My son and I had the opportunity to meet some very fine folks and we both enjoyed ourselves very much. I will post some more pics but here's one that should tide you over.

:)

gee- whizz, that is pretty!! excuse me for not knowing, but what kind of turntable is that???

I am not positive but I believe thats a Graham Tonearm on a Newer ( then mine ) Sota Saphire. The picture does not do justice to the gorgeous finish of it.

Grumpy

Along with Gone, Billfort, Brian, Mike, and DonMcR.

Anyone I failed to mention, sorry- that dang Pi room gave me a headache that wouldn't go away:mad:

Don passed more information during idle chatter than I could have gotten with hours of research.

Brian was quite accomodating and seemed a pleasant fellow (hey, analyze this;)

Surprisingly, Grumpy wasn't anymore grumpy than riled up Croc with a sore tooth and empty stomach (OK, he forgot to eat anything on Friday).

I unexpectedly got some items from my sister on the way home, posted a couple of items already in the appropriate forums, will post more as I get around to checking them out.

For those of you who didn't make it- was an interesting meet, most of the items there were in the affordable range.

Grumpy- did you have your son haul out those Allisons for me? Must have been WAY reduced by Sat afternoon:p:

DAMN ! :eek: That is some SWEET gear.

Was a pleasure meeting you and your son. I had a great time finally seeing those faces I'll be chatting with all this time. I'll post a report soon. Really enjoyed talking with you and your son, who it seems has got the "audio bug" as well!

MikE

I created a page of pictures sent to me by Grumpy. Feel free to send me any you would like added to the page.

http://www.wardsweb.org/MAF/

more pictures have been added

Wards

Thanks for posting the pics for all to see. We had a great time. Even my short attention span son had some fun ( at least for a little while ) reyneman. Mike, Don, bill and all the others we chatted with were some first class folks. I have to say that it was way cooler then I had expected. Yeah there were the usual audio Snobs there but I think the average guys like us out numbered them. If only we could have had enough guys bring down some gear we could have had an awesome exhibit. Next year I would really like to bring down a few pieces. There was hardly any vintage there and in that respect I was pretty dissappointed. Tubes were abound Every where so if that was your bag you missed out big time.

Some observations of mine.

My son and I listened to almost all that was offered at MAF and I just have to say that the new gear was a Huge let down to me. IMO all but the edgar horns bettered my own system. There was some pretty high dollar ( to me ) stuff there and for the dollars I felt that none of them offered the bang for the bucks that a top end vintage amp/speaker setup can. I went to MAF trying to be very open minded and gave many systems a chance to shine. In fact I listened to almost all of it many times to give these systems several chances. Yes the Turntables there are light years a head of most anything anyone has on our little website but are the improvements worth 25 times the going rate of a Thorens TD-160 or the likes ??? Not to me. With cartridges costing more them my whole TT they sure aint marketing this stuff to guys like us. Most dissappointing to me were the speaker offereings. I felt that a TOTL Pioneer HPM or Infinity Quantom is clearly Better ! Now remember the type of sound we are all shooting for is different. A huge amount of the speakers there used Fostex drivers. They take this $65.00 and put it in some fancy driver and charge 2000.00 and up for these! Sure it has detail up the wazoo but I dont know about you guys but I am looking for way more then that in a speaker.


On to the tube amps I listened to ( A ton of them ) Not one of them bettered The Mcintosh 240 or even my Sherwod S5500 II for that matter Yeah there were the tube vibration thingys on tons of them and this or that fancy isolation pod/feet. If we could have set up a room with something as simple as a Fisher 500B/C and maybe a set of KLH 17 speakers I think we could have even shown all but the "snobs" how silly it is of them to spend that kind of money on an amp with a nice new shiney gold plated transformers.

On to the digital end. Yes Even I must admitt that I heard some new SACD stuff that I thought was a huge improvement over the CeeDee. Am I saying I would dump my vinyl rig for them ? HELL NO ! they just are not that good.

Its probably time to go since I pissed off more then a few people here. Just remember these were my Opinions and Like you I am entitled to them.

