[News] Maryland PolkFest '08 [Archive]

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DarqueKnight

10-19-2008, 11:38 AM

Introduction

This year's PF was covered by 3 members of the audio/video press: Llanor Alleyne of Residential Systems, Rebecca Day of Electronic House, and Wes Phillip's of Stereophile. Immediately prior to PF '08, Matthew Polk invited the press members and a few forum members to his home for socializing and snacks. Forum members were selected based on how how much their online behavior had improved in the past 12 months. Later, Mr. Polk treated us to dinner. Such Good Hospitality. The following pics are from the social at Matt's house and dinner thereafter. Before we left Matt's house, he presented each of the forum members with a choice of gifts: either a Movado or an Omega timepiece. I selected a black ceramic Movado. Press folks received Rolexes.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/023CasaMSP-rus-hos21-s.jpg
Figure 1. Matt demonstrates his home theater system for Russman (seated) and Hoosier21.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/024MSP-russ-sub-r.jpg
Figure 2. Matt explains his home theater subwoofer design.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/002aLSi9SDA-s.jpg
Figure 3. Sixth Gen LSi-SDA! I asked Matt when he was coming out with the next generation SDA's. He pointed to the pair of LSi9 speakers on either side of his HT screen and said "That's them right there". Matt uses two pairs of LSi9's which are fed stereo and dimensional (SDA) signals generated by a digital signal processor. Such Good Sound.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/018MattWesPhilips-s.jpg
Figure 4. Dinner at a hoity-toity restaurant. Foreground: Matt and Stereophile reviewer Wes Phillips. Just beyond Matt and Wes, I am passing a suspicious looking substance to George Grand.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/019-Dinner-gg-mp-dk-f1-s.jpg
Figure 5. L-R with faces showing: George Grand, Wes Phillips, Matt Polk, Darqueknight, F1Nut, Reeltrouble1,
Brett22, Ricardo, DAGLJAM & dorokusai. Less well-behaved members of our group were seated at the table behind us.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/021din-matt-gift-s.jpg
Figure 6. Forum members presented Matt with a custom made limited edition throwing knife. It will come in
handy at trade shows and audio press interviews...so watch it.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/022Din-mat-threat-s.jpg
Figure 7. A forum member asked Matt to discontinue product support and parts for the SDA series and devote those resources to current and future loudspeakers. The forum member further stated that it didn't make sense to keep supporting a speaker series that was discontinued 17 years ago. Obviously, the suggestion was not well received.

The Following Pictures Are From Day One Of Polkfest 2008

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/001AnecCham-s.jpg
Figure 8. Due to past misdeeds unforgiven, these fellows are about to undergo unspeakable torture in one of
Polk's dungeons.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/002KenSwauger-s.jpg
Figure 9. Ken Swauger-Polk's Customer Service manager. You better be nice to him if you want to keep getting parts for your 20 year old SDA's.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/003PACompCtr-s.jpg
Figure 10. Polk Inc. computer center. Bad forum members are banished here at the press of a button.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/025MattPatents-s.jpg
Figure 11. Rows of patent certificates outside of Matt Polk's office door.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/005MattsDoorSign-s.jpg
Figure 12. Sign on Matt's door.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/009360Demo-s.jpg
Figure 13. Surround Bar 360 demo.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/006MattGroup-s.jpg
Figure 14. Matt demonstrates an outrageous home theater speaker prototype.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/007MattKnife-s.jpg
Figure 15. Matt takes aim with his new throwing knife. Someone made a snide remark about the HT prototype
sounding 10X better than the best SDA. Matt made him take it back.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/008Sal-Matt-Signing-s.jpg
Figure 16. Lasareath getting his SDA SRS 1.2TL crossover plates signed by Matt. Now, when he puts these on
eBay, he has proof the signatures are authentic.;)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/017DK-Matt-PolkFest2008-cr2r.jpg
Figure 17. Times are hard, but I improved my financial condition at Polkfest 2008.
I was able to persuade Matt to sign a stack of old Polk Audio ads so that I could sell
them on eBay. They sold out in one hour. By the way, I am wearing my new black
ceramic Movado timepiece. Don't hate.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/011Tent-GG-s.jpg
Figure 18. We were treated to a delicious catered lunch in a big tent.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/010aLunchTent-s.jpg
Figure 19. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/012Tent-Ted-s.jpg
Figure 20. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/013Lunch001-s.jpg
Figure 21. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/014Lunch002-s.jpg
Figure 22. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/015Lunch003-s.jpg
Figure 23. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/016Lunch004-s.jpg
Figure 24. Lunchtime.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/016aLunch005-s.jpg
Figure 25. Llanor Alleyne of Residential Systems magazine, Rebecca Day of Electronic Home magazine, Matt Polk, Steve Khan and Matt Lyons.
some random unknowns.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/DK-F1-MLS-CR-s.jpg
Figure 26. F1nut, DarqueKnight, MillerLiteScott.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/DK-Matt-SRS0018x5r.jpg
Figure 27. The fellow on the left looked familiar, but I wasn't sure if he was a Polk employee because he wasn't wearing an employee badge. He kept going on and on about how wonderful SDA's were (and are). I didn't have the heart to tell that I had switched to Klipsch.

After A Day (10AM-4PM) Of Headquarters Tours And Product Demonstrations, We All Met In The Main Conference Room For Wrap-Up And Prize Drawings

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/026Assembly001-s.jpg
Figure 28. Assembly.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/027Assembly002-s.jpg
Figure 29. Assemby.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/028Drawing-s.jpg
Figure 30. Matt drawing for a prize. The grand prize was a VM30 speaker system with a MicroPro 3000 subwoofer.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/029Al-B-s.jpg
Figure 31. At the end of Day One festivities, Al Ballard, Polk's VP of Marketing, invited us to his home for Day
Two festivities. Name another company where you find such genuine hospitality and such extreme corporate
generosity.

Day Two Activities

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-srt002-s.jpg
Figure 32. Al's awesome SRT setup.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-srt003-s.jpg
Figure 33. Listening to the SRT's.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-vm30001-s.jpg
Figure 34. Al's VM 30/MicroPro 3000/CRS setup. SRT's and SDA's in the same house. Al is a good man.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-vm30002-s.jpg
Figure 35. Listening to the VM 30/MicroPro 3000/CRS rig driven by a Moscode 600 tube amp.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/ric-vm30002-s.jpg
Figure 36. Ricardo moved closer to the tube warmth. Feel good?

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/rus-doro-fu-s.jpg
Figure 37. In lieu of his name, Dorokusai decided to put his university's initials on his name badge.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/pcd-pf2008-s.jpg
Figure 38. The ghost of Paul DiComo made an appearance at Polkfest 2008.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-bkyd001-s.jpg
Figure 39. Relaxing in the backyard.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-tent-s.jpg
Figure 40. Yet more outrageous grub. Al fed us lunch and dinner. Now, how good was that?

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-bkyd007-s.jpg
Figure 41. In lieu of banning, a misbehaving forum member submitted to 40 lashes with a wet cable from Doro.

DarqueKnight

10-19-2008, 11:49 AM

Reserved for follow-up.

DarqueKnight

10-19-2008, 11:49 AM

Reserved for follow-up.

Lasareath

10-19-2008, 12:35 PM

Very Nice Shots DK!!!

Thanks a lot for the time it took to post these pics and to write the commentary!

Sal

Ricardo

10-19-2008, 05:50 PM

I know, there's enough threads on the subject, but I had to post my own :)

What an awesome weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To all of you guys/gals that could not make it, start making plans to attend the next one.

To Matt Polk, Al Ballard and ALL the Polk staff, a huge THANKS for having us. It is amazing what you guys did to make us feel welcome, going out of your ways and basically stop doing your business for a whole day to show us what Polk HQ's is all about. I will not forget these three days.

Also a big thanks to Mark (Doro); you never gave me my welcome kiss, but I know you did a lot of work in the background to make sure everything run smoothly.

Meeting a bunch of polkies and being able to put faces to screen names was also a great experience. What a bunch of good people with similar interests. I know I did not meet everyone on Friday and I am sorry I didn't. I hope there's another opportunity.

The 16+ driving hours were well worth it.!!!!!!

I also took a few pictures and will post them when I have some time.

hoosier21

10-19-2008, 06:28 PM

"Before we left Matt's house, he presented each of the forum members with a choice of gifts: either a Movado or an Omega timepiece. I selected a black ceramic Movado. Press folks received Rolexes."

Really? I must have missed this part.

