Rockford IL Audio Society - November '07 Meeting

dkg999
dkg999 Posts: 5,647
edited November 2007 in Gatherings & Special Events
Our small group of Club Polk members from the Rockford IL area had another get together on Saturday afternoon (11/3). The group for this meeting was Heiney9/Brock, a_mattison/Aaron, and daboyz/Dave, and myself dkg999/Doug. We split our meeting between a couple of locations. We started out the meeting at my apartment in Belvidere IL with a listening sessions in 2 ch and multi-channel/HT. My apt is a little cramped and my stay there has been extended due to a number of factors, so I have a lot of gear jammed into a small area, and placement is not something I have a lot of room to play with.

The 2 channel system consists of Magnepan 1.6QR's with the bottom end filled in by an SVS SB12+ sub. The multi-channel system is LSi9, LSiFX, LSiC, and LSi7's. I've posted some pictures below. I'll let the others in the group discuss their listening observations prior to offering mine.

We then moved to Brock's place to listen to the SDA 1C's he brought home from the IL Polk Fest. I'll let him describe his system when he posts to this thread. I had heard this speakers at the IL Polk Fest, and it's a good thing he bought them so I didn't have to :eek: The upgraded tweeters and enhancements to the x-overs really make these an exceptional pair of SDA's! We listened to an assortment of music types, and everything sounds great on Brock's system. The presentation from the SDA's is a very deep and solid soundstage, with that fantastic SDA imaging. The bass from these just rocks! Magnepan's were my first love, but SDA's were my second. Maybe my pair of SDA 2A's in storage won't be find a new home ;)

We all had a good time! I look forward to our next get together!
DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
Post edited by dkg999 on

Comments

  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2007
    And a couple of additional pictures I didn't get into the first post! The second picture is my bedroom system that I had hidden until someone said "Hey, didn't you used to have a pair of RTi70's?". You can't hide anything from Club Polkies ;)
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    I started this post to discuss Doug's audio isues and the help I was going to suggest that we all find him. Then I realized that I only felt he needed this help out of jealousy. DKG999 has a serious amount of very nice gear and has put together a couple of terrific rigs.

    The Magnepans along with the SVS sub sounded very nice. The large panels have great detail without being bright or harsh. You can hear subtleties in the music that you might not hear on other systems. To me, though, that detail and upfront soundstage makes the listening experience a little artificial. I preferr the laid back sound of Brock's SDA's.

    Doug's LSi home theater is fantastic. When we walked in, I thought his living room was doubling as an SVS warehouse. We did get through the day without any broken window panes even though his neighbor wasn't home.

    Thanks guys for your excellent hospitality as always! If my Lsi15's ever get here my place is next.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2007
    I'm somewhere on a 12 step program to recovery!

    Step 1 - buy Magnepan speakers - completed successfully
    Step 2 - upgrade pre-amp - completed successfully
    Step 3 - add SVS SB12+ sub for 2 channel - completed successfully
    Step 4 - upgrade HT electronics - completed successfully
    Step 5 - move to LSi speakers for HT - completed successfully

    See, I'm almost half-way to recovery :rolleyes:
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2007
    Sounds / looks like it was a great time!

    The Rockford group is a solid bunch of Polkies. Kudos.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,350
    edited November 2007
    dkg999 wrote: »

    Step 1 - buy Magnepan speakers - completed successfully



    I can relate to guys with planar-magnetic speaker tastes.;):cool: I've got MK III ESL's now Doug.

    Good to see a fellow stick to his plan.:D Local get togethers are fun.
    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 *
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,206
    edited November 2007
    I had a great time!! Always awesome to get together.:) You know, I enjoyed both the Maggies and the SDA's. Both had their own characteristics that made each a great listen.

    I knew Doug had some crap but WOW!!!:eek: Impressive to say the least. I call dibs on all of it.:p Heck, most of my gear came through him anyway. Or, if Brock decides to dump those SDA's that'll be a consideration,too.

    I was afraid of listening to their setups and getting that upgrade itch but I still enjoy my own right now.

    Thanks soooo much for a great day guys, can't wait to check out Aaron's
    15's and that new amp he snagged last night.

    Dave
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2007
    daboyz wrote: »
    Thanks soooo much for a great day guys, can't wait to check out Aaron's
    15's and that new amp he snagged last night.

    Dave
    New amp?

    Aaron - Did you pull the trigger on some 15's or are you still debating with the VR-2's?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    very cool meeting... looks like a fun time. also checking out other people systems and how they have put them together is always a blast for me. way to go guys!!
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    halo wrote: »
    New amp?

    Aaron - Did you pull the trigger on some 15's or are you still debating with the VR-2's?

    Hey Victor, how's it going? I snagged a pair of 15's on ebay a couple of weeks ago, but they haven't arrived yet. (for that matter, if there is anybody that lives in Dayton, oh and would be interested in helping me get these shipped to me, let me know)

    So, my GFA-555 is moving to pure 2-channel duty with the 15's and last night I bought a GFA-7000 for the HT. I was thinking of branching out a bit, but decided to stick with what I knew I liked for this purchase and maybe experiment down the road.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,052
    edited November 2007
    I have to say these local get togethers are a lot of fun. I'd love to do a Midwest gathering again.

    I had heard a lot about Doug's Maggies and we had all been trying to put together a date to listen to them as well as his finalized HT rig of which includes my former LSi 9's. Plus, I wanted the guys to hear my SDA's now that are set-up properly, etc.

    I'll have to say Doug has a lot of gear just sitting around in his magic audio closet as well as in his 2-ch/HT rig(s). The Maggies were quite an experience, very detailed and up front (not in a bad way) they are quite the contrast to the SDA's. To be fair I've been listening to the SDA's for over 6 months and the Maggies for a few hours. And what I heard I really liked.