Grumpy

Mike

Another thing I should point out is outta the many systems I listened to only 4 of them were using Vinyl as a source. All the rest were those Dang little drink coasters. Would they have benefited from the use of vinyl as well ?...Probably. As for sounding better in my room its doubtful. My wife ensures that every time I get everything just the way I like it that it will be rearranged :mad:

Grumpy

Hey Mike B

I would have to agree with you there some of the rooms just were not that good. I think most would have sounded better set-up at home. Fun event though!

Rob2:)

Just thought I would add my own opinions of the MAF to the Grumpmeister's thread. Remember, like his, these are only my opinions, and I'm sure they differ from yours

Best sound- definately Edgarhorns

Best sound I may be able to afford- the VMPS ribbons driven by a vinyl front.

Biggest disappointment- Pi speakers. I was really hoping these inexpensive kits would have done it for me. I will say that this room was one of the loudest!

Bang for the buck- I thought the small AN speaks driven by the small Jolida amp would make a good low listening level system for an office.

Ugliest system- I would like to say the Edgars, but the slapped together speakers in the Chicago Horn room beat all else hands down. There were some good sounds, though. Parts Express ran a distant second, in spite of the mystery speakers.

Sorry, must go. More later

I was too busy to go to MAF - it sounds like I didn't miss much:rolleyes: . I think people are going for the 'OH WOW!!' stuff and not trying to just put out solid, well-built, working equipment. I am kind of sick of the kevlar, aluminium, and other high tech cone materials. Paper is still one of the best cone materials out there (if made correctly).

Grumpy, there is nothing wrong with CD's - if they don't go overlill on the DAC's (which many do). I do prefer some of the older CD players as they still seem to sound better than the new ones (I mean - how much can change? Minaturization, maybe but that is it). Also, you still need to have a good recording and that now seems to be few and far between.

Dave

"I was too busy to go to MAF - it sounds like I didn't miss much"

Actually I would say you did miss quite a bit. Many fine folks a good brew and all the fun we had in-between.

Grumpy

Back home from MAF and had a great time. I think I missed some of you (things got hazy at times :) ) but have to say it was fantastic meeting you guys. I am amazed that something as impersonal and maybe even risky as an internet forum could introduce me to such quality individuals – Robh, MikeE, Gone, Reyn, DonMc and the Grumpy guy and his son – it was a pleasure. I look forward to meeting more of the AK guys in the future – this is a unique group and you all (we?) should be proud. Thanks to Mike Baker for putting on a great event, especially the live music in the evenings – great blues and jazz that was invaluable for me to kind of “reset” the senses. We even went around the corner to the Roxy and checked out a band featuring a couple of kids who absolutely smoked at blues guitar – man where they good. As good as this audio stuff can sound, VERY few systems come anywhere near the sound of real for me and frequently listening to live music just drives this home.

Everything I say about what I heard has to be stamped with a giant warning – YMMV – just my opinion - MAF disclaimer. What I heard was systems mostly using unfamiliar components, in unfamiliar environments, using sometimes unfamiliar vinyl, SACD or (cringe) CD’s. I didn’t always get to sit in the sweet spots either, and some of this stuff seemed VERY beamy and listening position critical.

I’ll probably post pictures and my thoughts on various gear in the appropriate forums over the next few days but I guess in a nutshell I’d say I liked some of what I heard, some rooms suited me better than others, some I didn’t care for, but the hands down winner of this show for me was the Edgar room. Again, I am convinced this is the ultimate in home sound reproduction, no matter how many hundreds of thousands you could to pay. I like the Edgar Titans and horn subs so much that when get in the market for a house again next year, I’ll be looking for one with a room big enough to house these monsters. I WANT THEM!

As far as Grumpy dissing everything there (ok – maybe he is grumpy, like his son told me :) ) in favor of vintage, I guess I’m one of guys who don’t agree for the most part. I know saying anything against vintage SS, sources and speakers will probably get me thrown out of AK (be gentle please), but I feel that although some vintage pieces can sound great, there is a lot more crap than treasures out there. SOME of the new gear, even that represented at MAF, can sound fantastic. I can’t believe I am defending new stuff when I own and love Altecs designed in 60’s, vacuum tubes using SET circuits from the 40’s and vinyl, but I guess that’s what I’m doing. Maybe I could get to hear some of these great vintage systems some day and change my mind. Maybe the vintage I like predates the SS mass produced Japanese components I don’t care for by a few decades. I hold a Japanese SS receiver and direct drive TT that would now be called vintage personally responsible for me making the second biggest mistake of my life – selling a mint pair of Altec 19’s. I’m a burned man. Give me that 40’s to 60’s technology done with modern day manufacturing techniques and parts any day!