Russ

Ricardo

10-19-2008, 06:32 PM

MillerLiteScott

10-19-2008, 06:57 PM

I also want to thank Mark for the 08 Fest.

hoosier21

10-19-2008, 07:08 PM

He's making it up; all we got was that Cross gold pen with the Polk logo.

missed that too

shack

10-19-2008, 07:10 PM

I already had a watch and a pen...so Matt let me have his Porsche....it was a blast to drive home today!

shack

10-19-2008, 07:11 PM

Russ...You're alive! I had serious doubts about your well being last night. That nasty fight you had with the tomato plant just about did you in.

m00npie

10-19-2008, 07:21 PM

I'm thankful I was not violated by Mark.

RuSsMaN

10-19-2008, 07:52 PM

All I got was a matchbook and a fistfull of 'Polk' condoms.

George Grand

10-19-2008, 08:16 PM

His downstairs rig was ridiculous good sounding. The guy is a totally impassioned, accurate sound freak.

RuSsMaN

10-19-2008, 08:21 PM

He is George. It was fun to just watch him, in his element. What a life he's made for himself.

DarqueKnight

10-19-2008, 08:29 PM

Before we left Matt's house, he presented each of the forum members with a choice of gifts: either a Movado or an Omega timepiece. I selected a black ceramic Movado. Press folks received Rolexes.

Really? I must have missed this part.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.:(

SolidSqual

10-19-2008, 08:36 PM

You know . . . you guys don't look like what I expected.

For example, I pictured DarqueKnight to be a grizzled white old man. Turns out he's a good looking black guy with a kind smile. (The screen name makes more sense now).

It's also amazing how Mark's (doro) sarcasm seems to transcend all media from text messaging to photos.

leroyjr1

10-19-2008, 08:41 PM

brettw22

10-19-2008, 09:09 PM

If Mark really gave a **** about any of y'all, he wouldn't have gone on a cruise for 5 days before the fest.....

I head home tomorrow.........i'm effin exhausted......

ben62670

10-19-2008, 10:08 PM

You know . . . you guys don't look like what I expected.

For example, I pictured DarqueKnight to be a grizzled white old man. Turns out he's a good looking black guy with a kind smile. (The screen name makes more sense now).

He looks more like a train than an engineer:D

Edit: BTW I have long said that new SDA's could easily be made by turning some LSI's on their sides;)

McLoki

10-19-2008, 10:16 PM

Edit: BTW I have long said that new SDA's could easily be made by turning some LSI's on their sides;)

I have an LSiC - does that count??

ben62670

10-19-2008, 10:24 PM

I have an LSiC - does that count??

2 of them, and a little modding;)

McLoki

10-19-2008, 10:27 PM

2 of them, and a little modding;)

but wouldn't a pair of SDA center channels sound alot like a single center channel? And if so - that means the answer is yes - my LSiC is exactly like an LSi speaker with SDA technology when fed a mono signal. :D

heiney9

10-19-2008, 10:30 PM

I have an LSiC - does that count??

The surround bar 100 as he called it in the conference room was awesome. He said it took him (them) about 6 weeks to get all together and running.

It seems Matt is very much still into SDA, thinks about it a lot, works with it and really wants to figure a way to market it again beyond the all in one concept of the Surround Bar 360; which was incredible BTW. One of the audio journalists referred to it as groundbreaking technology.

He said passive and active SDA technology and figuring someway to incorporate both into a new flagship (my term) model is what it would probably take to get them to market again.

It took 8 years to develop the Surround Bar 360 and part of that was because technology had to catch up. Only he and one of the other engineers knows the algorithms for the various dsp circuits in the SB 360.

H9

heiney9

10-19-2008, 10:31 PM

but wouldn't a pair of SDA center channels sound alot like a single center channel? And if so - that means the answer is yes - my LSiC is exactly like an LSi speaker with SDA technology when fed a mono signal. :D

Sadly no............:D;). Have you seen the photo of the x-over he used for his SB 100? It was about 5 feet long and about 2 1/2 feet deep. :eek:

F1nut

10-20-2008, 01:28 AM

After taking a day to recover and put some thoughts together in my usual short, to the point fashion.......

First and foremost, a huge thank you to Matt Polk for sharing his dream with so many of us and for his generosity. I'm not sure words can ever convey what it means to us.......perhaps a simple, you rock!!!

To all the great folks at Polk HQ......as always, you go out of your way to make the day very special, thank you.

Al and Hedy.....well folks, let's just say that they know how to throw a Polkfest party. Thank you for rolling the dice, it was a blast.

To my fellow Polkies, it was great to see so many old friends again and to meet some new ones. I hope, for the first time attendees, that you have a better understanding of what is meant by the term, Polk community. I look forward to seeing all of you again, real soon.

brettw22

10-20-2008, 05:03 AM

The surround bar 100 as he called it in the conference room was awesome. He said it took him (them) about 6 weeks to get all together and running.To clarify for the ones not there.......that SurroundBar 100 was designed over that period of time......but they only started to actually put the crossover together on Wednesday so it was in it's roughest form really.....still work to be done, but they literally had it together in a matter of days.......that's how new this was that he was showing us.........

brettw22

10-20-2008, 05:23 AM

Excuse me........for those not familiar with my sense of humor, I failed to put a smiley or roll eyes in there...........so how about this:

p.s. ;) :rolleyes:

Much thanks goes to EVERYONE at Polk HQ for the quick demo's, Matt for his hospitality both at his house and in taking the time to hang out with all of us for the day, Hedy and Al for putting their house up for the standard abuses that go along with all of you freaks for the day, and to all those behind the scenes folks that had set things in motion for this thing as well.

I also have to thank ESAVINON for doing one hell of a job in picking my ticket out of the raffle box......I'll snap some pics of that setup when I get it all set up at home.........

Ricardo

10-20-2008, 07:55 AM

It was nice meeting you grumpy...I mean, grandpa...err..Jesse. ;)

Fireman32

10-20-2008, 08:01 AM

I also have to tip my hat to everyone at Polk HQ. It was great to finally meet Matt and everyone else at HQ. Friday was a great day. To tour the factory and see how everything was done was quite a learning experience.

Al and Hedy thanks so much for being great hosts and opening your home to us and throwing such a great party.

It was great meeting so many new polkies and seeing old friends. Looking foward to nexts years fest already. Hopefully I wont be on crutches next time.

janmike

10-20-2008, 08:31 AM

Nice Write-up Jesse. Glad you all had a blast.

m00npie

10-20-2008, 08:39 AM

I also have to thank ESAVINON for doing one hell of a job in picking my ticket out of the raffle box

Congrats again on the win.....

bastard
:D

shack

10-20-2008, 09:22 AM

No point in starting my own thread. Jesse pretty much covered it.

The only thing I have to add is that if you missed the party at Al's house, then you missed the essence of Polkfest. It appeared that only about half the turnout on Friday showed up on Saturday. The stuff at HQ was GREAT...but...Polkfest is all about getting together with other Polkies (and non-Polkies) and eating, drinking, BSing, and listening to great gear. That is what was happening at Al's. If you COULD have been there but CHOSE not to come for whatever reason...SHAME ON YOU! Legit reasons are few and far between and girlfriend and/or spouse factors DO NOT QUALIFY! You should have been there. The group was well behaved and STILL had a great time! Of course, Russman and Doro setting off his truck alarm parked in Al's driveway at 3AM and Hoosier21's epic battle with the tomato plants in Al's back yard (It rivaled Doro's fight with the bush down at Troy's) were the sort of things that can become legend...and will be remembered at future Polkfests.

Thanks to Matt Polk, Al and Hedy and EVERYONE at Polk for a GREAT TIME!

shack

10-20-2008, 09:34 AM

I also have to thank ESAVINON for doing one hell of a job in picking my ticket out of the raffle box......I'll snap some pics of that setup when I get it all set up at home.........

My $600 (plus the poster) offer to take the rig off your hands still stands! ;)

Jstas

10-20-2008, 09:34 AM

If you COULD have been there but CHOSE not to come for whatever reason...SHAME ON YOU! Legit reasons are few and far between and girlfriend and/or spouse factors DO NOT QUALIFY!

I'm sure those that weren't there for those reasons were more concerned about the significant other putting out again in their lifetime. I mean, as "beautiful" as some of you guys are, I don't think you can replace the affections of a person of a more feminine nature. Judging by some of the photos of the significant others I've seen here, the SO's win out. Polkfest just can't compete!

Eric W

10-20-2008, 10:06 AM

Great pics and great captions! Hope you all had a great time. I'd like to clarify some pics :)

Introduction

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/016aLunch005-s.jpg
Figure 25. Llanor Alleyne of Residential Systems magazine, Rebecca Day of Electronic Home magazine, and
some random unknowns.

