Notes on a quick stop at AK Fest 09

[Still-One]

I just wanted to pas on a few thoughts on my quick stop at AK Fest 09. I arrived there around 1:30pm and it was not too crowded. I spent less than two hours there, and basically saw everything I wanted to see, and more.

First stop was in the McIntosh/Audio Classics room. Sally & Chuck wre there from Mc and Ryan from AC. The had the XR200, the MR88, the 60th Anniversary set, the all in one unit coming out soon, and some older tube units. The were in a larger room than last year when they showed the 1k's. Sorry guys. I am going to have to wait to hear the 200 when one of my two local dealers get them and hook them up to 501's or 1.2ks. First, you all know I am not a tube guy so take what I say with a grain of salt. The first time I am 95% sure they were using the 60th Anniversary set, the second time Ryan had some older tubes going. There was no energy, no life. I will wait for another demo.

Another room had the Snell's at about $10k with the 7000 integrated. I thought this was a pretty good combination.

The Nola speakers sounded good but either the recording that was being played had way to much echo or these things throw the sound all around.

The Wadia/ Dynaudio room was one of the better sounding rooms there even thought they were using their standmount speakers.

The Tyler Acoustics room had some very nice sound. He was showing some tall units with 4 10" woofers. It was the big brother to the Decade D1. Ty was using what looked like a 6600 to drive them.

The Quad room was better than last year and they were using a EMM Lads CDSA as a source.

For those of you who have not heard Salk speakers, they can sound very nice. He was showing in a very large room with VanAlstine (he was there) gear. Very nice.

In summary, it was organized, not too much traffic when I was there, not enough hi end gear. The rooms were better in general from last year.

Hey I am glad they do it. But if you are considering AK Fest or RMAF, one is the minor league and the other is the Bigs.

[PHC1]

I remember Ron-C saying he drove B&W 802Ds or 800Ds with the 275 tube amp and they sounded good... Riiiight...... Tubes have their place but not so much on McIntosh speakers or other speakers that clearly require some ss muscle to sound their best. Just because a speaker "makes a sound", doesn't mean it sounds good.

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I remember Ron-C saying he drove B&W 802Ds or 800Ds with the 275 tube amp and they sounded good... Riiiight...... Tubes have their place but not so much on McIntosh speakers or other speakers that clearly require some ss muscle to sound their best. Just because a speaker "makes a sound", doesn't mean it sounds good.

+1. Certain speaker types are a better match for tube stuff. British monitors & Quad electrostatics are a excellent match. Full range speakers need lots SS power to sound their best.

[-E-]

That is really sad. CES was the XR200 + 1.2KW's, and that was a match made in heaven...

[tony-w]

At least AK is getting better, I might attend next year just to visit the cosmopolitan capital of the mid-west and explore Detroit's fabled inner city after dark.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by tony-w

At least AK is getting better, I might attend next year just to visit the cosmopolitan capital of the mid-west and explore Detroit's fabled inner city after dark.

Gee, I can't be sure which of the above is a true statement. Are you pulling our legs.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by tony-w

I might attend next year just to visit the cosmopolitan capital of the mid-west and explore Detroit's fabled inner city after dark.

tony-w........Yeah, Detroit's inner city after dark. Sounds like..................well, maybe I'll wait until my Kevlar vest gets here, and I have at least two back up clips topped and ready to go.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

tony-w........Yeah, Detroit's inner city after dark. Sounds like..................well, maybe I'll wait until my Kevlar vest gets here, and I have at least two back up clips topped and ready to go.

I know the owner of "Point Blank" they make some of the best vests right here in Florida!

[jdandy]

Ivan........That's a good little tidbit to know. Point Blank does make a serious product from the comments I have read.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan........That's a good little tidbit to know. Point Blank does make a serious product from the comments I have read.

Most of their stuff goes straight to the Military. However, a vest or two has been known to find it's way to Parkland...