Spent some time lately working on the Forums... and that leads to thinking about...

 

What Makes a Good Forum?

 

Well, I don't know. Maybe we can decide on what makes a bad forum and try to avoid those things.

 

Things bad forums do:

 

1. Moderators deleting posts, more often whole threads, seemingly at random. [You all know who we are talking about. OK. Audiogon. And sometimes Audio Asylum].

 

Hopefully I do not have to explain WHY this is bad.

 

2. Prejudice for or against a part of the hobby. The Asylum hates dealers - especially dealers who do not post a lot. Audio Circle shuns the high-end. Audiogon

hates anything that might offend manufacturers [but otherwise, the citizens there are pretty even handed about it all, which I like]

 

3. Cult of personality. Some forums have the same people dominating the discussions and point of view. Mostly I am thinking of the AS Forum $20000+ forum.

 

4. And last but the most. Assholes. Specifically tolerance of assholes by the moderators [sometimes the mdoerators ARE the assholes]. Tolerance of assholes is what makes the Asylum and even some topics on the AVS Forum unpleasant and stessful environments.

 

Most people we talk to say they do not go to the forums anymore. I would guess that the overwhelimg majority of audiphiles on line used to frequenct forums but do so no longer. [Curious if other people agree with this].

 

The forums I like best are EchoLoft (Singapore) and Audio Circle (for low end stuff) and AVS Forum [depends on the topic and I have to close my eyes to the trolls in many cases].

 

What makes these, especially that last two, some of the better forums?

 

Passion.

 

Passion for the hobby.

 

The Asylum is more about socializing, testosterone and oneupsmanship. Audiogon is more like a part-time school. Canuck Audio Mart is kind of a mix of these two. Steve Hoffman's Forums are too 'cult-of-personalty' driven for my taste.

 

So. Our Forums Then.

 

Rule 1. No assholes.

Rule 2. No deletion of

posts or threads unless they violate rule 1

Rule 3. We welcome high-end, uber high-end :-), low-end, audiophiles, newbies, dealers, press, manufacturers, and... get this, women.

Rule 4. No cult of personality - no person or gang dominating the post-waves

 

Hopefully, with the variety of people we welcome, and with no mean nasty behavior chasing them away - people will feel free to speak up. But I do not know. This last one is hard.

 

Any ideas people?

 

This article, like all articles and any page we choose - like the Press Releases in this CES PREVIEW issue - automatically has its own topic in the forum.

 

Just click on the silhouette of the three people in the toolbar - and you can read and post comments to this article.

 

Well?

 

What are you waiting for? :-)

 

 

 

In Suite 29-140, The Venetian Tower, at CES

Pass Labs Showcases SR1 Loudspeaker, Four-Way
Floorstanding Listening System for Audiophiles

Uncompromising Speaker Emphasizes Performance, Accuracy and Power

CES ’09, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2009 — Pass Laboratories, Inc., an audio innovator renowned for its unique high-performance products, exhibits the SR1 Loudspeaker, a high-performance listening system using the highest quality drivers available, at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, beginning here today.

The new SR1 is Pass Labs’ second loudspeaker, following and replacing the Rushmore, its dynamic introductory model. The SR1, a four-way floorstanding system, is equally uncompromising. Its highly refined sound stage, deep awareness of micro-detail, and effortless dynamics deliver superb, accurate musical reproduction.

Each SR1 consists of four independently adjustable amplification packages plus a four-way active electronic crossover integrated with four highly efficient speaker drivers. Like the Rushmore, the SR1 leverages the ability of dedicated, active electronics to enhance and complement the performance of its passive components. More than the Rushmore, the SR1 emphasizes absolute audio performance over driver sensitivity, and offers more flexibility in selecting complementary power amplifiers and crossovers, which can range from totally passive to active quad-amplification.

