Asr Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Yeah yeah I know, the show doesn't start until Friday but I can't wait! I'm actually interested in speakers this year so I'm looking forward to listening to as many as I can! I've taken Friday off work so I can check out all 3 days! If there are any requests, post 'em here and I'll see if I can include them on my rounds. Exhibitor list here: Rocky Mountain Audiofest 2008 And will any familiar Head-Casers/Fiers be there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceman94 Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 AudioKinesis is absolutely by far the most interesting and exciting exhibitor for me. I haven't auditioned Duke's speakers yet, but I'm 95% sure I'll be a customer of his not only based off of impressions I've read, but just from the practicality of his systems (waveguide mitigating room effects, purportedly huge sweet spot from the waveguide + toe-in, bass and treble tuning on some models, wall friendliness of some models due to said bass tuning, high efficiency opens up a Balancing Act + First Watt F4 combo for me to try, excellent price/parts ratio). He has a couple of new speakers that take advantage of his new multiple subwoofer system that he'll be showing at RMAF. Modwright should also be interesting, they'll be showing their new power amp. I know the Transporter is old news, but I'd love to see that in person if I had the chance to go. Selah will have some budget line arrays with active DEQX crossovers going on that might be interesting. That room is teamed up with Moon Audio. Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Tyll should be there with Desktop Audio in full force. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepak Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 If you're into analog check out Galibier's setup. I wish I could have made it out there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iceman94 Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 Wow, I gushed like a fanboy. Sorry about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jp11801 Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 both Galibier and Teres are high on my list, wish I could make it out there this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrion Posted October 6, 2008 Report Share Posted October 6, 2008 If you're into analog check out Galibier's setup. I wish I could have made it out there! both Galibier and Teres are high on my list, wish I could make it out there this year x2 on both. I look multiple times a day for a Galibier or Teres to show up. I thought I had a Teres at one point but it didn't work out. I've never seen a Galibier. In the scheme of things both off a model that is within reach. I would love to be able to have an extended audition with them to compare to my Nottingham, which is pretty damn good. Jp, we have to go to RMAF next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted October 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 RMAF - Friday, 10/10 Kimber Kable panels McIntosh Labs Monarchy Audio HeadRoom's array including Denon AH-D7000 One of Bel Canto's rooms w/ CD-2 & TAD mini-monitors Moon Audio w/ Cary 306 SACD Pro & Selah Audio 32-driver speakers Moon Audio, various cables The Voice That Is w/ dCS Puccini, Lamm amplification, & Tidal Piano speakers ($32K) Kubala-Sosna w/ Bryston BCD-1 & Audio Epilog Issa speakers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted October 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 RMAF - Friday, 10/10 - Equipment Impressions: Denon AH-D2000 single-ended vs balanced on HeadRoom Max Balanced: HeadRoom's setup made it easy to compare the D2000 balanced vs single-ended and I found that the balanced model did sound better than the single-ended. The soundstage increased maybe 150% in overall air and span, and the bass got noticeably clearer. Denon AH-D7000: it could be said that this sounds great for a closed can. I don't personally like closed-can bass, which the D7000 has in spades - deep, punchy mid-bass. Clear, fluid mid-range, with good treble. I didn't listen very long but it seemed very decent, a step up from the D2000 that I previously owned. Worth ~$800 though? I'd have to spend more time with it to find out, but as it is, I didn't really think it's in the same sonic arena as Audio-Technica's W5000. Monarchy Audio's speakers: these were abysmal. I listened to Alison Krauss' "Let Me Touch You For Awhile," which has never seemed that much of a stress-test to me, and these speakers literally distorted under the pressure of the bass, and the resulting sound was extremely boxy. I felt very embarassed for the guy running the room. Odyssey Audio Lorelei speakers (un-pictured, room was very dark): these were so awesomely fun to listen to with Porcupine Tree's In Absentia. From an audiophile point of view these may not have been very good, but the bass and mid-bass were awesomely punchy and there was an aggressive streak to the treble that made it snarl. These speakers definitely rocked out, they were bad-ass! TAD mini-monitors in Bel Canto: these were very theatrical-sounding speakers. Full, bold mid-range and surprisingly deep bass from a non-tower speaker. They played AK's "Let Me Touch You For Awhile" with ease and easily played the deep bass notes without breaking apart. Very fluid with a saturated mid-bass, and a large soundstage that gave a great sense of the performance in the room. Selah Audio's new 32-driver speakers