AudioNervosa

Group Therapy => NC Triangulation => Topic started by: Inscrutable on February 16, 2012, 01:45:19 AM

Title: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 16, 2012, 01:45:19 AM
Hi guys,
Been a long time. Coming out of A/V hibernation and thinking it'd be nice to see what the rest of the sleuth has been up to. I'd be happy to host a G2G at my place in the next month or two. Even though I've not done a lot with my system  in the last few years - a few up,down, and side-grades - I do have a great gathering place now. I'll hasve to check the calendar fo teh manageing partner, but is there some consensus on bood/bad weekends? Also, has there been any change in whether Saturday or Sunday is better or worse in general?

Also, since my next project is HT-related, I've also proposed hosting a meet for the local AVS forum junkies.   Is there any interest in our group here about combining with that? Not sure what the HT interest level is nowadays among the rest of you. Space/accommodation isn't an issue, but not sure what the related activity/tehme is yet for either of these, so some do/don't lend themselves to a bigger crowd. or we can look at this just as more of a social event, and let whatever A/V works happen. Let me know what you think.

I've created a Doodle poll to check on general availiability . Link is here:
http://www.doodle.com/pb685xdmk6yqmhce

i'd like to get his nailed down in the next couple days, tehn post some real dates for consideration.

Looking forward to reconnecting!
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: richidoo on February 16, 2012, 06:59:39 AM
Hi Tim! Glad you are back on the scene. We have missed you. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing your system for the first time. I would love to meet the AVS guys.

I have kart racing on Sunday morning, so I might be a little late for 12pm start, but I can make it. The other two times are OK.
Rich
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on February 16, 2012, 01:11:59 PM
He LIVES!! :)

Great to see you are still around!!!

I need to have one last hurrah myself before I go into baby jail...  some complications the last few weeks have just sapped my available time to do anything...

she has her shower this weekend and then next weekend is the birth classes all weekend long... I'm thinking maybe the weekend after that if he doesn't try to force his way out sooner like he's been trying to do lately...

I want to show off the new VR-35s from Von Schweikert, including how they work in home theater setup because of their imaging.  I also want to show off the AMR electronics that have joined the fray here... the DAC is really something.  I might finally have the upgrade board to make the PS Audio PWD an MKII status by then as well....  add in the new 6C33C based amps that are slowly working out the mechanical noise issues, and I should have some cool new toys to show off in one last bang before my world is consumed with feedings and diaper changes at all hours of the day and night....  why did I wait so late in adulthood to do this again?

I'd be curious to hear more about your new digs as well, Tim including have a looksee at what you got going on now... as stated, the next couple weekends are not possible, but beyond that I have a small window of time assuming he stays in there until closer to full term....
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 16, 2012, 03:00:26 PM
Shane,
Yeah, my next 2 are booked as well ... I am thinking sometime in March. I think we are hosting a baby shower March 17th. So if we are doing Saturday afternoon, it would be 3rd, 24th, or 31st. Is Sat the 'usual' day? I am getting non-consensus on my 3 prospective times (and some write-in candidates) at AVS, so I think we will drive teh train.

With your litany of 'stuff' are you talking schlepping over here, or hosting? If the former, at least it is only 2 floors this time ... not lugging db99's up to a third floor this time   :duh

My digs are better than the old house. Overall the room is 22 by 40, (part of it notched out for the bathroom) with 10 and 11 foot ceilings. Have a pool table and a bar, with comfortable theater stadium seating for 6, and pub/bar seating for 8.