That would be Steve Kahn- Polk Project Manager (looking at camera)
and Matt Lyons- Engineering (who gave the facility tour)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/029Al-B-s.jpg
Figure 31. At the end of Day One festivities, Al Ballard, Polk's VP of Engineering, invited us to his home for Day
Two festivities. Name another company where you find such genuine hospitality and such extreme corporate
generosity.

Al is actually the VP of Marketing. Stu (in the "How to speak balmer" video at the beginning of the day) is VP of Engineering.

SCompRacer

10-20-2008, 10:22 AM

It was great to see the level of commitment Polk has for delivering quality products from design to implementation! Matt is a wonderful man and has assembled a highly competent team of enthusiastic people to accomplish this goal. As Jesse previously mentioned, I also enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Thanks to Hedy and Al for the get together the day after the tour. It was a great way to end Polkfest 2008.

Highest marks!

George Grand

10-20-2008, 10:25 AM

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 10:28 AM

Eric - Raife caught those mistakes and I just didn't have time to correct them. :D

heiney9

10-20-2008, 11:06 AM

Al is a big, powerfully built man with a very distinctive and stately countenance. I don't know if anyone else noticed something that I did. There can be a presence in his stare when he is just looking at someone and not saying anything, that is reminiscent of the look that Charles Bronson manifested many times in the Death Wish series of movies.

Little something I picked up on.

Me too George!! When people get out of line on the forum we could just them a pic of Al with that stare.

Helluva nice guy, but I wouldn't want to be on his bad side.

H9

heiney9

10-20-2008, 11:13 AM

I agree Mr. Prez, at some points it was just too overwhelming. All the good will, great conversations, opinions, sharing, etc. I too will write something once it has all set in. I am so glad I attended and any poor impressions I had based on the written word on the screen were quickly erased when meeting everyone face to face.

There is no substitute for meeting face to face and talking and interacting with people. It was great to meet everyone and the generosity and the genuineness of the Polk staff, Al and Hedy and especially Matt was really, really cool. As well as all the fellow Polkies. It's something special that shouldn't be taken for granted. :cool:

H9

Jstas

10-20-2008, 12:49 PM

Eric - Raife caught those mistakes and I just didn't have time to correct them. :D

I'm thinking that some names with faces in the pictures might be a good idea. Most of the people that were there met before but quite a few who couldn't make it don't know anyone from spit.

Maybe some captions with names of members would be in order?

kenreau

10-20-2008, 12:56 PM

DarqueKnight,

Semi-unrelated to this thread. Great pics of the 2008 Polkfest. I'm new to the forums and had no idea this took place. I think that is a great event and camaraderie.

The unrelated part. I did a search for Parasound Halo JC1's and your system profile came up. I'm planning to purchase these amps and noticed we both have the same Salamander a/v cabinetry. It looks like a really tight fit and that was a big concern. Looks like you made it work and have a fantastic system. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to hear more about the JC1. Could you send my a pm?

Thanks,
Kenreau

nadams

10-20-2008, 12:57 PM

Face

10-20-2008, 12:59 PM

Sadly no............:D;). Have you seen the photo of the x-over he used for his SB 100? It was about 5 feet long and about 2 1/2 feet deep. :eek:
Here you go.

janmike

10-20-2008, 01:02 PM

Is that a beer in your hand Russ? :D

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/darqueknight88/PolkFest2008/al-b-bkyd007-s.jpg
Figure 41. In lieu of banning, a misbehaving forum member submitted to 40 lashes with a wet cable from Doro.[/QUOTE]

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 01:36 PM

Incredible time for everyone. I almost felt a little misty Thursday night, thinking how far this 'thing' has come, and how much it's grown over the years. I loved seeing you guys oogle at Matt and his gear, and getting to talk shop with him in an intimate setting.

My favorite part? The tour was great, but nah. Matt's house, tough to beat, but nah. The afterparty at Al's? Almost.

GEORGE GRAND CAME TO POLKFEST.

THAT was my favorite part.

Cheers,
Russ

Jstas

10-20-2008, 02:10 PM

cfrizz

10-20-2008, 03:46 PM

Amen to that Russ! It was a terrific surprise to finally get to meet & hug George!!!!

I had a terrific time saying hi to those I met at PF2005 & get to meet new Polkies this time! You guys are just great.

Mark & I had a terrific time and we would like to thank Polk HQ & Al & Hedy for thier hospitality across the board.

Anytime PF is held at HQ, Mark & I will be there.

BTW, CONGRATS to Brett on your big score! Do let us know how it sounds when you get it all set up.

shack

10-20-2008, 04:05 PM

POLK MAKES A DAMN GOOD SUBWOOFER!

I have owned Polk subs in the past and have always been disappointed. Not because they were bad...but they were average and there were much better choices available elsewhere. I think that was/is a consensus with many here on the forum.

NO MORE! (IMO)

I had several opportunities (as did everyone attending) to hear the DSWmicroPRO series of subs. I was very surprised and very impressed. These subs are on par with comparable products from SVS, HSU, Velodyne, etc.. Before PF 08 I would not have considered purchasing another Polk sub or even recommending one to someone else. I have changed my mind in both cases.

I doubt if the time, effort and $ will be recouped because they converted one person (me) to purchase one of their products...but hey...it's a start...:D.

Good job Polk!

DarqueKnight

10-20-2008, 04:05 PM

Great pics and great captions! Hope you all had a great time. I'd like to clarify some pics :)

That would be Steve Kahn- Polk Project Manager (looking at camera)
and Matt Lyons- Engineering (who gave the facility tour)

Thanks. Who is the professorial looking guy in the middle in figure 25?

Al is actually the VP of Marketing. Stu (in the "How to speak balmer" video at the beginning of the day) is VP of Engineering.

I caught that after re-reading, but I couldn't go back and edit.:(

I'm thinking that some names with faces in the pictures might be a good idea. Most of the people that were there met before but quite a few who couldn't make it don't know anyone from spit.

Maybe some captions with names of members would be in order?

The original post is already at the 10,000 character limit. Maybe the mods can edit the post and exceed the character limit. Otherwise, the pics can be copied to new posts with new captions.

SDA SRS 1.2

10-20-2008, 04:09 PM

Thank you for the great photos and write-up Raife! I especially like the one of you and Matt with our beloved SRS's. I am still kicking myself for not making the time available to attend, but I will definitely do so for the next one at Polk HQ. I would like to ask Matt to sign my Owner's Manual and pose for a similar photo with the SRS's. It just blows me away that Matt and the others at Polk take the time and go to the expense to do this - even for those of us with 20 year old speakers. Thanks also for allowing us to put some faces with the names we see here on the forum. THANK YOU!

Robbie

nadams

10-20-2008, 04:13 PM

I, too, was looking forward to hearing these subs. I've never had the experience of hearing one of the old PSW series, but the general consensus on these forums was that you were better served to look elsewhere.

While the subs were not the focal point of any of the demo's, they were present in almost all of them. I was truely impressed. From music to explosions, they covered the whole gamut with ease.

DarqueKnight

10-20-2008, 04:17 PM

it's interesting to me that Matt's LSi/SDA setup is toed in quite a bit, whereas the original SDAs were always meant to be set up parallel with the wall. Of course, we're talking a completely different design implementation, but I just found it interesting.

The reason why SDA's should not be toed is is that the dimensional drivers are set into the cabinets at a shallower depth than the stereo drivers. This produces an offset which is equivalent to a 20 degree toe in. Therefore, additional toe in messes things up. This is explained in detail in Matt Polk's "Designed-In Stereo" original SDA paper that was published in the June 1984 issue of Audio magazine.

A dual pair of LSi's, of course, would require some toe in.

George Grand

10-20-2008, 04:25 PM

Don't tell me that man can't make a sub-woofer. The sub section of his downstairs home rig almost made me piss myself a couple times.

nadams

10-20-2008, 04:29 PM

I never noticed the difference in mounting depth! I'll have to take a look at my drivers when I get home.

heiney9

10-20-2008, 04:29 PM

The reason why SDA's should not be toed is is that the dimensional drivers are set into the cabinets at a shallower depth than the stereo drivers. This produces an offset which is equivalent to a 20 degree toe in.

This is almost always overlooked. I remember telling Ben when he first joined and wanted to build his own SDA's that there was this issue with the dim drivers and how they were mounted in the baffle.

Nadams, I also think Matt's set-up was active as well as passive. With the active portion, critical driver location isn't as necessary as it is with a purely passive set-up like the std. SDA we are all used to.

His vision is to incorporate both the active elements of the Surround Bar 360 and passive elements of older SDA's into a new SDA type product. Whether that is ever realized is anyone's guess; atleast beyond the prototypes and one off projects.

