AudioNervosa

Group Therapy => NC Triangulation => Topic started by: richidoo on June 30, 2011, 11:27:13 AM

Title: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on June 30, 2011, 11:27:13 AM
Please come to my music listening and audio equipment party on Saturday, July 30. From 2PM until we can't take no more.

Potential featured equipment will be:

Other notes:
We'll need a volunteer pure tube preamp for the vinyl, unless I can whip one together by then
Clean your records courtesy of Mike's RCM, free cleaning fluids provided
BYOB, and please take home what you don't drink
Do not park on the grass
Dinner served, $5 donation gratefully accepted
New moon
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 23
Post by: evan1 on June 30, 2011, 11:28:51 AM
Date is different in the title
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 23
Post by: mdconnelly on June 30, 2011, 11:50:09 AM
Rich - I'm hoping you really do mean the 30th and not the 23rd.   If so, I plan to be there!

Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on June 30, 2011, 12:09:44 PM
July 30 it is! Gotta have our Mike!!!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on June 30, 2011, 12:13:52 PM
Where are you located?  NC?  I just happen to have plans to be in southern Virginia that weekend...
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: djdube525 on June 30, 2011, 12:15:45 PM
Woohoo no charity rides that weekend! I can come!

I'll probably have to sneak in a 75+ miler in prep for B2B... which with beverages and food I'll apologize for any heavy eye lids in advance. :) Very excited to hear your work(s) of art Rich!

Dave
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on June 30, 2011, 12:37:28 PM
Where are you located?  NC?  I just happen to have plans to be in southern Virginia that weekend...

Awesome Hugh! Danville, VA is only an hour's drive.

Dave, we'll take you in whatever condition you come.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on June 30, 2011, 01:45:20 PM

Awesome Hugh! Danville, VA is only an hour's drive.

Tim, not Hugh. ;)

I'll actually be in the Chesterfield area as my wife has relatives there.  It looks like about a 2.5 hour drive to Danville.  Can't be 100% sure right now but it's a possibility depending on our other plans.  If I can make it, maybe I'll bring along a fun piece of gear to share with the group.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on June 30, 2011, 01:56:09 PM
Sorry Tim! I just associate your avatar with Melody and Melody with Hugh...  I got it now.

I'm in Cary, NC, which is about an hour south of Danville.  Hope you can make it!
Title: Re: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: manaox2 on July 01, 2011, 08:34:51 AM
Ill plan to stop in Rich, thank you for hosting!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 01, 2011, 10:19:41 AM
Thanks Scott! It will be good to see you again. Not since last summer, right?  Too long!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: stereofool on July 01, 2011, 01:15:46 PM
I'm IN :thumb:!

I can bring my AR PH5 phono preamp, also the REF3...if desired. Also, SC3 cabling if needed.

Anything else you can think of, Rich???
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 01, 2011, 01:43:58 PM
OK great. Thanks Steve!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 02, 2011, 04:06:12 PM
Sounds like you have lots of fun toys lined up.

Cary is a bit beyond my range for a day trip, but I'll be there in spirit.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 02, 2011, 04:08:46 PM
Glad you can make it too Tom!! :D   One of these days we'll get to listen together.

Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 02, 2011, 06:36:05 PM
Glad you can make it too Tom!! :D   One of these days we'll get to listen together.



"Yeah I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind."  :thumb:
 
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on July 05, 2011, 02:30:53 PM
I've got the green light from my wife to disappear for that day, so it looks like I'll be able to join the fun. :D
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 05, 2011, 03:01:47 PM
woohoo!!! That's great Tim!  I'll PM my address to you.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mac5u on July 18, 2011, 03:54:46 PM
Rich,

Man, I have been looking forward to going to your G2G all year.  But.  My twins are having thier birthday party that day.  Something about that Saturday being a better day than Thursday. 

Oh well.  Have a great one. 
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 18, 2011, 04:09:24 PM
Aww, Sorry you can't make it Michael. I'll do another one in the fall.  Or maybe you'll have yours soon!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mac5u on July 18, 2011, 04:17:40 PM
Ah, but remember I was to learn how to host at the feet of the Master.
--Grasshopper
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: hometheaterdoc on July 21, 2011, 01:36:36 PM
I'm 99.9999999% sure I'm in....  can't wait to hear everything....

