Seattle Vintage Audio Enthusiasts

[SansuiSamRI]

Attention Seattle AKers;
I'm looking to see if other Seattle area enthusiasts would like to meet, trade email, swap parts, or share ideas on what we could do for each other. Post here or send me a PM.

[Charivari]

Sam,

I was looking for a similar group just the other day and found out about this one:

Pacific Northwest Audio Society (http://audiosociety.org/)

I doubt I could make it there, though I might try sometime.
- JP

[SansuiSamRI]

I noticed your location in other posts on AK. Another AKer, nosirrah (Casey), is from up around Everett and I'm in Bellevue. I checked the above website but some of their pages have been under construction for years. I wonder how active they are. Have you ever been to Hawthorne Stereo here in Seattle? It's all vintage stereo equipment and worth a stop when you're on this side of the pass.

[Charivari]

There are other AKers around the Seattle area who are closer than I am here in E-Burg. There's Philliam, that I know of, in addition to the person you mentioned.

I was wondering the same thing you mention about that website. Letting years lapse leaves me wondering as well if they're even around anymore. I've not had any personal experience with anyone there. As another alternative, a few months back, I communicated briefly with an audio enthusiast on Orca Island who suggested this group, at least by way of having goodies at their swapmeets: Puget Sound Antique Radio Association (http://www.eskimo.com/~hhagen/psara/)

Ah, Hawthorne Stereo. I try to get up there every once in a while when I go Westside to visit with friends. I rather enjoy browsing that room of theirs with envious eyes as I check out the speakers they have and all that silver faced gear. That, and I alternately enjoy wishing to have some component or another and complaining about the prices -- not that they aren't fair. In fact, the last time I went up there, I did pick up a new, cheap Grado cartridge for my budget TT.

I have to say, your idea might be fun, to set up a little bit of a Washington AK circle. Too bad the distances tend to preclude the ease of it that some of the East Coasters and Californians enjoy.

- JP

[nosirrah]

Hey Sam, sign me up as a charter member of the group, got tons of gear and love the stuff, a network of us here in the Pacific Northwest woud be great.
Casey :banana:

[Silver Face]

I live in Wenatchee, but would like to be part of your group should you ever decide to meet. Ted

[goldear]

Sam,

I was looking for a similar group just the other day and found out about this one:

Pacific Northwest Audio Society (http://audiosociety.org/)

I doubt I could make it there, though I might try sometime.
- JP
I used to be a member of PAS many years ago. Life got very busy for me after college, and I simply lost touch. Unfotunately I don't think that any of the guys who I used to hang with around there are still members. :sigh:

One of these days I really need to try to make it to a PAS meeting again though... Are there by any chance any other former (or current) PAS members on AK? PM me, if anyone on AK is active in PAS. I really hate going to meetings alone, as I always tend to just be a wall flower when I do.

[Einar72]

Hi, all
Sorry I didn't find this thread earlier, but I have been moving down to FedWay the past couple of weeks. I'd like to meet with any AK'ers sometime as well, maybe we've already met, one never knows. I have been a member of PSARA on and off since the '80's. How many of you remember "The Old Technology Shop" on Aurora? I was often there on Fridays towards the end...

[SansuiSamRI]

Hi Einar, I happen to notice you just posted this. It would be nice to get to meet everyone sometime. I've conversed with John (Blue Lateral) in Wenachee recently and I see Ted (Silver Face) is also from Wenachee. Maybe this summer we could have a get together to meet everyone.

Sam

[blue_lateral]

Hi Einar, I happen to notice you just posted this. It would be nice to get to meet everyone sometime. I've conversed with John (Blue Lateral) in Wenachee recently and I see Ted (Silver Face) is also from Wenachee. Maybe this summer we could have a get together to meet everyone.

Sam

Sounds like a plan. :thmbsp:

John

[blue_lateral]

How many of you remember "The Old Technology Shop" on Aurora? I was often there on Fridays towards the end...

I remember it. I used to live pretty close to it. What a cool bunch of stuff!

John

[Charivari]

There's already one planned to meet in Vancouver early May and Mike Gibson was planning another over in Dufur, OR (iirc) shortly afterwards. So, another's planned as well? At least I won't have to drive as far if it's in Seattle.

- JP

[blue_lateral]

Keep us posted :)

John

[Einar72]

Hi all,
Nice to meet you, glad to see I've got folks talking! Speaking of Wenatchee, I remember a place called Quality TV, which had a shelf of older tv's (but no roundies) over the counter. Drove over on a Saturday in 87 or 88, but it was closed. Any memories there?

[SansuiSamRI]

There's already one planned to meet in Vancouver early May and Mike Gibson was planning another over in Dufur, OR (iirc) shortly afterwards. So, another's planned as well? At least I won't have to drive as far if it's in Seattle.

- JP
Nothing planned in Seattle yet. I'll throw this out as a couple of suggestions - we could met at Lake Sammamish State Park. They have a pivillion that has AC power, picnic tables, lots of green grass, BBQ grills, free parking (they dropped the $5 fee) and easy access from I-90 in Issaquah. There are other places around.

Feel free to post other suggestions. Anywhere between Seattle, Wenachee, and Ellensburgh I think is where everyone lives that would attend.