    One would really have to choose the recordings carefully with the Maggie's but when you do you are rewarded. I was truely happy I got my ears on them. The HT system was just fantastic, even though the subs were dialed down for the neighbor's sake :D. The LSi's are superb in an HT setting and when run with proper amplification.

    Doug, anytime you need someone to "house sit" while you are on a trip, let me know because I don't have an HT set-up I'd be glad to come over and check on things and watch a few movies in the process.

    What more can I say about my SDA's other than they still put a huge grin on my face. The Maggies and SDA's presentation are very different but both are just as enjoyable. I listen to a lot of live music and the SDA's are superb for that. I told Doug I need a pair of Maggies to switch in/out every few months. :D. If I had to make a choice, I'd still keep the SDA's they are a better "all purpose" type speaker, IMO. :)

    I encourage others to seek out some audio "buddies" in your area because the sharing and experience of things other than your own is certainly very rewarding not the mention the great people you can meet.

    Next stop is Aaron's for his LSi's, and while both Doug and I feel 5.1 for music is unnatural, I'm ready to go over to Daboyz and see if he can change my mind. I'm told he has a sweet 5.1 setup at his place including SACD. ;)

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    LSi's are apparently "in the mail", so I should see them Monday or Tuesday.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2007
    Aaron - although the Club Polk road trip to OH would of been fun, I'm glad to hear they are being shipped!

    I have to agree with H9's comments. What I have always enjoyed about this hobby is how many different types of speakers and gear there is. With that comes a variety of presentations of music, sound stages, etc. I enjoy listening to them all, and deciding what for now sounds good to me. I really don't see myself ever deciding that one type of speaker, etc. is what I want to have forever (must be that male committment thingy :o).

    The Maggies aren't for everyone, but I really enjoy their presentation of music. They don't do well with marginal recordings, or with marginal gear. It doesn't take expensive gear upstream, just decent quality sources and pre/amps. Listening to H9's SDA's also highlighted the things I like about the SDA's and their presentation of music. The SDA's are a much more all-around speaker than the Maggies. Again, one or the other isn't right or wrong, just different ways to enjoy the music we love.

    I am fortunate that I have been able to put together some decent systems. The Audio Closet has a spare system that was in my home office on the farm in IA, and I have some of my equipment I enjoyed and kept as currently the bedroom system, and that HT system will go in the kids playroom when I move.

    Another midwest gathering would be an excellent plan!
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2007
    a_mattison wrote: »
    Hey Victor, how's it going? I snagged a pair of 15's on ebay a couple of weeks ago, but they haven't arrived yet. (for that matter, if there is anybody that lives in Dayton, oh and would be interested in helping me get these shipped to me, let me know)

    So, my GFA-555 is moving to pure 2-channel duty with the 15's and last night I bought a GFA-7000 for the HT. I was thinking of branching out a bit, but decided to stick with what I knew I liked for this purchase and maybe experiment down the road.

    I live 35 minutes from Dayton; PM me and we can discuss the details.

    Looks like you all had a great time!!!!!

    EDIT: Ok; should have read the whole thing. Glad to hear speakers are on their way.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited November 2007
    Anytime one of the Rockford group's members find themselves in Chicago you are welcome to stop by my place for another crack at the InnerSound Eros. Like the SDA's @ the PF they really weren't set up / demo'd "properly" and I feel they had much more to offer.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited November 2007
    I see DKG and I have similar tastes. Same 34" Sony TV, LSI HT... nice.
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited November 2007
    How did I miss this? Way to go guys! It's hard recently to keep the local audio meets going, it's good to see you all getting together and doing what makes you happy.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2007
    Best of all, now that a_mattison has a new LSi15 2 ch rig, we need to have another get together soon! The gear in my audio closet wants to come out and play ;)
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,052
    edited November 2007
    dkg999 wrote: »
    Best of all, now that a_mattison has a new LSi15 2 ch rig, we need to have another get together soon! The gear in my audio closet wants to come out and play ;)

    Absolutley, except we need to wait until a_mattison has some fresh home brew ready to go. Last time we were at his place he was out. LSi's and fresh Fall/Winter brew would be excellent.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,206
    edited November 2007
    nuthin' would be finer. I really want to hear those 15's.
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Absolutley, except we need to wait until a_mattison has some fresh home brew ready to go. Last time we were at his place he was out. LSi's and fresh Fall/Winter brew would be excellent.

    H9

    I'm ordering some supplies tonight. My friends drank all my beer over the weekend!!:eek:

    You guys MUST come over and here this. I love the 15's. Probably try to get together shortly after Thanksgiving?? I know the holidays will be tough for everybody.

    You'll have to check out the HT now that I have REAL power to all 5 channels with the GFA-7000.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,206
    edited November 2007
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,052
    edited November 2007
    daboyz wrote: »
    I'm up for it

    +1. Golf season is over so my Saturday's and Sunday's are a bit more open than the summer.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    I just ordered a nice Double Chocolate Stout to brew..... mmmmmm.....
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited November 2007
    So............ ETA on that brew being ready for prime time :D

    I should be good for upcoming weekends as long as I have a little lead time.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited November 2007
    dkg999 wrote: »
    So............ ETA on that brew being ready for prime time :D

    I should be good for upcoming weekends as long as I have a little lead time.

    I do still have a little bit of a couple batches that I had warm in the back room and my friends didn't get to. They are in the fridge now and as good as every. The kits I ordered last night won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday, then I'm going out of town, so those won't realistically be ready until close to Christmas. The weekend of the 8th will be out for me. Not sure about the weekend of 12/1 or 12/15.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3

    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,206
    edited November 2007
    Both dates should work for me