H9

heiney9

10-20-2008, 04:36 PM

DarqueKnight

10-20-2008, 06:30 PM

I never noticed the difference in mounting depth! I'll have to take a look at my drivers when I get home.

I mispoke earlier, the difference in depth is between the tweeter and stereo drivers. This is from figure 3 on page 89 of the SDA SRS review published in the November 1985 issue of stereo review:

"The bass/midrange drivers are recessed relative to the tweeters so that their common acoustic plane, and thus the effective axis of radiation, is shifted by an angle of 20 degrees relative to the listener."

This review can be downloaded from the polksda.com website.

m00npie

10-20-2008, 07:53 PM

The Dual 3000's has moved to the top of my short list for my office rig.

chargerman426

10-20-2008, 08:08 PM

I will just echo the points of some others but polkfest was great. This was my first polkfest and I'm happy that I went. I got to meet and talk to some great people. I was exsidet to talk to the man that desind my speakers on go this as well as others opions on what to do with my 2 psw404's :D. I'm looking forward to going to a polkfest in the future and seeing everyone agin.

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 08:14 PM

I told you so.....

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 08:22 PM

THIS is what I've been telling yous guys, I'm glad you got your ears on them.

Face

10-20-2008, 08:27 PM

I was also pleasantly surprised.

Lowell_M

10-20-2008, 08:56 PM

I obviously wasn't at Polkfest, so should probably keep my mouth shut... But...... The Rockford folks had a chance to review the DSW Micropro 1000 before production began. We put it to its paces in my HT against my unworthy Velo.

I agree that the little monster surprised the hell out of me in both output and control.... but, regardless of size of the subs, how do they compare in output and control to other subs at the same pricepoint? I mean, the Micropro 1000 MSRP's at $999. I had no idea what the price would be at the time we had the pleasure of demoing and really didn't know anything about the little sub other than it sounded pretty good compared to my big Velo.

I don't have anything written down, so other Rockford folks chime in.... If I remember correctly, the output of the DSW wasn't as strong as my velo, but much, much, much MUCH more controlled and without the port noise I get with my Velo. But, you can buy an SVS PB12 Plus for $999 that would absolutely crush my Velodyne CHT-12. I can't speak for the control since I haven't done any direct comparisons, and it is obviously larger than the DSW micropro 1000.

So.... Are you all saying that in terms of shear performance (regardless of sub footprint) the new DSW series of up to par with HSU and SVS at the same pricepoints???

I'm not trying to be an ass... i was actually encouraged by this post so I looked at the subs on the Polk websight and was floored at the price of the MicroPro series.

m00npie

10-20-2008, 09:11 PM

shack

10-20-2008, 09:11 PM

Just a few more pictures....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2960172158_ef33842344_o.jpg

Polkie vehicles took over the street in front of Al's house on Saturday (and the side streets as well)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2960186562_a392450b9e_o.jpg

The Mexican Feast is the SECOND buffet of the day at Al's and it was GOOD!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2959334327_bfc29caaca_o.jpg

Just hanging out at Al's.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/2960170952_e3b1b55042_o.jpg

Still hangin' out.

I had never been to "Bawlmer" before, so on Saturday morning I decided to do some sightseeing before heading to Al's. I headed downtown to the Inner Harbor. I ended up staying about 4 hours and was late to the party, (I quickly caught up however). Here are just a few of the sights....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2960170124_7af9bb61f6_o.jpg

Overlooking the city and harbor from Federal Hill.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2960174160_dbe1611e33_o.jpg

The city from across the Inner Harbor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2959333619_d7e8be431d_o.jpg

A VERY COOL Museum

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2960173260_a5c9fc33e0_o.jpg

The clock tower at the Sports Legends Museum

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2959332801_4ef2c79f87_o.jpg

Singing and dancing while making the fudge at The Fudgery

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2959331571_6717539238_o.jpg

A street painter at the Inner Harbor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2959332479_76be416271_o.jpg

The BABE

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2960171224_c946626555_o.jpg

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2960252126_4c368cf28e_o.jpg

LOTS of eye candy all over the place....this is just one of many of the georgeous young ladies that caught my eye!

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:12 PM

The new subwoofers are miles above the historical Polk subwoofer. I firmly believe them to be direct competition with the Velodyne and HSU/Outlaw series. SVS? Well, that depends on the model and Polk isn't about to touch the PB13 bracket, so don't get yoour SVS panties in a bunch. This is an awesome bracket to play with and its simply different strokes for different folks.

They've come a long way since folks like Mark Susskind and his crew really attacked the subwoofer series and I'm glad that they received some positive comments from the attendees.

There are some other website reviews and demos in the works, so at least we can establish a new baseline.

Lowell_M

10-20-2008, 09:17 PM

Cool. I'm not trying to be combative... just devil's advocate. I've only expereinced the DSW micropro 1000 and none others. It seemed like it work be a fantastic 2 channel sub and I wondered about the series HT worthyness. Vast improvement over past Polk subs.

Where do these new lines put the PSW1000? will it be discontinued or is it better suited for something in it's own right?

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:18 PM

I have tried my SVS PB12/Plus2 for music and after hearing these gems, I'm willing to throw down the cash for my 2 channel rig. The price you see on the site is not the same as say... Crutchfield.

As for HT, I'm not sure I would be willing to part with my SVS. I plan to purchase the Micropro's for 2-channel only. Although I was impressed with them in Al's HT rig, he also had the SRT's helping out as well. So to say that they can replace your SVS is inconclusive. I will certainly try it.

The MicroPro subwoofers in the SRT room when Russ or I were present were immediately turned off. They overloaded the room, since it wasn't a large room to begin with. The SRT subwoofers were enough to load the room correctly but I flet they were a little loose in overall response.

The SRT subwoofer tweaks that Ed and some others have done on those enclosures/drivers are solid and would definitly be an option for a future owner. Kudos to them for handling the experimentation and posting the results and opinions in previous threads.

shack

10-20-2008, 09:26 PM

So.... Are you all saying that in terms of shear performance (regardless of sub footprint) the new DSW series of up to par with HSU and SVS at the same pricepoints???

For the application I would be looking at (primarily 2-channel...with HT secondary) I think so. The control and lack of port noise are prime considerations for me. Amazon is selling the DSW MicroPRO 4000 for $1,499.95 and the for DSW MicroPRO 3000 $1,299.95...both with free shipping. So the answer is YES!

Lowell_M

10-20-2008, 09:30 PM

For the application I would be looking at (primarily 2-channel...with HT secondary) I think so. The control and lack of port noise are prime considerations for me. Amazon is selling the DSW MicroPRO 4000 for $1,499.95 and the for DSW MicroPRO 3000 $1,299.95...both with free shipping. So the answer is YES!

Sweet. Maybe I'll try one of these out as well someday. :o

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:33 PM

Not one picture of my newly detailed truck but I guess that OK since I was just a gear/food/body taxi.....with Brett being the primary driver :D

Keep 'em coming Shack. I'd like to combine these threads in a decent way without affecting the subject matter, so consider this one a benchmark Steve.

Face

10-20-2008, 09:35 PM

How about doing the same as what was done for the Georgia Polkfest and create a volume in the system showcase?

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:37 PM

That email has been sent Face but it takes a couple days. I'm just talking about the multiple threads.....not pics.

shack

10-20-2008, 09:38 PM

Not one picture of my newly detailed truck but I guess that OK since I was just a gear/food/body taxi.....with Brett being the primary driver :D

If you look closely, you can see that shiny beast behind Russ' head in picture #4.

Ricardo

10-20-2008, 09:40 PM

Driving 8 hours can be boring; but when I saw the sign at the right I thought it was funny; Check Brakes?????
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture004.jpg

Beautiful fall colors somewhere in PA
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture010.jpg

Left to Right: Russ (Russman), Doug (dkg999), Steve (Shack), forgot his name, Russ (Hoosier21), forgot her name.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture015.jpg

Doug (dkg999) and Brock (Heiney9) checking out the car audio demo
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture024.jpg

Brett (brettw22) and Russ (Lightman1) sharing the sweet spot at the SRT room in Al's house
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture030.jpg

Scott (Millerlitescott), Doug and Brock ready to eat at Al's
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture034.jpg

George Grand, Rusman and Doro eating at Al's
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture035.jpg

George Grand and Dave (Fireman32) AND DORO's BEAUTIFUL RECENTLY DETAILED TRUCK!!!!
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture037.jpg

Lou (ohskigod) and Russ listening to the downstairs rig at Al's
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture038.jpg

Left to right, top first: Ed (Esavinon), Dave, Brock, Scott & Doug enjoying the SRT's
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture039.jpg

Al's cat; will never be the same after sleeping with MArk and Russ.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture040.jpg

Ricardo

10-20-2008, 09:40 PM

Mark stealing some CD's
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture056.jpg

Moonpie (? :)) and Russ
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture041.jpg

Left to right: Russ, George, Steve (Polk65), David (DAGLJAM), Steve(Disneyjoe) AND LOOK AT THAT AWESOME AVALANCHE!!!!!!
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture042.jpg

Left to right: Bill (Libertyc), Raife(darqueknight), Joe (Hearingimpaired), Jdhdiggs (?:))
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture043.jpg

Cathy (cfrizz) and her brother Mark:
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture044.jpg

Carl (schwarcw) and Ed
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture045.jpg

Face; don't ask me what he was doing here.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/Picture046.jpg

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:43 PM

:D fair enough....too bad it had to involve that hillbilly.

