Equipment List

[MikE]

I realize this event is still in it's early stages but I'm curious what equipment will be at the event. I'm most interested in High-Efficiency speakers. Especially something like a VOTT or Klipsch Cornwall. Luther asked me to bring up the Moth, which isn't a problem at all. It travels very well! I should have the polypropylene psu cap installed by then, which as I understand is a significant upgrade. MikE

[Wardsweb]

Great thread - I'll have:

Shanling T-100 CDP
Wardsweb's 2A3 stereo amp
maybe my Bottlehead Paramours

Sorry but my VOTT's are a bit much for traveling. Although some local guys will have some stuff - La Scala's come to mind.

[gonefishin]

I'm still not clear if there is a set date...or not. Are you going to be able to bring equipment and set it up in your hotel room?


I'm still unclear about the whole thing.

[Wardsweb]

Finalizing the contract, but looks like 7 banquet type rooms on the first floor of a hotel.

[Andyman]

Well, my stuff here is mainly vintage and speaker heavy. I'd love to bring over my La Scalas and have someone's tubes drive them. I've never heard them here aside from in the driveway and understand I may be missing something significant. I'm already secretly plotting on how to fit them in my basement. :D

More common items I could bring would be EPI 100s, JBL 4311 monitors, Dynaco A25s, and Small Advents. If I get them refoamed I could also bring some Boston Acoustics A70s or 60s (I forget which ones they are), Large Advents (maybe four to do the Stacked Advent array), the EPI 500s, the ESS AMTs, and IMF monitors.

I know a lot of these are old standbys and fairly common, but I'm sure some folks may be interested in what they sound like. I'm a townie for this, so it's only a 30 minute round trip to go and get something if someone wants to hear it.

:D

[Ski]

I could probably bring my $52.11 full range speakers and my VOTTs (cabinets to be determined).

[NOSValves]

I will most likely bring whatever vintage amps that I happen to have in the shop for rebuilds that I have done(with the owners permission of coarse) Of my own gear I will be bringing the following

Dynaco Mark III's that I have highly modified great amps !
Mapletree Audio design Ultra 4A preamp
Scott 130 Preamp
Klipsch Lascala's
Klipsch Heresy's (maybe)
Musci Hall MMF7 turntable
Sony C333ES SACD player
I could have some friends in the area bring Cornwalls and Chorus speakers also.

I'm hoping to have a set of very versatile amps I have been developing ready for prime time to debut at this little event. I may even offer them for sale at a great price at the event only. I'm thinking of naming them a NOS Valves TRD amps. Can anyone guess what TRD stands for ? Who ever brings the answer to the event first gets half off the labor charge for a vintage rebuild or whatever else they have me do for them we will call it a $75 value !

Craig

[MikE]

Craig, I'd love to hear the Cornwalls! Are they the older model 1's w/Alinco magnets? I've heard some incredible things about them with SETs. That of all the Klipsch, they are way preferred with low power amps. The Klipschhorns have they're fans also. The La Scala's have mixed reviews. I'd like to check out both, but the Cornwall especially. Thanks Man, I'll have to buy you a beer or two! They are on my short list of "must audition" speaker systems.

MikE

[Wardsweb]

Craig I hope those aren't TuRD amps. :lmao:

[NOSValves]

If you read all the reviews every speaker Klipsch or other wise all have mixed reviews !! On th klispch forum I have never heard anyone selling there Khorn or Lascalas to go back to Cornwall's unless it was a size or placement issue. Never a sound issue.

I will see what I can do with the Cornwall though. No gaurantee's since I do not own them. If you want to hear them with SET your going to have to bring the amps but your more then welcome to hook them up. I'm not a SET guy so to speak. I really haven't went down the road yet but you never know though. I try to never say never LOL !!


Craig

[gonefishin]

grump...you've got a PM.

What would ya think about throwing me in the "refreshment" room?


equipment list:

Amplifier: Cary 300se monos for the mid and tweeter. IRD mb100 SS amps driving the woofers.


