Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2008

[Feltran]

The Von Schweikert system lacked dynamic range, oomph, and and feeling of being inside the music as compared to the Focal system, but I still found it very impressive. In fact, I think in some ways it had its own strengths that surpassed the Focal system.

 

[MiTT]

Wadia and Dynaudio

This room was pretty crowded, so I wasn't able to get around front and grab a seat that would allow me to render a meaningfull comment. Off axis it didn't move me enough to wait around for a better seat.

I believe that the player is the new 931 Controller and Decoding computer. Speakers are the Dynaudio Sapphires.

 

[MiTT]

Oh, and I won't tell anyone about your reaction to that 2nd martini!:ROFL:

You mean the one he practically spit out all over your wife?

Yeah, I won't tell anybody either.

 

[MiTT]

The Von Schweikert system lacked dynamic range, oomph, and and feeling of being inside the music as compared to the Focal system, but I still found it very impressive. In fact, I think in some ways it had its own strengths that surpassed the Focal system.

I agree Seth, it was very musically engaging and I certainly would be happy with it. It was just a tough act to follow after the sensory overload of the Focal room, both sonically and visually.

 

[slowGEEZR]

The Von Schweikert system lacked dynamic range, oomph, and and feeling of being inside the music as compared to the Focal system, but I still found it very impressive. In fact, I think in some ways it had its own strengths that surpassed the Focal system.

I agree, the Von Schweikerts (the big one and the smaller one) both were impressive.

 

[MiTT]

Tyler Acoustics

Ty Lashbrook was showing his newest effort, the $9,500.00 Decade D1. Sorry for the lousy picture, but Ty warrants a little bit of coverage. I make it a point to stop by and talk to him every year just because he's passionate about what he does and really wants to offer people the very best possible sound at a reasonable price. He swears by these Silver Circle power conditioners and who could argue with the sound he was getting out of this system. He was using a VPI ScoutMaster as a source and powered the Decades with a pair of the Parasound JC1 monoblocks.

Just for the fun of it he was demonstrating the differences between Brubeck's "Take Five" on the Classic reissue from a few years ago, an original 6 Eye mono and the new Acoustic Sounds 45 RPM version. The Acoustic Sounds version sounded like it was made from a different master. Everything was more distinct, better rendered as far as intrumental timbre's, and had an expansive soundstage. The Classic pressing still sounded good, but to be honest, was bested by the mono version. It was fun listening to music as opposed to equipment.

 

[MiTT]

PS Audio

PS Audio was putting out sweet sounds thanks to a pair of Avalon Indra's supported by a PS Audio amplifier and a Power Station Premiere. The souce was in a completely different room and was made up of the "soon to be released" Perfect Wave Transport (top) and Ultralink DAC (bottom). One of them has to be controlling volume in the digital domain because there was no pre-amp in evidence. I believe that I'd heard each piece was going to be in the $2,500.00 neighborhood.

Music was from the Shelby Lynne tribute to Dusty Springfield (it was getting play everywhere), and the sound was great!

 

[MiTT]

Ayre

Ayre was partering their top of the line MXR monoblocks ($18.5K) with the Vandersteen Quatro Wood Sig. II speakers ($10.7K). They were proudly demonstrating their new KXR pre-amp (also $18.5K) and were even showing a pre-production sample of their new turntable! I can't recall who they partnered with on the turntable, but Ayre developed all of the motor electronics as well as a new X series phono stage to go along with it.

 

[Bernard]

It was fun listening to music as opposed to equipment.

Did you at any point feel you wanted to forget about us all waiting for these pictures, put down the camera and just spend hours listening in one specific (Focal?) room? If you did , it makes me appreciate these pictures all the more.

 

[User211]

Ayre turntable. That's interesting. Check the pic below from London (which I definately did not post). Looks like the same TT to me. It's sitting on top of a Naim HDX hard disk player and a lot of other Naim gear. I wondered what it was. I thought maybe it was a Naim prototype/newbie. I wonder whether it will be branded Ayre in the UK.

Anyway, I'm really impressed with your level of knowledge and descriptions, Tim. You must have taken quite a few notes - something I just can't be bothered to do!