The SR1 has been designed to harness the classic “mass controlled piston” model, in which the speaker’s radiating surface behaves as a rigid surface. This yields a well-defined characteristic in the spectral region where the sound is proportional to the electrical current through the voice coil. At the boundaries of this frequency band, the response falls off in a predictable manner.  The trick is to find a perfect piston driver. The cone surface must maintain its shape over the frequency band without breaking up into resonant vibrational modes. The suspension and motor system must remain linear with high excursion. But most speakers allow the cone to flex in a way that gives some extension at higher frequencies at the cost of an irregular response in the frequency response and

phase performance.

The SR1’s drivers are the best available — Nextel-coated cones and a Crescendo tweeter from the renowned Seas of Norway. They present the best combination of low distortion, high dynamics, and predictable performance. It takes a minimum of four sizes of these drivers to span the SR1’s 10-octave audio range without significantly leaving the “piston” region.

The SR1 uses dual enclosures. A large bass enclosure with ten-inch and eightinch drivers handles the bottom four octaves, and an adjustable smaller enclosure carries the midrange and the tweeter. The Seas drivers are complemented by a set of crossover and equalization electronics created to elicit the drivers’ best performance.

The SR1 is available as a bi-amplified or quad-amplified system, complete with active crossover filters. Upgrades and conversions between the systems are easily accomplished. The speaker is compatible with a wide range of power amplifiers.  The impedance does not dip below 4 ohms, and the sensitivity is approximately 90 dB for a 2.8V input.

The SR1 Loudspeaker is available now from authorized Pass Labs dealers at a suggested price of $25,000/pair. It can be seen with Pass Labs’ other outstanding products in Suite 29-140, The Venetian Tower, during the show.  About Pass Labs

Founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, Pass Laboratories, Inc. markets its unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers throughout the world. The company has been based in Foresthill, California, since its beginning, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world.  Its critically acclaimed Aleph, X and XA-Series products have won numerous awards, and Founder Nelson Pass holds numerous audio patents. His achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977. He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products, and the Super-Symmetry™ circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. The company is now poised to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.

# # #

easily accomplished. The speaker is compatible with a wide range of power amplifiers. The impedance does not dip below 4 ohms, and the sensitivity is approximately 90 dB for a 2.8V input.

The SR1 Loudspeaker is available now from authorized Pass Labs dealers at a suggested price of $25,000/pair. It can be seen with Pass Labs’ other outstanding products in Suite 29-140, The Venetian Tower, during the show.  About Pass Labs

Founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, Pass Laboratories, Inc. markets its unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers throughout the world. The company has been based in Foresthill, California, since its beginning, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world.  Its critically acclaimed Aleph, X and XA-Series products have won

numerous awards, and Founder Nelson Pass holds numerous audio patents. His achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977. He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products, and the Super-Symmetry™ circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. The company is now poised to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.

# # #

EGGLESTONWORKS ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PRODUCTS TO BE UNVEILED AT CES 2009 IN LAS VEGAS, NV, USA

Memphis, TN, USA – December 23, 2008 – EgglestonWorks announces today its plans for the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, January 8 – 12 in Las Vegas, NV. The company will unveil two new products during the annual showcase of the latest and greatest in High Performance Audio at the Venetian Hotel in Suite 29-225 and Suite 30-315.

The first of the company’s displays is an entry level, floor-standing speaker called the Dianne (US Retail $2,500/pair). The Dianne represents two years of driver testing and cabinet refinements in order to produce a lower-cost speaker that lives up to the EgglestonWorks reputation for quality. “For many years, our dealers and distributors have been asking for a product like the Dianne,” says company

President, Jim Thompson. “ We believe the Dianne will be a big hit.” The Dianne is a two-way speaker featuring a one-inch, off-center dome tweeter and six inch midrange driver. Complete specs can be found on the company site.

The second new product and one of the most anticipated debuts in recent years is the Andra III (US Retail $23,900/Pair). The original Andra garnered awards worldwide including Stereophile’s “Speaker of the Year”. The next generation Andra II debuted in 2001 and met with similar acclaim around the globe. The latest iteration of this iconic loudspeaker is certain to generate similar buzz as the evolution of an audio icon takes its next logical leap forward.