Preamplifier: Bent Audio NOH


Speakers: DIY speakers. JBL 2441 with 500Hz EdgarHorn Salad Bowls for mids, Fane 5022 tweeter, and a TAD 1601a 15" woofer in a sealed cabinet. Sensitivty of the midhorn/tweet - 107db / Woofer - 95db (ish)



CD Player/DAC: Philips SACD1000,

[NOSValves]

Originally posted by Wardsweb
Craig I hope those aren't TuRD amps. :lmao:

Never know only time will tell :D

[MikE]

Thanks Craig, my limited understanding that ALL Klipsch speakers are extremely dependant on amplification to sound "right". Or to present a degree of "SET Magic" people speak of. And like most tube amps, the SET+Klipsch marriage is one where fine-tuning is critical. This includes the speaker drivers, cross-over, wiring, room and of course partnering components. Most experienced enthusiasts I've spoken with speak highly of the Cornwalls hooked up to quality low power value amps. That they will sound drastically different with indifferent mega SS watts. Naturally, audio is very much a subjective disipline. YMMV and all that. No disrepect intended, just commenting on what many Klipsch owner's experience. Seeing that I'm building my system around my SET, the Cornwalls are good candiates to break into the starting lineup.

MikE

[MikE]

Yeah! I'd also love to hear my amp with those. I got a taste of Bruce's Edgarhorns and was blown away. Most realistic sound I've ever heard. Though, I had a nagging feeling if this was "the sound" I was after, seeing that my system has a very different presentation. This is something I've gone 'round-n-round with the SET+Hi-Eff guru's. That I'm only playing with myself keeping my 93db dynamic speakers strapped to my 45 amp. That I'm only scratching the surface of it's potential. Perhaps they're right, but only the Edgarhorns has delivered the promise they speak of. And even with those great speakers I wonder if they would satisfy long term. Who knows, but this would certainly add another reference to compare.

MikE

[CarlV]

Dang, I sure would like to hear gonefishin's speakers! My next
big purchase will be 500hz Edgarhorns. Best I've ever heard.
I will run them on top of my C34 horn cabinets/130A and a pair
of 2405's I have out in the garage. That would be real sweet with my "Randall DRD" amps.

Carl

[Kamakiri]

I can bring any of my Mc gear that might be required :)

Or I can bring my SX-1010 and blow up most of the speakers in attendance ;)

[gonefishin]

Originally posted by MikE
Yeah! I'd also love to hear my amp with those. I got a taste of Bruce's Edgarhorns and was blown away. Most realistic sound I've ever heard. Though, I had a nagging feeling if this was "the sound" I was after, seeing that my system has a very different presentation. This is something I've gone 'round-n-round with the SET+Hi-Eff guru's. That I'm only playing with myself keeping my 93db dynamic speakers strapped to my 45 amp. That I'm only scratching the surface of it's potential. Perhaps they're right, but only the Edgarhorns has delivered the promise they speak of. And even with those great speakers I wonder if they would satisfy long term. Who knows, but this would certainly add another reference to compare.

MikE


Well...you should get to find out.

The strange thing about my speakers, is that they're rather uneventful. Don't get me wrong...I think they sound great. But you don't listen to them and think what great lows it produces...or that the speakers have a great midrange or the best highs that you've ever heard. None of that. Nothing at all (to me) gets noticed much on them...they just seem to play the music in a clean, clear non-distorted way. :dunno:

That would be real sweet with my "Randall DRD" amps.

Carl

Yes it would!


Should be fun! hey grump...I was probably going to come in the night before...could we set up the night before it starts? that would sure help.

thanks!

[Wardsweb]

We don't get the rooms until 8 the next morning, but you can setup in my room. :D

[BrianB]

Because this is a one-day-only event, I probably won't be bringing a huge chunk of my shop. However, the following items are virtually guaranteed:

1) Almarro tube amps and loudspeakers.

2) Cain & Cain loudspeakers.

3) Lector CD players.

4) Yamamoto Sound Craft tube amps, tube preamps, and tube headphone amps.

As can be seen, I am leaning heavily towards my shop's newest acquisitions. However, I am willing to take requests...