in Moon Audio: I'm sorry but these were just as awful as the Monarchy Audio speakers, so awful that it was embarassing. I cued up the Alison Krauss track again and within 5 seconds, I was already gritting my teeth from a terrible lower-treble gnash in the nasal/bronzy area. The whole time the track played was so unpleasant, I grimaced all the way through. It couldn't convey the dynamic swing either, and distorted on the bass. These speakers were so bad, I honestly think they'll get a bunch of negative press from the critics who show up this weekend. EPIC FAIL. Note: this system was running in balanced mode. Tidal Piano in The Voice That Is: These speakers were absolutely stunning in person. Gorgeous, exquisite finish. I hoped the sound would match its looks and was only a little disappointed. Beautiful-sounding as well, at least for non-bassy music. So clear, so fluid, and so delicate. Excellent transients. I spun tracks from Alison Krauss, The Village [OST], Porcupine Tree, and Priscilla Ahn. The soundstage wasn't overly big but it was very convincing and very complete - it filled in the space between the speakers, behind them, and in front. I could swear every element of the orchestra was in the room if I closed my eyes. And it was superb at low-volume, and maintained dynamic integrity and clarity simultaneously. And on Porcupine Tree, it thrashed just as well and threw down the band with power. The only major disappointment was the sub-50 Hz bass, it was barely there. Aside from that, really an amazing speaker - it was a glory to behold how clear it was and how well it made treble sparkle without harshness. As soon as I heard it, it entered my dreams. Audio Epilog Issa speakers (Kubala-Sosna room): very good speakers overall. Handled the Alison Krauss well enough without doing anything wrong. But there was a lack of bass on this one too, to be expected from two drivers. I'd estimate the bass sinkhole started at maybe 50-60 Hz. Note: this system was running in balanced mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naamanf Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 I'm so jealous. This is the second year in a row I have missed RMAF due to being over here. I am definitely looking forward to making it next year. If you get the chance (and if they have them) listen to the Evolution MMThree and what ever they have from Acapella. Two of my favorites from the last time I went. There is a Acapella dealer in the Springs if you want to get a better demo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrion Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Steve, check out the Galibier room (I assume he there somewhere) and in particular the Serac tt, if you have time. I would be curious to hear what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepak Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Also the Kimber Kable speaker setup will be playing his IsoMike recordings on four massive panels. Should be cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Thanks for the pics and the report Steve. Looks like lots of drool worthy gear, no surprise there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voltron Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Thanks for the pics and the report Steve. Looks like lots of drool worthy gear, no surprise there! x2 on this. Appreciate the reporting, and it is good to hear that you were able to play your own music in many/most rooms. The Stereophile show I went to in NYC was too big and crowded for that. Enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrion Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 x2 on this. Appreciate the reporting, and it is good to hear that you were able to play your own music in many/most rooms. The Stereophile show I went to in NYC was too big and crowded for that. Enjoy. As Jews say on Passover, next year in Denver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voltron Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Jews always want to have Passover in Denver? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrion Posted October 11, 2008 Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 Jews always want to have Passover in Denver? Actually, the saying is next year in Israel but the RMAF is in Denver. Meaning you, me, Jp and whoever else meet at RMAF next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augsburger Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 What about us Irish Catholics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pars Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Sounds like you went to the Odyssey room? Did you talk to Klaus? He's a trip... really great guy. Any impressions on the rest of their gear, and were they showing anything new (amp/preamp)? Nice writeups and pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted October 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 RMAF 2008 - Saturday 10/11, Part 1 - Equipment Impressions Denon AH-D7000, again I returned to match this against my W5000 and give it an extended audition. It sounds fine, and for a closed headphone, it's very decent-sounding. It completely lacked the subtlety of the W5000 though, and didn't have the W5000's smoothness either. It also had more bass thump, and less soundstage air. I still think it's not worth the price. Audio-Technica W5000 balanced vs single-ended And since HeadRoom's setup was a true-differential balanced system, I also decided that I had to check if the