Company President and designer Thompson describing the Andra III says, “Designing a new product like the Dianne is easier than refining or redesigning a product with such a rich heritage. The changes and improvements are very carefully chosen after years of testing and listening to the speaker as well as our customers.” The Andra III features numerous improvements including a completely redesigned network, new carbon fiber coned midrange drivers as well as a pressure release porting in the bass section of the cabinet. To read more about the Andra III, please visit the company site. Pictures of both of the new models can also be found on the site.

Seattle, WA – Genesis Advanced Technologies, manufacturer of high-end luxury loudspeaker and amplifier systems is happy to announce new and prototype products to be shown at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

“We will be showing a new ‘Statement’ version of the award winning Genesis Reference Amplifier at CES,” said Mr. Gary Leonard Koh, President of Genesis. “Already impressed by the standard versions, customers and dealers asked what could be achieved if I ignored constraints of cost and time. It took nearly three more months of listening and tuning, but I believe that we have achieved something really special. At $22,000, it is not for everyone, but it can drive any loudspeaker, including one as resolved and transparent as our flagship $235,000 Genesis 1.2 system.”

“The more exciting product for me,” said Mr. Walter Quan, VP of Sales, “is the Genesis 7.1f. It is a small and elegant floor-standing loudspeaker that has world-class bass, dynamics, and musicality. Retailing at just $7,999, it will deliver bass down to 23Hz and that’s a world-beater. We will demonstrate a prototype during CES, but the first production batch has already been 80% pre-sold. It is that good!”

“We will also be showing a brand new line of accessories,” continued Mr. Koh. “The Absolute Fidelity Foundation line of equipment racks and loudspeaker stands were designed to be beautiful, elegant and enhance the sonic performance of audio components and monitor loudspeakers.”

Genesis Advanced Technologies designs and manufactures loudspeakers, amplifiers, and accessories in Seattle, WA. The complete range of products can be found at www.genesisloudspeakers.com.

Koetsu USA Introduces New Edition Stibbert Tube CD Player by Goldenote of Italy
Innovative, Unconventional, State-of-the-Art Tube-Based Player Features New Double Chassis, Unique Suspension System, Enhanced Performance and More

CES ’09, LAS VEGAS Jan. 8, 2009 — Koetsu USA, the U.S. distribution arm of the world-renowned Japanese cartridge manufacturer, introduces into the U.S. market a new edition of the signature and award-winning Stibbert Tube CD Player, the only CD player isolated from vibration through spring suspension, at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show.
Stibbert Tube CD Player by Goldenote

The innovative, unconventional Stibbert Tube CD Player is a tube-based state-of-the-art model providing outstanding digital performance. The new edition employs a newly designed double chassis completely isolated by four conical springs. The chassis is made of a high-density steel alloy treated with a diamagnetic black polyvinyl paint. The mass of the new edition’s chassis is three times that of previous versions, enabling higher bass resolution. The new chassis also makes it easier to change tubes and control the grounding path.

Other new or improved technologies introduced into the CD Player include:

    * Dual Speed™ technology that enables the transport to achieve the best sonic performance by reducing its voltage and speed to the lowest possible levels.
                      
    * Zero Clock™, which improves performance by eliminating jitter and clock errors, and includes a very sophisticated digital output filter.

    * Electro Power™ voltage supply, a power system that improves audio performance through an innovative current generator that cleans up the signal going to the analog stage. It guarantees perfect control of the laser pick-up and motor mechanics for disc rotation, with speed fluctuations of less than 0.0001 percent. It also galvanically shields the CD Player.

The Stibbert CD Player also features a sophisticated new analog output stage based on two 6922 tubes. The stage uses a true symmetrically balanced tube design to achieve the highest sonic performance. Superior components, such as high quality capacitors and resistors, further raise the bar on standards for digital players in the world market.

The main plinth of the Stibbert chassis is made of a 20mm-thick black acrylic shaped to resemble a Ferrari Formula 1© steering wheel. Its uniquely curved shape significantly increases the design’s structural rigidity, virtually eliminating vibration feedback. The drawer-type transport mechanism is designed to achieve the most stable disc rotation.

