In-Home LSiM/TL Demo - Hosts

[dorokusai]

How many of you would be interested in hosting a in-home demo of the new LSiM/TL series for not only yourself but for others?

I know it's been asked, and/or hinted elsewhere but who is willing to open their home to this idea? You have to be serious and you have to be very motivated in regards to room and setup. This is the formal thread for conversation concering this subject.

I mean, it can't be your dorm or apartment/condo that you can't exceed nominal noise levels, constantly. Houses are pretty much the bar standard in regards to the general consensus from the meetings.

There are safety and legal concerns here as well, so don't think this is a flag waving introduction to open your doors. The safety of our members is paramount....this is just a question to active membership.

What do you think? What would motivate you? What would make it viable? Would an incentive to do so make a difference? What are your boundaries? I'd like to keep everything but very personal nature stuff public so we can talk about it all and determine a course of action.

Polk wants to know what you think about this idea....post it.

Keep in mind that you can't half commit to something like this and in regards to the legal portion of this idea, may be asked to sign paperwork. Just saying.

If you have any particulars and/or concerns simply post or contact me directly thru here. Just highlight my name and email me.

-Mark

[leroyjr1]

This sounds like a very good idea. This way people would be able to hear the new lsi's on mid-hifi gear.
Would it be for forum members only or will non members be able to come take a listen?

[strider]

An excellent idea to get the word out to the people that should enjoy these speakers, but wouldn't trust the Magnolia/Best Buy sales guy. I wish my situation were more conducive to helping the cause.

[pearsall001]

Mark, I love the idea & I'd be more than happy to open my doors & let fellow Polkies demo the line. I believe there are quite a few members in my area (SJ, Philly). Also, is there the possibility of including a new center speaker for a HT demo along with the new mains? I'm ready when you are.

[dorokusai]

This sounds like a very good idea. This way people would be able to hear the new lsi's on mid-hifi gear.
Would it be for forum members only or will non members be able to come take a listen?

The actual particulars are being worked out based on a prototype program setup by Russman.

It may not even happen but it has generated enough interest that ppl are paying attention. That's usually always a good thing.

[grimmace19]

I would be willing to host such an event. I do however live in an apartment so that may play against me. I feel like this could be treated as a very good get-together for fellow members. To me it would feel like a great way to give back to the community that has already given me so much. I guess in my personal case I would also be able to do a side-by-side demo of LSI15 vs. the new line. I guess my only concern has already been posted asking if it would be only members invited. I suppose I wouldn't enjoy opening my doors to total strangers who bring their friends, cousins, and everyone else.

[dorokusai]

Grimmace and others....thanks for posting.

You have to subscribe to the fact it may be a total stranger. Even if it's a Polkie, it's still a stranger. I met Russman and Hoosier21 blind in 2005, flying into TX for the 2nd Polkfest....and my wife swore I was meeting serial killers. It turned out I'm still alive and we've been close friends since then.

I'm sure a smaller venue can work, like yours but I'm working towards best case scenario in regards to the product and the actual demo. That's no slight on your setup or location at all.

Like I said before, this is a working idea, let's talk.

[grimmace19]

^ I agree on the "stranger" idea. However, my only thoughts are that we would at the very least know their screen name and where they are from. It wouldn't be somebody off the street with no track record anywhere who could mess your stuff up and never be found... Just my 2¢

[leroyjr1]

Grimmace and others....thanks for posting.

You have to subscribe to the fact it may be a total stranger. Even if it's a Polkie, it's still a stranger. I met Russman and Hoosier21 blind in 2005, flying into TX for the 2nd Polkfest....and my wife swore I was meeting serial killers. It turned out I'm still alive and we've been close friends since then.

I'm sure a smaller venue can work, like yours but I'm working towards best case scenario in regards to the product and the actual demo. That's no slight on your setup or location at all.

Like I said before, this is a working idea, let's talk.

It should be all about location, major cities

Chicago
ny/nj
dfw
la/San Diego
Baltimore/dc
Miami

[dorokusai]

Grimmace - Of course.

This isn't going to be blind in any way shape or form, just voluntary. The actual demo is at the comfort level of the individual giving the demo and no personal information would be transferred until an agreement was reached between the working parties. 100% personal information, comfort level and dialogue would have to be established before anything is agreed upon....and as the demo person, you have full rights to handle the issue as you see fit.

Privacy and safety is of the highest concern. This project wouldn't obligate you in any way shape or form, it would be voluntary.

[strider]

Gotta be a hardcore mf'er to open his doors to the gen pop. In my mind, it'd be modeled after the grassroots style thing going on with the manufacturer circles at Audio Circle. Salk, Bryston, GR Research etc. May be a tough thing to do with a larger manufacturer like Polk, but if you find the right formula it'd be golden.