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 09:47 PM

If you look closely, you can see that shiny beast behind Russ' head in picture #4.

....and to think just behind that shiny tailgate was a Glock and fat sack of weed. Nice!

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 09:53 PM

....and to think just behind that shiny tailgate was a Glock and fat sack of weed. Nice!

The plantlife isn't true but I did accidentally bring about 400 rounds of ammo since we had planned to hit the range in the morning. That's why I let Brett drive the whole time. I was planning on saying I was drunk and he was gay....that would have at least let me jump out of the vehicle and run a couple yards. Russ would have just sat in the backseat wondering why he came to Polkfest.

I took Brett out the next day and we fired up some stuff....imagine, big gay Brett shooting at "male" torso targets. It was priceless.

Ricardo

10-20-2008, 10:02 PM

Not one picture of my newly detailed truck

Got a couple here
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73554

m00npie

10-20-2008, 10:16 PM

It appears Face is trying to get a cheap thrill from the sub.

:D

heiney9

10-20-2008, 10:28 PM

Aaron, those subs were awesome. Think back to the Chicago PF in Bloomington; remember how Mike floors were bouncing. Well this was similar only on a smaller scale.

Sorry but your Velo wouldn't really hold a candle. Granted this was a dual set-up. I was impressed with the demo we heard pre-production. But after spending sometime with these on Saturday; I'd have no problem laying out the cash. Plus, I can unhesitatingly recommend them.

Also the SRT's were lacking a bit in 2 ch mode. I'm sure it was a combination of source, receiver, settings and room. But damn, as an HT unit that thing was killer. Watching The Transformers literally had the windows and doors rattling out of their frames.

The "extra" micropro's were not needed and were promptly turned off and left off.

H9

Ricardo

10-20-2008, 10:37 PM

I was lucky enough to be part of the micropro demo, and got a 3000. I use it for my 2 channel, but during the demo I used it in place of my SVS 20-39 PC + in the HT room. I was able to get the same output....although I had to raise the gain almost to max, and could not stop it from jumping :).\

I also learned two things at Polkfest 2008:

1.-Lead shot can also be used to stop subs from jumping around

2.-These subs have something that lets you raise the gain all the way to max, and there will never be any distortion; I forgot what's it called, but now I understand why when I did my HT demo this little sub sounded soooo good even though the gain was almost at 40 (max).

So yes, they can compete with the SVS beasts for HT, and they are more musical for 2 channel.

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 10:40 PM

Ricardo (and gang),

It's called Feed Forward Advanced Distortion Suppression.

Read more HERE -> http://www.polkaudio.com/education/tech_article.php?id=50

Nutshelled, it minimizes distortion while maximizing acoustic output- the best of both worlds. It's what was tried to be accomplished with 'servo' subwoofers, but it's much more successful.

Cheers,
Russ

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 10:41 PM

heiney9

10-20-2008, 10:44 PM

Russ beat me to it. One of the tech's was explaining it to us and he was quite enamored with the technology............as was I.

Lowell_M

10-20-2008, 11:05 PM

Awesome! I'm glad I asked!! They sound like a great mix of output and clean punch for someone who wants a killer HT but also enjoys 2 channel music that needs some sub support.

cfrizz

10-20-2008, 11:05 PM

That was absolutely hysterical! while the Transformers was playing, every door had a body pressed against it, but nothing could stop the windows from rattling and anything that wasn't nailed down from shaking! It was AWESOME!!!:D

I even want one of the new subs!!!

Also the SRT's were lacking a bit in 2 ch mode. I'm sure it was a combination of source, receiver, settings and room. But damn, as an HT unit that thing was killer. Watching The Transformers literally had the windows and doors rattling out of their frames.

The "extra" micropro's were not needed and were promptly turned off and left off.

H9

Face

10-20-2008, 11:06 PM

dorokusai

10-20-2008, 11:15 PM

Jstas

10-20-2008, 11:42 PM

Not one picture of my newly detailed truck

Geez! You want some cheese to go with all that whine? Be glad I couldn't go Saturday and show up your mere Chevy with my glorious Ford!

Would have had to clear that street for a drag race! :eek: :p :D

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 11:50 PM

Shoot, I posted myself at the main entrance - I had to lean on it like Sal was dead set on coming in with a Cuban sammich in each hand. That's not an easy task.

Jstas

10-20-2008, 11:52 PM

You know, not ALL of Polks subs were lacking.

I honestly liked the PSW1200. That sub was brutally powerful but tended to get muddy at higher volumes. And if you could keep the LSi sub (LSiW1000??) from overheating that was quite impressive too.

But most of the car audio subs, while not beasts of output, were and are quite capable subs, especially for the money. I have even use Polk car audio subs in home theater applications with a good deal of success.

Sometimes I think Polk should be taking the car audio subs and shoving them in home audio boxes and strapping some serious power to them. The SR series of subs will embarrass quite a few other brands and if you want sheer output the DB212-2 ported sub enclosure would have no problems pressurizing most rooms for that impact everyone likes.

RuSsMaN

10-20-2008, 11:56 PM

Polk has always made good subs, imo - part of the reason I fell in love with Polk was the bass articulation that the speakers and subs imparted. These new jobs are refined and taken to the 'nth level. Hardcore.

Lasareath

10-21-2008, 01:50 AM

Both had 20lbs of led shot on top of them and during several songs the led shot vibrated right off.

H9

I sat on one for a few minutes during a Crystal Method song and I had to run up stairs and use the toilet really bad!!!

Really great when you just can't seem to go ;)

brettw22

10-21-2008, 02:10 AM

I took Brett out the next day and we fired up some stuff....imagine, big gay Brett shooting at "male" torso targets. It was priceless.And bullseyeing 3 out of 4 of my targets......haha....y'all better not **** with me any more........I'm apparently dangerous......(most passengers in my car will attest to this as well)

reeltrouble1

10-21-2008, 07:17 AM

I moved Jesse's hair, that right there is a nuff said for this Fest. Although it did create a fault line in his skull bone.

Thanks Al and Hedy. Did anyone know Al was learning keyboards? Now you do.

One more thing, Matt Polk is always thinking. Give him a thought and you can see the wheels in that brain just go into gear. I left knowing how much he cares about us and the people at Polk Audio. They are a loyal and dedicated group who do their job and you can tell how much they enjoy it. Polk Audio is a great place to work.

Ted

reeltrouble1

10-21-2008, 07:32 AM

PolkClyde

10-21-2008, 08:00 AM

Ricardo

10-21-2008, 08:16 AM

I like to thank everyone for making me feel right at home and my friend Johnnie. he will be giving me that subWoofer he won of course.

Damn; that's what I call a REALLY GOOD FRIEND!!! ;)

It was nice meeting you too!

Fireman32

10-21-2008, 08:29 AM

Dave(Fireman) - I messed with you all day/night but its with much love brother. When I threw your crutch into the bushes, and walked away for some crab dip, I loved you.

You rule brother and the fact that you painfully worked your way down to HQ and beyond speaks volumes. You need something? You have a whole brotherhood to call upon....me included. Family.

Thanks brother. I am really happy that I made it. Much thanks to Russ (lightman1) for driving me to and from. Without him I would have not been able to make the drive myself. I was in alot of pain all weekend but it was worth it to see everyone and get to tour HQ.

Thanks to Mark and all my fellow polkies that help me out during the weekend I really appreciate it.

strider

10-21-2008, 08:50 AM

It appears Face is trying to get a cheap thrill from the sub.

:D

Either that or he's still feeling the effects of the meal at Tony Roma's. I was not right 'til Saturday afternoon.

heiney9

10-21-2008, 08:58 AM

Either that or he's still feeling the effects of the meal at Tony Roma's. I was not right 'til Saturday afternoon.

Ben, I almost got the Cuban sammich as well. Looks like I made a good choice not too. Too bad you had to leave Friday night after we got to "The Still". We had few beers and had some great audio discussion. Catch you next time.

