the blue one that Jim Denton bought. It sounded surprisingly good, especially for the price. Must be the rich uncle. At GPAF, Jef brought a yellow amp and a black amp, and Jim's blue amp was there too.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Jef_And_Deborah.jpg
Jef and Deborah at Abraxas Audio


If you're wanting to make the plunge into a lower power SET amp, I suggest you drop Jef a line. You can get an amp from him for less than you'd spend on a good kit, and you won't have to pick up an iron.

Here's another view:

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/Abraxas_Room.jpg


Re: Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 3 [message #1581 is a reply to message #1559] Wed, 04 May 2005 05:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
DRCope is currently offline  DRCope
Messages: 160
Registered: May 2009
Location: Brooklyn, CT
Master
I'm very sorry to have missed the show; it looks like a great time was had by all. As Wayne indicated, it did take something quite serious to keep me away, but we don't need to go there . . . .

I really appreciate Mark M. preventing a complete lack of Audio Note gear, and I want to apologize to the folks who were hoping to check out more of the AN goodies.

I'd like to make it up to the Tulsa crowd by offering to send an Audio Note digital front end for your next get together. Lessee - demo CDT1 and DAC3.1x which sound great and would be quite the deal, or new CDT2/II and DAC1.1x Signature which are ultra brandy new products . . . . . ? ../emoticons/winkie.gif
Re: Great Plains Audiofest Writeup, Page 3 [message #1585 is a reply to message #1581] Wed, 04 May 2005 11:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently online  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I think I can speak for all who attended when I say we're real sorry to have missed you too. Both for empathetic reasons and for selfish reasons - We wanted to see your cool AN gear. ../emoticons/smiley.gif

The Audio Note system that Mark displayed sounded great, with deep full bass and luscious mids. I had an Audio Note Kit 2 playing on Friday, Sunday and part of the day Saturday, and it sounded very nice. It's playing right now, as a matter of fact, with Nat King Cole surging through the tubes. I bought the amp from Mark and Brian sent me out the transformer caps - a real bugger to put on, but they really dress up the amp. So Audio Note was represented very well, and all the AN gear looked and sounded great.

http://greatplainsaudiofest.com/2005/Photos/AudioNote6550_03.jpg
Audio Note Kit 2


Demo Gear [message #1595 is a reply to message #1581] Wed, 04 May 2005 14:48 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
akhilesh is currently offline  akhilesh
Messages: 1275
Registered: May 2009
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
Sorry to have missed you too, David. Hope all is well.
Since Mark & Wayne displayed the AN gear, i vote we let them decide what digital gear to get from you at the next GPAC club meet.
thanks
-akhilesh
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