[dbaldus]

I also think this sounds like an excellent idea. It would be a great way to check out a set of speakers that most people would probably not be willing to buy without hearing first - I think the opportunity to demo a pair would be a great way to stir up some interest/sales in speakers that otherwise may not sell to some folks due to the initial pricepoint.

Also, it would be cool to have a running list of places you could go, sit back, relax, and just enjoy some tunes on a pair of great speakers with some good company (us, of course!).

I'm definitely in for hosting a "demo home" and live in a medium-sized house with a dedicated listening room. Count me in for the upper midwest (Minnesota)!!

[hoosier21]

easy to say I would to do this, but would like more details.

[grimmace19]

Another thought to go along with Leroy is to maybe set up a list of cities and keep a running total of those who think they would commit to going to a demo of these. From there, a city with say 10 members willing to go could figure out who of those members is best suited to host it (if they are willing). I suppose another idea if a host site got too packed would be to do like a morning and afternoon session of listening so you don't crowd 15 people in a listening area at once.

Though I would love that much company, I'd rather listen to the speakers than smell a fellow polkies beer breath ;)

[dorokusai]

Gotta be a hardcore mf'er to open his doors to the gen pop. In my mind, it'd be modeled after the grassroots style thing going on with the manufacturer circles at Audio Circle. Salk, Bryston, GR Research etc. May be a tough thing to do with a larger manufacturer like Polk, but if you find the right formula it'd be golden.

Exactly. The demo doesn't mean you're obligated...just that your available in the overall network of demo participants. The demo participant would have the anonymous control to say NO.

[messiah]

It sounds like a pretty cool idea Mark, and something I might be open to. I do have a condo, but as Freddy can attest to, volume is not an issue here. I'd be interested in hearing more of the details as this moves forward. I'm in the Chicagoland area.

[Ricardo]

The way I understand it, this is not a demo for polkies. This would be a demo for potential buyers, and it makes it a totally different thing. Not the fun/casual reunion, but a serious demo with a clear objective: captivate the potential buyers with a demo that will make them want to own these speakers. If this is the case, then it is not for everyone. It goes from "fun" to "work". It can be done, but it can be very delicate. I don't see it working without the right "motivation" as Mark puts it. Also the terms need to be very clear: how many people, for how long, what days/times, etc. lots of details to be worked out.

[fishbones]

Cool idea! Although, may not be as necessary to go through all of that legal risk as you think? I'm sure there are a number of guys on here that are going to buy them as soon as they come out. Those guys are going to want to show off their new LSI's to their CP friends, and I'm sure all the models would show up at the next PolkFest.

Neat idea, just sounds awfully risky to open yourself up for a safety/lawsuit issue (no matter what people sign).

my 2 cents...
Troy

[messiah]

The way I understand it, this is not a demo for polkies. This would be a demo for potential buyers, and it makes it a totally different thing. Not the fun/casual reunion, but a serious demo with a clear objective: captivate the potential buyers with a demo that will make them want to own these speakers. If this is the case, then it is not for everyone. It goes from "fun" to "work". It can be done, but it can be very delicate. I don't see it working without the right "motivation" as Mark puts it. Also the terms need to be very clear: how many people, for how long, what days/times, etc. lots of details to be worked out.

Yeah, I had a pretty good idea it wasn't about having your buddies over to drink beer and crank tunes. Like I said, I'd like to hear what the details would be, and what the motivation might be (maybe a big discount on Lsim's?).

[dorokusai]

The way I understand it, this is not a demo for polkies. This would be a demo for potential buyers, and it makes it a totally different thing. Not the fun/casual reunion, but a serious demo with a clear objective: captivate the potential buyers with a demo that will make them want to own these speakers. If this is the case, then it is not for everyone. It goes from "fun" to "work". It can be done, but it can be very delicate. I don't see it working without the right "motivation" as Mark puts it. Also the terms need to be very clear: how many people, for how long, what days/times, etc. lots of details to be worked out.

Exactly. This isn't for fun per se, this is a really serious demo program. The speakers we roll around to play around with is one thing but this is different.

This is actual work. You would be a part of a program and the end result has yet to be finalized.

I appreciate Ricardo for bringing to light, if it wasn't obvious, that this isn't what I casually run on the side in regards to demos.

[cnh]

Exactly. This isn't for fun per se, this is a really serious demo program. The speakers we roll around to play around with is one thing but this is different.

This is actual work. You would be a part of a program and the end result has yet to be finalized.

I appreciate Ricardo for bringing to light, if it wasn't obvious, that this isn't what I casually run on the side in regards to demos.

I agree...logistics are important. I used to run a bi-weekly salon (not a beauty salon--guys!) in my grad school years, in our apartment in NYC, that was open to University students and faculty but we sometimes got others as well. Fortunately, everyone was cool!

