Axpona 2017 Official Pictures & Report Thread

[laynesaddiction]

+1

+2

Not to turn this into a drama fest and knowing that everyone is entitled to their opinion (even manufacturers who feel the need to beat on China and the quality of products coming out of that country), but this sign is indeed tasteless IMHO.

What should I tell my Chinese wife (who is as much into this hobby as I am) when she sees pictures or signs like this? How do you defend this hobby to her when she is sitting at a listening event (this indeed has happened more than once) and the person giving the demonstration says things like "...and it is made in America, not like the junk that comes out of China...". Again, people have a right to their opinion, but you would think sensibility (I am sure that the person could see my wife in the room and know she was at least of Asian descent if not Chinese) would overtake chest thumping at times.

Sadly, this sign shows another example that it does not.

Whatever.

[the professor]

Hey

I resemble that statement.

Me!! I got left to shut down the bar solo at the casino though by all the old farts .

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[Mike]

Hey

I resemble that statement.

Me too.


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[Mike]

+2

Not to turn this into a drama fest and knowing that everyone is entitled to their opinion (even manufacturers who feel the need to beat on China and the quality of products coming out of that country), but this sign is indeed tasteless IMHO.

What should I tell my Chinese wife (who is as much into this hobby as I am) when she sees pictures or signs like this? How do you defend this hobby to her when she is sitting at a listening event (this indeed has happened more than once) and the person giving the demonstration says things like "...and it is made in America, not like the junk that comes out of China...". Again, people have a right to their opinion, but you would think sensibility (I am sure that the person could see my wife in the room and know she was at least of Asian descent if not Chinese) would overtake chest thumping at times.

Sadly, this sign shows another example that it does not.

Whatever.

I'm happy to delete it. But it doesn't change the fact it was there and prominently displayed as you entered the room.

Please let me know guys. I obviously don't agree with it either. I have owned Line Magnetic gear, Psvane and Shuguang tubes and they are excellent.


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[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

Thanks for sharing all the show pics. Question: How did the Odyssey room sound? FYI - My sense of humor helps me smile at that room's sign, ymmv.

[RDSChicago]

I have two Melody tube amps, an Audio Space and the Kef LS50 wireless speakers (all made in China)! I also believe my Evolution Acoustics Mmicro One's are made in China. All excellent products!!

[Mike]

Thanks for sharing all the show pics. Question: How did the Odyssey room sound? FYI - My sense of humor helps me smile at that room's sign, ymmv.

Really really good. Did Klaus build those speakers? I think he did. Maybe I'm confused. Long day.

There were lots of really good ones: Tidal/Bricasti, Magico (when not playing that R2R), Gamut (stupid name, good stuff), KEF Blade 2's, lots!

And welcome to AS! Thanks for joining.

[Bruce]

Yes indeed grateful thanks to Mike for the Pics and notes--re the "sign"--I'd seen it 3 years ago at RMAF--same one not new--interesting no furore then

Bruce

[Jack]

Klaus is German. He came to this country to get his doctorate degree while in the employ of Symphonic Line as their North and South American distributor. He is still their distributor to this date and his amps circuits were designed by Symphonic Line and his company has had their support from the beginning. As to the speakers on display they are in fact his design and the cabinets are built one at a time at a shop in Indianapolis. So Mike if the speakers were either the Kismet or Liquid (most likely) they are Odyssey speakers.

[Alpinist]

Thank you Mike for all the wonderful things you did at Axpona this year. I greatly enjoyed the AudioShark dinner, your photos and coverage of the show. The best part was finally getting to meet you in person!

Best,
Ken

[metaphacts]

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Mike is that Mike Chaffee sitting next to you?

[laynesaddiction]

I'm happy to delete it. But it doesn't change the fact it was there and prominently displayed as you entered the room.

Please let me know guys. I obviously don't agree with it either. I have owned Line Magnetic gear, Psvane and Shuguang tubes and they are excellent.


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I would not delete the picture from this forum and was not asking you to, but thanks for the offer. My frustration was more placed towards the vendor who IMHO would stoop to this level to promote their wares.

I bet they wouldn't place this sign in their room at an Asian Audio show.

Thanks.

[Mike]

Mike is that Mike Chaffee sitting next to you?

Yes Bill. Mike is a good friend of mine. We are also neighbors. I convinced him to come to Axpona and he had a blast. Bob Hodas was also there at the restaurant, but not in the picture.

Mike as you know, is a very special guy.

Here is Mike and Bob at dinner.

[bonzo]

No comment.

Von Schweikert room is up for Best of Show.


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That's Jack's brother's system in Philppines, more or less - the big VRS here is one step down from what he has, and the Lampi

[Mike]

A great pic of Mat from VPI at the Audioshark dinner.