Cheers,
Brian
Venus Hi-Fi
www.venushifi.com

[MikE]

Bringing the ABBY's again Brian? MikE

[BrianB]

Originally posted by MikE
Bringing the ABBY's again Brian?

Yes - unless, of course, I can get my hands on a new pair of Bailey's! ;)

[gonefishin]

What a freakin' bummer:(


I can't make it to GrumpFest. I was so excited to see all you guys..sit back...listen to some tunes...drink some beers...bring my system.

Everything was cleared to go...the only problem was that I had to work...but I ended up getting a guy to cover for me that day. Today, I just remembered (and confirmed) that I have my promotional exam the same day (lieutenants test). I actually thought about just saying...awww heck with it. But I really can't. They only have the test every two years...and depending on how you score...dictates if you get the promotion to Officer or not.

dang it!:thumbsdn:

[Wardsweb]

Talk about horrible timing. :pity: You will be missed.

[MikE]

I was looking forward to just shooting the shit and drinking some beers witn you. But I understand. MikE

[Reel 2 Reel]

Awwwwww...Maaaaannnnnn....GF.....that sucks...I was hopin' you could make it....................but....I understand!!!!..............(.in my best Chris Rock voice)

[bigmacc]

gonefishin sorry you cannot make it but hopefully there will be others.:(

[grumpy]

GF

Ya know you will be missed. We understand. Two more years is a long wait. Depending on how this one goes who knows there may be another Ak fest in the future :)

On the brighter side I am sure we will see you at the next MAF.



;)

[mikebake]

Kamakiri;
SX1010 to blow things up?? We can have a fundraiser at the event for AKFest; you bring the amp, I'll bring the speakers, and guys can bet on which one pukes first. House collects 10% of the wager. You get to pick the tunes! Har!

(p.s. all dirty tricks allowed, dropped tonearms, bass control set to max, hip hop, up to and maybe including straight DC!! HA!)

[Kamakiri]

I launched the woofers out of two sets before Echo even did his magic :D

[spkrman57]

I know what a bummer it is to take care of business when there are other things you want to do. Promotions and $$$ in your pocket means you can buy more toys!!!!

Look at the bright side of things!!! Maybe this summer, Columbus, Ohio can make something happen........


Regards, Ron

[gonefishin]

thanks guys...I just kept thinking that date sounded familiar for some reason. Maybe I'll have a cold one for you guys when I get home, after the test.


ok...Maybe I'll have two cold ones when i get home...one tipped to you guys...and one for me ;)


Have a great time...and I love the blow the woofer event!

[Reel 2 Reel]

Just come on over after the test...what the hay!!!it's only a three hour drive.... bout the same time it takes to drive through dwontown chi-town on a friday night...no biggie!!!LOL:D :zoom:

[BrianB]

Hey, has anyone tried to talk omer into attending AK-Fest 2004? Oz Enterprises has some great lines, and I'd love to hear omer's new speakers!

[Wardsweb]

I invited him a while back. He's kind of busy with his 5 year old and the new baby. Plus there's a show in Montreal in April. He is talking about hosting a meet next year, not AK specific but audio none the less.

[WhiteSE]

So there are dedicated rooms where everyone will setup gear, or attendees will setup their gear in their own room?

I may be able to drive there and was thinking if people will have enought time and interest to listen to my Berning and L-96's...otherwise I leave it home...

ALSO!!! you tube guys!! can anyone have some 12AX7's that I can try in my tubed pre to see whats the hubbub about? just 2 of them..

[grumpy]

White

All the rooms cept one will be listening rooms. I don't know if there will be room for everyones gear that did not notify me a head of time. This weekend I will sit down and try to lay out where everyone will be.

Ideally there will be two systems in each room ( except Brian B's room which I am sure Will have even more ) There is just not enough room for one room one system.

If someone would like to bring something like an amp I am sure it can be squeezed into someones system. I may be able to bring a few Teles for you to roll in that amp if you bring it.

Hope you can make it.