The Stibbert CD Player is available now for a suggested price of $5,030. It can be seen with other outstanding Goldenote and Koetsu USA products in Suite 29-235 at the Venetian Hotel, during CES.

About Goldenote
Founded in 1992 and based in Italy, Goldenote manufactures some of the finest audio and video products available, including turntables, tone arms, CD players, amplifiers and speakers. It launched Audio Vox brand products in 1997, and the more ambitious Villa line in 2002. Goldenote innovations include the acclaimed Zero- Clock™, a special digital output filter; Electro-Power™, an innovative system to electronically control speed fluctuations in digital mechanics; and the recent Dual-Speed™ design that enable a CD Player to automatically adjust its speed and reduces the voltage coming to the motor. For further technical information, visit www.goldenote.it

About Koetsu USA
Koetsu USA is a vertically integrated distributor of high-end audio products including phono cartridges, tone arms, turntables, preamps, amplifiers, digital players, loudspeakers, cables, racks and other products. Its brands include Koetsu, Chario, Montegiro, Golden Note and Black Note. For further technical information, visit Koetsu USA’s Web site at www.koetsuusa.com.

Valve Amplification Company, Inc. (Sarasota, FL, USA) announces the availability of the VAC Renaissance Mk III Preamplifier.

The new line stage circuit is a development of the preamplifier section from the highly regarded VAC Phi Beta Integrated amplifier and provides balanced and single-ended input and output capability. It is completely hand wired, and all switching is accomplished via high purity silver contact mechanical switches. The six active circuit elements are twin triode vacuum tubes, biased for Class A1 operation. Connectors are Cardas premium Rhodium type. Remote control of volume and mute is provided; in the mute state, the VAC logo changes from blue to red. Cinema  Bypass is included for use with volume controlled sources.

The heavy power supply is external, with a 6 foot detachable umbilical cable.

The optional MM/MC phono stage uses six triode elements with passive RIAA equalization. Variable gain (42/62 dB) and variable resistive loading are provided. Excellent results are obtained with pickups having nominal outputs from 0.2 mv to 5 mv.

The standard fascia finish is black lacquer with gold metallic flake over a VAC-machined 10mm aluminum plate. The faceted and domed countersunk aluminum knobs are also machined at VAC and finished in 10 micron gold. Silver with chrome is optional at added cost.

MSRP for the line stage is set at $9,900 US. Equipped with MM/MC phono it is $11,900.

The unit is handcrafted by VAC in Sarasota, Florida, USA.

The new Renaissance Mk III Preamplifier will debut at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, Venetian rooms 30-310, 30-317, and 30-318.

For more information, contact VAC, tel. 941-952-9695, fax 941-952-9691, info@vac-amps.com

accomplished via high purity silver contact mechanical switches. The six active circuit elements are twin triode vacuum tubes, biased for Class A1 operation. Connectors are Cardas premium Rhodium type. Remote control of volume and mute is provided; in the mute state, the VAC logo changes from blue to red. Cinema Bypass is included for use with volume controlled sources.

The heavy power supply is external, with a 6 foot detachable umbilical cable.

The optional MM/MC phono stage uses six triode elements with passive RIAA equalization. Variable gain (42/62 dB) and variable resistive loading are provided. Excellent results are obtained with pickups having nominal outputs from 0.2 mv to 5 mv.

The standard fascia finish is black lacquer with gold metallic flake over a VAC-machined 10mm aluminum plate. The faceted and domed countersunk aluminum knobs are also machined at VAC and finished in 10 micron gold. Silver with chrome is optional at added cost.

MSRP for the line stage is set at $9,900 US. Equipped with MM/MC phono it is $11,900.

The unit is handcrafted by VAC in Sarasota, Florida, USA.

The new Renaissance Mk III Preamplifier will debut at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, Venetian rooms 30-310, 30-317, and 30-318.

For more information, contact VAC, tel. 941-952-9695, fax 941-952-9691, info@vac-amps.com

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