Pittsburgh Area Get-Together

[wkhanna]

Plans for the first unofficial meeting of PiTAG, (the Pittsburgh Audio Group) are underway!
Mark your calender for Saturday, 23 June. I will be hosting an all-day event to include, but not limited to, DIY Zaph 2-ways from Michael (aka Finleyville), my own Natilie P’s, and any interesting equipment you may want bring for evaluation. Additionally, food and libations will be presented in generous proportions.

Doors open at 11 AM, late arrivals are welcome, and the festivities will last as long as Duquesne Light Co. supplies power. Parking is free, as are overnight accommodations for those who may unintentionally over imbibe.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, 23 June 2007

Time: 11:00 AM till..........? (revolving door policy will be in effect)

Location: Please PM me for Directions

RSVP by 22 June, please.

Regards,

Bill (aka wkhanna)

[PewterTA]

I believe (at this exact moment) I will be there!

I'll have to see, I might be able to bring over my B&Ws...but I can't make a positive 'yes' or 'no' on that just yet.

This will be LOTS of fun!!!

-Dan

[Hdale85]

I think I can make it??? Lol I'm going to try very hard :B And also my friend Bobby will probably come along (he wants to hear the Nat P's) I'm sure he'll chime in if he is coming.

[PewterTA]

Well with the weekends (for me) nothing is ever written in stone. But I'll really try my hardest...

I wish I had some new toys to bring over... hee hee.

[Hdale85]

Is anyone close enough that could bring the RS 3 Ways? I'd like to hear those :B Or those new Statements but seeing as there is like 1...or 2 pairs of those built so far I don't see that happening.

[Finleyville]

Great idea in posting this up. I'll definitely see you guys there with my Zaph designed L18 two-ways.

[PewterTA]

So what kind of music is everyone bringing to sample?!

I'm thinking that I'll bring the SACD version of Pink Floyd's DSOTM...which I think the 2ch CD on it is almost better than the 5.1 (though the 5.1 is really cool due to spatial effects).

Along with that for sure, I've got an awesome Dave Matthews Band CD (live) that has some of the best drumming/opening to a song I've heard in a long time...absolutely captivating to hear how good it sounds on a decent system!

There are some other mixed CDs that I have I'll bring along, but Bill has a lot of the stuff anyways... ha ha.


Oh and I have to say thanks to Bill for hosting this, it's a very very kind jesture!! Bill, let us know if there's anything (food/drink wise) that you'd like us to bring, I know that's the least we can do!

-Dan

[Hdale85]

Yeah I'll definitely be there along with my friend Bobby. And I'm sure we could bring some food or something drinks? 12 packs? lol

[eb15]

I'd love to hear the Nat-Ps since I got as far as buying the drivers and jasper jigs to build a pair, along with a pair of RS390HFs for bass bin duties.

Unfortunately, I already have other plans for that date.
Maybe next time...

-
Ed B. (in Pittsburgh)

[wkhanna]

Unfortunately, I already have other plans for that date.
Maybe next time...

V sorry you can't make it, Ed!
You are more than welcome to come by when our schedules jive, just drop me a pm, we can work out a plan, and come on over.

[wkhanna]

So what kind of music is everyone bringing to sample?!

..... but Bill has a lot of the stuff anyways...

-Dan

Well, I guess you guys could bring some music???? There may be time to put some on after we get through the line-up I have already planned from my library.

See, I thought we would start with my extensive ‘ABBA’ collection, then we go to Broadway with about eight of my wife’s show tune CD’s, then to bring us back down and recoup after such an exasperating listening session, I have my three volume seven CD set of Gregorian Chant ( I just love a capella), and then finish up with my Christmas music collection including a finale of ‘Alvin and Chipmunks’!

But, ehhh........ I suppose you could bring some other stuff...........?

[Alaric]

Well, I guess you guys could bring some music???? There may be time to put some on after we get through the line-up I have already planned form my library.

See, I thought we would start with my extensive ‘ABBA’ collection, then we go to Broadway with about eight of my wife’s show tune CD’s, then to bring us back down and recoup after such an exasperating listening session, I have my three volume seven CD set of Gregorian Chant ( I just love a capella), and then finish up with my Christmas music collection including a finale of ‘Alvin and Chipmunks’!

But, ehhh........ I suppose you could bring some other stuff...........?

8O 8O 8O 8O

[wkhanna]

Yeah I'll definitely be there along with my friend Bobby. And I'm sure we could bring some food or something drinks? 12 packs? lol

I'm glad you and your friend can make it!

.....let us know if there's anything (food/drink wise) that you'd like us to bring...

I will have a ‘few’ beers on hand with a ‘bit’ of wine, also. But please feel free to bring your favorite brands if you wish.

The tentative menu will include some sort of grilled chicken from my smoker along with slab of smoked salmon, a few varieties of homemade salsa, some Mediterranean finger food and some fresh fruit. And again, if you have some favorite ‘munchies’, feel free to contribute.

