First 2012 RAS Event

SCompRacer

This was the first RAS get together of 2012. Sadly Dave, Doug and Duell could not make it due to circumstances beyond their control. In attendance: Jay (agfrost) Chris (cstmar01) Brock (heiney9) Blake (blakeh) Rob (scot62) Aaron (ALL212). Jay got to meet face to face with the rest of the RAS group. We had planned to compare Doug's un-modded Music Hall 25.3 to my modded one. It was also the debut of my Lenco turntable project. So we compared the Music Hall to my ModWright Sony and the SS out of the Music Hall to the tube output. (Tube out has coupling caps between the op amps and tubes along with caps on the output). The rest of the meet was a BYOM, or Bring Your Own Music event.

A new face was in the mix as Chris made the long drive down from WI. This took the pressure of our newest member, Jay as we directed hard times to Chris who took it well. Really, Chris, Steely who? (He remembered them after hearing a tune..it was an association thing). And Jay wasn't able to answer some Roxy Music questions without some prompting.:eek::cheesygrin: It was great meeting you Chris and we hope to see you again.

The room was setup different than usual due to the number of folks planned. The other setup also puts corners by each speaker which has a slight negative effect on bass even with acoustic treatments. However, there is more bass available now from the DAC mods and the Lenco turntable.

Gear list is in my sig. The mods to the Music Hall 25.3 DAC include a NOS 6DJ8 tube, Mundorf MKP series op amp/output coupling caps, Burson discrete HD op amps, Belleson Super Regulators with larger Wakefield heat sinks and Elna Silmic II's on the downstream filter side for the op amps. The Lenco sports a trimmed top shell, larger Mirko stainless steel bearing and spindle and a clean and lube. The arm is an Advanced Analog MG-1 linear tracking air bearing arm.

Around the room from the left clockwise, Blake, Brock, Jay, Aaron and seated Rob flashing the peace sign and Chris. It was a great time! Jasper wanted to know who put all the coats on his afternoon nap spot.


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EndersShadow

Sounds like a good time was had by all. Next time you guys have one of these, let me know as I might be interested in making the drive from Indy.

FTGV

That s a motley looking crew of audio nutters.Bet it was a fun day.Did kitty let you spin some vinyl on his new Lenco perch?

agfrost

It was a really good time--Good guys, good tunes. Fred, Rich has turned that DAC into a very nice piece with your guidance!

It was nice having Chris there, I think he took most of the abuse that would have all been directed my way otherwise. He took it well--I likely would have been cowering in the corner.

Thank you Rich and Dana, as always you're gracious hosts.

SCompRacer

Jay, you are most welcome. It was good having you over again. Enders, we can do that!

Fred, these guys are a fun bunch to be around. After the gear demo, we went into our music free for all. We all have a varied taste in music and just might leave these events with new artists to pursue. Blake keeps track of what is played by whom on his little palm 'putie.

I'm with Jay. To me the SS out on the DAC sounds superb. I did fail to include the Fox oscillator crystal you sent me in the DAC mods. (We don't need no stinkin' clock, just make the existing one better). In a quick poll after a demo song, most guessed it was the tube out side of the DAC. The tube out kind of embellishes the music a bit, especially the bass. More than before it was modded, which is good for thin recordings. I need to get the NOS 6DJ8 out and roll some better tubes in it. Before mods I preferred the tube out side. To me, the SS out is very detailed and nuanced, but not fatiguing at all. It was SS out all day for the DAC with flac. I'll eventually hook up with Doug so we can compare the modded to unmodded DAC. And I think Chris was surprised at how much bass you can get out of two custom long excursion SEAS woofers in a folded transmission line module.

Jasper doesn't seem to like the new turntable dust cover. The Gingko dust cover has rolled or rounded edges at the front and rear, while the new cover has square edges. If he hangs off the edge of the cover like he usually does, it must be uncomfortable for him.

heiney9

I always have fun at these types of things. I hope we didn't harass the noobs too much, it was all in good fun. . It was very nice to meet Jay and Chris, they fit right in so now worries there. Enders you are welcome anytime.

This is the first time I've heard Rich's system on the long wall and it sounded great. The Lenco and the Music Hall also were top notch. All in all a great day tempered by a little audio talk, a little music listening, a little socializing and whole lot of BS'ing!!! :razz:

The food spread was wonderful and I was stuffed all day long. Rich and Dana's hospitality are always top notch.

I'll post a few pics when I get a chance.

H9

P.s....the 3 D's were missed (Doug, Duell and Dave) but honestly, I'm not sure where we would have put you guys.....lol :twisted:

SCompRacer

It was good having you there Brock! And that bottled water you brought was real special too.:eek::cheesygrin: That was the first time in 15 years I had anything that strong. Wowsa! I couldn't finish it, wimped out.

It was kinda wierd, the three first D names didn't show. What planets aligned to cause that? I wonder if Duell had someone there he wanted to hit again.:cheesygrin:

F1nut

Bunch of geeks.

Drenis

Is that h9 in the Ferrari shirt? What's the retail on one of those? Probably more than I could afford pal. :razz:

Looks like fun was certainly had.

heiney9

Since I will probably never own a Ferrari, atleast I have the shirt. It was a gift from my brother when he visited one of auto dealers inside either the Wynn or Belaggio hotel in Las Vegas a few years ago.

We always have fun at these meets.

H9