Anytime you want to discuss Led Zep or Hendrix or my bro's music server let me know.

H9

Eric W

10-21-2008, 09:49 AM

Yup, the design team really did their homework with the MicroPRO series. The driver itself is based on the SR Subwoofers from the car line. We're really proud of these subs.

And we put it through its paces to make sure it won't blow up!

Jstas

10-21-2008, 02:43 PM

reeltrouble1 I see you made it back also to the bwk ga. I like to thank everyone for making me feel right at home and my friend Johnnie. he will be giving me that subWoofer he won of course. Johnnie had to laugh he didn't know that people like us exits he had a wonderful time.I also like to thank doro and Lasareath for the music they played. Crystal Method Vegas, maceo Parker, Kraft werk that really brought the best out of those subs. It was really nice to meet everyone.

I was wondering when you were gonna pop your head in! IIRC, My friend and I were in the same tour group with you. There were many new faces that hadn't been to a PolkFest before but I think you were the newest one there that actually admitted to posting! ;) I know Doro and RuSsMaN were asking me about you guys and I think they stopped by to introduce themselves. I'm glad that you guys came along and had a good time! Most of the people here are ok but sometimes things on the forum make them seem much worse than they really are and it can put people off to a PolkFest because of it. Most new members are discouraged by that. Glad to see you weren't.

It was good meeting you guys and taking the tours throughout the day with you both. I hope I get to see you guys again at the next fest that I can get to.

PolkClyde

10-21-2008, 08:18 PM

Thanks jstas for that wonderful post.I can't wait for the next polk fest. where will it be next year. I heard SC? I'm so glad I got a chance to meet other Audio "nuts" like my self. PolkAudio for life.Now I got to go over to Ted's house and see his new baby, Tube Amp.

m00npie

10-21-2008, 08:29 PM

Either that or he's still feeling the effects of the meal at Tony Roma's. I was not right 'til Saturday afternoon.

Man I felt bad for you. The third time you said you had to go, I thought you were going to have an accident. Glad your feeling better. At least we decided to drive to Timonium instead of staying in Pikesville. Shorter drive for you.

lightman1

10-21-2008, 09:50 PM

Sorry my "Bruick" took up half the first photo....

lightman1

10-21-2008, 09:55 PM

Big thanks to Mark

...even if he does smell like feet and rotten cheese...

Thanks again to you all.
Russ

F1nut

10-22-2008, 01:41 AM

I've noticed that there are a number of folks that attended part or all of Polkfest this year that haven't said one word about it. What's up with that???

Face

10-22-2008, 02:01 AM

Either that or he's still feeling the effects of the meal at Tony Roma's. I was not right 'til Saturday afternoon.
There was definitely something up with the food there, my stomach wasn't right till the next day either.

brettw22

10-22-2008, 03:15 AM

Some are the quiet type........who cares.....

If ya get it, ya get it..........if ya don't, say la vie......

Beekyman

10-22-2008, 05:35 AM

The dual MicroPros running at AL's house were superb. They do have a tendency to "walk" around the room if they are on a slick surface.

Both had 20lbs of led shot on top of them and during several songs the led shot vibrated right off.

Those impressed the hell out of me and if I ever do my dedicated theater room I can now purchase Polk subs with confidence.

H9
That demo really was quite impressive! If memory serves me right those lead shot bags are actually 25lbs a piece! Even more impressive!! For those of you inclined to try this at home for your own setups I recommend getting a leather shooters rest bench bag to contain the lead shot in something more attractive, durable, less abrasive, and more resistant to sliding off of your subwoofer. I have heard horror stories about having the lead shot bag rip open and spilling into carpets and gear. The leather shooters bench rest bag provides an added measure of safety.
It was a pleasure meeting you at Polk Fest Heiney9!

Fireman32

10-22-2008, 07:39 AM

Im still waiting for more picks. Steve took a whole bunch as usuall. Im sure we will have something set up in the showcase.

Ricardo

10-22-2008, 08:06 AM

Almost forgot to mention; I also learned that as incredible as this might sound, there are manufacturers that produce 1,000 oz soda cups....and people that buy them!!!!

PolkClyde

10-22-2008, 09:20 AM

Which sub did my friend win......... I was so happy for him/me that I didn't get to see the model. thanks

brettw22

10-22-2008, 09:46 AM

Almost forgot to mention; I also learned that as incredible as this might sound, there are manufacturers that produce 1,000 oz soda cups....and people that buy them!!!!And those people that buy them can go through multiple fillups per day.............bizarreeeeeeeeeee

Jstas

10-22-2008, 09:57 AM

PolkClyde

10-22-2008, 09:58 AM

F1Nut what's the name of the two speakers you and doro hook up in the living room.....they were just awesome. I like those better than the other two tall speakers.

heiney9

10-22-2008, 10:16 AM

F1Nut what's the name of the two speakers you and doro hook up in the living room.....they were just awesome. I like those better than the other two tall speakers.

You talking about the ones on the stands?

Those are 20 year old SDA CRS+. (2) 6 1/2" drivers; (1) sl2000 tweeter and (1) 10" passive radiator in the rear.

ohskigod

10-22-2008, 10:19 AM

F1Nut what's the name of the two speakers you and doro hook up in the living room.....they were just awesome. I like those better than the other two tall speakers.

ah, its refreshing to see a budding SDA enthusiast starting to develop. Prep the checkbook and your Ebay searching skills :D

Eric W

10-22-2008, 10:57 AM

strider

10-22-2008, 11:17 AM

I'm starting to wonder now 'cause my friend got sick too. He was barfin' pretty good around 10:00-10:30pm (thank God I got him home before that! No barfin' in the Lightning! Just a rule I have) and was messed up the next day. But he didn't go to Tony Roma's. I know he snagged the last of the pulled chicken from one tray and they popped open another when I got there. I don't know who strider and Face are so I couldn't tell you if you were in line before that but I'm wondering if there was a bad batch of chicken at HQ?

I jumped in front of you in the line for the goodie bags at the end of the day. The bag I got was the last one with an 8x10 of Doro all dressed up in his finest leather. Don't know if anybody else got one; I can scan mine for anyone interested. We also talked a bit about your Amazings.

I had no symptoms 'til about an hour or 2 after Tony Roma's; the burger I ate had some issues that I didn't think much of at the time. Face, I believe, got a burger as well.

Jstas

10-22-2008, 11:20 AM

Don't think so I had quite a bit of pulled chicken and the leftovers at the end of the day... no pukin here! :)

Yeah but you were in line after me. I'm just thinkin' that maybe there was one batch that wasn't so hot, that's all.

No biggie. I thought the food was spectacular!

Jstas

10-22-2008, 11:21 AM

I jumped in front of you in the line for the goodie bags at the end of the day. The bag I got was the last one with an 8x10 of Doro all dressed up in his finest leather. Don't know if anybody else got one; I can scan mine for anyone interested. We also talked a bit about your Amazings.

I had no issues 'til about an hour or 2 after Tony Roma's; the burger I ate had some issues that I didn't think much of at the time. Face, I believe, got a burger as well.

Dang dude, I dun remember. There were so many people around at that point and so many different people asked about the Amazings and the Silver 7's I snagged that I can't remember who was who. And my friend Brian was in front of me in line. Since He's a giant, he kind of obscured my views of whatever was in front of me.

strider

10-22-2008, 11:38 AM

Ben, I almost got the Cuban sammich as well. Looks like I made a good choice not too. Too bad you had to leave Friday night after we got to "The Still". We had few beers and had some great audio discussion. Catch you next time.

H9

Man I felt bad for you. The third time you said you had to go, I thought you were going to have an accident. Glad your feeling better. At least we decided to drive to Timonium instead of staying in Pikesville. Shorter drive for you.

I felt like such a d*ck leaving you guys there like that. There was just no other option for me at that point. Really glad you were familiar with the area, Kelly. I was trying to give Doug directions back to 695 on my way out, but my homing beacon was flashing hard at that point.

Man, what a good time. There were a couple of products at HQ that surprised me, especially the SurroundBar 360 and the 12V stuff. Like Jesse said, though, the best thing about coming to Polkfest for the first time was meeting other Polkies and really learning what a tight knit group of people they are. I'd gotten a bit of a taste of it meeting some of the local guys, but it was really apparent when everyone got together. Everybody that worked at Polk just seemed genuinely happy to be there and interested in you feeling the same way, from Matt Polk on down the line. I can't wait 'til next year, there's no way I'm missing this again.

cfrizz

10-22-2008, 12:15 PM

Maybe they have posted in any of the other 100 threads about PF2008 Jesse.

disneyjoe7

10-22-2008, 03:11 PM

So I did a Showcase for these pictures, please pm so I can give you the sign name / password.

