Thanks to Charlie K and Karen for hosting and providing food/drinks. At one point, there were over 30 members and invited guests at the meeting. Every meeting since January has had between 24-35 people attend.
Charles - I listened to the Ice monoblocks for a week before I brought them over to the meeting. I heard a similar problem in my system with the stock tubes, though not to the same degree that I heard at Charlie's, until I changed to 1960s Amperex, Mullard or Brimars which basically eliminated the treble etch. I paired the Ice monoblocks with either a solid state or tube preamp, and didn't hear any major problems. Tonally, the monoblocks had a hybrid sound with excellent resolution and soundstaging. But since you weren't there, you can either believe or not believe me. I didn't want to use the vintage tubes because that would have change the stock sound the manufacturer and Gary Dodd intended. It's a personal taste anyway.
Jim - I agree with your assessment. Especially in light that several announcements were made to either quiet down or go to another room or the roof, so as not to disturb those who wanted to listen. It takes a lot of time and effort to convince designers/manufacturers to trust me enough to lend me their equipment. I think it's disrespectful to them where the chatter is as loud as the music. No one can enjoy the music or the equipment in that situation. It's like a mob mentality, where the noise just builds and builds. If this continues, I will no longer make the effort to get new products. It's just not worth it if my efforts go to waste. On a similar matter, negative comments about one's choice in music is arrogant and narrow-minded. Music is a personal preference, so nothing is proved by denigrating that preference except what I said in the previous sentence.
Jim - Did you receive the AudioEngine credit card form I emailed you?
