2011 Lone Star Audio Fest - May 13-15 Dallas, TX

[RuSsMaN]

www.lonestaraudiofest.com
May 13 – 14, 2011

Be sure to make plans to come by for a woodstock type audio show - not too big where you can't actually get a decent demo, but big enough to actually see and hear some worthwhile gear. Everything from DIY, full range, to high end. Solid state, tubes, vinyl, tape, cd and digital. Something for everyone and every budget. A great bonus to a grass roots meet like this is the people, moreso than the gear. Rub elbows with real audio nerds, and make friends along the way.

The Polk room will feature the new LSiM707 (yes, the big boy) powered by Jaton Corporation’s new high end cd player and preamplifier, and a pair of their new modular amplifiers vertically biamping at 280w per side. Also featured will be the Blackstone TL2 and TL3 series with DSW PRO 440 wireless subwoofer, and a Micropro 1000 will be on hand also. The Blackstone rig will be driven from a Virtue Audio integrated and cd player who is also exhibiting at the show (courtesy forum member Marvda1). All cabling is coming straight from Cardas, who went above and beyond to custom make cables, at the HQ in Bandon, Oregon just for the Polk room.

Mark your calendar and plan to be there. There will be a give away or two or three, and refreshments in the Polk room. Bring a stack of cd’s and come join us for a fun filled Saturday for FREE. The Polk room will be open Friday around noon for Polk Forum members and exhibitors if you truly want a first peek before the general public shows up.

An (open to forum members only) open house will be held the weekend after at my abode (I'll make a separate post). This will be an extended, weekend long, come and go as you please - your chance to get even more comfortable and spend however much time you want with the new LSiM. My listening room is open for you. I’ll post a separate thread with details in the next few days.

Thanks again for everyone that supports Polk Audio, and thanks to Polk Audio for supporting a meet like this – I and others agree it makes a real statement as to what Polk is about, and that they still remain grounded in the music, even after all these years. I look forward to seeing you at the show.

Thanks!
Russ

[thsmith]

See you there

[leroyjr1]

I'll be flying into Dallas on May 4th and leaving on the 9th. Wish I could stay longer to hear the new Polk speakers. Hopefully I be down there for good within a couple months.

[newsman]

Russ
Any updates, specifically on the afterhours demo?

[RuSsMaN]

The Polkaudio room is in full effect, and will be open to Polkies exclusively on Friday between 3 and 8 pm. The earlier you show, you might be asked to help with setup and tweaking, which this bunch shouldn't mind at all. Generic refreshments and eats will be on hand, and please make it a point to show up on Saturday also. The event has been moved from downtown, to 635 @ 75 to make it more accessable for the north Dallas crowd.

Full on Polk LSiM, including lots of hands on static displays of other lines. I *might* even give away a Blackstone system on Saturday to an enthusiastic Polkie. Yeah, you heard that right, a SYSTEM.

Come check out the new Polk LSiM and Blackstone, along with the new Jaton modular amp system (previewed at Jim's Texas Polkfest this month), along with all you need to know about Cardas and properly cabling a rig like this.

Cheers,
Russ

(ps, LSiM open house at my abode will follow the week after for Polkies + friends and family, stayed tuned)

[quadzilla]

Cool. I'm out of town for the next two weeks, but get back around 1 Friday afternoon. And since I live just a couple of miles from 635 and 75, it's a pretty sure bet that I'll be by, jetlag and all.

[DSkip]

I'm debating it heavily. The issue is Friday traffic heading from Fort Worth.

[RuSsMaN]

That's why you check out at noon on Friday. Punk.

[txcoastal1]

Great my boxers well the wife will be home and I have a bright green light on the trip...see ya there

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I'll be there, I'll try to get there early and help you set up, but will be there for sure at some point

[newsman]

Can't wait to hear them. As much as I want to make it on Friday for the exclusive event, I'll have to wait till Saturday most likely. Would've wanted to help set everything up... When are you guys will start putting everything together? I might swing by for lunch time on Friday.

[txcoastal1]

This is whats up coming in early Friday morning, making my way over to Usher for Demo, then I am booked at the Embassy, Russman would love to give you guys a hand. Looking forward to seeing the show.

[marvda1]

tell stan at usher marvin said hello, still got my usher 6381's and r1.5 amp.

[DSkip]

tell stan at usher marvin said hello, still got my usher 6381's and r1.5 amp.

Come tell him yourself. Are you no longer attending?

[halenhoang]

Russ,

Would you by chance still have the LSIM's late June? That is when I will be back in the States. Man, this sucks that I leave that very Saturday!

Halen

[RuSsMaN]

Halen, I'll make sure you get a demo, no worries. Everything is buttoned up and in order fellas, the gear, the cables, speakers, all accounted for and ready to go. Again, I appreciate your support of Polk and a grass roots meet like this one. It may not be a HUGE show, but the positive side is what is there is GREAT, and you can actually spend time and get quality demos.