You've got the transformer coupled Buffalo.... do you want me to bring along the zodiac gold with remote for comparison or is this just a "let's hear Rich's system in its current config" meeting?

I've got the Belles 22A if you still need a tube preamp to feed the vinyl into.... or is Steve bringing the Ref 3? 

I'm likely bringing Steve's Ref 1 with me as well since Ken can't make it... he's dropping it off with me to bring this weekend when he picks up his new power supply....

Shane
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 21, 2011, 02:34:49 PM
I had a poetic response crafted, but I fat fingered it into oblivion. #$%^!

I'm glad you can make it Shane, barring that one in a hundred billion chance of conflict that you alluded to. ;) Yes, please do bring the Zodiac Gold, with the Voldemort PS, and cables. I'm sure my new DAC can learn a thing or two for further improvements. We'll mix it up as usual, but hopefully my meager system will survive long enough for me to slowly absorb some positive criticism. Then we can tear it all to hell!  :lol:   Thanks for bringing the ref1 for Ken. I want to play the ref1 with Steve's VT100mk3, soulmates together again! Steve is bringing Ref3 and PH5 and cables so we don't need another preamp, but thanks.   Please bring my moocher speaker stands too, save me a trip. Thanks!

Grasshopper, another time then! Hopefully the frequency of meetings will pick up now that life is slowly returning to normal for everyone.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on July 21, 2011, 07:21:00 PM
I'll be bringing a Melody AN300B integrated to play with.  It'll be an interesting comparison to the Manley monos.  I've been a Manley fan for some time.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 21, 2011, 07:28:49 PM
Definitely!  Thanks Tim, I'm looking forward to my first Melody listen!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: hometheaterdoc on July 27, 2011, 11:18:51 AM
I'm coming... but not for the duration....  I was previously promised for group dinner in wake forest that night.... I just didn't know it yet  :?

I'll bring the Zodiac, etc.  but I'll need to leave it with you and coordinate getting it picked up at a later time...
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 27, 2011, 11:35:52 AM
I'm coming... but not for the duration....  I was previously promised for group dinner in wake forest that night.... I just didn't know it yet  :?

Ahhh, the joys of married life.  :lol: Get used to it my friend. :roll:
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 27, 2011, 11:42:31 AM
Rich I'll tell you what, Sat afternoon I'll put on some Lee Morgan up here, one of you guys have a beer for me down there and I'll try to join you via the Vulcan Mind Meld.  :D


....... now, if I could only figure out how to equip my system with  a few sets of virtual purple wires..... :drool:
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 27, 2011, 12:06:17 PM
I'm coming... but not for the duration....  I was previously promised for group dinner in wake forest that night.... I just didn't know it yet  :?

I'll bring the Zodiac, etc.  but I'll need to leave it with you and coordinate getting it picked up at a later time...

OK Shane, that's why I am starting early, so different schedules can still make it. I can bring the DAC back to you, eventually............... ;)

Tom, maybe you can hitch a ride with BobM? He's beaming in at 2:30, but can only stay 30 minutes before he disapperates.

We'll play a couple sides of Lee Morgan vinyl for ya, with all the purple wires connected!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mdconnelly on July 27, 2011, 02:41:35 PM
Still got a few AN shirts left and I'll bring them to Rich's on Saturday in case anyone needs a shirt-fix... If I remember right, there are two large and two XLs - one in each color.   I'll also bring Rich and Steve's shirts since I haven't seen you guys since before the shirt buy!