[Jazzhead]

Stupendous effort ... Wow just wow . Thanks for the coverage Mike . Cheers !

[Alpinist]

Mike, thanks for all the great pics. Care to share your impression on this room ?

This was one of Le Roy's and my favorite sounding rooms. We visited it numerous times. Extremely emotionally engaging presentation. New Bergmann TT and AG amps and horns were stars.

Best,
Ken

[Alpinist]

How did this room sound Mike? Dang those speakers are SKINNY!!!


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Hi Andy,

This was an excellent sounding room in my opinion. Huge bang for the buck.

Best,
Ken

[metaphacts]

Yes Bill. Mike is a good friend of mine. We are also neighbors. I convinced him to come to Axpona and he had a blast. Bob Hodas was also there at the restaurant, but not in the picture.

Mike as you know, is a very special guy.

Here is Mike and Bob at dinner.

Thanks Mike. Yes Michael is a very special person. Best of the Best. He helped to build high end audio in Florida in the 70's. The late Steven Zipser and I spent many a show evening with him.

It's great to see a picture of Mike having fun with a bunch of hi fi guys.

Thank you for the pic.

[Mike]

Thanks Mike. Yes Michael is a very special person. Best of the Best. He helped to build high end audio in Florida in the 70's. The late Steven Zipser and I spent many a show evening with him.

It's great to see a picture of Mike having fun with a bunch of hi fi guys.

Thank you for the pic.

He's been a great help to me. I can bounce ideas off him and discuss challenges and he's got the experience.


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[bthomas9]

He's been a great help to me. I can bounce ideas off him and discuss challenges and he's got the experience.


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Everyone appreciates guys like that


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[kkfan]

I'm happy to delete it. But it doesn't change the fact it was there and prominently displayed as you entered the room.

Please let me know guys. I obviously don't agree with it either. I have owned Line Magnetic gear, Psvane and Shuguang tubes and they are excellent.


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Please don't delete it, Mike. IMHO, censorship is the worst "sin" of all.

[Mike]

Here's the irony: Klaus had a VPI TT. Mat (president of VPI) is married to a WONDERFUL Chinese girl.

It's distasteful IMHO.


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[tunes]

Totally distasteful. I'm actually supportive of you posting it though Mike. You were clearly not endorsing it. And IMHO, I now know to avoid them in any future audio dealings.


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[Jack]

Since Harry and Klaus have known each other for many years and own and show with each others gear I feel certain the sign in question has been seen before by Harry and most likely Matt as it has been in place for many years. If it's implication bothered them they would have asked their "friend" to remove it and I am sure he would have. It is not aimed a design/manufacturing companies like LM and Melody, but at these contract "OEM" factories that will build anything for anyone at any price level and if you order enough pieces give you your own nameplate. Most of these pieces are derived from buying and reverse engineering someone else's product with cheaper parts and a lower price. If you follow sites like DIYAudio and Headfi you just have to look for the "DAC of the Month" from a company that didn't exist six months ago and won't six months from now when the company whose design they copied comes looking. They will pop up again later under a new name with another pirated design. Klaus has been in business for over twenty years and is famous for his jovial manner and over the top customer service. As has been the case for years he has a months long waiting list. If the quality of his gear and customer service is less important to you than him taking a shot at the "pirates and low ballers" that make it hard for legitimate companies to survive then I am sure he won't mind. Amazon and Ebay are full of this gear so feel free to buy some. There are multiple forums full of people who think it is fun to buy that junk and then spend their time and money modding it to sound like gear from a normal channel company sounds out of the box. My two cents from knowing the man for almost 20 years and not from reading or seeing something on a forum.

http://positive-feedback.com/audio-d...mate-man-cave/

Oh and Mike since you know Harry and Matt why don't you just ask them what they think about the sign and let us know.

[Mike]

I talked to Matt and Harry today. But never brought up the sign.


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[Jack]

I'm pretty sure they know it could happen to them at any time and as long as they weren't sold in the US they would be powerless and even if they were sold here it would take them months and money to stop it. Not that hard to do with cosmetic changes like they did with the Shinola TT.

[Mike]

Klaus is a great guy. Bigger than life. His amps are scary good (speakers too). But IMO, he doesn't need that sign. It's just unnecessary. There are other ways to get the point across without being offensive to some. 100% American made works. Made in America, sold in China works.


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[Jack]

Did you figure out which speaker it was in the room? Single woofer is the Kismet and double woofer the Liquid. If I remember correctly $4500 and $6500. Both using the Scan Speak BE tweeter. I don't disagree that he made his point with it years ago and it could come down. My point was that the man and equipment shouldn't be summarily dismissed over a stupid sign that has been around for a while with no negative issues. If someone like Matt said something I am sure he would take it down.