[retrokeeper]

When you guys find a time and place,let me know,I'm north of Seattle,would like to meet other local(and not so local)AK'er's.Do a search using Retrokeeper and you'll see a post I did for a rollcall of AK'er's in the tri-state area and Canada,would be cool to get the word out to the "locals".... :music: :yes: Rob

[SansuiSamRI]

We lets keep talking about it and posting ideas here. I think once we set a date for it, we'll certainly pass the word to Vancouver BC and Portland. I'm sure they'll be more than welcome.

So here's our interested list
blue_lateral
Charvari
Einar72
goldear
no sirrah
retrokeeper
SansuiSamRI
Silver Face

[Charivari]

Alright then, I volunteer Retrokeeper to play host (if only to see his impressive collection). While a date is something to be set a ways down the road, is there a specific month in mind?

Something learned from the Graham, WA meet at Scott's (Dingus) home is that equipment shoot-outs make for interesting gatherings. So, is there anything one of us might have that others have been desirous of hearing? Any comparisons that might draw particular interest?

- JP

[dingus]

We lets keep talking about it and posting ideas here. I think once we set a date for it, we'll certainly pass the word to Vancouver BC and Portland. I'm sure they'll be more than welcome.

So here's our interested list
blue_lateral
Charvari
Einar72
goldear
no sirrah
retrokeeper
SansuiSamRI
Silver Face
count me in.

[SansuiSamRI]

Will do. We're getting lots of responses. It must be spring.

blue_lateral, Wenachee (John)
Charvari, Ellensburg (JP)
dingus, Graham
Einar72, Seattle
goldear, Seattle
no sirrah, Everett (Casey)
retrokeeper, Seattle (Rob)
SansuiSamRI, Bellevue (Sam)
Silver Face, Wenachee (Ted)

[retrokeeper]

Hey Everybody!! I'd love to host a gathering,but my "dream" room hasn't been built yet,plus I'm in a remote area here north of Seattle,would be nicer for everyone to gather in the Seattle-Tacoma area,to be fair to all the Oregon/Portland AK'er's.I do have a small meeting hall across the street from my house,but if we get more that 15 people gathering there,with everyone's stuff set up,it may get a little crowded,plus it has a cement floor,not terribly acoustic friendly.But it is cheap to rent.I don't mind driving a few miles to attend a gathering,would be great to meet other AK members,or hell,anyone else infected with this audio "bug",like me!! :music: Rob

[Mark W.]

JP what's going on in Vancouver (BC or WA) if it's WA I would be very interested in coming up from Silverton, OR to meet with you guys. And I plan on being at any get together Mike Gibson might be putting on.

A reminder there is a record show in Canby Oregon on the 23 April I'll be attending as will a number of the other Oregon guys.

[Charivari]

JP what's going on in Vancouver (BC or WA) if it's WA I would be very interested in coming up from Silverton, OR to meet with you guys. And I plan on being at any get together Mike Gibson might be putting on.
Dingus volunteered kfa888 to host a get-together at his place in Vancouver, WA. The current plans, aside from raiding Kelly's fridge and raising cane, are to listen to the Magnepan MG-IIs, Wharfedale W-90s, and do a shoot-out between Scott's AR-9s and my Infinity Quantum 2s. There may even be elroymcgee's ?Vandersteens?, but I'm uncertain of that. I'll probably also bring my Dynaco A-25s down just for the hey of it.

Currently, that get-together is currently on hold, but when the green light comes back on, a thread will be put up in this forum. Then we'll firm up plans on what to bring for comparison purposes.

Mike Gibson's should be fairly easy for me to attend, being closer to my place than Vancouver. So, I too plan to be there, though no shoot-outs are currently planned afaik.

- JP

[dingus]

Dingus volunteered kfa888 to host a get-together at his place in Vancouver, WA. The current plans, aside from raiding Kelly's fridge and raising cane, are to listen to the Magnepan MG-IIs, Wharfedale W-90s, and do a shoot-out between Scott's AR-9s and my Infinity Quantum 2s. There may even be elroymcgee's ?Vandersteens?, but I'm uncertain of that. I'll probably also bring my Dynaco A-25s down just for the hey of it.
- JP
i thought it was gonna be a 4-way with Kelly's Maggies and elroymcgee's Vandy's in the mix.

my AR-9's being there is dependent on elroymcgee, as he has the vehicle to haul them. if he can make it then his Vandy's will be there as well. i think he said mid to late May would work well for him. if he cant make it i'll be there, but with nothing more than what can fit in the back seat of my Honda.

as for Mike Gibson's to do in Dufur, i doubt the AR-9's will make it but i am planning on being there as well.

[Mark W.]

OK sounds real good count on me for the get together at Kellys place. I can drag my HPM-100's and a couple of interesting components along to listen to. I also have a box of albums to trade heck I even have a Yamaha TT to sell.

Sundays are better for me as there is always a chance of working on a Saturday but this early in the paving season I might be able to beg out of a saturday if that's what the rest of the guys need.

Keep me in the loop guys

[cubdog]

By the time you guys get this thing finalzed all my hair will be gray! Anyway good luck and have a great time. BTW we have had 4 get togethers in Denver in the past 11 months. Great fun.

cubdog

[SansuiSamRI]

Maybe we can get more feedback on where to hold it. I can't do it here at my place. I thought maybe outdoors at the state park. They may not like the music playing, I don't know. We need suggestions or a volunteer.

Cubdog, all your hair is gray anyway! Are you coming to it if we hold one?