We're actually getting the room on Thursday, so everything should be setup and ready to go for Polkies to come in anytime on Friday after noon.

Cheers,
Russ

[DSkip]

Good to know about Thursday. I was going to ask if any help was needed for setup on Friday.

[marvda1]

trying to get friday off. txcoastal1, what time are you going to usher? are you going to stan's house or the business address?

[txcoastal1]

trying to get friday off. txcoastal1, what time are you going to usher? are you going to stan's house or the business address?

Some time around 10:00-10:30 leaving my house around 6am and will be going to the business address
You want to meet there?

[marvda1]

it would be close as russ wants me to bring my amp and cdp to the hotel by noon.

[RuSsMaN]

Marvin I can hook up with you whenever. If I have to drive no problem.
Cheers
Russ

[dorokusai]

Good luck with the event.

[RuSsMaN]

Thanks Mark, it will get pulled off properly. Grassroots with a dash of hardcore.

Everyone else, local and almost local, make sure to come out, don't waffle or flip flop on this one, just do it. Trust me. Get out and see some new things, meet some great people and show your support for all things Polk.

Cheers,
Russ

[scottfox]

Russ,
I should be back in town Monday night. Too busy this weekend to help or show up unfortunately. Pick up daughter at UT Austin on Saturday. Pick up son up at Austin college on Sunday. Isn't it great having freshmen twins in college at 2 different schools :eek: Anyway... I can be available to help with setups, transporting gear if needed on Thursday/Friday afternoon. Let me know if U need some help.

[RuSsMaN]

Just a couple more days, make sure you take the time to come out and show your support for all thinks Polk, and for grass roots audio in general. YOU will 'make' the show, we can only set it up!

Cheers,
Russ

[dorokusai]

If you're local and don't attend....you should stop posting here.

[newsman]

Hey guys, I'm counting the days till the show. Really excited. The family is conspiring against this at every step of the way though! :eek: My brother's B-day is on Friday, g/f brother graduation on Sat, and B-day party on Sunday!! From the looks of it, I will be able to make it on Friday after work! Should I bring my favorite CD's to listen to LSiM? Being first day of the show not sure if there will be enough down time for that. Russ, are you going to be in the Polk room. Would be finally meeting you in person after seeing you on Polk forums in the same threads close to a decade now :)

p.s.
Oh one more thing. I'm surprised how low key this show is among local HI FI shops. One dealer knew the date, but said it was no point in setting up a room there as it appeals to DIY crowd only (the shop is heavily into music setups :eek:). Another dealer, said there was no point going as they only go to shows where they negotiate perspective lines (also heavy into music setup). And finally guys at Modia where totally oblivious to the show. Talk about shooting industry in the foot.

Russ, is the Polk demo officially blessed by Polk, or are you just bring in speakers that you bought yourself?

[RuSsMaN]

Local hi fi shops don't need to show up, they already have a client base here. They are already established in this area. Yes, bring some cd's, and you can tell me if the room is blessed by Polk or not.

Cheers,
Russ

[newsman]

As far as dealer presence, I think more choices are always better for community and lets more people be introduced to hi fi.
As far as Polk comment, I meant whether Polk invested anything into the room, or whether it's purely local effort.

Anyway, see you there!

[RuSsMaN]

The room is official Polk Audio, they are footing the bill and provided the speakers.

Cheers,
Russ

[DSkip]

I should be out there Saturday. I had to take Monday off due to a sick kid, so leaving work early Friday is out of the question.

[PSOVLSK]

Really excited. The family is conspiring against this at every step of the way though!

Same here. If I don't get there Saturday morning it's not going to happen for me.

[wallstreet]

It's a great time to be in Texas.

[marvda1]

off work friday and can't wait. russ, i hope you have a few texas sodas on ice. dskip, hide the bottle.:smile:

[RuSsMaN]

I'll have beverages for my forum brothers, no worries. I'll expense it to Al. ;)

The Polk room is 230. LSiM707 is setup and ready to go. Honestly, I don't even want to hook the Blackstones up, but I will. Maybe.

[newsman]

Has the Polk meet been moved to Saturday, or Saturday admission will be free? I'm planning to attend tomorrow. Boooya!

[RuSsMaN]

It's ALL FREE. Gen Pop will be visiting Saturday, a few might flow through tomorrow evening - I'm not going to kick them out - but tomorrow afternoon / evening is ALL Polkies, bring it.

[dorokusai]

Hey, send those pics to me at home Russ.

[RuSsMaN]

I sent you the pics from my phone to the home email, no lighting, etc. Better stuff tomorrow through an actual dig camera.

I will be online tomorrow with the laptop / camera / webcam in room.

[dorokusai]

I got 'em, thanks. The Polk carpet is super cool, hopefully you'll let me borrow it for CAA.