[George Bellefontaine]

The tentative menu will include some sort of grilled chicken from my smoker along with slab of smoked salmon, a few varieties of homemade salsa, some Mediterranean finger food and some fresh fruit. And again, if you have some favorite ‘munchies’, feel free to contribute.

Holy smokes, wkhanna, you're making me wish I lived in Pittsburgh. :lol:

[PewterTA]

Come on down!!!!! He said anyone needing to stay could stay! :W :lol:

[wkhanna]

Wow!!!!
It truly would be an ‘event’ and an honor to have Sir George down!
And by all means, your always welcome here, George.
We will ‘spin’ one in your honor, let us know what it should be!!

[Raptor550]

Wow, I just looked on a map, Pittsburgh isn't too far from Dayton (I'm new here)! too bad I don't have a car. Anyone from Ohio want company on there ride up? I'm open for PM's, I have a non-modula Dayton/seas crossover Id like to bring.

[Finleyville]

7 days to go...

[George Bellefontaine]

We will ‘spin’ one in your honor, let us know what it should be!!

You mentioned ABBA and one of my old favorites is FERNANDO. How 'bout that ?

[wkhanna]

OK guys, we have an assignment!
Some one has got to download ‘Fernando’ and burn it for our honorary ‘spin’ for George!

[Hdale85]

Hmm....If I could find it in LossLess

[PewterTA]

Are we talking Abba - Fernando (as in their single?)...

If so, consider it done.

Both the English and Spanish versions.

...not too much I can't find.

[wkhanna]

Are we talking Abba - Fernando (as in their single?)...

If so, consider it done.

Both the English and Spanish versions.

...not too much I can't find.

Yeah, we need both!

And by way.....

You Da Man!!!!!

[Hdale85]

Whats the count Bill? How many have said they are coming?

[Raptor550]

Its a bit of a drive but I would like to come. I cant find any audio guys from OH to carpool with, but I'm trying to talk my sister into coming . SO I might be there!

I would really like to compare crossovers between my smaller Dayton180/seas "Raptors" and the ModulaMT's, what are people bringing? I have a wonderfully recorded Holst- The planets CD I could bring. and well as a few hi-fi demo CDs also.

[PewterTA]

Well I don't have DIYs...

So the only thing I'd be able to bring is B&W 602s S3s for a comparison to the other speakers. My 604s are way to heavy... or I could bring an SVS sub and try to bring Bill's house down with it. ha ha.

...and don't it be a fancy that I seemed to have misplaced my 802Ds...if I ever find them in the house I'll bring them along! lol

Talked with Bill and the count is about 6 or 7 people so far.

Oh and there's a very good chance I'll be bringing some high quality CAT Cables with me. Especially if Doug gets me the Cattails in time.

Bill already has the Silvercats and I could bring the Silver Digi-Cat if anyone wanted to see the build quality...

[wkhanna]

As Dan has said, we are expecting at least seven people at this point.

Also, as interest and inquiries have come from far beyond our local area, I feel sad but obligated to clarify that while I could never let anyone leave after having ‘indulged’ a bit too much, our house is a bit on the small side, and as such, will unfortunately not be able host overnight guests. A sleeper sofa in the livingroom is actually the 2nd BR. I just want make sure nobody misconstrues my invitation, and know that if I had it my way, I would put everybody up in the William Penn Hotel for the weekend!

Oh, let me state that SO’s are more than welcome and encouraged to participate. And while my lovely wife is truly the consummate host, I am sure she would enjoy the comradery of the fairer sex (read: they can all shake their heads at us and commiserate over our addiction and how they must deal with it).

On a much lighter note, (get it,.....note......I crack me up!!!!) Doug at CatCables is working overtime to hopefully get some cables Dan and I have ordered in time for the meet. I am looking forward to demonstrating their quality and performance to those who have not yet tried them.

[Hdale85]

It'll be nice to see some cat cables :B currently I don't have much thats worthy of them. But eventually I plan on getting an amp and pre/pro and ditching this reciever or at least getting an amp and a nicer receiver.

I really don't have anything I could bring speaker wise. I have my RB-35 Klipsch speakers...and while I think they sound great not many other people like Klipsch much and everyones probably heard them :B

I could possibly talk my friend Bobby into bringing his HD-A2 and a few HD-DVD's to demonstrate some movie scenes. That is if you have an HDTV Bill

[wkhanna]

Sorry Dougie, I'm still living in past with my old Sony CRT and NO cable!
What can I say, I'm a die-hard audio 2ch guy who's next big equipment purchase will be a TT and some real tube power!

And trust me, we have lots of stuff to try out between the various speakers and cables already lined up!

You just need to bring yourself, and be ready for some good tunes! Oh.. and maybe that 12 pk!

BTW, the great thing about getting some Cats is that when you upgrade, your cables are already up to the task. They are a long term investment, IMHO.

