Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

[mattsk8]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

PS- Am I the only guy coming from out of state? I love a good DIY meeting...

I think Marvin's from the Chicago area.

Just wanted to add, if anyone has music you'd like played feel free to bring it along. I have some Dire Straits, Bob Segar (love to hear Blame It On The Moon!), and Jars Of Clay. I have a lot of others as well but those are often my go to cds. Anyone have some SMV they can bring along?

I will be at the Crim races cheering my wife on.

Fun! My wife's a runner as well. I tried to get into it myself. Started out doing a 6 mile run the first time and almost killed myself, but at least I finished! Then I settled into 2 miles every other day for about a month. Came to the conclusion that running is pure misery, and I'll just cut a mountain dew per day out of my diet instead .

[D, Rose]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th


I hope this pic of my Aurora works. I am techno-phobic. I have the stands for these finally nearing completion. There is a port on the cabs bottom, and the cabs are a bit heavy, so its important that the stand is substantial. I had these in Chicago and the borrowed stand nearly didn't make it. Because of the different shape I've had a hard time designing a stand, so I hope everyone thinks these are ok. My last stand idea someone compared to "a hippo on a bar stool". One of the funniest comparos I've heard!

[mattsk8]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

PS- Am I the only guy coming from out of state? I love a good DIY meeting...

W/ the newborn (another congrats btw!!), will you still be able to make it out this Saturday? Can't wait, should be a good time!!

Looking forward to meeting you guys and hearing some new designs!!!

[Wolf]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Yes, Matt and I are still coming Saturday. I asked my wife before we had her if this was a possible go or not, and she said I could.
About 2:44 time on the road according to Google and not using 131 due to construction.

I will have the 'Tudes, and likely bring the Stances along if we have some more time....

See you then!
Wolf

[marvin]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Glad you can make it, Ben. I thought for sure it was off the table with the baby and all. Look forward to listening and visiting.

My travel time also shows 2:44

Yes, Matt and I are still coming Saturday. I asked my wife before we had her if this was a possible go or not, and she said I could.
About 2:44 time on the road according to Google and not using 131 due to construction.

I will have the 'Tudes, and likely bring the Stances along if we have some more time....

See you then!
Wolf

[mattsk8]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Marvin, guessing you'll be taking I-94 to I-196 to 131, correct? I drive that a LOT. Wife's family is in Milwaukee. Shouldn't be a bad drive and depending on traffic, I'd say 2hrs 45 mins is about right.

Ben, what part of IN are you coming from? Unfortunately I don't drive down 131 that way very often so I can't say as to the construction, but on Saturday morning south of Grand Rapids it shouldn't be bad even w/ construction. If it's referring to where the lane's closed in Grand Rapids, I'd say go that way anyhow because again, traffic in GR on a Saturday morning is almost non existent. I'm only saying to do that because I can't think of a better way to go, even if 131 is under construction.

BUT, if you're a little bit east of 131 in Indiana, then there would be a better, more scenic way. If your map has you eventually taking M50 then it's a good way to go.

Look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow!

[Wolf]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Ben, what part of IN are you coming from? Unfortunately I don't drive down 131 that way very often so I can't say as to the construction, but on Saturday morning south of Grand Rapids it shouldn't be bad even w/ construction. If it's referring to where the lane's closed in Grand Rapids, I'd say go that way anyhow because again, traffic in GR on a Saturday morning is almost non existent. I'm only saying to do that because I can't think of a better way to go, even if 131 is under construction.

BUT, if you're a little bit east of 131 in Indiana, then there would be a better, more scenic way. If your map has you eventually taking M50 then it's a good way to go.

Look forward to seeing you guys tomorrow!

I'll be hitting Battle Creek and taking M37 north. It's the straightest shot for me, and best time/distance compromise.
Later,
Wolf

[Jim Holtz]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

There's not even an update yet? Come on folks! We want to hear your thoughts!

Jim

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

There's not even an update yet? Come on folks! We want to hear your thoughts!

Jim

Ditto that!!! What's the hold up?????

[marvin]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Hey! Some of us had to drive home! I didn't notice any tweeting techies there to give you a play-by-play.

It was a nice, modest sized get together. Enjoyed meeting some new and familiar faces.

The mini Byzantiums looked great with their new stands, and sounded great, too.

The attendees were divided on the Statements vs. ER18 comparison. The Statements had an advantage in the bass (of course) and mids, but some commented that they preferred the ER18s for long term listening and slightly more accurate reproduction of some instruments. These are just some comments I heard. Personally, I felt the Statements were more detailed, but I really liked the efficiency of the ER18s. My ears are not nearly as trained as some others, so they will have to comment, too.

The Statements have not been on my short list for a long time, and the ER18s may not be either, just because of size. The Statement Monitors were very nice to listen to, as were Wolf's Attitudes. Either of those could be considered for my next build, but I also want to see Jim's new 3way monitor before I decide. (So get busy on that write-up, Jim!) ;)

Mark (Meniscus) was a great host, generously offering the use of his place and including lunch, too! The modest size listening room was a bit more realistic for typical residential rooms, so that was better than most hotel meeting rooms. The smaller number of speakers and attendees allowed for longer auditions, too. I didn't count, but I think there were 15-20 people there. Maybe someone else counted.

Thanks to Mattsk8 for starting this, and again, to Mark for hosting. These are always good opportunities to learn from others, share ideas, and admire skills and craftsmanship.

