Georges aka antipop visits Cape Cod

[Masterlu]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of a visit from Georges, who just so happened to be in NY on business from France.

We spent the better part of 6 hours together listening to my various systems, and enjoying lunch together. I'll let Georges weigh in on his listening experience.

It's always a pleasure having you visit my friend!

[antipop]

Thank you Ivan, it was a pleasure seeing you again and meeting the rest of the family.

For those interested, I was in the Cape almost a year ago but I couldn't stay long and that has frustrated me ever since. At the time, I only listened to two tracks on the Aida's and it haunted me for weeks. So when work told me that they were sending me to New York the week just before Bastille day. I quickly shoot a PM to Ivan to check if he was available.

After making the trip from NYC, I arrived at Ivan's where Rich and Ivan greeted warmly. We started with the "little" room upstairs where the CR1 were playing on an Accuphase system. They were barely out of the box and not dialed in but they were making great music. I would have never thought physically possible that such small speakers can make such a big sound. Soundstage was impressive and you got a good representation from the musician. Bass is where they suprise the most, they have huge bass for their size but most of all: very clean and well defined.

We put Get Lucky from Daft Punk album. I've heard this song many time on the radio or at friend's places. At Ivan's I heard a whole different track, the tone was perfect and the details came to life.

I simply loved the CR1 and if I was shopping for new speakers they'd be on top of my list. They are also suprisingly discrete and they are not as bulky as I imagined. They'd fit well in a living room.

We then went downstairs to listen to the Aida's with the added subwoofers. I forgot how big and imposing they were but with such a beauty and grace. They have such an ability to make music while disappearing that I was in awe again.

I won't get into all the disks we played but I was foot tapping the whole time. I will mention the Accuphase demo disk though. Ivan played a track with an organ recorded in a cathedral. This was the track that put the Aida and Burmester system on top of anything I heard to this day and by a very large margin. They played the track with such ease and beauty at almost realistic levels that you can only be blown away.

The mistake I made was to listen to them first as the rest of the systems seemed so bland afterward

We then turned around to play with the R1. Despite being shorter than the Aida they looked more massive. They are very very very pretty speakers with woodworking that equals Sonus'. We didn't stay long but they are promising speakers and very competitive at their price range.

Afterward, Ivan showed me the Falcon tachymeter and the KL Audio. These are two must haves for any audiophile. Very smart and useful products. We listened to a just cleaned vinyl on the Clearaudio with the Goldfinger and the Strad. I'm happy that Ivan decided to keep them as they are great speakers and they are already a classic.

We then took a break to have a nice lunch nearby and I had a very nice discussion with Ivan about everything and anything. (btw Ivan since then I learned an interesting bit, the S&P500 is still under its 2000 level if you adjust for inflation. I'm thinking we still have a year or two of bullish markets ahead of us).

...stay tuned for part 2 (i'm going to test drive a car)...

[chessman]

Georges, I heard that same cathedral track (Bach, Toccata and Fugue) a few weeks ago at Ivan's place and I now consider it one of the highlights of any musical experience I have had. Just flat out astonishing!

[antipop]

...Part 2 of my visit...

After coming back from lunch, Ivan asked me what system I wanted to listen to again. I should have said the CR1 and the JBL but I was under the Aida spell. We sat back and listened again to the wonderful Aida.

However, Ivan didn't want me to leave without having a look at the HT part. This was the second best thing after the Aida the last time I visited. This time Ivan had a demo blu-ray and we started with the Animusic, this was the coolest thing to watch. The HT is simply unbelievable, I don't know a movie theatre whose quality is even close to what Ivan has. I could stay there for weeks and not go out of the basement.

By the way, don't forget the extras everywhere like the giant Terminator bust or the signed posters. This adds a lot to the overall atmosphere.

Then before leaving, Rich offered to see his Bryston. Those are great speakers, very well built and at a very attractive price point. Plus they let you upgrade the speaker at minimal cost. I just love it when companies offer this option.

Unfortunately, it was then time for me to hit the road which took longer than expected due to the heavy rain but I got back safe and full of great memories.

Thank you again Ivan for that day. I had a lot of fun and you are a wonderful host. Now, we are waiting for you and your family in Paris

[jdandy]

Georges.......Thank you for sharing your Cape Cod visit with us. The experience creates a life long memory.

[Masterlu]

Georges... Every word describing your experience just made me smile more and more!

[Jerome W]

Georges : lucky man !
Thanks a lot for sharing.

[427]

Very nice thread and great that people from around the world who meet on line can get together.

[NOLG4EVR]

Georges, sounds like a wonderful day with Ivan. Glad you were able to mix business with pleasure on your trip to the states.

From all of the other accounts of members visits an enjoyable time seems to be had by all. Ivan, sounds like you are very generous and welcoming.

[AndyPandy]

Thanks for posting this - I felt like I was there

You write very well.