Did you get to Mark Sossa's room to hear the Aqua DAC?

[bthomas9]

Did you figure out which speaker it was in the room? Single woofer is the Kismet and double woofer the Liquid. If I remember correctly $4500 and $6500. Both using the Scan Speak BE tweeter. I don't disagree that he made his point with it years ago and it could come down. My point was that the man and equipment shouldn't be summarily dismissed over a stupid sign that has been around for a while with no negative issues. If someone like Matt said something I am sure he would take it down.

Single woofer. The whole system, minus the sources, was under 7k...so said the other, bigger, sign in the room. TBH I went on Saturday and didn't see the aforementioned sign. Room sounded really good. And Klaus talked about nothing but music...not one mention of the "gear" he was selling/showing

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[a.wayne]

This seems to be getting blown out of proportion , Its just a sign Guys , Klaus is not out actively attacking the Chinese, highly doubt Matt would be offended, since he has a similar ad less direct to the point and lacking of " crap" but inferring the same.

BTW, I'm sure there's a stalled Buick somewhere in China with a driver spewing some choice words at the stars and stripes ...


Let the music play ...

[Jack]

The speaker in use then surprisingly was the Kismet which has been around for about five years in two different forms. Maybe he sold his Liquid demo pair or just decided to show the lower priced system for a change up. They Liquid is supposed to sound much the same but picks up a lot on the bottom end. I was in the process of ordering a pair from Klaus when I got the to good to pass up deal on Carl's show pair of KO's. Should still try a pair I guess. Though I have never heard the pairing the amps are supposed to be a great match with Magico speakers (Valin). According to the story, Alon was the one who recommended he try them and review them which he did side by side with his Solution Mono's. They are for a fact a good match with Vandersteen. Lets someone who runs ARC or other tubes with their Vandersteen's have a solid SS amp for use in hot weather.

For years Klaus has had Glenn of GIK or his people help set up his show rooms. When Glenn's business was first getting started they shared the rooms.

[Devg]

This was one of Le Roy's and my favorite sounding rooms. We visited it numerous times. Extremely emotionally engaging presentation. New Bergmann TT and AG amps and horns were stars.

Best,
Ken

Ken, Thanks!. Were you referring to the AG rooms (post #9) with your comment ? I was originally asking about the Spatial Audio / Lampi / LTA gear (post #13). Have heard lots of good feedback on this combo from other forums and hence was interested to know what you guys thought of it.

[Jack]

Dev

Maybe we can get Gopher/Fred to weigh in since like us he has owned the M3 Turbo S for a while and just spent three days with the TM. I have little doubt their is an advantage to the upgraded compression driver and wiring, it is the change from 4 ohms to 16 ohms that has stopped me from sending mine back. Hoping there is the other option available after the show.

[Devg]

Dev

Maybe we can get Gopher/Fred to weigh in since like us he has owned the M3 Turbo S for a while and just spent three days with the TM. I have little doubt their is an advantage to the upgraded compression driver and wiring, it is the change from 4 ohms to 16 ohms that has stopped me from sending mine back. Hoping there is the other option available after the show.

Jack, getting Fred to weigh in would be great.
I had a quick conversation with Clayton and what you were asking earlier (to keep the TM impedance as M3) may not be available. The TM upgrade from the standard M3s involves all new crossover, wiring and compression driver that would transform it to 16ohms as well. I have no idea if it would benefit solid state amps as much as tube amps.

[Jack]

When David gets his back from the upgrade and has some time with them and the LIO we should have some idea. With either the Nord or the Nuprime amps I am not worried about a shortage of power just sound signature. If we even just assume the normal half power equation it would take the Nord from 300 wpc to 150 wpc and in a normal room still more than enough wattage. I think the second option would be easily obtained if Clayton gets enough demand as then the crossover changes would be simpler and involve mostly the change in crossover frequency from 800 hz to 700 hz. I suspect in the end it will be a matter of demand that drives the train.

[Kuoppis]

My point was that the man and equipment shouldn't be summarily dismissed over a stupid sign

Well, that's how it works: You behave like a fool, you'll be treated like a fool. I personally would not go near anyone with such a sign.


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[Jack]

As you are one who seems to like to make absolute statements about all kinds of audio related issues including Alon cheating you by making a speaker upgrade why don't you send an e-mail to your fellow "county man" and express your opinion. I am sure he will respond appropriately and probably in your native language.

[Kuoppis]

Excuse me Jack, why are you getting so offensive and aggressive?

It appears to me that most people on the forum perceived the sign as offensive and unnecessary. What I am saying, is if you are trying to sell something, and show bad judgment in the process, that will have an effect on how people see your products. E.g. if you put up signs like that.