[retrokeeper]

The outside thing sounds interesting,but the damn weather in this neck of woods can sure be finicky,better to see it indoors(i.e.well lighted,plug-ins,heated,etc.).Hey Cubdog,a few pointers to get this thing rolling,you guys have already had 4,what's the secret,any suggestions? :scratch2: :yes: Rob

[abpeep]

We just had a get-together at my house near Austin. The key factor is.....


Just Do It!!


I have a large living area and we were able to set up quite a bit of equipment but still did not listen to everything that showed up. Had enough speakers show up that I never broke out my Bostons. But got to listen to some great gear and best of all, meet some great guys that you only know by an AK handle. :thmbsp:

There are pictures here (http://206.225.95.32/forums/showthread.php?t=64334) and one of the posts has a link to pictures that Luther (WardWeb) posted on his server.

Alan

[goldear]

You know, I'd almost volunteer my place... But while I do have a big enough house to handle the people, I'm not sure how I could handle all of the additional equipment. Plus I'd have to farm-out my kids for the durration of the gathering. And that costs real money when you have to arrange for off-site babysitting for four kids under 7! :sigh:

[SansuiSamRI]

I'll check out Lake Sammamish St. Park and post pics of the pavillion. You guys are used to rain as long as your gear stays dry. It's hard to have it at someone's house with respect to all occupants and neighbors.

[dingus]

my only concern with an outdoor venue is the lack of acoustics would pretty much defeat the purpose. anyone have any idea how much a hall costs to rent for the day? if we each ponied up $20 or so we could probobly pull it off.

[Charivari]

My worry, aside from the rain, is that to hold a meet outside means that we'd be much more likely to cause too-high-of-volume related damage to speakers or amps. Our speakers were designed for sound indoors, not in the half-space of the great outdoors. Well, not quite half-space with a roof, but still a problem. Plus, I suspect it'd be on the large size on its own, adding to such problems, nevermind being overkill for a few hobbyists. That is, unless I'm severely mistaken.

- JP

Edit: Typed too slow, Dingus beat me to it.

[Charivari]

my only concern with an outdoor venue is the lack of acoustics would pretty much defeat the purpose. anyone have any idea how much a hall costs to rent for the day? if we each ponied up $20 or so we could probobly pull it off.
$60 to $100 depending upon if we want a half day or a full day. More info here (http://www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/BLLodge.aspx).

Do we really need to rent a space that can hold 350 people? This isn't exactly AK Fest.

- JP

[dingus]

that one is overkill. if renting a place is the direction the group wants to go, we should be able to find somthing suitable.

[goldear]

I know that small events will often rent a confernce room inside of a hotel. Most hotels have a few medium-sized rooms that are designed for seminars, and conferences.

Unfortunately I have no clue regarding how many people we might be talking bout here 10, 50, 100, More???

[Charivari]

Only problems I can fore-see with the hotel idea is parking. Most that I know of in the Seattle/P Sound region with such conference rooms are located in the downtown areas, thus making parking and transporting gear in a bit difficult. That is, aside from the possible cost associated with that option. Personally, I'd feel a bit put off at some of the nicer hotels dragging my scruffy scrounged vintage gear in.

- JP

[retrokeeper]

The hotel option will cost you,usually to the tune of about$1000 a day or more,that's what it cost for my videogaming group to put on our meet at Seatac.I would host it over here on the island I live on north of Seattle,there's a small building(don't have the exact dimensions of the clubhouse),can get it for $25 a day,but I'm so remote out here in the puget sound,it's a 45 minute drive from Mount Vernon to my place,that's 40 min. north of Seattle,nice drive up here and everything,just stuck out in the boonies,that's all.You could take the ferry over from Mukilteo,would be a little shorter,just have to pay the ferry man!!I don't know guys,if you don't mind the long drive,it may be a do,otherwise someone else will need to pull a rabbit out of there hat!!There are hotels and state parks nearby if someone wanted to stay overnite....... Rob

[goldear]

Actually, Bellevue has a few big hotels, an they have LOTS of free parking, unlike donwtown. But your right, the cost will probably be way too high anyway. :sigh:

But I think that I may have a much better idea. There is a community center that is located only a few miles from my house in Kirkland. It is only 1 mile away from I-405, and it is super easy to find. They rent this place out for various activities. However, I have no idea how much they charge.

The building has a couple of good sized rooms, and I think that it can be partiioned into more rooms. The acoustics are definitely on the live side, but its not an echo chamber. I have no idea how stereos would sound inside there, having only ever heard a crappy PA inside that big room. :scratch2:

But I think that Kirkland would be subtantially more centralized location than would Whidbey Island, or wherever you are. It also might be central enough for some of our Canadian memebers to join in. I'll try to check into what this place would cost, and how long in advance it must be reserved.

[spaceman]

Sheesh, I'm WAY late. If it was a nice enough day, which is hard to predict, lol, it might be cool to do Greenlake. Can you imagine using the area for launching kayaks, near Aurora, converted to an amphitheater? :D

[SansuiSamRI]

Sheesh, I'm WAY late. If it was a nice enough day, which is hard to predict, lol, it might be cool to do Greenlake. Can you imagine using the area for launching kayaks, near Aurora, converted to an amphitheater? :D
Wonder if we could get into the Gorge at George for a sunset party?

