This is the first meet at which I did not take a single picture, so I apologize in advance. Kevin and possibly Steve should be able to suffice I think.
To start it off, let me just say that in the wake of this meet I want CanJam to get here so badly it is almost painful. The gear has become such an afterthought for me that I wonder if I should feel badly about it . Hanging out with the guys is my main interest now, no doubt about it.
But... here a few gear thoughts:
1) AD2K on Jim's rig (BA, 840C, Mac Mini). Only afterwards did I find out from Jim that Craig uses the AD2K most frequently on the BA (or at least he did at CJ). I can understand why. Excellent, excellent match. The dry midrange of the AD2K takes that slight warmth of the BA that we all generally agreed it exhibits and puts out some very damn musical tonality. Imaging was a little bit better than on my GLite, which I still think is good, so that surprised me a little. Overall wonderful match.
2) Qualia on Jim's rig. I was more impressed with the AD2K tbh. I had a decent fit with the Sony, not quite perfect seal at the bottom of the cups but it was pretty close. It does remind me of the AD2K in a few general ways but with more of a metallic sound, like it's almost too treble-happy. I didn't find it too bass weak but I can certainly see why people would be bothered by the low end. It is very different from many of the current production headphones. Overall I liked it and definitely want to hear it again.
3) Shure SRH840 from Chris' rig (Rotel cdp, Gilmore V2-based DIY). I was pleasantly surprised by this headphone. I'm not quite sure I'd pay retail for it but it is a decent closed headphone that offers something different from Denon or AKG, no doubt. Good isolation, very comfortable (more so than Denon imo because it has a little grip in it which I like). Another I'd like to spend more time with.
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After the meet 6 of us went to the Ram restaurant and micro-brewery for dinner. Good food and supposedly better beer (19 days away from legality damn it); overall solid pick Ryan. It's times like these that I really become totally satisfied with what this hobby can provide.
Individual shoutouts:
Mike - I wanna hear those HE5's as soon as you get 'em. Wish Debbie the best from me, she's great.
Billy - Will try and remember to call you after Thanksgiving for the bar crawl
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Ryan - Get that amp finished as quickly as Doug can manage, I wanna hear it
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KG - You have a quick trigger finger with that camera sir O_o.
Jim - You are most bestest, hope I made the trip a little more interesting for you.
Chris - Finally got to meet you! Really dig your Rotel sources, unique stuff dude.
John - Dude we need to hang more. Great to see you.
Steve - Very glad you could make the trip and that John could get the flange outta dat earhole
. Enjoyed your company sir and thanks again for letting me listen to the Qualia.
Rob - Good times will be had next time as well, I assure you that.
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As always, great to spend time with everyone. I know I said thanks a lot already, but thanks again to everyone for the best Saturday I've had in a while.