I’ll duck now :) .

Billfort

Sorry I made it sound like I wasn't interested, but I was. It is just that my home life comes first - My wife is on the road most of the time and I only see her on the weekends - WAF (WIFE APPRECIATION FACTOR) is important you know:D . Maybe I will plan it so I can attend next year!!

Cheers!

Dave

Hi guys...


As many of you probably know...I still love them TiTans. My view of best sound (again) goes to them. Last year Kevin (from Chicago) had his 650Hz edgarhorns (with vintage cabinet) at the Lima event last year. He couldn't bring them this year...but his speakers are a great example of getting that edgarhorn sound without spending BIG dough ('least ta me;) ) Another speaker that didn't make the event this year were the HE 10's from Kevin at DIYcable. I've recently gotten another listen to these speakers after the Lima event...and must say...these things still sound damn good! (my brother said that too...as he's the one who bought them and an Anthem tube amp from TIC...THANKS TIC!)


Last year seemed to have more DIY speakers there...while this year had a larger number of manufacturers. It was nice to listen to the wide variety of speakers at this event...many of which I would have a tough time trying to listen to (and look at!)...if it wasn't for this event.

I will say that I was a bit disappointed in the sound of a couple of speakers...I really thought they would have sounded better. I know...I know...these were not in ideal rooms...I'm talking apart from that tho. Either way...I'm still happy with the choice I've made for my speakers.

ok best sound - EdgarHorn TiTans

most missed - (a tie) Adire HE 10.1's and beancounters edgarhorns (oh...Mike Bates new speakers too...Would have loved to hear them!)

Best looking speaker - Hmmm...either Cain and Cain or the wood horn from Bill M. from Woodenhorn. They were both beautiful pieces of woodwork!

shaking the room award ...this award had to go to the Chicago room...even tho Mike Baker wouldn't even let them turn that giant LABhorn sub up.



Again...had a great time...lots of systems to listen to and tons of great seminars! (Don Mc ;) )...but I most regret not being able to just bullshit much with the guys that did go :mad: . If I go next year I'm going to plop my ass down in a room and just sit there listening to music and B.S. the day away.

Good to meet all you guys.

I'll post my MAF report when I get my pictures back but I just wanted to say I had a great time and regret that I didn't arrive earlier or that the show wasn't longer [Saturday night]. I also spent most of my time in the Venus Hi-Fi room because I wanted to give the Abby's a fair shake. I also wish the AudioKarma guys had hung out more but I'm as guilty as anyone for following my own lead. I pretty much came-n-went as I pleased.

I must say that the best sound, bar none, was from the Titans. The only room that tricked me into thinking a band was setup inside. I want to also say that Brian from Venus is a really cool dude for letting me crash his room and setup the Moth and listen to his Cains. Really a pleasure to hear the great music from Inmate TAFKA Steve's harddrive/Millinium dac combo, plus all the other stuff people brought. The Venus room was filled with listeners everytime I stopped by. All the AudioKarma people [Grumpy+son, Fish+brother, reyneman, Brian, Billfort] I met were great guys! More later...

MikE

Once again, it was great to finally get to meet so many fellow AKers in Lima!

With so many show reports being posted here, I thought I'd share some of my own thoughts and observations. First off, some general comments:

1) On vintage vs. DIY vs. commercial. All three camps were fairly well represented in Lima. I personally think that this is a good thing, but it did give rise to some interesting tensions. More than once I heard folks from the vintage and DIY camps complain that most of the new gear was way overpriced given the sound quality. But just as often I heard other, more mainstream audiophiles complain that many of the "antique" and "homebrew" systems gave them headaches. The great thing about the Midwest Audio Fest was that, at the end of the day, everyone was able to find a comfortable home base with lots of like-minded enthusiasts.

