Philadelphia Area Audio Group

PAAG May Event At Dave Keppel’s May 19, 2013

Joe Galbraith — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:56:39 +0000

PAAG May Event At Dave Keppel’s

Sun. May 19, 2013 Event at Dave Keppel’s (1 block from Muhlenberg College)
Phone: 610-435-5276Parking: There is no parking on the north side of Allen St.
Additional parking is either on 23rd St. or Leh St.

Since most of you will be coming from the south, take 476 N, get off
Lehigh Valley exit, then head east on I78. Make sure you take exit for Rt 22 east (Lehigh Valley Thruway)
or you will end up going south on I78. Going east on Rt 22 turn right onto Cedar Crest Blvd.South,
turn left onto W. Tilghman St. then right onto 23rd. One block to Allen.

Coming from Rt 100, take Rt29 ‘Chestnut St.’ through Emmaus, turn left onto S. Cedar Crest Blvd.
head north to Tilghman or Hamilton Blvd east to Ott St.

Coming from Rt 309 and or I78 east, take exit for S. Cedar Crest Blvd, head onto east Hamilton Blvd
to Ott St north..

System:
. Sony XA-5400ES CD/SACD player, Signature Truth Mod. by Modwright Inc.
PS 9.0 power supply. w Sylvania ‘military’ grade 5AR4 rectifier,
5692/6SN7 RCA Red Base Dual Triode ‘nuclear’ tubes.
Modwright ‘Truth’ umbilical power cord.

. Mark Levinson 38S preamp, ML 331 power amp

. Origin Live Aurora table with O.L. Onyx arm, Clearaudio Aurum
Beta ‘wood’ cartridge rebuilt by SoundSmith Inc.

. Graham Slee Audio Era Gold Mk.V. w PSU1

. Harmonic Technology ‘Magic Link One’ balanced interconnects,
PS Audio ‘xStream Statement’ bi-wire speaker cables

. Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne speakers with custom stands

. REL T-7 sub-bass with SignalCable: REL ‘SpeakOn’ link

. Adona Zero SR4 isolation and amp racks

. PS Audio P300 Power Plant, PS Audio Mini Lab cable, Power Port Classic
. edenSound TerraCone footers w brass feet (Sony), BDR cones with pucks (ML38S),
Finite Elemente Ceraballs (PS 9.0)

. Various power cords from Audience ‘e’, Synergistic Research Master AC couplers,
Pangea AC-9, Cable Isolators

Home theater absorption panels, foam acoustic treatments.
Steinmusic H4 Harmonizers and Magic Stones.

Recent Meeting Photographs

Joe Galbraith — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:57:20 +0000

Bob Grossman's system, January 2013 meeting

Earl Baldwin's system February 2013 meeting

Kronos Turntable February 2013 meeting

PAAG members February 2013 meeting

January 2013 Event: Home of Bob Grossman

Joe Galbraith — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:15:19 +0000

January Event At Bob Grossman’s

Changed: January 20, 2013 Event at Bob Grossman’s (h)856-354-6003 (c)856-278-8295Bob’s System:

> Speakers: Magneplanar 3.6
>Preamp/CD player combo: Krell KPS 25s
>Amplifier: Carver Cherry 180
>Integrated Amplifier: ModWright KWI 200 w/ phono (manufacturer loan)
>Tuner: Dynalab FT 101a
>Turntable: VPI Traveler (manufacturer loan)
>Jolida JD9 phonostage (manufacturer loan)
>Cardas, Purist Audio Design, Signal Cable, Darwin Audio Cables. LessLoss Cables
>Mapleshade Samson Equipment racks, platforms, brass footers and weights
>Room Tunes acoustic treatments

In addition to the usual music, our host will hopefully share a story or two about his work with the Philadelphia Orchestra. To top it off (with a frothy head), Bob is also renowned for his beer brewing skills and will have special treats on tap(haha) for our enjoyment.

