Chicago Polkfest???

Normanality

All this talk of subs and I have this ML Depth just sitting here.

Guess I should have sent it along LOL.

Sorry I missed out. Sounds like it was a top rate affair!
Hopefully the ole ticker will behave itself next time around.

Ricardo

Norm, I hope whatever kept you home goes away forever. We enjoyed all your gear..Thanks so much for sending it (And if I didn't mention it earlier, thanks to Rich for bringing it).

MikeC78

opus wrote: »

Sounds like a good way to get your entire house painted to me, you are going to need somewhere for those Ultra's to go.;)

If you want to strip all the wallpaper and paint the whole downstairs and upstairs, both Ultra's are yours! I'm dead serious...

Mike

MikeC78

McLoki wrote: »

I have an image of opus standing on a streetcorner in Bloomington holding a sign reading "Will work for Bass"

On the corner of State Farm and Veteran's.

MikeC78

HTrookie wrote: »

Mike, why would you spend the money on new subs that would only sound "different"????

More output, these clogged pipes in the house are driving me crazy.:(

MikeC78

Normanality wrote: »

All this talk of subs and I have this ML Depth just sitting here.

Guess I should have sent it along LOL.

Sorry I missed out. Sounds like it was a top rate affair!
Hopefully the ole ticker will behave itself next time around.

Norm,

I can never thank you enough for letting us borrow your gear! I promise you that Rich took very good care of it, he has got to be the most careful guy I ever met.

Would love to meet you someday, take care...

Mike

dkg999

heiney9 wrote: »

Sadly the 9’s have to go. H9

Well they're not going far! Send them on over and let me know what you want for them. After hearing Mike's HT, rebuilding my HT with LSi's is my current plan

heiney9

dkg999 wrote: »

Well they're not going far! Send them on over and let me know what you want for them. After hearing Mike's HT, rebuilding my HT with LSi's is my current plan

I'm ready whenever you are. I was going to wait awhile and do some comparison's with the SDA's but I hooked the 9's up again and the SDA's are staying. I really have no use for the 9's currently so they are yours. I'm looking to get what I paid for the SDA's (which is less than I paid for them), but we can discuss it more in detail via e-mail.

H9

halo

Guess my thoughts on the gear at the PF are a little overdue.

The biggest surprises for me were the Polk Audio LSi9’s and the Von Schweikert VR-2’s.

You are probably wondering why I’m surprised by the VR-2’s – the exact speakers I used to own were the ones in attendance because I sold them to my brother Greg (who was also in attendance )

The reason is simple. When I owned them I had three different amps that I tried to pair them with – Parasound Halo A23, Sonic Impact t-amp, and the TAD-60 (also in attendance but it belonged to HTrookie). None of them got the job done at high volume levels. The Sanders amplifiers drove the LSi9’s & the VR-2’s to well over 106db with plenty of power to spare. The 9’s & VR-2’s alike sounded fantastic at room shaking levels.

MikeC and I had a discussion about this. Everyone agrees that the way LSi’s are demoed in stores is a joke. A Denon receiver simply doesn’t get the job done and anyone that hears the LSi’s in this configuration walks away with the WRONG impression. We thought “wouldn’t it be mutually beneficial for Polk to pair with a high quality, high power amp from company XYZ to be used in the showrooms at places like Tweeter where the ONLY thing running off said amp would be the LSi’s”? Heck, Polk could offer a combo deal of some sort. Doesn’t have to be a stand alone amp – could be a preamp amp combo or an integrated. This has probably been brought up somewhere before but I’d never heard either the LSi9’s or LSi15’s before the PF. I am shocked at the sound quality they are capable of given the “right” accompaniment. The value they represent at their modest price is UNBEATABLE.

Okay - on to the comparisons:

In comparing the 7’s to the 9’s – I preferred the 9’s.

In comparing the 9’s to the 15’s – I preferred the 9’s. I don’t feel a sub would be needed with either the 9’s or the 15’s for 2 channel listening.

In comparing the 15’s to the VR-2’s – I preferred the VR-2’s. Quite a few people mentioned that they really liked the African Hazelwood veneer on the VR-2’s. I’m also a fan of their tweakability. They can be adjusted to fit almost any room you place them in. Like others have stated it’s a small tower so it takes up less space, looks nice, and puts out great sound. They may cost more than the 15’s but IMO it is justified.

In comparing the SDA 1C’s to the LSi15’s – I preferred the 15’s. The SDA “effect” is cool but it just isn’t for me. Different strokes for different folks. I was surprised at the bass response of the LSi 15.

The Epos speakers were OUTSTANDING. I was upstairs when every one else was downstairs conducting the first demo with JATPS on the Epos. The house was filled with sound upstairs. Downstairs they had three pairs of speakers – Epos, Monitor 10’s, and the TAD monitors. I had no idea what was playing until Ricardo popped up and declared “those little Epos are amazing”. What I heard initially from the basement was later confirmed when we demoed them on the main rig. Amazing little speaker but not for anything remotely bass heavy – you’d have to add a fast sub to keep up with them IMO.

