The Tannoy Berkeley's running off of Todd's (elroy) Sansui 1000a and Scott's Denon CD player and EAD DAC. This system eventually received some playtime. Towards the end, it was even 'cranked' somewhat such that I found it pretty loud at the other end of the 60' room.

- JP

When I arrived, I could see that a loudness war was starting to develop in the main room. As I didn't want to add to that cacophony, I commandeered the foyer. While I hadn't planned for it originally, the Kenwood KR-1000 Galaxy Commander was pressed into service using a Sony CD Player Ron (bozak_ron) was kind enough to lend for the purpose while awaiting Mark's arrival with his amp. Surprisingly, that funny little sucker did alright powering the "amp killer" Infinity Quantum 2s in a ~25'x40'x20' room to higher volumes and managed to stay pretty cool though it's meters were showing 100watts (8 ohms, which meant ~200+ watts into the <4 ohm Infinities). Though the room with its concrete floor, metal doors, and brick wall and feeding into an open 50'x60 room on either side had some major issues, it became better with a bit of position adjustment.

When Mark B showed with the Yamaha MX-10000, a Yamaha C-80 preamp, and M Gibson's Sony CDP-707ES, the system was transformed. It was a learning experience, watts aren't just watts, the amp needs good current capability to really open up difficult speakers. That MX-10000 definitely was able to do that and more, though its size dwarfed the otherwise fairly large Kenwood and made the table bend under the weight as you can see in the picture.

Some audiophiles tend to resort to near voodoo practices and icons in the form of odd 'tweaks' for good sound. Being in a church, we called on a higher power.

- JP

I have to say, that MX-10000 is a beautiful amp in person and exudes quality with its incredibly robust construction. The entire system is equally impressive in person.

- JP

For the first track played on the MX-10000/Infinity system, NIN's "Just Like You Imagined", we brought the volume up a bit to enjoy some dynamic impact. I took the below picture at this time, but the meter needle was tapping above the 200w/8ohms mark on transients. As the speakers are <4ohms with dips to ~2ohms in certain bass passages, the actual power was a great deal more and the 4 ohm scale on the meters says 350-400wpc was being employed (so more at the lower impedances). The amp was run at lower levels for most of the meet with occasional periods of it run even higher (such as the Massive Attack demo). Despite this, the '10000 never got any warmer than it was just idling. Though I half-heartedly tried, I couldn't push it near clipping and as a result, the repaired drivers in the Infinities and the protection fuses never gave out.

Translation: Over-building an amp and allowing for plenty of headroom is a good thing, especially if you want to fill a very large room and shake concrete/brick walls at high levels.

- JP

One last picture: Mark B unknowingly simulating the Maxell "Blown Away" poster. Whether he was just enjoying the sound or guarding the amp (we were all joking about sneaking it out the door) only he can say.

- JP

686 miles and two days later, I think it was a fun time and worth the trip (though I hardly sold anything and bought just one thing). A few good systems to listen to and a lot of '70s-'80s rock. I managed to learn a few things and have a good time with others who share the same interest. It was nice to have systems from all steps, from an entry level Minimus 7 system up to the MX-10000/Infinity setup. I learned a fair bit including the need for competently designed electronics to get the most from a pair of speakers, to how to tweak positioning for better sound, on to how small speakers can sound good and loud, but large speakers can effortlessly fill a room. I was even able to play a few of my albums with the system in a separate room, be it the neo-classical E.S. Posthumus to the flamenco-hip hop fusion Ojos de Brujo. Though, someone always surely showed up within a few tracks to put a classic rock album in or to turn the volume down so as to not interfere with the fourth playthrough of Fleetwood Mac - Rumours on the same system.

Oh and lest I forget, thanks to the Lake Oswego Police Departement officer who was kind enough to drop by and let us know how impressed Mark's neighbors were with the improved bass and dynamic capabilities of the Infinity Quantum 2s on the Yamaha MX-10000.

- JP

for this very reason i'd like to suggest that, at future events there be at least one part of the meet devoted to each system for some dedicated listening without any interference.

there were at least two other systems that i never did get a good take on, due to the one guy in the corner.

Indeed. There was a rare quiet spell when the Aperion system and that corner system weren't playing that I wanted to take advantage of. I wanted to hear how well the MX-10000 could finesse a particularly quiet passage of one song that had incredibly delicate female vocals. Just and I mean just as I got to that passage, that corner system blasted a track of Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms incredibly loud and distorted. Evidently, just one 3 minute track was too much to ask for. I thought the hell with it and threw Massive Attack - Mezzanine on and cranked it. Or how about later on right after the Aperion demo when Mark had everyone else shut their systems off? Several attendees wanted to hear the Tannoy setup that hadn't yet been run all day. Just as soon as it started playing, I caught in the corner of my eye a blur of someone rushing quickly over to that corner system and slamming the volume on, seemingly to the stops. I don't know if it was done out of maliciousness to ruin every other system demonstration, but it sure seemed like it.

- JP

Thanks for getting my bald spot so prominently into the pic, JP!!!!

The two sets of speakers at my table are the Era design 5's, which I may buy, and the RAW Acoustic HT-2's (mtm design). Other table items include my Adcom GFA535, and GTP 450. The HK PM665vxi integrated, Onix CD-5 (review piece), and my Onix SP3 and iPod.

Attention attendees. I would like to get a few paragraphs from as many attendees as possible for an article. Rather than me drone on about just my perceptions.

I didn't say which you were, so you could've just claimed to be the other. My intent was just to snag a picture of your setup with the two of you listening intently.

- JP

Dingus:
This year was a definite learning experience. I whole-heartily agree that some dedicated time with each table having the "stage" is an excellent idea. Consider it to be at the top of the list for improvements next year.

The Yamaha amp of Mark's may just be the most beautiful SS amp I've seen in person.

Hopefully, the enthusiasm will continue next year, and we can increase the number of attendees. The big thing will be securing a facility. I doubt that I'll be so lucky to get the hall next year for free. Plus, I would like to somehow secure a few smaller rooms for monitors, etc.

Wonderful montage JP - I feel like I was there!

I was tired from a late night on Friday, and I spent most of my time guarding, um, I mean listening to, the MX-10000 playing through those awesome Infinity Quantum 2's of yours. Thanks for letting me hang onto them for awhile - I'm enjoying them as I type this.

John you bring up something VERY IMPORTANT for next time: I have had this hanging on my desktop since right after you guys left Saturday night when it popped into my head:


I was thinking for the guys with Demo systems we could allot like a 10 min section of time so that there was no other system going at that time.

If it turns out that there is more time then 10 minutes a piece would account for then a second go round could take place.

That would allow the system being demo'ed some piece and quiet.

My photo's with some captions can be found here:

http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/UJ7...th%20Gathering/

Click on each to bring up the large size and to see the whole caption.

I should have taken more photo's of course.

JP thanks for grabbing a shot of my table and of my big ass LOL

Nice photo's Mark. (that sandwich was good )