Do you think the sign is ok and proper conduct?

And btw, he is not my countryman, in case that is what you meant.


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[La Dolce Vita]

Hi Andy,

This was an excellent sounding room in my opinion. Huge bang for the buck.

Best,
Ken

Now that's saying something! Thank you Ken! Sorry I missed you this time around at Axpona... let's try and meet in NJ sometime soon, ok?


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[La Dolce Vita]

Here's the irony: Klaus had a VPI TT. Mat (president of VPI) is married to a WONDERFUL Chinese girl.

It's distasteful IMHO.


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True...true. She's very gracious and pleasant. Agreed.


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[EmiLiuZ]

Sure it's distasteful, but come on guys - get over it. I mean ... If you were at the show and saw the sign, why not just confront the people who puts up the sign, instead of making a big fuzz over it in a forum. I do totally agree that the sign is out of place and should never had shown, but it's just too easy making a discussion over the internet instead of confronting people personally.

This is getting out of hand IMHO.

[EmiLiuZ]

Sure it's distasteful, but come on guys - get over it. I mean ... If you were at the show and saw the sign, why not just confront the people who puts up the sign, instead of making a big fuzz over it in a forum. I do totally agree that the sign is out of place and should never had shown, but it's just too easy making a discussion over the internet instead of confronting people personally.

This is getting out of hand IMHO.

We're all here to enjoy our hobby and enjoy those beautiful pictures Mike has posted. All this negativity makes more harm than good.

[La Dolce Vita]

Sure it's distasteful, but come on guys - get over it. I mean ... If you were at the show and saw the sign, why not just confront the people who puts up the sign, instead of making a big fuzz over it in a forum. I do totally agree that the sign is out of place and should never had shown, but it's just too easy making a discussion over the internet instead of confronting people personally.

This is getting out of hand IMHO.

I hear you and agree the sign was noted many posts ago and attention should be redirected to something constructive. You see Emil, many find it easier to voice their opinion from their keyboards online rather than in person. It takes guts to confront someone face to face.



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[Mike]

Yes, let's move on.

[aardvarkbark]

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Hey Mike, what are the devices sitting atop the speakers?

[djbnh]

Since Harry and Klaus have known each other for many years and own and show with each others gear I feel certain the sign in question has been seen before by Harry and most likely Matt as it has been in place for many years. If it's implication bothered them they would have asked their "friend" to remove it and I am sure he would have. It is not aimed a design/manufacturing companies like LM and Melody, but at these contract "OEM" factories that will build anything for anyone at any price level and if you order enough pieces give you your own nameplate. Most of these pieces are derived from buying and reverse engineering someone else's product with cheaper parts and a lower price. If you follow sites like DIYAudio and Headfi you just have to look for the "DAC of the Month" from a company that didn't exist six months ago and won't six months from now when the company whose design they copied comes looking. They will pop up again later under a new name with another pirated design. Klaus has been in business for over twenty years and is famous for his jovial manner and over the top customer service. As has been the case for years he has a months long waiting list. If the quality of his gear and customer service is less important to you than him taking a shot at the "pirates and low ballers" that make it hard for legitimate companies to survive then I am sure he won't mind. Amazon and Ebay are full of this gear so feel free to buy some. There are multiple forums full of people who think it is fun to buy that junk and then spend their time and money modding it to sound like gear from a normal channel company sounds out of the box. My two cents from knowing the man for almost 20 years...

I said earlier my humor helps me laugh at the Odyssey sign. And I've seen poorly crafted gear originating overseas, even got burnt on a sub. I've also heard some pretty good gear.

Add on being Polish-Sicilian and whatever changing "society" views as slurs, but our family laughing at the humor. Plus 5 years active Army Artillery including overseas during Desert Storm and Desert Shield so we have freedom and can pretty much say what you want and do what you want to do. And having visited thrice and being profoundly impacted each time by the Dachau concentration camp and something to really be in an uproar about.

Still waiting for someone here who is upset about the Odyssey sign to call Odyssey's owner to talk to him man-to-man about the sign, it's intent, etc. - if one really want answers. If not, one could fancifully replay Henry Rollins "Step Back" until satisfied.

Come on, man

[aardvarkbark]

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Mike's my favorite AD, but in Chicagoland, these guys would be my first choice. Great gear and ooze integrity while other area dealers ooze attitude.

[metaphacts]

He's been a great help to me. I can bounce ideas off him and discuss challenges and he's got the experience.


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Everyone appreciates guys like that


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Yes we do.

But Mike Chaffee is special way beyond being one of "guys like that."

[Mike]

Yes we do.

But Mike Chaffee is special way beyond being one of "guys like that."

Agreed.