The downside is that I haven't done any treatments yet, but the large size helps with that.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: jianghai on February 16, 2012, 04:09:38 PM
My schedule is a little nebulous, but I should be in for whenever. Look forward to meeting all y'all
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on February 17, 2012, 07:45:26 AM
Tim,

I was thinking of hosting one myself... I'm not opposed to schlepping a few pieces over if you want to hear some different pieces at your place during your get together... but no more lugging big speakers :)  I've reached the end of the line for that except when delivering purchased items to customers.... I'm too fat and out of shape to be lugging big boxes just for the fun of it anymore :)

I just put a new bulb in my JVC... got 3700+ hours out of a 3000 hour bulb on the old one... and it still works... it just was worn out and the dimness was starting to bug me watching during the day.... so I swapped it.... wow.... i forgot how awesome this projector is...  even with the iris aperture fully closed I have my plasma like effect back... and the color balance and greyscale is still spot on without having to re-calibrate...  I'm a happy camper stretched out in the theater recliner watching a movie with the VR-35s and center channel immersing me in the movie :)  not that I get to do that much lately....

Saturdays seem to be the best for almost everyone...  usually afternoon until late night seems to allow folks to come and go depending on their schedules... lots of folks work on Saturday and lots of plans usually occur on Saturday... so you'll get some folks coming in late or having to drop out at the last minute...  but Sundays always seem to be even more problematic whenever I tried to do that in the past.

I was actually thinking of doing March 3rd myself... all the new toys won't be here by then, but I'm really tempting fate too much if I let it push out much past that date... 

Rich might have working test mules of the Econowave high efficiency speakers he's building if you have a get together later next month...  he might be more willing to lug speakers for you to hear at your place :)  It sounds like you've definitely got a big enough room to take advantage of them...

Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Carlman on February 17, 2012, 08:11:21 AM
Saturday afternoon 3/31 or Sunday 4/1 work for me..
I think Sunday is usually better for Steve (stereofool) IIRC.  I guess I should let him chime in about his sitch.
In any case, would be great to see you, the new digs, and enjoy some tunes.  I'd like to hear some new music and catch up with everyone mainly.

How do you want people to bring music? Files, cd's, records?

-C

Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 17, 2012, 10:42:47 AM
Quote
I'm too fat and out of shape to be lugging big boxes just for the fun of it anymore
Kinda hard to believe that was over 7 years ago?!
Quote
I was actually thinking of doing March 3rd myself...
OK, I'll clear out of that slot and look at late March or even space it out a bit more and look at April.
Quote
How do you want people to bring music? Files, cd's, records?
I can accomodate any of those, and unfortunately am somewhat compromised on all counts right now being in transition with equipment and configuration. We'll see what has improved by April.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: stereofool on February 17, 2012, 02:28:15 PM
I can do most Saturdays after about 3:00PM  :).

I agree that most of the guys seem to be able to attend the Saturday G2G's!

I'm open from early March on, and looking forward to seeing the 'gang', again  :roll:.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on February 22, 2012, 11:59:21 AM
The better half put the kibosh on me hosting a big get together before the little one arrives.  So March 3rd is now back open for you, Tim.

I was told I could host it if it only lasted a couple hours.... HA!  Like that will ever happen...  3 hours or less is now the threshold.  Any longer is too long for her to be away from the house at this point... and staying around to listen to conversations about gear is not on the table for her :)  She's at the point that she wants to stay hibernating in her own house uninterrupted in her "nest" with her swollen feet elevated.  She doesn't understand why I can't just carry all the gear over to someone else's house and they can host it....  I'm learning to pick my battles.  Debating or discussing the merits of something with an irrational, irritable, 8 month pregnant woman is just not worth the hassle :)   I kid, of course. :)  hehehe

So I would still like to show off the new Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) gear (the DP-777 DAC is super and their integrated amps are really quite good as well), the new VR-35 speakers from Von Schweikert, some tube amps, and the new MKII version of the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC whenever the upgrade board ships...  but I just can't do it at my place for a couple months until after baby is born and she's up for longer trips away from my place.  

I'm open to taking some of this stuff on the road... all but the speakers are easily transported... so likely not them.... and folks are always welcome to come in smaller numbers for a demo at my place.... but it can only be 3 hours or less... we just can't do a 12 hour event with lots of people that runs well into the night for a little bit yet... someone goes to sleep pretty early these days :)  playing above 100dB at midnight won't fly for the next couple months like it did on one of the last couple get togethers at my place...
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 22, 2012, 03:24:44 PM
Quote
Debating or discussing the merits of something with an irrational, irritable, 8 month pregnant woman is just not worth the hassle
You mean the hassle of you having to sit in the emergency room awaiting attention for removing a large foreign object from sensitive territory, or perhaps re-attaching some appendage of which you've become fond.