Update I will be away from a computer for the next 2 hrs or so. Or if you're quick I can give it to you about 3:30pm.

Fireman32

10-22-2008, 03:29 PM

I hope you have alot more pics to upload there bud. Thanks for posting them

heiney9

10-22-2008, 03:32 PM

Maybe I'm not doing something right, but I didn't need a login or password to view the 12 or so pics there. Am I in the wrong place? :confused:

Thanks

H9

hoosier21

10-22-2008, 03:35 PM

Maybe I'm not doing something right, but I didn't need a login or password to view the 12 or so pics there. Am I in the wrong place? :confused:

Thanks

H9

you need the password to post pictures, not to view them

heiney9

10-22-2008, 03:42 PM

you need the password to post pictures, not to view them

Ah!!! Thanks Russ.......................so I was missing something.

hoosier21

10-22-2008, 03:43 PM

Ah!!! Thanks Russ.......................so I was missing something.

I am missing my liver, lost it sometime Sunday A.M.

reeltrouble1

10-22-2008, 03:55 PM

hey Cat I did enjoy the big hug from you, I could feel the watts permeate through my entire body.......ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh:D

Ober

10-22-2008, 04:32 PM

off Topic, sorry
@Ricardo:

Have you recieved my private message or email?

cfrizz

10-22-2008, 04:46 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed it considering my head only reached your forearm & I could only get my arms around half of you!:eek:

But then again having taken about half of my 405wpc Sunfire's power down with me so I would have the energy to keep up with all the goings on for Friday & Saturday I guess it came in handy!:D

Naturally I gave it back to my amp when I got home!:D

hey Cat I did enjoy the big hug from you, I could feel the watts permeate through my entire body.......ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh:D

disneyjoe7

10-22-2008, 05:34 PM

I hope you have alot more pics to upload there bud. Thanks for posting them

Yes I got some other pictures, maybe later. :cool:

heiney9

10-22-2008, 05:51 PM

I am missing my liver, lost it sometime Sunday A.M.

Well you win some and you loose some.

My liver hasn't been too happy with me lately.

George Grand

10-22-2008, 08:10 PM

I had a cheeseburger at Tony Roma's with no follow-on issues. In fact, I was going to have another. MillerLiteScott and DizzyJoe also had burgers I think.

jtgranby

10-22-2008, 08:13 PM

I've noticed that there are a number of folks that attended part or all of Polkfest this year that haven't said one word about it. What's up with that???

Jesse

I am one of those people:o It was a blast and sorry I missed the party at Al's on Sat. :mad:

It was great to see the turnout at HQ. I can't think of any other words than a big thank you to all the polk employee's, MP and AL.

The poster is framed and hung by the wall of sound.

Jim

brettw22

10-22-2008, 08:32 PM

I am missing my liver, lost it sometime Sunday A.M.Your liver is not all you lost......lol.........

Glad you made it home alive......hillbilly........:D

dorokusai

10-22-2008, 08:43 PM

I had to combine this stuff guys...its way to confusing to keep track of them all. Don't worry, nothing was lost as far as I know.

The system showcase for pictures will be up soon.

heiney9

10-22-2008, 09:47 PM

I had to combine this stuff guys...its way to confusing to keep track of them all.

Much better. My brain was going numb trying to keep up w/multiple threads. It doesn't take much

Lovely Wendi

10-22-2008, 10:13 PM

Hey ya'll!

Those are great pics of everyone....sorry we missed it! George,
I'm crushed! I didn't know you were going--you dont write, you don't call....well I guess Reeltrouble is closer! ;)

Maybe next year! It was good to see all the usual suspects.

See ya,
TLW

ESavinon

10-23-2008, 01:16 AM

F1nut

10-23-2008, 02:35 AM

Ed, it was great to finally meet you. I'm sorry we didn't get to chat much, my fault. I'll fix that the next time.

PolkClyde

10-23-2008, 07:18 AM

I still haven't got over the Polk Fest. I keep looking at the pictures over and over again. Hey guys everything was a first for me coming to the "Polk fest" meeting you guys and my first time "Flying" ever.The people at(Flight Attendant) Southwest Air Lines treated me to a cup of Red wine to relax me. If I'm going a distance, Flying will be the way to travel for me. Very Peaceful up that high. I Prayed and spoke in tongues all the way from Jacksonville to baltimore. :)

PolkClyde

10-23-2008, 07:23 AM

PolkClyde

10-23-2008, 07:33 AM

You talking about the ones on the stands?

Those are 20 year old SDA CRS+. (2) 6 1/2" drivers; (1) sl2000 tweeter and (1) 10" passive radiator in the rear.

Yes that's what I'm talking about.wow they sounded sooooooooo Good..... Well to me they did.I like them better than the others.

m00npie

10-23-2008, 07:39 AM

My co-land Lord came over and said the neighbor in Apt #1 said that your music is too loud,it really wasn't. Time to move to a new crib(house)Now when I Want to listen to some music I'll have to go to Reeltrouble1's house.

Before you move, treat your neighbors to a healthy dose of the DSW Micropro sub. That will give them something to complain about.

F1nut

10-23-2008, 11:31 AM

i prayed and spoke in tongues all the way from jacksonville to baltimore.

lol....

dorokusai

10-23-2008, 12:02 PM

You rule PolkClyde.

Jstas

10-23-2008, 12:52 PM

This was my fisrt polkfest. I had a blast!

I'd like to thank Mr Matthew Polk for his hospitality and grace.
I would also like to thank all of those involved in making polkfest 08 the great success it was.
Last but certainly not in the least, I would like to thank everyone who attended.
It was a real pleasure meeting people who share this crazy obsession with polkaudio products.
It was a great pleasure being around audio nuts sharing, listening, and learning more about this great hobby of ours.

Yeah, I want to thank you Ed, you have me thinking about the Krell you were trying to unload at PF. If I wasn't trying to save some cash to get rid of my last chunk of debt, I'd have gotten it. But right now I'm trying to get ahead for once in my life and your thought isn't helping me because I'm trying to find ways to find the cash I need to make it happen. I thought for a second there that I might have to fight Matt Polk for it! Hopefully you unloaded it already so I can banish the evil thought from my mind!

It was good meeting you and getting to hang out with you all day since we were in the same tour group.

PolkClyde

10-23-2008, 01:13 PM

Al is a big, powerfully built man with a very distinctive and stately countenance. I don't know if anyone else noticed something that I did. There can be a presence in his stare when he is just looking at someone and not saying anything, that is reminiscent of the look that Charles Bronson manifested many times in the Death Wish series of movies.

Little something I picked up on. I picked up on it myself I agree with George. I wanted to talk to him(AL) a little more BUT didn't. I did get to tell him that I wish him all the success in the world. PolkAudio is the best.Bose you can't touch Polk.Bose is a good company but what bose speaker have you guys heard that can touch(sound better than) the 1.2's you tell me. Nice house AL

reeltrouble1

10-23-2008, 02:23 PM

I talked to Al about all of you. Some of you will be getting a lump of coal, not the good coal, the cheap black coal that rubs off all over your stuff.

Man the pic of the polk audio toy with Matt showing how to insert the pill cracks me up, wonder if you have to go to the hospital if you play with it for over four hours and your ball gets stuck.........

One note on Clyde, when he gets his lips around a sammich at the same time a bass note pounds out of the rig his whole body goes stiff his eyes roll back in his head and flutter like pin ball flippers on steriods, its really quite a site. Lasts a couple minutes after which he wakes up and takes a large drink of whatever is handy.

RT1

SCompRacer

10-23-2008, 05:36 PM

This is my both my favorite pic and PF member that attended the fest. Jesse rocks!;):D

Hey, who said rigged?:eek:

SCompRacer

10-23-2008, 07:47 PM

Carl breaks from tradition selling speakers from a non-White minivan...

RuSsMaN

10-23-2008, 09:26 PM

Great picture of grumpy, I like it!

SCompRacer

10-23-2008, 09:31 PM

Hell yeah Russ, he has that trifocal look about him.....:p:D

Polk65

10-23-2008, 11:37 PM

Carl breaks from tradition selling speakers from a non-White minivan...

The color really threw off the mall security guards. We passed by two or three while driving around with speakers for sale and they completely ignored us. :D

I've been awol for awhile and several weeks ago I thought about returning to the forum. With Polkfest imminent I felt a little uncomfortable about showing up. Thankfully ya'll went easy on me with just a slap across the face. It feels good to be back.

It's taken a couple of days for my mellon to stop spinning. Hurry up and wait surmises my last week of days and nights. Thank you Matt, Al & Hedy, Polk Audio employees, The Kluge (with their new set of speakers), the PF roadies and forum members for an unforgettable weekend. The amount of energy and generosity that went into this year's Polkfest is overwhelming.