Please don’t RSVP via Yahoo. Accept this invite or reply to it with an email to philadelphiaareaaudiogroup@gmail.com. Thanks!

When	Sun Jan 20 1pm – 5pm Eastern Time
Where	Changed: 547 Woodland Ave Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (map)

Annual PAAG Holiday Party December 2nd

Joe Galbraith — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:25:20 +0000

PAAG Holiday Party At Casa del Renzetti

A unique event on the PAAG calendar. Music will be playing, holiday and other, but the chatter will be louder. Glasses will be clinking, and a good time guaranteed.
We step it up a few notches as far as food is concerned, and will be charging $20 per attendee this year(members & their partners are invited) to help our generous hosts offset the cost. Like last year, some door prizes courtesy of our generous sponsors will be raffled off.

***Most importantly, due to space constraints we are limiting attendance to the first 60 to RSVP AND PAY their fee.*** Fees should be sent via paypal (send money to a friend to avoid fees) to: philadelphiaareaaudiogroup@gmail.com . You may also pay by check to Philadelphia Area Audio Group, mail your check to Jim Baum, 490 Langdale Court, King of Prussia, PA 19406, or hand deliver at the David Lewis Audio event.Menu for Party
Appetizers
Shrimp
Bruschetta
Prosciutto with melon
Assorted cheeses, meats and vegetables

Main Menu
Porchetta Abruzzese (whole roasted pig)
Whole Smoked Turkeys from Greenberg’s in Tyler TX
Roasted Potatoes
One additional side dish to be determined
Salad
Bread
Assorted Red and White Wine
Beer
Non-alcoholic beverages
Cake by Devin Galbraith

Logistically speaking, parking is limited so if anyone can carpool, that would be greatly encouraged. Also, our friends at Google Maps haven’t quite got things accurate, so please use the directions below to avert headaches.

John’s Audio System:
Basis 2200 Signature with Basis Vector 4 Tone arm and Calibrator Base
MY Sonic Labs Ultra Eminent Bc cartridge
Audio Research PH7 Phono Stage
Shunyata Stratos Cable to Pre-amplifier
McIntosh 402 2 channel amplifier
Meridian G68XXD Processor
Esoteric X01/D2 SACD
Esoteric G-03X clock
Halcro 3 channel amplifier
Furman IT-2400 Balanced Power Conditioner
Wilson Sofia 2 Speakers
Wilson Audio Watch Center
JL Audio Fathom 112 Subwoofer
Klipsh Cornwall Speakers for rear channels for video
MIT Magnum MA interconnects and speaker cable
Power cords custom made by owner
Custom made Audio racks and Audio/Video entertainment unit by owner
Custom cable elevators by owner
Customer speaker isolation pods by owner
Walker Talisman, Links, and Resonance Disks
Custom made sound absorption panels by owner

DIRECTIONS TO THE RENZETTI’S HOUSE

FROM WILMINGTON or there about.
Take route 202N all the way into PA to the intersection of Rte 202 and Rte 1 then make a left onto Rte 1. Go about 1 mile make the first right onto Harvey Road. The Chadds Ford Tavern is opposite.

FROM Hockessin, Kennett Square, and points South.
Find the easiest way to get to Rte 1 N and East bound. Take route 1 N pass by Longwood, rte 52, Brandywine River Museum. Rte 100. About 3 miles passed Rte 100 you ‘ll see the Brandywine Battlefield Park on your left. A few hundred yards further up is Harvey Road. The Chadds Ford Tavern/Café is on the right. Immediately opposite is Harvey Road. Make a left across the southbound lane of Rte 1(be careful), onto Harvey Road.

FROM the Philadelphia Airport

Take I-95S. Exit at Rte322 Westbound. Stay on 322W until you come to the intersection of 322 and Rte 1. Make a left onto Rte 1. Continue on Rte 1, through the intersection of rte 1 and 202. After about 1 mile you’ll come to Harvey Road, make the right onto Harvey.