I'd be glad to help you with transporting and setting up stuff you'd like to bring, but don't feel you have to ... it's all good. I'm happy just to catch up with everyone, spin some tunes, and  :beer:   But I do have to warn you I still have the 3.3's   Maybe if Rich finishes the Econowaves in time ... ?

I'd mentally checked off the 3rd, so let me circle back with the managing partner and see if I've been booked now for something else that would make hosting difficult.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 24, 2012, 12:56:09 AM
OK, seems I am still available on the 3rd, so if expectations can be managed down enough, I can host a G2G.

Is the 3rd still good for you guys?
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: stereofool on February 24, 2012, 02:21:14 AM
I can do after 3:00PM  :thumb:.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: richidoo on February 24, 2012, 06:13:41 AM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: jianghai on February 25, 2012, 08:01:37 PM
:thumb:

My sentiments exactly. More than happy to help out in any way I can.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on February 27, 2012, 03:05:37 PM
so we're good to go for this weekend??  Times?  Can you PM address so we can mapquest / GPS / etc. it?

What's on tap for theme?  want any gear or is it just a get together and drink a few beverages and catch up now that you've come out of hibernating?  Want to get some opinions on what to do with the room, etc?
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: stereofool on February 27, 2012, 04:31:22 PM
Tim,

I'm with Shane...are we on for March 3...what time?

Could you PM me your address?

Hope to see you guys Saturday  :D!
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: djdube525 on February 28, 2012, 03:12:40 AM
Hi Tim,

If you still have room, I'd like to swing by for a couple of hours. Need any beverages or food?

Dave
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 29, 2012, 01:11:32 AM
Sorry for the delay guys ... it's been one of those weeks, and still going ...

Sure, we are good for Saturday. Sounds like most folks were available late afternoon/early evening, so maybe start at 2-3 or so, and we can go into the mid-evening to accommodate later arrivals?

 I am good with the gamut from a strictly social event to any kind of gear that is here or schleppable over.

I would really love to hear the econowaves if they happen to be operational that soon, but I am sure that is an extreme long shot.

I am in process of thinning the herd and building back up the theater first, and then the music system again. So what I will have available for the audio chain is:
Digital: Oppo BDP-80 or SB into either modded LiteDacAh or Denon 4310ci
Analog: MMF-7/Eroica into Cambridge 640P
Amp: Adcom GFA-7500 or EE Minimax
Mains; Trusty old NHT 3.3's (sorry Shane), or play with the little Pioneer 41's

So you can use that as your basis for what gear or media/format to bring if you wish, or nothing at all. I have found that inserting the bar into the audio chain makes all this stuff sound much better.

For food and drink, I will have assorted beers and sodas, munchies, and I had intended to throw something on the smoker ... but now calling for rain so that may have to change.  Again, if there's anything special/different you'd like to bring or not, fine either way.  Do we have any vegetarians in the house, or are we all carnivores or at least omnivores?

I will PM those who've responded so far, all you other slackers please shoot me an email or PM for address/directions.

Questions, comments, suggestions welcome.  Look forward to seeing you all again!

Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: richidoo on February 29, 2012, 09:35:51 AM
Ewaves not ready yet.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on February 29, 2012, 01:10:51 PM
Yes, figured very very long shot, plus not easily schleppable especially if it is pouring rain. Will look forward to the debut at your place.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Carlman on February 29, 2012, 05:12:39 PM
Slacker checking in... I plan to be there so as long as nothing crazy comes up, I'll see you in the afternoon.  Would definitely be nice to catch up.  I just need to make sure the stars are appropriately aligned.... so far, they are.
Thanks for hosting, Tim! :)
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on March 01, 2012, 04:46:40 PM
Dave,
Assume you already got the drift, but to be sure there's always room for more!

Carl,
Great! Really hope you can make it.