Grumpy

[BrianB]

Originally posted by grumpy
Ideally there will be two systems in each room ( except Brian B's room which I am sure Will have even more ) There is just not enough room for one room one system.

I myself am planning on bringing exactly two systems - a big Yamamoto Sound Craft + Cain & Cain rig, and a smaller Almarro rig. However, Wardsweb will be adding some very nice gear to these setups. And if anyone is looking for a homeroom for their own audio components, please drop me a line - if your gear would fit in with what we'll be showing off, then I'm game!

[MikE]

Who is being situated in the SET room, and what equipment will be available?

[grumpy]

Mike

Honestly I am not really positive. I do know that Wards, BrianB You and Bauhausler will have amps there. As far as I Know thats it but there is room for more if anyone would like to bring one.

Grumpy

[BrianB]

So mine is the designated "SET Room", eh? Does this mean that solid-state amps are officially banned from the Board Room? ;)

Seriously, though, here's what I will definitely be bringing in terms of electronics:

1) Yamamoto Sound Craft A-08 amplifier
2) Yamamoto Sound Craft CA-03L preamplifier
3) Cain & Cain Abby loudspeakers
4) Cain & Cain subwoofer
5) Almarro A205A integrated amplifier
6) Almarro M33X loudspeakers

Because this is a one-day show with only two hours of set-up time provided, I probably won't be bringing any vinyl rigs, and I am still not certain about which digital sources I'll be using.

Perhaps Wardsweb, MikE, and Bauhausler could list the components that they are planning on bringing as well?

[Wardsweb]

I'm shipping my Shanling and DIY 2A3 to grumpy on Monday. Be there in plenty of time for the meet. Maybe my Foreplay.

[MikE]

Is that the case? Makes sense since Brian is toting SET amps. Though as much as I enjoyed spending time with Brian at the MAF I was hoping to try the Moth in other systems. Since I'm not sure exactly what equipment will be there I suppose I'll just have to see what's up on Saturday. I plan on bringing the following...

1>. Moth s45 w/Emission Labs solid plate 45's

2>. Shunyata Hydra PLC

3>. Modular Lovan rack

4>. Tube caddy

5>. PS Audio Ultimate Outlet / Audio Magic Stealth PLC

6>. David Elrod power cords

7>. DIY 24awg solid silver speaker "cables"

MikE

[gonefishin]

:eek:


man! :mad:

[JonTee]

This is going to be a great experience! I am very appreciative, as wells as other members I'm sure, of the trouble you guys are going to get your equipment to the Fest. I have never heard SET before and now I will be to able audition several examples.

Way to go guys :thmbsp: :thmbsp:

Jon:)

[BrianB]

Man, this is gonna be sweet!

WhiteSE: Feel free to bring your Berning amp to my room - the Berning is a very synergistic match with Cain & Cain loudspeakers.

Wardsweb: Thanks again for your efforts to get this gear to AK Fest 2004! And I'm sincerely hoping that your Bottlehead preamp is able to hitch a ride...

MikE: Yes, I can understand your desire to hear the Moth with some other high-efficiency speakers. But do keep in mind that (1) my Abbys are now fully broken in, and (2) I'll be bringing Cain & Cain's new self-powered subwoofer. Also, perhaps you'd be willing to let me run your Moth amp with Yamamoto's CA-03L tube preamp in line?

Cheers!

[grumpy]

Less then two weeks to go. We still have a some room if anyone would like to bring some of their gear out to Demo for others. Drop me a line or post here.

Grumpy

[Kamakiri]

As per Grump's request, I'm going to fill a couple gaps.

I'm bringing:

Sansui G-901
McIntosh MCD7000 CD player
various cables

And maybe a few other assorted things

[botrytis]

I will be bringing two sets of speakers - Royd Envoy's and my Rogers LS2's. I will only have one set of speaker stands, though.