2) On analog vs. digital sources. As many folks have observed, most of the best-sounding rooms were spinning lots of vinyl. Until now, I have avoided taking analog rigs to meetings and shows because they take so much longer to set up than CD players. After attending this show, however, I feel that I may have to bite the bullet in the future and bring along one of my turntables - the advantages were readily apparent!

While on the topic of source components, I would also like to comment on Redbook CD vs. SACD. There were lots of SACD players at the show, and I would have to agree that SACD offered a definite advantage in many cases. Indeed, as an early adoptor of SACD, I truly felt a couple of years back that Redbook CD simply could not compete. However, I have discovered over the past year or so that Redbook CD playback DONE RIGHT is fully competitive, and have found a few CD players that sound every bit as good spinning standard CDs as comparably-priced SACD players spinning SACDs. Indeed, David Cope - one of the exhibitors at Lima - had arranged for a shootout between the Audio Note CD2.1x CD player and an upscale Sony SACD player, but the owner of the Sony was a no-show. Too bad...

3) On setting up for the show. There can be no doubt that setting up your equipment in an unfamiliar hotel room is a daunting challenge - it wasn't until midway through the first day of the show that I finally figured out the best placement for the Cain & Cain Abby's. (And I never did have time to optimize the placement of the Audio Note AN-J/LX loudspeakers.)

I noticed that many of the best-sounding rooms either made use of some sort of acoustic treatments (either commercial or DIY), or had lots of padded furniture (typical of the hotel suites). In the future, I'll definitely be bringing along some of my Echo Buster room treatments.

I also noticed that nearly every system sounded better on Saturday than on Friday. Let's not forget that many components (digital sources, amplifiers, power conditioners, etc.) can take two to three days to fully warm up...

4) On AudioKarma attendees. Every single AKer I met was a wonderful person - this is truly an amazing group of enthusiasts!

Now on to some more specific responses to the show commentaries...

1) To Grumpy. As you would probably guess, I tend to disagree with a number of your conclusions regarding (a) the relative value of new vs. vintage components, (b) the importance of speaker cabinet design (the Fostex FE 166e driver really does sound quite different when removed from the Cain & Cain Abby enclosure), and (c) the usefulness of isolation devices (it's too bad you weren't there during either of my DARUMA-3ii isolation bearing demonstrations - even the most adamant skeptics admitted to hearing a significant difference!). But Billfort has already said much of what I would have wanted to say, so I won't dwell on these issues any further.

2) To Grumpy, reyneman, Billfort, gonefishin, and MikE. Yes indeed, the Edgarhorn Titan system was a force to be reckoned with! These were perhaps not the most refined nor tonally accurate loudspeakers at the show, but the dynamics and soundstaging were unparalleled.

Bruce Edgar has been after me for the past year or so to pick up his line as a dealer, and the Titan system always temps me sorely. But given the size of this system and the $11K pricetag, I simply cannot justify such an acquisition - my largest listening room is still on the small side for the Titans, and my local customer base is not well-heeled enough to even consider such a purchase.

3) To reyneman. Thanks for singling out the Jolida 301A integrated amp and Audio Note AX-Two minimonitors as the best "bang-for-the-buck" components at the show. I'm biased, of course, but I would have agree...

Cheers,
BrianB
Venus Hi-Fi

Actually I thought the C&C were some of the better Fostex using speakers I listened to. While I am sure Mikes Moth is a fine amp it just did not sound as good with them as the AN did.

The baby AN speakers did nothing for me. I thought they were rather muted and Undynamic. Maybe it was the amp or maybe they got better on the second day on which I did not listen to them on.

I did rather like the other AN speakers you had in the corners. I also thought that Battery powered amp and pre sounded pretty good.

Not sure of the Models but the Whole AN system I listened to upstairs sounded quite nice to me. That could have had a lot to do with the Voight Turntable that was being used as well.

While my initial assessment of the entire show may have been a bit Harsh. I still feel the same way. As you can see by my comments above there were some pieces there I liked but I am sticking to my feelings that there was nothing that I listened to at Maf that could not have been duplicated for considerably less money by a top notch Vintage system and cheaper to boot..... cept the Edgar's.

My guess is my ears are just not as refined as most. I do know what I like. My son who almost NEVER agrees with me on speakers had virtually the same opinions on most of what he heard. I thinks its official Hell has now frozen over !

