"Official" 2010 Extravaganza Thread

[two dot]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

There were some reps from PS Audio and Wireworld at the event. In addition, the long-awaited McIntosh MX150 processor was on display, as well as some very interesting vintage Marantz and McIntosh tube amps. Here's a few shots related to these displays.

Pete

What was powering the PS audio stuff? Did I miss this somewhere?

Also, what speakers are those? Any impressions?

[Audio 1]

First off my wife and I would like to thank Ivan and his family for inviting everyone into their home for an unforgettable day. The one thing that cannot be detailed in pictures or descriptions of audio demonstrations is just how truly welcoming and sincere this family is. The Messer’s level of hospitality and true class ultimately are the main component that turn a big time A/V audition into something truly special.

This was our first year in attendance and based on comments from previous member’s attendance the event lived up to all expectations. Regardless of the budget of anyone’s system we all know that there are so many factors that contribute to what you see and hear. With smaller systems it can take many hours to dial in both technical and aesthetic details. With something as elaborate as Ivan’s creation the magnitude of planning, execution and tweaking is beyond the scope that most will ever attempt. Yet it is very clear that he has gone to every length possible to flawlessly integrate a massive amount of equipment with cosmetic perfection. Pictures really cannot really paint the picture here and capture all of the essence and details that one’s senses experience when entering this beautiful environment. Finding a visible cable or component placed without perfection simply does not exist.

Everyone has varying degrees of preference when it comes to audio reproduction. I think by dividing the demonstrations into the three segments consisting of 2-channel audio, multi channel music and high definition theater is a very good basis for experiencing all that is on tap. Most systems simply do not have the ability to reproduce high resolution audio in a multi-channel format and hearing that is a primer for what is forthcoming with pristine Blue-Ray large picture perfection. The content for all formats was in my opinion spot-on and had enough variety to give every participant chance to hear something that appealed to his/her specific tastes. I am sure that a lot of us would like to have heard more tracks from some discs, but then again we could still be there right now doing so!

As to my thoughts on the specifics of each demonstration session I offer the following opinions:

Movies/Concerts- To me this was the best part and tying the large screen you are there image with the sheer ability to create space in all directions was unlike any movie theater you will ever experience. Here the full range capability and truly limitless dynamics reveled in full glory. With 24,000 + watts and the output capability of dual JL Audio Gotham’s there is really no material that this system cannot portray with anything less than pure visceral ‘you are there’ thrills. I guarantee you that most movie producers or sound engineers have not experienced anything quite like this when viewing their own work. Overall the volume level was fine here except for the last 2-cuts in my group which were nearing the sustained threshold my eardrums can tolerate. The funny thing is that this system is so potent that it is not even breaking a sweat and not even approaching any limits, if there are any!

Multi-Channel Music- This is one demonstration that most of us cannot experience in a properly implemented set-up as often as 2-channel music. When listening to the different tracks you can truly discern the engineering differences present on all tracks. Depending on the sound engineer some discs put more emphasis on surround effects and some use a mix with more of a focus on the main speakers and more subtlety in the surround channels. This system and demonstration truly put you square in the middle and gave you the ability to really hear what the sound engineer intended. In any case you were rewarded with the ability to get a real feel for the venue or recording and the channel to channel balance was exemplary. As far as output level here I found some to be a bit much for my tastes, especially where there were high amounts of output in the surround channels on some recordings like “Money”.

2-Channel Music- This was of course the first demonstration and although not as thrilling visually (although the blue meters help a lot!) as movies, this is the area that is most near and dear to me. Obviously the main channels in this set up are capable of great dynamic capability and throw a very large soundstage. I really love full range performance on music and I may prefer a little more bass balance than the ultimate purist, but this was the one demonstration where I felt at times (at least in my seat) there was too much bass. My preferences would lean towards a lower crossover point for the subwoofers and/or less output from them. I would also like to have heard what the two main speakers alone are capable of as I am sure that without the support of the Gotham’s they are quite spectacular bass wise on their own. We enjoyed the selected tracks and it really produced the material in a way that replicated live music in that was more consistent with an actual concert vs. a playback system. Truly no way to convince someone that the system was only playing the two main channels and I would love to be able to spend more time with them and also see how they perform at lower volume levels on more intimate material.

This type of experience is a rare opportunity for us audiophiles to partake in. I have heard many high dollar speakers, components etc, but none that combine it into something as integrated and well executed as this. What really makes all of the parts add up to make this event what it was is the people associated with it. It was such a joy to meet so many new and amazingly friendly people as well as to see some I have not seen for 10 years. If I were to have spent my last breathing moments in the midst of Ivan’s garage I would be a happy soul. There was just so much to take in and enjoy on a day with picture perfect weather that the time we spent there passed in what seemed like only minutes. I only wish I was able to spend time meeting more people, but that only is one reason of many for next year to come quickly! Without a doubt first class all the way.

Buddy

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by two dot

What was powering the PS audio stuff? Did I miss this somewhere?

Also, what speakers are those? Any impressions?

You know, I even looked at the backs of the speakers and I can't remember what they were. There was a Bryston integrated amp stashed behind/below the table. I took a shot behind the setup to show the monster wiring and such. If I had it to do over again, I'd take a shot from the other side. I think there may have been some people standing near that side so I settled for the side that shows the back of the units. You can see a bit of the Bryston logo in that photo.

The setup sounded pretty good when they had it turned up, but again Ivan's demos started almost right away, and I had to run!

Pete

[Jimmy]

Hey Pete, your glad you attended now aren't you?

I really had a good time hanging out with you guys KingRT, Mack, Bob, Salmtpa, and Vintage Pete, the FL AA contingent. Man, there was a lot of ball busting going on at the party some pretty funny stuff was being said. Even mild manner Shanna stopped by and started launching some zingers.

One thing I did learn is you guys really need to change your screen names to better reflect who you are. . .

KingRT - Pete Rose of Forums
Bob - Bandit
Salmtpa - Bachelor
Mack - Fat Money Roll
Vintage Pete - Audio Time Traveler

Guess you had to be there. . . .

[Mack]

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Hey Pete, your glad you attended now aren't you?

I really had a good time hanging out with you guys KingRT, Mack, Bob, Salmtpa, and Vintage Pete, the FL AA contingent. Man, there was a lot of ball busting going on at the party some pretty funny stuff was being said. Even mild manner Shannon stopped by and started launching some zingers.

One thing I did learn is you guys really need to change your screen names to better reflect who you are. . .

KingRT - Pete Rose of Forums
Bob - Bandit
Salmtpa - Bachelor
Mack - Fat Money Roll
Vintage Pete - Audio Time Traveler

Guess you had to be there. . . .

Change Vintage Pete to "Needs a Blu Ray"

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Mack

Change Vintage Pete to "Needs a Blu Ray"

How bout Blu-Ray Pete?

Pete

[Masterlu]

Since we're all smiling, I guess we can all agree the Music played wasn't too low.

[Masterlu]

Here is a shot of Richard aka Lu Jr & Mike aka Dj AmTraX

[Masterlu]

Here we have Alan Markoff & my daughter Shanna

[Masterlu]

Here is Bob aka Bob & Sal aka Saltpa