FROM King of Prussia, West Chester, or points north.
Go south on Rte 202. Prior to reaching the intersection of Rte 1 and rte 202 there will be a light with a road that bears to the right. There is a Downingtown National Bank on the right. Take the road that bears to the right. This is Oakland Road. Go straight on Oakland for about 1/2mile. At the 3 way stop, make a left onto Harvey Road. The road will go straight, then bear sharply to the left; straight again and bear sharply to the right; and then again sharply to the left; the road will bear sharply to the right again after about 100 yards. Don’t make this right. At your left there will be a street sign that says Harvey Lane No Outlet. Turn onto Harvey Lane. The road goes straight, bears to the right, straight and then bears to the left and down a steep incline. At the bottom of the incline they’ll be ponds on the right and left. Go up the incline then bear to the left. You’ll see a sign that says Private Drive no outlet 112, 114, 116, 118. At the second mailbox, 114, you’ll make a left down the driveway. You’re there.

If you miss the turn at the Downington National Band and find yourself at the Corner of Rte 202 and Rte 1, follow these instructions.
Go south on 202 until you get to the intersection of Rte 1 & 202. Make a right onto Rte 1. Continue on Rte 1. After about 1 mile you’ll come to Harvey Road, make the right onto Harvey Road.
Or coming from the Blue Route, exit at Rte 1 S. Continue until the intersection of Rte 1 and 202. Continue on Rte 1 for 1 mile until Harvey Road, make the right onto Harvey Road.

Once you are on Harvey Road, go up Harvey Road. After about 8/10th of a mile the road will make a sharp right and will then make an immediate sharp left. Don’t make the sharp left. Go straight and this will put you onto Harvey Lane. At your left front there will be a street sign that says Harvey Lane No outlet. . Turn onto Harvey Lane. The road goes straight, bears to the right, straight and then bears to the left and down a steep incline. At the bottom of the incline they’ll be ponds on the right and left. Go up the incline then bear to the left. You’ll see a sign that says Private Drive no outlet 112, 114, 116, 118. At the second mailbox, 114, you’ll make a left down the driveway. You’re there.
IF you get lost. Call (610) 358-1743.

When

Sun Dec 2 1pm – 6pm Eastern Time

Where

John & Catherine Renzetti’s 114 Harvey Lane Chadds Ford, PA 19317 (610) 358-1743 (map)

December 9 Event at Joe Galbraith’s

Joe Galbraith — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:19:43 +0000

PAAG is please to present a rare product introduction from a promising new manufacturer, Surreal Audio, demonstrating their Fifth Row Center Loudspeakers at the home of our member, Joe Galbraith. Ralph Hellmer of Surreal will present and take your questions.

Having been described as beautiful, dipole, neutral, fast, addictive this speaker will be reviewed in the January issue of Stereophile.
Surreal Speaker Specifications

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 95dB
Monitor Impedance: 8 ohms
Subwoofer Impedance: 6 ohms
Crossover Frequency: 125Hz
Six (6) 10″ Custom subwoofer drivers per side
Recommended Monitor amps: 6-100 wpc
Recommended Subwoofer amps: 300-1000 wpc (Two custom Class G amps included)
Dimensions: 12″w x 18″d x 42″h ( 30.5cm x 45.7cm x 106.6cm)
Outrigger feet add 2″ (5cm)
Net Weight: 125lbs/side (57 kg/side)

Total shipping weight with 2 monoblock sub amps: 300 lbs (137 kg)
Suggested Retail Price: $27,500
Philadelphia Demo price: $19,900 (Piano Black)
Stereophile review scheduled January 2013
www.surrealspeakers.com