[goldear]

Ok Guys, I just checked on one idea that I had. The community center in Kirkland charges $80 per hour. I would have to check on avaialbability, but they said that they were OK with using it for club meetings, as long as they were not regular events.

I personally don't think that sheduling this as an outdoor event in the Pacific North-Wet is an especially good idea. The Gorge is less wet, no doubt, but I can't imagine that costing less than this facility. This place could easily handle at least 100 people, if needed.

So what do you guys think of this idea?

[retrokeeper]

Hey Goldenear,how much will they charge us,to use the place all day?You said $80 an hour,don't think that's gonna fly,anywhere else?? Rob

[SansuiSamRI]

Here are pics of the pavillion I had in mind. Retrokeeper, I couldn't find that posting you mentioned. Can you contact those guys and point them here. Maybe someone has a better idea.

I just don't know about the rangers at Lake Sammamish. They may tell us to turn it down. They can be a thorn. I haven't talked to them but I think it's free. Part of Group Picnicing area.

As far as a date, I was thinking about the first Saturday in June.

Please comment. I'm not trying to run this thing and willing to take feedback.


Sam



It has power, running water, and restrooms at the end of the building.
http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13287&stc=1

Big enough?
http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13288&stc=1


Six picnic tables and a large counter in the center with power too.
http://audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13289&stc=1

[goldear]

They don't list a daily rate anywhere. So I assume that the hourly rate is how it is billed.

If there were a lot of people, this wouldn't be so bad. But if not, this would be way too expensive. Let me check into some other ideas that I have...

[goldear]

Here are pics of the pavillion I had in mind. Retrokeeper, I couldn't find that posting you mentioned. Can you contact those guys and point them here. Maybe someone has a better idea.

I just don't know about the rangers at Lake Sammamish. They may tell us to turn it down. They can be a thorn. I haven't talked to them but I think it's free. Part of Group Picnicing area.

As far as a date, I was thinking about the first Saturday in June.

Please comment. I'm not trying to run this thing and willing to take feedback.

Sam


Not a bad idea, except for the rest of the public who will be around. The thing that concerns me about this is that since none of us know each other by sight, neither will we know any strangers sho might just happen thorugh and grab stuff when we are not looking. The other thing is that on a Summer day, the park can get pretty noisy.

But I won't stand in your way, if this is the best that we can come up with...

[nosirrah]

I have no clue where it may be, but unless the cost goes through the roof I would love to attend.
Casey

[retrokeeper]

Sorry guy's,but we really need an "indoor's" venue here,for all those who want to get together,to stay warm and dry,to set up our stuff,to have fun!!.I can still look into the clubhouse next door to my place over here on Whidbey Island,at least it would be a start,small,but a start just the same.I know it would incur alittle more travel for some,and sure,folks might not care to drive all that far out of the way,but I guess it all boils down to....do we want to meet and gather,and talk AK talk,or.....not?! :scratch2: Rob

[SansuiSamRI]

I'd drive to Whidbey, no problem. For a venue, I guess maybe bring gear you want to sell, show off, or demo for the group. Listen to music. Small should be OK. We'll probably have 12 people or less, my guess. Unless guys from Portland and BC come. I'll bring some wine -- chardonnay, riesling, merlot and cabernet sauviginon.

[retrokeeper]

All I need is a concensus of all the AK'er's in this part of the world,who wouldn't mind meeting over here on Whidbey(north end of the island),to let me know if this could work out,then I would post some photo's of the meeting place,so everyone has a chance to check out the place,give dimensions to see if it's large enough for the group coming,then agree on a date and time,then,check and see if the building is available,or find out what dates it is available,figure out a date,and make this thing happen,here in the Pacific Northwest.What do you guys want to do,how do we get everyone together??If you come up with another place/location,let's here what you found,lets do this thing!!:yes: Rob

[goldear]

I agree. Indoors only. Remember that we do live in the Pacific North-Wet. :D

Even though Whidbey is not terribly central, I'm willing to do it. One advantage of being at the north end of the Island, is that it makes more sense to take the bridge at deception pass, rather than the Ferry. That will at least save some of us travelers a few bucks.

The BC crowd should like this though, as this is somewhat closer to home for them.

[Mark W.]

Heck just rent a couple of $40.00 a night motel rooms!

[SansuiSamRI]

Mark,
Do you think any of the Portland guys will come up?

[retrokeeper]

I was wondering that too,it's a good 5 hour drive(in non-rush hour traffic) from my place to Portland,if anyone were to come up,they'd have to hotel over somewhere,the only bummer for those coming in from afar.I knew that if I came down to Portland,I was going to stay down there in a hotel,then drive back the following day.I guess I need to know who would show up if we agreed to have it here,so let me know.I'm of course willing to go all the way down to Portland if it happens down there,just gotta make sure I can get the time off.... :yes: Rob

[Mark W.]

How far above Seattle are you? I can make it to Seattle in like 3 hours and have done the trip in a single day many times with quite a while spent shopping or screwing around Seattle with my camera.

As to if any of the guys from Portland would be interested if you manage to put something on with more then a couple guys I sure that some of us from points south could be real interested in driving up.

Heck if people wanted to Car pool I have an F-250 extra cab that could haul 4 adults and a whole bunch of gear. Of course it would take 4 adults to afford to drive the damn thing to Seattle LOL.

[Mark W.]