Rich - I plan to be there in the afternoon but will likely need to leave around 6pm or so (family stuff).  Anything you'd like me to bring along?   If anyone would like to check out Triode Pete's PCs, I can bring a sampling of them with me as well.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 27, 2011, 02:52:13 PM
I'm working hard on the acoustic treatments. It has been a bitch out in the heat, but they are almost done. I'm getting them painted and pretty so it is really, really done. So far, 3 new panels destined for the ceiling are totally done ready to hang with Carl tomorrow afternoon, hooks in ceiling, ready to hoist into place. A new left side wall treatment is sanded and prepped for painting tonight. Another plain panel without diffusion for rear wall is framed only. The folding wall and the front diffusion panel still need painting. Each of these panels is 4x8 or 4x6 feet, so it will sound either very much worse, or very much better. I think the midrange echo problem will be pretty much gone.  This is a 3 year old project, finally finishing!

I have stereofool's vintage Audio Research Reference components playing now, warming up and sounding great. A little too warm for my taste on these speakers which are already warm enough, but it sure sounds good. The Ref 1 preamp is a the beauty queen, makes any system sound sooo beautiful. Alternating amplifier duties with my Manleys, and i60.

Power supply parts are on their way from Mouser for the DAC, to make it self contained and mobile for home auditions. The DAC box is built, but I don't think there will be time to paint it for the meet.  The DAC has stolen the TTs power supply so I haven't listened to any vinyl for a week. Bummer!

I need to pull some stuffing out of the bass cabinets still, and build the feet before Carl's visit tomorrow. Tonight might run a little late, but the tubes will keep me company.

Yes, Mike please do bring Pete's PCs. It will be fun to hear them finally, especially in comparison to my Black Sands.  You don't need to bring anything else unless you desire a special kind of beer for yourself. Thanks!
Rich
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 27, 2011, 03:43:24 PM
It is forecast to hit 104F on Saturday, so wear your turtlenecks. My wife says thank god it's not a "build your own acoustic panels party."
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: bpape on July 27, 2011, 04:01:25 PM
 :rofl:
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 27, 2011, 10:55:14 PM
Tom, maybe you can hitch a ride with BobM? He's beaming in at 2:30, but can only stay 30 minutes before he disapperates.
I dunno Rich, I'm not sure that the technology is stable enough yet to insure that we both end up with our own DNA when we get down to NC. And no offence, but if I an going to fantisize about activities that may eventually conclude with the swapping of DNA then 1) Bob wouldn't be part of the picture  :yay2: and 2) I would rather just do it the old fashioned way.  :drool:  :rofl:


We'll play a couple sides of Lee Morgan vinyl for ya, with all the purple wires connected!
:thumb:
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 28, 2011, 05:09:10 AM
Wise
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mac5u on July 29, 2011, 02:29:14 PM
Best wishes for the G2G tomorrow, Rich.  Both my Zoe Lector and I, which I had promised you before, wish we could make the trip.  

I see that Shane is coming.  Now, I doubly wish I could come -- he sold me a Butler 5150 a few years ago.  I had a couple of questions for him that I never did get around to asking.  
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on July 29, 2011, 03:07:14 PM
I'm here in the Richmond, VA area with amp in tow, and ready to make the trip down in the morning.  Looking forward to meeting you guys tomorrow and listening to some great gear!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 29, 2011, 04:06:00 PM
A few last minute things coming together still, but basically ready. Starts at 2pm, so don't leave too early Tim!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on July 29, 2011, 08:03:52 PM
Well, not early, but still technically morning since it's about a 3.5hr drive. ;)
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 29, 2011, 08:06:38 PM
That's right, I always think Richmond is closer.
Drive safe Tim, see you tomorrow.
Rich
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: BobM on July 30, 2011, 07:43:59 PM
It's now the evening of the 30th and nobody has chimed in on the fun today. Are you guys all still there?

WE WANT PICTURES!!!!
 :pics?:
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: tmazz on July 30, 2011, 07:45:39 PM
It's now the evening of the 30th and nobody has chimed in on the fun today. Are you guys all still there?

WE WANT PICTURES!!!!
 :pics?:

You mean you didn't bring any pictures home with you when you teleported back to NY?
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 30, 2011, 09:06:04 PM
Midnight and Steve just left. We did a lot of listening today, I think everyone had fun. A few people took pictures so stay tuned! At the end we listened to vinyl through Steve's AR phono5 and ref3, and my Manley 300Bs. It was a nice sound, very satisfying. We're gonna have a vinyl only meet next time.