How are you setting up the Blackstone demo? The room looks great. You're testing the waters down there so you'll have to bring your overall thoughts after the event, up here for the next one. I believe that between the two of us we'll have it hook, line and sinker.

Any room treatments?

[Topper]

its May 13 where i am already !! post pix !! describe what i'm missing !!

[RuSsMaN]

Mark, the rug belongs to Odie. Al probably has one up there - it's big and heavy, I wouldn't even know how to begin thinking about shipping it.

Room treatments, no, just common sense and ratios with whatever will fit in the truck in one trip. ;)

As far as Captial, that's all you man. I'll have a lot of people looking forward to meeting you at that one.

[RuSsMaN]

People are still setting up, just bumped into Richard Gray. Polk room is open for Polkies, however the elevators are still secured so pm me for my phone so you can call or text when you arrive if they aren't unlocked by then.

[quadzilla]

Just shot you a pm. Made it back from Israel, and despite somehow having gotten roped into a conference call almost as soon as I got off the plane, want to head that way. I need to stay up the rest of the day anyway, so maybe I can get a normal night's sleep tonight.

[dorokusai]

Mark, the rug belongs to Odie. Al probably has one up there - it's big and heavy, I wouldn't even know how to begin thinking about shipping it.

Room treatments, no, just common sense and ratios with whatever will fit in the truck in one trip. ;)

As far as Captial, that's all you man. I'll have a lot of people looking forward to meeting you at that one.

How many attendees are doing CAA? or just coming up to visit?

[MADGSF]

I will be there after work today!

[newsman]

PM Sent.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I'll be out there tomorrow, plan on spending the better part of the day out there.

[sucks2beme]

Those new top tier Polks are a work of art. Good sounding and good looking!

[DSkip]

How'd the first day go? I wish I could've made it out there and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

[dorokusai]

PICS! maybe?

[newsman]

Just for Polkies!
Head over to Speakers forum for pictures from tonight!

Enjoy! (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=119619)

[RuSsMaN]

Will someone bring Nirvana Nevermind or Greatest Hits. I need to hear In Bloom.

[newsman]

Pictures of other rooms I attended at the show.

[BeefJerky]

Pictures of other rooms I attended at the show.
The speakers in the cellos are certainly interesting to look at. However, I can't see how they would be optimal in any way for use as speakers. The bodies of those instruments are designed and optimized to resonate and amplify a certain range of frequencies. Even if the speaker was in it's own enclosure in the cello bodies, it wouldn't completely eliminate those undesirable characteristics. I haven't heard them, but I really can't see how they would sound good.

Did you have a chance to listen to those cello speakers?

[george daniel]

how did those Quads sound?

[RuSsMaN]

Beef, that's part of what makes this show cool, there is the entire realm of audio, one end to another. They weren't unlistenable, but I 'got it' as far as what he was trying to accomplish.

There is everything from the esoteric, digital, diy, mainstream high end, $500 tube amps to $8000 tube amps, solid state, something for everyone! I love seeing and hearing other peoples likes in the audio world, it's really interesting and provides great perspective.

[BeefJerky]

Beef, that's part of what makes this show cool, there is the entire realm of audio, one end to another. They weren't unlistenable, but I 'got it' as far as what he was trying to accomplish.

There is everything from the esoteric, digital, diy, mainstream high end, $500 tube amps to $8000 tube amps, solid state, something for everyone! I love seeing and hearing other peoples likes in the audio world, it's really interesting and provides great perspective.
I can see where he is coming from as well. It is clear that he was going more for aesthetics, which would certainly appeal to some people. It may not be for me, but that doesn't mean I look down upon it or anything. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression with my last post.

[RuSsMaN]

No not at all. To most, that would appear to be pure lunacy. The great thing about the fest, is you actually get to hear it, and draw your own conclusions. I'll admit, when I saw him setting up, I said just three words to myself 'What the .....?'

[BeefJerky]

No not at all. To most, that would appear to be pure lunacy. The great thing about the fest, is you actually get to hear it, and draw your own conclusions. I'll admit, when I saw him setting up, I said just three words to myself 'What the .....?'
Sounds like just what went through my head when I saw the pictures.

You said "They weren't unlistenable." Could you go into a little more detail on how they sounded? I'm just very curious about them, but was unable to be there.

[RuSsMaN]

I'm not a fan of Fostex and Lowther drivers to begin with. They sounded better than I expected actually. It wasn't my cup of tea, but again, I could hear the sound he was going for, and I get that. It had a very live and real sound, and the resonances of the Cello added a nice touch to acoustical selections. I wouldn't play AC/DC on them, but within a certain musical range, they were ok.

Cheers,
Russ

[george daniel]

here's a nice review/opinion of the Polk Audio Room from the vinyl Anar.

http://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/

[billyjeff2]

will signal path be participating?

[RuSsMaN]

WTF are you talking about BJ?