If you are thinking about something like a regional mini fest I think you should think a weekend event. And Finding a moderat cost motel with either a meeting room or a couple large conferance rooms that would put up with the sound levels might be a good idea.

if a one day event think about Elks, Eagles, clubs to rent. Also Schools will rent out their cafiterias some times. A couple of the model airplane clubs around here use those for small swap meets.

If you guys want to do a NW event we could work on putting something together.

[goldear]

Mark,

The North End of Whidby Island is about an extra ~1 to 1.5 hours north of Seattle from my recolection.

FWIW: Mark's idea of renting a few motel rooms might not be a bad one...

[SansuiSamRI]

Maybe somewhere between Kelso and Centralia for a regional event. Motels are probably cheaper there.

[SansuiSamRI]

Here's a possiblity http://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgeFacilities.cfm?LodgeNumber=2435

[dingus]

Here's a possiblity http://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgeFacilities.cfm?LodgeNumber=2435
any Elk members want to hook us up?

[cubdog]

Ok guys, I'll be there! :banana: BTW, who's buying my plane ticket, paying for room and board and maybe giving me a nice pair of speakers as a welcoming gift? I can't wait!

cubdog

[retrokeeper]

Has there been a decision yet?Anybody got any info on where we AK'er's up here in the Pacific Northwest can meet.I liked the halfway between Seattle and Portland location.You can pm me if you want it here on Whidbey,just need a rollcall of who would/could make the journey,otherwise,someone start lookin' for a meetin' place!!I'm a gettin' ancie!! :D :music: Rob

[Charivari]

Has there been a decision yet?Anybody got any info on where we AK'er's up here in the Pacific Northwest can meet.I liked the halfway between Seattle and Portland location.You can pm me if you want it here on Whidbey,just need a rollcall of who would/could make the journey,otherwise,someone start lookin' for a meetin' place!!I'm a gettin' ancie!! :D :music: Rob
Hmm, we could meet up at Scott's (Dingus's) place in Graham. That's just a touch North and East of the Olympia area, which while not halfway is probably more in the center of where all folks will be coming from. Of course, y'all notice I'm volunteering someone else to play host other than myself; Ellensburg is too out of the way for most folks and already twice as many people have expressed interest as I've sitting spots in the whole of my apartment. Personally, I'd kind of prefer avoiding renting a place as that cost will be additive to the high gasoline cost of traveling to such a meet.

Anyways, since this is starting to shape up as something more formal than the other two PNW AK meets I've been to, maybe we should try to organize something we couldn't do on our own. Say, try to get a factory tour of Genesis Loudspeakers (http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/) in Seattle? Other companies, such as Magnepan, do it for groups of interested hobbyists and I'd love to see a Genesis 1.1 in person, or any of their better offerings for that matter. Anyone interested in calling 'em up and finding out if it's at all possible?

- JP

[dingus]

Hmm, we could meet up at Scott's (Dingus's) place in Graham.

i was really hoping for a place where the logistic and acoustic limitations of my place could be avoided.

Anyways, since this is starting to shape up as something more formal than the other two PNW AK meets I've been to, maybe we should try to organize something we couldn't do on our own. Say, try to get a factory tour of Genesis Loudspeakers (http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/) in Seattle? Other companies, such as Magnepan, do it for groups of interested hobbyists and I'd love to see a Genesis 1.1 in person, or any of their better offerings for that matter. Anyone interested in calling 'em up and finding out if it's at all possible?

- JP
i really like this idea, i'll give them a call.

[Mark W.]

Cubdog if you can drag your ass as far as Silverton Oregon you can use my couch and ride with me to what ever event we manage to get together.

[Mark W.]

I wonder if we should actually look at putting together a weekend event mini fest? the first thing is to gauge the interest. Then decide the scope of the event. That would help us figure out if we need a rented room a barn or someone living room.

I would be willing to work on some sort of steering committee to put something bigger then a getogether at someone house together.

I would assume that once the smoke clears from the AK fest that Grumpy and a couple of the guys who put that event on would more then willing to lend some advise so that we could avoid any pit falls.

There are easily enough people in the NW including Canada and Northern Calif that we could get 40-50 people to a weekend event.

I would like to see something where we could have something like the speaker factory tour mentioned. Along with local product manufactures showing off their stuff. A small swap meet area, And of course various listening rooms.

If we start off small and well organized there is no reason why we couldn't build this into a AK fest NW edition.

BUT it will take some serious work for a few people to pull it off.

Anyone interested in going forward?

First step would be to get this little one day get together to happen and then we can start talking something for the fall etc.

[Charivari]

i was really hoping for a place where the logistic and acoustic limitations of my place could be avoided.
Eh, I figured that since you had no quarrels with volunteering Kelly to host a gathering, I'd try to do the same with you. Afterall, you do have a very comfortable couch. Now, it's looking like the gathering will end up being too large for anyone's house.

Mark, that sounds like quite the idea, but from what I've gathered from Grumpy's posts, it'll require an enormous amount of effort to take care of everything. In such an event, Seattle or very near by should be the gathering place simply because manufacturers and sellers who'd be interested in showing won't want to have to drive too far (my guess). Then a hotel/larger gathering place/or wherever will have to be reserved and paid for amoungst many other things. So, while I'd like to see it happen, I don't want to undertake that kind of responsibility.