Dave

[mikebake]

How are ya fixed fer room? I actually have a rare Saturday off and might try to come up. Perhaps some might like to hear a pair of JBL 3115's. I just put in a passive crossover and it sounds pretty good. This was last night, and the first time I have tried it with these. There will be issues with them that I won't have time to sort through, but they are a pretty neat speaker. 6.5 cu ft, so they are big.
My minimalist system is a ProMedia processor for preamp, a Sony CD, two noRh LeAmps, and the 3115's. $1350 total actual costs. Or I can bring up my vintage CA1010 integrated and get the system cost to about $750!! I haven't surfed all the info here yet, but if I make it up, do you want to hear a bit of these??
MBB

[grumpy]

Mike

We would love to have you bring out some gear just let me know.

We are asking that anyone who is bringing gear to demo to please be there by 8:00AM.

I know its early but we only have 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours to go from bare rooms to set up before folks arrive.

Grumpy

[mikebake]

8 a.m. could be hard!!! Are there some other big honkin' speakers showin up??

[CarlV]

Hey Mike,
I got the crossovers you told me about the other day, but haven't installed them yet. Which bass speaker are you using? I will be going with a pair of LE15H's I got out in the garage, at least to start with. Whadda ya think? Tips? :)

Carl

[mikebake]

Carl, are you talking about your 3115's? I'm using the 8 ohm 2226HPL, which I took out of my quad 15 boxes.
I'd have to do some quick research to predict how the LE15's would work, but give em a try.
The schematic is not up on the exploded view for the SR4735X/F network, but it should simply be solid green, solid yellow, and solid white are +
The LE15 is probably a BLACK positive driver, not red, and the 2426 in the 3115 is also black positive. So put green to black on the woofer, and yellow to black on the tweet.
The M209 mid doesn't matter, as you just match up white with white etc. coming out of the back chamber on the driver.
I forget; did you tell me you have already had these fired up with a previous passive, or an active? What do you think of them? Two pairs together really does something cool on the bass end. I'd like to integrate the excellent 2245 based subs I've got into the setup.

p.s. (I'd rather hear four 15's at 93db than two 15's at 93 db!!)
MBB

[CarlV]

Hey Mike, I've been using since I first got them. Great speakers!
I sure don't see the need for a sub myself, but then I haven't tried one with them either. I think the LE15H would be OK. The only thing I know about them is they were used in the last of the Paragon's and these have 1985 on the original boxes. Thank You for the tips, I will print that out and remember to check +'s and -'s.
I'll just run 'em and see how it goes. :) Thanks again Mike!


Carl
Yeah, I shoulda bought 4 but at least I got 2! :D

[CarlV]

BTW, Here's one of mine:

Carl

http://www.audiokarma.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1174&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

[mikebake]

There is a T/S page on the Lansing site that shows the LE15A; is that the same driver???
My first pure guess is that the LE15 may not have the low end balls of some other drivers, but that is purely a guess based on it's performance in the Paragon.
I have an inquiry on the Lansing site now aobut using a 2235 in the 3115. Now THAT is a driver, that 2235!!!
And yes, even with a speaker you think you don't need a sub under, try adding a real one and see what it does. You'll like it.

BTW, the harness is just long enough to remove the other input plate and plop the new on one, and then attach the circuit board to the back wall of the cabinet near the top. Everything is cool except you have to add some speaker cable to the green woofer wires to be able to reach it. In the SR4735 et al the circuit board was attached to the bottom of the cabinet and the input plate was on the back wall.
What did you use before to crossover with???

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/reference/notes/tech1-3a/page09.jpg
MBB

[CarlV]

I've been using that Behringer crossover everyone seemed to get.
What have you been using on yours? The LE15H's is here and paid for years ago is why I figure to give it a shot. Got a pair of 2220B's too but they are 16 ohm.

Carl

[mikebake]

If you used the Behringer (CX3400?), why go passive?
What settings did you use on the Behringer??? Did you run the 3115's two way and passive to the tweet??
The Fs on the Le15 looks low enough to have some serious bottom end..................I might be missing something. Is the LE15H the same as the LE15A????Looks like the underhung E145 type basket, which is good.