It WAS a lot of work and a bit of an expenditure as we provided free coffee, tea and light fare for those who came; had to set up before everyone came and clean up afterward. What you seem to be suggesting is the equivalent of an OPEN HOUSE for AUDIO. Instead of selling your home you'd provide a STAGING area for Polk Audio products?

That's a lot of work and responsibility. So people should think about this a bit before jumping in.

And also about the SOCIAL and STAGING aspects involved--you need to be creative to get people to come. When I was in NYC that was EASY because I had a circle of friends who knew various artists and intellectuals who were willing to attend and I could build the event around this. Something similar is necessary here.

I also think that those of you who have had some experience holding Polkfests or local get togethers would have some of the skills necessary for what Doro is suggesting?

cnh

[Refefer]

I really like this idea as well. I for one have never really gotten a good feel for any audio gear in the showroom; I've always been more blown away with how something sounds set up. I mean heck, if it sounds good, I go away thinking to myself, "Damn, this dude get's to listen to this any time he wants, sitting on the couch, drinking some suds!"

It's how I've ended up with half the purchases I've made: good impressions in a real environment.

I understand that this is still very preliminary but questions of liability and scheduling would be useful to know. What does the 'demoer' provide, how often, etc?

Also, don't pick people who'd be tempted show off their other gear; the SDA market is about tapped out :D

[messiah]

I agree...logistics are important. I used to run a bi-weekly salon (not a beauty salon--guys!) in my grad school years, in our apartment in NYC, that was open to University students and faculty but we sometimes got others as well. Fortunately, everyone was cool!

It WAS a lot of work and a bit of an expenditure as we provided free coffee, tea and light fare for those who came; had to set up before everyone came and clean up afterward. What you seem to be suggesting is the equivalent of an OPEN HOUSE for AUDIO. Instead of selling your home you'd provide a STAGING area for Polk Audio products?

That's a lot of work and responsibility. So people should think about this a bit before jumping in.

And also about the SOCIAL and STAGING aspects involved--you need to be creative to get people to come. When I was in NYC that was EASY because I had a circle of friends who knew various artists and intellectuals who were willing to attend and I could build the event around this. Something similar is necessary here.

I also think that those of you who have had some experience holding Polkfests or local get togethers would have some of the skills necessary for what Doro is suggesting?

cnh

Uh, I don't know any artists, intellectuals...hell, I don't even have any friends :(

Actually, the more I think about it, I don't know that my room is that great for what you are looking for. It's a nice condo, but acoustically it's not like a soundroom in a hifi shop. Oh well, it was a thought.

[Toxis]

I would definitely love to do something like this but I'd have to talk to the g/f about it as she's unemployed and would probably feel weird about "strangers" coming over to the house. I would want to make sure the people are regulars, have a good post count and have good transactions in the FM here and eBay/'Gon. Just an added "reputation" bonus. Otherwise, I'd be down to let people bring over their demos and A/B them to my LSi9's or just listen to the new LSiM series. I'd even bring some of my more Audio crazy friends to join as well. Not to mention, I'd love to see what the benefit would be for said host. ;)

[BIZILL]

depends on the auditioneer. if it's someone local to say, me for instance, then i'll have my concealed on the ready. who's to say the stranger won't just decide to rob you at gunpoint?

hate to be the bearer of bad news, but haven't you heard of the few craigslist disasters that lead to people posting warnings of allowing strangers into your home. sure, those are far and few between, but it does and can happen.

like i said, it all depends on who the auditioneer happens to be. can you give us a heads up on who the likely auditioneers would be? a person who calls or emails polk central asking for a local demo type of deal, or what? and i'd suspect only those with a nicer home with nicer gear in their setup would qualify for demo-ing something as prestigious as the new lsi's...

[Willow]

What are the chances of having a Canuck set up? Doesnt polk want to know if they sound good in igloos?
In all seriousness, would this be considered?

[nooshinjohn]

I am down for helping out anyway I can, and no incentive needed for me. Just being able to hear the new line in my home is good enough for me.


Mi Casa Es Su Casa!

[TroyD]

I think it's a great idea....and I'd be open to doing it, however, I've got some issues that would make me a less than ideal candidate. Namely the fact that I'm not in the US...and even when I am, I'm in two different places...

That said, I kinda wonder if potential buyers wouldn't also be leary about going to some stranger's home? I dunno....

That said, I LOVE the concept....I mean, talk about a grass-roots approach. Makes me think that the heart should go back in the Polk Logo.

I hear you, Mark. TLW was convinced that you all were LOONEY TOONS prior to PF 2004.

BDT

[leroyjr1]

Doesn't Tyler Acoustics do this same in home demo? Wonder how it works for him?

[dorourke07]

Is there a baseline expectation on gear running the new speakers? I have a good living room, but a pretty basic set up and it would probably be underwelming to most audophiles. With a potential for a very wide range of customers, performance expectations need to be set.