Still, as I said, it is a great idea. Perhaps with that kind of force, we'd be more likely to get a tour of Genesis. Who knows, maybe even Arnie Nudell would be kind enough to spare the time to talk to a group of 40-50, which I doubt he would for fewer than a dozen. Maybe we could lure someone from Hawthorne Stereo down to demo some of their better vintage gear with the promise of a swap table. There certainly are enough audio manufacturers in the area that we might be able to lure some, like Wright Sound and so forth.

If this does start to shape up, a new thread will be needed for more input and volunteers.

- JP

[SansuiSamRI]

JP - aren't you going to Central Wa University. Do they have anything on campus that would work. Ellensburg is a good location. We should recruit more AKers from the area and Northern California too.

[dingus]

Eh, I figured that since you had no quarrels with volunteering Kelly to host a gathering, I'd try to do the same with you. Afterall, you do have a very comfortable couch.

- JP
i wouldnt mind holding it here, i just dont think it would be practical. there were only 4 of us last time, picture it with 8 or 12. i know Kelly came away somewhat dissappointed, and that was in great part due to the confines of my place, i would hate to have a repeat of that.

on another note;
i called Genesis and got a machine, so i sent an email instead of leaving a message. i'll call again on Monday.

[Charivari]

JP - aren't you going to Central Wa University. Do they have anything on campus that would work. Ellensburg is a good location. We should recruit more AKers from the area and Northern California too.
CWU isn't particularly generous in such regards of loaning or renting out facilities ever since a string of thefts a couple of years ago -- tens of thousands of dollars worth of gear. However, Ellensburg, oddly enough, hosts a top 5 rodeo every year (last year it was the third largest in the US), so the rodeo/fairgrounds are decently developed, afaik, and available to anyone interested for a fee. Renting a meeting room could be a bit spendy, but it is less than most places Westside according to this Facility Rates page (http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/kvec/facilities_rates.asp). We could choose a room to scale of however many people choose to attend, but the result could be a ~$10-20 per person fee.

Another local alternative is the Selah Civic Center (http://www.ci.selah.wa.us/parks_civic_center.htm), which is just a half hour South of Ellensburg and a few miles North of where Highway 12 ends (White Pass) for the Portland folks. The cost, though, could be on the high side and the facility is likely too large for our needs unless someone brings large horns.

Ellensburg is a bit out of the way for most folks being two hours from Seattle and upwards of 5-6 hours from Portland. I'm not sure about having a gathering where the majority of attendees have to travel for several hours to attend.

Dingus, I understand that Genesis has been struggling a bit the last few years, so they may not be able to hire someone just to hold down the fort on weekends. Hopefully, that won't preclude the possibility of a tour.

- JP

[SansuiSamRI]

Here's another lead. www.yp.com search on banquet facilities.
Lewis River Golf Course
also, they are more hotels in Kelso than Centralia or Chehalis.

[goldear]

JP - aren't you going to Central Wa University. Do they have anything on campus that would work. Ellensburg is a good location. We should recruit more AKers from the area and Northern California too.
E-Berg may be geographically central to Washington State, but it really is not at all central from a traveling perspective. :no: Wherever we do this, I think that it really needs to be essentially along to the I5 corrodor. E-Berg simply doesn't fit that requirement at all.

I'm fine with a location like Olympia. South of Seattle seems the best in terms of being more centralized for any Oregonians who may want to attend. But I'll drive to Widbey too. It is about the same amount of travel time for me either way.

[retrokeeper]

I like the central sound area of the state,Olympia area,or spots nearby,as a meeting point,we can move more south,I guess,hell even Portland would do ok.So you guys want to make this a bigger event?I was just thinking of it being a small gathering,just to check and gauge interest,but it sounds like the concensus is to go a little bigger,which is ok,but will need some serious planning and work,beleive me,after partaking in our vintage videogaming event in the Seatac area,it's alot of work,plus it cost us $2000 for the weekend event,in a conference room at a Seatac hotel.Plus there's getting the word out,in which we're finding that,the more time planned ahead,the better.But it would be cool to have a nice event similiar to eastern gathering I'm always hearing about.I sure it can be pulled off,but we have to consider the time of the year also...we are fast approaching the nice weather time here in the Pacific Northwest,and would probably benefit from holding an event in say,January thru early May,if I know other people like me,there are places to go and things to see as the weather gets nice and it's hard to drag people inside when it's so nice outside!! :scratch2: Rob

[SansuiSamRI]

I was think of Eburg because of cheaper hotels and possibly the availablity of a conference room. Rooms are more expensive in Seattle or even Portland. I though Centralia to Kelso we could possibly get a cheaper place.

Now a grander scale, we could do a real Fest like in Redding, Ca and get the whole I-5 crew. Maybe next year for that.

I think it would be fun to get the Seattle&Portland guys together. The Portland gatherings have been sucessful and they seem to have a following. We'll just have to keep plugging away and we'll find something. We're already getting more guys suggesting locations and venues.

[BridgedToMono]

I like the "I-5 Crew". Let's keep that! ;)

This does sound great, I just never really know in advance what my travel availability will be. :(

[goldear]

I like the Centrailia idea. That is close to a half-way point between Portland and Seattle, and would probably be the best compromise between both cost an convienience.

Redding is simply just way too far for me. Although Portland is not completely out of the question. But I think that Centrailia is still a good choice.