Thanks to Steve for hauling up half of his system, and for staying late, and driving far. Thanks to Tim for coming down to hang out with us and bringing the Melody AN300B. It was fun to hear it, and extremely well built. Thanks to Shane for bringing over his DAC and wires. Thanks to Anand for bringing his DAC. And thanks to Sol for bringing his i15, which opened some eyes big time. I got on the waiting list to buy one.

It's a big relief to have this meet behind me just because i did so many projects for the meet, which are now finished. Everyone commented on the acoustic treatments working very well. The speakers sounded good sometimes, and colored other times. With the 300B in parallel SE sounded best, because the color of the amps complemented the speakers color. With low distortion amps the speaker color was less pleasing.  The speakers are designed for SET amps, so there you go. I will continue to optimize them with some advice from Rick, Shane, Carl, and others. Thanks guys!

Thanks to everyone who came over today to make it a fun party.
Rich


Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: evan1 on July 31, 2011, 02:37:55 AM
It's now the evening of the 30th and nobody has chimed in on the fun today. Are you guys all still there?

WE WANT PICTURES!!!!
 :pics?:

You mean you didn't bring any pictures home with you when you teleported back to NY?

He can only teleport naked
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: bpape on July 31, 2011, 06:18:02 AM
It's now the evening of the 30th and nobody has chimed in on the fun today. Are you guys all still there?

WE WANT PICTURES!!!!
 :pics?:

You mean you didn't bring any pictures home with you when you teleported back to NY?

He can only teleport naked

TMI 
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mdconnelly on July 31, 2011, 06:26:18 AM
Rich, thanks for another great G2G!   I'm sorry I couldn't stay to listen to some vinyl.   I was definitely in awe of how you have transformed your living room - particularly the ceiling treatment!   Both esthetically and sonically impressive!  Your trials and tribulations on those speakers is clearly paying big dividends.   You're 95% done - but the next 95% may prove more challenging!  Finishing any project that big is emotionally difficult... there's always that last ounce of tweaking you just know will make all the difference in the world.  

It was great seeing some faces I haven't seen in awhile as well as meeting a few new folks.   Thanks for pulling this off!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: woofersus on July 31, 2011, 08:56:37 PM
Just finished the drive home from Richmond.  It was great to meet everybody there and put a few more faces to forum usernames.  The chili was top notch and the music was great too.

Thanks to Rich for putting this together.  Those acoustic panels were fantastic!  The speakers did a lot of things right and continued to be tweaked even during the gtg. ;)  Lots of gear swapping was fun, but alas I brought no camera and took no pictures.

For those of you who attended, we talked about some special gtg pricing on melody products.  I'm going to make that offer good for the whole week for anybody on the fence. :)
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on July 31, 2011, 10:06:32 PM
Thanks for coming down Tim. Nice to meet you and to listen to the Melody AN300B. It has impressive bass punch, and good transparency due to the huge transformers. Beautiful construction. Rolling tubes would be fun with this amp. Glad you made it home OK. That's a lot of driving!

Yes, the speakers functioned adequately for the meet, but they still need more tuning. I'm considering various options ranging from mild to radical, while I rest and lick my wounds. They sound nice with my Manley's, which is what counts to me, but they'll improve as I have time to experiment with more adventurous horn damping experiments.

I also brought out some corner bass trapping that proved too much once the room was filled with people so ditched those.

Steve brought a lot of equipment. Fortunately we got to listen to all of it. He also brought chips and delicious cheesecake!  :drool: Thanks Steve. Rick Craig came over with a batch of Thai curry chicken and noodles which tasted awesome. The eastern heat contrasted nicely with the western heat of my wife's mild chile. Thanks Rick, for the dish and for the advice about the speakers.

There were several DACs that we played. psoeidensvoice's Buff32 with Hynes regs, Shane's Antelope Zodiac Gold with Voldemort PS, Tim's Onix DAC, and my dooDAC. I liked the dooDAC the best. It had the most natural treble, and I felt the most resolution too. These Jensen transformers are simply unbelievable. But the Zodiac seems more solid in bass and midrange, but less natural upper mid through treble. Some people preferred the more intense treble. I liked the relaxed effortless openness of the transformers. The Onix sounded good too. I don't remember much about it except that it was a hell of a low price for how good it sounded.

