Went to a true high end store today and had alot of fun

polkfarmboy
polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
edited January 2014 in The Clubhouse
Just got back from Artic Audio in Fargo on main avenue and holy crap was it an experience to behold!!!! The gear in that shop was just top notch and I had a beautiful listening session to some focal speakers all hooked up with shunyata anaconda cables. There was some wierd dac at 9k I demo'd and it looked like a flat black amplifier slab/ isolation device with a matching 3k power base under it.

The amp I was listening to was a huge plinius monster with some 601 Mcintosh next to it. I ended up walking out of there with a Krell 550 as it was a great price and if I dont like it then I will sell it on easily.

Its nice to see that true high end is alive in Fargo and I look forward to going back to do more demo's when time permits.
Post edited by polkfarmboy on
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,606
    edited January 2014
    congrats!
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,121
    edited January 2014
    Keiko wrote: »
    polkfarmgirl is gonna castrate you like a bull, boy. :lol:

    She's sharpening the blade as we speak . . .
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    Today was the first time I heard a system with all the acoustic treatments and holy crap does that make a diff. There was nothing bouncing back from behind the speakers and its was just the blackest black background you could imagine. The owner asked if I wanted to join the loal audiophile club. A bunch of people get together at the store and in their homes and demo new products that come in and th have wine and cheese and bring their wifes. It sounds like a bunch of rich guys and as he Noah was telling me all about the people that attend like what they buy at the store and cars they drive etc..
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    nbrowser wrote: »
    I know the feeling of walking int oa real high end shop and getting my ears on a pair of Focal Grande Utopia EM speakers...words cannot describe the sound, but my beer budget says I ain't ever bringing those home...

    Thats what I was talking about with the marketing guy who is there day in day out. I asked if he had a huge rig but he was telling me how modest it was and said " I work here listening to this gear all day then go home to my setup to listen to music, I don't even know why I bother"
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited January 2014
    Is that the Krell 550 integrated? If so, I'd be curious about your opinions.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    Pycroft wrote: »
    Is that the Krell 550 integrated? If so, I'd be curious about your opinions.

    James

    Yep thats the one, It supposedly shares some of the same tech from the phantom pre's and thats what peaked my curiosity. Tomorrow I am going to test it out with the BAT VK30 and the krell showcase 5 channel. I am very curious as to how it will sound with the perfectwave dac as I know how it sounds with a bunch of diff gear. I wish I could remember the name of that dac I tried, its a thin black slab looking thing thats more akin to a shelf of some sort....anyone know or got an idea?
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,786
    edited January 2014
    Bull in a china shop. How much **** did you break?
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    ken brydson wrote: »
    Bull in a china shop. How much **** did you break?

    All I broke was my heart listening to those 50k speakers, I will never own them wahhhhhhhh
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,606
    edited January 2014
    ken brydson wrote: »
    Bull in a china shop. How much **** did you break?
    I'm sure they were happy to see him in a "you break you buy it" kind of way.

    But seriously, going to those kind of shops will kill you if you go too often.
    I do go to look at some of their trade ins at the local shops. Some of the most
    interesting stuff comes in like that.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,606
    edited January 2014
    lmao!
    anonymouse wrote: »
    I'm just waiting for the sequel to this. It's coming. I know it.
    ken brydson wrote: »
    Bull in a china shop. How much **** did you break?
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    I found the dac I listened to, its the msb Dac http://cybwiz.blogspot.com/2012/06/msb-analog-dac.html
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    DSkip wrote: »
    I thought this thread was going to be about you rummaging through your closet. Shocker they let you in the door. Your reputation definitely didn't precede you.

    Gee thanks!! lol
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,336
    edited January 2014
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I found the dac I listened to, its the msb Dac http://cybwiz.blogspot.com/2012/06/msb-analog-dac.html

    It maybe a nice piece but it sure is ugly

    I started off here messing w/my HT, where I made the mistake is trying to understand the audiophile lingo and venturing into HiFi stores and demos....then I was hooked
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited January 2014
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I found the dac I listened to, its the msb Dac http://cybwiz.blogspot.com/2012/06/msb-analog-dac.html

    I know they have the PerfectWaves there. It would have been interesting how it would have compared with that MSB. In that system I bet the PerfectWave would have held it's own.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    dragon1952 wrote: »
    I know they have the PerfectWaves there. It would have been interesting how it would have compared with that MSB. In that system I bet the PerfectWave would have held it's own.

    I duno about that as the dac was just hooked direct to the amp. I have did this with my perfectwave and it only sounds good with tube amps. This dac had pinpoint imagine with a haunting top end combined with the speakers.

    Edit, hey congrats on the dac. I just noticed it in your sig so I am assuming you just got it ?
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited January 2014
    It should arrive Thursday. $2300 shipped/Paypal'ed unopened MKII w/ bridge.
    Maybe it was the rest of the system that allowed the pinpoint imaging and all.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2014
    Well it does look like this place actually exists in Fargo, N.D.? Now can someone explain HOW that is possible?