Retro has a point though. The longer that we deliberate, the less feasable that this becomes.

Perhaps we should try for two events. A small one up on Whidbey that could be held in the very near future, and a bigger event in Centrailia sometime in the next six-months or so.

It might be useful to learn from the mistakes made by planning for the little event first, before we go onto planning for a big event...

[Charivari]

Well, there is a slight advantage to Ellensburg, aside from the cost being less than half to a third that of equivalent facilities Westside. The local university library has a nearly complete collection each of Stereo Review and High-Fidelity Magazine. The reviews and advertisements make for good, informative reading. This is especially so for the latter where actual measurements of speakers and equipment are given rather than the largely subjective articles of SR.

A moot point perhaps, but it may be of interest to some.
- JP

[goldear]

I simply don't think that E-Berg is central enough from a population standpoint. It is about 2.5 hours from seattle, and I would guess between 4-5 hours from Portland.

Yes Spokanites, and Idahoans would love it. But how many of those do we have in our ranks, compared to residents of Seattle, Portland?

Centrailia is about 1.5 hours south of Seattle, and about the same distance north of Portland. It is small like E-Berg, and should not command very high rates.

[dingus]

update on the Genesis factory tour:

i sent a general inquiry email via the Genesis web site asking about a tour of the facility. i was answered by the CEO, Gary Leonard Koh who kindly advised that they are not set up for tours and are concerned about exposing trade secrets. he did say that they are planning an on site event for the Pacific Northwest Audio Society within the next several months. he suggested that if any of us want to participate in that event to contact PNAS. he also mentioned that there are Genesis dealers in Bellingham and Camas should we want to audition Genesis speakers.

[Charivari]

update on the Genesis factory tour:

i sent a general inquiry email via the Genesis web site asking about a tour of the facility. i was answered by the CEO, Gary Leonard Koh who kindly advised that they are not set up for tours and are concerned about exposing trade secrets. he did say that they are planning an on site event for the Pacific Northwest Audio Society within the next several months. he suggested that if any of us want to participate in that event to contact PNAS. he also mentioned that there are Genesis dealers in Bellingham and Camas should we want to audition Genesis speakers.
Well, dang, I was really hoping to commit everything in the factory to memory in the few minutes we'd be there, come back home and whip out a set of 1.1s in a weekend. Ah well. Wonder if one of the dealers mentioned has a set of 1.1s or at least a set of the larger Genesis models? I'm not too sure about the PNAS event, from my readings they might have a bit of an attitude to them that and likely hold the city-based apprehension of any travel.

- JP

[goldear]

update on the Genesis factory tour:

i sent a general inquiry email via the Genesis web site asking about a tour of the facility. i was answered by the CEO, Gary Leonard Koh who kindly advised that they are not set up for tours and are concerned about exposing trade secrets. he did say that they are planning an on site event for the Pacific Northwest Audio Society within the next several months. he suggested that if any of us want to participate in that event to contact PNAS. he also mentioned that there are Genesis dealers in Bellingham and Camas should we want to audition Genesis speakers.
Did he happen to mention how one may contact PAS? I've been trying to obtain a contact number, or email address for PAS for months, but I cannot find any contact info in any of my google searches. So I had figured that they were now defunct... :sigh:

[dingus]

he didnt mention how to get hold of them but this came up on google;
http://audiosociety.org/

[goldear]

he didnt mention how to get hold of them but this came up on google;
http://audiosociety.org/
Yes, I found that too. But again, no contact info... :sigh:

[dingus]

click on the "Meetings" link and it gives the phone#'s for the club officers.

[goldear]

click on the "Meetings" link and it gives the phone#'s for the club officers.
Thanks Dingus! How in the heck did I miss that link... :withstpd:

[Redcatcher199th]

Wonder if we could get into the Gorge at George for a sunset party?


Well count me in, that is close to me. Or seattle would be nice i am sure,

would be nice to put a face to the sn's :music:

[Redcatcher199th]

I simply don't think that E-Berg is central enough from a population standpoint. It is about 2.5 hours from seattle, and I would guess between 4-5 hours from Portland.

Yes Spokanites, and Idahoans would love it. But how many of those do we have in our ranks, compared to residents of Seattle, Portland?

Centrailia is about 1.5 hours south of Seattle, and about the same distance north of Portland. It is small like E-Berg, and should not command very high rates.


:wave: Hey I am over here ............. IDa Ho ........lol well only one I see

:ntwrthy:

[goldear]

FWIW: I'm willing to go to E-berg, or Whidbey island, or Portland, if that is what it takes to get this thing off of the ground. Unfortunately, I'm coming to the conclusion that if we try to get a real consensus on this thing, that it will simply never happen... :sigh:

So if one of you guys has the resources to get a reasonable facility cheaply, then count me in. :yes: I say that even if you can only get just a handfull people to agree, that you should start planning. Others will follow, once the event becomes a reality. :thmbsp:

[retrokeeper]