Shane also brought JPS digital SC3 cable. Tonight I compared it to my Black Cat Veloce running between Sonos ZP-90 and my DAC. The SC3 gave the usual improvement in clarity and dynamic impact, more intense. Same exact characteristics as their SC3 analog cables. The Veloce was smoother, softer edges, initially sounded easier to take, but the SC3 brings more resolution and control so it is the winner. Big surprise! :)   I am happy with the black cat for now. It is very sweet and loveable, like a fat tabby. The overall feeling of the music with the cat was solid and authoritative like the SC3, but with less resolution. The smoothness was not objectionable, it was warm and sunny so I can see how people might prefer the cat's smoothness and ease of listening to the intensity and truth of the JPS. If you like general microtexture on your tone, the SC3 digital is worth thinking about, and get transformers on your DAC! haha

We played Sol's latest i15 integrated amplifier, everybody liked it. Extremely low distortion, clean and inoffensive. This little amp has balls in the bass and very pure treble.

People brought CDs so they spun what they brung, and played some stuff off my Sonos too, while we swapped in gear occasionally. First the ref 3 replaced the Ref1 with vt100, then AN300B, then Manleys, finally Phono5 with the Concept TT. Sol, Steve and I closed the place down at midnight, with a full belly of vinyl satisfaction. Steve brought some Seals and Croft, Loggins and Messina, and BST. I played some Red Garland trio, Miles 'Round Midnight, Basie at Birdland. We ignored a brief lightning storm outside because it all sounded just too good to turn off.

Thanks to everyone who came over. I had a lot of fun. Pics:

(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=919)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=917)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=916)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=913)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=915)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=912)
(http://www.audionervosa.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=914)
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: stereofool on August 01, 2011, 04:59:53 AM
Rich,

Had a great time, as usual  :thumb:! Thanks to your 'family' for allowing us to invade your happy home, AGAIN!

It was wonderful to see friends and meet some new knowledgable people, as well.

I thought your new speakers sounded good, especially with more relaxed music. We could hear some issues with complex music, and I'm not talented enough to know how to describe those, or how to fix them.

All of the DACs sounded good, and it would take me a lot of personal listening to be able to pick apart any issues. Tim's Melody sounded rather strident when first inserted, but smoothed out once it had a chance to warm up.

The best sound of the night was late...most people had gone and we started spinning vinyl. Just a nice 'musical' sound, one which you could completely relax and enjoy.


Some pics here...
http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=95 
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mdconnelly on August 01, 2011, 05:49:46 AM
Damn, sorry I missed the Black Cat vs JPS digital cable comparison.   I've been a Black Cat fanboy having compared it - quite favorably - to a number of relatively inexpensive digital ICs.  But not surprised by the JPS comparison.  When it comes to ICs and SCs, JPS has proven to be a winner over and over again.  On the other hand, that 'smoothness' of the Black Cat Veloce makes for a highly musical cable - quite the yin to the digital yang of my Logitech Touch.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on August 01, 2011, 06:10:55 AM
Mike, I compared them just last night, not at the g2g, because Shane had to leave early, while we were listening to his DAC, so he graciously left it behind, along with some cables. Since you know what SC3 sounds like in other types of wire, you know what this sounds like too. Amazing that it does the same thing in digital as well as analog!

Thanks for the pics Steve!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: Carlman on August 01, 2011, 06:47:27 AM
Really wish I could've been there... Sounds like a pretty awesome time.. and busy!  Lots of coming and going people, gear, and fun.  Much like your audio projects... And you got a lot done, Rich!  I hope you can take a moment to pat yourself on the back.  The panels, speakers, and DAC project were all really big projects.  You've completed some major tasks in your audio journey... and the biggest being what you've learned.  Congratulations!

I missed seeing our regulars and meeting Tim and any other new faces.  I will plan a G2G in the Fall sometime.  I graduate school at the end of this month.. so things should get a little easier after that.