Say, would anyone happen to have an extra pair of speaker stands for the day? I've been breaking in those little Pioneers, and frankly pleasantly surprised and thinking they deserve to be positioned better for a listen.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Carlman on March 01, 2012, 05:42:46 PM
I have an extra pair you can use... black, 26" I think.
-C
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on March 02, 2012, 09:53:30 AM
ok.... as of right now, all systems are go that I can attend...  I will be later in the afternoon though because of a commitment in the early afternoon...

I'll bring a couple AMR pieces to play with... it might make the NHT's tweeter a bit more tolerable ;)  Who knows... I've noticed that my hearing is *thankfully* starting to drop off a bit... I might even be in heaven giving them a listen again...........  or not ;) hehehehe

I also have a pair of Sanus Ultimate Foundation stands I could bring.. they are 26 inchers as well... smaller top plate than the ones Carl has if that matters at all to you... I'm fine either way to bring them or not :)

looking forward to seeing you (and everyone else) and getting to catch up... it's been too long!
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: djdube525 on March 02, 2012, 12:14:39 PM
Dave,
Assume you already got the drift, but to be sure there's always room for more!

Thanks! Quick Question for you... it looks like you have a Squeezebox somewhere in the chain... are you able to play flac files? Trying to decide whether to bring a USB stick/DVD/SD Card or a bunch of CDs.

Also... out of curiosity... any IPA fans out there?

Dave
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on March 02, 2012, 02:45:39 PM
For sure the weakest link in the chain now is the (lack of) preamp.  The 4310 is ok, but I wanted it for the multichannel Audyssey, not analog or 2-ch. Miss the Plinius ...  So, if anyone is tremendously kind and motivated and wants to bring a preamp, it will be cheerfully welcomed.

Shane, the hearing rolloff is not only a good thing for audio tolerance, but maybe will take the edge off the 2am feeding frenzy crying too  :cry: 

WRT the stands, the Pioneers base is about 8w x 9d, so judge accordingly.  Sitting atop the 3.3's now, and a bit too tall for the 2nd row seats.

Dave, yes running an SB Classic and could accomodate digital files on the server downstairs. Running all uncompressed WAV files right now, but I am sure you me or someone can get the FLAC files recognized and playing. Can accomodate those and CD, SACD, DVD-A, vinyl, cassette, could borrow an open reel, probably even have an old deaf friend with an 8-track.

And yes, I am sure there will be at least one IPAddict here. Right now I think I have some Killians, Landshark, Yuengling, Amstel, probably some frou-frou leftovers from company.  Meant to get some Smithwycks and forgot.

BTW, I will start it on the DVR, but will probably switch on the Duke-Carolina game by about 8 (thinking tip is about 7:10?) if no one objects and we're not engrossed in something audio.

I didn't get any responses on the carnivore thing ... suffice to say this menu won't be on the American College of Cardiology's top ten list (unless one of them needs to fund a new boat). I'll have pork and chicken on the smoker, baked beans, chips, pretzels, beer, soda. Anything else you feel like is fine.

gotta run, more later ...
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on March 02, 2012, 03:36:30 PM
the AMR amps are integrateds.... so covered there... plus the AMR DAC can be run as DAC and preamp as well... only 2V out... but can be used as preamp function including volume control... so we should be good on that front at least from my end when I get there...

I likely won't make it until near suppertime though.... everything you are having for food sounds awesome...

sounds like Carl's stands should work then... I'll let him take his over if he's still up for it... less stuff for me to forget and better chance of fitting everything in the truck easily for the drive :)
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on March 03, 2012, 03:23:03 AM
Thanks so much Shane ... that sounds great.

Now, if I can catch just a LITTLE break with this damn rain ...
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: richidoo on March 03, 2012, 05:16:03 PM
Just got home, it was a great time. Thanks to Tim and his wife for opening their house to us wayward audiophiles.

I enjoyed listening to your system Tim. The NHT speakers are sweet. I like the very transparent upper mids. Delicious spicy BBQ and billiards, very fun!