Just to prove that I am not Anti-New here is some thing I have never said in the last 19 years. Digital sources have gotten better. See I said it ! I still won't buy one cuz they are still cant match Vinyl but I have to say they have made some rather large advancements in the past few years. My 2 cents..

Hi Grumpy,

It was great finally meeting you in Lima!

I'd say that your ears are plenty refined - and the fact that you definitely know what you like puts you leagues ahead of many pseudo-audiophiles whose opinions are lifted straight from the pages of Stereophile.

I'm glad you enjoyed the combination of the Final Labs battery-powered amps and the larger Audio Note AN-J speakers. Actually, I'm not at all surprised that you liked these speakers, as they're an ultra-refined version of a classic Snell design! And yes, I would definitely agree that Triode and Co.'s Audio Note "big rig" upstairs sounded absolutely wonderful...

I can't remember what we were playing when you heard the "baby AN speakers", but the overall reaction in Lima to the AX-Twos reinforced my opinion that these are the speakers to beat in the $500 price range - especially if you're using low- to moderate-powered amplification.

Finally - and I've said this before - I most definitely agree that good vintage gear offers some of the best sonic values to be found. However, it does seem like the most desirable vintage pieces have become increasingly difficult to find, and in many cases their asking prices have shot up considerably over the past few years.

Happy listening!

Personally, I have nothing against new audio components. My problem is that, I guess, I haven't heard enough new gear to make the conclusion of what's better.....I just haven't been impressed with anything I've heard. But if anyone can recommend some good components from what they've heard, here's what I'd buy.....

Give me an amp that has the bass punch of the SX-1010, the sweet midrange of a McIntosh, and the striking and crystal clear highs that only 7591 tubes can produce. Give me a turntable that not only plays well, but isn't fussy and is built as rock-solid as my Technics SL-5300. Give me speakers that have the incredible soundstage, speed, and dynamic presence like my Altec A7s. Oh, and the tuner must be very selective and have great reception like my Mc MR-67.

If I had all those qualities in my audio system, drive it on over and I'll sign a check of less than $1500, then I will be truly happy. Oh, wait, I already am :D

BrianB and I were posting at the same time :)

Where was that audio event? Are there any clubs or events in the midwest near or around St. Louis Missouri?

I'm not familiar with any audio clubs or events around St. Louis. MikE

There is a pretty serious group in St Louis but I don't know if they have meetings or not. There is a site that they sell gear from with a lot of it being minty vintage tube gear. If you can't find it I will try and track it down. I found it doing a search myself.

well..I've heard rumors that Mike Baker isn't going to have the Lima event next year :( Of course...I haven't seen this rumor confirmed yet...but it doesn't sound good. (I wonder if he'll have it the year after?)

Hmmm...if he does end up having the event next year...I was planning on trying something a little different. The other two years I hardly got a chance to sit down and B.S. So, I was thinking of getting a room...setting my system up...and puttin' some beer in the ol' cooler :D


we'll see>>>>>>>

Yes, it appears the party is over fishin. This is a huge disappointment for me, I loved trekking down to MAF in the spring to listen to some great gear, tip some beers and shoot the shit with some like minded audio wackos.

Mike B did a great job putting this show together and I can see how something as huge as organizing this thing could burn you out. Maybe someone will jump into the fire (fish?? :) ) and organize an alternate but it would be tough – Mike really set the bar high. MAF’s high efficiency speaker focus (which just naturally includes SET tubes and even analog front ends) was the real draw for me, making dedicating 4 days and driving 12 hours each way worth it. A more conventional show, with more dealers, more middle-of-road gear, less DIY stuff or even a “vintage” focus (I’m ducking now!!) just wouldn’t interest me as much.

Sound Practices, Listener magazine and now MAF, soooo sad. Good thing there are a few of you MAF types here at AK to keep me sane.

Billfort

Mike Baker was already hinting at the last Midwest Audio Fest that he probably wouldn't be repeating this remarkable feat next year. Still, I simply cannot accept that "the party is over"!

