SE WI Tower speaker GTG - Page 27

This looks to be a fascinating event, I've been trying to justify a business trip to WI to no avail.

It would be great in the future to see a live stream video of occasions like this, I've used Qik in the past for casual shares around the house. Absent that, I look forward to the summary post of the happenings.

Have fun everyone!

Lol, I promise no eye rolling.

I wish the song list shared a bit more genre to offer more 'control' to the study. WI has all the fun.

Yes. And my wife is a buyer for Manitowoc Ice.

I think it's important to note that this GTG started off as our core group getting together to hear one member's "upgraded" Ascend towers, and the Philharmonic speakers from Dennis Murphy. We never intended upon turning this into any more than our getting to hear some great speakers, and enjoy each other's company.

Then I got the news that Jim Salk was going to get us a pair of SoundScape 10's...AND BRING THEM HIMSELF! I have to admit that having Jim Salk in my home with a pair of SoundScapes is likely the best part of this event. If Dennis Murphy could have made it, it would have been even more special.

This is where Nuance lost all control, and the guest list got pretty big. I am of course fine with all of this, because I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. At no time did we ever discuss changing the idea of all of us getting together to just hear some great speakers, and enjoy each other's company.

So here we are with a decent size group getting together for just what I've stated above. I guess I see this as a rare opportunity to spend time with a great group of guys that share a hobby. Almost every speaker in attendance should be special in it's own way.

I expect most to have their own flavor, and the only real competition will be between the Salk's as they should be voiced very similarly. I expect the Salk's to come down to driver capability and features. I don't know what to expect from the Philharmonic speakers, but I am more than curious.

3 pairs of the speakers will have the RAAL tweeter. I am also more than curious about its performance vs. my LCY's. I've heard lots, but now I'll get to hear them for myself; in 3 different brand speakers, and all in the same room with the same electronics. Again, a rare opportunity.

Two of the speakers incorporate an open baffle design on the midrange. I've never heard a speaker like this, and I'm very curious as to how this feature affects the sound.

Now we've got a couple more manufacturer's bringing their offerings. Again, this just makes things even that much better. I still don't think we intended to turn this into anything more than what it started to be.

At this point, I'm feeling more than intimidated. I certainly hope no one that attends feels like they wasted their time and money coming here. I think everyone has to get what they need out this for themselves. I just hope everyone gets the listening time they deserve with each speaker. We will do our best to keep things moving efficiently.

I look forward to seeing you all Saturday...and a few on Friday!

The things are shaping up. I wouldn't be surprised to hear a non ID-brand sending in their "spy" to check what the best of the direct brands can offer. Such a rare opportunity to have them all in one place, in comparison to each other!

This sure does look like a Who's who of ID speaker brands!!! I just wish we had an inexpensive set of reference mainstream towers to compare with. This will be my first real foray into high end audio speakers (I've typically really been most interested in subwoofers). Without a 'reference' to typical vs. high end, I hope I can still walk away knowing what I heard!?!?!

The Polk Monitor 70's -- $180 right now each at newegg would be a great generic reference baseline.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290209

If timing was more loose - we could each throw in $20 bucks and raffle off the polk pair to a winner at the event conclusion. If the winner had no use for them they could give them to a family member or something. That said it looks like we have a pretty tight schedule, and there are some amazing speakers being auditioned - so if something had to be cut to fit it all in a day - I'd sure rather it be mainstream speakers cut than one of the these exciting ID setups.

I'm really looking forward to the event! Randy and I are making plans for travel from KC early Friday morn... I'm getting the BBC's LOTR on audio book burnt to cd for the long drive. As a added bonus we may even connect up with Jeff P. on Sunday and see his JTR demo room on the way back to Missouri! This outta be a fantastic trip! Thanks guys for hosting - it is REALLY appreciated!!!

Speaking for myself, just the opportunity to meet so many other enthusiasts is worth the trip alone as it will be nice to have a discussion with someone who does not go all glassy-eyed after about 15 seconds.

The fact that there are so many speakers to listen to makes it just that much better. Don't worry TJHub - I am certain this will be an event many of us will look back on as a one in a lifetime experience and others will envy our chance to be there. I am sure I will say it many more times - but thanks again for opening up your home and allowing us all to invade for a day.

I have the the BBC LOTR on 13 cassette tapes that I've had since the late '80s. Did you know Ian Holm is the voice of Frodo on these? It is ironic that 20 years later he would play Bilbo in Peter Jackson's trilogy.

It sounds like a great trip and GTG. I'm looking forward to reading your comments. Make sure you take a laptop so you can type on the way home.

So to replicate this experience halfway around the world I'd have to spend about $18k? hmm... tempting but...

^ I can make it to HK easier than WI. Just sayin'

It sounds like a really fun and informative day is shaping up and the aftermath discussion should be entertaining .

OH MY GOOD LORD>.....

I would like to hear - If I can't make it, I'd be very interested in hearing peoples thoughts of the Catalysts against the rest of the group...

I am still waiting on Mark to come across with his CAT 8ST towers...
When I first heard the Catalysts I was impressed, but walked away with my ears ringing they got so loud, but were incredibly so clean while doing so...

Id be interested in replacing my Sigs with some Skinny CAT's and that 8CL for a CC... My Sigs just can't keep up with my ridiculous subs...

Mark - What say you.... ?

^^^^^^ +1

It would be great if there's also PSB Synchrony One which some say sound most realistic at any budget for non ID brands. It's not priced not much higher than the ID speakers either.

Wow Warp - those look to be insanely awesome. I bet they'd be monsters and perfect for your application.

I actually took a drive to Saturday Audio in Chicago a couple weeks ago to audition the Synch Ones. They sounded amazing - matter of fact, they are currently sitting #1 on my list.

I have been keeping a Google doc of all speaker auditions and impressions that I have done to this point - if anyone is interested, you can check out the link in my sig - a link to the doc is in the first post. It will have a lot more after this weekend!

You auditioned all those speakers including RAAL Sierras and Salks and still prefer the Sync Ones? Are they really that good? An audition for me is a half hour drive away and I get get them super cheap.

I thought the same thing, but then I realized he only auditioned the ones with dates next to them. The ones with the "yes" by them means he wants to audition them...I think.

What are Synch ones?

Here
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_760SYN1...rk-Cherry.html
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/.../Synchrony-One

Spot on - the first date is the date I did my online research, then an indication if I want to audition followed by impressions based on online research. The last date is the audition date. If there is a date, there is an entry on the second page with impressions from that audition. The third page is my current "pecking order" and the last page contains the specifications I could find.

And, apologies, my typing skills are not that great so I tend to shorten things - Synch Ones are indeed the PSB Synchrony One towers.

Hi Warp',

This does look to be a nice gathering with some great products. While I have been moving forward with cabinet samples, the 8ST is not available for demo yet. It does looks as though I will be able to fit a pair of speakers & stands in the Grand Cherokee for the trip up if there is time to fit them in. Don't worry though, I still have one of the early pairs of 8ST's earmarked for some listening at your place.

I'm looking forward to a fun time on Saturday. With Jim, Jeff & myself there at least we know the drama level will be kept to a minimum by the manufacturers...

^ That sounds awesome, Mark, and I look forward to the event. Which speakers do you plan to bring with?

Sweet..... thanks Mark.... I'm looking forward to your results.....

Please, may I know, which tracks were from Jim Salk, and what is the track from Dennis Murphy?

Jim and Dennis both wanted "Fanfare for the Common Man." They also recommended "Chant" by Fourplay and "Jazz Variants" by The Ozone Percussion Group, and it just so happens those are two tracks I had already wanted so it worked out well.

Pricy!

Ok, what I want to know is who here ordered the rainy weekend forecast

Yeah...what a pity. At least it's supposed to be in the 60's.