-C
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on August 01, 2011, 07:56:17 AM
We missed you Carl. After I get the speakers positioned and tuned the way I want, I will have another mini meet pretty soon to get some feedback. One thing I am really happy about is the synergy with my amps. I was up listening late last night to digital and LPs, and again this morning, it is difficult to walk away. The combination of diffusion and transformer output straight into the amps with JPS ICs makes my solo violin recordings sound the best I've ever heard in my system. So in the important ways it is a success, but there's always more on the table.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: djdube525 on August 01, 2011, 09:06:37 AM
Hey Rich,

Thanks again for opening up your home and being a wonderful host. I only wish I could have stayed longer - needed to get back to the missus.

The sound treatments were impressive! I remember when I was last there, you were talking about how to wall off the openings to the kitchen - you did an awesome job!


Dave
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: Bigfish8 on August 01, 2011, 11:49:54 AM
Rich:

I hate I missed your G2G and not having the opportunity to hear your new system.  Also, I missed seeing all of the local guys as well as meeting some new folks.  Trust me when I state I thought many time about rather being at the G2G that being on the ground Saturday replacing tandem boat trailer springs, hub and brakes in that heat on the Eastern Shore!   I know I missed a good time and a great learning opportunity.

Ken
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on August 01, 2011, 11:57:36 AM
We missed you too Ken!  Look on the bright side, at least you weren't scraping barnacles under the boat!

You can come over anytime, but I'll be having a mini-meet pretty soon, vinyl only, listening only.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on August 01, 2011, 03:38:41 PM
Just realized Mike, that we didn't get to try Pete's wires. Sorry! Next time.
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: mdconnelly on August 01, 2011, 07:51:37 PM
I think Pete's power cords are pretty awesome but - trying to compare power cords at a G2G is always challenging, particularly when unfamiliar components are being swapped.   There will be plenty more times to do so!
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: hometheaterdoc on August 08, 2011, 08:45:42 AM
I just realized I didn't post any comments or provide thanks to Rich and family for hosting us....  where did those manners go? :)

Thanks again for a great time as usual Rich... I didn't get to stay nearly as long as I wanted, but it was great to hear all the new stuff at your place...

by far the biggest improvement is the acoustic treatment...  that's far and away the best your room has sounded.... it felt cozy like my place... nowhere near the ringing and echo that's normally in there...  it's also the best it's ever sounded in the kitchen, where I spent a lot of time chatting with others....

with the right gear, the thing I like about the speakers is that they have a big kind of sound and disappear reasonably well with some body to things... it's not a razor sharp, place everything in precisely this 1/4" of space kind of sound... more roundness and flesh to things... they remind me a bit of the Monitor 40.1s in that they are big speakers in your visual field but at the same time, you can't really pick out the speaker in the sweet spot... still some disconnects with the blending of the drivers together and some resonances to work on... I wish I could have been there to hear them with the Manley 300Bs...  the best sound of all the combos I heard was the original one with the AR Ref1 and AR amp... that Ref1 kind of prettied up the speaker more than reality and hid some of the flaws... its syrup was what was needed... hearing other combos that had more resolution showed the issues...  They certainly sounded good early on with your classical stuff....

Thanks for everything again, Rich...  looking forward to hearing it again soon...  definitely want to hear the Buffalo more ......
Title: Re: Richidoo G2G - July 30
Post by: richidoo on August 08, 2011, 10:48:51 AM
Thanks for the compliments and honest critique, Shane! You are always welcome to come over and listen, anytime. I hear what you are talking about and agree with all of your comments. I think the cause of some of the subtler audiophile issues we are hearing is the phase error in the non-symmetrical slope crossovers. I could fix those with considerable investment in time and parts to make them all true LR2, but I am enjoying listening to symphonies and solo piano at decent volume levels with minimal distraction from tone problems which was my goal for these, so I'm happy with their performance for <$2k investment. There is a little more to be gained with some minor tweeks like padding tweeter to 3.7 ohms, remove a little more mid stuffing, and improve the cable connection. Then some varnish and I think that will be "La Fin."