W5000 benefits from balanced drive (I have an XLR-1/4" APureSound V3 cable adapter). The W5000 indeed benefits from balanced drive, but not really by much. The soundstage became more open, and it was easier to locate discrete points in it as well. Bass too became clearer. Xavian Mediterranea speakers Bad speakers, though not "awful" per se. Hollow, almost nasal quality. There was lots of enclosure and bass port reverb on heavy bass too. Lacked <50 Hz bass. Krell's speakers These were pretty cool and rocked out really well. Lots of bass and Porcupine Tree was a veritable smack-down. So much bass in fact, it was really awesome. Audioengine A2 and A5 The A2 wasn't really that great but it wasn't that bad either. For a small size it sounds ok. The A5 though was pretty nice and sounded better than its size would indicate - very good bass impact and a pretty large soundstage. They'd both be great computer speakers, but only the A5 can cross over to audio or A/V applications. Dynaudio Sapphire Pretty nice overall. No real nitpicks against it. Chario Sovran Also pretty nice, nothing really bad. RMAF 2008 - Saturday 10/11, Part 1 - Pics Xavian Mediterranea, fed by Bel Canto CD-2 & ASR Emitter II Exclusive Blue Krell Industries' speakers with Evolution 505 CDP and amps Reimyo digital transport, DAC, & amp stack to unknown speakers Usher Audio speakers Audioengine USA w/ A5 and A2 Esoteric w/ P-03, D-03, G-03 Dynaudio Sapphire fed by Wadia 781i SE or 170iTransport Luxman electronics (including very vintage turntable) w/ unknown speakers Audio Unlimited's dCS Scarlatti stack Hansen Audio Emperor fed by dCS Scarlatti stack & Balanced Audio Technology amps Boulder Amplifiers stack Clearaudio Master Reference Audio Unlimited's Focal Grande Utopia Em Von Schweikert VR-9SE fed by unknown turntable & Valve Amplification Company amps Chario Sovran fed by Accuphase DP-67 or Montegiro Lusso to Air-Tight amp B&W Signature Diamond fed by Classe Audio CDP-202 and SSP-880 B&W CM1 fed by Rotel RCD-1072 CDP and RCD-1070 amp unknown prototype horn speakers fed by Red Rock Audio Renaissance amp Red Rock Audio Renaissance MBL 101 MKII fed by MBL 1531 CDP, 1611F DAC, 6010D pre-amp, 9011 power amp EMM Labs CDSA SE Blue Circle Audio speakers and electronics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted October 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 RMAF 2008 - Saturday 10/11, Part 2 - Equipment Impressions Avatar Acoustics Tango Another good speaker. Nice full mid-range, but a little slow on the attack, could've used more treble spark. Tyler Acoustics The Decade D1 These were downright amazing. There was some sort of crazy drum & percussion "music" going when I walked in. In quotes because it was more like a test disc than music. Crazy-fast articulation and tracking of concurrent layers, and it was so damn fast I decided I had to hear what it would do with Massive Attack's "Inertia Creeps" so I handed the CD to the man running the system. I think "Inertia Creeps" bowled over everyone in the room, it was glorious! The speakers were mad-phat on the bass and whacked away at the belly drums really well, while 3D's vocals floated around. Any speaker that can play Massive Attack without embarassing itself deserves kudos! Odyssey Audio Lorelei I returned to this room to give it Massive Attack and The Crystal Method to see if was as bad-ass as I remembered, and it did not disappoint. Very punchy, very powerful. However, my fave tracks also showed what it couldn't do. It didn't give sub-50 Hz bass very well, and it needed more treble extension. Classic Audio Reproductions T-1 These were awesome with Priscilla Ahn, her voice was projected very convincingly and it never broke the imaging. When I heard it was $50K, my jaw dropped. RMAF 2008 - Saturday 10/11, Part 2 - Pics Avatar Acoustics Tango fed by AMR CD-77 & Dr. Feickert Analogue Two table and AMR AM-77 PS Audio's NEW Perfect Wave transport & Ultralink DAC - fully discrete & dual-differential Ayre KX-R If awards could be handed out for ugliest speakers at RMAF, this is my #1 Classic Audio Reproductions T-3 ($33.5K) fed by Galibier Gavia ($10.5K), Atma-Sphere MP-1 MKIII pre & M-60 MKIII monoblocks Tyler Acoustics The Decade D1 fed by Meridian G08.2 or VPI Superscoutmaster and Parasound Halo amps, w/ power conditioning by Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One 3.0 Odyssey Audio Lorelei Odyseey Audio Kismet monoblocks Odyssey Audio Kismet pre-amp, phono stage, CD player, & turntable Sonist Concerto 2 (mini-monitor) and Concerto 3 (tower) Classic Audio Reproductions T-1 w/ Atma-Sphere monoblocks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_maher Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 It occurred to me while viewing this second round of pictures, blue truly is the color of choice for high end LEDs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cankin Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Thanks for nice pics, especially when I'm intrigued to try speakers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyrion Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Great pics and impressions. Thanks for the shot of the Galibier Gavia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopstretch Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 How much were the Tyler Decades? That new PS Audio stuff is hawt looking, too. How did it sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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