Mike’s HT was the shite. Cool cabinet, awesome PQ, skull crushing bass, and sweet sound from the LSi15’s. HT don’t get any better IMO.

As for gear, I guess I’m partial to my VTL pre, ModWright modified Sony 9100ES & the Sanders Sound System amplifiers. They give me exactly what I like when paired with the InnerSound Eros MK II's (my fav speakers at the PF).

SCompRacer's vinyl rig was literally out of this world. I could listen to vinyl all day long on that rig (as long as someone else did the prep work ).

As for Jessica:

She preferred the LSi9’s to everything except the InnerSound Eros.

As for gear she likes the ModWright modified 9100ES with, as she puts it, the R2D2 tubes (they look like R2D2 behind Luke in the fighter to her) over everything else. She heard the difference at home and nothing at the PF changed her opinion.

She didn't notice a big enough difference between the preamps to justify an opinion there.

I wanted to add that Greg also had a great time at the PF. He asked me to say hi to everyone for him and to thank Mike and Annie for their gracious hospitality. He enjoyed meeting all who attended.

Once again, in regards to a CP forum based GTG, I was introduced to music I was not familiar with before but I will be purchasing it in the near future.

heiney9

Great input Halo,,,,, but damn now you've got me second guessing about whether I should just keep my 9's along with the SDA's .

H9

MikeC78

Nice hypothesis Halo and thanks for the kind words!

LSi9's vs the 15's, I prefer the 15's because I own them.:D For "bookshelf" speakers the 9's are fantastic. I'd actually give the 9's the edge for the overall sound for size ratio. I believe one of the most optimal HT setups would be LSi9's all the way around, including the center.

Still can't believe noone grabbed the Innersounds. I was really debating, just have absolutely nowhere to place them besides maybe replacing the 15's. The wife hated the looks of them anyway.

Mike

SCompRacer

MikeC78 wrote: »

The wife hated the looks of them anyway.

She is not alone, my wife feels the same way. Despite that, they are in the living room.:D We hit 31 years together yesterday. Have to wait for the weekend to celebrate. Darn work gets in the way and I am out of days till the new fiscal year June 1.

You get up this way and want to stop over, let me know. Same goes for the rest, only for some it would be a trip down South. We can drag Norm over as he is close by.;)

halo

Happy belated anniversary Rich & Dana!

We'll see you tonight so we can drop of the amp box (thanks for the loan) and pick up the picture disc. Did you find the other card?

Jessica has been reading this thread along with me so, in regards to the looks of the Eros,...

She didn't care for their appearance when we first unpacked them.

After she heard them she didn't care what they looked like

I am a lucky man

hearingimpared

Thirty -one years Bro!!! Congrats. Man my own body didn't stay with me that long!!!

hearingimpared

Halo wrote: »

In comparing the SDA 1C’s to the LSi15’s – I preferred the 15’s. The SDA “effect” is cool but it just isn’t for me. Different strokes for different folks. I was surprised at the bass response of the LSi 15.

Vic, I'm not casting aspersions on the SDA 1Cs but I gotta tell you, when I'm listening to my 1.2 TLs the "SDA effect" actually makes the music sound more natural. On most LPs it gets the soundstaging and stage depth correct and the vocals and instrument imaging right on.

I don't hear an "effect" anymore. I hear what sounds to me to be the way the music was intended to be heard. I've heard several high end speakers in my time and they can be transparently breathtaking. I still prefer the way the 1.2 TLs puts the air between instruments, notes, vocals etc.

MikeC78

No thoughts on HTrookie(Ricardo's) "busybee's"?? I seen them in the basement, but for some reason I didn't get the chance to hear them?

Mike

Lowell_M

MikeC78 wrote: »

No thoughts on HTrookie(Ricardo's) "busybee's"?? I seen them in the basement, but for some reason I didn't get the chance to hear them?

Mike

It's all about the moonrock positioning.

schwarcw

Happy Anniversary Rich and Dana!!

Victor, which tubes are the R2D2 tubes?

I've never heard the LSi series in a good setup, maybe someday. A good amp means everything. Not just ample power, but good built, quality components make for a smooth dynamic response. My buddy's Krell KSA-250 (all 130 lbs.) will make a pair of swimming pool speakers sound good. It makes his Amazing MK IV Platinums sing like nothing you ever heard!

SCompRacer

Thanks for the anniversary wishes.

The Aural Ersatz TAD-803 speakers are imported by Paul Grzybek at Tube Audio Design. He is local to us here in Wheaton, IL. He also sells the wonderful TAD-60 tube amp that Norm, Victor and I have owned and Ricardo brought to the fest.