Joe’s System:
> Walker Proscenium Gold Signature TT, with current suspension and clamp upgrades
> Blue Electric Magic Diamond MC cartridge
> Walker Precision Motor Controller
> Allnic H3000 Phono Stage
> Allnic L3000 Line Stage with transformer upgrades
> DIY Maple and Brass Equipment Racks
> KR VA320 “Baby Kronzilla” Amp
> Silent Running Audio Ohio Class XL Amp Stand
> JCorder/Bottlehead RS1500 Reel to Reel Deck
> King/Cello Tape Head Preamp
> Walker Audio Velocitor Line Conditioners: 1 for Amp, 1 for Sources
> 3 20 amp Dedicated power lines with Synergistic Research Teslaplex Outlets
> Silent Source The Music Reference Reference Speaker Cables
> Kharma Ce 2.2 Loudspeakers
> Walker Audio Reference HDLs
> Silent Source Signature Interconnects and Power Cables
> Walker Audio Valid Points and Anti Resonance Discs
> Room Treatments by Rives Audio (RPG, AI, Mio)
>
> System also includes a digital playback system:
> Apple Mac Mini running Pure Music Digital Playback Engine
> La Cie 1TB Hard Drive
> M2Tech HiFace USB>S\PDIF
> PS Audio Digital Link III DAC
> Tascam DA20 DAT Deck
>

When	Sun Dec 9 12pm – 4pm Eastern Time
Where	Changed: 290 Winding Lane Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (map)
Calendar	Slipknot1@comcast.net

Pictures from our 9/29 meeting at John Mcalpin’s

Joe Galbraith — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 18:53:47 +0000

Pictures courtesy of Mike Patrick

A shot of John's Devore Loudspeakers

Our host for the afternoon, John McAlpin

A closeup of John's system featuring electronics from Rogue and Ayre

November triple feature: David Lewis Audio Sunday Nov.11th 12-5 pm

Joe Galbraith — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:17:03 +0000

PAAG November Triple Feature @ David Lewis Audio

Phone is 215-725-4080This event is planned for two separate 2.5hour sessions. Members are asked to attend one session only. Our hope is to spread the group as evenly as possible. When we tried this before, 80% of attendees came early. So if you don’t have a strong need to be at the early session, please consider attending the later session for everyone’s benefit.

We have 3 state-of-the-art systems to be presented by esteemed guests, as follows:

“In our downstairs Room #4, we’ll showcase a pair of Peak Consult Empress speakers, along with a pair of Chord SPM6000 Monoblocks, a Chord CPM-5000 Preamp, and a Chord Red Reference MKIII CD player, all part of their Reference Series and the products that Peak Consult now uses at shows. The guest for this room will be Jay Rein from Bluebird Music in Canada. The importer and distributor of these products. Peak Consult is built in Denmark. Chord is built in the U.K.
In our first floor Room #2, we’ll showcase a complete TAD system, including the TAD Compact Reference One speakers, the TAD M2500 power amplifier, and the TAD C2000 preamplifier and DAC. The guests for this room will be chief designer Andrew Jones and national sales manager Jon Baker. TAD is designed in the U.S. and built by TAD in Japan.
In our second floor Room #6, we’ll showcase a pair of Vivid Giya G3 speakers, along with a Luxman M800a Pure Class A power amplifier, a Luxman C800f preamplifier, an Audioaero La Fontaine tubed CD player, and a Brinkman Oasis turntable. The guest for this room will be Philip O’Hanlon from On A Higher Note, the importer and distributor of these products. Vivid speakers are made in South Africa. Luxman is made in Japan. Audioaero is made in France. Brinkman is made in Germany.”

All current members are welcome to attend.

The best way to RSVP is by accepting this gmail invite. If gmail RSVP doesn’t work for you, simply reply to this email. Please don’t reply via Yahoo. RSVP BY November 4!!!! Late RSVPs have wreaked havoc on some events.

Hope to see you there!