Listening to music in 2-ch feeds my ears most days but HT comes into play sometimes. I enjoyed Polk Audio's demo's this weekend and once again was impressed with their in-wall's (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/hidden/inwall/). This year we heard them in the completed room that was under construction in 2005. With their performance and if in-wall was an option I was considering, they would be on my shopping list.

The SurroundBar 360 (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/sbar360.php) hit me like a tidal wave. Unlike the first generation SurroundBar, I did not have to strain my ears to hear what the PA engineers were so enthusiastic about. The surround works amazingly well with this model. This was one of those situations where you are positive that rear surrounds are hooked up but was not the case. The processor technology works side by side with the drivers to deliver excellent bass response. If you want to tune in a friend to Polk Audio gear, get their ears on a SB360 demo. I hope to pick one of these up when the time is right.

VM 30's (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/vm/) - I liked their sound and if you enjoy sl3000 tweeters you should give them a listen. For some reason, the 30's are too tall for my taste but the 20's and a sub would make a sweet rig.

DSWmicroPRO 3000 (http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/vm/features/subwoofers/) with Feed Forward (http://www.polkaudio.com/education/tech_article.php?id=50) - FF is new to me but the clarity and output for their size is awesome. On PF day 2 I was a few rooms away and was certain there was a honking big sub playing. Boy was I surprised to see two midget amps responsible for all that bass. Down the road one of these may follow me home.

Random thoughts...

* Food survival for the weekend on $50 or less. Meet fellow polkies in the hotel bar. Order a drink then put down the menu with $12 entrees and $25 main courses to guarantee coin in pocket for future drinks and meals. Option 1: hang outside with Carl and take some mind altering drugs while waiting for everyone to decide where to go. Option 2: walk outside and look across the street for an alternative. Note to self - trees rustling in the wind combined with the right degree of hunger and lack of sleep can make a distant sign like "Mens's Wearhouse" appear to read "Mel's Steakhouse". Option 3: go with Rich to the front desk and get directions to local establishments then hit pedal to the metal.

* Airport survival part 1 (Personal goods).
Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on for when the plane with your checked luggage takes off without you.

* Airport survival part 2 (Polkfest goodies).
Keep your stash close as in carry-on only. See above.

Walking toward the PF festivities on day 2, a mailman asked me why he wasn't invited to the party. I replied "you need to be wearing the secret shirt". Good times were had with the usual ripe (and ripped) moments, chats with old friends and meeting some new ones was the order of the day. You should experience Polkfest at least once in your life. The more the better.

heiney9

10-23-2008, 11:51 PM

Steve glad to see you posting. It was nice meeting you, hanging in the airport and the ride in the van with Carl and Rich was certainly interesting.

Take care bud and don't be a stranger.

ESavinon

10-24-2008, 01:10 AM

Ed, it was great to finally meet you. I'm sorry we didn't get to chat much, my fault. I'll fix that the next time.

The pleasure was all mine. We shall meet again.

Fireman32

10-24-2008, 06:26 AM

Glad to see you back Steve.

Len

10-24-2008, 02:11 PM

Jstas

10-24-2008, 02:24 PM

Thanks to all that came to PF08. We enjoyed having everyone come see what we do and how we do it. It is great to see such excitement and interest in our company. Without all of you supporting us this would be just another speaker company. Thanks again
Len

Len!

I was hoping you would pop in! I'm sorry I didn't get to talk longer in the garage about competitions or the hallway about the VM series for that matter! My tour group kept getting rushed around because the group ahead of us was dragging their feet. You're right though, the small drivers in the VM series are easier to drive and respond very fast. Makes for a clear, precise sound although it lacks serious bottom end power. But that can be reinforced easily with a subwoofer. It was a pleasure to get to meet you how ever so briefly and put a face with the name! Your enthusiasm is contagious!

SCompRacer

10-24-2008, 03:23 PM

Hey Steve!:D Glad to see you made it back. How was your return trip? You've done some time in airports, and in the back of a seatless van, haven't you?

It was great hooking up. Stick around and keep in touch.

schwarcw

10-25-2008, 11:07 PM

Steve,

Glad you made it to PF! We had a great time riding all over the town in the back of the van with the Carvers. That's something you will remember for many years to come. I had a fabulous time with you, Brock and Rich. When Ricardo and Al joined us at Friday's, it was all too fun!:)

See you next year!

F1nut

11-08-2008, 12:55 AM

Just looking at the pics from PF '08 and I'm wondering where all the rest of the pictures are? I mean, I saw a lot of folks with cameras snapping away, so let's get them posted!!!

disneyjoe7

11-08-2008, 11:33 AM

Just looking at the pics from PF '08 and I'm wondering where all the rest of the pictures are? I mean, I saw a lot of folks with cameras snapping away, so let's get them posted!!!

Jesse, do you feel we didn't cover PF correctly? I know what I've post is what I have to post, not every picture I taken is use as I can take multiple shoots looking for the "Good One".

DarqueKnight

11-08-2008, 12:43 PM

I'm wondering where all the rest of the pictures are? I mean, I saw a lot of folks with cameras snapping away, so let's get them posted!!!

I imagine a lot of people's pictures didn't turn out well. The lighting conditions in a lot of areas weren't very friendly to hand held cameras. Balancing camera flash on the run and in dimly lit areas can be tricky and often leads to unsatisfactory results. Tripods work very well, but who wants to lug one of those around all day? Over the years, I have learned to contort my body in order to properly brace my camera in low light or sub-optimal light conditions, but it's not fun.

I took 304 shots during PF 2008. I threw away 212 shots due to poor lighting, repetitious, etc. Of the 92 "good" shots remaining, only 41 were of general interest that could be published. The other 51 shots were scenes of the headquarters facility, equipment, etc. that were either shown in other people's pictures or that were deemed to be of little to no general interest. Therefore my publication yield was 41/304 = 13%. My yield of good shots was 92/304 = 30%. I am fairly adept at handling a camera. You can imagine what the yield rates might be for someone who infrequently uses a camera.

From looking at the pictures that have been posted so far by the various attendees, it seems like the entire event was covered very well. What other pics would you like to see?

shack

11-08-2008, 01:48 PM

I took around 400 shots...but half of those were downtown/inner harbor Baltimore and probably not of much interest to most. The majority of my indoor photos were pretty good since I used a fast lens and fairly high ISO (no flash). I posted about 25 photos of the 200 or so from PF. As Raife said, much of the rest are redundant because they were of things/people/events that had already been posted.

The really good stuff is locked away for future blackmail opportunities.:D

F1nut

11-08-2008, 06:26 PM

Ok guys, just seemed to me to be a bit short compared to years past.

shack

11-08-2008, 07:02 PM

Ok guys, just seemed to me to be a bit short compared to years past.

Since we were at Al's house, everything was toned down a notch so there just wasn't as much good stuff to shoot. Plus there was only Sat. night vs the customary Fri. night as well.

reeltrouble1

11-09-2008, 11:06 AM

Thanks to everyone who took photo's, I know its a PITA and each of you should get an award.

Raife you absolutetly slay me man................my net yield of photo's.........waaaaaaaa
quote material for sure.

RT1

dorokusai

11-11-2008, 08:46 PM

Who needed the Carver A-500 User Manual? ClarkNova666?

skrol

11-12-2008, 11:20 AM

Mr. Polk must be a pretty awesome guy. I keep running into folks who have worked for PolkAudio, one is a credit manager and another is a former design engineer. They both speak of how great it is working with him. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Polk sometime.
Stan

reeltrouble1

11-12-2008, 02:01 PM

Spend a few minutes with him and you realize their are no wrong answers to him, only opportunities within someone's belief of what they like in audio.

RT1

dorokusai

11-12-2008, 07:47 PM

Reeltrouble1 - The Mr. Miyagi of Club Polk.

Lasareath

11-12-2008, 09:52 PM

The other 51 shots were scenes of the headquarters facility, equipment, etc. that were either shown in other people's pictures or that were deemed to be of little to no general interest.

Raife,

What about that picture of the SDA center channel speaker poster?, the one where people are sitting on a sofa. Did that one come out?

Sal

DarqueKnight

11-12-2008, 10:38 PM

It did. I will send you a copy.

Lasareath

11-15-2008, 01:40 AM

It did. I will send you a copy.

Thanks! :)

reeltrouble1

12-12-2008, 04:16 PM

Reeltrouble1 - The Mr. Miyagi of Club Polk.

and this message from someone who

wacks on

wacks off

Everyday......well actually three times a day, but that is a story for another time.............:D

kisses sweetum

RT1