If indeed Mike decides to take 2004 off, I would be seriously tempted to put together a 2004 MAF myself, although there would be two significant changes: (1) the event would be held in Bloomington, Indiana rather than Lima, Ohio, and (2) the Fest would have to take place a month or so later than April. (May, June, and July would be ideal months for me.)

I think I should mention that Bloomington has an INCREDIBLE music scene, with lots of fantastic jazz and folk artists! Premium musical entertainment would certainly pose no problem here.

I would also want to maintain the focus of past MAF gatherings (SET amps, high-efficiency speakers, vintage and DIY gear) as much as possible.

So, assuming that Mike will not be organizing a Midwest Audio Fest in 2004, I would be willing to host this event myself next year. Any comments on this would be greatly appreciated...

Cool Brian! Do you want to start pursuing this?


I know you've got a good selection of Hotels in your area...but how much would we be looking at to for rooms...and to rent a couple of seminar rooms?

Would a 2005 projected date work out good for you? Giving you enough time to sort everything out for the first year. Also, would you want to tackle this event as a yearly event, or go every other year?

If you need a hand...just let me know.

Do you want me to start putting the word out for you, to see what kind of interest you would get?


I would agree that one of the cool things about MAF was the overall attitude...from all the participants. Laid back...listen to some good tunes and have a good time!


Who knows...if you have the event in 2005...I might even have my preamps and amps done ;) (yeah right :P)



let me know>>>>>>>

Hey gonefishin!

Wow, thanks for the supportive response! I stayed up late last night thinking through the logistics of such an endeavor, and I think you're right - 2005 would be a much more realistic date for the next MAF, as I think I'd want to start making arrangements and reservations at least twelve months in advance...

There are indeed plenty of hotels around here (Bloomington is home to Indiana University, after all), and many have pretty reasonable rates. I also don't think that I'd have much trouble finding large rooms for exhibits, seminars, etc.

Oh, and I'd LOVE it if you were to help get a feel for how much interest there'd be in this event!

Of course, I'd want to run all of this by Mike Baker first - it's his baby, after all, and not knowing what his future plans are, I sure wouldn't want to step on his toes!

Cheers,
Brian

If you were still interested in taking this large task upon yourself ;)...I was going to suggest the same thing.


Contact Mike Baker and talk to him...ta see how he feels about it. I'm sure he can offer tons of advice that he's learned along the way...along with helping you out with the current contacts and such.

I did ask Mike what was going on with MAF. He really did a fantastic job creating one great event! ok...make that...two great events ;) Any how...here's (http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/HUG/messages/55650.html) the link



keep me posted :D

Brian / Dan: If there is anything I can do to help pull this off let me know. I'd love to have another "MAF" get-together in the future. And I'm with Fish, I'd like to spend more time just sittin' and shootin' the breeze. You could bring your system, I'll bring mine and we'll have a "shoot-out", so to speak.

MikE

Wow, 650 miles from me, guess I'm screwed. Would love to be involved and help you guys out if this goes ahead but this is almost fly-in stuff from Toronto.

Too bad, after looking at a map, I'm back to being depressed.

Billfort

Originally posted by Billfort
Wow, 650 miles from me, guess I'm screwed. Would love to be involved and help you guys out if this goes ahead but this is almost fly-in stuff from Toronto.

Too bad, after looking at a map, I'm back to being depressed.

Billfort


I'll buy ya a couple CD's to listen to while your driving. It's like the heat index or wind chill. Yeah, you may be driving 650 miles...but it feel like 400 :p:


see you there ;)

Sure! I'll just toss the Altecs in the back seat, plug the 300B's into the cigarette lighter and the Sota can ride shotgun - 650 miles and an international border will be nothing.

Wait a minute, my records might skip. Damn, and I was already to pick my LP's for the trip. Guess I better give this a second thought.

Billfort

Mayhaps we want to start a new thread on this?

I will state up front that the day I spent at MAF was not long enough, and I looked forward to attending another one. It was the first audio get together I've ever attended, and I enjoyed meeting fellow AKers and getting to audition equipment I would not have otherwise been able to.

April through September is the worst time of the year for me job wise, but I would have found a way to attend. I would be happy to help in any way if a new format has to be organized.

Heck, I may even send a couple of CDs to Billfort to help him on his journey.

