Here are the Quads mentioned above. I was stunned by the overall excellent music in this room. This guy isn't even selling anything. (He should, because I would buy it.) Last year, the freakish "good music" sound was from Jeffrey Jackson and Dave Slagle. This year, it was this guy.
His site: Innerurban.com Audio Art Photography and Life
His site: Innerurban.com Audio Art Photography and Life
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Manzanita brought some incredible open-baffle designs (forum member jbsuch, I think?)
One utilizes an 18" woofer and (I think) the SEAS Prestige 8"er. The sound was great (even better than his double-woofer three-way version last year). Lots of oomph and very deep bass even up on those stands. He played a cut where the upright bassist gives a very strong pluck on an open E and it was very strong and clear.
It's hard to beat a really good fullranger on OB matched up to a ridiculous woofer
I think I will have to give this less expensive SEAS fullranger a try.
Another model (see picture) utilized a 21" woofer and a little bitty driver. I really wanted to hear this, but the SEAS/18" is his top of the line model.
One utilizes an 18" woofer and (I think) the SEAS Prestige 8"er. The sound was great (even better than his double-woofer three-way version last year). Lots of oomph and very deep bass even up on those stands. He played a cut where the upright bassist gives a very strong pluck on an open E and it was very strong and clear.
It's hard to beat a really good fullranger on OB matched up to a ridiculous woofer
I think I will have to give this less expensive SEAS fullranger a try.Another model (see picture) utilized a 21" woofer and a little bitty driver. I really wanted to hear this, but the SEAS/18" is his top of the line model.
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Bob Brines' room. This room wins for most fun, without a doubt. We did unscientific AB comparisions between his two latest models.
On the one hand, we had his new small TL based on the Alpair 7. You just would not believe the chunky, phat bass this "little monster" puts out. Perfect for double duty as hifi and home theater. Bob always completely tweaks out the room with his computer-based frontend (using Foobar 2000's EQ). The sound was great and I could not hear any room modes (impressive since the walls were concrete).
Unexpectedly, I was even more impressed with the (obviously far larger) model using the Tang Band W8-1772 driver. It seems to have more "air" and Bob explained that he didn't EQ out a peak at 12k but otherwise said it's a remarkably flat driver. Definitely it does not have that ragged treble we know and love from [censored].
The Alpair 7-based design had some advantages: the bass seemed to be more consistent as Bob turned the SPL up and down (as you might expect from a TL). The Tang Band-based model did seem to want a certain (moderate) level where the bass really came to life (that seems standard for BR's).
On baroque strings, I think the Tang Band model had better, more aggressive attack. But the Alpair had a kick-butt quality that would be very much at home with rock, home theater and certainly other genres as well.
Both are capable of "beefy" and robust bass. However, the Alpair seems more "muscular" and I would say more "rock friendly," whereas the other model seemed like an "improved Fostex" type of sound.
On the one hand, we had his new small TL based on the Alpair 7. You just would not believe the chunky, phat bass this "little monster" puts out. Perfect for double duty as hifi and home theater. Bob always completely tweaks out the room with his computer-based frontend (using Foobar 2000's EQ). The sound was great and I could not hear any room modes (impressive since the walls were concrete).
Unexpectedly, I was even more impressed with the (obviously far larger) model using the Tang Band W8-1772 driver. It seems to have more "air" and Bob explained that he didn't EQ out a peak at 12k but otherwise said it's a remarkably flat driver. Definitely it does not have that ragged treble we know and love from [censored].
The Alpair 7-based design had some advantages: the bass seemed to be more consistent as Bob turned the SPL up and down (as you might expect from a TL). The Tang Band-based model did seem to want a certain (moderate) level where the bass really came to life (that seems standard for BR's).
On baroque strings, I think the Tang Band model had better, more aggressive attack. But the Alpair had a kick-butt quality that would be very much at home with rock, home theater and certainly other genres as well.
Both are capable of "beefy" and robust bass. However, the Alpair seems more "muscular" and I would say more "rock friendly," whereas the other model seemed like an "improved Fostex" type of sound.
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Forum member italynstylion (Stereo Clarity) showed off his latest creation, a self-contained "media center" (dedicated computer / ripper) in a beautiful chassis which has (!) built-in power amps. Yes, that's right -- the power amps are built into the media player unit. Just add speakers. Not single driver but we did listen to his nicely executed towers (in the middle-ground).
In the foreground, there is a good line array from a different designer which we heard. Also pictured is another line array which sounded pretty good.
Big apologies to forum member mightym (John) -- I lost track of time and had to run out to catch a plane before we could hang out more. I would love to know what you liked best.
Other people, please add your impressions since I've only barely covered things.
In the foreground, there is a good line array from a different designer which we heard. Also pictured is another line array which sounded pretty good.
Big apologies to forum member mightym (John) -- I lost track of time and had to run out to catch a plane before we could hang out more. I would love to know what you liked best.
Other people, please add your impressions since I've only barely covered things.
