At Ultimate Audio, when they hosted the Chicago Audio Society and Michael Fremer. First, Fremer in person is engaging, funny and really, really entertaining. Sonce I don't have a turntable any more (the only middle-aged white male there not to have one), I didn't learn that much, but it was very enjoyable.
The room is spectacular. They used to have a full Rives treatment, but they changed out to a more dynamic, less-damped sound. The electronics were top line Gryphon with an MBL CD player. The speakers were Rockport Arrakis, which are extremely imposing, but sounded great.
I didn't quite fit in. Not only did I not have a turntable, but when Fremer asked what kind of music everybody listened to, the answers were "classical", "chamber", "jazz fusion", and "bluegrass and country and western" ( me).

David

Hi David,

I stopped by the room you were in last Wednesday while they were still making adjustments to the placement of the Rockports, but no question, they sounded wonderful in the room. I was there before the recent acoustic renovations, and it really is a different, and very impressive room.

David,

sounds like a fun time (you do need a tt:D).

is the picture from this link the way it looks?

http://www.ultimateaudiovideo.citymax.com/page/page/3698484.htm

your comment about the Rives approach being over-damped is curious....as their approach is to minimize dampning and use diffusion instead. the picture above shows the same large resonator that i have in my room except the side walls and ceiling appear to have acoustical fabric covering something. my walls are live and diffusive.

Hi Mike,

The room and speakers we are referring to is the top picture. That was the Rives design. There wasn't all that much damping in the room. The current acoustic solution involves very large, combination diffusors and bass traps. The designer of the treatment plan and actual devices flew in from Sweden(?) and personally placed and tuned the treatments. The result was a dramatic improvement and much more flexibility in placement while affording a much larger useful listening area.

The second room pictured, which is also a bit wider and used to allow demo of a selection of speakers, received a similar treatment and also sounds very good.

Hi Mike,
What he said. Seriously, I don't want to step on any acoustic toes. I am merely repeating what the owners told me. I have heard both rooms, albeit with different equipment. They both sounded great, but with different equipment , how can you compare. In any case, this room was to die for.

David

Hi Mike,
What he said. Seriously, I don't want to step on any acoustic toes. I am merely repeating what the owners told me. I have heard both rooms, albeit with different equipment. They both sounded great, but with different equipment , how can you compare. In any case, this room was to die for.

David

David,

sorry if i indicated any defensivness on the 'Rives Design' issue. what had gotten my attention was the 'overdamped' comment regarding Rives......of which my impression is that their approach is the opposite. room design is personal and not everyone will want any particular design forever.

it does look like a wonderful room.

Mike

Yeah, Mike you're a little touchy. You need to relax and computerize like I did. Now you NEVER have to get up.

David

OT:
David, was that you in this months S'Phile Letters to the Editor ?
It's amazing how many members here show up in print.

- Andy

Hi Andy,
Yes, that was me. I knew when I wrote it that was timely. I sure got a kick out of seeing it in print.

David

Yeah, Mike you're a little touchy. You need to relax and computerize like I did. Now you NEVER have to get up.

David

David, glad to see you've gone the computer route as well. I too, never get up. You've got to have great furniture though like Ekornes.

BTW, I'll get that 101E group going soon.

Peter Breuninger
Stereophile Contributing Editor

Hi Peter,
What computer setup are you using. I've gotten the Wavelength Audio Crimson, run from a Mac-Mini as a server. I ended up changing out the preamp, an ARC Ref3 for an MBL 6010 D to very good effect in bass dynamics. I am looking for a different amp besides the Boulder, since I want something more dynamic. I know that you are using a vintage amp. What do you recommend. I've been considering Plinius SA-Ref monos, and I'm auditioning a Spectron musician (gasp! ) on Sunday.

Thanks,
David