Maf

[MikE]

Brian, what's the lastest on the MAF? Still bringing the Abby's, right?! Am I still welcome to get in some playing time with them and my Moth? What are you using for line conditioning, power cords?

MikE

[BrianB]

Hi MikE,

Okay, here are my latest thoughts. I'm currently planning on showing off the following components:

Front End

1) Audiomeca Obsession II
2) Audio Note CD2.1x

Amplification

1) Blue Circle CS Integrated (solid-state)
2) Consonance Cyber-10 Integrated (SET)
3) Jolida JD-301A (hybrid)

Loudspeakers

1) Audio Note AX-Two
2) Cain & Cain Abby
3) J.M. Reynaud Cantabile

I'm not yet sure what I'll be bringing in terms of power conditioners and cords, but rest assured that any such offerings will be "cheap" - in my opinion, a great deal of money is often wasted in this category of products.

Oh, and yes - you will be more than welcome to try out your Moth Audio amplifier with the Abby loudspeakers...

Cheers,
Brian

[MikE]

Thanks for the consideration. Can't wait to hear the Abby's! Regarding power, I've got a Shunyata Hydra and Audio Magic Stealth PLC I could bring and some Elrod power cords but it doesn't sound like your too interested in using that type of gear. Let me know.

MikE

[BrianB]

Originally posted by MikE
Regarding power, I've got a Shunyata Hydra and Audio Magic Stealth PLC I could bring and some Elrod power cords but it doesn't sound like your too interested in using that type of gear.MikE

Hi MikE,

Please don't misunderstand me - I am very familiar with the effectiveness of high-end power line conditioners and power cords. The ones that you own are excellent, so please feel free to bring them...

In my room, however, I've decided to show off a range of "primary" components (CD players, integrated amplifiers, and loudspeakers) that cost less than $2000. Given this, the last thing I want to do is toss $1500 power cords or $2500 power line conditioners into the mix.

When I said that "a great deal of money is often wasted" on power line products, I had in mind the observation that the law of diminishing returns seems especially applicable in this category. More specifically, the audible differences between a $500 and a $1000 power line conditioner are almost always smaller than the differences between $500 and $1000 source components, preamps and amps, and loudspeakers.

So, what exactly will I be bringing? In all likelihood, I'll be showing up with some of VansEvers' most affordable cords and conditioners, which offer a number of unique features not typically found on more expensive units from other companies...

Cheers,
Brian

[BrianB]

By request, I will now also be bringing the following components to the Midwest Audio Fest:

1) Final Labs MUSIC-5 battery-powered preamplifier
2) Final Labs MUSIC-6 battery-powered stereo amplifier

I may also bring a pair of Audio Note AN-J/LX loudspeakers to help show off these amps...

[MikE]

And should I bring my rack also? Do you have some idea what size the room will be? MikE

[BrianB]

Hi MikE,

I'll be setting up in the Board Room, which is just off the lobby of the hotel. The dimensions of the room are about 15' x 25', but the usable space in this room will be a bit smaller, as there is a long conference table that will have to be moved to one side.

If you wish to bring your rack, that would be fine with me - I'll only be bringing one of my own racks, and - depending on what hotel furniture I can move into the Board Room - yours could come in quite handy! But please don't feel obliged...

Cheers,
Brian

Originally posted by MikE
And should I bring my rack also? Do you have some idea what size the room will be? MikE