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Shane Moore has graciously shared his professional shots here: LSAF 2011 - Shane Moore Photography | SmugMug
That was the one I liked quite a bit. And I'm not one who likes single driver systems very much.
He also makes some really good home-brewed beer. His stout is classic braun milch.
John
There was a smoothness to this system that was very alluring. One would instinctively assume they would be colored, but that wasn't my impression.
John
Yes, that was remarkable!
Here's the vendor's cello description (it uses the 206): Audible Improvements
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for another visually impressive single-driver design (using a slice of a tree).
Here's the vendor's cello description (it uses the 206): Audible Improvements
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for another visually impressive single-driver design (using a slice of a tree).
Sorry, first look at the thread. Want to say thanks to SY and Sonidos for the very kind compliments.
RJBOND3RD - I have pillow fill up to ports. Carpet backing on the sides and back of the cab from top (including the top) to about 2 or 3 inches above the ports. Think I stapled some pillow fill on top of that stuff. OHHH I have a build album... just a sec and will link it for you..
https://picasaweb.google.com/udailey/AudioNirvanaSuper12Build?feat=directlink
I should mention that SY brought some music by Matt the Electrician that was very well recorded for being recorded in a coffee shop. SY sings backup in track 2 if I recall. I am sure he was just waiting for someone to mention that. Autographs later...
Sonidos brought some headphone amps. Now, I have only been to LSAF for 2 years but never saw anyone bring headamps. These both kicked you know what. One was solid state and with a super simple layout. It sounded okay, but shouty in his room with my Grados, but great with his Senn's. I took it over to my room and it completely blew me and a few others away with the Grado's. I am not sure why. We were both using Audio GD DACs into a Lighter Note and then into the amp. Only difference was computer source in my room and Oppo in his room but for digital from an Oppo to be shouty is odd. The DACs are nearly identical in their design to so really quite odd for the difference. Anyway, it kicks ****. Nice job Sonidos. The other one he has is a design of his own that he came up with after studying the Starving Student by Pete Millett. Probably spelled the last name wrong. Forgive me Pete. Anyway I am sure at some point Sonidos will explain what he did differently, whether this thread or another. It was also incredible. This one has a feel of air that I have not heard in a head amp. The space was clearly defined. Cool.
Uriah
Sonidos brought some headphone amps. Now, I have only been to LSAF for 2 years but never saw anyone bring headamps. These both kicked you know what. One was solid state and with a super simple layout. It sounded okay, but shouty in his room with my Grados, but great with his Senn's. I took it over to my room and it completely blew me and a few others away with the Grado's. I am not sure why. We were both using Audio GD DACs into a Lighter Note and then into the amp. Only difference was computer source in my room and Oppo in his room but for digital from an Oppo to be shouty is odd. The DACs are nearly identical in their design to so really quite odd for the difference. Anyway, it kicks ****. Nice job Sonidos. The other one he has is a design of his own that he came up with after studying the Starving Student by Pete Millett. Probably spelled the last name wrong. Forgive me Pete. Anyway I am sure at some point Sonidos will explain what he did differently, whether this thread or another. It was also incredible. This one has a feel of air that I have not heard in a head amp. The space was clearly defined. Cool.
Uriah
Actually, no, probably not you LOL. My mistake. My friend John stopped by my room and now that I think about it he has a different DIYaudio name. Sorry to both. Still hope YOU will be back next year. Youre way to close to the action to complain about low attendance. Being in Dallas.
Do you have an audiophile society in Dallas? Ours in Houston has been reticent to attend. I convinced a few guys this year and got them excited enough about it that they convinced a few others. Let me think about how many showed... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.. okay 10 that I can think of right off the bat and probably a few I dont know personally. I just told them how inexpensive it was and that if they are not going to purchase then go for the social aspect because the social aspect of the LSAF is wonderful and its a great selling point. They are all conspiring now to come back next year and set up their own music rooms even though they plan to sell nothing. Should be a good year next year for that fact.
Uriah
Do you have an audiophile society in Dallas? Ours in Houston has been reticent to attend. I convinced a few guys this year and got them excited enough about it that they convinced a few others. Let me think about how many showed... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.. okay 10 that I can think of right off the bat and probably a few I dont know personally. I just told them how inexpensive it was and that if they are not going to purchase then go for the social aspect because the social aspect of the LSAF is wonderful and its a great selling point. They are all conspiring now to come back next year and set up their own music rooms even though they plan to sell nothing. Should be a good year next year for that fact.
Uriah
Hey ItalynStylion
Not sure which of the stereoclarity guys you were but it was a real pleasure to meet you all. I really appreciate your products and am glad to see something that easy and fun to use as your server. I got a chance only to listen to rock on your speakers but man it was a real fun sound. Exactly what I want from Rock.
Uriah
Not sure which of the stereoclarity guys you were but it was a real pleasure to meet you all. I really appreciate your products and am glad to see something that easy and fun to use as your server. I got a chance only to listen to rock on your speakers but man it was a real fun sound. Exactly what I want from Rock.
Uriah
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