When	Sun Nov 11 12pm – 5pm Eastern Time
Where	: 8010 Bustleton Ave. Philadelphia (map)

6th annual Chilifest Saturday October 20th 1-5 PM

Joe Galbraith — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:13:55 +0000

PAAG October Home Event @ Dennis Pitzer’s

Changed: PAAG 6th Annual October Chilefest at Dennis Pitzer’s.
610-935-7344
Gate code: #2865 (# sign must be entered FIRST or the gate will not open!)- Walker Proscenium Black Diamond Mark 3 with Reference Motor Controller
- Transfiguration Orpheus moving coil cartridge
- Audio Research SP11 Mark 2 full function preamp
- Quicksilver Triode monoblock amplifiers
-Usher BE 20 with Walker crossover and Music Reference internal wiring
-All power, speaker and interconnect cables by Silent Source Music Reference
-Most current circuit updates performed by Bob and Gary Backert (RHB Sound Dezign)
-Walker equipment rack, Velocitors and a room full of tweaks

All current members are welcome to attend.

The best way to RSVP is by accepting this gmail invite. If gmail RSVP doesn’t work for you, simply reply to this email. Please don’t reply via Yahoo. RSVP BY October 14!!!! Late RSVPs have wreaked havoc on some events.

Hope to see you there!

When	Changed: Sat Oct 20 1pm – 5pm Eastern Time
Where	Changed: 246 Rivercrest Drive Phoenixville PA 19460 (map)

September Home Event at John McAlpin’s 9/29 1-5 pm

Joe Galbraith — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:47:25 +0000

PAAG September Home Event @ John McAlpin’s

PAAG September event at John McAlpin’s.Phone is (215) 504-5687
Cell: (608) 658-2664

· Electrocompaniet CD-1UP
· Rouge 99 preamp modded by Bob Backert
· Rogue Stereo 90 Super Magnum power amp
· Devore Fidelity Gibbon Nines
· Cardas Golden Reference interconnects
· Audience Au24 E speaker cables
· Various Shunyata power cords
· Audience Adept power conditioner
· Sistrum stands

All current members are welcome to attend.

The best way to RSVP is by accepting this gmail invite. If gmail RSVP doesn’t work for you, simply reply to this email. Please don’t reply via Yahoo. RSVP BY September 22!!!! Late RSVPs have wreaked havoc on some events.

Hope to see you there!

When	Sat Sep 29 1pm – 5pm Eastern Time
Where	512 Greene St., Newtown, Pa. 18940 (map)

July Event @ Phil Girnis’ Home 7/15 1-5 pm

Joe Galbraith — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:50:25 +0000

PAAG July Event @ Phil Girnis’

Sunday July 15th 1-5 pm

Changed: PAAG July event at Phil Girnis’.Phone is (302) 323-9151

VERY IMPORTANT:

1) Load up on allergy meds if you’re allergic to cats.

2) Do Not follow Google directions or you will be sucked into a major speed trap!

From PA. Take I-95 south to Delaware exit 5A (Rte.141 Airport exit). Go to end of airport property and turn right on to Rte.13 South. Go about 2.8 miles and bear left at Rte.13/Rt.40 split (Stay on Rte. 13). Go under RR bridge and make first left at light (Llangollen Blvd). Go up the hill and make right onto Callow Pl. and a quick left on to Sterling Ave. Go to bottom of the hill and #418 is on the right.

From NJ. Take Delaware Memorial Bridge to Rte.13 South. Follow Rte.13 south and make the left on to Llangollen Blvd. (as above).

· PS Audio HCA-2 Amplifier
· Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp
· Ohm Series 1000 speakers
· Music Hall MMF-7 w/Mapleshade mod
· Soundsmith Aida Cartridge
· Graham Slee Era Gold V phono preamplifier
· Cambridge Audio D500 SE CD player
· Benchmark DAC
· SCE HRS
· Musical Fidelity X10-V3 w/P/S
· Bybee Mini Bullets
· I/Cs & speaker cables – DNM
· Pwr. cords – Pangea, Absolute, Signal & Charthouse

All current & prospective members are welcome to attend.

The best way to RSVP is by accepting this gmail invite. If gmail RSVP doesn’t work for you, simply reply to this email. Please don’t reply via Yahoo. RSVP BY July 8!!!!

Last month we had 10 people who RSVPed in the 3 days before the meeting. Please make life easier for your host and RSVP a week before the event.

Hope to see you there!