Those Clearaudio mag. bearings sound interesting. You can buy them for lesser TTs in the range e.g. the Champion Level 2 as a £500 upgrade. Has to beat revolving on a bearing, really.

Also, RMAF just blows London away for quality of gear. And it's a real shame no CLXs for you to hear. I don't think ML realise the level of internet coverage that arises from these shows. They need to get out and get a life!

 

[MiTT]

High Water Sound

High Water Sound is another one of those rooms that you can't help hanging out in for a while not because of just the sound (which was very good), but because of the music. Owner Jeffery Catalano doesn't have time for Hi-Fi posturing, he was too busy spinning lots of vinyl and discussing new music he's been getting into. While I was in the room he was playing Alejandro Escovedo and everyone in the room was completely engaged. I was sitting next to the main man at Art Audio (is it Joe Fratus?) and he really liked the sound of the Tron amp. I can't remember the name of the speakers, but the TW Acoustics Raven turntable was smooth, smooth, smooth.

 

[twich54]

Did you at any point feel you wanted to forget about us all waiting for these pictures, put down the camera and just spend hours listening in one specific (Focal?) room? If you did , it makes me appreciate these pictures all the more.

Yes, there were three or four rooms I/we returned to multiple times...... besides the Focal, the MBL, Merlin, Classic Audio Reproduction, Vienna Acoustic rooms all stirred my musical spirit !

 

[eknuds01]

Tim -

Well done!

We got back in late last night. I'll be sure to post my pictures soon enough. I'll try to avoid posting the same rooms you have taken pictures of.

Erik

 

[twich54]

Speaking of Classic Audio Reproduction

This room somehow made me feel as if I was transplanted back to my youth but with much better sound quality. Certianally not best of show but very, very, comfortable. The fact that the music played was familiar to me helped, but the component synergy just seemed right to me.

Clasic Audio reproduction horn teamed up with Quicksilver and Atma-Sphere electronics. Music was spun on a Galibier TT.

 

[twich54]

We got back in late last night. I'll be sure to post my pictures soon enough.

Erik, Glad to hear you two got back A-OK, Shirley and I awoke to about an inch of fresh snow this AM, flying back to Philly this afternoon

 

[twich54]

You mean the one he practically spit out all over your wife?

Yeah, I won't tell anybody either.

I like "dirty girls" not "dirty martinis", LOL !!

 

[MiTT]

This room somehow made me feel as if I was transplanted back to my youth but with much better sound quality. Certianally not best of show but very, very, comfortable. The fact that the music played was familiar to me helped, but the component synergy just seemed right to me.

Clasic Audio reproduction horn teamed up with Quicksilver and Atma-Sphere electronics. Music was spun on a Galibier TT.

Dave, I also really enjoyed this room. When I was in there they were spinning some classic Leadbelly and the system really seemed to respond. The Atmosphere OTL's look a bit too retro for my tastes, but they certainly sound great.

 

[MiTT]

Tim -

Well done!

We got back in late last night. I'll be sure to post my pictures soon enough. I'll try to avoid posting the same rooms you have taken pictures of.

Erik

I say post whatever you want Erik - I don't think anyone here would complain about more audio porn. Besides, I'd like to know your impressions of what you heard.

 

[Kenscollick]

Thanks for the coverage guys, I am really enjoying the pictures and thoughts. I had hoped to attend the show this year but again other things got in the way next year for sure.

 

[MiTT]

Did you at any point feel you wanted to forget about us all waiting for these pictures, put down the camera and just spend hours listening in one specific (Focal?) room? If you did , it makes me appreciate these pictures all the more.

Bernard, yes, absolutely, and I only shot about 60 pictures yesterday because a.) I was running out of time and knew I was going to have to skip some rooms entirely (I missed ALL of the rooms at the Hyatt down the street) and b.) I wanted to take some "Tim time" to go back to some of my favorite rooms and listen to music I was most familiar with for the pure pleasure of it. I really enjoy posting this show report every year, and I take a lot of notes in the program as I go from room to room, but I also remember to just enjoy the show for what it's worth. It's all about balance right?