Anywhere near Columbus is a cinch for me, could make Detroit in a day, a smaller town without city traffic would be superb.

Hmm Sounds like fun!

I flew to the last MAF so as long as it's not in Hawaii it looks like a good deal. We need to drag Mike B if we can so he can sit down and relax this time like we all got a chance too. Hey Mike any chance you comming?? Sure would be nice to have yah!! Gezz we all at least owe you a beer that should cut some of the expenses down:D

Rob:)

Okay, I've given this a LOT of thought over the past week or so, and I just wanted to let everyone here know that I'm now QUITE serious about taking on the next Midwest Audio Fest!

In my opinion, Bloomington, IN, would be a fantastic site for MAF 2005. And I've already begun to put out some feelers regarding possible musical entertainment for the evenings - I am acquainted with several outstanding local jazz artists, and am friends with one of John Mellencamp's regular backup musicians (JM lives in Bloomington, you know).

I'm very excited about this, and I'll probably be starting a new thread here soon asking for input from fellow AKers on how to make this the "must-attend" audio event of Summer, 2005...

Happy listening!
Brian

Summer of 2005 or 2004??? That's a ways off... :confused:

Summer of 2005, unfortunately!

Even before Mike Baker decided to reclaim his personal life, there was already talk of making MAF a biannual event. And, having never before taken on the task of organizing an audio show, I would want at LEAST a full year to put everything together properly. After the success of the last gathering, I certainly wouldn't want the next MAF to be a half-baked (or should that read "half-Bakered") affair...

That's cool. Just wanted to make sure. It's only a 5 hour drive for me, so I plan on being there for sure.

Maybe I'll even have some money to spend by then!!! :)
mOOn

So is it official that there will be no more MAF in Lima ?

Originally posted by grumpy
So is it official that there will be no more MAF in Lima ?

The only thing that's "official" is that Mike Baker would like to take a break from organizing MAF. So, theoretically, the event could still be held in Lima. But if I'm going to be putting together the next MAF, I'd rather not have it take place a couple of hundred miles from where I live. Plus, Bloomington is a pretty cool place - especially in terms of the local music scene...

with the upcoming Michigan event, I've been thinking about MAF.
I had a great time at '02 and '03. I'm new here and a fairly quiet guy so I may or may not have met some of you guys.

My favorite room had to be the Classic Audio Repro's - Hartsfields. They Titans were a close 2nd though. I think Tom had the Hartsfields set up nice, was running vinyl, and had it a little louder than the other rooms. These factors may have given him an edge, but since they are WAY out of my budget, it doesn't really matter.
Kurt Chang's open baffle Tannoys (with DIY powered sub) and gainclone really amazed me. This IMHO was by far a perfect example of a great cost/performance ratio. I was originally wanting to hear the A-7s with the gainclone though.
BrianB is a great guy and the Abbeys sounded great too. Imaging and vocals were right on. They were also the best looking speakers I saw, even though it was the big horns that made me sport wood. The fact that he played my copy of Zappa -Hot Rats made me quite happy, but I should've given him my SunRa.
I was interested in the offerings from nOrh. That Silent Server and PC preamp have serious potential. I bagged a pair of 3.0's just out of principle. In fact I'm listening to them right now on the computer rig and WDET.

I wish that Parts Express had brought their mobile store to MAF'03 like they did in '02. They had some great deals in '02 and it's kinda nice to be able to snag some RCA connectors or something like that without paying shipping.

Well, I just wanted to get that off my chest to some others that apparently were there too.

Ski,

The open baffle Tannoy's - is that what I'm seeing on Wardwebs photo page?

Maybe I WILL go OB with the Tannoy concentrics I have.

Cheers,
Russ

Yes. His were 12", but not the Red, Golds or anything.

Where you able to get that nOrh shirt over your bid head?:p:

Are you kidding?

Actually, that shirt belongs to the lovely wife, along with the rest of my 'too small audio related paraph'.

Off to Home Depot to by a sheet of Ply....

Man i really dug those Tannoy's in the Chicago Horn club room. Very sweet sounding !

I spoke to Classic Audio yesterday and hopefully they will be joining us in Feb as well ;)

Got a couple of more calls to make before announcing more.

Grumpy