It was a fun time and not such a long drive for me.

Marvin

Matt's ER18s

Wolf's Attitudes

Mattsk8 with his first project: Tritrix

[mattsk8]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

My power's out . I hate typing from my phone so as soon as it gets retored I'll give my opinions, although Marvin did a great job. It was a good time.

[Wolf]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

I had a great time, it was the most-laid-back small-gathering style.
Maybe 17 people tops including the Meniscus staff, and about 7-8 pairs of speakers.

Other than the demo room not being with AC and the outside being 95* up there today, it was a blast!
Most pairs got 2 or 3 runs with different music each time around, and volume level was "more if required."
I was able to pick up a pair of the old Dayton 6.5" waveguides for $2, and lots of stuff was out for sale at a reduced price.

I still like the Statements, but I think these were a bit more resonant than the ones Todd brought to Iowa 2007. Great dynamics and sensitivity.
However I think they were not as detailed through the mids as the ER18/Fountek from Dennis. This may have been due to less focus from the open-back mids.

I thought the ER18 bass was a bit lean, and the bass detail was a bit schmeary, or undefined. There seemed to be a peak in the lower mids (reflections?) and these were a tad
brighter than the Statements, with the blending of drivers not as smooth as the Statements, but tonality, pitch and balance was closer to spot-on than the Statements. I think
they are one of the listed: 1- tuned a bit too low, 2- too much fill was used, 3- not enough baffle step or not enough room position gain. The bass was just too lean.

Mini-Byzy; I guess Ed, Ryan, and Petey filled in the hole I noticed last fall, as it was better. There also seemed to be a little lack of bass on these- it must've been the fairly well-treated demo room-
as we all know these POUNDED at Chicago last fall.

Statement Monitors from Eric DeYoung this time around were much better than in the InDIYana room. bass was just right, and well extended. Good balance, and who doesn't like Birdseye Maple?

The 'doctored' (now called) Wolfimus's with the TB 25-302S and Rat Shack poly/rubber 4" drivers sounded the best they have thus far for my local partner in crime. The adhesive vinyl damping sheet and the poly-fil along with the guesstimated xover really made these stand out and image really well in that large room. Vee hoss a veener! 4" rollin' sounds fun!

I'll let Matt (and Matt), Eric, and Ed tell you about mine so I don't sound biased.

Here's some shots... Sorry for names I omitted or forgot.
Wolf

PS- no RS drivers were harmed during playback of the Audio Fidelity remastered recording of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight"...

[marvin]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

Most pairs got 2 or 3 runs with different music each time around, and volume level was "more if required."

.....I think (imagined) I saw Paul Kittinger leave the room a couple of times:D

[Paul K.]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

I wasn't at Meniscus, even though Marvin thought he saw me scoot out of the room when the volume was turned up, nor have I heard them at all, but if the ER18s were built with the correct port dimensions and the correct amount and location of stuffing, they should not sound lean in the bass. I tuned them the way I tune all of my TL designs unless someone requests something else. Can't comment on BSC or room effects or driver variations or crossover variations or personal preferences.
Paul

I had a great time, it was the most-laid-back small-gathering style.
Maybe 17 people tops including the Meniscus staff, and about 7-8 pairs of speakers.

Other than the demo room not being with AC and the outside being 95* up there today, it was a blast!
Most pairs got 2 or 3 runs with different music each time around, and volume level was "more if required."
I was able to pick up a pair of the old Dayton 6.5" waveguides for $2, and lots of stuff was out for sale at a reduced price.

I still like the Statements, but I think these were a bit more resonant than the ones Todd brought to Iowa 2007. Great dynamics and sensitivity.
However I think they were not as detailed through the mids as the ER18/Fountek from Dennis. This may have been due to less focus from the open-back mids.

I thought the ER18 bass was a bit lean, and the bass detail was a bit schmeary, or undefined. There seemed to be a peak in the lower mids (reflections?) and these were a tad
brighter than the Statements, with the blending of drivers not as smooth as the Statements, but tonality, pitch and balance was closer to spot-on than the Statements. I think
they are one of the listed: 1- tuned a bit too low, 2- too much fill was used, 3- not enough baffle step or not enough room position gain. The bass was just too lean.

Mini-Byzy; I guess Ed, Ryan, and Petey filled in the hole I noticed last fall, as it was better. There also seemed to be a little lack of bass on these- it must've been the fairly well-treated demo room-
as we all know these POUNDED at Chicago last fall.

Statement Monitors from Eric DeYoung this time around were much better than in the InDIYana room. bass was just right, and well extended. Good balance, and who doesn't like Birdseye Maple?

The 'doctored' (now called) Wolfimus's with the TB 25-302S and Rat Shack poly/rubber 4" drivers sounded the best they have thus far for my local partner in crime. The adhesive vinyl damping sheet and the poly-fil along with the guesstimated xover really made these stand out and image really well in that large room. Vee hoss a veener! 4" rollin' sounds fun!

I'll let Matt (and Matt), Eric, and Ed tell you about mine so I don't sound biased.

Here's some shots... Sorry for names I omitted or forgot.
Wolf

PS- no RS drivers were harmed during playback of the Audio Fidelity remastered recording of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight"...

[maynardg]

Re: Meniscus Audio sound off, Aug 25th

See Marvin, that must have been Elvis leaving the room.