Wow, Carl, these passives are sounding really good with these boxes. These are unused woofers, no break in time at all. They just came straight out of one of the quad boxes that hadn't ahd 10 minutes playing time since I got them 2 years ago. I can see that even in this bass-difficult room, the bass is going to be fine. I've got 5 good discs loaded, and uh, it's just sounding dman sweet................

I think I'm going to order another pair of crossovers tmrw. and tell my buddy in Co who has a pair to get a set too!!! He has never even heard his set, which are still in the box. he never bought a crossover or extra amps. I just have to help him get some 8 ohm woofers.
Try the LE15's.

[CarlV]

"If you used the Behringer (CX3400?), why go passive?"
Too many cables, need to use a second amp.

"What settings did you use on the Behringer???"
I've stuck with @350hz.

" Did you run the 3115's two way and passive to the tweet??"
I sure did.

"The Fs on the Le15 looks low enough to have some serious bottom end..................I might be missing something. Is the LE15H the same as the LE15A????"

All I know is the H is for 8 ohm ferrite magnet to be honest. Well
this is looking like there's some serious potential going on here.
Thanks!

Carl

[grumpy]

Mike

Just try to get there as early as you can. If I know your coming I will try to set aside some space.

Grumpy

[mikebake]

Sorry, I know we're getting this thread way the hell off course, but in a few days it won't matter!!!
Anyway, sorry, I know we covered some of my questions before.......
When I first saw the new crossover, I thought a few things, such as
1)damn, for 118.00 it had to be built in China
2)it's a big, decent quality looking crossover
3) it's big
4) it's beefy enough to give some reasonably deep bass
5) it's big

My motivation was because the amps I had for biamping all had fans and were too noisy for quiet home use and
b) I wanted to be able to drive them now and then off one of several HT receivers or integrateds and
c) here is where boy speakers are separated from men speakers; I can use them in live sound situations (as I have already done before) without bi-amping, driven off a powered mixer. They sound glorious outdoors, with recorded or live music. Even the musicians kept commenting on the sound quality. SO.............that puts us in rarified company.................people who have speakers that can sound great in the living room, then go out and play in the back yard and ROCK, even with a little reckless power fed to them............
Try THAT with the rest of the gang.

There are a few out there who think that the idea of a speaker who can do both farily well is a pretty neat/special thing..(others scoff but they usually haven't experienced it; I know of a guy who uses Meyer self powererd stuff in his HT rig..........a perfect example of stuff that can do it all and kick the crap of out most home/high end stuff on any criteria except price)
harks back to my (still) good friend Reid who bought Klipschorns in the 70s' and then DJ'd all the big outdoor and indoor parties with them for years before he bought more gear.

I realize now that I HAVE to attend a black tie event in Lima Saturday night, which would mean leaving Detroit pretty early. May have to rethink plans..........................

BTW, there was a small thread on AA about current JBL pro drivers and the realization that as power handling went up, low level resolution went down some; PLUS, JBL no longer builds VLF drivers. Therefore, the 2245H, represents another rarer beast; a large VLF driver that is also built with resolution and transient response......................

|MBB

[mikebake]

Grump;
Don't make special room.............if I can make it, I'll throw stuff in the car and IF anyone wants then dragged out, we can. Not staying up there complicates it, as the RIGHT thing to do woudl be to hang there at the hotel and set up in a room and jam later after the event................these things don't need SPL to sound good.................no mgr. knocking on the door at 9:42 p.m. with a volume reduction request.............................
of course, that doesn't take into account any beer..........................................I MAY just drive up in my BIG HORN CAR and not worry about dragging anything inside. Gee, looks like I have Avant Gardes on the car, eh?
MBB

[Wardsweb]

for the down load challenged

[mikebake]

Well, we'll have none of THIS horseplay, I'll tell you.......................

[BrianB]

Hi Mike,

If you can't find a good place for those JBLs of yours, please feel free to set them up in my room. Truth be told, I'd LOVE to hear how some of the single-ended amps I'll be bringing would sound through speakers like these...

Cheers,
Brian
Venus Hi-Fi

[grumpy]

Mike

I say bring em for sure and get there when you can. I really want to hear those bad boys :D

Grumpy