The Aural Ersatz speakers do not have a crossover. They don't have quite the low end extension of large speakers, but the bass is articulate and sounds tonally right. They throw a decent soundstage, and the midrange/highs sound detailed and coherent. I think they lack a bit of extension at both frequency extremes, but the midbass through the lower treble region is on a par with many higher price speakers. It might have been me or the room, but they seemed bright in the basement rig. Paul actually uses a pair along with the Aural Ecstasy sub in his system.

I had one of Paul's Aural Ecstasy TAD-SW150 subs for a while and used it in a two channel rig. For what is cost, it worked pretty good. A friend of mine ended up with it and uses it in his first home theatre setup.

Ricardo

The TAD-803's are not rock speakers, and as Rich says they lack extension at both estremes, but they have very pleasing mids and have a nice soundstage; with the right music they can be very enjoyable (and for $159 definitely a good buy IMO).

SCompRacer

IIRC, the basement room was reflective and echoey. Nearfield was where it was at to best hear what the speakers were capable of.

Paul has what some call an odd marketing plan. He doesn't advertise, and sells his products for less until it gains in popularity. I have met him and he is solid. He has top notch customer service if you experience a problem. I had an intermittent problem with my subwoofer amp and he didn't have any in stock to replace it. He removed the plate amp from his sub and swapped it for mine. It turned out to be just a bad solder joint.

halo

I just ordered the CD's I liked at the PF (the ones I remembered to write down anyway).

Thanks Ricardo, Brock, & Aaron for broadning my musical horizons

• Larry Carlton's "Sapphire Blue" (awesome SDA demo material - track 8 in particular)
• Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, & John McLaughlin "Friday Night in San Francisco" (excellent acoustic guitars)
• Ella Fitzgerald "Ella for Lovers" (silky smooth voice)
• Ani Di Franco "Carnegie Hall 4.6.02 & living in clip" (awesome live performance)
• Herbie Hancock "Possibilities" (good stuff all around)

MikeC78

Halo wrote: »

I just ordered the CD's I liked at the PF (the ones I remembered to write down anyway).

Thanks Ricardo, Brock, & Aaron for broadning my musical horizons

• Larry Carlton's "Sapphire Blue" (awesome SDA demo material - track 8 in particular)
• Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, & John McLaughlin "Friday Night in San Francisco" (excellent acoustic guitars)
• Ella Fitzgerald "Ella for Lovers" (silky smooth voice)
• Ani Di Franco "Carnegie Hall 4.6.02 & living in clip" (awesome live performance)
• Herbie Hancock "Possibilities" (good stuff all around)

Victor,

Why didn't you just burn them when you were here? We could of just turned them into FLAK.:rolleyes:

Ricardo

Isn't that illegal?????

MikeC78

HTrookie wrote: »

Isn't that illegal?????

Maybe if you get caught selling reproduced copies.

Lowell_M

Halo wrote: »

I just ordered the CD's I liked at the PF (the ones I remembered to write down anyway).

Thanks Ricardo, Brock, & Aaron for broadning my musical horizons

• Larry Carlton's "Sapphire Blue" (awesome SDA demo material - track 8 in particular)
• Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, & John McLaughlin "Friday Night in San Francisco" (excellent acoustic guitars)
• Ella Fitzgerald "Ella for Lovers" (silky smooth voice)
• Ani Di Franco "Carnegie Hall 4.6.02 & living in clip" (awesome live performance)
• Herbie Hancock "Possibilities" (good stuff all around)

Victor, No problem! Ever since I realized my system was to the point that I could tell the difference between MP3's, compressed pop-music, and good recordings I've been on a quest for great recordings. Norah Jones never dissappoints, John Mayer is great and I'm still searching for more. I actually picked up a James Taylor CD that is really nice also.

Lowell_M

I will neither confirm nor deny whether or not I have copied music in a less than legal fashion in the ...uh.... past.

disneyjoe7

MikeC78 wrote: »

Maybe if you get caught selling reproduced copies.

Sorry but I feel that's just wrong. Victor did the right thing. Not saying it's illegal if you copy a CD for your self, but handing it to a friend, neighbor, or family member is just wrong.

Funny I must look like I had 3 heads the day this came up with a niece and nephew one day. But they never asked me again.

hearingimpared

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Sorry but I feel that's just wrong. Victor did the right thing. Not saying it's illegal if you copy a CD for your self, but handing it to a friend, neighbor, or family member is just wrong.

Funny I must look like I had 3 heads the day this came up with a niece and nephew one day. But they never asked me again.

I'm of the same opinion. I've had arguements with my wife when people tried to give my younger son copied CDs or DVDs and I would insist that he give them back cause I always thought it was steeling. One time in my life I made a copy of a CD set and gave it to someone. It was of a CD set that was stolen when my condo was burglarized back in 1997 and I felt that I had paid for it and wanted to give it away to a friend and couldn't cause I didn't have it anymore. Maybe I rationalized but I did it.

disneyjoe7

It just taking money from the artist, producer, whom ever. IMHO