I want to see a gathering happen,so I'm going to attempt to get this thing started up.I guess I'll be the one to get the ball rolling on this,since there was a flurry of interest,then it died,then another flurry,then it died again....so lets do this!!.I'm speaking with a local AK this weekend in person,I hope,and will hopefully get some ideas,both from him and from all of you in AK-land.Since I have had experiance with another group in another hobby,that matured into a yearly event,with all the planning,setup,getting a location to meet,etc,etc.I'll see what I can come up with.I'm also looking at as minimal of out of pocket expenses to,at least get a place,to have a gathering to see what type of actual interest we have to move forward and see how this will pull together and possibly....just possibly....cross your fingers....be a yearly event.It takes a A LOT of work to organize my other hobby's event I mentioned earlier,so I guess I'll be asking for AK members in this part of the country for support and guidance,and from any other AK'ers,how to proceed and get going on this.First I just want to get as many as can get together in a room somewhere,and find out how we can all pull together and guage interest and just meet for the first time with everyone.Then we can possibly have more meetings throught the year.I do believe it's getting too late toward the summer to pull off anything big,it would be better to plan,plan,research,gather info/ideas,plan some more,then pull off something in the fall/winter or even better,early next year.Let's at least get together,setup some gear,chat,talk audio,eat some pizza(or whatever),have some fun,and see where this will go.....who is with me?? :yes: Rob

[retrokeeper]

Ok everyone....I've made the first move here,I have reserved the clubhouse near my home on Whidbey Island for May 13th.It cost me $15 to reserve the clubhouse,I will post photos and dimensions later,it's a nice place,has restrooms and a small kitchen are,lots of tables,chairs,etc.Easy access for unloading,ample parking nearby.It's a nice drive whether you come in from the south via the ferry,or across the bridge on the north end of the island.Hotels,B&B,and campgrounds nearby.There may be some road construction from the north,but they usually shut down over the weekend.You can bring some gear over,there should be enough room for at least 15-20 members to meet,possibly more.I will drag over some goodies to show/listen/possibly drool over...nothing great or fabulous,I collect middle of the road and low-end stuff...and yes 8-track too :sigh: So....if we can all just meet here,I've openned the door,come on in!!!More to follow. :yes: :music: Rob

[dingus]

i am a tentative yes. i can bring my ADS L-810's and the T-Amp setup.

[retrokeeper]

Driving directions and times to follow...Come on everyone!!,this is an invite for all AK'er's in the region...let's get together!!!I got the building for the whole day!! :banana: :banana: Rob

[Mark W.]

Retrokeeper I'm in. In fact i'm also in the process of trying to secure a building suitable for a get together. It is the old firestation offices here in Silverton, OR 45 miles south of Portland. It has 5-6 offices suitable as small listening rooms and one large common room that could hold at least 20 swap meet tables. ample parking for as many cars as needed and the next building over is the local grociery store/supermarket. Only one or two houses evn close so the sound wouldn't be a big problem.

The Grociery store owner also owns the building and it is possible it could be rented. I know the man somewhat (small town)

But since you have taken this step I think we should all take advantage of it and meet. Once we have a group together we can then take the next step in what ever direction the group decides.

Would it be possible to have a BBq at your location if everything was brought in?

Do you know what the available electrical service is?

What if any close by lodging is available?

How close are you to the Naval Station?

Depending on what the wife says about coming along. I would have room to drag 1 other person and some gear along (I would most likely be driving either a Saturn Sport Coupe or My 67 Mustang so big speakers would be out)

Another option is if enough guys from the Salem/Portland area wanted to car pool would be the rental of a Van. I do have a license to drive a school bus so I would be glad to do the driving (afterall it is my thing!)

[retrokeeper]

Hey Mark!!!
Glad you can make it,their is a BBQ setting against the building right now,will have to ask about it to see if we can use it or not.
I'll have to go into the building and see how we are set up for plug-ins,should be enough,the building was built back in the 70's,and was re-furbed.
The city of Oak Harbor is 4 miles away,lodging,food,shopping,etc.
The Navy base at Ault Field is 7 or 8 miles away.
Coupeville and Fort Ebay are close by,and Deception Pass is also an easy drive,just 15 miles north of my house.Will be filling in the rest of the details soon,anybody else showin' up??

[goldear]

Now this is exactly what I was talking about! Way to go Retro!!! :banana: Count me in! :thmbsp:

Hey Mark: You'd be welcome to stay in our guest room, if you would like...

[Mark W.]

I'll still have to find out about work we are starting paving season and Saturday work is common. But I do have at least one favor I can use with the dispatcher.

Goldear Thanks for your offer of a place to stay. But if I'm going to be able to come up I'll most likely try to car pool with someone else from this area to split the costs of the trip (middle of May seams like everything from Taxes to Insurance all wants to be due at the same time) So I will most likely make it a long single day trip.

So to that end I will put out a tenitive call out for anyone from the route up that would like a ride to the event. I'll have room for at least one passenger and some gear. Though large speakers would be a stretch.

The other option would be if I took my Pickup (extra cab) but then would need at least 2 passengers (not MPG friendly) But I could haul about 2500lbs of gear LOL.

[blue_lateral]

I'm in if I can possibly make it. :thmbsp:

John

[Redcatcher199th]

I am in also pending the hangover factor ..........12th is my b-day :banana:

My Sister used to live near there So hope I can make it :music:

[Mark W.]

Well the dispatcher say he seriously doubts we will be working any Saturdays for a month or two So I guess I can be moved to the I'm going list.

NOW I need to find someone to car pool with So any one from Salem to Vancouver area say that wants to split gas and share a ride. I'll be glad to drive and if I work it right I should be able to use the wives car which gets 35mpg So it will be a cheap way to make a very long drive.

If your interested PM me.