Great to meet jianghai in person!
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: stereofool on March 03, 2012, 06:30:13 PM
I'm home too!

Tim, thanks to you and your bride, for allowing us to 'invade' your nice home. I like your audio room...I wish I had your room width.

I did almost no listening, but had a great time catching up with the guys that I haven't seen for awhile. We'll have to G2G sooner  :?.

I'll try to get some pics posted tomorrow.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Carlman on March 04, 2012, 07:58:16 AM
Awesome time! thanks for making this happen, Tim... it'd been too long since seeing you and for all of us getting together. I had a blast catching up with everyone! :) 

Glad we could pick up where we left off.  It was nice to get schooled in pool again... I'd forgotten how to play... Great fun, marvelous food, too!  I might have to get myself one of them big green eggs.  :thumb:

I only got to listen for a short while when Bela Fleck was on but I liked the potential of the room and system.  I think you've got a fun project ahead figuring out the 2-channel setup.  I would still try playing with the toe-in on the NHT's just to see if it really causes a problem.. who knows, right?

You are welcome to borrow a couple of panels sometime, just let me know.  I don't get as much time in my room as I'd like.  However, I do look forward to the next G2G I have... should be a real hum-dinger of a DAC-off. ;)

-C
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: djdube525 on March 04, 2012, 08:35:40 AM
I might have to get myself one of them big green eggs.  :thumb:

Oh... son of a gun! I left way too early. I didn't realize Tim had a big green egg. That's been toying with the idea of getting one of those for several years now.

Tim... thank you so much for your generous hospitality! I wish I could have stayed longer, but husbandly duties called.

It was nice catching up with everyone!
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: jianghai on March 04, 2012, 04:08:34 PM
Thanks again to Tim for hosting, and for all that great-tasting food. Was great to meet everyone, look forward to more to come.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Inscrutable on March 05, 2012, 03:04:07 AM
Thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to Shane and his back for lugging up the AMR 777 stack. In retrospect, wish I'd done a little more listening once they was inserted - really made a profound change in tone and character. But after so much time away, my priority was just catching up with the regulars, and getting to meet a couple newer folks.  Will be looking forward to the Dac-off at Carl's and the unveiling of the Econowaves.
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: hometheaterdoc on March 05, 2012, 09:12:58 AM
I had a great time.  Many, many, many thanks to Tim for hosting us. 

That AMR AM-77.1 amp is not light to carry all the way to the truck down the street :) hehehe  how I wish at that moment that it was the little 777 variant :)  I did like how much the tone changed when we swapped it in....  made those NHTs listenable ;) hehehe

You've got a great space, Tim.  I especially liked the pool table.  I'm a sucker for one of those :)  I only wish I had a multi-purpose room like that... the width was awesome and nice high ceilings as well... A little bit of treatment in the room and you're going to be golden....  I'm envious....

It was great to see folks again... this was probably the least amount of listening we've ever done at an audio get together :)  We listened while we played pool and ate some awesome food.  You've set the bar pretty high for future get-togethers, Tim... tasty smoked meat > me ordering pizzas when I have folks over here :)  I say that even with the spicy rub on the meat leaving me sweating and my mouth on fire even the next day :)

Next up is the listening session of the Econowave speakers Rich is getting really close to finishing for first listen and a DAC get together at Carls....  here's hoping I'll be permitted to sneak away long enough to attend both :)



Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: stereofool on March 06, 2012, 04:08:20 AM
Pic's are up...finally  :roll:!

http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=125
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: Carlman on March 06, 2012, 05:27:53 PM
Nice shots, Steve!  Thanks a million.  I always get about 10 minutes on the road before realizing I forgot my camera...  :duh
Title: Re: G2G in March?
Post by: mdconnelly on March 07, 2012, 06:20:35 AM
Damn, I am so sorry I had to miss this g2g... daughter home from school and prior evening plans.  But that is ONE AWESOME ROOM!  What I'd give to have that space, HT setup *and* pool table. That' my ideal man-cave.

Sounds like it was a lot of fun! :beer: