Best Of
RIP Dash Crofts
Just saw this today, apparently a day late. Thanks for the great tunes!
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Dash Crofts (Darrell George Crofts, August 14, 1940 – March 25, 2026) has died at the age of 85. As one half of Seals & Crofts, he helped create “Summer Breeze,” one of the most enduring songs of 1970s soft rock, along with other hits such as “Diamond Girl” and “We May Never Pass This Way Again.” Reports state he died due to complications following heart surgery.
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Crofts and Jim Seals built a successful career based on strong vocal harmonies and accessible songwriting, becoming a staple of American radio during the decade. Their sound stood out for its melodic clarity and crossover appeal across pop, rock and folk audiences.
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Following the death of Jim Seals in 2022, Crofts was the last surviving member of the duo. His passing marks the end of a partnership that defined a significant part of 1970s American soft rock.
___________________________________________
Dash Crofts (Darrell George Crofts, August 14, 1940 – March 25, 2026) has died at the age of 85. As one half of Seals & Crofts, he helped create “Summer Breeze,” one of the most enduring songs of 1970s soft rock, along with other hits such as “Diamond Girl” and “We May Never Pass This Way Again.” Reports state he died due to complications following heart surgery.
⠀
Crofts and Jim Seals built a successful career based on strong vocal harmonies and accessible songwriting, becoming a staple of American radio during the decade. Their sound stood out for its melodic clarity and crossover appeal across pop, rock and folk audiences.
⠀
Following the death of Jim Seals in 2022, Crofts was the last surviving member of the duo. His passing marks the end of a partnership that defined a significant part of 1970s American soft rock.
bcwsrt
1 ·
Re: Thinking of adding more McIntosh gear… 2023 Grand Wagoneer series 3
Was that a new GW or a used one?
'Cause in all the reviews I've seen of the GW, "floaty" wasn't a descriptor. Wondering if you're dodging a bullet there with a messed up air suspension.
The Caddy and the Lincoln both abandoned full air ride suspensions because of the cost and complexity. Cadillac kept the air ride but added their magnetic damping system to control the float. The "air springs" are optional, though and traditional springed suspensions are standard.
Lincoln abandoned it completely and instead uses a system that scans the road ahead for imperfections and dynamically stiffens or softens the suspension in preparation.
The Jeep uses air springs all around but standard monotube gas charged shocks/struts for bound/rebound control but they do use "smart" technology to dynamically adjust the rates. But without the magnetic ride tech in the Caddy or the hydraulic based tech in the Lincoln, the Jeep is likely using adjustable damper valving to get the results they want.
The GW is pretty much described as "plush and smooth" by reviewers and the Navigator as more "floaty" because it's traditional spring based system doesn't handle heavy bumps as well, especially in the long version. It's less floaty on the 2020 and newer models because of improvements to the "Continuously Controlled Damping" tech, though. So if that GW was used and riding "floaty", it probably has a suspension control system issue that either hasn't been diagnosed or hasn't been disclosed.
'Cause in all the reviews I've seen of the GW, "floaty" wasn't a descriptor. Wondering if you're dodging a bullet there with a messed up air suspension.
The Caddy and the Lincoln both abandoned full air ride suspensions because of the cost and complexity. Cadillac kept the air ride but added their magnetic damping system to control the float. The "air springs" are optional, though and traditional springed suspensions are standard.
Lincoln abandoned it completely and instead uses a system that scans the road ahead for imperfections and dynamically stiffens or softens the suspension in preparation.
The Jeep uses air springs all around but standard monotube gas charged shocks/struts for bound/rebound control but they do use "smart" technology to dynamically adjust the rates. But without the magnetic ride tech in the Caddy or the hydraulic based tech in the Lincoln, the Jeep is likely using adjustable damper valving to get the results they want.
The GW is pretty much described as "plush and smooth" by reviewers and the Navigator as more "floaty" because it's traditional spring based system doesn't handle heavy bumps as well, especially in the long version. It's less floaty on the 2020 and newer models because of improvements to the "Continuously Controlled Damping" tech, though. So if that GW was used and riding "floaty", it probably has a suspension control system issue that either hasn't been diagnosed or hasn't been disclosed.
Jstas
2 ·
Re: Thinking of adding more McIntosh gear… 2023 Grand Wagoneer series 3
Man all this talk about Jeep's is making me laugh. I can look back & laugh now but not so funny when it happened.
A few years back we flew out to Flagstaff, AZ & rented a Jeep Compass & drove to Page, AZ for our son's wedding. We drove around a bit with no issues.
Now the fun part begins. After the wedding, the reception was on a really nice boat on Lake Powell... gorgeous scenery & a unique experience.
Having a great day. Then the trip home to the ABNB. Coming out of Lake Powell the tranny started slipping, the air all of a sudden stopped working (probably not related issues) but man was it hot.
We limped back to the house & called the rental company. They had no other offices in our area. I called around to find another rental company but found out that Page, AZ is pretty much a dead zone for car rentals. Couldn't find anything.
So I called the original rental company back & the best they could do was to send a flat bed with another car & pickup the Compass. Of course this couldn't happen until the next day. They said they could be there early afternoon. It's a good 2.5 hr ride from Flagstaff to Page buy they had to find a local company with a flatbed for the job. Man I was breathing fire!
I said ok 'cause there wasn't anything I could do.
To make things worse we had to be out of the ABNB by 11:00.
I called a local Holiday Inn & explained the situation & they said we were more than welcome to hangout in there lobby until the flatbed arrived. They actually took pretty good care of us while we were waiting. Coudos to them & the staff.
The flatbed finally arrived at 4:00 with the new car... another Compass!!
We were all so pissed that it took so long. Anyway the driver was really nice & apologized for the inconvenience.
We drove to the other ABNB we rented to finish out the week. We lost almost a full day on account of that Jeep. Bad luck or just bad cars?
I received a full refund for the fiasco so that took some of the sting away. With fingers crossed the car was fine for the rest of the week & the long drive back to Flagstaff to return it.
Let's just say I'm not a fan of Jeep after that.
A few years back we flew out to Flagstaff, AZ & rented a Jeep Compass & drove to Page, AZ for our son's wedding. We drove around a bit with no issues.
Now the fun part begins. After the wedding, the reception was on a really nice boat on Lake Powell... gorgeous scenery & a unique experience.
Having a great day. Then the trip home to the ABNB. Coming out of Lake Powell the tranny started slipping, the air all of a sudden stopped working (probably not related issues) but man was it hot.
We limped back to the house & called the rental company. They had no other offices in our area. I called around to find another rental company but found out that Page, AZ is pretty much a dead zone for car rentals. Couldn't find anything.
So I called the original rental company back & the best they could do was to send a flat bed with another car & pickup the Compass. Of course this couldn't happen until the next day. They said they could be there early afternoon. It's a good 2.5 hr ride from Flagstaff to Page buy they had to find a local company with a flatbed for the job. Man I was breathing fire!
I said ok 'cause there wasn't anything I could do.
To make things worse we had to be out of the ABNB by 11:00.
I called a local Holiday Inn & explained the situation & they said we were more than welcome to hangout in there lobby until the flatbed arrived. They actually took pretty good care of us while we were waiting. Coudos to them & the staff.
The flatbed finally arrived at 4:00 with the new car... another Compass!!
We were all so pissed that it took so long. Anyway the driver was really nice & apologized for the inconvenience.
We drove to the other ABNB we rented to finish out the week. We lost almost a full day on account of that Jeep. Bad luck or just bad cars?
I received a full refund for the fiasco so that took some of the sting away. With fingers crossed the car was fine for the rest of the week & the long drive back to Flagstaff to return it.
Let's just say I'm not a fan of Jeep after that.
pearsall001
1 ·
Re: Thinking of adding more McIntosh gear… 2023 Grand Wagoneer series 3
I have a close relationship with my Jeep dealer. I do not follow the Wagoneers much, but I do know there were several first-year issues with them. Electronics and engines, if I recall correctly. They were trying to go after the Cadillac Escalade / GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition crowd at the time, but I don’t think they ever really got a footing in that luxury SUV market.
If you have enjoyed trouble-free service from your Subaru, you may be in for a surprise with a Stellantis product. For the last 20+ years I have had phenomenal “luck” (?) with them, but that is really counter to their reputation. lol
My Subaru had to have an engine out rebuild at 45,000 miles due to cam seals leaking. Thank God I had an extended warranty because without it it would’ve been a $12,000 repair.
nooshinjohn
1 ·
Re: Thinking of adding more McIntosh gear… 2023 Grand Wagoneer series 3
An update... Spent a couple days with the Grand Wagoneer SIII, which is top of the range. Let me state that the Mcintosh system is the best factory installed audio I have heard, bar none. This behemoth drives like a smaller vehicle than it is, and I loved every bit of it. Taken as a whole, it was the most pleasurable driving experience I have had in a number of years now. The only bad thing is that even during normal driving with the family, both of my boys get nauseous because of the floating sensations provided by the air suspension.
Looks like I may be heading back to square one in the vehicle search...
Looks like I may be heading back to square one in the vehicle search...
nooshinjohn
3 ·
Re: New construction project
Damn, I would be an invalid too if I installed that many shingles.
It's about 120 square of shingles, but these shingles are 5 bundles per square.There is also some small copper roof areas.
invalid
1 ·
Re: What did you do to your stereo rig today?
I had a CB1000 in 1994. It was, by far, my favorite motorcycle ever! Those SDA's look fantastic, BTW. Enjoy!
I believe Geoff is talking about this one, which hasn't been released in the US market yet. A modern interpretation of the big bore Standard...
Price will be around $14,000
billbillw
2 ·
Re: Review: Benchmark AHB2 Amp
Well let's see if we can get this thread back on track. These things seem to go sideways at times. LOL!
First off this is not at all about power. In fact I'm giving up a ton of power. The A21+ is rated at 300/500 into 8/4 ohms whereas the AHB2 is rated at 100/190 into 8/4 ohms. One would certainly think this wouldn't be a fair fight. Things can certainly be deceiving though.
To address the HT issue I'm sure my Yammie AVENTAGE RX-3010 AVR can handle my HT needs but I've always had a dedicated 2 channel amp for double duty running my fronts in both HT & for 2 channel.
I purchased the A21+ a few years back to give my Maggie 1.7i's some more juice. I certainly did the trick & kept me quite happy. Now the Maggies have been replaced with JBL HDI 1600 monitors (85db/4ohm). The reason on switching things up is downsizing & wanting to replace the A21+ with a smaller, lighter amp without sacrificing musicality. I did extensive research & took a shot with the AHB2. I never heard one in person & went strictly by reviews & Benchmark's no risk 30 day return policy.
A little about my room (13x30x7) & also I've been in this house since 1992 & the room hasn't changed except for new furniture over the years & always in the same spot so it's safe to say that I know my rooms sonic attributes like the back of my hand. So whenever I would audition new gear it didn't take me long to decipher whether it was a keeper or just a lateral move.
Now enter the AHB2...I had no idea what to expect and was unbiased in my upcoming listening challenge. To be brutally honest I was taken back by the AHB2 & it literally walked all over the A21+! Yes you heard that right, the AHB2 was like David vs Goliath. I was in disbelief at first but needed to validate my listening experience. As good as the A21+ is, & it's one fine amp the AHB2 just revealed things that the A21+ just wasn't capable of.
A few of the AHB2's attributes: It delivered so much more detail in low level listening that I didn't know was there until I actually heard it & this is with music that I've very familiar with. Again scratching my head here with what I'm hearing. The music just sprang to life in ways that were not present with the A21+. There is no sweet spot with this puppy...the sweet spot is now the entire front stage, behind & off to the sides of the speakers, I couldn't believe it. I just find myself enjoying the music so much more now & am totally engaged in ways that I didn't experience with the A21+. Needless to say it's found a new home & I couldn't be happier. If anyone is looking into a new amp I can highly recommend you put this on your list.
Also you can always add another one if you feel the need for more power & run them both as mono blocks. Benchmark designed these to perform just as well in bridged mono as stereo.
Cheers,
Phil
First off this is not at all about power. In fact I'm giving up a ton of power. The A21+ is rated at 300/500 into 8/4 ohms whereas the AHB2 is rated at 100/190 into 8/4 ohms. One would certainly think this wouldn't be a fair fight. Things can certainly be deceiving though.
To address the HT issue I'm sure my Yammie AVENTAGE RX-3010 AVR can handle my HT needs but I've always had a dedicated 2 channel amp for double duty running my fronts in both HT & for 2 channel.
I purchased the A21+ a few years back to give my Maggie 1.7i's some more juice. I certainly did the trick & kept me quite happy. Now the Maggies have been replaced with JBL HDI 1600 monitors (85db/4ohm). The reason on switching things up is downsizing & wanting to replace the A21+ with a smaller, lighter amp without sacrificing musicality. I did extensive research & took a shot with the AHB2. I never heard one in person & went strictly by reviews & Benchmark's no risk 30 day return policy.
A little about my room (13x30x7) & also I've been in this house since 1992 & the room hasn't changed except for new furniture over the years & always in the same spot so it's safe to say that I know my rooms sonic attributes like the back of my hand. So whenever I would audition new gear it didn't take me long to decipher whether it was a keeper or just a lateral move.
Now enter the AHB2...I had no idea what to expect and was unbiased in my upcoming listening challenge. To be brutally honest I was taken back by the AHB2 & it literally walked all over the A21+! Yes you heard that right, the AHB2 was like David vs Goliath. I was in disbelief at first but needed to validate my listening experience. As good as the A21+ is, & it's one fine amp the AHB2 just revealed things that the A21+ just wasn't capable of.
A few of the AHB2's attributes: It delivered so much more detail in low level listening that I didn't know was there until I actually heard it & this is with music that I've very familiar with. Again scratching my head here with what I'm hearing. The music just sprang to life in ways that were not present with the A21+. There is no sweet spot with this puppy...the sweet spot is now the entire front stage, behind & off to the sides of the speakers, I couldn't believe it. I just find myself enjoying the music so much more now & am totally engaged in ways that I didn't experience with the A21+. Needless to say it's found a new home & I couldn't be happier. If anyone is looking into a new amp I can highly recommend you put this on your list.
Also you can always add another one if you feel the need for more power & run them both as mono blocks. Benchmark designed these to perform just as well in bridged mono as stereo.
Cheers,
Phil
pearsall001
5 ·
Re: Post a picture.....any picture...part deux...
By now you should have known those "vaccinations" for Covid are a JOKE !! you have had all that RNA crud put into your system and it has done what for you? NOTHING ! It sure DIDN'T stop you from getting covid.
How many times have you gotten Smallpox or the Measles after being vaccinated?
How many times have you gotten Smallpox or the Measles after being vaccinated?
pitdogg2
3 ·