[PewterTA]

The one nice thing I have to say about CAT cables (especially the Silvercat ICs) is that it doesn't matter what your system sounds like... these WILL make the system sound better than before. I demonstrated it to myself with my old Yamaha RX-V1400. It made a huge difference in it's musicality (which I had thought was lacking) when coming off my CDP.

So if you're looking for an improvement that will be around with you as your equipment grows and changes...this is it!

Okay, that's enough of my salesman pitch... ha ha.

[wkhanna]

Preliminary forecast for Saturday is partly cloudy with a high of 80 degrees.
This sounds very optimistic to me......we have a saying here that goes: What comes after two days of rain in Pittsburgh?????
Answer: That would be Monday!

But let us hope for the best.

On to some logistical concerns:
For those that have been kind enough to offer assistance, we could probably make good use of a large ice chest or two, and of course, what good would that be without some ice?
So I leave it up to you guys to choose your offerings to the gods of above average audio, and let us know here what tidings you plan to tithe (IOW what good would seven ice chests be without something to protect the bottles!)

[PewterTA]

I'll have to see what I can dig up.

I know I have some "Omaha Steaks" coolers that are a little bit smaller, but they'll keep the beer ice cold for DAYS!

Or I can bring a case of beer...and get some ice with it!

[Lex]

Guys, with me being sick this week, I am just not going to be able to meet this deadline. I had a virus and missed Mon-Tues day job, worked a bit tonight but still feel real rough. Plus, my vendor screwed up and sent me the wrong speaker wire to finish Dan's wires. I wish you guys had given me one more week. I just can't turn on a dime when things like personal illness occur. I am really sorry about that.

Doug

[cobbpa]

Well, I might be showing up...we'll see! I have several CDs I might bring; not all my type of music, but I picked up a lot to try & expand my tastes. Here's a list of my "demo-quality" discs, for anyone interested..I'll throw them into the pot, but if you see anything I should leave at home, let me know :P . Chances are some other guys there will know this music better than I do.

Regular CDs
Alina
Live At Blues Alley
Sea Change

SACD
Camille Sain-Saens Symphony No. 3 "Organ"
Guitar Heroes
Kind of Blue
1812 Overture
Telarc Sampler 2
Great Film Fantasies
Transatlanticism

[Lex]

Kind of Blue, yeah baby!

[wkhanna]

I am really sorry about that.

Doug

Hey Doug!
No need to feel bad! Just take care off yourself and get better ASAP!
We need you healthy and cranking out cables.
And we should have placed our order much further in advance, as we sure did not intend to put pressure on you to meet such a short deadline.
I will be having another meet in a few weeks, so we will have plenty of opportunity to showcase our latest acquisition of CatCables.

Again, thanks for the effort, Doug, but get yourself healthy first!

Bill

[Hdale85]

Another meet in a few weeks huh? What will be the agenda for that one?

[wkhanna]

Kind of Blue, yeah baby!

I can't wait to compare your SACD to my remastered Red Book version!

[wkhanna]

Another meet in a few weeks huh? What will be the agenda for that one?

Let me see if I can get through this one first!

[Lex]

Thanks Bill, the virus was the TKO model. Really put the ole whammy on how you feel. Today I came in from work, laid down tried to nap, couldn't, so I got up and finished Dan's pair of speaker cables. Hopefully, tomorrow the new order of speaker wire comes and I can finish the other one cable this weekend, and I hope have your 4 interconnects built at a somewhat leasurly pace. honest, I did not want to face any possible costic fumes soldering until I get my throat some better. I do have a ventilation hood, but occasionally, you still get a bit of fumes. So, I really am trying to wait until at least the weekend to solder any.

thanks for the free space and understanding!

Doug

[wkhanna]

Hey my friend, you just take your good old time with my IC's, no reason to hurry. I will be using them for SACD and HT duties, which accounts for only about 15% of my system use. Besides, good things come to those who wait!

[PewterTA]

Doug, not a problem on the cables. It was our fault for going about this all last minute...

Just bad luck that you didn't have the cable in and got really sick. So as long as you are getting better and more cable is on it's way, we are all in good shape!

[wkhanna]

Totally off topic, and probably I should be a little embarrassed for my procrastination, but just this weekend I glued the baffles on my speakers, ( the dry fit was so tight that I had to use a leather mallet to get them on and off, but I could feel some puffs of air along some of the joints at higher SPL). I got to tell you, The Twins are sounding another level above where they were. What was once tight LF is now so realistic, it’s creepy! For those of you that are coming, I think you are all in for a nice surprise!

[cobbpa]

Awesome to hear, Bill! Scott (raptor) and I are working on getting up there..if not now, maybe the one in a few weeks..hopefully this Saturday though! Gas money is just a bear though..

[wkhanna]

I truly hope you guys can make it, and if not this weekend, sometime soon. My hope is to make these meets a regular event.