    Total population of the state is less than 700,000. Population of Fargo just a tad over 100,000. Who buys Hi End? How many can afford that? The main employers it seems, would not be forking out HUGE salaries. There might be some exceptions, evidently there is some Microsoft and John Deer Divisions and a hospital or two. But I still don't see how this works?

    KRELL! OOOH! AHHHH! Monsters from the Unconscious?

    KRELL POWER increases exponentially as it is accessed by the MIND!

    Did the KRELL really destroy themselves because they were overwhelmed by their subterranean Demons or was it PFB?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,513
    edited January 2014
    Fargo! :0

    Fargo49.png
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited January 2014
    Ha ha...well there's always internet sales. I see they sell on Ebay and Audiogon. Always nice to kick back after a long day in the wild listening to your high-end audio with a beer eh.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited January 2014
    There are more new millionaires here than anywhere else and its one of the only places in the usa thats never been affected in anyway by the economy. When I was asking about the audio club I mentioned that I better not roll up in my piece of schiit to attend. Noah was telling me that 5 of them drive porsches, 2 drive the suv's 2 have 911's and one other guy has 4 porsches. It sounded like everyone of them has money and they all come there to spend.

    I was asking if people come by the store and just plop down 20k on a rig. Noah was telling me that the most anyone has ever spent like that is $1500 on a pair of speakers. The guy just came in and looked around and bought a pair. Appart from that all the customers come by appointment and spend over time.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2014
    Oh, oh, PFB fell asleep by the KRELL CUBE at the center of the planet and unleashed this (a power surge that consumed his house and then "him"):
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited January 2014
    cnh wrote: »
    Oh, oh, PFB fell asleep by the KRELL CUBE at the center of the planet and unleashed this (a power surge that consumed his house and then "him"):

    Come on you are disgracing a phenominal movie by bringing it up in a PFB thread. (That's a joke BTW, except the part about Forbidden Planet being a phenominal movie! That it is! :smile:)
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,132
    edited January 2014
    Believe it or not people Fargo is one of the most growing communities and actually a nice place to live lots of high paying jobs, just google North Dakota Oil Fields, have a friend that works at one hard work but a lot of money to make. I have been to Fargo a lot very nice area.
    Home Theater
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    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,695
    edited January 2014
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    All I broke was my heart listening to those 50k speakers, I will never own them wahhhhhhhh


    Not the way you lose money
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited January 2014
    We have a couple of high end shops here in IL but, when I picked up the sda 1.2 in Indianapolis, I stopped in at Audio Solutions and spent a couple of hours there. By my house, I have Holm Audio. Sometimes they have a piece i wanted to check out and I just bring whatver it is i want to put it up against. Holm also has in home trial on speakers.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited January 2014
    Let me see if I get this straight.

    You buy and sell tons of gear, spending big bucks and losing big bucks at times.
    Wife puts the hammer down, limiting your obsessions
    Your anniversary...you make rubber pasta in jarred sauce for the lady

    Now, you go back to spending big bucks and come home with another piece of audio bling ?

    Dude, your a playbook for divorce....sorry man, someone needs to tell ya.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
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  • 4xoddic
    4xoddic Posts: 372
    edited January 2014
    (Reuters) - A month after a train carrying crude oil burst into flames on the North Dakota plains, Governor Jack Dalrymple said on Tuesday that new railcar safety standards were needed immediately, not next year, and he blamed federal officials for delaying regulations.

    http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/22/us-dalrymple-oil-idUSBREA0L01C20140122

    PFB, which pol party is your Gov from? federal regulations?

    Riches in the hands of . . . . I experienced that over the 5 summers I collected camping fees ($1-2/day) from workers @ Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant, 2 miles from CoE's John Redmond Reservoir, 1975-79. Starting wages, $17-19/hr, no experience necessary.

    The Nuke plant's current problem is water, or lack thereof. State is now resigned to dredging Redmond, as it's usually < 9' deep & terrain flat as a the proverbial KS pancake. AFAIK, the radioactive waste is still onsite.

    Don't get me wrong, there is evidently no need for a high-end audio salon anywhere in KS these days, paint me green w/envy.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2014
    Get him Tony, set him straight!!

    We've got a few high end's in Seattle, but man are they super snobby. If you're not bringing home at least 90 to 100K, they don't even see you. A guy like me working a middle class salary running the RTiA series with low budget emo amps is merely a vapor in that world.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited January 2014
    erniejade wrote: »
    We have a couple of high end shops here in IL but, when I picked up the sda 1.2 in Indianapolis, I stopped in at Audio Solutions and spent a couple of hours there. By my house, I have Holm Audio. Sometimes they have a piece i wanted to check out and I just bring whatver it is i want to put it up against. Holm also has in home trial on speakers.

    Yup, been there a couple times, pretty cool place. Also drop in at Ovation Audio, they got some good stuff to (Wilson, NAD, Esoteric IIRC). Lots of stuff I still haven't heard of lol....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited January 2014
    I'm amazed PFB, the owner actually let you in??
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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